nysalogs | CLOSED.

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CLOSED.

Who: Empress Simwe (

nysan) & Atsuhi Nakajima (

gekkajuu)
What: An audience with Simwe
When: After the initial dispatch of investigation crews (March 4th)
Where: Throne Room
Warning(s): N/A

[ The Empress was lucky to have been safely escorted out of sight of this, very humorously titled, Anti-Simwe Faction. The palace had been in flames, she understands. While the servants have done a wonderful job of cleaning up the mob's messes, she can still smell the scorch in the air — the crisp of burnt wood, the foul of melted rubber, and the ashes of the fallen innocent. It's laughable how many enemies she's accumulated from her own side alone — and they call the Wyvers down south savages. It appears her Empire has plenty of monsters of its own.

She's arranged for a new throne for this special occasion. The thought of peasants storming the Palace and unable to resist touching, defacing, and seating upon her previous throne made her sick to her stomach. But just as important, it is her first time meeting a certain renowned refugee. ]

Atsushi Nakajima — [ She can't help but smile at the way the name sounds on her tongue. It's a strange mouthful of a name, but as an Empire known to accept refugee from different colonies, she ought to get used to it. ] I'm told you have been among the group of refugees that came at the time of Thesa's Blessing. A true pleasure to meet you at last.

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[Atsushi can't believe this is really happening... First the mansion, and now this. It's wonderful, of course, but he isn't really sure he deserves any of it. Not that he has much time to feel guilty, or anything like that: he's a little too nervous to feel anything else at all.

Standing as straight as he can - standing at attention is probably expected in front of an Empress... he thinks? - he hopes he's dressed well enough for the occasion, the same light grey and white suit with soft pink accents that he wore to the winter gala. (... It's still strange to spend money on himself. Having more than one fancy suit would feel downright extravagant.) Even if he thinks he's done as well as can be expected on that front, he looks about two seconds from a massive freaking-out. It's really the Empress, right there. Oh, God - what is he supposed to say? Actually: what did he plan to say in the first place?! He's forgotten just about everything, up to and including his own name.

But the Empress kindly reminds him, making him snap out of it, and his eyes widen even before he hears the rest of what she says. A true pleasure? To meet him?! That's impossible to even imagine - but at least the quick denial that passes his lips is an easy start of the conversation for him. Putting himself down is something he has a lot of experience with.]

On the contrary! It's a pleasure to meet you, Your... Imperial Majesty. [Is that right? Why didn't he think to check the proper form of address for an Empress?! Well, what's done is done - so he rambles on, slowly getting more into his element as he does.] And more than that, it's a great honor.

I'm truly grateful that you'd take the time to see someone like me.

[ The empress's eyes aren't the only ones upon this Atsushi. The throne room is lined with many of her top officials, as well as a few guards in case of an attack. Ashti is, unfortunately, not among the ranks, having been dispatched for the aforementioned investigations. To be under this much scrutiny, it is no wonder that the boy looks... as alarmed as he is.

Simwe's smile is light as she tears her gaze from Atsushi to the her officials. ] Oh, relax, all of you. You are making him sweat.

[ She regards him with pity. ]

Why the modesty? Is it not true that you have served the Empire during your time here, or are those all just baseless rumors? [ Testing him, now — she most certainly has heard of his deeds. ]

[The company is expected, of course, and somehow, Atsushi can deal with all those staring eyes well enough - compared to facing the Empress, anyway. No, maybe his focus on the Empress is in part so he can ignore everyone else... Somehow, she's become the person he's chosen to dedicate himself to - the one good person he can focus on. It's more than a little tricky, of course - this wouldn't be the first time he picked someone who proved to disappoint his moral convictions in the end - and the higher he aims, the harder he is bound to fall. But it helps him so much to have someone to serve, if only at a distance. He really needs some guidelines on what to do and whose side to be on, and this is the best he's managed, his self-worth and his need to Do Good in a strange symbiotic relationship, unable to exist without each other.

When the Empress looks around, so does he. Of course he is under scrutiny; of course he is considered less than worthy by most if not all of these officials. Honestly, he feels the same. That isn't the problem here, but Simwe standing up for him still makes him relax a little, even if the twisted feeling in his stomach doesn't disappear completely.]

