castaside | [Heart Game] From the ashes we can build

You are Macaque, and your revenge is a dish best served ice cold.

Half your bones are broken right now, and the other half are barely dragging you around. But it's not that Nyssa's false Wukong almost killed you many times over that has you in a state.

It's two things: that false Wukong made Red Son violate his deepest trauma to save you, and that Nyssa is a heinous bitch who did this to Choco (and Wash, and likely others) in the first place. Those are the reasons that, as you and Red both have their powers back while you watch Nyssa's limiter fall to the real Choco, you decide that you're going to give her what she definitely has coming to her.

Reflections, right? That's her thing. Throwing back at others what they throw at her. And you're a big believer in all things extra and dramatically appropriate. Occupational hazard and all.

You smile as Choco strains to put her shields well and truly down, and gives you all the go ahead to fire at will. While you're a little worried about Choco, she made you proud. Now you'll return the favor.

Everyone gets a turn, although Donnie and Wash go more down the route of psychological torture than a physical strike. Just as well, you can respect it.

And then Red looks at you, leaving it your call as to what should be done with this sorry bitch.

You look at Choco, you look at Red, and you smile.

"Let's rip her soul apart."

You tap the end of your staff on the ground with your good arm, and Red grabs it, and the area goes awash in purple light.

[ IMMEDIATELY SITS DOWN ]

S-shadow hugs?

[ SHADOW HUGS ]

[ she leans right into any affection they're able to share ]

- I'm okay. Just. [ G. Gestures. ]

...

Before all that, I thought I hated her as much as I could possibly hate anyone. But then ...

She did that to all of you. Hurt you. She made Red Son cry, a-and, and you were all, you were only in there 'cuz of me, and - [ buries her face in her arms ] I didn't care what I had to do. To get to h-him, and - and help. Make it stop. So you could be safe again.

[Wait, why is my name being mentioned-]

[Oh]

[Pigeon Girl.]

[He's kind of standing over here awkwardly and then he]

[Comes over.]

[Will sit beside her. Reaching into his bag.]

[He pulls out the stress ball and he'll squeeze it again.]

The stress ball doesn't tick down any, this one's free.

The shadow rises up from the floor, taking the familiar shape of Macaque, with glowing purple eyes and smile. He wraps his arms around his kiddo and he feels solid and real, warm and safe.

[Oh nice. Always good to have more hugs on standby and hopefully this helps Pigeon Girl.]

[ She'd hesitated for a moment when Red Son sat down beside her, before leaning gently, tentatively, towards him.

But then he squeezes a stress ball and then there's Macaque, warm and real and hugging her and — and — oh, okay, okay, this is happening now, okay okay she's okay she's fine she's -

She's …

Choking back sobs, chirping over and over and over and over in every way she knows how: family

They came for her when she needed someone. When she needed help, desperately, and they didn't stop until they knew she'd be safe. Whatever happens from here on out ... they have her love and loyalty for life. They have everything and anything she has to give. ]

Macaque's shadow holds Choco, gently nuzzling at the top of her head. And then he reaches over and snags Red by the arm and pulls him over to hug her too. No polite distance here. They've been through to much for that nonsense.

What lays ahead is unknown, probably ugly. Here and now, they need something soft and beautiful.

[OH WELL]

[Okay, he will join the hug. Wrapping an arm around Choco's shoulders and let her cry and get these hugs.]

S-S-Sorry, I -

[ hiccups ]

[ BURROW INTENSIFIES ... ]

[ but. after a minute, she's able to wiggle her way into joining the hug properly instead of simply hiding herself away in it. deep breaths. deep breaths. ]

I-I really ... I r-really want t-to see you guys ... happy, a-and safe. W-Whatever it takes. I know I'm, I'm not exactly - I'm just me, but -

Macaque's shadow holds them both, huffing what was probably intended to be a few words. Speaking here gets complicated...

The monkeys from the trees chirp: affectionate scolding. Abundance. Contentment. You're enough for him as you are, silly girl, and you make him happy.

We chose to help you for a reason, Pigeon Girl.

Let it out until you can get together again.

[PAT PAT on her back.]

[ sniffles ]

[ ... nods ]

[ with a little squeaky cheep at the backpat, her wings trying to fluff up despite herself ]

[ just. another minute. another minute or two for her to pull herself back together again, steadying her breathing, drying her tears ]

... T-Thank you.

Shadow-Macaque gives them both one last squeeze and one last chirp of promise and sinks back down to a 2D shadow on the floor. He can't hold that for long.

[You did your best, Monkey Dad.]

You ready to keep going, Pigeon Girl?

[ His time and effort is more than appreciated. W E H. ]

[ Korone pulls her glasses off to wipe her eyes properly, scrubbing them with her sleeve. ]

Mmhm ... think so. [ She manages a smile. ] One more item, then I've gotta check the drawer. And ... decide which memory ...

Insert Shadow Waiting Patiently visuals here!

[ Okay. Okay.

OKAY. She is a cool, calm, and collected pigeon and she is finally gonna touch this cupcake. ]

You are Macaque and you are being quite willingly charmed.

You've just been by Donnie's place to drop off computer parts. That was supposed to be all it was. You drop the things off, get set up for some scans, be on your way. But you made him lie to his datemate and she seems so sweet and genuine... and you couldn't bear to leave it that way.

And you see how traumatized they both are, how in need of help and guidance. You're probably the worst person to give that, right? But you can't just turn your back--

Something just clicks, in the kitchen with the two of them. Korone shares about her magic and Donnie takes off his battleshell and you're agreeing to make them shadow blankets, give them a piece of your magic, the most personal thing you have to give. And it just feels right.

You only hope they don't regret this.

[ Her soft laugh is just a touch watery. ]

It meant so much to me, you know? When you realised I was hurt and decided you couldn't let it stand ...

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