tabularasa_rp | [Open] This Is What Happens After a Month of Sleeping...

[ She's not met the older man before, but when he comes in, for a moment Yoshizawa thinks that the whole thing is going to be resolved and done with. First, he is someone who commands respect by virtue of being an elder, but he also has it naturally in his voice, not to mention the actual dragon acting as his support.

(She has so many questions.)

Of course, apparently Ann doesn't share the same line of thought - just when things seem to be calming down, her senpai launches herself across at the young man - and promptly finds herself grabbed and pinned by the dragon creature.

This... isn't good. The Phantom Thieves aren't particularly well-known for their relationship with adults anyway, and Ann's temper has already gotten the best of her once today. The girl takes a deep breath, considering the situation in front of her for a moment before she whirls around to rush up the stairs.

If she had Ella, things might be different, but as it is... ]

Senpai!

[ She doesn't knock, just bursts into Ren's apartment, the air of panic making her alert enough that she's like a small beacon in the dark of the room. ]

There's people fighting downstairs, and Takamaki-senpai joined in, and I'm not sure how to make it stop...

(When Yoshizawa arrives, it's a scene that contrasts the brawl happening downstairs. Ren is peacefully asleep, arms on the desk and what seemed to be a molotov cocktail on the making pushed aside to create space - Akechi still in comatose in the bed behind him, the room in its entirety dark and somber due to how night works, only barely lit by her presence now. When she barges in and wakes him up, he barely processes it, but he rises to his feet immediately, adrenaline already punching his brain into activity. Fuckfuckfuckfuck--)

... Stay with him. (He pleads before he grabs Akechi's sword and the holster he uses to strap it to his back, just to be ready, and well, judging by Yoshizawa's panic, it may very well be needed. Last time there was a fight in the Void, to his knowledge, Akechi ended up with a hole in his shoulder, so who knows just what is happening down there? Nevermind that he doesn't know how to wield it, but all Ren has is his knife. Knives are supposed to close distances, and they aggravate more than intimidate. This red-bladed, jagged sword on the other hand? He can use to put distance between parties in case needed, even if he doesn't intend to actually use it. Listen, he doesn't even know what's going on yet.

He rushes downstairs, only to see a Dragonite and a senior citizen holding his best friend to the ground. The weapon is unnecessary, clearly, so it sits between his shoulder blades untouched. Seen that she's the only one being held down, he can easily assume she is the immediate issue at hand. What the fuck did you do, Ann?)

Let her go, please. I got her from here. (And oh, dear. This is not the Ren most people are used to, softspoken and gentle - it's much more like the masked man some have met in Mementos, an intense and imposing figure. Problem-solving. Needless to say, Ann is in trouble.)

What happened to "unanimous decision"?

[ Rinoa is halfway on her decision; does she stay put, she wonders to herself, or does she move forward to join Professor Oak, his dragon, and the robot she doesn't know to put space between the antagonists of this situation while they try to work out what's going on? She's just about ready to move and join them when Ann moves in a blur away from Kaiba's side, and her eyes widen as she watches the tackle and the immediately-ensuing pinning of Ann to the ground. ]

Professor—

[ But she's not sure what to say. Right now, all she wants is her powers; with them, she could force everyone away from each other and calm the situation down within moments. As it is, without them, all she can do is stare, feeling helpless and confused. She barely even notices the girl sprint away - but she does notice when Ren approaches a few minutes later, stern and much more like the self she met in the nightmare than the Ren she's used to seeing around the Void. ]

I'm not completely sure what happened, but Seto and— [ She frowns, gesturing at Iwa. She doesn't know his name yet. ] —This man here, they're having some kind of fight. People have been cheering, and arguing, and some, like the Professor, have been trying to stop it, you know?

...Anyway, this man said something kinda rude, and then Ann jumped in...

[ To be fair, "kinda rude" is an understatement. She's not impressed at all with what the newcomer said. But she gets it, too. He feels ganged up on, right? Plus, he's definitely new, so... All added together, it has to be overwhelming. ]

Edited 2020-11-10 14:59 (UTC)

[Just when Iwa thought things couldn’t possibly get more batshit, he is being positively lunged at by one of Gamer Boy’s rabid fan girls.]

What the fu—- AGH!

[He hits the ground with a loud (and painful) thump, though he’s not so easily pinned - but just what the hell is he supposed to do here?! It’s not like he can wail on a girl the way she’s about to wail on him! He’s about to have to resign himself to taking a punch or two - luckily for him, Sam and the Dragonite manage to pull her off of him before he gets a black eye.

[He springs up from the ground with no issue (unlike some people - that pained groan was music to his ears, Kaiba), then stands there with his fists balled up at his sides for a long moment.

