calamity

He just left the pens and was headed back to the lodge the pair were staying in the meantime. Dio trying to put the best face on for Hugo as he entered even if his smile was a little hallow. "Hey." A short greeting before he found Hugo and buried his face into him. Taking a deep inhale and letting go of a heavy sigh. The smell of rain an easy pheromone to sooth him. "Listen...I know you probably have to go back soon...and I might be stuck here longer than planned...but is there anyway I can convince you to extend your stay?" Turning his puppy dog eyes up to help gain advantage with his persuasion. The look a little more effective after the reaping of his field of hair, less of it falling into his eyes. "I promise to let you try that rope thing if you do."

He brought his camera along, it had been too long since Hugo last used it. Capturing memories of temples, statues, actual dragons, and of course Concordio out in public or in their bed as each day passed. Only on the forth day, Hugo received word of Forest Hwang's departure from the Ark. While remaining a beloved son of the Shinto, it seemed Hugo's nearest and dearest ally was ready to offer his seat to another child of Amaterasu. Returned to the security of home and real family, the veil's fate undetermined.

It left Hugo with much to think about while Dio returned to his studies. Then the days started to stack atop the week they initially signed up for. The son of Raijin was meant to feel urgency and shame, but Hugo was in no rush to interrupt this time spent alone with Concordio. Maybe they were playing pretend, he thought while browsing through the beautiful and cheerful photos. But this new routine, environment, and space had been... undeniably refreshing. Still the time passed, the Ark awaited, and the pair began to secretly count hours in their pretty tortured minds for when they would depart.

The countdown for Hugo vanished whenever Dio returned to their lodge to start the evening anew. He would have stood up from his lounge spot on the bed, but Dio collapsed into him instead. Hugo set the camera aside and pulled his lover in for a warm, and briefly tight embrace. All ears for an update on his day, though the energy gradually dampened. Just as he noticed, Concordio explained. Hugo grinned back upon hearing the other's plea and brushed fingers through his shortened black hair. Conflicted, as he grew to favor both styles.

"I'm glad you asked..." Hugo muttered while adjusting atop the sheets. Between them, he'd avoided the question most. "and you're feeling curious. Again." The prospect of tying Dio's wrists alone was the most tempting bait, but lightning had yet to strike as the dark clouds of Hugo's mind steadily cycled. "... I've considered what's waiting for me at the Ark... and who isn't." Hugo saw Amaterasu's lodge empty and darkened once before. It practically broke his heart. "... And what you and I talked about, before leaving."

The words that followed were a bit more appreciated and welcomed. Even if he bit back with a little sour humor. "Beast slayer...but failed to become a dragon tamer." Double meaning of both Hugo and Lil Draco who'd he'd yet to claim. The pout was crumbling by the warmth of his usual humor. And Hugo's supportive words. Dio knew he was being a brat about the match but it was less about what he was capable of. He knew he was a champion many times over but he still had ways to go to match the one he loved. "I just want to be worthy to be at your side...in bed or in battle." His mother's favor meant less to him when it came to Hugo's belief in him.

After the blow that both gave and took Hugo's breath away, his hand was drawn to the passion Dio felt through all of this. Their spar, heated debate, and punishing surprisal. The result did not disappoint, though Hugo suddenly wanted to be at home with him once his touch registered. Dio drew away, like a complete tease, and perched down on the grass before him. "Hey," Hugo warned after Dio made the smart comment. "Lil Draco wouldn't appreciate that... and you're more than just a 'tamer' to him anyway."

However much Hugo wanted to comfort Dio, he recognized the frustration to match in battle came from a pragmatic place. Feeling vexed was often a positive. Motivation to change, improve, and better oneself. Hugo wouldn't take such budding inspiration from Dio. The son of Raijin was fueled by the same emotions and used it as a tool for training himself and others. He did join him on the ground, from behind, and drew bloodied but dried hands across Dio's relaxed arms. Dropping the blade of grass in favor of locking digits together, he guided both hands closer to Dio's core. Finding the center, like a shared meditative pose. Chin against his shoulder, he replied,

Hugo listened intently to all of the useful information Sabri had to share. Learned through reading, experience, even a friendship. Sabri's wealth of knowledge helped Hugo understand the difference of a toxins origins. Then a basic application a fighter like Hugo could adopt. "Accounts of the markupo have been... limited." Even at the Ark with it's impressive archives. "Once I master this kit... I can skip the study and try it's poison on my next enemy. Observe their reaction. Add to the accounts myself."

