knifemonopoly | IC inbox

[...he's glad Cagliostro doesn't try to justify it. It sets her apart, in Atem's mind, from

your experience came from truly grand intentions pain and sacrifice are necessary for progress beautiful ends can come from ugly beginnings

"I'm saving us all!"

In front of the laptop, Atem shakes his head, to clear it. He's grateful not to have to have that discussion again. He never deals with it well! He'll take the change of subject, and accept that Saint-Germain is, at least for now, off that path--]

No...she hasn't mentioned that person.

She was someone we fought while we were trying to break the Curse of Balal. She had a profound effect on Saint-Germain. I wasn't there to see much of it, but she was part of why she turned against Adam and helped save Japan with the rest of us.

Hibiki had this whole thing about reaching out to others, "taking their hand" in understanding. Saint-Germain could never fully accept that, but I could tell she wanted to. But...I suppose she's afraid of disrespecting the sacrifices she made all this time by thinking differently.

Right now, the only person whose hand she can really take is mine. And...this has all made me realize something. I can't enable her anymore. I can't be so blinded by her radiance that I can't think uncritically. I love her, and that means being able to tell her when she's wrong.

[A frown!!]

Nobody would think that. It's obviously a demon thing -- there was just a fire circle, right there!

...

...but I'll try not to do it indoors. I forgot about your pooka nose...

[A blue-skinned, claw-tipped finger boops the bunny nose. Boop!]

It's hard...

...it's hard to realize that the people you killed didn't have to die, because your plan was never going to work. Knowing you hurt people you didn't have to, and having to live with that...I can understand.

Telling someone you love and admire that you think they're wrong is hard, too! But it's important to be able to do that. Otherwise, it puts a strain on the relationship...and it doesn't mean you don't understand them. Sometimes, understanding them means it's even more important to speak up!

[Take it from him. But, rather than talk about his own relationship, and how Ryou used to feel like he couldn't speak up, and all the problems that caused that they're still working on...]

So, you're saying that not many people understand Saint-Germain?

I'm saying that Saint-Germain has trouble understanding other people. Tachibana Hibiki may not have gotten her to open her hands to others, but she did make her start to see the value in looking past her own goals and preconceptions. But she's still learning.

You also have to understand that she's devoted herself to the alchemic arts, and in alchemy, you can't gain anything unless you sacrifice something first. Combine that with Adam Weishaupt's manipulations, and the price Ryslig demands from all of us...you can see why she'd become set in her ways, at least? I hope anyway.

But I can't let that be an excuse.

I'm going to be honest with you. To me, it didn't matter if Saint-Germain's goals were right or wrong. I'd have moved heaven and earth for her, either way. Even now, the morals of the matter aren't my concern. But...now I'm responsible for her happiness, and seeing that she stays true to herself and what Tachibana Hibiki taught her. We're equals now, and protecting her heart means protecting her from herself sometimes.

Edited 2022-09-29 16:24 (UTC)

I see. I think I understand you better, too, now...I think that's a worthwhile goal! I wish you luck, in protecting her heart!

[He's always felt that protecting one's own heart in Ryslig was key to being able to endure the place. This is exactly how Cagliostro should be looking at things: Saint-Germain is lucky to have her.]

I'm familiar with that principle of alchemy. It worked similarly in my world. I don't even disagree with her that here, the best way to ensure an act's success is to determine who it will force to suffer...

...but it's hard to control who the targets will be. The effects will spill out in ways you can't predict...people will always be hurt worse than you intend, especially if you're trying to do something big. And, if she's the sort of person who feels guilt over things like that...then, she'll be hurt, too, and the only one who wins is the person who designed this place, who's getting something out of it being the way it is.

I think we've both realized that we can't do anything here without hurting someone. But I give you my word that I'll at least be there to help her consider the ramifications.

But the way you phrased that...do you also believe that there's a power beyond the Fog God controlling all of this?

I do! I'm convinced that this place is designed for a different purpose than what the Fog God seems to want...she's a useful tool, I'm sure, but I believe this entire world is artificial, and tightly controlled by someone she's not aware of.

[Ryou twitches back a little, then makes a pouting face. Not that he's actually upset or anything, but it does make his nose twitch uncontrollably when Atem does stuff like that!]

Hey! Stop that!

[Says his mouth, but then he takes a skipping step forward and takes Atem's hands in his own. Clearly he's happy at the thought of going out with Atem, both to get out of the house...but also to spend proper time with him.

And, well. To get a piercing. That was the whole point, wasn't it?]

