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 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.

[notsogrimreaper]

Don't say things like that...

[Ryoji wishes he wouldn't act so guilt-ridden. Caster seems to think that he deserves all the pain he's suffering, and while Ryoji doesn't want to help him, he feels ashamed that he can't. He hates watching people suffer... it would be nice to give him peace if he could, but... wasn't Caster a bad person? This is confusing...

He wants to reassure Caster that he will be forgiven eventually, or tell Diarmuid that the people he cares about are still safe from this person, but Ryoji's afraid to pick a side, especially when it seems he's caused part of the arguement here. Maybe this conversation should be over. Maybe he should just go...]

[oathshackledbird]

Thank your god all you wish, but he means nothing to me nor does his Christian mercy. Not when I have seen your work first hand. Not when my friend will forever have nightmares about your 'art.' I am a forgiving man, but those things will take a lot for me to forgive. Follow this path of goodness you speak of and perhaps it will happen someday. Until then, don't expect the same grace from me as you got from Jeanne.

[There is a finality to Diarmuid's words as if he wishes to say no more on the topic because not only is it making Ryoji uneasy, but he also doesn't seem to think anything he says will get through to Caster and he wishes to waste no more time.

He looks toward Ryoji.]

This is your party, son. If you wish to speak with him more, you may, but I have nothing else to say.

[monstrueux]

Why should I not say it? It is true. This is what I deserve. Your friend says it. [Gilles still doesn't know Lancer's name, but he doesn't care.]

I do not! I expect nothing from you. And God is real, no matter if you believe in Him. I know that I have sinned, and that my works are too grave and too brutal to be forgiven! Jeanne forgave me because she is a saint, and more forgiving than any other.

[Lancer isn't a saint. Gilles is still mad about Prelati's book, so he's not about to consider Lancer a friend in any case. On one level, he knows that really, it wasn't anywhere near as bad as what he was doing, but on another level, his dear Prelati gave him that book to look after. But he doesn't mention it.]

I would not blame him for not wanting to talk to me. Such a monster!

sorry about this, lost all the tags from this post

[notsogrimreaper]

[Ryoji doesn't know what to do. He doesn't want to stay. This whole conversation has been terrifying, and as selfish as it is, he wants to enjoy his birthday with the people he cares about. He and Diarmuid should leave, find something fun to do somewhere else.

At the same time, Gilles' words sound all too familiar to him. Knowing that he's sinned, having someone special forgive him even when he couldn't forgive himself... 'monster'. If Ryoji didn't know any better, he'd think Caster was talking about Ryoji instead of himself. Someone who shared similar insecurities and fears... maybe they were just a bit misunderstood. Maybe they were forced into evil deeds instead of willingly taking part in them. Ryoji wants to try to understand Gilles, maybe get him help...

Still, the ominous rings he still holds help him make his final decision.]

...You're not a monster, but... I'm sorry. I have to go.

*hugs* Probably more like DW lost the notices not you...

[oathshackledbird]

Then it is decided.

[Having said all he wishes to say to Caster, Diarmuid instead focuses his attention on directing Ryoji away from the other Servant. To say that he is glad Ryoji has come to this decision would be an understatement. He makes a mental note to explain who Caster is and what he has done more thoroughly to Ryoji later. For now, the boy has a party to enjoy.]

There are so many people here. Isn't it wonderful? I am sure you have many you need to talk to yet...

[notsogrimreaper]

[Ryoji walks away from the unpleasant conversation with Diarmuid’s guidance, trying not to seem too nervous. Indeed, he does have a party to enjoy, and he wants to be happier so that Diarmuid isn’t upset… He eventually manages a small smile and nods.]

I’ve been doing my best to see everyone here, but I’m sure I haven’t found everyone. They’ve all been so nice, though...