hydrokinetics | So I guess that's a step in the right direction, clever composition in the honesty [W6, Wednesday]

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So I guess that's a step in the right direction, clever composition in the honesty [W6, Wednesday]

[It was time. It was time, Percy decided, to face the monster head-on, just as he always has.

Is it fair to think of Dr. Lecter as a monster? Perhaps not. But Percy's negotiated with people before, people who have wanted others dead. Everything Will's told him sat with him for days and seeped into his nightmares, visions of blood and gore and mutilated bodies, a fucked-up version of love that left him sick and gasping any time he woke up.

So Percy slept. Monday evening onward until Wednesday. It's only after breakfast, after a confirmation that others know and suspect, that he realizes he's wasting time.

…at least he takes the time to shower, to get changed out of his pajamas and into other clothes, prepare himself. The water doesn't re-energize him the way it usually does but it helps clear his head. He has to be calm and diplomatic when he speaks. Dr. Lecter, surely, knows he's coming for him.

It's why Wednesday afternoon finds him approaching the man's room, Mrs. O'Leary left in his own room and no one else aware he's even awake now. He stands out in the hall, breathing in deeply through his nose before firmly knocking on the door.

There's no turning back. Not now.]

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[ That "of course," gets Hannibal's smile to tilt again, though this time it's not quite so wry as it is genuine. His gestures are always small and calm, but it's clear enough now that even without saying anything, Hannibal apperciates Percy's thanks. He agrees, naturally, since he could have just as easily purposefully failed to save any of them, and he had even warned the Sheriff that the next time someone reckless came to his proverbial doorstep, he'd be inclined to do so. But he hadn't before. Every injury had been treated in earnest and with his full care and attention. ]

It's quite rare. Most tend to lose their manners in the face of being deceived. Though I cannot fault them for it entirely.

[ He comments simply, but his softer smile turns to one that's much more delighted as Percy implies his role. He hadn't thought that Percy was one of the Bounties, since his behavior had never struck him to be searching in the way he would have expected one of them to. He had guessed the Doctor, but in this case, he's pleased to be wrong. ]

How fitting that our first serious conversation came at just that occasion. [ He's definitely tickled that they share some of the same responsibility there, but after that bit of amusement, his expression softens back to a more neutral one. ] But by how you phrase it, I take it that you know the Bounties. I'm not asking out of want to know who they are. Only to confirm.

I'll be honest, I've been deceived way too many times in my life to really think this is unusual by now. And my mom did raise me with some manners. [Even if he doesn't always apply them.] You know that I know, and I'm coming to you to talk about it. Just talk.

[That is to say…he's exhausted, frankly, and he has zero reason to be on the offense just yet. That's not to say he isn't alert, but he's not openly hostile. Will had warned him of that, and Percy listened to Will.]

I like to think most of our conversations are serious. [There's a hitch of hesitance at the end, if only because he almost called Hannibal "dude." That would not work well in his favor. But his expression is also fairly neutral, if not a touch troubled. He's come to terms with what he's done, but he still doesn't know how to really feel about it. Not when compared to what Hannibal is and what Hannibal's done.] But you're right. I know them. Now that I've learned you're the Deputy? I know every role, every person who fills those roles, and what the roles do. But the Bounties don't know who I am. No point in telling them. [There's a lopsided smile.] I guess maybe I should have thought a little harder about how you knew about the Bounties a few weeks ago when I never brought them up to you myself.

[ He pauses and considers Percy seriously for a moment, but then stands. As he walks towards the bedside table, though Hannibal doesn't close his suit jacket immediately, which will probably stick out as an odd gesture to Percy, considering he always does so. ]

Then in respect for your manners, I will believe you.

[ Hannibal says it simply, but with his back turned to Percy, he reaches into his jacket. His body blocks the view briefly, but there's the sound of Hannibal setting something down on the table before he returns to the couch. As he does, Percy will be able to see a knife sitting on the table, now out of Hannibal's immediate reach. It's a clear gesture of trust, but also of the respect that Hannibal has for Percy. It's not something he would do for anyone else, save for Will, naturally. ]

I would have had a convenient answer for you, as I always have. [ He shrugs lightly as he settles again ] It is not as if I'm lacking in the merit. But the Sheriff has been quite forthcoming with me. There's been little he's refused to answer once I asked.

[ He crosses his legs and folds his hands in his lap again, comfortable and more at ease now that he isn't concealing the knife in his coat. ]

But since you know them and what they do, then you know that I need to die. [ Hannibal says it casually, clearly unbothered by the prospect, though that fits with everything else about this candid conversation. ] Though apparently, they refuse to kill me. It's quite a conundrum.

[He tracks Hannibal's moves carefully, not at all rising or shifting from his seat but notating the slightly odd gesture. Granted, his eyes widen a little as he sees the knife make its appearance and watches it settle on the bedside table.

Percy, once again, is lucky not to get himself killed by rushing in. Just because he came unarmed shouldn't have meant Hannibal would be. He can hear Annabeth cursing him out now. But…the knife is out of Hannibal's reach. They're both unarmed men here for a discussion. He can handle that.]

You've never really lied to me about anything. It just worked in your favor that I never asked what I really needed to ask. Hal pulls the same tricks on me. [Percy has argued with the robot a lot.] But for the most part, he gives me answers, too. [A pause.] He also confirmed your role for me, but that's besides the point.

[Despite the fact he should be tense, he finds himself relaxed and even mirrors Hannibal's stance a bit.] On the other hand, there's that, too. We've been trying to figure out a new option for a few weeks. As you can guess, it's been pretty hard. But you have the same options as we do, don't you, Dr. Lecter? Find the Bounty Leader and kill them to end the game? Or did Hal give you another alternative?

