[ together and alone as they are, rengoku finds it easy enough to release the breathe he didn't realize he'd been holding onto. it's a lot easier to defend their current position rather than when they were out in the open, with barely any idea of where they are, but it's still difficult to be completely at ease. the room they're in still confuses him as much as the rest of this location.
he walks over to where the bed is, resting at the edge of the mattress. golden eyes are focused on giyu because he's the most familiar thing in this room. the easiest to understand. ]
What else have you learned about this place? Did they all tell us the same thing?
[ he can only assume this was the case, but it's hard to trust when you're in such a different and unfamiliar place. ]
[A flickering gaze takes in the details of the room, not moving further from the door his attention returns to Rengoku, watching him take a spot on the bed. Giyu would remain vigilant and allow the other to relax, if briefly. Until they got a better understanding of what they should do and where exactly they needed to go. Wandering about, wearing themselves out, was detrimental.
Admittedly he knew very little of the mechanics at play. When some knowledge was meant to be imparted upon them, the people explaining details were soon taken away as a state of alarm settled into the place. Again, he finds his hand on the cuffs he received. It was time for him to speak.]
Have you heard of the Gembonded?
[A place to start surely. Compare how much they had learned. It was the only way to know if they were told the same things. If not then they could fill in the gaps of information and complete a full picture.]
[ at first, there's confusion blooming across rengoku's face. ]
The Gembonded? [ he quickly remembers what that is— ] Ah, yes, I believe that's what everyone has been calling us, right? I don't know much more beyond that.
[ it's true that there is now a ruby embedded in his chest, right where akaza left a void during their fight, but he doesn't know what it means. what the possibilities are like. what's involved now that he belongs to ruby and not any of the other ones.
too much has happened beyond waking up here and being fussed over his injuries. any explanations that needed to happen simply fell off to the wayside. ]
[With the term met by confusion and a puzzled tone, Giyu nods slowly, as if he could urge Rengoku to recall something that even he isn't sure the other man had heard of. Thankfully he had, and Giyu would not have to go into details. But soon he is reminded that they were the ones known as the Gembonded; somehow it was difficult to keep that in mind.
A sense that they were becoming different developed, further exacerbated by those who began to exhibit odd behaviors.]
Mine...?
[A blank look is presented, not different so different from his typical lifeless expression. The question was understood but he had no answer to provide. There's a slow movement of his right hand, almost hesitating, until finally he reaches to touch the spot the gem was embedded on him. Behind him, the small of his back.]
[ the flame pillar is quiet as giyu goes through the motions of showing him where his gem lies. golden eyes study the positioning carefully, as if trying to make sense of any conceivable pattern. he hasn't seen enough gems to figure out if there is or isn't so he abandons that train of thought for now, opting to allow a small smile take over the rest of his expression. ]
Then I'll show you mine.
[ he wonders if he should, really. this isn't going to be a good reveal regardless of what he does.
he goes for the simplest: slowly, he unbuttons the demon slayer corps uniform, just enough to show the bright red ruby settled on his chest, embedded in such a way that made it look as if it's growing from deep inside. the positioning of it is as blatant as one can be—the void left behind by akaza's fist, the fatal blow. ]
... I don't know what's in store for us here, but you can rely on me to find a way to get you home.
[ where giyu needs to be. if the war hasn't been won... then the water pillar cannot stay here. ]
[There is no pattern. He believes as much from observing other Gembonded; having caught sight of gems in unusual locations, those that were visible that is. In other cases he imagined those strange stones were hidden under layers of clothes. He even considered requesting to be allowed to see them, thankfully he never got the chance. Instead, now it's being offered, Giyu silently agrees to watch.
Unwavering eyes lock onto fingers working buttons apart.
Finding nothing odd about this, nor that anyone else observing could misconstrue the situation, Giyu crosses his arms. The position of the red stone revealed to him doesn't even cause a flicker emotion. While aware that Rengoku had fallen in a fight with an upper ranked demon, he doesn't know the details involving the fatal injuries. The only specification he could learn were those to be used in future battles. In hopes that one day they could defeat that creature.
Gaze quickly darts towards a determined expression. He meets it with a nod.]
I intend to do everything I can. [A question lingers, wordless, but what did the man before him plan to do? There is no intention to request he follow because there is nothing he can offer him back in their own world. There is no future for him there, no guarantees, he has long been deceased.
