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]

[... 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.

[hydrokinetics]

It's okay. It's answer enough. [There's a little smile.] I guess with everything going on and all of the people dying, and with the Bandits out there, I was wondering. That's all.

I don't think I'm ever going to understand people that do things like this.

[moraled]

[... Well.]

Nor do I. But we must remember--much like Miss Tiara... they were likely in a situation where they felt refusing to be less of an option than retaining their honor.

... I cannot say I entirely understand it myself. For me, duty is to be placed above all else.

But it is... a possibility.

[hydrokinetics]

[A slow nod follows. He's been in positions like that back home, but somehow he's always managed to choose to do what's right. But people here...aren't like him, are they? Him or Barnham. It's a lot to think about.]

It all comes back to being the Sheriff's fault for getting people in these situations in the first place. [He shrugs again.] Never mind. It's not really that important until we get into the trial tomorrow, I think. Maybe we'll have better luck like we did after Manfred was killed.

[Yeah this is no longer helping, is it.]

[moraled]

"Better luck"... Pah.

[He hates having to depend on luck, and yet he knows...]

I suppose...that is the best we can hope for indeed.

[hydrokinetics]

[It's unfortunate he's a protag and luck is how he rolls.]

It will get better. Especially if we start watching people more closely. [He looks at the ceiling.] ...what else can I do? [The "for you" goes unsaid.]

[moraled]

I do not require anything else, Young Percy.

[He seems amused, at least, by the offer.]

I am quite satisfied by what you have done for me as it is. Do not concern yourself overly much with it--as much as your bleeding heart shall allow, at least.

[hydrokinetics]

[He actually looks embarrassed about being called on it, blinking in surprise and trying a few sentences and failing.]

I don't have a bleeding heart. [And his favorite color isn't blue, clearly.] I just...you know. [He had concerns.] But I get it. I'll do what I can.

[moraled]

[He just...has a bleeding heart?? Uh huh, okay, Percy.]

... Though I shall thank you for your assistance even so. And... for the drink, as well.

[Even though it was disgusting.]

[hydrokinetics]

Anytime. There's more stuff where that came from. [Another shake of the box.]

...should I leave you alone for now then? [Since Barnham seems to be Okay.]

[moraled]

[Eeeurgh...]

I hope you shall not be offended if I do not take you up on that offer.

[No more gatorade.]

... You may do as you please, however. You are not such terrible company that I shall send you away, Young Percy.

[hydrokinetics]

There's other stuff in the box besides Gatorade, Mr. Barnham. [But he's amused nevertheless. He nods though...and settles back in the couch.]

Good to know. Maybe I'll just...hang out here for a while then. If that's okay. [They can brood in silence if Barnham wants, Percy's good at brooding sometimes.]

[moraled]

Indeed.

[It's fine, Percy, you're fine!!

They can hang out in brooding silence, until--]

... Answer a question for me, if you will.

[hydrokinetics]

[Brooding and staring into space seems good, but he turns his head when Barnham speaks again.]

What's up?

[moraled]

[...]

What is it you are fighting for, Young Percy?