sarumi | Horror Tower: Floor 2!

[As much as he wants to ignore what the mirrors are showing in case it is a trap of some kind, Diarmuid can't ignore Yata's reaction to who he sees there. He gives the reflection a look over before looking at Yata curiously.]

I take it that is someone you know? Someone from your world?

[Diarmuid catches movement out of the corner of his eyes, but he forces himself to ignore it and the brush he feels against his cheek in favor of figuring out what Yata is seeing first.

Though...ignoring gets much harder to do when he starts smelling a very familiar smell.

He swallows, closing his eyes to try and refocus himself.]

It's a trick. It can't be who you think it is...

[And that can't be who I think it is...]

[Yata couldn't believe it, but he was looking right at it. There he was...plain as day..Mr Totsuka!]

Mr. Totsuka! Tell him you're real! Show him!

[It's obvious Yata believes in the mirrors even though logic says he probably shouldn't...

Yata-chan, this place is dangerous for you and your friend. I really am Totsuka, but you shouldn't accept everything you see so easily...

Totsuka spoke gently but firmly. It was hard not to imagine a much older sibling or parent correcting a child on an easily avoidable mistake.]

...Oh. Sorry Nii-san, I should have listened...but I think this is real...

Edited 2013-08-10 04:54 (UTC)

It can't be. It can't be!

[Diarmuid steps back jerking his hand away from Yata and almost bumping into a mirror behind him. His eyes are squeezed tightly shut and he's almost...shaking. His reaction isn't caused so much by the person Yata is seeing, but the suggestion that the person he thinks he's seeing and sensing is there.

It doesn't help when a hand breaks free of the mirror behind him and closes over his shoulder. The motion is meant to be comforting as is the voice that speaks next in musical tones. However, all either of them do is make Diarmuid freeze and the color drain from his face.]

He's right, my Little Bird. As impossible as it seems these mirrors act a portals between this place and others...

Don't call me that.... Please... Don't lie to me in that voice...

[Yata looks over at Diarmuid, obviously quite worried about his companion's reaction to what he's heard in the mirror room...]

Nii-san...I don't think this is a lie...calm down and tell me how you think this room feels...

[Yata had noticed it before. The unnerving atmosphere of the room had slowly been lifting ever sense Yata had taken Diarmuid's hand. The mirrors no longer seemed like ominous threats. The room had a peaceful air to it. Of course, it could be a lie but...

Yata-chan...I'm here to help you through this place. I can only help a little, though. I'm not as strong as King, and you know it...]

I think we have helpers, Nii-san!

[Yata's mood is uplifted quite a bit now, although he's still nervously watching Diarmuid...]

Edited 2013-08-10 20:04 (UTC)

[Diarmuid doesn't answer. He seems far too lost to his pain and denial to do so and his 'helper' realizes this, pulling himself completely free of the mirror to stand in the room with them. It seems to have taken quite a bit of effort for him to do it, but that tiredness lasts only a moment before vanishing.]

It is not his fault that he does not believe. He has been through much and by rights I should not be able to be away from the land I guard. Yet, I am...

[The man falls silent, moving to stand in front of Diarmuid and taking the Servant's head in his hands. The movement also gives Yata a clear look at him for the first time since he pulled himself fully from the mirror. If there are elves on Yata's world, many of the man's features would likely remind him of them--from the pointed ears and delicate features to the long robes he wears that obviously come from a different time. The man's hair is long and wavy, its light red-brown tone seeming to constantly shift as he moves.

The man begins to speak softly to Diarmuid, but the words will not be understandable to Yata as they are spoken in Ancient Gaelic. However, after several moments, Diarmuid will whisper one hope-filled word that is understandable.]

Father...

[Yata's spirits are lifted as Diarmuid seems to calm down. The man Yata looks at does vaguely resemble the elves he'd seen in a few video games based off popular movies he'd never had the attention span to watch. No wonder why Diarmuid was so nice if that guy was his father! In Yata's limited opinion, this guy looked like the embodiment of "good and helpful".]

See? I think they're here to help us!