[ He nods with a small smile, since the caveat about Hannibal's brand of honesty is important to him. It's not something people usually understand, so he's pleased that Percy at least does. ]

Essentially. There were some things I did lie about, I'll admit. But I try to keep lies to a minimum. It's much simpler to tell the truth.

[ He doesn't elaborate on what he lied about, but that's partially because he doesn't know what Will told Percy. It's largely just the extent of how awful he is... ]

No. My options are the same. But I have no intentions of doing so. Not for moral reasons, otherwise I would have killed those I suspected of being Bounties at the first opportunity. But it would not benefit any of us, Will and I included, for me to pursue them with all of my energy. [ It's a chillingly cold sentiment expressed with all the casual air as if Hannibal were talking about the weather instead. ] Did the Sheriff tell you what the purpose of this "festival" was?

[It's something Percy understands because it's what he's adopted now. He hasn't necessarily lied about his role, but nobody's asked either. He's used to lies of omission even if he doesn't necessarily like them. He'll do what's necessary.]

I'm gonna guess that the things you lied about are probably similar to things I've lied about, Dr. Lecter. [And that's all he says on the matter. Will told him a lot, but why bring it up just yet?]

Will already told me that you guys don't want to live. [Blunt? Blunt.] I get it, that's understandable. [IS IT? But he leans back into the couch, folding his arms loosely over his stomach even as he thinks this through.] I know it's to entertain his employers and that his employers are ancient gods who thrive off of blood and pain. Is there something more to it than that?

[Maybe he shouldn't be so casual talking about gods, but what the hell ever.]

[ Hannibal sincerely doubts that they've lied about the same things, but it's also why he lets that part of their conversation drop without further comment. If Percy knows, he doesn't doubt that he'll return to it, but for now, they're focused on the practical. It's quite a normal conversation for them, he realizes, and the thought gets him to breathe out a partial laugh, though it may as well be at the talk of the Sheriff's employers too. ]

That is essentially it. If it's to be believed, a lack of entertainment for them means, "universal implosion," as the Sheriff put it. I might have my hobbies, but they aren't quite on the universe-ending scale.

[ hannibal don't call murder a hobby... ]

After all, given the choice, I would prefer to live. But I simply don't particularly care if I were to die. [ He makes a thoughtful noise, then adds: ] Regardless, that is why providing entertainment is my primary goal. That is why I chose not to pursue them. I thought it would be more entertaining if I were to wait for them to come to me. So far, I seem to be right.

[They can talk about you carving the shit out of drunken dog dad and trying to eat his brain later, sure. Instead, Percy has other goals in mind. That, on the other hand, isn't something he expected.]

Are you saying that if we're not entertaining them this whole space and time pocket will just destroy us anyway? [What the fuck. WHAT THE FUCK. He's just…dragging a hand over his face, groaning into his palm.] Why is it always gods…Annabeth and I thought maybe they were behind this, but not like this.

[He peers between his fingers then.] So…you're playing with us because you don't want the world to explode and all of us to lose. Is that kind of what you're saying? [He hums to himself. So okay. This is different.] The Bounty has its suspicions about you being the Deputy. A few other people do, too. Will…already gave me an idea of what happens if someone comes after you. I can't even predict who it's gonna be. [But it won't be him. He knows that. The whole "universe exploding" thing is a little more worrying suddenly.] When did Hal tell you about the universe imploding?

Edited 2017-02-23 01:41 (UTC)

[ Percy's exasperated reaction draws out a small laugh, and Hannibal nods in agreement. ]

It's preposterous, isn't it? If not for the fact that very little makes sense here, I hardly would have believed it. And yet when faced with so much of the impossible all at once, why not?

[ It's no weirder than anything else he's heard. Actually, he'd argue that some of the stories he's heard about the other people here were stranger. Like Ash. He really tries not to think about what Ash explained to him, since that was just as preposterous sounding... ]

But that is correct, more or less. I'd hardly say that I was motivated by anything other than self-interest, but having this universe, as he put it, along with all others collapse and be destroyed by simply a lack of entertainment is unfortunate. It's easily preventable, so being certain that things are kept entertaining has been my priority. It's not an official duty of the Deputy, but considering I didn't imagine many of you would have the stomach for providing "entertainment," I had no problem in providing it.

[ He doesn't touch the idea of the Bounties being onto him or what that could mean, or at least not yet. He sticks to this idea, since he answers Percy's last question simply. ]

I've known since the night he asked me to be his Deputy. The purpose of the festival was one of the very first questions I asked. [ of course hannibal has known the whole damn time ] So I imagine you can see why the Bounties were never really my priority.

Edited 2017-02-23 02:22 (UTC)

No, that's the problem. [Whhhhhhyyyy.] Gaea was supposed to be our biggest problem. Not eliminating a universe. Or multiple universes. So that's...it, isn't it? The different versions of us that're showing up in this place. They're from other universes and if we don't play this game those universes will be destroy, too.

[Yeah, he's finally, finally getting it.] I'm not sure if I'm supposed to thank you for keeping the universes working or still be freaked out you also killed people. Maybe both? I should have known this was all just because they would be bored without watching us play.

[This is officially the worst day ever.] I can see why they weren't a priority, right. But Hal told me there's an option to end the game if there's a group of people that won't murder. Let me guess. That option ends in the gods coming down and killing us anyway? What about another option? Dr. Lecter you know there are people here that would stop the game and take the no-kill route if they got their way.

[...but also, fuck. Maybe he should tell the Bounty not to go after the Deputy? What the hell is he supposed to do now?]

