[The ritual had gone completely wrong, and not in any way close to what was intended. A new body was supposed to be created, and then the plot had been to steal it from beneath Lucio's nose. It wasn't the spell that was incorrect. It worked perfectly. Everyone filled a seat, everything fell into place— but then a strange magic crossed streams with the spell. Everyone broke free, no body was made, Asra muttered something in distress about some kind of an overlap, and then a skinny, sickly blonde boy crashed right onto the table, and everything went to hell.
Eichi doesn't remember much of that, since the stress on his body was too much, and after there was some arguing, and some strange tall man was helping him off of the table, he collapsed.
When he woke up, he was freezing cold and stuck in a dungeon cell, so that was alarming enough. Calling for guards didn't offer him any explanation, except for eventually an answer that the Count had put him there and there was nothing anyone could do.
Now, sitting in his same school uniform, hugging his knees for warmth in a corner of the cell, he's struggling to think of how to get out of here. Even if he were able to trick his way out, what would he do then? He doesn't know what this place is, where it is, what's going on... More than that, the clothing of the people he recalls were like they'd been at a party, the clothes of people passing by to visit others were types he couldn't place as from only one culture, and his cell phone was left carelessly in his pocket... with no reception whatsoever. He's started coughing, since his body can't take these conditions, and he's sure he heard the guards talking about it... Is that a good thing?
Blinking a little blearily, when he looks up this time he notices that someone is approaching. Someone quite grand looking, actually— if it weren't for the expression on his face, maybe. Despite not knowing a thing about this place, Eichi can recognize that this is the "Count" immediately.]
[Really it's fortunate for Eichi that he passed out when he did because he missed the tirade that resulted the moment the ritual went awry. There had been no shortage of yelling between Lucio and Asra that quickly escalated into a full-on tantrum which subsequently resulted in one guard getting stabbed by the Count for daring to get in his way during the argument. Needless to say the situation didn't improve from there.
Although really as far as his parties go this one has the lowest body count. So far.
But the night is still young and after the plan that he spent so long crafting was so quickly ruined by someone he's practically itching to up the number of casualties for the evening... Starting with whoever it is that broke into the ritual. Lucio doesn't buy for a second that this is simply some "accident" or "crossing of ley lines" or whatever crap Asra had tried to spout, he's certain that brat purposefully sabotaged the something and planned for this. Unfortunately he can't undo the problem without understanding what got screwed up, so he's going to get some answers from whatever little lackey the magician summoned before moving on to the fun part; the executions.
There's absolutely no pity in his expression as he looks over Eichi's huddled form in the cell, a derisive sneer set in his face. Metal fingers flick the bars, making them ring and reverberate jarringly.]
[Ah, of course. Stating his title right as he enters, to establish dominance, to make himself seem important. Eichi recognizes it all at once, even if this all feels like some sort of elaborate hoax. His arm draws his attention first, and Eichi watches it from where he sits before his eyes flick up to meet the Count's strangely red-dyed ones.]
My apologies. You see, I'm not from around here, so I couldn't be sure just what sort of importance you might hold... On top of that, my knees are a little sore already, so I'd prefer not to rest on them at the moment.
[His own speech is pretty self important in return, which he knows might be dangerous in a situation like this, but he's stubborn, too. And even in a situation like this, if he acts important, he might be seen as important. ...Just like this Count, though he hopes with more class.]
To call me something like a "brat," you must not know who I am... I wonder if my name might mean anything to you? Could you do me a favor and answer that? It's Eichi Tenshouin. ♪ Nice to meet you.
[The last thing Lucio is in the mood to deal with after the way the night has gone is more snark and sass. His lip curls into a snarl at Eichi's response as he moves closer to the bars to make sure he's at his full height, looking down on the other like an insect.]
I didn't ask how your knees are feeling and I don't care! You should be thankful that I didn't kill you on sight or give you something to really complain about, so because of my mercy alone you should grovel for forgiveness.
[The Count has very rarely seem anyone as being on a level equal to himself, so the very idea of him thinking of this stranger as important- especially after what he did- is laughable.]
That's pretty bold. Even if your name did happen to mean anything the situation you're in now makes all of that go away, do you understand? [He points at the younger man.] You're in that cell, so you mean nothing. Unless you behave yourself and tell me what I want to know... Then maybe I could be bothered to remember your name later.
I see... So it really does mean nothing. That's a little troubling.
