4518/It's Not Good to Be Alone

It's Not Good to Be Alone
Date of Scene:	06 September 2016
Location:	City of Ravnica <Rav>
Synopsis:	Rhapsody has been holed up ever since the one-sided press conference the night before. Yuna decides that isn't a good thing, and after convincing Rhapsody via radio, drops by for a private visit.
Cast of Characters:	385, 325, 272
Tinyplot:	Moeru

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Yuna Kagurazaka (385) has posed:
It wasn't how Yuna had wanted the conversation to go, but at least it worked out - Rhapsody opened the path for a visitor, even though she told Yuna explicitly to come alone and not to bring anyone else with her. She also said not to bother bringing anything, so Yuna's hands are empty. Elner does come most of the way up to the Aerie with her, but when Yuna steps up to Rhapsody's door - open or closed - Elner hangs back. If the door's open, Yuna pauses at the threshold to announce herself; if closed, she knocks. Either way, Rhapsody would hear her call out, "Pardon my intruding!" as per proper Japanese custom.

Rhapsody (325) has posed:
    At the knock,the well balanced door creaks a moment, then it slowly starts to creep inward. The state of the room inside in a word? Carnage. It is -clear- that when Rhapsody locked herself away inside, she purged a massive amount of anger into everything around. Everything except her father's hoard which she is currently curled up on in her true, nearly scaleless, form.
    Once Yuna is visible, the dragon still barely moves. The only sign that Rhapsody even knows she is there is a weary gaze sent toward the woman by a single eye. She stirs, lightly, but barely enough to even cause coins to shift under her. The gaze slips back to the door, looking for anyone else. Once Yuna was inside, the door closes rather suddenly.

        "Hello."

        How can a single word be so -empty-?

Yuna Kagurazaka (385) has posed:
The door closing behind her doesn't startle Yuna, as evidenced by the fact that she's already advancing towards Rhapsody before it. It's that hollowed-out 'Hello' that stirs the idol singer into a run, sprinting across the Aerie and trying to hug Rhapsody - even if she has to plant her feet on the edge of the hoard to get to her, even if Rhapsody *is* in her big dragon form.

Not trying to make conversation (yet). Just *hugging*.

Rhapsody (325) has posed:
A light, surprised, breath is taken by the dragon when Yuna starts running for her. She actually stars to stir, trying to stand, thinking something -else- may be happening. She stumbles a moment, clearly having not moved for some time, but when Yuna's arms wrap around her neck, she freezes. Rhapsody stays that for a long, long moment, and then she slumps back down against the hoard again, wordlessly. There's no tears, though. ... Those came the night before when no one else could see them.

Yuna Kagurazaka (385) has posed:
It's not the tightest hug Yuna's ever given; she doesn't want to strangle Rhapsody, even though her ability to do that seems unlikely. She keeps hugging the dragon, though, leaning gently against Rhapsody's shoulder for the time being.

"What did he *do* to you ..." she finally asks, almost whispering. "What did he show you that broke you ... ?"

Never mind that her question has already been answered on the Union chatter band; actually *seeing* Rhapsody in this state makes her start from square one in her worry over the Guildmaster.

Rhapsody (325) has posed:
The dragon almost seems to wither further due to the question. "He showed me that my first, and longest friend, wants to kill me," is Rhapsody's reply, her head setting down on the coins below a moment later. "Isn't that enough...?"

Yuna Kagurazaka (385) has posed:
And that was where the discussion on the chatter band started to disintegrate. Yuna just lets out a quiet sigh and adjusts her position a bit, trying to hug Rhapsody more comfortably.

She can imagine, roughly, how much it would have hurt *her* to be presented with some kind of convincing evidence that one of Yuna's friends wanted her dead. Heck, plenty of people HAVE wanted her dead, although that was generally before Yuna made friends with them. The thought of Lia or Yuri or Erika flipping out and wanting to kill her after so long ...

Well. Yuna being Yuna, she wouldn't have let that stop them from being friends; she would have tried to find out why, what happened, all of that - basically the same slew of questions she needs to pin Yunomi down for. But ... they've had that discussion too, so there's little point in retreading it.

Instead, Yuna starts singing again, quietly and unaccompanied.

o/~    Now a shooting star flies across the night sky
    If you see it, what will you wish for?
    The promise we exchanged when you started your journey
    Is always in my heart

Rhapsody (325) has posed:
It is often said that music can soothe a savage beast. The creature currently occupying the Aerie of Nivix is hardly savage, just what amounts to a young girl that just desperately wanted her best friend back, but a world of politics, words, hate, and betrayal. The first few lines slip by without a reaction, but as they continue, the dragon would just curl in further, her head eventually ending up either against Yuna's side, or in her lap. It depends on the singer's reaction.

