My job, Akira. Anything that can be gotten from her with hostility and antagonism will be gotten by the many, many volunteers for the role.
[And there is hostility, despite how calm and unruffled he sounds. There's a seething, simmering anger to his heart's image, which is pointedly not looking at Akira. Tiernan is many things, as much bad as good if not more, but he isn't that sort of cruel.]
I've played worse roles than a charming and willing entertainer.
If I have to. Am I to just assume a different path will do no good because it's disliked?
You have no more proof that my way will get me nothing than I have that it will get me something. And I would sooner try and fail than fall in line because someone else, even you, doesn't approve.
[Tiernan's voice is forceful but controlled, posture unthreatening but set. The outer Tiernan. The other one?
The other one looks up, and his green eyes are icy and fierce and challenging.]
[But then... something happens. Akira's eyes widen, flicking slightly to the side and panic enters them. He turns away from Tiernan sharply and hurriedly brings a hand up to his face, covering his eyes and breathing raggedly.]
I think if it turns out not to be, that's my own burden to bear and no-
[Except then that. And it's almost a shame he's not looking, because this is the first time Tiernan and his image have actually been in agreement, outright concern flashing across his face. Tiernan moves to rest a hand gently on Akira's shoulder.]
...something happened to your power. Akira, breathe. Listen to my breathing and try to copy it.
[Because the way he's breathing is not going to help him stop panicking about whatever he saw. Tiernan's breathing is a far more steady rhythm.]
[Even if he isn't looking, though, he can certainly feel it— not that it's really sinking in, at the moment. He's trying hard to get himself to calm down...
But, the touch to his arm does get him to look up at Tiernan with frightened blue eyes. He stares for a moment, and tries to regulate his breathing...
But, his fists end up curling at his sides, and his breath becomes ragged again. He's pulling away from Tiernan.]
I— need to go...
[He's going to be attempting to hurry off the opposite way from Tiernan, now...]
Do you think I've never faced censure and disapproval for my methods before? And if anyone has cause to be upset over it, it's you after what she did to you.
I won't change because you disapprove. But I also don't hold it against you.
[Luckily he gets a racial bonus to Listen checks. Tiernan gives a quiet sigh.]
Ah. I understand. Unfamiliar behavior in your ability so soon after... Of course you're unsettled. Anyone would be.
[Tiernan pauses, looking up from where he'd been cleaning paint off his fingers as he walked. He looks at Akira thoughtfully. At the last, an amused, secretive smile curls his lips.]
It might matter more than you think. I suppose we can go to my room, since it's you. We'll be more comfortable.
It has to do with my abilities. I've been wary of revealing them to anyone except those I trust because I thought it'd make me a target.
... I don't know if you saw it, but when.. [A deep breath.] We encountered that woman who calls herself "Jennifer" the first time, she'd... warned me "not to look at her that way".
I'd used an ability of mine to get a look at what amounts to a representation of one's emotional and spiritual state. [He holds a blink for a moment...] I saw something I'd never seen before... People usually only have one image, but she had two. One was laughing maniacally, and the other was screaming for her to stop.
This implies that you trust me, Akira, and that's an incredibly poor life choice. My closest friends would never dream of trusting me.
[Tiernan clicks his tongue in mild offense and disapproval. Though the light, almost playful objection sidelines into a frown when Akira goes on.]
...I saw. I was there for everything, just not quick enough.
[He sighs. Whatever he thinks about having the scope of Akira's abilities confirmed, he keeps it to himself.]
I'm not surprised to hear that. 'Eyes are the windows to the soul', they say. Hers changed colors before she finally revealed herself. Sometimes green, sometimes blue. I was fully aware she was more than she seemed.
[He doesn't seem put off by Tiernan's warning at all. There's a blink, and his gaze softens a little at the admittance that he was there and not fast enough. He shakes his head. He doesn't think anyone could have been...]
