redjacketthief | 1st Turn: [Accidental Voice/Action]

[Meanwhile, the latter-day samurai continues to search with seemingly tireless persistence, moving fast, his pulse pounding faster still. His bare skin is studded with goosebumps, but the raw chill does not penetrate the skin, does not register while in a state of deep, focused determination. It is not so deep, fortunately, that Lupin’s angry outcry cannot reach him.

He snaps to attention almost startledly, promptly changing direction and honing in on that human aura like a heat-seeking missile. His surroundings rush past him in a blur... and then, at last, leaping down from some snow-blanketed, rocky overhang not far above the ground, Goemon appears behind the man.]

Sorry for the wait. [He offers, panting lightly with the exertion.]

[The quiet words spoken from behind sent Lupin's heart leaping in his chest. His posture straightened, alert, and recognition of that voice, that tone left him torn between smacking the ronin over the head with that damnable book and hugging him.

He opted for a compromise instead. He tossed the book into the dirt again--and clapped the samurai on his shoulders.]

Goemon... [Lupin's voice trailed off. He dropped his head, his shoulders shaking in suppressed mirth.] Come here, you!

[He wrapped his arms around his friend, clinging to the first thing he had found in the day that actually made sense. The man was solid, real. Lupin felt assured that he wasn't as mad as he was starting to believe.

[All these years in one another’s company, and Lupin still had his moments of unpredictability.

It kept things interesting.

In general, Goemon was not very comfortable with his bubble of personal space being breached, but there were certain people and certain situations he could make exceptions for. With his arms stiff at his sides, he permit Lupin this display of gratitude and relief – or that was how he interpreted it, at least – for all of four seconds before pulling away. The situation did not call for shoving him aside.]

I brought you shoes.

[He announced, his delivery as nonchalant as ever. Digging into his hakamashita and reaching towards the back – how useful it was to have a shirt that doubled as a deep pocket – he produced the shoes, one by one. A pair of Jigen’s footwear, specifically, tied together by the laces. If you felt anything awkward and lumpy when embracing him, Lupin, this would explain it.

One may wonder how these shoes did not happen to tumble out while he was running. Well, a samurai had his share of secrets...]

Edited 2011-11-13 23:55 (UTC)

[Lupin wasn't alarmed by his friend's reaction. He expected it, and was grateful that Goemon held for as long as he did. Just the presence of someone solid, someone familar, was enough. He didn't complain when Goemon pulled away. Impulsive and idiotic as he could be, he understood well the personality differences of his closest partners. It was best just to accept what he was given.

He did notice something odd on Goemon's person, however.]

Ah, so that explains the...

[He cracked a grin.] You're as much of a boyscout as ever.

[The shoes were accepted with equal gratefulness, and Lupin hastily untied the knot with cold, clumsy fingers. He shoved his equally cold feet into them, and immediately started to feel better.

It was a step towards normalcy. It was already better than the hangover, the book, and the wings.]

Let's go. [His voice was impatient. He didn't want to be out there any longer.] You know your way...so lead the way.

And...thanks.

[Goemon stood by in silence, gazing contemplatively into the distance while waiting for Lupin to tug the shoes onto his feet; only at “let’s go” did he smoothly turn on his heel and guide his partner back towards the lake house, his sandaled feet plunging into powdery snow.]

There is a house where Jigen and I have been staying. [He began, stepping over a felled tree partly hidden in snow without glancing at it. Frequenting the Eastern woods at least once a day over the course of several months, he was familiar enough with most of its geography to where stubbing his toes on rocks or tripping on uneven ground were very rare occurrences.]

Jigen is no longer here – [There was a pause, just a split second longer than intended.] - But, a few of the belongings he acquired have remained. The shoes are among them.

[He let that hang in the air, not acknowledging Lupin’s words of gratitude with more than a near-imperceptible tilt of his head. To state, ‘you are welcome’, would have been superfluous, he felt.]

[Lupin fell into step behind Goemon, although with less grace. The cold was getting to him, causing his recognition and reaction time to lag. Where Goemon kept his pace smooth, Lupin found himself stumbling.

Goemon's patient explanation was a welcome distraction. He frowned at the the mention of Jigen's prior presence, mentally noting that he would need to ask Goemon about that later. Instead, he fell to his usual standby--chattering.]

Guess I'm gonna need to thank Jigen for leaving his stuff then, huh? Was it just the two of you in this place? All alone? The two of you didn't get up to anything together, did you?

[The last one was a joke, he simply couldn't help himself. He was just glad to have someone to talk to that wasn't himself.]

[With his back to Lupin, the unamused furrowing of his brow could not be seen, but the heavy silence that ensued spoke volumes; he was more irritable than affronted, however. Had he interpreted the phase ‘getting up to anything together’ as a question of whether they had done anything particularly productive in Luceti, the answer would have been the same.]

