dev 1 - crime and consequence

Midas paces over towards the table upon their arrival, extends his right foot forward and pulls a stool under himself, sitting down afterwards. He slowly drags himself along with the chair forward and places his hands on the table.

"Right-.. Nerin, why don't you start off, you're better at explaining your end I'd just butcher it, since Zula missed pretty much everything last time." he says, opting out to chill for now as he gathers his thoughts from the previous meeting.
(Midas)

A brief nod is given to Midas; of all things, it's probably for the better if he actually explains it, considering he's the one who brought up the issue of having to practice on someone with Biomancy.

"Well, you see.."

"I already told you that I'm a budding Biomancer, right? I was practicing as much as I could, but it's just not enough; I'm almost a full-fledged doctor too, mind you - and that's where I try and study human anatomy and whatnot."

"But actually using human body as a canvas for practice is.. a lot better when you compare it to some animals."

A pause, and he elaborates further- cutting straight to the point, knowing that Zula doesn't like beating around the bush.

"We were going to kidnap some non-magi from the Slums, so I could experiment on them. This will bolster my effectiveness a lot, and it'll let me study much faster too. I'll be able to get pretty far."

"The plan was to disguise our appearances and do so during the night. We'd knock some drunkard or someone vulnerable, then drag them off - we'll make our escape over the river, then dash to the wilds. I could begin conducting experiments in the swamps."

"We'll need some simple masks, dark cloaks, and good timing for it."

Of course, the elaborations of details would follow - but he lets Zula get the gist of it before any of that is made.
(Nerin)

Zus kicks the door open! "Guess who's cadet now?!"
(Zus)

Midas looks over his shoulder as Zus enters, arching an eyebrow.
(Midas)


Midas asks, "Huh?"
A squint. Just as he was explaining all of those things...

"Oh. Congratulations, Zus! I'm proud of you."

Though, for the most part, his gaze remains locked onto Zula. After all, they had something to discuss.
(Nerin)


Midas asks, "Cadet for what? I'm not familiar. Is it something big?"

Zus says, "Path to become Knight, brother."

Midas exclaims, "Ah, like our neighbours!"

Midas says, "Actaeon should introduce you to them, we've got good relations set up."

Midas says, "Helping hand wouldn't hurt your chances on the rise up."

Midas says, "Everyone needs friends."

Zus says, "Niceee."
You have entered private mode, your last white-text and RP will not be visible to others.

Zazulazona narrows her eyes. Seated at the table, she'd have some sort of eerie feeling to the whole endeavor, as she has been wondering what the fuss was about for quite some time now. She'd look over to Midas and Nerin, a stern and focused gaze as they explain to her what they've been cooking up.

"I think I've gathered something from Acta..-- Something about armor, and the like." She'd raise an eyebrow however, a sceptic gaze evident on her visage.

"So basically, you're trying to get some practical practice in, but ofcourse it requires some poor oaf to be your little guinea pig. Understandable, but I do wonder where it falls on your moral compass. We're practically from the slums. Would you like to get swooped up by someone out of random to be poked and prodded. I think not." she'd exclaim, her arms now crossed over one another.

"I find it amusing you immediately assume I would be okay with such things, let alone be involved or guilty by association." She added, her gaze now wandering between the two of them.

Her head is then turned towards Zus, caught off guard by his sudden entry.

"Oh, eh, hey!" she quickly said, gathering herself for the moment. "Congratulations! I guess." she'd add, having little sympathy for authority figures. Perhaps a result of their poor life, being left to the slums while the high-born enjoy lush lived, including the knights.
(Zazulazona)

Zus nods.
(Zus)


Zus says, "Just takin' food in kitchen, and bye. Work to do."

Zus exclaims, "See ye!"
He turns following Zus' departure, it was evident he wasn't keen on spreading word of this further than he's comfortable with. Midas drags his hands off the table, placing them in his lap as the begins to fiddle with his thumbs, shifting his views between Nerin and Zula.

