[There's the briefest of pauses then, Giovanni's chin tilting upwards as he scents the air, as he looks off into the distance, his own senses confirming what Rhys has said-- two distinct individuals approaching. He glances briefly back at the taller man then, his expression making it quite clear that he hadn't been expecting anything quite so useful.]
Right you are. Perhaps you're not completely useless, after all.
[But with that, he'll continue to propel them forward, muscle jumping beneath the skin as he readies himself for further violence.]
You go ahead and knock yourself out though. Just try not to make too big of a mess this time? We don't have time for you to mess around, someone's going to notice we're out of our cells.
[Jesus wept...he sighs, the sound of it hot with irritation.]
It's one little broken finger. If I can keep fighting after having an arm ripped off, you should be able to cope with one broken finger.
[Really though, why share the fun? Particularly when this guy is asking him to have less of it.]
But fine. I'll make it quick.
[And, releasing Rhys' tie, he begins quickening his pace, moving faster now than anyone feasibly should, rushing to meet the guards rather than attempting to creep up on them or keeping himself concealed. He remains true to his word, though-- the two men seem startled to find one of the prisoners suddenly upon them, and there's no chance for cries of pain or alert this time. As promised, he makes it quick, curtails his vicious abandon, instead grabbing both men by the hair as soon as he reaches them, twists, the vibrations of their breaking necks sliding up through his hands and into his arms and down into the black place inside him where Kerberos pants and scrabbles and demands more.
He lets the guards drop where they stand, looks down at them with cold traces of regret-- not at their deaths of course, oh no. Only that it was over so quickly.
He looks back then, eyes seeking Rhys, makes an impatient gesture with a slim-fingered hand that doesn't look as though it possesses the strength to do what he'd just done.]
[ He just needs to correct that tiny detail there Giovanni. The last guy who called him Princess left a very...poor impression when it comes to petnames.
Their necks snap and Rhys doesn't even look fazed other than the brief moment where he dreads Giovanni ignoring him and making a mess anyway. But he doesn't, so Rhys relaxes and walks up after the deed is done, turning his palm light back on.
He's not sure where this guy is getting his speed or strength from but it is admittedly sort of freaky. Rhys is really glad they're technically on the same team right now. ]
[As soon as he's ascertatined that the giant of a man is, indeed, following him, Giovanni keeps moving toward the pyre, slows his pace to allow Rhys to catch up. And whilst he doesn't repeat it back to him, he will at the very least recall his name. Will even pronounce it correctly. He can be polite when he wants to be.
Besides...Rhys' pronouncement sounds a little like praise, and - alongside the thrill of the hunt, the ecstatic buzz passing through him in the wake of the kill - it does lift his mood a little. Briefly, over his shoulder, he flashes the other man a smile.]
I should think so. It's what I was made for. Hahah.
[ He doesn't outright say "bioweapon" because that seems rude, but it's not like it's entirely unheard of. Before Handsome Jack ground them into the dust Atlas had a habit of taking children without families and turning them into soldiers and highly-trained assassins.
It's probably the closest he's ever seen this guy look to actually pleased. Of course it'd be after a kill. ]
[His response drifts vaguely over his shoulder as they continue on towards the pyre, though the new cheerfulness in his tone remains. It's really not so hard to please him, when you know how. Every dog likes to hear a little praise, now and again.
And bioweapon would be correct. Not rude at all. Not to him.]
[ Well that doesn't help, but at least he's stopped flashing that creepy smile. Rhys will count that as a win he supposes. Plus from the looks of things their mission is nearly over. With his ECHOeye he can see ahead to where they need to go even without the palm light he's using to light their way, and it doesn't look like there's too many people guarding it. ]
...Wait, are you serious? This whole big thing to let people know if something's wrong, and there's only one guy guarding it?
[Giovanni pauses at that, once again scents the air, concentrates hard on the distance, the area surrounding the pyre. He turns to look up at the other man then, expression vaguely coloured by equal parts interest and question.]
Some kind of trap, do you think? An ambush might be fun...
[But it's like Rhys says-- there's little sign of life up ahead, as far as he can discern. Perhaps they just didn't expect them to make it this far. Perhaps, in the end, it doesn't matter. No doubt they'll proceed on, anyway.]
