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Entry tags:
- !event,
- *npc: cyrus,
- arcane: silco,
- arcane: vander,
- black butler: sebastian michaelis,
- ennead: set,
- expanse (the): amos burton,
- final fantasy xiv: cid garlond,
- final fantasy xiv: emet-selch,
- final fantasy xiv: hythlodaeus,
- genshin impact: kaeya alberich,
- granblue fantasy: eustace,
- mortal kombat 11: shang tsung,
- oc: liem talbott,
- orv: sooyoung han,
- persona 5 strikers: sophia,
- tiger & bunny: barnaby brooks jr.,
- until death do us part: mamoru hijikata
TDM + GAME OPENING 🎉
Who: Shard-Bearers, new and old
What: Seeds take root
Where: The Tree of Life, Highstorm, Springstar
When: October 14th and onwards
Warnings: Potential for (mild) body horror, death, dismemberment
Welcome to Kenos! As a reminder, all players are required to fill out an application, which are now open. This does include characters/players from Aion Teleos, so please don’t forget to fill one out! Any character/player that does not submit an application will be swept from the communities and the Discord after applications close.
Activity Check is optional this month, but is highly recommend so Christy can check her fancy program so that you can earn Activity Reward Tokens! Activity will be able to be submitted shortly after applications close. You can find more about how we do AC here.
This log is Game Canon. Any characters who are not apped to the game will disappear. If Cyrus or Yima are asked, they’ll explain that this happens sometimes, since not every soul has a strong tether to Kenos and sometimes return to the Timestream. They’re fine and may even return to Kenos one day, but for now weren’t able to make the full journey.
As a reminder, your character has a Shard somewhere on their body that encompasses their soul, so keep note of where you're sticking it on their person for reference! Additionally, they have a tattoo of their Aspect somewhere on their body. Please be mindful this Aspect will be assigned to you upon approval and whatever you choose for the TDM may be temporary (for new characters)!
For the Highstorm and Springstar prompts, both cities will be fully open and accessible to all characters once they are saved from their rather harrowing ordeal at the Tree of Life. For prompt ideas and any general information about the cities and what you can find there, please see the Navigation page and check out the locations!
New players are welcome to join our Discord Server if you haven't already!
When they emerge from their cocoon/the ground, characters may be wearing their normal clothes, or they might be nude. Up to you!
At some point in the days after leaving the Tree of Life, new Shard-Bearers will have a dream, even if they're usually not capable of sleeping. All new players should read this post, since this details how they'll learn about both factions and their goals and should help them make a decision in which Faction they'd be drawn to.
New characters will not have access to any canon abilities on the TDM.
Your character will be offered temporary housing either at the Heliopolis district or Yima's manor for the first few weeks after their arrival. They will also be given a stipend for basic supplies like clothing and personal effects, and food is served in the cantina (Heliopolis) and at regular meal times in the Dining Room (Yima's manor). Once they Harmonize, they will get personal permanent chambers and a fancy retainer in their Faction's city. Wow! 🌈
Characters may be Harmonized to their Faction (if that makes sense for the character, of course!) by the time of this log. This is more for IC reference, and just wait until application acceptance to do the OOC paperwork!
General reminder that your character won't have access to their powers until they have Harmonized.
CODING
What: Seeds take root
Where: The Tree of Life, Highstorm, Springstar
When: October 14th and onwards
Warnings: Potential for (mild) body horror, death, dismemberment
I. BEARING FRUIT (new characters only)
It starts out as a pleasant dream. You’re in your favorite place, with your favorite people. It’s a moment of idyllic comfort.
And then, it goes wrong.
The sky turns dark above, and as you look up, you see the black expanse of space spotted with faraway pinprick lights of stars. Yet, they’re not stars. You’re certain. They’re watching you. A billion eyes all looking down, and they spill forth as if sky itself was a dam holding back those dark waters. You reach back to the people you’re with, but they’re frozen in place. Their eyes are black, reflecting only the expanse of dark eyes.
So you run, even though you know you won’t escape it. You glance back and see it not overtaking, but consuming. The landscape around you is being devoured, and you can see it cracking apart. The world itself is breaking, and it cracks under your feet. You fall, and the billion eyes chase after you until the darkness swallows you whole. There’s agony as if you’re being ripped apart, and then—
You cannot see. You cannot feel. You simply are. Yet even so, impossibly, a woman’s voice speaks gently.
I’m sorry it couldn’t be saved. But, come, it’s time to wake.
You wake with a start, cradled by soft, velvety plants, and sticky with a sap that smells faintly of honey and iron. You can see the veins of the leaves that hold you, lit warmly and gently by what looks like a crystal embedded above you. Yet, it’s odd, because that crystal calls to you. When you reach out to touch it, it’s warm. Familiar. Important. You don’t know why, but you know you must hold onto this, because now it feels wrong for it to be suspended in these leaves. So, you pull it out.
The light starts to fade, but only in time to see as the leaves cradling you immediately start to soften and crumble, and with it comes a torrent of dirt. Soft, loamy soil starts to fill the space around you in the dark as you’re buried. Or, rather, you already were. You reach out through the dirt desperately, and your hands finds a root, so you pull while you clutch that precious crystal so close that it almost feels like it sinks into you (in your panic, you don’t notice that it does). You reach out again, and this time, your hand hits open air and plenty of sturdy roots around to grab.