He closes his eyes a moment, a different decision is made. Hands raised and just as Rengoku had done he begins to unbutton the uniform — and just as the jacket is removed, when he starts to work on the white button shirt — the door opens. A Gemsci researcher stands there. They grow quickly flustered before speaking quickly: Excuse me! I didn't mean to intrude! My apologies! Please continue. Glad it's not my room. And just like that they're gone.]
[ rengoku doesn't really need the reassurace, already very much aware from the get-go that he can rely on his fellow pillar no matter what they need to do. after all, he's not the one who has a future to get back to so he'll be the one who has to work hard in order to guarantee giyu's safe return. the same can be said when he meets sanemi later on too.
the gemsci researcher comes and goes as quickly as the wind, gone before rengoku realizes what's going on. he doesn't get flustered easily as it is but what happened just then does make his eyes go wide as they can go, panic staining those gold and red hues. ]
W... wait—
[ it's too late. the researcher is gone.
rengoku's head is spinning because that sure was a thing. ]
[Is Giyu really the right person to ask? He has about as much of a clue as Rengoku. Maybe that's why he just stands there kind of unsure of which way to proceed. Should he continue or — or — wait! They should have stopped that person? Right? They might have known where they should head to now. So, he forgets showing the flame pillar the gem and heads towards the door.
By the time he looks out there that person is gone. Although, Giyu is sure he hadn't been all that quick? This whole place is confusing. When he turns back to look at Rengoku he shakes his head once to indicate the researcher was gone.]
Should we stay here?
[Once inside, the door is closed behind him once more. Giyu begins to button up. There would be another time for this? But he does run fingers over the stone through his clothes.]
[ as soon as giyu shakes his head, rengoku releases a sigh. it can't be helped then. he doesn't know what made the researcher flee almost immediately but there's no point in wondering about that now. it's not like they'll be getting answers. ]
Isn't it still unsafe out there?
[ he shakes his head, gesturing for giyu to come closer. ]
Let's stay here until the noise stops.
[ neither of them still had any idea of where they should go anyway, if they choose to leave. ]
[It was true, the alarms still rang, yet this room while clearly a place to rest was still strange. This whole place was mysterious as it was odd. It doesn't give him much confidence save for the fact that the sounds were muffled ever slightly by the walls and door. He doesn't get closer. Not right away. After a moment he does take a few steps towards Rengoku but there's still a clear and obvious distance between them.
In getting closer, he agreed to remain within the confines of the room until the noises stopped. Then they would have to make a move. They couldn't possibly stay here forever, he was sure with the way the flame pillar spoke he was aware.]
[ the idea of rest is so far away from what he wants to do right now so he simply shakes his head. of course a part of him is still a bit disoriented; coming back to life is not an easy to wrap your head around, but with his comrade here, he'd rather not be a burden for something he can handle by himself. so he'll remain awake and aware, intent to keep giyu company for as long as they have to be here.
they'll stay in the tiny room until the alarms have stopped. it comes to an end eventually but who knows how much time has passed. whatever the danger was, it has finally passed, and thus it should be alright for both of them to leave. ]
[A sound of acceptance is made. However, he won't insist but...
The truth of the matter is that typically he wouldn't have a reason for concern. This man, as he recalled him, was capable, skilled, and highly regarded, for the most part he voiced the suggestion from a practical sense. They both did not need to keep watch, rest didn't seem like a bad suggestion, despite the high degree of stamina they possessed there was also a need to factor in time. Neither of them knew how long they would be left waiting before they could freely evacuate the room.
As for Rengoku, that was a different matter. Something he isn't sure of how to handle. Perhaps, he might never be able to because he still can't shake the recollection of him being dead.
It's not something he can just dismiss in a single day, the span of a few hours, actually it hadn't been long since they met, but if they both had similar experiences before their arrival here then he has to question how it affected him. That would explain why through the wait, Giyu doesn't divert his gaze and only observes the flame pillar, and only when the alarms cease does he turn away.]
Lets go. [It was the moment they waited for. Once again the door would be opened, he would peer out before stepping into the hall.] It's clear.
[ the flame pillar can tell that something is different—or rather, something has changed when it comes to how giyu regards him. there are only so few explanations as to why this might be the case, but he doesn't want to be the one to bring them up. he doesn't breathe a single word until giyu tells him that the coast is clear.
nodding, he leaves the bed behind and heads over to the door. whatever chaos that had descended upon this place has now been quelled so it's time for them to find answers. ]
Then let's head out.