No.

[He responded stiffly, decidedly letting Lupin get away with the joke. Then:]

Fujiko and Zenigata are here, too, but they live elsewhere.

[Lupin smiled. Yep, that was definitely his Goemon. There wasn't anyone else he knew who could make a single syllable carry so much weight.

He didn't interpret the negative responce as anything bad. He figured that Goemon would likely have taken advantage of the location to train and meditate in the wilderness. It was a type of location that he would gravitate to in normal circumstances, regardless.

He chuckled.]

Well, its good to know tha Fujiko and Pops are here, anyway. Hey, how far are we going? Where are we?

[He had dozens more questions. Where were the cars? What's up with the book? Why did they have wings? Instead of rattling forward, he decided to try and follow Goemon's example. He knew he that he wasn't likely to succeed.]

We will be at the lake house shortly. Far north of it is a single village. It is possible you will find your jacket and your Walther in the shops there; they frequently are stocked with people’s belongings.

[A quaint, well-kept, two-story cabin gradually came into view, partly nestled among the pines. On sunny, late-summer afternoons, he had been fond of sitting at the end of the dock - taking quiet pleasure in the feeling of tingling warmth on his skin - and gazing out at the sprawling lake. By now, a crust of ice had recently formed over its surface, although it was not thick enough to bear someone's weight.

He supposed that Lupin would want to get a little more settled - eating, dressing properly, and receiving answers to pressing questions - before embarking on an exploration of foreign territory.]

Clothing, food, homes - everything here is without charge. There is no currency.

(ooc: Made a goofy mistake - forget I wrote "Eastern" woods above.)

No...currency?

[Lupin frowns.]

Aside from that being bad for the economy, you are aware that I'm now out of a day job, right? [He sighs. He would deal with his wandering hands and wandering thoughts later. Having nothing to do for too long made him stir-crazy.]

Just a single village, huh? With no currency, no charge...life must be pretty peaceful. [If boring. He didn't say that.] But Goemon...why would they have my stuff in the shops? Why are there shops if there is no money to begin with?

[So many questions, so many questions. He looks up at the cabin through the pine trees, straightening his thoughts into some semblence of order. Naturally, he continues rambling.]

That's where you live? It's big, but looks like it could be cozy... nice pick, Goemon.

[Life was not entirely peaceful, he mused grimly – not with the Malnosso manipulating the world within the barrier as they saw fit, surely consumed with curiosity or boredom or sadistic delight. Stopping short of entering the front door, he removed his sedge hat, briskly shaking off the snow.]

I do not know, nor do I know why Zantetsuken was there when I arrived. This is simply how it is, and how it has been.

[Perhaps this was some measure to pacify newcomers - an attempt to encourage them to happily adjust to life in an invisible prison.

Turning the chilled knob, he pushes through, greeted with a warm blast of air from the running heater that makes his skin prickle. He steps out of his sandals and hangs his hat over a peg on the wall, by the chin strap.]

You will notice that much about this place and the happenings here often appear to be illogical.

[The compliment on the house was answered with a deep, mono-syllabic murmur in acknowledgement.]

[Lupin shudders when the warm air hits him--he didn't realize exactly how cold he was before, and how reliant he was on the comforts provided by modern technology and society, until it was forced into context. As a man, Lupin could fish and maybe make a fire, but he was just a man. He was in a bad position without protection from the elements.

He steps out of the shoes Goemon brought him, following his example. You could take the man out of Japan, but you couldn't take the culture away from him. It was Goemon's home, more than anything. As much as he wanted to keep those shoes on, he understood the importance of politeness.

Instead of shivering and waiting for leave, he dashed to the heater. He would clean up later. First, and most important, he was cold!]

At least you make sense, Goemon. [Lupin spoke up, and kept his voice even.] That immediately makes it easier.

[Although what I will tell you may not be so reassuring, he thought, while shuffling to the kitchen. The living room – that was to say, the space Lupin now occupied – had few things in the way of way of possessions aside from the couch: there were some potted plants (most likely an attempt to bring some of the liveliness of spring indoors,) a couple of books in Japanese laying on a table, and a small rabbit-eared radio. More of a house than a home, especially in the absence of their mutual friend.]

Jigen’s room is upstairs. [He called out, his attention on the stove where he was heating a kettle of water. Of course, he could trust himself to prepare tea mindfully and to his tastes, avoiding bitterness that resulted in the use of boiling water or by steeping the leaves too long. A shame to ruin a delicate flavour.]

Edited 2011-11-15 17:30 (UTC)

And where do you sleep?

[He called out his reply.

Lupin noticed the sparse posessions, the attempts at making the home more cozy. It worked, almost. It didn't feel like a place Goemon would want to stay in for the long term. Then again, there were few places that did.

