You should feel victorious. You participated toward victory, did you not? The thing I warned you not to do, if you did not want to be treated as someone who is in my way.
[ From the depths of their room, the redheaded god bares his teeth in an animalistic sneer, a snarl of satisfaction — as if he knew, in the end, Matt was incapable of neutrality and would elect to support a Faction in defeating the other. It means he's officially on Set's To Target List, at that.
Lounging below a woven throw, he's definitely naked — at least until he shifts his form a little, extending four feline paws and the tufted tail of a lion from the waist down. Like the legendary sphinx, he rolls to those four paws and begins to stretch himself dutifully. Yanking briefly on the knotted portion of his and Tezca's hair spitefully.
( Done deal, he mocks under his breath, pitching his tone like a little brother laughing at the elder's expense. Neener neener. ) ]
Mm, do not worry, Ma'tt. I will kill you next Oracle, maybe. For now, you are needed by this one — and can service me at the same time.
[ Now, he slips up behind Tezca and places arms around his waist, one large paw sweeping between his ankles to fix claws into his calf like a cat about to use a vertical scratching post. ]
Finish what you were saying, too. Did we see... what?
[ ACTUAL CAT… But Tezcatlipoca is not as startled by this as any reasonable person would be. It’s perfectly natural for a god, and trickster gods especially. The only reason that Tezcatlipoca isn’t able to shapeshift is because of his status as a Servant. It’s also why he makes a little pained sound at the yank of their hair…
He lets go of Matt’s arm so that he can drift closer to Set. At least if he yanks it again, it won’t be as sharp when it’s taut. However, the annoying little brother energy combined with the bored cat energy make that least of his problems. ]
Fuck! [ Those sharp claws, for example… There’s no mystery why they’re bloody either, since Tezcatlipoca swings an elbow back towards Set’s face. ] Stop using the claws, dammit! I’m going to shove one of my hearts down your fuckin’ throat until you puke, asshole.
[ They’re friends. Can’t you tell? Exasperated (and now bleeding again, so maybe he will need that healing, actually), he looks back to Matt. ]
—Yeah, they got brushes in here. Somewhere? Dunno where they ended up, since I clocked him in the face with one earlier.
[ You would think a person might be put off by either threats of murder or the expectation of human legs yielding to the reality of paws and a tail. Matt is not, though his eyebrows do arch. ]
Did you see the thing, [ he clarifies. ] In the dark. Wearing Cyrus.
[ There's a hint of pain in his tone. Matt only met Cyrus briefly, and he's sure he would have found things to criticize him about eventually, but he can't help feeling sorry that all his warmth and friendliness is gone. He starts to move through the room, searching for anything that might be useful for epic hair detangling, from little jars (could contain oil) to the brush Tezcatlipoca mentioned. Anything he spots that looks like an improvement over his fingers will get swept up--first into his arms, then floating in the air around him. ]
And for the record, I didn't participate towards any victory at all. I spent the whole time looking for the Advocate. [ Matt bends down to inspect something on the floor, but sadly it's not a comb. ] They made me answer a bunch of questions, but they weren't too interested in answering any of mine. So I was trying to track them down and see if I could learn anything.
I guess I helped Liem, [ he adds after a moment. ] That could be viewed as victory-adjacent participation.
[ Briefly, Set's expression sharpens. The baring of his teeth becomes less an indulgent sneer and more a threat, narrowed in upon Matt's words. The insinuation of them — as if a mortal can claim to care anything about a man like Cyrus, and choose the same side that caused his demise. A god could, but humans are so simple and incapable of that nuance. Plus, it enrages him in a deep way.
He'd liked Cyrus, a lot. Thinking about him, his warmth and generosity, and Set's position being ( essentially ) due to Cyrus Kokkinos's advocating on his behalf, fighting to restore him to full godhood is... well, it's such a waste that the man will never see any results of his work, now. He'll never forgive Zenith for their hand in that, even if they didn't know what would happen. ]
I saw the thing earlier, before the Oracle. One of Meridian's own tried to reincarnate him anew, and we found his soul had been consumed. We figured Zenith knew what they were doing, since Oblivion paves the way for their delusions so neatly.
[ His arched tone is accusatory and brightly combative, even as he drapes across Tezcatlipoca's spine until the moment that he gets an elbow to the arch of his cheekbone. He yelps like a dog that's been kicked, shoving the jaguar god forward towards Matt in retaliation. It effectively takes away all of Set's posturing, leaving him sighing and gesturing about the whole thing. A shrug. ]
Oh? You mean you did not vote for either option and instead abstained? Tezcatlipoca was telling me all about what the Advocate was asking. What a shitty little Oracle you all had to deal with. "Ooh, understand the value in a world" and "oh, poor little things, don't they deserve a chance" and "aw, isn't it so sad they're either fake or dying".
[ Voting is participating, Matt!! Set arches a brow as he steps back towards the bier upon which all his offerings are, prepared to drag the blond god with him. ]
Blech, glad I skipped having to think of this one. [ He does perk up at the mention of Liem, at least. 8) Liem makes him happy. ]
[ Tezcatlipoca’s expression turns more serious too at the mention of Cyrus, but it’s not so feral. It’s far cooler, since he has his own interpretation Oblivion, and he’s somewhat reticent to share it. In part, he knows he might be wrong. The attention that Daybit was so concerned about was a problem of his universe, so it might be something different. However, if it’s not—
He’s shoved forward, and Tezcatlipoca growls in return before whipping around and grabbing his too-long hair like it’s a rope. It definitely looks like he’s going to just wrap it around Set’s neck and strangle him with it in the next three seconds or so, but since Set relaxes, he just rolls his eyes as he releases it again. Though his attention does turn to Matt first, since Set’s question is actually one he’s just as invested in. ]
Yeah, I’m assumin’ Set didn’t get any votes since I spent the whole fuckin’ time babysittin’, but that’s different than abstaining. You better not have wasted the opportunity with that kinda half-assed answer.
