[Log] Caught!
Who: Genya Arikado, Kevin Graham, Soma Cruz, and guest starring Luke fon Fabre as a catalyst! :D
When: Sat, Jan 10, 2009 (immediately after this log)
Where: IPA HQ - Training Simulation area
What: Remember Luke on Fac-IPA in the other log? Yeah. He tells Soma.
Watch For: That poor escort! D:
[RADIO] To Soma Cruz, Luke fon Fabre radios: Hey Soma!
[RADIO] To Luke fon Fabre, you radio: *bit of hasty rustling* Luke? How are you doing?
[RADIO] To Soma Cruz, Luke fon Fabre radios: I'm fine! How come that Kevin guy was asking your teacher about you earlier? Is everything okay? He said things are fine now, but that could change, and ... you're not hurt are you?
[RADIO] To Luke fon Fabre, you radio: No, I'm not hurt, I'm fine-- *obviously startled and confused sounding!* Tea-- you mean Genya? And Kevin... Kevin /Graham/?
[RADIO] To Soma Cruz, Luke fon Fabre radios: Yeah, him! .. Well, both of them.
[RADIO] To Soma Cruz, Luke fon Fabre radios: Are you SURE everything's okay?
[RADIO] To Luke fon Fabre, you radio: *makes an irritated noise, not unlike a growl* I... I'm fine, Luke. It's just something related to my powers. They're dangerous if not used properly. But I'm in control. It seems like Kevin doesn't believe that, if he is going to speak to Arikado-- hm.
[RADIO] To Luke fon Fabre, you radio: *as an afterthought* Thanks for checking on me, I guess.
[RADIO] To Soma Cruz, Luke fon Fabre radios: Hey, you're a friend. I worry about you when people go hinting that something's going to go horribly wrong. You seemed fine before when you turned into a wolf, I don't see what the big deal is, but is he supposed to be sneaking behind your back like that, asking people stuff?
[RADIO] To Luke fon Fabre, you radio: No, he shouldn't. Do you remember what he said?
[RADIO] To Soma Cruz, Luke fon Fabre radios: Uhm. Just that he's doing some research and that some of it might concern you, and that you're fine for now but that might not stay that way..
[RADIO] To Soma Cruz, Luke fon Fabre radios: I think he's talking with your teacher now about it.
[RADIO] To Luke fon Fabre, you radio: Rrm. That priest's world has some kind of demons that I ran into. It seems they're after me, probably because of what I can.. do.
[RADIO] To Soma Cruz, Luke fon Fabre radios: Tch! He mentioned those are dangerous but you're tough, you can handle it!!
[RADIO] To Luke fon Fabre, you radio: Thanks, Luke. That's what I intend to do. I'm on my way to see a friend now for some advice. When I get back, I'll talk to Kevin.
[RADIO] To Soma Cruz, Luke fon Fabre radios: Okay. And you'll tell me if something /does/ happen, right?
[RADIO] To Luke fon Fabre, you radio: ...Yeah, if something happens, I'll tell you.
[RADIO] To Soma Cruz, Luke fon Fabre radios: Okay, good. Don't get hurt.
[RADIO] To Luke fon Fabre, you radio: Thanks. I'll talk to you later, Luke.
[RADIO] To Soma Cruz, Luke fon Fabre radios: See you around.
Fac-IPA> Soma Cruz suddenly, "Arikado, where are you?"
Fac-IPA> Genya Arikado says, "In my office."
Fac-IPA> Soma Cruz says, "Hn. I need to speak with you."
Fac-IPA> Genya Arikado says, "Very well."
Fac-IPA> Soma Cruz says, "And Kevin. Are you around?"
Fac-IPA> Kevin Graham says, "I am."
Fac-IPA> Kevin Graham says, "I'm headed back to the records room t' get a few
things t' take t' my quarters for readin' tonight."
Fac-IPA> Soma Cruz says, "I need you both to meet me somewhere in about an
hour."
Fac-IPA> Genya Arikado says, "As you wish."
Fac-IPA> Soma Cruz says, "I'll send you the location shortly."
Fac-IPA> Kevin Graham says, "Alright. I'll see what I can do, Soma."
