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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
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Back to Silco, his eyebrows raised a little at the answer. He has no reason to disbelieve a word he's saying — wouldn't — but considering the last memory he has of the man... ]
Pretty lucky on your end. You already got some idea of what's possible, then. [ Unlike Amos; he might end up literally shooting for the moon and very, very, very much missing. He cocks his head thoughtfully. ] You looking to arm yourself? Can't be too careful kind of thing?
[ Hell, he gets it; Amos is someone who feels far more comfortable with a weapon in hand, and he isn't even someone who necessarily needs one. Someone of Silco's build? (No shame, he knew people like that.) Getting a gun would absolutely be a priority, he would think.
... Except for the part where he knows what else Silco can do. If he can still shimmer people, that is. ]
Exploring every possible option, right?
[ It's the smart play — and if nothing else, Silco is smart, he knows. ]
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[ He had no intentions of arming himself with a gun. He didn't feel that it was necessary, after all. However, Silco also had a reputation to maintain, and that reputation was of a cruel and callous crime lord, a hateful, vile man, who would do anything for power. That hadn't changed -- and all of the Horosians already knew it.
So yes, he was looking for a gun. ]
It's not my...preferred method, mind. I've never been one for combat, and... [ Instinctively, his fingers rubbed together, like he couldn't believe it thrummed under his skin again so easily. ] Well, I have other tools, don't I?
[ He hadn't even needed to ask. Amos had been... a great tool, in all of this. He remembered the brutality of how he moved, under influence of the shimmer. How could he not? ]
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Amos' eyes go right to Silco's fingers, remembering exactly what it had been like the last time the man had touched him. Grasped his wrist, shot him full of something that had consumed him, made him drown in something that felt so aggressively right, like everything he was truly meant to be, every last inhibition and societal expectation finally stripped away—
And how that had eventually turned into him mindlessly trying to kill those closest to him, literally tear their bodies apart, and Amos looks back up into Silco's eyes. ]
Yeah, about that. [ He's strictly conversational. Leans back against the bookshelf behind him, loosely crosses his arms over his chest. They're obscured by the layers he has on here, but the power to literally rip people apart with them still thrums under his own skin. Any time he wants — and keeping that want at bay is a pretty paramount thing now. ] I don't think we should do that to me again. Kinda completely lost my mind there. Went after people I shouldn't have; had to be put down. Got my head bashed in and everything.
[ He doesn't mind that part. Nothing about his tone has has changed, as he's skipped smoothly over the part he does mind — going after people he shouldn't have. His people. Better to just include that in a list of everything else. ]
Not your fault, as far as I know. That was a me problem. Which means I can't be that kind of tool again.
[ Not that he even minds being a tool — just not that kind.
And then a slight shrug of his shoulders, apologetic. ] Sorry. I could always teach you how to shoot to make up for it.
[ Amos has a pretty healthy respect for firearms, so he's a good shot — and it's almost as healthy a respect as he does for not wanting to go off the deep end like that again. ]
no subject
[ He says it, while his hand came to his chin, thinking, an offhand statement. Not important, clearly. Even though...when did he have the time to find someone who would teach him to shoot? (He wouldn't be taking any lessons, regardless.) His fingers drug across his lips, as he considered what Amos said. That was a real shame. He'd been... incredible with it. Brutish and brutal, his hands had ripped That Thing to pieces, and Silco had delighted in the fact that it was in the right veins at last.
It was an incredible disappointment. Mind, that wouldn't stop him in a pinch, would it? Not that he would say that out loud... ]
A shame, considering you were so confident you weren't susceptible to the after-effects. [ He said, it, idle. His hand moved, and he inspected dust under a fingernail. ]
I understand that you may be...concerned. With the effects. That's legitimate. In fact, it's wise. However, if we find something as large as That Thing, we may have no choice.
[ He remembered it. Large, imposing. They might fight something like that again. Perhaps not, as well, but unlike Amos, Silco didn't mind a little destruction on the path to victory. ]
How do you feel about a compromise? Not unless absolutely necessary -- or if we find a way to...mitigate the side-effects.
no subject
His gaze shoots right back to Silco's hand as he moves it — alert, but not wary. The man isn't going to do anything here. No matter how much he might have liked him when in that state, there'd be nothing to gain from turning Amos into that sort of monster here, and everything to lose. He wasn't so chaotic as to spur on uncontrollable violence for the hell of it. None of the crime lords he'd been familiar with ever were — that's how they got to be crime lords in the first place.
(Amos would've been terrible at it. Always better for him to be a righthand man instead.)
He's still staring at Silco's hand as he speaks, listening to every word he's saying, but cataloguing every movement that hand makes at the same time. As long as they were like this, Silco would have power over him — power he would risk losing as soon as he'd inject Amos again.
