asgardeventide | ♔ THE EMPEROR (002) [Video]

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♔ THE EMPEROR (002) [Video]

[As big and wondrous as Asgard is, Akihiko won’t turn down the chance to explore a new place – maybe even find some additional challenges along the way.

Besides, in all honesty, it will be nice to get away for a while, and try to take his mind off of all the heavy stones weighing down on him.

Akihiko greets the network with a friendly grin, determined to show optimism and encouragement toward others, as usual.] Showcase our talents, huh? So they wanna see if we can win this war without our original powers.

[He lifts a clenched fist just then, in a display of strength and resolve.] Fine with me. Come on, guys! We can take this challenge! Let’s throw out some ideas. What’ve you all got in mind to show ‘em? And this Vanaheim place – have any of you ever been there before?

[He lowers his fist after a moment as his expression softens a bit.] Oh, and for people that wanna stay here, help us take care of things till we get back, okay? [There’s at least one person in mind that he isn’t sure about, as to whether or not he will want to go.] But don’t worry, we’ll convince ‘em for sure!

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[Thank goodness Akihiko knows how to work the network. Ryoji's still trying to pick it up, so he's relieved he can get a demonstration on how the privacy sections work.

Akihiko's next words confuse him though. What in the world is he saying? Who does he already know?]

Um, sorry, but I think I misunderstood. I just saw Minato again a few days ago, but I've never met a Minako... You're right that I don't know Shinji though. I think Minato mentioned him once or twice, though...

[That mention of their past gets Ryoji to start, before offering a light, albeit strained, smile.]

I'm trying not to, Sempai, but it's difficult. Even after so long, it's hard to get over it... especially since I never got to see you all again and know what you thought about it, whether you... forgave me.

[He's honestly shocked Akihiko isn't angry at him, and is actually encouraging him to move on. Of course, he wants to, but he suspected he'd need to withstand a bit of anger first, judging from what he did to SEES' leader and trusted friend.]

I certainly won't forget, but I do want to use this chance. I don't need to worry as much as I did, now that I'm human, right?

[Akihiko blinks in mild surprise. His mind is still confused over the whole alternate universe thing, and… great. Even more complications.]

You… know Minato, but not Minako? [Where should he begin…] He said he was our leader, back home. Only… I don’t remember him. Shinji remembers Minako too. [A small smile briefly plays over his lips, at the mention of his friend.] He’s, uh… a friend of mine. He went to Gekkoukan High too. We grew up together.

[Akihiko shakes his head, and solemnly reveals.] It’s not gonna be easy to get over. It might take a long time, or really never go away.

[After all, look at Shinji – two years later, even with death as penance – he still feels guilty. Akihiko doesn’t want to see someone else destroy himself because of something he couldn’t control. In spite of the difference between what Ryoji tried to do, and Shinji’s own tragic accident. At the core, there are enough similarities for him to try and encourage Ryoji to improve. Akihiko always strives to do better, to do the right thing.]

Human or not, I know you’ve always had the right intentions at heart. That counts for something, you know. Just never let up on your goal. Don’t let anything hold you back. Everything’ll get better, over time.

[A somewhat confident smirk creases his lips just then as he pulls his gloves on tighter.] Besides, if you really get outta hand, I could always take you down.

Yes, that's exactly who he was. I never knew a Minako... So in your world, the leader of SEES was different?

[Ryoji is grateful to see Akihiko smile, though. Whoever Shinji was, he must be very important to the upperclassman, and Ryoji's happy they could spend time together here.]

I'd be happy to meet him, if he's such a good friend of yours. It must be amazing to be friends with him for so long.

...Of course. I didn't expect it to go away. Thank you for understanding that, though. I will do my best not to dwell on it, Sempai. I don't want to bother you with it.

[Ryoji's death wasn't nearly enough to make up for what he had done. He'd made them all suffer for a month, made them fight a hopeless battle, made them witness probably the most terrifying moment of their lives... and made them lose their closest friend. He didn't want to do any of it, but he couldn't escape Nyx's influence... He can only hope that here, in this human form, he'll be different.

He looks away, embarrassed, but slightly happy.]

Thank you, Sempai. I'm sure things will get better, now that I'm here, and Minato's here...

[And that is enough to shock Ryoji out of his depression. Even through network communication, Ryoji definitely is freaked out.]

