animus_network | six ✾ video; partially filtered

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six ✾ video; partially filtered

I need some assistance with acquiring a set of fighting fans - they'll only be used for defense and monster-fighting when the administration feels the need to take away our powers. I'd like a set of metal ones with either sharpened edges or hidden blades.

I've been told by Diarmuid Ua Duibhne that I should speak to a Thorin Oakenshield about this? I'm not sure where I'd get the metal, but I trust both of you on this one.

There's...something else.

[And she takes a deep breath.]

People with violet collars are quite possibly in for some trouble, because unless something happened after I -

[The long pause is probably telling. Yes, she died.]

- I failed to stop him from taking it, there's a tank of your collar fluid in Sephiroth's hands. It's probably fairly obvious what I mean by 'failed'. Considering he's not above either mind control or killing other people, I don't really think I have to say a lot more.

filtered to the Investigation Team, Commander Shepard, and Diarmuid Ua Duibhne:

Remind me that when my gut tells me something is a bad idea, that it is generally right. My gut was telling me to get one of you guys last night when I was - and I swear, I was not down there to get in trouble, I was just curious since I'd gotten two collar checks, which I cooperated with, last week. I wanted to take a look. I didn't know...I didn't know what would happen.

I happened to be down there when the door was open, when it had been closed or protected the entire week, and...it ended badly. I didn't know if I'd have time to get backup, as much as my gut was screaming at me to get it, and I'll be frank here: I died trying to stop Sephiroth. I knew having anything in his hands was a bad idea.

I thought someone would - anyway, what should I do, when someone I thought I could trust because of mutual friendship because of...well, Yu trusts him. I thought I could too, and I would have done something, and yes, it probably would have ended the same way. I still would have done something if he was the one getting attacked. It was...not good, to say the least, to learn that it doesn't go both ways. I don't know what to do now. I didn't call him out or anything, because I don't know what happened after I died and I know it's not fair to call someone out like that, but I don't know what to do now.

private to Ryoji Mochizuki:

[And it's here that Yukiko chokes up, starts to shake a little trying to keep her tears in.]

...I won't ever be as stupid as that again. I just didn't want anything - I know your collar is violet and I just didn't want anything related to it or to you in any way in the hands of someone who's hurt you, and I just wasn't fast enough, and...I'm sorry I couldn't stop Sephiroth from killing me. I'm so sorry.

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[...Damnit, kid. That's why she didn't see you at all later that week? The commander sighs.]

You can start with settling down and pulling it together. [Well, she needed something to do, didn't she?]

I - I...

[Breathe, she tells herself. Breathe in, breathe out. And she does, and it helps a little.]

Right. Breathing. Not to hyperventilate, but breathing.

Mm-hmm. Panicking about it won't do any good now that it's already happened.

[A pause, while she waits for Yukiko to take a breather.]

So, what's your plan? You going to try scouring the tower for the missing collar fluid?

Yeah, it won't. I'm just going to think for a minute.

[And she does.]

Not without backup. I'd be asking to die again if I did it on my own. But even then, I don't know where it would be at this point, or if it did get taken - all I know is what happened before I died, and the chances weren't good that someone else would have stepped up. My gut feeling is that yeah, it definitely got taken, but I don't know. I'm kind of hoping someone says something to confirm or deny.

We'd still have to start somewhere, whether anyone fesses up about that tank or not. It's better than not trying at all.

That's true. I still don't want anything like that in his hands, regardless. I don't think anyone who actually knows what he's -

[And she starts to get emotional, and she has to stop and calm herself down again.]

- right. I don't think anyone wants anything like that in the hands of someone who can mind-control them. Yeah. Let me just word it like that, because thinking of one thing that happened makes me way too emotional.

[He has to take a moment after he sees the message. He's seen so many people die in his time here, but Yukiko... Yukiko's was one of the most painful. He'd regretted killing her almost every moment after he came back to his senses, when he wasn't thinking about Diarmuid and all the others he'd hurt back then. When they'd started dating, he had been determined to protect her from the terrible things in the Tower, and even after Sephiroth had stopped with his control, he still wished to watch over her. Knowing that he had failed to do so... knowing that one of the people who had been threatening to hurt those close to him was to blame... it's a lot to take in.

