sarumi | Horror Tower: Floor 2!

[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.]

[Yata didn't like seeing Diarmuid so upset, especially when there was so little he could do.]

Why don't you just agree that the really cool elf guy's your dad? It seems like it would make everyone happiest. You must be really amazing to be adopted by a god, Nii-san!

[He's hoping that doesn't sound disrespectful 'cause Yata thinks Aengus is really awesome. Forgive him, he's not the best with words if he's not told how to speak, something Kusanagi-san always had to correct him on.]

I guess we should stay here a moment longer to fiure out what to do next...

[For a moment, Diarmuid doesn't answer. Instead, he turns faintly red, embarrassed at the compliment and that gives Aengus all the time he needs to speak up.]

My little bird is indeed a wonderful and skilled individual whether he believes it or not.

[Aengus gives his son a look and the denial that had been on Diarmuid's lips dies there.]

That's better. Now, what questions do you have for me? I cannot decide for you what your next move should be. However, if you ask me questions, I can at least use my knowledge to advise you.

Does that mean I can ask questions, too, or just Nii-san?

[Not that Yata could think of any really good questions to ask except-]

Ooh! I got a question!

[Before asking, he's gonna wait until Diarmuid's adopted father confirms whether or not he'll answer a question from Yata or not. Then again, he could just get Diarmuid to ask...]

[Diarmuid looks to his father since he doesn't know the answer to the question. He is relieved when Aengus nods.]

Either of you may question me. I do not believe this is true for your helper, young lord, but because I was strengthened by my little bird's wish I can interact with both of you more freely than I would have been permitted to otherwise.

[He gives Yata a friendly smile.]

What is your question?

If we need our helpers, can we call you or will you come when you can?

[Yata's not sure how this would work. Was there a special something they needed to call their helpers...or would they just show up when needed?]

Like...do you guys need a mirror, a special thought or anything like that?

The question you ask is a complex one because your familiar is different from me. Because I am stronger, my little bird need only think of me and I will likely be able to answer that call. He can also use this.

[There is a glow in Aengus' hands and he holds out a silver chain with silver-blue metal feather on it. He motions his son over, and Diarmuid steps forward allowing him to place the chain around his neck.]

As we have seen your familiar is weaker and more easily swayed by the Tower than I am. You can try calling him whenever you need him, but there are probably more places where he cannot answer than where I cannot answer. He will wish to answer you. There is no doubt about that, but he will not have the power. Also, I would suggest the next time you need him you heed whatever advice he gives you. If he says not to look at him, do not look at him.

[Aengus points toward the camera in Yata's hands.]

I cannot say this for sure, but that camera may work as a means to summon him just as the chain I just gave to my little bird summons me.

...Really? That would be awesome if it were true!

[Bless him, he's so excited about that idea. He wants to try it out now, but he's guessing it probably wouldn't work right this minute anyways.]

So we both have a way to get a hold of our helpers, Nii-san!

[He looks really happy about this...]

We do.

[Diarmuid reaches up and lightly touches the feather around his neck before smiling at his father. Aengus warmly returns the smile before speaking again.]

Yes, I fear that both he and I are going to be limited when it comes to the amount of power or energy we can use. It may be best to save summoning us for times when you really need our aid to be sure there isn't a time you need us and we cannot answer.

In other words, we shouldn't become lazy. I think there is little need for you to worry about me becoming lazy.

[Aengus laughs at Diarmuid's words, the sound much like the sound of bells chiming.]

Indeed not. There is something else I will warn you of now as well. Many of these floors have tricks to them. That should be a given, but the tricks are more than they might seem on the surface. Beyond the immediate keys to complete any floor there will often be others--ones that are literally a matter of life and death. Yours.

[He points to his son before pointing to Yata.]

And yours. In that, the floor even if completely successfully will be considered failed if one of you die in the process. For that reason, you must guard each other even more closely than you would otherwise least you have to repeat a floor that was just completed at a high cost.

Horror Tower: Floor 2!

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