N-No! I promise I won't get out of hand! You don't need to hit me!

Apparently... [Akihiko shakes his head.] The whole thing seems... pretty damn strange. Don't know what the hell's going on. I wonder if the gods and their magic have anything to do with it...

[His smile brightens for a moment. It's definitely evident that Shinji is very important to him. They have so much lost time to make up for...]

You want to? Heh, then I'll have to drag him out of the Hel house more often! He doesn't go out that much. He's... kinda the opposite of you and Junpei, actually.

[If this was an in-person meeting, he would nudge Ryoji to prove his next point.] It's not a bother, man. You don't have to tell me anything that you're not comfortable with. But if you ever need someone to lend an ear, let me know.

[It's not like Akihiko can easily forget or let go of what happened back in January. But he hopes, that in getting to know Ryoji better, it will help him come to better terms with the whole thing. He doesn't want to hate Ryoji, because he doesn't view hatred as a productive emotion to carry. He can tell Ryoji seems genuinely remorseful, and that is enough for Akihiko to be willing to try reaching out to him.

He could always use his fists to make him behave, as a last resort~]

What're you afraid of, Ryoji? [There's definitely a teasing edge to his voice now.] Can't handle a little pain? All humans experience it eventually, you know...

It is really strange... but I guess if there are different worlds, maybe there are ones that are really similar, just with one difference, and Minato and Minako are that difference.

Oh, he's Hel house too? I might have met him already, then. Or if I didn't, I'm sure he isn't that hard to find... If you need help getting him out of his shell, just let me know!

[Ryoji's enthusiastic grin is a little less so at Akihiko's next point, but it's still there.]

That's really nice of you. I'll be sure to let you know if there's anything I need to say... And I trust you to do the right thing if something does go wrong.

[Ryoji isn't too worried about that possibility, but he trusts Akihiko to take him down. He shouldn't hesitate. They did the same thing once before, and they could do it again.

In the meantime, Ryoji can't help but hope that Akihiko really does want to be friends and move on along with him. He knows they never really spoke much, even when Ryoji was just a normal student, but he couldn't help but hope that here, they could help each other. Akihiko was strong, and Ryoji admired his power, both outside and in. To reach out to Ryoji despite what happened was incredibly brave of him. Ryoji hopes he doesn't make Akihiko regret this decision.]

I-I'm not that afraid! It's just that you've trained a lot. I bet your punches really hurt!

[He nods.] It sounds like everything else is the same. Just the leader is different. It doesn't really matter here... or even back home, I guess, since the Dark Hour is gone.

So you're in Hel, huh? [That seems... oddly appropriate. Not that he will say it out loud, of course.] You might run into him if you visit the kitchen once in a while. He's good at cooking.

[Akihiko smiles politely at his remark, feeling grateful for the offer. But given his personality and how he regards himself, it's not likely that he would reach out if he was in distress. He hasn't even told Shinji everything that bothers him, in spite of how close they are. It's a learning process for Akihiko too.

One thing is sure: he doesn't do anything insincerely. He isn't reaching out to Ryoji due to pity or loneliness, nothing like that. Ryoji seemed to be important to Junpei and Minako before, and he came to warn SEES about what was going on. Things could have turned out a lot worse if they had been left in ignorance.]

Of course! We all need to get stronger so we can take down the giants. Instead of betting, do you wanna find out?

It's strange, but you're right. If everything is finished back home, then it doesn't matter. I know... the Minato here is from the Seal. Do you know anything about the Minako? Does she remember the same things?

Ah, really? I'll have to keep an eye out then. I'd like to try some of his cooking if he's that good.

[And yes, it's appropriate, he knows.

Ryoji can tell that smile is a bit forced, but he won't push it. He knows as well as anyone how hard it is to reach out to people, after spending that month in December in hiding, even when he wanted to go see the team again.

He's at least happy that Akihiko does seem to want to get along with him. That bit doesn't seem forced. His grin is a little nervous, but he nods as an answer to Akihiko's question.]

I'd like to see what kind of power you have! Just as long as you aren't using it on me...

[As long as Akihiko doesn't want a demonstration of his power. He's nervous about using it... luckily he hasn't gotten emotional enough to see it in action.]

[He hesitates before answering.] We haven’t really… talked about all of that yet. It isn’t easy to bring up, you know? “Hey, so the last time I saw you was on Graduation Day, before you slipped into a coma and died…” [He shakes his head.] I’m not sure if it’s really my place to say anything. It isn’t my life; it’s hers. And Minato’s too, in a way.

