Kirumi Tojo's Palace | The Ultimate Maid's Failures

[kandata]

By now everyone may be used to find themselves in bizarre locations, between going into palaces and visiting Nekyia. It might not come as a surprise that it has happened again.

What might come as a surprise, though...is how empty this place is.

All around you there's nothing more than a large, gray, featureless expanse. In the distance there seem to be bars, curving upwards to gather so, so high above you, possibly hundreds of miles above, so high it’s hard to distinguish.

It’s a cage. So unfathomably large. You could escape, were you to get to the edges of the cage, but...it would take forever. No matter how you look at it, you're trapped. The atmosphere is so...hopeless. Devoid of anything even remotely positive.

Not that you want to hang around for long, do you? After all, this is someone's palace. Not a place to stick around at. What to do, though?

It’s all so...empty. Silent. Featureless. A flat expanse of hard gray tiles.

Gather together, everyone. Gather and choose a direction. North, East, West, South. All directions look completely identical, but could it affect your time in this place, somehow? Probably not. But all treks start with the first step. Perhaps, if you get moving, you'll progress?

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[beautifulknight]

[ So, he was definitely near the windows when that happened and was probably realistically blown back from that, though raised a hand/arm to cover his face from being pelted by glass. He lands on his back, inelegantly, though immediately rises.

His immediate concern is to check in on everyone. He will help to put out any remaining fires if needed (literally), but if that isn't necessary, he will hurry immediately to Kirumi, and also reach out to gently place a hand on her shoulder, if she will accept it. ]

...We are here for you.

No matter what happens - even after this has ended, we shall be with you.

[ Argenti's words are gentle; he looks the opposite of elegant right now but that doesn't matter much. Not one of them do, after all. ]

[bloodweapon]

[The immediate concern is taking care of the ones who were badly injured, either in the battle or by the blast, but after those injuries are taken care of and discussions have been had, Fray approaches Argenti. There's a look in his eyes that isn't immediately recognizable - a mix of emotions, certainly, after everything today has brought - before he decides to forego words entirely and pull Argenti into an embrace. It doesn't matter that the others can see, and he can die of embarrassment later; right now he just wants to make sure Argenti's safe.

...And yeah, here's another Diarama for you too.]

[beautifulknight]

[ Argenti hears the sound of Fray's approach - swiftly, enough for him to turn towards him, eyes softening. His expression is always warm for him, of course, though the red head also takes note of the emotions echoed in those eyes.

He feels the relief of healing over him after the embrace too, and brings his arms around him - well before then - holding Fray as tight as he does him, not letting go even after the spell settled well. ]

...I did not worry you too much, did I?

[ The Knight of Beauty asks, voice soft, because even if he is ready to rush into danger at a moment's notice, he is none so oblivious to the potential conflicting emotions that had laid in such a gaze. ]

[bloodweapon]

Of course you did, you fool.

[It's soft, with no real heat behind the words, and Fray's grip tightens on his knight.]

I cannot - will not see another die for me.

[It's soft, meant just for Argenti to hear. He's angry that Argenti took the risk. He's glad that Argenti saved them; he's terrified of what could have happened. He's just so, so tired after everything today has been and he doesn't want to stop and evaluate everything he feels right now, because it's all too damn much.]

I know I cannot ask you to avoid danger. It would be an insult, to say the least. But please... be careful, will you? If not for yourself, then for me.

[He's quiet for a moment before continuing.]

...I would never forgive myself, were something to happen to you.

[beautifulknight]

[ ...Ah. Argenti hears the words pointed, yet directed with no real harshness behind them - if anything, the emotion is a gentle one that reaches him. One that he swears he can hear in his heart, as secure as the hold Fray has around him at this very moment. Such as it is, he doesn't fault him for calling him as such, closing his eyes for a moment, even. ]

...It was not my intention to bring up such unkind memories for you, my dear.

[ His words are soft, though he feels as if there is a ghost of a smile on his lips. Not in mocking, of course, but for the name of this distinctly warm feeling blossoming in his chest. Argenti supposes he will prepare himself for his dearest's admonishments. Though he wishes not to make him feel so concerned, the thoughtfulness is touching. Still, he will do his best to soothe his heart in turn. ]

Of course. I am glad that you understand that avoidance of danger is not exactly entirely possible...

