genessia | 1st game | accidental video

Entry tags:

1st game | accidental video

[His collar must be gold at present.

That is the first thought running through his mind when Gaara awakens. He hears grumbling from Shukaku, and answers back somewhat absently. Once he regains his mental bearings, he realizes the darkness surrounding him. Gaara extends one arm forward to push at the unknown restriction, not expecting his sand powers to work in this state.

Outside of the cocoon, he inspects the room with blatant curiosity. A new F3 location, he instantly assumes. He needs to check in with Sai, his siblings, and his friends, and then figure out what this week’s challenge will entail.

However… the communication device doesn’t seem to be in his possession at the moment. Frowning, Gaara steps out of the room to begin his exploration. His senses are on high alert, in anticipation of monster attacks.]

[ Ishtar brushed off some of the leftovers of the cocoon as she woke up and pushed herself out of it. Sidia rested at hers side unhappily and no one else she knew was here. She tugged at her hair and furrowed her brows. Where was here? Did the Facility vanish again? It’s not another one of those 3rd Facilities right? It can’t be. She just fought with everyone to get rid of them.

What the hell is going on?! ]

[As Gaara is walking down the hallway, he keeps searching for the device, as well as any signs of the other inhabitants. His movement is swift, and after a few dozen strides, he begins calling out in an even, but audible tone.]

Sai. Temari. Kankuro. Ishtar.

...Gaara?

[ Ishtar raised a brow catching sight of red hair that stood out in the room of cocoons. ]

H-Hey….what the hell. GAARA!

[ Ishtar started pacing quickly towards Gaara, and trying to make sure she wasn't delusional when her eyes darted towards Gaara and realized it was Gaara but she might be seeing things. The Facility did that to people! ]

[His head immediately turns toward the source, his breath briefly catching in relief. So they had simply been separated. He will find the others, after ensuring Ishtar’s safety.]

Ishtar.

[Gaara heads toward the princess, his expression soft with concern. She is armed, fortunately.]

Have you been able to locate your communication device?

N-no but this-- it shouldn't be happening, and you--you’re not suppose to be-- GAARA.

[ Ishtar throws her arms around him the minute she realized he was the real thing without even giving him a warning but she did it discreetly so that the shield didn't smack her in the face when she wanted to hug Gaara. ]

…?

[His eyes widen with surprise at the ferocity of her reaction, but because this is Ishtar, he allows her to hold him. He doesn't understand why she seems so worried and upset, when they are already accustomed to this routine. It takes a moment for the Suna ninja to recover, before he slowly lifts his arms, and wraps them around her slender frame.]

Are you all right…?

[ She squeezed him tightly against her form. It was Gaaa, in the flesh and bone. He wasn’t fake and he was still alive. She kept squeezing him, fighting back tears that were welling up in her eyes. It was so saddening when she lost a lot of her friends. To see them again, she was so happy. There were no words to describe how happy she was. ]

Gaara...Gaara...

Gaara
Ishtar

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[Gaara nods, slightly.] Yes. This location is a temporary-… [He trails off, now growing suspicious.] If you are in cohorts with the Doctors, we will not cooperate with your demands.

[Ninja training has taught him to be cautious, or pay with his life. The facility setting hasn’t lowered his guard in the least bit, throughout his capture.

He does, however, survey the pamphlet with blatant curiosity. Reluctantly, he admits.] It is a possibility. I didn’t inspect the room.

[The necklace was mentioned before. Gaara briefly glances down, at the reminder.] This necklace is a communication device…? [He’s still technologically-challenged, in some ways. This kind of technology doesn’t exist in the ninja world.]

[If he's in...what...with the who?

Luke gives a legitimately confused expression for a moment, before there's an awkward smile. Sure, okay.]

I'm not working with anyone, if that's what you mean. I'm just as lost as the rest of you. I just know what people have told me, as well as what I've read. I guess...it also helps this isn't the first place I've wound up. Before I woke up here, I was in- some hotel.

