Princess Ishtar of Pheliosta (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
xroyal_bratx) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
genessia2014-04-15 01:42 pm
xroyal_bratx) wrote in genessia2014-04-15 01:42 pm
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
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
[ Action ]
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.
[ Action ]
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.]
[ Action ]
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.
[ Action ]
[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.
[ Action ]
[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.
[ Action ]
[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.
[ Action ]
[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.
[ Action ]
[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.
[ Action ]
......
[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.
[ Action ]
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.]
[ Action ]
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?
[ Action ]
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.]
[ Action ]
[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.]
[ Action ]
[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.
[ Action ]
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?
[ Action ]
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.
[ Action ]
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.
[ Action ]
[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.
[ Action ]
…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.
[ Action ]
Even Scores regarding the weather always came true. [He looks back to Gaara, brow tensed as he smiles in a faintly sad way.] There's a reason everyone became reliant on it, after all... Many things were accurate down to even the smallest detail.
[His face lights up in an obvious way as he smiles.] Yeah, that's Tear...from my world.
[And speaking of said woman.] ...W-well. It's just that... [Glancing in an almost shy way to Gaara, he looks away again.] ...She means the world to me. When I was at the hotel, without her, I felt this...conflict of feelings. Even though I missed her, I was...happy she wasn't there. All I could think to myself was, I'd be willing to miss her the rest of my life, if it's means that she's in a better place. And maybe even...happier. She's...everything to me. [Closing his eyes a moment, he smiles.] No matter what I did wrong, or how many times I stumbled through life...she was there. She stood by me every step of the way and...I plan to do whatever I can to repay that. [Pause.] Well...not just repay it. I want to give it all back... In any way that I can.
[He then blinks and looks away, turning red again.] Sorry, didn't mean to...uh...ramble. [He gives an awkward cough.
To the talk of Takasu, Luke nods.] Yeah, and I don't...have a problem protecting him, either. I'll do whatever I can to keep him safe!
[Then, back on the talk of Luke's condition, the redhead gives a solemn nod.]
Heh...I can honestly say there's no other way I'd rather live my life. Protecting the person I love more than...even myself, as well as all of my friends...For me, there's isn't any other way I'd rather be. And, even if...I don't come back, that's how I want to be remembered. Even if I don't have a choice in how my body's going to be, I should at least get a choice in how I use it, ...right?
[ Action ]
Then, what would happen if one were to deviate from The Score? [Gaara finds something very unsettling about having his entire life already mapped out, pre-determined. What would be the point in living, if they already knew what was going to happen? There is no excitement, no mystery, and worst of all: no free will.]
You love her. [He deduces bluntly.] Romantically, that is.
[If it hadn’t been for Ishtar explaining to him what romantic love is, he wouldn’t know it, right now. It’s… somewhat similar to the way he feels toward Sai.
His expression softens a little more. He shakes his head.] You don’t need to apologize. I understand how you feel. I…
[Actually, being reminded of Sai compels him even more to go out and search for his missing companions. This may not be the facility, but surely the others were transported as well.
With their memories intact, preferably…
His features suddenly harden as Gaara lifts his gaze toward the vast sky. Over the past year, even that image has become a rare sight for him. Instead of the bland white walls, the promise of endless entrapment, they now have freedom… or is that simply another illusion?]
I must find him.
[ Action ]
[The blatant observation has his expression freezing into one of obvious embarrassment.] L-love? [He looks down, then lets out a sigh.] I know that. I've known it for a while, but there'd been...no point in telling her.
[To the mention of finding "him", Luke tilts his head a bit.] Him?
[ Action ]
[He almost feels inclined to smile, though he isn’t sure why. Witnessing others in the throes of love, this strong emotion that he is still struggling to understand… Until Luke speaks the last part, drawing a slight frown across his brows.] Perhaps… not in your home world. But you have the chance to do so, now. [Before he disappears.
Gaara turns his gaze back to the other redhead, his expression ever serious.] Sai. He is my boyfriend. I have yet to locate him.
[And while he does enjoy this conversation, he can’t waste any more time. He can’t even be completely certain that Sai had… No. It’s too early to make assumptions, one way or another.] We can speak at a later time, if you wish. I must depart, for now.
[ Action ]
[There's a faint laugh, though there's underlying sadness to it.] Yeah, guess...being spirited off to this place was a blessing in disguise?
[He's only half joking.
To the talk of Gaara's boyfriend, Luke nods and gives a concerned expression. Yet to locate him, huh...] Well, uh...if you need help, feel free to send me a message on here. [He holds the device up, while making a mental note of the name.] If I come across anyone with that name, I'll have him contact you? Since...you never know what could be up in a new setting.
[Memory stuff, people from different times, different versions of the same person, ...Luke can think of many reasons. He's pretty sure he doesn't have to specify.] Anyway, good luck, okay?
[ Action ]
Oh, and by the way, Luke. Guess what? Gaara has almost no sense of humor. Enjoy older!Jade.]
......
[He's... surprised by that offer of help. He stares at Luke in silence for a moment, and then nods.] Your assistance would be appreciated.
[Thanks to the facility, Gaara knows. Part of him still believes this city is an F3 location provided by the Doctors.
Gaara almost replies that he doesn't need luck, because it wouldn't yield him any results. Instead, he remembers the reason why people use that term, and nods once more.] Thank you. Until we meet again.
[With that, he walks out of the room, waiting until he's alone to take to the skies.]