lostcarnival | ⇨ THE ATHENAEUM

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⇨ THE ATHENAEUM

Who: Everyone!
When: Day 47 - Day 58 ish
Where: The Athenaeum
What: The carnival arrives at book world. First week, they'll be performing for magical manifestations of book characters. Second week, it's time to hunt (for books, in the library.) Around Day 58 some stuff will occur.
Warnings: Reading is mandatory.

FAERIE TALES↴

Though the carnival will be performing for its guests in the first week, they are welcome to search the Athenaeum while they are off duty during that time. The manifestations of story characters will be out in full force during performance week, with animals, people, objects, and even locations growing out from various tales. Most are distracting at worst, and will be curious to check out the carnival. Some, however, can be as dangerous as they were in their stories of origin. You know what to do.

► IT'S TIME TO ROLEPLAY: The best way to deal with book ghosts is to follow their narrative to its logical conclusion - turn the tables, work the story so it ends in your favour! Naturalistic and narratively satisfying plotting will have the manifestations following your lead. However, push too hard and introduce too many plot holes, inconsistencies, or illogical plot twists, and they will reject your reality utterly, becoming quite aggressive in the process. You can also use your natural abilities and powers to fight them in a traditional sense, but in the Ringmaster's experience, it's best to fight reality benders by bending reality right back at them. If you aren't careful, it's possible to be dragged fully into a story's reality, and then things get really messed up.

► IT'S ALSO TIME TO READ: The carnival came here for a purpose, and that purpose is to research. Specifically, the Ringmaster is looking for information on the Queen's Miracles - the set of ancient fae artifacts that the Blue Rose is one of. The carnival needs these artifacts to defend itself, but nobody knows where they've been for thousands of years. That's what the books are for. However, nothing is stopping you from pursuing knowledge for personal reasons. The halls are open to your perusal, and only your heart can guide you to the book you truly seek. Check the plot post to see what's allowed, and sign up to find plot info or other important game information below.

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[Gongenzaka is rather eerily silent, and even more unnervingly still. His ears have drooped, and his eyes are downcast-one metal thumb and one real one still gently pressed over the cloth of the scroll.]

...If they are not, they are certainly close, [he finally murmurs, eyes narrowed with what could even be disgust.] ...Close enough that similar events come quite quickly to mind.

[Yuya wonders if Gongenzaka would really react this way if it was mere coincidence. He knows what happened better than Yuya, after all, and would have an easier time spotting any discrepancies.

He casts his gaze aside for a moment with a wry smile.] I guess it's not surprising that's how it happened.

[Of course, Gongenzaka only had good intentions.]

...You... [He blinks, not quite catching what Yuuya means with the statement. His mind is reeling with nothing but memories of the blood in his mouth, and the numerous young vampires left behind-entirely to die, not that he entirely knew at the time. It clouds his thoughts, and he almost wishes he'd had the foresight to have Marishi summoned-it is somehow easier to keep one's head clear, when part of it is chatting aloud.

But then again, he should not have to rely on such a crutch at all, he notes mentally.] ...What do you mean by that, that it is not surprising to you? [he manages, blinking out of his quiet stupor.]

You were protecting someone. [His gaze drifts down at the scroll for a moment, and despite hisit mouth twists into an affectionate smile.] When you fought all those vampires and... when you died. You were saving someone else.

[In retrospect, it's so obvious that's how it happened. It's why Yuya was so concerned that Gongenzaka not fight alone anymore. He's been so badly scarred so that others wouldn't have to. Yuya can't think of anyone kinder, and so strong in it.

Finally Yuya reaches to try and gently gather the scroll from Gongenzaka, looking up at him.]

...Aah. Indeed, that is how both situations began, [he murmurs, slowly looking to Yuuya as the scroll is re-gathered. But he finds it somehow difficult to meet the other's eyes. And he cannot simply leave things at that.]

...What I, the man Gongenzaka did while within those caverns however, Yuuya...

...those actions were far from necessary as a matter of protection...

[Yuya puts the scrolls aside on the table as his expression slips slightly. That's enough looking at the scrolls, then... maybe he shouldn't have asked.] They were hurting you, too. Aren't you just being too hard on yourself?

[That's what it sounds like to Yuya. Gongenzaka is someone with strong morals and conviction, of course he holds himself to a high standard.]

Edited 2018-05-01 03:39 (UTC)

Yuuya.

... [....Does he wish to continue? Probably not. But he continues all the same, even if it is with half an explanation.] ...The moment of time which this scroll reminds me most of... ...That was a time during with I, the man Gongenzaka, had been made a 'vampire' of the sort which attacked the Carnival.

