So, you approach me in my court. Very well, I will allow your curiosity within reason.
I am Mizuki, Empress of the waves and commander of the River Guard. The currents have brought us to this Island for a purpose yet unclear to me, but the wisdom of the waves has never led me astray. Despite this world not being my own, my title and my oath stand fast.
Now then, if your business is of import, speak. If not, begone from here.
In character posting: #imperialdecree
In character tea time: #teawiththeempress
Reblogs: #royalresponse
Answered asks: #theempressanswers
OOC posting: ))post
SHIP TAG: #MoonBound
Relationship Status: heart stolen by @the-oathbound-champion , no return address
)) Note: While I will not write NSFW content, both muse and mun for Mizuki and Eugene (my irl husband) are adults. A married couple in love will not act like just friends. If you're uncomfortable with certain levels of spice, maybe read something else! XD ❤️
)) If you like my writing, you can find my other blogs linked below!
@long-live-evie
@slayer-charlotte
@goddess-of-elysium
@sugar-bear-syd
@io-splinter-agent
@shades-of-myst
@ladycat-holloway
@vengeful-visitor-fn
@corascana-stormborn
DO NOT STEAL ANY OF MY WRITING OR DRAWINGS TO USE FOR AI OR AI TRAINING.
OOC Rules, Headcanons, etc.
Rules:
1. Absolutely NO NSFW Asks or Comments. I will not respond, and I will block you if I feel I need to.
2. I would appreciate hard language being kept to a minimum where possible. Empress Mizuki does not appreciate a lack of decorum.
3. I am taking this quite seriously, I will be acting as I believe Empress Mizuki would (within the obvious confines of a text-based format).
4. I am an adult. I'm making this clear now; if you are a minor, I don't mind conversation, but I will end conversations that deviate from a solid PG rating.
5. "God Mode" (attempts to one shot kill an RP character without explicit consent and confirmation from the RP character owner) will result in a warning and further insistence will result in a block. Do not disrupt the fun we are having by acting like you can just end someone else's day.
6. I respect your headcanons, so please respect mine.
Headcanons:
Empress Mizuki is royalty born and raised. Her oath to the River Guard and her people does not weigh on her as a burden, but as a responsibility that she will uphold with pride, though the weight of the responsibility is hardly negligible.
She may come off as cold to approach, but she does not view anyone as "lesser", and she will treat all who work up the nerve to speak to her with equality. However, she does not suffer fools, and if you attempt to flirt with her, on your own head be the consequences.
She agreed to work with the Syndicates to aid the Island in combating the threats surrounding the appearance of Mega City, and since kept to herself with her personal detachment of the River Guard until the 2024 Fortnitemares.
Her deepest regret is that her brother Takeshi deserted the Guard to join the Fox Clan. She views this both as him abandoning his post and his duty to pursue irresponsibility, and also as her own personal failure as a sister. Their father, the Emperor, died of grief shortly afterwards, and Mizuki blames Takeshi for this. She ascended the throne at a very young age out of necessity. Mentions of Takeshi or the Fox Clan run the risk of hostility.
Since coming here she has formed strong allied friendships with King Midas, Megalo Don, Guernsey and his suppressed identity Joey, and Commander John Jones. She defends these fiercely. Furthermore, she has formally adopted as her son the young rōnin Kendo, who has renounced all ties to his former clan and family.
When she and the Ageless Champion first met, they clashed bitterly and despised each other. Since then, long conversations and circumstances have formed understanding, and the Ageless swore himself to her service as her Champion. Now that arrangement has become something more, and she has lost the battle for her heart, now held by her beloved Champion, though she thought he was too deeply scarred to return it. She was proven very wrong just before the turn of the year, and she and Eugene pledged their hearts and souls to one another under the stars of a beautiful Winterfest night.
She had befriended Catrina and her son Carver, but they chose to stay on the Remix Island while she moved forward. Catrina gifted her three bags of seeds, one pumpkin, one marigold, and one lotus. She grows a marigold and a pumpkin in her friends' memories. The lotus are being kept for the place she decides to make her permanent home.
Interestingly, despite Oninoshima being part of her old home, she did not plant the lotus seeds.
**Darker themes ahead: CW for death, PTSD, hallucinations, memory issues.**
Her brother Takeshi, now known as Stray, holds a deep grudge against Mizuki for the death of their uncle, who he is unaware attempted to murder Mizuki for the throne. Stray has pursued Mizuki in a quest for vengeance, and they clashed for the third time on Oninoshima. The battle resulted in Stray gravely injured, and Mizuki dying shortly thereafter in her Champion's arms.
Contrary to everyone's expectations, the Zero Point reconstructed and respawned her where she had died, but not before dragging her scattered consciousness through the thousands of other versions of her life that exist across the Omniverse all at once. She now suffers from confusion, sometimes unable to tell which memories are her own, and occasionally suffering hallucinations of those thousands of memories, with nightmares to boot, all while coming to terms with what might be her worst nightmare: immortality.
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[Visiting the Commander was something that the Empress had been wanting very much to do, but had never felt safe enough to attempt since discovering the Visitor's identity.
However, today the spirits reported him out in the field with the newly minted Innovation, so the Empress took the opportunity, gliding from the waters to the entrance of the massive cavern that was Shaken Sanctuary. Thankfully, the place where Jones was being kept was near the open hangar door, so she didn't have to delve into the uncomfortable, unnatural caverns below. Places she could be trapped should the Visitor return.
It seemed that at the moment Peely was keeping vigil, his eyes dark and bruised. The Empress wondered silently how many nights the poor creature had missed. He noticed her presence and gave her a weak smile and wave, which she returned with a smile and a nod.]
Hello, dear one. I am here to see our mutual friend. May I? Or should I wait for a better time?
[Peely seemed to perk up a little, backing up and gesturing towards the alcove where the tank had been set up. The Empress thanked him, then headed into the little room.
Jones seemed to be in better condition. The bleeding had stopped, and his vitals were much more steady than they had been. She could hear his pulse through the glass, stable and stronger. The tiny room was decorated to the brim with gifts from allies and loopers alike, everything from handmade cards to flowers. It warmed the Empress' heart to see how beloved the Commander had become, enough for even the seemingly mindless loopers to give such affection.
Resting a hand on the glass, the Empress reached through to the water within. Her whisper would be too quiet to be picked up by anyone passing, or by any listening device, but if the Commander could hear in his condition, he would hear.]
Hello, dear friend.
[His pulse quickened slightly, and she smiled for a moment.]
I will not speak long, as I do not wish to jeopardize your recovery, but I dearly wished to see my friend and give you encouragement.
[She checked around her quickly, just in case, then turned her attention back to Jones.]
I know who did this to you.
[A spike in his heart rate again. He knew.]
Please remain as calm as possible, my friend. It is terrifying, I know. But despite those who have been taken in by his deception, counteraction has already begun. I know not who else may suspect, but those who are aware are resolved to give our all to stop him.
[Her hand on the glass tightened into a fist.]
You are one of mine, dear friend, and not even Geno brings harm to one of mine without retribution.
Rest now, Commander. Your beloved needs you now more than ever, and you must be well enough to face what is coming. Rest, and leave protecting this place to us for now.
[That accursed name brought another spike in his pulse, but it calmed as she brought up Evie. That was enough stress for one day. Her work was done, Jones was aware that he was not alone.
Pulling away from the tank, the Empress let her connection to the water dissipate, but not before receiving warning that the Visitor and the Innovation were wrapping up and discussing returning to Sanctuary. She needed to leave.
From her sleeve the Empress produced a small clipping from one of the trees below Golden Grove, its leaves a dusky purple shot with radiant pinks. This she laid among the already abundant offerings of well wishes for Jones' health. It felt wrong not to leave something.
As she turned to leave, she spotted the girl Evie through the window to the massive jet at the center. Evie met her gaze, a flicker of surprise showing for a split second before vanishing under a faint but friendly smile. She seemed as though she might like to say something, but was torn over whether she should.
Taking the initiative instead, the Empress laid a hand over her heart, bowing her head slightly, then held that hand out towards Evie. A gesture of solidarity, of understanding, friendship, support. The girl would need all she could get when being directly sabotaged by one of her allies.
Relief shone in Evie's eyes, and the gesture was hastily returned. Smiling to herself, the Empress finally took her leave, reaching the water's edge and vanishing there just as the splitting sky heralded the return of the Visitor.
He would learn of her visit, but it would matter little. All she had done was visit an ailing friend.
*If Visitor being weird wasn't enough, now his sister seemed weird too. Sure she looked and acted normal, but there was an hint of something...something neither him or VisiVenge could catch. And that caused him to feel rather uneasy around the Sanctuary. Eventually he had realized he had never gone out ever since he had returned from his last emergency visit at the farm to help Guernsey on the Joey situation, and came to the conclusion that the lack of fresh air was probably messing with his perception of people.
And so @vengeance-jones-fn had exited the Sanctuary, taking an deep breath of fresh air and letting his brain just go on auto-pilot.
Now very much zoned-out, he began walking, unaware of the growing distance from the Sanctuary, which let him to eventually to be found wandering around Golden Grove.*
[The Empress had had a very amusing morning. Their resident sprite-loving apothecary-in-training (sort of) Kaeru had bounced up to her, happily displaying the ugliest sprite the Empress had ever seen. It looked distressingly similar to Fishstick, but significantly more vacant behind the eyes.
Nevertheless, Kaeru seemed utterly delighted with the unsettling creature, and the Empress couldn't help but laugh with her at the absurd goggling expression on its face.
Of course, now the Empress had a different problem on her hands. Clearly Kaeru's education required augmentation, as the girl had insisted that the sprite was called a "fih". If she didn't even know the word "fish", perhaps she should not be handling medicines...
This was the train of thought interrupted by the sighting of Vengeance Jones on her coastline. The spirits said that he seemed to be wandering aimlessly, occasionally pausing on his meanderings but never really adjusting his course.
Vengeance Jones.... The name brought a pang of heaviness to the Empress' heart. The last time they had spoken, he had been in shambles over a disastrous prank. Before that, she would have said they were good friends. Now?...
... Now she had greater worries... And she needed every friend she could keep close.
This was the purpose with which the Empress set out to intercept Vengeance, approaching from the golden woods just a stone's throw from the beach where he was walking. Her presence was deliberately nonthreatening, and her tone friendly.]
Well met, Vengeance Jones. I take it that the caverns of Sanctuary are too confining for your liking?
*Being 100% zoned out of it had made Vengeance unaware of the sights changing and the ground under his feet turning into sand. He could only feel the surface sustaining him become softer, and softness always prompted Vengeance to nestle. He had sat on the sand for a moment when the voice snapped his brain into awareness once more. Turning around and seeing the Empress, Vengeance let out a seemingly startled noise, scrambling to his feet and stiffening up.
The Empress!? How was she here!? Wait. Where was he!? This wasn't Sanctuary! Had he wandered into the Empress' territory without knowing? He probably wasn't exactly welcome here if that was the case...yet he couldn't exactly bolt now...
Ignoring an hallucination of VisiVenge pulling at his arm to try and leave, Vengeance's large figure bowed deeply infront of the Empress.*
...It is certainly an honor to be in your Presence, Your Imperial Majesty.
*Titles. The one sign needed to understand Vengeance felt incredibly inferior.*
[Even with the space between them, the Empress could hear Venge's heart rate spike. That and the excessive formality told her everything.
He was afraid of her.
How far their friendship had deteriorated... and over a single thoughtless jest.
Folding her hands behind her back, the Empress moved down to the water's edge, eyes still on her unexpected guest.]
Fear not, Vengeance. You are as welcome here as you have ever been. I will not harm you. I wish only to speak with one who I once called a dear friend.
[She looked down at the water lapping at the shore, then at the horizon, her tone becoming quietly grave.]
The days are dark that have descended upon us now. Friends are few. When I heard that you had wandered here, I thought perhaps... I might have been granted an opportunity to repair what was damaged.
If you wish to leave now, however... I will not stop you, nor hold it against you.
*Vengeance raised up, masking an expression of confusion. She wasn't mad at him. She wanted to try and...fix things? That surprised him. usually when he did something that broke a relationship, he'd be casted aside. Sure some didn't let wrong doings even chip at it, like his sister, but no one tried to tend to wounds before when it came to him.
Nobody had ever let him do that before.*
I...I don't want to leave. I just thought I wasn't welcome ever since...that. Honestly I should be the one to try and fix this. I was the one who damaged it in the first place, afterall. Been feeling like a bad presence for you and your people.
*Forcing his heartbeat to slow, he approached the Empress over the water's edge, crouching down and letting his hand come in contact with the waves of the shore.*
To answer your question...The Sanctuary does feel like a prison these days...an emotional one.
I have no idea what happened during that mission, all I know is that it deprived us of two members, one I deeply care for, and that it also fixed the Zero Point while endangering this place at the same time.
*His eyebrows furrowed*
But I feel like I haven't been given the full image...everyone is acting so weird.
And yet when you came to apologize before, I only forgave you, and made no attempt to meet you at the halfpoint to truly make amends.
[She sighed, closing her eyes.]
On Springfield, I was not well. Forgive my neglect. I should have made a better effort. We both have made mistakes.
[Turning her eyes to the man now kneeling at the water's edge, the Empress smiled faintly as she could see spirits playfully teasing his hand, though he could not see them.]
The Seven, I am told, are sworn to protect the Zero Point above all. The Foundation broke his oath, losing himself to prideful rage, and weaponized the last Shard against the Ice King. In the end, the Foundation fell, the Ice King was betrayed by the Voyager, the Zero Point was reforged, and when the dust settled... the Commander was found in his current condition.
But you are correct. That is not the full picture. And the truth is being held from us.
[She knew the majority of the truth, but not the whole, and she could not tell him...
Letting her left hand fall to her side, she held the right out to Vengeance. An offer of trust.]
If you were troubled, I don't hold it against you! Actually if I knew I would have waited for a better time...I came to apologize because it felt right to do, but I think my apologies were also...a little pathetic especially the one to your Champion-
*Vengeance chuckled slightly, a smile on his face*
When haven't I came across you while looking a little pathetic honestly!? The possession, the apologies...hah. Actually I'm glad to finally be here in normal condition, as far as times permit.
*His expression fell serious once more at the mention of Foundation, and Vengeance shook his head as his hand kept playing with the water. It seemed to calm him and put his head in a perfect place to think.*
Those who don't know how to use their rage fall victims of it. I've seen and heard many say that rage is just...throwing yourself at the enemy and blindly destroying them, and while that is partially true, there is also a part of you that needs to stay alert and keep you from making mistakes that could end you. I know that very well. Foundation didn't, and his massive ego would have never allowed me lend advice, even if my mind hadn't betrayed me in such delicate situation...I just wish we are able to stabilize the Zero Point and have Jones come back to us soon. That is all I care for at the moment.
Because standing with my allies is already embedded into my soul.
*He stood up, taking the Empress' hand in a firm hold. He then looked around, his mind assuming things about his surroundings*
But what about you...Empress? I suppose you've been displaced from your home again, that can't feel great.
[A laugh escaped the Empress in a quiet huff, but her smile quickly died at the mention of her Champion.]
Actually, I require a favor, my friend.
[Laying her left hand over his, she pulled Vengeance a little closer, lowering her voice. Silver glittered softly on her finger.]
On the topic of my Champion... I require your silence. The details are such that I cannot divulge them at this moment, but know this: because you know of him, the lives of my people are in your hands. I cannot press enough the need for absolute secrecy as to his whereabouts at this time.
Tell no one. Not even the Seven.
[She did not mean that as a threat. Threatening a friend would do nothing but harm. But Vengeance needed to remain silent on his knowledge of Eugene, or Geno would come for him.
Taking a steadying breath, the Empress let a little space between them again.]
I have faith that the Zero Point will be stabilized. I daresay that none of us will live to care otherwise if it is not. My concern lies in whose hands it will rest afterwards. Clearly, the Seven are far from infallible.
[That was putting it lightly...
At the question directed at herself, the Empress shook her head with a sad smile.]
It is the way of this place. Impermanence and chaos, eternal change. We are like the waters; we adapt to our surroundings. Water does not complain about how it feels being poured from jar to glass. It simply settles in its new place.
*A strange favor, yet he wasn't going to fail the River Guard again. Not when they sounded so fragile.*
It will be like I have never heard of him, nothing will force his name out of my lips. I promise.
*Vengeance had a reassuring smile plastered onto his face, until the Zero Point was mentioned again, to which he huffed, raising his head*
That's my issue. I don't believe anyone here should have their hands on the point. The Seven have been decimated, we are temporarily without Commander, and any other faction around us is...eugh..-
The Zero Point will rest in its own hands, we must keep only our eyes on it. Pure supervision, so that no other hands can touch it. Not even ours. Whoever attempted to keep control of the Zero Point in ways more than supervision ended up corrupted. I won't let anyone around me face the same end.
*He frowned at her answer, shrugging lightly, looking over at the beach's waves.*
That is true, you and your people are all about water so better act like it, I suppose. Still, it can't be easy at first, especially with how suddenly this can happen.. I-I can't know for sure, I lived like a stray animal my entire life before joining Jones. I've never had to lose my home, 'cause I had none in the first place.
[The Empress sighed, her relief visible in her relaxed shoulders and closed eyes.]
I thank you, my friend. On this Island, we have learned to be much more... cautious.
[Geno was at least less likely to hear more about Eugene from Vengeance...
His opinion on the Zero Point, though, earned a look of exhaustion from the Empress. His words echoed as though read from the same script Geno had built from during their conversation.]
A fool's ideal, I fear, though I feel for the noble heart behind it. Those who hold to it mean well, certainly, and I still place my support behind you, because at this moment the fool's ideal is the best option we have.
Unfortunately, as one sitting in a seat of power, I see it differently. The Zero Point is a thing of immeasurable power, and such a thing attracts the ambitious. I personally have no desire to attempt to hold it, but as we have seen, other powers do. Powers that do not care about the sanctity of life or whatever methods they use to obtain it.
No, something will hold it, whether they should or not. The Seven have failed us, and their ideal has endangered us all. It is up to us to be responsible, and to hold one another accountable, as long as we maintain it.
[She turned back to him, her eyes dimmed, but a gentle smile still on her lips.]
It is not easy, no. It does not become easy even with repetition. We simply learn to endure it. Our connection to the waters remains, and that eases it somewhat, as our home may change, but the waters remain the same.
I see...it's hard to trust anyone with something so powerful but also so fragile, so do understand why I don't exactly think being so handsy onto it is the key to not cause another catastrophe..Then again, perhaps standing all together instead of letting one handle it makes a better shield against ones with a big ego and a thirst of power...we...just have to try them all.
The Seven have been giving me strange vibes since they came back...I have different memories about them, so my own opinion is influenced by default, yet they do not seem anything like Jones remembers them, and neither how I do...they're decimated, tired...vague and creepy...failing seems like it was bound to happen.
*He turned back to her, tilting his head sideways*
Is there something in particular about water that allows to keep connection? Is it just a thing of "as long as it's there" or a thing of believing in your deity's care for your people?
I absolutely agree that none of us should handle it ourselves. Only in situations like this, where we are forced to stabilize it, should any even touch it together. Certainly we should never use it. Such power can only corrupt.
[If only she could warn Vengeance that the Seven had already fallen further than he knew... But she had given her word, and if she broke it, Vengeance would act strange, and Geno would find out. Her people would be wiped out, and their allies would be unable to stop him.]
... I have no trust for the Seven, and I advise you to remain skeptical. Their leader is an oathbreaker. Their ideals have endangered us all. The Seven are not the wise handlers they claim to be.
[Hopefully that would be enough for him to stay free of the "Visitor's" trap...
His question about the water was a welcome diversion. The Empress smiled, thinking back to the conversation where she had truly begun to count him as a friend.]
Have you forgotten our walk by the waters of Lost Lake? I told you about our deity, Ryujin, or Suijin, there, and the charge laid upon us to tend the waters.
I suppose I did not tell you all, though.
[Motioning for Venge to join her as she knelt by the water, the Empress held her hand out, palm up, to the surface.]
Will you show yourselves, my little friends?
[The water moved languidly as usual, until a ripple disturbed its surface. A tiny hand, barely bigger than her fingers and clear as crystal, reached up and rested on her palm, and a tiny humanlike face followed. The little creature was as transparent as a water droplet, and it giggled as it looked up at Vengeance before ducking back under and vanishing entirely.]
Wasn't planning on changing my ideal of them. They may know nothing of what I remember of them, but I'm not forgiving someone with either one of those faces. Ever.
*His fist clenched as altered memories surfaced, his spiral quickly going quiet once more as the Empress motioned him to join her.
He obviously remembered their conversation, yet apparently he missed a piece of the full image on that topic too. Expecting a fish or any kind of aquatic animal, Vengeance's eyes lit up in what best could be described as extreme surprise when the little creature raised to surface. A loud gasp escaped his chest*
What is that!?
*As the little creature went down, Vengeance fully crouched infront of the water, his nose just a few inches away from the ripple that was yet to still.*
It looked like a little baby...
*His hand hovered over the water surface a few times, unsure he had any power to let that happen himself. Yet he wanted to see the little creature again so bad! Turning his head to Mizuki, a sparkle (perhaps caused by a few tears threatening to spill-) in his eyes screamed the question his vocal chords were too stunned to translate...
Of course not. An oathbreaker can never be trusted again. It is poor form to speak ill of the dead, but it is his own fault for succumbing to pride and hubris.
[The Empress watched with quiet joy as Vengeance was overcome by awe. The little creatures were undeniably adorable, and they had clearly won his heart on sight.]
These are the spirits of the water, our charges. They are what we tend, and they aid us in turn. It is through them that we gain our power, and through them that I gather most of the events of the Island. They are the children of Ryujin, and we are their keepers.
[His silent request brought a smile to her face.]
You may try. It is up to them to interact or not. But do not be sad if not. They are very shy, even to those of the Guard. Even my Champion has not directly seen them.
*Vengeance hesitantly extended an hand, afraid of startling the spirits, his voice soft like a whisper as he tried to reassure the little creatures of his friendliness*
It's okay...there's no need to be scared...I'm a friend...
*After a small moment, a new ripple formed on the surface, and three spirits peeked out of the water, observing Vengeance and his hand with big curious eyes. Vengeance remained still, but his composure quickly collapsed when one of the spirits extended a small hand and placed it over his proportionally larger fingers.
His chest heaved as a small sob escaped, the large man now reduced to a teary-eyed mess with fatherly insticts.*
How did I live this whole time without knowing you little cuties existed-? You're so precious...I want to protect you...
[The spirits being so trusting surprised the Empress, but it was ultimately their decision. They knew Vengeance now very well. They knew enough to decide.
She smiled softly at Vengeance as he started to cry, drifting her fingertips through the water, feeling another bump against her hand.]
Protecting them is our charge, my friend. Fear not for them. For your part, simply treat all natural bodies of water with respect. Where there is water, there are natural spirits. They will favor you if you respect their homes.
[Whispers began to spread between the spirits as the one who reached out touched Venge's hand. Such contact was rare, and most avoided it, because they were attuned to the spiritual, and many people carried burdens on their souls that the little creatures did not wish to share. Vengeance himself was one of the heaviest, only a glance could tell that.
Yet touch his hand they did, and now they were chattering emphatically between themselves, though to him it would only sound like chirps. The Empress listened intently, her expression suddenly growing worried.
Trying to be gentle and not upset him, she reached out and eased his hand away from the water, catching his attention with concern in her eyes.]
Vengeance... why do they whisper of another within you? Are you aware of a stray soul attached to your own?
*Suddenly his breath caught into his throat, a foreign pang of panic into his chest suggesting VisiVenge had a similar reaction.
They were caught.
His head dropped low, his voice suddenly changing from one accent to another, from a clean deep voice to a raspier one.*
Did you try to talk to the spirits!? No! I didn't! Then why did they sense you!? They're supernatural creatures! Children of a god! Of course they can sense people's souls!
*Vengeance's breath grew heavier, his body starting to tremble as he overwhelmed himself with both souls controlling the body in the conversation.*
I just- Fuck. I was supposed to hide you until the right occasion showed up! Well this is the right occasion. So tell her the truth. I couldn't hide for long. Okay! Okay! Fine. Fine..
*Vengeance knees gave up, making him fall into a sitting position, holding the Empress' hand for stability. His breath was still a little laboured but there was progress. Finally he raised his head to look at the Empress.*
The spirits...they're correct. I'm carrying another soul in me...I don't know if he's attached to my own...but he is in my body...
*His free hand gripped the fabric of his sweater bracing for any memory that could upset him*
I call him VisiVenge. He's Vengeance Jones. He's me. He had come from a future that was destroyed by the Last Reality and overtaken by Geno...his job was to try and keep that from happening here...
He was sent back in time by a version of your Champion, and to get to our present unnoticed he took the mantle of the Visitor. He has been around us all ever since the Seven arrived onto this island. Everything worked fine until the last mission, where he only remembers losing his consciousness and waking up inside of me...he says you still managed to avoid his version of events...but he's with me now...
...what he says is the truth.
*Vengeance leaned forward at a pang of nausea, shaking his head in a signal for VisiVenge to stay in his place for a moment.*
The missing pieces fell into place. The reason it had been so easy for Geno to slip in unnoticed.
The Visitor hadn't always been Geno.
No, it had been this poor deluded version of Vengeance, fueled by hope already undermined from the beginning, sent back by her own beloved... trying to save them, but paving the way for Geno all along. All their enemy had needed to do was step in and take the mask.
He must have done so just before the final battle over the Shard. And now this alternate Vengeance was dead, attached to this one's soul.
The Empress could feel that her expression was showing her horror, but thankfully despite this slip of the mask, she could conceal the truth. The reality of "VisiVenge" was horrific enough.]
Truly, I have never seen anything as unsettling as this, at least not in another man...
[She had tasted death and returned from it, but to her own body. This was different.
Worse, the other seemed to be able to assume control, and even communicate with Vengeance. Were it not for her spirits, she would think him entirely mad.]
Do you not move on because you have not completed your goal? What compels you to stay?
*VisiVenge, now in control judging from the raspier tone of voice, fidgeted with his sleeve.*
I completed my mission, in my reality the night of the battle for the last Shard was the night I lost everything...to see myself a month after said mission...it's the sole sign i have adverted the crisis, or at least bought time to prepare.
Except I thought the Zero Point would let either let me die or let me live for my own...instead it tried to fix the anomaly by shoving me into the body of who I was...who I am.
*Move on. It sounded like a dream, and yet deep in side he knew that he couldn't, for the future was unknown and anything could have happened if he had lost his guard.*
I can't exactly move on or leave, and I was not planning on it, not only because the Point decided it...but because if I can't die then this means I must persist to keep the promise I made to your Champion, I just hoped I'd be able to do it in my own flesh...-
[Startled and disturbed by the sudden change in Venge's voice, the Empress released his hand. Her expression remained an unsettled mask, no matter the thoughts it concealed.]
I dislike souls that utilize their hosts to communicate, but at least I know that Vengeance likely gave his permission.
[It felt remarkably similar to the Oni, but thankfully it didn't seem to be as bad...
However, this one carried a well of information, and she needed information. The more she knew that the "Visitor" now did not know she was aware of, the better.
Her tone became grave, and she looked out over the water.]
