madhatted | ic inbox;

Ah? Understandable. That sort of leave happened to me in Mayfield, too. I only lost track of a day in that town while I gained around a year or so of memory from home. A colleague later confirmed it, although I haven't really had any reason to think back about that since. It's just something that happens, when you're taken into a trapped environment like such.

[...ahaha sincere-ish compliments, y dis. At least it's Break, she can play it cool... It only gets hard when it comes from shounen protags/dumb bakas.] ...Goodness, that's humbling, but I do thank you for such high regard. Still, you're making it sound like a lot of active people have left... Has that really been the case?

[ He shakes his head ]

Not left, perhaps, but they're getting desperate. [ Himself included, and he doesn't exclude himself from that group. ] Desperation causes lapses in judgement, hm?

[ At least it's somewhat good to know that random ~~canon updates~~ returns home are somewhat normal for places like this. Considering her track record with cities like this, Break would consider her an expert, after all. ]

But I'm glad to know that returning home is not so rare that I should be worried. I've heard no stories of it here.

[She mildly raises an eyebrow at that. ARE YOU AWARE OF SOMETHING REALLY STUPID HAVING HAPPENED.... may this be related to her finding Sharon on the verge of tears the other day (she didn't ask because ~ladies~ and MANNERS, but Things Are Adding Up, okay.]

Impatient, you mean? It's not my intent to encourage passivity or to promote the status-quo, but fact remains that we've little active and sound options available at our disposal. Until a concrete chance presents itself, everyone must continue enduring, as they always have from the first day of their arrival until now. Knowing our captors, we absolutely cannot afford to be irrational.

[guess who spoke to jason-look-at-me-publicly-beating-junko-up-like-a-tru-REBEL and had a long "Talk" about the type of people who defects/idiotic martyrs who sell themselves for a supposed Greater Cause...]

[she hums, exhaling softly.] The absence caused by a brief return home tends to be short, plus you remember everything of this place when you regain consciousness again. Barring upsetting events back home that might greatly change an individual, it's generally easier to deal with, than someone who leaves completely and is then taken back to Haven again with no memories of their previous stay.

[ He's aware of that phenomenon as well, having seen it happen with some people he knows, but the returns home suddenly seem uninteresting compared to the status-quo. He pauses, briefly, since that line of conversation would undoubtedly reveal his new alliance, but... As he thinks about it, it's not so daunting to tell Ciel. He had come to trust her for her level-headed nature and prudence, so perhaps such a thing would be useful here rather than the advice of his friends.

...Not to say that he'll outright admit it, but. ]

Yes, impatient. Especially the longer you stay, since it seems that no concrete chances will ever present themselves. [ A pause, then, ] Speaking of, in a way, what did you think of that recent display of vigilantism?

[The pause is noted, and she briefly looks up.]

Ah, that? I wasn't around to witness the broadcast personally, but I've heard summaries. Frankly?

[It's her turn to pause now, as she takes a brief glance around.

...]

I've no opinion on the righteousness of it, morality is a burden to carry anyway in a place like this. [is her grayness showing yet...] I can understand the reasoning, however: they wished to warn and discourage more of our fellows from signing up with the corporation.

[A beat.]

I don't agree with the method of execution, however: it was gaudy, but inefficient. There's three types of people who may betray the collectivity. First would be the likes of Junko and Hyobu, who revel in chaos for the simple sake of. They're the most obvious and shameless of their affiliation, they won't turn over a new leaf and won't be affected at all by threats of violence. Then there are those who think they stand to net personal gain by working with the corporation: Caroline would be the best example, as we know she's sacrificed every other captive in her cycle to reach her ends. Threats can't affect that type of individual either, their ambition and drive would be too strong to be affected by promises of physical violence.

[Her gaze sharpens, as she looks back up to him.]

Do you follow?

[ He nods, listening with an interested expression, since naturally her analysis is interesting. As she goes on, he also finds it quite accurate, but he ducks his head with a small smile. Does she know already or suspect it? He can't help but wonder, based on the one he imagines she's left for last. ]

And the third?

[If she noticed him wondering, she doesn't show it. After his acknowledging reply, she simply continues, with the same tone and demeanor.]

Those who think they can protect - no, spare their closer friends and acquaintances from the worst of Haven, by scapegoating themselves into a puppet of the corporation. They could be weak-willed, they could be desperate, they could be easily influenced, they could be a great number of things.

[She raises her head to look up, but it's not at him; her gaze remains fixed in front.]

Ultimately, what unifies them is their loyalty to a very specific minority, combined with a lack of faith in themselves as well as the closed ones around them. It doesn't matter how well one can fight or how many reality-altering powers one may possess: individuals swayed by the corporation for the sake of someone else lack the empathy to understand that the most valuable thing they can ever provide to their loved ones is their own unfaltering support. As long as that pillar remains, both can get back up regardless of how many times they may be knocked down.