He turns on the feed, but too early, it seems; his hands are shaking, and he's unable to look at the screen for more than a few seconds, ducking back down into his scarf as he tries to hold back the sadness and guilt and rage inside him.

He can't do this over video. He needs to be able to hold her, and know she's truly okay, before deciding what to do about all of this. He speaks quietly, in an attempt to hide the emotion in his voice.]

Where are you now?

It wasn't - it wasn't your fault -

[And then she shakes again and isn't able to look at the screen for a few moments.]

Terminal closest to the second floor dorms.

[He doesn't answer to the video. What would he even say? He knows that Sephiroth attacked her partly because of her connection to Ryoji. He has to accept part of the blame.

But his guilt isn't the issue right now. What is important is that Yukiko is hurt, and Ryoji has to try to make sure she doesn't have to suffer this without support. He's at the terminal in an instant, pulling Yukiko into his arms. He doesn't speak just yet; he can't find the words.]

[Yukiko doesn't say anything, either. What can she say? She doesn't know. If it's a matter of balancing guilt, she doesn't feel like she can say anything that doesn't put all of it onto her side. It's where it belongs, in her opinion.

Instead she lets Ryoji pull her close, wrapping her arms around him in return, and she buries her face into his scarf. She's taken to doing that when she's scared or upset, and she's not sure what it is about it that helps, but something does. It's enough to keep her from breaking down entirely, at least, even though she can't help a few short sobs.]

[Ryoji's grip tightens and voice softens with every sob escaping Yukiko's form. He runs fingers through her hair, like he always does when she needs comforting, and he just keeps offering reassurances, partly to drown out her crying, partly to distract her from where she believes all the guilt should go, though it's a lie, and partly just to keep himself calm.]

Shh... it's alright, Yukiko. I'm so sorry. You must have been so afraid. I won't let this happen again, I promise... I'm so, so sorry.

Yukiko! Are you al--

[Diarmuid's voice cuts off and he is silent a moment as he tries to calm himself. With so much having happened recently, his emotions are high and his temper short. Especially when it comes to people who he calls his friends being hurt. The last thing Yukiko needs now, though, is him being emotional.]

I'm sorry. That's a stupid question. Let me ask a different one instead. What can I do?

[He has thoughts on several things she has mentioned, but it is probably best to let her pick out the ones that are most important to her first.]

I will be. I'm not, right now, but I will be.

[The only saving grace in all of this, so far as she's concerned, is that now she doesn't have to be so careful about covering the rumor-scar on her lower back, because now it's gone.]

I...I'm going to need those fans sooner than I'd thought. I also need to start thinking about a team to get that tank back in the hands of someone who can't manipulate it.

[Diarmuid nods. All things considered, that is probably the best he can expect especially since he doesn't know all the details of what happened.]

I promise you, Yukiko. I will find a way to make him pay for what he has done to both you and Ryoji. I wish it could just be going to fight him to the death, but with how little respect he has for life and the fact that death is not permanent here, I don't know if just attacking him will do any good. In fact, it might just encourage him...

[He shakes his head.]

I will figure something out. In the meantime, there are other things to worry about. I don't know how quickly Thorin will see your message. He is rather solitary at times. I will keep an eye out for him and perhaps he will find this post quicker than I think. However, do you wish me to attempt to make you something to use while we wait? They will not be anywhere near as strong as what Thorin could make you, but they will be functional and something we can start training with. I have been practicing making weapons myself, and I have gotten somewhat better since watching him repair the spear of a friend of mine.

His work will still be your best bet, but until then, I will be glad to try myself.

Edited 2013-07-23 03:28 (UTC)

No, attacking wouldn't do any good. It would only make things worse, and attacking someone who would kill to have the truth about them silenced? I would rather avoid it until it has to be done, and when it does have to be done...

