2023-06-21: C and V
- Log: 2023-06-21 C and V
- Cast: Kaworu Nagisa, Kallen Kozuki
- Where: Paradigm City
- OOC - IC Date: June 21, 0097 (2023)
- Summary: Kaworu and Kallen run into each other after the battle with Schwarzwald--but it's not him that they discuss.
<Pose Tracker> Kaworu Nagisa has posed.
Paradigm City is a curious city. Kaworu and C.C. have already mused on how it compares and contrasts with Tsutsujidai, but one particularly striking detail is the weather. In Tsutsujidai, it was always summer, no matter what the weather was in the outside world; here in Paradigm City, it seems to be always winter. At the very least, it's quite cold now, even though this part of the hemisphere should be summer.
But there's something appropriate about an eternal chill in this city. The skies are always overcast. It's like someone doesn't want to see--or perhaps doesn't want to be seen.
Kaworu muses on this from atop the roof of one of the many ancient, avoided subway entrances that dot the city, perched on the edge with one foot hooked on the metal, the other leg dangling off, one hand pressed at his side while his other arm drapes over his leg. The weather, as usual, is overcast; the people of the city pass by, minding their own business. If anyone gives him a curious glance in his black suit and violet scarf-tie, it's only young children, who are quickly hurried along by their harried parents.
It makes it easy to approach him, especially from behind, without getting noticed--at least by the crowds. Kaworu himself is a strange fellow; is there really any surprising him?
<Pose Tracker> Kallen Kozuki has posed.
The 'red Negotiator', as it were, has found herself exploring the city on one of her free days. It's such a bizarre place, and the overcast chill makes it fairly comfortable. A nice departure from the sauna that is her Guren. She's opted to sample a few of the local food, and so as she walks, she's munching away at a Paradigm-style hot dog with its traditional toppings. She is of course wearing her visor just in case. But... does something like that really hide her from the people in this city who would have any interest in her?
It's in this way, that she stumbles onto a certain figure she recognizes. Both for his roles as a civilian, and in a more professional capacity. Strictly speaking she hasn't SEEN his face directly when he's working, but unlike some groups, NERV pilots are a little more common knowledge if you care to ask around or look them up. Besides, people have talked about him in pilot terms before, when he's been around in a casual setting. She hadn't expected to see him today. But she won't turn down the good fortune.
And, in the spirit of civility, she approaches him by speaking. Not just trying to surprise him. "Nagisa? I didn't think we would meet up quite so soon." If she'd known, she might have brought something to distort her speaking voice... but no point thinking about that now. "Enjoying the scenery? It's a... far cry from Japan's sights, I have to admit."
<Pose Tracker> Kaworu Nagisa has posed.
Perhaps it depends on the person.
Kaworu is content to leave Kallen to her hot dog and her visor. When she walks up and addresses him, though, he smiles down at her. "It is quite different... but that's true of any different culture. The architecture in particular has a unique style to it--fascinating, considering it must predate the city's amnesia. It makes you wonder what sort of secrets these buildings have carried forward into the present, doesn't it?"
His eyes move down to her outfit, and up to her visor. Kaworu is a fundamentally honest individual, but he has long been steeped in the parts of Lilimkind that's steeped in secrecy... even if they can't reasonably be called Lilim anymore. He can pick up on at least this much.
"We've met a few times before now... What would you have me call you while we're here?" he thus wonders.
<Pose Tracker> Kallen Kozuki has posed.
It's not hard to imagine he's already figured out who she is. Not having her voice adjusted... he may well have known since the day she had to be pulled out of the chewed up wreck last year. But if he's not giving it away, she won't either. "Red Queen is what people keep calling me, I've heard. You... understand if I don't want someone overhearing my actual name." She hasn't SEEN any Britannians yet. Unless that weird child was one. But she's never seen him before. "Otherwise... just K is fine." Most official records of her mother's name have been scrubbed, barring the ones Milly showed her. Her taking her father's name had to be thorough after all. Convincing to a cutthroat society like that.
Still... since he's being so clear that he knows more about her, and that he's not talking, she's inclined to relax a little. To find a place to sit, mainly. "Their secrets certainly... but also simply their history. The stories they have to share, were they able. If I stop to imagine this city in the prime of its life... It's difficult to do. It feels like a completely different world. But one I'd like to understand. If other cities like this one were built the same. Or if the architects wanting something unique... Something eye-catching."
<Pose Tracker> Kaworu Nagisa has posed.
As convenience would have it, there's a bench nearby. Once Kallen seats herself upon it, Kaworu pulls his feet up beneath him, stands up in a straight line, and hops down the eight or so feet to ground level with his hands in his pockets. "I understand," he says with a gentle smile as if he hadn't just casually committed a physical feat many would balk at. "I, too, have many names."
He strolls over to join her on the bench, where he folds his legs. "It is difficult. However this city was built, it was probably unrelated to the amnesia that struck it forty years ago. When clues are disconnected, it becomes harder to discern the true nature of the mystery they would reveal."