Tell me then. What do you remember of Geno? I must know of any abilities you witnessed, and any hint he may have dropped about his intentions.
*Vengeance's eyes drifted away from the face of the Empress, a slight pink blush overtaking his cheeks. VisiVenge was embarrassed.*
Sorry..this is permitted..
*He took a deep breath, pinching the bridge of his nose, fighting against an headache that spread over the right side of his face. His soul was not used to have two eyes anymore...*
Geno. I haven't exactly seen him in action. We did not fight him. We have fought The Last Reality's troops commanded by the Cube Queen and the Cube King, a member of the Seven fallen back to his past. Geno actually did not feel like dirtying his hands, he wanted to take everything with one swipe of his hand. He came in when the island was reduced to destruction and death, just when I was trying to convince your Champion that we could've tried to do something...the idea of going back in time was mine...
Geno didn't approach us instantly, he waited until your Champion shoved me in the pod we had turned into a time machine. I thought he'd kill me, or worse. Instead he began talking to your Champion...I heard everything...
"I do hope you do not think me ignorant of your little plan. Just as I know you are not foolish enough to believe it truly feasible. You are merely attempting to save the last insect you think you can snatch from annihilation. It is possible I might spare myself a small headache. However, I am of the opinion that today's conquest was hardly entertaining enough. Practical, but uneventful. In the unlikely event that this pathetic creature manages to alter what has come to pass, I have always had other plans to this end laid well in advance. Perhaps he will trigger something more interesting. So please while I am in a generous mood, finish your little game. When this farce is through, you will belong to me."
*Geno's voice echoed with his in the back of his head as he spoke. His hands clenched over his thighs, nails digging into the skin as Vengeance's body stiffened at a new wave of nausea.
Those words tasted like acid. And VisiVenge had the unfortunate gift of remembering every single one, well enough for the Empress to understand what mindset Geno was in.*
[She could see it in her mind's eye. The preparation laid long before the plays even began. This was all naught but entertainment, each disruption merely an opportunity to add flavor to endless immortality.
Still, though the stray soul calling itself VisiVenge did not know much, simply the fact that she now knew this would be outside of Geno's knowledge and expectation.
Most certainly, it proved that Geno's obsession with Eugene had been burning for much longer than might have been implied by his investigation of her.
Sighing, the Empress closed her eyes, twisting her ring on her finger.
She shouldn't ask. She really shouldn't... but she had to know.]
*Breathing around the knot that had formed in their throat, VisiVenge smiled at the Empress' question. He looked down at his chest, an hallucination of the charm dangling close to Vengeance's dogtags.
Most people believed one shouldn't talk about their promises when asked, for whatever reason he had never understood, but deep inside he knew that when it was a member of the family of the person you made a promise to asking, then you could trust them with your words. He took the Empress' hand, holding it between his.*
The Ageless knew he couldn't bring himself to go through such mission, he said he lacked the hope I had in me after losing everything. I promised him to fulfill his request of not only avoid our timeline's end, but to protect you, your son and his beloved and your people from any harm...
*His smile faded into a more melancholic expression...*
...even at the cost of him never meeting any of you...
*...then into a slight cheeky smile..."my beloved" told him everything.*
[The sheer audacity of this stray soul was incredible. Even Vengeance knew to keep his hands to himself!
It was fortunate that she favored Vengeance, or she would have exercised her right to punish the stray he carried. As it was, the Empress sharply pulled her hand away from his grip, leveling a withering glare at him.]
It is well that you did not interfere, but I would have expected you to have the good sense to refrain from touching another man's wife, let alone lay hands on an Empress. Be grateful to the unfortunate man you have burdened with your foolishness, as it is for his sake that I do not carry out what is my right.
[She turned her face away, chin lifted in imperious offense.]
I would speak with the one I consider a friend. Return to your corner of his mind and release him.
*Vengeance's hand curled into a fist, slamming intself on top of their head, their voices mingling in a groan of pain before stilling into soft mumbles as Vengeance gingerly felt his head.*
Stupid uneducated stray thinks he can treat people how he wants just because he's a ghost inside my body...
*Vengeance huffed, moving his position to kneel and then bending his upper body into a bow.*
Forgive him. He seems to have forgot basic human etiquette.
*He mainly didn't see it as an offense because Mizuki was an Empress, it was mainly because he had just felt himself touching another man's woman. Vengeance himself hadn't known, but the way VisiVenge talked suggested he knew the Empress and her Champion were in a relationship! And he still dared to touch her! Scoff. If Eugene was here and this man had his own body he'd waste no energies into saving him.
Raising up again he looked at the Empress.*
What he says is the truth. I see his memories in my dreams, and in my own mind if he projects them. Though I expected that after everything this man went through he'd know how to treat a woman. One of Imperial importance too. Do know that if I knew he'd behave like this I would've never let him take control around you...My apologies..
[As Vengeance wrestled with the other soul, the Empress wrestled with the promise that had been made to her beloved. It was clear that she had not survived the cataclysm, else it would not have fallen to Vengeance of all people to rouse Eugene to action out of his despair.
Her heart ached for this alternate version of her love. She already feared what losing the little home he had scraped together would do to him. Now she knew that it would destroy him.
It tore her apart, this conflict of interest. Loving him so deeply that she would do anything to protect him, and yet knowing that either of them would give everything, including their own lives, to stop a threat like Geno... even when fully aware that the one left behind would be broken beyond repair
At least the stray soul had not stopped them from coming together... It was very like Eugene to wish for her and their family's survival above his own happiness... but still a bitter thing to know how miserable an existence without his presence would be.
And what of their son?... Gods, the idea of shattering his family again...
This premature grief swallowed the anger at the stray's offense whole, and the Empress tone as she addressed the now nearly prostrate Vengeance became heavy and quiet.]
I believe you.
Get up. The offense was not yours.
[Her eyes did not leave the line where the waters met the sand.]
At least his future is averted. But we know not what this one may hold. Far worse may be on the horizon.
[Still, Geno's hubris and craving for entertainment had in fact bought them a chance, in a timeline where he sought to subsume them rather than obliterate them. That alone was a small hope.]
Indeed. Whatever the future holds for us it better get me and this guy apart...
*His head spun. A clear sign that the stray was trying to retaliate at his insults despite his embarrassment and shame. Such childish move...it felt like looking at a miserable mirror.
Slowly standing up and forcing himself to keep his lingering distress at bay, he sighed contentedly.*
At least we got to talk together again. I appreciate it. I was so into the idea our friendship was ruined that I never thought another talk could have proven otherwise...I'm glad I stumbled upon here.
Unfortunately I got to go. With Jones down my sister is the one with the hands on the steering wheel...but...
*He had seen her. He couldn't deny. She skipped meals, she barely slept, she ran left and right with tons of stuff to do...she was doing what he was exactly trying not to do in such situation. He had to keep helping her if he wished to not see his sister going insane.*
I worry for her physical and mental health. I try to help her to get some weight off of her shoulders...kind of like your medic has been helping Triage, he's thankful for the help by the way, as all of us are. Those two together seem like an unstoppable force.
*He smiled at the Empress*
If you ever find yourself near Sanctuary, don't hesitate to visit. We'll appreciate having a friendly face around.
It is the voice of your habit of isolation, and your experience of being hated. While you cannot be blamed, you must remember that it does not speak for your present, only your past.
You are a friend, and a valued ally. If ever you doubt your standing, simply ask.
[She shot him a sharp half-smirk that just as quickly vanished.]
And take comfort in knowing that should you ever truly be counted as an enemy of my people, I would not hide such a sentiment.
[After all, Vengeance had been in attendance the day the Empress had passed the death sentence as judgement for Daigo's crimes. He should know that her wrath was not silent.
Ah yes... She remembered the girl Evie heading the meeting that had triggered the chain of events with the "Visitor". Evie now carried the weight of the Reality Warriors on her shoulders, with the unknown added millstone around her neck that was Geno.
It was no surprise that the poor girl would be run ragged, especially without the support and comfort of her beloved Jones. The Empress remembered well the feeling of fraying that had threatened under similar circumstances.]
Yes, take care of your sister. And forgive the recent absence of Caspian. Another urgent matter required his attention, but the River Guard is available if aid is needed.
I may visit... We shall see. I have wished to pay the Commander my respects, though other matters have preoccupied my time.
[Taking a deep breath of the sea air, the Empress gave Vengeance one last smile before turning back to Golden Grove.]
Be well, Vengeance Jones. Take care, and keep your eyes open.
*If Visitor being weird wasn't enough, now his sister seemed weird too. Sure she looked and acted normal, but there was an hint of something...something neither him or VisiVenge could catch. And that caused him to feel rather uneasy around the Sanctuary. Eventually he had realized he had never gone out ever since he had returned from his last emergency visit at the farm to help Guernsey on the Joey situation, and came to the conclusion that the lack of fresh air was probably messing with his perception of people.
And so @vengeance-jones-fn had exited the Sanctuary, taking an deep breath of fresh air and letting his brain just go on auto-pilot.
Now very much zoned-out, he began walking, unaware of the growing distance from the Sanctuary, which let him to eventually to be found wandering around Golden Grove.*
[The Empress had had a very amusing morning. Their resident sprite-loving apothecary-in-training (sort of) Kaeru had bounced up to her, happily displaying the ugliest sprite the Empress had ever seen. It looked distressingly similar to Fishstick, but significantly more vacant behind the eyes.
Nevertheless, Kaeru seemed utterly delighted with the unsettling creature, and the Empress couldn't help but laugh with her at the absurd goggling expression on its face.
Of course, now the Empress had a different problem on her hands. Clearly Kaeru's education required augmentation, as the girl had insisted that the sprite was called a "fih". If she didn't even know the word "fish", perhaps she should not be handling medicines...
This was the train of thought interrupted by the sighting of Vengeance Jones on her coastline. The spirits said that he seemed to be wandering aimlessly, occasionally pausing on his meanderings but never really adjusting his course.
Vengeance Jones.... The name brought a pang of heaviness to the Empress' heart. The last time they had spoken, he had been in shambles over a disastrous prank. Before that, she would have said they were good friends. Now?...
... Now she had greater worries... And she needed every friend she could keep close.
This was the purpose with which the Empress set out to intercept Vengeance, approaching from the golden woods just a stone's throw from the beach where he was walking. Her presence was deliberately nonthreatening, and her tone friendly.]
Well met, Vengeance Jones. I take it that the caverns of Sanctuary are too confining for your liking?
*Being 100% zoned out of it had made Vengeance unaware of the sights changing and the ground under his feet turning into sand. He could only feel the surface sustaining him become softer, and softness always prompted Vengeance to nestle. He had sat on the sand for a moment when the voice snapped his brain into awareness once more. Turning around and seeing the Empress, Vengeance let out a seemingly startled noise, scrambling to his feet and stiffening up.
The Empress!? How was she here!? Wait. Where was he!? This wasn't Sanctuary! Had he wandered into the Empress' territory without knowing? He probably wasn't exactly welcome here if that was the case...yet he couldn't exactly bolt now...
Ignoring an hallucination of VisiVenge pulling at his arm to try and leave, Vengeance's large figure bowed deeply infront of the Empress.*
...It is certainly an honor to be in your Presence, Your Imperial Majesty.
*Titles. The one sign needed to understand Vengeance felt incredibly inferior.*
[Even with the space between them, the Empress could hear Venge's heart rate spike. That and the excessive formality told her everything.
He was afraid of her.
How far their friendship had deteriorated... and over a single thoughtless jest.
Folding her hands behind her back, the Empress moved down to the water's edge, eyes still on her unexpected guest.]
Fear not, Vengeance. You are as welcome here as you have ever been. I will not harm you. I wish only to speak with one who I once called a dear friend.
[She looked down at the water lapping at the shore, then at the horizon, her tone becoming quietly grave.]
The days are dark that have descended upon us now. Friends are few. When I heard that you had wandered here, I thought perhaps... I might have been granted an opportunity to repair what was damaged.
If you wish to leave now, however... I will not stop you, nor hold it against you.
*Vengeance raised up, masking an expression of confusion. She wasn't mad at him. She wanted to try and...fix things? That surprised him. usually when he did something that broke a relationship, he'd be casted aside. Sure some didn't let wrong doings even chip at it, like his sister, but no one tried to tend to wounds before when it came to him.
Nobody had ever let him do that before.*
I...I don't want to leave. I just thought I wasn't welcome ever since...that. Honestly I should be the one to try and fix this. I was the one who damaged it in the first place, afterall. Been feeling like a bad presence for you and your people.
*Forcing his heartbeat to slow, he approached the Empress over the water's edge, crouching down and letting his hand come in contact with the waves of the shore.*
To answer your question...The Sanctuary does feel like a prison these days...an emotional one.
I have no idea what happened during that mission, all I know is that it deprived us of two members, one I deeply care for, and that it also fixed the Zero Point while endangering this place at the same time.
*His eyebrows furrowed*
But I feel like I haven't been given the full image...everyone is acting so weird.
And yet when you came to apologize before, I only forgave you, and made no attempt to meet you at the halfpoint to truly make amends.
[She sighed, closing her eyes.]
On Springfield, I was not well. Forgive my neglect. I should have made a better effort. We both have made mistakes.
[Turning her eyes to the man now kneeling at the water's edge, the Empress smiled faintly as she could see spirits playfully teasing his hand, though he could not see them.]
The Seven, I am told, are sworn to protect the Zero Point above all. The Foundation broke his oath, losing himself to prideful rage, and weaponized the last Shard against the Ice King. In the end, the Foundation fell, the Ice King was betrayed by the Voyager, the Zero Point was reforged, and when the dust settled... the Commander was found in his current condition.
But you are correct. That is not the full picture. And the truth is being held from us.
[She knew the majority of the truth, but not the whole, and she could not tell him...
Letting her left hand fall to her side, she held the right out to Vengeance. An offer of trust.]
If you were troubled, I don't hold it against you! Actually if I knew I would have waited for a better time...I came to apologize because it felt right to do, but I think my apologies were also...a little pathetic especially the one to your Champion-
*Vengeance chuckled slightly, a smile on his face*
When haven't I came across you while looking a little pathetic honestly!? The possession, the apologies...hah. Actually I'm glad to finally be here in normal condition, as far as times permit.
*His expression fell serious once more at the mention of Foundation, and Vengeance shook his head as his hand kept playing with the water. It seemed to calm him and put his head in a perfect place to think.*
Those who don't know how to use their rage fall victims of it. I've seen and heard many say that rage is just...throwing yourself at the enemy and blindly destroying them, and while that is partially true, there is also a part of you that needs to stay alert and keep you from making mistakes that could end you. I know that very well. Foundation didn't, and his massive ego would have never allowed me lend advice, even if my mind hadn't betrayed me in such delicate situation...I just wish we are able to stabilize the Zero Point and have Jones come back to us soon. That is all I care for at the moment.
Because standing with my allies is already embedded into my soul.
*He stood up, taking the Empress' hand in a firm hold. He then looked around, his mind assuming things about his surroundings*
But what about you...Empress? I suppose you've been displaced from your home again, that can't feel great.
[A laugh escaped the Empress in a quiet huff, but her smile quickly died at the mention of her Champion.]
Actually, I require a favor, my friend.
[Laying her left hand over his, she pulled Vengeance a little closer, lowering her voice. Silver glittered softly on her finger.]
On the topic of my Champion... I require your silence. The details are such that I cannot divulge them at this moment, but know this: because you know of him, the lives of my people are in your hands. I cannot press enough the need for absolute secrecy as to his whereabouts at this time.
Tell no one. Not even the Seven.
[She did not mean that as a threat. Threatening a friend would do nothing but harm. But Vengeance needed to remain silent on his knowledge of Eugene, or Geno would come for him.
Taking a steadying breath, the Empress let a little space between them again.]
I have faith that the Zero Point will be stabilized. I daresay that none of us will live to care otherwise if it is not. My concern lies in whose hands it will rest afterwards. Clearly, the Seven are far from infallible.
[That was putting it lightly...
At the question directed at herself, the Empress shook her head with a sad smile.]
It is the way of this place. Impermanence and chaos, eternal change. We are like the waters; we adapt to our surroundings. Water does not complain about how it feels being poured from jar to glass. It simply settles in its new place.
*A strange favor, yet he wasn't going to fail the River Guard again. Not when they sounded so fragile.*
It will be like I have never heard of him, nothing will force his name out of my lips. I promise.
*Vengeance had a reassuring smile plastered onto his face, until the Zero Point was mentioned again, to which he huffed, raising his head*
That's my issue. I don't believe anyone here should have their hands on the point. The Seven have been decimated, we are temporarily without Commander, and any other faction around us is...eugh..-
The Zero Point will rest in its own hands, we must keep only our eyes on it. Pure supervision, so that no other hands can touch it. Not even ours. Whoever attempted to keep control of the Zero Point in ways more than supervision ended up corrupted. I won't let anyone around me face the same end.
*He frowned at her answer, shrugging lightly, looking over at the beach's waves.*
That is true, you and your people are all about water so better act like it, I suppose. Still, it can't be easy at first, especially with how suddenly this can happen.. I-I can't know for sure, I lived like a stray animal my entire life before joining Jones. I've never had to lose my home, 'cause I had none in the first place.
[The Empress sighed, her relief visible in her relaxed shoulders and closed eyes.]
I thank you, my friend. On this Island, we have learned to be much more... cautious.
[Geno was at least less likely to hear more about Eugene from Vengeance...
His opinion on the Zero Point, though, earned a look of exhaustion from the Empress. His words echoed as though read from the same script Geno had built from during their conversation.]
A fool's ideal, I fear, though I feel for the noble heart behind it. Those who hold to it mean well, certainly, and I still place my support behind you, because at this moment the fool's ideal is the best option we have.
Unfortunately, as one sitting in a seat of power, I see it differently. The Zero Point is a thing of immeasurable power, and such a thing attracts the ambitious. I personally have no desire to attempt to hold it, but as we have seen, other powers do. Powers that do not care about the sanctity of life or whatever methods they use to obtain it.
No, something will hold it, whether they should or not. The Seven have failed us, and their ideal has endangered us all. It is up to us to be responsible, and to hold one another accountable, as long as we maintain it.
[She turned back to him, her eyes dimmed, but a gentle smile still on her lips.]
It is not easy, no. It does not become easy even with repetition. We simply learn to endure it. Our connection to the waters remains, and that eases it somewhat, as our home may change, but the waters remain the same.
I see...it's hard to trust anyone with something so powerful but also so fragile, so do understand why I don't exactly think being so handsy onto it is the key to not cause another catastrophe..Then again, perhaps standing all together instead of letting one handle it makes a better shield against ones with a big ego and a thirst of power...we...just have to try them all.
The Seven have been giving me strange vibes since they came back...I have different memories about them, so my own opinion is influenced by default, yet they do not seem anything like Jones remembers them, and neither how I do...they're decimated, tired...vague and creepy...failing seems like it was bound to happen.
*He turned back to her, tilting his head sideways*
Is there something in particular about water that allows to keep connection? Is it just a thing of "as long as it's there" or a thing of believing in your deity's care for your people?
I absolutely agree that none of us should handle it ourselves. Only in situations like this, where we are forced to stabilize it, should any even touch it together. Certainly we should never use it. Such power can only corrupt.
[If only she could warn Vengeance that the Seven had already fallen further than he knew... But she had given her word, and if she broke it, Vengeance would act strange, and Geno would find out. Her people would be wiped out, and their allies would be unable to stop him.]
... I have no trust for the Seven, and I advise you to remain skeptical. Their leader is an oathbreaker. Their ideals have endangered us all. The Seven are not the wise handlers they claim to be.
[Hopefully that would be enough for him to stay free of the "Visitor's" trap...
His question about the water was a welcome diversion. The Empress smiled, thinking back to the conversation where she had truly begun to count him as a friend.]
Have you forgotten our walk by the waters of Lost Lake? I told you about our deity, Ryujin, or Suijin, there, and the charge laid upon us to tend the waters.
I suppose I did not tell you all, though.
[Motioning for Venge to join her as she knelt by the water, the Empress held her hand out, palm up, to the surface.]
Will you show yourselves, my little friends?
[The water moved languidly as usual, until a ripple disturbed its surface. A tiny hand, barely bigger than her fingers and clear as crystal, reached up and rested on her palm, and a tiny humanlike face followed. The little creature was as transparent as a water droplet, and it giggled as it looked up at Vengeance before ducking back under and vanishing entirely.]
Wasn't planning on changing my ideal of them. They may know nothing of what I remember of them, but I'm not forgiving someone with either one of those faces. Ever.
*His fist clenched as altered memories surfaced, his spiral quickly going quiet once more as the Empress motioned him to join her.
He obviously remembered their conversation, yet apparently he missed a piece of the full image on that topic too. Expecting a fish or any kind of aquatic animal, Vengeance's eyes lit up in what best could be described as extreme surprise when the little creature raised to surface. A loud gasp escaped his chest*
What is that!?
*As the little creature went down, Vengeance fully crouched infront of the water, his nose just a few inches away from the ripple that was yet to still.*
It looked like a little baby...
*His hand hovered over the water surface a few times, unsure he had any power to let that happen himself. Yet he wanted to see the little creature again so bad! Turning his head to Mizuki, a sparkle (perhaps caused by a few tears threatening to spill-) in his eyes screamed the question his vocal chords were too stunned to translate...
Of course not. An oathbreaker can never be trusted again. It is poor form to speak ill of the dead, but it is his own fault for succumbing to pride and hubris.
[The Empress watched with quiet joy as Vengeance was overcome by awe. The little creatures were undeniably adorable, and they had clearly won his heart on sight.]
These are the spirits of the water, our charges. They are what we tend, and they aid us in turn. It is through them that we gain our power, and through them that I gather most of the events of the Island. They are the children of Ryujin, and we are their keepers.
[His silent request brought a smile to her face.]
You may try. It is up to them to interact or not. But do not be sad if not. They are very shy, even to those of the Guard. Even my Champion has not directly seen them.
*Vengeance hesitantly extended an hand, afraid of startling the spirits, his voice soft like a whisper as he tried to reassure the little creatures of his friendliness*
It's okay...there's no need to be scared...I'm a friend...
*After a small moment, a new ripple formed on the surface, and three spirits peeked out of the water, observing Vengeance and his hand with big curious eyes. Vengeance remained still, but his composure quickly collapsed when one of the spirits extended a small hand and placed it over his proportionally larger fingers.
His chest heaved as a small sob escaped, the large man now reduced to a teary-eyed mess with fatherly insticts.*
How did I live this whole time without knowing you little cuties existed-? You're so precious...I want to protect you...
[The spirits being so trusting surprised the Empress, but it was ultimately their decision. They knew Vengeance now very well. They knew enough to decide.
She smiled softly at Vengeance as he started to cry, drifting her fingertips through the water, feeling another bump against her hand.]
Protecting them is our charge, my friend. Fear not for them. For your part, simply treat all natural bodies of water with respect. Where there is water, there are natural spirits. They will favor you if you respect their homes.
[Whispers began to spread between the spirits as the one who reached out touched Venge's hand. Such contact was rare, and most avoided it, because they were attuned to the spiritual, and many people carried burdens on their souls that the little creatures did not wish to share. Vengeance himself was one of the heaviest, only a glance could tell that.
Yet touch his hand they did, and now they were chattering emphatically between themselves, though to him it would only sound like chirps. The Empress listened intently, her expression suddenly growing worried.
Trying to be gentle and not upset him, she reached out and eased his hand away from the water, catching his attention with concern in her eyes.]
Vengeance... why do they whisper of another within you? Are you aware of a stray soul attached to your own?
*Suddenly his breath caught into his throat, a foreign pang of panic into his chest suggesting VisiVenge had a similar reaction.
They were caught.
His head dropped low, his voice suddenly changing from one accent to another, from a clean deep voice to a raspier one.*
Did you try to talk to the spirits!? No! I didn't! Then why did they sense you!? They're supernatural creatures! Children of a god! Of course they can sense people's souls!
*Vengeance's breath grew heavier, his body starting to tremble as he overwhelmed himself with both souls controlling the body in the conversation.*
I just- Fuck. I was supposed to hide you until the right occasion showed up! Well this is the right occasion. So tell her the truth. I couldn't hide for long. Okay! Okay! Fine. Fine..
*Vengeance knees gave up, making him fall into a sitting position, holding the Empress' hand for stability. His breath was still a little laboured but there was progress. Finally he raised his head to look at the Empress.*
The spirits...they're correct. I'm carrying another soul in me...I don't know if he's attached to my own...but he is in my body...
*His free hand gripped the fabric of his sweater bracing for any memory that could upset him*
I call him VisiVenge. He's Vengeance Jones. He's me. He had come from a future that was destroyed by the Last Reality and overtaken by Geno...his job was to try and keep that from happening here...
He was sent back in time by a version of your Champion, and to get to our present unnoticed he took the mantle of the Visitor. He has been around us all ever since the Seven arrived onto this island. Everything worked fine until the last mission, where he only remembers losing his consciousness and waking up inside of me...he says you still managed to avoid his version of events...but he's with me now...
...what he says is the truth.
*Vengeance leaned forward at a pang of nausea, shaking his head in a signal for VisiVenge to stay in his place for a moment.*
The missing pieces fell into place. The reason it had been so easy for Geno to slip in unnoticed.
The Visitor hadn't always been Geno.
No, it had been this poor deluded version of Vengeance, fueled by hope already undermined from the beginning, sent back by her own beloved... trying to save them, but paving the way for Geno all along. All their enemy had needed to do was step in and take the mask.
He must have done so just before the final battle over the Shard. And now this alternate Vengeance was dead, attached to this one's soul.
The Empress could feel that her expression was showing her horror, but thankfully despite this slip of the mask, she could conceal the truth. The reality of "VisiVenge" was horrific enough.]
Truly, I have never seen anything as unsettling as this, at least not in another man...
[She had tasted death and returned from it, but to her own body. This was different.
Worse, the other seemed to be able to assume control, and even communicate with Vengeance. Were it not for her spirits, she would think him entirely mad.]
Do you not move on because you have not completed your goal? What compels you to stay?
*VisiVenge, now in control judging from the raspier tone of voice, fidgeted with his sleeve.*
I completed my mission, in my reality the night of the battle for the last Shard was the night I lost everything...to see myself a month after said mission...it's the sole sign i have adverted the crisis, or at least bought time to prepare.
Except I thought the Zero Point would let either let me die or let me live for my own...instead it tried to fix the anomaly by shoving me into the body of who I was...who I am.
*Move on. It sounded like a dream, and yet deep in side he knew that he couldn't, for the future was unknown and anything could have happened if he had lost his guard.*
I can't exactly move on or leave, and I was not planning on it, not only because the Point decided it...but because if I can't die then this means I must persist to keep the promise I made to your Champion, I just hoped I'd be able to do it in my own flesh...-
[Startled and disturbed by the sudden change in Venge's voice, the Empress released his hand. Her expression remained an unsettled mask, no matter the thoughts it concealed.]
I dislike souls that utilize their hosts to communicate, but at least I know that Vengeance likely gave his permission.
[It felt remarkably similar to the Oni, but thankfully it didn't seem to be as bad...
However, this one carried a well of information, and she needed information. The more she knew that the "Visitor" now did not know she was aware of, the better.
Her tone became grave, and she looked out over the water.]
