001 ▼

[anti]

Characters: soma, hyunlee, and you!
Setting: fourth floor; five minutes before nightfall.
Format: action.
Summary: hyunlee's out, trying to understand about this tower. he shortly encounters two monsters (centaur and failed FEV subject), but thankfully he isn't alone.
Warnings: not much, just taking care of monsters.


[ The sun has almost completely set... As Hyunlee straightens his Fenrir New-Type uniform, his eyes roam cautiously around these halls. Something just didn't feel right about this place. While he didn't know what it could be, he does know something else. He's not about to just lounge around and accept what a simple note has told him. There's no way that he can just be happy, especially not after being told that his world has been destroyed.

There's no way he can believe that easily, either. That's at least a simple goal in mind, he needs to find out why, the real reason of why that note was sent to him. Why was he brought here? Is it because he's a rare New-Type? Perhaps he might've been simply kidnapped. Or if his world is truly destroyed, then what of the others? Are they all right? Is he the only one here? There's just so much questions that plague the New-Type's mind.

That is until after he turns at the next corner, then he finds his eyes quickly widening at the sight of unfamiliar creatures. The looks they have are dreadful, enough to cause his heart to skip a heavy beat. Their features are instantly recognizable. The shape of their bodies and its physical traits, regardless horribly indescribable due to its unspeakable horrors... They're not just monsters. These are... Undoubtedly mutated humans! ]

What—

[ Hyunlee takes a small step backwards, not wanting to kill them at first if they're still sentient to an extent. Though, that didn't seem to be the case. It's shortly did those creatures wordlessly start crawling towards him in haste, not giving signs of consciousness at all. That's why the boy makes no hesitations himself, drawing out his God Arc (which literally came out of his wrist armlet) and going into position. ]

I don't know what you are. But, if you're going to get in my way...!

Comments

[assaulter]

[Soma has been feeling really wary since he's woken up. The fact that he's been placed in an unfamiliar setting definitely added to that unsettling feeling. Where the hell is this place? Why is he here? And most importantly, was that note correct? Has his world truly been destroyed?

But he didn't have time to worry about that. The more he continued to explore this place, the more anxious he becomes. It's his heightened senses that are really bothering him now. But what makes his quicken his pace was the fact that he picked up a voice from a distance. It sounded like the voice of his leader, Hyunlee.

And thankfully, his senses haven't failed him. The minute he arrives, he definitely sees his leader facing against a few...creatures? Definitely not Aragami... but appear to be a potential danger. That's not something he's willing to risk, and yet that idiot leader of his seems to be hesitating from attacking.]

Moron...!

[Soma quickly swings his own God Arc at one of the monsters that were creeping closer to Hyunlee. There's that grotesque sound of flesh being torn by the his saw-toothed blade as he pulls his God Arc away.]

Why the hell are you hesitating for? You're going to get killed!

[Didn't he learn anything during their missions back home?]

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Oh, Soma—?!

[The unexpected, yet very appreciated, familiar face causes his heart to skip yet another beat. It goes even faster when he witnesses Soma mercilessly slice the Centaur's flesh. He feels horrified for it, but he doesn't take another step back. Instead, he clenches his God Arc's sword form tighter within his hands.]

Soma, they're not Aragami! Be careful!

[Hyunlee's never killed a human before... Maybe he won't hesitate to attack as well, if he needs to defend himself or protect Soma, but the thought of killing a fellow human is still too morbid for him to handle. This is nothing like before.

The angered Centaur, meanwhile, decides to attempt vengeance towards the closer male: Soma. It lets out an amount of radioactive acid, which can burn immediate wounds if not dodged on time.]

[assaulter]

Tch... I think that's kind of—

[Soma couldn't even finish his retort when the Centaur attacks him. He quickly side steps before the acid makes contact.]

...It's not an Aragami, but we still have to take care of it anyway.

[Unlike Hyunlee, Soma didn't appear to have any qualms about attacking and killing these things. Whether they were once human or not, if they're a threat, it's best to get rid of them. And if his leader hesitates any further, Soma will just have to offer him some morbid advice.]

