Komaeda Nagito (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
eyeswideopen) wrote2015-10-14 07:21 pm
eyeswideopen) wrote2015-10-14 07:21 pm
Entry tags:
Messenger Box
If you need to get a hold of Komaeda, here's where you do it.
Messenger birds, action, what have you.
[Piphron... Jade narrows his eyes at the reminder of the first and only Arehtei he's conversed with, as well as the righteous indignation the other felt at his lack of knowledge on the matter.]
I suppose that explains the reason why they've been less than forthcoming about this... war I've heard of and later read about.
[While a part of it is due to his own oversights on the matter as someone new to the place, Komaeda's observations line up with everything he's experienced and seen himself thus far.]
That aside, Red... has told me about the local researchers needing some assistance with opening the books we acquired during the last Thras excursion. If I were to assist them in that endeavor and should we succeed in it, can I trust them to be forthcoming about the information contained in them?
[More often than not, the language they're in is something Jade's unfamiliar with, and not even the automatic translation mechanism they seem to have around the place is able to handle it.]
I suppose that explains the reason why they've been less than forthcoming about this... war I've heard of and later read about.
[While a part of it is due to his own oversights on the matter as someone new to the place, Komaeda's observations line up with everything he's experienced and seen himself thus far.]
That aside, Red... has told me about the local researchers needing some assistance with opening the books we acquired during the last Thras excursion. If I were to assist them in that endeavor and should we succeed in it, can I trust them to be forthcoming about the information contained in them?
[More often than not, the language they're in is something Jade's unfamiliar with, and not even the automatic translation mechanism they seem to have around the place is able to handle it.]
I would make insurances. [He says without a pause in the conversation.] If I were present nothing would be hidden. Or Shun. Shun has been here much longer and is well liked.
Of course I could be paranoid. There have been incidents recently and before that made the public wary of us. I can't blame them. They are helpless in the face of the Arehtei and we aren't. My old master likened it to the divine between humans and gods. But on a smaller scale.
[He reaches into his coat and pulls out a battered leather journal. He grabs the pen from it and flips it to a fresh page just as his tea is set down before him.] Or, I can write you a letter of recommendation. It doesn't have to be formal because they know I wouldn't be.
Of course I could be paranoid. There have been incidents recently and before that made the public wary of us. I can't blame them. They are helpless in the face of the Arehtei and we aren't. My old master likened it to the divine between humans and gods. But on a smaller scale.
[He reaches into his coat and pulls out a battered leather journal. He grabs the pen from it and flips it to a fresh page just as his tea is set down before him.] Or, I can write you a letter of recommendation. It doesn't have to be formal because they know I wouldn't be.
I trust your judgment on this one.
[Jade says, gesturing to the notebook as his own drink arrives. Connections too were important in this world of information, and even the state of being in a different one wasn't about to change that fact of life.]
Though I have to ask... is there anything at all I could do for you in return? I highly appreciate everything you've done thus far in terms of sharing information, and although there's only so much a lowly information enthusiast like me could do, I certainly would like to do what I can in that regard.
[Somehow, there's a veiled question to his statement as well, as if wondering why Komaeda would do so much for someone he's barely gotten to know. And Jade isn't one to like being in the debt of others, by any means.]
[Jade says, gesturing to the notebook as his own drink arrives. Connections too were important in this world of information, and even the state of being in a different one wasn't about to change that fact of life.]
Though I have to ask... is there anything at all I could do for you in return? I highly appreciate everything you've done thus far in terms of sharing information, and although there's only so much a lowly information enthusiast like me could do, I certainly would like to do what I can in that regard.
[Somehow, there's a veiled question to his statement as well, as if wondering why Komaeda would do so much for someone he's barely gotten to know. And Jade isn't one to like being in the debt of others, by any means.]
[He had wondered when his agenda would be questioned. After watching Jade in person and catching his careful wording...he's sure he made the right choice.]
You tried to find out if I was still one of Enoshima's when I met you. Did I read that right?
[If he's right Jade wanted to be sure he was not a hidden threat waiting for his time to strike. That intelligence combined with his wording and he way he reacts...yes, he's sure he isn't wrong in his choice.]
I am asking for your expertise in accessing threats. Down below we have had good luck. Most of the ruins and machines have been harmless. But luck will balance itself. [People could die.] Their ancestors learned how to weaponize emotions. Somewhere those artifacts and tools are buried. The local researchers can't protect themselves. Nor are any of them soldier minded.
