CURSE YOU CAPTCHA

[firstworldproblem]

Comments

[deicider]

Even when the truth flatters you? [They start ticking their fingers off as they go through the points.] If it had actually meant it it would have written the list down, which it didn't. I was effected and distracted for 3 days, so it couldn't have lacked for time. Also, I wasn't worried about Kohime, since that's Shrike and Nero's job. Kohime replaced Kou; I wasn't in a mood to play nice with her.

Plenty comfortable.

[firstworldproblem]

Even when.

[He does chuckles at their points.]

I see. Was Kou close to you?

[deicider]

He was close to me, but he wasn't here very long.

[Cardinal shifts restlessly, adjusting until they are more perched on Emet-Selch than sprawled in his lap. They run a hand back through their hair, slow.]

Talking with him did make me homesick, in a way. Usually... it's like I speak a different dialect than everyone else here. The difference is so slight that from the outside it looks like it's working like a normal conversation, but...

[firstworldproblem]

So perhaps home itself is not what is missed, but the ideals and philosophies?

[He makes room for them to do whatever they like!]

Then do you plan on returning there after graduation?

[deicider]

[Cardinal shakes their head.]

No. It's likely I'm dead and I can't, anyway.

[firstworldproblem]

....!

If I might ask what happened?

[deicider]

[Glances up at him, surprised by his surprise. They raise an eyebrow.]

I'm a murderer at the head of a 400 year old assassinations conspiracy, and I shot a very popular tribune through the head. In the likely event my world went to war, even if I live through that somehow, too many people want me dead.

[firstworldproblem]

[Look. He has a slight doki for Cardinal.]

Truly I was hoping when you spoke of your star that a peaceful solution could be found. Crimes you have committed, but unless you've been lying you do care for the well-being of yours. Why murder such an asset if your goals truly align.

Unless you do not believe in the outcome of this war.

[deicider]

[Cardinal shakes their head again.]

Just the opposite. As long as I live, I'll be a source of tension and conflict, even if most people want to keep me around. But if I use my death well, it will help the world move forward.

[firstworldproblem]

Then the society is hardly Utopian if they cannot forgive. Unless you have completely deceived me with your motives.

[deicider]

Your world doesn't have any dark secrets like me?

My world has a ways to go. It is the best world that humans have ever made, but humans are still pretty fallible.

[firstworldproblem]

No, but the more I consider the more immortality I believe helps with that. We can always look towards the future while living in the present.

But I imagine you'd thrive in any star you select to go to.

[deicider]

[Hums in agreement, then changes the topic.]

Tell me more about your world.

[firstworldproblem]

[He kind of just laughs at that.]

I'm assuming you mean when it was whole.

[deicider]

Yes. [pausing slightly, and adding with a faint hint of apology for asking so abruptly:]

If you feel like talking about it.

[firstworldproblem]

Better yet. I can show you.

[deicider]

[looks up, interested.]

Now?

[firstworldproblem]

[He pulls out his phone.]

I do have access to all of my memories in viewable form. A delight I did not expect to have.

[deicider]

[!] Oh - really? I do want to see.

[firstworldproblem]

[He does get out his phone and replay a choice memory!

Not that there is any actual backstory for this. It's a sprawling city with people milling about all with individual masks. The stars shine brightly in the sky. They'll get to see these individuals debate, create wonders with magic, and so forth! It does look really peaceful.]

[deicider]

[Cardinal rests back against Emet-Selch's chest. As the memory plays, a soft, wistful expression overcomes them.]

It doesn't really look anything like my world, but... [They don't complete the sentence, but Emet-Selch can likely intuit the rest.]

[firstworldproblem]

[Puts an arm around their waist.]

You seek peace, Cardinal Chases Dawn. While it comes in many forms, I have no doubt you can recognize its shape when you see it.

[deicider]

[Cardinal closes their eyes briefly.]

I wish I could show you mine. But most of my memories involve work.

[firstworldproblem]

I don't know. Chasing after this heretic of violence sounds entertaining. And your work defines you and you do take pride in it. It would be remiss to exclude it.

[deicider]

Yeah, but it's boring to watch. Mostly a lot of talk about politics.

I have one you might be interested in, though. [Cardinal pulls out their phone to play this memory.]