[The fact is, he's not terribly opposed to going first. Chances are he can take whatever they'll throw at him. But if he can't, and it's then down to Rhys to finish the job, somehow orchestrate an extraction, can the man be trusted?
Giovanni highly doubts it.
As such, he smiles. Raises one thin blonde brow.]
No doubt you are. But perhaps you ought to go first this time. If you're caught and someone still needs to finish the job, there's a higher chance that I'll be successful. And no chance that I'll run away, crying.
[Which is what he suspects you'd do. For the record.]
Woooooow you did not even try to sugar coat that huh.
[ Rhys literally couldn't squint any harder at Giovanni if he tried. On the one hand he respects that he was upfront, but on the other...g o d what a dick.]
How do I know you won't just leave me to get captured or-or killed? Huh?
[ Because either of those seems pretty likely right now. Giovanni might enjoy killing but he might enjoy watching Rhys be miserable even more. ]
[And that smile, it remains there, a sharp and terrible thing.]
But really, I could have killed you at any time. It would have made things a lot easier for me. But for all I know, the win conditions for this scenario are for us both to make it out of here alive. As such, I'll do what I can to ensure your survival.
[Not exactly the most comforting words perhaps, but the best you're gonna get, Rhys. And as it happens, Giovanni isn't into long and drawn-out torture, doesn't get any particular kick from the misery of others. He just likes killing things >.>]
So make yourself useful, will you? It's about time.
[ They;'re not comforting but...they make sense? And Rhys can't really say it's much different than what Finch and Kroger made him do back in Old Haven. He was the one who had to find Vasquez's face and bring it back while they waited at the truck. Didn't even pretend they were guarding it.
So while Rhys looks wholly unhappy with this plan and leers, he also sighs and shakes his head; giving in. ]
I really hope this is team-based so that if you let me die, you fail. For the record.
[ But that's about as far into complaining as he gets? Surprisingly? Before turning to try and make his way to the base of the tower and pause at the bottom of the stairwell.
When the coast looks clear, he disappears up it. ]
[In truth, he's a little surprised when Rhys agrees to it, albeit grudgingly. Shows as much in the thinly raised arch of his eyebrow, the subtle angles of his face.
But he doesn't stop him-- as a plan, this makes the most sense. He's the best able to finish the mission should it become necessary, the most able to 'save' Rhys, should it come to it.
And so for the moment he keeps his distance, watches carefully. Enhanced hearing focused on picking up any signs of a scuffle, or a trap.
He'll give it ten minutes. No sign or signal from Rhys in that time, and he'll come in himself.]
[ There's no deliberate signal from Rhys. He's on a stealth mission before, and despite all evidence to the contrary it's not his first time sneaking up on someone he plans to attack. Sasha's not here this time of course, and remembering that brings a slightly more sobered look to Rhys's face until he shakes it off.
He needs to focus now, because he...is going to sneak up on someone with really only one hand to use. His finger is still broken, still hurts like crazy and he has no intention of trying to use it. That leaves the rest of him and his robot arm, no weapons or...
Oh. Wait. Duh.
Two seconds later Giovanni might see a sharp flash of white-blue light, catch the sound of a strong electrified ZAP!........and then see the guard going flying through the air like he's been launched, right over the edge and clearing it by a wide margin.
When he comes to find the brunet he'll see him holding his stun baton in hand, electricity crackling around the charged pole. ]
[He sees it, hears it, smells the sizzle of electricity and heated flesh and for a moment it's Rhys he expects to se, flung through they air and stunned, perhaps dead. Almost, he moves to catch the flying body, thinking he at least ought to try to salvage the other half of this 'team', in an effort to ensure the mission isn't a complete failure. But it only takes a moment to recognise the uniform, to catch the scent of the electrocuted man and know that it isn't the one he's expecting to see.
Again, there's some measure of surprise in him, at that. He hadn't pegged his would-be partner for the capable type. Even in this small way.
And so he follows Rhys' route, fluid and swift but still mindful of traps and tricks waiting to snare them because surely it shouldn't be this easy. Perhaps their enemies simply weren't expecting a volatile escape? Whatever the case, he's at Rhys' side in less time than it should feasibly take, looks up at him holding the baton, smiles sharp.]