Dio was forced to do something he never fathomed would be possible. After that last hit from Hugo's thunderous blows he had no other choice but to... "Yield...I yield." Lowering his blades as the sudden vibration in his bones was causing his swings to fail. It was clear Dio was not happy about it, as he visibly turned away and pouted like a child. He managed to stand on his own and go blow for blow with a bear and yet against another demigod he was finding himself with much room for improvement. The wound to his pride and undefeated record was almost as tender as the growing bulge in his pants.

It took him a moment before the subject registered and suddenly his amusement broke through sour face. "Oh, the Ley Lines. I forgot about those..." Scratching his head as if the very involvement on the recent mission didn't center at the topic. "...yeah, I'll be honest love. I haven't really thought about that. Like I get that it's important but sorting out the important stuff isn't really my...thing?" It wasn't that Dio doubted his brain power he just knew his mind was better set on things he was good at. "I leave all that to you big 'post it on the wall' types. Me? I just get pointed at what to attack and make sure they don't get up." Starting to the chew on the inside of his cheek as he spoke. "Though with the rate these matches are going that's up for debate."

Dio's only motive for the mission was helping the anito and killing the beast that was a danger to them. The loot and the ley lines registered less to none on the level of importance. "I sometimes feel like my motives align with the Ark but not as one...more like side by side. I'm sure people have been looking into the Ley Line while I've been busy trying to figure how to gain favor with the Pure Maiden to grow her mangoes." He planted his blades into the ground and stretched out his sore body when something else registered to him. Though it was hallow laughter coming from his lips. "Though I have to question how the things I seek out sometimes turn out...bad." Maybe the attacks had rattled more than just his bones as Dio felt an odd wave of thought wash over him. "First with Sugaru...idolizing his skill only to learn he hurt someone I loved..." Barely able to look at Hugo. "Then I wanted to join a gang of treasure hunters that turned out might be after us. Now I'm trying to ally with a god that sees mortals as food..." Sure he didn't feel the same as he did knowing the full story but the fact it drew him all the same was concerning. "...it felt personal because I feel it was motive I could support. Nature deserves to have some of the world back. But the methods I would not agree with."

At Dio's subtle self-deprecation, Hugo sheathed his blades and finally approached. "You're a beast slayer now." He reminded while reaching for Dio's soiled arm. Urging him to face him once more. Proud or spent. "A champion of your pantheon. Where you otherwise stand alone, but with Lakapati's favor."

What Dio accomplished couldn't be overstated, but the Ark as a whole had lost trust in abundance lately. Mainly because of the late Oran and his connection with the new Electra. The beetle arena filled with enemies studying their abilities and tools. It got exhausting, all of the swings and misses.

"Yeah? Can I see the ones you have?" He asked, eyeing him with interest. "It's alright to not show me," he understood people may not want to show their tattoos or them being in very private areas. "As for me... well, I tried to forget about my godly father for years and focused on my country instead."

"There will be more action to prove your mettle here at the Ark. The beetles are a challenge, but not a true threat." Facing the beetle arena was necessary, especially for fighters to blow off steam and show off for a change. A confidence boost if anything.

He adjusted in his seat, but Mano seemed to understand the struggle to share so soon. "It's not meant to be hidden, but I'll have to show you another time. 'maybe if we do some training." Hugo could picture familiar allies jaws dropping to the floor if he whipped off his shirt here and now. Definitely uncharacteristic, however eager he was to share with his new friend. "Do you really consider them so separate from each other? Country and culture are sacred too."

He found the seat offered and enjoyed the view from Pele's porch before them. "No, but I deserved to be struck down too." Hugo smiled in spite of the fact. Raijin's wrath was illustrated plainly, but he was merciful toward his one of presumably many children. Following the calamity, Hugo could sit secure and study the partly clouded sky above. Confident their connection remained unsevered.

"I went to pray outside and the frustrations I've felt since Electra rose to the surface. It was a prayer for the Shinto and the Ark, but... mostly I told him how pissed I was he didn't show when I called for him then. To help us." Not even Forest knew this. Maybe it was a mutual cultural boundary, but the Shinto brothers rarely opened up. "He didn't care," Hugo was certain most God's simply couldn't. "but I think he understood."