[She thinks for a moment. What's the truth of the situation? This was part of it, yes, but only a small one, in the long run.]

...it's not going to be with him. Not while there are bigger battles to fight in the future.

[She nods once, and then again.]

I think it would be best to get started sooner rather than later, to be honest. I'd rather have something I can use in hand and not just an idea.

[The whole situation is frustrating. Diarmuid really just wants to go out and kill Sephiroth for all the things he has done. For killing Ryoji and Yukiko. For breaking Tohko's arm how many months ago for no reason. For all the other horrid things he is sure the man has done.

And he can't because it is exactly the wrong thing to do. What do they do then to stop someone like this? To make him stop hurting others on a whim? Especially when death is just a mild annoyance here? Perhaps the most frustrating part is that they can't even take the time they should be to think about how to deal with him. Not with the other battles they are currently facing.

At least being able to help Yukiko better defend herself is doing something. Diarmuid would rather be driving his spear through Sephiroth, but...]

I agree. If you answer a few questions for me, I can get right to work on the first versions of them. Do you have a preference to how the fan is set up? Do you want it to have the hidden blades or would you rather just stick with something simple for now?

[Oh. April remembers her, and what had happened back at the infirmary...

April looks pretty guilty when she turns on the feed.]

I... I-I'm sorry, I tried to stop him, but...

Are you okay? Nothing happened to you after that, did it? I'm sorry I caused a ruckus, but I...

[She shakes her head.]

Thank you.

I-it's all right. I'm fine, though he distracted me enough for him to get away...

[April rubs her arm absently, but gives her a nod.]

... If you want to get the container off of him, I-I could help.

I have healing magic, if something did happen. Just let me know.

[Yukiko nods.]

Let me get back to you on that one? I don't want you to get hurt on my account. Okay? And I think, honestly, there are about 3 other people trying to go after him right now.

Edited 2013-07-22 18:04 (UTC)

Don't worry, it's just a small burn.

A-and all right, if you say so. I wouldn't really mind, but if he has that many people after him already, I'll not interfere.

If you're sure. I can help with it.

Mm. I don't want him hurting anyone else. I appreciate everything, but I can't ask that much.

... I-if you're all right with h-helping with it... [Her voice is very hesitant as she says this, but it's better to get her burn treated than to leave it.]

A-and okay. And I-I'll make sure to be careful around him if I s-see him again.

[She doesn't really know Yukiko that well, whereas she does know Sephiroth moderately more well - admittedly, the two had been walking on eggshells with each other, Sephiroth because he thought perhaps Sheba's powers could be useful to him and Sheba because she felt guilty for killing him while under Jason's influence.

Hearing someone say that he's not above mind control or killing is a little disturbing, but because the claim isn't coming from one of her close friends, she is a little apprehensive about simply taking Yukiko's word for it. She knows from firsthand experience that one person's actions can mean different things to different people - she hated Saturos and the actions he took, but to the people of Prox, he was a hero. She thinks maybe there's more to this than simple black-and-white, "He's good" or "he's evil."

Still -]

I know Sephiroth. I'll find out whether or not he has it, and what he plans to do with it if he does.

Thank you. Someone was able to confirm that as far as they knew, he had it, but as for plans, that's anyone's guess.

[She pauses for a moment.]

Be careful, okay? I don't want anyone else getting - I'll be flat-out honest, getting killed. He's killed two people that I know of, myself included, and that count doesn't need to get any higher, even if death's not permanent here.

[There is a noticeable pause as Sheba considers that information, and then she nods.]

I don't think he'll kill me. He's been pretty civil with me so far, considering that our first meeting ended with me killing him... [Says the squishy fifteen-year-old. Okay then.] From what I know of him, he probably didn't take it to manipulate anyone. [Her hand comes into view and her fingers brush against her own collar - violet. Maybe it's just wishful thinking, considering it's the violet-collared residents that are at risk if Sephiroth does anything.] Or at least... not us. He's said many times that what he wants most is to get out of here and make the administrators pay for what they've done, and I have ways of confirming that.