Well, well. Whoever would have thought it. You came in handy after all.
[He glances around then, finds the platform of the tower they're currently standing on seemingly clear of all other enemies, no discernible trip-wires or lurking traps. Just up ahead is the beacon, the fire they're planning on creating only one little push away.]
It all seems a little too easy...but one oughtn't look a gift horse in the mouth. Come on.
[Yeah, that's the closest to praise you're gonna get as Giovanni stalks off towards the waiting beacon. Means to set the place alight.]
Oh come admit it, that was awesome! I didn't tip off a single guard or anything and I did it without making a mess. I'd say that's at least like...like a "hey! Good job Rhys!" or something.
[ But if Gio won't pat him on the back about it that's okay; Rhys's ego will do plenty of that for him as he shuts down his baton and tucks it back away, following behind the other man even as he continues on. They're nearly finished their goal which means hopefully this awful simulation is nearly done; and as they near the giant vat of oil Rhys moves to one side of it, the opposite of Giovanni, and gets ready to push with his, uh. One arm. ]
Like the good job you gave me for getting us this far, you mean.
[His tone retains it's usual sardonic drawl, but somehow it comes out just a fraction sulkier than he intended it to. Dogs like headpats too, you know.
But whatever, they're moving in on the beacon now, and once they both draw level with it and Rhys takes his side, Giovanni smoothly moves to the other, places one hand on the support point closest to him. Flashes a smile.]
On three, then. One...two...three.
[He pushes...and let's suppose Rhys does the same, the slow creak of metal filling up their ears as the vat slowly tips, burning oil spilling out over the side of the wall and gushing over the flammable structures below. It's not quite as flashy as an explosion, but it's still a sight to see, bright tongues of fire already licking up the sides of buildings, threatening to devour.
Giovanni, seemingly entertained by the wanton destruction, laughs.]
And to a degree Rhys does as well? But it's more nervous, uncertain laughter as he sees those flames lick up and...hears a couple of horrified, agonizing screams from below as their hot oil apparently lands on a couple of people.
G r o s s.
Rhys pulls back quickly to avoid seeing or smelling anything he doesn't want to, pinching the bridge of his nose. ]
Okay. Okay so we probably just melted a couple of people, that's...fine. That's cool. Let's get out of here while they're distracted. I am soooo ready for this to be over.
[And in response to Rhys nauseated words, Giovanni takes a quick peek over the side of the wall, into the mouth of mayhem. Fire leaps and burns, structures and objects catching alight, licked and devoured by the fallen oil...and oh yes, he catches a glimpse of a running, burning figure, the shouts of agony it tries to emit quickly swallowed as the fire snatches up all its oxygen, incinerates its shouting throat. There's a quick clapping of his hands, a glance back in Rhys' direction.]
Hahah!. This is turning into quite the finale. Look at them go.
[But with those callous words tossed out he's already turning away and moving back in the direction from which they came, his movements smooth and predator-swift.]
But you're right. It's time for us to exit stage left, before we're devoured along with them.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
Re: one of these days I'll write a tag without typos
Right you are. Perhaps you're not completely useless, after all.
[But with that, he'll continue to propel them forward, muscle jumping beneath the skin as he readies himself for further violence.]
But I take it you're going to sit out on the fun.
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[ Rhys reminds, shooting him a pointed look. ]
You go ahead and knock yourself out though. Just try not to make too big of a mess this time? We don't have time for you to mess around, someone's going to notice we're out of our cells.
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It's one little broken finger. If I can keep fighting after having an arm ripped off, you should be able to cope with one broken finger.
[Really though, why share the fun? Particularly when this guy is asking him to have less of it.]
But fine. I'll make it quick.
[And, releasing Rhys' tie, he begins quickening his pace, moving faster now than anyone feasibly should, rushing to meet the guards rather than attempting to creep up on them or keeping himself concealed. He remains true to his word, though-- the two men seem startled to find one of the prisoners suddenly upon them, and there's no chance for cries of pain or alert this time. As promised, he makes it quick, curtails his vicious abandon, instead grabbing both men by the hair as soon as he reaches them, twists, the vibrations of their breaking necks sliding up through his hands and into his arms and down into the black place inside him where Kerberos pants and scrabbles and demands more.
