azume | Restart.

HALL OF ORIGIN.

The Hall of Origin isn't without its accommodations - after all, humans do live here from time to time, with at least one of them a permanent resident, and even with Arceus' release it doesn't see fit to just make the place into the glass-paned OSHA violation that it normally seems to be.

The building itself contains more or less anything you would need after an encounter like this one, whether you want to sleep or locate something to eat, or simply exist around the others for a while; the large hall you first entered into is likely the best for the latter, and you're welcome to gather there for as long as you need. ...Any food is going to be vegan as hell, however, because no one is sure what else you expected.

Cyrus and all three Commanders are present for the time being, and amenable to being approached; granted, Cyrus is going to remain outside with Arceus like the asocial individual that he is. Meanwhile, Saturn and Mars in particular seem...it's difficult to say whether they seem "better" or not, but they don't seem acted upon by the Red Chain's influence anymore. (Which is likely a good thing, whether they consider it to be such or not.)

There are plans to be made, of course, and things to be done; for now, however, feel free to enjoy the present moment. It's been well-earned.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[god bless you, mars, you are doing your best.]

The person I followed for all these years...Noctis isn't around any longer. In concept, I don't have much of a reason to live anymore.

[jesus christ, ignis]

So, I suppose I need to find one.

Oh.

[For a moment, that's all she says.]

I'm sorry. I... honestly can't imagine how difficult that is.

[She can try to imagine it, sure. But her situation isn't exactly the same as Ignis'.]

I think it's good that you're going to look for a reason to keep living.

[...]

I guess that's kind of weird coming from me of all people, huh?

[mars.]

It's...it hurts. It likely will for however long I live. Above all else, he was my friend--and I loved him dearly.

[No point in lying about it, really.]

I was six when we met, and I've never known any other life. I don't know that I exist as an individual person outside of what I fashioned myself into in service to him and to the kingdom. But I...would like to. I should have tried long ago, but it is simply what it is.

And I think...that's what makes spirit worth having. The fact that losing Noct hurts more than I can describe doesn't lessen what I felt and still feel about him. It doesn't make me care less for the world he died to save, or for our friends he's left behind. I'm happy with the life I've led to this point. And I'd like to continue it, even if I'm not sure how.

...I don't think it strange at all, coming from you. You would have killed me for your own loyalty; how can I truly fault you for that when I would have killed anyone who came close to laying a hand on him?

[...]

It sounds like you've been through a lot. I really am sorry you've lost someone so important to you.

I think you'll be okay, though. You've got a lot of really good friends here, and I'm sure they'd all jump in to help you for whatever you need. If you need a direction, I'm sure they'll be there to point you in one. If you need help, they'll be right there. And when you do find what you're looking for, they'll be there to celebrate it with you.

Things probably will be tough at first. But it's admirable that you want to keep going, even when you've lost someone so important.

[To be honest, she's not sure where he gets the strength to keep moving.]

I think I'll be alright. Or if nothing else, I think I'm prepared to give things a try. I'd not have been able to entertain the idea if all this hadn't happened--they're good people, aren't they? Bit of a mess, but so am I.

...Don't tell anyone that. I think a few of them still believe I have some shred of dignity left to me.

[That gets her to laugh.]

Your secret's safe with me, promise.

I know you'll be fine with all of them around. If we're ever in the same area again, maybe you can tell me about what you end up finding.

I do plan to come back, when I can. I've our own world to help set in order, but I can't very well abandon this one after all this time.

...I think I'd like that, if you'll be willing to listen.

Yeah, of course. Whenever you've got the time for it, then.

[She sounds like she's settled; it's not exactly pleased, but it's much more relaxed now.]

I'll do my best not to be so insufferable that you want to kill me, at least.

I'd have to be a little impressed if you managed it again. But yeah, might be a good idea to avoid that.

I like to think I don't make a habit of it.

We'll see how it goes!

Restart.

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