Le désespoir

[champagnedelis.livejournal.com]

Open to all!
Setting: Floor 13
Format: Either~
Summary: Francisca reflects on the blackout and sings a hymn... as goodbye to her world.
Warnings: Angst, potential language



The voices were still whispering in her ears, her memory of the blackout far too keen. Her body still felt weighed down and tired from that far-too-close encounter with the not-England.

But England's voice had been too real.

She'd been trying to believe that England was alive - that this whole Tower business was just an elaborate scheme conjured up by some idiots smoking too much of Pays-Bas' drugs. But... perhaps she was now too tired to even attempt feeling hope.

She'd been strong as Rome and Germania would have expected of her, but even the strongest of defenses would slowly fall under constant fire.

She'd normally avoided this kind of place - too melancholy, too 'holy' for her tastes - but it was an apt setting for what she was about to do.

She moved to the altar, hearing the sudden hush of unheard voices, and took a shuddering breath, staring up at one of the beautifully decorated windows before she haltingly began to sing Pie Jesu, voice pealing out heartbrokenly in the language she'd almost forgotten since her childhood. Her eyes close as hot tears threaten to spill as she continues to sing.

England would have called her a drama-whore for it.

Comments

[princesspowaful.livejournal.com]

[Molly had to go explore the new floors, it was what a hero does after all when she heard the singing. Now, she didn't understand it but it was pretty and sad nonetheless.]

[Dying had shaken her a bit and she didn't like the feeling]

[So she comes up besides her, sits down, and leans on her lightly]

[champagnedelis.livejournal.com]

[She pauses her song for a moment, glancing down at Molly.

She gathers the girl into her lap and hugs her while continuing her song. Not anywhere near as small as her colonies had been as youngsters, but it's comforting - and Molly looks like she needs a hug.]

[princesspowaful.livejournal.com]

[Molly hugs her tightly]

You looked like you needed a hug.

[champagnedelis.livejournal.com]

[She finishes the song and chuckles hoarsely.]

Merci, ma petite. It is good to know there are heroes like you around to make sure I get my hugs when I need them.

[princesspowaful.livejournal.com]

That's what I'm here for. [she gives her a small smile] Now be happy.

[champagnedelis.livejournal.com]

[Hugs her tighter and sighs.] I will try.

[princesspowaful.livejournal.com]

And if you feel sad then you can give me more hugs! Or we can bake cookies.

[pineandmaple.livejournal.com]

Canada stood in the doorway watching France sing...It was oddly silent, she could see France singing but not hear the words. She remained silent even as she walked up the aisle and stood beside her, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"...Maman?"

[champagnedelis.livejournal.com]

France hadn't heard her arrive and was startled out of her singing, glancing up to her side. "Ah, Madeline-" She broke off and quickly rubbed her hands over her eyes to kill the tears that she'd held back. "Wh-What brings you here ma petite?"

[pineandmaple.livejournal.com]

Canada settled in closer and smiled, trying to cheer up France in some way. She wasn't very good at it.

"I was exploring. Were you singing Maman?"

[champagnedelis.livejournal.com]

France's lips quirked in a pathetic mockery of her normally bright smile and nodded. "Ouai, I thought doing so here might be best - less chance of disturbing others."

[pineandmaple.livejournal.com]

Canada shook her head and looked around quietly. The place was beautiful if not a bit eerie.

"It reminds me of visiting you here. You always loved your churches, oui?" Canada smiled at her and shrugged, "I don't think anyone would be disturbed by it."

[champagnedelis.livejournal.com]

"It is nothing like Notre Dame de Paris, but..." She trailed off and shrugged. "It serves it's purpose."

[vanavanushka.livejournal.com]

Ivan slowly peered into the church, the new rooms making him curious--after all, new rooms meant unexplored areas, and unexplored areas always added the hope of escape. His brows raised when he saw the woman, a small frown on his face, watching as her lips moved and no sound came out.

