hadriel_logs | (no subject)

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Who: Open to everyone
What: #TeamTranquillity are in it to win it. Deciding to work together, the gang has taken over the library and converted it into a space for weary residents of Hadriel to catch their breath and just take it easy amid the intensifying competition in the city to invoke one emotion or another.
Where: The Library
When: March 15th to March 21st, duration of the event.
Warnings: Will Update if necessary!

[Hadriel's library has unfortunately seen little use; the books are either unreadable or cover material so random that only ~~Hope~~ someone who completely did not understand the concept of fun would have picked those books. Little wonder it's hardly frequented by Hadriel's residents.

But it's still a library: meaning, it's got plenty of space, and plenty of peace and quiet.

So with all the chaos erupting over the city? It could make the perfect sanctuary, a place to take a breather from the emotion wars. A place where a person could unwind over a cup of coffee, tea or hot chocolate, knit a sweater in peace, or even plunge themselves into pillow/blanket fort and just take a nap. A place to relax.

A place for Tranquillity.

Which is why Team Tranquillity has taken over the library and converted it into a mini R&R. Tables and chairs have been pushed to the side to allow for floor space, and comfortable chairs, sofas and even beanie bags, all in softer pastel colours, dot the empty space. A couple of tables and chairs have been left as well, so that those in need of them can use them as they'd like. And of course, the giant pillow fort bundled in one corner for people to unceremoniously throw themselves into.

The members of Team Tranquillity are all around to ensure that your time in the Tranquillity Space is as relaxing as can be. Some members are even offering services, ranging from massages to meditation, gentle exercises to a steaming hot cup of joe. Knitting classes, advice on handling emotional stress when under torture and trauma, and even some fortune-telling for light laughs.

And it's perfectly alright to drag a beanie bag to your own personal corner and just crash there for the day. No judgement from Team Tranquillity.

A message is sent out via the network to inform Hadriel's citizens of the new place in town to get away from it all. Drop by whenever, do what you need to relax and recharge. It's a stressful world out there, and sometimes we all need to take some time to chill out, right?

Welcome, to the Tranquillity Space.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Hmm, I suppose you're right. But then I suppose you wouldn't have found any information regarding the Door, either. I'd be satisfied with either really. Both are means to the same end, in this case.

[Yukari chuckles lightly when L gives the name.]

Consider it my pleasure to meet you, Luke-chan. You remind me similarly of someone else in personality. Calm and direct without saying terribly much. A child I call Mystery-chan. However, I cannot say you otherwise match too much in physicality.

[He is, of course, speaking of Near. The calm mannerisms and dismissive nature are almost eerily similar by his opinion.

He folds his arms and leans against a bookcase, crossing one ankle over the other.]

So, Luke-chan, if you tend to remain at this library, is there a reason? Can you find titles worth enjoying?

[Whether it's obvious or not, Yukari is looking for any information that might be useful in his conquest regarding the Deities and the Door. If L proves useful, then wonderful. If not, nothing was really lost in making the conversation. He has time to waste.]

You are new, if you're seriously holding out hope for that kind of thing. There are enough bookish types in Hadriel that this library has been most assuredly scoured for that kind of information, and we haven't found anything of note.

[He's unhappy to report it. It's really the first time in his life copious research hasn't given him an edge. The result has been some spectacular sulking.]

Likewise, it's a pleasure, Yukari.

[He thinks he can guess who he's reminiscent of, because really, there's something eerily similar about himself and Near. Even physically, there are similarities; the builds are frail, and the eyes are downright familial in their resemblance.]

I wouldn't know.

[His dark eyes follow the man as he prattles on, wandering and eventually coming to rest against a bookshelf.]

It's quiet, and often I can count on being alone here. It's not so much that I enjoy the contents... but the atmosphere lends itself well to contemplation. Is that something you do much of?

[There's a slight dryness to the question, just going so far as to hint that he doubts it.]

Only by a handful of months. [Yukari does the mental math for a moment.] Around four, but I cannot say I've rather interacted with many of the bookish types, as you seem to have noted. And, well, perhaps there are ways of information outside of books. And far be it from me to have issue if someone should know anything more than I do.

[He curiously observes L for a moment as the man talks. And at the prompted question, he faintly shrugs a shoulder.]

What, contemplation? When I deem it appropriately so. Thought can be delightful and beautiful, so I certainly humour it when I'm at home at the end of the day, in which creating plans is a wonderful way to pass the time. But, I should say I don't do so in public, no. It gets in the way of work, when you're in a line that requires frequent action.

[Snark that leads to combat and sometimes death, with the occasional order to kill on sight. Yukari is like a cat that plays with it's mouse before devouring it. And, as such, leaves no room for contemplation, really. Not that he particularly feels concerned for what he does. Being a mercenary is something he enjoys.]

Do you tend not to get along well with them?