[He's going to leave it at that.

With technology, Luke's about as lost as Gaara. He had to read the instructions.] Well, uh... [He holds up what, to some, appears to be a walkie-talkie.] This is apparently supposed to be how we keep in touch with one another. I haven't actually tried using it, though.

[…He seems sincere enough.

Gaara looks into his eyes for a moment, and then his expression eases a little. He is usually able to read people’s intentions based on eye contact. He doesn’t detect anything dangerous about Luke. His behavior suggests that he is a civilian… though Gaara knows better than to underestimate anyone, from his time at the facility.

When he and Ishtar step away from each other, the Suna ninja draws closer to the pamphlet. He makes no move to take it from Luke’s grasp, and instead starts reading the contents in midair.

He glances up at the mention of a hotel.] For a recreational visit? [Since that is what hotels are normally used for.

Gaara tilts his head a bit, unfamiliar with this brand of device. He’ll have to learn to use it, like the one at the facility.] It’s different… Perhaps the features and functions have changed as well.

[The question results in him looking away from Gaara, his body tensing ever-so-slightly at the thought. He hadn't even been there all that long, yet...a lot happened in that short period of time.]

Actually, a bunch of us woke up there, without any memory of how we even arrived. People tried to leave; but, no matter how long they walked, the hotel was always...right there. It'd be right behind them, like they'd only been walking for a couple of minutes. And, every two weeks...

[His expression darkened just a bit. Then, he seemed to be blinking out of the memory, a slightly apologetic look appearing.]

Ah-... [He glances to the device.] Yeah, it's nothing like what we had to use in the hotel. I think I might have an idea of how to use it, though.

[The action isn’t exactly discreet. Gaara notices, and mentally files that away. He isn’t shy about asking questions – even difficult ones.]

Your freedom was restricted within a single building? [Similar to the facility. And apparently, it sounded just as hellish.] Something unpleasant took place every two weeks. [He would suggest experiments or torture, judging by Luke’s shaded expression, but maybe the situation wasn’t that extreme.

His own device is most likely back in the room. With a slight tensing of his brow, Gaara requests in a low tone.] …A demonstration would be appreciated. Rather, any information you would be willing to share, once you have learned how to operate it.

[He had learned how to hack into computers after a few months of being taught by Kite. He could certainly figure out how to use this new communication device. Nevertheless, it would be wise to gather information and pass it onto the others. His friends would want to know as well.]

[He pauses a moment, then lets out a sigh.] The sun would set and wouldn't rise again until the two weeks were up. During that time, all the staff would...do everything in their power to kill us.

[Pause.] Then, after the two weeks were up, everything would go back to normal. The dead would come back to life, and the staff would claim not to remember anything.

[But, yes, let him focus on the device.

Pulling out his own device he begins pointing to buttons and explaining what they do. He shows Gaara how to record video messages, and typed messages. The only thing he doesn't show--since he doesn't know how to, is how to screen messages or record voice messages.]

Two weeks of darkness... [He murmurs thoughtfully. Without sunshine, that would affect the mindsets and moods of most regular humans.

Gaara nods with understanding, especially at the next part.] To be defenseless will result in death. Was it permanent, in that setting? [Because it wasn't, at the facility. He smirks somewhat wryly from the mention of memory loss.] Should they admit to retaining their memories, it would be akin to an admission of responsibility and accountability.

[He watches and pays close attention, taking careful mental notes. The process is fairly similar to the device at the facility. It shouldn't take too much effort for him to replicate the commands.]

Thank you.

[And it certainly had affected many people's mindsets. Even some of those that had been spirited away into that hotel...had joined forces with the staff.

Half the time, Luke hadn't known who he could trust.]

Nothing was permanent there. [He paused, thinking on the mention of admission of responsibility. A weak, almost guilty-looking smile appeared on his face.] You're right. Sometimes...people don't want to face their crimes, so they'll deny being at fault.

