towerofanimus

Entry tags:

001

Characters: Garnet til Alexandros XVII and OPEN!!
Setting: Mid Morning of July 1st. Waking up in room 2-08 and then wandering the floors afterwards.
Format: Action brackets to start, but I'll match you. Let me know where you meet her!
Summary: Garnet's arrival in the Tower, and any subsequent meetings after!
Warnings: FFIX spoilers!

[Room2-08]
[Garnet jolted up as soon as she was able to move her body. Her breath came in and out in gasps, her body shaking now that it was free of the paralysis that had held her when she first started to come to. Looking around wildly, her long dark hair swished back and forth as she studied the room around her. Four beds. Four nightstands. Chests at the foot of each bed... what was this place. She slowly set her feet upon the ground, the skirt of her dress rustling to the ground as she got to her feet. She stumbled briefly, and then gained her footing.

"Zidane? Beatrix? Steiner? Where is everyone?" No answers came, of course.

After a moment she noted the letters on the nightstand beside the bed and reached for them. Slowly opening the first, her eyes widened as she read it. Her eyes took in the short sentences over and over, before she fumbled for the second letter and ripped it open. It contained instructions, but she barely read it. Her legs gave and she sat down hard on the bed again. This had to be some cruel joke. It had to be.
[/Room2-08]

[Floor 38]
[It took a long time before Garnet had the will to leave the first room, but once she was up and about she was determined to find her way out. This couldn't be real, and she was going to get back home. Back to him. Descending some stairs, she found herself in some sort of lounge.

The chairs and beanbags looked comfortable enough, but she didn't have time to sit and rest. For the moment she just wanted too look around and see if there was anyone she could talk to.]
[/Floor 38]

[Floor 1]
[She tried climbing past the next floor, but it was so completely dark that she wasn't sure she wanted to risk it. After backtracking, she found a form of lift, and rode it down to the first floor. The first floor might have more clues for her to go off of.

Once there, she found herself in a cafeteria. Not exactly what she had expected, but at least she knew she could find food here. Her stomach growled lightly, but she ignored it. Now wasn't the time for food.]
[/Floor 1]

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[It would be easy to spot Zack, standing by one of the massive windows and looking out at the fog as if it held all the answers to the questions they asked. It probably didn't though, and the roiling mass couldn't hold Zack's attention as Garnet's footsteps drew closer, prompting him to turn and see who'd come into the room. Huh. He hasn't seen her around before...]

Hey. You just get here?

[Good, there was someone willing to speak with her. Garnet draws near, her heels clicking lightly on the floor and she approaches the man. She holds her head high, even though she is far shorter than him.]

Yes, I did. Can you tell me.... what exactly is going on?

[Zack shakes his head a bit, sighing. Exactly, huh? He doesn't have the slightest clue what's going on, so that's...kind of something that's beyond him.]

I'm afraid not. None of us know exactly what's going on in this place; all we know for sure if there's no way out, and no way back the way we came. [He pauses, making a face.] We're not even sure why the heck they brought us here in the first place.

[After being shut up in the pod for a month, Zidane felt--unaccountably tired. Also, hungry. And restless. Even though the Tower could be creepy at best, he was glad to have more space to wander in. He'd never liked being cooped up.

He took the elevator down to the cafeteria, with the idea of seeing what he could scavenge there to eat, then going up from there. He liked the window floor, and the media and music floors.

However, he completely forgot his plan when he saw who was standing in the cafeteria. He froze, eyes widening. Could it really be--?

It looked just like her. It didn't seem like a trick. Surely he'd be able to tell a real Dagger from a fake one, right? If it was her, he wondered how long she'd been here. Was she okay? He didn't hesitate any longer than the initial shocked moment, bounding over to her, happy to see her in spite of the circumstances. He'd missed her--and after what had happened back on Gaia, a part of him had doubted if he'd ever see her again. But he'd promised, so of course he had to see her again. And here she was.]

Dagger! Hey, Dagger, it's me!

[She was hoping for better news. Garnet gnaws lightly on her bottom lip.]

The... letter said our homes were gone. [But how, what could have happened!?]

How could there be no way out? How many other people are here? How many have looked for a way to escape?

Edited 2012-07-03 02:24 (UTC)

[Still taking in her surroundings, Garnet's skirts swished around her legs as she walked. But she was broken from her thoughts by a very familiar voice. One that, at first, she thought she might be imagining.

But when she turned, there he was, bounding over to her to with a grin on his face. Relief and joy flooded into her chest, and for a moment she simply stared, the expression on her face indescribable. Since waking up she'd felt like nothing made any sense, but at least now she had something to help ground her.]