He was loathe to be left alone in such a place, even if he was warmer and more comfortable than he had been all day. He padded after Goemon and into the kitchen, and watched his friend make tea. Even in the wierdest of circumstances, there were some things that could be relied on.]

At least there's tea. [He gave a small smile.] That's good.

[He was grateful. Simple things were good too.]

Upstairs. [He explained as Lupin approached, not sparing an upward glance.] There are other rooms. [After a while, he snapped the switch of the stove off and set the kettle onto a coaster, lifting the lid. When the water was at an appropriate temperature, he poured it into a stout teapot into which he had spooned leaves, allowing it to sit only briefly before fetching two ceramic cups from a cabinet overhead.]

We have wine as well, if it suits you.

[The ronin said, after steadily, carefully filling the cups and setting them down over the table – and not without a hint of a grin tugging at one corner of his mouth. He and Jigen had kept a couple of bottles of quality red wine for some special occasion that hadn't yet arisen in the time they were together; had he been present, the gunman might have smiled wryly and seen it fit for them to indulge.]

[Lupin saw that look. It was a rare moment indeed, for Goemon to express himself as such. He returned the sentiment, and settled himself in a chair.]

I hate to disappoint you then, but I'm not really feeling up to wine right now. Tea is just fine.

[He gratefully accepts the tea, and sips with all of the eagerness of a man who was stranded in the wilderness. The tea was perfect--not bitter at all, with a refreshing, revitalizing feeling. Trust Goemon to make a perfect cup.]

If you have any food around too, I'd be grateful. I'm starved.

And information. Goemon, I don't even know where to begin asking questions here. ...How was I able to see you through this stupid book? How were we able to talk through it? Is it a phone, a laptop, or something?

[Sitting opposite Lupin and leveling a neutral gaze at him, he was reminded of when they first met in his private quarters with a prim and coy Fujiko at his side – the both of them wrapped around her pretty little finger - and this leering jester attempting to pass himself off as the executive producer of some bogus company...

He smiled in a passing moment of wry amusement.

That had been many years ago; a lifetime ago, he felt. He still had the capacity to be cold and imperious, but not in the same brutal, vicious way, indiscriminately ending lives with flashes of metal and gouts of blood- -

Goemon shook off the thought and raised his cup to his lips, his pinkie delicately extended out of habit. A thoughtful sip, an appreciative, appraising pause. He appeared to be in no hurry to answer the question.]

These journals are all of these things. One is capable of communicating by writing messages, calling, and by exchanging videos - and unless these messages are filtered, anyone who may happen to have his journal open will be able to see them, even if it was not intended for his viewing.

[He paused briefly, as if for effect.] However, there is an exception to this. If someone were to leave you voicemail, no one but you would be able to see or hear it.

[Closing his eyes, he then calmly indulged himself with a well-deserved sip of tea.]

And there is leftover mabo dofu in the refrigerator.

Wow...that's pretty cool, actually. All in this book?

[Lupin has to reign himself in, or else he'd unleash a torrent of words on a ronin who had probably become used to a quiet lifestyle. Mindfulness was not a tactic he often employed, but he decided to do so, if only because it would make the entire explanation process easier.

Besides, he didn't want to lose Goemon's words while in a tangent. The other man was settling in, and probably not likely to speak a lot.

He breathes, takes a sip of tea, and decides to get the mabo dofu later.]

Forget that, I already know the answer is 'yes'. [Another breath. He is trying to not ask everything at once.] Goemon...why do we have these wings and these journals? What is this place?

[These were loaded questions. He saw the keen hunger for knowledge, the anticipation on Lupin’s face, and slowly set down his cup with a hard, satisfying clack, reaching across the table for the man’s journal. After flipping to a particular section towards the back, he then turned the book over so that Lupin could read, pointedly sliding it towards him. It seemed appropriate to refer to his companion a superior source of information.]

This guide has been written by one of many people transported here; someone whom has been here far longer than myself. It explains our situation with greater detail and clarity than I am capable of providing.

[There were maps too which Goemon suspected would be of great interest. He straightened in his chair.]

There is much to absorb - and I am sure there are things you will wish to discuss after you read it.

[Lupin took one glance at the book, and pushed himself out of his seat.] I think I'll take that mabo dofu now...

[He retrieved it, and momentarily debated on whether to eat it with a fork or chopsticks. He chose the fork, knowing that he was likely to resort to stabbing his food childishly otherwise. Once prepared, he took a bite...and knew that his chill wouldn't be a problem for much longer.

Leave it to Goemon to make something absurdly spicy, even to adventurous palates.

He read through the pages quickly as he ate, mostly to get an idea of the situation. He could always read later--it looked like he was going to have a lot more time on his hands than he bargained for.