Yuna Kagurazaka (385) has posed:
o/~    In a sleepless night, it's your voice I want to hear
    Talking all night until the morning sun rises

Side or lap, Yuna doesn't seem to mind or especially care; if fully cheering Rhapsody up is beyond her ability, she's at least going to try to be a comforting presence. And she's NOT going to pull away from Rhapsody ... at least, not unless the dragon tries to take a bite out of her or something, but Yuna trusts Rhapsody not to do that.

o/~    Side by side, talking enraptured,
    Your profile was shining ...

o/~    You who follow your dreams, I who watch over you,
    The same star sheds its light on us both
    I want to walk without looking back
    Enduring my tears until I see you leave

A little shifting of position probably helps settle Rhapsody's head in Yuna's lap, and the blonde girl starts stroking Rhapsody's brow and neck, as if petting her ... at least if it seems like a welcome gesture. If it seems remotely unwelcome, Yuna stops immediately - but keeps singing.

o/~    Now a shooting star flies across the night sky
    If you see it, what will you wish for?
    The promise we exchanged when you started your journey
    Is always in my heart

Rhapsody (325) has posed:
It would seem that the young dragon's head would end up in the singer's lap, which is fine enough for her. It may be a little clear, in such proximity, that there's an ever so slight shaking going on, as if she was trying to hold back the weight of an entire world and ws threatening to collapse under it. Then a single line rings out in the aerie, of stars looking down. That, alone, is too much for a daughter that has lost a father first, and a dear friend second, to handle. Yuna's consoling gesture will keep the dragon from spiraling out of control as far as she has in the last few weeks, but that sadness is spilling over the dam of emotions in her mind. There was simply no holding it back thinking about them both in the same breath.

Yuna Kagurazaka (385) has posed:
Yuna keeps stroking Rhapsody's head gently as she continues her song. She doesn't mind if Rhapsody starts crying openly; she'll just keep offering what comfort she can, however little it may be.

o/~    I want to be the one who can always enfold you
    And softly hide you in the inviting loneliness

o/~    I've started getting impatient that
    Time has flowed on since then, but ...

As the song continues, Yuna starts putting even more of her heart into the lyrics, her voice growing stronger. She picked this song half at random, but half because it seemed appropriate, and it feels like it's growing even moreso

.o/~    If emotions overlap a dazzling star
    They can turn into a powerful love
    So that the place where you walk by yourself
    Can become something we're certain of

o/~    Now a shooting star flies across the night sky
    If you see it, what will you wish for?
    "No matter where you are, we're connected"
    Your words are revived

Rhapsody (325) has posed:
Sobbing openly was probably an understatement, but at least the dragon wasn't howling in the den. Yuna's relieving far more pent up emotion than the singer may realize. The song was simply perfect for the situation, and the lyrics were not lost on the dragon that was being sung to. Someday, for certain, Rhapsody would cherish the moment, but within it? She was hardly in any mindset to thank Yuna for it.

As she continues to sing, the door that Yuna had come in just a little bit earlier starts to creak open slowly, easily missed considering what was going on within the room. After a few moments, however, a particular Izzet Security drone makes its way from the door to Rhapsody and Yuna. The dragon won't notice.. but Yuna may recognize the slightly damaged drone that begins to orbit around them both.

Yuna Kagurazaka (385) has posed:
This is actually the point in the song where Yuna normally stops singing and lets the instrumentals take over; rather than going silent, though, Yuna hums the melody of the bridge as best she can. And if she hadn't noticed the security drone, Elner certainly would have - but given Yuna's promise not to bring anyone else, Elner stays in the hallway, leaving Yuna to keep an eye on that drone. If there's any sign of trouble from it, she CAN still transform into her Light Suit; it may mean a slightly less comfortable lap for Rhapsody, but better that than not being able to protect her in a pinch.

o/~    You who follow your dreams, I who watch over you,
    The same star sheds its light on us both
    I want to walk without looking back
    Enduring my tears until I see you leave

o/~    Now a shooting star flies across the night sky
    If you see it, what will you wish for?
    The promise we exchanged when you started your journey
    Is always in my heart

And that's where the lyrics typically end - but there's an instrumental lead-out as well; rather than humming this time, Yuna simply goes "o/~ La la la o/~" for about the length of another chorus, keeping the same rhythm and melody. And still minding the slightly damaged drone. Where did she see that particular damage before ... she can't remember.

Yunomi Stadler (272) has posed:
    The Izzet security drone orbits the two in a quiet manner. Gone are its exited beeps and whirrr-ing noises, a large dent in the side of its Mizzium exterior. Its blue and red lights are dimmed, and every once in a while it gives an electric spark.