[ Yata-chan, look in the mirror...

Yata turned to look in the mirror to see the blonde man with the infectious grin and camera walk behind him and place his hand. The hands felt so real, it was if he could turn around and touch him- hug him maybe? But Yata knew Totsuka to be to dead. After all, wasn't in his arms that Totsuka had died after saying he was sorry?]

What were you sorry for?

[Yata hadn't meant to blurt out such a question when their time was likely limited and there were more important issues at hand, but he couldn't help it...]

Edited 2013-08-11 12:29 (UTC)

[Diarmuid hardly hears Yata's words. He is too busy trying to calm and focus himself. He wants to hold onto the insistence that this can't be real, but everything is screaming at him that he's wrong even the deepest and most well hidden parts of himself...

...the parts that had silently cried for his father as he'd faded after being betrayed yet again by one who he had sacrificed everything for.

A half-choked back sob slips from his mouth as he finally gives into belief and buries his head against his father's shoulder. His father responds by putting his arms around his son and speaking more in a soft, comforting tone. Only once Diarmuid really calms and starts to pull himself together, does his Father speak in words that Yata can understand again, though, he seems to be talking more to his son than anyone else.]

You did not know it my little bird, but you were allowed a wish before this started. You made the right wish. Now I am here to aid you through this...nightmare. The one who rules this place is strong, but even he must follow the laws that dictate how this game is played.

[Yata may appear to be a thug hopelessly devoted to his thug leader, but he has a soft heart. He really wants to run to Diarmuid and give him a hug, but something tells him it's best to let the Servant be dealt with by his father. He does hear something about a wish, though, before he's distracted by his own helper.

I apologized for dying on you, King, Kusanagi, Anna...all of you were precious to me. Of course I was sorry for dying...]

Nii-san, I think we're gonna be alright...

Things are better, but they are far from all right, young one.

[The answer comes not from Diarmuid, but from his father. Diarmuid is obviously much calmer now, but he's not ready to talk quite yet. Instead, his head remains against his father's shoulder, eyes closed. His father threads a hand into Diarmuid's hair before he turns to address Yata directly.]

My little bird's wish brought me to him. However, your wish was for something else. As a result, your friend is not...the same as I am. Please, focus on him now. Don't worry about us.

[Yata nods at Diarmuid's father and focuses on the mirror before him. He can see Totsuka clearly; even feel the blonde's fingers on his shoulder.]

It's really me, Yata-chan! I hope King and the rest of you didn't do anything stupid to avenge my death. [He chuckes softly here.] Knowing all of you, you probably did.

[Yata hangs his head here. Of course they did. Wasn't Mikoto-san himself just about die for his sake?]

...You didn't deserve to die!

Edited 2013-08-14 05:36 (UTC)

[Yata's exclamation catches Diarmuid's attention and he opens his eyes, watching the boy as he talks to his friend. After a moment, he rolls his eyes toward his father, worry filling them. His father shakes his head, though, trying to seem reassuring.]

It's all right. Let them work thought this. There is no danger upon this floor. Only the danger is brought by the limitations upon what we can and cannot do. Where we can and cannot go.

[Diarmuid nods, finally stepping away from his father.]

I'm sorry, father. That was--

[His father reaches out and places a finger against Diarmuid's mouth, silencing him.]

I know the trial you just experienced. Your reaction is understandable. To all except you perhaps. You always expect too much of yourself. You are human as any other, my little bird. Will you never accept that?

[Yata's trying to keep up with Dairmuid simply out of respect, but Totsuka's grabbing ahold of his attention.]

Yata-chan, don't turn around whatever you do, but listen to me...

[Although he hadn't thought about it before, the urge to turn around and hug the man was overwhelming.]

You know I'm not very strong, like you and King. But in this place I can help you a little.

[And this is about the time Yata reaches behind him and places his hand on Totsuka's face in an affectionate gesture as he held back tears. Huh? Why was it wet?]

He is correct, my little bird. Whilst we have not been giving all the details, it seems all who are brought here are given one they know as a sort of familiar. This familiar is allowed to aid them at times. I am slightly different...stronger because your wish has allowed me to come more fully to this place as I mentioned before.

