Happy Birthday, Ryoji

[puppy_lancer]

Characters: You know the drill. Lancer puppy_lancer, Ryoji notsogrimreaper, the people they invited between the two of them, and everybody else who just happens to stumble into the party.
Setting: Floor 25, November 17, morning-evening
Format: Open, anything goes
Summary: It's Ryoji's birthday, so Lancer is throwing him a big party. Anyone is welcome in! (And nobody is gonna kick out those who aren't so welcome)
Warnings: None for now

[It's been a long time since Lancer had thrown any parties. Therefore, he's making this bigger and grander than the last two parties he's thrown. It's a good way for him to distract himself from all the emotional turmoil that had popped up during the battle with Sephiroth, if anything.]

[There's two tables laden with food over at one side of the floor. The centerpiece for that is a big double-tier cake with "HAPPY BIRTHDAY RYOJI" written over the side of the bottom layer. The top layer is little more than a glorified candle holder, as several handfuls of candles have been jammed all over that second layer.]

[Over on the other side, there was a variety of party games. They're all old favorites like pin the tail on the piggy (pinning spiraling paper tails onto a "pig" with Ganon's face), apple bobbing (various fruits in a water-filled wooden barrel), and everyone's favorite--the pinata (a scarecrow with a berry-filled paper mache head supposed to represent Jason).]

[In the center of the floor, there is a stage nailed together from wooden boards. A ways behind that, a pile of wood stacks into a bonfire pyre. A turnip lantern leers at the party goers from one corner of the stage.]

[For decorations, there are black feathers and crude little paper doll cutouts resembling angels scattered around on the ground or in the corners of the dining tables. There are also a few more turnip lanterns.]

[And of course, Lancer, like a good host, stands on the stage, dressed like a hobby horse, waiting for people to show up. He's feeling pretty relaxed, if only because the major unwanted guest, Sephiroth, was locked up and in no danger of crashing this party.]

Comments

[notsogrimreaper]

[Ryoji doesn't need more of an explanation anyways. He's just happy to have made a new friend, and a friend that was nice enough to give him a present. He offers a grin.]

Would it really? I've never gotten to celebrate a birthday before... Honestly, I'm just happy to see people here and having fun.

[He looks at the bracelets in surprise, cautiously lifting one up and examining the glow. The green one almost reminds him of the moonlight during the Dark Hour... which is unsettling, but does make him wonder if there's more to these bracelets than meets the eye.

He ignores the question of his age for now. He looks like a teenager, so he doesn't want to cause confusion by saying he's eleven, or really only a year old... or as old as time itself. It's complicated.]

No, don't worry! These are really nice. I like them... How did you get them to glow like that?

[monstrueux]

Yes, of course it would, that is the custom. And such a shame you have not celebrated one before now. Was it not traditional to do so in your world?

[Those who can sense such things would likely notice that the magic infusing the bracelets is pretty close to being completely evil.]

I am pleased you like them! I am a youkai magician, so such magic is not difficult for me.

[He's not actually a youkai magician, obviously, but he was mistaken for one, and he likes how it sounds, so he's decided to adopt the title. He doesn't consider it a lie.]

You wear one of them and give the other to your closest friend. Then, you can sense them, and you will be aware of their location, wherever they might be! You will never be parted. [He points toward the purple bracelet.] If you wear that one, you can also control the actions of the one who wears the other, if need be. So, if they should be in danger, you can move them out of it.

[So, kind of friendship bracelets and kind of brainwashing bracelets.]

well that escalated quickly XD

[notsogrimreaper]

It was traditional, but I... well, this is going to sound confusing, but despite appearances, I didn't truly 'live' long enough to celebrate a birthday back home.

[Ryoji, being a Shadow, is pretty certain he can sense something very not good about those bracelets, and ends up feeling a bit unsettled even before he hears the explanation.]

Y-Youkai magician? What do you mean?

[Does this guy summon ghosts? Or maybe he exorcises them...

Ryoji tries to give him the benefit of the doubt, especially when he hears the first part of their use. Sensing where someone is sounds very nice, actually. Maybe he'll give one to Minato; despite this version not remembering him, Ryoji wants to keep an eye on him-

...oh. Oh, no. Ryoji has had more than a few experiences with brainwashing, even before arriving here. There's a part of the goddess' influence still inside his body now, and of course, just a few days ago, they'd fought the man who had forced Ryoji to attack his adoptive father and girlfriend. He doesn't like the feeling of losing control of his own body, and he doesn't imagine anyone else does.

