[Moments after she'd sent that message, she'd almost wanted to send another saying to forget what she said, in the hopes he wouldn't snap at her for it. But it seems he's past that point, somehow, mollified by what he's experienced.
It's a small blessing. Maybe, from here forward... there'll be less anger and hurt all around.]
I just wish I could ask Her for something more to go on. She once told me that Zodiark "wanted for power" when I was in the aetherial sea, but I know not what the truth of it is... And yet, it would be inaccurate to say there's not been some information purposely withheld.
I think I understand it all better now. Perhaps Azem might've found another way, given time, but the end of the world wasn't about to wait. Perhaps... thinking about what could've been only hurts more than it helps in this case.
And yet, even though they left, even though a rift remained, you still cared enough to make that crystal in secret. If you would allow me to say it... thank you for being their friend to the end.
If Zodiark ever wanted for power, it would only be towards fulfilling His duty. For saving us and the world. That Hydaelyn would twist it in such a way to ensure your sympathy, your loyalty- well. She's as beholden to whatever desires accompanied Her creation. As for what those might be, lying at the heart of Her, I could only guess.
But you're likely right- considering it too long at this late date benefits us nothing. All we know for certain is what has already occurred, the fate we've landed ourselves.
[He still wasn't one for regrets, but it was hard to avoid a bit of retrospection, in the wake of everything ending.
But the gratitude has him pause, and he's relieved that this is over text, knowing that he wouldn't have been able to disguise his startle with much success. Irhya... wasn't Azem, precisely, but she carried part of them, their will living on through her, if cast in a specific Irhya-esque light. To hear something like that from her... it felt a little like a part of that eternally unbridged divide between himself and his old friend had- not closed, but had been eased that smallest bit.]
They deserved to be remembered. I think, were our positions reversed, they would have done the same.
[They had been friends, before they had ever been members of the Convocation. They still were, despite everything.]
[What was the impetus for summoning Hydaelyn in the first place? All supposition about it being to prevent Zodiark from growing too powerful has been just that. And only Her original summoner might know such a thing...
If only they could go back and see more of the recordings in Anamnesis Anyder. Perhaps when Y'shtola gets around to establishing that means of travel back and forth like she said she wanted to.]
[Part of him wondered what she would do with Hydaelyn. With Zodiark. What could be done with either of them.... But it had little to do with him now, which was a small relief. It was literally out of his hands and into hers, and he couldn't say he envied what was likely to still be ahead of her. A world like theirs still required its heroes.
The request to see him doesn't come as much surprise. Strange as it might be, they would have to face each other eventually. Contacting her first through text had been some small delay of the inevitable, and for all that he didn't dread it, that he wanted to see her, really- it wasn't the easiest, or most straightforward of reunions.
But then, perhaps he always had been drawn to complicated relationships.]
If you like. I can teleport myself to my room momentarily.
[She gives him about five minutes, then comes knocking at his door, giving him a heartfelt look as it opens. Then she pulls him into an embrace without further ado, curling her arms around him tight.
Maybe he doesn't need it, strictly speaking, but she does.]
Hey...
[Spoken by way of greeting, muffled into his shirt. Just his scent is calming, even if she's begun to associate it with feeding by now. That isn't the point of this visit, however.]
How are you feeling? You seem... like you've found a little peace.
[The hug is not unexpected, but he still pauses at the feeling of the miqo'te's arms around him, before returning the gesture a moment later. Keeping her close, he's quiet for a moment, breathing her in as well as he rests his face in her hair.]
Wouldn't you expect death to be peaceful?
[Something that could've been a bitter statement, but instead was only mild. It wasn't as though he were delighted with being dead, but it... wasn't terrible either. More importantly, perhaps, he didn't resent it.]
I'm getting used to it. Something that I suspect will take some time... 'tis an unfamiliar feeling, to wake up every day here and remember that it's over.
Not always... but that's why I'm glad you found a little for yourself.
[The mention of it being over makes her squeeze a little tighter. The difference is astounding... maybe he really did have an epiphany in that moment, one she couldn't comprehend.]
That you get to wake every day at all is precious. At least, it is to me. Even small stretches of time are priceless to the fleeting.
I hope you'll be all right. I guess it will take a little time still, but I think it might be better than being left with naught to do but dread the future. You seemed so stressed...
[It could've been another point of insult. How could he be alright when he was dead, when returning would mean nothing but a resuming of that state? When all he had here was a time unknown to him? It would be easy to do nothing but dwell on it, wait for it, but--]
--But it's valuable, this. Even if it's only for a little while.