Tell me then. What do you remember of Geno? I must know of any abilities you witnessed, and any hint he may have dropped about his intentions.
*Vengeance's eyes drifted away from the face of the Empress, a slight pink blush overtaking his cheeks. VisiVenge was embarrassed.*
Sorry..this is permitted..
*He took a deep breath, pinching the bridge of his nose, fighting against an headache that spread over the right side of his face. His soul was not used to have two eyes anymore...*
Geno. I haven't exactly seen him in action. We did not fight him. We have fought The Last Reality's troops commanded by the Cube Queen and the Cube King, a member of the Seven fallen back to his past. Geno actually did not feel like dirtying his hands, he wanted to take everything with one swipe of his hand. He came in when the island was reduced to destruction and death, just when I was trying to convince your Champion that we could've tried to do something...the idea of going back in time was mine...
Geno didn't approach us instantly, he waited until your Champion shoved me in the pod we had turned into a time machine. I thought he'd kill me, or worse. Instead he began talking to your Champion...I heard everything...
"I do hope you do not think me ignorant of your little plan. Just as I know you are not foolish enough to believe it truly feasible. You are merely attempting to save the last insect you think you can snatch from annihilation. It is possible I might spare myself a small headache. However, I am of the opinion that today's conquest was hardly entertaining enough. Practical, but uneventful. In the unlikely event that this pathetic creature manages to alter what has come to pass, I have always had other plans to this end laid well in advance. Perhaps he will trigger something more interesting. So please while I am in a generous mood, finish your little game. When this farce is through, you will belong to me."
*Geno's voice echoed with his in the back of his head as he spoke. His hands clenched over his thighs, nails digging into the skin as Vengeance's body stiffened at a new wave of nausea.
Those words tasted like acid. And VisiVenge had the unfortunate gift of remembering every single one, well enough for the Empress to understand what mindset Geno was in.*
[She could see it in her mind's eye. The preparation laid long before the plays even began. This was all naught but entertainment, each disruption merely an opportunity to add flavor to endless immortality.
Still, though the stray soul calling itself VisiVenge did not know much, simply the fact that she now knew this would be outside of Geno's knowledge and expectation.
Most certainly, it proved that Geno's obsession with Eugene had been burning for much longer than might have been implied by his investigation of her.
Sighing, the Empress closed her eyes, twisting her ring on her finger.
She shouldn't ask. She really shouldn't... but she had to know.]
*Breathing around the knot that had formed in their throat, VisiVenge smiled at the Empress' question. He looked down at his chest, an hallucination of the charm dangling close to Vengeance's dogtags.
Most people believed one shouldn't talk about their promises when asked, for whatever reason he had never understood, but deep inside he knew that when it was a member of the family of the person you made a promise to asking, then you could trust them with your words. He took the Empress' hand, holding it between his.*
The Ageless knew he couldn't bring himself to go through such mission, he said he lacked the hope I had in me after losing everything. I promised him to fulfill his request of not only avoid our timeline's end, but to protect you, your son and his beloved and your people from any harm...
*His smile faded into a more melancholic expression...*
...even at the cost of him never meeting any of you...
*...then into a slight cheeky smile..."my beloved" told him everything.*
[The sheer audacity of this stray soul was incredible. Even Vengeance knew to keep his hands to himself!
It was fortunate that she favored Vengeance, or she would have exercised her right to punish the stray he carried. As it was, the Empress sharply pulled her hand away from his grip, leveling a withering glare at him.]
It is well that you did not interfere, but I would have expected you to have the good sense to refrain from touching another man's wife, let alone lay hands on an Empress. Be grateful to the unfortunate man you have burdened with your foolishness, as it is for his sake that I do not carry out what is my right.
[She turned her face away, chin lifted in imperious offense.]
I would speak with the one I consider a friend. Return to your corner of his mind and release him.
*Vengeance's hand curled into a fist, slamming intself on top of their head, their voices mingling in a groan of pain before stilling into soft mumbles as Vengeance gingerly felt his head.*
Stupid uneducated stray thinks he can treat people how he wants just because he's a ghost inside my body...
*Vengeance huffed, moving his position to kneel and then bending his upper body into a bow.*
Forgive him. He seems to have forgot basic human etiquette.
*He mainly didn't see it as an offense because Mizuki was an Empress, it was mainly because he had just felt himself touching another man's woman. Vengeance himself hadn't known, but the way VisiVenge talked suggested he knew the Empress and her Champion were in a relationship! And he still dared to touch her! Scoff. If Eugene was here and this man had his own body he'd waste no energies into saving him.
Raising up again he looked at the Empress.*
What he says is the truth. I see his memories in my dreams, and in my own mind if he projects them. Though I expected that after everything this man went through he'd know how to treat a woman. One of Imperial importance too. Do know that if I knew he'd behave like this I would've never let him take control around you...My apologies..
[As Vengeance wrestled with the other soul, the Empress wrestled with the promise that had been made to her beloved. It was clear that she had not survived the cataclysm, else it would not have fallen to Vengeance of all people to rouse Eugene to action out of his despair.
Her heart ached for this alternate version of her love. She already feared what losing the little home he had scraped together would do to him. Now she knew that it would destroy him.
It tore her apart, this conflict of interest. Loving him so deeply that she would do anything to protect him, and yet knowing that either of them would give everything, including their own lives, to stop a threat like Geno... even when fully aware that the one left behind would be broken beyond repair
At least the stray soul had not stopped them from coming together... It was very like Eugene to wish for her and their family's survival above his own happiness... but still a bitter thing to know how miserable an existence without his presence would be.
And what of their son?... Gods, the idea of shattering his family again...
This premature grief swallowed the anger at the stray's offense whole, and the Empress tone as she addressed the now nearly prostrate Vengeance became heavy and quiet.]
I believe you.
Get up. The offense was not yours.
[Her eyes did not leave the line where the waters met the sand.]
At least his future is averted. But we know not what this one may hold. Far worse may be on the horizon.
[Still, Geno's hubris and craving for entertainment had in fact bought them a chance, in a timeline where he sought to subsume them rather than obliterate them. That alone was a small hope.]
*If Visitor being weird wasn't enough, now his sister seemed weird too. Sure she looked and acted normal, but there was an hint of something...something neither him or VisiVenge could catch. And that caused him to feel rather uneasy around the Sanctuary. Eventually he had realized he had never gone out ever since he had returned from his last emergency visit at the farm to help Guernsey on the Joey situation, and came to the conclusion that the lack of fresh air was probably messing with his perception of people.
And so @vengeance-jones-fn had exited the Sanctuary, taking an deep breath of fresh air and letting his brain just go on auto-pilot.
Now very much zoned-out, he began walking, unaware of the growing distance from the Sanctuary, which let him to eventually to be found wandering around Golden Grove.*
[The Empress had had a very amusing morning. Their resident sprite-loving apothecary-in-training (sort of) Kaeru had bounced up to her, happily displaying the ugliest sprite the Empress had ever seen. It looked distressingly similar to Fishstick, but significantly more vacant behind the eyes.
Nevertheless, Kaeru seemed utterly delighted with the unsettling creature, and the Empress couldn't help but laugh with her at the absurd goggling expression on its face.
Of course, now the Empress had a different problem on her hands. Clearly Kaeru's education required augmentation, as the girl had insisted that the sprite was called a "fih". If she didn't even know the word "fish", perhaps she should not be handling medicines...
This was the train of thought interrupted by the sighting of Vengeance Jones on her coastline. The spirits said that he seemed to be wandering aimlessly, occasionally pausing on his meanderings but never really adjusting his course.
Vengeance Jones.... The name brought a pang of heaviness to the Empress' heart. The last time they had spoken, he had been in shambles over a disastrous prank. Before that, she would have said they were good friends. Now?...
... Now she had greater worries... And she needed every friend she could keep close.
This was the purpose with which the Empress set out to intercept Vengeance, approaching from the golden woods just a stone's throw from the beach where he was walking. Her presence was deliberately nonthreatening, and her tone friendly.]
Well met, Vengeance Jones. I take it that the caverns of Sanctuary are too confining for your liking?
*Being 100% zoned out of it had made Vengeance unaware of the sights changing and the ground under his feet turning into sand. He could only feel the surface sustaining him become softer, and softness always prompted Vengeance to nestle. He had sat on the sand for a moment when the voice snapped his brain into awareness once more. Turning around and seeing the Empress, Vengeance let out a seemingly startled noise, scrambling to his feet and stiffening up.
The Empress!? How was she here!? Wait. Where was he!? This wasn't Sanctuary! Had he wandered into the Empress' territory without knowing? He probably wasn't exactly welcome here if that was the case...yet he couldn't exactly bolt now...
Ignoring an hallucination of VisiVenge pulling at his arm to try and leave, Vengeance's large figure bowed deeply infront of the Empress.*
...It is certainly an honor to be in your Presence, Your Imperial Majesty.
*Titles. The one sign needed to understand Vengeance felt incredibly inferior.*
[Even with the space between them, the Empress could hear Venge's heart rate spike. That and the excessive formality told her everything.
He was afraid of her.
How far their friendship had deteriorated... and over a single thoughtless jest.
Folding her hands behind her back, the Empress moved down to the water's edge, eyes still on her unexpected guest.]
Fear not, Vengeance. You are as welcome here as you have ever been. I will not harm you. I wish only to speak with one who I once called a dear friend.
[She looked down at the water lapping at the shore, then at the horizon, her tone becoming quietly grave.]
The days are dark that have descended upon us now. Friends are few. When I heard that you had wandered here, I thought perhaps... I might have been granted an opportunity to repair what was damaged.
If you wish to leave now, however... I will not stop you, nor hold it against you.
*Vengeance raised up, masking an expression of confusion. She wasn't mad at him. She wanted to try and...fix things? That surprised him. usually when he did something that broke a relationship, he'd be casted aside. Sure some didn't let wrong doings even chip at it, like his sister, but no one tried to tend to wounds before when it came to him.
Nobody had ever let him do that before.*
I...I don't want to leave. I just thought I wasn't welcome ever since...that. Honestly I should be the one to try and fix this. I was the one who damaged it in the first place, afterall. Been feeling like a bad presence for you and your people.
*Forcing his heartbeat to slow, he approached the Empress over the water's edge, crouching down and letting his hand come in contact with the waves of the shore.*
To answer your question...The Sanctuary does feel like a prison these days...an emotional one.
I have no idea what happened during that mission, all I know is that it deprived us of two members, one I deeply care for, and that it also fixed the Zero Point while endangering this place at the same time.
*His eyebrows furrowed*
But I feel like I haven't been given the full image...everyone is acting so weird.
And yet when you came to apologize before, I only forgave you, and made no attempt to meet you at the halfpoint to truly make amends.
[She sighed, closing her eyes.]
On Springfield, I was not well. Forgive my neglect. I should have made a better effort. We both have made mistakes.
[Turning her eyes to the man now kneeling at the water's edge, the Empress smiled faintly as she could see spirits playfully teasing his hand, though he could not see them.]
The Seven, I am told, are sworn to protect the Zero Point above all. The Foundation broke his oath, losing himself to prideful rage, and weaponized the last Shard against the Ice King. In the end, the Foundation fell, the Ice King was betrayed by the Voyager, the Zero Point was reforged, and when the dust settled... the Commander was found in his current condition.
But you are correct. That is not the full picture. And the truth is being held from us.
[She knew the majority of the truth, but not the whole, and she could not tell him...
Letting her left hand fall to her side, she held the right out to Vengeance. An offer of trust.]
If you were troubled, I don't hold it against you! Actually if I knew I would have waited for a better time...I came to apologize because it felt right to do, but I think my apologies were also...a little pathetic especially the one to your Champion-
*Vengeance chuckled slightly, a smile on his face*
When haven't I came across you while looking a little pathetic honestly!? The possession, the apologies...hah. Actually I'm glad to finally be here in normal condition, as far as times permit.
*His expression fell serious once more at the mention of Foundation, and Vengeance shook his head as his hand kept playing with the water. It seemed to calm him and put his head in a perfect place to think.*
Those who don't know how to use their rage fall victims of it. I've seen and heard many say that rage is just...throwing yourself at the enemy and blindly destroying them, and while that is partially true, there is also a part of you that needs to stay alert and keep you from making mistakes that could end you. I know that very well. Foundation didn't, and his massive ego would have never allowed me lend advice, even if my mind hadn't betrayed me in such delicate situation...I just wish we are able to stabilize the Zero Point and have Jones come back to us soon. That is all I care for at the moment.
Because standing with my allies is already embedded into my soul.
*He stood up, taking the Empress' hand in a firm hold. He then looked around, his mind assuming things about his surroundings*
But what about you...Empress? I suppose you've been displaced from your home again, that can't feel great.
[A laugh escaped the Empress in a quiet huff, but her smile quickly died at the mention of her Champion.]
Actually, I require a favor, my friend.
[Laying her left hand over his, she pulled Vengeance a little closer, lowering her voice. Silver glittered softly on her finger.]
On the topic of my Champion... I require your silence. The details are such that I cannot divulge them at this moment, but know this: because you know of him, the lives of my people are in your hands. I cannot press enough the need for absolute secrecy as to his whereabouts at this time.
Tell no one. Not even the Seven.
[She did not mean that as a threat. Threatening a friend would do nothing but harm. But Vengeance needed to remain silent on his knowledge of Eugene, or Geno would come for him.
Taking a steadying breath, the Empress let a little space between them again.]
I have faith that the Zero Point will be stabilized. I daresay that none of us will live to care otherwise if it is not. My concern lies in whose hands it will rest afterwards. Clearly, the Seven are far from infallible.
[That was putting it lightly...
At the question directed at herself, the Empress shook her head with a sad smile.]
It is the way of this place. Impermanence and chaos, eternal change. We are like the waters; we adapt to our surroundings. Water does not complain about how it feels being poured from jar to glass. It simply settles in its new place.
*A strange favor, yet he wasn't going to fail the River Guard again. Not when they sounded so fragile.*
It will be like I have never heard of him, nothing will force his name out of my lips. I promise.
*Vengeance had a reassuring smile plastered onto his face, until the Zero Point was mentioned again, to which he huffed, raising his head*
That's my issue. I don't believe anyone here should have their hands on the point. The Seven have been decimated, we are temporarily without Commander, and any other faction around us is...eugh..-
The Zero Point will rest in its own hands, we must keep only our eyes on it. Pure supervision, so that no other hands can touch it. Not even ours. Whoever attempted to keep control of the Zero Point in ways more than supervision ended up corrupted. I won't let anyone around me face the same end.
*He frowned at her answer, shrugging lightly, looking over at the beach's waves.*
That is true, you and your people are all about water so better act like it, I suppose. Still, it can't be easy at first, especially with how suddenly this can happen.. I-I can't know for sure, I lived like a stray animal my entire life before joining Jones. I've never had to lose my home, 'cause I had none in the first place.
[The Empress sighed, her relief visible in her relaxed shoulders and closed eyes.]
I thank you, my friend. On this Island, we have learned to be much more... cautious.
[Geno was at least less likely to hear more about Eugene from Vengeance...
His opinion on the Zero Point, though, earned a look of exhaustion from the Empress. His words echoed as though read from the same script Geno had built from during their conversation.]
A fool's ideal, I fear, though I feel for the noble heart behind it. Those who hold to it mean well, certainly, and I still place my support behind you, because at this moment the fool's ideal is the best option we have.
Unfortunately, as one sitting in a seat of power, I see it differently. The Zero Point is a thing of immeasurable power, and such a thing attracts the ambitious. I personally have no desire to attempt to hold it, but as we have seen, other powers do. Powers that do not care about the sanctity of life or whatever methods they use to obtain it.
No, something will hold it, whether they should or not. The Seven have failed us, and their ideal has endangered us all. It is up to us to be responsible, and to hold one another accountable, as long as we maintain it.
[She turned back to him, her eyes dimmed, but a gentle smile still on her lips.]
It is not easy, no. It does not become easy even with repetition. We simply learn to endure it. Our connection to the waters remains, and that eases it somewhat, as our home may change, but the waters remain the same.
I see...it's hard to trust anyone with something so powerful but also so fragile, so do understand why I don't exactly think being so handsy onto it is the key to not cause another catastrophe..Then again, perhaps standing all together instead of letting one handle it makes a better shield against ones with a big ego and a thirst of power...we...just have to try them all.
The Seven have been giving me strange vibes since they came back...I have different memories about them, so my own opinion is influenced by default, yet they do not seem anything like Jones remembers them, and neither how I do...they're decimated, tired...vague and creepy...failing seems like it was bound to happen.
*He turned back to her, tilting his head sideways*
Is there something in particular about water that allows to keep connection? Is it just a thing of "as long as it's there" or a thing of believing in your deity's care for your people?
I absolutely agree that none of us should handle it ourselves. Only in situations like this, where we are forced to stabilize it, should any even touch it together. Certainly we should never use it. Such power can only corrupt.
[If only she could warn Vengeance that the Seven had already fallen further than he knew... But she had given her word, and if she broke it, Vengeance would act strange, and Geno would find out. Her people would be wiped out, and their allies would be unable to stop him.]
... I have no trust for the Seven, and I advise you to remain skeptical. Their leader is an oathbreaker. Their ideals have endangered us all. The Seven are not the wise handlers they claim to be.
[Hopefully that would be enough for him to stay free of the "Visitor's" trap...
His question about the water was a welcome diversion. The Empress smiled, thinking back to the conversation where she had truly begun to count him as a friend.]
Have you forgotten our walk by the waters of Lost Lake? I told you about our deity, Ryujin, or Suijin, there, and the charge laid upon us to tend the waters.
I suppose I did not tell you all, though.
[Motioning for Venge to join her as she knelt by the water, the Empress held her hand out, palm up, to the surface.]
Will you show yourselves, my little friends?
[The water moved languidly as usual, until a ripple disturbed its surface. A tiny hand, barely bigger than her fingers and clear as crystal, reached up and rested on her palm, and a tiny humanlike face followed. The little creature was as transparent as a water droplet, and it giggled as it looked up at Vengeance before ducking back under and vanishing entirely.]
Wasn't planning on changing my ideal of them. They may know nothing of what I remember of them, but I'm not forgiving someone with either one of those faces. Ever.
*His fist clenched as altered memories surfaced, his spiral quickly going quiet once more as the Empress motioned him to join her.
He obviously remembered their conversation, yet apparently he missed a piece of the full image on that topic too. Expecting a fish or any kind of aquatic animal, Vengeance's eyes lit up in what best could be described as extreme surprise when the little creature raised to surface. A loud gasp escaped his chest*
What is that!?
*As the little creature went down, Vengeance fully crouched infront of the water, his nose just a few inches away from the ripple that was yet to still.*
It looked like a little baby...
*His hand hovered over the water surface a few times, unsure he had any power to let that happen himself. Yet he wanted to see the little creature again so bad! Turning his head to Mizuki, a sparkle (perhaps caused by a few tears threatening to spill-) in his eyes screamed the question his vocal chords were too stunned to translate...
Of course not. An oathbreaker can never be trusted again. It is poor form to speak ill of the dead, but it is his own fault for succumbing to pride and hubris.
[The Empress watched with quiet joy as Vengeance was overcome by awe. The little creatures were undeniably adorable, and they had clearly won his heart on sight.]
These are the spirits of the water, our charges. They are what we tend, and they aid us in turn. It is through them that we gain our power, and through them that I gather most of the events of the Island. They are the children of Ryujin, and we are their keepers.
[His silent request brought a smile to her face.]
You may try. It is up to them to interact or not. But do not be sad if not. They are very shy, even to those of the Guard. Even my Champion has not directly seen them.
*Vengeance hesitantly extended an hand, afraid of startling the spirits, his voice soft like a whisper as he tried to reassure the little creatures of his friendliness*
It's okay...there's no need to be scared...I'm a friend...
*After a small moment, a new ripple formed on the surface, and three spirits peeked out of the water, observing Vengeance and his hand with big curious eyes. Vengeance remained still, but his composure quickly collapsed when one of the spirits extended a small hand and placed it over his proportionally larger fingers.
His chest heaved as a small sob escaped, the large man now reduced to a teary-eyed mess with fatherly insticts.*
How did I live this whole time without knowing you little cuties existed-? You're so precious...I want to protect you...
[The spirits being so trusting surprised the Empress, but it was ultimately their decision. They knew Vengeance now very well. They knew enough to decide.
She smiled softly at Vengeance as he started to cry, drifting her fingertips through the water, feeling another bump against her hand.]
Protecting them is our charge, my friend. Fear not for them. For your part, simply treat all natural bodies of water with respect. Where there is water, there are natural spirits. They will favor you if you respect their homes.
[Whispers began to spread between the spirits as the one who reached out touched Venge's hand. Such contact was rare, and most avoided it, because they were attuned to the spiritual, and many people carried burdens on their souls that the little creatures did not wish to share. Vengeance himself was one of the heaviest, only a glance could tell that.
Yet touch his hand they did, and now they were chattering emphatically between themselves, though to him it would only sound like chirps. The Empress listened intently, her expression suddenly growing worried.
Trying to be gentle and not upset him, she reached out and eased his hand away from the water, catching his attention with concern in her eyes.]
Vengeance... why do they whisper of another within you? Are you aware of a stray soul attached to your own?
*Suddenly his breath caught into his throat, a foreign pang of panic into his chest suggesting VisiVenge had a similar reaction.
They were caught.
His head dropped low, his voice suddenly changing from one accent to another, from a clean deep voice to a raspier one.*
Did you try to talk to the spirits!? No! I didn't! Then why did they sense you!? They're supernatural creatures! Children of a god! Of course they can sense people's souls!
*Vengeance's breath grew heavier, his body starting to tremble as he overwhelmed himself with both souls controlling the body in the conversation.*
I just- Fuck. I was supposed to hide you until the right occasion showed up! Well this is the right occasion. So tell her the truth. I couldn't hide for long. Okay! Okay! Fine. Fine..
*Vengeance knees gave up, making him fall into a sitting position, holding the Empress' hand for stability. His breath was still a little laboured but there was progress. Finally he raised his head to look at the Empress.*
The spirits...they're correct. I'm carrying another soul in me...I don't know if he's attached to my own...but he is in my body...
*His free hand gripped the fabric of his sweater bracing for any memory that could upset him*
I call him VisiVenge. He's Vengeance Jones. He's me. He had come from a future that was destroyed by the Last Reality and overtaken by Geno...his job was to try and keep that from happening here...
He was sent back in time by a version of your Champion, and to get to our present unnoticed he took the mantle of the Visitor. He has been around us all ever since the Seven arrived onto this island. Everything worked fine until the last mission, where he only remembers losing his consciousness and waking up inside of me...he says you still managed to avoid his version of events...but he's with me now...
...what he says is the truth.
*Vengeance leaned forward at a pang of nausea, shaking his head in a signal for VisiVenge to stay in his place for a moment.*
The missing pieces fell into place. The reason it had been so easy for Geno to slip in unnoticed.
The Visitor hadn't always been Geno.
No, it had been this poor deluded version of Vengeance, fueled by hope already undermined from the beginning, sent back by her own beloved... trying to save them, but paving the way for Geno all along. All their enemy had needed to do was step in and take the mask.
He must have done so just before the final battle over the Shard. And now this alternate Vengeance was dead, attached to this one's soul.
The Empress could feel that her expression was showing her horror, but thankfully despite this slip of the mask, she could conceal the truth. The reality of "VisiVenge" was horrific enough.]
Truly, I have never seen anything as unsettling as this, at least not in another man...
[She had tasted death and returned from it, but to her own body. This was different.
Worse, the other seemed to be able to assume control, and even communicate with Vengeance. Were it not for her spirits, she would think him entirely mad.]
Do you not move on because you have not completed your goal? What compels you to stay?
*VisiVenge, now in control judging from the raspier tone of voice, fidgeted with his sleeve.*
I completed my mission, in my reality the night of the battle for the last Shard was the night I lost everything...to see myself a month after said mission...it's the sole sign i have adverted the crisis, or at least bought time to prepare.
Except I thought the Zero Point would let either let me die or let me live for my own...instead it tried to fix the anomaly by shoving me into the body of who I was...who I am.
*Move on. It sounded like a dream, and yet deep in side he knew that he couldn't, for the future was unknown and anything could have happened if he had lost his guard.*
I can't exactly move on or leave, and I was not planning on it, not only because the Point decided it...but because if I can't die then this means I must persist to keep the promise I made to your Champion, I just hoped I'd be able to do it in my own flesh...-
[Startled and disturbed by the sudden change in Venge's voice, the Empress released his hand. Her expression remained an unsettled mask, no matter the thoughts it concealed.]
I dislike souls that utilize their hosts to communicate, but at least I know that Vengeance likely gave his permission.
[It felt remarkably similar to the Oni, but thankfully it didn't seem to be as bad...
However, this one carried a well of information, and she needed information. The more she knew that the "Visitor" now did not know she was aware of, the better.
Her tone became grave, and she looked out over the water.]
Tell me then. What do you remember of Geno? I must know of any abilities you witnessed, and any hint he may have dropped about his intentions.
*Vengeance's eyes drifted away from the face of the Empress, a slight pink blush overtaking his cheeks. VisiVenge was embarrassed.*
Sorry..this is permitted..
*He took a deep breath, pinching the bridge of his nose, fighting against an headache that spread over the right side of his face. His soul was not used to have two eyes anymore...*
Geno. I haven't exactly seen him in action. We did not fight him. We have fought The Last Reality's troops commanded by the Cube Queen and the Cube King, a member of the Seven fallen back to his past. Geno actually did not feel like dirtying his hands, he wanted to take everything with one swipe of his hand. He came in when the island was reduced to destruction and death, just when I was trying to convince your Champion that we could've tried to do something...the idea of going back in time was mine...
Geno didn't approach us instantly, he waited until your Champion shoved me in the pod we had turned into a time machine. I thought he'd kill me, or worse. Instead he began talking to your Champion...I heard everything...
"I do hope you do not think me ignorant of your little plan. Just as I know you are not foolish enough to believe it truly feasible. You are merely attempting to save the last insect you think you can snatch from annihilation. It is possible I might spare myself a small headache. However, I am of the opinion that today's conquest was hardly entertaining enough. Practical, but uneventful. In the unlikely event that this pathetic creature manages to alter what has come to pass, I have always had other plans to this end laid well in advance. Perhaps he will trigger something more interesting. So please while I am in a generous mood, finish your little game. When this farce is through, you will belong to me."
*Geno's voice echoed with his in the back of his head as he spoke. His hands clenched over his thighs, nails digging into the skin as Vengeance's body stiffened at a new wave of nausea.
Those words tasted like acid. And VisiVenge had the unfortunate gift of remembering every single one, well enough for the Empress to understand what mindset Geno was in.*
[She could see it in her mind's eye. The preparation laid long before the plays even began. This was all naught but entertainment, each disruption merely an opportunity to add flavor to endless immortality.
Still, though the stray soul calling itself VisiVenge did not know much, simply the fact that she now knew this would be outside of Geno's knowledge and expectation.
Most certainly, it proved that Geno's obsession with Eugene had been burning for much longer than might have been implied by his investigation of her.
Sighing, the Empress closed her eyes, twisting her ring on her finger.
She shouldn't ask. She really shouldn't... but she had to know.]