[There’s anger rising up within him again - or is it something else? It’s embarrassing the way his voice suddenly cracks when he shouts:]

What the hell don’t you people understand?! I just want to go home!

[Home. He isn’t talking about apartment 209. That’s probably obvious. He curses himself for allowing himself to even approach emotional right now.]

The asshole grabbed me so I fought back, okay? I don’t give a single shit what any of you think, JUST LET ME GO AND LEAVE ME THE HELL ALONE! PLEASE!

[Ann manages to tackle volleyball dork with the cat-like grace she displayed in the nightmares, so it would have been difficult not to have been impressed. The resulting retaliation from onlookers was over the line in Kaiba's opinion. An old man, dragon, robot, and fetcher-of-coffee needn't have all ganged up on her at once.

Gee, thanks Legion. With friends like you, enemies need not apply. Though that dig he more or less shook off, mostly because there was enough going down already, and at least there was some indication that Legion wouldn't like to see him harmed.

When the red-haired girl takes off down the corridor, Kaiba doesn't take it to be a positive sign. Unsurprisingly she makes it worse by drawing in the barista. Ren's darker tone and his fixation on Ann is offputting somehow. This unanimous decision stuff is garbage. There are times and events that transpire too quickly to seek council from their little group, and she's an individual with a mind of her own.

He allowed Rinoa to explain matters up until the point that Iwa started pointing the blame again. It had been satisfying to see him knocked clean on the ground and off his feet again, even if the damage was minimal.]

You want to go home.. and cry to your mommy? Pathetic.

[Twisting the words to suit]

You complained that I was in the way but you wouldn't move so I could get around you. So I remedied that, and nothing further would have resulted from it had you just continued out the door, and out of my life.

[See, it's clearly Iwa's fault.

Clearly.

~~No one is buying Kaiba's innocence, are they?~~.

Taking a step forward he glanced around at the room, and realized that they might take this motion as a sign of further aggression.]

Relax.. he's not worth anymore of my time. [Today, anyway. Revenge would be served up later. He tried to move closer to where Ann was being pinned, giving the wouldbe defenders appraising looks.] .. Overkill much? Release her- it's done with.

[Nice bait, Kaiba, but Iwa’s too exhausted to take it. His voice is quiet now - quieter anyway - and he says:]

It’s done with. [He stoops down to grab his volleyball off the ground, stuffs it back in his gym bag, and nods toward the door of 209.] Let me go.

(When told to back off, to let her go, they do.

The lights on their head are still flashing red, however.)

Your desires are not unique. (They shoot back at Iwa when he says he wants to go home. Does he think the others don't feel the same?) Home has been taken from us. (Save it for someone who cares, because organics sure didn't when they decided to murder their people.

...Apparently even the Geth aren't immune to foul moods.)

(A part of them notices that Kaiba seems intent on protecting Ann, just as she was intent on protecting him.)

Error: Kaiba-Seto is also capable of moving out of the way. This disruption was entirely unnecessary.

[ It's over and done with quick enough -- she doesn't even get a chance, fortunately, to at least smack poor Iwa, because the poor old man and his dragon creature are on it, and so is the robot. She grunts as she's dragged off and down to the floor, but she doesn't fight back or resist. If this were anyone else, she'd have tried to at least flip someone across the room. But it's not, the Professor hasn't done anything wrong, neither has his... that's a Pokemon, she thinks. If her time with Blue has taught her anything, that thing is definitely a Pokemon. And neither has the robot -- they're just trying to make sure no one else gets hurt. So, she can't fault them for that.

She huffs, because she does think this is a little overkill, but she keeps her comment to herself. That is, until Legion speaks. ]

Excuse you? You think I haven't fallen victim to his comments before? Wow, okay. Guess that makes me special, huh? Wrong, dude. But I'm not about to go and kick him to the ground just because he says something I don't like. And we've grown from that drama, thanks.

[ Read: she doesn't appreciate your 'wisdom' on this, either, Legion. Her gaze snaps back to Iwa, and though she bristles and stiffens under the hold that Legion and Dragonite have on her, she doesn't go further than that. ]

Listen, you're stuck here just the same as the rest of us! This has been a really shitty however long it's been, and--

[ Oh, there goes Yoshizawa and here comes Ren, moments later. Great. This is not what she needed right now, either... but between Ren and Seto, she's set free. She immediately pushes herself up off of the floor and makes her way back over to Seto's side, pointedly not looking in Ren's direction. ]

This has nothing to do with unanimous decision, Ren. This has to do with protecting someone I care about. You don't think I'd have done the same for you or the others?

[ It's not a lie, even if her actions were a little... much. And maybe, just maybe, she cares about Seto a little too much, too. But that's a subject to touch on at a later time, probably. ]

...Are you okay? [ This, at least, is directed back up at Seto. ]

Have those comments included threats to allies?