[It might not sound like he's even talking about the staff, anymore. Swallowing hard, he looks down.] Guess there's no point in trying to figure any of it, now, since we're not even there, anymore.

[Yes, "we". He's also referring to the one that had been able to share the joys of the hotel with him.]

Heh, no problem, Gaara! [Giving a slightly sheepish smile, he scratches at the back of his head.] ...I know there's some other things we're supposed to be able to do with it, but I still haven't figure it out. I barely managed to figure out how to use the watch-thing back in the hotel. [Sigh.]

Then, those in charge of that location must have had ulterior motives. [Perhaps they had wanted to observe the reactions of their victims, similar to the Doctors and the Consortium.]

Denial is a common trait of humans. [Gaara sounds just a touch cold in stating that.] Or rather... based on my observation. [And personal experience.]

It would be unwise to discard your memories so readily. You may return to that setting at a later date. [Sorry, Luke. But Gaara is a realistic ninja. Hey, he could very well return to the facility at one point...]

Perhaps the other inhabitants have more extensive knowledge. Those that have remained in this world for a longer period of time.

Well, the man in charge always sounded...happy about what happened to us. He'd always taunt me, or make it out like I was crazy for being angry at him. Even when I yelled at him, he just...laughed it off.

[His eyes narrow at the memory, one hand tightening into a fist.]

You're right. [He stares at the ground a moment, a hand moving to rest on the side of his head. His tone is remorseful.] Even after...what I did to that town. I knew it was my own hands that did it, yet I couldn't face the truth... I blamed my own ignorance, while pointing the finger at the man I'd once thought I could trust.

[Luke's not very good at hiding his feelings- just the idea of returning to that place has his brow tensing. Looking to the side, he lets out a soft, short laugh.] I guess...that's true. I was there, once, so the possibility is there.

[He looks back to Gaara.] You're right. It's better to be prepared, than to pretend it couldn't happen, right?

[To the last part, Luke nods.] Yeah, I'm sure they do! It wouldn't hurt to ask, at least.

Edited 2014-04-24 03:12 (UTC)

A tactic of manipulation. [He assesses calmly.] Particularly if his intention was to observe your reactions to the experi-... the events.

[Gaara's brows furrow with confusion. He assumes Luke is referring to an incident that took place in the hotel.] A town in the hotel? What type of responsibility were you attempting to escape from?

[He looks up, all the while silently assessing the new area with his sensor sand.] This world... seems to be safer than the facility. Nonetheless, one should never lower his guard, in the face of ambiguity. We have been taken here for a purpose. One that has yet to be revealed.

[He nods.] I regret even letting him see that side of me...

[Luke's quiet, for a moment, at the question] ...

[Looking to the side, Luke decides there's absolutely no point in hiding it. Actually, he likes being able to talk to someone about it.] Back on Auldrant...my power was used to kill...thousands of people, in a matter of seconds. A man I trusted tricked me into thinking I was going to save them.

[Green eyes shifted back to Gaara's face.] I just wanted to feel useful, I guess. Like a hero, so people would see me as more than just a replica. [He forces a grin.] Of course, I'm over all that. I know, now, that being a replica doesn't measure a person's value.

[Looking behind him, Luke scratches at the back of his head.] Yeah, it's a lot safer than any world I've ever been. But...I haven't been able to find even a clue about why we're here.

Edited 2014-04-24 04:52 (UTC)

[Gaara lifts his hand in a brief wave, dismissing the matter.] I should hope you have learned from that incident. Mistakes can be made, so long as they aren’t repeated excessively.

[And he is also going to make an educated guess that Auldrant is the world Luke was originally from. He’s never heard of it, just like all the other countries people talked about, back at the facility, like America and Japan. Wherever those places are.