A meeting place was sent shortly after the communication on open
frequencies. /Then/ Soma didn't sound upset, though that was only through tight
control of his voice. He had decided in due course that the best place would be
to ask both of them to come to one of the training simulators in the IPA
headquarters. It gave him thirty minutes to get there, a good ten or twenty
minutes to... practice. That's what it's call in theory, though in actuality
it's a way to vent some of his anger - get it under control - on something
that's just a program.
Those that arrive earlier than the appointed time will probably bear
witness to an utterly ruthless culling of well-programmed monsters who appear
one after another, each aa bit tougher than the last. Sword and magic - or
rather, the dark gift of harnessing the power of souls that fall under his rule
- come into play in equal measure, blending into a fighting style that started
as a combination of instinct and skill. The rest was learned under
circumstances Soma had no control over. But when people are trying to kill you,
survival is the name of the game. And it's best to practice when he can.
Arikado is, as usual, very punctual and just a touch early. His arrival is
silent, somehow the door opening makes no noise at all, so it's when the final
phantom is annihilated that he speaks. "You left yourself open, Soma. If you
had missed, you would have been annihilated were this real."
What an asshole.
He's leaning casually against the wall, hands slipped into his pockets, simply
waiting. He can feel the young man's anger. He doesn't quite understand /why/
he's irate, besides the demon issue, but this isn't the young man's usual style.
Kevin had already put away his files and left what he needed in his
room. He honestly did not have time to do anything else, so he chose to head
down to the location. The priest has, as is expected, his escort officer
alongside him. The two are there for the time being- but Kevin's not made his
intrance into the simulator. He's just standing in an observation room,
watching the young man practice.
The usually cheerful or friendly expression is gone by this point. The
young knight has his hand set on the frame of the glass, and his blue eyes hold
a very serious expression. The level of power he's using is minute in
comparison to the time they met while he was still in prison. It's only to find
out the balancing of the Time element against anything else in the room. A
mental tally? Well, that or a measurement.
But it's enough that it's not picked up, at all, by the officer
standing behind him. But he's not going to actually show himself until the time
to meet comes- or unless someone notices him watching.
Usually Soma isn't like this. Angry? Yes, he's been that. But willing
to confront people? It's not hard to determine where the anger might be
directed. As the agent's voice rings out in the dying echoes of battle, the
pale young man turns to face the half-vampire. Kevin's presence is not yet
known; it is, after all, still a little early. The priest might not yet be here.
"I didn't miss," he counters. He sounds irritable and he's not
bothering to hide it; normally, he'd frown but listen to the critique and file
it away to be given consideration for the next time. There's no thanks, today.
He's still breathing a little heavily from the exertion, but he seems in
excellent shape if one considers the full run of the program. Raising a hand to
wipe the shaggy, silver hair out of his eyes, Soma focuses his attention on the
other man. "What did that priest want to talk to you about?"
Yeah, Kevin. He knows. Someone told him. At least full out anger has
simmered to annoyance by this time.
Arikado isn't afraid of Soma. He's not going to lie about it either. "You," he
states simply. "He wished to know why the demons would be a danger to you, to
everyone if they chose you. I swore him to secrecy and told him. Everything.
About you. And about me."
Maybe that will take some of the edge off, knowing that Genya 'My name means
stuff about hiding' Arikado told his secret as well." He hasn't moved from his
spot, either, regarding the young man levelly with dark eyes.
Kevin looks to the officer, then turns to leave the observation room.
The man that's with the priest looks somewhat confused, but whatever the green
haired young man is doing...
The door slides open so that Kevin (and escort, of course) can make an
appearance after Arikado had completed his explanation. This is when the knight
idly waves to the two in greeting. "Sorry 'bout that. I didn't keep ya waitin'
too long, did I?"
The sword is sheathed and the small group is left there in a
stone-walled room with a vaguely castle design. Not Dracula's castle, though
the monsters bore similar traits to the type the young man has fought on his
world. It had taken him a while to get a technician to help set it up but the
program so far has been worth it. It's nice having an opportunity to fight
something where the stakes aren't so high, to be able to practice. But...
that's neither here nor there.
And Soma narrows his eyes, giving the other man's words due
consideration. So the half-vampire told his part in this whole thing as well.