[It wouldn't surprise L. Though this man doesn't seem vapid, exactly, there's something about him that suggests a greater appreciation for the superficial than most scrawny intellectuals really possess. Then again, L might be assuming that simply because the man is attractive, and looks can be very deceiving.]

In any case, there's no harm from being inquisitive, I suppose. The gods will mostly just shrug helplessly and say that they don't know, but it's not like you'll be punished for wondering. The worst that can happen is that you'll be frustrated by a non-answer.

[The words about contemplation somewhat pique his interest.]

What plans do you create, back home? Are you a military leader, or something of the sort?

Hmm. I would say it's more that we just don't cross paths very often. Intellect is rather stimulating, but I wouldn't say I'm actively the sort to seek it. It's more reserved for time away from work and my usual initiations.

[It's certainly not to say that Yukari isn't well-studied. He just finds other means for his time. Tormenting others is something he goes out of his way to do, even in Hadriel, or perhaps especially because of it. It isn't that Yukari doesn't seek knowledge or doesn't get along with the bookish sort. It's more that he seeks something much deeper, for the things that stir a person's passions and what amount of Chaos it takes to reveal that passion, to find the true core of a person. That is his ideal beauty, to see what truly lies beneath the surface of a person. And bookish types? They are more likely to flee from Chaos than reveal that passion; that has been Yukari's experience with them.

And when it comes to passion and core essence, books and knowledge hardly seem to compare.]

But of course. The answers worth finding are so seldom easy to retrieve.

[He certainly has more than a handful of plans to try before even humouring to retire the thought of retrieving answers.

At the question, Yukari smirks a bit.]

Fairly close, but I rather prefer it when I am left to my own devices instead of a group, much less an army. I'm a mercenary, and was second in command to two Kings. The plans back home were to claim territory. Under my first King, it was plans for peace. Under my second, it was to cause Chaos and bring the world to a higher dream. Neither of those goals came to fruition.

Although, I suppose I had suspected as much for either.

It has its place, but... it's not everything there is to life. There are many people who do not think too long or too deeply about matters, and still are highly satisfied with their lives.

[L doesn't yet know that Yukari is well-studied; for all he knows, he could be yet another vapid, superficial person. He has met so many, and written them off fairly swiftly as incompatible personalities. That being said, how many personalities are really compatible with the difficult puzzle that is L?]

A loner, are you? You're a man after my own heart.

[It's about as close to flirty as L comes, and that might very well not be the intent. He's so deadpan.]

Do you mean true chaos? Without ruler, or rules? Or was there some other meaning in your world?

[A slight flush might have covered Yukari's cheeks for that after my own heart comment, but he recovers quickly with an airy chuckle.]

Now, now, don't go getting ideas, Luke-chan. I'm flattered, but you're hardly my type.

[And I already have a boyfriend. But Yukari's not going to say that out loud. He's still rather shy about being in a relationship. Too many awkward and new feelings to sort through. And Yukari still tends to be pretty tsundere about PDA.

And the follow-up question about Chaos, Yukari's more than happy to answer.]

Without a ruler and rules was the Green King's intent, yes - to use the Slates to give everyone abilities, instead of the few. It was c ertainly idealistic, but I allowed muself to serve him, regardless. He seemed to enjoy that dream. Although, even if he could have succeeded, I don't think his world would have met my ideals. It would be chaotic, but I don't think many of the civilians would have known what to do with such abilities.

For what it was worth, he had succeeded to some degree, with some of the civilians going haywire over the new energy flow. But he was stopped before he could have finished the process of that dream.

[L blinks, remaining just as deadpan otherwise. The familiar term of address seems to throw him more than any implied accusation that he was flirting.]

Libraries are prime places to get ideas, aren't they?

[He might or might not understand what Yukari was getting at, but he certainly is playing the part of the super literal interpretation.]

What were your ideals? You speak of serving someone else in order to help them achieve yours, but you didn't say much about your own.

They can be. But I find people hold more internal information than one can find in a file, unless you're going for a degree in a specific field. People have a natural tendency to pick up information around them that one would have to otherwise scour upon book after book after book to reach a conclusive answer if they did not otherwise have it. People can be far more useful than a library, depending on the matter you're seeking.

[Yukari gives a rather warms smile before delving into his ideals.]

I want the freedom to do my will. I seek the inner beauty of everything. If there's passion behind it, I want to see it. Chaos certainly tends to stimulate it, so I easily, willingly allow myself to embrace the Chaos, to see what rests in other people's hearts. Nothing is more enticing than watching someone realise their full potential, their true potential.

I create the arena for that beauty, by serving my Kings. Some have displayed remarkable loyalty in their final moments, some have shown surrender, but a few show me what I truly seek - the value of their core. What makes them tick, what drives them wild, what answers they bear for this world. Each person has the beautiful ability to be something truly inspiring, if they only dare to use it. And yet, so many do not. So many have it easy and relax on their haunches, lazily enjoying the world without a true spark to ignite their inner desires.