[ The disapproval is clear in his tone. He’d rather someone choose to preserve them all a thousand times over than to abstain entirely. It goes against everything he is, after all, so of course he hates the idea on principle.
As Set moves this time, Tezcatlipoca stubbornly stays put. He considers moving with him for half a second to not get into another fight about it, but then the idea becomes tacitly ridiculous to him. Of course he’ll cause another fight about it. ]
Who’s Liem? [ Tezcatlipoca hasn’t even heard of him yet, since he’s smart an keeps his head down… But with that little perking up, that little brother neener neener is finally matched with the classic older brother: ] Your boyfriend?
[ There's an initial moment of horror for what Set reveals about Cyrus. It aligns dreadfully closely with the suspicions Matt's shared back and forth among Shard-Bearers, but there's no pleasure in having a hypothesis like this one confirmed.
For a moment, Matt's gaze locks on Set's face, as he returns his sharp attention with a sharp look of his own. He's just a spoiled twentysomething when you get right down to it, so his indignation may be closer to can I speak to your manager or do you know who my father is than anything truly intimidating. Still, his heart is in it. ]
I had to answer, [ he says, clipped, which is at least better than what he wants to say. Hey, if you want to kill me so bad, why wait. ] Just like I had to tell them about my life, and my world.
[ As far as the question about Liem, Matt lets it sail over his head. Does a piece of him feel betrayed that Set has threatened to kill him and Tezcatlipoca just rewards him with good-natured teasing about his cute boyfriend? No. His expectations were never that high.
He does feel kind of lonely, though.
Matt peers around at the things he's managed to accrue from the scattered offerings. He plucks a jar from the floating array, opens it, sniffs. Dips a fingertip in and finds it to be oil, thank goodness. ]
Can you two try and stay still? First order of business is definitely-- [ He points to the knot of hair binding them together. ]
[ The predatory expression on Set's face wrinkles a little, as he takes another long look at Matt. Threatening to kill someone is, weirdly, his way of saying that he admires their gumption, in a really fucked up way. Honestly, all he cares about is someone's conviction — whether they abstain or participate, as long as they give it their all, that is the domain of "war". It's different for Tezcatlipoca, he's learned, since that guy values conflict and participation in it. ]
No mortal "has" to do anything. Free will is your gift, is it not?
[ Matt's tension doesn't go over his head, though. He ducks his head and the leer only grows, spreading across his face. Is he unhappy? Is he upset? That's kind of fun, to this god. ( He's such a bully. ) ]
At least I can take you seriously, now. I have no issue with you, but if I did not give it my all to oppose the way you benefit your chosen Faction — whether you want it or not — it would be wrong! Take it as a compliment, that I would meet you in battle with the intent to slaughter you! You have done solid work, Matt; you can rest now, and we can focus on exploring the newness of our world now!
[ With that, he's all smile and grin. Set's in a great mood, really. Minus his little moments of pissiness regarding Cyrus, the Shimmer-vacation did him wonders. He does whack Tezca in the kidney with his fist though, for bringing up Liem in such a way. And then he sits primly, folding his front paws over one another, his human hands reaching up to fluff the long line of red hair out along the bare length of his spine. ]
Tch, Tezcatlipoca... Must I adhere to human explanations for my relationships? He's mine. Sit down and let Ma'tt work, already.
[ Tezcatlipoca watches the exchange, and it’s admittedly hard to get a read on what he might be thinking. In truth, it’s complicated, and it’s fucked up, just like Set. Maybe if Set actually made a move to do anything, Tezcatlipoca would intervene. He knows that Set is— Well, it’s a little more than him just talking shit, because he knows he’d follow through. But he wouldn’t do it now. But it is a “maybe”. He doesn’t do direct interventions unless asked. He shouldn’t, he’d argue, but he also wouldn’t argue it at all.
Still, though. While he would have been happier with the bolder response, he still smiles a little bit more that Matt doesn’t wither under Set’s threats. It’s unquestioningly approving. ]
Yeah, exactly. If you can’t be acknowledged by either of us, then—
[ He starts reassure Matt (poorly), but then has to stop to punch Set’s hand in return. It at least softens the blow to his kidney, but he still doubles over just a little bit all the same. Set does not play gentle, and a human body doesn’t stand up well to that, as it turns out. He has half a mind to stay standing just to be contrary, but with a grumble, he just follows the motion down and takes a cross-legged seat as well. It’s more because Matt asked than Set, though. ]
…Then participating in the conflict is meaningless. It’s practically a blessing more than a compliment, considerin’ it means we acknowledge your right to be here as Meridian or Zenith.
[ He at least finishes the thought, then tosses a little frown Set’s way. ]
Fine, yours, but don’t go tellin’ me he’s off limits too.
[ Matt can tell (or at least, he imagines) that Tezcatlipoca is invoking the word "blessing" because he knows Matt will like it. But apart from a brief softening of his expression, it's clear he doesn't know how to receive what's going on--not the point Tezcatlipoca's trying to make, and definitely not Set's apparent 180 flip.
Matt searches out the midpoint of the gods' tangled hair, then drops to sit cross-legged on the floor. On the one hand, he doesn't want to sacrifice his ability to run the fuck out of here. On the other, at least if he has them by the hair he'll have some leverage. The tools he's picked from among the offerings float around him; he reaches for the jar of oil. ]
I'm starting to suspect, [ he says levelly, dipping his fingertips into the jar, ] that participating in this conflict is worse than meaningless. You heard that thing say the more we fought, the more doomed we'd be, right? [ He scans the mingled strands, identifying a spot that looks to be about a 40-60 split of red hair to gold. He starts to roll the strands between his fingers. ] War gods' blessings sound like the last thing I want.