Treat it like an Aragami Infection. You do realize it's your duty to take care of those that have been devoured by their God Arcs, right?

[anti]

[. . . !]

[Those words... They're the words that were told to him not long ago by Ren. Even though Hyunlee knows, he still wanted to believe that he could still save a certain someone. They all wanted to believe it, too, didn't they? Even Soma...

Even so, these ones are already fully "infected." It's too late to save any of them. That's why, despite it hurting, Hyunlee finally nods and steps forward to take a strong slice at the Centaur while it still didn't recover from its position after spitting at Soma. Aiming for its lowered head, Hyunlee lands a supposedly (nearly) fatal blow towards it.

However, despite the pain it felt and the further damage done, the Centaur still continues to stand. If this was still human to an extent, then it wouldn't have survived that. Before Hyunlee could comment however, the Failed FEV Subject decides to make his presence known.

It lets out an inhuman scream, then uses its strong limb to strike towards Hyunlee this time. The New-Type proceeds to block it just in time with his buckler after switching his sword out. Though, the monster's strength is considerably at par with him, which is making the New-Type leader frown as he trembles in position. Struggling.]

I'm... weaker than usual? What's going on?

[assaulter]

[There. The fact that this monster survived an attack from their God Arcs proved that they are no longer human. They only mercy they should receive is to have their lives ended. Soma would have taken care of the final blow, however another one decided to approach them.

It's different in appearance but still just as horrible looking. Soma lifts up his blade once more to swing it at the creature. Much to his surprise and displeasure, whatever it is that's affecting Hyunlee's performance, is also affecting him too.

While he'd like to think he did some considerable damage towards the Failed FEV Subject, his attack should have taken care of the damned thing. Either these things were really strong... or the two of them have grown weaker after arriving here.]

... What a pain.

[Soma warily glances towards Hyunlee.]

If you attacks won't do much, then just keep your guard up. I'll handle this...!

[And he swings his blade at the creature once more.]

[anti]

Soma...

[Though Soma didn't say anything, Hyunlee can tell that he's not the only one affected. Normally, the other boy's attacks is more than enough to send the enemy on their knees or be blown off their position. These guys barely weigh anything, and yet...]

[...] I'll support you, then!

[No matter what it may be, they can think about it later. When every one of these monsters are dealt with. Thanks to Soma's next swing, it causes enough damage to parry the monster away from Hyunlee.

He quickly switches his buckler away in favor of his blaster gun, firing a followed ray of flame towards the Failed FEV Subject to fully send it away from them. It's afterwards that he positions behind Soma as he quickly switches bullets.

The Failed FEV Subject has fallen in a temporary stun, leaving only the persistent Centaur facing them.]

[assaulter]

[That blaster gun is pretty useful... when it's not accidentally being used on him. That damn thing can be pretty dangerous when it's being fired on the wrong target.

Let's not get into the fact that Soma had a tendency to jump into those shots too every now and then.]

Let's hurry and get rid of these eyesores and get out of here.

[The Centaur needed to be taken care of now. Soma makes another strong swing with his blade once more at it.]

[anti]

[The Centaur seems to have learned a little, so it backs off before Soma's blade fatally hits. It crawls in abnormal movement, seemingly enraged. It decides to latch itself against the wall before climbing up the ceiling itself, then uses that to propel itself to directly land on top of Soma. Right after, it attempts latching its large claws against the God Eater's skin.]

S-senpai!!

[Back on the 4th floor]

[cutestprogrammer]

[Chihiro runs peers round the corner, cautious, panting hard. Then he sighs a bit in relief and leans against the wall to rest. He seems to have lost the monsters for now.

However, his relief is short-lived as the creatures soon find him. He screams and runs off again.]

[1/2]

[anti]

[Right after hearing that scream, Hyunlee perks up and turns towards Soma.]

Hey... That was an awfully young voice just now, wasn't it?

[...a young voice in trouble, that certainly can't be good. He gives his partner a small prepared look, then he runs ahead up the last set of stairs to make it on the fourth floor again.

Running down the hallway, he eventually halts at the next corner where he's certain where the source of the voice was. There, two new Centaurs prowled about, trying to chase down a small child.]

