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victory_road2020-09-13 02:07 am
zodiheart) wrote in victory_road2020-09-13 02:07 am
Video, Backdated to 9/8
The grief was crushing, the knowledge that not only had they failed - that he had failed, their last and final hope - but that the sun had shone once more and they were not here to see it shine. His brothers and sisters, his brethren, his loved ones gone forevermore in a fight none of them wanted from the start. He feels his form fade, tears vanishing from his cheeks as the aether which comprises his soul begins to drift away. The tower draws him near, draws him close, and Elidibus isn't sure what is to come next as grief and pain bury him. But surely it cannot be as lonely as-
Suddenly, things change.
The sun warms his cheeks.
The wind caresses his face.
An unfamiliar voice sounds in his ears, and pale eyes snap open behind crimson mask to take in his surroundings - a bedroom? unfamiliar - before an adult woman enters his line of vision. The next few minutes are a whirlwind and Elidibus cannot make sense of exactly what is happening, not after his defeat, his death, not after-
He stands outside now, door locked behind him and pack in his hands. Beside him hovers a creature whose like he has never seen before, and a soft, whispering voice sounds inside of his head. The conversation is brief, but it releases the suffocating grip of emotion in his breast somewhat.
A heavy sigh, before he straightens up, opening the pack to inspect its contents. Gilded claws are careful as he sifts through, and wasn't that a comfort, to still remain dressed in his raiment of office. He finds a change of clothes and strange technology of an unfamiliar make.
Well, should others have been sent here - wherever here may be - perhaps he could use this to contact them. His duty may have been made null in this place, no fragments which he may rejoin, no salvation for the star he had been taken from, but he would still serve as Emissary.
--
[The video begins, showing a man with crimson mask and white cowl. His robes are unmistakable - it is Elidibus. His mouth seems to tighten, before he speaks.]
[The voice is smooth, musical:]
I am Elidibus, Emissary, bearer of the word of Zodiark. It has been brought to my attention that upon my arrival I should make an announcement such as this, and you behold that result.
[He looks to the side, out of the frame, before turning back. His voice wavers, ever so slightly.]
Should there be any among you who know of me, I have been informed that my current location is in one New Bark Town.
[He hesitates, mouth opening to say more, but instead of speaking he closes the video.]
Suddenly, things change.
The sun warms his cheeks.
The wind caresses his face.
An unfamiliar voice sounds in his ears, and pale eyes snap open behind crimson mask to take in his surroundings - a bedroom? unfamiliar - before an adult woman enters his line of vision. The next few minutes are a whirlwind and Elidibus cannot make sense of exactly what is happening, not after his defeat, his death, not after-
He stands outside now, door locked behind him and pack in his hands. Beside him hovers a creature whose like he has never seen before, and a soft, whispering voice sounds inside of his head. The conversation is brief, but it releases the suffocating grip of emotion in his breast somewhat.
A heavy sigh, before he straightens up, opening the pack to inspect its contents. Gilded claws are careful as he sifts through, and wasn't that a comfort, to still remain dressed in his raiment of office. He finds a change of clothes and strange technology of an unfamiliar make.
Well, should others have been sent here - wherever here may be - perhaps he could use this to contact them. His duty may have been made null in this place, no fragments which he may rejoin, no salvation for the star he had been taken from, but he would still serve as Emissary.
[The video begins, showing a man with crimson mask and white cowl. His robes are unmistakable - it is Elidibus. His mouth seems to tighten, before he speaks.]
[The voice is smooth, musical:]
I am Elidibus, Emissary, bearer of the word of Zodiark. It has been brought to my attention that upon my arrival I should make an announcement such as this, and you behold that result.
[He looks to the side, out of the frame, before turning back. His voice wavers, ever so slightly.]
Should there be any among you who know of me, I have been informed that my current location is in one New Bark Town.
[He hesitates, mouth opening to say more, but instead of speaking he closes the video.]
Re: video; privated
I come from after you, then. You fought. You fell. I dealt with the consequences as best as I was able, but...
[His voice grows uneven, but he pushes onward.] I fought. I fell. The rains ceased and the sun began to shine, but none of you were there to see it.
no subject
That he would fall. That Elidibus would fall, too. Maybe his faith was not poorly placed, yet such a victory is hardly worthy of the name. Nearly lost in thought, his expression betraying this fact with how distant and grim it has grown, he's brought back to the moment when he hears that last bit.
Did...did he hear that correct? Forgive him the stupefied expression as he stares at the feed for a moment longer than he'd have liked, but really he—]
...You remember.
[He should probably say more than that, shouldn't he? When he speaks, it isn't a question, but a statement. One filled with what sounds to be relief.]
That would suggest that our little hero delivered your crystal—as well as found Azem's... I suppose I should apologize—
no subject
That I do. Everything.
[He raises a hand to halt Emet's apology.]
You have nothing for which you must apologize. If anything, I should thank you. [His voice grows more fervent.] You returned me to myself. I cannot... I do not have words, for that.
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I had tried sooner, you know. [He chides softly.] Would that it were not under such grim circumstances...
[He shakes his head.]
Better not to dwell, I suppose. Though you need not thank me. You would do the same for me, after all.
no subject
[His lips turn down, slightly, and his voice wavers yet again.]