[A sigh of a breath stirs her hair, and he strokes her back slowly with one hand.]
I won't say it's quite relaxing yet. But I suddenly have been given a lot of free time, being no longer called to accomplish something impossible.
[Technically his days were as full or empty as they ever were, but it felt different, to not have them weighted down in the same way, aware of all that he was meant to save but was unable to reach.]
Even if it's only for a little while, I'll always be glad we got to spend time together. We never would have had the opportunity otherwise.
[Her head turns slightly, so that her ear can listen in on his heart inside his chest.]
Maybe I should call on you more often, then? If you've got such an overabundance of free time and no idea what to do with it. More quest board adventures, perhaps? Or another play outing? I probably still owe you dinner since we skipped it last time...
[Never would've had the opportunity indeed. He never would have met this Warrior of Light in any place other than here, this reflection of Azem who differed slightly from the one he knew. And he wasn't the Emet-Selch who knew her, who had never gotten the chance to know her like this.
And yet... it didn't feel as though they were travelling quite as parallel as they once were.]
I don't regret it. Being here, or meeting you.
[If only it hadn't required reality-travelling and death. But it was... what it was. Even if this was all they had, it was something.]
But should you find something of interest, be it an indulgence of your tiresome adventuring habits, or a decent-sounding show, I may be more amenable to persuasion. [That's a 'yes', apparently.] Even just watching you at your crafting... I could spare you some time, perhaps.
[He adds a few edges with his wording, but she grins brightly up at him, thrilled that her persistence has paid off. It's an offer that means a great deal.]
I'm so glad to hear that. All of it. Just you wait, I'm going to find something even you'll have to admit is enjoyable!
[A pause, and she takes in a breath, as if trying to hold back tears. It's so ridiculous, she doesn't happy cry, but even so...]
[Those edges would likely always be there. They were just a part of who he was, even at his best: prickly, sharp. But it didn't have to be biting or vicious, they didn't have to be full of spite or venom. And her desire to find something for him to enjoy gets something like a half-smile.]
Someone has ambitions.
[But to hear she was happy was- a complicated feeling. And he knew- he understood that it had nothing to do with her being delighted at his death. Or at Elidibus' death, or at their plans being in ruins and their past forever lost to them.
But that some measure of peace had been achieved for them all. That they could meet together like this and not despise one another. Even if there was a measure of melancholy at knowing that death was the only way any of this had been possible, and that this posthumous meeting could only occur in a place outside their star.]
Well... hopefully 'tis a feeling that won't be as wholly uncommon in future. Both here and at home.
[Standing up as tall as she can, she tilts his upper body downward a bit so she can reach his face to kiss him, something sweet and gentle. It doesn't last as long as it probably could, but just the gesture alone is enough for her.]
I bet Mettaton will be happy to hear from you, too.
[The kiss doesn't quite take him by surprise, and as she stretches up, Emet-Selch leans down a little to make it slightly easier. A soft gesture, and his hand briefly brushes the side of her face.
The statement, though, draws a blink, and he glances away with a slight frown, though it's more of a thoughtful look than a negative one. It wasn't a poor memory at all, with how everything had turned out, but that part in particular...]
--Ah. He already knows. He happened to catch me on my unknowing return to my mirror.
[With the natural assumption of what being called to one's mirror entailed.]
Oh. [A blink.] I... hope everything went all right, then.
[It's hard to say what could've transpired there, but she's no business asking, either. Ideally, Mettaton would've been supportive, perhaps even happy to hear his altered opinion... it's difficult to imagine him being otherwise.]
Well, you might hear from me again soon. Since Lahabrea's here, and he recognized me. I... sort of understand why neither you nor Elidibus spent all that much time around him now.
[Support had never been in question, but a shift in viewpoint hadn't exactly taken precedence in their thoughts. On top of the obvious conclusion that he'd been about to depart from this world, with nothing either of them could do about it, before being allowed to stay, but with the 'consolation' of being dead for keeps at home....
It had been emotional, but also not something he'd exactly volunteer. So he's somewhat relieved when she moves on, though her topic draws a blink from him.]
Lahabrea recognized you?
[He can't help but repeat it, surprised. Of all the people from their world to know Irhya specifically, it wasn't one of her allies or friends, or himself, but... Lahabrea. It gets her a halfway-pitying look, before he sighs.]
If he makes it through this world without setting half of it aflame, including himself, I'll be surprised. He was never the most stable, but... he wasn't always the man you're familiar with. Unfortunately, I doubt that his stay here will improve much for him.