It does give the younger man pause, but in the end he's not sure whether to be
angrier or not for it.
After all, what he had to go through to find out...
"Fine. You told him your tale. What gives you the right t--" Kevin
walks in with his escort, effectively cutting off Soma's question. It's not the
priest that he's concerned about.
That escort's going to be a problem. Was /he/ there when they talked
about all this? "We need to talk in private. Can you leave?" He speaks directly
to the escort while indicating Kevin and Genya with a sharp gesture.
Arikado's expression is flat. He'll explain what gives him the right. Maybe.
Someday when /his/ temper is engaged. That's hard to do, though, so for now he
merely eyes the armed guard. "Miss Tegawa gave authority for Father Graham to
be in my presence without a guard. You are dismissed." Sure, that was only
once, but maybe the guy won't ask questions and will go.
Kevin idly raises an eyebrow towards Soma as he immediately dismisses
the guard. It isn't until Arikado's statement is made before the priest looks
to him. The two speak quietly for a bit- mostly an apology from the priest, and
a promise to meet him just outside the training room afterwards. Once this has
completed, the officer leaves and the young priest's back is turned to the pair.
Finally, as Kevin turns to approach them, that pleasant look has been
replaced by a serious expression. It wasn't as intent as it was from above,
but... "I 'plogize about th' escort agreement, Soma."
Soma tracks the guard until the man has left the room. It's only after
the door's closed that he addresses Kevin's question. "I'm not worried about
the guard," he states. Steel is in his voice. Eyes are focused on Genya first,
then the priest. "It's you. How can I trust you?" Genya is included in a sweep
of a pale hand. "Either of you? Isn't it enough that I don't pressure you for
all the information I really want?" Now, he's focused on the half vampire. "I
try to respect your secrets. I come to you if I have a question about the
past... your past. I don't go to Yoko or Julius. And what I learn, I don't tell
to people that walk in and ask for it."
Honestly, he's angry about it. For himself and for... Short, cold words
continue. "It's bad enough I have to deal with people trying to kill me or the
people around me... Or worse. I don't need that number to go up because I don't
know who's being told."
Arikado levers himself up from the wall. The young man's anger is
understandable. I told him because I sensed no deceit. No desire to use what I
told him to do anything other than what he said." His hands come from his
pockets to hang at his sides as he takes a step towards Soma. "I am over
nine-hundred years old, Soma. I have gotten very, very good at reading people."
He glances at Kevin out of the corner of his eye for a moment before he returns
his gaze to the Dark Lord candidate. "I do not think that there is a mortal
alive who could even think about lying to me without me noticing."
Kevin is, as before, completely silent as Arikado speaks. He lets his
blue eyes focus on the half-vampire, and he listens. "Understand, Soma..."
There's a completely different tone this time. He's not the usually light
tongued, careless speaker that he normally comes off as. He's being careful
with his words, even, to ensure that they're clear. "I may have agreed to break
my ties with the Septian Church to cooperate with the IPA on this... but I made
an oath. The highest any can make in my church, and that's that we give our
body and soul, entirely, to what we see is the will of Eidos."
He shakes his head. "Eidos stands against everything that you- no, that
the you that's sealed away, that is- represents." He is quiet at this point,
before he finally says, "If you want answers, I'll give them to you. I want you
to understand, though, that I intend to act in a way to preserve all life.
Yours included, Soma. It's as you told me- you are Soma. You are not the Dark
Lord that is tucked away inside."
"I understand," Soma says gravely. A glance goes to Genya again. Then
Kevin. "I'm not ignorant of what I am. Or what others have given up, or are
willing to sacrifice. I'm not ungrateful." Yet his voice is tight enough to
include an unspoken 'but'. But... "If you can't trust me enough to answer your
questions with the same respect, then I'll do this on my own; that's a promise.
And you." Genya is given a sharp look. "The next time someone comes to you for
information about me and you trust them, send them to me. I'll check to make
sure you did. And then I'll deal with the answers myself."
If the whole world gets to know about Soma's background, then he at
least demands the right to be the one to tell them.