Gaara’s eyes widen a little with surprise, but his expression remains largely unchanged, otherwise. Not like death and destruction are foreign concepts for shinobi. Nor manipulation, for that matter.] You were utilized as a weapon. The one that was in possession of the strings – he opposed those individuals? Did this occur during a time of war?

[He tilts his head a bit, growing more curious by the minute.] Replica? You are capable of creating clones? [Luke doesn’t carry himself like a ninja, but then again, Naruto isn’t exactly a typical ninja either.

Wanting to feel useful… Gaara shifts his gaze off to the side. He completely understands that feeling, that need, that desire to be accepted by others. Having value and worth assigned to his life, rather than a weapon intended to be used and discarded.]

This world… seems more conducive to civilians. [Gaara pauses to hold his arms over his chest.] The circumstances will likely be more peaceful. Free of conflict and bloodshed.

Heh... You sound like my friend. [Jade.] He said something along those lines, once.

[The next questions have Luke staring at the ground pretty hard. He holds a blink for several seconds, a slow exhale escaping. The more he talks, the further away he sounds. Almost as though he's reliving it. Which he kind of is.] The man who did it...wanted to use me as a pawn in recreating Auldrant. Destroying Akzeriuth was the first step in creating a world filled with... other replicas.

[His voice is just above a whisper.] Heh...all that to erase the Score. He really did hate it, didn't he?

[Then, he appears to snap out of thought, his expression tensing a bit, then turning apologetic.] Sorry, this is the first time I've spoken to anyone about it, that wasn't already directly involved.

[Letting out another sigh, he shakes his head.] Replicas are...people created with a machine. We're copies of other people, down to the last fonon. I was made so that I could die destroying that city. Van, he...never anticipated me surviving the blast. I was supposed to die that day.

[He lets out a laugh, in spite of it holding some level of sadness. Yeah, he's over it.

Really.] I guess that's why I fought so hard, after that, to make sure I lived with a purpose. I wanted to create value within my life. Of course...it wasn't until the...very end that I realized I never had to do that, in the first place.

[His expression falls serious.] Funny how death can make you appreciate your life the most.

[Shaking his head as though forcing away an unpleasant thought. Seriously, why's this guy so easy to talk to...?]

...Yeah, it's surprisingly peaceful here. I can't help but wait for the catch, though. [He glances away.] This will be the first world I've been to where I don't have to fight, if it really is completely monster-free.

[He has no reply to that statement. He’s never met Jade, but even so… he feels a little surprised to remind someone of a friend. The difficulties of social interaction… he wonders if he will ever be able to fully understand people and bonds.]

......

[Score, replica, fonon… Gaara isn’t familiar with those terms. He does, however, shake his head after the apology.] There is no need for your apology. [It isn’t like Luke has committed any wrongdoings against him. What happened back on his world, involves himself and his fellow people.

There are flickers of emotion that cross his expression, throughout certain parts of Luke’s explanation. Empathy. Gaara isn’t a machine, but normal humans – and even other shinobi – have always viewed jinchuuriki as… something evil. Because of what they harbor within their bodies. His own father had tried to kill him, multiple times, when he became a danger to the village. And Yashamaru-

Gaara violently cuts off that train of thought and hardens his facial features.]

You’re not human.

[It’s stated as fact rather than an accusation. His expression remains stoic as he admits in a quiet tone.] Beware of whom you reveal that aspect to, Luke. Humans are known to react with fear to situations they don’t understand. [His voice dips to a lower volume.] I have experienced that facet as well.

[And then, in a stronger tone.] You may have been created for a specific purpose. However, you have the freedom to defy that fate and walk a path of your own choosing.

[The mention of death makes his throat tighten, briefly. Gaara has yet to get closure about his own impending demise, back in his home world. His eyes narrow thoughtfully as he stares at Luke, and carefully scrutinizes his face.] What is your experience with death?

[Gaara sounds almost disappointed as he notes.] Mmm… It will certainly be an adjustment. We are not accustomed to living as civilians.