"Damn, so judgmental. Nobody is assuming anything, wasn't expecting you to take it like this though, simply put there's no way around it. Either he spends his entire life playing with rats or it's some waste of space going to meet Azrael for a good cause." he says, his dreams of having four arms currently up in the air. The wings too. A slight pout creeps onto his face.
(Midas)

A shake of his head is given.

"No, Zula. We do not assume that; if you want out of it, then it's your choice - we respect you enough to actually tell you what's going on, but we aren't going to stop you or blame you if you'd decide to not involve yourself at all."

That much is true, however, he did need guinea pig; practicing on the animals can only get you so far. If he keeps doing it, then.. he might as well never make the breakthrough he always wanted to.

"And... no. I've thought about it too, Zula - I'm not some psychopath to just not care at all." He sighed deeply, if only to exclaim further- his arms crossing over his chest.

"...It's just, you can't make omelettes without cracking some eggs."

The harsh truth of life. Some people just die- whether it's from the knife of a mugger in the slums, or upon the experimentation table of Nerin, it makes little difference in the end.

"--What Midas said, however."

"As unfortunate as it is to me, I'll spend years upon years practicing with animals - and probably get nowhere. Or.. I could take someone who would die anyway; perhaps, someone sickly and old, or an actual.." A pause. It's not even comfortable to refer to them that way, but he didn't wish to feel empathy for them. ".. waste of space."

"It's needed, Zula. It's needed for what I wish to achieve."
(Nerin)

Zazulazona scoffs, shaking her head in response as well. Clearly not seeing the logic in his arguments. She'd also endeavor to make that clear;

"The ends don't justify the means. And it's easy to say you have no other choice, while if you were in your victim's shoes, you'd certainly not enjoy it. I'm not judging, you can do what you want. But trying to involve me in your little spiral down madness is not something you should automatically assume as a reality." she'd explain.

"Regardless of having no other choice. There are other ways. You think doctors pick up people from the street to randomly cut open? No. They wait until someone is actually in need of said help. And they take the chance when no other remedy is present. That's how they improve."

"Nonetheless, it's also risky, and if you're found out. You'll endanger us all. Did you even consider that?"
(Zazulazona)

He could tell why exactly Zula would treat it that way- if anything, he realizes that it's bad, and any further pressure is only revealing to be that much.

"--Then what do you suggest?"

"I understand that for the victim it's not going to be pleasant, but what would you personally suggest that we do?" There's a pause, his eyes clearly darting at her, as if expecting an answer.

"Biomancy isn't exactly a doctor's Art. It's about changing the body on a radical level - and while it can heal too, I'll make mistakes."

"You seem to assume that I'm going to kill someone by default, that I'm going to cut them open like some madman and cackle while I do that. No, Zula, that's not the case here."

Another pause, and he continues.

"The case is the fact that I'd most likely make mistakes while making various alterations that do not hurt people by default; it's precisely these mistakes that I'm afraid of, that they can cripple someone as result."

"Dead bodies won't do either, I already know that much- and I already told you that I'd rather pick out someone sickly and old, who'd die anyway - either Biomancy miraculously cures them, or they die a little sooner."

"What other alternative do you have, Zula?"

It may sound irate, but.. it almost echoes with a hint of desperation. Almost as if he wishes she could actually say something that'd indeed work - yet deep inside, he feels as if she won't.

Perhaps, she'd prove him wrong.
(Nerin)

Midas begins running both his palms down his face, Actaeon was able to click as easy as that, what was different when it came to Zula?

"Well we can do mental gymnastics all we want, but when getting down to brass tacks, these are our options. It's not like we're going out to perform necromancy or sacrifice people. What Nerin gains for this is bigger, beyond us, and beyond morals. Do you think those uppity jester ass motherfuckers in their stupid castle give two shits about any of this? One could guess what the fuck they're doing. Why just sit back and let them shaft us forever. To hell with it I say.

I mulled it over, I'm not scared, I don't plan on living like an outcast in the swamp. Do you see how they look at us? I can't even use my magic, and I'm supposed to follow their laws. Fuck 'em." he says as he slams his fist on the table. This subject was obviously touchy as it hit too close for him.