Few otherworlder researchers think of that possibility. But I like to be prepared.
You tried to find out if I was still one of Enoshima's when I met you. Did I read that right?
[If he's right Jade wanted to be sure he was not a hidden threat waiting for his time to strike. That intelligence combined with his wording and he way he reacts...yes, he's sure he isn't wrong in his choice.]
I am asking for your expertise in accessing threats. Down below we have had good luck. Most of the ruins and machines have been harmless. But luck will balance itself. [People could die.] Their ancestors learned how to weaponize emotions. Somewhere those artifacts and tools are buried. The local researchers can't protect themselves. Nor are any of them soldier minded.
Few otherworlder researchers think of that possibility. But I like to be prepared.
[Jade simply nods in answer to Komaeda's question, expression turning pensive as he contemplates the rest of his request and takes a small sip of his tea before setting it down.
Death... While his understanding this day isn't what he'd call acceptable, it's still much better than the state it was in a few years back, to say the least. And even with the way this world warped the concept, it's still something he isn't too eager to try out, even if he'd be lying with regard to whether or not he's curious as to how it feels like. The idea of losing his crystal progress served as enough of a deterrent on the matter, in any case.]
If it's soldier-mindedness you're looking for in a researcher, I suppose you've come to the right person. [He folds his hands and rests them lightly on top of the table, unable to keep himself from grinning again.] I used to do research for the military back in my world, so seeing these explorations into unknown territory as a battlefield of sorts is second-nature to me.
[He supposes there's no harm in telling Komaeda that, especially when he seems to have read as much from their interactions.]
That said, in what manner do you wish for me to deliver in this regard?
[Spreading awareness on the matter? Continuing as he will? There's many ways to go about it, to say the least.]
Death... While his understanding this day isn't what he'd call acceptable, it's still much better than the state it was in a few years back, to say the least. And even with the way this world warped the concept, it's still something he isn't too eager to try out, even if he'd be lying with regard to whether or not he's curious as to how it feels like. The idea of losing his crystal progress served as enough of a deterrent on the matter, in any case.]
If it's soldier-mindedness you're looking for in a researcher, I suppose you've come to the right person. [He folds his hands and rests them lightly on top of the table, unable to keep himself from grinning again.] I used to do research for the military back in my world, so seeing these explorations into unknown territory as a battlefield of sorts is second-nature to me.
[He supposes there's no harm in telling Komaeda that, especially when he seems to have read as much from their interactions.]
That said, in what manner do you wish for me to deliver in this regard?
[Spreading awareness on the matter? Continuing as he will? There's many ways to go about it, to say the least.]
[So far the information is about what he figured. He takes a sip of his tea. What way would bebsafest to deal with threats? Neither of them have the kind of authority that could make every door lay open. He tears out the written page of recommendation, folding it carefully.] I think it would be best to use your own judgment on this matter. So far, there's time.
But it doesn't take a genius to see that we will find one or more of them soon. The silent city is a good example of that. It concerns me the deeper we tread into the mysteries of Simpathis the more weapons we run across.
Those lions were powered by crystals full of negative emotions. The ghosts were possessing people... [He taps his fingers on the table as his thoughts order themselves like books on a shelf.]
We can use Dunamis and hold ourselves steady. The people of this world can't. I strongly suspect they're aligned to Simpathis, the dead Arehtei.
Last flower festival...they all reacted, worse than we did, to the wave of her influence.
But it doesn't take a genius to see that we will find one or more of them soon. The silent city is a good example of that. It concerns me the deeper we tread into the mysteries of Simpathis the more weapons we run across.
Those lions were powered by crystals full of negative emotions. The ghosts were possessing people... [He taps his fingers on the table as his thoughts order themselves like books on a shelf.]
We can use Dunamis and hold ourselves steady. The people of this world can't. I strongly suspect they're aligned to Simpathis, the dead Arehtei.
Last flower festival...they all reacted, worse than we did, to the wave of her influence.
Edited 2017-05-08 14:29 (UTC)
[Jade, in all honesty, never really spent time thinking about what the case might be for the locals. Not recently, at least. And while Komaeda's claim on the matter is of an outrageous variety should he raise it to the aforementioned, Jade finds that it holds water given everything they know, in addition to having read about it briefly in some texts he consulted in his early days around Empatheias. That, and they've met Thras's and Daimonia's people, and who's to say that Simpathis's people haven't been under their noses all along?]
With the attitudes some of them have on display, I wouldn't be surprised.
