starmods | PATHÉTIQUE | Hostage Trial

PATHÉTIQUE | Hostage Trial

[you're ushered into a sitting room with your own team, away from everyone else. the door shuts and locks behind you.

straight ahead, sitting on the coffee table, is an indestructible clock with an indestructible starry globe... that seems to contain a small plastic figurine that looks exactly like Celeste—the one teammate missing from this room.

the outer lord's voice rings overhead:]

I've taken from you one of your teammates, and now I'd like to see how far you'd go to protect them.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Sigh.

Just puts the crown on without ceremony or asking what anyone thinks about it.]

Jae is King.

I guess that's okay.

[Suddenly the crown's vines grow and latch onto your skull, digging in sharply.

This crown won't be falling off your head at all.

As it digs its root-like vines into your head like a set of parasitic limbs, you feel a surge of pride alongside the pain.

It could exhibit itself as confidence, that you can't be wrong and you're certain of yourself no matter what.
It could exhibit itself as vanity, that the blood dripping down your head right now compliments your looks.
It could exhibit itself as an increased sense of superiority, like you deserve to be worshiped or served.

...it may be a mix of any three.

When it's finished ingraining itself into your head, becoming part of you until it is pulled off, it transforms into a beautifully gilded crown of gold vines.

Jae is the king.]

[wow I feel great? usually when I look confident I'm just lying but NOW I BELIEVE IT?????]

Was this really supposed to be a punishment? I quite like it. Does it look good on me?

That was a joke, naturally it does.

It looks a little painful but it's very pretty.

It does hurt, actually?

Oh...we'll get it off you later.

[ Should I tell him, I'm gonna tell him. ]

It looks like a bush is growing out of your head.

Is that real gold?

Don't get any ideas. It's mine.

S'not like you're gonna eat it anyway...

[Great, Aviy gets to play Satoru Gojo AND Kim Dokja at the same time.]

Dad, what do you think?

I'm thinking about the costs it will take to repair the damages.

[tsks]

There's no cost? Celeste can heal your brand when she is back and the rest has gone fine.

She is possibly going through a traumatic ordeal in her captivity. I do not doubt that she is strong-willed, but those types aren't always the most resilient to inner suffering.

Edited 2021-05-08 02:20 (UTC)

Celeste is the second most capable person here. She'll be fine.

You can be capable and still lose control of yourself.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

PATHÉTIQUE | Hostage Trial

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