[Diarmuid's father reaches out to cup his son's face in his hand.]

We will have time to talk of what has happened to you. It is a sad tale I truly do not wish to know more about, but must hear from your lips all the same.

[Diarmuid nods, closing his eyes for a moment and drawing comfort from the familiar touch.]

I understand, Father.

[Yata's trying to keep up with Diarmuid and his father partially out of respect and interest, and partially out of not wanting to miss anything potentially important. But the face that Yata was touching was wet and sticky, even though Totsuka's image in the mirror looked normal.]

Yata-chan...just listen...don't look or feel just listen. We'll get you two out of here, I promise.

[Despite Totsuka's warning, Yata does pull his hand away to find it covered in a thick, red liquid that was unmistakably blood. The teen sharply turns to look behind him, only to find the young blonde man covered in blood with a gaping bullet wound in his chest. He smiled softly before speaking again.]

Don't sweat it. It'll all work out.

If you are here to aid and protect us, then can you tell us more...

[Diarmuid's voice cuts off as his father's hand moves from where it is cupping his face up higher as if it is purposely blocking his view of Yata and the person Yata is talking to.]

Father, what are you doing?

This is his trial, my little bird. Whilst I know you are used to such...things, you needn't see this.

[Yata lets out a terrified shriek as he backs up against the mirror. It wasn't so much the actual appearance of Totsuka that frightened him...it was the memories it brought back. No matter who you are, having someone actually die in your arms- never mind it being someone you cared about- would probably qualify as one of the most traumatic things a person could experience.]

Yata-chan...I told you not to turn around...

[With a slightly sad expression on his face, Totsuka's form suddenly disappeared, the only evidence he'd been there at all was the camera falling to the ground.]

Yata!

[Diarmuid reaches up quickly to pull his father's hand away and his father doesn't resist the action though there is a sad look on his face. As a result, Diarmuid gets a clear view of Totsuka just as he's fading away. True to his training as a knight, Diarmuid hardly flinches at the man's horrible wound. Instead, he moves quickly to Yata's side, putting a hand on the boy's shoulder in an effort to calm him.

He's not really sure what to say, though, since he doesn't know the details of who Totsuka is to Yata. As a result, he remains quiet and hopes that Yata can calm himself down enough to explain.]

[Yata's quiet now, but it's more due to shock than calming down. Sure, Yata was a fighter. But he was still only nineteen and not quite a soldier like Diarmuid or even a police officer. He was just a kid in a gang that cleaned up the streets sometimes. Even though he liked to yell "I'll fucking kill you" a lot when angry, he wasn't serious nor wasn't used to the idea of death, never mind the death of someone as good and kind as Totsuka.

If anyone in Homra had to die (which seemed so unnecessary to Yata), shouldn't have been an actual fighter like himself or one of the other genuine thugs? Why didn't that Colorless bastard attack someone that could have fought back and either won or lost fairly? To attack someone as defenseless and undeserving of attack as Totsuka made the Colorless King nothing more than a spineless coward in Yata's eyes.]

...He couldn't even defend himself, you gutless bastard! If I ever get my hands on you...

[Yata's hardly aware he's speaking as a tear rolls down his cheek. He sees the camera and automatically reaches out for it. The last time Totsuka had dropped his camera it proved useful, as it had caught his own murder on it.]

I'll be taking this.

[Diarmuid watches as Yata gathers up the camera still unsure what to do or say because Yata seems so out of it at the moment. This is one of those times where it is hard not knowing someone better. He looks toward his father who gives him a gentle smile.]

He will return. For now, he has left you a gift. A clue that will help you deal with this place.

But why a camera?

[He looks back toward Yata and repeats the question.]

Yata, what is special about the camera? How will it help us?

It's Totsuka's camera. The fool took it everywhere. He liked recording us...something about keeping all the happy memories alive.