Edited 2017-02-23 02:35 (UTC)

Presumably, yes. I never asked. [ He adds wryly: ] ...Though apparently, I asked far less questions than the rest of you. For example, I didn't know any of the other roles until you told me. I'd never bothered to ask.

[ Hannibal had been a bit preoccupied with making things entertaining that he really just hadn't bothered to ask many more questions after that first evening. His curiosities had been satisifed. Though to the idea of being thanked, Hannibal does frown lightly, looking a bit curious, but he shakes his head. ]

You may thank me, but there's no need. I would actually say it's better if you were disturbed. The fact that my actions were helpful to the whole is admittedly incidental. I would be the first to say that my actions were hardly good or just.

[ That aside, Hannibal does pause thoughtfully as Percy thinks ahead. He seems to consider it seriously, though he doesn't seem surprised at all by the option itself. ]

Well, he did mention as much. Apparently the option where no one dies is considered as entertaining as my death. But I don't think it's likely. I know there are people that would take that option. I also believe there are those that would gladly take justice into their own hands.

[There's an embarrassed smile.] It's like I told you before. Without Annabeth, I have to figure things out myself. I didn't start asking questions until I got my first bit of information. What I first told you, actually.

[Maybe it shouldn't be so casual, this conversation. But here he is negotiating with a monster and mostly struggling to figure things out now that he has more pieces.]

Oh no, I'm definitely disturbed, don't worry about that. [But there's a wry smile.] It's like I said to Will before...everything he doesn't do is to help the game, and everything I do is. I think this might be the same. I've done things in this game that people may not see as good or just, but it was to help. [A shrug.] Funny how it works. But I do have a couple of questions now that I know who you are.

[There's a pause.] What exactly do you consider justice in this case?

[ Again, he seems a bit pleased by Percy's honesty and earnest answers, because part of him had wondered if the questions were leading. Bait. He knew that, but had decided to take it out of curiosity to where it would go, but if that ended up being here? He's glad he did. ]

Then perhaps you'll be pleased to know that I did use a piece of my merit to get the answers to those questions. It was a fair trade, and I wanted to honor it.

[ For the rest, he listens, and though his brow quirks in open interest when Percy mentions asking questions, it does fall slightly at the first. There's no hesitation at all in Hannibal's answer, since it's always been quite obvious to him. ]

Death. Doing what I do, that is the only justice suitable. If it were to come from the hands of someone that I had hurt or wronged, I would have no complaints. It would be well-deserved.

I appreciate the trade. You didn't have to. [And again, Percy finds himself conflicted. Disturbed, but conflicted.] I'll even skip asking what exactly really earned you that merit.

[He'll come back to his other Deputy-related questions in a moment. Instead...death.] But even if someone came after you for justice, you'd fight. And probably kill them. Right?

Don't worry. It was indeed surgeries. That is just not all that my pool of merit is filled by.

[ Hannibal has been busy both in public and in private, so. He has definitely stockpiled more than a little... But commenting on that is just his idle amusement, since truth be told, that sort of conflict amuses him too. The fact that who he is here is composed of things equally good and bad is a bit novel.

Though to Percy's question, Hannibal's answer comes with a similar lack of hesitation. It's not quite cold, but it's cool and calm. ]

Of course. Their justice is well-deserved. But it does not mean I will lay my neck out for the guillotine. I have no particular wish to die, and so I will fight for my life just as any other person would. The difference lays in the fact that I am indifferent to the prospect of death as a whole.

Huh. [And that's all he says on the matter. Given that Percy's own merit comes from a handful of things, and given what he knows about Hannibal, he feels it's best not to really press further.] Well...it was what we needed to really start figuring stuff out. No one else even questioned where the information came from. Not really.

[But he appreciates thoughtful at Hannibal's answer to this.]

...I've spent the last five years of my life assuming I might die every day. I've stopped really being afraid of it, but that doesn't mean I'll lay down and let someone take my life either. I think I can understand where you're coming from with that. [Although, he's still very aware that someone such as Hannibal is dangerous in a game like this.] Just thought it was worth asking since fighting doesn't fit your theme.

[There's really no right answer.] And the likelihood of you working with us on the no-death option is...?

[ He nods, though it's a slower gesture. It's clear not only that he agrees with Percy's indifference to death, but that there's a story behind why. It would be no surprise, since that kind of mindset doesn't simply appear out of nowhere. Yet if so, he doesn't seem inclined to share it. Though he sits back again with a light smile, and it reaches up to his eyes. His own comment is a bit wry, if macabre. ]

On the contrary. Fighting fits my theme perfectly. But by the time someone knows that, they tend to not know it for long.

[ See the unfortunate thing is, when Hannibal is being more honest, that also means hit awful "jokes." I am personally sorry, Percy. Though he does seem amused at his own dark joke, he at least takes the question itself seriously. ]

It wouldn't be my preference. But I may consider it. It only depends on just what the option actually entails. I suppose part of that means I may not know. I would have to talk to the rest of them and know just where I truly stand. I don't imagine all of them will be as calm as you.

Edited 2017-02-23 05:44 (UTC)

[It's...probably a little messed up that his response is to laugh. It's not exactly loud, but noticeable. It's not funny. This isn't funny at all and his mind's completely blank, a twisted sense of humor being his only defense. If he appears calm, he'll be calm. He knows. He knows what that's like, people underestimating him and even while he's thinking, his hand slips into the pockets of his jeans and pulls out...well, a pen. It's to keep his hands busy and mind focused, twirling the pen between his fingers.]

Usually I don't even get a warning, so the heads up is really nice. I'll keep that in mind if I ever need to. [It's clear he doesn't think so. Not yet. He's very protective but he's hoping to negotiate with everyone. There's a quick little nod then.]