He lets the guards drop where they stand, looks down at them with cold traces of regret-- not at their deaths of course, oh no. Only that it was over so quickly.
He looks back then, eyes seeking Rhys, makes an impatient gesture with a slim-fingered hand that doesn't look as though it possesses the strength to do what he'd just done.]
More to your liking, princess?
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[ He just needs to correct that tiny detail there Giovanni. The last guy who called him Princess left a very...poor impression when it comes to petnames.
Their necks snap and Rhys doesn't even look fazed other than the brief moment where he dreads Giovanni ignoring him and making a mess anyway. But he doesn't, so Rhys relaxes and walks up after the deed is done, turning his palm light back on.
He's not sure where this guy is getting his speed or strength from but it is admittedly sort of freaky. Rhys is really glad they're technically on the same team right now. ]
You are...really good at killing people, huh.
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[As soon as he's ascertatined that the giant of a man is, indeed, following him, Giovanni keeps moving toward the pyre, slows his pace to allow Rhys to catch up. And whilst he doesn't repeat it back to him, he will at the very least recall his name. Will even pronounce it correctly. He can be polite when he wants to be.
Besides...Rhys' pronouncement sounds a little like praise, and - alongside the thrill of the hunt, the ecstatic buzz passing through him in the wake of the kill - it does lift his mood a little. Briefly, over his shoulder, he flashes the other man a smile.]
I should think so. It's what I was made for. Hahah.
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[ He doesn't outright say "bioweapon" because that seems rude, but it's not like it's entirely unheard of. Before Handsome Jack ground them into the dust Atlas had a habit of taking children without families and turning them into soldiers and highly-trained assassins.
It's probably the closest he's ever seen this guy look to actually pleased. Of course it'd be after a kill. ]
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[His response drifts vaguely over his shoulder as they continue on towards the pyre, though the new cheerfulness in his tone remains. It's really not so hard to please him, when you know how. Every dog likes to hear a little praise, now and again.
And bioweapon would be correct. Not rude at all. Not to him.]
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[ Well that doesn't help, but at least he's stopped flashing that creepy smile. Rhys will count that as a win he supposes. Plus from the looks of things their mission is nearly over. With his ECHOeye he can see ahead to where they need to go even without the palm light he's using to light their way, and it doesn't look like there's too many people guarding it. ]
...Wait, are you serious? This whole big thing to let people know if something's wrong, and there's only one guy guarding it?
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Some kind of trap, do you think? An ambush might be fun...
[But it's like Rhys says-- there's little sign of life up ahead, as far as he can discern. Perhaps they just didn't expect them to make it this far. Perhaps, in the end, it doesn't matter. No doubt they'll proceed on, anyway.]
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[ Because if he doesn't think of this as being "real" maybe he finger will hurt less. And the fact that it's bent the wrong way will be less horrific.
The sweat on his brow from the pain still feels uncomfortably real though. ]
I'm totally cool with you going first. For the record.
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Giovanni highly doubts it.
As such, he smiles. Raises one thin blonde brow.]
No doubt you are. But perhaps you ought to go first this time. If you're caught and someone still needs to finish the job, there's a higher chance that I'll be successful. And no chance that I'll run away, crying.
[Which is what he suspects you'd do. For the record.]
You can play the decoy, so to speak.
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[ Rhys literally couldn't squint any harder at Giovanni if he tried. On the one hand he respects that he was upfront, but on the other...g o d what a dick.]
How do I know you won't just leave me to get captured or-or killed? Huh?
[ Because either of those seems pretty likely right now. Giovanni might enjoy killing but he might enjoy watching Rhys be miserable even more. ]
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[And that smile, it remains there, a sharp and terrible thing.]
But really, I could have killed you at any time. It would have made things a lot easier for me. But for all I know, the win conditions for this scenario are for us both to make it out of here alive. As such, I'll do what I can to ensure your survival.
[Not exactly the most comforting words perhaps, but the best you're gonna get, Rhys. And as it happens, Giovanni isn't into long and drawn-out torture, doesn't get any particular kick from the misery of others. He just likes killing things >.>]
So make yourself useful, will you? It's about time.
