For Thine Is; Part One

[animusmods]

Characters: anyone outside of the Tower
Setting: outside
Format: any
Summary: You have been transported out of the Tower, and you must return quickly.
Warnings: psychological horror

It's pitch black here, though the ground is made of dirt and the Tower gleaming in the distance provides at least a sign that light exists somewhere. It's completely silent. It feels as if things might jump out at you--but that's probably your imagination.

Comments

[hoasen]

[She was thankful that they had the same voices at least, and she was beginning to get used to this; that being that she was beginning not question it in completely shock and surprise.]

Is this what happens when we're outside of the tower? [She points to their forms and their collars.

Hearing his tone and how near frantic he is, she knows they don't have much time for explanations.] We will gather all and head straight to the tower, is that what we need to do now?

[keepscalm]

[He spares a glance at his own uncertain hands when Vietnam inquires as to the state of their bodies. The only time he's seen anything beneath the glamour besides collar fluid and nondescript glowing souls was when Zo gave him those glasses, so he's not sure why some people suddenly appear more distinct now. It might be an effect of being outside, but some of their group doesn't seem to have it.]

I think this is just the glamour. [Or rather, the lack of it, since they're no longer inside the Tower. He doesn't have a better answer than that.

And it's not the important part, anyway.] That's what we need to do, yes.

[There's still a bit of a breathless quality in England's voice; he finds himself bizarrely transfixed by his own hands, not entirely convinced they won't erupt into boiling burgundy fluid any moment now. He's hesitant to tell Vietnam the truth, but if he doesn't, she and the others won't know what's really at stake. So, he amends his previous statement:] We'll die if we don't.

[hoasen]

[It sounds like something else just as complicated as the tower itself, but hearing his last statement, she knew that was something they will have to talk about later. Their survival is most important right now.

She believes it when he says that they will die. She could feel a heaviness sink inside of her, and then try to climb out, knowing that it will happen if they fail. But she needs to stay strong, for everyone, including the nation standing next to her.

She's not sure if it would help, and the way she does it was a little bit awkward (she had never comforted him before, so it's not like she knows how) and so she puts her hand on his arm. She would give him a soothing rub but their bodies don't feel exactly comfortable, right now. But it was evident in her voice, that she managed to hold back all fear.]

I know that my inexperience may make it seem like I am speaking out of place, but let us worry about death when it comes. Let's head off.

[keepscalm]

[It's strange— physicality isn't England's strong point, and he'd never known Vietnam to be that way, either. He regards her hand on his arm almost warily; he's certain he understands the intent behind it, but for her to try to comfort him, he must look very perturbed, indeed.

He focuses intently on his arm where her hand has settled, almost to the point of apparent distraction. But he's not spaced out — he's simply decided that the contact is as good of an anchor as anything else to use to try and pull himself together.

Once the shaky quality of his breathing has been reduced to just a slight tremble, England raises his opposite hand. The motion is hesitant, but after a few thoughtful seconds, he cups it over top of Vietnam's.] ...right. There's no sense in wasting time here. [His words still aren't quite as sure as they usually are, but England knows regardless that his statement is fact. They have to get moving; it's a long road ahead.]

[hoasen]

[The fact he didn't flinch was a start. If he did, she wouldn't know what to do ("Taiwan you lied to me! You said this works!"). But he was probably really stiff.

Vietnam doesn't blame him; she'd probably do the same. But she doesn't move, leaving her hand there, and patiently waits for him to calm. Listens to his breathing.

And tries not to stiffen when she feels his hand on hers. However, she realised the movement meant that at least a part of him has returned. So she nods, her expression looking just a little brighter (barely) before she gives his arm a gentle squeeze under his hand.]

When we get back, I will make you a pot of tea. Which is really...hot water. [It was a bad joke, but she thought it might...help...]