animus_network

Entry tags:

[Text]

[On one hand, he could keep quiet. But after weighing the pros and cons, he decided to make a post to the network.

It’s best if people are aware of this.]

Avoid reading the message on the 31st floor, or else you will die. Try to avoid the floor for the time being. Or leave as soon as possible without reading it.

If you did read it, I’m sorry.

(OOC: IMPORTANT. Minato can die on the spot mid-thread. Let me know when it's okay for him to leave the thread.)

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

There's no way to stop this.

[If there is, it won't be enough to change his mind. The rumour's influence is strong, strong enough to override his common sense and logical side to seek a way out. It would be easier to wait for his death and revived back in his bed.

It doesn't make it easier for him to feel about this. It's...different from dying from battle, where it's normal and expected in the Tower. When he participated in a game, he can see how he would die.

What's nerve-wrecking about this is the unknown. Will it be quick or slow? Painful or painless?

The unknown, the waiting period and knowing Ryoji is going to watch? Will bother him.]

But thank you for coming.

[Despite that, Minato appreciate Ryoji's company. However this death will go, he believes having his friend here would make it easier.]

[He exhales slowly, a resigned sigh escaping him. He knew it was the truth, but he still held hope that there was something... until Minato spoke and dispelled all those possibilities.

Ryoji's not leaving, as terrifying as this is. As much as he's scared Minato will die right now, in his arms, he knows Minato is far more afraid. No matter what, he needs to support him.

Finally, he releases his grip on his friend, though he still keeps one hand on his shoulder. He isn't sure what to do or say, especially when Minato might die before they manage to do anything.]

You know I wouldn't leave you alone.

...But what should we do? Should we go somewhere private?

Yeah, we should. I don't want to cause trouble in the library.

[He doesn't know how he would die. In the off chance it would be messy or disruptive, or that someone might walks in, Minato would prefer going somewhere private.

Minato stands up from the terminal.]

Of course. We can go to my dorm room, or yours... Is there somewhere you really want to be? Your favourite floor in the Tower.

[Minato can tell him anything, ask to go anywhere, and Ryoji will do all he can to make sure it happens. Even if it's a dangerous floor, even if it means Ryoji dying too. He'll do whatever it takes.

He holds onto Minato's arm lightly, ready to catch him if he becomes too weak.]

[His favourite floor? That would be the meadow floor. Beautiful, safe and a wonderful place to take a nap in.

The trip from the third floor to there may take a bit, but he push away his worries. He's going to die, so Minato's allowed to indulged in his selfishness a little longer. Afterwards, he can go back to putting others before himself.

As always.]

The meadow is one of my favourite floors.

[Ryoji nods. It sounds like a nice, peaceful place for Minato to take his last breaths. He'll do anything to make sure he gets to see it before dying.]

Then let's go there. Let me know if you're too weak.

[He gently leads his friend to the staircase, still giving him worried glances every so often.]

[So far, it seems like things will be fine.

But by the time they reach the staircase, Minato blinks before he wobbles and then collapses.]

Minato-kun!

[Ryoji luckily has enough of a grip on Minato to stop him from tumbling to the ground, but even he can see that Minato isn’t doing too well.]

Hey… can you walk? If you lean on me, I can carry you the rest of the way…

[Unfortunately, Minato didn't respond back to Ryoji's question. Between his unfocused eyes and stopped breathing, it's reasonably simple to tell what his current state is.

At very least, it didn't seem to be painful.]

[For a moment, Ryoji doesn’t dare to breathe either, trying to listen for Minato’s. He stands there, still holding the other boy, for a few moments, praying that what every fiber in his being is telling him, had told him from the moment Minato had collapsed, was wrong.

He can’t ignore the truth forever though. He knows that, and with a heavy sigh, he slowly lowers Minato to the ground. His friend still looks so peaceful, as if he’s just sleeping. Ryoji had seen that kind of face before, when Minato would rest his eyes for a few moments in between classes. Maybe that’s why he doesn’t leave. He stays knelt at his side, expecting that when Minato wakes up, he’ll want a friend to be there. He even takes off his scarf and uses it as a makeshift pillow, propping up the other boy’s head.

Of course, a worker unit eventually comes by to take the body. Ryoji lets it happen. He isn’t one to intervene with this. Perhaps when Minato is returned to his room, Ryoji can look after him then. For now, though, he just returns to his own room, completely calm, completely accepting… at least until his door closes and no one can see how sad he really is.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Text]

[action]

[action] should probably mention that Minato can die whenever you want him to

[action] got it!

[action]

[action]

[action] and I'm so sorry this took so long

[action] no worries, it's okay!

[action]

[action]

Re: [action]