Yeah, he is. Minako convinced him to cook a banquet for everyone in the dorm once. I’ve been after him to teach me for a while, but… [He shrugs a little, in a dismissive manner, and just lets that sentence trail off.]

Same to you, man. Don’t worry; I’m not really gonna hit you. You’re not my enemy. [Not here, anyway. Not now.] What’s yours, anyway?

[Hey, that’s a reasonable enough request, right? Akihiko is eager to see everyone else’s power, so they can all figure out ways to cooperate. They would be more efficient fighters if they took on opponents as a group, rather than individually.]

I understand. It was easier for me, since I was with him in the Seal. As long as he remembered seeing me after... well, after January, then he was from the same time. It's a difficult question for you, though. I know you don't want to intrude.

...I'm sure she did it for you.

[He smiles softly, and then tries to lighten the mood with a little laugh.]

Everyone, huh? Did Koro-chan get a plate too? It would be interesting to learn to cook that well.

...Ah, well... I haven't used it yet, but apparently I have the ability to control someone's body.

[The idea of that is enough to make Ryoji look nervous. He knows what it's like to be used like a puppet. He doesn't want to put anyone through that, even if it would help with this war the people from different worlds were fighting.]

You were with him in the Seal...? [He blinks, trying to relate to that the parallel of the universe he came from.] Do you think... that's what happened to Minako too?

[His returning smile is a little sad, but accepting, as if in resignation.]

Nah... I doubt it. She was probably trying to bring Shinji out of his shell. And yeah! Koromaru ate too! He loves meat - he's got great taste in food!

Really? [Akihiko looks intrigued rather than disgusted or even worried.] That sounds pretty useful, you know! You could try controlling the giants, or whoever else they throw at us. Make sure you practice your new ability so you can make it stronger, okay?

Edited 2013-09-19 06:42 (UTC)

I can't be sure, but I believe so. If your team also prevented the Fall, then it's likely she used her own life energy to seal Nyx and I away. I wish it would have been different for her. Perhaps she could have withstood the attacks and pushed on... I'm sorry.

And that's not what I meant. She created the Seal to protect you. I can tell she cared.

[Ryoji stifles a laugh.]

Is that your standard for great taste, Sempai? As long as they like meat, they're experts?

Oh, you think so? I was worried it would be dangerous for the people here... but maybe if I get strong enough, I can try that. I'd like to be able to use that power to help rather than harm.

Yes, we did. [Stated in a firm tone, because he doesn't regret what they accomplished. Just... so many lives lost...] ...I see. Thank you for... well, telling me.

She was protecting everyone, the whole world. Minako's always been... really caring.

[Akihiko has the courtesy to flush a little bit at that remark.] H-Hey, meat is really good for your diet! It's got a ton of protein and iron, and you need that in your body! So make sure you eat enough meat too, Ryoji.

[~~Surely Ryoji would love to have meat in his mouth.~~]

If you're worried about getting it under control, you definitely need to practice. Don't want something to go wrong all of a sudden out on the battlefield, right? [A pause, and then he offers.] I can help you, if you want.

You don't need to thank me. You had a right to know... as painful as it was.

She was very caring. Too much for her own good.

...Are you going to be okay?

[Ryoji is a little worried, though he does try to go along with the subject change.]

Don't worry, Sempai, I know. I guess now that I'm human, I'll need to keep track of what I'm eating, won't I?

[~~Only a certain kind of meat~~]

A-Ah, that's true. I don't want to harm those on my side.... I guess I will need to practice.

You... You wouldn't mind training me?

[Akihiko considers forcing a smile and brushing off the subject, but he thinks about it too long, so that it wouldn’t seem natural at this point.

He glances away to the side for a moment, and when his gaze returns, his expression is serious, as usual.] …Don’t worry about it. Everything’s still… kinda shocking, right now. We’ll all get used to it.

[He adapts to the new topic better, seeming more at ease with something that he’s more familiar with.] Don’t forget sleep and exercise too! You need to keep in shape – both physically and mentally. Just because we’re not in school here, doesn’t mean we can let our brains slack off!

No. I mean, if you don’t trust me, you don’t have to show me. Honestly, I’m curious to see what you’ve got… and I’m pretty sure I can make it challenging for you.