I'd have to find out more from Hal I guess. Sometimes I think he just likes messing with me. But...yeah. [He tilts his head back to stare at the ceiling.] Considering the fact that everybody's a little unsure without knowing about the whole serial killer thing, I'm not sure how well that would go just yet. But that's why I want to be a go-between. It's kind of what I do at home, too. I don't know how everyone really feels right now. It's been...an off-week for everyone.

[A quiet noise.] I want to do what's best. But I also want to make sure it's the best for all of us, including the dead.

Edited 2017-02-23 05:53 (UTC)

[ Hannibal is surprised that Percy laughs, but quietly, it sparks just a tiny bit of interest. Or perhaps it's understanding. Briefly, he wonders just what might have happened to Percy Jackson to get him to laugh at that kind of joke, because even with a bit of a dark sense of humor, he's not sure if the young man he was when they first would have.

He's changed.

It's just what Hannibal had hoped, because he had seen potential in that young man willing to dig a grave for a girl while talking about the intentions of the winner of this game. He could become more. Hannibal knew it, and he wanted to see what would happen. He has no illusions that it was his work alone that made this, but he enjoys thinking that he may have had a small hand. Will had commented that Percy had died because of Hannibal's meddling, and though Hannibal had his doubts... Maybe he had. He might have died in the same way Will Graham had.

But naturally, that thought is kept to himself. It's an idle fancy and an interest, because though most would assume that the murders were Hannibal's entertainment, it was in fact this. Watching people change and warp into something they didn't know was possible for themselves was always his greatest pleasure. It's why he had chosen psychiatry instead of surgery. ]

So he did tell you.

[ He speaks to his own "occupation" fist, and his smile quirks with a mild amusement. ]

It was nearly killing him to not be able to tell anyone. He gave many hints. But unfortunately, Will is not the most agreeable man. He becomes Cassandra, in that way. [ Hannibal has to comment on that, since he can't help but find it funny that it was Percy that Will finally told. Considering Hannibal was the one to send Percy to meet Will, it was pleasantly fitting. ] A go-between is acceptable. You hold my secrets, and I hold yours.

[ He nods, but he does add quite sincerely to that last point: ]

I trust that you will do what is best for everyone. I have never doubted that.

[The pen has his focus, twirling one way and then another. This Percy Jackson isn't entirely different from the Percy who arrived, after all. This Percy is just as willing to help and fight for the underdog, work in a team to keep people safe, solve mysteries, solve murders, do what's right and just. Be loyal. But this Percy is also a little more smeared around the edges, the darker parts of his personality brought to life without someone to keep him in check, and with threats over his head. Playing the game isn't wrong if it gets the right ending results. It's how he can justify it. But he has no idea Hannibal's assessing him, and so he gives him a curious look in response.]

Yes. Will and I spoke a lot, actually. [And for the first time in this conversation, a protective sort of edge appears. It's not directly related at Hannibal, but rather it's his own feelings for Will popping up.] It's okay, Dr. Lecter. I already told Will I wouldn't tell anyone else. [A beat.] Please don't hurt him. He just wanted me to understand everything.

[He doesn't understand a lot of it, but he knows a little more than he did weeks before. He believes Will's stories, especially since Hannibal now makes no moves to deny what he is. This, Percy thinks, is the true form of the beast and for a brief moment he wonders if he's playing with fire. But he remains as steadfast as he always has, smirking a bit at the allusion.] ...I understand what that's like, I think. Seeing things in people and other people not believing me. The Mist is really good that way. It can blind people from what's right in front of them no matter what other people say. Will is...complicated, I think. He gets overwhelmed by people. It's why I haven't seen him since Monday. I didn't want to hurt him either.

[So there you go. There's actual fondness there.] Secrets are acceptable so long as I can prepare my troops as best as I can. That said, I will have to let them know that you know now. What they decide to do from there even under my guidance...[He pauses. He's afraid, finally, though not for himself. He's afraid for the people he's come to care greatly for. He promised Will he'd keep things a secret. He knows spilling Hannibal's secrets could also cost them their lives. But if he could take the diplomatic approach with them, too...Greece and Rome. It's just like that, just like bringing the two camps together. He's done this before. He can do it again.

...he bows his head then, the pen stilling as his eyes draw to his lap.]

I'm not accepting any other choice. I have to either win, or get the right person to win so that I can have her back. [And then, quickly:] Everyone deserves to come back, Dr. Lecter. Even the people who asked to die. So...it's why I'm here.

[Hm...] Does it bother you that I'm here talking to you about this?

[ That protective edge isn't missed, but it only sparks another little flicker of amusement on Hannibal's face. It's far from the first time he's seen this from someone else regarding Will Graham, but it's the first time he's seen it here. It tells him far more about what Will had told Percy than anything else, and while Percy's reassurance would be warranted, Hannibal speaks to it smoothly. ]

I'm not going to hurt him, Percy. If I were that concerned about Will sharing my secrets, we wouldn't be having this conversation at all.

[ Which is vague, but intentionally so. It's said so that Percy can fill in the blanks on what Hannibal means based on what he knows and nothing more. But at least even so, Hannibal's reassurance sounds sincere, and he doesn't seem particularly bothered by Percy knowing. On the contrary, it seems like the more Percy reveals that he knows, the more Hannibal relaxes, at least in a way. It's not quite that who he had pretended to be was a fabrication, but it's clear that the worry and concern he had spoken with and projected was.

Though even so, his expression does soften at the topic of Will, and there's a soft, grateful note to Percy's expression as he mentions staying away. Very clearly, the relationship that Will and Hannibal have is a complicated one. Hannibal has often held that there's not a word to truly describe what they are to each other. ]

Very complicated, yes. And so I'm sure he both appreciates and laments your absence. He is fond of you, Percy. He also respects and trust you, otherwise he would not have told you the truth.