It was impossible for Hugo to describe his relationship with Dio in a few words or sentences. So he didn't try to. Though public and proud, the significance was really only for them to understand. Some things had to remain private, sacred, and nothing could match the oath recently declared. A promise Hugo was certain his longtime allies would scold him for, but had led him to absolution. "Sooner than you think." Hugo half-joked in return. "We've tempted fate this far... and enough time has passed for both of us." The sentimental comment slipped out with a faint sigh.

To say he was without fear would be a lie. One did not almost die in a car, spend ten years in prison to just come out unscathed. But the words of his mother echoed in his mind and soul: "Just as a seed must endure the darkness of the Earth to sprout, the souls of mortalkind must grow through their trials to discover their true selves." In all his years without faith the weight of a god's words had finally fallen on him. But it relieved him of more burden than it gave. Took away any doubt that things happened the way they were meant to.

Dio bit his lips at the offer to save him. "Wow, are you trying to turn me on with that line? Because it's working..." The thought of Hugo coming to rescue him and slaughtering all that stood before him was...endearing? arousing? A meld of both. But the pleasant feeling felt guilty and it was his turn to leave thoughts silenced in his own head. As such an act would make him no different than Sugaru, using his powers to achieve some twisted goal. And he would never wish to put such a stain on Hugo's precious soul.

Allowing him to speak without further interruption. Releasing all that swirled in his mind until those storm clouds in his dark eyes had calmed again. Dio kissed him because it felt needed. And as a reward for speaking the quiet things aloud with more ease than before. Arms wrapping around Hugo's neck and shoulder until their foreheads were rested together. "You didn't fail me, Hugo. If your intervened in what was planned for me then I would never be this version of me. We might not even be this version of us. Not all my scars are by your hand, nor your guilt to carry."

Wishing there was a way to take this burden from Hugo forever but such guilt was bred into his being. From those Hugo worked for when they were still human to his father's demand for proving himself now. Again Dio wished to take it away but would accept it as just being how Hugo was. And loving even those parts of him. "If there was a way to make you understand...to show you that how much I love you means more to me than how much you've wronged me in the past..." The words falling from his lips before he was quick enough to catch them. They knew they loved each other, it had to be no secret. But the pair seeming to be less comfortable with saying the words. While the other was awake at least.

To draw his blade against "innocent" mortals would have surely cast Hugo from the Shinto pantheon and the Ark project. Corrupted him much like the enemies they faced on a weekly basis. All of them threats to earth, mankind, and the natural order they were all deeply connected to. Aloft in his untamed thoughts and power, this truth was easy to forget while his personal truth berated his atmosphere. What was right, what was wrong, and what he could do about it. There was no waiting only acting. The horrible weight he felt right now was consequence for not doing just that. A betrayal to himself.

I would have. He thought, with arrogance and certainty, but the image of Forest or Mai hunting and cutting him down for such a sin made him bite his tongue. Cast the hunger for a now settled matter far from him.

He hated interrupting what was meant to be a moment of tranquility, but the issue had to be addressed if there was any hope to move forward. In the search of truth and evidence of... love Hugo was beyond half-measures. Concordio appeared at ease, almost prepared for all he shared. It shouldn't have surprised Hugo, but did. Especially while he comforted him in the storms wake. Pulled him nearer than before to touch foreheads and steal kisses. Hugo clung back. Believing Dio's pledge. Marveling as he devised one to suit the vengeful warrior.

It gave him the hope he had been missing since they first kissed in Acoma. In a sick sort of way. As the phantom sensation of a katana's blade thrust through his heart. An irrefutable display of dominion he understood and could keep safe in Concordio's able hands. Without regret for the peace that would follow both of them after.

The distant look in his eyes faded. Light returned along with his soul and feeling. What Dio called fight, Hugo could only describe as pure flame when they shared moments like this. Far too often. His breath was shortened, heart racing as he faced Dio head on. Cupped his face with dripping hands and stole a fervid kiss. Somehow, more heartfelt than the others before. The heat of his breath matched the steam surrounding them as he faintly slipped away.

