Tenth Gate [Voice/Action]

[niceguypose]

[What connects the phrases "Rock Lee" and "dislocated knee", aside from the fact that they rhyme? Well, the two things are part of the same person after Rock Lee tried to fight off the droids when the time came to come to the moon. And why did he feel so compelled to resist them? Well, such a pain in his heart comes out soon enough. Once he finds that the journal is still on his person and is still working, he shouts into it the reason:]

[Voice]

GAI-SENSEI AND TENTEN... THEY'VE GONE HOME!

Feel free to weep. Gai-Sensei never saw shame in shedding tears of youth, after all, and I am sure that they will be missed dearly. At home, they will fight on bravely.

In addition to our current predicament, I understand that it is almost Halloween. Many worlds refer to it as the 'holiday of disguise'. A very appropriate holiday for the ninja, don't you think? Furthermore... I shall honor Gai-Sensei by disguising myself as him.

[Action: Throughout Event]

[It's odd. Lee does not feel alone, as he expected to. But he feels afraid of the very possibility of feeling that. So, there's less attention to personal space than ever - and he's seeking out friends new and old as he travels through Malnosso World. You may even find him towing around a reluctant NPC friend. He's the least impaired by the power cap as well, since all of his strength and speed is from personal training. He makes regular lap around the area in search of more companions, while constantly ignoring his knee's pain. And if you catch him on Halloween, you'll certainly find him dressed as Maito Gai. Which... does not look very different.

In Cartoon Land, he trains! What better way to make use of the complete lack of physics than to perform impossible feats and absurd spars with them? Beware as he challenges passersby into battles that will often take place in fight clouds!

In Bubble Land, he examines the surroundings and takes notes! Not to mention that he winds up going on the love-paddle rides. In fact, it almost becomes like an addiction because of the way it puts his fear at ease.

In Casino Land, he takes his hand at games of chance! With spectacular failure. And he may just need to be held back whenever he tries attacking a machine in frustration. He has better luck at the food court, where he collects all the curried dishes for himself - including all of the weirdest ones. He spends more time here after the Halloween incident.

In Junior Land, it's time to relive the most youthly part of youth! He checks out most of the attractions but focuses on the bumper cars, sparing no mercy towards his rivals. He spends time in Thrill Land and Halloween Land as well. Trying out all the death-defying rides! Being the most impatient youth in line! Murder mysteries!

He spends his offtime at a villa inhabited by Usopp, Shikamaru and Luke Triton. He may feel the need to camp out in some of their rooms on different nights, and it all builds up to the Halloween Incident: when Usopp brings him sake, the result is a drunken Lee who wrecks the villa.]

Comments

[therewerefifty]

[...Lee




Are there drugs in your morning cereal. Inquiring minds want to know.

Not Makie, of course, but...]

No.

[A simple answer. You can't possibly mistake it for a yes.]

[niceguypose]

Ah... Was I exaggerating your bond?

[therewerefifty]

I'm afraid you were.

[She pours the tea.]

[niceguypose]

Am I worthy of the truth? [He just still stands there.]

[therewerefifty]

You are always worthy of the truth, Lee. But I've already told you the truth. Your sensei and I only met once.

I'm more concerned about you.

[niceguypose]

Thank you.

Me? I... I am not in need of concern!

[therewerefifty]

You obviously miss him a great deal. It must be hard that he has gone home.

[Here, good sir. Have your tea.]

[niceguypose]

[And he takes it. While still standing there. He closes his eyes.]

It... it is... the same as it was before he came.

[therewerefifty]

And you missed his presence then.

[Lee you seem too serious. It's somewhat unnerving.]

[niceguypose]

I WAS SO HELPLESS!

[He suddenly cries out, his tea spilling slightly.]

[therewerefifty]

[To say that took her by surprise is an understatement. She glances from his face to the tea, and then gestures to a seat at the table.]

Sit.

[niceguypose]

[Without a word, he eagerly nods and scampers towards a seat, some more tea dripping out in his hurry. Has he crossed the line which will ensure total loneliness?]

[therewerefifty]

[Makie quietly sits in the chair opposite.]

Do you feel helpness now?

[niceguypose]

I - I...

It is possible.

Whatever I'm feeling, it's shameful. And I am afraid, of losing you.

[therewerefifty]

There is nothing wrong with feeling helpless, Lee. Nor is there anything wrong with grieving over a loss.

I'm... not going anywhere.

[niceguypose]

Really? You do not find me pathetic, because of it?

I... I humbly thank you, Makie-san.

[therewerefifty]

I don't think it's pathetic to let other people have an effect on your lives.

[She smiles faintly at that.] Drink your tea before it gets cold.

[niceguypose]

Yes ma'am! [He declares loudly before sipping.]

I apologize. I am just afraid... that people will no longer want to be around me.

[therewerefifty]

The people who do not want to be around you have already made it clear, I don't doubt. I rather think the friends you've made will not do any such thing.

[niceguypose]

[He pauses for a moment.]

But...

I still feel afraid.

[therewerefifty]

What you feel and what you think are often two different things. You just lost someone close to you.

It's...natural to be afraid.