[ Hannibal nods as if conceding a point ]

And I do as well. From when we first spoke of who should win, I imagined and hoped that it may be you. That is why you're welcome to tell them. Though I'd ask that you not tell them what Will had shared with you. My life before has little bearing on my actions here. I would prefer that whatever they choose to do is based on that rather than a misplaced sense of vengeance for people they do not know and will never know. That is not their justice to take.

[ There's almost a sense that Hannibal feels that the people he's wronged at "home" do deserve that justice, and yet it's also contradictory. They may deserve it, but he'll do everything he can to evade it. It's why he had mounted a defense for his insanity instead of facing the well-deserved death penalty. When Hannibal died, he wanted it to be exactly when he was ready for it in exactly the way he pictured it. ]

—Though no, it does not. Actually, I enjoy it. I always enjoy conversation over violence, though it's usually at this point that most people forget themselves to rage or disgust. So I welcome this. I can hardly address every concern or question you may have, but most are fine.

[He's still uneasy about it, knowing what Will's told him about Hannibal. Almost subconsciously a hand passes over his stomach, fingers tracing out a pattern of a scar on someone else's body. He doesn't look away though. He can't. He has to face this as head-on as ever.]

That's fair enough. Will knows everything about everyone, and I guess that's why I don't mind him knowing everything about me. [Or nearly everything, it seems. He understands how messed up the relationship between Hannibal and Will is, and while there's injustice to it, abuse in places he doesn't know how to handle, he knows that somehow it's a delicate balance. It's not the same true love that he thought it was upon meeting the pair of them. It's something darker and more cynical that sits uncomfortably in his chest. But...Will keeps Hannibal at bay. And Will's been broken down enough to be okay with it. There isn't much Percy can do but watch from the sidelines.] I respect and trust him, too. Will's...more upfront than a lot of people I know. It's something you come to appreciate after a while.

[He shouldn't be weirdly flattered by this, but he's weirdly flattered by this. The pen in his hand spins again.] I don't think telling them you're a serial killer is a great idea since it'd just be more reason for them to attack without a plan. That's how the Greek army fights, but I need them to think the Roman way to keep them alive. [What.] So...I think that's wise, too. The game here is what's most important. All that I ask in return is that should any of them come to you, you don't tell them what we talked about, too. [A short, humorless smile.] Call it doctor-patient confidentiality.

[There's a sigh then. It's just a conversation. He doesn't mind talking even if not acting makes him nervous again, but not enough to be too incredibly antsy.] Considering the circumstances, Dr. Lecter, in order for me to attack in rage or be disgusted I'd have to do the same to myself. It doesn't matter if my kills were part of a job or because Hal forced me into it. I still could have said no. [But he didn't. He didn't because he knew what was at stake.] I don't like it. I don't usually approve of murdering innocent people? But they'll come back. I'll make sure of it. [A short nod. Yeah. Yeah, they'll be back. But, he perks up just a little.]

I think I'd just...like to know the explanation behind the stocks. Hal told us you have the option to jail people to protect them instead. I'm guessing putting them in the stocks was more for entertainment value for yourself and for Hal's employers. [He sucks in another breath.] But why her?

That he is.

[ Hannibal agrees with a soft laugh in his voice, though it's quite fond. It was one of those odd, funny things because even though Hannibal often despised the rude, his attention had been captured completely by someone who seemed to only know rudeness. But. As much as he would love to talk about Will, he let's the subject drop for now. Percy can return to it if he has questions, and Hannibal has a feeling he may. But because he has questions, it's also a subject that Hannibal wouldn't have any complaints in skirting around.

Though the references to ancient warfare on the level of mythology does get Hannibal's smile to stay. He's always a fan of including them in his own conversations, and so he can appreciate that Percy has the same preference, even if he doesn't fully know why. ]

So indeed. The structure of Rome would suit this better than the passion of Greece. I won't breathe even a hint of it, Percy. It could be confidentiality, but it doesn't need to be so formal. I agree that it's not something that they would take in perspective, if they are who I think.

[ He falls into a silence as he listens, taking in Percy's words again and thinking of how he's changed. He doesn't comment on the blood on Percy's hands, but he does feel a small sense of satisfaction even if he had no role in that whatsoever. He had seen the potential for it, and in what Hannibal enjoys seeing and bringing out in people, he enjoys the fact that it came to fruition. Hannibal almost thinks to speak to reassure Percy that these deaths hardly "matter" in a sense because they aren't permanent, but he reconsiders.

After all, as soon as Percy says "stocks," he can imagine the question that would come with it. He glances to the letters on the table thoughtfully, but his gaze returns to Percy by the time he asks that question. His head cants lightly, and though he could give a more neat, more justified answer, he doesn't.

Percy has earned his honesty, however uncomfortable it may be. ]

I was interested to see what would happen.

[ It's as simple as that, and Percy is unlucky in that he was the only one to catch Hannibal's interest so that he would do so. Every other instance of the stocks' use was far different. Far simpler. But Percy had unfortunately captured Hannibal's attention in a way not unlike Will had when they first met. ]

Through loss, we become more than what we were or we shatter. I wanted to see which it would be for you. Whether you would uphold your ideals of protecting all, of scorning the selfish, or whether they would collapse under the weight of grief. Will thought you would shatter. I think you have become more.

[ And he asks a simple question, though not an easy one: ]

Which do you think you are now, Percy?