*Breathing around the knot that had formed in their throat, VisiVenge smiled at the Empress' question. He looked down at his chest, an hallucination of the charm dangling close to Vengeance's dogtags.
Most people believed one shouldn't talk about their promises when asked, for whatever reason he had never understood, but deep inside he knew that when it was a member of the family of the person you made a promise to asking, then you could trust them with your words. He took the Empress' hand, holding it between his.*
The Ageless knew he couldn't bring himself to go through such mission, he said he lacked the hope I had in me after losing everything. I promised him to fulfill his request of not only avoid our timeline's end, but to protect you, your son and his beloved and your people from any harm...
*His smile faded into a more melancholic expression...*
...even at the cost of him never meeting any of you...
*...then into a slight cheeky smile..."my beloved" told him everything.*
[The sheer audacity of this stray soul was incredible. Even Vengeance knew to keep his hands to himself!
It was fortunate that she favored Vengeance, or she would have exercised her right to punish the stray he carried. As it was, the Empress sharply pulled her hand away from his grip, leveling a withering glare at him.]
It is well that you did not interfere, but I would have expected you to have the good sense to refrain from touching another man's wife, let alone lay hands on an Empress. Be grateful to the unfortunate man you have burdened with your foolishness, as it is for his sake that I do not carry out what is my right.
[She turned her face away, chin lifted in imperious offense.]
I would speak with the one I consider a friend. Return to your corner of his mind and release him.
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*If Visitor being weird wasn't enough, now his sister seemed weird too. Sure she looked and acted normal, but there was an hint of something...something neither him or VisiVenge could catch. And that caused him to feel rather uneasy around the Sanctuary. Eventually he had realized he had never gone out ever since he had returned from his last emergency visit at the farm to help Guernsey on the Joey situation, and came to the conclusion that the lack of fresh air was probably messing with his perception of people.
And so @vengeance-jones-fn had exited the Sanctuary, taking an deep breath of fresh air and letting his brain just go on auto-pilot.
Now very much zoned-out, he began walking, unaware of the growing distance from the Sanctuary, which let him to eventually to be found wandering around Golden Grove.*
[The Empress had had a very amusing morning. Their resident sprite-loving apothecary-in-training (sort of) Kaeru had bounced up to her, happily displaying the ugliest sprite the Empress had ever seen. It looked distressingly similar to Fishstick, but significantly more vacant behind the eyes.
Nevertheless, Kaeru seemed utterly delighted with the unsettling creature, and the Empress couldn't help but laugh with her at the absurd goggling expression on its face.
Of course, now the Empress had a different problem on her hands. Clearly Kaeru's education required augmentation, as the girl had insisted that the sprite was called a "fih". If she didn't even know the word "fish", perhaps she should not be handling medicines...
This was the train of thought interrupted by the sighting of Vengeance Jones on her coastline. The spirits said that he seemed to be wandering aimlessly, occasionally pausing on his meanderings but never really adjusting his course.
Vengeance Jones.... The name brought a pang of heaviness to the Empress' heart. The last time they had spoken, he had been in shambles over a disastrous prank. Before that, she would have said they were good friends. Now?...
... Now she had greater worries... And she needed every friend she could keep close.
This was the purpose with which the Empress set out to intercept Vengeance, approaching from the golden woods just a stone's throw from the beach where he was walking. Her presence was deliberately nonthreatening, and her tone friendly.]
Well met, Vengeance Jones. I take it that the caverns of Sanctuary are too confining for your liking?
*Being 100% zoned out of it had made Vengeance unaware of the sights changing and the ground under his feet turning into sand. He could only feel the surface sustaining him become softer, and softness always prompted Vengeance to nestle. He had sat on the sand for a moment when the voice snapped his brain into awareness once more. Turning around and seeing the Empress, Vengeance let out a seemingly startled noise, scrambling to his feet and stiffening up.
The Empress!? How was she here!? Wait. Where was he!? This wasn't Sanctuary! Had he wandered into the Empress' territory without knowing? He probably wasn't exactly welcome here if that was the case...yet he couldn't exactly bolt now...
Ignoring an hallucination of VisiVenge pulling at his arm to try and leave, Vengeance's large figure bowed deeply infront of the Empress.*
...It is certainly an honor to be in your Presence, Your Imperial Majesty.
*Titles. The one sign needed to understand Vengeance felt incredibly inferior.*
[Even with the space between them, the Empress could hear Venge's heart rate spike. That and the excessive formality told her everything.
He was afraid of her.
How far their friendship had deteriorated... and over a single thoughtless jest.
Folding her hands behind her back, the Empress moved down to the water's edge, eyes still on her unexpected guest.]
Fear not, Vengeance. You are as welcome here as you have ever been. I will not harm you. I wish only to speak with one who I once called a dear friend.
[She looked down at the water lapping at the shore, then at the horizon, her tone becoming quietly grave.]
The days are dark that have descended upon us now. Friends are few. When I heard that you had wandered here, I thought perhaps... I might have been granted an opportunity to repair what was damaged.
If you wish to leave now, however... I will not stop you, nor hold it against you.
*Vengeance raised up, masking an expression of confusion. She wasn't mad at him. She wanted to try and...fix things? That surprised him. usually when he did something that broke a relationship, he'd be casted aside. Sure some didn't let wrong doings even chip at it, like his sister, but no one tried to tend to wounds before when it came to him.
Nobody had ever let him do that before.*
I...I don't want to leave. I just thought I wasn't welcome ever since...that. Honestly I should be the one to try and fix this. I was the one who damaged it in the first place, afterall. Been feeling like a bad presence for you and your people.
*Forcing his heartbeat to slow, he approached the Empress over the water's edge, crouching down and letting his hand come in contact with the waves of the shore.*
To answer your question...The Sanctuary does feel like a prison these days...an emotional one.
I have no idea what happened during that mission, all I know is that it deprived us of two members, one I deeply care for, and that it also fixed the Zero Point while endangering this place at the same time.
*His eyebrows furrowed*
But I feel like I haven't been given the full image...everyone is acting so weird.
And yet when you came to apologize before, I only forgave you, and made no attempt to meet you at the halfpoint to truly make amends.
[She sighed, closing her eyes.]
On Springfield, I was not well. Forgive my neglect. I should have made a better effort. We both have made mistakes.
[Turning her eyes to the man now kneeling at the water's edge, the Empress smiled faintly as she could see spirits playfully teasing his hand, though he could not see them.]
The Seven, I am told, are sworn to protect the Zero Point above all. The Foundation broke his oath, losing himself to prideful rage, and weaponized the last Shard against the Ice King. In the end, the Foundation fell, the Ice King was betrayed by the Voyager, the Zero Point was reforged, and when the dust settled... the Commander was found in his current condition.
But you are correct. That is not the full picture. And the truth is being held from us.
[She knew the majority of the truth, but not the whole, and she could not tell him...
Letting her left hand fall to her side, she held the right out to Vengeance. An offer of trust.]
If you were troubled, I don't hold it against you! Actually if I knew I would have waited for a better time...I came to apologize because it felt right to do, but I think my apologies were also...a little pathetic especially the one to your Champion-
*Vengeance chuckled slightly, a smile on his face*
When haven't I came across you while looking a little pathetic honestly!? The possession, the apologies...hah. Actually I'm glad to finally be here in normal condition, as far as times permit.
*His expression fell serious once more at the mention of Foundation, and Vengeance shook his head as his hand kept playing with the water. It seemed to calm him and put his head in a perfect place to think.*
Those who don't know how to use their rage fall victims of it. I've seen and heard many say that rage is just...throwing yourself at the enemy and blindly destroying them, and while that is partially true, there is also a part of you that needs to stay alert and keep you from making mistakes that could end you. I know that very well. Foundation didn't, and his massive ego would have never allowed me lend advice, even if my mind hadn't betrayed me in such delicate situation...I just wish we are able to stabilize the Zero Point and have Jones come back to us soon. That is all I care for at the moment.
Because standing with my allies is already embedded into my soul.
*He stood up, taking the Empress' hand in a firm hold. He then looked around, his mind assuming things about his surroundings*
But what about you...Empress? I suppose you've been displaced from your home again, that can't feel great.
[A laugh escaped the Empress in a quiet huff, but her smile quickly died at the mention of her Champion.]
Actually, I require a favor, my friend.
[Laying her left hand over his, she pulled Vengeance a little closer, lowering her voice. Silver glittered softly on her finger.]
On the topic of my Champion... I require your silence. The details are such that I cannot divulge them at this moment, but know this: because you know of him, the lives of my people are in your hands. I cannot press enough the need for absolute secrecy as to his whereabouts at this time.
Tell no one. Not even the Seven.
[She did not mean that as a threat. Threatening a friend would do nothing but harm. But Vengeance needed to remain silent on his knowledge of Eugene, or Geno would come for him.
Taking a steadying breath, the Empress let a little space between them again.]
I have faith that the Zero Point will be stabilized. I daresay that none of us will live to care otherwise if it is not. My concern lies in whose hands it will rest afterwards. Clearly, the Seven are far from infallible.
[That was putting it lightly...
At the question directed at herself, the Empress shook her head with a sad smile.]
It is the way of this place. Impermanence and chaos, eternal change. We are like the waters; we adapt to our surroundings. Water does not complain about how it feels being poured from jar to glass. It simply settles in its new place.
*A strange favor, yet he wasn't going to fail the River Guard again. Not when they sounded so fragile.*
It will be like I have never heard of him, nothing will force his name out of my lips. I promise.
*Vengeance had a reassuring smile plastered onto his face, until the Zero Point was mentioned again, to which he huffed, raising his head*
That's my issue. I don't believe anyone here should have their hands on the point. The Seven have been decimated, we are temporarily without Commander, and any other faction around us is...eugh..-
The Zero Point will rest in its own hands, we must keep only our eyes on it. Pure supervision, so that no other hands can touch it. Not even ours. Whoever attempted to keep control of the Zero Point in ways more than supervision ended up corrupted. I won't let anyone around me face the same end.
*He frowned at her answer, shrugging lightly, looking over at the beach's waves.*
That is true, you and your people are all about water so better act like it, I suppose. Still, it can't be easy at first, especially with how suddenly this can happen.. I-I can't know for sure, I lived like a stray animal my entire life before joining Jones. I've never had to lose my home, 'cause I had none in the first place.
[The Empress sighed, her relief visible in her relaxed shoulders and closed eyes.]
I thank you, my friend. On this Island, we have learned to be much more... cautious.
[Geno was at least less likely to hear more about Eugene from Vengeance...
His opinion on the Zero Point, though, earned a look of exhaustion from the Empress. His words echoed as though read from the same script Geno had built from during their conversation.]
A fool's ideal, I fear, though I feel for the noble heart behind it. Those who hold to it mean well, certainly, and I still place my support behind you, because at this moment the fool's ideal is the best option we have.
Unfortunately, as one sitting in a seat of power, I see it differently. The Zero Point is a thing of immeasurable power, and such a thing attracts the ambitious. I personally have no desire to attempt to hold it, but as we have seen, other powers do. Powers that do not care about the sanctity of life or whatever methods they use to obtain it.
No, something will hold it, whether they should or not. The Seven have failed us, and their ideal has endangered us all. It is up to us to be responsible, and to hold one another accountable, as long as we maintain it.
[She turned back to him, her eyes dimmed, but a gentle smile still on her lips.]
It is not easy, no. It does not become easy even with repetition. We simply learn to endure it. Our connection to the waters remains, and that eases it somewhat, as our home may change, but the waters remain the same.
I see...it's hard to trust anyone with something so powerful but also so fragile, so do understand why I don't exactly think being so handsy onto it is the key to not cause another catastrophe..Then again, perhaps standing all together instead of letting one handle it makes a better shield against ones with a big ego and a thirst of power...we...just have to try them all.
The Seven have been giving me strange vibes since they came back...I have different memories about them, so my own opinion is influenced by default, yet they do not seem anything like Jones remembers them, and neither how I do...they're decimated, tired...vague and creepy...failing seems like it was bound to happen.
*He turned back to her, tilting his head sideways*
Is there something in particular about water that allows to keep connection? Is it just a thing of "as long as it's there" or a thing of believing in your deity's care for your people?
I absolutely agree that none of us should handle it ourselves. Only in situations like this, where we are forced to stabilize it, should any even touch it together. Certainly we should never use it. Such power can only corrupt.
[If only she could warn Vengeance that the Seven had already fallen further than he knew... But she had given her word, and if she broke it, Vengeance would act strange, and Geno would find out. Her people would be wiped out, and their allies would be unable to stop him.]
... I have no trust for the Seven, and I advise you to remain skeptical. Their leader is an oathbreaker. Their ideals have endangered us all. The Seven are not the wise handlers they claim to be.
[Hopefully that would be enough for him to stay free of the "Visitor's" trap...
His question about the water was a welcome diversion. The Empress smiled, thinking back to the conversation where she had truly begun to count him as a friend.]
Have you forgotten our walk by the waters of Lost Lake? I told you about our deity, Ryujin, or Suijin, there, and the charge laid upon us to tend the waters.
I suppose I did not tell you all, though.
[Motioning for Venge to join her as she knelt by the water, the Empress held her hand out, palm up, to the surface.]
Will you show yourselves, my little friends?
[The water moved languidly as usual, until a ripple disturbed its surface. A tiny hand, barely bigger than her fingers and clear as crystal, reached up and rested on her palm, and a tiny humanlike face followed. The little creature was as transparent as a water droplet, and it giggled as it looked up at Vengeance before ducking back under and vanishing entirely.]
Wasn't planning on changing my ideal of them. They may know nothing of what I remember of them, but I'm not forgiving someone with either one of those faces. Ever.
*His fist clenched as altered memories surfaced, his spiral quickly going quiet once more as the Empress motioned him to join her.
He obviously remembered their conversation, yet apparently he missed a piece of the full image on that topic too. Expecting a fish or any kind of aquatic animal, Vengeance's eyes lit up in what best could be described as extreme surprise when the little creature raised to surface. A loud gasp escaped his chest*
What is that!?
*As the little creature went down, Vengeance fully crouched infront of the water, his nose just a few inches away from the ripple that was yet to still.*
It looked like a little baby...
*His hand hovered over the water surface a few times, unsure he had any power to let that happen himself. Yet he wanted to see the little creature again so bad! Turning his head to Mizuki, a sparkle (perhaps caused by a few tears threatening to spill-) in his eyes screamed the question his vocal chords were too stunned to translate...
Of course not. An oathbreaker can never be trusted again. It is poor form to speak ill of the dead, but it is his own fault for succumbing to pride and hubris.
[The Empress watched with quiet joy as Vengeance was overcome by awe. The little creatures were undeniably adorable, and they had clearly won his heart on sight.]
These are the spirits of the water, our charges. They are what we tend, and they aid us in turn. It is through them that we gain our power, and through them that I gather most of the events of the Island. They are the children of Ryujin, and we are their keepers.
[His silent request brought a smile to her face.]
You may try. It is up to them to interact or not. But do not be sad if not. They are very shy, even to those of the Guard. Even my Champion has not directly seen them.
*Vengeance hesitantly extended an hand, afraid of startling the spirits, his voice soft like a whisper as he tried to reassure the little creatures of his friendliness*
It's okay...there's no need to be scared...I'm a friend...
*After a small moment, a new ripple formed on the surface, and three spirits peeked out of the water, observing Vengeance and his hand with big curious eyes. Vengeance remained still, but his composure quickly collapsed when one of the spirits extended a small hand and placed it over his proportionally larger fingers.
His chest heaved as a small sob escaped, the large man now reduced to a teary-eyed mess with fatherly insticts.*
How did I live this whole time without knowing you little cuties existed-? You're so precious...I want to protect you...
[The spirits being so trusting surprised the Empress, but it was ultimately their decision. They knew Vengeance now very well. They knew enough to decide.
She smiled softly at Vengeance as he started to cry, drifting her fingertips through the water, feeling another bump against her hand.]
Protecting them is our charge, my friend. Fear not for them. For your part, simply treat all natural bodies of water with respect. Where there is water, there are natural spirits. They will favor you if you respect their homes.
[Whispers began to spread between the spirits as the one who reached out touched Venge's hand. Such contact was rare, and most avoided it, because they were attuned to the spiritual, and many people carried burdens on their souls that the little creatures did not wish to share. Vengeance himself was one of the heaviest, only a glance could tell that.
Yet touch his hand they did, and now they were chattering emphatically between themselves, though to him it would only sound like chirps. The Empress listened intently, her expression suddenly growing worried.
Trying to be gentle and not upset him, she reached out and eased his hand away from the water, catching his attention with concern in her eyes.]
Vengeance... why do they whisper of another within you? Are you aware of a stray soul attached to your own?
*Suddenly his breath caught into his throat, a foreign pang of panic into his chest suggesting VisiVenge had a similar reaction.
They were caught.
His head dropped low, his voice suddenly changing from one accent to another, from a clean deep voice to a raspier one.*
Did you try to talk to the spirits!? No! I didn't! Then why did they sense you!? They're supernatural creatures! Children of a god! Of course they can sense people's souls!
*Vengeance's breath grew heavier, his body starting to tremble as he overwhelmed himself with both souls controlling the body in the conversation.*
I just- Fuck. I was supposed to hide you until the right occasion showed up! Well this is the right occasion. So tell her the truth. I couldn't hide for long. Okay! Okay! Fine. Fine..
*Vengeance knees gave up, making him fall into a sitting position, holding the Empress' hand for stability. His breath was still a little laboured but there was progress. Finally he raised his head to look at the Empress.*
The spirits...they're correct. I'm carrying another soul in me...I don't know if he's attached to my own...but he is in my body...
*His free hand gripped the fabric of his sweater bracing for any memory that could upset him*
I call him VisiVenge. He's Vengeance Jones. He's me. He had come from a future that was destroyed by the Last Reality and overtaken by Geno...his job was to try and keep that from happening here...
He was sent back in time by a version of your Champion, and to get to our present unnoticed he took the mantle of the Visitor. He has been around us all ever since the Seven arrived onto this island. Everything worked fine until the last mission, where he only remembers losing his consciousness and waking up inside of me...he says you still managed to avoid his version of events...but he's with me now...
...what he says is the truth.
*Vengeance leaned forward at a pang of nausea, shaking his head in a signal for VisiVenge to stay in his place for a moment.*
The missing pieces fell into place. The reason it had been so easy for Geno to slip in unnoticed.
The Visitor hadn't always been Geno.
No, it had been this poor deluded version of Vengeance, fueled by hope already undermined from the beginning, sent back by her own beloved... trying to save them, but paving the way for Geno all along. All their enemy had needed to do was step in and take the mask.
He must have done so just before the final battle over the Shard. And now this alternate Vengeance was dead, attached to this one's soul.
The Empress could feel that her expression was showing her horror, but thankfully despite this slip of the mask, she could conceal the truth. The reality of "VisiVenge" was horrific enough.]
Truly, I have never seen anything as unsettling as this, at least not in another man...
[She had tasted death and returned from it, but to her own body. This was different.
Worse, the other seemed to be able to assume control, and even communicate with Vengeance. Were it not for her spirits, she would think him entirely mad.]
Do you not move on because you have not completed your goal? What compels you to stay?
*VisiVenge, now in control judging from the raspier tone of voice, fidgeted with his sleeve.*
I completed my mission, in my reality the night of the battle for the last Shard was the night I lost everything...to see myself a month after said mission...it's the sole sign i have adverted the crisis, or at least bought time to prepare.
Except I thought the Zero Point would let either let me die or let me live for my own...instead it tried to fix the anomaly by shoving me into the body of who I was...who I am.
*Move on. It sounded like a dream, and yet deep in side he knew that he couldn't, for the future was unknown and anything could have happened if he had lost his guard.*
I can't exactly move on or leave, and I was not planning on it, not only because the Point decided it...but because if I can't die then this means I must persist to keep the promise I made to your Champion, I just hoped I'd be able to do it in my own flesh...-
[Startled and disturbed by the sudden change in Venge's voice, the Empress released his hand. Her expression remained an unsettled mask, no matter the thoughts it concealed.]
I dislike souls that utilize their hosts to communicate, but at least I know that Vengeance likely gave his permission.
[It felt remarkably similar to the Oni, but thankfully it didn't seem to be as bad...
However, this one carried a well of information, and she needed information. The more she knew that the "Visitor" now did not know she was aware of, the better.
Her tone became grave, and she looked out over the water.]
Tell me then. What do you remember of Geno? I must know of any abilities you witnessed, and any hint he may have dropped about his intentions.
*Vengeance's eyes drifted away from the face of the Empress, a slight pink blush overtaking his cheeks. VisiVenge was embarrassed.*
Sorry..this is permitted..
*He took a deep breath, pinching the bridge of his nose, fighting against an headache that spread over the right side of his face. His soul was not used to have two eyes anymore...*
Geno. I haven't exactly seen him in action. We did not fight him. We have fought The Last Reality's troops commanded by the Cube Queen and the Cube King, a member of the Seven fallen back to his past. Geno actually did not feel like dirtying his hands, he wanted to take everything with one swipe of his hand. He came in when the island was reduced to destruction and death, just when I was trying to convince your Champion that we could've tried to do something...the idea of going back in time was mine...
Geno didn't approach us instantly, he waited until your Champion shoved me in the pod we had turned into a time machine. I thought he'd kill me, or worse. Instead he began talking to your Champion...I heard everything...
"I do hope you do not think me ignorant of your little plan. Just as I know you are not foolish enough to believe it truly feasible. You are merely attempting to save the last insect you think you can snatch from annihilation. It is possible I might spare myself a small headache. However, I am of the opinion that today's conquest was hardly entertaining enough. Practical, but uneventful. In the unlikely event that this pathetic creature manages to alter what has come to pass, I have always had other plans to this end laid well in advance. Perhaps he will trigger something more interesting. So please while I am in a generous mood, finish your little game. When this farce is through, you will belong to me."
*Geno's voice echoed with his in the back of his head as he spoke. His hands clenched over his thighs, nails digging into the skin as Vengeance's body stiffened at a new wave of nausea.
Those words tasted like acid. And VisiVenge had the unfortunate gift of remembering every single one, well enough for the Empress to understand what mindset Geno was in.*
[She could see it in her mind's eye. The preparation laid long before the plays even began. This was all naught but entertainment, each disruption merely an opportunity to add flavor to endless immortality.
Still, though the stray soul calling itself VisiVenge did not know much, simply the fact that she now knew this would be outside of Geno's knowledge and expectation.
Most certainly, it proved that Geno's obsession with Eugene had been burning for much longer than might have been implied by his investigation of her.
Sighing, the Empress closed her eyes, twisting her ring on her finger.
She shouldn't ask. She really shouldn't... but she had to know.]
*If Visitor being weird wasn't enough, now his sister seemed weird too. Sure she looked and acted normal, but there was an hint of something...something neither him or VisiVenge could catch. And that caused him to feel rather uneasy around the Sanctuary. Eventually he had realized he had never gone out ever since he had returned from his last emergency visit at the farm to help Guernsey on the Joey situation, and came to the conclusion that the lack of fresh air was probably messing with his perception of people.
And so @vengeance-jones-fn had exited the Sanctuary, taking an deep breath of fresh air and letting his brain just go on auto-pilot.
Now very much zoned-out, he began walking, unaware of the growing distance from the Sanctuary, which let him to eventually to be found wandering around Golden Grove.*
[The Empress had had a very amusing morning. Their resident sprite-loving apothecary-in-training (sort of) Kaeru had bounced up to her, happily displaying the ugliest sprite the Empress had ever seen. It looked distressingly similar to Fishstick, but significantly more vacant behind the eyes.
Nevertheless, Kaeru seemed utterly delighted with the unsettling creature, and the Empress couldn't help but laugh with her at the absurd goggling expression on its face.
Of course, now the Empress had a different problem on her hands. Clearly Kaeru's education required augmentation, as the girl had insisted that the sprite was called a "fih". If she didn't even know the word "fish", perhaps she should not be handling medicines...
This was the train of thought interrupted by the sighting of Vengeance Jones on her coastline. The spirits said that he seemed to be wandering aimlessly, occasionally pausing on his meanderings but never really adjusting his course.
Vengeance Jones.... The name brought a pang of heaviness to the Empress' heart. The last time they had spoken, he had been in shambles over a disastrous prank. Before that, she would have said they were good friends. Now?...
... Now she had greater worries... And she needed every friend she could keep close.
This was the purpose with which the Empress set out to intercept Vengeance, approaching from the golden woods just a stone's throw from the beach where he was walking. Her presence was deliberately nonthreatening, and her tone friendly.]
Well met, Vengeance Jones. I take it that the caverns of Sanctuary are too confining for your liking?
*Being 100% zoned out of it had made Vengeance unaware of the sights changing and the ground under his feet turning into sand. He could only feel the surface sustaining him become softer, and softness always prompted Vengeance to nestle. He had sat on the sand for a moment when the voice snapped his brain into awareness once more. Turning around and seeing the Empress, Vengeance let out a seemingly startled noise, scrambling to his feet and stiffening up.
The Empress!? How was she here!? Wait. Where was he!? This wasn't Sanctuary! Had he wandered into the Empress' territory without knowing? He probably wasn't exactly welcome here if that was the case...yet he couldn't exactly bolt now...
Ignoring an hallucination of VisiVenge pulling at his arm to try and leave, Vengeance's large figure bowed deeply infront of the Empress.*
...It is certainly an honor to be in your Presence, Your Imperial Majesty.
*Titles. The one sign needed to understand Vengeance felt incredibly inferior.*
[Even with the space between them, the Empress could hear Venge's heart rate spike. That and the excessive formality told her everything.
He was afraid of her.
How far their friendship had deteriorated... and over a single thoughtless jest.
Folding her hands behind her back, the Empress moved down to the water's edge, eyes still on her unexpected guest.]
Fear not, Vengeance. You are as welcome here as you have ever been. I will not harm you. I wish only to speak with one who I once called a dear friend.
[She looked down at the water lapping at the shore, then at the horizon, her tone becoming quietly grave.]
The days are dark that have descended upon us now. Friends are few. When I heard that you had wandered here, I thought perhaps... I might have been granted an opportunity to repair what was damaged.
If you wish to leave now, however... I will not stop you, nor hold it against you.
*Vengeance raised up, masking an expression of confusion. She wasn't mad at him. She wanted to try and...fix things? That surprised him. usually when he did something that broke a relationship, he'd be casted aside. Sure some didn't let wrong doings even chip at it, like his sister, but no one tried to tend to wounds before when it came to him.
Nobody had ever let him do that before.*
I...I don't want to leave. I just thought I wasn't welcome ever since...that. Honestly I should be the one to try and fix this. I was the one who damaged it in the first place, afterall. Been feeling like a bad presence for you and your people.
*Forcing his heartbeat to slow, he approached the Empress over the water's edge, crouching down and letting his hand come in contact with the waves of the shore.*
To answer your question...The Sanctuary does feel like a prison these days...an emotional one.
I have no idea what happened during that mission, all I know is that it deprived us of two members, one I deeply care for, and that it also fixed the Zero Point while endangering this place at the same time.
*His eyebrows furrowed*
But I feel like I haven't been given the full image...everyone is acting so weird.
And yet when you came to apologize before, I only forgave you, and made no attempt to meet you at the halfpoint to truly make amends.
