Final.

[azumods]

CREATION. It's the middle of the morning, when the summon finally comes. It comes in the form of the Commanders seeming more formal than usual - there's something in their demeanor that's off, decidedly more stiff than usual, though not in a way that implies they're being controlled; it's just a matter of something happening, and they aren't altogether certain what to do with it, but they're here to bring you the general message that Master Cyrus is waiting for you. They won't wish you luck, for obvious reasons; they will, however, come with you. If this is going to happen today, then they want to be present for it, and they'll accompany you to the top of that massive stairwell in the center of that area you first walked in on. There's a large set of double doors at the top; they've been locked until now, but at the moment they'll open easily at your touch. There's really only one place to go from here. The doors will lead you to a place that appears, for all intents and purposes, to be outside, though it's difficult to say exactly where; there's a chill in the air - this is, of course, a rather cold region, though it isn't as bad as it could be out here - and you seem to be incredibly high up, but the floor still seems solid beneath your feet as opposed to translucent, and there's a railing ringing the outside of the area you've been let out into. Like a balcony of sorts, though it's a massive one, more than enough to accommodate all of you. It's incredibly simple, given that this is apparently where you're going to meet with someone who claimed the title of "god" for himself and hasn't looked back since. Speaking of which, you aren't alone here; Cyrus is present, hands settled on that railing as he looks out over the region for a moment longer. He'll turn to greet you properly after a moment, however; there's a brief gesture to his Commanders - clearly instructing them to stay back near the door, out of the way but more than capable of overseeing what's going to ensue here - before he turns his attention to the group, folding his hands behind his back. "You've come a long way since we first met... And longer still since your journey started. I'm sure you're aware that this isn't as it was in Sunyshore City - should we be required to turn this place into a battlefield, we will do so without hesitation, and despite your actions stemming from deep imperfection, we intend to act without mercy, if it comes to that. "However, I'm sure you have many things you want to say at the moment... Were I opposed to hearing them, there would be little point in allowing you to come here in the first place. Speak your piece; do as you see fit. There's no sense in pretending that we don't all know why you're here."

Comments

[azumods]

Of course.

[He wouldn't call it an "episode", but the point is fair enough.]

It's never been otherwise.

[greydients]

[Rey has suspected that to be the case, after her previous conversations with Cyrus, but it's different hearing it in person - trying to process the ramifications.]

...I want to understand, Cyrus.

[Because if this is all about helping people, at the end of the day, what...could have possibly...]

There are so many ways to help people...what happened to make you think this was the only answer? This...nothingness? Because I think...you understand how I feel. I think you've suffered something similar, and that's why you've taken it away. The ability to feel pain, that horrible emotional pain....

[It could be so debiliatating, and for a person like her, the thought of being able to remove it sounded wonderful...but for someone who hadn't suffered, the idea would be awful...]

If you've brought us here to talk, then...won't you?

[azumods]

...If you're likewise seeking a catalyst, then there isn't any one set incident. Circumstances simply are what they are... The conclusion was simply one that I found unavoidable.

You understand why, don't you?

[greydients]

...you know I do.

[She'd promised herself she wouldn't cry - and she's managed to keep the promise so far - but it's...a struggle.]

Have you ever...opened up to anyone, the way I did to you?

[azumods]

I choose not to. As a matter of personal principle.

[greydients]

...you don't get rid of it if all you do is bury it.

[...]

You made me realize that.

[azumods]

Any problems I may have had have long been dealt with; they're of no concern to anyone anymore.

[greydients]

...

[...]

...I don't know if that's true. Not if you haven't...let anyone in.

[azumods]

[...]

The world is more your immediate concern, isn't it...? As opposed to this.

[greydients]

[Let her shake her head.]

It's your world, isn't it? That makes you my concern. Besides, I'm emotionally complete, aren't I? So I still have empathy.

So if it isn't too late, I'm...happy to help you.

[azumods]

...Consider the gesture appreciated, but unnecessary.

[greydients]

....I understand.

[...]

But you're allowed to include yourself in the list of people you help, you know.

[azumods]

...As I've said, any need I may have had for such a thing has long since been addressed.

[greydients]

Addressed how, if you don't mind me asking?

[azumods]

How do you think...?

[greydients]

....by what you're done to everyone else here. Is that correct?

[azumods]

It is.

[greydients]

[...]

...and that was what drove you to all this. Your childhood.

I'm sorry, Cyrus.

[azumods]

Your sympathy isn't required.

[It's...awkward, though, in a way that implies he's not altogether sure what to do with this.]

You recall what I said to you... About how there's nothing to be done about the things one has gone through, but you can refuse to be held back by it while simultaneously refusing to forgive those who haven't earned it.

As I said then, the path is unpleasant. But it is the one I've found to be most honest.

[greydients]

I know, I just...

[God, let's just be awkward, that sounds like a plan.

...]

It's such a...drastic way to try and help people, that's all. Not everyone wants to process their individual traumas by just...stripping them away entirely. My past is a nightmare, but it made me who I am today, and now that I have friends I can share it with, I...

[...]

...it feels...wonderful. I think you deserve to feel that as well.

[semistableman]

....I can relate to you completely.

[greydients]

[Rey doesn't respond verbally, but the look on her face is...

....she's happy for you, Bucky.]

[azumods]

[...]

Do you really think that no such effort was made...?

[semistableman]

....It's not about that.

This isn't... this isn't something you can just get over.

[greydients]

[....this bodes the complete opposite of well, um]

...will you tell me more?