animus_network | First Wind (video)

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First Wind (video)

[The network is happily greeted by the face of a young man with surprisingly golden hair staring into the screen. It's hard to guess what he's feeling right now, seeing as how he was given the news that his world was destroyed. However, that didn't seem to phase him much, so he's not as shocked as others might be. He's relieved to know that some of his possessions came with him, but...

Enough contemplation, he finally begins to speak up.]

A shame, isn't it? That our worlds are gone? It's nothing that I would have expected in the first place, seeing as it's a bit hard to believe. However, I'll have to put my trust into it that my world is actually gone. Needless to say, I'll be missing my partners over there- unless some of them were brought here, as well. If you've ever heard of a Guido Mista, or Trish Una, please contact me.

...ah, I suppose I should introduce myself in the meantime. My name is Giorno Giovanna, and I greet all of you who were taken to this "Tower". Hopefully time will tell if I enjoy this place, or not. The atmosphere is...undesirable, however. But I'm sure some of you might have gathered that much in time.

...also, if anyone is kind enough to show me around, I would be grateful to you. I need to learn about as much of this place as I can before I can truly adventure and claim certain parts as safe. Also, a bit off the subject, but have any of you heard of what a "Stand" is? If you have, then let me know. I have some...things I'll be needing of you.

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So I suppose you do realize the meaning behind my words? [Good, he doesn't feel the need to repeat himself at a time like this, anyhow.] But you can be assured that I will tell you what I mean...and maybe you can fill me in about some more things.

[He's curious about the resistance, actually. Already here, and he doesn't seem to like what the administrators are doing...let alone running it.]

...free will. [Giorno grew quiet all of a sudden, letting out a solemn sigh.] ...Then I suppose these administrators are far, from human, if they're willing to strip away the freedom of lives.

I believe so.

[At that, Tohko actually smiled a little.]

I would like to meet up sometime soon so that we can have another chat. You'll have to slip a note in my mailbox so that I can get ready though.

[After all, it did take some time to lose the stalker. It wasn't impossible, but it was a huge pain. However, at that sigh, her smile fell.]

You're right..they're not human. None of them are, and not even Dax was, even though his morality and empathy grew to our level over time. While they've done a lot of horrible things to us, it's my personal opinion that last month and Halloween were the worst experiments that have happened so far.

I suppose that you can expect that note to come by in the near future.

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I suppose that you can expect that note to come by in the near future.

<small [A small smile seemed to come up to his lips as well.] </small>

There's a lot of things I wish to know more about, either way...as well as get acquainted with the people here. I take it that most are..well?

<small> [That meaning that they won't go out of their way to actually harm him- he doesn't need that right now either way.

Although things don't seem well as Giorno shifts about from where he is sitting.] </small> I would've expected this "administrators" to actually take better care of their residents- rather then use them as mere puppets. I cannot stand those who are so ill, willing to harm those that have done nothing.

Well, I check my mailbox a lot, so if it does, I'll be sure to get it and reply!

[Her smile returned a little as she spoke, and at the question, she nodded.]

There are a few terrible people in the Tower, but most are pretty nice and kind..and don't like this situation either. You usually won't have to fight with people here. Usually.

[Tohko sighed at that last part though.]

While they don't quite see us as puppets, there is a horrible reason for why we're treated like this. Jason uses us as experiment samples, and Ruana, who both caused the destruction of our universes and 'let' Zo save us, sees her games as compensation, even if they are horrifically cruel. Not that I agree with their reasons, mind you.

I'll look forward to that time then.

[She seemed like a nice enough person- especially since she was willing to help him out like this in the first place. And he's really big on those sort of people.]

"Usually". That's better then other responses. But I'll take your word for it- I'm sure I can scout out the terrible ones in an instant, however.

[Not that he actually has a radar- he just knows from experience. Although hearing her last statement caused a sigh to emit from him as well.]

...so I suppose the price of saving us is having these little tests run on us...but I'll agree with you that I don't exactly see eye-to-eye with these people. I might as well live with it. [For the time being- unless they do something really outrageous that'll cause the wrath of him.]

