Why do we bother to stay?

...shit.

*feeling the grief from all sides, she quickly decides to pop out of the light near @luherooflegend, because a) her sister was with audrah and b) she most likely needed to stop him from doing something stupid*

Not great, I - we split up like Red used to for the first time since we were mortal. We don't even have actual names it wasn't needed.

*she hums, trying to think of what her sister would do in this situation. look on the bright side, maybe? she always had something positive to say...*

but, uhm, at least you're alive..? and i think red's talked about splitting being a good way to deal with his emotions maybe..? *he has not talked about that*

*that was a terrible attempt. okay. moving on*

...shit.

*feeling the grief from all sides, she quickly decides to pop out of the light near @luherooflegend, because a) her sister was with audrah and b) she most likely needed to stop him from doing something stupid*

*She was grumbling about all of this until she felt the familiar presence of magic-- the presence she'd felt die millenia ago, that she'd been looking for ever since*

*She slowed herself, shoving her excitement down in favor of caution as she slowly approached the source of the presence. Ghirahim... and next to him, a child*

...what the fuck.

@evil-twin-vitale

You're not him. Who are you?

fuck, shit, fuckin'-- kids--

I was trying to protect you, you idiot! This guy's supposed to be dead, and the last time I saw him, he was an illusion made by the god of destruction!

"protect me? I swear to fucking Hylia every time someone see's us together they assume I need to be protected! Do none of you have the ability to read a situation?! He was unarmed and made no move to attack even when you did! That isn't a threat! And he isn't your timelines Ghirahim! Think for a moment before pulling a weapon on someone!"

I don't know if you've heard of it, kid, but there's this thing called manipulation and the only weapon you need to accomplish it is a sharp tongue. And that *she points at ghirahim* is about the sharpest-tongued motherfucker i have ever met

"I cannot manipulate the little prince, because he is my current wielder, and I cannot physically disobey his rules. I revert to sword form if I try."

"in other words" *the very annoyed child continues* "Ghiri can't do shit to me because I own his soul. But because controlling people is a dick move, I set rules instead of giving him direct orders"

"I got him when I was a toddler. That's how powerful."

"his magic is sealed away. I stay because he repaired me and I owe it to him"

*the kid pouts*

"Ghiri! I was trying to be scary!"

"your about as intimidating as a kitten, kid"

you know, this ghirahim is the least assholish one i have ever met. count yourself lucky, kid

*she sighs* well, if the bird hero let you go, you can't be that bad

"well, expose someone who's never known kindness to a ball of sunshine and they usually lighten up"

*Sparrow takes the bottle, slightly confused*

*Ghirahim chuckles*

"we can use it for some milk for Cleo"

*a small hairless cat comes running at her name, meowing happily* "Her full name is Cleo Amaryllis Cuckoo Hyrule The First!"

*Ghirahim smiles* "LADY Cleo Amaryllis Cuckoo Hyrule The First. Use proper titles for members of the royal family, Little Prince"

...prince? what era are you guys from, exactly? the royal line doesn't usually,.. have princes

*the kids magic is strange, a mix of light and dark that almost seems to fight constantly, but the kid doesn't even notice*

*she observes your magic for a moment before sitting down, laying her sword-- her timeline's ghirahim, long dead-- across her lap* can i... can i ask how you were able to repair him? i've been trying for centuries but... i'm not the best with dark magic, and i don't think my light magic helps him at all

*She was grumbling about all of this until she felt the familiar presence of magic-- the presence she'd felt die millenia ago, that she'd been looking for ever since*

*She slowed herself, shoving her excitement down in favor of caution as she slowly approached the source of the presence. Ghirahim... and next to him, a child*

...what the fuck.

@evil-twin-vitale

You're not him. Who are you?

fuck, shit, fuckin'-- kids--

I was trying to protect you, you idiot! This guy's supposed to be dead, and the last time I saw him, he was an illusion made by the god of destruction!

"protect me? I swear to fucking Hylia every time someone see's us together they assume I need to be protected! Do none of you have the ability to read a situation?! He was unarmed and made no move to attack even when you did! That isn't a threat! And he isn't your timelines Ghirahim! Think for a moment before pulling a weapon on someone!"

I don't know if you've heard of it, kid, but there's this thing called manipulation and the only weapon you need to accomplish it is a sharp tongue. And that *she points at ghirahim* is about the sharpest-tongued motherfucker i have ever met

"I cannot manipulate the little prince, because he is my current wielder, and I cannot physically disobey his rules. I revert to sword form if I try."