Although, Lupin wasn't sure if he believed what he was reading. The information about the Malnosso, the scenario, the kidnappings...

He frowned.]

Goemon. Why?

[Answers only lead to more questions, he thought while waiting patiently, eyes closed, his features soft, and his breathing slow and deep and even, as if he were at rest.

Why.

The Buddhist in him was inclined to believe that every event that occurred, no matter how ridiculous it may seem, had some purpose, some reason, some meaning, even if it was not readily apparent. Perhaps he would never come to learn why the Malnosso studied and experimented on those they imprisoned, but he could at least offer Lupin his own theory.]

Because they can.

[The words hung heavily in the are before he spoke again, approaching the question differently.]

There are them - the Malnosso, and the Third Party – and then there are us, numerous and exploitable, caught in the midst of a war that may have been waged for as long as centuries.

[Narrowing his eyes, he pressed on, fiercely grim, a thread of indignation running through his voice.]

We are forced to fight the Malnosso’s battles, encouraged to serve their interests by participating in missions in exchange for superficial goods, and are subjected to endless experiments. Every week, it seems someone is abducted or another is returned suffering grave injuries or some unusual affliction. …It is unforgivable.

[The line of his jaw hardened as he lapsed into silence. He didn’t wish to say that this was the way it had to be, that they had to accept this as their fate for as long as they found themselves within this invisible bubble... but a successful rebellion against a force of great power seemed unlikely. At least, at present.

When the moon had shattered through the barrier, he had thought himself ready and capable, as he felt he should have been after years of rigorous self-discipline and striving to live by the sword; it had been a situation where lives were at stake and only through swift, decisive, fearless action could he have been of service and protected the defenseless. And he had not only failed, but had witnessed the efforts of others failing – some of whom seemed to possess a strength greater than his own.

He lacked discipline. He lacked many things.

Overthrowing the Malnosso was ideal to many, but the fact of the matter was that some of Luceti’s inhabitants had spent entire years confined to this place, no doubt struggling (so he felt) with feelings of helpless resignation and impotent, frustrated anger; he could not imagine someone lingering if given the freedom to leave.

Alas, even if the Malnosso were in some way subdued, their troubles surely would not end given the presence of the Third Party...]

It is my belief that the Malnosso will not be satisfied even if the Third Party is vanquished.

Edited 2011-11-17 04:06 (UTC)

...You're right. That is unforgivable.

[Lupin didn't like the words he heard. His grip tightened on the fork to the point wher he had to put it down. Hungry as he was, food could wait a little longer.]

Just because they can do something doesn't give them the right. That's the same reasoning used by the Nazi's in World War II, and, I don't know how well you know Western history, but that...it was horrible!

[He let those words hang, collecting his thoughts and making a coherent thread. There wasn't more he could say on the topic matter...nothing that hadn't already been said.

He had to ask.]

Has anyone tried to do something about this?

I know enough. [He answered quietly over the rim of his cup before draining what remained of his tea, his eyes solemnly shut; he left the subject of wars back home at that. It was a while before he continued, Lupin's indignant words lingering in his mind.]

Some have been here for years; there is no doubt in my mind that they have at least considered rebellion or escape at some point. Do not think we are alone in our thoughts, and that most others are standing by and doing nothing because they lack the will to act.

[It certainly didn't appear to be the case, if the occasional journal entry was any indication.]

...If given the choice whether to stay or to leave this place, I doubt most people would remain. [But some would, he imagined, due to feelings of attachment to those whom they had befriended and/or if their situations back home were bleaker still.]

They've 'considered' it, you say. That means that we really can't do anything then, right?

[Lupin noticed the firm set of the ronin's jaw, felt the weight of his words. Although he asked it, he already had an idea of the answer. He didn't like it.

The conversation had gotten too heavy. Lupin took a sip of his tea, and continued eating the mabo dofu. He would have killed to have one of his Gitanes cigarattes in that moment.

The pause drew for longer than Lupin was comfortable before he spoke up again.] Is there anything we can do?

[A muscle rippled in his jaw.]

Not long before you arrived, the moon hurtled towards the village, crashed through this barrier, and killed every man, woman, and child in this place, despite the efforts of many to stop the Malnosso’s doing.

[Despite my own best efforts was implied, but left unsaid. He let his words sink in; and for a long moment, he gazed into his empty cup as if it held all the answers, his frown grave and troubled.]

I would like to tell you that what one can do is watch and wait for the right opportunity to strike swiftly and decisively as part of a collective effort. But it is not so simple, so to speak. Beyond this barrier is the Third Party – and from what you have read, it would seem that they have no interest in keeping us alive. [Who knew how many of them there were, or if they could be reasoned with?]