[Tohko was always more than happy to help out nice people and others working to restore the peace. People like Ganondorf though? Not so much.]

Alright then! It's good that you have that skill here. However, if you ever need a second opinion, let me know. Sometimes it can be tough, especially with Wolands and chessplayers.

[At that last comment, Tohko sighed and nodded.]

At least, they think it should be the price. However, for now, all we can do it live with it and deal with it as best we can.

[He let out a light smile at her little explanation. He's not one to show emotions, so this is something.]

Wolands? I think I'll figure that out in due time. But I'll call on you if I ever need help with anything, really. You seem like a reliable person as it is, and you're...well, a good person, so to speak.

[Although he nodded at her last statement, his light smile not seeming to fade away.]

That's fine. Anything to survive at this point, I suppose. [Not that he wasn't worried about dying in the first place.]

Well..I could tell you right now. Woland is a character from The Master and Margarita. It's an alias the Devil takes on during his stay in Russia, and while he's not a wholly horrible person, he is a trickster, and he's not below harming others for his own amusement and gain.

However, I'm glad to hear that! I'm glad that we both think we're alright..and I'll be more than happy to help you with anything that crops up.

[Tohko, oddly enough, was smiling a little.]

Well..not anything. After all, except for some huge circumstances, I'm not going to abandon my friends or hurt innocent people.

[...ah, that made Giorno's face dip into a bit of a frown.]

So he enjoys hurting people for his own amusement, then? [He closes his eyes, thinking about it.] ...hm. I hope for my sake that he doesn't come anywhere near me. I don't seem to tolerate those kind of people well in the first place.

Although, I'm beginning to take your branch of kindness in stride, for the time being. It's...something that this place could use, at least- people like you.

[He's honest about it- not that he'd ever lie about something in the first place.]

...hm~. You really are kind...

Well..not just for his own amusement. He finds amusement in it, but it's usually because he doesn't like the person or does it for the amusement of others. While those sorts of people aren't completely unlikeable, they're not that trustworthy sometimes.

[That mentioning of 'this place could use more people like you' make Tohko pause though. That sounded a lot like something Allen had said..it kind of made Tohko think that this guy was pretty good.]

Thank you..but you seem pretty nice yourself! I imagine that you could help out a lot of people in this Tower.

Still, something like that doesn't seem to be very kind in the first place. Ah, but...I suppose I can't be too judgmental in the first place. [Not like he's any better with it.] But I do agree that people like that...it would be hard to place trust.

I'd much prefer to surround myself in the company of those I know won't betray me. Or show kindness.

[He could only let out a light chuckle at what she said afterwards, however, taking his last bite of the oatmeal.]

If they so need my help, then I'd be willing to lend my services no problem. They just simply have to show kindness to me, and I'd be willing to serve.

I admit, it doesn't seem very kind, but Faust did write that the Devil was part of the power that eternally wills evil and works good, so maybe Bulgakov put that into his story too. But you are right..it is hard to fully trust people like that.

But as long as I know that a Woland won't hurt me, I wouldn't mind being his friend..but I do enjoy spending time with my friends or kind people.

[That last part puzzled Tohko. Just the way it was phrased made her think of a knight or a wandering ronin, serving and getting paid in kindness.]

I don't think you'll have any trouble finding kind people here..but are you a knight, by any chance?

I suppose you do have a point in saying that. Not all evil cannot come without some good to it...ah, but I'd rather not see it that way. You'll learn eventually of my ideals.

...tell me, in the time you've been here...how many bonds have you forged with others? I would imagine a person of your demeanor would have a lot of friends.

[He let out a light chuckle, before raising an eyebrow at her.]

Ah, no, I'm actually far from that prestigious title. A Gangster being a Knight would be unheard of.

[Sorry, Giorno, Tohko doesn't do 'eventually' most of the time, and that line is intriguing enough to ask.]

What are your ideals then, if you don't mind my asking? And I wouldn't be able to count how many bonds I've made with other people, but I have forged quite a few tight ones. Why do you ask?

[As Tohko thought, the smile fell off her face. She didn't have anything personally against this guy..but she did have a lot of questions.]