He looks at her with curiosity then. "Is that why you're here, then? Or is it something else that draws you to this city, Red Queen?"
With that red suit she's wearing, it does feel like the more appropriate name--and it is what she suggested first.
<Pose Tracker> Kallen Kozuki has posed.
Truthfully, he wouldn't be the first person to do such physical feats. Though just how casually he did it... That part gets her eye. As if he just does it every day. "For me personally... I want to learn. And I admit some quality I don't understand does make me... more interested? More than usual. But... if you want our original reason. That's not up to me. I'm following the curiosities and motives of someone more whimsical." No doubt he knows exactly who THAT might be.
Really, she shouldn't have said that. She KNOWS she shouldn't have. And yet. Does it feel dangerous? No. For some reason, it's easy to let the guard slip. As if he will just... never tell anyone. Which makes her feel a little crazy, that she would ever assume that. "What about you? What brings you so far from home?"
<Pose Tracker> Kaworu Nagisa has posed.
The world certainly has no lack of physically extraordinary people. But yes--there is a certain grace, a certain ease, to Kaworu--as if it simply isn't any exertion at all. Kallen will catch that same easy grace when he walks over to her and when he sits. He keeps his hands in his pockets through all that, too.
"I see," Kaworu says, and with the same crooked smile he's had, adds, "or rather, 'she' sees." C.C.s. Just a little joke of his--though this time, his audience stands a chance of getting it.
She probably shouldn't have said it. But Kaworu does have that aura of being trustworthy... even as there's something strange about him, too. But the world has no lack of strange folks, either.
"Some of it is orders. Some of it is my own curiosity. Some of it is to help Mr. Roger Smith. And some of it is because I, too, am following someone's whimsy." His gaze turns thoughtful as he considers Kallen. "How much do you know about her?"
Not very much, he's guessing. But one won't know for sure without asking.
<Pose Tracker> Kallen Kozuki has posed.
She Sees... the little joke honestly makes her laugh. It's funny, and she wasn't expecting it to catch her. But it does indeed. "She's an odd one. Occasionally infuriating. Teasing. Unfailingly mercurial. Yet, I enjoy having her around at this point." There's a lot one can say about C.C., and most of it is based on what she wants a person to see.
As for what she actually *knows*? "I know she makes fun for herself by creating obvious fake names to give people. She has interesting taste in pets. And she likes pizza. Perhaps to excess." There's entirely too much she doesn't know, though. The Many Mysteries of C.C.
"And you? It sounds like you know her better. Though I... understand it might be too personal." And none of that even starts getting into how Oz and that child fit into the picture. Given the recognition in the tunnel.
<Pose Tracker> Kaworu Nagisa has posed.
Kaworu's smile broadens a bit as Kallen laughs. "I'm glad to hear it. She's someone for whom attachment is fraught, but it would be far more tragic to give up on the world entirely."
He nods, though, contemplative, as Kallen lists what she knows. It's all shallow things--but then, he would understand if Kallen were only sharing the things she felt safe to share. If C.C. had opened up to her at all, it would only be right to keep her secrets for her. That, too, is a form of love.
And him? "Hmmm... I probably do know her better. But that doesn't mean I know her well. Beyond what you've already mentioned are things she probably wouldn't want me to share," he muses. "There's something else you wanted to ask me, though, isn't there?" His smile shades rueful. "Though it might indeed be too personal."
Still, it would be good to know what she wants to know. And he suspects he can guess what she might want him to tell her.
<Pose Tracker> Kallen Kozuki has posed.
Kaworu's explanation of the enigmatic C.C., while brief and simple, truly does explain much to her. That she's someone who had been the victim of... a great loss perhaps? Or betrayal? Enough to make her... withdrawn in a sense, though not the traditional way of seeing it. She shows only what she wants people to see, perhaps to protect herself. "I can't argue with that... There was a point where I was more withdrawn from people myself. Withdrawn, and angry. Shocking what a near-brush with the end can make you re-evaluate." He knows of course, precisely what she's talking about.
Indeed, she keeps... a number of secrets. Both for herself, and for others. Holding those close to her chest, protecting the confidence of her friends, that's important to her. And that's why she doesn't really expect an answer to the next things. "I'm not exactly expecting an answer, but... is there anything you would be able to tell me, about that bizarre child? Since you all seemed convinced enough he was a malicious party here." Not questioning about Oz yet. Because... well. If C.C. is distant, Orpheus is practically on another planet entirely, for how little she knows about him. It wouldn't feel right asking someone else about him behind his back.
<Pose Tracker> Kaworu Nagisa has posed.
He does indeed. Kaworu might not have personally witnessed what took place inside of Jophiel, but he's generally aware of it all the same.
Separately from that, sure enough, Kallen wonders about V.V. and what Kaworu can tell her about him. Having anticipated this, Kaworu doesn't hesitate to answer: "He is no child. He is immortal, and he possesses the ability to grant Lilim power. However, that power inevitably causes them to suffer." The serenity falls from Kaworu's expression, replaced by a distant sorrow, as he looks over at Kallen. "There are many actual children who have been caged under his shadow. Few have ever escaped. Of them, three are dear to me. One of them is dead."