It is only by trial and darkness that one realizes what lies deep inside. The moments when one faces death, seeing everything they've fought for about to be taken away from them. That is the moment when the core awakens and they spring to fight with the most amazing beauty the world has ever known. It becomes a beautiful dance, and the thrill becomes present. You desire it, and so you will fulfill it. It brings to light your most desperate fears and your deepest dreams. And what could be more beautiful, more wonderful than that.

[But as for himself, while he indulges in the beauty of others, he has never erupted his definition of beauty. He hasn't found what springs his inner passion. The closest he's ever come to it is in the heat of beautiful, mesmerizing battle, where he lusts for blood and moves to destroy his opponent absolutely.

He still has yet to fulfill Ichigen-sama's request - to find his own beauty.]

They can be, but... people tend not to be very forthcoming, all the time. Cracking their spines isn't usually as informative, and it's a far more delicate process.

[There's something mildly dark about the way the detective phrases that, implying that he might have firsthand knowledge of just what it entails, both figuratively and literally, to crack someone's spine that way and get them to talk.

His brows raise as Yukari... actually answers, and goes into great detail besides. It seems like he, at least, is more than willing to talk, but then again, it isn't as though there are many downsides, drawbacks, or risks to revealing certain things in Hadriel.]

That's certainly... informative.

[And unexpected. L needs perhaps another moment to really wrap his mind around the abstract concepts and clear passion of Yukari's.]

[Yukari gives a light chuckle at L's wording. How interesting that such a dark term would call from such a frail-looking man.]

Hmm, rather interesting you would see it that way, Luke-chan. Although, I can't say I've met complaint when finding answers. Either I will find the answer now, or I will find it later. It is all due time, not cracking spines, as you put it. Although, I'm certain there may be circumstances in which immediate information is needed and thus obtained by force, I've had no need for that force. It has never been crucial to obtain the information I seek immediately. I suppose I am often graced with ideal circumstances in that manner.

[And the hesitation on L's part doesn't go unnoticed in the slightest.]

Oh, does that put you off? Although, I would say I'd be rather surprised if it does.

[He delicately pushes himself off of the bookcase as he takes a few more steps toward L, his heels clicking with each step.]

You're interesting, Luke-chan. You have a wonderful level of intellect. It's a good quality. I'd even say I'm impressed. I find such mentalities rather respectable.

[In other words, L, congratulations. Yukari has decided you're worth more to keep around and pleasantly converse with than to engage in battle. A good intellectual stimulus does seem to guarantee some level of safety from Yukari's pursuit of beauty.
He wouldn't go so far as to call it any level of friendship, though. Outside of his boyfriend, people tend to be his playthings. Yukari doesn't understand what friendship is, so... you're considered a respected plaything. In a good way.]

[There it is, again, that diminutive suffix. It doesn't even carry the dignity of "-kun"; it's both childish and emasculating. That alone bothers L far less than his conversation partner's intent; is the man trying to get under his skin, or does he truly see him as soft, effeminate, youthful to the point of condescension? If so, it's insulting, but also possible to use.

He shakes his shaggy, dark head briskly.]

No. It doesn't put me off. I'm just unused to seeing such ardor for one's occupation. You're very lucky to feel as you do about it, I suppose.

[He raises a shoulder in a gesture of affected uncertainty at the flattery, which he weighs against mockery hoping for an answer to reveal itself internally. Being a man who collects living playthings, himself, he is wary and sensitive to those who would make use of him in such a way.]

You're too kind... and you sound as though you don't often speak with such individuals. Are you often bored?

But of course. Passion is a crucial element in one's life. Do you not feel the same vigour for it? An insatiable desire, stalking quietly like a beast in the depths of your very being. The urge to uphold the desire of that beast as you drink the blood of those who have fallen before you.

[Yukari gives a chuff of a laugh at the kind response. Not that he's unfamiliar with the statement. He gets it, and many similar variants, from Curufin, regularly. The difference between this kind and that kind is that Curufin actually means it. But as far as L goes, he has no reason to believe this child means it. And he much prefers it that way. Deflection is fine by him.]

Bored? Hmm... not in this life, I'm not. You're right that I don't speak often with the sort, but I do have a constant person here with whom I have frequent discussions with. So I have the outlet. But I'm always thrilled at the prospect of additional suggestions for amusement if you have any, Luke-chan. Name your game.

[L certainly doesn't seem like someone who would feel a tremendous amount of passion in his life. If anything, he seems corpse-like, a shell of a human being rather than something that truly exists and feels and experiences things on the same level as others who possess pulses and draw breath.]

I suppose that I do.

[It sounds too smooth and easy to be sincere, but it's a lie that L has told often, at least.]