He was at ease while waiting for his latest vision to become real. He still had his Shinto family and now Dio to give him shelter. Though Hugo could think of a few other allies to turn to in situations like this. Not that he planned to challenge his father ever again. Hugo didn't feel regret, at all, but the tension and anger had disappeared along with his lodge. He was passed it.

It had only been a week, but Hugo already missed traveling by his familiar ally lodges daily. Aleki's being nearest (and secretly dearest). "Actually... I've missed it." Hugo admitted from afar, wearing a smile. The pair weren't personally close, but Hugo endeavored to nurture whatever budding friendship was there. Without consciously noticing till now, it had been some time since Aleki played. At least this publicly and unrestrained.

"I always keep an ear out... or an eye, I guess, with what you cook up in the group chat every week." He nodded in appreciation. Texting was more Forest's thing. Even Dio's. While keen on staying informed, Hugo had to pick his battles more wisely lately. Too much going on. "Lakapati's lodge is more hospitable than my last. Kinda like yours. I've been taking notes."

the  library  was  a  pretty  frequent  place  for  sabri  to  venture  to:  knowledge  beyond  the  mere  words  of  the  mortal  world,  it  was  all  kind  of  exciting.  not  only  for  general  things,  but  personal  ventures  as  well.  it  wasn't  uncommon  for  them  to  check  out  and  return  a  handful  of  books  on  alchemy  and  herbal  tomes.  in  fact,  they  were  actually  grabbing  another  book  that  had  to  do  with  transforming  plant  essence  to  magic  when  their  old-time  friend  hugo  approaches  them.  the  pair  had  history  back  when  sabri  was  still  a  teenager. 

Battling the markupo, now that was more his thing. "Like most Ark issues, the markupo was just the first monster we'll have to defeat. The ley lines are disturbed." Hugo explained, ever willing to share details with Sabri or any half-god who showed interest. Few allies perked up as Sabri did now. "Poison. I never learned what the markupo's could do." Luckily. "I could sell what I picked off of the beast, but that feels like a missed opportunity. Have you studied poisons before?" It seemed to Hugo that such topics would be in Sabri's wheelhouse, but he didn't want to assume.

Maybe that's why people found his word to be so profound. Because Dio never said anything that wasn't with complete and untainted truth. Such brash honesty could be a heavy weight on others, as he could see his beloved try to absorb his declaration. "See. You've been here so long the idea of leaving it behind probably scares you. Me? I've never been so bond to anything I couldn't free myself should I choose....not before you..." Again, complete honesty. Not looking to flutter Hugo's heart with sweet nothings but to wave off any doubt. How could you be unsure about a love that proclaimed itself in such a way.

He pushed off the edge of the pool and slipped into the water. Back to the wall while legs found their place around Hugo's waist. "Calm down I'm not saying I'm trying to leave tomorrow it's just that..." He tried to pause and let his words form across his mind before they were laid out on his tongue. "...I came here because I was lost. My life was aimless and this revelation of a godly mother seemed enough to take a gamble on. A followed the path it led me to Lakapati...led me to you." Soft, battle ridged and garden tending hands touched Hugo's face. "I am grateful for all my power gives me. Those I am able to help...those I am able to put down...but I know that if there was one thing that could pull me away from it all it's you."

Dio hoped that clarified his words a bit. As he did not want there to be any fear he was ready to give up the fight so easily. "Besides...I have much more to do. Languages to learn....weapons to collect....dragons to tame....by my storm dragon...you will always come first." He leaned in for a kiss to solidify all he said in truth. But he broke off to laugh between their lips. "Although I guess i do tend to 'cum' first usually..."

Hugo's heart fell at the mention of his bonds. The Pantheon and Shinto brothers he wished to protect. A pathetic attempt at making amends and becoming a better person, after leaving Dio behind. Learning what became of him, with no intervention from Lakapati or himself still sickened Hugo. Fed his self-hatred. If he could erase the last ten years, be there for Dio--take his place, Hugo would, but had no proof. Sat in this pool now, empty handed of such displays of love and loyalty, Hugo had to wonder why Dio would still choose him.

When his consciousness finally returned to his body and his eyes landed on Dio's, he could tell that Dio already knew. Could recognize the storm turning, thunder cracking within Raijin's son's mind. If only Hugo's pride and ego could take the day off too. Melt away in the mineral water with them. He wasn't accustomed to this foundation of certainty, devotion and care. Only the tumultuousness of this calling, his own mind, and the relationship with his father. His choices. Recklessness. Wasted potential.