He shakes his head slowly. "He is not a kind person. Should you ever encounter him directly, be extremely cautious, Red Queen."
<Pose Tracker> Kallen Kozuki has posed.
What she expected to hear, was that he couldn't give personal information. Or that it was classified NERV business. What she did NOT expect, was the sequence of words to actually come out from his mouth. There's a moment where she's silently staring at him, lips pursed in an expression of confusion. Still, something about it pulls her to ask further questions. "What is... the Power of Kings, exactly? I... is this something I should keep to myself, or speak about with Her?"
A warning to be cautious... strictly isn't necessary? But it is nice to hear. A warning means care. Concern for another's well-being. "...I'm still processing the bit about immortality. But... If he's hurt so many people. I want to help stop whatever he's scheming." There's exactly zero reason to believe it's a lie, given how willing he's been to talk to her and protect her own secrets.
<Pose Tracker> Kaworu Nagisa has posed.
To a certain extent, it's true that Kaworu can't give out personal information. But that isn't why he's so vague; that's just part of who he is, or perhaps how he was raised to be, long, long before this time around.
"The Power of Kings... Knowledge about that is very dangerous. I don't think that bothers you, though." His smile briefly shuts his eyes. "Let me think... I don't think she would tell you much more even if you asked, and she told me that this is a city in which information should be freely shared. I don't know if she actually would anyway, but even so...
"The Power of Kings is multifaceted. It's different for every person, you see, both in how it manifests and how one activates it. When one is granted the Power of Kings, what they receive is a response to... a desire, or a wish, perhaps. It becomes a reflection of the heart, and a way for one to influence those around them. It is a power that affects the mind, and it is often absolute."
He smiles a bit as Kallen admits she's still processing. "That is good. I only know the meanest shape of his schemes, but I'm certain they'll consume Paradigm City, and likely the world from there, if left unchecked. It will be extremely difficult to stop him, for he does not scheme alone. It may come to pass that he can only be delayed or diverted. Yet as long as she is near, he will surely remain in the shadows somewhere nearby as well--even if you yourself never see him again."
<Pose Tracker> Kallen Kozuki has posed.
It seems, perhaps he misunderstood what Kallen meant. Which is fine. She can just clarify it. But... that misunderstanding also gave away some information she wasn't sure about. "So... she already knows then. I had meant, whether it's something I should share with her. As a problem we might need to address while here... but that clears up much."
She doesn't really mind people being vague either, it's necessary at times, and clearly not done out of malice. At least not in his case. But then... she's never really seen him hold actual malice. He may well be one of those rare people with no particular ill will toward anyone. Though... given what he said, it sounds more like he's simply buried the pain deep. She's not sure how to help with that specific thing. "I can see how that would be... tempting. To drive people to make deals with him. Hmm... selling away their souls to an immortal devil, to grant their heart's desire."
But not a temptation she's willing to entertain personally. Never. Her own eyes close as she gives form to certain thoughts... "If there's ever a time you have cause to oppose him, and the Black Knights aren't around... I'll gladly lend myself to helping you. In the meantime... We'll keep an eye out, to deal with his agents. Thank you..." Really, she has nary the faintest clue how one would directly deal with somebody immortal.
<Pose Tracker> Kaworu Nagisa has posed.
Kaworu realizes he had misunderstood Kallen's meaning. Still, that's fine. C.C. did encourage him to share information. "Yes," he thus says, since it's already known at this point, and leaves it at that. C.C. can elaborate or not as she wills.
The mention of selling souls gets a shake of the head, though. "Oh, no. They keep their souls," he says, matter-of-fact.
His smile turns a bit melancholy at Kallen's offer. Still, he nods. "Thank you as well, Red Queen. I'm glad we had this conversation."
He rises then, moving fluidly from sitting with legs crossed to standing with hands in his pockets. "Until we meet again," he says, and begins to walk away. He's not so fast that Kallen couldn't stop him if she has something else to ask, but otherwise, he'll soon be lost in the crowd and gone.
<Pose Tracker> Kallen Kozuki has posed.
The lack of elaboration is of course, perfectly fine. At this point she's well and truly used to far worse. Though she's left a little stunned when he specifically mentions that people keep their souls. As if that... IS that a thing that can happen? ...Can OTHER forces out there do that to people? That existential horror is going to keep her awake tonight.
The change to his smile is noted, and... She's fairly certain a time like that may not come, from that alone. Still, she reaches out, setting a hand against his closer shoulder for a moment. "I am too. Just... remember you've always got people willing to listen a while." Doesn't have to be her of course. Just... encouraging him to talk to people, when things are getting to him.
And once he stands to walk, she does the same with the rest of her drink still in hand. "Until then. I hope things go well for you." Taking her own course, to go see more of the city. To mingle amongst its people, and build a little more familiarity. A gradual path to become somebody they can trust.