[VIDEO] ☠ Death is always adorable.

[nightprince]

[ The feed turns on, and a teenage boy with a long yellow scarf, suspenders, and black hair shows up. He seems pensive, and appears to be holding a plush of a certain Frost in his arms. ]

First things first. Ladies, it's your lucky day: Ryoji Mochizuki has arrived, and he has a totally free schedule. Nice to meet you. I'll be happy if you can all show me the ropes~

[ A wink and a grin; now a bit more serious, but still smiling, he presses onward. ]

Secondly! I'm curious about Vatheon. Like... how long I'll be here, and stuff... I know, I've heard there's no way out, but maybe that's being too pessimistic? It can't hurt to ask, right? And do you guys think you can tell me more about it... the ones who have been here longer, I mean. I've heard some stuff, and it's... definitely not an amusement park like I thought, haha! But I'd like to get to know everyone here, that aside. So, let's chat!

Or we can meet up in person! I'm in the Middle District, outside one of the cafés! Don't be a stranger.

[ A smile, and the feed cuts. He's not showing it, but he is actually extremely concerned. ]

(( For the curious, feel free to reply with ACTION to this and troll him and wonder why his mere presence invokes terror and feels like DEAAAATH let him chat you girls up talk to him~ ))

Comments

[derparcana.livejournal.com]

... Then you would rather be responsible for dooming them to annihilation? [ He sighs again. ]

You know, this doesn't have to be so difficult, Minato.

[ And he lets go of Minato's arm, the Evoker clattering to the floor. He holds out his free hand, and his sword appears in it. He then holds it to Minato's chest, serious. ]

... Maybe persuasion will change your mind.

[messianic]

[...He was about to say something along the lines of how, by giving them choices, they would have a chance--That they wouldn't be doomed.

But then the evoker falls to the floor and there is a sword pressed far-too-close to his chest, and he pauses for a long moment, utterly silent.

...

A sigh.]

Ryoji. I already told you--nothing you do will change my mind.

I refuse to take away peoples' last chances, their last choices. Those are theirs to decide what to do with, not mine.

[...He really is utterly at Ryoji's mercy at this point, having no means with which to defend himself at all. ...But he is calm, if serious and, perhaps, a little saddened. ...Because he trusts Ryoji.]

[derparcana.livejournal.com]

... You still don't understand it, do you?

[ He sighs, backing off, grip on the sword tight enough to turn his knuckles white. He's frustrated. ]

Nyx is their choice.

[messianic]

[He breathes in when he is finally able to move away from against the wall again...though he doesn't. He remains there, not quite leaning on the wall, and simply looks at his friend.]

...Don't you believe in second chances, Ryoji-kun?

[...]

I think people deserve a second chance, so that they can...make a better choice.

[derparcana.livejournal.com]

... Of course. But there's not going to BE that chance. You don't... understand.

[ ... He is simply dumbfounded, and is silent, eyes shut. ]

Every waking moment, humanity's entirety calls out to her in pain. They ask her to end it. Why do you think I'm here...?

[messianic]

[...and quietly. His tone is quiet, but any sorrow or anger or fear--any emotion--is absent. Simply quiet, as he looks at Ryoji silently.]

...And what would taking away their chance do?

[He simply watches the other steadily, hands loose at his sides.]

Even if there really is no way to beat her...It's better to try than to just give up.

[derparcana.livejournal.com]

[ ... He looks pained, sighing. ]

Don't you understand what I'll do? I'm... I'm nothing but her puppet. I don't... I can't bear to kill anyone else.

[messianic]

...Then, Ryoji-kun, we won't let you kill anyone.

But...killing you and forcing everyone to forget isn't the answer either.

[derparcana.livejournal.com]

... Do you honestly think you can stop me?

[ It's not a question with the tone of "that's a fool's errand," instead, it sounds... desperate. ]

[messianic]

[He hears that tone, Broji. And he steps away from the wall finally, straightening out of his normal slouch and looking Ryoji in the eyes. And firmly.]

I do. We'll stop Nyx.

[How? He is not sure. Why? Because they have to.]

[derparcana.livejournal.com]

... Why... me? I don't understand why it has to be me...

[ He hates this. He HATES this. He loathes it all, and himself. ]

[messianic]

[...

He managed to convince Ryoji, at least temporarily, of his choice.

...and now he steps forward the remainder of the way, putting an arm around Ryoji's shoulder, bringing their heads together and trying to offer comfort as best as he can in this situation.

...It isn't fair, not at all.]

...Right here, right now, you are Ryoji-kun. Don't forget that.

This is not shippy at all, go away stalkers

[derparcana.livejournal.com]

...

[ He... just stares, eyes wide. And... strangely. It feels... he feels better. ]

M-Minato-kun... you...

[ A pause, and he silently blinks. ]

Sometimes, when I'm alone... I'm afraid I might stop existing. That I'm not... real. But when you say it, it... feels so validating. Like I've always just been... Ryoji. I... I'm afraid I might fall into that abyss, without it.

But you can pull me back. I... your touch tells me I'm alive...

Totally just bromance, yep.

[messianic]

[...And so he doesn't move. If his touch is what Ryoji needs right now...to convince him and remind him that he is still him, then Minato doesn't plan on moving.

His voice is quiet, but firm nonetheless.]

It doesn't matter what you are. What matters is who you are, and no matter what happens in the future, you are Ryoji.

[A quiet chuckle.]

The Ryoji I know is good at arcade games and enjoys spending time with his friends. The Ryoji I know is cheerful most of the time, and always willing to help others. ...The Ryoji I know is alive.