"in other words" *the very annoyed child continues* "Ghiri can't do shit to me because I own his soul. But because controlling people is a dick move, I set rules instead of giving him direct orders"

"I got him when I was a toddler. That's how powerful."

"his magic is sealed away. I stay because he repaired me and I owe it to him"

*the kid pouts*

"Ghiri! I was trying to be scary!"

"your about as intimidating as a kitten, kid"

you know, this ghirahim is the least assholish one i have ever met. count yourself lucky, kid

*she sighs* well, if the bird hero let you go, you can't be that bad

"well, expose someone who's never known kindness to a ball of sunshine and they usually lighten up"

*Sparrow takes the bottle, slightly confused*

*Ghirahim chuckles*

"we can use it for some milk for Cleo"

*a small hairless cat comes running at her name, meowing happily* "Her full name is Cleo Amaryllis Cuckoo Hyrule The First!"

*Ghirahim smiles* "LADY Cleo Amaryllis Cuckoo Hyrule The First. Use proper titles for members of the royal family, Little Prince"

...prince? what era are you guys from, exactly? the royal line doesn't usually,.. have princes

*the kids magic is strange, a mix of light and dark that almost seems to fight constantly, but the kid doesn't even notice*

*she observes your magic for a moment before sitting down, laying her sword-- her timeline's ghirahim, long dead-- across her lap* can i... can i ask how you were able to repair him? i've been trying for centuries but... i'm not the best with dark magic, and i don't think my light magic helps him at all

*She was grumbling about all of this until she felt the familiar presence of magic-- the presence she'd felt die millenia ago, that she'd been looking for ever since*

*She slowed herself, shoving her excitement down in favor of caution as she slowly approached the source of the presence. Ghirahim... and next to him, a child*

...what the fuck.

@evil-twin-vitale

You're not him. Who are you?

fuck, shit, fuckin'-- kids--

I was trying to protect you, you idiot! This guy's supposed to be dead, and the last time I saw him, he was an illusion made by the god of destruction!

"protect me? I swear to fucking Hylia every time someone see's us together they assume I need to be protected! Do none of you have the ability to read a situation?! He was unarmed and made no move to attack even when you did! That isn't a threat! And he isn't your timelines Ghirahim! Think for a moment before pulling a weapon on someone!"

I don't know if you've heard of it, kid, but there's this thing called manipulation and the only weapon you need to accomplish it is a sharp tongue. And that *she points at ghirahim* is about the sharpest-tongued motherfucker i have ever met

"I cannot manipulate the little prince, because he is my current wielder, and I cannot physically disobey his rules. I revert to sword form if I try."

"in other words" *the very annoyed child continues* "Ghiri can't do shit to me because I own his soul. But because controlling people is a dick move, I set rules instead of giving him direct orders"

"I got him when I was a toddler. That's how powerful."

"his magic is sealed away. I stay because he repaired me and I owe it to him"

*the kid pouts*

"Ghiri! I was trying to be scary!"

"your about as intimidating as a kitten, kid"

you know, this ghirahim is the least assholish one i have ever met. count yourself lucky, kid

*she sighs* well, if the bird hero let you go, you can't be that bad

"well, expose someone who's never known kindness to a ball of sunshine and they usually lighten up"

*Sparrow takes the bottle, slightly confused*

*Ghirahim chuckles*

"we can use it for some milk for Cleo"

*a small hairless cat comes running at her name, meowing happily* "Her full name is Cleo Amaryllis Cuckoo Hyrule The First!"

*Ghirahim smiles* "LADY Cleo Amaryllis Cuckoo Hyrule The First. Use proper titles for members of the royal family, Little Prince"

...prince? what era are you guys from, exactly? the royal line doesn't usually,.. have princes

*She was grumbling about all of this until she felt the familiar presence of magic-- the presence she'd felt die millenia ago, that she'd been looking for ever since*

*She slowed herself, shoving her excitement down in favor of caution as she slowly approached the source of the presence. Ghirahim... and next to him, a child*

...what the fuck.

@evil-twin-vitale

You're not him. Who are you?

fuck, shit, fuckin'-- kids--

I was trying to protect you, you idiot! This guy's supposed to be dead, and the last time I saw him, he was an illusion made by the god of destruction!