[His expression softens at the mention of there not being a need for apology. Yeah, he supposed that was true...

The statement of Luke not being human, though...

Luke's brow tensed and he gave Gaara a bit of an uncertain expression, until he heard the rest of the other redhead's words. Green eyes drifted to the side.] Yeah, you're right. Back home, I almost immediately lost count of how many replicas got beaten down in the streets, or...killed... When faced by something different, people change. But it showed me that even the most peaceful of people have a violent side to them. In the end, everyone has the ability to kill another person...

[His expression darkens as he's reminded of the one he's called "uncle" his entire life.] Even if they're someone that's seen you as family, your entire life...

[The words of Luke being able to walk his own path are encouraging, and Luke gives Gaara a genuine smile. He appreciates those words, a lot, actually.] You're right...

[Then, he's asked about death and Luke looks away, again, brow tensing. He isn't ready to talk about the fading away thing, just yet...]

...Back in the hotel, my friend and I were killed. I tried to save him, but...I failed. [He scratches the back of his head.] Then...next thing I know, I'm waking up, again. That was when I learned death wasn't permanent, there.

[He smiled faintly at the mentioning of there being an adjustment.] Yeah, I feel like it's been nothing but fighting since I left the manor. Even before that, I wasn't treated like a regular civilian. There's not much you can learn about that, though, being locked in your home.

[The smile turns weak.]

[That look of uncertainty and insecurity is familiar, especially in his eyes. Gaara is careful to maintain an unchanging expression. He doesn’t care if Luke is human or not. Regardless, he is a person, a being of sentiment with emotions and intelligence, hopes and dreams, goals and desires. As a matter of fact, humans are the ones that have judged and ostracized others for the differences that lie between them.

Gaara has little tolerance for blatant ignorance.]

Extermination… [His tone darkens with clear disapproval.] It is a foolish, meaningless endeavor. They seek to eradicate evidence of their mistakes. Everyone is capable of violence, when pushed to their individual limits. Even those who claim acceptance or impartiality, can break their word as easily as another.

[Cold and harsh, but Gaara has known little kindness in his life. At the facility, he had started to learn the meaning of happiness, before everything began to unravel.]

Family… Hmph. [Aside from that quiet grunt, he’s going to withhold further commentary. He has a rather negative perspective of family, based on his experiences. Nevertheless, he doesn’t want to insult his siblings, in spite of what they’ve done to him. Gaara respects them, and would still give his life to protect them, even if those sentiments aren’t mutual.]

The hotel. [Brief pause as that rings a note of familiarity inside his mind.] Was it located in California?

We are uncertain as to whether or not death is permanent here, as well. [Gaara wants to find out the answer to that important question. In due time, of course. He isn’t going to kill someone as an experiment.] Were you confined due to your existence as a replica?

[There's a pause as he appears to think on Gaara's words. Something about the way Gaara speaks. He keeps specifying "humans"...and he'd said he experienced something similar...and.......

Luke's expression softens in genuine curiosity, his head tilting.] Are you...uh...

[He glances to the side, scratching the back of his head.] What about you? You said you experienced it, too, right? Are you not human, Gaara?

[In spite of his head remaining turned, green eyes shift back to Gaara. His hand lowers back to his own side as he watches the other young man's face. Then--]

Oh, uh... [The hotel...Luke has to allow the unpleasant memories back in just long enough to recall the location. He gives a nod.] Yeah, I think I remember reading that, somewhere.

[Then, the mention of death maybe not being permanent there, has Luke's face tensing. Because, after all, he might be the first one to test that theory...if...]

...I see. [Just like that, his heart is racing and he looks...worried, in spite of a forced smile.]

......

[Luke pays attention, and he apparently has insight. It’s a quality that impresses Gaara, who has respected intelligence. Stupidity in the ninja world tends to result in disaster. A lesson that he sorely wishes Naruto would learn.