Zidane! [She threw her arms around him one he was close enough, just happy to see a familiar face. Of course, it helped that it was his face.]

[It didn't take much prompting for him to hug her back. Or any prompting, actually, as he wrapped his arms around her just as soon as he was close enough to reach. He hugged her tight. She smelled good. Yes, it was definitely the same Dagger. He'd have known her anywhere. He didn't want to let go, but after a short while, he pulled back, if only just enough so he could see her face, still smiling. It was great to see her, to see her face again, but he was worried, too. This wasn't a good place for anyone to be. He didn't believe what they said about the world being destroyed, not for a minute.]

Did you just get here? [He hoped she hadn't had to hang around here without him, his concern showing in his eyes.] Are you okay?

I know they did. We all got those, but...don't believe it right away, okay? It's probably not true.

[Probably. They have to hope. Without hope, there's no point to keep on living.]

There's a lot of people. A couple hundred, at least, and just about every one of them's looked for a way out. If there was a way, I think we'd have found it by now.

[In the few moments that he held her, she had a sense that everything was going to be okay. He always had that ability to instill hope in her with his very presence. Once Zidane pulled back, she looked at him and quietly studied his face.]

Ah, yes, I did! [She tried to smile a little to set him at ease. It was not the best result, but it was something] I'm all right, just a tad shaken up. It's so much to take in all at once...

I certainly hope it's not! [She clasps her hands in front of her chest at that, looking down at the floor.] But there's no way to tell for sure...

[Her shoulder slump a little now, but after a moment she straightens up and nods.]

I see, that makes sense. It would make sense that other residents of this tower would try to escape if they had homes to return to. [Garnet sighs, but then realizes she has been questioning this person without first introducing herself. She curtsies then.]

Forgive me, I just started asking questions without first telling you my name. I am Garnet til Alexandros.

[They've tried a lot of things, to be sure, but..well. They're still here, and probably will be for a while. Zack tries to not let it get to him, which is why he doesn't mind all the questions, nor the lack of "proper" introductions.]

Hey, it's fine. Don't worry about it. [As if to drive the point home, he smiles and extends his hand. He...doesn't have curtsies where he's from.]

I'm Zack, by the way. Zack Fair. It's nice to meet you, Garnet.

Oh, good! [He smiled back, still so glad to see her in spite of everything else. He was glad to see her smile, too. Even if it wasn't the most convincing smile, it was pretty, and he always appreciated a good effort.] I was someplace else for a month, and I just got back. Wouldn't want you to have to be on your own here. [Not because he didn't think she can handle herself, but because it was the tower.]

It's a lot. [He nods. It's way too much all at once, at first. He knows that from experience.] You let me know you around, show you the ropes. I've been here a little while, and I know my way. I wish I had more good news to tell you... This place is bad. [He might as well be honest.] But I think there's gotta be some way out. For everybody.

[He should probably tell her about Kuja, too. That wasn't a good thing to keep under wraps.]

[They were in it for a long haul, she has a feeling. So for now she has to do her best. Even if it's gun wrenchingly difficult.

Sorry Zack, the Queenlyness in her begs for manners.]

It is nice to meet you too, Zack. [Oh right, handshakes are more conventional. She takes his hand gently.] I appreciate your helping me.

Where were you? [She can't help but be intrigued. It seemed like it was good timing on something's part that she'd arrived at the same point he'd come back.] Someplace safe, I hope.

[She bows her head.] Yes, please do. I think if I knew my surroundings better, I'd be more at ease. [A soft laugh.] It's all right, it's not like you can help what sort of place this Tower is. And if we work together, I'm sure we'll find something eventually.

[Might wanna do that. Even if she won't like it.]

[It's probably going to get worse before it gets any better, too. If the last month has anything to say about it, anyway.

Hey, manners are all well and good, but he just doesn't really care. Not in the face of everything else, anyway.]

Not sure I was actually much help, but you're welcome. We've gotta stick together if we're gonna stand a chance in this place.

Sort of. They took some of us away to different places, and we had to compete with each other. It's... kinda complicated. The people in charge here don't get along or agree about how we should be treated.

[Even he still didn't understand that part completely. And he doesn't want to make it sound quite as bad as it was. His expression softens when she speaks. He likes to hear her talk, and looking at her, being with her again, it really feels like everything is going to be fine.]

Yeah! You're right. If we stick together, we'll be okay.

[He'll tell her! He knows he has to. He's working up to it. Right, that's it. He just doesn't want to dump the bad news on her all at once.

Trying to lighten the mood a little, he puts on his best "fancy tour guide voice", with an expansive hand gesture indicating the whole of the cafeteria.]

