apocalypsehowcomm | (open/player plot) time to get the truth out

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(open/player plot) time to get the truth out

Who: Kurapika and You
When: First week of January, Sometime
Where: A co-working space Kurapika has rented the biggest meeting room for.
Summary: Kurapika uses his abilities to determine whether or not ADI is lying, and has invited everyone for it. Will be terribly sick afterwards.
Warnings: Use of powers, nausea, fever, headaches.

(One by one, comrades arrive to the meeting room. His phone has been connected to the laptop, the videos ready to be played, and Kurapika's made sure that it's so awfully early in the morning that not many souls roam the halls and rooms of this co-working space he's rented the room of. Kurapika himself is dressed in a suit, the same that he did when he first arrived, his longer blond hair in a ponytail.

When enough people arrive, he'll stand up, voice soft but firm.)

Thank you all for coming. My name is Kurapika, and the reason why I've called upon this meeting is due to something I've done for myself, but since it does matter to all of us who are in the same situation, I decided this was not fair to keep it to my own knowledge only.

I've interviewed a few of you to get questions regarding the ADI, and I've recorded them aswering the aforementioned in order to use my ability in a safe place. My motivation behind it was to determine whether I could trust ADI or not, and I do know I'm not the only one with reservations. If they are upfront, perhaps we can leave the distrust behind and work with them with a clearer head. If the results are less than so, I myself would rather know it.

Explaining my skillset would be bothersome, and quite frankly, boring to most. In a shorter version, I'm able to conjure up a set of chainrings, each with its own addendum that can aid me in my objectives. The one I'll be using today is called Dowsing Chain, it's a chain and ball that swings when I use it to spot lies, and it's also useful to locate individuals should I have a map. On top of that, I'll be using Emperor Time in order to make it work for video, which boosts my power considerably. I couldn't have done it without those who came with me to record it, so I'd like to thank them as well.

I'll get this going.

(As he blinks and opens his eyes, their color changed from the pleasant grayish-black to the intimidating dance of scarlet hues, imposing and for Kurapika himself, his soon-to-be demise - not that it can be seen due to the illusion effect. Each second spent in Emperor Time eats away one hour of his lifespan. Nowadays, Kurapika can see how foolish he had been when devising his revenge, his skillset, but it is what it is. Not to mention the poor chumps he's bullied for months to have enough charge for all this. He hates it. Hates himself.

Not the time to dwell.

In his hand, the aforementioned set of chains materialize, and he plays the video. The interviews are short, and the pendulum swings whenever a lie is spotted. He starts with Reyes, and The Visionary is the last one. The severe headache, on top of the fatigue brought by the use of Emperor Time causes Kurapika to lose consciousness. One hour later, he'll open his eyes. He looks extremely out of it, fever running through his body-- one hour of Emperor Time Activated. 150 days lost.

He'll stay, take questions, but the fastest he can get out of there to rest, the better.)

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i. beforehand

(Kurapika sits, calmly, collected, reserved. He's busy trying to figure out the laptop in a moment, but since technology here tramples the one he has at home, sometimes, he does struggle.

Put the cable-- what's an HDMI -- Why is it not working? He's trying his best, failing profusely. It'd be nice to have some help.)

ii. afterwards

(When he wakes up, he finds himself resting on Yuri's lap, his eyes opening in panic, crimson, before they subside to black once again, wide in desperation. His heart is nearly jumping from his chest in panic, and he sits at top speed, which proves to be a mistake with how bad his brain is being squeezed by his headache.

A hand to his forehead, feeling the cold sweat and the headache... Most importantly,)

How long have I been out? I need specifics.

iii. ask me anything;

(He'll stay. As long as there's people here, he'll stay. His vision is blurred, but he is here to take questions and discuss. He won't be awake for
a few days once he reaches ADI, if, he reaches ADI.

Ask him. He is doing his best to look put together.)

[ honestly when they'd first gotten to talking about questioning adi, keith wasn't sure what to expect. of course he had his questions -- fuck, he's had them for months now, but he's not the type of person who can slyly sweettalk answers out of people, nor had he been able to convince aelwyn to use magic to read reyes' thoughts wigh magic. hell, he's pretty sure wanda could pull it off too, but he's learned better than to be blunt with his suggestions.

frankly, he'd been more than a little relieved to know kurapikaa'd been willing to try this approach, but the aftermath's definitely gotten keith re-thinking that as well. they've gleaned a good amount of info out of this, but there are also more questions as well. he's going to need some to pick apart the subtleties here, but priorities come first. in this case, he hands kurapika an unopened bottle of water, frowning slightly. ]

When you were talking to Reyes, did you notice anything strange about them?

