towerofanimus | unchanging, the earth will always keep on spinning

Entry tags:

unchanging, the earth will always keep on spinning

Characters: Some death kid (Ryoji), a swishy-haired jerk (Sephiroth), and you!
Setting: Dorm 4-16, and Floor 14 to start, but the rest can happen anywhere else. Sephiroth will be training in the gymnasium as well, should anyone want lone encounters with him.
Format: Prose to start, but I'll match.
Summary: Ryoji has just woken up in his new dorm room, and is going about a 'normal' day in the Tower, though he does feel a little strange...
Warnings: Someone is messing with Ryoji slightly, so expect threadjacking that results in bizarre mood swings and paranoia. Ryoji's opinions of various CR may be slightly messed with. Other than that he should be fine this time around.

Dorm 4-16

Even though Ryoji had gotten that letter, it was still a bit of a shock to wake up in a new room. As soon as he was able to move, he sat up as quickly as possible and checked the trunk. Everything there was still the same. Nothing was damaged. It seemed so strange, to be magically transported a few rooms down in the middle of the night, but he supposes stranger things have happened.

He's a little embarrassed that his love-sick request actually got fulfilled, but he has to admit it isn't too bad. He's managed to at least partly forgive himself for brutally murdering Diarmuid, enough to be able to look him in the eyes and smile honestly again, and though he didn't know Lancer very well, he seemed nice enough. Strange, though. Diarmuid hadn't mentioned who his other roommate was...

He'll stay in the room for a while, just to get his thoughts in order, and maybe see if anyone shows up, but after a while, he's ready to go about his regular business. As he leaves his doorway, he pushes a bit of an uncomfortable feeling to the side. He felt strange, but he was certain he wasn't sick. It was simply an interesting start to the day that made him feel like this, nothing more.

Floor 14

A few hours later, Ryoji has already forgotten about that nagging paranoia, and is enjoying an animated film with some cartoon animals. He hasn't seen this one before, and is clearly invested in the story. His eyes light up as one of the characters bounces onscreen, and he's laughing at all the right times.

If anyone decides to enter the floor, he'll be a little too absorbed in the movie to notice them, but he still wouldn't mind a distraction.

Any other public area in the tower

Unfortunately, some of those distractions ended up going a tad awry, and now Ryoji's starting to suspect that he should have trusted his instinct this morning. He can be found on any other floor, but whether he's reading in the library or getting rid of some of the monsters on infested floors, he's keeping his distance unless spoken to. Then he'll shove his worries down and try to hold a regular conversation. He just hopes he's just having a bad day. His friends are still trustworthy, aren't they? He's just reading into things too much. Maybe he didn't completely get over how he acted during that experiment.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Diarmuid's face lights up when Ryoji asks him to talk about his hero's stories.]

He was my homeland's greatest hero. When he was just a child he killed a monstrous guard dog all by himself. That is what earned him the name he goes by now. And after that he went off to train under the greatest warrior and teacher of our time. That adventure earned him his spear, but it also earned him his wife, though he had to fight for her when he got back from learning everything he could learn.

Later, he fought a whole army all by himself. He was so amazing. He...

[Diarmuid suddenly stops, turning bright red in embarrassment.]

Sorry, I will stop now...

[Ryoji laughs, but not at all unkindly. He finds the stories very exciting, and pretty different from what the stories of his own world told. There's also one other thing that amuses him.]

You don't need to stop. He sounds like a really good hero to have. I'm just surprised that someone like you has their own role model.

[Seeing as Ryoji considers Diarmuid his own role model... Ryoji is definitely curious about Lancer now.]

[Diarmuid laughs as well, his embarrassment fading slightly.]

I think everyone has someone they look up to be it a hero or a friend or even a parent. There is always someone whose actions catch your imagination and make you go "I want to be like them." Now, a lot of the time heroes and role models change and I think they should. After all, you as a person change as you grow. And a lot of people have more than one person they would like to be like.

[He pauses a moment, not sure if he should ask this question or not. He doesn't want to accidentally upset Ryoji, but at the same time he can't help but wonder if it is something the boy has ever thought about. Oddly enough, as much as he helps others, he's never stopped to think that make people see him as a good role model.]

Do you have a hero or a role model you look up to? I know you admire Minato a lot...

[Though, with Minato, Diarmuid is pretty sure those feelings of admiration are of a different sort.]

I guess that makes sense. It just seemed strange to me. You didn't really seem like you needed a role model.