And naturally, I had no intentions of losing my life there. But, I do promise that I will be ever vigilant so that you have less reason to worry in the future. Or at least, far less than you do now.

For I plan to be ever the more careful - for you. I would not want to bring you sorrow, after all.

[ Things have changed. Argenti is not on this journey by himself anymore; and Fray is a constant reminder of that. One he is ever the more glad for. ]

[bloodweapon]

I know.

[He doesn't blame Argenti, exactly. After all, some people are just naturally inclined to heroics like that. So he understands it was never Argenti's intention to worry him, but he appreciates the reminder anyway. Fray's grip remains tight on Argenti regardless, though the words do help settle him quite a bit.]

I also know I can trust you not to do anything truly stupid. Yet seeing you run toward that thing... it was hard to keep that in mind.

[...]

Thank you, though. For the reassurances, for the reminder that I won't lose you.

[beautifulknight]

[ Argenti is ever the more glad to hear it, and to know that his words have more or less managed to reach the other man with ease is comforting - though his expectations remained that they would, somehow.

They've known each other well, even better, now. Of course they'd have faith in one's words - in each other. ]

I understand wholeheartedly.

[ He says gently, but it's true. ]

...It is truly no problem - I shall be always glad, and ready to remind you of this.

[ After all, Fray did remind him of the very same, not too long ago. ]

[bloodweapon]

...Hah.

[It's a soft sound that isn't anywhere near close to a laugh.]

I would hope I wouldn't need the reminder again, but... I would be glad to hear it, regardless. It means more to me than I can properly express, my beloved.

[kandata]

[Yeah, she'll let him! Mostly because, at a time like this, any and all comfort is so welcome. She keeps her eyes down, trembling a little]

...I do not know what will happen from here on. Or what to do.

[Really, anyone would be at a loss]

[beautifulknight]

...I find it understandable.

If you wish to reclaim who you were before in some way - to no longer be referred to as "Kirumi", that is possible as well.

Or, to stride forward as someone new entirely - someone who is neither Kirumi or who you were before. The choice is up to you, and so is your direction - where you would wish to go, after all of this.

[ But...Argenti will support her nonetheless. She is still a very dear and good friend to him.

Even if he doesn't have a concrete answer about it all. ]

This is all up to you.

If you ever want to have someone wish to your worries about it all, I shall also offer my ear, and my words. I firmly believe you deserve that.

[kandata]

[She doesn't feel she deserves so much support. Especially after attacking everyone so much...

Oh! In fact!]

I am sorry for having attacked you.

[And did fantastic at it. She fought against your weapons with her axe and did incredibly well!]

[beautifulknight]

[ Argenti blinks at that before smiling gently and shaking his head. ]

I am certain considering the circumstances attacking you was not your true heart's desire.

I cannot fault you for what happened. I'm sure you understand.

[ He gives her a small, knowing smile. Kirumi had fought for him, after all, and they once spoke on the same subject. Except it was him who was expressing his regrets. ]

[kandata]

I was very scared. I just could not forget all Monokuma had said to me, about how it would all go once you all arrived here. All I could think was trying to prevent it all.

It feels like such an obvious deception, now that my mind is clear.

[Monokuma had soooooo much time to get under her skin, yeah]

[beautifulknight]

It may have felt quite obvious after the fact, but...

When you're caught up in such dark feelings, it doesn't at the time. I recall feeling scared myself, so filled with despair, and other matters, that I didn't even consider when people were reaching out to me that there were other options.

Monokuma's actions upon you were also cruel, if they had settled so deep into your heart, I would not be surprised. If only we could truly repay what he did to you upon him and those involved - but I shall take you being alive over that.

[ He says this with utmost sincerity and gentleness! ]

[kandata]

[The gratitude she feels towards everyone is overwhelming. What would she be doing now if it wasn’t for you all...she's sure it'd all end so badly for her]

...I will never go back where I came from. I am done with that world, and the one that let it exist.

[Even though she'd like to give some payback, she's sure it's best to never return.]

[beautifulknight]

[ ...If anything, Argenti is also glad to hear this. There is a strength in not even so much as wishing to return to a situation that has done little to help oneself.

Even if people might not understand it. He does. ]

I am glad that you have decided to permanently leave behind such a wretched place.

Indeed, I cannot say that there is much good of a place that allowed such...despicable things to exist.

Wherever you want to go now is your decision and yours alone. But I shall be supporting it nonetheless.