Arikado still looks rather disinterested, or maybe just...detached. He did what
he felt was right, even if it was not correct. He won't apologize, but he
probably won't do it again. "I will," is all he says. He gives Kevin another
glance, looking back to Soma once again. "Believe me, I merely wish to be done
with these demons from Gehenna, Soma. If what Father Graham has told me is
true, they may be more dangerous to you than Celia Fortner and her cultists."
The priest does not answer the statements made to him. He suddenly
speaks up in his defense again, "I can understand your wishes for privacy on
this- but would you have told me if I asked?" It's a simple question as he
crosses his arms.
Kevin doesn't speak for a moment, until he finally sighs and lowers his
head. Uncrossing his arms, it seems that the intense side of him has simply
melted away. Reaching up with his hand, he rubs at his forehead a bit, before
idly speaking. "On th' risk o' soundin' a little strange, I just find it
frightenin' to see another with a burden like yours. Not in yer power that's
frightenin', but the idea of seein' an irreversible disaster potentially happen
to someone else. You have th' chance that I don't have anymore."
Kevin is looked at directly. Eyes will meet, if the priest doesn't look
away. "I can't answer that. I might not have told you, yet. I figured you saw
enough," quietly. "Since you said you understood why they would be after me, at
the time. But I can just as well ask if you even thought to try to come to me
for further details."
A nod is given to Genya, acknowledging the man's concession. Apologies?
None seem looked for. Might have been appreciated, but he's known the
half-vampire long enough to understand they're reserved for more important
matters. Extreme ones, like forcing the spirit of Dracula to inevitably awaken
on terms where there would have been a chance to fight against it. "I know,
Arikado. I already went to Yoko, to see if she had any extra advice. I couldn't
get ahold of Julius... I was going to come to you next." And that in itself was
a major concession for the proud young man. Actively seeking out the assistance
of those who would have every reason to try to keep him from confronting these
things as is his won't.
The priest is given a look, again. Calm, a little less angry than when
the two first arrived. They're listening and that's... important. "I know you
see me as a danger." Just like the rest of the people who know about him, he
doesn't add. Over the past year or so, he's become accustomed to being treated
like ticking bomb. Which to be fair, is a good analogy. "I can deal with that.
But I won't stand aside and let others handle my problems. Don't ask me to. And
if you're not going to have faith in me, keep the thoughts that I might fail to
yourself." He might. That's not the point. And it'll do no one good to go on
about it.
The interview seems at an end. Soma straightens and nods at the two men
before seeking to move past them and for the simulator's entrance.
Arikado actually grimaces at Soma's statement that they see him as a danger.
This is why when the young man goes to move past, a hand moves to grab him by
the shoulder. He doesn't grab tight, but it's like stone. "Soma. I do not see
you as a danger. You are the vessel to give a damned soul a second chance. In
you is the potential to do the same as any human. You have the choice to reject
the fate that consumed my Father and rise above it, becoming a true hero and a
Good Man. No, you are not the danger. The danger is in others who would use you
and the power that lies within you to bring my Father back. This is why I am
here, to help you reach the great heights that most certainly wait for you and
to prevent those that would use you from doing so. That is all."
The hand drops and he steps aside to let Soma continue. He probably won't say a
word for days after that long exchange.
Eyes do meet- the strength in Soma's gaze is met with a saddened look-
but Kevin never looks away. Even as Soma steps past him to leave. Hands fist
and he closes his eyes, lowering his head. There's something bothering the
young priest for the moment. He suddenly turns, as Arikado finishes speaking.
"It's 'xactly like he said, Soma. Yer not a danger. Not t' us, an' definitely
not t' me- I see you as a hopeful chance that someone can *actually* beat the
odds an' prevail over such an overbearing darkness."
Suddenly, Kevin steps forward, gesturing with his right hand. "Ya still
have that chance. If you are capable o' doin' it, then it's proof that th'
darkness is not absolute. That a person, no matter what, can define th' life
they want."
Soma is stopped by the hand on his shoulder. And though he tenses under
the half-vampire's fingers, he doesn't lash out and remains to hear them both.
Emotions may be caught flickering in silver eyes for a moment.
"Thanks," he tells them both, quietly. He does appreciate it.
He has no further words, no gestures, and as Genya lets his hand slip
away, Soma continues toward the door. The program is ended from a little
control panel that appears, leaving only a grid-like structure where there was
once the feel and look and smell of slightly damp stonework. And then he's gone
as the door slides open to allow him to depart.