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So while Rhys looks wholly unhappy with this plan and leers, he also sighs and shakes his head; giving in. ]
I really hope this is team-based so that if you let me die, you fail. For the record.
[ But that's about as far into complaining as he gets? Surprisingly? Before turning to try and make his way to the base of the tower and pause at the bottom of the stairwell.
When the coast looks clear, he disappears up it. ]
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But he doesn't stop him-- as a plan, this makes the most sense. He's the best able to finish the mission should it become necessary, the most able to 'save' Rhys, should it come to it.
And so for the moment he keeps his distance, watches carefully. Enhanced hearing focused on picking up any signs of a scuffle, or a trap.
He'll give it ten minutes. No sign or signal from Rhys in that time, and he'll come in himself.]
no subject
He needs to focus now, because he...is going to sneak up on someone with really only one hand to use. His finger is still broken, still hurts like crazy and he has no intention of trying to use it. That leaves the rest of him and his robot arm, no weapons or...
Oh. Wait. Duh.
Two seconds later Giovanni might see a sharp flash of white-blue light, catch the sound of a strong electrified ZAP!........and then see the guard going flying through the air like he's been launched, right over the edge and clearing it by a wide margin.
When he comes to find the brunet he'll see him holding his stun baton in hand, electricity crackling around the charged pole. ]
no subject
Again, there's some measure of surprise in him, at that. He hadn't pegged his would-be partner for the capable type. Even in this small way.
And so he follows Rhys' route, fluid and swift but still mindful of traps and tricks waiting to snare them because surely it shouldn't be this easy. Perhaps their enemies simply weren't expecting a volatile escape? Whatever the case, he's at Rhys' side in less time than it should feasibly take, looks up at him holding the baton, smiles sharp.]
Well, well. Whoever would have thought it. You came in handy after all.
[He glances around then, finds the platform of the tower they're currently standing on seemingly clear of all other enemies, no discernible trip-wires or lurking traps. Just up ahead is the beacon, the fire they're planning on creating only one little push away.]
It all seems a little too easy...but one oughtn't look a gift horse in the mouth. Come on.
[Yeah, that's the closest to praise you're gonna get as Giovanni stalks off towards the waiting beacon. Means to set the place alight.]
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[ But if Gio won't pat him on the back about it that's okay; Rhys's ego will do plenty of that for him as he shuts down his baton and tucks it back away, following behind the other man even as he continues on. They're nearly finished their goal which means hopefully this awful simulation is nearly done; and as they near the giant vat of oil Rhys moves to one side of it, the opposite of Giovanni, and gets ready to push with his, uh. One arm. ]
Let's make a mess! Or whatever.
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[His tone retains it's usual sardonic drawl, but somehow it comes out just a fraction sulkier than he intended it to. Dogs like headpats too, you know.
But whatever, they're moving in on the beacon now, and once they both draw level with it and Rhys takes his side, Giovanni smoothly moves to the other, places one hand on the support point closest to him. Flashes a smile.]
On three, then. One...two...three.
[He pushes...and let's suppose Rhys does the same, the slow creak of metal filling up their ears as the vat slowly tips, burning oil spilling out over the side of the wall and gushing over the flammable structures below. It's not quite as flashy as an explosion, but it's still a sight to see, bright tongues of fire already licking up the sides of buildings, threatening to devour.
Giovanni, seemingly entertained by the wanton destruction, laughs.]
no subject
And to a degree Rhys does as well? But it's more nervous, uncertain laughter as he sees those flames lick up and...hears a couple of horrified, agonizing screams from below as their hot oil apparently lands on a couple of people.
G r o s s.
Rhys pulls back quickly to avoid seeing or smelling anything he doesn't want to, pinching the bridge of his nose. ]
Okay. Okay so we probably just melted a couple of people, that's...fine. That's cool. Let's get out of here while they're distracted. I am soooo ready for this to be over.
no subject
Hahah!. This is turning into quite the finale. Look at them go.
[But with those callous words tossed out he's already turning away and moving back in the direction from which they came, his movements smooth and predator-swift.]
But you're right. It's time for us to exit stage left, before we're devoured along with them.