"You know, they want us to register? We're a danger to society apparently."
(Midas)

"There's a difference between doing it to people that have ill-will towards us, than someone without magic from the slums. Those people already are leading a hard life by being in the slums AND without magic." she'd state.

"Imagine trying to get by, literally eating the dirt from the floor. Then at the end of your life you'll be experimented on by some youth that just wants to practice their magic. Do you realize how that will make you look? You'll be identical to the uppity nobles that spit on us. Instead, you'll be spitting even further down." she'd state.

"And not to mention, if they even survive. They'll be what? Crippled for life? Which in itself means they will most likely die from hunger. So you're basically killing some poor sod down in the slums. Did you even consider that? I think not." she says, pausing for a moment.

"There is no justification. Period. You should understand that. Because I'm quite sure you're not seeing them as actual people, but random constructs to be used for your convenience, purely because you wish to get stronger."
(Zazulazona)

He didn't like any of it. Not one bit.

To be poked and prodded at like this.. especially after all the things he's been told at the display of his magic- all the stares given to him; like he's some sort of freak who doesn't even deserve proper recognition, even if it was for the greater good in the end. To think that those that live off their wealth would still keep themselves shielded away, even when presented with the proof that he's gotten this far..

They might as well caused it.
For they never gave what he asked for.

"This isn't the way you think it is!" There's an evident slam against the table with his fist- he clearly grows irate by these accusations, by the way he puts it.

"WHAT do you suggest we do, then?! Just continue scurrying around like some rats? Never making it to the top, never achieving our dream?"

This clearly has gotten to him. So much so, that he rises from the table, his stare pointed down to Zula- even if it's filled with irritation and anger, it's not necessarily directed at Zula. No, not her at all - she's practically a medium to this, a voice of reason that tries to justify the morality.

It's at himself.

"I see them as actual people, dammit!" he huffs out, venting his frustration as he speaks. "It's... it's difficult, can't you see? Can't you realize that it's rough to try and get by with practice on animals alone?"

"Don't you understand how difficult it is, to see them.. look down on you, every single day, when the opportunity is right there - and someone is telling you that you're evil for it?"

"I'm not... I just want my family to be better off, Zula. I just want all of you to have a better life."

At that point, he quiets down a little, realizing the outburst he's just had; steadily, he takes a seat again, the pensive expression taking dominance over his countenance. Quietly, he sighs.

"I just want a better life... what other alternatives are there?"

Spoken in the quiet, albeit upset manner.
(Nerin)

This was turning into an emotional drain. He places his right elbow on the table and slumps his face into his palm, providing some support. It was easy to speak from a high moral pedestal, even though they all came from the same hole in the ground, though it's a whole other thing when you receive the ire of everyone around you for what you were able to do, probably why he was able to sympathize so closely with Nerin's case.

"If we end up missing an opportunity for Nerin to get better, which in turn will make everything else a breeze in our lives, we will remain bottom feeders, chopping trees till our hands fall off until someone picks us up for an experiment. I've heard the rumors about the disappearances. I wont be someone's prey, there's just very little wiggle room.

If you have any ideas for an alternative, I'm all ears, otherwise we wont force you to go along. We just sat down to clear the air, that's all." his voice trails off, his thoughts clearly in disarray.
(Midas)

Her chosen-brother snapping at her didn't phase her the least beat. Her attunement with the earth and since recently, also the very metals within said earth, were in a parallel with her steel-cold stoicism, staring down Nerin as he has his little hissy fit.

"Sit down, brother, and stop acting like you're the victim here. Same for you Midas. You both know damn well what kind of world this is. And I'm growing tired of seeing you both trying to justify all of this." she'd state, crossing her arms as she sits in the chair.

"I've known you long enough to know this is just a grab at power. By any means necessary. And I understand it, sure, but I won't be a part of using the weak and innocent as guinea pigs. You can do what you want, if you want to go down that path." another statement made, her demeanor slowly growing ever more distant over time, distancing herself from the endeavor altogether mentally.

