maskormenacelogs | Wild and bereft

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Wild and bereft

WHO: Count Dooku, Kagami (Repliku), and possibly original-flavour Riku as well
WHERE: Heropa 33
WHEN: Friday the 8th, evening
WHAT: Dooku drops by one of his possible projects to find out what crazy murdery shenanigans Kagami has been up to.
WARNINGS: Talk of murder, Kagami's attitude, Dooku's existence

Dooku had been forced to put many of his priorities on hold last month, due to the frenetic pace of the Ambassadorial elections consuming the bulk of his time and energy. Now that the results are in and democracy's status as a complete waste of the Count's time has been confirmed, he is able to follow up on certain threads he has been neglecting... Kagami among them.

The boy made an impression at the May Swear-In, all swagger and violence, eager to learn and impress. Grating as the Count found his company, he does know potential when he sees it, and darkness when he senses it. Since Kagami hasn't made any Network posts recently, Dooku resolves to drop by in person for a chat. It's a simple matter for the Sith Lord to deduce the boy's residence, and he appears at the door to Heropa 33 as the Florida Sun is setting, knocking politely, wearing his usual cape outfit.

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[As far as he was aware, no one is expecting any visitors. And yet, by the sound of it, and the dark feeling he's picking up on -- there's someone here. He recognizes that particular brand of darkness, but it's only once he actually gets to the door that he realizes who it is, and he pulls it open with a very obvious look of surprise. He's only opened it partway, and the reason for that is behind his leg, sticking his nose out between his shin and the door -- there's a Samoyed behind him, trying to greet the visitor.]

Count Dooku?

Ah, Riku. What a pleasant surprise.

[And it is a surprise, not just because the last Dooku heard, Riku was missing. The Count had assumed Kagami would be staying far away from Riku, what with the seething existential hatred and hostility and so on. But Riku had indicated that he felt responsible for his Replica- maybe he was keeping him close and out of trouble.

Regardless, he bows his head in greeting.]

I was wondering if Kagami might be in. I've been wondering how he has been managing since our last... encounter.

... Hi. 'Scuse me for a second.

[Riku turns to the dog, points out of the room. Shiro looks up at him and reluctantly heads off to his bed, and Riku pulls the door open fully to let Dooku in.]

Well, I'll go get him. You can sit down in the kitchen, if you want.

[He's such a good host, look at him.]

[Outside on the back porch is where Riku will find him and Dooku will hear music from what sounds to be a guitar. An acoustic one in nature. He's pretty much practicing random songs at this point and even humming just a bit. He seems a little better even after the Gala, but not by much.]

[Dooku courteously thanks Riku, and takes a seat in the kitchen. He scrupulously avoids the dog as he enters, not wanting any fur or slobber on his nice expensive cape.

The Count wonders at the music he's hearing. Could it be coming from one of their other roommates? Surely Kagami doesn't have any musical leanings... he doesn't seem the type.

[Riku heads outside to find Kagami next -- it's a weird thing to have to come out here and tell him who's here to see him.]

... Hey. You have a visitor.

[He stops his practicing and looks up at Riku confused. Who would be visiting him of all people?]

Huh? A visitor? For me? Who is it?

Yeah. It's Count Dooku.

[Apparently Kagami wasn't expecting him either...]

He's in the kitchen. I'm gonna go upstairs.

[And then he's peacing out. He's definitely gonna stay alert, though. This is kind of weird, honestly -- how did Dooku know where they lived?]

Edited 2016-07-11 16:18 (UTC)

[He stands up from his sitting spot as he puts his guitar in its case then closes it as he's carrying it with him.]

Thanks, I'll... let you know how it goes. [He makes his way back inside the house, still holding his guitar case as he goes into the kitchen area to greet the Count.] Um... Hi sir? Riku told me you were coming to see me?

['Sir.' Well, the boy's manners appear to have improved since their last encounter. Dooku smiles as he rises to greet him.]

Greetings, Kagami. It is good to see you again. It appears you have been busy...

[So, he was wrong about the source of the music. Why would the rage-fueled Replica he had met in May now be practicing guitar? The Count wonders if Riku's efforts to tame his counterpart have been more successful than he ever expected. It could be a problem if they have.]

Edited (typo!) 2016-07-11 17:44 (UTC)

[He sits down in a chair next to Dooku, setting his guitar case on the floor beside him. Where to even begin? Well, he'll just go with the flow for now. Dooku might also notice that Kagami's hair is much shorter than before too.]

Yeah... You could say that. A lot has happened since we last saw each other. [He then sighs before lifting up the right sleeve of his shirt to reveal the nullifier wristband he has on.] I got this thing for one.