From a seed you’re born, and like a sprout, you make your way out of the ground.
And once you’ve clawed your way out of the soft earth and the roots, nearby, you see the soil shift. Another hand comes up to grasp desperately for something, anything, just as you had been.
And then, it goes wrong.
The sky turns dark above, and as you look up, you see the black expanse of space spotted with faraway pinprick lights of stars. Yet, they’re not stars. You’re certain. They’re watching you. A billion eyes all looking down, and they spill forth as if sky itself was a dam holding back those dark waters. You reach back to the people you’re with, but they’re frozen in place. Their eyes are black, reflecting only the expanse of dark eyes.
So you run, even though you know you won’t escape it. You glance back and see it not overtaking, but consuming. The landscape around you is being devoured, and you can see it cracking apart. The world itself is breaking, and it cracks under your feet. You fall, and the billion eyes chase after you until the darkness swallows you whole. There’s agony as if you’re being ripped apart, and then—
You cannot see. You cannot feel. You simply are. Yet even so, impossibly, a woman’s voice speaks gently.
I’m sorry it couldn’t be saved. But, come, it’s time to wake.
You wake with a start, cradled by soft, velvety plants, and sticky with a sap that smells faintly of honey and iron. You can see the veins of the leaves that hold you, lit warmly and gently by what looks like a crystal embedded above you. Yet, it’s odd, because that crystal calls to you. When you reach out to touch it, it’s warm. Familiar. Important. You don’t know why, but you know you must hold onto this, because now it feels wrong for it to be suspended in these leaves. So, you pull it out.
The light starts to fade, but only in time to see as the leaves cradling you immediately start to soften and crumble, and with it comes a torrent of dirt. Soft, loamy soil starts to fill the space around you in the dark as you’re buried. Or, rather, you already were. You reach out through the dirt desperately, and your hands finds a root, so you pull while you clutch that precious crystal so close that it almost feels like it sinks into you (in your panic, you don’t notice that it does). You reach out again, and this time, your hand hits open air and plenty of sturdy roots around to grab.
From a seed you’re born, and like a sprout, you make your way out of the ground.
And once you’ve clawed your way out of the soft earth and the roots, nearby, you see the soil shift. Another hand comes up to grasp desperately for something, anything, just as you had been.
II. MORAL HAZARD
There are new Shard-Bearers at the Tree of Life, and Yima has asked that the earlier arrivals go to greet them and help them. These aren’t people from Horos, after all, so they’ll have many, many questions. As Yima explains, the roots of the tree rise up to create caverns underneath, and it’s there you’ll find the new Shard-Bearers. And indeed, with careful steps to not slip on the mossy roots, down you go. Perhaps Communion will help you find the new Shard-Bearers, but it might be a confusing process for them.
The roots all start to look the same, to the point that you’re sure that you’ve already been through this passage. You turn around, and most of the people you had come here with are gone, if not all of them. It’s confusing and unsettling, and strangest of all.. You’re starting to feel ill, even if that wasn’t something normally possible for you. But continuing forward, you do eventually find an unfamiliar face of a new Shard-Bearer. They look no better than you feel.
Before introductions, however, roots around you shift suddenly until you’re enclosed in a room together. From the roots, a face forms in the wall. It speaks in a creaking, uneven tone, as if it weren’t used to speaking at all.
Give to take. A sacrifice. To live.
Characters can pick one of the following options, but the decision must be made unanimously. If one character takes a drastic action (such as murdering another), it’s counted as a failure for the group.
This can be done in groups of 2 to 4 players, and Loremasters recommend three if you can swing it! It’s more fun when you get in philosophical debates, right? Regardless, when your group comes to a decision, please record it here. These don’t have to be fully threaded out to be recorded, so the conclusion can be discussed OOC if you prefer. Actions can be submitted until October 21st, after which groups will be informed of what comes of their choice…
When a group receives the antidote, they'll be released from the tree's thrall... But will have a hard time waking up. It feels like something has grabbed onto their spine.
The roots all start to look the same, to the point that you’re sure that you’ve already been through this passage. You turn around, and most of the people you had come here with are gone, if not all of them. It’s confusing and unsettling, and strangest of all.. You’re starting to feel ill, even if that wasn’t something normally possible for you. But continuing forward, you do eventually find an unfamiliar face of a new Shard-Bearer. They look no better than you feel.
Before introductions, however, roots around you shift suddenly until you’re enclosed in a room together. From the roots, a face forms in the wall. It speaks in a creaking, uneven tone, as if it weren’t used to speaking at all.
Give to take. A sacrifice. To live.
LET'S PLAY A GAME...
As the Dryad will explain, characters are now trapped in a room and have been poisoned by the spores that the lichens underfoot release. An antidote lays beyond the roots the dryad has curled around you, but to access it, you must make a sacrifice.Characters can pick one of the following options, but the decision must be made unanimously. If one character takes a drastic action (such as murdering another), it’s counted as a failure for the group.