He swallows down his fear and tries to keep smiling.]

I-I see! That's... that's really interesting. I'll be sure to put them to good use!

[And throw them in his trunk where no one can find them...]

such is life with Caster, the great escalator

[monstrueux]

Oh no? Are you truly so young, then? You do not appear to be so.

[Gilles looks him over thoughtfully.]

I am a youkai and a magician.

[It might be easier for Gilles to answer that question if he had any idea what he was talking about, but Nue had called him a youkai, and this is good enough for him.

Sadly, he genuinely believes his present is good! He worked very hard on it. His moral judgment is just completely warped.]

I hope they will be of some use to you! A deep bond of complete trust and love--there can be no greater gift in this world or any other!

please don't kill me crazy murderer magician

[notsogrimreaper]

I'm pretty young, actually... it really depends how you look at it. I'd say I've only truly lived as a human for about a year now.

[Now you're just confusing him further, strange, terrifying man.]

How can you be a youkai, though? They're supposed to be spirits or monsters...

[Ryoji kind of holds the box a bit further away from himself, and smiles nervously. He's honestly creeped out, but he doesn't want to offend this man by not accepting his gift... plus, he looks like he doesn't notice the unfortunate implications.]

That's... that's a nice thought, a bond like that... I don't know if I'll ever have one like that, but thank you.

he's trying to be good he swears!!!

[monstrueux]

A year... As a human... then you are not one, but something other?

[This is intriguing.]

I am a spirit and a monster! I am not human.

[Nicely said, Gilles. Way to sell yourself.]

I have such a bond, with Ryuunosuke and with Jeanne.

[Gilles has a habit of discussing people he knows as if other people know exactly who he's talking about.]

I would give either of them the means to control me completely. Such is my trust! You are welcome. As I said, I do not know what people of your age and era enjoy, and it is not so easy to find gifts here.

what is your definition of good Caster?

[notsogrimreaper]

...No, I'm not. I'm a monster known as a Shadow, a piece of darkness that feeds on human emotions. I'm a powerful one, with close ties to a being that's almost a goddess, but... still just a Shadow.

[He feels a little uncomfortable, and feels like he probably shouldn't have said that much, especially with Gilles apparent glee over non-humans.]

I-I'm sorry, but I don't know who Ryuunosuke and Jeanne are.

And really, it's okay. I probably don't have normal tastes either. I like your gift though. The bracelets are very pretty.

his definition of good is Jeanne, he just sucks at being good

[monstrueux]

A shadow--! How poetic, how beautiful. Do you feed on others here, as well?

[Gilles doesn't seem any less gleeful at this.]

The great artist Ryuunosuke Uryuu and the Sainted Virgin, Jeanne d'Arc. Perhaps if you are fortunate, you might meet them!

Yes, they are lovely, are they not? The magic shines with an infernal light. I too do not have normal tastes. It is difficult for people to understand!

All right. Time for Puppy Dad to step in...

[oathshackledbird]

[Because of the puppy ears and tail Diarmuid gained as a result of an 'accident' on floor 86, he has been trying to stay out of the crowd and away from most people's eyes. However, when he feels a certain familiar Servant presence enter the floor, his whole body goes tense, growing even more so when that presence lingers around Ryoji.

There is no way he is letting Caster touch his son. Not with what he has seen the monster do.

Quick steps bring him to Ryoji's side and once there, he actually puts an arm out between the boy and Caster.]

So you're back...

[So threatening, isn't he? With those fuzzy ears and tail?]

Hooray for Puppy Dad! Save him from this... 'good' guy.

[notsogrimreaper]

[Ryoji had been standing around awkwardly, stammering as he tries to find a response to Caster's question. He certainly doesn't think there's anything poetic or beautiful about what he is, and he doesn't at all want to feed on people. The man probably is asking the question innocently, but Ryoji isn't so sure if he can trust his judgement on that, considering the man's... abnormal tastes.

So when Diarmuid arrives, stepping between the two of them, Ryoji is relieved for a moment. Just a moment, though, as he quickly realized Diarmuid knows this person, and from the tone of his voice, it seems like they weren't on the best terms.]

F-Father...?

[monstrueux]

[The smile fades from Gilles' face, and he scowls. He remembers Diarmuid. This is the Servant who had stood between him and Jeanne, who had injured his spellbook! He's glad his book is safely hidden away, where it cannot be harmed.]