[It's just one thing he likes about Will, but even Percy isn't obtuse enough to notice the change in conversation. They can speak of Will more at length later. For now, he realizes that his questions and comments will be given attention. That's enough for him. There's another smile that says Percy is well-aware Hannibal doesn't know this piece of him, the fact that Percy's led Greek armies and Roman armies into battle, how his fighting style works, how the two types of demigods behaved. It's his reality.]

But isn't passion what makes the whole thing move forward? If we were structured and organized, we wouldn't be getting closer to the truth. People want answers. That's why they push on and use it to drive them. [At least, that's how Percy works. He nods in agreement to Hannibal confirming he'll leave the confidentiality in place. But he also doesn't confirm names or anything of the sort.

It's when Hannibal explains about the stocks that his expression shifts to something…less. Less of a smile, less understanding, just a little irritation and anger. Even he and Annabeth were a game to someone. He doesn't like it. He knows better than to outright yell and he keeps his anger in-check, licking his lips and biting his cheek to think clearly. He notices the movement of Hannibal's eyes but he thinks nothing of it. This is about Annabeth. This is about him. This is, he thinks, more important than anything now. To understand.]

…really. [The tone is low, a threat that he could be more but he's keeping himself in check. Attacking Dr. Lecter isn't wise, and he's not even sure he particularly wants to. It's conflicting, given what he knows about Hannibal and Will and Hannibal and Chane and Hannibal in general. His hands curl into fists particularly tight around the pen.] Why. Why us? [Not even me. "Us." He and Annabeth are a unit. Together. He wasn't supposed to lose her, but now that he has this knowledge he knows there's nothing he could have done. This is Luke and the General all over again, luring Annabeth into holding the sky because he knew Percy would come after her. This is fighting the Titan Lord and screaming at him not to touch Annabeth. This is waking up without memories, with only a wolf to tell him his name, with only Annabeth's face in-mind to drive him onward and play right into Hera's hands. This is Tartarus all over again, Percy falling several stories into the darkest parts of the Underworld to follow her so she would never be alone.

But then…Hannibal explains why. His arms shake a little in their effort not to lash out, but he keeps his head bowed for a moment to calm again. Annabeth died because Dr. Lecter wanted to see what would happen. Because Hal suggested her death to Russell. Because Yuna moved the bear trap. Because, because, because. He considers those words for a long time silently…before his head snaps up.]

I'm still alive, aren't I? [It's nearly growled out, but again, he makes no moves to attack. He's furious…but restrained. He hates it. He hates this. It's also not quite an answer. Grief has driven Percy to this place, but the heroic mindset he's been raised with has carried him to justify his actions, to keep others safe, to bring him here to the lair of a monster so willingly.] Shattering means defeat, Dr. Lecter. I'm not going down that easily. Not without getting them back.

[ Hannibal watches that anger grow on Percy's face, and though his reaction isn't impassive, it's hardly anything it should be. He's been amiable, pleasant, and forthcoming enough in this conversation. Even knowing what Hannibal is, his manners still tend to soften him in how people view him. You can know what he is. But it is another thing entirely to know Hannibal, because that means you have to experience moments like this. It's only in this that people understand why Hannibal was exactly the kind of creature that no psychiatrist could classify.

After all, it wasn't killing that made the Devil dangerous.

Though his expression stays the same—polite and inquisitive—the corners of Hannibal's eyes shift up slightly in a tiny smile. He doesn't delight in Percy's anger, but he's glad to see it. It tells him without waiting for the answer to his own question that he was right. Percy has hardly shattered, at least so far as Hannibal would describe it. ]

It was not only you.

[ That's his first comment given quite simply, because Percy was hardly the only person he was playing this kind of game with. Someone had once called friendship with Hannibal blackmail elevated to the level of love. If he had heard it, he would agree completely. Percy was not alone in receiving Hannibal's attention here, though he had arguably suffered the most because of it.

Though even as Percy shakes from his anger, Hannibal leans forward. He's clearly not afraid, though Hannibal never is. His voice is calm, cool, but firm. It's not quite the tone of a psychiatrist, but there's an emotion in Hannibal's voice that's light, but difficult to place. It almost seems like pride. ]

Good. So long as you continue to struggle, you'll still persevere. This loss will not define or defeat you, will it?

[ It's a rhetorical question, because he continues after only a short pause. ]

—Though, if it provides anything further, I will say I had nothing to do with the fact she died. My place starts and ends at selection. I do not meddle any more than that.

[Annabeth has always been the one to help control Percy's anger. His tendency is to lash out and strike, fight without control, attack what needs to be attacked. It's impressive even to him that he doesn't lunge out of his seat to punch the doctor square in the face. Granted, it doesn't help that Hannibal remains calm. It pisses him off to no-end, but Percy knows his hands are tied. If he attacks, he'll die. If he dies, the others will react and it'll start the cycle all over again.

The smile is infuriating, but he keeps himself in check, keeping the others in mind.]

That's a first. [And yet…that's fair. Knowing it wasn't just him isn't that assuring, but it puts things into perspective. The fact that Hannibal leans forward doesn't bother him either. One might think he'd lean back, but he doesn't. He stays right where he is, eyes burning fiercely in a glare but…still listening. The tone doesn't escape him, but he doesn't know how to handle it.

So. He channels it into annoyance.]

Gee, thanks. That's exactly how I want to keep going. Struggling. [But there's a pause.] I have bigger wars I have to keep moving toward. This is just another battle I'm going to win. [With that, though, he rolls his eyes to the ceiling so he doesn't have to face him.]

But yeah, I heard. Hal gave Russell the opportunity, he took it. [A beat.] And I heard that Chane's the reason you found out it was Russell and why you put him in the stocks as well. Is there a pattern? Or whatever seems most interesting?