[Briefly, he recalls what he's seen of certain locals, notably some who've been quite untoward to a certain Eleanor he knew.]
That said... would you say people don't talk about Simpathis due to lack of knowledge on her, or is it more of a conscious choice?
With the attitudes some of them have on display, I wouldn't be surprised.
[Briefly, he recalls what he's seen of certain locals, notably some who've been quite untoward to a certain Eleanor he knew.]
That said... would you say people don't talk about Simpathis due to lack of knowledge on her, or is it more of a conscious choice?
Both. There is next to nothing we know about her and the Arehtei still grieve for their lost sister. ...and everything shook when we were given visions of her city Areta.
[He stares into his tea for a moment, his thoughts returning to that burst of sorrow and longing. His metal fingers trace the edge of the pottery idly.]
We consciously seek her out indirectly. Thras said if we search directly, we could finish this world. In time I imagine it will be safe but this recovering planet is still so fragile.
[He stares into his tea for a moment, his thoughts returning to that burst of sorrow and longing. His metal fingers trace the edge of the pottery idly.]
We consciously seek her out indirectly. Thras said if we search directly, we could finish this world. In time I imagine it will be safe but this recovering planet is still so fragile.
[That... certainly is one way to put it. He hasn't experienced it for himself, but the fact remains that all of this is part of their history and will be told to generations to come, as well as curious bystanders like him.]
"Finish this world"...? [His eyes follow Komaeda's hand briefly before he trains his gaze back on Komaeda's.] How and why so?
[It's an interesting choice of phrasing, one that Jade couldn't help but be curious about.]
"Finish this world"...? [His eyes follow Komaeda's hand briefly before he trains his gaze back on Komaeda's.] How and why so?
[It's an interesting choice of phrasing, one that Jade couldn't help but be curious about.]
Originally we needed Elios to create a barrier and be physically present when we stepped onto the surface. Nothing grew. [He holds up his hand, curling his fingers slightly in an intimation of claws. His first in person sight of the apathy poison plays across his mind's eye.]
There were dark shadowy tendrils. More of them than any of us could imagine. I saw them once devour a creature. They had a kind of consciousness and appetite to devour everything.
[His hand falls, quickly flipping pages of his journal. A small sketch of the world dominates the center of the page.]
There was so much apathy that it devoured seas, mountains, the air. The world is slowly recovering but its consciousness has yet to awaken. It's weak. I imagine if, let's say Simpathis were to revive. If she were corrupt....that amount of apathy...
[How could they possibly save the world in time. He circles the gaping hole where a mountain range used to be in a section marked as Piphron's lands. There is little that's marked. They don't have enough data or explored enough for much of the global map to be given details.]
It's best to keep the hopes for a living world and turn them into the fuel by which life will return to this shattered planet. The alternative is...worrying to much about what might not even be a possibility.
[His tone is too light. Because, Komaeda is truly a pessimist and a cynic. He has a feeling that Simpathis isn't wholly gone. Her power still resides on the island. The strange waves of apathy and sympathy.]
Either way, do forgive me for speaking ill of a lady. But I don't like being given the run around with riddles that make little sense.
There were dark shadowy tendrils. More of them than any of us could imagine. I saw them once devour a creature. They had a kind of consciousness and appetite to devour everything.
[His hand falls, quickly flipping pages of his journal. A small sketch of the world dominates the center of the page.]
There was so much apathy that it devoured seas, mountains, the air. The world is slowly recovering but its consciousness has yet to awaken. It's weak. I imagine if, let's say Simpathis were to revive. If she were corrupt....that amount of apathy...
[How could they possibly save the world in time. He circles the gaping hole where a mountain range used to be in a section marked as Piphron's lands. There is little that's marked. They don't have enough data or explored enough for much of the global map to be given details.]
It's best to keep the hopes for a living world and turn them into the fuel by which life will return to this shattered planet. The alternative is...worrying to much about what might not even be a possibility.
[His tone is too light. Because, Komaeda is truly a pessimist and a cynic. He has a feeling that Simpathis isn't wholly gone. Her power still resides on the island. The strange waves of apathy and sympathy.]
Either way, do forgive me for speaking ill of a lady. But I don't like being given the run around with riddles that make little sense.
Edited 2017-05-14 03:42 (UTC)
[The story's familiar enough given all the reading he has done, but the ominous vibe lent by Komaeda's rendition certainly is not. And while he's never been around for the first appearances of the Arehtei, there's no shortage of stories, mostly of the terrific variety.