There are few things Gaara fears, but he feels a twinge of apprehension at the question, as reasonable as it is. A short period of acceptance and understanding isn’t enough to erase years of hatred and abandonment, by his own village. He… thinks that Luke could comprehend, though, based on his experiences.]

Not… entirely. [Gaara pauses, trying to think of a way to explain his situation to someone not from his world. Finally, he decides to just be blunt about it.] I am a host, a vessel. I have harbored a demon inside of my body since birth. The purpose of my existence is to serve as the ultimate weapon for my village.

[But the hotel redirects his attention, for a brief moment.] Are you acquainted with a man named Ryuuji?

[Gaara quirks a brow at his tense expression. He remarks in a dry tone.] I don’t intend to test that conjecture on you, Luke. [If he is going to kill anyone, it would have to be an enemy, or a mindless monster.]

[Not long after his response to the "whether or not death is permanent" thing, Luke blinks, then speaks again.] O-oh, well...My uncle ordered my confinement to the manor after they found me. Because he's the king, it was pretty much non-negotiable. He...still thought I was the original Luke. It was predestined that the "light of the sacred flame" would be used as a weapon. I was supposed to be as a weapon of Kimlasca, destroying myself and the city. So, no, it wasn't because I was a replica...

[It was because he was nothing more than a weapon, at first. With that, he lets out a weak, short laugh.] In the end, the Score was wrong. It might have been correct about Azkeriuth, the war, and the miasma...but we showed the world that the Score is not the only path that could be taken.

[With that, he smiles fondly.] To think, none of that would have happened without her showing up at the manor...

[Gaara telling him he isn't human has Luke giving a tilt of his head. His expression then softens, and he smiles somewhat sadly.] ...So we both know what that's like, then. May I ask what kind of demon?

[Genuine curiosity. He doesn't seem scared, worried, freaked out...just curious to know more about it.]

Ryuuji...? [Luke's brow tenses a moment.] Oh! Takasu Ryuuji? [He smiles.] Yeah, Takasu's a good friend of mine. We met at the hotel, and...he helped me out, a lot. Without him, I think I would have gone crazy, in that place. Having someone to protect, gave me a reason to keep pushing forward. [He smile softens.] The crazy thing is...we haven't known each other, all that long. Guess that's what happens when two people are shoved together in a place, against their will. And...maybe I was just lonely and needed a friend, just like him... Of course, that's why... [His teeth clench together.] It hurt when I failed to protect him...

[Gaara telling him he doesn't plan to test the question of dying being permanent on him... has him looking surprised for a moment.] Wh-what...? N-no, I didn't...It's not........

[He lets out a bit of a defeated sigh.] It's...not like that, Gaara. It's just... [Then, his expression hardens.] If death isn't permanent, there's a chance I won't be here very long.

[Ah, so Luke is related to loyalty. Gaara has mixed opinions about nobles. Luke doesn’t seem quite as arrogant as some of the nobles he’s encountered before, fortunately. He speaks fairly respectfully, and Gaara can now realize where it’s derived from.]

You were confined because of your role as a weapon, then. [And he was used by his family. Or rather, people that Luke thought were his family. Gaara’s perspective on family is getting increasingly distorted. It also doesn’t help his fears that he would repeat the mistakes of his father.]

You… played a role in the composition of a score? [He’s been lost for a while, with all these terms being used in a context unfamiliar to him.] Her?

[Gaara nods in agreement, though his features remain stoic. He has had years to perfect his poker face, so to speak.] Yes. [A beat.] Shukaku is a sand spirit. His form resembles that of a tanuki, a raccoon dog.

[Pray that you never come face-to-face with it, Luke. That kind of dangerous curiosity will get you killed.]

So the circumstances were conducive to strengthening your bond… [Gaara gets a far-off look in his eyes for a moment. He is thinking about his bond that he shares with a certain someone, wondering exactly what it was that brought them together…] I should think the length of time has little relevance. There are other more important factors to consider… correct? [He sounds unsure, because he is. He still needs to learn so much more about friendships, familial bonds, and romantic relationships.]