[ ... Well. Arguably it's better than the other thing he could have said, which started with you wanna talk about not having a choice and got worse. ]
[ Likewise, that Matt holds his ground is a mark in his favor from the redheaded god of war. ]
Conflict and war only exist because there is a meaning to be found. We do not create the meaning, though.
[ He did hear what the dark thing puppeting Cyrus had said, though. Oblivion, he assumes, is the spectral shape behind those words; it feels like speaking with one of his elder aunts, in the end. Or to Ra. A force that exists and has a right to, but that also means what it said to them is partly bullshit: because everyone has the right to resist it, too. ]
I will not parlay with Zenith over Oblivion, Matt. I have my pride as a god that people here have faith in. However, that is not to say that I wish to grant Meridian's victory without addressing the force that robbed us all of our worlds in the first place. That would be stupid and short-sighted.
[ Softly, he nudges against Tezcatlipoca, urging the other god to lay against his leonine side and relax. Matt has a lot of work ahead of him. And really, had Matt lead with the comment about choice and gotten worse, this entire situation would escalate once more. For now, Set can flick his tufted tail across the young man's nose, tickling at it pointedly. ]
I never have put all my eggs in one basket. I like winning, and for me, that means "getting what I want". And no, Tezkitty: Liem participates. He's quite adept at thriving under both external and internal conflict, as well. You'd like him. I bet Ma'tt likes him, [ a teasing leer ] as is right and proper.
[ Tezcatlipoca nods in agreement to Set’s words, and at the very least, he only gives the mildest click of his tongue before leaning back to lounge against Set’s soft side. It might not be his true favored animal, but it’s still close enough that he starts to stroke the fur idly, almost like it’s something automatic. Gods are strange creatures, as it seems that Matt questioning them while also tending to them seems to have settled them both down… ]
‘Course it did. Doesn’t matter what it is whether it’s a mortal army or a world-eater. If it feels the need to communicate with what it wants to beat, naturally it’s gonna want you to just give up and die easily. Not sure how Meridian and Zenith play into it or if they even do, but it’s just easier to bite something that isn’t biting back.
[ Tezcatlipoca thinks similarly to Set here, albeit for different reasons. It’s the ones that don’t bother talking to you that are the problem. They are the forces that can’t be stopped, even by a mighty god. Thus, they have no reason to want to talk to their lessers. It’s beyond being pointless—it would be akin to wanting to talk to a microbe for the scale that kind of power exists at. ]
To be honest with ya, I don’t give a fuck about which way the conflict goes. That’s where Set and I are different. He wants to win. It’s my job to make sure it’s fruitful. [ He shrugs ] I don’t pick sides with any special favor. The moment I do, the universe will balance it out.
[ He taps his fingers against Set’s side lightly, like he wants to say something else but is considering those words carefully. He’d much rather complain about the nickname or gossip about Liem, but he just sighs. This is more important, unfortunately. ]
…You don’t have that kind of worry. Not participating means accepting what’s comin’ and not being willing to shape it at all. It’s givin’ up the chance to make an advantage. Since I would have called it somethin' else, but I knew Oblivion was comin' for my world. It's why I placed my bets on a guy that had a chance to stave it off, even if the cost was high. My advice is always going to be action over apathy.
[ Matt, likewise, is not about to talk about Liem because Merc doesn't know how their thread goes--though at Set's teasing, his cheeks flush pink. ]
None of you have been listening if you think I'm apathetic.
[ That, at least, is the right mortals have over gods, isn't it? The right to be heard? To send up their prayers and petitions? ]
It's not fighting that I'm opposed to. Just fighting amongst ourselves, as a first resort. As my first resort. There's still so much that hasn't been tried, as far as I know--from what I've been able to figure out, and what people have been willing to tell me. [ This doesn't have the bite it would if this conversation were taking place after Matt's Communion talk with Ruby. He even offers Set a nod of acknowledgement--a bit stiff, still, but an olive branch. Plucking a comb from the flotilla that surrounds him, Matt works the teeth of it gingerly into the heart of the knot he's been rubbing with oil. ] I can see what you're saying, Tezcatlipoca, about how it might just want to psych us out.
[ A sigh, a bit frustrated. ]
But I don't understand your strategies at all. How do you guys want to stop this thing?
[ Set leans back, kicking briefly at Tezcatlipoca's shin to urge him to relax as well, while Matt tends to the tangled knot of their long, long hair. If anything, the way he goes limp and fluid speaks to his divinity: he's used to being served, although being pampered was never part of that service. Not for a war god. His wife was the one who'd tended to his heavy limbs and wind-torn hair, when he came home.
So. How does he intend to fight "this thing"? ]
I see no difference between Oblivion and Apep. I intend to regain my divinity in full, and if I must wage a war with it and return it to the Tenth Region of the Night before I can go home, I will.
[ He doesn't actually feel the urgency to return fast to his world, just to return to it. Every inch of him is prepared to take the time and do his due diligence to ensure his world is hale, whole and safe before he leaves Kenos. ]
If anyone could route and continue to effectively route Oblivion? It is me.
[ There’s an alternate version of events here where that kick just inspires another stupid (cat) fight, but luckily, this one just has Tezcatlipoca going “ow” with offense. It does not make him feel more relaxed, but he doesn’t fight about it, at least. So, he just listens, instead.
He shrugs a little at Matt’s comment, since that’s not quite what he meant by “apathy”, but the rest of his answer is more his point. He couldn’t accept someone who would give up. Even if the odds were difficult or even if they were impossible, you still had to fight. Tezcatlipoca wouldn’t accept anything else, and he was very harsh about that principle.
