who is 'Rocky' and why is his montage music playing

[bashfulshifter]

Characters: Rick and YOU
Setting: November 22nd, multiple places - Floor One Dorms (morning), Floor Thirty-Nine (early afternoon), Floor Twenty-Seven (mid-afternoon), Floor Twenty-Six (mid-afternoon), Floor Twenty-Five (late afternoon)
Format: Starting in brackets, will match as always!
Summary: Rick's typical Tower routine now includes attempting to get in shape with Reno. Let's watch and see what happens.
Warnings: Probably none?

Floor One Dorms - Morning - Obligatory Cat Patrol

[It's very unusual for Rick to sleep in like this. It probably doesn't seem so out-of-the-ordinary for most others--nine o'clock isn't exactly high noon--but it's late enough to throw the man off his schedule and make him more harried than usual. Or as harried as he can be, given that the whole reason he couldn't drag himself out of bed was that he ached.]

[It's been more than a week since he and Reno started training like they agreed last month, and it hasn't taken long for Rick to start feeling its more unpleasant side-effects. The increased energy and svelte physique will have to wait on his legs, he supposes, which is what he would remind himself after every extended walk up the Tower stairs to convince himself that he could wait. But now he's made someone a promise--someone who appears quite invested in working with him--and Rick is determined not to let him down.]

[...Which only makes running late worse.]

[For as sore as he is, the blonde man goes about his morning routine very quickly, almost leaping from his bed in 1-16 to shower and dress--but no amount of convincing can persuade Rusty the cat against patrolling his floor. Somewhat reluctantly, the orange tabby cat makes his rounds in a nervous, almost frantic state, rubbing his face on just about anything that gets in his way.]

Floor Thirty-Nine (Gym) - Early Afternoon - MONTAGE

[Rick is already out of breath by the time he gets to the gym, which probably isn't the best way to start things out; but then again, he's not sure what he's supposed to be doing here, anyways. The man has never been to a gym in his life--he has no idea how to work any of the equipment, nor does he trust himself to try, and he's certainly not about to walk up and ask someone...]

[...Well, there's a track, at least. While he waits for Reno to show up (taking his breakfast on the run has made up for a lot of lost time!), Rick busies himself by walking the outer ring and seeing if he can spot anyone he recognizes. This is an unfamiliar part of the Tower, and it's been in his experience that new places bring interesting insight to the lives of his friends.]

Floors Twenty-Seven and Twenty-Six (Lab/Morgue) - Mid-Afternoon - More Standard Tower Affairs

[Following his run in the gym, Rick still has many other things to attend to in his daily routine. His jobs, as usual, take priority.]

[Collar research with the Clear Team is what he typically ends his day with, but this time Rick finds himself in the lab first. For one thing it's a straight walk down the stairs; for another, he's somewhat hesitant to go to the morgue. He hasn't been since his fight with Sephiroth a few days ago--since Veronica watched him die--and he hasn't had the chance to talk with her.]

[...No, not the chance--the nerve. He doesn't even know if she died as well. Either way, he feels that he's failed her on a fundamental level, and the idea of confronting her is...daunting, to say the least. Though the lab, too, isn't entirely safe; they have a new helper, someone related to Edgeworth, and while Rick was present for the initial meeting where she was introduced, he was quick to make a quiet escape before she whipped him like she did Lancer. A very intimidating woman, to be sure! Hopefully he's working at a time when she isn't around--save him some embarrassment before hesitantly making his way to the morgue to face his fate.]

Floor Twenty-Five (Meadow) - Late Afternoon - Napping

[By the end of lunch, what frantic energy Rick had at the start of the day has long been expended. He decides that now would be a good time for a nap.]

[The meadow's tranquil atmosphere has yet to let him down on this end. Blanket and cleaning supplies in hand, Rick settles into the tall grass and prepares to drift off in the pleasant, sunny chill of autumn, even as the frost collects in the foliage around him. This is probably the last time he'll be able to do this until spring, and he plans to enjoy every moment of it.]

[Assuming he doesn't catch cold or something.]

Comments

[Floor 39]

[no_longer_a_king]

[Arturia is one such familiar face he would find here. Unlike many others, she isn't using the equipment. Instead, she's taking advantage of there being a wide open space to practice her form with Caliburn. True, she might be a natural with the sword, but the last thing she should do is get cocky and not try to at least go through some basic motions.