[Yet it wasn't exactly 'better' for him to be at home, where he would be dead. Inevitable a fate as it had felt, something that he and Elidibus had known would happen to their compatriot sooner or later- that didn't mean either of them had wanted it to occur.]
[She's just gonna leave out the part where she totally already took shots at him. They get along like fire and dry brush, if that wasn't immediately obvious just on principle.]
I'll confess, it's hard enough not to spout off at him for all that arrogance. So I'm guessing it'll happen one way or another, whether I will it or not. Particularly because it's me.
[If they'd gotten along splendidly from the start, he would've been not so much surprised as disbelieving. As different as all the Warriors of Light had been in terms of personality, he thought it to be likely that across all variations of their star that might exist, that none would get on amiably with Lahabrea as he was now.]
Is that another Warrior of Light trait, I wonder... talking back to every Ascian you might encounter.
[More commentary than a criticism, though; if anything, he seems a touch amused by it, though he turns back to seriousness.]
But considering who you are- no matter how polite you might be to him, what attempts you make towards understanding, you'll always be the enemy to him, nothing more.
[Unless her heroic nature could get through to Lahabrea in the end, or otherwise manage him. Emet-Selch would've assumed it impossible- but she (or rather, the hero he had known, but by extension, Irhya as well) had convinced himself of things he would've thought impossible to believe in. Maybe he should give her some credit. Trust her to handle Lahabrea, somehow. Get through to him where none on the Convocation had been able to.]
[Entirely likely, given how crass she is. She shrugs loosely.]
I think you're right, though. I had actually intended to ask him something like that, myself, but we were too busy sniping at each other for me to think about going there. Not that it bothers me if he hates me irrevocably or anything, it's just... perhaps holding grudges in what amounts to an enclosed space with him isn't a wise idea.
[Well, fine, maybe it does bother her a little. Perhaps it's just a point of vanity after most everyone seems to kiss the ground she walks upon, but somehow, her being relatively neutral about him, knowing all she knows, makes it harder to swallow. Even being privy to the things he never told her, he doesn't care, perhaps literally cannot bring himself to care. Her attempt at parley was met with the same apathy, at saying she held no ill will against him, even that she'd be willing to break with Hydaelyn if push came to shove.
Perhaps they can't all be as sentimental as Hades is.]
I'm not about to leave him to his own devices either, though. I need to watch him; if someone else happens to get on his bad side first, I ought to at least step in before they get hurt.
[That it was left at verbal sniping spoke of restraint on someone's part, at least. A restraint of necessity, perhaps, with Lahabrea not yet in any condition to make good on threats, while Irhya, he doubted, would be inclined to resort to violence first.]
It's strange... to think that I'm more on your side than his. [A hefty sigh; it did make things somewhat easier, in a sense. Were he still tempered, without the understanding that he now carried, things would be more complicated. It still wasn't simple; Lahabrea was still Amaurotine, and even if the passage of time had changed everything else, that much would always be true, and that much would always matter.]
Though in his current state, he'd be just as likely to be the one getting hurt, were he to offend the wrong sort. In either case, he'll need watched.
[Which was more of a suspicious way of presenting concern, but it is what it is.]
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omnicrafter) wrote2019-08-02 03:20 am
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It's a small blessing. Maybe, from here forward... there'll be less anger and hurt all around.]
I just wish I could ask Her for something more to go on. She once told me that Zodiark "wanted for power" when I was in the aetherial sea, but I know not what the truth of it is... And yet, it would be inaccurate to say there's not been some information purposely withheld.
I think I understand it all better now. Perhaps Azem might've found another way, given time, but the end of the world wasn't about to wait. Perhaps... thinking about what could've been only hurts more than it helps in this case.
And yet, even though they left, even though a rift remained, you still cared enough to make that crystal in secret. If you would allow me to say it... thank you for being their friend to the end.
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If Zodiark ever wanted for power, it would only be towards fulfilling His duty. For saving us and the world. That Hydaelyn would twist it in such a way to ensure your sympathy, your loyalty- well. She's as beholden to whatever desires accompanied Her creation. As for what those might be, lying at the heart of Her, I could only guess.
But you're likely right- considering it too long at this late date benefits us nothing. All we know for certain is what has already occurred, the fate we've landed ourselves.
[He still wasn't one for regrets, but it was hard to avoid a bit of retrospection, in the wake of everything ending.