Before, huh... [He looks thoughtful.] ... for what it's worth, I also recall the image with her screaming was on the side of her with the blue eye.
The only thing I could think of that would lead to something like that is a case where someone has two spirits... like in possession.
[It's fondly exasperated, and only barely exasperated at that.]
Hm... but both are named Jennifer. It isn't impossible that they are simply sharing the name, granted. I do think there's a second possibility, though I'm not certain which is more likely.
Schism. One becoming two instead of two becoming one.
But it seemed like the cruel part was completely overpowering her. That sort of imbalance in power doesn't seem quite right...
To me, it felt more like a takeover— two people with only one in control, while the other could do nothing except watch.
[...]
Granted, who knows... We've only seen her for short periods of time. Maybe the control does go back and forth between the two. But the screaming... did feel helpless to me.
[His expression sobers into something far more grave.]
I also know I'm in a precarious position. This room, and other things... I am favored. And that will not look good to our fellows, so please keep it to yourself.
[He watches Tiernan quietly... After a moment, he shakes his head.]
What doesn't look good is you knowing things and not sharing it with other people. People don't know if they can trust you... And considering all the Mafia shit going on, it does make you look extra suspicious.
Good. That trial was a disaster, Akira, from start to end. I should have intervened more and that is my burden to bear but Lucas should not have had to save us from our own incompetence.
[Tiernan's eyes are sharp in a way he rarely allows to show.]
If playing antagonist will urge anyone on to watch and think and learn from their mistakes? To be suspicious instead of blindly trusting? It's hardly the first time I've taken on the role of the villain in the minds of others.
[Tiernan sighs quietly at that reaction and rubs at the bridge of his nose.]
I'm not primarily talking about you, Akira. It's clear that you're not accustomed to violence, you pushed yourself quite hard in the investigation, and then the trial stripped you of your powers. You did your best against a number of inherent obstacles.
I still feel responsible. Was the wish I proposed really the right choice...? Maybe... we really should have gone with something that would've helped us with all the rest of the trials. Something to end the game quicker.
And Lucas... [His brow furrows.] Maybe I shouldn't have asked so much of him.
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
timeasmymeasure
Week 2
Date: 2019-03-18 06:45 pm (UTC)Monday
Date: 2019-03-20 12:04 am (UTC)[Yup, Akira sure is tracking Tiernan down after that meeting... And he looks pretty serious.]
Exactly what were you pulling earlier with that bitch?
[His gaze is laser focused on Tiernan... you can bet he's using Heart's Eye on this guy.]
no subject
Date: 2019-03-20 12:22 am (UTC)[And there is hostility, despite how calm and unruffled he sounds. There's a seething, simmering anger to his heart's image, which is pointedly not looking at Akira. Tiernan is many things, as much bad as good if not more, but he isn't that sort of cruel.]
I've played worse roles than a charming and willing entertainer.
no subject
Date: 2019-03-20 03:53 am (UTC)[Akira grits his teeth, glaring at Tiernan.]
And what more are you going to do? How far are you willing to go to please her when it might get you nothing?
no subject
Date: 2019-03-20 04:17 am (UTC)You have no more proof that my way will get me nothing than I have that it will get me something. And I would sooner try and fail than fall in line because someone else, even you, doesn't approve.
[Tiernan's voice is forceful but controlled, posture unthreatening but set. The outer Tiernan. The other one?
The other one looks up, and his green eyes are icy and fierce and challenging.]
no subject
Date: 2019-03-20 04:46 am (UTC)[But then... something happens. Akira's eyes widen, flicking slightly to the side and panic enters them. He turns away from Tiernan sharply and hurriedly brings a hand up to his face, covering his eyes and breathing raggedly.]
No, I— didn't mean...
no subject
Date: 2019-03-20 06:06 am (UTC)[Except then that. And it's almost a shame he's not looking, because this is the first time Tiernan and his image have actually been in agreement, outright concern flashing across his face. Tiernan moves to rest a hand gently on Akira's shoulder.]
