(no subject)

[volunteerwhale]

Who: avantes new and old
Where: avante dorms
When: Day 435 evening

[At some point this evening (or nebulous "when you are here" time), the doors lock and an exceedingly colourful young man comes out of a new door, grumbling groggily as he stares at the phone in his hand like it's offended him.]

Of all the things they could call me...

Comments

[volunteerwhale]

Hmmm...

[After his very practiced handshake that was definitely not nervous at all, he considers this for a few moments.]

I don't mind being called by my first name at all, but I suppose "when on the island, do as the islanders do" applies to this place as well. You may all have the generous opportunity to grant me a title befitting this unit.

[heavyliesthecrown]

Fufufu... indeed. I find that trying new things can be enjoyable, in the end. Like riding the train or engaging in other common activities. And when you have little choice but to join them, you might as well have fun with it if you can.

[ But hmm. He lifts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. ]

Does your name from back home specifically mean anything? Or perhaps we might find a good idea from your profile.

Not that I am an expert on birds, but it never hurts to look for inspiration.

[volunteerwhale]

It doesn't mean anything in particular...

[Technically it means "snore" and all his other family members are fingers but it may be safe to assume the words have lost their meaning by the time of post-apocalyptic magical steampunk land...]

You can take inspiration from my flawless appearance.

[heavyliesthecrown]

A peacock perhaps...?

[volunteerwhale]

...I hate to tell you this, but there's no way that wouldn't result in extremely inappropriate nicknames.

1/2

[heavyliesthecrown]

[ . . . ]

[heavyliesthecrown]

I... I apologize. I walk it back. I did not think of the ramifications such a name could carry. I was only considering its showy colors and nature.

[volunteerwhale]

Oh? I've never seen a peacock...

[heavyliesthecrown]

Fufu... allow me to show you. Our cell phones are handy for quick research.

[ He finds one picture and then another with its feathers spread out for him to look at. ]

They are magnificently colored and are elegant birds. I do believe they represent honor, integrity, royalty, and rejuvenation.

[volunteerwhale]

[Dang that sure is a bird.]

Hmm. You're right it's an appropriate choice for someone like myself...

[heavyliesthecrown]

Perhaps you could choose it as your bird, but simply continue to go by your actual name? For myself, I go by 'Tsukasa' or 'Suou', despite being represented by a hawk.

[volunteerwhale]

I guess I could-- Oh. Suou?

[Wow what a coincidence.]

I have a friend with that name.

[heavyliesthecrown]

Fufu... it is a very noble name, is it not? My family's lineage goes far back and the Suou are well-liked among the rest of the aristocracy.

But I imagine your friend is not actually connected to some distant branch of my own family. After all, I did not recognize your birth country at all.

I am not your friend nor will I be able to replace him in any sort of manner. But I hope that I might be able to serve as a new one to you while we are here.

[volunteerwhale]

He's definitely not related to any kind of aristocracy... Although he is the mayor of the Mud Whale, so he's effectively a head of state. But the people there are all...

[God he loves them very much now but--]

...Ignorant country bumpkins would be a generous description.

As for you, I have no intention of being friends with anyone here. But this is my unit, so you're all my allies for now.

[heavyliesthecrown]

I... I see.

[ GIVE HIM A MOMENT.

He got up the courage to say the 'F' word and was immediately rejected. Why... Why is it so hard figuring out how to make friends with people!? ]

[volunteerwhale]

[...If Tsukasa looks that sad about it, Rochalizo can't help but feel guilty...

He really can't afford friends. He can't split his loyalties any more than he already has. Still, it's hard to make himself put up walls again after he already went through the process of dismantling them once before.]

Don't take it personally. I came here with a goal and making friends would just hold me back. That's all.

[heavyliesthecrown]

I think you will find that when thrown through the gauntlet of pain and despair, the people you call allies become near impossible to keep at bay. Because we are all of us going through such sadistic horrors, it is impossible to go through it alone without forming some attachments.

[ He lifts a hand up to his chest. ]

Regardless. If you ever need help, the rest of your unit is here. So think of us as allies, but do not feel afraid to think of us like family, too.

[volunteerwhale]

[GOD why did he have to land with NICE PEOPLE...]

I know about bonding through tragedy already. That's exactly why I can't afford to do it again. There are already two nations relying on me.

[heavyliesthecrown]

Is there a threat of war?

[volunteerwhale]

More than a threat. My home has been at war my whole life. The people I was living with before here are innocent, but they're being attacked relentlessly by the same enemy. If I can help by succeeding here, then that's what I'm going to do. I can't go caring too much about anything that could distract me.

[So he says, but he doesn't really like it. He's soft, and he's never been alone. There is absolutely no way he can keep a distance, but he's conflicted about it.]

You're my unit, so I'll be looking out for you and I won't ever betray you, but...

[heavyliesthecrown]

I do not really require looking after. I am the senpai, remember? I believe that all of us, here, are quite individualistic. But you will find that we are all there should someone need aid.

Regardless of your preconceived thoughts and notions, you will find welcome here. Naturally, I hope that the distress you have experienced in your home world can come to a peaceful resolution, too.

[volunteerwhale]

[He just got here and already he's being emotionally compromised...]

..Thanks.

[heavyliesthecrown]

Now.

[ To business. Well, at least moving things along. ]

You are already aware of our situation here? I do know some other auditions. While it is difficult to imagine desiring to come here willingly, I know... that the alternative before was no better. It would truly be a desperate situation that would drag someone here willingly. In fact, I would venture to say that there was no real choice, to begin with, considering the alternative.

And so, I have no animosity toward auditions. All of my senpai from home have been forced into the same position. And so I sympathize.

I believe most feel the same way as me, though it is possible there are some who harbor some amount of distrust.

[volunteerwhale]

I don't care if they don't trust me. It wouldn't be inappropriate, all things considered.

[heavyliesthecrown]

Perhaps you are right. Nonetheless, I prefer that your experience not be unpleasant due to misunderstandings. If you have any trouble, you should tell us.