[ The sarcasm only gets Hannibal's smile to quirk a bit more in amusement, though it's short-lived. It only lasts as he sits back again, because leaning forward was only to emphasize his words. With his point made and Percy responding in a way that Hannibal seems to find acceptable, he relaxes again as easily as if this were a much less loaded conversation. Though for Hannibal, it is. ]

That is the point of view I had hoped you would take away.

[ Why, he doesn't elaborate, but there way not really be one. Or at least, not a satisfying one. His whims were reason enough. That may become clearer as Hannibal explains the rest of the stocks. ]

That's true for the most part. I told Chane of my role, and I allowed her to choose for me that week. She chose Russell to tie up loose ends. It was fitting, since I helped her dispose of every other piece of evidence. I already knew it was Russell that killed Annabeth. [ He inclines his head to Percy lightly. ] Will always knows. I have never known during a trial. But after, I know.

[ Though that's not the point here, and he doesn't even miss a beat before continuing. Even if that point would be frustrating, it's clearly not what Hannibal finds interesting. ]

It's neither a pattern or what interests me. Each case has been different from the last. Sometimes it was for interest. For others, it is because I took issue with them. [ He pauses, considering which one to pick, then nods. ] Jason, for example. His suggestion for the town's name was juvenile, but I could hardly object. The stocks were my way to express my frustration.

Edited 2017-02-24 00:36 (UTC)

Dr. Lecter, I'm a hero. [Flatly. So flatly. It's not even in the bright and sparkly way others here have called themselves a hero. It's bone-weary, tired and matter-of-fact. It's someone else's words weighing him down like a heavy crown.] I don't really get a choice in my point of view at this point. [He breathes deeply though, twirling the pen once more.]

You chose to trust Chane. Why is that? [A frown.] You helped her with…Lust? Or something else. [He bites his lip.] I knew Will was telling you everything from the moment you told me you knew about Ezio. But I promised Will I wouldn't tell anybody he knew these things.

[This time…he just stares for a moment.] You know they're people, right? My old counselors used to tell me to hold my breath and count to ten when I got frustrated. [A twitch of a smile. That, clearly, never worked for him.] And I'm gonna guess there's not a lot of regret behind what's happened to those people?

[ Hannibal's expression briefly shows a bit of doubt at Percy's statement, though he doesn't challenge him on it. It's just an odd thing to hear, because heroism, myth, and all of the ideals that Hannibal genuinely admires as a reality for Percy. They're only a fiction for Hannibal, and so for someone to call themselves a hero is still odd. He had accepted Yuna's proclamations without comment, though he had found them a bit presumptuous, but Percy's tired, world-weary tone gets him to at least believe it a bit more. Though he does think that the idea that Percy doesn't get a choice in it is a bit unfair.

He's not really inclined to speak about heroism, though. It's a subject that is a counterpoint to him, and so he answers the question instead. The answer itself is... Probably more simple than Percy would expect. ]

She asked for my help. [ A pause, and then: ] Will's, technically. But he volunteered my assistance. Because she asked, I knew I could trust her. If she chose to betray us, then it would have been unwise.

[ Even in those casual words, there's a sinister edge, because the implication is clear. Hannibal wouldn't have been satisfied with letting Chane take him down, even if she were to come with him. So they had kept each others' secrets, and Hannibal felt secure enough in that. ]

My poster is completely accurate, I find. "Complete and utter hedonism"— It's a succinct summation, and too succinct, in truth. And hedonism is living without regret. [ Hannibal pauses. It's a longer pause, and a thoughtful one, but again, he decides to give honesty. It's not quite what Percy was asking, since it's vague, but it's meant only to hint at an explanation. ] I have only regretted one thing in my life, Percy. I chose to abandon the concept of regret after. So, no, I do not regret it. I never will.

[It's nice that he doesn't argue. Percy likes when people just accept these things since after six weeks, maybe it doesn't matter so much. Instead, he finds himself latching onto Hannibal's facts and descriptions.]

Because if she chose to betray you, she would have betrayed herself. Revealing that you helped her would be showing her own hand and that itself wouldn't have been too smart. [Though, the tone suggests something further.] And if she had to ask for help, there's really no way she could have taken you and Will on alone. She's pretty strong though. She almost broke my wrist once.

[An exaggeration. But anyway.]

The posters are about half right half the time. I started rereading my own this week for obvious reasons. I can think of pretty much everything it lists, but I'm gonna be honest with you, I didn't know what hedonism was. [That sounds more like an Annabeth word. Though living without regret...] And whatever you regret must have been pretty bad to get rid of the whole idea. [He wants to ask. But he also wants to live? Tough choices.] ...I don't know what happens now. If they don't come after you, do you just keep waiting?

And that is why I offer my help to anyone that requests it. I have no problem providing it. But they will be bound by my secrets as much as they are bound by theirs.

[ The way he talks about it, it's clear this isn't the first time something like this has happened, though it's only happened once here. Truth be told, there was also far more freedom here in this respect. The threat of the secrets being discovered here actually didn't hold quite as much weight as it did at home for Hannibal. The threats here were concrete, but they were short-term. Betraying Hannibal's secrets normally would mean that even if you lived, your life would be ruined beyond repair.

His smile quirks as Percy confesses that he hadn't known what hedonism was, but... In truth, that suited Hannibal just fine. Even when people had asked, he hadn't really cared for how he had needed to allude to it being a particular part of hedonism to get people to stop asking. Even if he revelled in pleasure, that didn't exactly make it a topic for polite company. Though the smile falls, and again thoughtful, he offers: ]

—Perhaps I will tell you. If Will and I are able to go to Cuba, I will. We will never see each other again, after all.