- Each of you must offer up a personal/treasured memory. The memory will be shared in Communion with all characters assembled, and then will be destroyed. No character will retain the memory or memory of its Communion.
- Each of you must offer up something physical. A finger, a toe, an ear, it’s your choice. The dryad will offer a knife if this is chosen that will sever the body part of choice cleanly and immediately stop any bleeding.
- Offer up another. Kill one person in the room.
- Refusing is also a valid option. Characters will get more ill as they debate until they start to find it difficult to breathe, and they’ll die quickly after.
This can be done in groups of 2 to 4 players, and Loremasters recommend three if you can swing it! It’s more fun when you get in philosophical debates, right? Regardless, when your group comes to a decision, please record it here. These don’t have to be fully threaded out to be recorded, so the conclusion can be discussed OOC if you prefer. Actions can be submitted until October 21st, after which groups will be informed of what comes of their choice…
When a group receives the antidote, they'll be released from the tree's thrall... But will have a hard time waking up. It feels like something has grabbed onto their spine.
III. DREAMING OF HOME
You may wake with a start from your deliberations (or arguments) with a jolt of pain from the base of your spine as something is pulled away rapidly. A dark-haired man who looks to be in his thirties or so holds you carefully, but as soon as you start to regain your senses, he sets you back and holds up his hands.
Woah— Woah there, it’s fine! The tree was, uh, trying to take you back is all. You’re fine now.
As long as you’re not going to attack him, he offers a friendly smile and a hand to shake.
Name’s Cyrus. Sorry about the rude awakening. Let’s get your friend here unhooked too.
And indeed, glancing over, you can see the person you met in that room laying nearby, and it looks like a vine has snaked underneath them to exactly where something had just been pulled from you… Best not to think about it, maybe. Or if you've been unlucky enough to be one of the last people rescued, you might find vines and roots starting to grow into your skin. It's fine!
Cyrus will gladly introduce himself to everyone, and will further explain his position in Meridian and Springstar (see the NPC Page) and the goals of Meridian itself (see the Faction Page, save for the italicized section). But most importantly, he’ll explain that he knows it sounds like something overly optimistic. It’s fair to be skeptical. He’ll produce a small glass bead from a bag he’s carrying. It looks like the necklace he wears, though not lit up. He’ll explain that the force of Meridian is a gift and can be a tether to your home, if you let it. As his fingertips light up, the energy is infused into the bead, which he’ll hand to you.
Taking the bead into your hands, you’ll take a bird’s eye view of your home world as if your consciousness is split, since you’ll still perceive standing in front of Cyrus at the tree. Rather than a vision, the view of your world is absolutely real, you’re certain. It’s a glimpse at the world that you thought destroyed, and if you focus on a particular place or a particular person, you’ll find the view shifting rapidly to it. No one you watch is aware of your presence, but simply continues about their daily life, whatever that is. But after about a minute, the view will fade as the light in the bead also fades.
That’s an iliachtida, a sunbeam, and when infused with Meridian’s light, allows someone Harmonized to it to check in on their world, he explains. It also acts as an anchor that tethers their soul to their world in the Timestream. With it, their world can’t entirely disappear, so eventually, they can go home. It’s a gift he’ll allow anyone that wants it to keep it, but indeed, they’ll be unable to use it again without first Harmonizing to Meridian.
To help manage threadload for the Loremasters playing Cyrus, we ask that you only tag him with the character you are most likely to app. Similarly, new tag-ins will not be accepted after Monday, October 17th.
Woah— Woah there, it’s fine! The tree was, uh, trying to take you back is all. You’re fine now.
As long as you’re not going to attack him, he offers a friendly smile and a hand to shake.
Name’s Cyrus. Sorry about the rude awakening. Let’s get your friend here unhooked too.
And indeed, glancing over, you can see the person you met in that room laying nearby, and it looks like a vine has snaked underneath them to exactly where something had just been pulled from you… Best not to think about it, maybe. Or if you've been unlucky enough to be one of the last people rescued, you might find vines and roots starting to grow into your skin. It's fine!
CYRUS, THE TRIBUNE
Cyrus is the NPC heading up the Meridian Faction, and is available to thread with under this header. Cyrus has come to the Tree of Life to help rescue the Shard-Bearer’s from the Tree, so he’s not going to be inclined to explain too much right away, since he’s on a mission, but he’ll stick around once everyone is successfully freed from Prompt 2 to speak with anyone that wants to. The following is just an OOC summary of information in case you do not need to thread with Cyrus:Cyrus will gladly introduce himself to everyone, and will further explain his position in Meridian and Springstar (see the NPC Page) and the goals of Meridian itself (see the Faction Page, save for the italicized section). But most importantly, he’ll explain that he knows it sounds like something overly optimistic. It’s fair to be skeptical. He’ll produce a small glass bead from a bag he’s carrying. It looks like the necklace he wears, though not lit up. He’ll explain that the force of Meridian is a gift and can be a tether to your home, if you let it. As his fingertips light up, the energy is infused into the bead, which he’ll hand to you.