Failure is often intolerable, regardless of the situation. However, if he is truly your friend, he will recognize your efforts.

[That sounds rather ominous. Gaara frowns, staring at Luke with some suspicion.] Do you intend to discard your life so readily? For what reason would you willingly desire death?

Ah, no... [He gives a faint laugh.] The Score is...a prophecy given by someone named Yulia Jue. She was a Seventh Fonist that lived about 2,000 years ago back on Auldrant. [Oh, right...He forgot he should give a basic explanation of what fonons are. He'd had to do the same thing for Ryuuji, too.]

A Seventh Fonist is someone that's able to use the Seventh Fonon. And fonons are vibrations of energy that give sound and give matter a form? They're divided into seven groups. [Glances up.] Darkness, Earth, Wind, Water, Fire, Light, and Sound. In that order. Fonists are people that can control those elements, basically.

[Then, he looks back to Gaara.] Anyway, all of Yulia's predictions were placed on these things called fonstones and given the name "The Score". And, the Score became something that people lived by. In the end, though, it wasn't even that they were using them as a guidance- but, instead, outright trying to live them to the last detail. It got to the point where people were actually afraid to try straying from The Score... To the point where people were looking the other way as cities were destroyed, too afraid to even bother trying to evacuate the citizens.

[To the question of 'her', Luke gives a sheepish smile.] Oh, uh...A girl named Tear.

[Luke has to tilt his head, again. Okay, he knows what a dog is, but...] Raccoon...dog? [Sorry, but...] I don't think we have those on Auldrant.

[Luke smiles at the question about the relevance of time.] Yeah, you're right. Heh...most of the people I call a close friend, I've known less than a year. They did more for me than some of the people I'd known my entire life. In the end, I guess it's more about what happens during the time spent, than...the time itself.

[To the next part, Luke's expression softens.] I'm sure he does recognize my efforts. In fact, he seems like he's not angry or disappointed, at all. But...that's what makes him so amazing, I guess. The fact that he's still willing to be my friend, even after I let him down...

[The last part has Luke's expression straining somewhat.] No, it's not like that, Gaara. I don't want to die. [He has to look away.] Replicas aren't meant to live for very long. We don't have the...ability to. Back at the hotel, I could feel it. And, that feeling hasn't left me, even though I'm in a new world.

Edited 2014-04-28 14:08 (UTC)

[Luke’s initial explanation elicits a blank stare from the redhead. Until he can make sense of the elemental differences.] I see. Similar to ninjutsu. [And the notion of fonons sounds physics-related, even if their worlds don’t use the exact same technology.

He frowns a little, but with understanding.] They allowed themselves to be controlled by this Score, rather than live freely. [Nothing short of dictatorship. It’s what his father tried to do with their village. He hungered for power, and paid the price with his life.

The girl’s name gives Gaara pause. It’s possible that this is just a coincidence, but…] There was a woman at the facility with that same name at the facility. She was a military officer, and possessed knowledge of offensive and defensive magic spells, as well as healing techniques. She was a formidable warrior. [Having fought by her side a few times, Gaara harbors respect for Tear. He had felt saddened by her sudden disappearance.]

A tanuki doesn’t seem to be a common animal in most worlds. [Because most worlds also don’t have large summon animals that can talk.

Gaara nods, his own expression softening. There is sympathy in his voice, as he states bluntly.] This… situation must be difficult for you. Being separated from them, that is. Did you… share any bonds that were stronger than friendship? [Normally, he wouldn’t ever think to ask about romantic relationships, but ever since Sai… he has started to expand his thought process.]

He doesn’t consider your attempt to be a failure. It wasn’t your intention to encourage his demise. Though, if he doesn’t learn proper self-defense, he will become a liability, in times of conflict. [Granted, Gaara plans to protect him, despite his harsh words. He won’t knowingly allow a civilian to die, if he is capable of providing assistance.