[For a group of supposedly violent thugs, Homra sure did seem like a large foster family when they weren't fighting. At least the ones that hung out at the bar a lot did. Especially since the boys had to think of Anna, an eleven year old girl with special powers Mikoto-san chose to protect.]

He kept us all from getting too rowdy and helped look after Anna. We weren't just comrades. We were a family. He's the one that made it so. The last time he dropped his camera, his murder was caught on it. More than likely there will be something of importance caught on it this time as well.

[Yata seems calm now, but there's a slow burning anger in his eyes that Diarmuid probably wouldn't like too much should he get a good look. Usually Yata's all about immediate, explosive reactions, but the calculating xpression on his face makes him seem a lot more...serious? Dangerous?]

I assume the Colorless King wanted to stir shit. I really wish I could fight that bastard in a fair fight...

[Diarmuid may not like the expression, but that doesn't mean he doesn't understand it. Losing a friend is never easy and from what Yata is saying this was an especially cruel and needless death.

He reaches out to gently touch Yata's arm in the hopes of drawing the boy's attention to him for a moment.]

I am sorry for you and for your friend. The time will come when you are able to deal with whoever did this be it the King you assume or someone else. Fate always catches up to those deserving of punishment. He will pay. Of this, I have no doubt.

For now, though, we must focus on escaping this place. You cannot avenge your friend if you are trapped here. I know little of cameras. If there is something on this one, we are dependent on you finding out what it is.

Do you want me to check it now or-

[Yata's thought is cut off by the mirror he's leaning against suddenly sliding back.]

Huh? What the fuck?

[As the mirror slid out of the way, a door was revealed. A door that was probably the exit.]

...Well, that sure was a thing...

[He blinks a moment. Then a sudden thought hits him.]

...What if that door's a trick? Oh and by the way, I can work that camera just fine.

In this case, the door is no trick. It is indeed the way to leave this floor.

[Diarmuid's father speaks up after remaining quiet as the two discussed Yata's friend.]

However, I must warn you that once you leave this floor you will be faced with floors whose dangers increase as you move upward. Even floors that seem safe, are not. This floor is only here to give you both the chance to meet with those who will be helping you. Our power is stronger here unimpeded by other forces in the Tower. If you wish to ask questions of me before you return to the danger, now is the time to do it. I cannot answer everything, but I will do my best to answer what I can.

[As his father speaks, Diarmuid stands from where he had been next to Yata and walks back over to him.]

Perhaps before we begin throwing questions at you, I should properly introduce you. Yata, this is my father Aengus Og, god of love, youth and poetry.

[Aengus bows his head slightly as he is introduced, though the amused expression on his face takes a lot away from his son's serious introduction.]

Always so respectful, my little bird.

Is there something wrong with me being proud of my father?

Of course not. As long as I am allowed to be equally as proud of you.

Father...

[Yata's touched by watching Diarmuid and his father's exchange. But he's also a little jealous. Mikoto Suoh, his King and the man he hero-worshiped, would not take the time to offer Yata such affection and praise.

Of course, Mikoto-san wasn't his father, and there was no proof the Red King didn't harbor affection and praise for his 3rd in command. To tell the truth, Mikoto was lazy and never wanted to become a king. Well, maybe lazy was harsh, as he did protect those he cares about. Perhaps "wanted to be left alone" is a better way to put it...]

So you're really a demigod?

[The slight jealousy is exacerbated by the fact Yata was now alone and his helper was no where to be seen. Of course, he had no one to blame but himself for that, but he's not thinking clearly at the moment.]

[Diarmuid shakes his head, but before he can say anything Aengus speaks.]

My little bird may be many things, but he isn't a demigod. He is human just like you.

[He gives Diarmuid a fond look.]

I am his father in all ways but blood. Another holds that...

He is not my father!

[Diarmuid gives Aengus a sidelong glace. Despite the heat in his words, the look isn't angry at all. In fact, the look seems to say this is a conversation they have had many times before.]

He's not. I remember what happened that night now. He gave up that right when he killed...

[His words trail off, but from the way that the surprise on Aengus melts into understanding, it is obvious there will be no more argument.]

Horror Tower: Floor 2!

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