Taking the bead into your hands, you’ll take a bird’s eye view of your home world as if your consciousness is split, since you’ll still perceive standing in front of Cyrus at the tree. Rather than a vision, the view of your world is absolutely real, you’re certain. It’s a glimpse at the world that you thought destroyed, and if you focus on a particular place or a particular person, you’ll find the view shifting rapidly to it. No one you watch is aware of your presence, but simply continues about their daily life, whatever that is. But after about a minute, the view will fade as the light in the bead also fades.
That’s an iliachtida, a sunbeam, and when infused with Meridian’s light, allows someone Harmonized to it to check in on their world, he explains. It also acts as an anchor that tethers their soul to their world in the Timestream. With it, their world can’t entirely disappear, so eventually, they can go home. It’s a gift he’ll allow anyone that wants it to keep it, but indeed, they’ll be unable to use it again without first Harmonizing to Meridian.
To help manage threadload for the Loremasters playing Cyrus, we ask that you only tag him with the character you are most likely to app. Similarly, new tag-ins will not be accepted after Monday, October 17th.
III. SPRINGSTAR, αιώνιος ήλιος
After your ordeals at the Tree of Life, perhaps you’re drawn to Springstar, the city of eternal sun and the seat of Meridian.
It’s currently (and fittingly) Spring in Springstar, and the bustling city is coming back to life after finishing up winter. It’s not as if the winters are especially harsh here, but you’ll quickly get the sense that the people of Springstar are vivacious and happy to celebrate. You’ll find the Entertainment District to be the liveliest, whether it’s at a rowdy bar or a brothel, but no matter what, you’re welcome with open arms and without question.
Of course, if you’d just like to use the chance to explore the city alongside your fellow Shard-Bearers, that’s fine too. It’s easy to get lost in the crowds of Springstar and see all the city has to offer.
It’s currently (and fittingly) Spring in Springstar, and the bustling city is coming back to life after finishing up winter. It’s not as if the winters are especially harsh here, but you’ll quickly get the sense that the people of Springstar are vivacious and happy to celebrate. You’ll find the Entertainment District to be the liveliest, whether it’s at a rowdy bar or a brothel, but no matter what, you’re welcome with open arms and without question.
Of course, if you’d just like to use the chance to explore the city alongside your fellow Shard-Bearers, that’s fine too. It’s easy to get lost in the crowds of Springstar and see all the city has to offer.
IV. HIGHSTORM, луны-близнецы
Or maybe Highstorm, the city of twin moons and the seat of Zenith is more to your liking. It’s certainly the quieter of the two cities and is a relaxing, meditative place if that’s what you prefer. The chill in the air is constant, since it’s Autumn in Highstorm and the eternal night doesn’t help keep things warm, exactly. Snow isn’t out of the question at this time of the year, but it’s beautiful in the moonlight.
Because of the cooler weather than Highstorm is prone to, you’ll find many of its delights inside rather than outside. Libraries and museums are popular in the more introspective city, though it’s easy enough to find something that might please you. For example, the indoor hot baths are popular at this time of the year too. You’ll find the people are kind, if cool-tempered, though if you mention the fact that you’re a Shard-Bearer or allied with Zenith, they’re more likely to warm up.
Though much like Springstar, it may just be more interesting to explore the city with a fellow Shard-Bearer. And as a resident may warn you, it’s best to stay in the city. Wandering out into the marshes and forests isn’t advised. Of course, if you do, just contact a Loremaster to find out why. ♥
Because of the cooler weather than Highstorm is prone to, you’ll find many of its delights inside rather than outside. Libraries and museums are popular in the more introspective city, though it’s easy enough to find something that might please you. For example, the indoor hot baths are popular at this time of the year too. You’ll find the people are kind, if cool-tempered, though if you mention the fact that you’re a Shard-Bearer or allied with Zenith, they’re more likely to warm up.
Though much like Springstar, it may just be more interesting to explore the city with a fellow Shard-Bearer. And as a resident may warn you, it’s best to stay in the city. Wandering out into the marshes and forests isn’t advised. Of course, if you do, just contact a Loremaster to find out why. ♥
NOTES
ii
truthfully, he doesn’t entirely recall what about amos makes him so mad. the details don’t feel tangible in his mind; there’s a mix of frustration and pity, and of course, dextera remembers attacking him in broad daylight with the same frustration he feels now. the only thing that’s stopping him from tackling amos to the ground is the fact that he’s in a group, being watched. ]
…
[ watched by the archangel, no less. any drama in their reunion has been cut short by this demanding predicament they’ve been placed in, and part of dextera’s desire to make it out alive is to ensure that he can cling to the archangel in the ways he needs.
eyes dark, he turns to make his appeal to both the archangel and hythlodaeus, even if he doesn’t know the latter. he points with urgency at amos, a punctuated jab of his arm as if to say look!
this is who we want to get rid of!
dextera may not always see his own worth, but in a case like this, he has knowledge to offer with these two. they don’t know amos. dextera barely does either, but he trusts his own gut reactions. ]
no subject
Amos is pretty lost, as far as these things go — trees haven't ever really been a thing in his life. Ones that can talk, poison, and imprison people even less so. The game itself makes far more sense to him, albeit not in a way he's happy with. Like it's getting off on tormenting them, and he's got a real problem with that — and apparently no way out but to play along.