Here we are in the beautiful cafeteria. As you can see, there are an array of dishes available, and you can eat as much as you want. Though there might not always be something you want to eat. If you just arrived, you'll find that it's definitely best if you partake of the oatmeal first.

[He should probably get her some of that oatmeal.]

Any information, even the slightest bit, can illuminate a situation greatly. I fear I panicked when I first woke up here, but now I feel as if I understand things a little better.

[Still a bad situation, and a terrifying one, but at least one she can manage. She has her Eidolons after all!]

How long have you been here, may I ask? Do you have anybody here that it also from your world?

I see. [Even if it's a vague explanation, as long as he's all right she won't press for any more information. From the sounds of it, he didn't completely get it himself.] Has anyone ever met the ones in charge?

[Okay, good point. Save it for later.

For now, she places her hand on her chin and listens, her smile growing far more genuine at his tour guide impression. So cute. But then she scrunches her nose at the food choice though.]

Oh, I've never like oatmeal one bit. Do I really have to eat that?

And that makes things easier on you. [It may be stating the obvious, but he gets where she's coming from. He did receive many a lecture on how panic undermines even the best of plans, after all.]

Been here about two months now. My commanding officer made the trip with me, but a few people from our world were already here. What about you? There anyone you know around?

[Because people shouldn't be alone. Especially not here.]

Right. [And now there is a hint of a smile, her shoulders relaxing a bit.]

Has being here that long made it a little easier? [Arriving with someone else he knew hopefully softened the blow.] I have not found anyone from my home here just yet, but I have barely begun to look.

I just have to keep searching, it would be nice to find a familiar face.

[Zack smiles in return, rocking back on his heels as he speaks. He seems the very picture of calm and casual; this place doesn't seem to bother him much.]

A little. I've adjusted to this place, mostly, but there's a lot of stuff around here to surprise you. [Especially the things that enjoy trying to tear you apart. Whoo boy.]

You want some help looking? It's pretty dangerous in here.

[He doesn't want to spook her, but monsters on every floor is a very apt description. Not a place for someone unarmed to be wandering about. ...Granted there are the elevators but if the person she knows is on a floor without them...]

[He sobers up again, if only a bit, dropping the act as she asks a serious question.]

We've seen some of them. I saw them when we were taken away. We didn't talk to them then--they were only talking to us--but I've met some people who know more about them, too. They act like they're running tests and stuff on us.

[He nods. He should probably space out the news, at least a little. At least the oatmeal is the least of the bad news.]

I don't like oatmeal much either, but I think you've gotta. I heard it's not pretty if you don't. But then--you don't have to eat it again, I promise. Just this once.

[Hopefully that calmness will be contagious.]

I shouldn't be surprised. It seems like a big place. [Getting torn apart would not be fun.]

It is not as if I can't take care of myself. [She'll draw herself up to her full height. But... she's still very short.] But I would not say no to your help. [She's appreciative. Really!]

[His response makes her eyebrows knit together.]

I like the sound of them less and less. And I did not have a high opinion of them to begin with.

[Start small, work your way up, Zidane.]

All right. I suppose if I have to, then I'll eat it.

[With some luck, it might just be! ...not that luck holds out for long here.]

It is. It's around forty-one floors high, and that's just the places we can get to. [Getting torn apart is never fun. It hurts like--well. No one's business, really.

Also, that smile will be getting a bit kinder and warmer, if at all possible. Short she may be, but not short on courage. Or at least, not short on acting like she's courageous. That means a lot, too.] It'd probably be a good idea to start in the Cafeteria. Everyone needs to eat, so there's a good chance someone you know would be there if they're here.

I do hope there are lifts for all of those floors. I am no slouch, but I do not think even I am accustomed to forty-one flights of stairs! [Hasn't found the elevator yet, of course.]

But yes, starting in a cafeteria is a good plan. If we have to fight any monsters in order to get there, I hopefully can summon my Eidolons. They can protect me from monsters.

There's an elevator, but it only stops on a few floors. We gotta walk everywhere else. [Said with a sheepish look, but then he gestures back up the way she came.]

It does stop on the dorms and cafeteria, though. It'll be easier than going all the way down by foot. Safer, too.

[She'll probably want to test her..."Eidolons" at some point, but for now, safer is probably the best option. Probably.]

Yeah, they just get worse, I gotta say.

[He sighs. He can't deny that. This place just keeps getting worse. Not that he wants to be too negative.]

But hey, the oatmeal's not too bad. I mean, it's Here, I'll get some for you. Sit back, relax.

