'Tis why I have been putting the delay. I want to make sure I have time to consider it carefully. Among a few other items.
Fake as it was, it was nice to see you so content. Perhaps we will never be able to get reality to mirror it fully, but in such a direction we will strive.
I know you do not care for Lord Zodiark or what he represents, but he is a necessity. How else will we prevent the tragedy from happening again?
[He pauses.]
It would have been. Content, that is. We would have revived our lost brethren and removed any doubts of summoning Hydaelyn --- the true tragedy. And you were there. As was Vergil.
[ He knows Hades has no choice but to think that, and honestly that just makes it all the more sad. Especially after his conversation with Lahabrea. But he reaches for his hand to hold, squeezing it lightly ]
Well. Then tell me how you imagine it.
Your perfect world, surrounded by your loved ones. I won't be able to see it but I can at least picture it.
[But he takes a spot in the sand just barely out of reach of the waves.]
She's gleaming as she always does. Amaurot. The skies are clear. The grass lush. The city bustling. It will take time of course, time to get our brethren back one by one, but we do. And there is not want for a different solution. No sacrifice. No naysayers.
No star divided.
You are there. You're family can visit. I would dearly like to meet them after all. As I said you live with me, but it hard pressed to pull you from the Akademia. I don't think a Convocation seat would suit you, but you do give Lahabrea a run for his wits, always keeping him on his toes.
And people can simply be. Chasing their passions. Challenging their perceptions. Learning and growing together. Vergil is there perhaps with his family, perhaps not. I would like to have healed Absinthe.
But no more war, no games, no senseless violence and hatred. There are disagreements, yes, it's not perfect. I wouldn't want it to be, but there is harmony and peace.
[ He knows they've agreed with Lahabrea to not keep secrets, and that the subject of tempering, and the fact Zodiark can't actually bring people back, will come up eventually. But there's no reason to do so now, and they can discuss and try to find a solution at a later time. For now he just listens, and smiles at it ]
You're right, you can show me. Maybe you should add this to your dream. Something to revisit more often than the end of days — to remind you of your goal.
As stubbornly as I wish to be able to mock you with comments of making you work for such as task, I do believe you know me well enough that if you did ask I would do my upmost to provide.
Well. Just because you can handle yourself doesn't mean you have to do it on your own. I'm aware you're capable, and that you'd be more honest than I would be, if you needed the help.
But I still don't want you to be alone, regardless.
I would hope so! Those were the words we did utter to each other were they not. A life removed from solitude. I know you'd never forget such a promise.
[Absolutely being cheeky, but he truly appreciates it.]
You can thank Absinthe and Vergil and their actions for using up all my serious moments for the time being. You are left with nothing but quips and teasing.
Which you are handling quite well. Where do you get the time to practice?
I don't care much for sportsmanship, so I'm going to go ahead and consider that a victory for myself.
But so long as you take the time to rest, that's good enough for me. I'm going to go back at Taisho, tonight. But if you do need me, well. You did say you'd seek me out, if you needed. I'm holding you accountable for that.
I will take much as I'm allowed. Lahabrea is still a mess, I will not let him feel as if he's not surrounded by those that would support him. I failed him once and plan to not repeat my actions.
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Do feel free to take as much time as you need with that. Don't let me stop you.
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Fake as it was, it was nice to see you so content. Perhaps we will never be able to get reality to mirror it fully, but in such a direction we will strive.
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But I'll take achieving that in reality, rather than through a dream. Something else to strive for.
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[He pauses.]
It would have been. Content, that is. We would have revived our lost brethren and removed any doubts of summoning Hydaelyn --- the true tragedy. And you were there. As was Vergil.
Re: 272 afternoon
Well. Then tell me how you imagine it.
Your perfect world, surrounded by your loved ones. I won't be able to see it but I can at least picture it.
Re: 272 afternoon
[But he takes a spot in the sand just barely out of reach of the waves.]
She's gleaming as she always does. Amaurot. The skies are clear. The grass lush. The city bustling. It will take time of course, time to get our brethren back one by one, but we do. And there is not want for a different solution. No sacrifice. No naysayers.
No star divided.
You are there. You're family can visit. I would dearly like to meet them after all. As I said you live with me, but it hard pressed to pull you from the Akademia. I don't think a Convocation seat would suit you, but you do give Lahabrea a run for his wits, always keeping him on his toes.
And people can simply be. Chasing their passions. Challenging their perceptions. Learning and growing together. Vergil is there perhaps with his family, perhaps not. I would like to have healed Absinthe.
But no more war, no games, no senseless violence and hatred. There are disagreements, yes, it's not perfect. I wouldn't want it to be, but there is harmony and peace.
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You're right, you can show me. Maybe you should add this to your dream. Something to revisit more often than the end of days — to remind you of your goal.
We'll make it a reality.
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Such is the role you have become.
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Not that I'm under any risk of forgetting any time soon, but just in case.
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[Tugging him to sit next to him.]
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Considering it's my soul, I feel like I'm entitled to complain about it as much as I'd like.
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[Squeezing his fingers and stretching his legs out.]
And thank you for spending the time with me. I imagine there is a veritable list of other tasks you have to accomplish.
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But they can wait, and none are as important as you.
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But do not think I am belittling the gesture. Having you here means more to me than I can put into words.
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But I still don't want you to be alone, regardless.
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I would hope so! Those were the words we did utter to each other were they not. A life removed from solitude. I know you'd never forget such a promise.
[Absolutely being cheeky, but he truly appreciates it.]
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Wow, excuse me for caring. You're right, though. I'm not forgetting it.
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Which you are handling quite well. Where do you get the time to practice?
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I have to keep you on your toes too.
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Well, you can put your ruler and spectacles away for the next few days. I plan to do nothing but lounge goad as you might.
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But so long as you take the time to rest, that's good enough for me. I'm going to go back at Taisho, tonight. But if you do need me, well. You did say you'd seek me out, if you needed. I'm holding you accountable for that.
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I will take much as I'm allowed. Lahabrea is still a mess, I will not let him feel as if he's not surrounded by those that would support him. I failed him once and plan to not repeat my actions.
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[ he's going lean in to kiss the top of his head, soft and gentle ]
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