Chu-e was pretty much fucking sloshed.

But, was that Salem? He wanted him to follow? Was Raziel Beckett okay? He seemed okay before...

The paranoia of a drunken mind didn't let him think too far ahead.

He stumbled after the pokemon. Idly, he knew that Leon and Eris were most likely waiting on him to go back home, but he just had to make sure Razz was okay! Then he could go! Totally!

"Razz!" When he spotted the other, the drunken man went in for the hug. Relieved that the other seemed to be okay. More touchy than he normally would be with the other.

"Mweh!" The noise was surprised out of Chu-e when he was prevented his affection, a solid pout that made him resemble the felines he loved so much at Raziel Beckett.

"Wha happen?" He said vaguely, unsure about thy the other was being so mean? Had something happened? Was it the dick pic he had sent him by accident?

There is a pause, a scrunched up face as he processes Raziel Beckett's words.

"Who told you?"

Which isn't the denial that maybe the other had hoped for.

It's sobering, in a way, but the alcohol is too fuzzy in Chu-e's brain. His tongue is loose. A dulled blade. Razz has a chance to get answers out of Chu-e without the promise of his normal roundabout speaking getting in the way.

Snitches get stitches and all that. It was fair for Raziel Beckett to keep it a secret.

Still, Chu-e's face seemed to hint more betrayal than anger or terror or any such thing.

"I want to help them." The truth, said as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

The only problem was that Chu-e wasn't being very clean on the 'them' given his addled state.

The 'them' that Chu-e was talking about were the people like Eris Halla- people trapped in circumstance with little choice in the matter.

"What? No I don't."

This would maybe be the most confusing conversation for either of them.

"I hate those fuckers. I hate what they turned me into." He motions vaguely to himself. His stylish strawberry outfit was hiding his scrawny and underfed frame. As of late he had been able to pick up a bit more weight but...

There was an emotional depth there, too. The wounded boy who needed help was broken and made into a killer by people willing to take advantage.

Raziel Beckett

"I...."

It's one word out of all of what Raziel Beckett says that sticks out.

Everything else is tuned away, forgotten just as quick. Over the years he's hardened his heart. His time in Hoenn, this time, had softened it enough for cracks to form in the foundation. One small weakness and Razz has taken a battering ram to him. It forces a hole, exposing the raw bits underneath.

monster

Razz doesn't get an answer. Because, at first, the only thing he'll get is to watch Chu-e's face crumple in real time. It's not befitting of someone with the title Underboss, but often times he doesn't feel like it's something he deserves anyway. A lot of doubt has been swirling in his mind ever since the crystal corrosion had started messing with his head.

It's too much. Tears start to leak down his cheeks as his hands start to shake. It's too much. Not the same feeling as when he's about to seizure, but something worse. More vulnerable.

A panic attack.

It helps. What Raziel Beckett does helps.

The panic attack slows down, he can breathe again, and the bad feelings are washed away.

Except Chu-e is drunk, and something hungry and angry is asleep inside of him. Razz should be able to remember the stories, what Chu-e was known for. His rage, his fury, burning hotter than any fire every could. Maybe that's why, now, so many people were surprised it was him. It really was that Chu-e Choi. The one from the stories.

On most days, he would admit his fires have dimmed. He's hollow, burned out, just an empty shell of who he used to be.

But, again, he's drunk, and instead of the few embers that sit in his chest, it flares back into an inferno.

A snarl on his face, eyes wide and bright, before he surges forward, tries to grab Razz by the collar and jerk him face to face with what little strength he has.

The shadow of who he used to be visible.

"I want them to fuckin' be like you!" He tries to shake him, as if to make him understand.

"They'll keep making me unless they become you!"

Why couldn't Razz understand?