That, and she's found it's a good distraction from her troubles.

When Rick comes close on his lap, she looks up and nods to him in acknowledgement.]

Good morning, Rick.

[bashfulshifter]

[Rick nods politely back as she notices him, even though he's seen her for at least a quarter of a lap now on his approach. Someone practicing with a sword--particularly one that's been brandished at him before--is difficult to miss, and it is somewhat entrancing to watch the casual motions of practice. It all seems so easy, so fluid...but obviously this isn't something that comes naturally to everyone. Rick doubts he'll ever be able to handle a sword with such finesse.]

...M-Morning, Saber! [No use dwelling on that nonsense now--it's good to see Arturia again, and the bright smile on Rick's face indicates as much!] You, ah...d-do you c-come here o-often?

[no_longer_a_king]

[It might come natural to her, but she has been practicing its use very nearly since she was in the cradle. Arturia finishes her stroke before stopping, holding Caliburn easily at her side.]

Not very, no, but I do try to get some practice in every day. Are you training as well?

floor 27

[fionnuisce]

[He was awake this time, at least. But Waver unfortunately didn't seem to be accomplishing much...he stared at whatever notes he'd been taking, pen hovering over the paper like his process had been interrupted by a completely different train of thought. One that wasn't all that pleasant, judging by the frown he was wearing.]

[What's his deal, Rick?]

[bashfulshifter]

[What is his deal indeed?]

[This isn't at all what Rick was planning on prying about upon first seeing Waver in the lab, if the polite smile and wave he gives are any sign of what he's thinking. As it happens, it takes the oblivious blonde man several passes of the table during his busy tidying-up before he notices that Waver hasn't actually been doing anything since he arrived, and that is most unusual.]

...S-Something wrong? [A beat as Rick ponders--he does seem rather distracted by something, so he takes a guess: ] --I-I'm not b-b-bothering you, am I? If I'm b-being too l-loud--I m-mean, I can c-come back l-later.

dorms

[vermicompost]

Oh, hello. [At the sight of the cat, Kariya smiles.] I haven't seen you before.

[Is this cat one of the residents? It does have a collar. Is it a talking cat? He just doesn't know, but he likes animals. He lowers himself into a crouch, extending a hand. Fortunately, he can move with ease now that he's been healed.] It's nice to meet you.

[bashfulshifter]

[The cat pauses in his thorough rubbing of a nearby door and gives Kariya a long, almost critical stare. He recognizes this man--one of the sad ones he'd tortured some months ago while possessed. He'd been stricken by how easy it was to get under his skin...almost as if he was broken to begin with.]

[But there's something fundamentally different about him now, in appearance, in scent, in manner especially. Was this the same person? Or was he a different version of the same man, as sometimes happened in this place?]

[While Rick is conflicted about this, Rusty is not. Kariya is giving him a very cordial greeting and he would be remiss to decline it. The cat gives one of his own, trotting towards him with tail casually raised, giving his extended hand a long, dainty sniff before pressing his forehead against it and inviting himself to pets.]

Floor 25

[unlikelyfarmhand]

[You know, when Hachiken left the dorms that morning at a ridiculously early time to eat in the cafeteria which he - eventually - found, he didn't expect himself to get so lost. He should have expected it, in retrospect, but it kind of seems like he's sometimes unaware of his sheer ability to find himself in the wrong place at the wrong time. For the most part he's been trying to avoid going onto the floors proper, as much as he can since Veronica told him they were pretty dangerous, but a meadow seems so inviting.

It lures him in and he appreciates just how nice and calm everything seems. He takes a deep, relaxing breath before he quite literally trips over his roommate.]

Ahhh! I'm sorry!

[bashfulshifter]

--E-Eh?!

[Rick obviously has not thought this through very well! He jumps, bolting upright out of his slumber with a much more panicked expression than one would expect (given that the last time he was woken up like this he'd nearly been eaten by a dragon, no seriously), but quickly calms when he recognizes that he's not in any danger.]

--O-Oh! Uh--n-no, I--I'm s-s-sorry, I sh--should've--uh--

['Calm' is a relative term in Rick's case.]