"But if you so wish to have my guidance on the matter. The simple matter will be; experiment on those who deserve it. Thieves, bandits, people that, just like you in this scenario, hurt others for personal gain. Because that's what it is. Don't get it twisted."
(Zazulazona)

When Zula finishes her speech, in the end, all he can do is muster a clear huff; his arms still crossed while he's seated, and the shake of his head is made.

"..I'm not trying to become a victim here, or be one."

"I'm tired of having others look down upon me. I'm tired of living this way. I'm tired of all of this - and our family deserves much more." Even if they didn't agree with him, he still saw it that way.

"If you think that I'm apparently some psychopath to just kidnap people for sheer power grab alone, then by all means, keep believing that - but there's only so much of opportunity that can be done."

His arms steadily cross. Though.. at the mention of bandits and thieves? It's something that can be done- something that he's planned all along, except he didn't exactly spot that many so far. Not with the recent crackdown that First Light had on theslums.

"That was the second option."

"An option I've considered, unless we fail it entirely. I'd... rather go with that, anyhow. Midas here suggested it as well - do it on someone who's clearly a waste of space, someone who doesn't deserve peaceful living."

"Someone wicked." Like him.. according to her, at least.

"I suppose.. we'll focus on that, then."
(Nerin)

Midas simply shrugs, taking the cold words of Zula in stride, while the idea of taking on actual scum held some virtue, it potentially involved too many variables to execute without something going seriously wrong. What if that exact person ended up being with the Syndicate? A disaster in the making.

"Nobody is playing the victim, I'm simply presenting my reasoning, however morally corrupt it might be in your eyes, and it's for the collective gain, not personal, don't give me a cold shoulder as if you're already on a castle's terrace with prince charming. We're trying to talk it over to come to the best conclusion for everyone involved. If you're all too high above it, I'll do it myself and you can sleep easy on your pillow of fake ideals." he pauses as Nerin interjects, bringing up the topic of taking on actual worthless scum.

"I was going to bring it up, but the chance of running across Syndicate vermin is a pickle, bringing down their bad word on ourselves is just-.."

"I've said what I had to say, Nerin, just tell me what you decide on Zula's council and that'll be that." he falls silent as he crosses his arms.
(Midas)

Zazulazona would speak up once more, elaborating;

"I'm not trying to berate you, or trying to judge you. I am just disappointed by the fact your first instinct is to target the weak and poor. Rather than finding other ways to get to your goals. There are a lot of ways I can think of, yet you chose the easiest and the one that would hurt the innocent first." she'd state

"It's an indication you've not clearly thought about the consequences, nor have you wondered where such paths will lead you. I can see your intentions are for the greater good. But ultimately such actions will corrupt you. And I'm trying to prevent that." she'd say, pausing for a brief moment. She'd resit herself, growing uncomfortable with the conversation.

"You're a good person, both of you are, and I would hate to see you go down a path that'll ultimately lead to your own undoing. There have to be other ways where you can still keep your innocence. You're acting like you're stone cold killers already. It just seems /very/ off, to me." she'd state, now going to answer Midas.

"What fake ideals? You come to me to talk about kidnapping some poor sod and go bump in the night in cloaks and masks. What are you even talking about? We've never done such a thing, nor do I personally plan on doing so." she said, her agitation made clear.

"I'm trying to be the voice of reason to remind you that everything has a consequence. Going down this path in such a bad way will have it too. I am merely trying to look out for you both. But if you want to ignore my pleas. Then so be it."
(Zazulazona)

To think he even considered that..

While it wasn't exactly the first option he thought of- and the thought of taking out the scum instead- the fact he considered it and Zula's voice reaching out to him further and further, perhaps, leads to an awakening of sort. He squints once, twice.. if only to speak out.

"...That's not the immediate option I had. Even- even if it sounds like I did." Because he realizes how his words might've sounded.

"Taking out some bandits or other scum that terrorizes the weak would be.. troublesome, and Syndicate might get onto us for this, but.." But the weak will suffer otherwise, and he acknowledged that much. ".. but I suppose we'll have no other choice."

