The Red King

[lionhearrt]

Who: Mikoto + Open
What: Ra's Temple exploded, again. (3rd time!)
When: September 20
Where: Ra's Temple
Summary: Izumo is gone. Mikoto didn't take it well. 


a. Amid the rubble lies the god of the sun burning brightly as his namesake. The flames have yet to die down and the black keeps spreading, but it's not blight that mars his skin as Mikoto struggles to get the red aura under control.


b. Mikoto sits amid the rubble looking exhausted as white flames burn brightly from the palm of his hands as the god heals the burn marks.


c. Healing is an exhausting task, if anyone approaches him after he's healed they'll find Mikoto trying to get up and failing. He's about ready to pass out.


d. Wildcard - Go wild. Make up your own scenario. Catch him at anytime before he passes out or after he wakes up! OTA! 

Comments

[heartshutter]

[ From the (apparently incidental) post on the network, Tatara can tell something is very seriously, deeply wrong. What it is, exactly, he can’t say -- and it doesn’t matter, anyway. Point is, he’s on his way, dropping whatever he’s doing to head to the Temple of Ra right that instant.

What he finds when he arrives is half-unsurprising, and half... absolutely so.

Mikoto is engulfed in flame, in a way that his clansman hasn’t seen since they were mere kids, (or, one of them was, at least). But what’s alarming isn’t that -- it’s the black crawling over his skin. Blight? No; something else...

This happened to Mikoto after Tatara’s death, too, but the latter doesn’t know that, for obvious reasons. So, to see it now is... well, horrifying, frankly. But he won’t let that show for more than a moment before recovering as per usual. ]

King...!

[ He doesn’t ask what happened -- he already knows. If there’s rubble to be found lying on top of Mikoto, he’ll pull it off, visually checking the Red King over. ]

Are you hurt?

[ The answer is obvious, to some degree. That black on his skin isn't normal. ]

C

[lionhearrt]

[ By the time Totsuka arrives, Mikoto has healed himself. Thankfully, there are no burn marks for Totsuka to worry about. However, the god has used too much of his healing powers leaving him exhausted. Amid the field of rubble, Mikoto struggles to stand. He places a hand on a large piece of rubble using it to prop himself up but it cracks under his weight and crumbles almost sending the god down with it. Mikoto slams a hand against a sturdier piece of rubble as the other crumbles beneath his fingertips. He doesn't move, needing a moment to catch his breath as exhaustion claws at his senses making him unaware of Totsuka's approach until it's too late. The man's familiar voice sends a sense of dread through him as he forces his body to move and pushes off the piece of rubble to stand on his own two feet. Yet, his condition is obvious to anyone who laid eyes on him. Still, he makes an effort. ]

Totsuka.

[heartshutter]

[ It’s heart-wrenching, watching him struggle like this just to get to his feet. Surely if he had a choice, he wouldn’t want anyone to see it -- most especially Tatara. But at least the younger god doesn’t meet him with panic, or with pity, both of which the Red King would surely find infuriating. ]

Hang on, King -- I’ve got you.

[ Sure, says the weakling of the clan. But for his king, he’ll extend a helping hand, plant his heels, and dig deep to find the strength and leverage to help him up. ]

[lionhearrt]

[ Mikoto doesn't move, doesn't answer. Simply focuses on staying upright as exhaustion claws at him determined to bring him down after using the white flames for so long. But, he has just enough energy to teleport and that's enough. He need to involve Totsuka anymore, and this time, he won't let him help him. He'd made a promise to let him go. ]

Don't.

[sing_for_me]

[Alex ran over as soon she saw the video. Whatever was happening, it wasn’t good. She’s out of breathe by the time she gets there, but it’s easy enough to spot Mikoto. How couldn’t she with how strong the flames blazed. Her eyes focus on the black mass creeping along his skin.]

Mikoto!

[She climbs over the rubble to get to him, stumbling a little on the way until she made it to him.]

What happened..Are you okay?!

[Can he even hear her? If not, she’ll reach out to try and get his attention.]