[She sighed, closing her eyes.]
On Springfield, I was not well. Forgive my neglect. I should have made a better effort. We both have made mistakes.
[Turning her eyes to the man now kneeling at the water's edge, the Empress smiled faintly as she could see spirits playfully teasing his hand, though he could not see them.]
The Seven, I am told, are sworn to protect the Zero Point above all. The Foundation broke his oath, losing himself to prideful rage, and weaponized the last Shard against the Ice King. In the end, the Foundation fell, the Ice King was betrayed by the Voyager, the Zero Point was reforged, and when the dust settled... the Commander was found in his current condition.
But you are correct. That is not the full picture. And the truth is being held from us.
[She knew the majority of the truth, but not the whole, and she could not tell him...
Letting her left hand fall to her side, she held the right out to Vengeance. An offer of trust.]
If you were troubled, I don't hold it against you! Actually if I knew I would have waited for a better time...I came to apologize because it felt right to do, but I think my apologies were also...a little pathetic especially the one to your Champion-
*Vengeance chuckled slightly, a smile on his face*
When haven't I came across you while looking a little pathetic honestly!? The possession, the apologies...hah. Actually I'm glad to finally be here in normal condition, as far as times permit.
*His expression fell serious once more at the mention of Foundation, and Vengeance shook his head as his hand kept playing with the water. It seemed to calm him and put his head in a perfect place to think.*
Those who don't know how to use their rage fall victims of it. I've seen and heard many say that rage is just...throwing yourself at the enemy and blindly destroying them, and while that is partially true, there is also a part of you that needs to stay alert and keep you from making mistakes that could end you. I know that very well. Foundation didn't, and his massive ego would have never allowed me lend advice, even if my mind hadn't betrayed me in such delicate situation...I just wish we are able to stabilize the Zero Point and have Jones come back to us soon. That is all I care for at the moment.
Because standing with my allies is already embedded into my soul.
*He stood up, taking the Empress' hand in a firm hold. He then looked around, his mind assuming things about his surroundings*
But what about you...Empress? I suppose you've been displaced from your home again, that can't feel great.
[A laugh escaped the Empress in a quiet huff, but her smile quickly died at the mention of her Champion.]
Actually, I require a favor, my friend.
[Laying her left hand over his, she pulled Vengeance a little closer, lowering her voice. Silver glittered softly on her finger.]
On the topic of my Champion... I require your silence. The details are such that I cannot divulge them at this moment, but know this: because you know of him, the lives of my people are in your hands. I cannot press enough the need for absolute secrecy as to his whereabouts at this time.
Tell no one. Not even the Seven.
[She did not mean that as a threat. Threatening a friend would do nothing but harm. But Vengeance needed to remain silent on his knowledge of Eugene, or Geno would come for him.
Taking a steadying breath, the Empress let a little space between them again.]
I have faith that the Zero Point will be stabilized. I daresay that none of us will live to care otherwise if it is not. My concern lies in whose hands it will rest afterwards. Clearly, the Seven are far from infallible.
[That was putting it lightly...
At the question directed at herself, the Empress shook her head with a sad smile.]
It is the way of this place. Impermanence and chaos, eternal change. We are like the waters; we adapt to our surroundings. Water does not complain about how it feels being poured from jar to glass. It simply settles in its new place.
*A strange favor, yet he wasn't going to fail the River Guard again. Not when they sounded so fragile.*
It will be like I have never heard of him, nothing will force his name out of my lips. I promise.
*Vengeance had a reassuring smile plastered onto his face, until the Zero Point was mentioned again, to which he huffed, raising his head*
That's my issue. I don't believe anyone here should have their hands on the point. The Seven have been decimated, we are temporarily without Commander, and any other faction around us is...eugh..-
The Zero Point will rest in its own hands, we must keep only our eyes on it. Pure supervision, so that no other hands can touch it. Not even ours. Whoever attempted to keep control of the Zero Point in ways more than supervision ended up corrupted. I won't let anyone around me face the same end.
*He frowned at her answer, shrugging lightly, looking over at the beach's waves.*
That is true, you and your people are all about water so better act like it, I suppose. Still, it can't be easy at first, especially with how suddenly this can happen.. I-I can't know for sure, I lived like a stray animal my entire life before joining Jones. I've never had to lose my home, 'cause I had none in the first place.
[The Empress sighed, her relief visible in her relaxed shoulders and closed eyes.]
I thank you, my friend. On this Island, we have learned to be much more... cautious.
[Geno was at least less likely to hear more about Eugene from Vengeance...
His opinion on the Zero Point, though, earned a look of exhaustion from the Empress. His words echoed as though read from the same script Geno had built from during their conversation.]
A fool's ideal, I fear, though I feel for the noble heart behind it. Those who hold to it mean well, certainly, and I still place my support behind you, because at this moment the fool's ideal is the best option we have.
Unfortunately, as one sitting in a seat of power, I see it differently. The Zero Point is a thing of immeasurable power, and such a thing attracts the ambitious. I personally have no desire to attempt to hold it, but as we have seen, other powers do. Powers that do not care about the sanctity of life or whatever methods they use to obtain it.
No, something will hold it, whether they should or not. The Seven have failed us, and their ideal has endangered us all. It is up to us to be responsible, and to hold one another accountable, as long as we maintain it.
[She turned back to him, her eyes dimmed, but a gentle smile still on her lips.]
It is not easy, no. It does not become easy even with repetition. We simply learn to endure it. Our connection to the waters remains, and that eases it somewhat, as our home may change, but the waters remain the same.
I see...it's hard to trust anyone with something so powerful but also so fragile, so do understand why I don't exactly think being so handsy onto it is the key to not cause another catastrophe..Then again, perhaps standing all together instead of letting one handle it makes a better shield against ones with a big ego and a thirst of power...we...just have to try them all.
The Seven have been giving me strange vibes since they came back...I have different memories about them, so my own opinion is influenced by default, yet they do not seem anything like Jones remembers them, and neither how I do...they're decimated, tired...vague and creepy...failing seems like it was bound to happen.
*He turned back to her, tilting his head sideways*
Is there something in particular about water that allows to keep connection? Is it just a thing of "as long as it's there" or a thing of believing in your deity's care for your people?
I absolutely agree that none of us should handle it ourselves. Only in situations like this, where we are forced to stabilize it, should any even touch it together. Certainly we should never use it. Such power can only corrupt.
[If only she could warn Vengeance that the Seven had already fallen further than he knew... But she had given her word, and if she broke it, Vengeance would act strange, and Geno would find out. Her people would be wiped out, and their allies would be unable to stop him.]
... I have no trust for the Seven, and I advise you to remain skeptical. Their leader is an oathbreaker. Their ideals have endangered us all. The Seven are not the wise handlers they claim to be.
[Hopefully that would be enough for him to stay free of the "Visitor's" trap...
His question about the water was a welcome diversion. The Empress smiled, thinking back to the conversation where she had truly begun to count him as a friend.]
Have you forgotten our walk by the waters of Lost Lake? I told you about our deity, Ryujin, or Suijin, there, and the charge laid upon us to tend the waters.
I suppose I did not tell you all, though.
[Motioning for Venge to join her as she knelt by the water, the Empress held her hand out, palm up, to the surface.]
Will you show yourselves, my little friends?
[The water moved languidly as usual, until a ripple disturbed its surface. A tiny hand, barely bigger than her fingers and clear as crystal, reached up and rested on her palm, and a tiny humanlike face followed. The little creature was as transparent as a water droplet, and it giggled as it looked up at Vengeance before ducking back under and vanishing entirely.]
Wasn't planning on changing my ideal of them. They may know nothing of what I remember of them, but I'm not forgiving someone with either one of those faces. Ever.
*His fist clenched as altered memories surfaced, his spiral quickly going quiet once more as the Empress motioned him to join her.
He obviously remembered their conversation, yet apparently he missed a piece of the full image on that topic too. Expecting a fish or any kind of aquatic animal, Vengeance's eyes lit up in what best could be described as extreme surprise when the little creature raised to surface. A loud gasp escaped his chest*
What is that!?
*As the little creature went down, Vengeance fully crouched infront of the water, his nose just a few inches away from the ripple that was yet to still.*
It looked like a little baby...
*His hand hovered over the water surface a few times, unsure he had any power to let that happen himself. Yet he wanted to see the little creature again so bad! Turning his head to Mizuki, a sparkle (perhaps caused by a few tears threatening to spill-) in his eyes screamed the question his vocal chords were too stunned to translate...
Of course not. An oathbreaker can never be trusted again. It is poor form to speak ill of the dead, but it is his own fault for succumbing to pride and hubris.
[The Empress watched with quiet joy as Vengeance was overcome by awe. The little creatures were undeniably adorable, and they had clearly won his heart on sight.]
These are the spirits of the water, our charges. They are what we tend, and they aid us in turn. It is through them that we gain our power, and through them that I gather most of the events of the Island. They are the children of Ryujin, and we are their keepers.
[His silent request brought a smile to her face.]
You may try. It is up to them to interact or not. But do not be sad if not. They are very shy, even to those of the Guard. Even my Champion has not directly seen them.
*Vengeance hesitantly extended an hand, afraid of startling the spirits, his voice soft like a whisper as he tried to reassure the little creatures of his friendliness*
It's okay...there's no need to be scared...I'm a friend...
*After a small moment, a new ripple formed on the surface, and three spirits peeked out of the water, observing Vengeance and his hand with big curious eyes. Vengeance remained still, but his composure quickly collapsed when one of the spirits extended a small hand and placed it over his proportionally larger fingers.
His chest heaved as a small sob escaped, the large man now reduced to a teary-eyed mess with fatherly insticts.*
How did I live this whole time without knowing you little cuties existed-? You're so precious...I want to protect you...
[The spirits being so trusting surprised the Empress, but it was ultimately their decision. They knew Vengeance now very well. They knew enough to decide.
She smiled softly at Vengeance as he started to cry, drifting her fingertips through the water, feeling another bump against her hand.]
Protecting them is our charge, my friend. Fear not for them. For your part, simply treat all natural bodies of water with respect. Where there is water, there are natural spirits. They will favor you if you respect their homes.
[Whispers began to spread between the spirits as the one who reached out touched Venge's hand. Such contact was rare, and most avoided it, because they were attuned to the spiritual, and many people carried burdens on their souls that the little creatures did not wish to share. Vengeance himself was one of the heaviest, only a glance could tell that.
Yet touch his hand they did, and now they were chattering emphatically between themselves, though to him it would only sound like chirps. The Empress listened intently, her expression suddenly growing worried.
Trying to be gentle and not upset him, she reached out and eased his hand away from the water, catching his attention with concern in her eyes.]
Vengeance... why do they whisper of another within you? Are you aware of a stray soul attached to your own?
*Suddenly his breath caught into his throat, a foreign pang of panic into his chest suggesting VisiVenge had a similar reaction.
They were caught.
His head dropped low, his voice suddenly changing from one accent to another, from a clean deep voice to a raspier one.*
Did you try to talk to the spirits!? No! I didn't! Then why did they sense you!? They're supernatural creatures! Children of a god! Of course they can sense people's souls!
*Vengeance's breath grew heavier, his body starting to tremble as he overwhelmed himself with both souls controlling the body in the conversation.*
I just- Fuck. I was supposed to hide you until the right occasion showed up! Well this is the right occasion. So tell her the truth. I couldn't hide for long. Okay! Okay! Fine. Fine..
*Vengeance knees gave up, making him fall into a sitting position, holding the Empress' hand for stability. His breath was still a little laboured but there was progress. Finally he raised his head to look at the Empress.*
The spirits...they're correct. I'm carrying another soul in me...I don't know if he's attached to my own...but he is in my body...
*His free hand gripped the fabric of his sweater bracing for any memory that could upset him*
I call him VisiVenge. He's Vengeance Jones. He's me. He had come from a future that was destroyed by the Last Reality and overtaken by Geno...his job was to try and keep that from happening here...
He was sent back in time by a version of your Champion, and to get to our present unnoticed he took the mantle of the Visitor. He has been around us all ever since the Seven arrived onto this island. Everything worked fine until the last mission, where he only remembers losing his consciousness and waking up inside of me...he says you still managed to avoid his version of events...but he's with me now...
...what he says is the truth.
*Vengeance leaned forward at a pang of nausea, shaking his head in a signal for VisiVenge to stay in his place for a moment.*
The missing pieces fell into place. The reason it had been so easy for Geno to slip in unnoticed.
The Visitor hadn't always been Geno.
No, it had been this poor deluded version of Vengeance, fueled by hope already undermined from the beginning, sent back by her own beloved... trying to save them, but paving the way for Geno all along. All their enemy had needed to do was step in and take the mask.
He must have done so just before the final battle over the Shard. And now this alternate Vengeance was dead, attached to this one's soul.
The Empress could feel that her expression was showing her horror, but thankfully despite this slip of the mask, she could conceal the truth. The reality of "VisiVenge" was horrific enough.]
Truly, I have never seen anything as unsettling as this, at least not in another man...
[She had tasted death and returned from it, but to her own body. This was different.
Worse, the other seemed to be able to assume control, and even communicate with Vengeance. Were it not for her spirits, she would think him entirely mad.]
Do you not move on because you have not completed your goal? What compels you to stay?
*VisiVenge, now in control judging from the raspier tone of voice, fidgeted with his sleeve.*
I completed my mission, in my reality the night of the battle for the last Shard was the night I lost everything...to see myself a month after said mission...it's the sole sign i have adverted the crisis, or at least bought time to prepare.
Except I thought the Zero Point would let either let me die or let me live for my own...instead it tried to fix the anomaly by shoving me into the body of who I was...who I am.
*Move on. It sounded like a dream, and yet deep in side he knew that he couldn't, for the future was unknown and anything could have happened if he had lost his guard.*
I can't exactly move on or leave, and I was not planning on it, not only because the Point decided it...but because if I can't die then this means I must persist to keep the promise I made to your Champion, I just hoped I'd be able to do it in my own flesh...-
[Startled and disturbed by the sudden change in Venge's voice, the Empress released his hand. Her expression remained an unsettled mask, no matter the thoughts it concealed.]
I dislike souls that utilize their hosts to communicate, but at least I know that Vengeance likely gave his permission.
[It felt remarkably similar to the Oni, but thankfully it didn't seem to be as bad...
However, this one carried a well of information, and she needed information. The more she knew that the "Visitor" now did not know she was aware of, the better.
Her tone became grave, and she looked out over the water.]
Tell me then. What do you remember of Geno? I must know of any abilities you witnessed, and any hint he may have dropped about his intentions.
*If Visitor being weird wasn't enough, now his sister seemed weird too. Sure she looked and acted normal, but there was an hint of something...something neither him or VisiVenge could catch. And that caused him to feel rather uneasy around the Sanctuary. Eventually he had realized he had never gone out ever since he had returned from his last emergency visit at the farm to help Guernsey on the Joey situation, and came to the conclusion that the lack of fresh air was probably messing with his perception of people.
And so @vengeance-jones-fn had exited the Sanctuary, taking an deep breath of fresh air and letting his brain just go on auto-pilot.
Now very much zoned-out, he began walking, unaware of the growing distance from the Sanctuary, which let him to eventually to be found wandering around Golden Grove.*
[The Empress had had a very amusing morning. Their resident sprite-loving apothecary-in-training (sort of) Kaeru had bounced up to her, happily displaying the ugliest sprite the Empress had ever seen. It looked distressingly similar to Fishstick, but significantly more vacant behind the eyes.
Nevertheless, Kaeru seemed utterly delighted with the unsettling creature, and the Empress couldn't help but laugh with her at the absurd goggling expression on its face.
Of course, now the Empress had a different problem on her hands. Clearly Kaeru's education required augmentation, as the girl had insisted that the sprite was called a "fih". If she didn't even know the word "fish", perhaps she should not be handling medicines...
This was the train of thought interrupted by the sighting of Vengeance Jones on her coastline. The spirits said that he seemed to be wandering aimlessly, occasionally pausing on his meanderings but never really adjusting his course.
Vengeance Jones.... The name brought a pang of heaviness to the Empress' heart. The last time they had spoken, he had been in shambles over a disastrous prank. Before that, she would have said they were good friends. Now?...
... Now she had greater worries... And she needed every friend she could keep close.
This was the purpose with which the Empress set out to intercept Vengeance, approaching from the golden woods just a stone's throw from the beach where he was walking. Her presence was deliberately nonthreatening, and her tone friendly.]
Well met, Vengeance Jones. I take it that the caverns of Sanctuary are too confining for your liking?
*Being 100% zoned out of it had made Vengeance unaware of the sights changing and the ground under his feet turning into sand. He could only feel the surface sustaining him become softer, and softness always prompted Vengeance to nestle. He had sat on the sand for a moment when the voice snapped his brain into awareness once more. Turning around and seeing the Empress, Vengeance let out a seemingly startled noise, scrambling to his feet and stiffening up.
The Empress!? How was she here!? Wait. Where was he!? This wasn't Sanctuary! Had he wandered into the Empress' territory without knowing? He probably wasn't exactly welcome here if that was the case...yet he couldn't exactly bolt now...
Ignoring an hallucination of VisiVenge pulling at his arm to try and leave, Vengeance's large figure bowed deeply infront of the Empress.*
...It is certainly an honor to be in your Presence, Your Imperial Majesty.
*Titles. The one sign needed to understand Vengeance felt incredibly inferior.*
[Even with the space between them, the Empress could hear Venge's heart rate spike. That and the excessive formality told her everything.
He was afraid of her.
How far their friendship had deteriorated... and over a single thoughtless jest.
Folding her hands behind her back, the Empress moved down to the water's edge, eyes still on her unexpected guest.]
Fear not, Vengeance. You are as welcome here as you have ever been. I will not harm you. I wish only to speak with one who I once called a dear friend.
[She looked down at the water lapping at the shore, then at the horizon, her tone becoming quietly grave.]
The days are dark that have descended upon us now. Friends are few. When I heard that you had wandered here, I thought perhaps... I might have been granted an opportunity to repair what was damaged.
If you wish to leave now, however... I will not stop you, nor hold it against you.
*Vengeance raised up, masking an expression of confusion. She wasn't mad at him. She wanted to try and...fix things? That surprised him. usually when he did something that broke a relationship, he'd be casted aside. Sure some didn't let wrong doings even chip at it, like his sister, but no one tried to tend to wounds before when it came to him.
Nobody had ever let him do that before.*
I...I don't want to leave. I just thought I wasn't welcome ever since...that. Honestly I should be the one to try and fix this. I was the one who damaged it in the first place, afterall. Been feeling like a bad presence for you and your people.
*Forcing his heartbeat to slow, he approached the Empress over the water's edge, crouching down and letting his hand come in contact with the waves of the shore.*
To answer your question...The Sanctuary does feel like a prison these days...an emotional one.
I have no idea what happened during that mission, all I know is that it deprived us of two members, one I deeply care for, and that it also fixed the Zero Point while endangering this place at the same time.
*His eyebrows furrowed*
But I feel like I haven't been given the full image...everyone is acting so weird.
And yet when you came to apologize before, I only forgave you, and made no attempt to meet you at the halfpoint to truly make amends.
[She sighed, closing her eyes.]
On Springfield, I was not well. Forgive my neglect. I should have made a better effort. We both have made mistakes.
[Turning her eyes to the man now kneeling at the water's edge, the Empress smiled faintly as she could see spirits playfully teasing his hand, though he could not see them.]
The Seven, I am told, are sworn to protect the Zero Point above all. The Foundation broke his oath, losing himself to prideful rage, and weaponized the last Shard against the Ice King. In the end, the Foundation fell, the Ice King was betrayed by the Voyager, the Zero Point was reforged, and when the dust settled... the Commander was found in his current condition.
But you are correct. That is not the full picture. And the truth is being held from us.
[She knew the majority of the truth, but not the whole, and she could not tell him...
Letting her left hand fall to her side, she held the right out to Vengeance. An offer of trust.]
If you were troubled, I don't hold it against you! Actually if I knew I would have waited for a better time...I came to apologize because it felt right to do, but I think my apologies were also...a little pathetic especially the one to your Champion-
*Vengeance chuckled slightly, a smile on his face*
When haven't I came across you while looking a little pathetic honestly!? The possession, the apologies...hah. Actually I'm glad to finally be here in normal condition, as far as times permit.
*His expression fell serious once more at the mention of Foundation, and Vengeance shook his head as his hand kept playing with the water. It seemed to calm him and put his head in a perfect place to think.*
Those who don't know how to use their rage fall victims of it. I've seen and heard many say that rage is just...throwing yourself at the enemy and blindly destroying them, and while that is partially true, there is also a part of you that needs to stay alert and keep you from making mistakes that could end you. I know that very well. Foundation didn't, and his massive ego would have never allowed me lend advice, even if my mind hadn't betrayed me in such delicate situation...I just wish we are able to stabilize the Zero Point and have Jones come back to us soon. That is all I care for at the moment.
Because standing with my allies is already embedded into my soul.
*He stood up, taking the Empress' hand in a firm hold. He then looked around, his mind assuming things about his surroundings*
But what about you...Empress? I suppose you've been displaced from your home again, that can't feel great.
[A laugh escaped the Empress in a quiet huff, but her smile quickly died at the mention of her Champion.]
Actually, I require a favor, my friend.
[Laying her left hand over his, she pulled Vengeance a little closer, lowering her voice. Silver glittered softly on her finger.]
On the topic of my Champion... I require your silence. The details are such that I cannot divulge them at this moment, but know this: because you know of him, the lives of my people are in your hands. I cannot press enough the need for absolute secrecy as to his whereabouts at this time.
Tell no one. Not even the Seven.
[She did not mean that as a threat. Threatening a friend would do nothing but harm. But Vengeance needed to remain silent on his knowledge of Eugene, or Geno would come for him.
Taking a steadying breath, the Empress let a little space between them again.]
I have faith that the Zero Point will be stabilized. I daresay that none of us will live to care otherwise if it is not. My concern lies in whose hands it will rest afterwards. Clearly, the Seven are far from infallible.
[That was putting it lightly...
At the question directed at herself, the Empress shook her head with a sad smile.]
It is the way of this place. Impermanence and chaos, eternal change. We are like the waters; we adapt to our surroundings. Water does not complain about how it feels being poured from jar to glass. It simply settles in its new place.
*A strange favor, yet he wasn't going to fail the River Guard again. Not when they sounded so fragile.*
It will be like I have never heard of him, nothing will force his name out of my lips. I promise.
*Vengeance had a reassuring smile plastered onto his face, until the Zero Point was mentioned again, to which he huffed, raising his head*
That's my issue. I don't believe anyone here should have their hands on the point. The Seven have been decimated, we are temporarily without Commander, and any other faction around us is...eugh..-
The Zero Point will rest in its own hands, we must keep only our eyes on it. Pure supervision, so that no other hands can touch it. Not even ours. Whoever attempted to keep control of the Zero Point in ways more than supervision ended up corrupted. I won't let anyone around me face the same end.
*He frowned at her answer, shrugging lightly, looking over at the beach's waves.*
That is true, you and your people are all about water so better act like it, I suppose. Still, it can't be easy at first, especially with how suddenly this can happen.. I-I can't know for sure, I lived like a stray animal my entire life before joining Jones. I've never had to lose my home, 'cause I had none in the first place.
[The Empress sighed, her relief visible in her relaxed shoulders and closed eyes.]
I thank you, my friend. On this Island, we have learned to be much more... cautious.
[Geno was at least less likely to hear more about Eugene from Vengeance...
His opinion on the Zero Point, though, earned a look of exhaustion from the Empress. His words echoed as though read from the same script Geno had built from during their conversation.]
A fool's ideal, I fear, though I feel for the noble heart behind it. Those who hold to it mean well, certainly, and I still place my support behind you, because at this moment the fool's ideal is the best option we have.
Unfortunately, as one sitting in a seat of power, I see it differently. The Zero Point is a thing of immeasurable power, and such a thing attracts the ambitious. I personally have no desire to attempt to hold it, but as we have seen, other powers do. Powers that do not care about the sanctity of life or whatever methods they use to obtain it.
No, something will hold it, whether they should or not. The Seven have failed us, and their ideal has endangered us all. It is up to us to be responsible, and to hold one another accountable, as long as we maintain it.
[She turned back to him, her eyes dimmed, but a gentle smile still on her lips.]
It is not easy, no. It does not become easy even with repetition. We simply learn to endure it. Our connection to the waters remains, and that eases it somewhat, as our home may change, but the waters remain the same.
I see...it's hard to trust anyone with something so powerful but also so fragile, so do understand why I don't exactly think being so handsy onto it is the key to not cause another catastrophe..Then again, perhaps standing all together instead of letting one handle it makes a better shield against ones with a big ego and a thirst of power...we...just have to try them all.
The Seven have been giving me strange vibes since they came back...I have different memories about them, so my own opinion is influenced by default, yet they do not seem anything like Jones remembers them, and neither how I do...they're decimated, tired...vague and creepy...failing seems like it was bound to happen.
*He turned back to her, tilting his head sideways*
Is there something in particular about water that allows to keep connection? Is it just a thing of "as long as it's there" or a thing of believing in your deity's care for your people?
I absolutely agree that none of us should handle it ourselves. Only in situations like this, where we are forced to stabilize it, should any even touch it together. Certainly we should never use it. Such power can only corrupt.
[If only she could warn Vengeance that the Seven had already fallen further than he knew... But she had given her word, and if she broke it, Vengeance would act strange, and Geno would find out. Her people would be wiped out, and their allies would be unable to stop him.]
... I have no trust for the Seven, and I advise you to remain skeptical. Their leader is an oathbreaker. Their ideals have endangered us all. The Seven are not the wise handlers they claim to be.
[Hopefully that would be enough for him to stay free of the "Visitor's" trap...
His question about the water was a welcome diversion. The Empress smiled, thinking back to the conversation where she had truly begun to count him as a friend.]
Have you forgotten our walk by the waters of Lost Lake? I told you about our deity, Ryujin, or Suijin, there, and the charge laid upon us to tend the waters.
I suppose I did not tell you all, though.
[Motioning for Venge to join her as she knelt by the water, the Empress held her hand out, palm up, to the surface.]
Will you show yourselves, my little friends?
[The water moved languidly as usual, until a ripple disturbed its surface. A tiny hand, barely bigger than her fingers and clear as crystal, reached up and rested on her palm, and a tiny humanlike face followed. The little creature was as transparent as a water droplet, and it giggled as it looked up at Vengeance before ducking back under and vanishing entirely.]
Wasn't planning on changing my ideal of them. They may know nothing of what I remember of them, but I'm not forgiving someone with either one of those faces. Ever.
*His fist clenched as altered memories surfaced, his spiral quickly going quiet once more as the Empress motioned him to join her.
He obviously remembered their conversation, yet apparently he missed a piece of the full image on that topic too. Expecting a fish or any kind of aquatic animal, Vengeance's eyes lit up in what best could be described as extreme surprise when the little creature raised to surface. A loud gasp escaped his chest*
What is that!?
*As the little creature went down, Vengeance fully crouched infront of the water, his nose just a few inches away from the ripple that was yet to still.*
It looked like a little baby...