[ with a new goal in mind, it's time to find someone worth asking the right questions to. it's not long before they stumble upon a crowd that quickly creates a barrier between them. they're separated before rengoku realizes, so by the time he turns around— ]
[Quick steps leads them away from their small sanctuary, in search for answers they find instead a mass of people all in a panic. The crowd seems to be rushing, surging, towards one direction, perhaps they too were seeking guidance? It's just a sea of people, anyone could get easily swept in the chaos. It's why Giyu halts in order to avoid being swept in. With a quick glance to his left, it's then he notices that Rengoku is no longer at his side.
He hears his name called, on the other side of the crowd he sees the flame pillar, bright in all senses he is easy to pick out. He stands there a moment, while he could push his way past all these people he won't. It's not discomfort that impedes him, he wants to avoid causing anyone unnecessary harm.
Other options are explored but quickly dismissed. Things like jumping over, but a low ceiling prevents this nor would it be feasible for them to try to find an opening, they were wasting time. Someone had to come to a decision that would allow them to move forward, perhaps even help anyone in need. With that in mind he had to speak up.
Taking a breath, effort is put into raising his voice so he is heard.]
Lets help where we can. Find an exit. We'll meet outside.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
[ together and alone as they are, rengoku finds it easy enough to release the breathe he didn't realize he'd been holding onto. it's a lot easier to defend their current position rather than when they were out in the open, with barely any idea of where they are, but it's still difficult to be completely at ease. the room they're in still confuses him as much as the rest of this location.
he walks over to where the bed is, resting at the edge of the mattress. golden eyes are focused on giyu because he's the most familiar thing in this room. the easiest to understand. ]
What else have you learned about this place? Did they all tell us the same thing?
[ he can only assume this was the case, but it's hard to trust when you're in such a different and unfamiliar place. ]
no subject
Admittedly he knew very little of the mechanics at play. When some knowledge was meant to be imparted upon them, the people explaining details were soon taken away as a state of alarm settled into the place. Again, he finds his hand on the cuffs he received. It was time for him to speak.]
Have you heard of the Gembonded?
[A place to start surely. Compare how much they had learned. It was the only way to know if they were told the same things. If not then they could fill in the gaps of information and complete a full picture.]
no subject
The Gembonded? [ he quickly remembers what that is— ] Ah, yes, I believe that's what everyone has been calling us, right? I don't know much more beyond that.
[ it's true that there is now a ruby embedded in his chest, right where akaza left a void during their fight, but he doesn't know what it means. what the possibilities are like. what's involved now that he belongs to ruby and not any of the other ones.
too much has happened beyond waking up here and being fussed over his injuries. any explanations that needed to happen simply fell off to the wayside. ]
Which one is yours?
no subject
A sense that they were becoming different developed, further exacerbated by those who began to exhibit odd behaviors.]
Mine...?
[A blank look is presented, not different so different from his typical lifeless expression. The question was understood but he had no answer to provide. There's a slow movement of his right hand, almost hesitating, until finally he reaches to touch the spot the gem was embedded on him. Behind him, the small of his back.]
no subject
Then I'll show you mine.
[ he wonders if he should, really. this isn't going to be a good reveal regardless of what he does.
he goes for the simplest: slowly, he unbuttons the demon slayer corps uniform, just enough to show the bright red ruby settled on his chest, embedded in such a way that made it look as if it's growing from deep inside. the positioning of it is as blatant as one can be—the void left behind by akaza's fist, the fatal blow. ]
... I don't know what's in store for us here, but you can rely on me to find a way to get you home.
[ where giyu needs to be. if the war hasn't been won... then the water pillar cannot stay here. ]
no subject
Unwavering eyes lock onto fingers working buttons apart.
Finding nothing odd about this, nor that anyone else observing could misconstrue the situation, Giyu crosses his arms. The position of the red stone revealed to him doesn't even cause a flicker emotion. While aware that Rengoku had fallen in a fight with an upper ranked demon, he doesn't know the details involving the fatal injuries. The only specification he could learn were those to be used in future battles. In hopes that one day they could defeat that creature.
Gaze quickly darts towards a determined expression. He meets it with a nod.]