[The many benefits of being a cheating mind-reader. She's a little apprehensive about doing so, but if Sephiroth is outright evasive - well, it wouldn't be beyond her powers to at least try and read his mind, though that would likely destroy whatever small amount of trust she'd managed to build.]

[Yukiko looks concerned. On the one hand? She's not going to celebrate the fact that Sheba's killed Sephiroth. She's angry and hurt, yes, but a death isn't something to celebrate.

On the other? He has manipulated people. Yukiko has seen that, too, and been hurt by it. She has to suppress a little flare of anger and the words at what cost? - those won't help. She knows they won't do anything good.

It all comes out as a concerned expression, her eyes going from worried to surprised to worried again.]

I hope that's the case. I truly do. I have to wonder about some of his tactics, if it is all about getting out of here and making the administrators pay, though. I've seen him manipulate and mind-control people, too. I wish I could tell you otherwise, but I can't.

[And she does. She doesn't like that it's the truth she's seen, but she doesn't have to like it.]

If I go by my gut here, it says I should trust you. I didn't listen last night, and that got me into a world of trouble.

I still say be careful, though.

...he does have a temper. That doesn't excuse what he's done to you and what you've seen him do, though.

[She'll admit that Sephiroth is the type that is exceedingly dangerous, especially when angered. And she'll admit that being angry doesn't make the act of killing or manipulating someone any less repulsive. Good intentions don't always make a good person... bad actions don't always make a bad person, either.

She supposes she'll have to be very careful in how she treats him, moving forward. As useful as he thinks she might be... she also thinks his strength might be useful. His strength and his willingness to act, which is how they got in the situation where it was even possible to take collar fluid at all. This probably isn't the time or the place to point that out, though.]

I'll be careful. You be careful, too. It isn't just him or any of the others who have been brought here that we'll need to look out for. The administrators... Jason especially, because he's so angry... that's the bigger threat. And they have ways of keeping tabs on us all. They probably know where the collar fluid is and who has it, and they will probably know if it changes hands.

I think we can stand up to them if we work together, because there's so many more of us than there are of them. They hold most of the cards, but there's strength in numbers. There are some people here that I wouldn't trust as far as I could throw them, but... [And then she looks down.] ...I'd rather have them on my side than against me, when it came time to take the administrators down.

It doesn't, but you're right, too. There are other, bigger threats. Next month, if my calendar is right, is going to be especially dangerous. Right now isn't the time to pick fights that don't need picking.

[Yukiko nods.]

I will be. I don't know that there's any way to entirely avoid Jason or any of the administrators, but I'm training just in case our powers are blocked again.

I definitely believe there is strength in numbers, too. We do outnumber them, and we've made progress - it's slow and it's steady, but it's still progress. I believe that when the time comes, we'll be....

[Yukiko closes her eyes for a moment. She can't say 'exactly prepared'. She can't say 'ready'.]

...we'll be waiting and we'll be as ready as we can be. It's never exact, and it can't be exact, as much as I'd like to know that every single thing that could possibly go wrong has had a plan made for it. I think we all share a goal, though, and that's a lot, in a time like that. There's nobody here, I don't think, that wants to see the administrators stand forever.

That's right... next month is one of Jason's months again, isn't it?

[With everything that's happened so far - she doesn't expect Jason to be pleased. Sheba feels sort of sorry for anyone who will be newly-arrived that month; they won't have done anything to anger him, but if he does try and take out his anger on the residents, they'll be paying for the actions of people who have come before them.]

That's smart. I should start doing the same thing... I'm a little useless whenever our powers go out, I think. [She makes a face, but after a moment, she chuckles. She'd been able to hold her own against monsters while she was on Weyard, even without using Psynergy - but she'd always had two or three people to back her up doing that. And the monsters here seemed stronger and more vicious. It's sort of amusing how different things are, though she knows she shouldn't really be amused by it.]