Of course that's what I've tried to do! It would be stranger if I hadn't. This Empire has welcomed me and many like me when we desperately needed a home. It has given us every opportunity to build a life for ourselves. I will never be able to repay what you've done for me. So...

["So"...? He says that, but he's not sure how to follow up on it. Then again, what else can he do? From one moment to the next, he bends over at a perfect 90-degree angle, lowering his head. The longer strands of his hair, now braided with a cat-shaped charm at the end, swing back and forth with absurd desperation, even when Atsushi's body holds perfectly still.]

THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

[... Well, it's a good thing he's not making himself out to be some kind of weird refugee, or anything!]

[ The people against her are on the rise, and there hasn't been nearly enough arrests to make up for the damage that has been done to her people and her palace. The unease that came from their dramatic movement is heavy on her mind; while it's easy to turn the blind eye and let Ashti and her advisers deal with this, there is a spot in her heart reserved for this special kind of regret. Has the path she's lead her Empire been so wrong? Is her vision that different than of Reyan's?

But that is precisely why she appreciates refugees who see past that. The Anti-Simwe faction, from all that she knows, consists of natives loyal to Olympia, not necessarily to Simwe herself. It complicates things when the group of refugees are becoming more loyal than those born on Olympian soil. It is as the boy says, though: perhaps they are only grateful to have a home to begin with.

She bursts into laughter at his sudden outburst of gratitude. It echoes throughout the room, causing her officials to look at each other quizzically. ] Ah, my — how cute! Rise, Atsushi, and loosen up, will you? I have had enough of... formalities. Aren't you?

[ She hums away the last of her urge to laugh. ]

Come, Atsushi. I wish to know more about the Refugees that have joined us. Tell me, do you speak for your group?

[... She's laughing at him. He's not even offended, really - he did something silly, didn't he? - but he's still peeking up through his hair at her and those officials, trying to figure out if this is a bad thing. She seems to be in a good mood, though...? And he doesn't seem to have offended anyone.

... Wait - did she just call him cute?!]

Y-Yes!

[He straightens himself, trying not to think about the "cute" thing too much. He's supposed to loosen up! First hurdle taken: he managed to avoid calling her all sorts of titles again. Small victories are still victories!]

I wouldn't say I speak for everyone... That said: if you'd like a sort of "refugee liaison", I would try my best to fill that role!

The refugees are all sorts of people from all sorts of places. Even among ourselves, we're not a homogeneous bunch. But I believe that, for the most part, we're united in appreciating the new home we were given.

[Even if some of us made that new home in Wyver, he thinks, sweating nervously as if those thoughts might be overheard.]

[There's a light in Simwe's eyes that is, perhaps, only partially because of the laughter of moments before. She doesn't bother to hide her smile as she leans forward slightly, her interest piqued.]

A "refugee liaison," hmm? [The empress's tone of voice is light and airy. There's some murmuring among her officials — they seem to wonder if she's truly considering this — but they visibly relax when she next speaks.] Perhaps you could be the first of the refugees to join my harem? You are not without your own charms.

[He's a rather cute young man, after all.]

I wonder... you've done much to stand out, but what is it about you...? [She claps her hands together as an idea strikes her.] I've heard much of your exploits, but I have not had the opportunity to witness your strength firsthand. Would you be willing to provide a demonstration, my dear Atsushi?

Eh?

[Her harem..? Wait - that kind of harem?!]

I'm -... That is...! Of course it would be an honor, but I really don't think I'm qualified!

[So much for relaxing. And yet, with the very suggestion of him joining her harem so absurd to his own ears, he manages to keep his panic almost impersonal, not letting it get too close. Briefly, his thoughts run away with the idea regardless, wondering who all he could ask for advice on how to fill such a position satisfactorily... but no, he still can't really imagine.

A demonstr-?! Oh wait, of his strength. Thank God; for a moment there he was afraid he'd have to audition for her harem here and now. (And in front of all these people?!)]

Of course! I don't know how much I'll be able to do, but I'll do what I can!

[Simwe's amusement grows more obvious as he reacts. Oh, he is quite fun to tease. She can't say she would really mind it if he joined, either, although from his reactions, that doesn't seem to be in the cards.

It's probably better that way. She's certain Ashti would be cross if she came out of this discussion with an addition to her harem.

When Atsushi agrees to the demonstration, her smile widens. She'll let the matter of her harem drop for now in favor of seeing what it is he can do.]