After a long moment he started forward, curious onto what was the matter, moving quietly, though the church's odd effects made him silent. He stayed quiet, especially when he was finally able to hear her, pausing where he stood behind her, and listening to her sing, eyes going to the alter after a moment, before finally closing. He said nothing, instead just listening, not willing to interrupt. It had been a while since he'd heard music, and though it was not his, it was beautiful all the same.

[champagnedelis.livejournal.com]

Francisca continued to sing, unknowing that Ivan was behind her. The tears began to flow and her voice wavered on the last few bars, the Latin suddenly overflowing with emotion that she couldn't contain. Her figure shook and she put her hands over her mouth, muffling her choked sobs.

[vanavanushka.livejournal.com]

While he was used to women crying, he still didn't like it--didn't like any tears, and he frowned, slowly placing a hand on her shoulder, a little awkwardly, uncertain onto what to do or how to help, but certain that he wished to.

[champagnedelis.livejournal.com]

Francisca jerked with surprise, quickly scrubbing at the tears before glancing back at the man. "C-Can I help you?"

[vanavanushka.livejournal.com]

"I think that should be being my question," he replied, giving her a sad, sheepish look, before pulling out a handkerchief and offering it to her. "You can be using... is helping, da?"

[champagnedelis.livejournal.com]

She blinked at the offered handkerchief and gave him a small smile, carefully taking it from his hand. "Merci... You are Russian?" She used the little cloth to attempt fixing her makeup - thank God for tear-proof mascara and eyeliner!

[theoryofprocess.livejournal.com]

Nagi had been drawn to western architecture for as long as she could remember, so floor thirteen had been on her to-do list for a while. However, she hadn't expected to run in to anyone else- let alone someone singing. Nagi kept a respectful distance from the stranger, absent-mindedly stroking her hair as she listened. Not a language Nagi knew, but the summoner could respect it.

"That was beautiful."

[champagnedelis.livejournal.com]

Francisca's head jerked up and she glanced back at the stranger, forcing her emotions down - ugh, England was right, she went around showing too much of what should be kept hidden.

She smiled, composed, and answered, "Thank you - I am a bit rusty though... Did you come to pray or explore?"

[theoryofprocess.livejournal.com]

Nagi's lips pursed when the woman jerked, looking down at the ground after a moment's hesitation. "I apologize if my process has startled you. I meant nothing by it."

Nagi took a deep sigh, glancing about the room with a sense of wonder, before properly answering the question. "The theory that has lead me here is investigation...though I confess, I am also admiring. The only other church I have ever seen was in the Capitol."

[champagnedelis.livejournal.com]

"Ah, then you must have much to see," Francisca answered, smile growing. "If only you could visit my homeland... we have beautiful churches and architechture that has lasted for centuries-"

Well.... if she was to believe what the Tower staff kept drilling into their heads...

Her face fell a bit and she glanced to the side before smiling brightly. "So, what are you investigating?"

[theoryofprocess.livejournal.com]

"Your homeland?" Nagi tilted her head, still stroking her hair. It was a bit of a nervous habit. "I haven't left Japan very often, unless we count this place. But, such is conjecture as to the location of this place."

Nagi shook her head, straightening her posture and bowing formally. "I am a Demon Summoner, ma'am. We investigate and handle any and all supernatural maladies that befall Japan. Though in theory, I suppose my job has become to watch over this tower instead." She took a pause, as if trying to rein in her wordiness. "I am working through the process of understanding this place, in short."

[champagnedelis.livejournal.com]

"France," she added, smiling. "Ah, if you can return to your world, I suggest you visit France - it is a beautiful place..."

If it wasn't gone.

She tilted her head at Nagi's introduction and stared for a bit. Hmm, she'd get along very well with Engla-

Not.

Going.

There.

She nodded in understanding instead. "I see... perhaps you should speak with the Doctor and Shoutarou - they have also been investigating the tower closer, it might help you somewhat?"