I’m heading out to Vanaheim in the morning, though, so… do you wanna meet up after I get back? Or are you going too? Our powers won’t work whenever we leave this city – remember that.

[Ryoji's almost a little surprised that Akihiko didn't try to change the subject. He knows Minato's death was a sore subject for him, and he can only imagine how hard it is for the actual SEES members. Still, he's thankful that the determined optimism is still evident in Akihiko's words.]

I know you will. Still, take your time. I understand how you feel.

Ah, right. I never used to get much sleep, but with you here, I kind of doubt that I won't exercise. But what can we do to make up for the fact that we're not going to school? Are there some sort of jobs that would help with that?

No! I trust you, Sempai. You and the rest of the SEES are the most trustworthy people I know. So if you'd like to, I'd want to try.

Oh, I heard about that! I actually might want to go there too. Even if our powers don't work, it sounds like a lot of fun! I bet it's even nicer than Kyoto!

[Oh no, he's getting all worked up...]

[Time... He doesn't even know how much of that he has here. When everyone will suddenly disappear and go back home, or...

He stares at Ryoji for a moment, silently contemplating. He wouldn't reveal anything too sensitive right now, but he does wonder what the other thinks and how he feels, aside from his fear of hurting people.

Hey, those are great questions! Akihiko feels a little proud of his kouhai, for wanting to improve himself intellectually. If Junpei was here, he would be happy not to have to study anymore.]

Well, you should hit the library and read the tomes. There's some info on Asgard, and all the gods here. You could work at a bookstore, and read books during your break. Stuff that you've always wanted to know, but didn't have a chance to learn yet, back in school.

All right, then. We'll start as soon as we can. You'd better prepare yourself!

[He's touched, though, to hear that Ryoji trusts them...]

Kyo-hey!! You'd better not think about peeking at girls in Vanaheim! Hell, I don't even know if they have hot springs there...

[Ryoji raises an eyebrow at Akihiko's look, but remains silent. Something seems to be bothering his upperclassman, but he's not going to ask about something so personal. Whatever it is, it's up to Akihiko to reveal it on his own, whenever he feels ready to. And Ryoji will be glad to talk to him when the time comes. He can wait to share such things.

He nods at Akihiko's response, looking pretty interested.]

They have openings at the bookstore? It would be amazing to work there. Funny, I used to hate reading, but now that no one's forcing me, it's suddenly so much more interesting!

Don't worry, Sempai! I'll be ready! You can count on me! I don't want to be a bad student at all!

Oh, come on, like you wouldn't look at them too! I'm sure they're gorgeous. And they'd probably be flattered if you complimented them!

But in all seriousness, I really would like to go. I always wanted a chance to travel more after Kyoto. I want to see the sights!

[Slowly, his expression eases, appearing more natural. This almost feels... normal, strange as that sounds. It's as if they were back home, just exchanging idle banter as classmates. Or former classmates, since Akihiko has already graduated from Gekkoukan High. It gets him thinking about Junpei, and the rest of the SEES members that they left behind in their world.]

I think so... Gotta admit, I didn't ask the manager or anything. I've just been there a few times to pick up some books. [You know, about training.] I work at a club called Stride, if you wanna check that too... [Lots of girls there, who dance in skimpy outfits...]

Damn it, don't think I forgot what you and Junpei dragged me into! A-And... if we said nice things to 'em, wouldn't they think we were trying to pick them up? [Based on his experience in Yakushima, anyway...]

Dirk said there were a lot of places outside of Asgard, aside from just Vanaheim. When I get stronger, I'll ask the gods for permission to visit some of those other cities.

[It does feel delightfully normal, and Ryoji, who hasn't had a conversation partner in months, is absolutely thrilled. It's nice to pretend everything is normal for the moment. Maybe Akihiko will want to know more later, but for now, Ryoji is content to keep the conversation directed towards more trivial subjects rather than the circumstances of their world.]

I'll have to go in there and ask around, I guess... Oh! A club, huh? Are there lots of cute girls partying there? Sempai, you were holding out on me, weren't you?

I didn't drag you into anything, though. You know that was an accident! And if they think we're trying to pick them up, then that'll just be an accident too.

Cool. Let me know if you want someone to come with you. I'd like to ask about the other cities too.

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♔ THE EMPEROR (002) [Video]

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