[...]

Their motivation remains powerful, however, even if they may be martyring themselves for a foolish cause. It's for this reason that I don't expect the broadcast to affect them significantly, either: they can easily justify the negatives away with the fact that they're acting for a higher cause. These type of people are also the trickiest of the three to deal with: they have good in mind, but tried to reach it through a means that cannot guarantee good in any way - if not, the complete opposite. They stand to lose the most as well, for they've put up for bargain the very lives they want to keep safe.

[She ends on a quiet note, eyelids drooping. It's not an expression of pity, but yeah, yeah it would suck to be in that position, she thinks, and that much may show on her face.

No sympathy though, different people make different choices.]

[ He chuckles softly, and all he can do is nod in agreement in the face of that. It's nothing that he disagrees with, having examined his own actions many times over to come to the same conclusion. He could think of excuses and justifications, but to no real end, he felt. It was inconsequential, because he had already bargained and lost the life of the one he'd wanted to protect most. ]

Incredibly accurate, as always. [ He looks up towards her, and his smile is still light and polite, but there is something tired in his eye, like a hint that his true age may be showing through that tired gaze. ]

So hiding it is meaningless, since I'm sure you already know, or at least have suspicions, Miss Ciel. I'm a recent addition to that third category, but the damage is already done, so I'd ask you spare me the lecture on the decision itself.

[...!

Having suspicions is one thing. But... An outright confession?

She looks back at him, although her expression shows nothing more than a quiet surprise.

It fades quickly, however, and it's not long, before she responds with an old smile of her own.]

People are emotional and social, regardless of what they claim and how they behave. Ah; I've no place to judge what pushed others to choose as they have, but what's done is done, and I'm aware no amount of nagging will change that. [A joke, even if there's nothing particularly funny about ant of what's happened.

Crossing her arms over her stomach, she gives a quiet sigh, before closing her eyes.]

Knowing miss Rainsworth, Reim, and Gilbert, I'm sure you've already heard enough. May I ask, regardless, what do you plan to do now?

[ Even if there's nothing funny, he still smiles, with a soft exhale that could be a sardonic laugh. He's appreciative that she's accepted the request, and to also be met with a cool demeanor. The question she asks is, in a way, why he had chosen to reveal it at all. He trusted her judgement, since she was an especially shrewd person, but also because she was divorced from things that made him reluctant to seek advice from those he had known much longer. Ten or more years of history with them meant that their emotions were too closely tied to the matter, and as things were... He wished to push the emotional aspect away. That was what had gotten him into this trouble in the first place, as it always did. ]

Unfortunately, I have little to offer. I'll keep my head low as long as I'm able, considering how people are thirsting for blood, and with the way this town works... I have no intentions to die needlessly.

[ It's a waste. He'll just be revived, and quickly, based on his contract, so it amounts to nothing more than an inconvenience. ]

But my hands are also tied. If I'm called upon again, I cannot refuse. It's as you said—I've bargained the life of the one that I wish to keep safe. I'll act in my capacity as their employee, but that is also when I would consider my death more than deserved. It's a complex matter, unfortunately. If it were as simple as ripping up my contract, then that would be my hope, but I doubt it's as simple as a piece of paper.

[ He looks back to her, having had his gaze turned to the floor pensively. ] So, may I ask a favor of you, Miss Ciel?

[She laughs.]

Thirsty for blood, do you truly believe so? That broadcast was met with fervent protests that equated brutal beating to murder, and self-righteous claims that the ones who did it were on the same level of evil as the corporation. An overabundance of idealism can be just as damaging as despair, although that's an opinion I'm aware I should keep to myself also.

[That's as much of a 'confession' on her part, given her reputation, but well.]

Right. The company seems very skilled at managing their assets, they won't let go to waste what they've managed to hook. [a beat.]

You wouldn't be the first I may have to stop, and even taking Yao out of the equation, I'm sure these sort of situations would've continued cropping up. Haven is infinitely fond of turning us against each other, it's merely unfortunate to hear that they've got you hung on a more personal string, now.

[but small talks aside, and with a small and courteous nod of acknowledgement:]

What may I do for you, Break?

[ He smiles more, since she's already touched on what he thought to ask her. ]

It's selfish of me to ask, but in the event that I should have to play my hand? I'd like to ask you to stop me. Gilbert has expressed much of the same interest, but... [ He shakes his head ]

Well, I don't doubt his ability and resolve to kill me, should it come to that, but I would prefer it not be him. I've known him since he was a boy, so I feel that it would still weigh on him at least somewhat. I can't imagine you would be bound by such sentimentality, and that is how I would prefer it.

[She tilts her head back, shoulders slumping slightly, as if tension is leaking AWAY with that statement Break's just made.]