Very well. You there! [She raises her voice somewhat and casts a sidelong glance at a pair of servants that have been standing by, waiting to be addressed. They look up, alert and attentive.] Bring us a couple of cement plates, would you? There should be plenty around here somewhere. [What with the reconstruction and all...] And be prepared to clean up the mess should he succeed in demolishing them.

[They nod, and without a word, they leave the room to fetch what the empress has asked. She returns her attention to Atsushi while they wait.]

Be at ease, won't you? There's no right or wrong outcome to this demonstration. I am merely curious about your limits.

[Cement plates...? Well, he won't be able to do that as he is. And yet he's pretty calm, suddenly fairly business-like. Compared to joining a harem? This is nothing.

Atsushi's talents lie in his speed, agility, and durability much more than in his strength, but saying as much feels like making excuses. This is only meant to be a demonstration, anyway, isn't it? Then he'll demonstrate.

Ah - but he'd rather not ruin his fancy clothes over it... Taking off his jacket, he walks over to the nearest official.]

Could you please hold this? Thank you.

[Because clearly that's not a social faux-pas at all.

Regardless of whether the official accepts or not, Atsushi continues by pushing up his shirt sleeves. His vest should be safe; his pants are not at risk unless he transforms his legs too, which he's not counting on at the moment... Yes, this should be enough, shouldn't it? He still doesn't look very impressive, standing there with his skinny arms, but that changes at least a little when he transforms his arms, turning them into white tiger paws that look several sizes too big for his body.]

[The official doesn't have much choice but to accept. He looks bewildered to suddenly have Atsushi's jacket in his arms, but when he looks to Simwe as if he might speak up, she merely waves a hand dismissively.

So he just stays where he is and holds onto the article of clothing.

The onlookers don't look especially impressed at the sight of his stick arms, but the empress gives Atsushi her undivided attention. He's sure to do something, after all. And she isn't disappointed — her eyes widen with approval as his arms bulk up into tiger paws.]

Oh, my...

[That certainly makes him cut a much more intimidating figure than the shirtless man of two seconds before. Simwe waves a hand again, and the servants who were bringing in the cement plates shuffle forward to place them at Atsushi's feet.]

Let's see what those marvelous arms of yours can do.

[Atsushi gives a little nod, acknowledging her words. All right... He takes a deep breath, a little nervous in spite of himself. His strength really isn't the most impressive thing about him, but on the bright side: his paws are practically invulnerable, so he has little to lose from trying.

And that's what he does, striking down mercilessly on those cement plates, trying to put what little weight he has behind the blows. Any thinner ones crumble easily, Atsushi's paws functioning much like a mallet. Thicker slabs of concrete will take more effort, the paws only leaving a dent at first - but Atsushi will keep at it until he gets the job done, roaring a bit as he gets into it.

Probably not a minute later, the cement plates are lying broken (and sometimes crumbled) on the floor, Atsushi panting a little as he regards his work. Maybe this isn't the kind of thing he gets most satisfaction from, but... being able to do what was asked of him still feels pretty good.]

[As the dust settles, there is utter silence in the room.

And then, after a few long moments, the silence is broken by the sound of Simwe's applause. It's slow at first, but as she claps, the officials watching follow suit. The one holding Atsushi's jacket doesn't, but only because his hands are full.]

That was quite the show... [The applause quiets as the empress speaks.] With a power like that... I'm surprised you have not enlisted in the Royal Guard. Does such work not interest you?

[In spite of the bad things that have also happened since his arrival, Atsushi still can't believe his luck when it comes to the vast majority of his life on El Nysa. Being applauded like this when he isn't even doing anything much is so flattering. Maybe he doesn't really deserve it, but he can't call the Empress of all people a liar about it either, so... maybe there's at least a core of truth to it. And that's more than enough for Atsushi to feel absolutely amazing.]

... I never really thought about it.

[Which is kind of a dumb thing to say, but only because it doesn't fully cover how he feels.]

That is: of course I respect their work, but I was never sure that it was the best way for me to help people. Especially when I was new here, and still had to find my way around...

[Is that really it, though? Or is he just afraid of committing himself; afraid to try and fail? There's no doubt that the Royal Guard being so, well, royal, makes him a little nervous for that reason alone. It seems so much to aim for.

