towerofanimus | (no subject)

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(no subject)

Characters: Waver, Marty, anyone else that stayed topside
Setting: Hidden Floor
Format: Any
Summary: Let's figure out that exhaustion thing!
Warnings: TBA

[The Hidden floor is probably the safest place in the Tower right now, but "safe" is relative when everybody is starting to feel the effects of the new threat.

The infiltration team has a dangerous job, but how well can those who stayed behind prepare for the aftermath when they have their own crisis to deal with?]

[This is a mingly log! Feel free to post your own subthread!]

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[Deciding it was smarter to keep his mouth shut, Waver put his arms around Diarmuid's shoulders and nodded slightly. He was going to need a moment to phrase some vague and terrible feeling into actual words.]

Take your time.

[Diarmuid rests his head against Waver's, the arm that isn't around Waver's shoulders shifting so that he can stroke Waver's hair. He then is quiet, giving his partner all the time he needs to calm down.]

[After a few minutes, Waver seemed to have returned to normal; he took a deep breath before speaking.]

I shouldn't have snapped at you. I'm sorry. I really can't say with any accuracy what I saw--it wasn't so specific as to be any coherent memory or anything similar.

All I can say is that wasn't any sort of nightmare I've ever had before. Something's wrong, more so than anyone's assumed.

It's all right. Don't worry about it.

[Diarmuid presses a quick kiss to the top of Waver's head, before sitting back a little so he can look at his partner.]

So, this goes deeper than just exhaustion. Do you think it's actually draining away our souls and that is why you had such a strong reaction? Something is pulling at the things that are in the deepest parts of your self?

No--maybe not? [Uncertain, Waver frowned as he stumbled through his own thoughts in quiet muttering.] This can't be right. All this happening without an obvious cause like those shadows, it doesn't make logical sense. Unless Riki's....but no, is that possible?

[He glanced to Diarmuid, beginning to look annoyed more than frantic or afraid.]

Hear me out and tell me if you think this sounds crazy. You obviously remember that machine downstairs. What if Riki figured out another way to siphon energy? I don't know if he could have used whatever he gained from that little excursion of ours to reverse-engineer something or if it works remotely, but do you think it could be possible he's still at it with a different method?

[As Diarmuid listens to Waver, his face pales.]

Mo Stór, I don't just think what you are saying is possible, I think that might be exactly what is going on. After all, there is no way we would willingly help him again now that we know he didn't do what he said he was doing with the energy we gave before. No one knows everything that machine can do and Riki knows the Tower better than anyone. If the machines abilities can be directed out, Riki is the one who would be able to figure that out and once he did it would be child's play to find a way to direct...

[He pauses as something suddenly strikes him.]

Those floors. They are entry points, aren't they? Whatever is directing the machine's power is probably hidden on those floors...

Entry points...I hadn't even thought of that. I'd bet anything they must be, you bloody genius.

[In stark contrast to his mood up to that point as well as Diarmuid's own pale expression, a smile broke out on Waver's face.]

We've got him. There must be something on those floors acting as a conduit; unless that machine's fucking psychic, and I'm willing to bet even the machines here aren't that absurd. All we need to do is find what's there drawing energy from us and deal with it accordingly!

[Diarmuid bows his head, a smile slightly raising the corner of his mouth.]

I think you are exaggerating, but thank you. However, it's not going to be easy to find what the conduits are. None of those floors are the best even without the added energy drain and floor 16 is a bottomless pit or void or something like that. Where would you even start looking for something on a floor like--

Whatever it is, it is small. If it is on that floor, it has to be. There isn't a lot of space to put anything. I don't think even Riki can place things in an empty space...

Oh, if it was easy it wouldn't be a challenge. God forbid we get bored in our little life or death game.

As for that, there's a simple solution. Volumen Hydragyrum may not be able to see, but seeking out electrical signals may not be a problem. Of course, I've never tried having it track that specifically, but I could be able to manage with a bit of work. If that's the case, I can send it onto floor sixteen instead. And if whatever could be there needs to be destroyed, it can handle that as well.