That said, Jade perhaps isn't the best person to talk Komaeda out of his pessimism given how there's enough of a logical precedent for them. And he doesn't, simply waving his hand as if to dismiss Komaeda's apology.]
There's no need to apologize. Especially when you're in the presence of someone who thinks likewise.
[What he wouldn't give for a straight answer, really.]
That, and I'd rather brace myself for the worst possible scenario in the unlikely event that it should occur. Better be safe than sorry, yes?
[It's a rhetorical question, one he doesn't wait a response for as he moves on to another point.]
Speaking of hope and turning that into fuel... is it really what this world needs? I would think that a balance is needed to rebuild this world--for however much unwanted the opposite end of the spectrum is.
That said, Jade perhaps isn't the best person to talk Komaeda out of his pessimism given how there's enough of a logical precedent for them. And he doesn't, simply waving his hand as if to dismiss Komaeda's apology.]
There's no need to apologize. Especially when you're in the presence of someone who thinks likewise.
[What he wouldn't give for a straight answer, really.]
That, and I'd rather brace myself for the worst possible scenario in the unlikely event that it should occur. Better be safe than sorry, yes?
[It's a rhetorical question, one he doesn't wait a response for as he moves on to another point.]
Speaking of hope and turning that into fuel... is it really what this world needs? I would think that a balance is needed to rebuild this world--for however much unwanted the opposite end of the spectrum is.
You are correct, and despair is outweighing the hope right now.
It isn't Enoshima. Her despair is a constant, but because of that when others despair in greater amounts...you can see the problem. [He waves his hand before returning it to rest on the table.]
Balance is the key. Not that many seem to understand that. Hatred is just as necessary as love. Our want for things makes us seek out those who will appreciate us. But no one wants to consider it that way.
[His sigh is loud, and long.] To want anything is seen as 'wrong' as are other things, like jealousy itself or anger or fear.
All those things are part of life. We wouldn't be half the species we are without the myriad of things we feel.
It isn't Enoshima. Her despair is a constant, but because of that when others despair in greater amounts...you can see the problem. [He waves his hand before returning it to rest on the table.]
Balance is the key. Not that many seem to understand that. Hatred is just as necessary as love. Our want for things makes us seek out those who will appreciate us. But no one wants to consider it that way.
[His sigh is loud, and long.] To want anything is seen as 'wrong' as are other things, like jealousy itself or anger or fear.
All those things are part of life. We wouldn't be half the species we are without the myriad of things we feel.
I agree.
[He remembers, of course. The unusually warm weather in the height of winter--a small, insignificant sign for some perhaps, but the strangeness of it all in relation to some thoughts that have come to mind regarding the nature of people has brought to light an certain line of thought with regard to recent happenings and people's general nature.]
For shame, or whichever reason they might deem necessary, not many wish to acknowledge that darker side in our hearts. That our mistakes and slips of emotion are part of us as much as our successes and what we purposely project to others. In a way, you can see it's a very human thing in itself, but at the same time, it's such a perspective that gives way to apathy.
[With the way he smiles then, it's a little hard to tell whether he's talking about others or himself, or maybe even a mix of both. On Jade's end, it's something he understands on an intellectual level, but putting things into action certainly always have been a different story.]
Light cannot exist without the dark, after all. And do pardon me for being a little pessimistic about this, but I could only hope that people don't have to learn the hard way that their denial of this could cost them greatly.
[He remembers, of course. The unusually warm weather in the height of winter--a small, insignificant sign for some perhaps, but the strangeness of it all in relation to some thoughts that have come to mind regarding the nature of people has brought to light an certain line of thought with regard to recent happenings and people's general nature.]
For shame, or whichever reason they might deem necessary, not many wish to acknowledge that darker side in our hearts. That our mistakes and slips of emotion are part of us as much as our successes and what we purposely project to others. In a way, you can see it's a very human thing in itself, but at the same time, it's such a perspective that gives way to apathy.
[With the way he smiles then, it's a little hard to tell whether he's talking about others or himself, or maybe even a mix of both. On Jade's end, it's something he understands on an intellectual level, but putting things into action certainly always have been a different story.]
Light cannot exist without the dark, after all. And do pardon me for being a little pessimistic about this, but I could only hope that people don't have to learn the hard way that their denial of this could cost them greatly.
No need to apologize when I share your thoughts. I want to have faith people won't learn the hard way but that would be against my instincts.