[The question doesn't at all upset Ryoji. Since coming here, he's found many people to look up to. Maybe it's because he thinks he has a lot to work on before he can become a 'good person', and maybe because his experiences being given life from Minato gave him a deep respect for all humans. Either way, he can admit to himself that he has role models.

He just might be too embarrassed to state it out loud.]

Um, I guess so... Minato is a really good friend, and he definitely should be a role model. I honestly never thought about it, but I think that's because I've always admired him. That hasn't changed. I mean, to give up what he did... it's just so amazing to me.

[And Diarmuid may be right about those different feelings, because he still flushes slightly when he remembers everything Minato did for him.]

A-And I always thought of you as a role model. I mean, you accepted me even after what I did, and always help me, though I keep trying to stop you from helping.

I-I'm a role model to you?

[There comes the embarrassment back at full force.]

I...I'm not sure what to say other than I am very honored. I hope that I don't disappoint you. I know I sometimes make mistakes, but everyone does. It's nothing to be ashamed of and it's probably good to have a role model who isn't perfect. That way it is easier to understand why it is okay not to be perfect.

[Diarmuid suddenly falls silent. He feels like he's rambling and that isn't helping him feel any less embarrassed. After a few moments, he starts talking again, but on a slightly different topic.]

Even I was a confused child once. if it wasn't for my father, friends and even my lord, I would not be the person I am now. I bet Minato has people he looks to as role models too. Have you ever asked him about that kind of thing?

You haven't disappointed me at all! You don't need to worry about that. I already know that people aren't perfect.

[He smallows, looking down at his feet, sheepish.]

Besides, the real reason you are a role model is because you're so kind. You were nice to me even after meeting Nyx, and didn't let her presence bother you. You have so many good qualities. That's what matters. The mistakes don't matter at all. They don't make me think any less of you.

[Ryoji's smile becomes a little sad as he thinks about Minato's past.]

Ah... I never asked him. It didn't seem like there were many people he could look up to. His parents died when he was young, and I don't think he had many relatives.

[Diarmuid returns Ryoji's sheepish look with one of his own.]

Perhaps if you keep telling me that one day I will remember to believe it. I fault myself too much for my mistakes I'm afraid. I tell others not to let their mistakes slow them down and yet I let mine do that to me. It's wrong and I am really trying to stop myself from doing it, but it is a struggle.

[He pauses a moment, listening to what Ryoji has to say about Minato, his own expression saddening when he hears what the boy has endured.]

Fate really isn't kind to any of her chosen is she? It is a shame he has had to go through so much, but it is also impressive that he has been able to take all of that and turn it into such strength. Indeed, I think it is that skill that makes people heroes.

Well, you tell me enough things that I need to believe, so we both have a lot to work on.

[Ryoji will try not to mention that he and Diarmuid sound like their flaws are fairly similar. Diarmuid's already seen in this very conversation that Ryoji puts too much guilt on himself for making mistakes.

Thankfully, he brightens a bit when Diarmuid compliments Minato. ~~yay daddy approves~~]

He definitely is a hero. He never thought he was that impressive, but to keep going and to stay strong when everyone else in the world had given up...

[Diarmuid nods. Ryoji doesn't really need to mention how similar their flaws are. Diarmuid is well aware of the fact already and that is part of the reason he wants to help Ryoji so much. He recognizes his own flaws in the boy and wants him to avoid as much of the accompanying pain as possible. In addition, it seems that as the boy works through his own problems and becomes stronger for it, Diarmuid is helped to do the same.

And there is no way he is going to argue with them both getting stronger.]

We do, but with the strong people we have to look up to, I expect we will both be fine as long as we don't give up. Just like your friend didn't.

[~~Of course daddy approves of Minato!~~]

Sometimes, I think the best heroes never realize they are such. They remain human and humble despite all they have done.

[Perhaps they have more similarities than just their looks. Either way, if Ryoji knew that his recovery was Diarmuid's, he'd be happier. Honestly, he may even get better quicker, knowing that he was helping someone.]

It's true. There are so many strong people here... It would be nice to be like them someday.

[~~Perhaps Diarmuid will start seeing a lot more of him...~~]

No, they don't. I guess it's just up to me and his other friends to be proud of him.

You will be someday and so will I.

[Diarmuid sounds very confident in this.]

Even if it takes a long time and even if we stumble we will make it there both for ourselves and for people like Minato.

I know you're already there. And as long as I can do this for the people I care about, then I don't care how long it takes.

[As long as Minato stays here long enough to see it.]

I don't know if I would say I am there. I am strong, but I would like to be stronger.