[ what he really ought to be asking here is whether kurapika's okay but all things considered the answer seems to be a pretty obvious "no." ]

(Who's Kurapika to deny kindness in his state? Gracefully, as much effort he can put into it anyway, he takes the water bottle and opens it, the sip of water that he takes being none other than relieving. Doesn't solve anything, but it certainly helps.

At the question, an eyebrow raises and he nods, carefully as to not provoke unwelcomed pain.)

Yes. The video as well, when he glances towards Abel. I should have asked other questions, but it was already rushed as is. What do you know about Reyes?

[ Abel had gone along with Kurapika's efforts for one reason and one reason only: the priest is one of the few who might understand the lengths the boy might go to in order to see his objective complete, and he had hoped to mitigate the danger-- or fallout-- for all involved. he isn't omnipotent, nor all-seeing. he can't be everywhere at once, can't prevent Kurapika from whatever he had done to collect the proverbial juice necessary to access his abilities, though he might not approve of using them at all. so if Abel could not stop him... watching over him is the next best thing.

...had he known the toll it would take, perhaps he might've been a little more forceful and verbal in making his sentiments known to a certain blond-haired menace.

the priest watched the color draining from Kurapika's face, the strain in his eyes as time droned on; by the time the Chain-user had keeled over, it was almost a relief because it meant the boy could no longer push himself. had what they'd gotten been worth the price...?

whenever Kurapika comes to, sitting sharply upright with a start-- he'll find Abel's hand at his shoulder to steady him, blue eyes sharply concerned where they take in the pale caste of the boy's face. ]

Slowly... take a deep breath, Kurapika. Are you alright...?

[ for now? he gets concern. and then... oh, boy. he's getting hit with the Disapproval bat. MISTER!! ]

(Abel reads him correctly. That talk that they had, about how it is too late to not let Kurapika's grieve dictate every move, take decisions for him? Here is the proof. Too much time lost, and while he can loathe Emperor Time, he does understand it's usability-- it's incredibly powerful in moments like these. He could easily tell whether there were lies just by observational skills alone, but that wouldn't be enough to bring to the table like this, and Kurapika himself needed confirmation, set in stone.

Therefore, he doesn't regret it. He can be saddened and sick, but he won't regret it.

Once his vision recenters, he sees one of his most familiar faces, and with a scowl, he bites out.)

That's not important, Father. I need to know how long I have been out, right now.

(It's his life at stake.)

Edited 2021-12-27 19:03 (UTC)

[ he would be lying if he said he understood what's happened, here. Abel is not privy to the details of Kurapika's abilities -- but he does know that this... this does not look good.

he is suffocating the knee-jerk urge to be petulant and demand after what the boy's done before humoring him; instead, he's heaving a silent exhale before responding. ]

Maybe an hour or so? You passed out for quite a while. [ which is worrisome, you know?? ] Please-- let me take you to medical and get you looked over; are you alright to stand...?

I'm not going anywhere.

(One hour. 150 days, as his brain puts two and two together and aches.

As long as there's people and they're able to give him more insight and information, Kurapika isn't moving out of this space. It's with great difficulty that he rises to his feet, nauseous as he feels the string of freezing sweat.)

[ whether it's the paleness that deepens as Kurapika rises or the unsteadiness of this action, it doesn't much matter; Abel gets the gist that his companion is sincerely unwell. and thus... like it or not, the priest is offering him a hand in support, cradling an elbow as he finds his feet. ]

You've clearly strained yourself... would you rather I call someone from medical here to tend to you? At least sit down, would you...?

[ because he is NOT getting away without being looked at?? for goodness' sake...!! ]

It's always like this. I get sick the longer I use Emperor Time, but there was something on the last video that worsened it. I won't die, you don't have to worry so much.

(He'll crumble once he reaches ADI, but as it is, he has to remain strong. One hand locks on the tie, loosening it just a tad, before he reaches to his glass of water.)

Fever, headaches, fatigue, all these are common side-effects of the Scarlet Eyes, which I need for Emperor Time. I'm used to it.

(Not that Abel or anyone else had managed to see the color of his eyes change.)

None of this is reassuring, you realize.

[ there is quiet admonishment in his voice, if not in his eyes as the priest watches Kurapika sip at his water. 'not dying' is a rather LOW bar to set... ]

...If you'd told me the toll this takes on you from the get-go, you know I would've argued with you. Being so reckless with your health-- it's...