Not at all. I have a terrible habit of meddling, you see, and now that you've told me, it's only a matter of time before I implicate myself somehow. It's still a relief to have your permission though, I also understand and agree with your reasoning. Gilbert's got enough on his plate as is, I'll beat him to the punch if the inevitable does occur. I'll also do my best to be quick and subtle, so that anyone attempting to investigate won't find much at all. [aka IT WILL BE A TRUE ASSASSINATION and retracing the culprit will be made difficult, what a professional proposal] Would that be okay, too?

[quick and subtle over quick and painless tho

CHOICE OF WORDING...]

Edited (htmlll) 2014-01-27 21:44 (UTC)

[ It's a turn of phrase that Break doesn't miss, and his eyebrow quirks when she says it, but he doesn't challenge it. It's a part of his deep self-loathing, since he feels that a painless death isn't something he should be afforded, but... Well, that sort of complex is best kept to himself. Break nods in agreement without so much as a moment of consideration. ]

Absolutely. I imagine it would cause you some trouble if it weren't discrete, so do whatever is easiest for you, when the time comes.

[well, "painlessly" is SORT OF implied, ciel isn't exactly fond of long and messy kills. but well. We can't always afford that luxury, right? It'll have to be settled, when push comes to shove.

She chuckles.]

I'm really going to start building up a shady reputation if word gets out, hehe, so I'll be careful. Necessity is something far too few are able to understand fully here, thank you for taking this so graciously as well; I do appreciate it, Break.

[pleasant afternoon tea convos, clearly...]

[ with these two, it might as well be ]

[ Break nods, though it comes with something of a tired sigh. ]

And I appreciate your assistance and prudence, as always. I feel as if I've aged twenty years in the past few weeks! [ His tone turns playful, but it's still tired and half-hearted ] My fragile health may just suffer yet~.

It's the least that I can do, so please, don't mention it anymore. [for more reasons than one...

and she chuckles.]

I envy you a little, actually. You don't have to worry about your hair turning white, unlike me. [She's doing well keeping the tiredness out of hers... A+ life skills.] Do you think two canes would help, out of curiosity?

[because like sURE IT WILL........ (unsure)]

Edited 2014-01-30 02:29 (UTC)

[ He stares incredulously for a moment, but then laughs despite himself... ]

Unless the second one has a sword in it as well? Somehow, I don't think so, unfortunately.

[A sword.

Why is she not surprised?

PERKING UP NEVERTHELESS]

Do you dual wield?

[#priorities]

[ cIEL ]

[ The surprises keep coming, and he laughs, shaking his head ]

If pressed, it's possible! But I can't say with confidence that it's my strength. I'm much more used to using the sword in one hand, then the sheath in the other to block.

[what is it...]

Ah, so you're more the knightly sort of person? That's quite poetic~! [break makes for a decent blood knight maybe possibly potentially] Does the slenderness of a cane work for you, despite it all?

[ More than you even know, Ciel, more than you even know... ]

Ha, perhaps so... My knightly nature is rather limited to a small group, but I suppose I can't deny it for Lady Sharon, at least. [ But he nods ] But the concealed nature of the sword is what I prefer, honestly! I suppose I'm revealing my age here, but I saw the rise of pistols as a weapon of choice, so sadly I'm a bit old-fashioned in that respect... I do wish I could openly carry a sword at times, since something largely would have a bit more force, but, well, having it be a surprise works well enough too.

Edited 2014-01-30 22:06 (UTC)

[she's ok with this]

How chivalrous! No wonder she seems to be so much of a romantic, hehe.

[waving her hand IT'S FINE no judging about each other's age, not here!] I'm more fond of pistols myself, but we can't very well afford the luxury in a place like this, so it does credit to the classics, which are more handy! I fully understand the concern about convenience and stealth, though, it's probably why I favor the Black Keys so much even if they're considered tricky to use and equally old-fashioned.

[no one expects sextuple wielding ninja nuns unless you're from the crazy world of TYPE-MOON, lbr...]

[ He ducks his head slightly with a smile, though he doesn't deny the comment about her being a romantic at all... ]

Oh, the Black Keys? And what would those be, Miss Ciel? I didn't think you the type to name your weapons~!

[that's as good as agreeing... A+]

Oh, that's what we all call them back home, I didn't make it up so I can't take credit, hehe. It's a special weapon only individuals who are in a similar line of work to mine have mastery over, and long story short, it involves creating light swords out of paper. You can imagine, how handy that is to carry~!

[she looks so happy and proud........]

Edited 2014-02-02 09:54 (UTC)

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2canez

better than 2chainz, clearly this must happen now and you should also get a rename token because

HAHAHAHA

if you port him to another game after haven or something it's the perfect journal name

screams

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