*His hand hovered over the water surface a few times, unsure he had any power to let that happen himself. Yet he wanted to see the little creature again so bad! Turning his head to Mizuki, a sparkle (perhaps caused by a few tears threatening to spill-) in his eyes screamed the question his vocal chords were too stunned to translate...
Of course not. An oathbreaker can never be trusted again. It is poor form to speak ill of the dead, but it is his own fault for succumbing to pride and hubris.
[The Empress watched with quiet joy as Vengeance was overcome by awe. The little creatures were undeniably adorable, and they had clearly won his heart on sight.]
These are the spirits of the water, our charges. They are what we tend, and they aid us in turn. It is through them that we gain our power, and through them that I gather most of the events of the Island. They are the children of Ryujin, and we are their keepers.
[His silent request brought a smile to her face.]
You may try. It is up to them to interact or not. But do not be sad if not. They are very shy, even to those of the Guard. Even my Champion has not directly seen them.
*Vengeance hesitantly extended an hand, afraid of startling the spirits, his voice soft like a whisper as he tried to reassure the little creatures of his friendliness*
It's okay...there's no need to be scared...I'm a friend...
*After a small moment, a new ripple formed on the surface, and three spirits peeked out of the water, observing Vengeance and his hand with big curious eyes. Vengeance remained still, but his composure quickly collapsed when one of the spirits extended a small hand and placed it over his proportionally larger fingers.
His chest heaved as a small sob escaped, the large man now reduced to a teary-eyed mess with fatherly insticts.*
How did I live this whole time without knowing you little cuties existed-? You're so precious...I want to protect you...
[The spirits being so trusting surprised the Empress, but it was ultimately their decision. They knew Vengeance now very well. They knew enough to decide.
She smiled softly at Vengeance as he started to cry, drifting her fingertips through the water, feeling another bump against her hand.]
Protecting them is our charge, my friend. Fear not for them. For your part, simply treat all natural bodies of water with respect. Where there is water, there are natural spirits. They will favor you if you respect their homes.
[Whispers began to spread between the spirits as the one who reached out touched Venge's hand. Such contact was rare, and most avoided it, because they were attuned to the spiritual, and many people carried burdens on their souls that the little creatures did not wish to share. Vengeance himself was one of the heaviest, only a glance could tell that.
Yet touch his hand they did, and now they were chattering emphatically between themselves, though to him it would only sound like chirps. The Empress listened intently, her expression suddenly growing worried.
Trying to be gentle and not upset him, she reached out and eased his hand away from the water, catching his attention with concern in her eyes.]
Vengeance... why do they whisper of another within you? Are you aware of a stray soul attached to your own?
*Suddenly his breath caught into his throat, a foreign pang of panic into his chest suggesting VisiVenge had a similar reaction.
They were caught.
His head dropped low, his voice suddenly changing from one accent to another, from a clean deep voice to a raspier one.*
Did you try to talk to the spirits!? No! I didn't! Then why did they sense you!? They're supernatural creatures! Children of a god! Of course they can sense people's souls!
*Vengeance's breath grew heavier, his body starting to tremble as he overwhelmed himself with both souls controlling the body in the conversation.*
I just- Fuck. I was supposed to hide you until the right occasion showed up! Well this is the right occasion. So tell her the truth. I couldn't hide for long. Okay! Okay! Fine. Fine..
*Vengeance knees gave up, making him fall into a sitting position, holding the Empress' hand for stability. His breath was still a little laboured but there was progress. Finally he raised his head to look at the Empress.*
The spirits...they're correct. I'm carrying another soul in me...I don't know if he's attached to my own...but he is in my body...
*His free hand gripped the fabric of his sweater bracing for any memory that could upset him*
I call him VisiVenge. He's Vengeance Jones. He's me. He had come from a future that was destroyed by the Last Reality and overtaken by Geno...his job was to try and keep that from happening here...
He was sent back in time by a version of your Champion, and to get to our present unnoticed he took the mantle of the Visitor. He has been around us all ever since the Seven arrived onto this island. Everything worked fine until the last mission, where he only remembers losing his consciousness and waking up inside of me...he says you still managed to avoid his version of events...but he's with me now...
...what he says is the truth.
*Vengeance leaned forward at a pang of nausea, shaking his head in a signal for VisiVenge to stay in his place for a moment.*
The missing pieces fell into place. The reason it had been so easy for Geno to slip in unnoticed.
The Visitor hadn't always been Geno.
No, it had been this poor deluded version of Vengeance, fueled by hope already undermined from the beginning, sent back by her own beloved... trying to save them, but paving the way for Geno all along. All their enemy had needed to do was step in and take the mask.
He must have done so just before the final battle over the Shard. And now this alternate Vengeance was dead, attached to this one's soul.
The Empress could feel that her expression was showing her horror, but thankfully despite this slip of the mask, she could conceal the truth. The reality of "VisiVenge" was horrific enough.]
Truly, I have never seen anything as unsettling as this, at least not in another man...
[She had tasted death and returned from it, but to her own body. This was different.
Worse, the other seemed to be able to assume control, and even communicate with Vengeance. Were it not for her spirits, she would think him entirely mad.]
Do you not move on because you have not completed your goal? What compels you to stay?
*If Visitor being weird wasn't enough, now his sister seemed weird too. Sure she looked and acted normal, but there was an hint of something...something neither him or VisiVenge could catch. And that caused him to feel rather uneasy around the Sanctuary. Eventually he had realized he had never gone out ever since he had returned from his last emergency visit at the farm to help Guernsey on the Joey situation, and came to the conclusion that the lack of fresh air was probably messing with his perception of people.
And so @vengeance-jones-fn had exited the Sanctuary, taking an deep breath of fresh air and letting his brain just go on auto-pilot.
Now very much zoned-out, he began walking, unaware of the growing distance from the Sanctuary, which let him to eventually to be found wandering around Golden Grove.*
[The Empress had had a very amusing morning. Their resident sprite-loving apothecary-in-training (sort of) Kaeru had bounced up to her, happily displaying the ugliest sprite the Empress had ever seen. It looked distressingly similar to Fishstick, but significantly more vacant behind the eyes.
Nevertheless, Kaeru seemed utterly delighted with the unsettling creature, and the Empress couldn't help but laugh with her at the absurd goggling expression on its face.
Of course, now the Empress had a different problem on her hands. Clearly Kaeru's education required augmentation, as the girl had insisted that the sprite was called a "fih". If she didn't even know the word "fish", perhaps she should not be handling medicines...
This was the train of thought interrupted by the sighting of Vengeance Jones on her coastline. The spirits said that he seemed to be wandering aimlessly, occasionally pausing on his meanderings but never really adjusting his course.
Vengeance Jones.... The name brought a pang of heaviness to the Empress' heart. The last time they had spoken, he had been in shambles over a disastrous prank. Before that, she would have said they were good friends. Now?...
... Now she had greater worries... And she needed every friend she could keep close.
This was the purpose with which the Empress set out to intercept Vengeance, approaching from the golden woods just a stone's throw from the beach where he was walking. Her presence was deliberately nonthreatening, and her tone friendly.]
Well met, Vengeance Jones. I take it that the caverns of Sanctuary are too confining for your liking?
*Being 100% zoned out of it had made Vengeance unaware of the sights changing and the ground under his feet turning into sand. He could only feel the surface sustaining him become softer, and softness always prompted Vengeance to nestle. He had sat on the sand for a moment when the voice snapped his brain into awareness once more. Turning around and seeing the Empress, Vengeance let out a seemingly startled noise, scrambling to his feet and stiffening up.
The Empress!? How was she here!? Wait. Where was he!? This wasn't Sanctuary! Had he wandered into the Empress' territory without knowing? He probably wasn't exactly welcome here if that was the case...yet he couldn't exactly bolt now...
Ignoring an hallucination of VisiVenge pulling at his arm to try and leave, Vengeance's large figure bowed deeply infront of the Empress.*
...It is certainly an honor to be in your Presence, Your Imperial Majesty.
*Titles. The one sign needed to understand Vengeance felt incredibly inferior.*
[Even with the space between them, the Empress could hear Venge's heart rate spike. That and the excessive formality told her everything.
He was afraid of her.
How far their friendship had deteriorated... and over a single thoughtless jest.
Folding her hands behind her back, the Empress moved down to the water's edge, eyes still on her unexpected guest.]
Fear not, Vengeance. You are as welcome here as you have ever been. I will not harm you. I wish only to speak with one who I once called a dear friend.
[She looked down at the water lapping at the shore, then at the horizon, her tone becoming quietly grave.]
The days are dark that have descended upon us now. Friends are few. When I heard that you had wandered here, I thought perhaps... I might have been granted an opportunity to repair what was damaged.
If you wish to leave now, however... I will not stop you, nor hold it against you.
*Vengeance raised up, masking an expression of confusion. She wasn't mad at him. She wanted to try and...fix things? That surprised him. usually when he did something that broke a relationship, he'd be casted aside. Sure some didn't let wrong doings even chip at it, like his sister, but no one tried to tend to wounds before when it came to him.
Nobody had ever let him do that before.*
I...I don't want to leave. I just thought I wasn't welcome ever since...that. Honestly I should be the one to try and fix this. I was the one who damaged it in the first place, afterall. Been feeling like a bad presence for you and your people.
*Forcing his heartbeat to slow, he approached the Empress over the water's edge, crouching down and letting his hand come in contact with the waves of the shore.*
To answer your question...The Sanctuary does feel like a prison these days...an emotional one.
I have no idea what happened during that mission, all I know is that it deprived us of two members, one I deeply care for, and that it also fixed the Zero Point while endangering this place at the same time.
*His eyebrows furrowed*
But I feel like I haven't been given the full image...everyone is acting so weird.
And yet when you came to apologize before, I only forgave you, and made no attempt to meet you at the halfpoint to truly make amends.
[She sighed, closing her eyes.]
On Springfield, I was not well. Forgive my neglect. I should have made a better effort. We both have made mistakes.
[Turning her eyes to the man now kneeling at the water's edge, the Empress smiled faintly as she could see spirits playfully teasing his hand, though he could not see them.]
The Seven, I am told, are sworn to protect the Zero Point above all. The Foundation broke his oath, losing himself to prideful rage, and weaponized the last Shard against the Ice King. In the end, the Foundation fell, the Ice King was betrayed by the Voyager, the Zero Point was reforged, and when the dust settled... the Commander was found in his current condition.
But you are correct. That is not the full picture. And the truth is being held from us.
[She knew the majority of the truth, but not the whole, and she could not tell him...
Letting her left hand fall to her side, she held the right out to Vengeance. An offer of trust.]
If you were troubled, I don't hold it against you! Actually if I knew I would have waited for a better time...I came to apologize because it felt right to do, but I think my apologies were also...a little pathetic especially the one to your Champion-
*Vengeance chuckled slightly, a smile on his face*
When haven't I came across you while looking a little pathetic honestly!? The possession, the apologies...hah. Actually I'm glad to finally be here in normal condition, as far as times permit.
*His expression fell serious once more at the mention of Foundation, and Vengeance shook his head as his hand kept playing with the water. It seemed to calm him and put his head in a perfect place to think.*
Those who don't know how to use their rage fall victims of it. I've seen and heard many say that rage is just...throwing yourself at the enemy and blindly destroying them, and while that is partially true, there is also a part of you that needs to stay alert and keep you from making mistakes that could end you. I know that very well. Foundation didn't, and his massive ego would have never allowed me lend advice, even if my mind hadn't betrayed me in such delicate situation...I just wish we are able to stabilize the Zero Point and have Jones come back to us soon. That is all I care for at the moment.
Because standing with my allies is already embedded into my soul.
*He stood up, taking the Empress' hand in a firm hold. He then looked around, his mind assuming things about his surroundings*
But what about you...Empress? I suppose you've been displaced from your home again, that can't feel great.
[A laugh escaped the Empress in a quiet huff, but her smile quickly died at the mention of her Champion.]
Actually, I require a favor, my friend.
[Laying her left hand over his, she pulled Vengeance a little closer, lowering her voice. Silver glittered softly on her finger.]
On the topic of my Champion... I require your silence. The details are such that I cannot divulge them at this moment, but know this: because you know of him, the lives of my people are in your hands. I cannot press enough the need for absolute secrecy as to his whereabouts at this time.
Tell no one. Not even the Seven.
[She did not mean that as a threat. Threatening a friend would do nothing but harm. But Vengeance needed to remain silent on his knowledge of Eugene, or Geno would come for him.
Taking a steadying breath, the Empress let a little space between them again.]
I have faith that the Zero Point will be stabilized. I daresay that none of us will live to care otherwise if it is not. My concern lies in whose hands it will rest afterwards. Clearly, the Seven are far from infallible.
[That was putting it lightly...
At the question directed at herself, the Empress shook her head with a sad smile.]
It is the way of this place. Impermanence and chaos, eternal change. We are like the waters; we adapt to our surroundings. Water does not complain about how it feels being poured from jar to glass. It simply settles in its new place.
*A strange favor, yet he wasn't going to fail the River Guard again. Not when they sounded so fragile.*
It will be like I have never heard of him, nothing will force his name out of my lips. I promise.
*Vengeance had a reassuring smile plastered onto his face, until the Zero Point was mentioned again, to which he huffed, raising his head*
That's my issue. I don't believe anyone here should have their hands on the point. The Seven have been decimated, we are temporarily without Commander, and any other faction around us is...eugh..-
The Zero Point will rest in its own hands, we must keep only our eyes on it. Pure supervision, so that no other hands can touch it. Not even ours. Whoever attempted to keep control of the Zero Point in ways more than supervision ended up corrupted. I won't let anyone around me face the same end.
*He frowned at her answer, shrugging lightly, looking over at the beach's waves.*
That is true, you and your people are all about water so better act like it, I suppose. Still, it can't be easy at first, especially with how suddenly this can happen.. I-I can't know for sure, I lived like a stray animal my entire life before joining Jones. I've never had to lose my home, 'cause I had none in the first place.
[The Empress sighed, her relief visible in her relaxed shoulders and closed eyes.]
I thank you, my friend. On this Island, we have learned to be much more... cautious.
[Geno was at least less likely to hear more about Eugene from Vengeance...
His opinion on the Zero Point, though, earned a look of exhaustion from the Empress. His words echoed as though read from the same script Geno had built from during their conversation.]
A fool's ideal, I fear, though I feel for the noble heart behind it. Those who hold to it mean well, certainly, and I still place my support behind you, because at this moment the fool's ideal is the best option we have.
Unfortunately, as one sitting in a seat of power, I see it differently. The Zero Point is a thing of immeasurable power, and such a thing attracts the ambitious. I personally have no desire to attempt to hold it, but as we have seen, other powers do. Powers that do not care about the sanctity of life or whatever methods they use to obtain it.
No, something will hold it, whether they should or not. The Seven have failed us, and their ideal has endangered us all. It is up to us to be responsible, and to hold one another accountable, as long as we maintain it.
[She turned back to him, her eyes dimmed, but a gentle smile still on her lips.]
It is not easy, no. It does not become easy even with repetition. We simply learn to endure it. Our connection to the waters remains, and that eases it somewhat, as our home may change, but the waters remain the same.
I see...it's hard to trust anyone with something so powerful but also so fragile, so do understand why I don't exactly think being so handsy onto it is the key to not cause another catastrophe..Then again, perhaps standing all together instead of letting one handle it makes a better shield against ones with a big ego and a thirst of power...we...just have to try them all.
The Seven have been giving me strange vibes since they came back...I have different memories about them, so my own opinion is influenced by default, yet they do not seem anything like Jones remembers them, and neither how I do...they're decimated, tired...vague and creepy...failing seems like it was bound to happen.
*He turned back to her, tilting his head sideways*
Is there something in particular about water that allows to keep connection? Is it just a thing of "as long as it's there" or a thing of believing in your deity's care for your people?
I absolutely agree that none of us should handle it ourselves. Only in situations like this, where we are forced to stabilize it, should any even touch it together. Certainly we should never use it. Such power can only corrupt.
[If only she could warn Vengeance that the Seven had already fallen further than he knew... But she had given her word, and if she broke it, Vengeance would act strange, and Geno would find out. Her people would be wiped out, and their allies would be unable to stop him.]
... I have no trust for the Seven, and I advise you to remain skeptical. Their leader is an oathbreaker. Their ideals have endangered us all. The Seven are not the wise handlers they claim to be.
[Hopefully that would be enough for him to stay free of the "Visitor's" trap...
His question about the water was a welcome diversion. The Empress smiled, thinking back to the conversation where she had truly begun to count him as a friend.]
Have you forgotten our walk by the waters of Lost Lake? I told you about our deity, Ryujin, or Suijin, there, and the charge laid upon us to tend the waters.
I suppose I did not tell you all, though.
[Motioning for Venge to join her as she knelt by the water, the Empress held her hand out, palm up, to the surface.]
Will you show yourselves, my little friends?
[The water moved languidly as usual, until a ripple disturbed its surface. A tiny hand, barely bigger than her fingers and clear as crystal, reached up and rested on her palm, and a tiny humanlike face followed. The little creature was as transparent as a water droplet, and it giggled as it looked up at Vengeance before ducking back under and vanishing entirely.]
Wasn't planning on changing my ideal of them. They may know nothing of what I remember of them, but I'm not forgiving someone with either one of those faces. Ever.
*His fist clenched as altered memories surfaced, his spiral quickly going quiet once more as the Empress motioned him to join her.
He obviously remembered their conversation, yet apparently he missed a piece of the full image on that topic too. Expecting a fish or any kind of aquatic animal, Vengeance's eyes lit up in what best could be described as extreme surprise when the little creature raised to surface. A loud gasp escaped his chest*
What is that!?
*As the little creature went down, Vengeance fully crouched infront of the water, his nose just a few inches away from the ripple that was yet to still.*
It looked like a little baby...
*His hand hovered over the water surface a few times, unsure he had any power to let that happen himself. Yet he wanted to see the little creature again so bad! Turning his head to Mizuki, a sparkle (perhaps caused by a few tears threatening to spill-) in his eyes screamed the question his vocal chords were too stunned to translate...
Of course not. An oathbreaker can never be trusted again. It is poor form to speak ill of the dead, but it is his own fault for succumbing to pride and hubris.
[The Empress watched with quiet joy as Vengeance was overcome by awe. The little creatures were undeniably adorable, and they had clearly won his heart on sight.]
These are the spirits of the water, our charges. They are what we tend, and they aid us in turn. It is through them that we gain our power, and through them that I gather most of the events of the Island. They are the children of Ryujin, and we are their keepers.
[His silent request brought a smile to her face.]
You may try. It is up to them to interact or not. But do not be sad if not. They are very shy, even to those of the Guard. Even my Champion has not directly seen them.
*Vengeance hesitantly extended an hand, afraid of startling the spirits, his voice soft like a whisper as he tried to reassure the little creatures of his friendliness*
It's okay...there's no need to be scared...I'm a friend...
*After a small moment, a new ripple formed on the surface, and three spirits peeked out of the water, observing Vengeance and his hand with big curious eyes. Vengeance remained still, but his composure quickly collapsed when one of the spirits extended a small hand and placed it over his proportionally larger fingers.
His chest heaved as a small sob escaped, the large man now reduced to a teary-eyed mess with fatherly insticts.*
How did I live this whole time without knowing you little cuties existed-? You're so precious...I want to protect you...
[The spirits being so trusting surprised the Empress, but it was ultimately their decision. They knew Vengeance now very well. They knew enough to decide.
She smiled softly at Vengeance as he started to cry, drifting her fingertips through the water, feeling another bump against her hand.]
Protecting them is our charge, my friend. Fear not for them. For your part, simply treat all natural bodies of water with respect. Where there is water, there are natural spirits. They will favor you if you respect their homes.
[Whispers began to spread between the spirits as the one who reached out touched Venge's hand. Such contact was rare, and most avoided it, because they were attuned to the spiritual, and many people carried burdens on their souls that the little creatures did not wish to share. Vengeance himself was one of the heaviest, only a glance could tell that.
Yet touch his hand they did, and now they were chattering emphatically between themselves, though to him it would only sound like chirps. The Empress listened intently, her expression suddenly growing worried.
Trying to be gentle and not upset him, she reached out and eased his hand away from the water, catching his attention with concern in her eyes.]
Vengeance... why do they whisper of another within you? Are you aware of a stray soul attached to your own?
*If Visitor being weird wasn't enough, now his sister seemed weird too. Sure she looked and acted normal, but there was an hint of something...something neither him or VisiVenge could catch. And that caused him to feel rather uneasy around the Sanctuary. Eventually he had realized he had never gone out ever since he had returned from his last emergency visit at the farm to help Guernsey on the Joey situation, and came to the conclusion that the lack of fresh air was probably messing with his perception of people.
And so @vengeance-jones-fn had exited the Sanctuary, taking an deep breath of fresh air and letting his brain just go on auto-pilot.
Now very much zoned-out, he began walking, unaware of the growing distance from the Sanctuary, which let him to eventually to be found wandering around Golden Grove.*
[The Empress had had a very amusing morning. Their resident sprite-loving apothecary-in-training (sort of) Kaeru had bounced up to her, happily displaying the ugliest sprite the Empress had ever seen. It looked distressingly similar to Fishstick, but significantly more vacant behind the eyes.
Nevertheless, Kaeru seemed utterly delighted with the unsettling creature, and the Empress couldn't help but laugh with her at the absurd goggling expression on its face.
Of course, now the Empress had a different problem on her hands. Clearly Kaeru's education required augmentation, as the girl had insisted that the sprite was called a "fih". If she didn't even know the word "fish", perhaps she should not be handling medicines...
This was the train of thought interrupted by the sighting of Vengeance Jones on her coastline. The spirits said that he seemed to be wandering aimlessly, occasionally pausing on his meanderings but never really adjusting his course.
Vengeance Jones.... The name brought a pang of heaviness to the Empress' heart. The last time they had spoken, he had been in shambles over a disastrous prank. Before that, she would have said they were good friends. Now?...
... Now she had greater worries... And she needed every friend she could keep close.
This was the purpose with which the Empress set out to intercept Vengeance, approaching from the golden woods just a stone's throw from the beach where he was walking. Her presence was deliberately nonthreatening, and her tone friendly.]
Well met, Vengeance Jones. I take it that the caverns of Sanctuary are too confining for your liking?
*Being 100% zoned out of it had made Vengeance unaware of the sights changing and the ground under his feet turning into sand. He could only feel the surface sustaining him become softer, and softness always prompted Vengeance to nestle. He had sat on the sand for a moment when the voice snapped his brain into awareness once more. Turning around and seeing the Empress, Vengeance let out a seemingly startled noise, scrambling to his feet and stiffening up.
The Empress!? How was she here!? Wait. Where was he!? This wasn't Sanctuary! Had he wandered into the Empress' territory without knowing? He probably wasn't exactly welcome here if that was the case...yet he couldn't exactly bolt now...
Ignoring an hallucination of VisiVenge pulling at his arm to try and leave, Vengeance's large figure bowed deeply infront of the Empress.*
...It is certainly an honor to be in your Presence, Your Imperial Majesty.
*Titles. The one sign needed to understand Vengeance felt incredibly inferior.*
[Even with the space between them, the Empress could hear Venge's heart rate spike. That and the excessive formality told her everything.
He was afraid of her.
How far their friendship had deteriorated... and over a single thoughtless jest.
Folding her hands behind her back, the Empress moved down to the water's edge, eyes still on her unexpected guest.]
Fear not, Vengeance. You are as welcome here as you have ever been. I will not harm you. I wish only to speak with one who I once called a dear friend.
[She looked down at the water lapping at the shore, then at the horizon, her tone becoming quietly grave.]
The days are dark that have descended upon us now. Friends are few. When I heard that you had wandered here, I thought perhaps... I might have been granted an opportunity to repair what was damaged.
If you wish to leave now, however... I will not stop you, nor hold it against you.
*Vengeance raised up, masking an expression of confusion. She wasn't mad at him. She wanted to try and...fix things? That surprised him. usually when he did something that broke a relationship, he'd be casted aside. Sure some didn't let wrong doings even chip at it, like his sister, but no one tried to tend to wounds before when it came to him.
Nobody had ever let him do that before.*
I...I don't want to leave. I just thought I wasn't welcome ever since...that. Honestly I should be the one to try and fix this. I was the one who damaged it in the first place, afterall. Been feeling like a bad presence for you and your people.
*Forcing his heartbeat to slow, he approached the Empress over the water's edge, crouching down and letting his hand come in contact with the waves of the shore.*
To answer your question...The Sanctuary does feel like a prison these days...an emotional one.
I have no idea what happened during that mission, all I know is that it deprived us of two members, one I deeply care for, and that it also fixed the Zero Point while endangering this place at the same time.
*His eyebrows furrowed*
But I feel like I haven't been given the full image...everyone is acting so weird.
And yet when you came to apologize before, I only forgave you, and made no attempt to meet you at the halfpoint to truly make amends.
[She sighed, closing her eyes.]
On Springfield, I was not well. Forgive my neglect. I should have made a better effort. We both have made mistakes.
[Turning her eyes to the man now kneeling at the water's edge, the Empress smiled faintly as she could see spirits playfully teasing his hand, though he could not see them.]
The Seven, I am told, are sworn to protect the Zero Point above all. The Foundation broke his oath, losing himself to prideful rage, and weaponized the last Shard against the Ice King. In the end, the Foundation fell, the Ice King was betrayed by the Voyager, the Zero Point was reforged, and when the dust settled... the Commander was found in his current condition.
But you are correct. That is not the full picture. And the truth is being held from us.
[She knew the majority of the truth, but not the whole, and she could not tell him...
Letting her left hand fall to her side, she held the right out to Vengeance. An offer of trust.]
If you were troubled, I don't hold it against you! Actually if I knew I would have waited for a better time...I came to apologize because it felt right to do, but I think my apologies were also...a little pathetic especially the one to your Champion-
*Vengeance chuckled slightly, a smile on his face*
When haven't I came across you while looking a little pathetic honestly!? The possession, the apologies...hah. Actually I'm glad to finally be here in normal condition, as far as times permit.
*His expression fell serious once more at the mention of Foundation, and Vengeance shook his head as his hand kept playing with the water. It seemed to calm him and put his head in a perfect place to think.*
Those who don't know how to use their rage fall victims of it. I've seen and heard many say that rage is just...throwing yourself at the enemy and blindly destroying them, and while that is partially true, there is also a part of you that needs to stay alert and keep you from making mistakes that could end you. I know that very well. Foundation didn't, and his massive ego would have never allowed me lend advice, even if my mind hadn't betrayed me in such delicate situation...I just wish we are able to stabilize the Zero Point and have Jones come back to us soon. That is all I care for at the moment.
Because standing with my allies is already embedded into my soul.
*He stood up, taking the Empress' hand in a firm hold. He then looked around, his mind assuming things about his surroundings*
But what about you...Empress? I suppose you've been displaced from your home again, that can't feel great.
[A laugh escaped the Empress in a quiet huff, but her smile quickly died at the mention of her Champion.]
Actually, I require a favor, my friend.
[Laying her left hand over his, she pulled Vengeance a little closer, lowering her voice. Silver glittered softly on her finger.]
On the topic of my Champion... I require your silence. The details are such that I cannot divulge them at this moment, but know this: because you know of him, the lives of my people are in your hands. I cannot press enough the need for absolute secrecy as to his whereabouts at this time.
