neonleon | SERPENTINE HORIZON

[ Oh wow. They really have fought a bunch of demons - youkai, whatever. These frankly look like normal pictures to Hunter. Clearly Normal Beefy Demons in this picture.

When he reaches the wider photo, Hunter gently presses his fingers to the glass? Just to see if maybe he can reach into it. They seem way too small to climb into like he would in a standard mindscape, but maybe... ]

[His fingers ..........................

touch hard glass. They don't go through at all. But the people in the picture move. Jumping, cheering and wooping excitedly. Leo himself hugging his family tight and grinning wide. A massive win for the Hamato family happened, and Hunter can feel he sense of relief and familial love radiating out of the moment. This is a family who comes together for any challenge to fight together, confident they can do anything.]

[ WHOA. Okay. Not quite what he expected? But still cool. Hunter jolts a bit but keeps his fingers there, watching the figures move.

A family photo then. A huge one ... Hunter smiles a bit, both jealous and happy for Leo here. ]

I'm glad you've got such an amazing family. They're - they're coming to help you now, I promise.

[ He tears his eyes away to look at one of the marked out photos next. And see if maybe he can clean off a bit of ink. ]

[As soon as Hunter removes his touch from the frame, the picture goes still again, everyone still smiling proudly at the camera.

But the blacked out photo... The first one he picks up starts playing its own memory, but it sounds muffled, far away like from three floors down. But there's the irate tone of Donnie there.

"I have a Lot of questions regarding when we get there."]

[ Oh. This … must be times when he feels he messed up then. If the other pictures are successes…

He removes his hand, reaching for another -

And. Stops dead. He’s finally noticed the goop. ]

No - no, that’s -

[When Hunter notices it... A bright blue eye opens in the middle of the goop lining the ceiling, watching him.]

[ and Hunter just leans up against the wall bodily, frozen in place as he stares back at that eye. Move, dammit. If it’s Belos you can’t just sit here - you can’t freeze up -

He’s frozen for a moment anyway. ]

Belos. You - you really are in here.

[Grabbing Hunter's hand, other hand holding up the bo between them and EYE]

[The eye watches them for another moment.

Then closes, the goop flesh closing over the place it was, as if the eye wasn't there to begin with.]

[ Hunter unfreezes a little, but that means he’s shaking like a leaf now. He huddles behind Donnie and clinging back. ]

Thank you. I - I thought I was ready to face him but -

Its okay.

[He will lower his staff, balancing it against his shoulder and focuses on Hunter. Reaching up to gently pat his head.]

This isn't going to be easy for any of us. That's why we have each others backs. Like family should.

[ Hunter wheezes a bit, but he’s breathing. Slowly. Leaning into that headpat. ]

Yeah. Yeah, I’m - really grateful.

I know. Just breathe for a minute, nothing is going to get to you right now.

[He won't let it]

[Will even squeeze his hand for that four count.]

[Because...again....three fingers.]

[ Four works!! Hunter can do four.

Slowly his breathing eases. ]

This is just more proof we have to save him.

Yes. We will.

Its just important we keep ourselves safe in the meantime. Its a balancing act.

I get that. But Belos is still here because of me.

No, he's here because he's got a creepy brother complex and massive control issues.

He wouldn’t be here at all if I’d never been pulled into this place.

[ Hunter levers himself off the wall now that he’s calmed down some. ]

And if you go further back then that, it goes right back to the he wouldn't be here at all if he was even a little normal about his brother.

[ Hunter stops at that, gently tense. ]

Donnie. I get what you’re trying to say. But - I’m trying to psyche myself up, okay? If I give myself an excuse, I might believe it. And then I would just be afraid instead of determined.

Edited 2022-12-05 16:13 (UTC)

[He looks confused for a moment.]

You need it to be your fault to be determined?

Yes! A little bit! Because if it’s not, then why am I here facing him?? I’m just a liability!

I am making a note to address that emotional issue at a later time, but sometimes you have to use the bad one for short term goals.

You care about Leo, right?

Right! Exactly! Function now, therapy later.

[ Deep breath!! ]

Of course I do. I want him to be my brother too!

Function now, therapy later. [Its a legit strategy.]

And you trust us, right?

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