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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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.

Yes, that could happen. I know it's not the same as your actual friends being here..but I imagine that it's still better than nothing.

[After all, Tohko would be happy to see her family and friends show up in the Tower, even if they were from different universes.]

But you're right. While it has a lot of bad points, this Tower isn't that bad most of the time. And I'm not sure if there needs to be more people like us here or not..but it is good that there's someone else here who's optimistic.

[..At that last part though, Tohko sighed and nodded. However, she kept smiling.]

It is..but it's not like he knew he was immortal at first, or even enjoyed the experience. But you're right..sometimes, differences will make people argue a little, but that can happen with anyone, whether they be young or old.

...better than nothing. [He paused, trying to contemplate those words over a bit.] ...hm. If they're anything similar to my friends...I suppose I would be content with that.

[He's not sure how much they would differ in the first place, but having Mista and Trish would definitely help him out a bit.]

I wouldn't exactly wish some sort of fate to other people...having their worlds destroyed, that is. I don't think anyone should go through something like that. But...if optimism is how they so choose to see it, then I shall not complain.

[Especially since, well, home world's being destroyed wow how is anyone supposed to respond to that.]

You seem to be rather mature for your age if you're thinking along those lines, already. [He can't speak for others that are her age. ~~Mista~~.]

Well, I imagine that they would be. But..even if they weren't, that doesn't mean that you can't try and be friends again.

[After all, even if a person she knew showed up here and didn't know her, that didn't mean that they couldn't try and get along.]

I wouldn't really wish this fate on anyone else either. I'm just saying that this Tower does have a few good points to it. And optimism does help everyone get through everything here, so it's good, I think.

[At that comment, Tohko paused. She hadn't heard that one before. She had heard that she was strong, but childish before, but not that she was very mature. However, she did smile at the comment.]

I'm not sure if I am or not, but thank you! I'm just trying to help everyone out here as best I can.

You're right, it doesn't mean I can't understand what made them like that in the first place...hm. It'd be interesting to learn what my other self would have done.

[Would he have died, or possibly taken over the group for all the wrong reasons? Something about that didn't seem to go over well with him, but the possibilities were endless...]

A few good points in this tower...hm. [What good points would there be...the people, maybe? Ah, he couldn't say for sure.] I'm sure I'm going to run into a few pessimists here too, but...I suppose hearing their stories would be a bit interesting.

[Right, helping people out...something about those words really did make him like this girl a bit more- well, she did seem sincere as it is...]

And I hope you succeed in helping those people out, after all, you've seen to show me a great deal of kindness. I still have to repay you for this.

Or what your friends had done, or things like that! It's always fun to think about things like that, just as long as you remember to keep moving forward.

[After all, it was too easy for some people to just look at the possible future and past instead of working with what was actually there.]

[Tohko had more than that to offer as good points, but since the man didn't ask, she didn't speak about them.] Well, there are a few people like that here..but their stories are just as interesting as the stories of optimists.

[While Tohko did lie about her book eating, she was sincere about helping people get through this and trying to restore the universes.]

Thank you! Hopefully I will..but you don't have to repay me for this! Really, I've enjoyed helping you out and talking with you!

...after all, they're still the same people, correct? I'm sure hearing their stories, good or bad, would still be rather exciting. Although if fortune had it, Mista or Trish would probably be the same regardless of the events.

[Well, hopefully they would. Mista's way too wound up and loud to actually be...different. And Trish is quiet, but snarky, so he's sure she wouldn't change much either.]

Different people for different stories, it is interesting to find a wide cast here in the first place. I'd like to see what people show up, as I've only been around...well, school people before I joined my group.

[It's true- plus his former gang members were pretty much idiots so he was accustomed to being around people like that.

Although hearing that last bit made him clam up a bit. Someone enjoyed talking to him...? He didn't hear it worded like that, so it's a little bit shocking as he tries to muster up the words.] ...thank you. For talking to me as well.

Well..that would depend upon what twists and turn happened in their story..but I imagine that they wouldn't be too different from the Mista or Trish that you know. However..it would be nice if they remained the same.

[Even if that probably was unrealistic.]

Ah, I see. It is nice to see so many people here. I was around a lot of people back home, but they weren't as diverse or different like the people here, which is nice.

[Tohko didn't deal with a lot of fools though. Her friends were pretty smart. However, she was puzzled as to why Giorno was surprised.]

Oh, you're welcome! I always enjoy talking to friends and other nice people, so I enjoyed conversing with you.

Although that would hardly be the case. I wonder if they would have obtained their Stands the same way...there's countless possibilities, and now I'm curious to see how each and all are played out.

[Great, now he's definitely going to wonder how different his friends would be.]

Mm, I would actually like you to meet my friends if they were to come here- some did contrast in personalities then others, but...they really were good people. I'm sure they would have taken a liking to you.

[That, or try to hit on her the whole time for the sole fact that she's a girl. He wonders how Trish is able to handle it...]

Still, it's a bit shocking to hear you call me a good person right off the bat.

Well, that is normal to wonder about once you start thinking about it. However..what's a Stand? I know what the object is, but I don't think that's what you're talking about.

[If it was something related to magic, Tohko would ask about it. After all, she did like the stuff.]

Well, I'm glad to hear that! If they were as nice as you, I'm sure we would have all gotten along well. My friends and family haven't come here yet either..but if they did, I'm sure you would have liked them too. They were pretty nice.

[..Tohko does miss her family more than she cares to admit sometimes. However, that last sentence puzzled Tohko.]

Why is that shocking? After all, you seem like a good person so far, so I'm going to call you a good person until proven otherwise.

[Ah, right, he hadn't exactly explained that much to her. With a little nod, he reached to one of the ladybug broaches on his shirt, unpinning it and holding it out to her.]

...A Stand is basically a Spirit Guardian that our world has. Stand users can see other Stands, otherwise they're invisible to normal people. And each Stand has a unique ability to them. Mine...

[With that said, the ladybug broach began to twitch a bit, before letting it's wings flutter a bit, finally springing to life as it began to fly around Touko, finally resting itself on her shoulder.] I can give life to any inanimate object I see.

Well, if fortune ever has it, I'd be glad to meet your family members and friends. If they're anything like you, I'm sure we'd be able to hold a nice conversation.

...is that so? [Sorry, he isn't normally accustomed to people actually calling him a good person- usually it's the other way around.] ...hm~. I suppose I can live with you calling me that.

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[Action] sorry this is late sobs

[Action] It's alright! I've been kind of slow myself lately..><:

[Action] Oh, well, there's no worries about that either! ;v;

[Action] Ah..alright then..><;

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