[He'd rather things be as easy and easygoing here as they can be for her. He wishes he could make them easy all the time. For whatever reason, there's always oatmeal ready for the new arrivals. He serves her with his usual quickness, presenting her bowl with a flourish and a bow.]

Your Majesty. [Of course, he's just joking around.]

Ah, all right then. [As long as it stops on at least some floors.] I will be able to handle that much just fine.

I was hoping to find my summoning staff somewhere, it would help me in any instance that a monster does attack. But so far, I have not seen it.

I suppose I don't need it just yet if we just go right to the cafeteria.

[She gives a small sigh, but does not talk about it any further. Time for a more positive note.

Food.

She finds a place to sit down, smoothing her gown and placing her hands in her lap. Once he presents the oatmeal to her, she smiles. And it's genuine.]

Why thank you.

[Headtilt, and a confused look. Did she not....no, maybe she's like him in that it didn't end up here. Maybe. But could it hurt to ask?]

Did you check the trunk at the foot of your bed? It might be in there, and it's probably better to keep it with you even if we're just going straight down. Never know what can happen around here.

[There's a reason Zack himself is always armed. No sense in getting caught off guard, right?]

No, I did not check. I must have overlooked it in my haste to figure out where I was.

[She turns her head back towards the stairs.] Perhaps I should go look. Do you mind?

You wouldn't be the first person to do that. It is kinda...harsh the first couple of days here.

[Harsh is really the politest way to put it, but he'll just his head. Mind? Hardly. In fact, he'll fall into step behind her for the moment. If she wants him to leave, he will, but otherwise...well.]

Nope. Don't mind at all. We gotta stick together in this place.

Thank you, Zack. [She inclines her head and makes her way to the steps. She needs to remember which room was hers now, but she eventually finds it.

Time to search that trunk!]

[Zack nods, and when they get to her room, he stays in the doorway and leans on the frame, peering in as she looks through her trunk. He tries to be patient, but it's really only a few minutes before he speaks up.]

Find anything?

[He's hoping it's not broken like his commanding officers sword was. That was a total disaster.]

[She digs under the clothes and other items in the chest, finally finding something of promise.

It's not broken, per say, but the staff is one of her shorter ones. It's not what she was used to, but it would certainly work. It had to fit in the trunk somehow.

Picking it up, she carries it outside.]

Got it.

[Having never seen a summoner's staff before, and considering she doesn't seem upset or anything at the condition it's in, Zack will count this as a victory and grin, spinning on the heel of his boot to find the elevator.]

Then off we go! Time's a-wasting.

All right. [She holds her weapon in one hand and proceeds to follow.]

I will follow your lead.

[Then lead he shall, hitting the call button for the elevator when they reach it and pressing the button for the cafeteria once they're inside. Thankfully, the thing is quick, but there is one warning he has to give.]

This thing stops on a couple other floors, but you're better off avoiding the restaurant. Nothing worth it in there.

[Once in the elevator, she leans lightly on the wall.]

What makes you say that?

Well, I'm not sure how true it is, but...they ask for something in exhange for a meal. If you can't get it for them, they supposedly take something from you. Some kind of...[he makes a face and scratches at his cheek, unsure how to put this gently.] Well, let's just say what they take isn't worth a meal when there's free food downstairs.

Oh... [She can't imagine at the moment what they'd take, but far be it from her to not believe her guide.]

Then I will take your advice and steer clear of that place. I wouldn't want to get myself into further trouble.

[They take body parts, Garnet. Body parts. Zack...just isn't quite sure how to put that in a way that isn't terrifying. He's not so good at the sugar coating, clearly.]

Yeah....you should probably stay off of most of the upper floors, too. Anything above Floor One has a lot of monsters in it at night, but after Floor Nineteen, things get really bad. [he shivers lightly; nothing's happened to him yet, but eventually, even his luck will run out.]

Edited 2012-07-30 05:20 (UTC)

[EEK. YES, DEFINITELY STAYING AWAY FROM THERE!]

If so many of the floors are dangerous... where do people spend time? I can't imagine they all stay in one place.

[That is a good idea. A very good idea. No meal is worth a lung!]

Well, most people can fight back and the monsters only really come out at night, when everyone's in their rooms. But I guess they spend time in the libraries or the lounges. Those are pretty safe in the daylight hours.

[Mostly. Barring any attacks by people.]

Ah, so no night time strolls then... I can handle that. If there is a library, it is easier to curl up in a room with a book anyway.

I can breathe a sigh of relief in that case.

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001

Floor 38

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Floor 1 ♡

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Eeee! ♡

♡

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sorry for being a bit slow!

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No worries, slow here too! :3

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