A

[lionhearrt]

[ Mikoto's condition hasn't changed much. He's managed to get to his feet somehow but he's bent over, hands on his knees as he pants heavily, mouth open as if he can't get enough air. But most disturbingly, black continues to slowly spread across his skin. Those familiar with blight may notice a red glow beneath the black. It's not blight. He's burning from the inside out as the flames blaze wildly around him. They consume him entirely, cutting him off from the world around him, making the godess words fall on deaf ears as the flames block out everything but the world of red trapped inside him.

For the first time in years, the red aura isn't under his control, not completely. Anyone who approaches will feel a heated sting, the flames no longer gentle or warm and will burn anyone who touches them. ]

[sing_for_me]

Tsk!

[Her hand pulls back reflexively from the heat. It was different from the red aura she got to know; it was volatile and erratic. She had never seen him in such a state before, and Alex was at a loss at what to do.

The flames needed to settle, that was for sure. The black on his skin...she would need to figure out later, but for now, there was maybe something she could use to help him calm down.

She’d never used her god power before, not comfortable with the nature of it. If it helped Mikoto now though, she was willing to put her reservations about it aside. She remembered it worked through smell, which helped if she wanted to keep her distance, but she wasn’t sure if the flames would defend him from that. Enough time was wasted already, and Alex didn’t want to prolong this.

Bracing herself, she reaches through the threatening flames to pull him closer, enough that his face was against her shoulder. It stung, hell it burned, but she could handle this much. It was probably nothing compared to what Mikoto was feeling. A sweet but subtle scent will exhude from her skin, and with him this close, it should reach him instantly. Her fingers grip at him tighter, mostly in an attempt to bear the pain.]

1/2

[lionhearrt]

[ Inside him, Mikoto holds a world of red made up of an endless ocean of magma. That magma churns violently inside him now. A crack in its prison was all it needed to surge forward taking up his full attention to keep it from spilling over into the world. The burn marks across his skin are proof of his struggle to keep it at bay. The more the black spreads, the more ground he loses. For years, he's controlled the power yet a moment's weakness has left him barely holding on. He can't think about Izumo right now, or the bond between god and shinki that suddenly snapped leaving him in this condition. He drives it out of his mind, buries the oncoming wave of rage and sorrow before it consumes him and turns him to ash.

Slowly, he begins to pull the flames back inside him. They still burn but the sting of heat diminishes little by little as the black stops spreading. But he still he hasn't noticed her presence, not with the level of concentration he's under as he forces the magma back, inch by inch.]

2/2

[lionhearrt]

[ It's only when Alex's braves the wild flames that Mikoto takes note of the outside world for the first time since he awoke. He doesn't know what's happening or who it is, but the familiar presence stops him from immediately lashing out and soon that sweet smell begins to invade his senses soothing the beast inside. Slowly, strong emotions, rage and sorrow, begin to calm, whittled down by the sweet smell of the goddess. In the outside world, the flames begin to lose their sting as the Red King is willingly subdued, relaxing into the goddess's embrace. ]

A

[futhark]

[ The first time the Swords on sky happened, Caster was intrigued but didn't ultimately investigate. The second time... there is no second time, but echoes of similar magic seem to reverberate across the Heavens. Combined with the video on the network that confirms that something is going on.

This time he does investigate, just follow the fire.

He does not fear flames, correct runes can protect him from the heat, but magic energy manifest like that in Heavens... and he can't help but be curious.

He will approach Mikoto amidst the flames. ]

Nice show you got here... [ If the temple burning down can be called "show". But the black marks... is that how blight looks like? ] Better be careful so the fire doesn't spread. [ His tone is jovial and light, but few signs - tense pose, hand steady on his weapon - he's on guard. As everyone should in face of such immense power. ]

A

[lionhearrt]

[ By the time the other arrives, Mikoto has managed to get to his feet... somehow. But he's barely keeping himself upright. He's bent over, hands on his knees as he pants heavily, mouth open as if he can't get enough air. Yet, most disturbingly black continues to slowly spread across his skin. Those familiar with blight may notice a red glow beneath the black. It's not blight. He's burning from the inside out as the flames blaze wildly around him. They consume him entirely, cutting him off from the world around him, making Caster's words fall on deaf ears as the flames block out everything but the world of red trapped inside him.