[Since his name has connections all over the world, what does that mean? Eichi doesn't appear to be afraid at all, at least not on the outside, and even sighs a little as he forces himself to his feet. He steps closer to the bars, and at his height, he can't really be looked down on much, if at all.]
So I'm something of an "Alice" right now. How exciting... Is this an interrogation? ♪ Very well, then. Go on, I'll answer everything to the best of my ability, to see where this tale might take me.
[The Count is vaguely surprised- and irritated- to see how little of a height difference is between them with the other standing. At the moment he only has a slight advantage thanks to his heeled boots, but he manages to reign in any reaction and just stares Eichi down while looking thoroughly unimpressed. His outfit alone should be worthy of execution, honestly... None of it matches well and it's so drab. Definitely not worthy of being anywhere near him or his party.
One of those dramatic brows raises as Lucio crosses his arms.]
So now your name is Alice? [Then a snort and a dismissive wave of a hand.] Whatever, I don't care. Anyway, tell me who you're working with and what you did to disrupt my ritual!
[Hmm. He wonders if this is all some sort of strange drug trip. It's certainly the most elaborate one, if he really is in the hospital, and as he shifts his arms to cross them, he can feel them so solidly. So what does it all mean? He's not sure. He coughs, covering it before he answers.]
Is that what that was? A ritual? It seemed like some sort of a strange party, from what you all were wearing. I'm afraid I have no idea what you're talking about, though?
I was in the Student Council room at the academy, and then suddenly I felt ill. That's quite usual for me, but things around me began to warp, I felt as though I was falling at a high speed, and landed where I did, in the middle of you all.
Playing dumb won't get you anywhere, you know. I don't know whether you're working with Asra or someone else but I'm not going to be lenient on you if you pretend... It's in your best interest to just come clean and maybe I won't execute you in the middle of my ballroom.
[It would certainly be a flashy finish to the party. It might even make his mood improve a little.]
"Student Council"? [Lucio purses his lips, propping one arm against the bars to lean against it and watch Eichi. It's a show of confidence, an assumption that either this captive won't try to attack him through the bars or that he could deal with any problems that might arise.] I don't know what the point would be in having a council of students, but do you really expect me to buy that you just fell here by coincidence?
[He says it so simply, leaning forward a little and lifting a hand to touch at the bars.]
If I could manage to vanish and appear somewhere like that, do you really imagine that I'd still be trapped in this cell of yours? I'm quite cold and fall ill easily, so I'll die like this, you know.
If I wanted to sabotage whatever ceremony you were holding, I'd pretend to go along with it while changing one subtle part without your knowledge and watch the fallout as it occurred.
[Those red and silver eyes narrow again, staring Eichi over in clear skepticism.]
Or you could be lying about that and just trying to throw me off the trail. But whatever you did I have people looking into it, so you can just shiver in there until they're done.
[With that he straightens up again, clearly planning to leave.
Between his Courtiers he figures that at least one of them has to find something useful. Valdemar and Valerius most likely, but maybe one of the others will surprise him and be competent and less annoying than usual. As long as he gets results and can return to enjoying the remainder of the masquerade.]
[Mm, he needs to speak fast or this Count is never going to let him out. He'll die before he realizes his mistake, and he probably wouldn't even care. Eichi has to think quickly. Appeal to him, instead of sassing.
And so he speaks up.]
Ah, one moment! If it's only a matter of waiting, might I suggest being in your service?
[He hopes that draws his attention. He keeps speaking either way.]
A handsome and refined man like you must have so much to do. Isn't that right? I'm certain there must be some way that I can both help you and prove myself while under your watchful eye.
After all, I have reason to believe that your "people" may not all be on your side, so I'm a bit concerned about your methods. I'd rather prove myself, if possible.
[Eichi's assessment on how to approach the man does at least seem to earn his attention again, the flattery doing it's job. Of course Lucio isn't completely foolish enough to not see what the other is doing by appealing to his vanity, but that also doesn't stop him from listening. He comes to a halt and turns slowly, the gold of his arm glinting in the dim light as it crosses over the other.]
I don't really need the concern of some random kid who fell from who-knows-where. And the people all love me, so don't get the wrong idea either! [He snorts disdainfully, chin rising haughtily.]
Besides, I don't really see what use you could be when you're already keeling over from just sitting in here for a few hours. I don't have any use for weak people or brats, you know?