--Are you o-okay?

39

[midgarhorizon]

[Well, Ricky my boy, did you ever see Rocky before? Or any of the infamous fighting movies where they put the fighter through hard training that looks like they might have their legs fall off? The kind that made the trainee look thoroughy miserable and wish they were dead? Are you afraid of it?

Meet your worst nightmare.

In the cheerful, almost bouncy redheaded 20-something that springs down into the gym floor from the staircase and waltzes right over. Yes, that's right, Reno's literally waltzing over in a jived up old style waltz that wouldn't be out of place on a disco floor.]

Hey, Rick. Ya ready for some more fun?

[bashfulshifter]

[Now Reno, how is Rick supposed to be frightened of his imminent torture when you're being so cheerful? Much like a dog being coaxed into the car to visit the vet, he finds the Turk's peculiar enthusiasm contagious and, despite already being in considerable distress just by walking here, instantly brightens up when addressed.]

...As r-r-ready as I'll e-ever be. W-What's the p-plan?

Floor 25

[ladyliberty]

[Amelia may have eagle wings, but she doesn't have eagle eyes, and she doesn't notice Rick initially, hiding in the tall grass as he is.

That's probably why she steps on him on her way onto the floor.]

Oh my god!

[bashfulshifter]

[Oh not again.]

[Rick squeaks in surprise when he's abruptly awoken, then quickly rights himself when he encounters yet another familiar face.]

--Ah! Uh--s-sorry, Amelia. [He chuckles nervously, face flushing that characteristic shade of red.] I...r-r-really should've m-moved.

How does a rendezvous sound somewhere between the Lab and the Morgue?

[fragileprophet]

Good Afternoon, Rick!

[The man was always out the door so early in the morning Ion felt like he rarely got a chance to actually greet him. But, of course, he always smiled at the opportunity to catch him later in the day to make up for it.

When he bumps into him on the stairs, it's no exception. Though, as per usual, Rick looks like he has a decent amount on his mind.]

Something on your mind?

Sounds like a plan Stan!

[bashfulshifter]

A-Afternoon, Ion!

[And Rick is, likewise, always happy to run into his chipper young roommate when he's out and about, even if they don't have the opportunity to really catch up on their latest escapades. Rick is anticipating such an encounter today, given that his mind is set on going to the morgue and confronting his fears--]

[--when Ion presses him, thereby presenting an extremely convenient distraction. Rick takes this opportunity in stride.]

...I s-s-suppose so. Ah...a l-lot's h-happened, lately. There's a lot t-to think a-a-about.

Floor 27

[frilliance]

[It's okay, Franziska probably won't whip you and if she tried, Edgeworth would try to stop her - it would be like kicking a puppy who has already been severely battered otherwise.

Besides, she might decide let out all her frustration on her brother if Rick annoys her.

Anyway, Edgeworth was busy trying to decipher those horrid notes of Waver's. He suddenly looks up when hearing Rick's footsteps.]

Ah, Mr. Dawn. I didn't expect you to come here early.

[bashfulshifter]

[While Rick is steadily growing accustomed to Edgeworth's more forward personality, seeing him here--knowing his connection to Franziska--sends a little jolt of anxiety down his back, making him visibly jump.]

--O-Oh! M-M-Miles! [His wide eyes make a quick scan of the room. Okay...she's not here. The tension slowly eases out of his shoulders.] Ah...I d-d-didn't e-expect to, e-either. It w-was...on the w-way. [A beat as a smile, slightly strained, tugs at the corners of his mouth.] ...I-It's nice to s-see you.

Floor 25

[stitchedupbodyguard]

[Veronica had been searching for Rick the entirety of the day after the fight. She knew that you couldn't die forever here, but that didn't stop her from worrying, especially because she knew Rick first hand.

Her own instincts had lead her to the meadow. This floor always had a calming effect of sorts. Seemed like everyone liked to go here for some reason or another.

And true to be, she spotted Rick among the grass, sprawled on his back. Slowly, the girl started moving towards the sleeping man, her feet trained to avoid making any sound as she moved.]