It’s not something he gets into, though. The last question is a good one, and Set’s answer is what Tezcatlipoca expects. It’s Set’s destiny, his role in the vast, metaphysical cosmos. Tezcatlipoca has his own version of it too, but it gets him to lean back fully against Set’s side. He tilts his head back so that he can look up as if he were stargazing. ]
Eh, strictly speaking, I can’t. Or, shouldn’t, I guess, since ain’t nothin’ stopping me, but throwing my weight into fighting Oblivion’s a bad idea.
[ He sighs with a little annoyance, because, well, it’s annoying to explain! He imagines that Set will understand in the same way that Tezcatlipoca had understood that Set simply Would fight Oblivion, but explaining that kind of thing to humans? They don’t usually fully get it, though that’s no fault of their own. ]
I’ll just put it simply and say that I’ve got bad luck. [ It’s far more than that, but it gets into much more complicated ideas of “balance” in the universe and how Tezcatlipoca wields a frankly huge amount of power in tipping those scales, but… By the same token, it’s also best for him to underplay his influence. ] The more care I personally put into somethin’, the more it’s not gonna work out in my favor. So, it’s something I can give guidance on, but when push comes to shove, it’s the rest of you that’s gotta do the work.
[ It always depresses him a little bit to admit it, though. There’s definitely some cruel irony in having a “rule” like that in place for him without even having the freedom of being a neutral god, but. It is what it is. He gives Set’s flank a hearty pat, since he’d rather move on than linger over that gloomy condition. ]
—But, luckily, yeah, we got a grade-A Oblivion fighter in Set here. Imagine there’s other stuff too that can be done, just a matter of rootin' it out.
[ As Matt listens, he goes on something of a face journey. First there's curiosity, undimmed by the various spats that have flared up between members of this little triangle. Then, disappointment. He can't help it. He was hoping that the answers Set and Tezcatlipoca gave would make immediate sense to him, that they'd galvanize him towards some definite action.
But that's his own expectations disappointing him, rather than the information. After a moment to mourn an impossible world, Matt turns thoughtful. Focused. Apep is chaos, he recalls, a chthonic being subdued through ... well, some kind of divine battle. Though if you ask him, literal combat only increases entropy: one's limbs and blood arranged in a larger number of configurations than they were before.
What Tezcatlipoca has to share is new to him, however. Fascinating and sad. Matt hums as he makes his first real attempt to separate out this knot. ]
So ... the plan is something like narrative weight. Or destiny. [ He does his best not to cause either of them any pain, though as he gets closer to teasing the tangle apart, he does start to dig more sharply with the comb. ] Which I'm not knocking, for the record. It's just not something I can really participate in.
[ A glance to Set. ] Do you think harmonizing with Meridian can bring back your full divinity? Or is it something you think would come back when Meridian's goal is achieved?
[ The only thing that can galvanize anyone is their own will; even gods only serve as external forces to work upon someone, to show them ways and paths. Though Set hails from an era where he can work powerfully and actively against the will of humanity ( or for, once ), opposing them and ending them by the millions. He waits, lounging, while hands work on the woven length of his and Tezcatlipoca's hair — tempted to hack his portion off and leave the jaguar god to be fussed over. ( But, really? He wants to be served right now, especially after waking up comfortable and sweet, from such a wonderful bender! ) ]
Harmonizing with Meridian granted me power. Tribune Cyrus assisted me in obtaining a connection to my divinity itself, additional to that — though, I will say that my choice of Meridian over Zenith has nothing to do with "is fixing what was destroyed possible more than creating something new". Both are possible, I simply want my world back.
[ The mention of the Tribune quiets him for a moment, and the redhead picks at his thumb slightly. Sharp canine teeth work the full bottom lip, his eyes somber and brow severe as he considers his words. His belief and knowledge. ]
There is a limit, in Kenos. It affects us all — keeps us from overpowering one another, though it has not affected my intellect. Which is my best asset. And now, because of it: I know for a fact that I will have the power I need. I know truths, and I know motivations. I bargained for the knowledge, I earned it, I sold myself for it. [ A glance spared to Tezcatlipoca, and he reaches a hand out to stroke his fingers down his "twin's" face. It's oddly fond, because he knows this god. "Of" him, because of Quetzalcoatl, and intimately, because they're a lot alike. ]
— tomorrow, Tezcatlipoca could be Meridian, and I could be Zenith. It will not happen, because I refuse to be a part of Zenith while Yima lives, but... the Factions' goals are ultimately a question for the rest of you to deal with: what do I want most and who will I accept hurting to get it. No exceptions. Tezkitty, I know what you suffer with. Do not worry... I will not abandon you!
[ Tezcatlipoca doesn’t actually respond to what Matt says, but it’s purposeful. It basically is his plan and speaking to it would dim its potential. Even if that’s just by a miniscule amount, the stakes are high and Tezcatlipoca doesn’t possess the full breadth of his omniscience. Perhaps if this world were his and he could feel the futures it held, he would be more forthcoming. But as is… Well, it’s fitting that Set speaks of limits.
He nods in a little agreement to that, but his expression does become more serious as he explains it further. He hums out a thoughtful noise in response as Set brushes a hand against his face, and in the moment, it makes sense why their little following had formed. They really do look like they could be brothers, if not twins, save for the reflection of Set’s dual red against Tezcatlipoca’s blue and gold. (Also, Set’s lips are more luscious, and this is important.) ]
Yeah. That’s war versus conflict for ya. You wanna win. I’m just rollin’ the dice and seein’ if they come up my numbers.