[Hmm. It's difficult to argue his use from a prison cell. He thinks trying to would only make him look worse...
And so, he'll take a gamble. Maybe Lucio will be paranoid. Maybe he'll take a weight to his words that isn't there. Maybe he won't, and Eichi will be left in his cell— but even if then, he'll experiment with whatever this force is that he can feel within himself.
Something is strange here. He just doesn't know what yet.]
I see... So you're refusing me? [He lets his hands slip away from the bars and folds them behind his back, instead.]
That's ultimately up to you, isn't it? But just so you know, I'll remember this, if you return changing your mind. I hope you're prepared.
[He waves a hand dismissively over his shoulder, seeming set in his decision as he moves towards the exit of the prison. But at those last last words the man actually does pause, coming to a halt before slowly turning on his heel to fix those striking eyes back onto Eichi.
While there's still arrogance and pride in his demeanor there is a hint of something else there as well, something that could almost be considered uncertainty. It seems that the seed took root, at least a little.]
What's that supposed to mean? Are you threatening me?
[He sees it. The slimmest chance, something that could snap away too easily. He has to be careful. And it's at times like these that he performs the best, he thinks. Smiling thinly, he meets the Count's gaze.]
Does it seem that way? [Light, too breezy.] But I'm only a boy... only someone useless. Isn't that right?
[Lucio is by no means sensitive enough to notice whatever odd magical changes have taken place in Eichi, but he is accustomed to dealing with manipulative people. Aside from being one himself others tend to be drawn to him, and they also tend to be the kinds who are most willing to go along with his whims since they can often benefit as well. He doesn't trust that light tone at all; it reminds him too much of Asra while at the same time there's a shrewdness that reminds him of Valerius.
Kid or not, maybe he could be useful. And if all else fails there's still always the execution option.]
I don't like it when brats jerk me around, so drop the snark. [There are certain people whose sass he'll tolerate and even enjoy, but a random boy locked in a cell is not one of those people.]
Since you seem so confident in yourself how about we make a deal? If you help me figure out who interrupted my ritual then I won't separate your pretty little head from your shoulders.
I mean no disrespect. You wouldn't trust words from a frail boy with a weak personality, would you? In order to cover up for my weakness, I must put my strengths forward and speak confidently to grab attention.
[Score. He slips his hand partway through the bars, as if for a shake.]
I can agree to that deal. Let's arrange a time period for a deadline as well as what resources will be at my disposal to assist me. Something realistic, but not too forgiving... It should be fair, right?
Pretty words don't mean anything if you can't back them up, no matter how confident you sound.
[Not that he has much right to talk given his own boastful nature and penchant for lying about his own achievements. But what Lucio lacks in honesty he can actually back up with brute force and threats, so he doesn't need to "grab attention" in quite the same manner. It's partially due to his upbringing as well, living in a world where only the brutal and ruthless survived.
He hums for a moment, tapping his chin with a metal finger before grinning.]
I'm planning another party for a month from now, so you can have until then. As far as resources go you're talking to the Count of Vesuvia, I can get whatever I want.
[And leaving no further room for question or argument he reaches out his real hand to shake Eichi's firmly.]
[Only a month. But complaints won't do for now, and if he's the Count and will provide him with anything, that should help matters just fine. All he needs is more time, originally, and then he can expand from there. So, he shakes back, confident even if his grip isn't the strongest.]
My head is on the line, so I can't be all talk. It's a deal, either way.
Um, but is it possible to ask for an actual room, then? In these conditions, I'll die before I run out of time.
You'd be surprised the sorts of things I've heard men they can claim to do when their head is on the line. [He's had plenty of men grovel at his feet, after all. But unless they have something very good to offer his mercy is rare and fleeting.]
You're really a demanding one, aren't you? [The Count snorts, although he does flash a crooked grin at Eichi a moment later.]
Although I guess it would be a shame to let a cute face like yours waste away down here. You could maybe give me something to look at when I'm bored.
[He snaps his fingers and one of the guards lingering just outside the door approaches and unlocks the cell, pulling open the bars with a wary look at Eichi before stepping aside to let him pass.]
♕ I'm the bad guy, duh
Eichi doesn't remember much of that, since the stress on his body was too much, and after there was some arguing, and some strange tall man was helping him off of the table, he collapsed.