My game...? That's a broad question if I ever heard one, but... as preferences go, I suppose that I enjoy social games.

[It's not quite a lie, even if it's a fairly twisted truth.]

[If Yukari's aware that he's being lied to, he doesn't show it. Just his usual smirk seems to remain permanently fixed upon his face.]

Ah, social games. That's a rather wide variety in and of itself. From Telephone to psychology. How strange, you didn't seem much to me the social type. I suppose I should refrain from assumptions, then. Do forgive me~.

[His voice lilts with a tint of facetious implementation. Unlike L, he makes no effort to hide himself behind a true facade.]

So, then, do you have a particular favourite amongst social games? Perhaps a childhood favourite?

[For the most part, everything L says is fairly deadpan. For that reason alone, it's difficult for people to gauge when he is weaving an untruth.]

In truth, I'm not... but human beings interest me. The way a person plays such games says a great deal about who they are and what they care about.

[He considers the question, though it sounds like it could be following on the tail of a remark that is less than sincere.]

Perhaps. I think that it depends on who I'm playing with... it's not the same, because everyone is so very unique.

[Most people aren't, L's found. Truly unique individuals are difficult to find.]

What they care about? Hmm, perhaps you and I are not so different, then, Luke-chan. You look for the core in people as well, whatever your reasons may be.

[A thought.]

Tell me, do you have precedence to this world or your last one? Is there something for you to return to? A dream you've yet to accomplish?

[It might seem out of the blue, but he has a point, he promises.]

[L quirks his brow. That wasn't an invitation for the older man to start inquiring about him, but it seems as though he's taken it that way. And made a guess that's shockingly close to the mark, considering that L doesn't exactly scream "important somewhere" based on his appearance and mannerisms. He's obviously intelligent, but there's also something deeply off about him.]

I'm not sure why it would matter, to say as much. I suppose everyone has something to return to, and none of us asked to be brought here. The precedence would normally be for the world we left behind.

[The words are ones he thinks about before speaking, but ultimately... they're a pretty rote and standard answer. L doesn't want to seem too interesting to this individual, who is shrewder than the average man.]

[Yukari can't help but notice the rather creative dodge to his questions. A sense of fulfilling the matter without giving him an actual answer. His head tilts just slightly in curiousity, but his smirk doesn't change.]

Oh? You don't want to indulge me? Pity.

[Too late, L, you're already too intersting to him. Your chances of escape from that attention are now pretty low.]

And what do you suppose for those who do not have something to return to? For those whose death awaits at the door of their return? Or even for those who simply would choose here over home? Assuredly, such people exist, even here.

[Yes, L's sensing that as creative as his answers can get, it might not be enough to bail him out of this interaction as long as he wants to remain in the library and Tranquility's base.]

Not such a pity. Just enough respect for you to want to avoid wasting your time. For the people like the ones you're speaking of, who perhaps have nothing to return to... the answer might vary from mine. No humans are exactly alike.

[Just mostly.]

[Yukari chuckles, almost laughs, at being told to avoid wasting your time. Is that not exactly what L is doing now? Wasting time by casually sidestepping all of his questions? He gives a click of his tongue in what appears to be disapproval.]

Is that what we're calling it? Well, perhaps you should rest assured, I wouldn't be asking questions if they were simply a waste of my time. I have all the time in the world for you to indulge me on your answers. In fact, I implore you to give me your in-depth perceptions.

[He sees your bullshit, L, and raises you ten.]

[Oh, it's exactly what L's doing. He's well-practiced at it, and concerned with keeping his secrets hidden.]

Whether or not have have the time to waste, my in-depth perceptions might not be open for the perusal of people I've just met.

[An attempt to shut him down flat.]

[Aha! There it is - the direct approach.]

There, now, see? Isn't honesty much better?

[A devious smile that reaches Yukari's eyes as he observes L. He gives a faintly delighted, airy chuckle. As if he's learned some blissful little secret of the detective before him.

Ah, but now he feels so curious. Not towards L's answers, but for something different. He feels like a cat wanting to play with the mouse. He flexes his fingers a moment, almost restlessly. Like an itch he's trying to ignore.]

What do you think of war games, Luke-chan?

[No, not really. Honesty isn't much better as far as the secretive detective is concerned. He returns the smile with a deadpan, bored expression.]

War games? Such as training operations?

[A pause.]

They have their place, I suppose.

[And it's a good one, but he's on guard now. Very much.]

Training operations seems to be a fair term for it.

[Poor L has every reason to be on guard. Yukari reaches up, unsheathing his long blade from behind his back and twirling it rather flambouyantly before taking a graceful fencer's stance.

If L should run, well, Yukari will just swiftly follow. It's honestly in L's best interest if he doesn't try to run.]

Tell me, Luke-chan, do you have any physical capabilities?