When: Sat, Jan 10, 2009 (immediately after this log)
Where: IPA HQ - Training Simulation area
What: Remember Luke on Fac-IPA in the other log? Yeah. He tells Soma.
Watch For: That poor escort! D:
[RADIO] To Soma Cruz, Luke fon Fabre radios: Hey Soma!
[RADIO] To Luke fon Fabre, you radio: *bit of hasty rustling* Luke? How are you doing?
[RADIO] To Soma Cruz, Luke fon Fabre radios: I'm fine! How come that Kevin guy was asking your teacher about you earlier? Is everything okay? He said things are fine now, but that could change, and ... you're not hurt are you?
[RADIO] To Luke fon Fabre, you radio: No, I'm not hurt, I'm fine-- *obviously startled and confused sounding!* Tea-- you mean Genya? And Kevin... Kevin /Graham/?
[RADIO] To Soma Cruz, Luke fon Fabre radios: Yeah, him! .. Well, both of them.
[RADIO] To Soma Cruz, Luke fon Fabre radios: Are you SURE everything's okay?
[RADIO] To Luke fon Fabre, you radio: *makes an irritated noise, not unlike a growl* I... I'm fine, Luke. It's just something related to my powers. They're dangerous if not used properly. But I'm in control. It seems like Kevin doesn't believe that, if he is going to speak to Arikado-- hm.
[RADIO] To Luke fon Fabre, you radio: *as an afterthought* Thanks for checking on me, I guess.
[RADIO] To Soma Cruz, Luke fon Fabre radios: Hey, you're a friend. I worry about you when people go hinting that something's going to go horribly wrong. You seemed fine before when you turned into a wolf, I don't see what the big deal is, but is he supposed to be sneaking behind your back like that, asking people stuff?
[RADIO] To Luke fon Fabre, you radio: No, he shouldn't. Do you remember what he said?
[RADIO] To Soma Cruz, Luke fon Fabre radios: Uhm. Just that he's doing some research and that some of it might concern you, and that you're fine for now but that might not stay that way..
[RADIO] To Soma Cruz, Luke fon Fabre radios: I think he's talking with your teacher now about it.
[RADIO] To Luke fon Fabre, you radio: Rrm. That priest's world has some kind of demons that I ran into. It seems they're after me, probably because of what I can.. do.
[RADIO] To Soma Cruz, Luke fon Fabre radios: Tch! He mentioned those are dangerous but you're tough, you can handle it!!
[RADIO] To Luke fon Fabre, you radio: Thanks, Luke. That's what I intend to do. I'm on my way to see a friend now for some advice. When I get back, I'll talk to Kevin.
[RADIO] To Soma Cruz, Luke fon Fabre radios: Okay. And you'll tell me if something /does/ happen, right?
[RADIO] To Luke fon Fabre, you radio: ...Yeah, if something happens, I'll tell you.
[RADIO] To Soma Cruz, Luke fon Fabre radios: Okay, good. Don't get hurt.
[RADIO] To Luke fon Fabre, you radio: Thanks. I'll talk to you later, Luke.
[RADIO] To Soma Cruz, Luke fon Fabre radios: See you around.
Fac-IPA> Soma Cruz suddenly, "Arikado, where are you?"
Fac-IPA> Genya Arikado says, "In my office."
Fac-IPA> Soma Cruz says, "Hn. I need to speak with you."
Fac-IPA> Genya Arikado says, "Very well."
Fac-IPA> Soma Cruz says, "And Kevin. Are you around?"
Fac-IPA> Kevin Graham says, "I am."
Fac-IPA> Kevin Graham says, "I'm headed back to the records room t' get a few
things t' take t' my quarters for readin' tonight."
Fac-IPA> Soma Cruz says, "I need you both to meet me somewhere in about an
hour."
Fac-IPA> Genya Arikado says, "As you wish."
Fac-IPA> Soma Cruz says, "I'll send you the location shortly."
Fac-IPA> Kevin Graham says, "Alright. I'll see what I can do, Soma."