Tell no one. Not even the Seven.
[She did not mean that as a threat. Threatening a friend would do nothing but harm. But Vengeance needed to remain silent on his knowledge of Eugene, or Geno would come for him.
Taking a steadying breath, the Empress let a little space between them again.]
I have faith that the Zero Point will be stabilized. I daresay that none of us will live to care otherwise if it is not. My concern lies in whose hands it will rest afterwards. Clearly, the Seven are far from infallible.
[That was putting it lightly...
At the question directed at herself, the Empress shook her head with a sad smile.]
It is the way of this place. Impermanence and chaos, eternal change. We are like the waters; we adapt to our surroundings. Water does not complain about how it feels being poured from jar to glass. It simply settles in its new place.
*A strange favor, yet he wasn't going to fail the River Guard again. Not when they sounded so fragile.*
It will be like I have never heard of him, nothing will force his name out of my lips. I promise.
*Vengeance had a reassuring smile plastered onto his face, until the Zero Point was mentioned again, to which he huffed, raising his head*
That's my issue. I don't believe anyone here should have their hands on the point. The Seven have been decimated, we are temporarily without Commander, and any other faction around us is...eugh..-
The Zero Point will rest in its own hands, we must keep only our eyes on it. Pure supervision, so that no other hands can touch it. Not even ours. Whoever attempted to keep control of the Zero Point in ways more than supervision ended up corrupted. I won't let anyone around me face the same end.
*He frowned at her answer, shrugging lightly, looking over at the beach's waves.*
That is true, you and your people are all about water so better act like it, I suppose. Still, it can't be easy at first, especially with how suddenly this can happen.. I-I can't know for sure, I lived like a stray animal my entire life before joining Jones. I've never had to lose my home, 'cause I had none in the first place.
[The Empress sighed, her relief visible in her relaxed shoulders and closed eyes.]
I thank you, my friend. On this Island, we have learned to be much more... cautious.
[Geno was at least less likely to hear more about Eugene from Vengeance...
His opinion on the Zero Point, though, earned a look of exhaustion from the Empress. His words echoed as though read from the same script Geno had built from during their conversation.]
A fool's ideal, I fear, though I feel for the noble heart behind it. Those who hold to it mean well, certainly, and I still place my support behind you, because at this moment the fool's ideal is the best option we have.
Unfortunately, as one sitting in a seat of power, I see it differently. The Zero Point is a thing of immeasurable power, and such a thing attracts the ambitious. I personally have no desire to attempt to hold it, but as we have seen, other powers do. Powers that do not care about the sanctity of life or whatever methods they use to obtain it.
No, something will hold it, whether they should or not. The Seven have failed us, and their ideal has endangered us all. It is up to us to be responsible, and to hold one another accountable, as long as we maintain it.
[She turned back to him, her eyes dimmed, but a gentle smile still on her lips.]
It is not easy, no. It does not become easy even with repetition. We simply learn to endure it. Our connection to the waters remains, and that eases it somewhat, as our home may change, but the waters remain the same.
I see...it's hard to trust anyone with something so powerful but also so fragile, so do understand why I don't exactly think being so handsy onto it is the key to not cause another catastrophe..Then again, perhaps standing all together instead of letting one handle it makes a better shield against ones with a big ego and a thirst of power...we...just have to try them all.
The Seven have been giving me strange vibes since they came back...I have different memories about them, so my own opinion is influenced by default, yet they do not seem anything like Jones remembers them, and neither how I do...they're decimated, tired...vague and creepy...failing seems like it was bound to happen.
*He turned back to her, tilting his head sideways*
Is there something in particular about water that allows to keep connection? Is it just a thing of "as long as it's there" or a thing of believing in your deity's care for your people?
I absolutely agree that none of us should handle it ourselves. Only in situations like this, where we are forced to stabilize it, should any even touch it together. Certainly we should never use it. Such power can only corrupt.
[If only she could warn Vengeance that the Seven had already fallen further than he knew... But she had given her word, and if she broke it, Vengeance would act strange, and Geno would find out. Her people would be wiped out, and their allies would be unable to stop him.]
... I have no trust for the Seven, and I advise you to remain skeptical. Their leader is an oathbreaker. Their ideals have endangered us all. The Seven are not the wise handlers they claim to be.
[Hopefully that would be enough for him to stay free of the "Visitor's" trap...
His question about the water was a welcome diversion. The Empress smiled, thinking back to the conversation where she had truly begun to count him as a friend.]
Have you forgotten our walk by the waters of Lost Lake? I told you about our deity, Ryujin, or Suijin, there, and the charge laid upon us to tend the waters.
I suppose I did not tell you all, though.
[Motioning for Venge to join her as she knelt by the water, the Empress held her hand out, palm up, to the surface.]
Will you show yourselves, my little friends?
[The water moved languidly as usual, until a ripple disturbed its surface. A tiny hand, barely bigger than her fingers and clear as crystal, reached up and rested on her palm, and a tiny humanlike face followed. The little creature was as transparent as a water droplet, and it giggled as it looked up at Vengeance before ducking back under and vanishing entirely.]
Wasn't planning on changing my ideal of them. They may know nothing of what I remember of them, but I'm not forgiving someone with either one of those faces. Ever.
*His fist clenched as altered memories surfaced, his spiral quickly going quiet once more as the Empress motioned him to join her.
He obviously remembered their conversation, yet apparently he missed a piece of the full image on that topic too. Expecting a fish or any kind of aquatic animal, Vengeance's eyes lit up in what best could be described as extreme surprise when the little creature raised to surface. A loud gasp escaped his chest*
What is that!?
*As the little creature went down, Vengeance fully crouched infront of the water, his nose just a few inches away from the ripple that was yet to still.*
It looked like a little baby...
*His hand hovered over the water surface a few times, unsure he had any power to let that happen himself. Yet he wanted to see the little creature again so bad! Turning his head to Mizuki, a sparkle (perhaps caused by a few tears threatening to spill-) in his eyes screamed the question his vocal chords were too stunned to translate...
Of course not. An oathbreaker can never be trusted again. It is poor form to speak ill of the dead, but it is his own fault for succumbing to pride and hubris.
[The Empress watched with quiet joy as Vengeance was overcome by awe. The little creatures were undeniably adorable, and they had clearly won his heart on sight.]
These are the spirits of the water, our charges. They are what we tend, and they aid us in turn. It is through them that we gain our power, and through them that I gather most of the events of the Island. They are the children of Ryujin, and we are their keepers.
[His silent request brought a smile to her face.]
You may try. It is up to them to interact or not. But do not be sad if not. They are very shy, even to those of the Guard. Even my Champion has not directly seen them.
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*If Visitor being weird wasn't enough, now his sister seemed weird too. Sure she looked and acted normal, but there was an hint of something...something neither him or VisiVenge could catch. And that caused him to feel rather uneasy around the Sanctuary. Eventually he had realized he had never gone out ever since he had returned from his last emergency visit at the farm to help Guernsey on the Joey situation, and came to the conclusion that the lack of fresh air was probably messing with his perception of people.
And so @vengeance-jones-fn had exited the Sanctuary, taking an deep breath of fresh air and letting his brain just go on auto-pilot.
Now very much zoned-out, he began walking, unaware of the growing distance from the Sanctuary, which let him to eventually to be found wandering around Golden Grove.*
[The Empress had had a very amusing morning. Their resident sprite-loving apothecary-in-training (sort of) Kaeru had bounced up to her, happily displaying the ugliest sprite the Empress had ever seen. It looked distressingly similar to Fishstick, but significantly more vacant behind the eyes.
Nevertheless, Kaeru seemed utterly delighted with the unsettling creature, and the Empress couldn't help but laugh with her at the absurd goggling expression on its face.
Of course, now the Empress had a different problem on her hands. Clearly Kaeru's education required augmentation, as the girl had insisted that the sprite was called a "fih". If she didn't even know the word "fish", perhaps she should not be handling medicines...
This was the train of thought interrupted by the sighting of Vengeance Jones on her coastline. The spirits said that he seemed to be wandering aimlessly, occasionally pausing on his meanderings but never really adjusting his course.
Vengeance Jones.... The name brought a pang of heaviness to the Empress' heart. The last time they had spoken, he had been in shambles over a disastrous prank. Before that, she would have said they were good friends. Now?...
... Now she had greater worries... And she needed every friend she could keep close.
This was the purpose with which the Empress set out to intercept Vengeance, approaching from the golden woods just a stone's throw from the beach where he was walking. Her presence was deliberately nonthreatening, and her tone friendly.]
Well met, Vengeance Jones. I take it that the caverns of Sanctuary are too confining for your liking?
*Being 100% zoned out of it had made Vengeance unaware of the sights changing and the ground under his feet turning into sand. He could only feel the surface sustaining him become softer, and softness always prompted Vengeance to nestle. He had sat on the sand for a moment when the voice snapped his brain into awareness once more. Turning around and seeing the Empress, Vengeance let out a seemingly startled noise, scrambling to his feet and stiffening up.
The Empress!? How was she here!? Wait. Where was he!? This wasn't Sanctuary! Had he wandered into the Empress' territory without knowing? He probably wasn't exactly welcome here if that was the case...yet he couldn't exactly bolt now...
Ignoring an hallucination of VisiVenge pulling at his arm to try and leave, Vengeance's large figure bowed deeply infront of the Empress.*
...It is certainly an honor to be in your Presence, Your Imperial Majesty.
*Titles. The one sign needed to understand Vengeance felt incredibly inferior.*
[Even with the space between them, the Empress could hear Venge's heart rate spike. That and the excessive formality told her everything.
He was afraid of her.
How far their friendship had deteriorated... and over a single thoughtless jest.
Folding her hands behind her back, the Empress moved down to the water's edge, eyes still on her unexpected guest.]
Fear not, Vengeance. You are as welcome here as you have ever been. I will not harm you. I wish only to speak with one who I once called a dear friend.
[She looked down at the water lapping at the shore, then at the horizon, her tone becoming quietly grave.]
The days are dark that have descended upon us now. Friends are few. When I heard that you had wandered here, I thought perhaps... I might have been granted an opportunity to repair what was damaged.
If you wish to leave now, however... I will not stop you, nor hold it against you.
*Vengeance raised up, masking an expression of confusion. She wasn't mad at him. She wanted to try and...fix things? That surprised him. usually when he did something that broke a relationship, he'd be casted aside. Sure some didn't let wrong doings even chip at it, like his sister, but no one tried to tend to wounds before when it came to him.
Nobody had ever let him do that before.*
I...I don't want to leave. I just thought I wasn't welcome ever since...that. Honestly I should be the one to try and fix this. I was the one who damaged it in the first place, afterall. Been feeling like a bad presence for you and your people.
*Forcing his heartbeat to slow, he approached the Empress over the water's edge, crouching down and letting his hand come in contact with the waves of the shore.*
To answer your question...The Sanctuary does feel like a prison these days...an emotional one.
I have no idea what happened during that mission, all I know is that it deprived us of two members, one I deeply care for, and that it also fixed the Zero Point while endangering this place at the same time.
*His eyebrows furrowed*
But I feel like I haven't been given the full image...everyone is acting so weird.
And yet when you came to apologize before, I only forgave you, and made no attempt to meet you at the halfpoint to truly make amends.
[She sighed, closing her eyes.]
On Springfield, I was not well. Forgive my neglect. I should have made a better effort. We both have made mistakes.
[Turning her eyes to the man now kneeling at the water's edge, the Empress smiled faintly as she could see spirits playfully teasing his hand, though he could not see them.]
The Seven, I am told, are sworn to protect the Zero Point above all. The Foundation broke his oath, losing himself to prideful rage, and weaponized the last Shard against the Ice King. In the end, the Foundation fell, the Ice King was betrayed by the Voyager, the Zero Point was reforged, and when the dust settled... the Commander was found in his current condition.
But you are correct. That is not the full picture. And the truth is being held from us.
[She knew the majority of the truth, but not the whole, and she could not tell him...
Letting her left hand fall to her side, she held the right out to Vengeance. An offer of trust.]
If you were troubled, I don't hold it against you! Actually if I knew I would have waited for a better time...I came to apologize because it felt right to do, but I think my apologies were also...a little pathetic especially the one to your Champion-
*Vengeance chuckled slightly, a smile on his face*
When haven't I came across you while looking a little pathetic honestly!? The possession, the apologies...hah. Actually I'm glad to finally be here in normal condition, as far as times permit.
*His expression fell serious once more at the mention of Foundation, and Vengeance shook his head as his hand kept playing with the water. It seemed to calm him and put his head in a perfect place to think.*
Those who don't know how to use their rage fall victims of it. I've seen and heard many say that rage is just...throwing yourself at the enemy and blindly destroying them, and while that is partially true, there is also a part of you that needs to stay alert and keep you from making mistakes that could end you. I know that very well. Foundation didn't, and his massive ego would have never allowed me lend advice, even if my mind hadn't betrayed me in such delicate situation...I just wish we are able to stabilize the Zero Point and have Jones come back to us soon. That is all I care for at the moment.
Because standing with my allies is already embedded into my soul.
*He stood up, taking the Empress' hand in a firm hold. He then looked around, his mind assuming things about his surroundings*
But what about you...Empress? I suppose you've been displaced from your home again, that can't feel great.
[A laugh escaped the Empress in a quiet huff, but her smile quickly died at the mention of her Champion.]
Actually, I require a favor, my friend.
[Laying her left hand over his, she pulled Vengeance a little closer, lowering her voice. Silver glittered softly on her finger.]
On the topic of my Champion... I require your silence. The details are such that I cannot divulge them at this moment, but know this: because you know of him, the lives of my people are in your hands. I cannot press enough the need for absolute secrecy as to his whereabouts at this time.
Tell no one. Not even the Seven.
[She did not mean that as a threat. Threatening a friend would do nothing but harm. But Vengeance needed to remain silent on his knowledge of Eugene, or Geno would come for him.
Taking a steadying breath, the Empress let a little space between them again.]
I have faith that the Zero Point will be stabilized. I daresay that none of us will live to care otherwise if it is not. My concern lies in whose hands it will rest afterwards. Clearly, the Seven are far from infallible.
[That was putting it lightly...
At the question directed at herself, the Empress shook her head with a sad smile.]
It is the way of this place. Impermanence and chaos, eternal change. We are like the waters; we adapt to our surroundings. Water does not complain about how it feels being poured from jar to glass. It simply settles in its new place.
*A strange favor, yet he wasn't going to fail the River Guard again. Not when they sounded so fragile.*
It will be like I have never heard of him, nothing will force his name out of my lips. I promise.
*Vengeance had a reassuring smile plastered onto his face, until the Zero Point was mentioned again, to which he huffed, raising his head*
That's my issue. I don't believe anyone here should have their hands on the point. The Seven have been decimated, we are temporarily without Commander, and any other faction around us is...eugh..-
The Zero Point will rest in its own hands, we must keep only our eyes on it. Pure supervision, so that no other hands can touch it. Not even ours. Whoever attempted to keep control of the Zero Point in ways more than supervision ended up corrupted. I won't let anyone around me face the same end.
*He frowned at her answer, shrugging lightly, looking over at the beach's waves.*
That is true, you and your people are all about water so better act like it, I suppose. Still, it can't be easy at first, especially with how suddenly this can happen.. I-I can't know for sure, I lived like a stray animal my entire life before joining Jones. I've never had to lose my home, 'cause I had none in the first place.
[The Empress sighed, her relief visible in her relaxed shoulders and closed eyes.]
I thank you, my friend. On this Island, we have learned to be much more... cautious.
[Geno was at least less likely to hear more about Eugene from Vengeance...
His opinion on the Zero Point, though, earned a look of exhaustion from the Empress. His words echoed as though read from the same script Geno had built from during their conversation.]
A fool's ideal, I fear, though I feel for the noble heart behind it. Those who hold to it mean well, certainly, and I still place my support behind you, because at this moment the fool's ideal is the best option we have.
Unfortunately, as one sitting in a seat of power, I see it differently. The Zero Point is a thing of immeasurable power, and such a thing attracts the ambitious. I personally have no desire to attempt to hold it, but as we have seen, other powers do. Powers that do not care about the sanctity of life or whatever methods they use to obtain it.
No, something will hold it, whether they should or not. The Seven have failed us, and their ideal has endangered us all. It is up to us to be responsible, and to hold one another accountable, as long as we maintain it.
[She turned back to him, her eyes dimmed, but a gentle smile still on her lips.]
It is not easy, no. It does not become easy even with repetition. We simply learn to endure it. Our connection to the waters remains, and that eases it somewhat, as our home may change, but the waters remain the same.
I see...it's hard to trust anyone with something so powerful but also so fragile, so do understand why I don't exactly think being so handsy onto it is the key to not cause another catastrophe..Then again, perhaps standing all together instead of letting one handle it makes a better shield against ones with a big ego and a thirst of power...we...just have to try them all.
The Seven have been giving me strange vibes since they came back...I have different memories about them, so my own opinion is influenced by default, yet they do not seem anything like Jones remembers them, and neither how I do...they're decimated, tired...vague and creepy...failing seems like it was bound to happen.
*He turned back to her, tilting his head sideways*
Is there something in particular about water that allows to keep connection? Is it just a thing of "as long as it's there" or a thing of believing in your deity's care for your people?
I absolutely agree that none of us should handle it ourselves. Only in situations like this, where we are forced to stabilize it, should any even touch it together. Certainly we should never use it. Such power can only corrupt.
[If only she could warn Vengeance that the Seven had already fallen further than he knew... But she had given her word, and if she broke it, Vengeance would act strange, and Geno would find out. Her people would be wiped out, and their allies would be unable to stop him.]
... I have no trust for the Seven, and I advise you to remain skeptical. Their leader is an oathbreaker. Their ideals have endangered us all. The Seven are not the wise handlers they claim to be.
[Hopefully that would be enough for him to stay free of the "Visitor's" trap...
His question about the water was a welcome diversion. The Empress smiled, thinking back to the conversation where she had truly begun to count him as a friend.]
Have you forgotten our walk by the waters of Lost Lake? I told you about our deity, Ryujin, or Suijin, there, and the charge laid upon us to tend the waters.
I suppose I did not tell you all, though.
[Motioning for Venge to join her as she knelt by the water, the Empress held her hand out, palm up, to the surface.]
Will you show yourselves, my little friends?
[The water moved languidly as usual, until a ripple disturbed its surface. A tiny hand, barely bigger than her fingers and clear as crystal, reached up and rested on her palm, and a tiny humanlike face followed. The little creature was as transparent as a water droplet, and it giggled as it looked up at Vengeance before ducking back under and vanishing entirely.]
*If Visitor being weird wasn't enough, now his sister seemed weird too. Sure she looked and acted normal, but there was an hint of something...something neither him or VisiVenge could catch. And that caused him to feel rather uneasy around the Sanctuary. Eventually he had realized he had never gone out ever since he had returned from his last emergency visit at the farm to help Guernsey on the Joey situation, and came to the conclusion that the lack of fresh air was probably messing with his perception of people.
And so @vengeance-jones-fn had exited the Sanctuary, taking an deep breath of fresh air and letting his brain just go on auto-pilot.
Now very much zoned-out, he began walking, unaware of the growing distance from the Sanctuary, which let him to eventually to be found wandering around Golden Grove.*
[The Empress had had a very amusing morning. Their resident sprite-loving apothecary-in-training (sort of) Kaeru had bounced up to her, happily displaying the ugliest sprite the Empress had ever seen. It looked distressingly similar to Fishstick, but significantly more vacant behind the eyes.
Nevertheless, Kaeru seemed utterly delighted with the unsettling creature, and the Empress couldn't help but laugh with her at the absurd goggling expression on its face.
Of course, now the Empress had a different problem on her hands. Clearly Kaeru's education required augmentation, as the girl had insisted that the sprite was called a "fih". If she didn't even know the word "fish", perhaps she should not be handling medicines...
This was the train of thought interrupted by the sighting of Vengeance Jones on her coastline. The spirits said that he seemed to be wandering aimlessly, occasionally pausing on his meanderings but never really adjusting his course.
Vengeance Jones.... The name brought a pang of heaviness to the Empress' heart. The last time they had spoken, he had been in shambles over a disastrous prank. Before that, she would have said they were good friends. Now?...
... Now she had greater worries... And she needed every friend she could keep close.
This was the purpose with which the Empress set out to intercept Vengeance, approaching from the golden woods just a stone's throw from the beach where he was walking. Her presence was deliberately nonthreatening, and her tone friendly.]
Well met, Vengeance Jones. I take it that the caverns of Sanctuary are too confining for your liking?
*Being 100% zoned out of it had made Vengeance unaware of the sights changing and the ground under his feet turning into sand. He could only feel the surface sustaining him become softer, and softness always prompted Vengeance to nestle. He had sat on the sand for a moment when the voice snapped his brain into awareness once more. Turning around and seeing the Empress, Vengeance let out a seemingly startled noise, scrambling to his feet and stiffening up.
The Empress!? How was she here!? Wait. Where was he!? This wasn't Sanctuary! Had he wandered into the Empress' territory without knowing? He probably wasn't exactly welcome here if that was the case...yet he couldn't exactly bolt now...
Ignoring an hallucination of VisiVenge pulling at his arm to try and leave, Vengeance's large figure bowed deeply infront of the Empress.*
...It is certainly an honor to be in your Presence, Your Imperial Majesty.
*Titles. The one sign needed to understand Vengeance felt incredibly inferior.*
[Even with the space between them, the Empress could hear Venge's heart rate spike. That and the excessive formality told her everything.
He was afraid of her.
How far their friendship had deteriorated... and over a single thoughtless jest.
Folding her hands behind her back, the Empress moved down to the water's edge, eyes still on her unexpected guest.]
Fear not, Vengeance. You are as welcome here as you have ever been. I will not harm you. I wish only to speak with one who I once called a dear friend.
[She looked down at the water lapping at the shore, then at the horizon, her tone becoming quietly grave.]
The days are dark that have descended upon us now. Friends are few. When I heard that you had wandered here, I thought perhaps... I might have been granted an opportunity to repair what was damaged.
If you wish to leave now, however... I will not stop you, nor hold it against you.
*Vengeance raised up, masking an expression of confusion. She wasn't mad at him. She wanted to try and...fix things? That surprised him. usually when he did something that broke a relationship, he'd be casted aside. Sure some didn't let wrong doings even chip at it, like his sister, but no one tried to tend to wounds before when it came to him.
Nobody had ever let him do that before.*
I...I don't want to leave. I just thought I wasn't welcome ever since...that. Honestly I should be the one to try and fix this. I was the one who damaged it in the first place, afterall. Been feeling like a bad presence for you and your people.
*Forcing his heartbeat to slow, he approached the Empress over the water's edge, crouching down and letting his hand come in contact with the waves of the shore.*
To answer your question...The Sanctuary does feel like a prison these days...an emotional one.
I have no idea what happened during that mission, all I know is that it deprived us of two members, one I deeply care for, and that it also fixed the Zero Point while endangering this place at the same time.
*His eyebrows furrowed*
But I feel like I haven't been given the full image...everyone is acting so weird.
And yet when you came to apologize before, I only forgave you, and made no attempt to meet you at the halfpoint to truly make amends.
[She sighed, closing her eyes.]
On Springfield, I was not well. Forgive my neglect. I should have made a better effort. We both have made mistakes.
[Turning her eyes to the man now kneeling at the water's edge, the Empress smiled faintly as she could see spirits playfully teasing his hand, though he could not see them.]
The Seven, I am told, are sworn to protect the Zero Point above all. The Foundation broke his oath, losing himself to prideful rage, and weaponized the last Shard against the Ice King. In the end, the Foundation fell, the Ice King was betrayed by the Voyager, the Zero Point was reforged, and when the dust settled... the Commander was found in his current condition.
But you are correct. That is not the full picture. And the truth is being held from us.
[She knew the majority of the truth, but not the whole, and she could not tell him...
Letting her left hand fall to her side, she held the right out to Vengeance. An offer of trust.]
If you were troubled, I don't hold it against you! Actually if I knew I would have waited for a better time...I came to apologize because it felt right to do, but I think my apologies were also...a little pathetic especially the one to your Champion-
*Vengeance chuckled slightly, a smile on his face*
When haven't I came across you while looking a little pathetic honestly!? The possession, the apologies...hah. Actually I'm glad to finally be here in normal condition, as far as times permit.
*His expression fell serious once more at the mention of Foundation, and Vengeance shook his head as his hand kept playing with the water. It seemed to calm him and put his head in a perfect place to think.*
Those who don't know how to use their rage fall victims of it. I've seen and heard many say that rage is just...throwing yourself at the enemy and blindly destroying them, and while that is partially true, there is also a part of you that needs to stay alert and keep you from making mistakes that could end you. I know that very well. Foundation didn't, and his massive ego would have never allowed me lend advice, even if my mind hadn't betrayed me in such delicate situation...I just wish we are able to stabilize the Zero Point and have Jones come back to us soon. That is all I care for at the moment.
Because standing with my allies is already embedded into my soul.
*He stood up, taking the Empress' hand in a firm hold. He then looked around, his mind assuming things about his surroundings*
But what about you...Empress? I suppose you've been displaced from your home again, that can't feel great.
[A laugh escaped the Empress in a quiet huff, but her smile quickly died at the mention of her Champion.]
Actually, I require a favor, my friend.
[Laying her left hand over his, she pulled Vengeance a little closer, lowering her voice. Silver glittered softly on her finger.]
On the topic of my Champion... I require your silence. The details are such that I cannot divulge them at this moment, but know this: because you know of him, the lives of my people are in your hands. I cannot press enough the need for absolute secrecy as to his whereabouts at this time.
Tell no one. Not even the Seven.
[She did not mean that as a threat. Threatening a friend would do nothing but harm. But Vengeance needed to remain silent on his knowledge of Eugene, or Geno would come for him.
Taking a steadying breath, the Empress let a little space between them again.]
I have faith that the Zero Point will be stabilized. I daresay that none of us will live to care otherwise if it is not. My concern lies in whose hands it will rest afterwards. Clearly, the Seven are far from infallible.
[That was putting it lightly...
At the question directed at herself, the Empress shook her head with a sad smile.]
It is the way of this place. Impermanence and chaos, eternal change. We are like the waters; we adapt to our surroundings. Water does not complain about how it feels being poured from jar to glass. It simply settles in its new place.
*A strange favor, yet he wasn't going to fail the River Guard again. Not when they sounded so fragile.*
It will be like I have never heard of him, nothing will force his name out of my lips. I promise.
*Vengeance had a reassuring smile plastered onto his face, until the Zero Point was mentioned again, to which he huffed, raising his head*
That's my issue. I don't believe anyone here should have their hands on the point. The Seven have been decimated, we are temporarily without Commander, and any other faction around us is...eugh..-
The Zero Point will rest in its own hands, we must keep only our eyes on it. Pure supervision, so that no other hands can touch it. Not even ours. Whoever attempted to keep control of the Zero Point in ways more than supervision ended up corrupted. I won't let anyone around me face the same end.
*He frowned at her answer, shrugging lightly, looking over at the beach's waves.*
That is true, you and your people are all about water so better act like it, I suppose. Still, it can't be easy at first, especially with how suddenly this can happen.. I-I can't know for sure, I lived like a stray animal my entire life before joining Jones. I've never had to lose my home, 'cause I had none in the first place.