He's eyeing the weird face in the roots first; shifts his gaze to the Archangel when he speaks, eyes brightening in recognition, attention. That makes sense. Everything he's saying makes sense—
Movement catches the corner of his eye, and Amos turns to stare at Dextera, incredulous. ]
Are you fucking pointing at me?
[ He knows Dextera not by name, but by the fact that he has some weird kind of problem with him for reasons that have never been entirely clear to Amos. To the point of... attacking him in broad daylight. And now jabbing in his direction with intent.
Oh, no. Fuck this. For as little a problem as Amos has had on his end of things, Dextera is maybe now succeeding in getting his attention. In a bad way.
He turns back to the Archangel and Hythlodaeus, arms spread slightly in bewilderment, palms up. They're new here, he's pretty sure — so they're the ones he should be trying to help. Not Dextera. ]
I don't know what his problem is.
[ Technically the truth. ]
no subject
No, let us not be hasty... there's surely a way out of here for all of us. I realise that time is not on our side, but there are four of us- we can surely come to a reasonable conclusion.
[His stance is clear- he doesn't want anyone to die. Though that doesn't mean he can't be persuaded that it's for the benefit of the others that one of them should die...]
no subject
It is mildly surprising to see Dextera actually want to kill someone that isn't a Meta-Being. But it seems like the man in question doesn't understand why he's being singled out. Even more interesting, but I'm afraid I'm not of the mind to care at the moment. ]
I'm afraid I'm also at a loss as to why he would want you to die. But I am the Archangel and will do what I can for everyone here.
[ As always, he speaks in an understanding tone. His head bows as he closes his eyes. ] What the man here has said is correct. We should think of a reasonable conclusion for things. [ The most reasonable to allow us all to live would be to offer to cut something off, but I refuse. How to turn things to death? He lets out a single sigh. ]
However, I don't believe we will be allowed to get out of here without some blood shed. Isn't that right? [ He pauses to turn towards Dextera. ] You don't want him to survive? [ A beat, like he is humoring it, but he says instead. ] Unfortunately, Dextera... you are the greatest sinner of us here.
[ His expression is sorrowful and filled with regret. ] Did you think you could hide that from us?
no subject
—!
[ dextera instantly folds in on himself, shoulders hunching as if to make himself as small as possible. he doesn’t deny it, wouldn’t even if he could, but the flinch already does more than enough to say that the archangel isn’t lying. at least, dextera believes him, and that regretful tone has dextera hurriedly shaking his head.
he hadn’t… maybe he has been complacent with no one knowing. ]
no subject
Stops as the Archangel suddenly turns things towards Dextera, and the thought of a simple, reasonable conclusion with just a little bit of mutilation is already gone from his mind. Amos turns from him to Dextera, gauging his reaction — the way he immediately concedes, and huh. What.
(Then why does he have such a problem with him?) ]
What'd he do? [ Amos turns back to the Archangel, head cocked curiously. Okay, clearly they both know each other from elsewhere, but... ] I thought he was just some guy.
[ It's not that he has any problems with sinners. Hell, Amos has sinned more than his fair share, not that he thinks of it that way. But he wasn't the one pointing fingers here, and now his interest is fully piqued. ]
no subject
This wasn't quite the conclusion I had in mind.
[And the way Dextera hunches in on himself, well, he feels badly for him. His eyes linger on the Archangel, his expression flat.]
I fear I don't quite understand what gives you the authority to condemn another so quickly. We have options, lest you forget.
[Could they not give up a memory each? As much as Hythlodaeus wants to cling to his own, he doesn't want to selfishly allow another to die just because he wouldn't let go. Or even a body part... he looks down at his hands. A finger or a toe, perhaps?]
no subject
[ Archangel lies so pretty through his teeth as he glances back toward the man that Dextera had wanted dead. He hears the confusion in his voice and offers a slight smile. In this small space, he could condemn the sinner and solve this issue. However, he decides against it.
Because it is much more fun to still have a claim on Dextera's soul, to be the only one who knows the depths of his sins and crimes. His head dips down like he is in deep thought, but it is to hide his widening smile.
When he lifts his head back up, his somber expression is back. ]
You ask me of his sins... they are too numerous to name. To give a generalization of what he has done... it would sully the very ground that we find ourselves in. [ He shakes his head at the beauty that wishes to spare Dextera. ] We do have options, yes, but do you want to give pieces of yourself to allow a monster to live?
[ Archangel turns to look to Dextera. His expression shifts to one of adoration, affection; it is brief and passes. Yes, he is the only one who could truly love him and the only one allowed to sentence him. ]
no subject
[ there is mostly silence from dextera, as the people around him much more comfortably—seemingly so—discuss impending sacrifice than dextera feels. some of the fight has been taken out of him by the archangel’s coolly decisive claims, but he’s also not going to lay down and let himself die either.
it takes a moment, but when he feels a breath in the air that might allow him to speak, he gently refutes hythlodaeus’ suggestion that there are other options. it comes through their shards, his voice barely tangible and small. ]
I don’t have any memories to give up… and I don’t want anyone to hurt who doesn’t have to.