[ There's a certainty in that, because if Hannibal and Will do return home, they'll cease to exist, in a way. They'll be reborn into a completely different life, because that's what it takes to run from what they've done. Hannibal truly never wants to see anyone he has known again if that happens. It includes everyone here. But the offer, though serious, goes without further elaboration. He looks to Percy again, drawn out of that pensive thought, and he nods. ]

That is my plan. The Sheriff did not ask me to kill this week, so I will not. I'll continue in my role, since I don't think it's wise for me to refuse. We will see. If you can broker a sort of peace- [ His smile quirks again wryly ] -a ceasefire of sorts? I will attend to discuss what's to be done.

I think that's fair enough. [A deal with the Devil...Percy's made some shady deals in his life and he's done some shady things. This is a little more than usual, but he can absolutely understand such a thing. Secrets are dangerous, but they're really good leverage. His own secrets are why he's here now. He and Hannibal have something in common, and though he doesn't believe they're for the same reasons, he still wonders if anyone will be able to separate the two.

He blinks in surprise because he hadn't been expecting that. He thinks better of saying that throwing yourself in the ocean isn't going to Cuba.] Only tell me what you think is necessary. Everything so far has been helpful. But...you're sure about that? That people will never see each other.

[He lets that thread go.] Hal didn't assign anybody to me this week either, but I'm not off the hook yet either. [He appears bright-eyed at the idea though.] If I can get our side to work with you and not outright attack, you mean. But wouldn't that also mean outing all of them to you?

[ He nods to the idea of sharing that truth, because even what he does say will be incredibly brief. No more than a sentence. It's a fact that Hannibal has shared with very few people, but each time, it's become a much shorter story. By now, he needs only to say just who the first person he ate was, and the rest can fall into place in peoples' minds. He's lost interest in saying any more than that. ]

No. I imagine that other people may see each other. There have been bonds forged here, even if they're forged in tragedy. I mean to say that none of you will ever see Will and I again if we can help it. Either we perish or we disappear in the world. We're a bit too infamous for anything else at this point.

[ Which explains that conflict at least neatly enough. Even without knowing what Will told Percy in full, the fact that Percy knows that they're not only murderers but serial killers should explain the distinction well enough. If they're every recognized, it would put them at risk. They deserve it, certainly, but Hannibal won't allow it to happen so easily. ]

It would, yes. That is the risk you take. [ He inclines his head lightly with a smile, since it refers back to the original point they had started on. ] But I take one just as much. We will hold each others' secrets. Though at this point, does it really matter? There are so few of us left that I imagine by next week it would be quite easy to guess who is who. It's almost so now.

[For now it doesn't seem important. Instead, he focuses on the here and now.]

...if you're wanted for being a serial killer and Will as an accomplice or whatever, I think I get it. I sometimes forget not everyone can breathe at the bottom of the ocean. But after that, wouldn't you start a new life? Rebirth. Maybe that's only in our version of the world.

[Percy, stop talking.] While it's a risk I think is worth it, I don't know how I'm going to convince everybody else to listen. There's only fourteen of us left, and with four of the roles left that's still half of us with titles. Wouldn't it depend on who, exactly, is left next week?

[ He nods again, though there is a touch of wryness creeping back into his smile. ]

Regardless, it will be new. So, yes. It will be our new life. And with any luck, it will be a quieter one.

[ It's not as if Hannibal will ever truly stop what he does, but... He is likely to slow down, at least. The idea of taking a few years' "break" isn't such a bad one. ]

That is unfortunately the challenge. I would offer my help, but- [ He shrugs ] Ultimately, that too is the problem. It does depend on who remains. Perhaps those that do will be more amenable to the idea. Or perhaps it will not matter. We can hardly know now, admittedly.

For your sake and everyone else's, I hope so. [Please stop killing people, just a thought. It's a nice dream.]

...so what are you saying, that by next week we'll have a better idea of who's willing to work with each other to figure things out? What if that's a week too late?

[ He will! For a few years!! ]

Then that is the way it will be. Rather unfortunately. But I imagine what will come to pass this week is already decided. I made my selection for who will end up in the stocks already, for example. Though I cannot be sure, I believe everything else has probably also been decided at this point.

[ He shrugs, then adds: ]

—Friday, perhaps. That would be a good time to begin.

[That's scary. But he won't ask Hannibal who he chose or why he thinks everything's set. Instead...he nods.]

Friday. On Friday, it's the beginning of the end, isn't it? Friday will be the start of a new trail to follow. Something like that?

Essentially. I believe we can set events into motion to end all of this starting then.

[ Because he knows, of course. Hannibal always seems to know, and that's something that people have always found more than a little unsettling about Hannibal Lecter. It's part of what made people wonder if he was more (or less, depending on your take) than human. He seemed to have an uncanny ability to find things out and hold onto them, only revealing what he knows when it amuses him to do so.

So, he will die this week. He knows it as a near-certainty, because he knows someone is coming to kill him, and the only way he would survive that encounter would be to kill them himself. He will try, of course. But he will not succeed. Yet even knowing that, he says this, because he also knows he'll be right.

Come Friday, it will be the beginning of the end. With or without him. ]

That covers the practical, I imagine. Was there anything else you wanted to ask me, Percy?

[He doesn't like how ominous it sounds. Percy feels that perhaps there's something greater he's missing here, another cosmic joke he's unaware of, but what else is new these days? The end would normally make him a little apprehensive, but not now. Not knowing the things he does, not hearing these things.

There's still time to hope, he thinks.]

...I don't think so. That's pretty much everything I wanted to ask and you've answered everything in the same way you always do. I appreciate it.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

So I guess that's a step in the right direction, clever composition in the honesty [W6, Wednesday]

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