Back? This is the first time I have come here.

[He frowns down at that arm, warily. Rude! He wasn't even standing near him!]

I may do as I wish, do not seek to obstruct me!

[oathshackledbird]

[Diarmuid curses softly, his arm not moving from between Ryoji and Caster no matter now far apart they may be.]

Stupid second magic...

Never mind. Do you really think we will allow you to just do whatever you want? The last time you did, too many innocent lives were lost! Too many young innocent lives!

[He looks back at Ryoji from the corners of his eyes, unwilling to completely take his eyes off Caster.]

Do not trust anything this man says or does. He is a madman who sees art in people's suffering...

[Quite literally.]

[notsogrimreaper]

[Ryoji remains still in shock as Diarmuid scolds the other man. Young innocent lives? Then this man was a killer... and here he had seemed nice, if a little misguided. Ryoji tries to reach out for Diarmuid's arm, to pull him back or comfort him, he doesn't know, but when Diarmuid looks back at him his hand shoots back up to his scarf, pulling the folds of it up to cover his frown.

His voice is quiet when he gets the courage to speak, a sign that even he doesn't believe what he's trying to convince Diarmuid of now.]

I think he was trying to be good... I don't think he was interested in suffering...

[But perhaps madmen are the ones that appear to have the best intentions sometimes.]

[monstrueux]

[Gilles feels offended. He's been trying so hard, and he even made a present! Now this man, this cruel man, is ruining his efforts with his words. He doesn't wish to disappoint Jeanne!]

You do not know me!

I have been bathed in the light of redemption! It washed over me in a flood and showed me the error of my ways. I have promised Jeanne not to harm the innocents. Jeanne has forgiven me.

I merely sought to wish Ryoji a happy birthday!

[oathshackledbird]

The light of redemption?

[Diarmuid laughs, a harsh edge to the laughter.]

You mean Excalibur's light? There was no Jeanne at that battle, madman. Your redemption is imagined at best and self-indulgent at worst.

[His eyes narrow, puppy ears flicking angrily.]

You have passed on your wish, now you may pass along as well. And if you want to be 'good' for Jeanne perhaps you can start by staying away from the children who live in this place. They face enough monsters without having to face you as well.

[monstrueux]

I know all about the false Jeanne! You do not know about the light.

[Well, they say Excalibur does have a special effect when it comes to knights... And that's what happened to Gilles. Get with the Jeanne program, Lancer! Gilles is with the program (sort of).]

I speak of the true Jeanne, who I have met here, who remembered me and called me by my name.

[Gilles doesn't even notice the puppy ears, as he's too agitated, but he scowls at Lancer. Lancer telling him not to do something makes him want to do it more. But--he's still being good! For Jeanne's sake.]

I have told you already that I will do as I will. Gentle Shadow--

[Ignoring Lancer, he turns to Ryoji, his gaze imploring.]

If you can truly feed on our emotions, can you steal the poison and pollution from a man's heart? Can you remove the rage and grief that has driven him mad?

[Gilles doesn't actually know how feeding on emotions works, but it's worth a shot.]

[notsogrimreaper]

[Ryoji is doing his best to follow the conversation, but he's getting lost when most phrases aren't explained. He wants to believe that Gilles was redeemed and is trying to be good now, but he isn't sure believing that is a good plan when Diarmuid mentioned staying away from children. Did Gilles do something back in their world involving children? Was he a 'monster' in every sense of the word or merely physically, like Ryoji?

The question directed towards him makes him jump. He'd never think to put 'gentle' and 'Shadow' together, for one thing, but more importantly, Ryoji is about as knowledgeable on what his less human counterparts did to humans as Gilles is. He knows most of them just attack and devour the whole host, and that power comes from negative emotions. He imagines they need those feelings to be strengthened, not removed, but... he can't know for sure.]

I... I wouldn't do that! I haven't ever...

[He hasn't wanted to feed on people enough to overcome his human desire to keep others safe. Still, he can't find the words to say that.]

[oathshackledbird]

[For a moment, Diarmuid's not sure how to feel about Caster's words. Could it be that he actually is trying to be better as unbelievable as that might seem? And then he realizes what Caster wants Ryoji to do and any possible good will that he might have been feeling toward Caster for at least trying, vanishes.]

Even if it were possible you will not use my son for such a terrible thing! We all have our demons and we faced and defeated them ourselves to become the good people we are now. If you wish to be good, you must face your own demons in the same way. You cannot just give them to another. What would Jeanne...