[ mmph. frustrating, and worrisome. ]

At least promise me you're going to rest? Rest. As in laying down in one spot and sleeping, giving yourself time to recover.

That's exactly why I didn't tell you. I'll rest after this is over.

(Why on Earth would Kurapika care about his health that much? He only needs it to be on an acceptable level in order to work and take care of things, considering that he most likely won't have too much time to worry about old age at this rate.)

[ he just comes right out and ADMITS IT......... shameless!!!

Abel is heaving a sigh he doesn't bother to stifle, plucking glasses off his face to momentarily pinch the bridge of his nose as if in attempt to ward of an oncoming migraine. Kura......... pika, ]

I swear, you're going to give me ulcers. Multiple ulcers. If I suddenly keel over and die one of these days? I'm leaving a note somewhere that says it's entirely your fault. Now, you can talk and sit and drink some water at the same time, so sit. Don't make me make you-- I could, considering how you look like a strong breeze could blow you over.

Then perhaps it's preferable for you to leave me be. I'd hate to be the cause of your death.

(There's no bite, it's a blunt statement that comes naturally for Kurapika, and quite frankly, it's a plague. Letting people close to him is never a great idea as he has been as of late. They'll worry, risk themselves, all in order to save a dying man.

He loves his comrades too deeply to allow them to come too close, and Abel isn't an exception. Yuri shouldn't be one either. The closer, the worse.

An eyebrow raises at the mention of force, and Kurapika doesn't doubt it. Slowly, he finds his place back into his seat, taking a deep breath.)

Why would you go and say something like that, hm...?! Your answer is supposed to be along the lines of, 'oh no, Father, I'm soooo sorry... I won't do anything so reckless and foolish again to worry you because you're such a good, handsome friend of mine whose company I treasure'!!

[ but behind the obvious jest is a real concern in his eyes as he sinks to sit beside Kurapika with a flounce, folding his arms sullenly over his chest, eyeing the boy sidelong. mmmmmph... ]

[ ...

and after a moment's pause, another small exhale: ]

You shouldn't be so quick to go and hurt yourself. We're all in this together... you know that, don't you? You aren't alone, and you don't have to do this alone.

And you are, but I am not apologizing for doing what I have to do. I needed to find out whether they're withholding information to get us home. I have things I need done, and I have yet to see anyone with a skillset like my own to pull this off. I told you I was already too far gone to care about these things. I hate that I've hidden this information from you, but it was necessary in order to get these videos. I'd do it again.

(Not alone, huh? Abel is not the first person to say that to him since he got here. In several ways, he's definitely not alone. No longer the sole survivor, the only one who knows the pain of having his people gone over their eyes. Not alone in the sense that everyone is in here, fighting for the same cause.

Not alone because he has no other option but to take a leap of faith in the people around him.

A quick glance towards Yuri. Letting these two come so close is going to cost him...)

I know, Father.

Even if we might not have skills like yours, your life is far more precious than information-- even if it helps us get home. Because there are people waiting for you back in yours, right? There are things you need to see finished.

[ a gloved hand falls lightly atop Kurapika's, beseechingly. ]

Even if you might not agree with it yourself, please trust in those of us who want better for you. Please promise me you won't do anything like this again... not without talking with us first. Okay? If we have to make a choice that asks sacrifices of us, then... let's do that together, too.

Things I need to see finished, definitely. People waiting for me is a much more debatable subject.

(Considering how Kurapika has chosen to take no calls in these past few years. Killua had been the last one he spoke to willingly, only to get information about Bisky out of him. He's a shitty friend, and he knows it, and it's on purpose.)

... Alright, Father. I'll do my best, should the situation allow for it.

[ well... suppose one has to accept what they're offered. ]

I can tell this is as good as I'm going to get from you, willful a creature as you are. [ there is exasperation-- and fondness-- in that. ] Then... I'd like to talk with you, once you're feeling better. Everything we gathered and the result of your experiment is worth a good looking over-- but you deserve to go at it with a well-rested mind. I want you to try and rest up, okay?

That's alright. I'll stay here and answer as many questions as I can, and I'll be going to ADI's by cab. If you don't find me in my apartment, try the one next to it.

(As he has been keeping Yuri company these days. Aelwyn is hardly ever home, for starters, so he too tends to get secretly lonely.)

Thank you for your help, Father.

Right... if it's to be like that, then--

[ Abel is pulling himself back to his feet, before gently squeezing Kurapika's shoulder. ]

...Please don't overdo it. I'll be quite cross with you if you don't look fresh as a peach next time I see you, mm? I'll bring you some tea and something to eat later.