"'knowing where I left you... it disgusts me." He drew in a stiff breath. However much his skin crawled and the self-hatred enveloped, Hugo didn't break from Dio. Who would see him regardless. "... I should have looked for you. Just once, and I... I could have freed you... and killed every pig that touched you. Who put you there.

... But I didn't. Every day that passed... I failed you. Turned away. Just like that night. I'm... honestly worse than any silent god."

This lucky life gave him strength and pride he'd never harnessed before. He endeavored to serve the next Shinto member to arrive. To carry them out of danger. To grow beside them. To learn how to trust someone again. Had it all been a waste and would these allegiances once more come between them? "... So it feels... great... to hear all of this from you." So great. "... I just wish I could say the same and... know that you could believe me, the way I believe you... but I've ruined that too."

He tried to hide the fear in his eyes every time he looked to Hugo. Knowing if he was taken away again Dio might never recover from it. Which is why he always pulled him closer when he was within reach. Daring even the gods to tempt his wrath should they take him away. I'd let the world burn for you. He thought to himself as their eyes met. It was the truest answer to the question of how he felt in that moment. But in true Dio fashion his causal humor always masked over deeper thoughts. "Feeling like if all I have to do is let you kick my ass to get this kind of pampering I might let you win more often." Not that he by any means let Hugo win their last spar. That wasn't something even he would joke about.

Legs wrapped around Hugo in the water while Dio remained seated on the edge. His lips lowering for a subtle kiss but he stayed just as close when their lips parted. "I love exploring all parts of your world. Be it shinto or just your hometown. We always talked about it then but I never thought we'd have the ability to do it." Now they had the power to do almost anything they wanted. But all Dio wanted was to be by Hugo's side. Now and forever. He kissed at the fingers that touched at his face. "You're the only thing that could ever make me leave all this godly power behind."

He wrapped an arm around Dio's right thigh and slowly drew wet circles and lines across the skin. Dark eyes fixed while his lover spoke of old shared wants and dreams. A few that had gone unsaid before. To hear that Dio loved his world, well, it filled Hugo's numbed heart with pride. Eased the traumatized youth within.

"You'll never have to pay a price to be given what you deserve from me." Unfortunately, the price had been paid in full, but Hugo knew to be best for Dio was to accept his forgiveness. To stay with him here in the now. "But if you come begging for a fight, you wont find pity after." He chuckled, breaking some tension. "I will clean you up though. ... These wounds are too harsh. 'not the kind I want to lay on you."

For all the years Hugo had lived with the Shinto, fought and ended up here, no one had made declarations quite like Concordio. "Would you?" He asked, tone and expression gone serious. Dio was still what could be considered a new arrival. They'd spoken at length of what had been gained by coming here. So could it all be so easily given up to return to the world as it was? Dishonest, cold, blind, cruel and dying. On paper, to give up the power would be an ungrateful choice or a plain foolish one.

Whether Dio was honest or simply extending a sweet-nothing, Hugo was moved. In a way that should feel wrong, but excited him. He drew closer, arms looping around Dio's waist. "... I say we enjoy it. ... A bit longer." He smiled, but there was a satisfied and daring glint in his eyes. Like a cat who got their cream. "'curious to see what we can build next... together."

"i don't expect to see much company today, outside of you and mai." he flashes a tiny smile, nodding as he sets up one of the tents with a soft grunt. he wasn't physically the strongest, but he was capable. "i've had them ship something special over too, i think you'd like it."

After dropping off the food and saying hello to Kiko, Hugo helped hoist the other end of the tent. "You wouldn't... mind if Dio joined?" He grunted till the leg stuck in place. This wasn't a topic Raijin's son aimed to get into. Romance wasn't typically on either Shinto borns radar. At least, hadn't been for Hugo in... a very long time. Still, Forest was host, this was his and Kiko's home. He would have final say on the matter.

"It's too much." Hugo humbly replied, though a joy sparked in his eyes at the prospect of a surprise. He then approached the grill to inspect the current cook. "When should it arrive? I can help finish what's left with set up. Just keep both eyes on that ribeye."