Rhapsody (325) has posed:
The dragon's emotions slow, tiring out, or vented, one or the other. Rhapsody does seem comfortable at least. A whispered 'thank you..' eventually makes its way from her muzzle. When her eyes open again, the drone is spotted as it continues its orbit. The dragon has to blink a few times to clear her sight, uncertain of what she's seeing, but finally she calls a name.

        "Pidge?"

Yuna Kagurazaka (385) has posed:
Yuna bows her head briefly, smiling and patting the top of Rhapsody's head, then looks up again at the drone. "Hello, Pidge," she says quietly, smiling and offering it a wave. Now she recognizes the drone - less by sight and more by voice; 'Pidge' is what Yunomi called one of the drones she'd programmed, isn't it?

She wonders if that means Yunomi is watching them somehow through the drone ... but even just asking could make some kind of trouble. For now, Yuna just gives the drone a friendly smile.

Yunomi Stadler (272) has posed:
    Red and blue lights blink a little brighter. The sparks fly a little faster and the drone drops down suddenly, as if limping, but excited to be noticed. It attempts to beep, but instead 'blurrrps', and rolls over itself in the air, another little shower of sparks coming out.

Rhapsody (325) has posed:
"...He's damaged.." Rhapsody finally notices. Realizing this, the dragon stirs again, a little life seemingly coming back into the shell she had felt like since the day before. A light tap on a crystal nearby is given. A few moments later, Ryxinel comes rushing in, just happy to see the door open.

"I had no idea this was unlocked! Yuna, Thank you!" He doesn't notice Pidge until Rhapsody motions toward the drone with her head. "... Oh you poor thing, Pidge, what happened?" Then he notices the state of the rest of the -lair- and the FORGE NEXT DOOR. A cough. A -very- deep breath. At once he realizes what happened, but forgives his sister in the same thought. It had been a very -very- hard last 24 hours.

    With a flick of his wrist, a table simply comes up out of the floor. "You have no idea how many times I have stepped on tables by accident," he explains before motioning the drone over. "Here, Pidge, let me see you.."

Yuna Kagurazaka (385) has posed:
"Ah - ?" Yuna lets out a soft exclamation as the drone suddenly loses altitude, and tries to lean forward as if to catch it. Never mind that there's probably no way she could catch Pidge *one-handed*, which is the position she's in with Rhapsody's head in her lap.

Fortunately, she doesn't seem to need to worry, as Ryxinel comes rushing in. "You're welcome," the blonde idol says softly, her tone wry. "Rhapsody said not to bring anyone else in with me ... is there anything you need me or Elner to help with as far as Pidge's concerned?"

Not like Yuna herself can do much except hold tools, and she wouldn't know the difference between a sonic screwdriver and a hydrospanner if you told her fewer than three times. Elner doesn't even have *hands*, and odds are the dragon siblings know Pidge's internal systems better than the robo-faerie could diagnose anything, so it's mostly a pro forma offer. That doesn't mean it isn't a serious one, though.

Yunomi Stadler (272) has posed:
    Pidge bubbles, and pops, and eases down into Ryxinels hand -- and then flops right out, into low orbit, circling Rhapsody's foot. Circle circle, circle circle... POP! Electrical smoke smell seeps upwards as the drone falls to the floor, and in its roundish form, just tries to roll, protectively, around Rhapsody's ankle, until it hits her leg.

    It gives a frustraited, low-powered 'wwwrrrrrrk-k-k-k' sound.

Rhapsody (325) has posed:
Ryxinel would move to start fixing the little drone, but when it hovers off again, and starts to move around Rhapsody again, he can't help but sigh. "He's worried about you.." he explains before Pidge emits the POP and starts to smoke. That gets a surprised flinch out of both of the dragons in the room. While Rhapsody can't do a lot about it, Ryxinel moves to scoop the drone up and set to work on him, "Pidge, please, I can repair you and then you can protect her as much as you like, just allow me a little time, okay?" he insists, trying once again to set to work.

"Oh.." Rhapsody suddenly remembers her demand from the radio earlier. "Elner can come in... Yuna. If she can help, I'm sure Ryxinel would appreciate it." Her brother offers a nod to this. It actually reminds Ryxinel of something else and sets him searching around in all the pouches around his waist.. "Are you two around... and awake?"

Yuna Kagurazaka (385) has posed:
Elner flits in through the open door, flying over and hovering next to Ryxinel. "I doubt there's a great deal I can do to repair magically-based systems," the robo-faerie says, "but I'll help as I'm able." It starts scanning Pidge - strictly technology-based sensors, although Elner *may* have started figuring out how to track Ravnican-type mana 'circuits' based on observable phenomena like heat, electricity, and similar patterns.