[ the former makes one option entirely impossible, the last leaves, in dextera’s opinion, only two people to choose.
his eyes flick to amos, but his gaze soon sullenly drops to the ground. he knows he’s managed to outnumber himself. there’s nonetheless a little quiver in the communion, like dextera is going to keep talking, but he stops himself and the connection closes along with a tense jaw. ]
no subject
Amos finds himself looking around the group assembled as they speak, absorbing their words, their arguments — or lack thereof. Hythlodaeus has his immediate respect, even if things seem kind of hopeless on the end he's suggesting — still, it's something admirable, someone he wants to keep in mind. A little naivety isn't bad; not when there are people who will do what has to be done, apparently cruel as it may seem.
... But. ]
I've met monsters before. [ In a sense, Amos would classify himself as one.
His eyes flick to Dextera in turn, ready for something to happen, and... nothing. Just acceptance. There's nothing to argue with, no fight to be had. He looks at him coolly before turning back to the Archangel, gesturing towards Dextera as he does so. ] He doesn't sound like one to me.
[ There's a finality to his words. No, he doesn't know Dextera or the extent of what he's done; yes, Dextera had just tried to condemn him to death, but. But. His aren't the actions of a monster, and therefore, Dextera is not a monster. It's that simple.
He addresses the group. ]
We gotta do whatever it is we gotta do. [ And maybe soon, considering the poison that they're all inhaling. ] We do it, and it's done. It doesn't gotta be anything more than that.
no subject
Then speak your suggestions plainly. We shan't dance around the matter- if you would see somebody sacrificed, say as much.
[His gaze is hard, and the thin line his lips have pressed into look almost out of place on his features. He hasn't quite accepted Dextera's willingness to die for them. Not yet. As someone who once sacrificed himself for the good of the rest, though... well, he knows better than to argue if the man has truly made up his mind.
He coughs as he inhales more of the poison. They're running out of time, he knows this. It means they'll have to come to a conclusion quickly. But if Dextera wants an out, he has it for now. Hythlodaeus is resolved to have to endure some pain if he should change his mind.]
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[ The Archangel does not sneer at the man who says he knows monsters. His expression is, instead, rather bland; he takes in what is said and immediately dismisses it. He had more sneering and jeering to do at the two of them, but knows that will win him no allies.
He rests his hand on his chest before bowing slightly. His eyes widen as he stares at the roots below them. He has no memories. How is that possible? How is it possible? It cannot be a lie. He would not think to lie to me. Thoughts scream and whirl in his mind as he tries to figure out the meaning behind it.
But there is one thing that stops him. Dextera is mine. He's mine. I am the one to absolve and condemn him. I will not let any of you have any piece of him! Not one piece! You're undeserving of it! His fingers lightly touch his forehead as he feels his motivations have shifted a little. ]
My suggestion is to sacrifice Dextera. [ A beat. ] If I were not here, I fear things would have escalated. You [ His eyes fixed once more upon the one Dextera pointed out. ] would have easily killed him, but that would not have been something agreed upon by all parties, yes? He almost cost you all to lose and who knows what suffering would come next.
[ He coughs into his hand. Ah, is this not like the air of home? ]
We sacrifice him and some of his sins will be absolved. Some of that which could have been, at the very least. [ A glance once more to Dextera. ]
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they aren’t necessarily opposed here and now. there’s no benefit to dextera holding anything against him, except that it would have spared dextera if he had been able to produce a better reason. instead, the archangel is offering him up, amos doesn’t care, and dextera’s estimation of hythlodaeus is that he’ll go with the will of the group. ]
…
[ dextera’s response to the archangel, petty, is kept to himself. he doesn’t make eye contact, though that’s nothing new. ]
I don’t want to die. [ it’s less like a desperate plea, though, and more like the petulance of a child who doesn’t want to eat their vegetables but knows they’ll lose anyway. ] If you’re going to make me die, he has to do it. So you can see! So you can see that he’s…
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Amos doesn't particularly care what they do, so long as they actually do it. He clears his throat in an aborted sort of cough, as his breaths start to get shorter and shallower. But at least they all seem to be in agreement, which is the second-to-last step. The last one is... ]
Sure, I'll do it.
[ He turns to Dextera. So they can see what? That he's broken? That isn't anything new; only the people are. He figures the Archangel won't mind, considering how this is his suggestion (and he's not entirely wrong. Amos had to acquiesce that point with a small nod as he spoke it aloud, someone's death would have been likely here, and there's a small sense of relief that he at least didn't rush into it); Hythlodaeus... Amos is less sure. He seems more the bleeding heart type, but if he's willing to go along with this...
He glances at Hythlodaeus, as if wanting confirmation that this is okay, before turning back to Dextera. ]
I'll make it quick and painless. Your shard'll be fine. [ Amos pauses before turning to Hythlodaeus and the Archangel. ] It's— He won't really die. I mean, he will, but as long as his shard — his soul — is intact, we'll be able to bring him back. I died not too long ago; it's not a big deal.
[ Because that's extremely normal. He looks back at Dextera. ]
We can come back for it later, when we know what's going on. Yima will know what to do.