"protect me? I swear to fucking Hylia every time someone see's us together they assume I need to be protected! Do none of you have the ability to read a situation?! He was unarmed and made no move to attack even when you did! That isn't a threat! And he isn't your timelines Ghirahim! Think for a moment before pulling a weapon on someone!"

I don't know if you've heard of it, kid, but there's this thing called manipulation and the only weapon you need to accomplish it is a sharp tongue. And that *she points at ghirahim* is about the sharpest-tongued motherfucker i have ever met

"I cannot manipulate the little prince, because he is my current wielder, and I cannot physically disobey his rules. I revert to sword form if I try."

"in other words" *the very annoyed child continues* "Ghiri can't do shit to me because I own his soul. But because controlling people is a dick move, I set rules instead of giving him direct orders"

"I got him when I was a toddler. That's how powerful."

"his magic is sealed away. I stay because he repaired me and I owe it to him"

*the kid pouts*

"Ghiri! I was trying to be scary!"

"your about as intimidating as a kitten, kid"

you know, this ghirahim is the least assholish one i have ever met. count yourself lucky, kid

*she sighs* well, if the bird hero let you go, you can't be that bad

"well, expose someone who's never known kindness to a ball of sunshine and they usually lighten up"

*Sparrow takes the bottle, slightly confused*

*Ghirahim chuckles*

"we can use it for some milk for Cleo"

*She was grumbling about all of this until she felt the familiar presence of magic-- the presence she'd felt die millenia ago, that she'd been looking for ever since*

*She slowed herself, shoving her excitement down in favor of caution as she slowly approached the source of the presence. Ghirahim... and next to him, a child*

...what the fuck.

@evil-twin-vitale

You're not him. Who are you?

fuck, shit, fuckin'-- kids--

I was trying to protect you, you idiot! This guy's supposed to be dead, and the last time I saw him, he was an illusion made by the god of destruction!

"protect me? I swear to fucking Hylia every time someone see's us together they assume I need to be protected! Do none of you have the ability to read a situation?! He was unarmed and made no move to attack even when you did! That isn't a threat! And he isn't your timelines Ghirahim! Think for a moment before pulling a weapon on someone!"

I don't know if you've heard of it, kid, but there's this thing called manipulation and the only weapon you need to accomplish it is a sharp tongue. And that *she points at ghirahim* is about the sharpest-tongued motherfucker i have ever met

"I cannot manipulate the little prince, because he is my current wielder, and I cannot physically disobey his rules. I revert to sword form if I try."

"in other words" *the very annoyed child continues* "Ghiri can't do shit to me because I own his soul. But because controlling people is a dick move, I set rules instead of giving him direct orders"

"I got him when I was a toddler. That's how powerful."

"his magic is sealed away. I stay because he repaired me and I owe it to him"

*the kid pouts*

"Ghiri! I was trying to be scary!"

"your about as intimidating as a kitten, kid"

you know, this ghirahim is the least assholish one i have ever met. count yourself lucky, kid

*she sighs* well, if the bird hero let you go, you can't be that bad

*She was grumbling about all of this until she felt the familiar presence of magic-- the presence she'd felt die millenia ago, that she'd been looking for ever since*

*She slowed herself, shoving her excitement down in favor of caution as she slowly approached the source of the presence. Ghirahim... and next to him, a child*

...what the fuck.

@evil-twin-vitale

You're not him. Who are you?

fuck, shit, fuckin'-- kids--

I was trying to protect you, you idiot! This guy's supposed to be dead, and the last time I saw him, he was an illusion made by the god of destruction!

"protect me? I swear to fucking Hylia every time someone see's us together they assume I need to be protected! Do none of you have the ability to read a situation?! He was unarmed and made no move to attack even when you did! That isn't a threat! And he isn't your timelines Ghirahim! Think for a moment before pulling a weapon on someone!"

I don't know if you've heard of it, kid, but there's this thing called manipulation and the only weapon you need to accomplish it is a sharp tongue. And that *she points at ghirahim* is about the sharpest-tongued motherfucker i have ever met

"I cannot manipulate the little prince, because he is my current wielder, and I cannot physically disobey his rules. I revert to sword form if I try."

"in other words" *the very annoyed child continues* "Ghiri can't do shit to me because I own his soul. But because controlling people is a dick move, I set rules instead of giving him direct orders"

*She was grumbling about all of this until she felt the familiar presence of magic-- the presence she'd felt die millenia ago, that she'd been looking for ever since*

*She slowed herself, shoving her excitement down in favor of caution as she slowly approached the source of the presence. Ghirahim... and next to him, a child*

...what the fuck.