[He smiles at Ryoji.]

Still, I am glad to hear you say that. It is a good goal and now that we are both in the same room, we can make sure we support each other as we work toward it.

I think you're more than strong enough.

I'm really glad we're in the same room. It makes it a lot easier to know where to find you!

[Ryoji doesn't want to be selfish, but he wouldn't mind spending more time with Diarmuid. Maybe they can see a couple movies without Ryoji acting so strange.]

As you say.

[Diarmuid knows he could probably argue all day with Ryoji about how strong the boy thinks he is or is not, but that isn't the point and so Diarmuid lets things go.]

I didn't realize I was so hard to find, but this will certainly make things easier. If nothing else, you can always easily leave a note on my bed now. And...it will make it easier for me to find you as well. It is a two-fold advantage.

[And Ryoji, as immature as he is sometimes, will take Diarmuid's silence as a success.]

It's not that you're hard to find. It's just that you're so busy.

[He chuckles.]

Have you been looking for me lately?

Am I...really that busy?

[It doesn't seem that way to him, but he is a warrior and if there is something to be done, he's usually working on doing it, so his idea of busy is very different from most other people's.]

Of course I have been looking for you! Not for anything specific mind you, but I always keep my eyes open for those I care about.

[Diarmuid is never to busy to find time for his friends and family.]

You're busier than a lot of people here! You're always finding a way to help people. I was almost thinking about asking if there's any way I can join in.

[Ryoji's not a warrior, but he's still trying to help in the Tower however he can.]

I guess that makes sense. I'm always looking out for everyone too.

[Diarmuid smiles warmly at him.]

You are welcome to come help me anytime you want. I have several people who sometimes come with me on my patrols. There is only one thing I ask of them and I would ask the same thing of you if you came along. Some of the floors are very dangerous and unpredictable. I think that really goes without saying. You must promise to listen to whatever instruction or order I give without question. Even if that means potentially leaving me behind on a floor.

[Ryoji offers a small nod.]

Thank you. I'd like to come...

I'm not sure how I feel about leaving you behind though. I don't have a problem listening to instructions but... I don't know what I'd do if you got hurt.

[And it'd be his fault again, for abandoning Diarmuid when he needed him.]

[Diarmuid's smile grows concerned at Ryoji's words.]

That is the problem and why you must agree to what I ask. The floors... You and I know well some are meant to kill. What you may not know is that some, once actions are set in motion, cannot have their outcomes altered. I cannot in good conscious take anyone with me who will die themselves in a vain attempt to save me from something that cannot be stopped.

[His expression softens.]

Especially, if I know that person would blame themselves when it is not their fault at all.

[Ryoji swallows. He knows Diarmuid will hate to hear this, but he has to tell him what he will and will not do.]

I understand. I know what some of these floors do, and I've experienced some of their effects. But none of that matters, and that's why I can't agree.

It would be better for me if I died with you than if I ran away from something without at least trying to fight.

Edited 2013-08-08 02:27 (UTC)

[Diarmuid is quiet for several long moments before shutting his eyes and shaking his head.]

I'm sorry. I can't agree to take you with me if you won't agree to that rule. Believe me, I understand your reasoning and I value your loyalty and your bravery, but...

...I just can't put you at risk like that. You mean to much too me. I'm sorry. I hope you can understand. I even made my brother agree to that rule.

[Ryoji’s eyes widen, and he backtracks. He doesn’t want Diarmuid to go alone, even if he can take care of himself. Even if Diarmuid wouldn’t let him help if there was serious trouble, it may be better to know that something happened, instead of waiting for him to return while completely in the dark about what was going on. Besides, Diarmuid is his teacher, and his adoptive father. He is the one with the authority, and though Ryoji wasn’t really a child anymore (not mentally, anyways), he should still listen to Diarmuid. Hopefully it isn’t too late for Diarmuid to trust that Ryoji will keep his word.]

No! I’ll agree to it. I don’t want to… I don’t want you to risk getting hurt, but if I can help you until you make me leave, then it’s better than nothing.

[Diarmuid raises an eyebrow at the sudden change, but he doesn't question it. His brother had fought against that rule too and Waver...well there were still floors Diarmuid avoided when Waver was with him because he didn't want to put the man into a position where he might have to break his promise.]

I trust you, Ryoji, but this promise is an important one so I will ask you once more just in case you wish to change your mind. Do you promise to obey my commands if I order you to do something while we are patrolling? This may include leaving a floor and abandoning me to death. Are you positive you can do that?

unchanging, the earth will always keep on spinning

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)