[ His voice is blank and clinical, as if he's working on a math problem out loud. They'll be minus Dextera for a bit; they'll add him back later; it all equals back to the same result. That's all it is, so they'll all be fine, right? This is okay. ]
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We can bring him back?
[That does change a lot. It feels less final like this, and more like his own sacrifice to Zodiark. Which- well, he never was brought back again, not until now, but they have the opportunity to do it this time. To bring someone back who chose to sacrifice themselves for the good of the rest. He ponders for a moment... and sighs. It's quite different when you're not the one making up your mind to end your own life. isn't it?]
I see... if you're sure we can bring him back... though I don't understand why you dislike this man so much.
[Amos' clinical approach isn't lost on Hythlodaeus, but he's a practical man himself... for the most part. Still, Dextera seemed to dislike Amos from the word go, even though the Archangel is right there calling for his death. Turning to Dextera, Hythlodaeus offers him a smile.]
You have my utmost respect. It isn't easy to make such a decision. Rest assured that we will do all in our power to make sure you come back safe and sound.
[The least he can do is be sure that Dextera knows he appreciates this.]
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But soon he shoots his head up when Amos speaks. ]
I see ... I'm glad.
[ It is then that his voice breaks just a little.
His smile immediately softens at hearing that Dextera will not remain dead. There is a sense of relief that floods him that he is almost surprised by. For all the anger -- all the hatred -- that burns so bright in his mind, he also feels a great sense of honest joy that the man will not stay dead. ]
So, that is how it works.
[ Archangel gives a small nod, accepting of this new information. He bottles it away to think of how he can use it somehow in the future. ]
Dear Dextera, may you return and seek redemption once more. I know the way to it... and I promise you that I will help you.
[ He presses one hand on his chest as he bows his head to him, promising him his everlasting assistance. Though, he feels his stomach churn with annoyance at Hythlodaeus ooing and awing over Dextera like the man is his to adore.
Archangel barely is able to keep himself from clicking his tongue, and just remains bowed, but still speaks to Amos. ]
And to you, good sir, thank you for carrying out this unfortunate act.
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he lets the archangel’s benediction wash over him. it’s not something he should die without acknowledging. the archangel alone knows what it’s like for dextera to die and be reborn. ]
…
[ he just nods unhappily instead of saying anything to the archangel, finding silence more natural and comfortable with every interaction they’ve had confined by their respective positions.
that leaves only amos to deal with in his mind, put last in the order of his final priorities. hythlodaeus was acknowledged in his heart with gratitude, the archangel with resignation, and amos… ]
…give my shard to the Archangel. Please don’t take me to Yima until you have to.
[ he knows it’s almost futile, and it’s not as if he can’t imagine how warm and safe it might feel to be held in his most vulnerable state by yima herself, but this is his dying request. he refused her once, and though he doesn’t imagine revenge will be on her mind with her gentle countenance, he’s afraid of the possible need to renege his own emotions. ]
cw murder via strangulation
He takes a cursory look around the room as they speak. Hythlodaeus has his respect, striking Amos as someone practical, honourable, righteous — a good person, the kind of person he should aspire to be, even if he knows it's not possible for him. If he had to kill someone he loved? Absolutely. Dextera — it's water off a duck's back.
The Archangel... his words are nice, too. Kindly. The kind of guy who won't give up on someone, no matter what terrible things they've done. And Amos knows he needs people like that. Dextera seems receptive, too, as far as he can tell... it's a good thing.
He almost shrugs at the Archangel's words for him; it's not a big deal conveyed in action rather than words. It's not. It's not like it's a burdensome task; better for someone like Amos to handle it than someone who might not be able to take it. He's maybe doing everyone else a favour—
Even as he stands before Dextera and knows this isn't the preferred outcome of at least one person here. Just the accepted one.
And if he were with people he cared about, Amos would have accepted that very same fate for himself, too. There's a sense of mutual understanding — everything he feels from Dextera, he thinks he understands.
And Amos, himself, feels nothing. ]
Okay. [ His voice is soft, but a promise. He'd rather bring Dextera to Yima — she can help — but he and the Archangel clearly have something else going on, and if that's who Dextera trusts, then that's what he'll do. ] I'll give you to him. He'll take you.
[ At least his words are sincere.
And it's time now, isn't it? Before the poison makes him too weak — so Amos brings his hands up, slowly, moving to wrap them around Dextera's neck, and squeezes. His face is blank as he watches Dextera's eyes, looking for signs of life until they aren't there anymore.
It's just something he had to do, that was asked of him, and that won't even be permanent; it's not a big deal. ]
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In the end, his eyes only drop when he's sure the life has left Dextera. And though he's seen bodies before, plenty of them in fact, he's never been almost directly responsible for them. He swallows hard, before speaking. Though he looks unnerved, his voice is steady.]
I trust you will keep his shard safe.
[He looks to the Archangel with a tiny smile, though it seems somewhat forced given their situation. He has noticed the poison seems to be clearing, too- he can breathe easier, and he sighs in quiet relief.]
'Tis what he wanted, after all. And when he comes back, we can thank him properly.
[They simply didn't have time for more than a few brief words here.]