[2/2]

[assaulter]

[Of course Soma was definitely able to hear that scream. As Hyunlee runs back up towards the fourth floor again, he follows after the younger boy...

Only to find that two more of those creatures have reappeared again. This time, they are targetting a much more smaller kid. And they look pretty defenseless too.]

Don't hesitate again this time...!

[Soma quickly brandishes his weapon God Arc and charges at the Centaurs.]

[cutestprogrammer]

[Chihiro immediately runs towards the newcomers for help and hides behind them for shelter as soon as he sees one of them draw a weapon.]

[1/2]

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Are you all right?

[As much as Hyunlee would like to join in the battle as soon as possible, he had to make sure that the child isn't hurt first. He looks over the smaller kid quickly, skimming through for any signs of injury.

Meanwhile, because Soma interrupted the Centaur's path, the two monsters are blocked off from going further. They decide to attack their new victim at the same time, launching a consecutive attempt to hit the armed male with their horrific arms.]

[2/2]

[assaulter]

[It's a lot convenient to have the Centaurs focus their attention solely on him. Just as they were about to strike, Soma cleaves his way through with the saw end of his blade.]

Hurry up and take the little girl to a safer area!

[If they end up spitting acid again, it'll be even more of a pain.]

[cutestprogrammer]

[He sniffles, rubs at his tears and nods.] ... I-I'm alright.

[1/2]

[anti]

[Soma, even if you say that... Hyunlee's knowledge about this area is really pathetic right now.

Though, hearing the kid's answer easily relieves Hyunlee. He smiles briefly, but that quickly disperses as he holds unto the kid's hand.]

Do you know your way around here? Can you tell me where the nearest safe area is? I promise that I'll be with you.

[For motivation, Hyunlee begins to run alongside the child, leading him away from this dangerous hallway as soon as possible. Meanwhile, those two Centaurs end up crashing against the wall thanks to that blow.]

[2/2]

[assaulter]

[Before the Centaurs could completely recover from his attack, Soma turns around and retreats. He personally would have liked to finish them off for good, but with the lack of communication devices, it wouldn't be the wisest decision to separate.

Luckily, Soma manages to quickly catch up to them.]

I'm not sure how long they'll stay down, but we should still get as far away as quickly as possible.

[cutestprogrammer]

[Chihiro holds on tightly to Hyunlee's hand and tries his best to keep up, but he's been running a lot already and isn't really athletic so he doesn't really have the strength to keep running anymore.]

I-I don't know w-where's safe... I-I don't know where I am... I just woke up and found myself here... I-I'm sorry...

( closed to soma; after returning to the dormitory )

[anti]

[It's already late at night, but Hyunlee couldn't settle down at all. After he accompanied Chihiro back to Room 4-08, he stayed a while with the kid. Though, he's constantly restless, which prompts him to leave the room again and take a breath of air at the silent hallway.

This place is so creepy... Hyunlee knows that he'll never get used to this, no matter how good he is in adjusting in whatever situation. This is just all too much. Even the news earlier is still too heavy to swallow, feeling his throat stuck and uncomfortable.

He's not used to this kind of silence. He terribly misses the Den already... Their lively Den, which he already learned to call home. Eyes fall a little, thinking back. It was only yesterday that he's seen everyone's smiles. But, now . . .

Unconsciously, Hyunlee turns his eyes towards Room 4-10. Soma obviously was bothered by it as well. Understandably so, maybe the other boy even took it harder than him. Soma's lost so much and Hyunlee knows that feeling. He tightens his lips a little, but he decides to form the courage to step over and knock over that certain door.

He knows he won't be able to sleep tonight until he settles this.]

[assaulter]

[Soma had been digging through the chest by his bed. Earlier, he only had the time to hastily check through it before he decided to bolt out of the room. It's filled with some of the necessary things he needed to go on Aragami missions. And to his surprise, his headset and mp3 player is inside too.

Along with multiple cans of Iced Curry.

Oh. Well that's certainly a delight. They aren't as cold as they would have been after coming out of the vending machine. But they were good enough, he supposed...