(It's more a question than anything they aren't really into this argument anymore.)

He is important to you.

(Their headflaps ripple.)

We are also uninterested in continuing this altercation.

(Unless stopped, they're going to leave.)

If combat is necessary, recommend recreational sparring in a non disruptive area.

[The girl’s comments sting - screw him for being a little shaken up, right? But he wasn’t lying when he said he didn’t care what they thought of him. He’s never been that guy. He waits until the commotion clears up a little, then makes his exit before he has to hear anymore from her, Kaiba, or anyone else.

[The second a clear (or mostly clear) path opens up to 209, he’s walking in, slamming the door shut, and locking the deadbolt.]

[Noticing how the other combatant has lost his fire gives Kaiba a small sense of enjoyment. Not enough to make up for what has transpired, but it's a start. Being able to maintain his composure better than his opponent is an advantage. He'll fully utilize that just as Iwa took advantage of the opportunities he was granted]

[Giving an exasperated huff from listening to the conversation between Ann and Legion, he presses his face into one palm, before removing said hand to stare at the robot]

Are you ever going to let that drop? The statement is inaccurate besides. At the time, Turing likely wasn't your ally, nor were you and I all that well acquainted. It wasn't as if I could take those later connections into consideration.

[It was day one. Kind of like today was Iwa's initiation to the void, but screw him.

He was prepared to let the matter drop entirely after saying his peace, and move on to another subject however a peculiar thing followed. Protecting someone I care about & He's important to you. Looking a little flustered for a brief interim, he coughed and looked aside. They could hash it out on their own without his input. The less he said the better.

A moment later he noticed that Ann was looking up at him waiting for an answer. What had the question been? OH... right]

I'm fine. [It was mostly his pride that was injured. ~~Or so he would have everyone believe.~~ He was well trained in donning whatever metaphorical mask he needed at the time] Show's over.

"Dragonite will let her go once she promises not to continue escalating this," Sam states to Ren, crossing his arms in annoyance. He shoots Kaiba a dirty look -- if he were a less polite or less peaceful man, it would be far, far more than just a dirty look.

"Seto. That commentary isn't necessary nor helpful." His fingers twitch against his arm as even he's tempted to pop Kaiba for such sheer mean-spiritedness. He wanted to just say 'shut up', but that wouldn't help anything either. "You're not the only one that matters. If you don't learn that, then someday you're going to pick a fight with someone or something much more dangerous than this young man, and when that day comes, we won't be able to help you."

He sighs as he finishes scolding Seto, shifting gears into the next topic.

"I've got some pens and paper in my room. I'd like to get a written account of what happened here from you two," gesturing to the two fighters, "once you've had a chance to sort out your feelings a bit. Preferably before too long, so the memory is still fresh." Putting their stories in the form of writing means that neither of them have to worry about getting interrupted, or their feelings interfering with their ability to communicate.

"Hold on, old man," Bowser says, now deciding once again to participate. "Who put you in charge of this?" Not that it's in anyone's best interest to stop Oak.

"Besides, what about what other people saw? You think these two are going to give you the full picture of what happened? There's about ten other people who were involved in this. Some of them might have some information that's useful."

"You think it's a bad idea?" Someone has to step up and take charge of the situation here, might as well be him.

"If they all want to give their accounts too, I won't stop them. But I doubt anybody saw the whole thing, so only these two know the whole story." He's sure that no one point of view can give them a clear idea of what happened, but Seto and Hajime together? Given how much they oppose each other at the moment, that's sure to get them the closest to a clear picture.

"Says you," Said with a roll of his eyes and a snort. Those weren't points that Kaiba had pressed previously, nor was he planning on harping on them now. They were no less valid in his opinion. The interference from Oak was starting to grate on his weary nerves. "It's Kaiba, to you. Don't get so familiar."

He really wanted to be extra snooty and argue his importance, but he didn't. "I've had enough lectures for one evening, thanks." With no real gratitude in his tone.

That suggestion garnered the blankest stare moments before he actually laughed. Not the pleasant mirthful kind. The laughter tapered off when a stab of pain reminded him that motion should be avoided. "Then after we write it all out, we can gather around a campfire and sing Kumbaya." Clearly, not being serious. Bowser supplied some necessary commentary. At least about whose in charge.

"There's nothing the others can provide you anyway... since to my knowledge the only thing they saw was at the end." He looked briefly to Ann, wondering if she was truly alright after having a dragon dropped on her, ... and an old man... and a robot... plus having her friend here to reprimand her. Why was the geezer insistent on delaying this?

Yes, yes, I promise I'm not going to try and fight anyone... sorry, sir. [ She means that, too. Her brawling mood is over anyways, and now that there's such a large crowd? There's no point. Not to mention Iwa's already walked the hell away without shouting or provoking further, so that... is that.