Yet here he is, with the Empress applauding him. Isn't it time to take another step forward in proving himself and conquering his past? With his still-transformed arms hanging by his sides, he clenches his fists - which frankly looks silly - and straightens himself. He can't let his past keep him chained down. Little by little, he will break away from it, even if he has to blindly rush ahead on determination alone, and hope he doesn't stumble along the way.]

If Your Imperial Majesty thinks that's how I can serve Olympia best, that's what I will do!

[Simwe considers his words for a moment or two. The might of a weretiger is nothing to sneeze at, even if Atsushi himself seems to be struggling with admitting his own strengths. He would certainly bring skills to the table that don't yet exist within her forces.

But at the same time...]

Oh, we aren't here so that I can give you orders, Atsushi. It was merely a suggestion for you to think upon. [One that she is certain he could go far with, if he was to pursue it. She can think of no reason why Ashti would turn his enlistment down.] But I'm also to hear your thoughts on the matter.

What do you think is the best way that you can serve the Olympian people?

[That includes the refugees who reside within these walls; they've chosen to cast their lot with Olympia, and so they're deserving of the kingdom's protection. That's how Simwe views the matter, at any rate.]

That's a difficult question to answer...

[But he'll do his best to answer it all the same, of course. Even apart from wanting to answer, this is as good a time as any to try figuring out the best path for him to take.]

I want to help people, in small ways and big ones. I want to protect everyone as much as I can. If nothing else, by ability is good for that.

[Raising his arms to emphasize what his "ability" refers to, should that be unclear, he finally transforms them back.]

I did something similar where I came from, but to be honest, I always had people much wiser and more experienced than me to point the way. Perhaps... I was also using them as a safety blanket.

[One he needed; one he still needs, perhaps. Even if he'd always made his own decisions in the end, if nothing else, he needed someone to talk some sense into him once in a while. Could the Royal Guard do the same, or would it be too big and official for him to find that personal push in the back that he needs?

It's worth a shot. He has grown, at least a little, and he's worked hard on developing his fighting skills ever since coming here. He knows the planet a little, now; he knows Olympia, and considers it his home. Whatever reasons he had to hold back, beyond sheer cowardice, no longer exist.]

If it's to protect the Olympian people, I'll do whatever it takes.

Rather than orders... may I ask for your personal opinion?

[He looks the Empress right in the eyes, with a boldness completely contradictory to his attitude so far - but then, he's asking on his own terms, now, and for an honest request, he'll ask as honestly and openly as he can... even if, after what he said just before, one could argue that he's simply trying to find a new safety blanket.]

Do you think I could be of use to the Royal Guard?

[The empress does not know the man in front of her very well.

But even from this very brief interaction — that he struggles with his own self-worth is clear enough to see. Whether it's warranted or not, Simwe really couldn't say. From what she's seen of his abilities here, he could stand to have more confidence in himself than he does.

Confidence, however, is not something that comes especially easily.

Her answer to his question — that is, her opinion — comes easily enough.]

I believe you could, Atsushi Nakajima. I do believe that you could.

[From what the Empress said before, Atsushi couldn't really expect any other reply, and yet it means so much to him to hear those words. Faith in him isn't something he's experienced in abundance, and just for this simple, honest reply, he feels happier than he has since coming here. He's been lucky with all sorts of things from friends to jobs to living space, and he appreciates that - but this isn't luck. This is something he could - can - do on his own strength, and that makes it feel like something he's actually earned. It's a little scary, but also very encouraging.

His cheeks flush red again, and he struggles to breathe for a moment, but then he takes another deep bow. So much for his promise to skip formalities, but he doesn't know how else to express the gratitude he feels.]

Thank you very much! Then, I will do my best!

[Time to see if Ashti will have him - but then, events will throw a bit of a wrench into those plans for the foreseeable future.

Regardless, if Atsushi was loyal to Olympia and Simwe before, he's now completely devoted to Simwe... from a safe distance. The harem really is too much honor for him...]

[Simwe's smile has not vanished from her face.]

I look forward to seeing your best. [Eyes sparkling, she indicates the others who have been observing. A good chunk of them seem suitably impressed by the display, and those who don't immediately are quick to at least fake it when she speaks up again.] As are we all.

Thank you for your devotion to the Olympian cause. We expect great things of you.

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