Alright. I'll text you when I leave.

(He'll sip on his water that does nothing to soothe him, it's fine.)

[Aelwyn hums as she rewatches it for the third time, double checking her notes. Interesting. Very interesting.

Her reaction to his injured state was a pursed lip and a raised eyebrow. That could present some difficulties in the future. This ability is quite good, but if it kills him, they'll be out of a resource.

And she'll be out of a roommate.]

I think we can safely rule out any answers we got from Reyes. Frustrating, because those were the good ones... but it's hardly your fault.

Interesting, though, that they say they don't employ Avatars. I wonder if they just mean officially... Nia certainly doesn't mind getting her hands dirty.

(He won't die. Not so quick, anyway. It'll still take long years for Kurapika to drop dead, unless Emperor Time becomes a more frequent thing in his life. Either way, it's not like he's told Aelwyn the full extent of his design flaws within his abilities.)

I wonder if he did something. Dowsing Chain doesn't fail, but I don't know how things work in this place.

[She understands this. She might ask later but that's good enough for her. If you have a finite lifespan she doesn't think it's something you should throw away, but his decisions are his own. Aelwyn has her own issues with suicidal ideation and self destruction, so it's not like she can judge.]

I'm sure it could, under the right circumstances and met with the right kind of power. It's sort of my specialty to make other people's abilities fail.

But that's a moot point, if they knew they were being watched, you can be sure that they did something to the footage. Which would make our Reyes less human than they appear... [Hmmm.]

I can't do it without a video, and I can't do video without Emperor Time. I've gotten my answer, they can't send me home. I'll worry about Reyes later.

(His head pounds, hammers, and he sucks teeth.)

[She nods... sort of a limiting ability then, isn't it? Well, it's no matter.]

Fair enough. Take a rest, you've earnt it. Are you going to be heading back to the apartment?

If I'm allowed to. I don't think I have a choice-- my fever won't break for the next two days, and I won't burden you with babysitting.

(He motions to Yuri and Abel. That should do it.)

Ah, yes, the mother hen type, I'm familiar. [She chuckles a bit. It's a good thing, probably, Aelwyn's not exactly a good influence on that end of things.]

Alright, I'll see you whenever you come back and we can go over the results.

[Well, that's... interesting. Jon has taken extensive notes, but it's frustrating really, to have to rely on a game of supernatural hot or cold when he could just ask and get the truth.

The answers about the Entities match up with what he knows. He could have told people that, if he wasn't- is it cowardice? Or is he protecting people?

He does think he needs to talk to the Visionary again at some point. He thinks... suspects that they might have something in common, more than the obvious.

There is something that he notices though, that pulls him up short, because he's heard it before, over and over.]

Wait... that static when you were talking to Reyes... none of the other interviews had it. Was there any other recording equipment around?

(He's dizzy, so it takes a while for him to recenter towards the man who asked a question, eyebrows raising ever so slightly before pale hands grab his water bottle.)

None that I know of, but I noticed that as well. It's certainly no coincidence, considering they were all recorded with the same device. What do you make of it?

Ah, it shows up with Reyes, but there's also some distortion during the interview with the person from Bonnie's, the one who's- I guess an Avatar.

Some kind of connection to the supernatural. Like a conncention to one of these entities is difficult to record. Perhaps other forms of recording media would have a different effect?

If you can record it, I can use Dowsing Chain, if I've met the individual before. I can't do it again, I'm sure I'm going to be watched for a good while.

Yes, they seem very keen to make sure people don't use various powers. I imagine they will be keeping a close eye on you.

They don't know I'm a Nen-user. I reckon they'll have me under surveillance simply because what I've done is less than classy.

Classy doesn't mean much when dealing with some things.

I don't believe they've been entirely honest with us either.

[Winter is here. Intel is necessary, and this is good intel, if the kid's magic is reliable here. Knowing that ADI is not lying to them, is not actually trying to start any apocalypses-- or these people in it aren't, anyway-- makes him feel... relieved.

He doesn't have questions, because he's not good at asking questions, but he does have... a cup? A steaming cup of what looks like cocoa rather than coffee. And a bag of trail mix, heavy on the nuts more than crackers. He offers both to Kurapika after a few of the questions.]

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(open/player plot) time to get the truth out

Kurapika { HunterxHunter

3!

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III.

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iii

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SORRY THIS IS OLD

Re: SORRY THIS IS OLD

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very belated lurker for iii