Well, it might not be completely unheard of! I'm sure there's a story or two where a gangster becomes a knight..but, if you don't mind my asking, why are you a gangster?

...It's just a curiosity of mine- and for a little judgement on my part, perhaps.

[...well, he didn't expect this so soon in the first place. But the whole "kindness" deal actually ties into what he was going to go into for his gangster comment, so he might as well mesh the two together.]

It's been a dream of mine ever since I was little. Well, mostly due to the fact that I was saved as a kid...saved by someone that would carry the title of gangster. I didn't think such kindness could come from a man like that...yet. My life wouldn't be quite the same without it.

But ever since that moment, I've always aspired of becoming a Mafia Boss, a "Gangstar", so to speak. To clean up the streets of Italy, to make sure to keep crime to a minimum, because the police weren't going to do that. And...I succeeded. I've become such the "Gangstar" that I so pursued.

Ah, alright then..I'm not sure if asking people how many friends they have is the best way to judge them, but you're probably not just relying on that.

[At least, she hopes you're not. However, at that story, Tohko actually smiled a little. Sure, this guy had respected and become a gangster, but there were plenty of stories were gangsters were good people and helped others. Plus..that kind of reminded her of her own parents, since she was probably going to follow her father's footsteps and become and editor. Or, at least, work in a publishing company.]

I'm not sure whether or not the police would have been able to do it..but it's great that you've been able to achieve your dream and become the kind person that you wanted to be. I'm sure your role model would be really happy about that. It just goes to show that even people that others consider gangsters aren't always horrible people.

To be honest..it kind of reminds me of my own parents. When I was little, they really helped me out and showed me just how powerful stories can be. I was planning on doing something with books or becoming an editor like my Dad when I graduated college.

You're right, I'm actually not relying on that information alone. I suppose time will only tell if I can judge you properly.

[And be able to trust her in the process. He doesn't want anyone to exactly share some secrets of his that could potentially lead him to being harmed- well, not like he has to worry about that in the first place, since his Stand was always with him.]

Hm, I do wonder what happened to that man, actually. I haven't had the luxury of encountering him ever since that time I helped him as a child. Although...I suppose I could find out in due time. Although, it's a bit disheartening to know that others have a bad reputation already cut out for us. Even if we're trying to do the right thing. [Well, his gang, at least.]

...ah, college...so you're a student, then. [He figured that by looking at her...and by hearing her call herself the "book girl".] It must be nice, however, to follow in your father's footsteps. Are you always engrossed in books?

Time and what you're able to find out about me.

[After all, the fact that she ate books might change his opinion of her quite a bit. Maybe. However, while Giorno might not have trusted Tohko, she did trust him.]

Well, if we ever restore the universes, you can find him again and let him know just how much he helped you out when you were little and how much of an inspiration you've been. However..while gangsters have a bit of a bad reputation, I know that they can be bad, good, or a mixture in between. I'm a book girl, so I know that they're not all bad.

And you're right. Back home, I was a student.

[And a small detective.]

I'm not exactly sure if I will yet, but if it works out that way, I won't mind being an editor. He was a great person.

[Tohko's parents were the biggest influences in her life. At the question, she smiled and nodded.]

Of course! I am a book girl, after all. I wouldn't be able to hold that title if I didn't love and know everything there is to know about them.

Hopefully...there will be a lot to learn, if that's the case.

[He's still letting out light chuckles here and there- all the while giving off a faint smile to the girl. He might be able to put some trust in her, after all...]

...hm. I suppose you're right- if I ever have the chance of finding him, I'll be sure to repay him for what he has been able to do for me. And...hm. I suppose I should take solace in the fact that someone out there is willing to believe that we are all not bad. There's violence mixed in...but that can't be avoided.

Hm...how old are you- you mentioned "college" so I assume...a young adult?

[A bit of curiosity on his part at least.]

...if it's something passionate that you would wish to pursue, then what's to stop you? After all, is that your "resolve"?

...hm~. That must mean you're pretty knowledgeable...

Exactly. We've only just met, so there's still a lot we both have to learn about each other.

[While Tohko hasn't been chuckling, she has been smiling, and quite happily too.]