[ It’s a perfect example of where they differ, since the lengths Set has gone through is something Tezcatlipoca simply wouldn’t. But he does feel something for it. Sad isn’t quite the word, because that’d be like feeling sad for his own poor luck—a waste of time. It’s just what they’re made to do. But he can feel sympathy for it.
So, he nods in agreement to the questions, and looks back to Matt to hear how he takes it, but. Then annoying little brother mode kicks in, and he clicks his tongue as he looks back to Set. He leans his head down a little with Matt’s brushing, but not out of any pain. He’s truly just leaning with it so it doesn’t tug so sharply, but it does make his little rant a bit more comical looking. ]
Abandon me? Fuck you, I’m not abandoning you. [ here we go, ] I’m draggin’ your happy ass over to the Sixth Sun, since you think these guys got a handle on what it takes to rule a world? Fuck no. S’why I agree with you, since those questions are kinda step one before you even get to think about divine questions like makin’ a whole damn world.
[ He considers something for a moment, then looks up to Matt. ]
…No offense, mostly. You’re in training, as far as I’m concerned.
[ Matt finds beauty in almost everything, and in (almost) everyone. Beauty as a self-contained universe, set apart from any sort of scale or comparison. That said ... the relative lusciousness of lips has been noted. ]
None taken, [ Matt notes in a dry mutter, gaze focused on the knot. He's so close to getting this thing ... ] If I had to rule a world, I'd throw myself into a volcano.
[ He didn't even want to run his father's company. Matt hasn't seriously contemplated either future, Zenith's or Meridian's, but if Zenith really did win and manage to execute its vision, Matt supposes he imagines himself dissolving. Passing on his energy so the new world can thrive.
Anyway. That thought passes fleetingly, as Matt focuses on the gods and their impossible hair.
I earned it. I sold myself for it. Matt frowns. He already knew Set was carrying pain and loss with him (Matt seems to have a knack for stepping on it). But this is a new complication. Set and Tezca both seem to have tragic qualifiers attached to them.
So where does that leave him? Back where he already was, as far as he can tell. Fighting Oblivion, which starts with researching Oblivion. Which probably begins with getting some quality time with these hungry shadows, testing a few hypotheses. ]
I don't know if I'd need to bargain with you in turn for some of those truths and motivations, [ Matt says to Set, ] or if it's even in the cards to tell me any more of them ... but I do want to know.
[ He gives one more jerk of the comb, wincing as he realizes he's tugged way harder than he meant to. But finally, finally, finally, the knot comes free, and the gods are separated.
Physically, at least. Metaphysically is another matter. ]
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You should feel victorious. You participated toward victory, did you not? The thing I warned you not to do, if you did not want to be treated as someone who is in my way.
[ From the depths of their room, the redheaded god bares his teeth in an animalistic sneer, a snarl of satisfaction — as if he knew, in the end, Matt was incapable of neutrality and would elect to support a Faction in defeating the other. It means he's officially on Set's To Target List, at that.
Lounging below a woven throw, he's definitely naked — at least until he shifts his form a little, extending four feline paws and the tufted tail of a lion from the waist down. Like the legendary sphinx, he rolls to those four paws and begins to stretch himself dutifully. Yanking briefly on the knotted portion of his and Tezca's hair spitefully.
( Done deal, he mocks under his breath, pitching his tone like a little brother laughing at the elder's expense. Neener neener. ) ]
Mm, do not worry, Ma'tt. I will kill you next Oracle, maybe. For now, you are needed by this one — and can service me at the same time.
[ Now, he slips up behind Tezca and places arms around his waist, one large paw sweeping between his ankles to fix claws into his calf like a cat about to use a vertical scratching post. ]
Finish what you were saying, too. Did we see... what?
no subject
He lets go of Matt’s arm so that he can drift closer to Set. At least if he yanks it again, it won’t be as sharp when it’s taut. However, the annoying little brother energy combined with the bored cat energy make that least of his problems. ]
Fuck! [ Those sharp claws, for example… There’s no mystery why they’re bloody either, since Tezcatlipoca swings an elbow back towards Set’s face. ] Stop using the claws, dammit! I’m going to shove one of my hearts down your fuckin’ throat until you puke, asshole.
[ They’re friends. Can’t you tell? Exasperated (and now bleeding again, so maybe he will need that healing, actually), he looks back to Matt. ]
—Yeah, they got brushes in here. Somewhere? Dunno where they ended up, since I clocked him in the face with one earlier.
no subject
Did you see the thing, [ he clarifies. ] In the dark. Wearing Cyrus.
[ There's a hint of pain in his tone. Matt only met Cyrus briefly, and he's sure he would have found things to criticize him about eventually, but he can't help feeling sorry that all his warmth and friendliness is gone. He starts to move through the room, searching for anything that might be useful for epic hair detangling, from little jars (could contain oil) to the brush Tezcatlipoca mentioned. Anything he spots that looks like an improvement over his fingers will get swept up--first into his arms, then floating in the air around him. ]
And for the record, I didn't participate towards any victory at all. I spent the whole time looking for the Advocate. [ Matt bends down to inspect something on the floor, but sadly it's not a comb. ] They made me answer a bunch of questions, but they weren't too interested in answering any of mine. So I was trying to track them down and see if I could learn anything.
I guess I helped Liem, [ he adds after a moment. ] That could be viewed as victory-adjacent participation.
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He'd liked Cyrus, a lot. Thinking about him, his warmth and generosity, and Set's position being ( essentially ) due to Cyrus Kokkinos's advocating on his behalf, fighting to restore him to full godhood is... well, it's such a waste that the man will never see any results of his work, now. He'll never forgive Zenith for their hand in that, even if they didn't know what would happen. ]
I saw the thing earlier, before the Oracle. One of Meridian's own tried to reincarnate him anew, and we found his soul had been consumed. We figured Zenith knew what they were doing, since Oblivion paves the way for their delusions so neatly.