As for Yuna, she grimaces as she sees Pidge pop and drop out of the air - like she were watching somebody stumble and fall over, and too far away to do anything to help. "It's okay, Pidge, Ryxinel's hands are some of the best you could be in ... did Yunomi send you to watch over Rhapsody? To make sure she's all right? Or is this your own action without her instructions?"

Yunomi Stadler (272) has posed:
    Pidge's lights blink at the mention of Yunomi, but he doesn't appear to be in much condition to do anything. In Ryxinel's hands, the little drone submits for repairs.

    Yu and Mi poke their heads out, the pink haired, adventurous Yu now sporting a small pair of goggles and a leathery work apron as she squeals. "I'm awake!", and Mi poking her head out from a different satchel with a yawn. She looks much healthier. "I am... sort of. What do you need, Sir?" the two inquire.

Rhapsody (325) has posed:
"Anything you can offer. Possibly some smaller hands for Pidge's more delicate bits to help with his repairs. There's no raw iron in him and from your perspective you may see damage I can't," Ryxinel explains to the pair. A nod is given to Elner as well. "Any aid is welcome. Normally I would need tools for such delicate work but if you all help me I think I can have him up and about in quite a hurry," he explains. First order of business? A tiny blue crystal is plucked from a pouch near Yu and quickly swapped into Pidge to replace his battery. "This doesn't mean lift off and stay near Rhapsody, your primary hover unit is damaged and your gyroscope needs swapped out.. and that's what I can see right now. Just trust me, Pidge, ok?"

With her brother doing what he does, obsess on his work, Rhapsody quietly sets her head down -beside- Yuna now, in case she wanted to stand. There is a very light press of her muzzle into Yuna's side, to thank her, before she settles down again. At least now she didn't feel completely empty.

Yuna Kagurazaka (385) has posed:
"I don't actually have hands," Elner finally comes out and says. "My ability to manipulate physical objects is a matter of force-field control. However, I'll see what I can find in terms of obvious damage."

While Elner sets to work, Yuna scritches Rhapsody behind an ear - and does indeed get to her feet, partly to stretch her legs and loosen back up. Elner starts quietly describing the interior damage that its sensors are picking up to Ryxinel - location within Pidge's structure, what sort of damage it is, whether there are detectable circuits broken or disrupted, details like that.

Yunomi Stadler (272) has posed:
    Pidge was almost damaged beyond repair.

    Almost.

    Several of his innards were broken. It must have taken him ages to make his way to Nivix, and who know how long to navigate its floors and hallways, and seems extremely reluctant to leave Rhapsody.

    But he remains cheerfull, beeping picking up as his core is charged, sparks beginning to lessen.

    Yu and Mi draw out of their satchels, and swing from the pouches up to the work bench to watch.

    Mi, though, is looking at Rhapsody.

    "... I forgot how /big/ you are sometimes!"

Rhapsody (325) has posed:
"Mmm.. I don't know how often you have seen me in my true form, Mi.." Rhapsody points out as she seems to drift a little between being awake and being asleep.

Ryxinel winces as Elner provides a report on just how bad off Pidge is. "This may take a little longer then I thought. Still... it should be fine. Sidonia is in here, so we are safe." Wait, when did she slip in? ... And where IS she anyway? Who knows. That's just how she works, after all. "I'll need a few things from the.. forge. ... I'm sure they are still in there, you may just need to dig a little.." he notes as he looks toward his visible sister. She doesn't seem to have heard him, which causes him to give a relieved sigh. "Lets get to it, then.." he says, working as long as he would need for the drone.

Yuna Kagurazaka (385) has posed:
o/~    Until the wind's direction changes, I'm just waiting in this place
    Not even stepping forward, for fear of regrets

It's not like Yuna can do anything to help with the repairs to Pidge; Elner's doing what it can, but the best Yuna can do is stay out of their way. - Well, that's not quite true.

Or she wouldn't be singing.

o/~    With my heart adorned in its opposite colors
    I was always stopping on my journey

Whether it's for Rhapsody - who sounds sleepy enough; Yuna knows that kind of weary sound - or for Pidge, or for Ryxinel to work by, the blonde stands a short distance from the edge of Rhapsody's inherited hoard, and continues singing another song that seemed appropriate to her. It's soft, slow, soothing ... not inappropriate for a lullaby, even if its meaning runs far deeper than to soothe somebody to sleep. Yuna's still on her feet, but her own eyes drift close as she sings the chorus - not because *she's* dozing off, but to put more of her heart into the words:

o/~    I hear a voice calling to me,
    telling me not to forget that I'm not alone
    All the people who can't be replaced are here,
    In a place where their hearts can shine ... stay in my heart