No real escape

[absolute_perception]

Characters: Elian Zigmarl and Ryuho Ryu
Setting: Room 1-12
Format: Prose
Summary: Elian has to help out a friend from his world. It's not going to be easy.
Warnings: Death talk, emotional breakdowns, and seismic upthrusts and a lot of other things that might not make a lot of sense.

With the arrival of Ryuho came the complicated matter of taking care of his leader. He had to choose his words carefully considering now that he had no memories. Elian made his way through the halls from his current location at the infirmary, to his friend's room. There really wasn't much that he could do other than to help Ryuho understand what was going on.

The navigation came easy to him, since he worked on these floors. It was a menial job but it had its benefits. The trek through the halls allowed him time to think. It was important to make sure that Ryuho knew precisely what was happening and he left very little to chance. It was a gamble he chose not to take by leaving his friend to face his issues alone.

The otherwise stoic boy didn't show any happiness on his face through his walk. It was as if it was business as usual with the same impassive expression. All those years of discipline and training made him socially invisible and rarely has he gone out of his way to explain anything other than to those that needed to know.

This was one such incident. His small hand reached up to knock on the door upon his approach to room 1-12.

Comments

[calculatedfire]

I see.

[There wasn't mistrust in his eyes. The hardness and paranoia of the years after his mother's death were done, leaving only the gentle personality of his youth.]

It's hard to believe, I don't even remember being an alter user.

So, may name is Ryuho?

[absolute_perception]

Correct. You are the heir to the Tairen Dynasty and son to Ryu Tairen. You come from a noble family. How much do you remember?

[Elian gauges Ryuho carefully for any signs of mental distortion. There was a lot of that going around lately.]

[calculatedfire]

[Ryuho paused and then shook his head.] Nothing at all. I was in the lost ground and something bad happened recently. I was looking for work because I was hungry.

[absolute_perception]

Are you sure it was work you were looking for?

[In this place, Elian was used to having all the answers until his arrival that shook his very foundation. It wasn't his fault that he couldn't "scan" Ryuho to find out more. That ability was taken from him.]

I shouldn't have assumed anything. My apologies. Your Alter powers will return to you in time. For now, focus on getting some rest. Perhaps over a meal we can discuss more. There is still much to cover.

[calculatedfire]

Is there a place to get more clothing?

[He found the tight white outfit rather uncomfortable.]

[absolute_perception]

[He moved toward the end of Ryuho's bed and stood in front of the footlocker and pointed at it. He had to take in consideration their timelines and one important thing he had to keep in mind, not everything needed to be revealed. Elian was from a future that hasn't happened yet in Ryuho's time.]

Anything you need should be in the locker.

[calculatedfire]

[Ryuho walked over to check on the cehst, opening it to look over what looked like his very normal pants and shirt. He paused and picked up the HOLY uniform in his size, frankly surprised to see it, even though the boy had said that he was an alter user.]

[absolute_perception]

[Elian noted the pause and nodded his head.]

It is not wise to wear something that you are not comfortable in. Save it for another time, my friend. It will come to you eventually. Pushing memories that may not be yours is not the answer to solve your dilemma.

My fa... no, Commander Zigmarl stated once that if you do not believe in something, then you are walking into a forest of darkness and uncertainty. You must choose your way when they present themselves.

[calculatedfire]

[He set the uniform down, unsettled what it meant about him.]

They have my regular clothing as well.

[He pulled out the regular shirt and pants, leaving the ratted cloak in the chest.]

[absolute_perception]

[Elian gave a nod and left the area while Ryuho changed clothes.]

I understand.

[calculatedfire]

I'm sorry if I'm different than what I should be.

[absolute_perception]

We all change when it becomes necessary.

[Even Elian was different than he once was. He's talking a lot more than he had before. Another change, he's much more assertive in his actions.]

It's inevitable to adapt.

[calculatedfire]

Still, I am sorry that I do not remember you. If you are my friend, I must have hurt you by saying that.

[absolute_perception]

It's alright. I've been under the scope of many at HOLY, I take no offense. I wouldn't be doing my job if I were completely public.

[Which is the truth. He didn't mind the social invisibility. It made his job easier.]

[calculatedfire]

Do you do a job here?

[absolute_perception]

I'm a janitor here in this Tower. It was a task given to me by the Administration. It's also a job that allows me to see and hear many things that go on.

[It's also a job that he takes with grace and in stride. It's a hard job, but one that has interesting benefits.]

[calculatedfire]

Are jobs assigned, or do you volunteer for them?

[absolute_perception]

Mine was assigned to me. You can choose yours.

[calculatedfire]

How is that done?

[absolute_perception]

[He nods and recalls the information.]

There are two ways to get a job here. One way is to ask over the network, the other is to go to the appropriate places yourself and apply. The jobs are, security, library, janitor, infirmary, cafeteria, or you can create your own business.

[calculatedfire]

Even if food is provided here, I would not feel right if I was not working somehow.

[absolute_perception]

[That was exactly how Elian felt about it. There was no way he was going to mooch off the system and feel obligated when he could contribute and be a part of something more.]

There are teachers here. Perhaps you could start a school. I teach language courses on the side.

[calculatedfire]

I'm not sure what I could teach. Are there many children here?

[absolute_perception]

[Elian nods again.]

Yes. They have formed their own group. I am among them.

[calculatedfire]

How many people are here in all? How many are children?