[ His arched tone is accusatory and brightly combative, even as he drapes across Tezcatlipoca's spine until the moment that he gets an elbow to the arch of his cheekbone. He yelps like a dog that's been kicked, shoving the jaguar god forward towards Matt in retaliation. It effectively takes away all of Set's posturing, leaving him sighing and gesturing about the whole thing. A shrug. ]
Oh? You mean you did not vote for either option and instead abstained? Tezcatlipoca was telling me all about what the Advocate was asking. What a shitty little Oracle you all had to deal with. "Ooh, understand the value in a world" and "oh, poor little things, don't they deserve a chance" and "aw, isn't it so sad they're either fake or dying".
[ Voting is participating, Matt!! Set arches a brow as he steps back towards the bier upon which all his offerings are, prepared to drag the blond god with him. ]
Blech, glad I skipped having to think of this one. [ He does perk up at the mention of Liem, at least. 8) Liem makes him happy. ]
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He’s shoved forward, and Tezcatlipoca growls in return before whipping around and grabbing his too-long hair like it’s a rope. It definitely looks like he’s going to just wrap it around Set’s neck and strangle him with it in the next three seconds or so, but since Set relaxes, he just rolls his eyes as he releases it again. Though his attention does turn to Matt first, since Set’s question is actually one he’s just as invested in. ]
Yeah, I’m assumin’ Set didn’t get any votes since I spent the whole fuckin’ time babysittin’, but that’s different than abstaining. You better not have wasted the opportunity with that kinda half-assed answer.
[ The disapproval is clear in his tone. He’d rather someone choose to preserve them all a thousand times over than to abstain entirely. It goes against everything he is, after all, so of course he hates the idea on principle.
As Set moves this time, Tezcatlipoca stubbornly stays put. He considers moving with him for half a second to not get into another fight about it, but then the idea becomes tacitly ridiculous to him. Of course he’ll cause another fight about it. ]
Who’s Liem? [ Tezcatlipoca hasn’t even heard of him yet, since he’s smart an keeps his head down… But with that little perking up, that little brother neener neener is finally matched with the classic older brother: ] Your boyfriend?
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For a moment, Matt's gaze locks on Set's face, as he returns his sharp attention with a sharp look of his own. He's just a spoiled twentysomething when you get right down to it, so his indignation may be closer to can I speak to your manager or do you know who my father is than anything truly intimidating. Still, his heart is in it. ]
I had to answer, [ he says, clipped, which is at least better than what he wants to say. Hey, if you want to kill me so bad, why wait. ] Just like I had to tell them about my life, and my world.
[ As far as the question about Liem, Matt lets it sail over his head. Does a piece of him feel betrayed that Set has threatened to kill him and Tezcatlipoca just rewards him with good-natured teasing about his cute boyfriend? No. His expectations were never that high.
He does feel kind of lonely, though.
Matt peers around at the things he's managed to accrue from the scattered offerings. He plucks a jar from the floating array, opens it, sniffs. Dips a fingertip in and finds it to be oil, thank goodness. ]
Can you two try and stay still? First order of business is definitely-- [ He points to the knot of hair binding them together. ]
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No mortal "has" to do anything. Free will is your gift, is it not?
[ Matt's tension doesn't go over his head, though. He ducks his head and the leer only grows, spreading across his face. Is he unhappy? Is he upset? That's kind of fun, to this god. ( He's such a bully. ) ]
At least I can take you seriously, now. I have no issue with you, but if I did not give it my all to oppose the way you benefit your chosen Faction — whether you want it or not — it would be wrong! Take it as a compliment, that I would meet you in battle with the intent to slaughter you! You have done solid work, Matt; you can rest now, and we can focus on exploring the newness of our world now!
[ With that, he's all smile and grin. Set's in a great mood, really. Minus his little moments of pissiness regarding Cyrus, the Shimmer-vacation did him wonders. He does whack Tezca in the kidney with his fist though, for bringing up Liem in such a way. And then he sits primly, folding his front paws over one another, his human hands reaching up to fluff the long line of red hair out along the bare length of his spine. ]
Tch, Tezcatlipoca... Must I adhere to human explanations for my relationships? He's mine. Sit down and let Ma'tt work, already.
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Still, though. While he would have been happier with the bolder response, he still smiles a little bit more that Matt doesn’t wither under Set’s threats. It’s unquestioningly approving. ]
Yeah, exactly. If you can’t be acknowledged by either of us, then—
[ He starts reassure Matt (poorly), but then has to stop to punch Set’s hand in return. It at least softens the blow to his kidney, but he still doubles over just a little bit all the same. Set does not play gentle, and a human body doesn’t stand up well to that, as it turns out. He has half a mind to stay standing just to be contrary, but with a grumble, he just follows the motion down and takes a cross-legged seat as well. It’s more because Matt asked than Set, though. ]
…Then participating in the conflict is meaningless. It’s practically a blessing more than a compliment, considerin’ it means we acknowledge your right to be here as Meridian or Zenith.
[ He at least finishes the thought, then tosses a little frown Set’s way. ]
Fine, yours, but don’t go tellin’ me he’s off limits too.
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Matt searches out the midpoint of the gods' tangled hair, then drops to sit cross-legged on the floor. On the one hand, he doesn't want to sacrifice his ability to run the fuck out of here. On the other, at least if he has them by the hair he'll have some leverage. The tools he's picked from among the offerings float around him; he reaches for the jar of oil. ]
I'm starting to suspect, [ he says levelly, dipping his fingertips into the jar, ] that participating in this conflict is worse than meaningless. You heard that thing say the more we fought, the more doomed we'd be, right? [ He scans the mingled strands, identifying a spot that looks to be about a 40-60 split of red hair to gold. He starts to roll the strands between his fingers. ] War gods' blessings sound like the last thing I want.