Just as he was about to place his headset on and pop open a can, he hears a knock on the door. He slowly approaches the door and opens it to find Hyunlee standing in front.

Soma's eyes widened a little out of surprise before he expression returns to normal.]

...What is it...?

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O-oh.

[Hyunlee ends up whistling a little, trying to play it cool as if nothing's really wrong.]

Well, um, I just wanted to... check on you. How are your wounds doing? With the change in our bodies, I thought... I thought it might affect your recovery.

[...ha. Who is he kidding? Hyunlee knows that he must be a terrible liar at the moment, but that is also partially true. He is worried about how Soma's condition is doing. Though, something else is the one troubling him more than this.]

[assaulter]

...I'm fine. My.. [a lowers his voice a little.] ...body still recovers as quickly as it normally does. You... [a slight pause.] should know that.

[If they are going to talk, Soma might as well let him inside. It's not like he had any other roommates around anyway. So who cares if Hyunlee decided to take one of the vacant beds?

Soma opens the door wider so the boy can step inside.]

You wanted to talk right...?

Come inside.

[anti]

[...] [Hyunlee doesn't event attempt to make excuses. Soma easily read through him, so he silently nods at the kind gesture.]

Thank you.

[He steps inside of the room when prompted to enter, waiting for Soma to step further in before he follows behind the other boy. He decides to sit at the edge of one bed, doing his best to collect himself.]

Soma... You haven't been looking at me ever since then. [Ever since hearing about that horrible thing... Hyunlee, of course, noticed. And he refuses to hide his true feelings about this. Not to Soma.] I won't hold it against you, if you don't trust me.

[...anymore. Though, is it right to say "anymore?" Hyunlee isn't even certain of which Hyunlee he really is. Is he Soma's true leader or is he the doppelganger of an alternate reality?]

It's okay, so... If you're ever burdened by responsibility towards me, you don't have to worry about it. But, until we find a way back to our worlds, will you... work with me? [...] That isn't an order... I won't force you on that as well.

[assaulter]

[The door shuts behind them and he takes his spot back on his own bed again. He fiddles with the can of Iced Curry he'd taken out of his trunk. But stops for another moment when Hyunlee starts speaking again.

He's silent for a while and continues to keep his gaze away.]

...It's not like I don't trust you.

[The slight hesitation in answering doesn't make it seem very believable though.]

...I mean, you still act the same. You're still really nosy... You tend to worry too much for my sake. And you're still barging...[well, not this time. Soma voluntarily let him in this time.] into my room. Nothing about you has changed. That's why, it's really hard to believe you came from another alternate world.

[There's a long silence before the cracking sound of the can is heard.]

...I never once said I wouldn't still work with you, right?

Just give me some time to wrap my head around it everything though.

[Because he still find everything so hard to believe. Because if everything Ronald had told him was in fact true, then... he doesn't really know this person.

He wasn't the same person that has fought with him through all of those battles... The one who tried to help him save Shio... or the one who confronted his father with him.]

[anti]

Yes, take as much time as you need...

[It's the same for Hyunlee's side. This Soma... He doesn't know if he's his dear senpai or not. Regardless, watching his predictable actions and hearing this familiar voice, the words earlier all seems like a dream. Everything about Soma is the same and is very much real.

Before his eyes, he's seeing a very recognizable person. Even if he doesn't know if he's the real one or not... It's too cruel. He just can't find himself turning away from him, no matter if the earlier really was the truth.

Hyunlee closes his hands tightly, holding a part of his uniform within his hands. He's trying so hard not to shed anything. He can't... shouldn't.]

Lindow-senpai... I'm sorry if I can't fulfill my promise to find him. Yet. Yes... Once we make it out of here, I will do my best to continue. I'm sure... Even if I'm the real one or not, my other self will surely say the same thing. I know that much.

Also... Even if I'm not sure if you're my Soma or not, I want to keep my own promise to Lindow-senpai. I will always... be there for you, Soma. Even if you choose not to acknowledge me anymore. It's all right.

As long as I can protect you... I'm happy with just that, too.