A meeting place was sent shortly after the communication on open
frequencies. /Then/ Soma didn't sound upset, though that was only through tight
control of his voice. He had decided in due course that the best place would be
to ask both of them to come to one of the training simulators in the IPA
headquarters. It gave him thirty minutes to get there, a good ten or twenty
minutes to... practice. That's what it's call in theory, though in actuality
it's a way to vent some of his anger - get it under control - on something
that's just a program.
Those that arrive earlier than the appointed time will probably bear
witness to an utterly ruthless culling of well-programmed monsters who appear
one after another, each aa bit tougher than the last. Sword and magic - or
rather, the dark gift of harnessing the power of souls that fall under his rule
- come into play in equal measure, blending into a fighting style that started
as a combination of instinct and skill. The rest was learned under
circumstances Soma had no control over. But when people are trying to kill you,
survival is the name of the game. And it's best to practice when he can.
Arikado is, as usual, very punctual and just a touch early. His arrival is
silent, somehow the door opening makes no noise at all, so it's when the final
phantom is annihilated that he speaks. "You left yourself open, Soma. If you
had missed, you would have been annihilated were this real."
What an asshole.
He's leaning casually against the wall, hands slipped into his pockets, simply
waiting. He can feel the young man's anger. He doesn't quite understand /why/
he's irate, besides the demon issue, but this isn't the young man's usual style.
Kevin had already put away his files and left what he needed in his
room. He honestly did not have time to do anything else, so he chose to head
down to the location. The priest has, as is expected, his escort officer
alongside him. The two are there for the time being- but Kevin's not made his
intrance into the simulator. He's just standing in an observation room,
watching the young man practice.
The usually cheerful or friendly expression is gone by this point. The
young knight has his hand set on the frame of the glass, and his blue eyes hold
a very serious expression. The level of power he's using is minute in
comparison to the time they met while he was still in prison. It's only to find
out the balancing of the Time element against anything else in the room. A
mental tally? Well, that or a measurement.
But it's enough that it's not picked up, at all, by the officer
standing behind him. But he's not going to actually show himself until the time
to meet comes- or unless someone notices him watching.
Usually Soma isn't like this. Angry? Yes, he's been that. But willing
to confront people? It's not hard to determine where the anger might be
directed. As the agent's voice rings out in the dying echoes of battle, the
pale young man turns to face the half-vampire. Kevin's presence is not yet
known; it is, after all, still a little early. The priest might not yet be here.
"I didn't miss," he counters. He sounds irritable and he's not
bothering to hide it; normally, he'd frown but listen to the critique and file
it away to be given consideration for the next time. There's no thanks, today.
He's still breathing a little heavily from the exertion, but he seems in
excellent shape if one considers the full run of the program. Raising a hand to
wipe the shaggy, silver hair out of his eyes, Soma focuses his attention on the
other man. "What did that priest want to talk to you about?"
Yeah, Kevin. He knows. Someone told him. At least full out anger has
simmered to annoyance by this time.
Arikado isn't afraid of Soma. He's not going to lie about it either. "You," he
states simply. "He wished to know why the demons would be a danger to you, to
everyone if they chose you. I swore him to secrecy and told him. Everything.
About you. And about me."
Maybe that will take some of the edge off, knowing that Genya 'My name means
stuff about hiding' Arikado told his secret as well." He hasn't moved from his
spot, either, regarding the young man levelly with dark eyes.
Kevin looks to the officer, then turns to leave the observation room.
The man that's with the priest looks somewhat confused, but whatever the green
haired young man is doing...
The door slides open so that Kevin (and escort, of course) can make an
appearance after Arikado had completed his explanation. This is when the knight
idly waves to the two in greeting. "Sorry 'bout that. I didn't keep ya waitin'
too long, did I?"
The sword is sheathed and the small group is left there in a
stone-walled room with a vaguely castle design. Not Dracula's castle, though
the monsters bore similar traits to the type the young man has fought on his
world. It had taken him a while to get a technician to help set it up but the
program so far has been worth it. It's nice having an opportunity to fight
something where the stakes aren't so high, to be able to practice. But...
that's neither here nor there.
And Soma narrows his eyes, giving the other man's words due
consideration. So the half-vampire told his part in this whole thing as well.
It does give the younger man pause, but in the end he's not sure whether to be
angrier or not for it.
After all, what he had to go through to find out...
