duel 5. ( anon text. )

[puzzlingly]

You know what fucking sucks?
The Speakeasy
The owner is never around.
Just Who Does SHE Think She Is?!?!?!
She can't do shit right around here.
WE HAVE NEEDS!
HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO STAND THIS HEAT WITHOUT MY BOOZE?!

「Hey, hey, Rey's friends... yeah, he's calling you out, come defend your friend, come show you care about her! He needs you... She needs you. Please.
The clock is ticking.

Yep, this is ruse. It WAS HARD, OK?! He feels terrible. It had to be done.」

Comments

[tongueamok]

[Have another irritated look, Atem. Good intentions or not, Carlisle loathes being used. He keeps any and all remarks about it to himself for the time being, pondering over what he's being told. Rey doesn't seem like the sort who pines for the emotional support that friendship and camaraderie can bring; from what he's known of her, in this world and in others, Carlisle would assume she's the sort to bury any and all feelings regarding such commodities.

Which, of course, isn't healthy at all, and he knows it. No man is an island, nor woman, nor half-construct pyromancer. More than that, Carlisle owes Rey a great deal for having watched out for his own physical well-being within the city.]

Admittedly, you should be appealing to those who know her best rather than anyone who would answer your call on the network. Furthermore, she has to want help before she will accept it. Pride and guilt can be more dangerous to a person than any weapon.

[puzzlingly]

It seemed like a good idea at the time, I thought that people who would get mad or... I don't know, that the people who would really care about her would be those willing to help her. I know I do. If I see one of my friends being bullied or being hurt, I will do everything in my power to defend them, to keep them safe.

「He had done it before, he had chosen death just to keep them alive and well. But, had he chosen wrong now? Is this person not her friend? Does he not care enough? Or is he just afraid? But afraid of what...?

Atem knows, better than some how is it to be prideful, how much one can lose to it; how it is to hold so much guilt that asking for help is out of the question, because one is supposed to deal with everything alone and keep people safe, not the other way. But he's also learned, with time and effort, that not even him can do everything alone, everyone needs others. Even Rey.」

I know what you mean but, I don't know for how long she can go on like this.

「He cannot force Carlisle at all to do what he wants, but at the very least he let him know what is going on, it's up to him now.

If Atem himself has to pull her from hell, whether she considers him a friend or not, then, he will. He will not turn her back on her while she kills herself, but the help would be appreciated.」

[tongueamok]

[Carlisle lets out a quiet sigh, wondering why it is that so many in this cave are unwilling to ask for help when they need it. As clergy, he's dealth with many a person who wanted answers from him, only to refuse to find the solution within themselves.

Atem isn't looking for answers, though. He wants action, something Carlisle isn't sure he can -- or if he's comfortable trying to -- provide.]

I know not where she lives, or I suppose I could stop by for a visit to see if there is anything I could do to ease her burdens.

[puzzlingly]

「Atem will not lie, when he made that post, he expected to find the best squad there is to help Rey in some way, this is a little disappointing, but just a little. Apparently, he still believes too much in people, in that perfect world where they help each other without hesitation, in a world without sadness and without the darkness in their hearts. He knows himself a little delusional, so that's why it's not that disappointing. He's not giving up. At least Carlisle is not saying no, so that must count for something.」

The spiral houses, number 1401. She might not answer the door, so let yourself in.

「He stands as he says that, he's not sure where else this conversation might go and he's got a lot of things to do before checking up on her again.」

If you don't feel you're up to the task, that is alright too, Carlisle. I'm sorry... about all of this.

「He's in truth, sorry he's not strong enough to handle it alone as he's supposed to, that he brought a dark cloud over other people when surely they had a lot to deal with too, but, he's just one kid.」

[tongueamok]

I never said I wasn't up to the task.

[Guilt, amends, or otherwise, that remark does come out a bit sharp; he seems to realize it and looks downward, a hair embarrassed by his own fervor, especially toward someone who, despite his unconventional methods, seems genuine in his sentiment.]

I will see what I can do. It is my duty in service to the Camisou to tend to those who would need me, but I cannot promise it will help. That is the nature of such self-afflicted wounds.

[puzzlingly]

「The Camisou? He would love to stay and chat but look at that, it is time to duel! for him to take his leave.」

Whatever you choose to do, Carlisle, I wish you luck. Just be prepared and... keep an open mind.

「He means it, the luck part anyway.」

If you need anything, call me.

[tongueamok]

[Carlisle stands to politely see Atem out, as a good host should do.]

Of course.

[He won't, as calling anyone for help is just not Carlisle's way -- frankly, he's lucky to be able to use the communicators as it is -- bu the appreciates the offer nonetheless.]