When he woke up, he was freezing cold and stuck in a dungeon cell, so that was alarming enough. Calling for guards didn't offer him any explanation, except for eventually an answer that the Count had put him there and there was nothing anyone could do.
Now, sitting in his same school uniform, hugging his knees for warmth in a corner of the cell, he's struggling to think of how to get out of here. Even if he were able to trick his way out, what would he do then? He doesn't know what this place is, where it is, what's going on... More than that, the clothing of the people he recalls were like they'd been at a party, the clothes of people passing by to visit others were types he couldn't place as from only one culture, and his cell phone was left carelessly in his pocket... with no reception whatsoever. He's started coughing, since his body can't take these conditions, and he's sure he heard the guards talking about it... Is that a good thing?
Blinking a little blearily, when he looks up this time he notices that someone is approaching. Someone quite grand looking, actually— if it weren't for the expression on his face, maybe. Despite not knowing a thing about this place, Eichi can recognize that this is the "Count" immediately.]
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Although really as far as his parties go this one has the lowest body count. So far.
But the night is still young and after the plan that he spent so long crafting was so quickly ruined by someone he's practically itching to up the number of casualties for the evening... Starting with whoever it is that broke into the ritual. Lucio doesn't buy for a second that this is simply some "accident" or "crossing of ley lines" or whatever crap Asra had tried to spout, he's certain that brat purposefully sabotaged the something and planned for this. Unfortunately he can't undo the problem without understanding what got screwed up, so he's going to get some answers from whatever little lackey the magician summoned before moving on to the fun part; the executions.
There's absolutely no pity in his expression as he looks over Eichi's huddled form in the cell, a derisive sneer set in his face. Metal fingers flick the bars, making them ring and reverberate jarringly.]
You should kneel when the Count arrives, brat.
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My apologies. You see, I'm not from around here, so I couldn't be sure just what sort of importance you might hold... On top of that, my knees are a little sore already, so I'd prefer not to rest on them at the moment.
[His own speech is pretty self important in return, which he knows might be dangerous in a situation like this, but he's stubborn, too. And even in a situation like this, if he acts important, he might be seen as important. ...Just like this Count, though he hopes with more class.]
To call me something like a "brat," you must not know who I am... I wonder if my name might mean anything to you? Could you do me a favor and answer that? It's Eichi Tenshouin. ♪ Nice to meet you.
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I didn't ask how your knees are feeling and I don't care! You should be thankful that I didn't kill you on sight or give you something to really complain about, so because of my mercy alone you should grovel for forgiveness.
[The Count has very rarely seem anyone as being on a level equal to himself, so the very idea of him thinking of this stranger as important- especially after what he did- is laughable.]
That's pretty bold. Even if your name did happen to mean anything the situation you're in now makes all of that go away, do you understand? [He points at the younger man.] You're in that cell, so you mean nothing. Unless you behave yourself and tell me what I want to know... Then maybe I could be bothered to remember your name later.
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[Since his name has connections all over the world, what does that mean? Eichi doesn't appear to be afraid at all, at least not on the outside, and even sighs a little as he forces himself to his feet. He steps closer to the bars, and at his height, he can't really be looked down on much, if at all.]
So I'm something of an "Alice" right now. How exciting... Is this an interrogation? ♪ Very well, then. Go on, I'll answer everything to the best of my ability, to see where this tale might take me.
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One of those dramatic brows raises as Lucio crosses his arms.]
So now your name is Alice? [Then a snort and a dismissive wave of a hand.] Whatever, I don't care. Anyway, tell me who you're working with and what you did to disrupt my ritual!
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Is that what that was? A ritual? It seemed like some sort of a strange party, from what you all were wearing. I'm afraid I have no idea what you're talking about, though?
I was in the Student Council room at the academy, and then suddenly I felt ill. That's quite usual for me, but things around me began to warp, I felt as though I was falling at a high speed, and landed where I did, in the middle of you all.
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[It would certainly be a flashy finish to the party. It might even make his mood improve a little.]
"Student Council"? [Lucio purses his lips, propping one arm against the bars to lean against it and watch Eichi. It's a show of confidence, an assumption that either this captive won't try to attack him through the bars or that he could deal with any problems that might arise.] I don't know what the point would be in having a council of students, but do you really expect me to buy that you just fell here by coincidence?
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[He says it so simply, leaning forward a little and lifting a hand to touch at the bars.]