And you call me a genius.

[Diarmuid laughs softly.]

That is a perfect way to deal with it. Considering that floor, it almost has to be something that is stuck on or is part of the wall. After all, that is all that floor is--walls and empty space.

I've never measured the distance it can reach, but it's certainly not very limited. However much empty space there is, it should be able to stay rooted on the stairs instead of falling. I'd rather not waste time recreating it again, so I'll need to be cautious.

[Diarmuid nods in agreement and then frowns.]

Here's hoping whatever you find can be destroyed. This is Riki we are talking about. Who knows how strong whatever the conduits are could be...

Certainly, but let's not forget I have far more than brute force in my arsenal.

Of course you do...

[A twinkle suddenly enters Diarmuid's eyes.]

Though, I'm not sure your good looks and charismatic personality will work here...

While I'm flattered, this isn't quite the time for that. I think you are aware I meant that I prefer to solve my problems with logic before blowing things up.

Details, details...

[Diarmuid waves his hand dismissively.]

So...how much longer is logic going to let you rest before you have to go?

It's clear that resting won't do any good now. So I guess I should get going.

...Diarmuid--I don't intend to get into any trouble. Since that's the case, you can spend what energy you have worrying about yourself as well as me, understand?

[A disappointed looks fills Diarmuid's eyes, though, he can't say that he didn't expect that Waver would want to get going right away.]

I won't ask you to stay then. Just make sure to promise the same thing you just asked of me.

[He laughs softly.]

At least I can promise that with no problem, since you were smart enough to realize I will worry about you no matter what.

...fine, if you're going to give me the sad puppy look I'll stay a minute longer. But I can't be wasting much time.

[Siiiigh.]

I know you better than that by now.

[Diarmuid smiles a little sheepishly. He had tried not to, but... Still, he's not going to waste this moment and will pull Waver closer to him if he is allowed.]

Sorry. I guess I'm really selfish today. I just wanted to hold you a moment longer.

[If nothing else, to help wash away the mental image of just how scared Waver had looked when he woke up.]

It's alright. I don't mind encouraging a little well-placed selfishness before I run off trying to make sure this place doesn't fall apart.

[Having calmed down significantly, Waver merely sighed in mocking exasperation and settled his arms around Diarmuid's shoulders.]

Thank you. I will make sure to make the most of it.

[Diarmuid leans forward to rest his head against Waver's shoulder, shutting his eyes and just taking a short time to fix this moment in his mind so that the other memory is wiped away. They will get though this just like they have everything else. Nothing is over until they say it is.

He takes a deep breath and then leans back again, dropping a light kiss to the corner of Waver's jaw as he does.]

All right, I will stop being selfish and let you go now. Tell whoever goes with you they better behave or else they will have to deal with me.

You worry too much. If I can keep a fleet of magical teenagers in line, I can do the same with anyone here.

[Smirking, Waver brushed a hand through Diarmuid's hair as he pulled back and stood up.]

I'll be back soon enough. Bloody well have to come back eventually, don't I? You've still got my sunglasses.

[That was his own way of trying to put Diarmuid a little more at ease--it was cliche enough that Waver felt a little ridiculous, but if it worked he wouldn't complain. There were only a few material possessions that Waver would go through hell and back to recover, and those aviators were one of them.]

Why yes, that I do...

[Diarmuid grins and oh, speaking of those sunglasses, he pulls them out of the pocket where he keeps them for safety when not wearing them and drops them over his eyes, winking at Waver from behind the tinted lens.]

I'm taking good care of them, see? They will be in excellent shape whenever you want to try to take them back.

[Is that a challenge? Oh...maybe...]

You should watch out. I might just surprise you and take them back eventually.

Be careful, and don't get into trouble while I'm gone.

[Laughing to himself, Waver turned and went to go find anyone else stupid enough to search the tower.]

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