"Fine. You told him your tale. What gives you the right t--" Kevin
walks in with his escort, effectively cutting off Soma's question. It's not the
priest that he's concerned about.
That escort's going to be a problem. Was /he/ there when they talked
about all this? "We need to talk in private. Can you leave?" He speaks directly
to the escort while indicating Kevin and Genya with a sharp gesture.
Arikado's expression is flat. He'll explain what gives him the right. Maybe.
Someday when /his/ temper is engaged. That's hard to do, though, so for now he
merely eyes the armed guard. "Miss Tegawa gave authority for Father Graham to
be in my presence without a guard. You are dismissed." Sure, that was only
once, but maybe the guy won't ask questions and will go.
Kevin idly raises an eyebrow towards Soma as he immediately dismisses
the guard. It isn't until Arikado's statement is made before the priest looks
to him. The two speak quietly for a bit- mostly an apology from the priest, and
a promise to meet him just outside the training room afterwards. Once this has
completed, the officer leaves and the young priest's back is turned to the pair.
Finally, as Kevin turns to approach them, that pleasant look has been
replaced by a serious expression. It wasn't as intent as it was from above,
but... "I 'plogize about th' escort agreement, Soma."
Soma tracks the guard until the man has left the room. It's only after
the door's closed that he addresses Kevin's question. "I'm not worried about
the guard," he states. Steel is in his voice. Eyes are focused on Genya first,
then the priest. "It's you. How can I trust you?" Genya is included in a sweep
of a pale hand. "Either of you? Isn't it enough that I don't pressure you for
all the information I really want?" Now, he's focused on the half vampire. "I
try to respect your secrets. I come to you if I have a question about the
past... your past. I don't go to Yoko or Julius. And what I learn, I don't tell
to people that walk in and ask for it."
Honestly, he's angry about it. For himself and for... Short, cold words
continue. "It's bad enough I have to deal with people trying to kill me or the
people around me... Or worse. I don't need that number to go up because I don't
know who's being told."
Arikado levers himself up from the wall. The young man's anger is
understandable. I told him because I sensed no deceit. No desire to use what I
told him to do anything other than what he said." His hands come from his
pockets to hang at his sides as he takes a step towards Soma. "I am over
nine-hundred years old, Soma. I have gotten very, very good at reading people."
He glances at Kevin out of the corner of his eye for a moment before he returns
his gaze to the Dark Lord candidate. "I do not think that there is a mortal
alive who could even think about lying to me without me noticing."
Kevin is, as before, completely silent as Arikado speaks. He lets his
blue eyes focus on the half-vampire, and he listens. "Understand, Soma..."
There's a completely different tone this time. He's not the usually light
tongued, careless speaker that he normally comes off as. He's being careful
with his words, even, to ensure that they're clear. "I may have agreed to break
my ties with the Septian Church to cooperate with the IPA on this... but I made
an oath. The highest any can make in my church, and that's that we give our
body and soul, entirely, to what we see is the will of Eidos."
He shakes his head. "Eidos stands against everything that you- no, that
the you that's sealed away, that is- represents." He is quiet at this point,
before he finally says, "If you want answers, I'll give them to you. I want you
to understand, though, that I intend to act in a way to preserve all life.
Yours included, Soma. It's as you told me- you are Soma. You are not the Dark
Lord that is tucked away inside."
"I understand," Soma says gravely. A glance goes to Genya again. Then
Kevin. "I'm not ignorant of what I am. Or what others have given up, or are
willing to sacrifice. I'm not ungrateful." Yet his voice is tight enough to
include an unspoken 'but'. But... "If you can't trust me enough to answer your
questions with the same respect, then I'll do this on my own; that's a promise.
And you." Genya is given a sharp look. "The next time someone comes to you for
information about me and you trust them, send them to me. I'll check to make
sure you did. And then I'll deal with the answers myself."
If the whole world gets to know about Soma's background, then he at
least demands the right to be the one to tell them.
Arikado still looks rather disinterested, or maybe just...detached. He did what
he felt was right, even if it was not correct. He won't apologize, but he
probably won't do it again. "I will," is all he says. He gives Kevin another
glance, looking back to Soma once again. "Believe me, I merely wish to be done
with these demons from Gehenna, Soma. If what Father Graham has told me is
true, they may be more dangerous to you than Celia Fortner and her cultists."