When he finishes, Amos' eyes flick back up to Silco's. ]
Yeah, normally I got a pretty strong constitution. Just didn't account for what magic might've been doing to me. [ What rage means for him, now that there's a physical, uncontrollable manifestation rather than him just screaming in his own head or punching a wall or some shit. ] Gotta account for it now. Although...
[ He pushes himself off from the shelf, correcting his posture, taking note of the way his build has the potential to swallow Silco's. It's the only thing he's had to his advantage most of his life — gotta make it count. ]
... If we got no choice, then we got no choice. That's fine, but I either want to exhaust every other option first, or have a contingency plan in place. If we can figure out a way to make my comedown normal, fine. If we got someone in position to snipe me the second I start getting out of control, also fine. If we don't have either of those things, and you inject me anyway...
[ A beat, a flashing of some teeth. It's not a friendly smile. ]
You're gonna want to get out of the way, 'cause no telling what I might do then.
[ It's not just a warning — it's the truth. If Gen, if Misa, if Kaeya could be fair game whenever he's like that, then anybody could be, and that's only in the immediate aftermath. Who knows what could come next, when he's sober? ]
no subject
He was correct, after all, in most things, Silco was extremely careful. Cautious. He watched his every move and made sure that his every motion was safe, for Amos to get no sense of threat from.
That, at least, hadn't changed. ]
Honestly, I was thinking of maybe a bomb. [ Now that Jinx was here, Silco has a new set of options to use, in situations like this. ] Could do the same as a sniper.
[ There's a pause, then, and Silco smiled, his hands now clasped in front of him. ]
Don't fret, Amos. I'm not about to start giving away and shimmer to those that don't want it, unless we have no other choices. That's far too risky a play, unless I have no other choice, and I certainly don't like alienating those I work with.
[ A beat. Well, sometimes a little strong-arming was necessary. ]
Much, at least. Certainly when it's not to our mutual advantage.
[ Or even just his. ]
no subject
But put him one-on-one in a room with someone who is like that and, well... he'd already earned his freedom once before by killing the guy.
Silco wasn't going to put him in that position again, so that effectively made them cool — though he still kept an eye on those hands through his peripheral vision. ]
So long as we understand each other. [ Amos inclines his chin, lowers it in a small nod, his hands hanging limp, passive at his sides. ] I don't even give a fuck if you alienate me. Anything big enough comes along, and as long as we're on the same side, I can put aside petty bullshit to get the job done.
[ And it'd be surprising if they weren't on the same side. Amos has no clue what Silco's reasons are; doesn't really care. It doesn't actually matter, does it? At least right now it doesn't. ]
Just don't fuck with me.
[ A pretty simple request, an easy line to not cross.
And, those terms laid out to his satisfaction... Amos cocks his head. ]
A bomb, huh? That could work. Where'd you pick up that idea?
[ It certainly hadn't occurred to him... ]
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[ His mouth quirked in a smile, but his consonants were enunciated, clear. His hands behind his back hid the tightening of his hand into a fist, the other tightened into his own wrist. It was a lie, but Amos had not betrayed him. As much as Silco was willing to do what was necessary, he didn't believe in burning potential bridges unless necessary.
Amos was still incredibly useful. Sure, Silco would fuck with him if necessary, but he wasn't about to go out of his way -- particularly when it wasn't necessary. ]
I also don't exhaust resources due to poor decisions, such as doing something they explicitly ask not to do. You've got plenty of tools in your belt, without shimmer.
[ It's frank, and an assessment of the man. He'd seen him in action, that brutality? Sure, the shimmer made him strong, but... the man was brutal before that. Silco could see it, and he understood that. No, he wouldn't use Shimmer unless necessary. ]
Ah, the bomb idea. I have an...associate. [ Associate. AKA: His daughter. ] She's quite the brilliant mind with explosives, and a bomb would be an easy...solution. If necessary.
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And maintains it, silent as he lets Silco's words wash over him, internally evaluating them. A respect for not being flippant with his resources; a small appreciation at the recognition of his own skills.
And, after possibly too long of a moment, Amos nods. Alright. They're cool. These are all things he can work with — will work with, should anything that important rise up again. There's a lot of value when it comes to sticking with one's allies, after all.
Cocks his head as the subject of bombs comes back up. ]
Yeah? Someone I know, or you find an associate here that quick? [ Hell, it's possible; they've all been here long enough now to meet some new people, and it's not like Amos is particularly sociable. Silco's ability to accrue associates would far outstrip his, so there's nothing off about the statement, albeit for some mild surprise at the speed things seem to have already progressed for the other man. ] As long as the bomb she builds can pack a punch — there's always the chance I just walk away from it.
[ It had taken several blows to the head to kill him the first time around, after all. He should've been long dead, with how brutally he'd been taken apart — but it had taken a lot for him to die.
And no, the question of the damage such a bomb would have on the surrounding area means nothing to him. Property damage would be among the least of his problems, really. Just as long as it takes him out, that's the only thing that really matters. ]
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I doubt you know of them yet. New Arrival. I'm quite good at finding the right people at the right time. Let's call it a... talent of mine.