[He taps the table with the fingers of his left hand. He'd seen the results when the battles happened. Aiada's shrine yet another.] The people of this world want to bury the past. All except for the Shaarnathians. The researchers seek the truth but records have been altered and songs distorted over time. Theasthai has only one left to give even a hint of what was.
[His homework on the subject included things that need to be known. Sometimes he has nightmares of the sad eyed animals that he had helped put down.]
It is human to want to hide it. I agree with you on that. But that's how people like Enoshima and power struggles begin.
[He taps the table with the fingers of his left hand. He'd seen the results when the battles happened. Aiada's shrine yet another.] The people of this world want to bury the past. All except for the Shaarnathians. The researchers seek the truth but records have been altered and songs distorted over time. Theasthai has only one left to give even a hint of what was.
[His homework on the subject included things that need to be known. Sometimes he has nightmares of the sad eyed animals that he had helped put down.]
It is human to want to hide it. I agree with you on that. But that's how people like Enoshima and power struggles begin.
[Jade takes the time to finish his drink while Komaeda's talking, setting his glass down gently once the other's done.]
So the researchers of this land have an eye out for the truth no matter how troubling it might be? If so, that eases my troubles somehow. That aside, in light of what's been discussed... I have two more requests I'd like to ask of you.
[He gives his glasses a casual push before taking out a certain piece of paper and sliding it towards Komaeda.]
One of your acquaintances--Red, I believe that's how he referred to himself--has given me a list of local researchers that I could get in touch with. Do you have any recommendations as to who I should approach first?
Secondly... could you elaborate on what you mean with regard to Enoshima and power struggles?
[For however much he disliked her that moment, he is still mildly curious about the puzzle and twisted personality that's Junko Enoshima, and perhaps what may have brought her to this state of being.]
So the researchers of this land have an eye out for the truth no matter how troubling it might be? If so, that eases my troubles somehow. That aside, in light of what's been discussed... I have two more requests I'd like to ask of you.
[He gives his glasses a casual push before taking out a certain piece of paper and sliding it towards Komaeda.]
One of your acquaintances--Red, I believe that's how he referred to himself--has given me a list of local researchers that I could get in touch with. Do you have any recommendations as to who I should approach first?
Secondly... could you elaborate on what you mean with regard to Enoshima and power struggles?
[For however much he disliked her that moment, he is still mildly curious about the puzzle and twisted personality that's Junko Enoshima, and perhaps what may have brought her to this state of being.]
Rebekkah Forsyth. You will need to get a meeting directly with her. She sometimes ignores office pings.
[He flags the waiter down and orders a hot sandwich to give him time to think about how to word things. By the time the man disappears with a flirty wink he ignores, he has a constructed plan.]
Imagine if you could predict everything around you. Joys and new lasted only a few seconds at best. How quickly would you start to seek anything new?
[He flags the waiter down and orders a hot sandwich to give him time to think about how to word things. By the time the man disappears with a flirty wink he ignores, he has a constructed plan.]
Imagine if you could predict everything around you. Joys and new lasted only a few seconds at best. How quickly would you start to seek anything new?
Thank you. I will keep that in mind.
[Komaeda's order is joined by Jade's request for some grilled salmon, and while that wink felt several times unnecessary, Jade isn't thankfully allowed much time to ponder upon or comment about that by virtue of Komaeda's carefully crafted response.]
Quicker than water dries in a desert, I'd say.
[He says wryly. It's this similarity he's shared with Junko that's made him feel a certain connection with her, after all. And maybe even subconsciously give her a chance despite her rather colorful history in and out of Empatheias.]
I take it she had no one to look up to or anyone to, for the lack of a better word, set her straight?
[Komaeda's order is joined by Jade's request for some grilled salmon, and while that wink felt several times unnecessary, Jade isn't thankfully allowed much time to ponder upon or comment about that by virtue of Komaeda's carefully crafted response.]
Quicker than water dries in a desert, I'd say.
[He says wryly. It's this similarity he's shared with Junko that's made him feel a certain connection with her, after all. And maybe even subconsciously give her a chance despite her rather colorful history in and out of Empatheias.]
I take it she had no one to look up to or anyone to, for the lack of a better word, set her straight?
[It takes a moment to sort back over what he remembers. He puts the flirting waiter out of his head. He'll rebuff a second attempt if it happens.]
As far as I know if she did. She killed them. Everyone she ever loved and cared for became sources of despair. Her lover. Her sister. Even her beloved classmates were to be sacrificed.