[The Empress sighed, her relief visible in her relaxed shoulders and closed eyes.]
I thank you, my friend. On this Island, we have learned to be much more... cautious.
[Geno was at least less likely to hear more about Eugene from Vengeance...
His opinion on the Zero Point, though, earned a look of exhaustion from the Empress. His words echoed as though read from the same script Geno had built from during their conversation.]
A fool's ideal, I fear, though I feel for the noble heart behind it. Those who hold to it mean well, certainly, and I still place my support behind you, because at this moment the fool's ideal is the best option we have.
Unfortunately, as one sitting in a seat of power, I see it differently. The Zero Point is a thing of immeasurable power, and such a thing attracts the ambitious. I personally have no desire to attempt to hold it, but as we have seen, other powers do. Powers that do not care about the sanctity of life or whatever methods they use to obtain it.
No, something will hold it, whether they should or not. The Seven have failed us, and their ideal has endangered us all. It is up to us to be responsible, and to hold one another accountable, as long as we maintain it.
[She turned back to him, her eyes dimmed, but a gentle smile still on her lips.]
It is not easy, no. It does not become easy even with repetition. We simply learn to endure it. Our connection to the waters remains, and that eases it somewhat, as our home may change, but the waters remain the same.
*If Visitor being weird wasn't enough, now his sister seemed weird too. Sure she looked and acted normal, but there was an hint of something...something neither him or VisiVenge could catch. And that caused him to feel rather uneasy around the Sanctuary. Eventually he had realized he had never gone out ever since he had returned from his last emergency visit at the farm to help Guernsey on the Joey situation, and came to the conclusion that the lack of fresh air was probably messing with his perception of people.
And so @vengeance-jones-fn had exited the Sanctuary, taking an deep breath of fresh air and letting his brain just go on auto-pilot.
Now very much zoned-out, he began walking, unaware of the growing distance from the Sanctuary, which let him to eventually to be found wandering around Golden Grove.*
[The Empress had had a very amusing morning. Their resident sprite-loving apothecary-in-training (sort of) Kaeru had bounced up to her, happily displaying the ugliest sprite the Empress had ever seen. It looked distressingly similar to Fishstick, but significantly more vacant behind the eyes.
Nevertheless, Kaeru seemed utterly delighted with the unsettling creature, and the Empress couldn't help but laugh with her at the absurd goggling expression on its face.
Of course, now the Empress had a different problem on her hands. Clearly Kaeru's education required augmentation, as the girl had insisted that the sprite was called a "fih". If she didn't even know the word "fish", perhaps she should not be handling medicines...
This was the train of thought interrupted by the sighting of Vengeance Jones on her coastline. The spirits said that he seemed to be wandering aimlessly, occasionally pausing on his meanderings but never really adjusting his course.
Vengeance Jones.... The name brought a pang of heaviness to the Empress' heart. The last time they had spoken, he had been in shambles over a disastrous prank. Before that, she would have said they were good friends. Now?...
... Now she had greater worries... And she needed every friend she could keep close.
This was the purpose with which the Empress set out to intercept Vengeance, approaching from the golden woods just a stone's throw from the beach where he was walking. Her presence was deliberately nonthreatening, and her tone friendly.]
Well met, Vengeance Jones. I take it that the caverns of Sanctuary are too confining for your liking?
*Being 100% zoned out of it had made Vengeance unaware of the sights changing and the ground under his feet turning into sand. He could only feel the surface sustaining him become softer, and softness always prompted Vengeance to nestle. He had sat on the sand for a moment when the voice snapped his brain into awareness once more. Turning around and seeing the Empress, Vengeance let out a seemingly startled noise, scrambling to his feet and stiffening up.
The Empress!? How was she here!? Wait. Where was he!? This wasn't Sanctuary! Had he wandered into the Empress' territory without knowing? He probably wasn't exactly welcome here if that was the case...yet he couldn't exactly bolt now...
Ignoring an hallucination of VisiVenge pulling at his arm to try and leave, Vengeance's large figure bowed deeply infront of the Empress.*
...It is certainly an honor to be in your Presence, Your Imperial Majesty.
*Titles. The one sign needed to understand Vengeance felt incredibly inferior.*
[Even with the space between them, the Empress could hear Venge's heart rate spike. That and the excessive formality told her everything.
He was afraid of her.
How far their friendship had deteriorated... and over a single thoughtless jest.
Folding her hands behind her back, the Empress moved down to the water's edge, eyes still on her unexpected guest.]
Fear not, Vengeance. You are as welcome here as you have ever been. I will not harm you. I wish only to speak with one who I once called a dear friend.
[She looked down at the water lapping at the shore, then at the horizon, her tone becoming quietly grave.]
The days are dark that have descended upon us now. Friends are few. When I heard that you had wandered here, I thought perhaps... I might have been granted an opportunity to repair what was damaged.
If you wish to leave now, however... I will not stop you, nor hold it against you.
*Vengeance raised up, masking an expression of confusion. She wasn't mad at him. She wanted to try and...fix things? That surprised him. usually when he did something that broke a relationship, he'd be casted aside. Sure some didn't let wrong doings even chip at it, like his sister, but no one tried to tend to wounds before when it came to him.
Nobody had ever let him do that before.*
I...I don't want to leave. I just thought I wasn't welcome ever since...that. Honestly I should be the one to try and fix this. I was the one who damaged it in the first place, afterall. Been feeling like a bad presence for you and your people.
*Forcing his heartbeat to slow, he approached the Empress over the water's edge, crouching down and letting his hand come in contact with the waves of the shore.*
To answer your question...The Sanctuary does feel like a prison these days...an emotional one.
I have no idea what happened during that mission, all I know is that it deprived us of two members, one I deeply care for, and that it also fixed the Zero Point while endangering this place at the same time.
*His eyebrows furrowed*
But I feel like I haven't been given the full image...everyone is acting so weird.
And yet when you came to apologize before, I only forgave you, and made no attempt to meet you at the halfpoint to truly make amends.
[She sighed, closing her eyes.]
On Springfield, I was not well. Forgive my neglect. I should have made a better effort. We both have made mistakes.
[Turning her eyes to the man now kneeling at the water's edge, the Empress smiled faintly as she could see spirits playfully teasing his hand, though he could not see them.]
The Seven, I am told, are sworn to protect the Zero Point above all. The Foundation broke his oath, losing himself to prideful rage, and weaponized the last Shard against the Ice King. In the end, the Foundation fell, the Ice King was betrayed by the Voyager, the Zero Point was reforged, and when the dust settled... the Commander was found in his current condition.
But you are correct. That is not the full picture. And the truth is being held from us.
[She knew the majority of the truth, but not the whole, and she could not tell him...
Letting her left hand fall to her side, she held the right out to Vengeance. An offer of trust.]
If you were troubled, I don't hold it against you! Actually if I knew I would have waited for a better time...I came to apologize because it felt right to do, but I think my apologies were also...a little pathetic especially the one to your Champion-
*Vengeance chuckled slightly, a smile on his face*
When haven't I came across you while looking a little pathetic honestly!? The possession, the apologies...hah. Actually I'm glad to finally be here in normal condition, as far as times permit.
*His expression fell serious once more at the mention of Foundation, and Vengeance shook his head as his hand kept playing with the water. It seemed to calm him and put his head in a perfect place to think.*
Those who don't know how to use their rage fall victims of it. I've seen and heard many say that rage is just...throwing yourself at the enemy and blindly destroying them, and while that is partially true, there is also a part of you that needs to stay alert and keep you from making mistakes that could end you. I know that very well. Foundation didn't, and his massive ego would have never allowed me lend advice, even if my mind hadn't betrayed me in such delicate situation...I just wish we are able to stabilize the Zero Point and have Jones come back to us soon. That is all I care for at the moment.
Because standing with my allies is already embedded into my soul.
*He stood up, taking the Empress' hand in a firm hold. He then looked around, his mind assuming things about his surroundings*
But what about you...Empress? I suppose you've been displaced from your home again, that can't feel great.
[A laugh escaped the Empress in a quiet huff, but her smile quickly died at the mention of her Champion.]
Actually, I require a favor, my friend.
[Laying her left hand over his, she pulled Vengeance a little closer, lowering her voice. Silver glittered softly on her finger.]
On the topic of my Champion... I require your silence. The details are such that I cannot divulge them at this moment, but know this: because you know of him, the lives of my people are in your hands. I cannot press enough the need for absolute secrecy as to his whereabouts at this time.
Tell no one. Not even the Seven.
[She did not mean that as a threat. Threatening a friend would do nothing but harm. But Vengeance needed to remain silent on his knowledge of Eugene, or Geno would come for him.
Taking a steadying breath, the Empress let a little space between them again.]
I have faith that the Zero Point will be stabilized. I daresay that none of us will live to care otherwise if it is not. My concern lies in whose hands it will rest afterwards. Clearly, the Seven are far from infallible.
[That was putting it lightly...
At the question directed at herself, the Empress shook her head with a sad smile.]
It is the way of this place. Impermanence and chaos, eternal change. We are like the waters; we adapt to our surroundings. Water does not complain about how it feels being poured from jar to glass. It simply settles in its new place.
*If Visitor being weird wasn't enough, now his sister seemed weird too. Sure she looked and acted normal, but there was an hint of something...something neither him or VisiVenge could catch. And that caused him to feel rather uneasy around the Sanctuary. Eventually he had realized he had never gone out ever since he had returned from his last emergency visit at the farm to help Guernsey on the Joey situation, and came to the conclusion that the lack of fresh air was probably messing with his perception of people.
And so @vengeance-jones-fn had exited the Sanctuary, taking an deep breath of fresh air and letting his brain just go on auto-pilot.
Now very much zoned-out, he began walking, unaware of the growing distance from the Sanctuary, which let him to eventually to be found wandering around Golden Grove.*
[The Empress had had a very amusing morning. Their resident sprite-loving apothecary-in-training (sort of) Kaeru had bounced up to her, happily displaying the ugliest sprite the Empress had ever seen. It looked distressingly similar to Fishstick, but significantly more vacant behind the eyes.
Nevertheless, Kaeru seemed utterly delighted with the unsettling creature, and the Empress couldn't help but laugh with her at the absurd goggling expression on its face.
Of course, now the Empress had a different problem on her hands. Clearly Kaeru's education required augmentation, as the girl had insisted that the sprite was called a "fih". If she didn't even know the word "fish", perhaps she should not be handling medicines...
This was the train of thought interrupted by the sighting of Vengeance Jones on her coastline. The spirits said that he seemed to be wandering aimlessly, occasionally pausing on his meanderings but never really adjusting his course.
Vengeance Jones.... The name brought a pang of heaviness to the Empress' heart. The last time they had spoken, he had been in shambles over a disastrous prank. Before that, she would have said they were good friends. Now?...
... Now she had greater worries... And she needed every friend she could keep close.
This was the purpose with which the Empress set out to intercept Vengeance, approaching from the golden woods just a stone's throw from the beach where he was walking. Her presence was deliberately nonthreatening, and her tone friendly.]
Well met, Vengeance Jones. I take it that the caverns of Sanctuary are too confining for your liking?
*Being 100% zoned out of it had made Vengeance unaware of the sights changing and the ground under his feet turning into sand. He could only feel the surface sustaining him become softer, and softness always prompted Vengeance to nestle. He had sat on the sand for a moment when the voice snapped his brain into awareness once more. Turning around and seeing the Empress, Vengeance let out a seemingly startled noise, scrambling to his feet and stiffening up.
The Empress!? How was she here!? Wait. Where was he!? This wasn't Sanctuary! Had he wandered into the Empress' territory without knowing? He probably wasn't exactly welcome here if that was the case...yet he couldn't exactly bolt now...
Ignoring an hallucination of VisiVenge pulling at his arm to try and leave, Vengeance's large figure bowed deeply infront of the Empress.*
...It is certainly an honor to be in your Presence, Your Imperial Majesty.
*Titles. The one sign needed to understand Vengeance felt incredibly inferior.*
[Even with the space between them, the Empress could hear Venge's heart rate spike. That and the excessive formality told her everything.
He was afraid of her.
How far their friendship had deteriorated... and over a single thoughtless jest.
Folding her hands behind her back, the Empress moved down to the water's edge, eyes still on her unexpected guest.]
Fear not, Vengeance. You are as welcome here as you have ever been. I will not harm you. I wish only to speak with one who I once called a dear friend.
[She looked down at the water lapping at the shore, then at the horizon, her tone becoming quietly grave.]
The days are dark that have descended upon us now. Friends are few. When I heard that you had wandered here, I thought perhaps... I might have been granted an opportunity to repair what was damaged.
If you wish to leave now, however... I will not stop you, nor hold it against you.
*Vengeance raised up, masking an expression of confusion. She wasn't mad at him. She wanted to try and...fix things? That surprised him. usually when he did something that broke a relationship, he'd be casted aside. Sure some didn't let wrong doings even chip at it, like his sister, but no one tried to tend to wounds before when it came to him.
Nobody had ever let him do that before.*
I...I don't want to leave. I just thought I wasn't welcome ever since...that. Honestly I should be the one to try and fix this. I was the one who damaged it in the first place, afterall. Been feeling like a bad presence for you and your people.
*Forcing his heartbeat to slow, he approached the Empress over the water's edge, crouching down and letting his hand come in contact with the waves of the shore.*
To answer your question...The Sanctuary does feel like a prison these days...an emotional one.
I have no idea what happened during that mission, all I know is that it deprived us of two members, one I deeply care for, and that it also fixed the Zero Point while endangering this place at the same time.
*His eyebrows furrowed*
But I feel like I haven't been given the full image...everyone is acting so weird.
And yet when you came to apologize before, I only forgave you, and made no attempt to meet you at the halfpoint to truly make amends.
[She sighed, closing her eyes.]
On Springfield, I was not well. Forgive my neglect. I should have made a better effort. We both have made mistakes.
[Turning her eyes to the man now kneeling at the water's edge, the Empress smiled faintly as she could see spirits playfully teasing his hand, though he could not see them.]
The Seven, I am told, are sworn to protect the Zero Point above all. The Foundation broke his oath, losing himself to prideful rage, and weaponized the last Shard against the Ice King. In the end, the Foundation fell, the Ice King was betrayed by the Voyager, the Zero Point was reforged, and when the dust settled... the Commander was found in his current condition.
But you are correct. That is not the full picture. And the truth is being held from us.
[She knew the majority of the truth, but not the whole, and she could not tell him...
Letting her left hand fall to her side, she held the right out to Vengeance. An offer of trust.]
*If Visitor being weird wasn't enough, now his sister seemed weird too. Sure she looked and acted normal, but there was an hint of something...something neither him or VisiVenge could catch. And that caused him to feel rather uneasy around the Sanctuary. Eventually he had realized he had never gone out ever since he had returned from his last emergency visit at the farm to help Guernsey on the Joey situation, and came to the conclusion that the lack of fresh air was probably messing with his perception of people.
And so @vengeance-jones-fn had exited the Sanctuary, taking an deep breath of fresh air and letting his brain just go on auto-pilot.
Now very much zoned-out, he began walking, unaware of the growing distance from the Sanctuary, which let him to eventually to be found wandering around Golden Grove.*
[The Empress had had a very amusing morning. Their resident sprite-loving apothecary-in-training (sort of) Kaeru had bounced up to her, happily displaying the ugliest sprite the Empress had ever seen. It looked distressingly similar to Fishstick, but significantly more vacant behind the eyes.
Nevertheless, Kaeru seemed utterly delighted with the unsettling creature, and the Empress couldn't help but laugh with her at the absurd goggling expression on its face.
Of course, now the Empress had a different problem on her hands. Clearly Kaeru's education required augmentation, as the girl had insisted that the sprite was called a "fih". If she didn't even know the word "fish", perhaps she should not be handling medicines...
This was the train of thought interrupted by the sighting of Vengeance Jones on her coastline. The spirits said that he seemed to be wandering aimlessly, occasionally pausing on his meanderings but never really adjusting his course.
Vengeance Jones.... The name brought a pang of heaviness to the Empress' heart. The last time they had spoken, he had been in shambles over a disastrous prank. Before that, she would have said they were good friends. Now?...
... Now she had greater worries... And she needed every friend she could keep close.
This was the purpose with which the Empress set out to intercept Vengeance, approaching from the golden woods just a stone's throw from the beach where he was walking. Her presence was deliberately nonthreatening, and her tone friendly.]
Well met, Vengeance Jones. I take it that the caverns of Sanctuary are too confining for your liking?
*Being 100% zoned out of it had made Vengeance unaware of the sights changing and the ground under his feet turning into sand. He could only feel the surface sustaining him become softer, and softness always prompted Vengeance to nestle. He had sat on the sand for a moment when the voice snapped his brain into awareness once more. Turning around and seeing the Empress, Vengeance let out a seemingly startled noise, scrambling to his feet and stiffening up.
The Empress!? How was she here!? Wait. Where was he!? This wasn't Sanctuary! Had he wandered into the Empress' territory without knowing? He probably wasn't exactly welcome here if that was the case...yet he couldn't exactly bolt now...
Ignoring an hallucination of VisiVenge pulling at his arm to try and leave, Vengeance's large figure bowed deeply infront of the Empress.*
...It is certainly an honor to be in your Presence, Your Imperial Majesty.
*Titles. The one sign needed to understand Vengeance felt incredibly inferior.*
[Even with the space between them, the Empress could hear Venge's heart rate spike. That and the excessive formality told her everything.
He was afraid of her.
How far their friendship had deteriorated... and over a single thoughtless jest.
Folding her hands behind her back, the Empress moved down to the water's edge, eyes still on her unexpected guest.]
Fear not, Vengeance. You are as welcome here as you have ever been. I will not harm you. I wish only to speak with one who I once called a dear friend.
[She looked down at the water lapping at the shore, then at the horizon, her tone becoming quietly grave.]
The days are dark that have descended upon us now. Friends are few. When I heard that you had wandered here, I thought perhaps... I might have been granted an opportunity to repair what was damaged.
If you wish to leave now, however... I will not stop you, nor hold it against you.
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*If Visitor being weird wasn't enough, now his sister seemed weird too. Sure she looked and acted normal, but there was an hint of something...something neither him or VisiVenge could catch. And that caused him to feel rather uneasy around the Sanctuary. Eventually he had realized he had never gone out ever since he had returned from his last emergency visit at the farm to help Guernsey on the Joey situation, and came to the conclusion that the lack of fresh air was probably messing with his perception of people.
And so @vengeance-jones-fn had exited the Sanctuary, taking an deep breath of fresh air and letting his brain just go on auto-pilot.
Now very much zoned-out, he began walking, unaware of the growing distance from the Sanctuary, which let him to eventually to be found wandering around Golden Grove.*
[The Empress had had a very amusing morning. Their resident sprite-loving apothecary-in-training (sort of) Kaeru had bounced up to her, happily displaying the ugliest sprite the Empress had ever seen. It looked distressingly similar to Fishstick, but significantly more vacant behind the eyes.
Nevertheless, Kaeru seemed utterly delighted with the unsettling creature, and the Empress couldn't help but laugh with her at the absurd goggling expression on its face.
Of course, now the Empress had a different problem on her hands. Clearly Kaeru's education required augmentation, as the girl had insisted that the sprite was called a "fih". If she didn't even know the word "fish", perhaps she should not be handling medicines...
This was the train of thought interrupted by the sighting of Vengeance Jones on her coastline. The spirits said that he seemed to be wandering aimlessly, occasionally pausing on his meanderings but never really adjusting his course.
Vengeance Jones.... The name brought a pang of heaviness to the Empress' heart. The last time they had spoken, he had been in shambles over a disastrous prank. Before that, she would have said they were good friends. Now?...
... Now she had greater worries... And she needed every friend she could keep close.
This was the purpose with which the Empress set out to intercept Vengeance, approaching from the golden woods just a stone's throw from the beach where he was walking. Her presence was deliberately nonthreatening, and her tone friendly.]
Well met, Vengeance Jones. I take it that the caverns of Sanctuary are too confining for your liking?
*Guernsey stepped through the rift into Golden Grove, his eyes puffy and wet. As he took the time to read through Joey's letters, the storm sickness had begun to spread to his livestock, and it was a horrible thing for him to watch. It affected his animals differently then Joey, but he had been shedding a lot of tears over their condition; and Joey's too, for that matter.*
*But he'd read things within Joey's letters; he knew this was where he needed to be. He knew he could ask for help here, so be carefully began looking around.*
Your majesty? I'm sorry to drop by unannounced, but I've got something important to talk to you about!!
[All of the Empress' Guard knew Guernsey by sight since Joey's visits to Lost Lake, so the moment he was spotted on the grounds, calling for the Empress, one of the Guard immediately approached and gently escorted Guernsey to the main hall where the Empress was seated.
The Empress herself was rather surprised to see Guernsey outside of his farm, and the fear the poor man's eyes held concerned her.
First thing first, however, she stepped away from the seat that served as her throne here and took Guernsey's hands with a smile.]
Well met, sweet prince. To what do I owe your sudden visit? How may the River Guard aid you?
*Guernsey quietly thanked the guard before The Empress approched, but when she did, she had his full attention. He sniffled softly, giving her a small smile in return. It was good to see her, even under such circumstances.*
Somethings happened, your majesty.. to Joey.
He has storm sickness, really bad storm sickness; at least, thats that Venge told me. I had to call him to help me, cause Joey was being mean and scary. And now its not just him thats sick, its my girls- my cows are sick too, and-
*He had to pause, fresh tears starting to stream down his cheeks as he looked down towards The Empress' shoes. He knew it was rude not to look at someone while he talked, but it was hard to keep eye contact with tears fogged eyes.*
Joey's letters.. The ones he got from you. They mentioned Kendo. I read he did a lot of good for the island, and I.. I was wondering if he could help me help Joey and my girls; if you'd help me ask for his help.
[Feeling her heart drop into her stomach, the Empress controlled her features so as not to add stress to poor Guernsey.
Letting him catch his breath so he could speak, she gently brushed away the tears streaming down Guernsey's face, but her mind was only half listening.
Her friend was in trouble, and it wasn't safe for her to go to him. Indeed, Guernsey had no idea how much danger he'd just put himself in by coming here, what with the "Visitor" watching her.
The Guard's medic, Caspian, was just passing through with some supplies, and the Empress caught his arm.]
Fetch me our young prince, Caspian, and return with him when you do. I have need of you.
[As Caspian vanished in search of Kendo, the Empress rested a hand on Guernsey's shoulder.]
Breathe, dear one. Kendo is on his way. Whatever can be done, I know he will do to the utmost.
I believe you.. its just been- really, really hard.
*Guernsey tried to take deep breathes, but sobs exploded from his throat. He'd had quiet moments of tears frequently, forcing himself to stay busy to look for help.. look for anything that might help his brother and cows, but-*
*He was falling apart and terrified. He has his cows to worry about, his brother to worry about.. and even knowing Joey was sick, he's.. he's still afraid of his brother. He hates to admit that to himself, but he is scared of his brother; scared he will be yelled at or hurt again, even if Joey wouldn't even dream of hurting him in his right mind.*
I'm sorry, your majesty.. I- I'm trying to breathe, I promise.
*His apology came out shaky as he tried to dry his tears with his sleeve, trying to compose himself. He didn't cry very often, but times like now, he cries as hard as his body can take.*
[The Empress guided Guernsey to a seat, gently helping him down and letting him lean on her to cry. It took a good bit for him to get back to breathing normally, but eventually the sobbing slowed.
Caspian would be back soon with Kendo, so the window she had was short, but for his safety she had to take it. As soon as he was stable enough to listen, the Empress set a chair across from Guernsey, taking his hands in hers and making him look at her.]
You are very brave to have come here for help, and I will give it. But I need you to give me a promise in return, dear one.
This Island is extremely dangerous at the moment. You are far too precious to be risked. I need your promise that once you leave to return home, you will not set foot on this Island again until I or Commander Jones tells you that it is safe. You, Joey, and Syd must all remain in your reality until the danger is passed.
*Guernsey stared a moment, processing her words. Joey had been.. right? Even in his delusional state? He thought for another short moment, but nodded.*
I promise.. I'll stay back home after this. And I'll make sure Syd and Joey do too.
*He wondered what was so dangerous on the island.. What he was supposed to be hiding from. He hoped everyone would be okay, if it was something so dangerous he was being made promise to stay away. He couldn't worry about that on top of everything else right now, however.. Or, he shouldn't; he might anyway.*
Are.. You, going to be okay, your majesty? You still have that champion guy to protect you, right? To protect you from.. whatever is so dangerous here?
[A sigh of relief was cut short at Guernsey's question concerning her Champion.
Truthfully, even Eugene couldn't know at this point if he could keep her safe. Not from Geno. But Guernsey could never be told that.
Sometimes the responsibility of the crown - and of a friend - required good acting. The Empress smiled gently, not a trace of the apprehension she felt visible even in her eyes.]
Of course, dear one. My Champion will defend me. But we cannot defend you here, so you must return home.
[This lie made her sick to her stomach, but it was necessary. He had to believe she would be safe, or he would fret himself to death over what he could not affect.
Ah, but here came two sets of footsteps, the stride and fall matching Caspian and Kendo. The Empress stood, setting the chair aside once more, but not releasing Guernsey's hand. He might fly apart without a sense of connection.]
[The Empress smiled fondly. Her son was forgetting again that he should only bow to her now. Years of habit and lesser status were difficult to break.]
It seems your name is spreading among those who require aid, my son. Guernsey is here to seek a warrior's blade to protect his family, and came to search for you specifically.
*Guernsey stood and bowed back to Kendo, before sitting back down; he isn't terribly knowledgeable about imperial royalty, or, royalty in general despite his "prince of the underworld" status he gained when adopted; a status he never truly saw himself at. He wasn't sure why Kendo had bowed to him or The Empress.. He's just a guy in his mind still! And The Empress is his mom!!*
*Either way, he took a small breathe and began to explain.*
My brother, Joey, and the cows on my farm are getting sick; storm sickness. Mrs. Sunflower says she thinks its because of the Storm King, and.. I need someone to talk to him, and ask him to stop making my brother and animals sick.
Mrs. Sunflower said someone should "defeat" him, but I think that means kill him, and.. If that has to happen, I need it to, but I don't-
*He began to trail off, his lip quivering a little. His heart is a gentle one; violence never seems like a good solution, and he hates that he has to consider it this time. He wants his brother, niece and animals to be safe.. He wants Sunflower and Hayseed safe, he just- Hates knowing someone may die for it, even if that someone is evil.*
*Kendo had had several encounters recently that had made him aware of this entity, and what he knew of the Storm King, it wasn't good. Beyond the praises Haylee gave about him being a good dad, one only needed to look at Corascana to see the true horror beyond the name.*
*He would not let Guernsey's brother suffer the same fate as Corascana had, not if he could help it. Besides, he was always up for a quest!*
Mother, with your permission, I would like to leave immediately. I know of several friends who have knowledge of the Storm King, and would be able to greatly aid me in this.
*He thought for another moment.*
In regards to your brother, Guernsey, please pick up a good supply of various chocolate products before you return. The darker the better, though you may use your discretion in that regard. Consuming chocolate helps mitigate the effects of possession, and can help buy him some time while we undertake this quest.