The priest does not answer the statements made to him. He suddenly
speaks up in his defense again, "I can understand your wishes for privacy on
this- but would you have told me if I asked?" It's a simple question as he
crosses his arms.
Kevin doesn't speak for a moment, until he finally sighs and lowers his
head. Uncrossing his arms, it seems that the intense side of him has simply
melted away. Reaching up with his hand, he rubs at his forehead a bit, before
idly speaking. "On th' risk o' soundin' a little strange, I just find it
frightenin' to see another with a burden like yours. Not in yer power that's
frightenin', but the idea of seein' an irreversible disaster potentially happen
to someone else. You have th' chance that I don't have anymore."
Kevin is looked at directly. Eyes will meet, if the priest doesn't look
away. "I can't answer that. I might not have told you, yet. I figured you saw
enough," quietly. "Since you said you understood why they would be after me, at
the time. But I can just as well ask if you even thought to try to come to me
for further details."
A nod is given to Genya, acknowledging the man's concession. Apologies?
None seem looked for. Might have been appreciated, but he's known the
half-vampire long enough to understand they're reserved for more important
matters. Extreme ones, like forcing the spirit of Dracula to inevitably awaken
on terms where there would have been a chance to fight against it. "I know,
Arikado. I already went to Yoko, to see if she had any extra advice. I couldn't
get ahold of Julius... I was going to come to you next." And that in itself was
a major concession for the proud young man. Actively seeking out the assistance
of those who would have every reason to try to keep him from confronting these
things as is his won't.
The priest is given a look, again. Calm, a little less angry than when
the two first arrived. They're listening and that's... important. "I know you
see me as a danger." Just like the rest of the people who know about him, he
doesn't add. Over the past year or so, he's become accustomed to being treated
like ticking bomb. Which to be fair, is a good analogy. "I can deal with that.
But I won't stand aside and let others handle my problems. Don't ask me to. And
if you're not going to have faith in me, keep the thoughts that I might fail to
yourself." He might. That's not the point. And it'll do no one good to go on
about it.
The interview seems at an end. Soma straightens and nods at the two men
before seeking to move past them and for the simulator's entrance.
Arikado actually grimaces at Soma's statement that they see him as a danger.
This is why when the young man goes to move past, a hand moves to grab him by
the shoulder. He doesn't grab tight, but it's like stone. "Soma. I do not see
you as a danger. You are the vessel to give a damned soul a second chance. In
you is the potential to do the same as any human. You have the choice to reject
the fate that consumed my Father and rise above it, becoming a true hero and a
Good Man. No, you are not the danger. The danger is in others who would use you
and the power that lies within you to bring my Father back. This is why I am
here, to help you reach the great heights that most certainly wait for you and
to prevent those that would use you from doing so. That is all."
The hand drops and he steps aside to let Soma continue. He probably won't say a
word for days after that long exchange.
Eyes do meet- the strength in Soma's gaze is met with a saddened look-
but Kevin never looks away. Even as Soma steps past him to leave. Hands fist
and he closes his eyes, lowering his head. There's something bothering the
young priest for the moment. He suddenly turns, as Arikado finishes speaking.
"It's 'xactly like he said, Soma. Yer not a danger. Not t' us, an' definitely
not t' me- I see you as a hopeful chance that someone can *actually* beat the
odds an' prevail over such an overbearing darkness."
Suddenly, Kevin steps forward, gesturing with his right hand. "Ya still
have that chance. If you are capable o' doin' it, then it's proof that th'
darkness is not absolute. That a person, no matter what, can define th' life
they want."
Soma is stopped by the hand on his shoulder. And though he tenses under
the half-vampire's fingers, he doesn't lash out and remains to hear them both.
Emotions may be caught flickering in silver eyes for a moment.
"Thanks," he tells them both, quietly. He does appreciate it.
He has no further words, no gestures, and as Genya lets his hand slip
away, Soma continues toward the door. The program is ended from a little
control panel that appears, leaving only a grid-like structure where there was
once the feel and look and smell of slightly damp stonework. And then he's gone
as the door slides open to allow him to depart.