Despair is unpredictable to her. Like a drug addict in need of a fix she seeks it. [It's how she had wired them. His human hand clenches into a fist, thunder rumbling from far away. When it comes to Enoshima, he can say everything in the world to say he's over her and all she did. But anyone with eyes would know better. There's murder in his eyes and he shuts them. He breathes slowly until the violent urge to find her and throw her from island has passed.]
In short we have a brilliant machine that's seeking the latest high.
As far as I know if she did. She killed them. Everyone she ever loved and cared for became sources of despair. Her lover. Her sister. Even her beloved classmates were to be sacrificed.
Despair is unpredictable to her. Like a drug addict in need of a fix she seeks it. [It's how she had wired them. His human hand clenches into a fist, thunder rumbling from far away. When it comes to Enoshima, he can say everything in the world to say he's over her and all she did. But anyone with eyes would know better. There's murder in his eyes and he shuts them. He breathes slowly until the violent urge to find her and throw her from island has passed.]
In short we have a brilliant machine that's seeking the latest high.
Edited 2017-05-29 15:48 (UTC)
[ Red hates that feeling a day after mayhem, when it clings to you and nothing has been resolved; it's like being empty yet full at the same time, a puzzle piece slotted somehow into the wrong environment when nothing of the life resuming around him matches what he knows. He feels it all the more returning to where he lives with Cilan, where being out on the road would at least feel less... normal.
Sleep barely gives him any rest with the thoughts that infiltrate his dreams, yet it's the farthest thing from his mind when he reaches the location where he and Komaeda had agreed to meet: near Lake Niras, where the pair of them had spoken after meeting with Piphron and Red had spilled far more to Komaeda than he had intended to. Trusted him with more than any other from there on.
Trust was maybe one of those things in his chest when he sees Komaeda, standing up from his place beside Lapras on a spread blanket, bits and pieces there in case they were necessary, but none of it on his mind as he approaches to meet the white-haired man. Words were on his tongue of what they would speak about, on where it went wrong, on how they would help Peromei. Yet they all slip away when he instead opens his opens and takes him into an embrace, pulling them tightly together and burying his head to his shoulder.
The sympathies still come; not apologies, though Red may be able to find areas to say sorry, but knowing blaming himself won't help. They're for Peromei, for Komaeda's relationship to her. But more than that, they're for the pair of them, for everything on their mind and everything that had happened. Because they were friends.
Because they both knew the places where it went wrong. It didn't have to discussed, though it would.
It was perhaps a better source of comfort, too, than any words that would follow. ]
Sleep barely gives him any rest with the thoughts that infiltrate his dreams, yet it's the farthest thing from his mind when he reaches the location where he and Komaeda had agreed to meet: near Lake Niras, where the pair of them had spoken after meeting with Piphron and Red had spilled far more to Komaeda than he had intended to. Trusted him with more than any other from there on.
Trust was maybe one of those things in his chest when he sees Komaeda, standing up from his place beside Lapras on a spread blanket, bits and pieces there in case they were necessary, but none of it on his mind as he approaches to meet the white-haired man. Words were on his tongue of what they would speak about, on where it went wrong, on how they would help Peromei. Yet they all slip away when he instead opens his opens and takes him into an embrace, pulling them tightly together and burying his head to his shoulder.
The sympathies still come; not apologies, though Red may be able to find areas to say sorry, but knowing blaming himself won't help. They're for Peromei, for Komaeda's relationship to her. But more than that, they're for the pair of them, for everything on their mind and everything that had happened. Because they were friends.
Because they both knew the places where it went wrong. It didn't have to discussed, though it would.
It was perhaps a better source of comfort, too, than any words that would follow. ]
day after elios trip; action cw: dr2.5 and dr3 spoilers
eyeswideopen
2017-06-08 06:28 pm (UTC)(link)
[It surprises him every time how warm hugs are. Red seems to have a knack for putting as much comfort into one but his experiences with them are few. Only four people have ever hugged him. He'd tease him he had a talent for it if he felt like laughing right now. There will be a time for jokes later.
It takes a bit of doing to keep from squeezing back too hard. He hadn't bothered to reapply the sense of touch back into his metal arm. He needs it to be unfeeling. The only way to separate the past from the present right now is the evidence all of the madness is over. The gears creak and whine, a sound that reminds him constantly he is free.] I'm so grateful we made it out of there. Your voice called to out of the fog. Thank you.