...something happened to your power. Akira, breathe. Listen to my breathing and try to copy it.
[Because the way he's breathing is not going to help him stop panicking about whatever he saw. Tiernan's breathing is a far more steady rhythm.]
no subject
Date: 2019-03-20 06:25 am (UTC)But, the touch to his arm does get him to look up at Tiernan with frightened blue eyes. He stares for a moment, and tries to regulate his breathing...
But, his fists end up curling at his sides, and his breath becomes ragged again. He's pulling away from Tiernan.]
I— need to go...
[He's going to be attempting to hurry off the opposite way from Tiernan, now...]
no subject
Date: 2019-03-20 07:25 am (UTC)[Tiernan moves to follow him, though he doesn't try to make physical contact again. He isn't going to force it.
That's not his style anyway.
His tone is gentle and faintly worried.]
Please. I don't know exactly what's wrong or what you saw, but I don't like that you're in such distress.
...and I'd rather you weren't alone with it, even if that means finding someone else.
no subject
Date: 2019-03-23 06:05 pm (UTC)Why— all this? Especially right after what I just said and how I acted...
[His hand comes up and settles against his face, trembling... And then he speaks quietly, almost too quietly to be heard.]
I didn't even know it was something I could do...
no subject
Date: 2019-04-02 06:38 am (UTC)I won't change because you disapprove. But I also don't hold it against you.
[Luckily he gets a racial bonus to Listen checks. Tiernan gives a quiet sigh.]
Ah. I understand. Unfamiliar behavior in your ability so soon after... Of course you're unsettled. Anyone would be.
no subject
Date: 2019-04-02 10:03 pm (UTC)Honestly... I can't say I don't see your point.
[The second part has him pausing, however, and after a moment, he shakes his head.]
No, it... happened before that. It's why she punished me.
no subject
Date: 2019-04-04 05:55 am (UTC)So something that could potentially have begun when you arrived here.
Week 3
Date: 2019-04-04 03:01 am (UTC)Tuesday
Date: 2019-04-04 03:02 am (UTC)[Akira's coming after him down the hall. He comes up beside him.]
There's been something I've been thinking about awhile. [...] Can... we go to your room? Or mine, doesn't matter.
no subject
Date: 2019-04-04 03:27 am (UTC)It might matter more than you think. I suppose we can go to my room, since it's you. We'll be more comfortable.
[That might be puzzling at first, but it will be explained when they get to Tiernan's room.]
no subject
Date: 2019-04-04 04:00 am (UTC)[He gives a grin and then follows Tiernan to...
Oh.]
Oh.
[He looks... disturbed.]
So I guess your strategy's working out for you?
no subject
Date: 2019-04-04 04:15 am (UTC)[Yeah. Oh. Tiernan clicks his tongue slightly at the question as he closes the door behind them.]
Yes and no. You're welcome to sit wherever you like.
no subject
Date: 2019-04-04 04:49 am (UTC)[Gonna shift the lamp out of the way and sit on the nightstand because fuck you, Shea.
He takes in a breath, then lets it out...]
Last week, I got the feeling you didn't say everything you'd figured out... right?
[Rubbing the back of his neck...]
I hadn't either.
no subject
Date: 2019-04-04 05:48 am (UTC)I didn't say everything I know, no. There are things I could share that would serve me poorly with the group as a whole.
[He gives Akira a curious look at his admission.]
Why did you refrain?
no subject
Date: 2019-04-04 05:09 pm (UTC)It has to do with my abilities. I've been wary of revealing them to anyone except those I trust because I thought it'd make me a target.
... I don't know if you saw it, but when.. [A deep breath.] We encountered that woman who calls herself "Jennifer" the first time, she'd... warned me "not to look at her that way".