Not meant to live long… like shinobi. Their life expectancy is short, considering the dangerous nature of their work. He shouldn’t, but Gaara feels oddly disturbed to hear that tidbit of information. Death is common and natural. Everyone will eventually succumb to it. Even if Luke happened to be a regular human, that wouldn’t take his susceptibility away.

Why should any of this bother him?]

What does your body lack? In comparison to humans.

Ninjutsu? [Pause.] And, yeah...some even depended on The Score enough to give up their lives for it. People were obsessed with knowing their fates. I guess...it made sense, since it could even tell people the exact day they'd die. Maybe it was the fear of not knowing.

[Luke blinks at the description.] ...Did she have light brown hair, blue eyes, and fight with a staff?

[He looks surprised at those words, before looking down, a sad sort of smile appearing. The question of a bond closer than friendship then has his brow tensing.] Stronger than...friendship?

[Tear's face appears in his mind and his face instantly turns red.] W-well, there's...one person. I was...going to tell them how I felt, but...I didn't want to tell her that, only to...leave her forever. I plan to tell her next time I see her, though...

[His face is probably as red as he hair as he can't seem to look Gaara in the face in that moment.]

...Yeah, I plan on trying to teach Takasu how to fight. I wish he didn't have such a problem with hurting other people, if even for his own safety... [He lets out a sigh.] But, at the same time, not everyone can be the same. It's what makes Takasu who he is, and...even though I worry, I wouldn't want to change him. That's part of being someone's friend, after all- accepting them for who they truly are, no matter what. And if he wants to live his life without hurting others, then I have to accept that.

[Then, Luke's expression is back to serious.]

...

My fonons...they're separating. Really, that just means my body's breaking down. The guy you reminded me of, Jade, he said it'd be best if I avoided overexerting myself by using too many Artes- my abilities... [He smiles, though it's sad.] But, like hell, I'm going to sit back and let other people protect me... Or waste an opportunity to protect someone I care about. What's the point in living, if it's while sitting in the background?

[Then, he gives Gaara a firm look, gloved hand tightening into a fist as he lifts it somewhat close to his face.] I'd rather live with no regrets, than die hating myself.

Edited 2014-04-29 07:56 (UTC)

…Ninja techniques. [Civilians had limited knowledge on ninja arts, and mostly everything else related to their profession. It’s considered more acceptable to reveal details to one’s own countrymen, but this isn’t that type of scenario.]

…Hmph. Has the validity of this Score been proven?

[Gaara nods.] Yes. You are acquainted with this woman as well?

[…This is an amusing reaction. After blinking with surprise, the Suna ninja tilts his head a little to get a better look at his face. Based on the context of their conversation, he has deduced that Luke isn’t suffering from a weather-related affliction.] You feel… embarrassment? Regarding your emotions toward this woman?

[There is agreement in his expression, despite the clear reluctance he’s elicited from Ryuuji on this subject.] Not everyone is capable of combat. Some shinobi never advance beyond the initial level, due to their refusal. If Takasu is one of these individuals, then he will require protection from others that are competent in combat situations. [Gaara isn’t looking to change the way Ryuuji is, either. He’s willing to protect him, like he would any other civilian.]

......

You are willing to fight, in spite of these criteria. [Respect can be heard in his tone, subtle as it is. Naruto has a similar philosophy, and Gaara will never forget that look of resolve in his eyes, even when pushed to his limits, and taunted with the murder of his two dearest friend…

Gaara turns his head to the opposite side, in silent reflection.] Death is an eventuality for all beings, humans and otherwise. When it will occur, no one can make that determination. If this is your dream, what you truly desire, then pursue it. Live, up until the very last breath you draw.

Perhaps, it could even… invoke feelings of happiness.

1st game | accidental video

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