Edited 2016-07-11 19:06 (UTC)

[Dooku sighs when he sees the wristband. Well, that explains some things. It's to be expected that the boy would be better-behaved if he has been deprived of his powers. And this outcome is hardly a surprise, with how violent and aggressive the Replica was acting before- sooner or later he was bound to push things too far.]

I see. And may I ask what you did to earn your new accessory?

[He begins to suspect that Riku's disappearance last month and Kagami's new nullifier may be linked. That, too, would explain some things.]

[He's quiet for a good few minutes before he has to explain things.]

I was sent home and learned that Riku had killed me. So in a fit of anger and as an act of revenge, I went after him and did the same thing. Needless to say I was found out by someone from RISE then it went from there. [He then shrugs.] Riku's not mad at me about it and says we're even. Though I doubt most of his friends or other people will see things that way even if I told them what happened at home.

My goodness.

[The Count draws back visibly in (feigned) surprise, as a cultured gentlemen is expected to do when confronted with such barbarity. So, there is another of Dooku's acquaintances who has nothing but death waiting for them once the Porter sends them home. How unfortunate. But perhaps useful, as well.]

So now you are a murderer. Tell me, how do you feel about that? Did you finally prove that you are stronger than the... Real Thing?

[He takes another moment or two to answer, but then finally does after thinking over what he wants to say.]

At first it felt thrilling since I had finally beaten Riku for good and proved I was better. After a time however, I began to feel guilt over it. He was the only person aside from Nike who truly wanted to care about me and I took his life out of petty revenge. So now, that's why I'm trying hard to change and even consider Riku my older brother. I don't want to let my darkness control me anymore or make me hurt anyone ever again like that.

[He seems quiet after explaining himself now and tries to smile, but it seems almost hollow and somber. He doesn't like being called a murderer, but it's the truth. Just like how he's a clone or replica of Riku. He'll never be a real person and he knows it.]

[Literally none of that is what the Count wants to hear, but he smiles encouragingly nonetheless. What use is Kagami to him if he is going to resist darkness and hatred? This new enlightenment simply won't do, not at all.]

It is good that you have reconciled, and that Riku has taken such pity on you.

You know, he once told me that Darkness is not necessarily evil... That it is needed to balance the Light. Is that what you have now- a balance?

[That little comment makes him peeved at best.]

Pity? It's not pity. He cares about me and we're like family now. He forgave me even after what I did, I don't see that as him taking pity on me. [Dooku may be getting him riled up easier than he thought even if he's still relatively calm.] As for your question, you're not wrong. We both control darkness, yet we both want to be each other's light too.

Of course, of course. A most heartwarming end to your feud. I would have expected such generosity from Riku.

[Said in the smooth, understanding voice of someone who most definitely does not have an interest in riling Kagami, no sir.]

It is somewhat tragic, though. To think that all that you have accomplished together- the light in each other's lives- might end in an instant because of the Porter.

[The Count touches a hand to his heart, his face grave.]

I must admit, it is hard for me to think of you being snatched back to the dark fate that awaits you in your own world... Despite all that has grown between you here, you will not be like family on the day that Riku strikes you down.

[The expression on Kagami's face is one of simmering anger before his eyes narrow.]

Why does it matter to you if I go back to being dead? I know we had a sparring match, but I hardly even know you. You're also wrong about Riku, he'd never do what he did to me back home again unless he felt it was necessary. I'm not going to be who I was when I first arrived here again, I told him I'd be better than that.

[This boy is just too easy. Balance or not, he still harbours strong passions, ready to come to the surface at any prompting. Dooku affects a regretful expression, and stands up as though ready to leave.]

I have upset you. My apologies. It is simply always saddening to me when a promising young life is snuffed out through violence. And you impressed me with your resolve during our previous training. But I will take my leave, if I am disturbing you.

[He was about to say something when Dooku's words about being impressed with his resolve during their training suddenly got his attention.]

Wait hold on, don't go. You were impressed with me? Really? [His expression goes from anger and being cold to curiosity and awe.] Most people think I'm unstable or a threat, so I... appreciate hearing someone say they're impressed with me when it comes to that.

[Dooku bows his head as though he is grateful for the chance to stay, then resumes his seat. With his head lowered like that, Kagami can't see the satisfied little smile that flashes over his lips before he raises his gaze once more.]

I certainly was. There are very few people who can stand up to me in swordsmanship. More importantly, you fight with full passion, even in training- a rare trait.

[He waves a hand, casually.]

But if I were you, I would not care overmuch whether people consider you a threat. If someone thinks you can threaten them, it is simply a sign that they recognize your power. And that they respect your strength.

[He's completely drawn in now with every word Dooku says. It's like he's being told all the right things he's wanted to hear for so long.]