...and while I abstained from the blood in that place for a time... [His eyes are stuck to the scroll somewhat, and he closes them tight.] ...What I, the man Gongenzaka allowed myself to do was UNFORGIVABLE, Yuuya..! For even the enemy-even those who would attack us, to at least some degree, deserve more mercy..!

I know what it is. [Gongenzaka told him, at least a version of the story. Told him he killed with obvious regret.

Yuya steps closer so he can put his hand on Gongenzaka's arm in gentle encouragement to stop turning away from him.] But you... you can't hold this against yourself like this. You're a good person, and you help more people than you hurt. It's not like you had much of a choice, right?

[He sighs, his expression twisting wryly.] And letting them hurt you instead isn't a choice.

...I, the man Gongenzaka, had the choice to make certain they did not follow. ...However, there was also the choice not to do it like this, [he insists, gesturing to the scroll.]

...Yuuya... ...Their kind could not die in the way most would. ...But if they were drained of their blood, it would be as though they were frozen and left for dead.

...Left to be consumed by other things that were down there. ...That was a choice I could have not taken.

[Yuya purses his lips in a tight frown. Okay, this obviously isn't getting through to him.] Then how else could you have done it?

[Obviously it wasn't ideal, but like the Hunt... did they really have the chance for a better way? Or would have that just cost Gongenzaka even more trying to be merciful?]

[Ah. Here, Gongenzaka goes silent. But...]

A vampire can still be 'knocked out', [he mutters.] Or at the very least, frightened away, as most had been. ...I, the man Gongenzaka, suppose I did not seek them out, but...

...At a point, I did not give them such an opportunity either.

[Yuya's a little skeptical scaring them off would have been as effective as it is with bullies. But he can't really prove or disprove that, so...]

Okay. Then you know what you're going to do next time your cornered. [His gaze drifts sideways, briefly, brow furrowing. And then he fixes Gongenzaka with a determined gaze.] Maybe it won't take back what happened, but... you don't have to keep beating yourself up as if you didn't learn and won't do better.

[He offers a reassuring smile.] That's what second chances are for, right?

Hmmn-! [Admittedly, he has to snort at least a little, when Yuuya says 'next time'.] I, the man Gongenzaka, should hope that I do not find myself a member of the undead again, Yuuya... ...twice is quite enough..! [Even if one of those times was technically fake, it FELT real!

As it is. He has to sigh.] ...Truthfully, I, the man Gongenzaka, am quite aware that this changes nothing, and aids nothing...it is but one of many reasons for me to train onward.

...it does not quite erase the feelings that a reminder would bring, however. [No doubt Yuuya can relate to that much, at least.]

You know what I meant! [The way things are going on the carnival, they can't doubt that a similar situation might arise. How many mass kidnappings have they had now?

Yuya ducks his head sheepishly, though, as Gongenzaka continues.] Sorry... I just didn't want to assume and be wrong. But you probably didn't want to think about it.

I-It means certain actions will not happen though, does it not..! [HE REALLY HOPES HE ISN'T DRIVEN TO THAT KIND OF HUNGRY BLOODLUST WITHOUT SUPERNATURAL INFLUENCES!!!

With Yuuya ducking, the fluster is increasing, suffice to say.] MNH-!

Y...Yuuya...

...It is true, I, the man Gongenzaka, have been doing what I could to 'move on'... ...but it is also true that I, the man Gongenzaka, have been avoiding the matter... ...to the extent where it nears 'ignorance' over 'understanding', perhaps...

...It is...fine, Yuuya, [he eventually says.] ...What I, the man Gongenzaka have done, and what is regretted, or otherwise... ...For me to allow that to become your burden would be unforgivable, after all..!

So I, the man Gongenzaka, must assure you Yuuya-although the memories may be grim, among other things...you should not blame yourself for looking closer at these scrolls-nor should you blame yourself, for how I, the man Gongenzaka, looked upon them. My actions were mine, hmm?

...more importantly, [He mutters, perhaps more embarrassed now than anything,] ...it is perhaps something which I, the man Gongenzaka, should be working to recover from more truly-if all I can bring myself to do is focus on what could have occurred or otherwise...

Eh--[Yuya looka back up, and this time it's his turn to fluster as he waves his hands in the air.] No, it's not a burden! You've had to deal with me being upset for years, so...

[Really, Yuya knows in a lot of ways he was a pain with how he coped with his father's disappearance. Gongenzaka's dealt with his worst it wouldn't be fair if he didn't do the same.] So if you need help, you know I'm here! If it hurts, you don't have to face it alone.