But the gratitude has him pause, and he's relieved that this is over text, knowing that he wouldn't have been able to disguise his startle with much success. Irhya... wasn't Azem, precisely, but she carried part of them, their will living on through her, if cast in a specific Irhya-esque light. To hear something like that from her... it felt a little like a part of that eternally unbridged divide between himself and his old friend had- not closed, but had been eased that smallest bit.]
They deserved to be remembered. I think, were our positions reversed, they would have done the same.
[They had been friends, before they had ever been members of the Convocation. They still were, despite everything.]
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[What was the impetus for summoning Hydaelyn in the first place? All supposition about it being to prevent Zodiark from growing too powerful has been just that. And only Her original summoner might know such a thing...
If only they could go back and see more of the recordings in Anamnesis Anyder. Perhaps when Y'shtola gets around to establishing that means of travel back and forth like she said she wanted to.]
Hey, um
Can I come see you? Like, in person.
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The request to see him doesn't come as much surprise. Strange as it might be, they would have to face each other eventually. Contacting her first through text had been some small delay of the inevitable, and for all that he didn't dread it, that he wanted to see her, really- it wasn't the easiest, or most straightforward of reunions.
But then, perhaps he always had been drawn to complicated relationships.]
If you like. I can teleport myself to my room momentarily.
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[She gives him about five minutes, then comes knocking at his door, giving him a heartfelt look as it opens. Then she pulls him into an embrace without further ado, curling her arms around him tight.
Maybe he doesn't need it, strictly speaking, but she does.]
Hey...
[Spoken by way of greeting, muffled into his shirt. Just his scent is calming, even if she's begun to associate it with feeding by now. That isn't the point of this visit, however.]
How are you feeling? You seem... like you've found a little peace.
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Wouldn't you expect death to be peaceful?
[Something that could've been a bitter statement, but instead was only mild. It wasn't as though he were delighted with being dead, but it... wasn't terrible either. More importantly, perhaps, he didn't resent it.]
I'm getting used to it. Something that I suspect will take some time... 'tis an unfamiliar feeling, to wake up every day here and remember that it's over.
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[The mention of it being over makes her squeeze a little tighter. The difference is astounding... maybe he really did have an epiphany in that moment, one she couldn't comprehend.]
That you get to wake every day at all is precious. At least, it is to me. Even small stretches of time are priceless to the fleeting.
I hope you'll be all right. I guess it will take a little time still, but I think it might be better than being left with naught to do but dread the future. You seemed so stressed...
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[It could've been another point of insult. How could he be alright when he was dead, when returning would mean nothing but a resuming of that state? When all he had here was a time unknown to him? It would be easy to do nothing but dwell on it, wait for it, but--]
--But it's valuable, this. Even if it's only for a little while.
[A sigh of a breath stirs her hair, and he strokes her back slowly with one hand.]
I won't say it's quite relaxing yet. But I suddenly have been given a lot of free time, being no longer called to accomplish something impossible.
[Technically his days were as full or empty as they ever were, but it felt different, to not have them weighted down in the same way, aware of all that he was meant to save but was unable to reach.]
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[Her head turns slightly, so that her ear can listen in on his heart inside his chest.]
Maybe I should call on you more often, then? If you've got such an overabundance of free time and no idea what to do with it. More quest board adventures, perhaps? Or another play outing? I probably still owe you dinner since we skipped it last time...
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And yet... it didn't feel as though they were travelling quite as parallel as they once were.]
I don't regret it. Being here, or meeting you.
[If only it hadn't required reality-travelling and death. But it was... what it was. Even if this was all they had, it was something.]
But should you find something of interest, be it an indulgence of your tiresome adventuring habits, or a decent-sounding show, I may be more amenable to persuasion. [That's a 'yes', apparently.] Even just watching you at your crafting... I could spare you some time, perhaps.
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I'm so glad to hear that. All of it. Just you wait, I'm going to find something even you'll have to admit is enjoyable!
[A pause, and she takes in a breath, as if trying to hold back tears. It's so ridiculous, she doesn't happy cry, but even so...]
I haven't been this happy in a while. Thank you.
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Someone has ambitions.
[But to hear she was happy was- a complicated feeling. And he knew- he understood that it had nothing to do with her being delighted at his death. Or at Elidibus' death, or at their plans being in ruins and their past forever lost to them.
But that some measure of peace had been achieved for them all. That they could meet together like this and not despise one another. Even if there was a measure of melancholy at knowing that death was the only way any of this had been possible, and that this posthumous meeting could only occur in a place outside their star.]
Well... hopefully 'tis a feeling that won't be as wholly uncommon in future. Both here and at home.
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I bet Mettaton will be happy to hear from you, too.
