Enter the amazing(?!) Guy!

[guyexplains.livejournal.com]

[Trying to catch a struggling rappig while simultaneously entering a familiar shop--or rather being transported to the Plane--are not the most ideal of circumstances in which to retain one's dignity, something Guy quickly discovers as he lands on his ass in the middle of apparently... Actually he has no idea.]

[But the rappig takes precedence as she leaps from his arms, waddling off. No time for gawking at... Where is he anyway?]

Nephry! [Guy scrambles to his feet, chasing the pig and catching her again, this time by the collar.]

Stay still girl. [He frowns at the panicked grunts, kneeling to absently pet her ears as he looks around more. This is definitely not Grand Chokmah.]

Comments

[clinical]

My, my. Perhaps His Majesty should consider a new caretaker for his rappigs. [Jade says this in a lab coat, carrying a large knife, and holding what looks like a welding mask in his other hand, as if he himself wouldn't be relieved to escape rappig-care duties.] I hope you didn't lose the others.

[guyexplains.livejournal.com]

[It's not really out of place to see Jade--the, uh, outfit is a little unsettling. But it's Jade. He's turned unsettling into an art. Guy would be a bit more reassured by Jade's blasé attitude if it weren't, once again, Jade. Still he's a lot less internally freaked out than he was a moment ago. Still completely confused, of course.]

[Hooking a gloved hand firmly in Nephry's collar, the other still patting the animal's ears to calm her down, Guy looks up at the Colonel and smiles awkwardly.]

They should be with his Majesty... [If Peony hasn't let them all run loose again.] ...Er, what are you doing?

[Because that's clearly the more pressing question than Where are we? or What's going on?]

[clinical]

[Jade gives an answer.] I've been taking samples. But it seems the ground doesn't give. [Like many of Jade's answers, it doesn't explain much. He switches the knife to the hand with the mask, then holds his hand out for Nephry to sniff.] How's Luke, by the way?

[It's a test. It's a potentially very nasty test. But with Asch proving impossible to persuade, Jade has to know what point in time Guy is from.

He's referring to the rappig, of course. But he hopes to pick up from Guy's response whether the rappig is named for someone dead or someone living.]

[guyexplains.livejournal.com]

[Guy really should have expected the answer not to be very informative. Nephry, on the other hand, is pleased enough to smell Jade. She seems quite happy with him, and Guy lets her waddle closer while keeping his hand in her collar in case something else startles her.]

[To his credit he only flinches a little when Jade asks, looking down at Nephy as an excuse not to meet Jade's eyes for a moment. But there's a flash of something in his face that resents being asked that, even if he assumes it's about the rappig.]

Haha, he's fine. [Cheerful, because really he shouldn't get emotional over the name of a pet.] Kind of an idiot, but I guess that makes his name apt.

[quecaneatit.livejournal.com]

[Peony bends down and scoops up his rappig. His words are for Guy, but Peony doesn't look at him. Instead he focuses on cuddling and calming his rappig]

My poor Nephry. What has Gailardia done to you?

[he nuzzles Nephry] I hope I don't have to worry about the others, too. [finally looking at Guy] Do I?

[guyexplains.livejournal.com]

[Nephry is clearly happy to be in Peony's arms, and Guy is relieved he doesn't have to calm her down or worry about her running off again.]

Weren't they with you, your Majesty?

[Guy stands after a moment, meeting Peony's eyes directly, though he is always respectful of course.]

[quecaneatit.livejournal.com]

No...why would you...

[a pause] Hey, when is it for you? There are a bunch of us here from all different points. It's annoying as hell to keep track and make sure people don't do something stupid.

[guyexplains.livejournal.com]

Sir?

[Guy really doesn't know how to respond to that question. Or that statement.] What do you mean?

[promisedsomeone.livejournal.com]

[Bet you never thought you'd see this one again: a teenager with long red hair drifting into his eyes, dressed in gray Oracle Knight attire minus the tabard, a sword sheathed at his side. He may have just gotten up.]

... Guy.