For the first time in years, the red aura isn't under his control, not completely. Anyone who approaches will feel a heated sting. Unless they have a way to protect themselves the flames will burn anyone who touches them. ]

[futhark]

[ Caster notices that the flames start to bite through his initial defenses, he raises his hand and writes down a string of runes, mostly related to flame and protection, but also some added to just strengthen the effect itself. Writing in a series is always more dangerous- but eh, it's dangerous here anyway. ]

Can you hear me? [ He walks closer testing the new defense he just put up. It does give him few more steps. ] If not I will have to assume you lost control.

[ And then-- what? Watch and see how far the fire can burn, probably. Then the options are two - try to contain the flames within the location of the temple, until it burns out or... to try and put the wielder down, if he becomes a danger for other domains. He doubts he could affect the flames engulfing the other god - that's the raw power, they're the strongest there, and it's not a magic he's familiar with - but that's a third option to try. ]

[lionhearrt]

[ Inside him, Mikoto holds a world of red made up of an endless ocean of magma. That magma churns violently inside him now. A crack in its prison was all it needed to surge forward taking up his full attention to keep it from spilling over into the world. The burn marks across his skin are proof of his struggle to keep it at bay. The more the black spreads, the more ground he loses. For years, he's controlled the power yet a moment's weakness has left him barely holding on. He can't think about Izumo right now, or the bond between god and shinki that suddenly snapped leaving him in this condition. He drives it out of his mind, buries the oncoming wave of rage and sorrow before it consumes him and turns him to ash.

Slowly, he begins to pull the flames back inside him. They still burn but the sting of heat diminishes little by little as the black stops spreading. But he still can't hear him, not with the level of concentrating he's under as he forces the magma back, inch by inch. ]

B

[redstray]

[ Eric had only checked the network breifly, before he caught part of that video and his stomach twisted up. It didn't take hom long to figure out he needed to get there, see what happenend.

He's almost thankful when he finally arrives the large fire was gone. He scaled the rubble, wincing a bit at sone places, it was still hot to touch.

Spotting Mikoto, Eric pauses in his step, eyes widened. The destruction of the place was one thing, but the damage done on Mikoto all that black...

Eric stumbles through the rest of the rubble to get to him, eveything telling him something was wrong. Something bad. But Mikoto shouldn't have to deal with it alone. ]

Wha-what happened? You...

[ To ask if he was okay seemed pointless but he approached him anyway. Was it blight? He was healing himself, so...burns? ]

Don't look so good...

[lionhearrt]

[ By the time Eric arrives, Mikoto has gotten his powers under control. Amid the field of rubble, Mikoto sits alone on a pile of rubble healing himself. A white flame engulfs his hand and the god lets it burn away the black. The burn marks slowly recede under his ministrations but the work is slow and draining, so much so that the god doesn't sense Eric's approach until he hears that question. His clansman's familiar voice has him raising his head and gold eyes stare back at blue. His current condition is easy to decode, it's all in his eyes. Tired, restless and cold. ]

.....

[redstray]

[ Seeing the look, the exhaustion, Eric begins to realize something big happened. The burned down place waa one thing, but Mikoto didn't look happy, it didn't sit well with him.

Eric was still cautious as he went closer to him, enough that he was in arms length. He stayed silent, studying the older man. Not sure if he would get an answer or even if he would be swatted away to let the man be alone, he decided on something. A couple steps and some kicking of some rubble, Eric managed to sit beside Mikoto, albeit in not thebmost comfortable position bu he's had worse. ]

Could call Nanako...or Hitsugaya. They can help patch you.

[ He wasn't sure what else to say but he couldn't offer much help besides that. ]

[lionhearrt]

[ The cleansing fire never wavers even as Eric sits beside him and offers the names. The burns slowly disappear under the fire but the process is slow, yet it's the only healing Mikoto is willing to accept. ]

No need.

C

[revolutionfalcon]

[While Shun didn't exactly jump at the opportunity to go figure out what the hell was happening with Mikoto this time, for better or worse, he'd told himself he'd keep an eye on the situation. With Reisi's guilt and that seeming utter conviction he was in the right doing what he did with the Swords despite all evidence to the contrary, if Shun was the one to forbid him from approaching Mikoto, he'd at least try to watch over the situation in his stead.