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The statement, though, draws a blink, and he glances away with a slight frown, though it's more of a thoughtful look than a negative one. It wasn't a poor memory at all, with how everything had turned out, but that part in particular...]
--Ah. He already knows. He happened to catch me on my unknowing return to my mirror.
[With the natural assumption of what being called to one's mirror entailed.]
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[It's hard to say what could've transpired there, but she's no business asking, either. Ideally, Mettaton would've been supportive, perhaps even happy to hear his altered opinion... it's difficult to imagine him being otherwise.]
Well, you might hear from me again soon. Since Lahabrea's here, and he recognized me. I... sort of understand why neither you nor Elidibus spent all that much time around him now.
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[Support had never been in question, but a shift in viewpoint hadn't exactly taken precedence in their thoughts. On top of the obvious conclusion that he'd been about to depart from this world, with nothing either of them could do about it, before being allowed to stay, but with the 'consolation' of being dead for keeps at home....
It had been emotional, but also not something he'd exactly volunteer. So he's somewhat relieved when she moves on, though her topic draws a blink from him.]
Lahabrea recognized you?
[He can't help but repeat it, surprised. Of all the people from their world to know Irhya specifically, it wasn't one of her allies or friends, or himself, but... Lahabrea. It gets her a halfway-pitying look, before he sighs.]
If he makes it through this world without setting half of it aflame, including himself, I'll be surprised. He was never the most stable, but... he wasn't always the man you're familiar with. Unfortunately, I doubt that his stay here will improve much for him.
[Yet it wasn't exactly 'better' for him to be at home, where he would be dead. Inevitable a fate as it had felt, something that he and Elidibus had known would happen to their compatriot sooner or later- that didn't mean either of them had wanted it to occur.]
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[It at least verifies that everything she remembers is real, solely to herself, but also... it's Lahabrea.]
I believe it, but do you really think he's that volatile? I mean, I saw him, I know he's capable of it... but is he really that far gone?
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[Shaking his head slowly, he shrugs.]
The problem, of course, is determining what qualifies as provocation to his damaged mind- and that, I fear, may be somewhat harder to predict.
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[She's just gonna leave out the part where she totally already took shots at him. They get along like fire and dry brush, if that wasn't immediately obvious just on principle.]
I'll confess, it's hard enough not to spout off at him for all that arrogance. So I'm guessing it'll happen one way or another, whether I will it or not. Particularly because it's me.
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Is that another Warrior of Light trait, I wonder... talking back to every Ascian you might encounter.
[More commentary than a criticism, though; if anything, he seems a touch amused by it, though he turns back to seriousness.]
But considering who you are- no matter how polite you might be to him, what attempts you make towards understanding, you'll always be the enemy to him, nothing more.
[Unless her heroic nature could get through to Lahabrea in the end, or otherwise manage him. Emet-Selch would've assumed it impossible- but she (or rather, the hero he had known, but by extension, Irhya as well) had convinced himself of things he would've thought impossible to believe in. Maybe he should give her some credit. Trust her to handle Lahabrea, somehow. Get through to him where none on the Convocation had been able to.]
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[Entirely likely, given how crass she is. She shrugs loosely.]
I think you're right, though. I had actually intended to ask him something like that, myself, but we were too busy sniping at each other for me to think about going there. Not that it bothers me if he hates me irrevocably or anything, it's just... perhaps holding grudges in what amounts to an enclosed space with him isn't a wise idea.
[Well, fine, maybe it does bother her a little. Perhaps it's just a point of vanity after most everyone seems to kiss the ground she walks upon, but somehow, her being relatively neutral about him, knowing all she knows, makes it harder to swallow. Even being privy to the things he never told her, he doesn't care, perhaps literally cannot bring himself to care. Her attempt at parley was met with the same apathy, at saying she held no ill will against him, even that she'd be willing to break with Hydaelyn if push came to shove.
Perhaps they can't all be as sentimental as Hades is.]
I'm not about to leave him to his own devices either, though. I need to watch him; if someone else happens to get on his bad side first, I ought to at least step in before they get hurt.
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It's strange... to think that I'm more on your side than his. [A hefty sigh; it did make things somewhat easier, in a sense. Were he still tempered, without the understanding that he now carried, things would be more complicated. It still wasn't simple; Lahabrea was still Amaurotine, and even if the passage of time had changed everything else, that much would always be true, and that much would always matter.]
Though in his current state, he'd be just as likely to be the one getting hurt, were he to offend the wrong sort. In either case, he'll need watched.
[Which was more of a suspicious way of presenting concern, but it is what it is.]