CURSE YOU CAPTCHA

[firstworldproblem]

Comments

[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.]

[firstworldproblem]

[The child bringing the toys to life gets a smile. It does seem like Creation magic and when wielded in such a manner it is pure.

The mention of erasing memories though has his expression sour, a nerve easily hit.]

I do believe your society could achieve peace. Though they must learn to accept rather than carve out the pieces they do not like.

[deicider]

[Thisbe being a psychopath is just an unfortunate fact that everyone has to deal with. Cardinal does look up to see his reaction, and pats his arm comfortingly.

Cardinal nods in agreement.]

I know. Whether it's strong enough to do that yet... [They sigh.] I don't know. But it will become unavoidable, between Bridger and - well, some other stuff. [They don't recall explaining Jevovah's assassination already.]

What did you think of their power...?

[firstworldproblem]

The child's? Truly it is very similar to our own abilities. Though I doubt they could bestow true 'life' merely the appearance of it. It is not to be feared, but similar to many talents it can be used for great harm as well as great prosperity.

But 'tis no fault of the child for being born that way. Though I imagine finding a teacher would be difficult.

[deicider]

I thought so. What's the difference between 'true' life and appearance?