If I could manage to vanish and appear somewhere like that, do you really imagine that I'd still be trapped in this cell of yours? I'm quite cold and fall ill easily, so I'll die like this, you know.
If I wanted to sabotage whatever ceremony you were holding, I'd pretend to go along with it while changing one subtle part without your knowledge and watch the fallout as it occurred.
[He'd Actually do the Asra method, really.]
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Or you could be lying about that and just trying to throw me off the trail. But whatever you did I have people looking into it, so you can just shiver in there until they're done.
[With that he straightens up again, clearly planning to leave.
Between his Courtiers he figures that at least one of them has to find something useful. Valdemar and Valerius most likely, but maybe one of the others will surprise him and be competent and less annoying than usual. As long as he gets results and can return to enjoying the remainder of the masquerade.]
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And so he speaks up.]
Ah, one moment! If it's only a matter of waiting, might I suggest being in your service?
[He hopes that draws his attention. He keeps speaking either way.]
A handsome and refined man like you must have so much to do. Isn't that right? I'm certain there must be some way that I can both help you and prove myself while under your watchful eye.
After all, I have reason to believe that your "people" may not all be on your side, so I'm a bit concerned about your methods. I'd rather prove myself, if possible.
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I don't really need the concern of some random kid who fell from who-knows-where. And the people all love me, so don't get the wrong idea either! [He snorts disdainfully, chin rising haughtily.]
Besides, I don't really see what use you could be when you're already keeling over from just sitting in here for a few hours. I don't have any use for weak people or brats, you know?
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And so, he'll take a gamble. Maybe Lucio will be paranoid. Maybe he'll take a weight to his words that isn't there. Maybe he won't, and Eichi will be left in his cell— but even if then, he'll experiment with whatever this force is that he can feel within himself.
Something is strange here. He just doesn't know what yet.]
I see... So you're refusing me? [He lets his hands slip away from the bars and folds them behind his back, instead.]
That's ultimately up to you, isn't it? But just so you know, I'll remember this, if you return changing your mind. I hope you're prepared.
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[He waves a hand dismissively over his shoulder, seeming set in his decision as he moves towards the exit of the prison. But at those last last words the man actually does pause, coming to a halt before slowly turning on his heel to fix those striking eyes back onto Eichi.
While there's still arrogance and pride in his demeanor there is a hint of something else there as well, something that could almost be considered uncertainty. It seems that the seed took root, at least a little.]
What's that supposed to mean? Are you threatening me?
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Does it seem that way? [Light, too breezy.] But I'm only a boy... only someone useless. Isn't that right?
It must be that you have nothing to worry over. ♪
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Kid or not, maybe he could be useful. And if all else fails there's still always the execution option.]
I don't like it when brats jerk me around, so drop the snark. [There are certain people whose sass he'll tolerate and even enjoy, but a random boy locked in a cell is not one of those people.]
Since you seem so confident in yourself how about we make a deal? If you help me figure out who interrupted my ritual then I won't separate your pretty little head from your shoulders.
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[Score. He slips his hand partway through the bars, as if for a shake.]
I can agree to that deal. Let's arrange a time period for a deadline as well as what resources will be at my disposal to assist me. Something realistic, but not too forgiving... It should be fair, right?
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[Not that he has much right to talk given his own boastful nature and penchant for lying about his own achievements. But what Lucio lacks in honesty he can actually back up with brute force and threats, so he doesn't need to "grab attention" in quite the same manner. It's partially due to his upbringing as well, living in a world where only the brutal and ruthless survived.
He hums for a moment, tapping his chin with a metal finger before grinning.]
I'm planning another party for a month from now, so you can have until then. As far as resources go you're talking to the Count of Vesuvia, I can get whatever I want.
[And leaving no further room for question or argument he reaches out his real hand to shake Eichi's firmly.]
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My head is on the line, so I can't be all talk. It's a deal, either way.
Um, but is it possible to ask for an actual room, then? In these conditions, I'll die before I run out of time.
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You're really a demanding one, aren't you? [The Count snorts, although he does flash a crooked grin at Eichi a moment later.]
Although I guess it would be a shame to let a cute face like yours waste away down here. You could maybe give me something to look at when I'm bored.
[He snaps his fingers and one of the guards lingering just outside the door approaches and unlocks the cell, pulling open the bars with a wary look at Eichi before stepping aside to let him pass.]