It's...definitely a little unsettling seeing Mikoto in this kind of condition, though, regardless of how ambivalent Shun might be towards him at times. After a moment of gauging how likely Mikoto is to even take his help, watching Mikoto struggle to get up once more shunts him over the fence on it, and he strides over and offers him a hand. Though there's no guarantee he won't just haul the guy upright if Mikoto refuses to take the more polite (by Shun's standards) offer.]

All standing up alone is going to do in your condition is give you a longer distance to fall when you pass out.

[lionhearrt]

[ He's over extended himself. Unlike the red aura that embodied chaos and destruction, the white cleansing fire embodied the qualities directly opposite his own. It made using them an exhausting task.

Amid the field of rubble, Mikoto struggles to stand. He places a hand on a large piece of rubble using it to prop himself up but it cracks under his weight almost sending the god down with it. Mikoto slams a hand against a sturdier piece of rubble as the other crumbles beneath his fingertips. He doesn't move, needing a moment to catch his breath as exhaustion claws at his senses making him unaware of the other's approach until it's too late. The familiar voice is not a welcome sound in his condition and on hearing it Mikoto forces himself to move. He pushes off the piece of rubble to stand on his own two feet. Yet, his condition is obvious to anyone who with any sense. ]

What do you want.

[revolutionfalcon]

[Shun mostly watches Mikoto with a rather flat, unimpressed look as the other man ignores the offer and keeps trying to push himself upright. It's not too surprising that he eventually succeeds, but Shun's just about willing to bet he's not going to be able to take a step without falling over again.

Retracting his hand, but still with the usual subtle readiness to his bearing that says he'll probably be able to react in time if Mikoto falls again, Shun gives Mikoto a lengthy look at that question.]

I came to find out what happened, but right now I'll take you not being an idiot and overdoing it even more than you already have. Like I said, you're going to pass out before long.

[Again, considering what he heard about the fight with Grell a week or so ago.]

[lionhearrt]

That's the point.

[ He wants to pass out, needs too. Right now, his mind and heart are melding too closely to be safe for anyone. If they both decide to mourn Izumo's loss, all raw emotion... Mikoto won't be able to stop the flames this time. That's what it meant to be a King. The Red King. Confined to this little world, unable to even mourn the loss of his friend without losing control and risking the lives of those around him. So he let the flames exhaust him because right now... without Anna... without his men, Mikoto isn't in any shape to get through this loss without another Damocles Down and this time he can't force Reisi to kill him before it's too late. ]

C.

[darkestbefore]

[ She'd seen his explosion over the Network.

That had been enough, combined with that emptiness she'd woken up with this morning, the knowing that something was missing. She'd felt it before, when she'd lost Hak, and Jae-Ha. It didn't make it any easier.

Still. She couldn't quite stop herself from coming to make certain, teleporting from her own temple to appear in front of Mikoto. Her eyes are a little red and her hands twist behind her back as she gives him a serious, searching look.

Her gaze drifts to the remains of his temple, still smoldering and smoking from the explosion of his Aura. When she speaks, her voice is quiet. Reluctant. ]

He's gone. Isn't he?

[lionhearrt]

[ Amid the field of rubble, Mikoto struggles to stand. He places a hand on a large piece of rubble using it to prop himself up but it cracks under his weight almost sending the god down with it. Mikoto slams a hand against a sturdier piece of rubble as the other crumbles beneath his fingertips. He doesn't move, needing a moment to catch his breath as exhaustion claws at his senses making him unaware of the goddess approach until it's too late. The familiar voice is not a welcome sound right now and on hearing it Mikoto forces himself to move. He pushes off the piece of rubble to stand on his own two feet. Yet, his condition is obvious to anyone who with any sense. ]

What do you want.

[darkestbefore]

[ Part of her jolts forward when the rubble crumbles under his hand, hands stretched out to catch him if he falls - if she could even manage that - but she stops before she reaches him, the slam of his other hand giving away his mood before he even opens his mouth to answer her. She hadn't been certain her help would be wanted, or welcomed, and she's pretty sure that's her answer there.

She steps back again, forcing her hands back to her sides as he stands. ]

I... To make certain, I guess. A part of me wanted to hope it was wishful thinking that perhaps it was only I who could no longer feel him.

[lionhearrt]

[ He remains upright, somehow. ]

You've got your answer.