raisetheearth | [Video] [Shepherd's Haven]

[The feed shows a young man who looks to be in his late teens or early twenties; it could honestly go either way. Suffice it to say he's around Tony's age, and he's super excited and shirtless despite the brisk weather in the southern hemisphere.]

S-so. How about these goo things, huh?

[A twitchy smile. Despite being Numbered now, for a long time he wasn't, and he's still paying some penance for a past crime. He feels like he hasn't quite earned Network privileges yet, in other words.]

I'm Luca D-Dantonio. Uh. Some of you might remember me from the thing with Al-Albero. But even before I got my Number, you guys were great to me. No boss ever treated me like that, so uh. I hope that there was never any doubt or anything but I want you guys and the newbies to know that I'm on your side, OK? I'm loyal. If anyone can say anything about me it's that. I'll even fix your stuff up for you, my Other was some kind of mechanic I think.

Oh...! Oh, also, one of my echoes says that m-my guy's name was Nux. I kind of like that. Simple. You can call me that. I'd actually kind of like it b-better if it's OK to ask for.

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Not complaining about it, but uh... you can't say it's not a little weird. Most people would hold that grudge forever if they survived.

[His eyes widen slightly.]

So, uh... why wasn't it you? In that situation, I mean.

Yeah, well, I've never been most people.

[He smirks a little, expression vaguely distant, if also a little forlorn.]

I hit the wrong guy, or I guess the right one. Looked like an easy enough mark, kid with well off parents, you know the type. Nice clothes, fancy phone, all by himself and off in his own little world. Swiped his wallet clean but he figured it out faster than I'd expected and he called me on it. 'Course I gave it back to him, could've run but there were security around and I wouldn't have made it far.

Then he looked me up and down and bought me lunch, guess he could tell I was just in it for a meal. We got to talking and ended up friends. He helped me out when no one else would, but never pitied me or acted like I owed him for it. He'd let me stay at his place when his folks were out, fed me when he could. They hated me so he couldn't take me in but he never really gave a shit.

Got him into trouble a few times, but after that I shaped myself up. Couldn't bear the thought of him getting drug down with me just because I'm a piece of trash so... He saved my life that day, he'd never admit it of course but he did.

Guess I'm trying to pay it forward is all. You needed help, so I helped.

I guess that's not what I was expecting to hear. Uh... so where's this guy now? I know it's not Lazarus, his uh, his parents are dead, right?

No, it's not Lazarus.

He was Numbered for a while, but he lost it a long time ago. I stopped sticking around so much because the Mafia had hit his house once already, I didn't want to bring anymore trouble to him.

Honestly I... don't know where he is. Or if he's even alive.

[And now that he's actually realized it that's a terrifying thought. Shit.]

I misunderstood that, then, I thought he helped you out like he helped me.

Still, uh, that guy made a big impression on your life, didn't he? For you to keep remembering him and being grateful to him even though he's not around anymore.

Lazarus did, too. But you already knew about him.

Yeah, yeah he did. I wish I could get into contact with him, I hope his folks got him to safety before everything went to hell.

Kind of. We're not close, like the two of you are. He gave me a job and he's not mean to me but it's on a different level from how you are with him.

If they're rich, then... probably a better chance, you know?

Yeah, I understand.

That's what I'm hoping. Anyway sorry to gush at you. But hey, remember when you told me you didn't need friends? Have I changed your mind yet?

[He flashes a cocky grin and a wink.]

Nah, haha you're not gushing, man. I guess I kind of remember that, but just barely, and... uh, maybe that answers your question, huh?

Heh, good. It's better this way, don't you think?

[He's glad to have done something good for a change. Something that didn't end up with killing or fighting or almost dying, just genuinely helping someone.

It's so nice.]

Yeah, uh, it's a lot better. I actually smile now! Never used to. Never used to seem like a reason.

And you doubted me. [He sounds so smug.] I noticed, you seem happier now. That's good, I'm glad you're doing so well.

Well, I got you guys. How could I be doing badly? It's like family. Feels like hope.

Heh, I'm glad you feel that way. I knew you had it in you.

...whoa. Huh, just got an echo.

Did you? 'Bout what?

Some kind of map, in the desert, back to a place with green and water. I guess he said that felt like hope, too.

Huh, an oasis? Guess it makes sense.

Uh, dunno. P-probably. An oasis in a desert is definitely hopeful.

It's hard just getting back pieces though.

Yeah, it would make sense.

Dude I know. I barely know anything about my other.

[Much less how to deal with his special brand of weirdness. Those echoes would be super handy, rather than weird speech patterns and stupid white hair.]

Well, you g-gotta know more than me. Having been Numbered longer and all.

Dunno about that. What memories I do have don't make a lot of sense.

Do you have any you like at all?

[He really has to think about that, because so far most of his memories are pretty dreadful. Either Dante being crazy, or having to deal with some really crazy and horrible situations.

His other's life kinda sucked. However...

There is one.]

Just one.

[At first, it doesn't seem like he's going to elaborate.]

Kinda hard to explain but... he sorta had a sense of duty I guess you could say. Figured out what was important for him...

[Tony's still.. kinda struggling with that himself.]

Duty? Yeah... yeah! That's the best kind of sense! Purpose! I feel that. Nothing like it in the whole world.

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