I'd used an ability of mine to get a look at what amounts to a representation of one's emotional and spiritual state. [He holds a blink for a moment...] I saw something I'd never seen before... People usually only have one image, but she had two. One was laughing maniacally, and the other was screaming for her to stop.
no subject
Date: 2019-04-05 02:24 am (UTC)[Tiernan clicks his tongue in mild offense and disapproval. Though the light, almost playful objection sidelines into a frown when Akira goes on.]
...I saw. I was there for everything, just not quick enough.
[He sighs. Whatever he thinks about having the scope of Akira's abilities confirmed, he keeps it to himself.]
I'm not surprised to hear that. 'Eyes are the windows to the soul', they say. Hers changed colors before she finally revealed herself. Sometimes green, sometimes blue. I was fully aware she was more than she seemed.
no subject
Date: 2019-04-05 02:44 am (UTC)I've always wanted to live my life dangerously.
[He doesn't seem put off by Tiernan's warning at all. There's a blink, and his gaze softens a little at the admittance that he was there and not fast enough. He shakes his head. He doesn't think anyone could have been...]
Before, huh... [He looks thoughtful.] ... for what it's worth, I also recall the image with her screaming was on the side of her with the blue eye.
The only thing I could think of that would lead to something like that is a case where someone has two spirits... like in possession.
no subject
Date: 2019-04-08 07:18 am (UTC)[It's fondly exasperated, and only barely exasperated at that.]
Hm... but both are named Jennifer. It isn't impossible that they are simply sharing the name, granted. I do think there's a second possibility, though I'm not certain which is more likely.
Schism. One becoming two instead of two becoming one.
no subject
Date: 2019-04-10 02:01 am (UTC)...?]
How does that work? Like... parts of the psyche are separated, or something?
no subject
Date: 2019-04-10 05:51 am (UTC)Split personality is the mundane equivalent, though it doesn't tend to come with changes in eye color.
no subject
Date: 2019-04-11 12:20 am (UTC)To me, it felt more like a takeover— two people with only one in control, while the other could do nothing except watch.
[...]
Granted, who knows... We've only seen her for short periods of time. Maybe the control does go back and forth between the two. But the screaming... did feel helpless to me.
no subject
Date: 2019-04-11 05:12 am (UTC)[Tiernan taps his fingers lightly against the bed.]
There's so much we don't know. Even me.
no subject
Date: 2019-04-15 02:49 am (UTC)[He gives a light snort.] Even you, huh? So what do you know?
no subject
Date: 2019-04-15 04:45 am (UTC)[Tiernan smirks slightly, leaning his head back.]
I expected Jennifer and Shea both, Akira.
[His expression sobers into something far more grave.]
I also know I'm in a precarious position. This room, and other things... I am favored. And that will not look good to our fellows, so please keep it to yourself.
no subject
Date: 2019-04-15 04:54 am (UTC)What doesn't look good is you knowing things and not sharing it with other people. People don't know if they can trust you... And considering all the Mafia shit going on, it does make you look extra suspicious.
no subject
Date: 2019-04-15 05:07 am (UTC)[Tiernan's eyes are sharp in a way he rarely allows to show.]
If playing antagonist will urge anyone on to watch and think and learn from their mistakes? To be suspicious instead of blindly trusting? It's hardly the first time I've taken on the role of the villain in the minds of others.
no subject
Date: 2019-04-15 05:32 am (UTC). . . yeah.
no subject
Date: 2019-04-15 05:20 pm (UTC)I'm not primarily talking about you, Akira. It's clear that you're not accustomed to violence, you pushed yourself quite hard in the investigation, and then the trial stripped you of your powers. You did your best against a number of inherent obstacles.
Not all of us can say the same.
no subject
Date: 2019-04-15 08:16 pm (UTC)I still feel responsible. Was the wish I proposed really the right choice...? Maybe... we really should have gone with something that would've helped us with all the rest of the trials. Something to end the game quicker.
And Lucas... [His brow furrows.] Maybe I shouldn't have asked so much of him.
[He gives a sigh, then shakes his head.]
... sorry. This isn't what I came to you about.