[He will find places to apologize for how far into the darkness of despair he had stepped. It isn't their fault but, some responsibilities...are his to bear. If Peromei were back he'd be curled up against her side in the Tree of Memory, insisting they have their meeting there in the safest place he knows. But she is far away, fighting. Slowly he lets go and steps back.]
Did you take care of your injuries? If you had any from that...last part. I was a bit too out of it to offer to check everyone over. [He'd rode on a snowmobile wrapped in his darker aspect, chains rattling and eyes on the mountain they were leaving. Balance. Balance and sacrifice. Nothing in this world or any other came without a price.]
I'll deal with mine when I've rested more.
It takes a bit of doing to keep from squeezing back too hard. He hadn't bothered to reapply the sense of touch back into his metal arm. He needs it to be unfeeling. The only way to separate the past from the present right now is the evidence all of the madness is over. The gears creak and whine, a sound that reminds him constantly he is free.] I'm so grateful we made it out of there. Your voice called to out of the fog. Thank you.
[He will find places to apologize for how far into the darkness of despair he had stepped. It isn't their fault but, some responsibilities...are his to bear. If Peromei were back he'd be curled up against her side in the Tree of Memory, insisting they have their meeting there in the safest place he knows. But she is far away, fighting. Slowly he lets go and steps back.]
Did you take care of your injuries? If you had any from that...last part. I was a bit too out of it to offer to check everyone over. [He'd rode on a snowmobile wrapped in his darker aspect, chains rattling and eyes on the mountain they were leaving. Balance. Balance and sacrifice. Nothing in this world or any other came without a price.]
I'll deal with mine when I've rested more.
[ Whether the metal presses too close into Red's back, he never says, nor would he care. It's a fulfilling embrace enough, that he might understand why Usagi likes them so much; not because he's never known the comfort in one, but to have so many people around him, more than his pokémon, that he would think to ever give them to?
That's new. ]
I would've been lost without you there. [ It's a return for the thanks, that Komaeda was just as an important presence as whatever he did with Jude's device. He'd have to thank Alvin later for thinking of getting him those. He brings his arms close to himself, tightening them together. ]
I was fine. ...I need rest, but I'm fine. [ The moment of comfort gone, there's a tension to his arms that he's reminded of, that he needs to not focus on. Hate and love fighting in his mind, fluctuating; it's a horrible reminder, one now distant, yet still too close, like the ice might form beneath them if they're not careful. He nods to the blanket, moving and leading Komaeda to join him on it. He'll have to keep that note of Komaeda's health in his mind for later.
But when Red settles, those topics that had been on his tongue before find themselves an outlet, as if they had been waiting pressed against his mouth the entire time. ]
There were too many new people. None of them took the situation seriously. [ Lapras brings her head close to where Red sits, eyeing his trainer with a quiet, stern expression. Red closes his eyes for a moment before opening them again. ]
We said we needed compassion as well as hate, but some of them-- it was a joke. [ Most brought hate, but seemed to leave the compassion also asked for in their other pants that day. ] I don't know why they were there.
That's new. ]
I would've been lost without you there. [ It's a return for the thanks, that Komaeda was just as an important presence as whatever he did with Jude's device. He'd have to thank Alvin later for thinking of getting him those. He brings his arms close to himself, tightening them together. ]
I was fine. ...I need rest, but I'm fine. [ The moment of comfort gone, there's a tension to his arms that he's reminded of, that he needs to not focus on. Hate and love fighting in his mind, fluctuating; it's a horrible reminder, one now distant, yet still too close, like the ice might form beneath them if they're not careful. He nods to the blanket, moving and leading Komaeda to join him on it. He'll have to keep that note of Komaeda's health in his mind for later.
But when Red settles, those topics that had been on his tongue before find themselves an outlet, as if they had been waiting pressed against his mouth the entire time. ]
There were too many new people. None of them took the situation seriously. [ Lapras brings her head close to where Red sits, eyeing his trainer with a quiet, stern expression. Red closes his eyes for a moment before opening them again. ]
We said we needed compassion as well as hate, but some of them-- it was a joke. [ Most brought hate, but seemed to leave the compassion also asked for in their other pants that day. ] I don't know why they were there.
I had thought everyone would do some checking into the easily accessible information but, I keep being proven wrong on that front. [He settles on the blanket and favors his right side more than his left. He'd done a number on his ribs with the two solid punches he'd nailed himself with.] Maybe next time we should take a lawyer.
At least they know how to debate. [His sharp words are backed by a derisive snort. Coming home to find Edward is gone had been a blow. He'd intended to rope the spitfire but logical man into his plans for the future.] Lack of experience was also a factor. And miscalculations.