[ It absolutely wasn't, but Silco would use the possibility to hype himself up a bit. He certainly wasn't going to give away Jinx's name, or who she was quite yet. There was no reason for that to get out.
He was more secretive than most, and certainly hadn't shared anything about himself, other than Zaun. Enough for people to see him as a person, but not enough for them to have anything over him. ]
Let's just say, I don't doubt her capability, if we need a bomb, and leave it at that.
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Maybe I'll meet her one day.
[ It's an idle thought on Amos' part; after all, it's entirely likely that he will. Not like Highstorm's the biggest place ever, especially if nobody's really had a chance to get on their own feet and out from Yima's manor yet. He knows he might be a little reluctant to leave so soon, but there's also the simple matter of what's realistic.
Either way. It's just a remark, casual and without any real expectations, before Amos turns his focus back to the heart of the matter. What's a bit more important as far as he's concerned. ]
Shit, if you think it'll work, then that works for me. Kinda hoping it won't come to that, though. Not even for my sake or anything like that. I just... It's dangerous, me being like that.
[ He isn't naive; Amos knows it's entirely possible something will force him into such a state again. Just the nature of the way the world works sometimes, but if he could do it without potentially turning on his friends as well, that'd be for the best.
He attempts to shrug it off; only partially succeeds. ]
If we gotta do it, then we gotta do it. But Yima wants me here to help protect her people. I can't do that if I'm turning on them — and your whole thing helped lead me to that.
[ Not that it was Silco's fault, but they'll both bear some responsibility here if it happens again... and come on; he can't disappoint Yima. He just can't. ]
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[ It's the sort of answer that seems to say, above all else, that Silco believes in Yima too. Of course, Silco believes in nobody, but that's not something he will share. Yima had asked Silco to do something different, and her promise had been... unique, as far as he knew. He remembered the sharp dip of cold down his spine, at his shard, and thought it was... nothing much, but when he'd harmonized... he'd felt that old electric zing beneath his fingers, like breathing the old pollution he'd been mired in as a boy.
He'd known that when Yima had asked him to make monsters, she'd provided him with the tool to do it, too.
He wondered which was her priority. Protecting her people, or unleashing their monsters...
Or if they were one and the same. ]
Then a last option it will be, regardless of any bombs I can drum up. You have my word.
[ Now the question was, did Amos actually believe Silco's word? ]
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[ His voice dips a little, reflective approaching on solemn. Of course Silco would be following Yima, too. And that means that whatever task she gave him — since of course it would be different from Amos'; Silco isn't the protective sort, no crime lord really is in his experience — is something else that needs to be done. Something he specializes in. Maybe something to do with organization, with delegation... he doesn't know.
Doesn't really matter. What matters is that they're on the same page. Which makes them allies.
After a beat, Amos' expression perks up as he claps his hand on Silco's shoulder, solid and firm, and gives it a light shake. His equivalent of a handshake, essentially. ]
Sounds good to me. Not like I can't do other stuff when I'm in my right mind, anyway. Just, yeah. That's last option kinda stuff.
[ They understand each other, so he's got nothing to worry about. After all, why wouldn't Silco keep his word? It'd be stupid of him not to — and he's plenty confident that he'd be able to handle anything that came up afterward. ]
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[ Silco, for all of his sliminess, wouldn't just put an end to a good working relationship. Not without reason, and certainly not without careful deliberation. If there was one thing Amos could bet on, it would be the fact that the Eye of Zaun was careful, deliberate, and above all else: crafty. Amos was useful in whatever form, particularly his loyalty.
Perhaps he didn't know how much Silco favored loyalty, how important it was, but... he'd learn. Well enough, with time. Now that they had it... plenty of time to continue their work. Both for Yima, and for the rest of the universe to descend into entropy. ]
For now, we can leave that as that. If you don't mind, however, I do want to get these books to my quarters. Perhaps we'll reconvene, once we get our bearings.
[ Or perhaps they'll meet in a ~mystery location~ ]
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As the words come out of Silco's mouth, Amos finds he isn't sure how he feels about them. Yes, he's better when he's controlled, but who's controlling him matters quite a bit. That's why he spends time, he makes sure he chooses the right person. It had been nice not having to worry about that back where he was originally from; it had also been nice, feeling Yima fill that hole for him in a surprisingly familiar way — a way that should probably be hers, and hers alone.
... Unless Silco is delegating for her.
Huh.
There's no emotion conveyed across his face; he's thinking about it, is all. And he finds he can't disagree, so he nods.
He's a threat to everybody else otherwise.
And, all that handled, Amos steps aside, arm loosely gesturing towards the end of the shelves for Silco. That's the way out, so... ]
Sure thing. Gotta figure out how to build adequate bombs here, right? [ Or whatever other kind of weapons he was looking at. ] I'll see you around.
[ Around where indeed... ]