She glances back at Legion at his comment and blinks a few times, her expression softening just the slightest bit. ]

Yeah, of course he is. He's very important to me. And no, the threat was just aimed at me. But that's because I threatened him first. [ Is she going to go into any further detail than that? Hell no. Enough's been said on the subject, as far as she's concerned. Other than Ren and her other friends from home, Seto Kaiba is the person she's grown closest to in this stupid place. ]

Hey... [ It may not be a good idea, but she reaches up to place a, hopefully, placating hand on Seto's arm. ] Come on, don't be mean to them, they didn't do anything... let's just get you back to your apartment so you can rest, okay?

[ The adrenaline from earlier has run its course, and she's visibly deflating by the second, at least. She can see the look on Seto's face, and she gives him a look that should translate to 'I'm fine' well enough, before she gives a gentle tug to his arm. ] Please? You should sit down for a while.

Edited (forgot to add... the threat thing) 2020-11-11 09:02 (UTC)

"There's no need to call me 'sir'. My name is Samuel Oak, and I'm a Professor of Pokeology." Yes, 'professor' is longer than 'sir', so that doesn't really help much. His face softens a bit now that it seems like the fight is over. Seto is still being a jerk, but Seto is always a jerk, so that's nothing new.

"Dragonite didn't hurt you, did they? That wasn't our intention." All he wanted was for the fighting to stop, so to find out he hurt someone in his attempt to achieve that... would be ironic and regrettable. Still, by the way he's treating her now, it's clear that his actions before weren't personal in the slightest -- since she apologized and has stopped fighting, he's not going to hold a grudge.

Honestly, Kaiba didn't see the point in rehashing the incident. He'd considered it initially, but there wasn't much he could have said to sway public opinion. Those gathered, if they chose a side ultimately would have went with the new kid overall. Besides, it was really none of their business anyway. Just something for idle gossipers to compare notes on. That's the last thing he needed.

The jock would get his later.

Mark his unspoken words.

At Ann's entreaties, he backed off, though he waved off the suggestion to depart immediately. Likely, because he didn't know if he was going to be able to depart gracefully... But he really did want to retreat to his apartment by this point.

Since Oak was addressing Takamaki, Kaiba stayed out of it, waiting for the crowd to disperse. There was still the matter of the footage too, looking briefly to the closed apartment door thoughtfully.

Edited (derpricorn) 2020-11-14 04:29 (UTC)

Right! Sorry, then, Professor Oak! [ Look at how easy and smooth that transition is from small, angry, feral honey badger back to her normal, fairly sweet personality. She swears she's not bipolar, okay. ]

Mm? Oh, no, not at all. It was my own fault, anyways... [ She takes to casually brushing herself off and trying to fix her hair, wanting very much to look as pristine as possible despite the little brawl just moments ago. ] I've got a really bad temper, and I saw Seto-kun on the floor, so... I acted.

[ Which is a little embarrassing, but, whatever, it's done and over with now, right? She's mostly grateful that Seto actually listens to her and backs off. At least, for now. ]

It's really nice to meet you, Professor. Uh, except I wish I hadn't totally bowled someone over in front of you.

[Currently, Seto preferred the honey badger- but he also understood that it was time to reign this in. He would have been content to let the pair of them converse among themselves but he had to chime in with something..]

We don't really need to keep reiterating that part about my being on the floor...

--Eh?

[ She blinks, turning to stare wide eyed up at Seto again... ]

Hey, what happened, anyways? What'd he do to you?

[ Because she's unaware of exactly what went down... other than Seto being on the floor.... ]

[She was so painfully innocent in regards to the nature of his discomfort. Still it wasn't something Kaiba wanted to rehash. Eyebrows angling downwards, he bit back what his initial response would have been]

Not here.

[On the vague hope that someone in this building hadn't already heard of his misfortune, he'd restrict this to a private conversation ~~about privates~~]

...

[ She blinks again, before she looks horrified. She still has absolutely NO idea what's happened, but she's worried. ]

Oh my God, is it that bad? He didn't like, stab you, did he?

[ She doesn't SEE any blood and Seto doesn't appear to be dying... ]

Right, right, let's get you back to your apartment...

[When he sees her expression dramatically alter, he also looks horrified but for an entirely different reason. Stop making this into a bigger scene!]

Later-!

[He snapped tersely]

.. Fine, let's just.. get out of here.

[Already dreading the stairs. Still, he made the attempt to walk unhindered. It was a painful experience]

Hey! Don't get mad at me for being concerned!

[ She huffs at him and looks away sharply, at least his attitude means that he can't be that seriously injured. ]

Yeah, okay...

[ ...She stares at him for a moment, though. ]

...Do you need me to carry you?

[ She's being serious here, Seto. She is fully willing and able to carry him... ]

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