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Still, one can dream--
It truly sets him at ease that Dextera has no memories. For it is just as he wanted it to be; he wanted to start over with him once he noticed the man was straying from his plans.
It seems this world really does favor me.
His mind continues to purr and coo about what a picture Dextera looks as life is being drained out of him. It continues its own self-masturbatory congratulations that he has yet again survived to hopefully be able to carry out his ultimate plan yet again.
Because now there are so many more people that require salvation.
His head cants as soon as Dextera appears to be dead ans steps forward. Archangel shares a little, sad smile with Hythlodaeus; it is forced in his own way as he would rather make some snide, possessive remark about how close he thinks he is with Dextera.
He reaches a hand out to gently rest it on Amos's shoulder; he gives it an affectionate and supportive squeeze before holding his hand out to receive the aforementioned Shard.
And he answers Hythlodaeus first: ]
I will keep him safe. I, too, desire his return. A single death is not enough to absolve anyone from all their sins. Certainly, they are gone, but the impact of what they have done lingers.
[ Softer, kinder: ] It is good that he has changed so much to think of others. It means that when he returns that he can truly start to heal his soul from what he has done.
[ And to Amos, himself: ] Thank you. You've done more for us than you can know. And I do mean that I will be grateful for your part in this... we did not have a chance to share names, so might we have yours first, our dear savior?
[ How I long to wring your neck being allowed to kill him. But alas, I think I’m too weak for something like that… ]
SORRY FOR HOLDING YALL UP cw dextera dies
he knows what amos, physically, must be feeling—the sensation of unexpected give under his thumbs, until dextera’s body naturally fights back and tenses against the knowledge that he’s going to die. no amount of deaths can prepare him for one that’s so slow to come. his head gets lighter and lighter, vision turning red, then white, then to that grey static fuzz of nothing that accompanies the moments before blacking out.
his eyes twitch even as he tries to keep hold of amos’ gaze, but it’s not long before his focus is lost along with his ability to draw breath. his soon consciousness falls, too; it’s only a few seconds longer still before his body goes limp in amos’ hands.
amos is right—he will come back, with his shard to revive him. and when he does, he’ll have something to say to all of them. he’ll take his proof that amos is dangerously loyal, easily assenting to the role of murderer, and then… and then, he doesn’t know what that means for any of them now in this new world, but it’s a fact he’ll keep close to his heart. ]
rip...
Not a bad thing, necessarily. Just weird. But Dextera gives easily enough, as they'd all agreed to him doing; his body eventually slackening, until there's nothing left in it. He's limp, and Amos is holding a corpse, waiting for it to dissipate so he can then hold his shard, too.
(Amos had been dead not too long ago. His shard had been held as people had worked to bring him somewhere where he could be brought back to life. They'd been friends; they'd been distressed, but they'd been friends, and he could feel every little bit of what they were feeling.
Can Dextera feel the complete absence of emotions as his body begins to dissipate, as his shard ends up in Amos' hands? Hell if he knows.)
He stares at the soul, blank, passively absorbing Hythlodaeus and the Archangel's words behind him. The former's respect; the latter's forgiveness, even with so much work to still be done.
He really wants both for himself someday, too.
Amos looks up when he feels the Archangel's hand on his shoulder, and wordlessly gives him Dextera's shard, simply sliding it from his palm to the Archangel's. He'd promised; he's fulfilling that promise; he's doing a good thing, here. ]
Amos.
[ To Archangel, to Hythlodaeus, with no emotion in his voice. He's just answering a question. It isn't shock at what he's done that's keeping things suppressed, it's just... he did it. It's over. They'll be out of here soon, and then they'll all be fine, Dextera included. Just like that. ]
I don't mind. Anything I can do to help. [ If he took away the trauma of having to kill someone from those who don't like it, then he's done something good. The kind of thing that can be forgiven too, maybe. ] So long as you take care of him, until we can bring him back.
[ Because he'd promised, and that's the most important element of all this — second only to the fact that within moments, they should be freed. ]
f in the chat
Ah... you may call me Hythlodaeus.
[It feels weird to be introducing themselves in this situation, but as the spores clear Hythlodaeus feels himself start to relax- just a little. Enough to try to smile, at least, even if it's somewhat strained.]
And yours, my friend?
[He turns to the Archangel. Though he doesn't think they see eye to eye on the situation here, he still intends to give him a chance.]
popping off so many champagne bottles over herrrrreeee!!!!
[ You're also a good killer.
He holds the shard in his hand, carefully; his fingers curl around it before he presses it close to his heart. His eyes close and he feels such warmth from it. You still live. Good, good. Your work is also not yet done./i> ]
Hythlodaeus.
[ He opens his eyes and tips his head. Bastard who tries to act like what is mine is his. The area beneath his eye violently twitches before his expression shifts to a smooth, calming look. He keeps holding the shard close to his chest. ]
I am the Archangel. A title given to me by [ He uncurls his fingers a little to look down at the precious item in his hand. ] others. It was a promise when I took that name to carry out their hopes and dreams.
[ Again, he looks up and offers a small smile. ]
It seems our escape is opening. Shall we then, my unfortunate companions?