[ ... Well. Arguably it's better than the other thing he could have said, which started with you wanna talk about not having a choice and got worse. ]
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Conflict and war only exist because there is a meaning to be found. We do not create the meaning, though.
[ He did hear what the dark thing puppeting Cyrus had said, though. Oblivion, he assumes, is the spectral shape behind those words; it feels like speaking with one of his elder aunts, in the end. Or to Ra. A force that exists and has a right to, but that also means what it said to them is partly bullshit: because everyone has the right to resist it, too. ]
I will not parlay with Zenith over Oblivion, Matt. I have my pride as a god that people here have faith in. However, that is not to say that I wish to grant Meridian's victory without addressing the force that robbed us all of our worlds in the first place. That would be stupid and short-sighted.
[ Softly, he nudges against Tezcatlipoca, urging the other god to lay against his leonine side and relax. Matt has a lot of work ahead of him. And really, had Matt lead with the comment about choice and gotten worse, this entire situation would escalate once more. For now, Set can flick his tufted tail across the young man's nose, tickling at it pointedly. ]
I never have put all my eggs in one basket. I like winning, and for me, that means "getting what I want". And no, Tezkitty: Liem participates. He's quite adept at thriving under both external and internal conflict, as well. You'd like him. I bet Ma'tt likes him, [ a teasing leer ] as is right and proper.
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‘Course it did. Doesn’t matter what it is whether it’s a mortal army or a world-eater. If it feels the need to communicate with what it wants to beat, naturally it’s gonna want you to just give up and die easily. Not sure how Meridian and Zenith play into it or if they even do, but it’s just easier to bite something that isn’t biting back.
[ Tezcatlipoca thinks similarly to Set here, albeit for different reasons. It’s the ones that don’t bother talking to you that are the problem. They are the forces that can’t be stopped, even by a mighty god. Thus, they have no reason to want to talk to their lessers. It’s beyond being pointless—it would be akin to wanting to talk to a microbe for the scale that kind of power exists at. ]
To be honest with ya, I don’t give a fuck about which way the conflict goes. That’s where Set and I are different. He wants to win. It’s my job to make sure it’s fruitful. [ He shrugs ] I don’t pick sides with any special favor. The moment I do, the universe will balance it out.
[ He taps his fingers against Set’s side lightly, like he wants to say something else but is considering those words carefully. He’d much rather complain about the nickname or gossip about Liem, but he just sighs. This is more important, unfortunately. ]
…You don’t have that kind of worry. Not participating means accepting what’s comin’ and not being willing to shape it at all. It’s givin’ up the chance to make an advantage. Since I would have called it somethin' else, but I knew Oblivion was comin' for my world. It's why I placed my bets on a guy that had a chance to stave it off, even if the cost was high. My advice is always going to be action over apathy.
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because Merc doesn't know how their thread goes--though at Set's teasing, his cheeks flush pink. ]None of you have been listening if you think I'm apathetic.
[ That, at least, is the right mortals have over gods, isn't it? The right to be heard? To send up their prayers and petitions? ]
It's not fighting that I'm opposed to. Just fighting amongst ourselves, as a first resort. As my first resort. There's still so much that hasn't been tried, as far as I know--from what I've been able to figure out, and what people have been willing to tell me. [ This doesn't have the bite it would if this conversation were taking place after Matt's Communion talk with Ruby. He even offers Set a nod of acknowledgement--a bit stiff, still, but an olive branch. Plucking a comb from the flotilla that surrounds him, Matt works the teeth of it gingerly into the heart of the knot he's been rubbing with oil. ] I can see what you're saying, Tezcatlipoca, about how it might just want to psych us out.
[ A sigh, a bit frustrated. ]
But I don't understand your strategies at all. How do you guys want to stop this thing?
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So. How does he intend to fight "this thing"? ]
I see no difference between Oblivion and Apep. I intend to regain my divinity in full, and if I must wage a war with it and return it to the Tenth Region of the Night before I can go home, I will.
[ He doesn't actually feel the urgency to return fast to his world, just to return to it. Every inch of him is prepared to take the time and do his due diligence to ensure his world is hale, whole and safe before he leaves Kenos. ]
If anyone could route and continue to effectively route Oblivion? It is me.
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He shrugs a little at Matt’s comment, since that’s not quite what he meant by “apathy”, but the rest of his answer is more his point. He couldn’t accept someone who would give up. Even if the odds were difficult or even if they were impossible, you still had to fight. Tezcatlipoca wouldn’t accept anything else, and he was very harsh about that principle.
It’s not something he gets into, though. The last question is a good one, and Set’s answer is what Tezcatlipoca expects. It’s Set’s destiny, his role in the vast, metaphysical cosmos. Tezcatlipoca has his own version of it too, but it gets him to lean back fully against Set’s side. He tilts his head back so that he can look up as if he were stargazing. ]
Eh, strictly speaking, I can’t. Or, shouldn’t, I guess, since ain’t nothin’ stopping me, but throwing my weight into fighting Oblivion’s a bad idea.
[ He sighs with a little annoyance, because, well, it’s annoying to explain! He imagines that Set will understand in the same way that Tezcatlipoca had understood that Set simply Would fight Oblivion, but explaining that kind of thing to humans? They don’t usually fully get it, though that’s no fault of their own. ]
I’ll just put it simply and say that I’ve got bad luck. [ It’s far more than that, but it gets into much more complicated ideas of “balance” in the universe and how Tezcatlipoca wields a frankly huge amount of power in tipping those scales, but… By the same token, it’s also best for him to underplay his influence. ] The more care I personally put into somethin’, the more it’s not gonna work out in my favor. So, it’s something I can give guidance on, but when push comes to shove, it’s the rest of you that’s gotta do the work.
