towerofanimus | THIRD WIND ☴ Autumn's in ashes

Characters: Vriska and John, both OU
Setting: Vriska's room; backdated to the twentieth
Format: Action
Summary: John goes to Vriska to tell her about that bizarre spider that everyone's been talking about (and possibly also mention that it killed him, whoops). Horrible shenans ensue.

[Well, that was... special.]

[If John was counting correctly, and he was pretty sure that he was, the attack by that giant spider had marked the third time he had died in Tower Hellspawn. (The name was mocking, but he was beginning to think that it was really quite accurate.) He hadn't even been able to draw blood; the thing had just come upon him, and since his powers still weren't in the best of sorts, the fight was remarkably one-sided. John had become used to running from things, so by the time he remembered that oh wait, he could summon a hammer now, the demonic arachnid had already gotten a nice grip on his head.]

[Regardless, he felt Vriska ought to know about this. Not only because she loved spiders and would probably squeal her head off if she knew there was now a killer white one stomping around, but also to see if she had any tips for killing the things themselves. Like, maybe you flip them around and hit their underbellies for massive damage? John doesn't know, his experience with spider killing is limited to Legend of Zelda, okay.]

[According to this plaque next to the door, he was now in front of Vriska's room. So, ever the gentleman in this room full of doubtlessly-lovely ladies, John knocked.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

But what do you want to be like, Vriska?

There had to be something there when you killed Aradia and the others. A sadness that you just said you weren't 'supposed' to have. But... but forget about what you're 'supposed' to be like for a minute, okay? No one told you to be sad about Aradia, it's not part of your duty to society or whatever to be sad about Aradia. You just did it. [Wow, okay, suddenly he wishes he paid more attention to Rose's lectures.]

That's part of who you are too, Vriska. You're a good person who feels bad when you hurt people. Just in your own mind, without thinking about what the Empress or whatever will do to you. Doesn't that sound good?

What do I want to be, huh? [She laughs a little bitterly at that. Boy she sure wasn't expecting to have a heart to heart conversation today.]

I grew up wanting to be like my ancestor. I tried everything I could to follow her life and it backfired on me. [She shrugs, avoiding looking at him.] I want to be the best, and that regret I felt killing my friends- that's what's wrong with me.

At least, that's what I thought until we discovered that we made you. It's like you all have this defect of mine where it's okay to feel remorse. Humans didn't turn out anything like one of us, it was more like all of the things we failed at as trolls is what your race became. And your race embraces it and mine- the adults would kill us for it. Maybe I could have changed if the Empress wasn't here but that isn't the case. I don't know what I want to be now. Everyone's expecting me to act a certain way, even you.

I don't expect you to act any way, Vriska. I'm asking you about the way you want to act.

No one has to control you anymore, you don't need to conform to whatever the Empress wants. She doesn't have her army [because what empire doesn't have an army?] and she doesn't have her say over everyone. It's up to you. And-- and if you want to keep acting like the perfect troll, then that's your choice. But the Empress may as well not be here, so... it's not too late for you.

[And now he's smiling.]

You're still a kid, Vriska. It's not too late to change.

Have you seen her? She doesn't need an army.

[She pulls her legs up and buries her face in them, frustrated. What does she she want to be? Her best intentions make a mess of everything, whether she's trying to be a perfect troll or trying to act like a human would. It's like she's just one big fuck up after another no matter how much she tries to act like she's not.]

Look at you, talking like you know everything. You're a kid too, you know! I just... I don't know what I want. [God this whole conversation makes her feel like a pathetic piece of shit.] I'm too violent to be human and too soft-hearted to be a troll. Where does that even leave me?

...It's hard, I know. I can't imagine this would be easy. [So he's going to keep grinning and be patient, because even if Vriska is being a fussyface now, he's pretty sure that this is good for her.]

It leaves you as you. Just... don't worry about how much you're a human and how much you're a troll. We're not that different, after all... there have been humans who acted like trolls, and there have been trolls who've acted like humans. [That'd be you, in case you couldn't tell.] There's no species binary. You're allowed to be Vriska Serket. Not savior of the human race, or scourge of the seven seas or whatever... just be yourself.

It'll be hard. But... if anyone can change their fate, I think it is probably you.

[She glances up at him, eyeing his face for sincerity. Stupid John with his equally stupid optimism. But she feels... Better. Talking to him always seems to have that effect, even if she's drained from having a meltdown about her sense of self-worth.]

You're too optimistic for your own good. This is the dumbest idea I've ever heard! But maybe I'll humor you and give it a shot.

[She pauses, unfolding herself and staring back down at the floor awkwardly. She's never been good at dealing with feelings jams.] Just don't hate me if I'm bad it or something.

[Hey, what are friends for?]

You can't be bad at it, Vriska! You're just not used to it. No one can turn around and become a paragon of social virtue just like that. It'll take a while, but you can do it.

A "while", huh? [She rolls her eyes.] Thanks for the vote of confidence.

[He's right of course, it probably will take a while. But Vriska's going to try to prove him wrong and do it in a shorter amount of time. If she can do it at all, but she's Vriska fucking Serket, of course she can do it.]

Oh no? Well then, I expect gushing praise from everyone by tomorrow. [He folds his arms in satisfaction.]

[She rolls her eyes, reaching out to shove him lightly.]

Shut up, Egbert, you know that's impossible.

[He shoves back, grinning.]

Oh, fine, day after tomorrow then.

Oh yes, that is muuuuuuuuch more doable! How considerate of you.

[Mussing up his hair!! If you even can that shit is already pretty messy.]

[Yeah really, it is like a man-eating bush growing out of his head. Still, he attempts to swat her hand away, laughing.]

That's the spirit. Daylight's burning, Serket!

[She makes a dramatic show of relenting, but she's smiling and it's actually genuine for once.]

Says the one wasting my time right now!

[MISSION ACCOMPLISHED. Operation 'Cheer Up Vriska' was successful! John went up a level on his Echeladder!!! ...Except not. But he's still pretty happy to see her smile, for real.]

Then get going!

Maybe later. I think I'll get back to the sleep you interrupted first.

Okay. Have fun, lazybones.

[He stands up to go, still grinning like a massive derp.]

We sleep during the day, dumbass.

[She reaches out to grab his hand to stop him from leaving just yet.]

Hey.

...Thanks, John. And abscond if you run into that spider again.

Sleep during the day. Okay, Vriska. Sure.

[He stops immediately when she grabs him, turning back around; and if you thought he was beaming before, then he's probably powering a nuclear reactor now.]

Anytime, Vriska. And... I will.

[Her smile is not nearly as radiant, but it's a change from her usual condescending smirks. Reserved for best friends only.]

I'll kick your ass if you get hurt again. Now get out of here so your nocturnal troll friend can get some sleep.

Oh, I'm soooooooo scared. [His smile and laughter turn wry as he takes his leave from the dorm.]

Later days!

THIRD WIND ☴ Autumn's in ashes

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