[ 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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no subject
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?
no subject
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.
no subject
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.
no subject
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?
no subject
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!
no subject
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.
no subject
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?