[ It always depresses him a little bit to admit it, though. There’s definitely some cruel irony in having a “rule” like that in place for him without even having the freedom of being a neutral god, but. It is what it is. He gives Set’s flank a hearty pat, since he’d rather move on than linger over that gloomy condition. ]
—But, luckily, yeah, we got a grade-A Oblivion fighter in Set here. Imagine there’s other stuff too that can be done, just a matter of rootin' it out.
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But that's his own expectations disappointing him, rather than the information. After a moment to mourn an impossible world, Matt turns thoughtful. Focused. Apep is chaos, he recalls, a chthonic being subdued through ... well, some kind of divine battle. Though if you ask him, literal combat only increases entropy: one's limbs and blood arranged in a larger number of configurations than they were before.
What Tezcatlipoca has to share is new to him, however. Fascinating and sad. Matt hums as he makes his first real attempt to separate out this knot. ]
So ... the plan is something like narrative weight. Or destiny. [ He does his best not to cause either of them any pain, though as he gets closer to teasing the tangle apart, he does start to dig more sharply with the comb. ] Which I'm not knocking, for the record. It's just not something I can really participate in.
[ A glance to Set. ] Do you think harmonizing with Meridian can bring back your full divinity? Or is it something you think would come back when Meridian's goal is achieved?
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Harmonizing with Meridian granted me power. Tribune Cyrus assisted me in obtaining a connection to my divinity itself, additional to that — though, I will say that my choice of Meridian over Zenith has nothing to do with "is fixing what was destroyed possible more than creating something new". Both are possible, I simply want my world back.
[ The mention of the Tribune quiets him for a moment, and the redhead picks at his thumb slightly. Sharp canine teeth work the full bottom lip, his eyes somber and brow severe as he considers his words. His belief and knowledge. ]
There is a limit, in Kenos. It affects us all — keeps us from overpowering one another, though it has not affected my intellect. Which is my best asset. And now, because of it: I know for a fact that I will have the power I need. I know truths, and I know motivations. I bargained for the knowledge, I earned it, I sold myself for it. [ A glance spared to Tezcatlipoca, and he reaches a hand out to stroke his fingers down his "twin's" face. It's oddly fond, because he knows this god. "Of" him, because of Quetzalcoatl, and intimately, because they're a lot alike. ]
— tomorrow, Tezcatlipoca could be Meridian, and I could be Zenith. It will not happen, because I refuse to be a part of Zenith while Yima lives, but... the Factions' goals are ultimately a question for the rest of you to deal with: what do I want most and who will I accept hurting to get it. No exceptions. Tezkitty, I know what you suffer with. Do not worry... I will not abandon you!
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He nods in a little agreement to that, but his expression does become more serious as he explains it further. He hums out a thoughtful noise in response as Set brushes a hand against his face, and in the moment, it makes sense why their little following had formed. They really do look like they could be brothers, if not twins, save for the reflection of Set’s dual red against Tezcatlipoca’s blue and gold. (Also, Set’s lips are more luscious, and this is important.) ]
Yeah. That’s war versus conflict for ya. You wanna win. I’m just rollin’ the dice and seein’ if they come up my numbers.
[ It’s a perfect example of where they differ, since the lengths Set has gone through is something Tezcatlipoca simply wouldn’t. But he does feel something for it. Sad isn’t quite the word, because that’d be like feeling sad for his own poor luck—a waste of time. It’s just what they’re made to do. But he can feel sympathy for it.
So, he nods in agreement to the questions, and looks back to Matt to hear how he takes it, but. Then annoying little brother mode kicks in, and he clicks his tongue as he looks back to Set. He leans his head down a little with Matt’s brushing, but not out of any pain. He’s truly just leaning with it so it doesn’t tug so sharply, but it does make his little rant a bit more comical looking. ]
Abandon me? Fuck you, I’m not abandoning you. [ here we go, ] I’m draggin’ your happy ass over to the Sixth Sun, since you think these guys got a handle on what it takes to rule a world? Fuck no. S’why I agree with you, since those questions are kinda step one before you even get to think about divine questions like makin’ a whole damn world.
[ He considers something for a moment, then looks up to Matt. ]
…No offense, mostly. You’re in training, as far as I’m concerned.
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None taken, [ Matt notes in a dry mutter, gaze focused on the knot. He's so close to getting this thing ... ] If I had to rule a world, I'd throw myself into a volcano.
[ He didn't even want to run his father's company. Matt hasn't seriously contemplated either future, Zenith's or Meridian's, but if Zenith really did win and manage to execute its vision, Matt supposes he imagines himself dissolving. Passing on his energy so the new world can thrive.
Anyway. That thought passes fleetingly, as Matt focuses on the gods and their impossible hair.
I earned it. I sold myself for it. Matt frowns. He already knew Set was carrying pain and loss with him (Matt seems to have a knack for stepping on it). But this is a new complication. Set and Tezca both seem to have tragic qualifiers attached to them.
So where does that leave him? Back where he already was, as far as he can tell. Fighting Oblivion, which starts with researching Oblivion. Which probably begins with getting some quality time with these hungry shadows, testing a few hypotheses. ]
I don't know if I'd need to bargain with you in turn for some of those truths and motivations, [ Matt says to Set, ] or if it's even in the cards to tell me any more of them ... but I do want to know.
[ He gives one more jerk of the comb, wincing as he realizes he's tugged way harder than he meant to. But finally, finally, finally, the knot comes free, and the gods are separated.
Physically, at least. Metaphysically is another matter. ]
... Okay, who wants brushing first?