[He grimaces. The burns had been minor but he'd still gotten a few.] But. ...I underestimated Elios. I thought he was listening to me. He told me exactly what I wanted. I knew it was a trap but...like that.
[Another sigh. But then he tips his head slightly to the side.] Those devices were very useful and the slow release...I feel that makes them safer.
At least they know how to debate. [His sharp words are backed by a derisive snort. Coming home to find Edward is gone had been a blow. He'd intended to rope the spitfire but logical man into his plans for the future.] Lack of experience was also a factor. And miscalculations.
[He grimaces. The burns had been minor but he'd still gotten a few.] But. ...I underestimated Elios. I thought he was listening to me. He told me exactly what I wanted. I knew it was a trap but...like that.
[Another sigh. But then he tips his head slightly to the side.] Those devices were very useful and the slow release...I feel that makes them safer.
[ They went over information before leaving, of the advice given by the government on how to approach Elios, how he should be reassured, but been firm with.
Some of it was understandable, once in the heat of the action-- or would be for some. But not for all. There were those who thought they knew best. ]
Thras said we needed a blanket. The plan was never to overwhelm with Elios with hate. I didn't want to use the device any other way. [ Unless in an emergency. But what happened was exactly what he was worried for. A young-minded Elios using his hate in response to the hate received. ]
All we had was a chance that he'd listen. After Daimonia went to him... we knew it was going to be nearly impossible, but we wanted to try. Everyone did. We voted to go anyway. [ He breathes in, sighing after. ]
They might be useful for the teleporter. With the way the ice was reaching Diateris, if we want to keep it open, it'll be the safest way to create a barrier around it.
Some of it was understandable, once in the heat of the action-- or would be for some. But not for all. There were those who thought they knew best. ]
Thras said we needed a blanket. The plan was never to overwhelm with Elios with hate. I didn't want to use the device any other way. [ Unless in an emergency. But what happened was exactly what he was worried for. A young-minded Elios using his hate in response to the hate received. ]
All we had was a chance that he'd listen. After Daimonia went to him... we knew it was going to be nearly impossible, but we wanted to try. Everyone did. We voted to go anyway. [ He breathes in, sighing after. ]
They might be useful for the teleporter. With the way the ice was reaching Diateris, if we want to keep it open, it'll be the safest way to create a barrier around it.
I agree. ...and I'll make sure they know no one should be posted to monitor it. As it stands, Elios is too unstable. [But what could they do to observe the situation? Peromei will be too busy fighting. He grimaces and presses a hand to the side of his head.]
I'm afraid we might not be able to monitor anything. But, I think we need to get him to leave his lands. That has to be part of the problem. That tunnel...more importantly, you noticed the black armored people, right?
[He's sure Red did. Most of them had to have looked at the ice encased people and seen something. Red tends to pay attention better than most.]
The white...I've seen them before too. In Peromei's memories.
I'm afraid we might not be able to monitor anything. But, I think we need to get him to leave his lands. That has to be part of the problem. That tunnel...more importantly, you noticed the black armored people, right?
[He's sure Red did. Most of them had to have looked at the ice encased people and seen something. Red tends to pay attention better than most.]
The white...I've seen them before too. In Peromei's memories.
Inoman. [ He had kept his eyes averted from the bodies as best as he could, but he had seen them, and he nods with the name. The armoured individuals always bring his mind back to the floating village where so much had started to be revealed to everyone, but he had learnt about later on. ]
They were around where Elios took us to bring life to the land. They... those were the ones who attacked the people of Inoman and their faith. You couldn't touch the armour safely. Like the weapons we found at the shrine outside Daimonia's lands.
[ Though they hadn't seen the armours there, his mind is reminded of them for their intensity, how Glenn had reacted upon touching one. ]
What do you remember about them from Peromei's memories? I tried asking Elios if he knew anything, but he didn't.
[ And there was always something, just something that bothered him about them. ]
They were around where Elios took us to bring life to the land. They... those were the ones who attacked the people of Inoman and their faith. You couldn't touch the armour safely. Like the weapons we found at the shrine outside Daimonia's lands.
[ Though they hadn't seen the armours there, his mind is reminded of them for their intensity, how Glenn had reacted upon touching one. ]
What do you remember about them from Peromei's memories? I tried asking Elios if he knew anything, but he didn't.
[ And there was always something, just something that bothered him about them. ]
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