@evil-twin-vitale

You're not him. Who are you?

fuck, shit, fuckin'-- kids--

I was trying to protect you, you idiot! This guy's supposed to be dead, and the last time I saw him, he was an illusion made by the god of destruction!

"protect me? I swear to fucking Hylia every time someone see's us together they assume I need to be protected! Do none of you have the ability to read a situation?! He was unarmed and made no move to attack even when you did! That isn't a threat! And he isn't your timelines Ghirahim! Think for a moment before pulling a weapon on someone!"

I don't know if you've heard of it, kid, but there's this thing called manipulation and the only weapon you need to accomplish it is a sharp tongue. And that *she points at ghirahim* is about the sharpest-tongued motherfucker i have ever met

*She was grumbling about all of this until she felt the familiar presence of magic-- the presence she'd felt die millenia ago, that she'd been looking for ever since*

*She slowed herself, shoving her excitement down in favor of caution as she slowly approached the source of the presence. Ghirahim... and next to him, a child*

...what the fuck.

@evil-twin-vitale

You're not him. Who are you?

fuck, shit, fuckin'-- kids--

I was trying to protect you, you idiot! This guy's supposed to be dead, and the last time I saw him, he was an illusion made by the god of destruction!

*She was grumbling about all of this until she felt the familiar presence of magic-- the presence she'd felt die millenia ago, that she'd been looking for ever since*

*She slowed herself, shoving her excitement down in favor of caution as she slowly approached the source of the presence. Ghirahim... and next to him, a child*

...what the fuck.

@evil-twin-vitale

You're not him. Who are you?

*she also doesn't have enough power to stop the bond between you telling you just how devastated she is*

@evil-twin-vitale

*Audrah comes over with a bowl of blackberries because you said you liked them. She comes to sit down beside you.*

Hey, Calico... how do you feel? Are you... starting to physical heal?

my magic wont be coming back for weeks though...

*she hums, hesitating before slowly moving closer to you*

We... can see about helping your magic. Songbird and Trouble are both able to give off light magic if that helps?

*She stays where she is, letting you come to her. She gives a sad smile.*

I have been... better and I have been worse. I am tired. And angry. But I have outlived the scum that tried to take my children from me and I have them too so I'll survive.

*She feels tired through the twili bond alright, drained in ways she'll never admit but she is alive.*

*she pauses, looking you over. she'd heal you, give you some of her energy if she could, but... that's not an option right now. so instead she moves closer, leaning her head against your shoulder in hopes it makes you feel better*

tul's in the garden-- thorne's garden. i felt her presence just before i left

*She hums softly, leaning to set her head atop your own.*

I'm glad she made it there safely.

yea, she likes it there a lot. i think it's calming to her

...i don't think anyone could fight. a literal god possessing an arguably more powerful demigodess, but okay

*her hands find a stray piece of your hair, beginning to work in a thin braid*

I hope so.... The gardens are lovely.

You'd be surprised how many things I've survived that I shouldn't have — though lots of them include not being alone.

*She smiles a little when you start to braid.*

I am just glad it's helped. I care for you, a lot, you can even ask Gardener.... I did not take your death well... But I want you to be safe, and happy Calico. Whatever that looks like...

I'm grateful I met you. And I'm grateful you saved me from Demise. You're pretty fucking awesome.

i should've been able to-- to help more-- to handle her--

*she sighs, pulling a feather from the remaining stubs of her wings and weaving it into her braid*

i'm sorry. i shouldn't have succumbed so easily

i'm... i haven't felt happy in a long, long time, but you bring me closer. i like being around you

You did help, Vitale. You found her, you stood up for her. You did so well.

*Her smile brightens a little at the feather but falls when you apologize again.*

What? No don't apologize for that. You did amazing no one expects you to be invulnerable.

Oh... Calico... I like being around you too. You make me happy too.

*She smiles again.*

mmh..

*she finishes that braid, tying it off and starting on a new one, weaving ribbons into it this time*

well, i'm nearly a goddess... that's what goddesses are supposed to be. just because my mother was a failure doesn't mean i have the excuse...

*a faint scar that trails from her shoulder to her back suddenly glows white as she grunts, nearly falling onto you* fuck... off...