Wow... I never thought about it that way now that you mention it. Not only do I have a rare trait, but I have people respecting my strength and recognizing my power. [His face starts brightening up at the thought of that.] You know what? Once I get this nullifier off, I'm gonna train even harder now. I'll have more people in this world respecting and recognizing me for how strong and powerful I really am.

[Now Dooku does smile openly.]

I am so pleased to hear that, Kagami. A weaker person might let doubt hold them back, but not you. Your talents should not go to waste just because of these tragic events. Once you have completed your sentence, your training will make you stronger and stronger.

I could help you, if you like. I have a great deal of experience with teaching others how to use their abilities.

[Disclaimer: most of Dooku's apprentices are now dead or exiled, some of them at his hand.]

[He can feel his excitement bubbling from within. This is what he's wanted since arriving. Someone to train him to become stronger and now he was finally getting it. He nods enthusiastically at every word Dooku speaks until he raises his voice from all the excitement inside himself once the other is done talking.]

Yes! Yes sir, I want that more than anything else! Please teach me! [He's showing so much eagerness and almost practically bouncing in his chair at the idea of it all, though he does try to calm down a bit more and not be so loud.] I'll be better than any student you ever had before.

Edited 2016-07-25 13:29 (UTC)

[Oh, you're going to be a keeper, Kagami. He's even calling the Count sir, how very nice. Dooku lifts his head and rolls his shoulders back as though to make an pronouncement.]

Then so be it. Once you have completed your sentence, I will be your guide. You will devote yourself to my teachings, and in return, I will help you gain the strength that you want.

I think that we shall do great things together, Kagami.

[The idea of training and becoming stronger and more powerful is really what he wants. To be able to prove himself and show he's not who he once was, that's truly what he wants out of this. The glory. The admiration. The need to be wanted. Everything Riku had now, but twenty times better.]

I'll follow your teachings every step of the way, sir. I want to do great things alongside you too and prove to everyone I'm not just a shadow or replica of Riku. I'm someone better. [His expression turns into a delight grin.] I'll even have everything he has and more along with a strength and power Riku could never even begin to imagine he'd have in his life.

Edited 2016-07-29 03:10 (UTC)

Oh, I see.

[Dooku chuckles a little, deep in his throat.]

Then you do still seek to surpass your brother, despite the peace between you. Good. This is a healthy ambition to have. I am sure he will support you in your goal of achievement.

[And if Riku doesn't, then maybe he doesn't really believe in Kagami the way the Count does... But that's a weapon to be drawn at another time, if Riku makes it necessary.]

To some degree, I still do. That burning desire to be the better one between the two of us is still there no matter what. I think, it will always be there.

[Kagami's eyes lower and his overly cockiness slightly diminishes, his demeanor rather calm and less as excited as before. He's really thinking on what Dooku has said to him with it being evident on his expression.]

However, you're wrong about Riku. Ever since the incident between us, I'm pretty sure he's not into the idea of supporting a goal where I overpower him at some point. Not that I blame him, what I did was terrible and he has every right to feel that way. That's why I pushed aside the idea. I also think it would be better if we were equals instead of trying to surpass him.

[Dooku purses his lips and makes a thoughtful 'hm' sound to himself. Kagami still yearns for achievement and distinction, but is also bound up by regrets about the whole murder thing. Dooku will have to do something about that.]

If you settle for being equals, you will have to constantly fight against the desire that burns within you. That will mean holding yourself back, and limiting your potential. Your passion is your strength. If you deny that, your training may be far less effective.

I suggest you speak to Riku about this, once you feel ready. Will he really want to see you restricting yourself to his level? Or might he want to see his brother become all that he can possibly be? I think the answers may surprise you.

[And no matter what Riku says to that question, Dooku is confident he will be able to devise a way to turn it to his own ends.]

[Kagami sits long and hard on what Dooku says to him, stays quiet for at least a few minutes. He lets everything sink in before finally deciding to give the Count his answer.]

I think... I need to talk with Riku now then. I also want to thank you for visiting me, sir. I'm going to consider what you've told me when I speak with Riku. I found it very enlightening and valuable, so again thank you for everything.

[The Count waits patiently while Kagami contemplates. The replica is ordinarily anything but quiet- Dooku knows he must have hit upon something very powerful to create this reaction, which is a promising sign as well.]

I am so very pleased to hear that, my young friend. It is my great pleasure to have been helpful to you in this difficult time.

[Dooku stands again, this time to take his leave for real. He bows formally to the boy.]

I wish you the best of luck with your rehabilitation... and will look forward to our next encounter.

[Kagami bows his own head in return to the Count. It's the least he can do to be polite.]

Thank you sir, it has been an honor and pleasure speaking with you too. So I'm humbled you'd come all this way just to talk to me. You've been nothing but kind and helpful and I appreciate it. I'll be in contact with you when my nullifier comes off.

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