I intend to do everything I can. [A question lingers, wordless, but what did the man before him plan to do? There is no intention to request he follow because there is nothing he can offer him back in their own world. There is no future for him there, no guarantees, he has long been deceased.
He closes his eyes a moment, a different decision is made. Hands raised and just as Rengoku had done he begins to unbutton the uniform — and just as the jacket is removed, when he starts to work on the white button shirt — the door opens. A Gemsci researcher stands there. They grow quickly flustered before speaking quickly: Excuse me! I didn't mean to intrude! My apologies! Please continue. Glad it's not my room. And just like that they're gone.]
no subject
the gemsci researcher comes and goes as quickly as the wind, gone before rengoku realizes what's going on. he doesn't get flustered easily as it is but what happened just then does make his eyes go wide as they can go, panic staining those gold and red hues. ]
W... wait—
[ it's too late. the researcher is gone.
rengoku's head is spinning because that sure was a thing. ]
What just happened?
no subject
By the time he looks out there that person is gone. Although, Giyu is sure he hadn't been all that quick? This whole place is confusing. When he turns back to look at Rengoku he shakes his head once to indicate the researcher was gone.]
Should we stay here?
[Once inside, the door is closed behind him once more. Giyu begins to button up. There would be another time for this? But he does run fingers over the stone through his clothes.]
no subject
Isn't it still unsafe out there?
[ he shakes his head, gesturing for giyu to come closer. ]
Let's stay here until the noise stops.
[ neither of them still had any idea of where they should go anyway, if they choose to leave. ]
no subject
In getting closer, he agreed to remain within the confines of the room until the noises stopped. Then they would have to make a move. They couldn't possibly stay here forever, he was sure with the way the flame pillar spoke he was aware.]
If you wish to rest, go ahead, I'll keep watch.
no subject
[ the idea of rest is so far away from what he wants to do right now so he simply shakes his head. of course a part of him is still a bit disoriented; coming back to life is not an easy to wrap your head around, but with his comrade here, he'd rather not be a burden for something he can handle by himself. so he'll remain awake and aware, intent to keep giyu company for as long as they have to be here.
they'll stay in the tiny room until the alarms have stopped. it comes to an end eventually but who knows how much time has passed. whatever the danger was, it has finally passed, and thus it should be alright for both of them to leave. ]
... It might be alright to leave now.
no subject
The truth of the matter is that typically he wouldn't have a reason for concern. This man, as he recalled him, was capable, skilled, and highly regarded, for the most part he voiced the suggestion from a practical sense. They both did not need to keep watch, rest didn't seem like a bad suggestion, despite the high degree of stamina they possessed there was also a need to factor in time. Neither of them knew how long they would be left waiting before they could freely evacuate the room.
As for Rengoku, that was a different matter. Something he isn't sure of how to handle. Perhaps, he might never be able to because he still can't shake the recollection of him being dead.
It's not something he can just dismiss in a single day, the span of a few hours, actually it hadn't been long since they met, but if they both had similar experiences before their arrival here then he has to question how it affected him. That would explain why through the wait, Giyu doesn't divert his gaze and only observes the flame pillar, and only when the alarms cease does he turn away.]
Lets go. [It was the moment they waited for. Once again the door would be opened, he would peer out before stepping into the hall.] It's clear.
no subject
nodding, he leaves the bed behind and heads over to the door. whatever chaos that had descended upon this place has now been quelled so it's time for them to find answers. ]
Then let's head out.
[ with a new goal in mind, it's time to find someone worth asking the right questions to. it's not long before they stumble upon a crowd that quickly creates a barrier between them. they're separated before rengoku realizes, so by the time he turns around— ]
Tomioka?! Hey, wait...!
[ it'll be no good to lose each other now. ]
no subject
He hears his name called, on the other side of the crowd he sees the flame pillar, bright in all senses he is easy to pick out. He stands there a moment, while he could push his way past all these people he won't. It's not discomfort that impedes him, he wants to avoid causing anyone unnecessary harm.
Other options are explored but quickly dismissed. Things like jumping over, but a low ceiling prevents this nor would it be feasible for them to try to find an opening, they were wasting time. Someone had to come to a decision that would allow them to move forward, perhaps even help anyone in need. With that in mind he had to speak up.
Taking a breath, effort is put into raising his voice so he is heard.]
Lets help where we can. Find an exit. We'll meet outside.