Just try and sit back, get my palette wet, getting mentally prepared for the consequences [W4, Fri]

[hydrokinetics]

[It's some time after the investigation that Percy finds himself making rounds and checking on those he hasn't yet. He knows Yuna's in good hands, as is Xion, and that takes some weight off of him. He finds that he's restless though, frustrated that somehow something like this happened again under their noses.

It's why he finds Barnham in the hall holding a towel, and he tilts his head carefully. There's a box in his arms and Mrs. O'Leary's at his feet, barking cheerfully at the man who helped save her.

Percy, on the other hand, seems a little bummed to see Barnham's demeanor.]

Mr. Barnham? [Just a tentative address, just to see how Barnham's really holding up.]

Comments

[moraled]

Indeed.

[STOP. JUDGING.]

If I fear anything, it is that she will then proceed to harangue me for the rest of our time here, though I am perfectly fine!

[hydrokinetics]

[He's a 16 year old boy, why wouldn't he judge this?]

Usually people who're fine don't aimlessly wander around with towels. [A shrug.] It could be worse…when I met Annabeth, I woke up in the Big House after killing a minotaur and all she did was tell me I drooled in my sleep before she ran away and made me chase after her.

[Women are scary, the end.] If you won't talk to Sara, talk to somebody else? That's all I'm suggesting.

[moraled]

[Stop that.

He sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose, and finally opens up the gatorade.]

I shall... see to doing what I-- [can.

Except then he tries the gatorade.

And he's from a medieval canon where all they drink is like...water, milk, beer??? The mix of sugar and everything else in this is overpowering and he chokes for a moment.

Aaaaaaaaa.]

What in the blazes is this?

[??!???!]

[hydrokinetics]

[How unfortunate that Percy's only response is to start cracking up.]

It's called Gatorade. It's something from our world, it's supposed to help replenish electrolytes and stuff? For energy. And since you guys soaked in corpse water and then probably took a long bath to sweat the stuff out…[A shrug.] Present from Annabeth, I think.

[Sorry about his everything, Barnham.]

[moraled]

[jfc you're a punk and he should kick your ass. He sets it aside with a wrinkled nose.]

It is disgusting.

[SO MUCH SUGAR.]

Is everything in your world as sweet as this?

[Still... he won't...toss it out. If it was Annabeth who got them the gatorade.]

[hydrokinetics]

[:)]

Not everything. Some of the other drinks in the box are just normal juices. [You know. The box in his lap that he's been carrying around.] It's an acquired taste, but you get used to it. I just got used to it after swimming.

[moraled]

[Percy.........]

... I suppose if it is for the better to drink it, I shall do so.

[Grimacing all the way.]

[hydrokinetics]

[A shrug.]

Believe it or not, sometimes sugar actually helps. Besides the whole sports drink replenishing thing, it's comforting in a weird way. Does that make any sense?

[...so yeah, he's just genuinely trying to help even if he's enjoying giving Barnham shit.]

[moraled]

[Percy is a good soul.]

There is very little like this in my world, but...

Ah, I suppose you are right. It may well be.

[He doesn't indulge much but... whatever, he'll take another tentative sip of the gatorade.]

[hydrokinetics]

[He's pretty pleased with himself at least...]

...this place is pretty backwards from what I'm used to, but it's a little easier to deal with the more I realize other people are just as confused. Gives people something to bond over or whatever, and that'll make us a stronger force in trials. I like to think of it that way so that I don't get lost.

[Why he's saying this, who knows.] We'll do better tomorrow. Just for that reason alone.

[moraled]

[... Hm.]

An interesting viewpoint.

Though it is not one I can necessarily deny.

[So quietly, he nods.]

... I shall hope that you are correct. For the sake of finding the truth tomorrow... I hope you are correct, Young Percy.

[hydrokinetics]

[He nods as well.]

And if we don't find the truth tomorrow, that doesn't mean we won't find it. I know we will. There are too many of us who refuse to give up. But...will you be okay?

[moraled]

I am fine, I assure you.

[Percy...]

I am not an Inquisitor simply for the sake of a fancy title.

[He can handle this.]

[hydrokinetics]

[Just making sure!]

I won't lie to you, sir, but I don't exactly know what the difference between an Inquisitor and a prosecutor or any other kind of legal. I've never really dealt with that branch of the law. But I suppose I can take your word for it now that it's been five minutes. [That is to say, Barnham did as asked and Percy is good on his word. He won't force him to rest longer than he feels he wants to, but he's hoping he'll make the choice himself.]

[moraled]

[... Ah Percy.]

All you need to know is that it is my duty to protect others from the dangers they may face, while bringing those who would cause harm to them to justice.

Something such as this... shall not break me.

[HE WON'T LET IT.

At least he'll stay until he finishes his gatorade though.]

[hydrokinetics]

That's all I ask. And that you let some of us sometimes protect you from the dangers you may face. None of us are invincible anymore, Mr. Barnham. Just a thought.

[But that's all he can ask and he's happy he'll finish the Gatorade? It makes him feel like he actually didn't fuck up trying.] …thank you for what you did today though.

[moraled]

[... Ugh, Percy. Percy!! He makes for good points, but--]

What sort of knight requires protection?

[THAT'S HIS JOB... it's just a mutter, though, and then he turns his attention to Percy's statement.

???]

Pardon? I do not recall doing anything worthy of thanks.

[hydrokinetics]

I don't know, what kind of hero needs it? [...spoilers: he's the hero. Just trust him on this.]

You stayed with Papika and helped her with the investigation. I'm pretty sure that's worthy.

[moraled]

[... percy it's kind of gauche to call yourself a hero.]

... Naturally, I did that. Any soul with common decency would. A young girl like her should not have to deal with crime scenes at all, much less by herself.

[hydrokinetics]

[Blame the gods, Barnham.]

As you can tell, there are a few people here that don't have common decency given the state of affairs. So it's still worth saying. [A pause.] She's kind of important to me now, Mr. Barnham. I want to keep her as safe as possible.

[moraled]

... Is that so?

[Percy is such a bleeding heart.]

It is my duty to protect innocents, over all else, Young Percy.

I shall never give up on this duty, no matter what.

[hydrokinetics]

Yes. [Leave him alone, he's Trying.] I...there are a few people here I can't let down, sir. It's not what I'm supposed to do. Our job as heroes is to protect people, too.

[But he gives Barnham a curious look.] ...can I ask you something?

[moraled]

[He tilts his head slowly, but otherwise only nods.]

What is it?

[hydrokinetics]

If a person were coerced into something that went against their duty and they went along with it anyway, do you think that person would be a bad person? [It's a hypothetical question, but one he's been thinking about recently. Especially now that there's Bandits running around.] Or if a person had a part to play in this game. Something like that.

[moraled]

[... That is a question that concerns him a little, admittedly. His brow furrows a little as he contemplates that, entirely seriously.

... hm.]

...At that point, I believe it goes beyond "good person" or "bad person". Then... it is a matter of values. If they are frightened into going against their duty... that is regrettable.

[...]

Truly regrettable. Whether they are at fault for that... I cannot say. It is not my right to judge one who was in a situation such as that.

For me, my duty is...what I place above all else. However... I cannot expect the same from someone who has not taken the same oaths I have.

[He frowns a little.]

I fear that is not much of an answer. My apologies.