*she sighs, pulling herself up*

*She stays still as you braid.*

You are not a failure, Viatale. You have never been a failure. I promise you that.

If that's Hylia we can handle her next week?

*She's not sure she can fight Hylia alone, but there's a few people who would like to kick your mother in the shins.*

*she hesitates for a moment*

...we can't just 'deal with' hylia, unfortunately. much as i hate her, the cycle of heroes and princesses needs to keep going to kill the cycle of mini demises

...plus tulsi would be rather upset with me

...mmh. *she rests her head on your shoulder, not quite agreeing with your statement, but too tired to argue*

*She smiles softly when you lean on her shoulder, dropping her head to rest atop your own.*

I don't. We haven't spent much time with each other, but she stayed here for a few days after the fight. My realm has a good amount of shadow magic.

*she sighs* figures...

I have. When I was young, not mortal but not deity. I was angry at Hylia — all versions. I like to think I was a challenge, but who can say.

*She looks over.*

....that or she enjoyed toying with you

*she also doesn't have enough power to stop the bond between you telling you just how devastated she is*

@evil-twin-vitale

*Audrah comes over with a bowl of blackberries because you said you liked them. She comes to sit down beside you.*

Hey, Calico... how do you feel? Are you... starting to physical heal?

my magic wont be coming back for weeks though...

*she hums, hesitating before slowly moving closer to you*

We... can see about helping your magic. Songbird and Trouble are both able to give off light magic if that helps?

*She stays where she is, letting you come to her. She gives a sad smile.*

I have been... better and I have been worse. I am tired. And angry. But I have outlived the scum that tried to take my children from me and I have them too so I'll survive.

*She feels tired through the twili bond alright, drained in ways she'll never admit but she is alive.*

*she pauses, looking you over. she'd heal you, give you some of her energy if she could, but... that's not an option right now. so instead she moves closer, leaning her head against your shoulder in hopes it makes you feel better*

tul's in the garden-- thorne's garden. i felt her presence just before i left

*She hums softly, leaning to set her head atop your own.*

I'm glad she made it there safely.

yea, she likes it there a lot. i think it's calming to her

...i don't think anyone could fight. a literal god possessing an arguably more powerful demigodess, but okay

*her hands find a stray piece of your hair, beginning to work in a thin braid*

I hope so.... The gardens are lovely.

You'd be surprised how many things I've survived that I shouldn't have — though lots of them include not being alone.

*She smiles a little when you start to braid.*

I am just glad it's helped. I care for you, a lot, you can even ask Gardener.... I did not take your death well... But I want you to be safe, and happy Calico. Whatever that looks like...

I'm grateful I met you. And I'm grateful you saved me from Demise. You're pretty fucking awesome.

i should've been able to-- to help more-- to handle her--

*she sighs, pulling a feather from the remaining stubs of her wings and weaving it into her braid*

i'm sorry. i shouldn't have succumbed so easily

i'm... i haven't felt happy in a long, long time, but you bring me closer. i like being around you

You did help, Vitale. You found her, you stood up for her. You did so well.

*Her smile brightens a little at the feather but falls when you apologize again.*

What? No don't apologize for that. You did amazing no one expects you to be invulnerable.

Oh... Calico... I like being around you too. You make me happy too.

*She smiles again.*

mmh..

*she finishes that braid, tying it off and starting on a new one, weaving ribbons into it this time*

well, i'm nearly a goddess... that's what goddesses are supposed to be. just because my mother was a failure doesn't mean i have the excuse...

*a faint scar that trails from her shoulder to her back suddenly glows white as she grunts, nearly falling onto you* fuck... off...

*she sighs, pulling herself up*

*She stays still as you braid.*

You are not a failure, Viatale. You have never been a failure. I promise you that.

If that's Hylia we can handle her next week?

*She's not sure she can fight Hylia alone, but there's a few people who would like to kick your mother in the shins.*

*she hesitates for a moment*

...we can't just 'deal with' hylia, unfortunately. much as i hate her, the cycle of heroes and princesses needs to keep going to kill the cycle of mini demises

...plus tulsi would be rather upset with me

...mmh. *she rests her head on your shoulder, not quite agreeing with your statement, but too tired to argue*

*She smiles softly when you lean on her shoulder, dropping her head to rest atop your own.*

I don't. We haven't spent much time with each other, but she stayed here for a few days after the fight. My realm has a good amount of shadow magic.

*she sighs* figures...