"We'll have to go after scum - bandits, rapists, killers, anything of the sort. My, uh- my friend Reina, that Knight.. the First Order has criminal records written down. Perhaps, we could know who's up to what - and find out about some gangs."

"I doubt notorious gangs don't have such scum in them."

Yet, another pause is made, speaking out to Zula; there's one thing that must be clarified, and he makes it immediately clear.

"Just know this, Zula--"

"It's absolutely a must that I get human body to experiment on, if I am to actually make it through. It can be the scum we've spoken of, and while it's still cruel.. at least, it won't be upon the innocent."

"At least it's the smaller of two evils."

And maybe he'll be able to sleep at night after this.. rather than being haunted by what he's done.

"Nonetheless, I--"

"I've decided. It'll be those guilty of something. Not any other way. I'll.. reach out to you once it's time, Midas."

A brief glance given to the redhead; after all, he's known that Zula isn't up to the task.

But they still have to do it.
(Nerin)

Midas uncrosses his arms, lightly grabs the table and pulls himself closer. He remains silent, gears turning in his head. Was he really just trying to justify killing someone over the whole ordeal? He sighs as he begins to speak.

"Look, it's not as if we're making a decision such as this lightly, and what you've said has its merits, I simply see no other path down this road, at the end of the day, scum or no scum, something will have to be done, if we're so above killing, which might not even be the case as we don't know how it'll go, wouldn't it be as morally corrupt as any kind of death? Some guy stole some ore, so now we condemn him to potential death? Any of these arguments are inherently flawed as we make a decision that might lead to a person losing their life, but if it comes down to it, I'd rather it be scum-.." he pauses as Nerin speaks up, sending a nod right after.

"Aye, it has been said then."
(Midas)

Zazulazona emits a sigh. Getting up from her seat;

"I understand why you want to do it. But there's a load that comes with it. There is a possibility someone might die, and I doubt you've considered how that might influence you. Whether it be the guilt, or perhaps you'll like it, who knows. Regardless, it's something that shouldn't be overlooked." she stated, pushing the chair to the table.

"And yes Midas, you are absolutely right. No matter who the victim is, it's still all the same. But I do believe in justice. And I do believe some people deserve what's coming to them. I'm not someone who thinks 'justice' is the prime goal in life. I think those that are suffering, shouldn't suffer more. Especially when we know what it's like." she'd explain.

"Imagine if some other guy had the same idea as you. What if they took me, and experimented on me, cause I'mfrom the slum. Would you be okay with that? I doubt it. So that's why I'm giving you my opinion, to have you see that it's not a seamless plan." she now takes a few steps to the stairs.

"Nevertheless, if you'd target those who deserve it. I'll be willing to help. Because I can't abandon my brothers either. But we'll discuss it another time. I need to rest, I'm exhausted."
(Zazulazona)

Midas begins nodding along to what Zula was saying, her words now striking the same chords as him, to an extent. He might've come off wrong as he usually does, not really the best at manifesting his thoughts in easy bite-sized pills usually causing him to come off brash, though it was far from the truth.

"I'm simply trying to get you to see our side, but I agree, it should be someone that deserves it.

I guess we table this discussion for another day and pick up where we left off." he says as he peeks over at Nerin, attempting to gauge what's going through his head.
(Midas)

That much of a point has reached him.

And while it's way easier to just pick off someone who's innocent, and would cause no trouble whatsoever to put up resistance.. there's always the banditry that could be taken care of - without as much of the guilt pressuring as result. A brief nod, and he exclaims.

"...I understand."

"And- no. I wouldn't be okay with that. I get your point." That much he certainly does, at least by now.

"Well, regardless--"

"Slums are filled with gangs and scum. If we're to take out some bandits, then we'd still need disguise - while First Light and City Watch won't come after us if we take out some scum hiding in the slums, Syndicate might."

"But yes, we can discuss it later. Rest well for now. I'll.. go get some fresh air for now."

With that said, he'd come to a steady rise, intending to walk to the exit.
(Nerin)