I wouldn't care if the administrators were still alive, as long as they weren't hurting people. They do their thing, I do mine... but when they hurt people I care about, that crosses a line. Something has to be done about them, or at least about Ruana and Jason. If this really were a rescue mission... if they really had saved us... I'd feel grateful to them. But I can't feel grateful for being kept alive just long enough to be used as - I don't know. Their toy? Something to experiment on? It's wrong.

That kind of feeling is probably normal. Nobody wants to be used... their mistake was in giving us all something to fight against. Even though there are a lot of people we don't get along with here - people we might never see eye-to-eye with - we can all agree that the way they treat us needs to change, or it needs to be stopped.

...we should try and remember that. Because they're probably going to want to make us feel isolated, like we can't fight back, like there's no point in trying to cooperate with each other. If we let them make us feel like that... if we give up... then they win.

[A pause, and then there's a wry smile.] There's no way I'm letting them win.

If he is not above mind-control, then he should be put down before he can use it.

[It's that simple to her.]

As if we haven't got enough problems with the administrators mucking around inside our so-called bodies....

The problem is what happens when he comes back angrier than before and with even more motivation to kill the ones that put him down. It's just another cycle to start. We have enough bad cycles that happen here that starting a new one isn't good.

I would say just put him down again, but... if you don't want to, then it's understandable. However, doing so may be the only option.

An option of last resort, not something to take lightly. I'd rather not start that kind of cycle if I don't have to.

Yukiko, if you need help with getting the collar fluid away from Sephiroth, I'll help you out. I don't know the full details behind how he was able to take it, and I would like it if you could tell me..but if you need help, you've got it.

What happened was that around 11 PM last night, the collar fluid was left unguarded. Completely unguarded - not a retrieval unit in sight.

A few of us got into the room, and I...I tried to stop Sephiroth with words alone and frankly, told everyone the truth about what he's done to people I care about, in the hopes that I'd have backup. I would have tried to get someone, but I wasn't sure about time, and I couldn't use magic in such a small space. I would have risked killing someone myself. I couldn't put anyone else at risk like that.

I died as a result of what I did and what I couldn't do.

[As someone who's been in a very similar situation-and tried to save Yukiko's boyfriend in said situation-Tohko knew how Yukiko was feeling and sighed as she typed.]

Yukiko..it's not your fault. Sephiroth is really tough, and you didn't have time. It good that you did your best to stand up to him and told everyone else about him though! Maybe the people that did will help you get the fluid back for you, or punish him for what he did.

I've been in a very similar situation with that man, so I know how you feel. I may not be of much help, but if you want me to, I'll help you steal the fluid from him.

.. In what kind of danger would people with violet collars be?

[ She hasn't been here for long, so it's not like Asahi knows all the fine details about collar liquids.. and she's not even asking for herself, since her own collar is pretty obviously colored with yellow liquid. ]

The best-case scenario is that nothing happens.

The worst-case? The collar fluids help keep the 'bodies' we're in working. If someone with the ability to control minds gets the ability to control bodies, it won't be pretty.

Ugh, that's horrible! Why do people like that have to be around here too, it's already bad enough to just deal with the tower stuff itself!

[ Asahi groans. She's not naive enough to assume that just everyone is good, but still.. this annoys her. ]

There's got to be something we can do against this though, right..?

Heehh.... how interesting.... I have a violet collar... so you're saying I'm in... ah... danger?

Huhahaha...! What's going to happen? I wonder, I wonder.... [he doesn't even sound concerned, merely delighted at the thought.]

I don't know that I'd laugh about it so easily...

[She really doesn't.]

...but we all have our own reactions to things...

It's simply amusing! The so called impending doom and all.

[like he's worried at all.]

...And what kinds of reactions do you have to such dangers?

The hell's this Sephiroth guy and where can I find him?

[Kanji sounds like he's out to beat someone up.]

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six ✾ video; partially filtered

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perma-filtered to the IT, Dia, and Shepard;

Whoops, probably should have mentioned that. Thanks for covering for my derp. 8|;

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