[bashfulshifter]

[Rick is an exceptionally deep sleeper, so even if Veronica were stomping through the grass like a monster through a city, he probably wouldn't stir. Thus he remains blissfully unconscious, hands propped casually under his head and glasses balanced on his chest while he dozes, unaware...]

Floor 25

[neverbeamemory]

[He knew that the tabby cat frequently patrolled some of the Dormitory Halls, as Sephiroth has seen Rusty do so before. However, he must have missed the cat this morning.

Out of all those that had fought to bring him down, nearly a week ago, the shape-shifter resident has been one of the ones to remain on his mind. That and the exotic looking blade-wielder he had spent a great deal of the fight interlocked with. The Servants, and the one that had finally ended it. It's important, in the wake of what happened, for Sephiroth to find out more-]

Don't move.

[The voice booms from above Rick's napping head.

A second later, should Rick open his eyes he will see a significant blade held out about a foot or so above his head, parallel towards his napping body.]

[bashfulshifter]

[Rick is fortunate that he doesn't jump too far when he's so rudely awakened, lest their current meeting fall abruptly short when his head runs into Sephiroth's hovering blade. The command rings about in his subconscious as his mind reels to understand what new situation he's woken into and keeps him pinned to the ground, eyes wide and chest heaving.]

[He doesn't need his glasses (lying next to him on the edge of the blanket) to recognize that sword, or the silver hair of the person wielding it. And there is a significant amount of fear present at seeing the pair of them so close, so soon after the event that formally put them at odds. Probably the only thing keeping Rick from panicking right now is that, to some extent, his attacker lacks the element of surprise--the blonde man had plenty of time to panic when he saw Sephiroth's message on the network some days ago, essentially revealing that he had broken from his prison and was free to take his revenge whenever he pleased. As that didn't immediately happen, Rick was allowed some time to get over his initial distress--or at least convince himself that he could put off that meeting until later.]

[It is now 'later.' He's not quite sure if he's prepared for this...if only he knew what Sephiroth was planning for him. He had his chance to kill him while he was sleeping, after all--perhaps he wanted a fair fight. And that would give him the chance to escape...]

[Rick's unfocused eyes flicker in the general direction of Sephiroth's face and hold there for some moments while he thinks of a way to acknowledge him. The response he eventually conjures comes out a lot harsher than he expects.]

What?

Dorm floor 1

[warriorscribe]

*The usual morning routine can't go by fast enough. Showers are not a distraction. He has to get to cloak-making.

...Except there is a familiar cat wandering the halls when he steps out of the bathroom. What is Rick doing in cat form?*

...Rick?

[bashfulshifter]

[The cat pauses, looks the scribe over, then when he's sure he's not imagining things he gives a more formal greeting--in two forms. The tabby approaches first, trotting with vertical tail and happy trills, until some steps forward he is abruptly human again.]

--E-Enoch! Good m-m-morning! I d-d-didn't e-expect to s-see you a-around here.

Floor 39 - Sliding in here with late tags!

[gradosfinest]

[It just so happens the gym is a floor Amelia tends to spend a decent chunk of her free time on, maintaining top physical form is something she puts considerable effort into to. With no real powers to her name, it's vital she keeps herself in excellent shape. For the moment she's simply doing a few one-handed pushups off of the floor, her right hand folded behind her back when she notices somebody on the floor she's not used to seeing.

And she's close enough to the outer ring that when he's walking by it's easy for her to just glance up, pushed all the way up off the floor as far as she can go on one hand before smiling at him, deciding a casual greeting couldn't hurt. She's a little tired, but not so much she can't speak.]

Hello there sir! I don't think I've seen you around here before.

[bashfulshifter]

["A few one-handed pushups" is a few more than Rick could ever hope to do, so he initially interprets that the (surprisingly young) girl performing them must be quite focused and probably doesn't want to be bothered. He is, therefore, understandably surprised when she decides to address him.]

--H-Heh? [Yes, he is just as breathless as she is, even though he's only done a few laps and while walking no less. Don't judge him too harshly--the redness rapidly taking over his face says that he's doing enough of that on his own.] A-Ah...y-y-yeah. I'm n-not, uh...u-usually...

[Blush blush. Rick turns away and, very hesitantly, continues slowly walking the track. Continue pestering the blonde man? I mean, even if you let him go, he'll be coming back around on his next lap anyways.]