Hopefully you'll be able to do that then, if the universes are ever restored. And I'm sure that there's more than one person out there who's willing to believe that you're not all bad. I know that there's violence mixed in..but, sometimes, you can't help that, even if you're trying to avoid it.

And I turned eighteen in the Tower recently, so I'm an adult now! And I am rather smart.

[Tohko, stop semi-boasting.]

..Well, back home, there wasn't much stopping me, except my low math grades. However, now..we have to work to even make sure that there are schools that can tell me that I'm bad at math. My goals have changed a bit, but my resolve hasn't.

Time and patience, I suppose. However, I do look forward to days here with a friend such as yourself.

[Why not? They seem to be getting along, so the title shouldn't be far out of grasp.]

...my, you like to think positive about our situations, do you? I suppose optimism is something that would be needed in this place. And you seem to deliver that quite well. But you're right...violence seems to plague my life, unfortunately- it's something I cannot avoid if I tried.

I don't doubt that you're rather smart...I suppose I have a bit longer to wait until I turn into an adult myself.

[He's too young for this place.]

...I don't see why anything like that should weigh you down- even if it's unrelated to what you want to pursue. If it does, work harder. Only you have the resolve strong enough to cut through your field of darkness, do you not?

[Not that Tohko minded him calling her a friend. After all, she saw him as one too, even if they hadn't met before. After all, they were getting along quite well now, so why not?]

So do I, to be honest. After all, having a lot of good friends and books is what helps me out sometimes, especially in this place.

And I do try to be optimistic when I can here. After all, when you're sinking in despair, you usually can't help yourself or others. And I'm sad to hear that...but hopefully you try to keep the violence to a minimum when you can.

[He wouldn't be the youngest, however.]

Well, there's nothing wrong with that. After all, sometimes younger people can see what elders miss, and vice versa. And don't worry. I'm sure my low grades will weigh me down too much back home, and I won't let myself break down here. However..you are only half right. Some people have the resolve to light up the darkness by themselves, but..sometimes, others need their friends to give them candles or even let them know where the flint is at..if that makes any sense.

Hm, I suppose I have to find something to occupy my time with, as well. [He let out a tiny sigh- yeah, running a mafia definitely would not come along in a place like this.] ...but your right- friends would make this all the better. And to make up for lost ones...

[He'll admit- he still misses the fact that Mista and Trish aren't here with him (Polnareff too, but he's in a turtle), but making friends...shouldn't be too hard in the first place.]

Optimism is appreciated in all aspects of the word, actually. Not that I'm not thinking brightly myself. [He hardly shows emotions in the first place, other then slight chuckling and light frowns.]

I suppose our views on the world are quite different from what others would expect in the first place- who would expect an elder to share our viewpoint? But that's exactly what makes us work harder in the first place. To show those that we can make a difference in what we do, and do it right. But...you're right, sometimes it does take a friend to help push you towards the right direction, to light up that candle.

[..Have a headpat, Giorno.]

Well, maybe you can occupy some of your time with books. And sometimes old friends do come here, even if they are from different universes, so you might see your friends soon enough.

[Tohko still missed her friends and what little remained of her family. Not that she voiced this much.]

Well, I don't blame you. Not many do when they first get here..but you might start to as the days go by.

However, don't discount elders completely. I have a good friend in this Tower who is three hundred years old, and he still keeps on moving on and trying to improve things, despite any pain or difficulties he might come across.

[Wait, there was something in that she said that made him a little curious.]

...different universes? [A pause.] As an example, there could be a version of my friends that come here? [He couldn't exactly imagine Mista being...well, different then the loud pervert that he is.] ...Hm. I honestly didn't know that was a possibility.

[Although it wouldn't exactly be close to having his actual friends...he's not sure how he'd take it.]

This place isn't bad as it seems, I'll try and keep my head afloat, after all, there needs to be more people like us around.

...hm~. I guess he resolve must be strong if he is willing to go through pain such as that. Although I wasn't exactly discounting them- I was just merely stating that our differences will clash at times.

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Re: [Action] It's alright! Don't worry about it!

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