...I guess I can forgive you for poking my nose and making the air smell if you carried me home after our outing.

[Pooka mischief? Pooka mischief.]

That can be arranged!

[He doesn't seem to mind being emotionally blackmailed into carrying Ryou at all, not if the way he holds Ryou's hands back is anything to go by.]

In the air, or on the ground?

[The leathery wings behind him shift and rearrange themselves. They're flight-capable, and Ryou's lighter than normal!]

Flying seems like it'd be faster and easier, and I...don't think I've actually had you carry me that way. It might be nice!

[Big brown eyes fixate on one of Atem's wings. He looks pretty interested in the idea of being flown about, honestly.]

But that's something for later. We still have time to think about it, and I'm not going to make you fly me both ways, that'd be mean.

[Reluctantly, one hand slips loose, though the other keeps hold of Atem's clawed hand. The two of them seem to play off each other pretty well like this, and it's got Ryou pretty chipper! Enough that he tugs Atem towards the door, his tail whipping back and forth excitedly.]

This place we're going to, it's where Beat took me to pierce my ears. If there's something you like, you can always let me know.

[Atem's hooves clip-clop across the floor, pulled after Ryou.]

Okay, but I want to hear your ideas first. You know that!

[What if he suggested something absolutely off the wall, that Ryou would probably hate? He might, just to make sure Ryou won't go through with it if Atem's taste isn't the same as his, before he gives his actual opinion...

...but, Ryou's a pooka. It might turn into a game of chicken. One that leads to metal through a place Ryou doesn't want it.]

Promise me you'll tell me, if what I say I like is something you don't like?

[Moving a piece into place...]

Well yes, of course. I promise you I will!

[Locked in. Ryou has unintentionally made Atem a pooka promise. This was probably Atem's intention, but it goes right over Ryou's little bunny head. For once, he's wholly unaware of the move.

He heads to the door, only then releasing Atem's hand to look back at him before they leave.]

I was thinking of a navel piercing. Or...I don't know, maybe something on the face, but that's always a hard thing to figure out. I don't want to change my look so drastically yet.

[Even as a pooka, he's not too excited to make a visibly jarring piercing. Ears are fine! But face...that's a little more touchy! Plus there's his bangs to consider as well, if he goes back to his usual hairstyle after a while.]

[ She'd offered her willingness to die as an indication of her sincerity! With such an agreement in place, Saint-Germain would be risking a memory, her humanity, if she behaved in a way counter to what she just swore. She would be entrusting him with the things that make her herself. That's why she offered her life as collateral.....

But if that's not a gesture he can accept, very well. The rest of his offer is both rational and touching. Discussing her plans with him.....They still don't see perfectly eye-to-eye, but she thinks he'd be a good resource. With his input, her plan will become that much more all-encompassing, complete, that much more perfect. Not because she plans to accommodate Ryslig's mechanisms, per se.

Because she plans to design a revolution that will surmount them. That will, by its very execution, release everyone from the need to suffer.

It's a tall task. Possibly impossible. But even so, Saint-Germain is an alchemist. Alchemists seek the pinnacle of human capacity. And she is - she still considers herself, she must always consider herself, to live up to her ideals - human.

So, is that it, then? She nods. ]

For the present. You have my gratitude.

[ She'll take her leave, now, to finish processing her thoughts. She's glad....so glad.....that he's here. That he's a resource. Even if he can't accept her justice in full, they're facing the same enemy, and he held up a mirror to the ways Ryslig seeped into her soul.

In attempting to repay her debt to him, she now owes him even more..... ]

[Atem nods, thinking that over. Navel piercing's cute, and as for the face...eyebrow? He thinks a subtle eyebrow stud or small hoop would be fashionable.

But he doesn't say that.

Instead, as they step into the elevator:]

If it's something people wouldn't normally see, like your navel...then, you could try something bold.

[Here it comes.]

Hm? Like what?

[Ryou has no idea what's coming. He just presses the lobby button and glances at Atem curiously as the elevator doors slide closed.]

I suppose...maybe a piercing on the tail? Though people would see that if they squinted anyway. What's on your mind, then?

[With a wicked grin, and an illustrative little hooking motion of his finger:]

You could pierce your dick.

[This is both a bit of fun, to watch Ryou sputter behind closed doors...and a test of the pooka promise, and just how far Ryou's still willing to follow Atem's suggestions, for his approval.]

That would be cool!

[Ryou's immediate response is for his ears to fly straight the hell up, his brown eyes widening almost impossibly.

Excuse him?.]

U-uhm. Do you...think so?