Wait...your Jeanne is here?

[A memory flashes across Diarmuid's mind. A conversation long ago with one who had been convinced that the other Caster who was briefly in the Tower could be redeemed.]

Ruler. Ruler is your Jeanne...

[monstrueux]

Use? But if he is darkness that feeds on emotion, will that not please him? With so much suffering, I must be a feast.

[He really doesn't get it.]

Jeanne is Jeanne!

[She didn't tell him she was called Ruler, so again, he doesn't get it. He doesn't get a lot of things.]

But yes, she is here! I spoke to her! I lay at her feet and begged her forgiveness, as I should! And she showed mercy on such a wretch.

[notsogrimreaper]

I-I'm sorry! I don't want to... I won't like it.

[He understands how painful it must be for Caster, but he doesn't want to revert back to that kind of monster when Minato was kind enough to give him humanity. He just shakes his head, taking another step back.

The rest of the conversation is difficult to follow, and the more this continues, the more uncomfortable Ryoji is getting. Maybe he should get Diarmuid to leave... but he doesn't want to cause any trouble... Gilles is obviously mad, but maybe he needs help.]

[oathshackledbird]

He is not darkness. He is a boy. A boy who happens to be my son. It doesn't matter what special powers he has or what his origin was.

[Diarmuid looks back at Ryoji trying to give him the most comforting look he can. At the same time, he also steps back so he can put his arm around his son's shoulders protectively.]

You don't have to do anything you don't want to. I swear it.

[His gaze shifts back to Caster and his eyes narrow.]

I will give you credit for wishing to try and 'fix' yourself, but you will have to find a different way. Do you understand? Do not make me have to speak to Jeanne about your actions here. I do not think she will approve of you trying to use Ryoji like this.

[monstrueux]

[Gilles ignores the whole son issue; people's familial relations aren't relevant to him one way or the other. He thinks being darkness is a lot more cool.]

I have done nothing wrong, it is you who are maligning me! Do not twist my words. I intended him no harm. I asked, I did not injure him. Jeanne will believe me.

Of course you need not do it if you do not like, I would not force you. [He thought he was being cordial; surely creatures who feed on emotion would enjoy someone so emotional, but apparently not! He's just in trouble.]

I thought there could be one who can pluck out madness as one plucks out the offending eye!

[notsogrimreaper]

...I know you didn't mean to hurt me. And I'm sorry I can't help.

[Ryoji looks away, shame evident on his face. He shouldn't have panicked. What he is might in fact sound interesting or cool to people that don't know that whole story. He should have just explained that his true form isn't kind like he is in human form.]

I just don't like using those powers.

[oathshackledbird]

[Don't even break out the 'c' word with Diarmuid, Caster. He will shove it back down your throat with a smile even, since this is Ryoji's birthday party, and he's trying to be 'pleasant.']

I will give you credit for asking, but do not even try to say you have done no wrong. How many children back on your world will never see their parents again because of you and your master? How many will never be held, their fears quieted by loving arms again?

[His gaze turns sharp and though his voice is softer, it also holds an edge.]

Just because your precious Jeanne has forgiven you, doesn't mean anyone else has. That may not matter to you, but you should keep it in mind as you try to convince others you are being good. We want actions, not words.

Now, it has been stated that Ryoji cannot help you. You will need to find another way. This conversation is over.

[monstrueux]

Ryoji, yes, I understand. I too do not wish to give in to the vicious nature that rules and torments me always. You need not apologize to me! I am but a poor sinner, and I have no reason to expect help. It is only right that I should bear my torment.

[He turns to Diarmuid, then.]

Why do you not listen to me? I mean I have done no wrong here! At this event! I did not speak of the past... Of course I am a brutal monster. I do not deny it. I already admitted as much. But I do not know how many there were.

[He knows there were a lot. He wouldn't claim not to remember, but at times, a haze clouds his thoughts, and he cannot think clearly, so his memories are imprecise. Yet he frowns at the mention of his Master. He can't be angry with Ryuunosuke, or blame him for anything he's done. His Master is still dear to him, and he will continue to serve him faithfully. (Gilles fails to see the contradiction here.)]

I have already done good here. I have promised Jeanne to help the people, and so I will.

You speak for yourself. Most do not know of what I have done, or when I speak to them of it, they forgive me! There is such a Christian sense of mercy here, I can but thank God that I was delivered! I have never known such kindness.