[He sounds lightly surprised and faintly curious, and yet distant. This is something else sent to test him isn't it?

... But it's Guy.

So complicated.]

1/2

[guyexplains.livejournal.com]

[It's a shock to say the least. And it's not Luke, but at the very moment that doesn't matter because it's a shock. They never found Asch's body. So seeing him here, alive...]

Asch?!

[On his feet immediately. The rappig can run off, he'll find her later, he always does.]

What...

[guyexplains.livejournal.com]

[Even warned by Peony it's too much. The emotions are so conflicting, but primarily... Relief. Happiness even, along with the uncertainty and the strangeness. And after a brief struggle with himself and all the emotional weirdness he casts off his hesitation and smiles.]

It's good to see you.

[promisedsomeone.livejournal.com]

[He's not expecting that kind of reaction. Guy's fake smile, sure. His kindness, his relief... those things aren't meant for Asch. It makes him feel strange and awkward, even moreso than when they traveled together after Akzeriuth. That felt nice—but he denies that, denies the part of himself that wants Guy to be his friend again. Guy is the replica's friend. The replica's friends aren't /his/ friends.

He's not that kid anymore.

... but he wishes, sometimes. And being welcomed like that is...

His eyes drift to the side, following the rappig.]

Have you read the brochure?

[guyexplains.livejournal.com]

Haha... Yeah. [And talked to Jade and the Emperor but he won't add that, just step forward so he can get a better look at Asch. Guy himself is still unsure about the right thing to do, and knowing what Asch is planning doesn't stop him from being glad to see Asch--alive.]

[It's weird.]

[It's a relief and it's painful as hell.]

It's pretty hard to swallow it all. But I guess it's difficult to deny, too, considering.

[ainsophaured.livejournal.com]

Is that your pet?

[Yes, Aster. Good job focusing on the most important thing here. He wasn't aware that people could bring animals as well. That's an exciting discovery.]

[guyexplains.livejournal.com]

[Aster clearly the pig is the mastermind here! Guy is just the servant.]

Haha, no I'm just taking care of her.

[Hello unknown person. He smiles in uncertain but polite greeting.]

[ainsophaured.livejournal.com]

[Obviously so. It's a cunning, devious animal. Aster kneels down to the pig's level, but doesn't reach to pet her. She looks real enough to him. That's something he'll have to add to his notes later.]

For a friend?

[guyexplains.livejournal.com]

[Nephry snorts at Aster, she is a cunning, devious, adorable animal. And she wiggles.]

Something like that. He's my boss. [And also a friend, or Guy hopes so. He never asked.]

[cuteliar.livejournal.com]

...Guy? [Oh, this is just an amazing way for her to first see him on the Plane.]

[guyexplains.livejournal.com]

[He looks up with a mix of happiness and trepidation at her voice. Because of course by the nature of time bending she still gets to see his epic fail, but he's talked to Jade and Peony.]

Hey Anise!

[Doesn't mean he's not really happy to see her though. Even while trying to keep Nephry in check. What time did Jade say she was from again? Before Ion read the Score, at any rate.]

aaahh sorry for the late reply

[cuteliar.livejournal.com]

Helping out Emperor Peony?

Same to you!

[guyexplains.livejournal.com]

Yeah. Haha... Didn't expect it to be so eventful.

[youidiots.livejournal.com]

[It's startling to see another familiar face on the Plane, but this one definitely gives her pause.]

Guy? You're here?

[guyexplains.livejournal.com]

[Of course he's happy to see her, despite Jade and Peony cluing him in to a thing or two. After all, he doesn't see anyone as much, these days.]

Yo Tear! Haha, yeah, it sounds like I'm the last to arrive I guess.

[youidiots.livejournal.com]

I haven't seen Fon Master Ion, although that may be for the best... and Luke and Natalia aren't here either.

[guyexplains.livejournal.com]

[A shadow passes over Guy's face, but he covers it with a smile quickly enough.]

I guess I'm not the latest after all. It's good to see you, Tear.