[There's too much fur to tell visually, but Ryou is definitely blushing.]

I'm not--I don't think I can...uh. That...is a l-lot.

[His dick hurts just thinking about it?! He's trying to be nice but right as the elevator doors open, he blurts out--]

Atem, what the hell?

[...ohhhh look at those ears go. It's always so funny when they do that -- this is already one hundred percent worth it.]

Come on, Ryou, why not? Nobody would know what you were walking around with but us...it's fun having a kind of secret like that, right? [In a slightly quieter tone, because he doesn't actually want to embarrass Ryou in front of the neighbors:] You like the bite marks under your collar.

[And, as they step out of the elevator, Atem finally gives an indication of what his ulterior motive -- besides a lil bit of demon wickedness -- might be. That is, if Ryou's perceptive. Atem's tone is still playfully mischievous, but what he asks, is:]

You wouldn't do it even for me?

[The sounds Ryou makes are...honestly, embarrassing. He sputters a few times as Atem prods him further, trying to cajole him into thinking about it. Should Ryou think about it? What kind of person pierces their dick?!

...Would he?

And yet, there's something inherently secretive and dirty about it, that he has to wonder...what would it be like? It must hurt terribly, he thinks.

But is he wondering for himself? Or is he wondering for Atem?

A quick glance around, to see if anyone's there, then he snatches one of Atem's hands and practically drags him to the exit, his tail twitching, ears still raised, until they're clear of the apartment complex by a handful of feet, then he lets Atem go, whirls on him, and...]

Hmph! I-I'm not sure I would do it even for you! M-maybe if...if I did more research, and it was during a fog, if I even decided I'd like to have something there. But you! You're just trying to embarrass me, aren't you? Go on then, admit it!

[Atem has no idea what he's done. He just thinks the noises are funny, and it's very endearing when Ryou's harmlessly embarrassed and off-balance.]

Heh heh...! I might have wanted to get a rise out of you, a bit...your ears are adorable, when they go up like that!

...but, [and his expression turns, if not serious, into a less "heh heh heh" sort of smile.] I wanted to make sure you wouldn't do something you didn't want for me, even after everything.

I think a navel piercing would look very nice on you! And, as for your face...I think it also could be done in a way that looked nice -- as long as you thought so, too. Remember, it'll heal quickly, so you can always take it out!

[...]

"Maybe during a fog"? You're more amenable to the idea than I expected you to be.

[and they're right back to teasing.]

[Ryou sighs, shaking his head. His ears finally relax and go down, but he crosses his arms in a way to show he's not amused.

He can't be mad at Atem but honestly...]

At least you've given me your honest opinion...I'll stick with the navel piercing for now, unless we see something cool.

[His tail twitches idly as he hesitates on answering the other part.]

And...well, I didn't say I'd do it. But it's just...I wonder how it would even work?

[Atem shrugs! Believe it or not, he's not an expert on genital piercings...]

You find some part of it, that can take a bar, or a hoop...and you put it through!

Maybe you should ask, when we get to the shop.

[He can't help this. Literally can't. He would never embarrass Ryou in front of anyone else, not on purpose, but in front of just Atem? Fair game.]

[Ryou stares at Atem. He stares at him really, really intently.]

Do you know how easy it would be to tie your tail in a knot? I could do it, you know. While you're sleeping.

[He sounds so relaxed about it too, honestly, even as he encroaches upon Atem's personal space a little more, arms still crossed.]

Imagine if I tied it around something. Do you think I could get away with it if you were sleeping hard enough? Maybe I could just tie it around your dick and let you figure it out.

[Listen, you terrible creature. If you think that Ryou won't one-up you as a sassy little pooka you got another thing coming.]

Ryou!

[He's mock-something, here. Is it mock hurt? Mock sympathy? Mock contrition? He's so far from actually sorry.]

If you wanted a turn tying me up, all you had to do was ask!

[He can't keep the act up perfectly. It's too over the top! A laugh slips out, despite his...well. Not-quite-best efforts.]

Heh heh heh.

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slight cw for intrusive thoughts

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cw murder discussion ig?

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nsfw discussion ,

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summore nsfw. look at this loser

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jokingly content warns for ryou's passive aggression. but mostly for nsfw

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WELCOME TO YOUR PRIVATE CHANNEL, PLAYER1. FOR SECURE COMMUNICATION, USE 10.11.0.0.01 * PLAYER1 has joined 10.11.0.0.01 <PLAYER1>** If you're looking for someone you knew as Yugi before June, you've found him! It's Atem, leave a message.