NH- Th-This is no contest, Yuuya..! More than that, we were children, during those times! And you have most certainly learned, and come to master such reactions in many ways, and-! [And to be fair he really hasn't seen how bad it gets AFTER the matter of the Battle Beast, but-]

Yuuya- should I, the man Gongenzaka, not be the one there for you? [he asks, eyes watering just a touch.]

You have. [Yuya leans forward, his hand reaching for Gongenzaka's arm again and bracing against it. His grip is a little tighter this time, firm, claws lightly pressed against the skin in a way that's not far off from how Gongenzaka would often steady Yuya. If by much smaller hands.

His expression is a little disbelieving.] Isn't that what you've done since we've met? You've always been there for me, and protected me, and helped me improve my dueling and myself. And it...

[His expression softens, and he worries over his lip. Not out of reluctance, so much as making an attempt to keep his voice steady and strong. His emotions still leaks through, however, raw and earnest.] It means a lot to me. You're my best friend, and you've given me so much I don't even know what to ask for! I've never believed you weren't there for me.

It's okay. [Yuya smiles, and despite the waver in his voice and the way his eyes are misting, it's a strong and honest expression.] I wanted to be stronger so I could be someone you and Yuzu could rely on. I know I'm still getting there, but... I'm strong enough for this.

MNhh.... [......Gongenzaka's eyes are assuredly watering, even as the rest of the man seems to bristle- to be fair, it is only the leaves which stand on end, no doubt entirely because of how worked up and 'touched' he's feeling right now.] Yuuya...

[Someone had Better Duck, because arms are imminent.] NNHHH-! Such dedication is exactly why I, the man Gongenzaka, wish to be someone you can also continue to rely upon...!! To simply cease offering that sort of aid would be unforgivable, particularly with the one I, the man Gongenzaka, would call my greatest friend..!

[Tears. Tears, Everywhere.]

[Yuya twists when he's pulled forward to keep his face from getting buried (suffocated) against Gongenzaka, though there's still a grunt of discomfort as he's promptly squished.] I--I didn't mean you had to! You know I've relied on you all this time.

[He sags a little, weighted by that. Not in that he's ashamed, necessarily, but it's kind of redundant to hear Gongenzaka talk about wanting to be the reliable one when he always has been.] I've always relied on you, and you've always been there for me. And you always will be, right?

[He doesn't actually need the affirmation, though. Yuya tries to look up at Gongenzaka, but all he really sees is a bunch of fur and his chin.] But that's not what I'm talking about.

Aaaah, naturally..! [So at least he agrees with points 1, 2, and...

Cue record scratch, he needs to pause-not release the hug though. Just pause.] ...It...is not?

[well that's just embarrassing now yuuya why'd you go saying that-]

No! [Yuya can't help it--Gongenzaka sounds so surprised that he ends up laughing, even if only briefly.] I know all that. I...

I know how much I need you. [Suddenly he's glad he can't see Gon's face like this as he turns his head back down. That is really embarrassing say, even if he knows it's true. It sounds needy, and he's not going to prove himself stronger like that.] You don't have to prove anything to me. I want to prove you can trust me the same way I trust you.

MNH- I- It is not that I, the man Gongenzaka, feel you don't know that, but..!

[...He should really shut his mouth, shouldn't he. Body twisting around a bit so that the legs are more situated upon the ground (how on earth has he been curled like that this whole time), he quietly and slowly breaks the hug, sighing.]

I, the man Gongenzaka, certainly trust you. More than anything Yuuya, I trust you.

...so please, trust me, when I, the man Gongenzaka, say that I am fine.

[That point flew over his head like a dang fastball-]

Okay. [Yuya rocks back on his heels, this time looking up at Gongenzaka's face properly. He's caught the conversation in his own words, because he can't take back the trust he's placed.

Not that he doesn't trust Gongenzaka. It's just not as easy as he thought, trying to navigate changing in their friendship. Yuya was for a long time something weak and fragile that needed to be protected... but he's trying really hard to reach his friend's levels.]

But if you ever aren't. [He's here. So he'll just set that precedent, gently squeezing Gon's arm before pulling back.] Even if you think it's small.

[He smiles warmly, assuring. Strong.]

Hmn-! [Gongenzaka nods. And moving one hand to the other's shoulder, nods again, as if to settle the matter in his mind, and around them.] I, the man Gongenzaka, swear to you...I will do just that.

[~~But only 'small', not miniscule, like so many things are, naturally.~~]

...Sahh, Yuuya... ...Let us find something 'better' to read, than such poems.

[...Seriously, something better would be a great idea.]

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bE THERE FOR EACH OTHER THEN YOU N ER DS

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