I left you alone, for untold years. With Lahabrea in the condition he was, it was not fair to do such a thing. Regardless of my physical presence, you were alone to hold on to...everything. I will do everything in my power to rectify this.
no subject
Elidibus had already stated that he remembered all, but this was undeniable proof. That he would call him by his name and not his title, that he would remember it unprompted...
But so too would his voice waver, that he would apologize to Hades for leaving him alone. As if it was not Hades who had hid behind his mortal portrayals, and while he indeed did his duty, he cannot in good conscience deny why he preferred their company to that of his compeers.
It was not resentment for them, but grief. That they were so worn down, that they were shells of who they once were, that he would be the one burdened to remember, burdened to solitude through a mind not yet frayed nor burnt to ash.]
...We were all completing our duty as best we knew how, that I would be the one to retain my faculties was naught more than chance. And I suppose a little bit of foresight, admittedly. You need not apologize for aught beyond your control, my friend.
You have not a debt to repay.
no subject
Then neither do you. Perhaps my demise was orchestrated, but yours was not the blade that felled me. Nay, spare your grief, I will not have you grieve for me while I yet live, dearest Hades.
[The smirk grows into a true smile, one Emet would not have seen in many years.]
Such a thing would be a waste of energy, and we both of us know how much you detest needless exertion.
[Perhaps had he known Emet for less time, he would miss the tells, but knowing someone for such a great length of time - eons - allowed him some insight into how the other man's mind worked. Doubtless the other man would continue to take on more responsibility that was demanded of him, be it emotional or otherwise. But Elidibus was here, possessed of his memories, with a chance he would not dare squander.
He would lighten Hades's heart, one way or another. It was only right.]
no subject
As if all those eons with the husk he was slowly becoming over that span of time never existed--would that were the case. But, no, here he had his compeer back--but truly more than that: his brother, his friend.
Truly, what is he to do with this? He really wasn't prepared to contend with this possibility. Never thought he'd see the day that the Elidibus he had lost would be returned to him. Though, he supposes, were it not for this world, truly he never would be.
The sting to his eyes is two fold in its cause: both the gratitude and joy of having his Elidibus back, and the thought that this ridiculous, half-formed world would be the only reason he could. He supposes he should be grateful.
He supposes that he is.]
Indeed, ever am I one possessive of my rest. Dwelling upon what has passed would do neither of us any good, and it most certainly would not change aught merely because we might wish otherwise.
[He sucks in a measured breath, before letting it out just as steadily. Offering his own smile, he continues.]
It is good to have you back--the real you, that is. I should be glad to behold you in person. Convenient as it may be, this network makes a poor substitute.
no subject
[Elidibus laughs - he cannot help it, so much in such a short span of time - shoulders shaking from his mirth. Rather laughter instead of more tears for the moment. Slowly, he quiets himself, quiets the swell of tempestuous emotions within his breast.
There will be time to sort through everything, time to sort through his newly regained memories. And by His Dark Grace he would not be alone while he does such. The smile makes its reappearance, more gentle, this time. Familiar.]
Indeed it does. Unfortunately my newly arrived state renders me unable to navigate this world. [A breath, and he hums softly.] Though I doubt you have remained nearby.
[There. A goal to focus on. And focus he does, Elidibus latching on for stability. Visibly he settles, back straightening, shoulders lowering, and the tension drains from his face.]
You spoke of sending for me?
no subject
[Honestly, how surreal this feels is astounding, and it likely will only become more once he's looking up Elidibus in person. Seeing the emotion displaying within him, the emotion that seemed otherwise gone with those memories, even the laugh is jarring—but not in a bad way. It could never be in a bad way when he is so lucky to see his friend as himself again.]
Indeed, I am roughly half a moon's venture by foot from where you are presently, but yes. I will send for you, as a mutual friend of ours is capable of flight with one of his creatures, and fortunately it is quite capable of carrying more than one rider.
[It almost seems like he'll leave whoever that is a secret, but then he smirks.]
It has been quite some time since you've seen Hythlodaeus, I am certain you have miss him as he has missed you.
no subject
Dearest Daeus, truly? I have not set eyes upon him since...
[He trails off, smile slowly fading as absently a hand lifts to press upon his sternum, head canting downwards to hint at a lowered gaze. Since he was but flesh and blood and soul and aether, giving himself to a God to save their people. The memories are still fresh, even after all this time, and when the Emissary speaks his voice is lowered.]
Before.
[A deep breath, steadying, myriad emotions playing their way across a once stoic face - grief, longing, pain, regret, love - and he lifts his chin once more to look upon Emet's visage.]
Yes, I would very much like to see him again.
no subject
Truly. I could scarce believe my own eyes when he appeared, and I found myself still in utter disbelief until I met him in the flesh. For all this place may have it's oddities and inconveniences, it is a marvel all its own.
The deity behind it all is elusive as ever, but there is no denying his power.
no subject
I should like to meet him and offer my thanks, as he not only will allow me to see Hythlodaeus after so long, but...
[A hesitation as he trails off, the hand touching the screen lifting to grab the side of his mask and lift it up away from his face. A pale gaze meet Emet's and he smiles, earnest, eyes wet with moisture and voice growing thick. The fondness is palpable there, affection clear.]
He has brought you back to me, Hades.
no subject
Painfully his heart throbs in his chest, and quickly does his gaze flick away. An attempt to play at being dismissive of such affections, but really it's just to keep himself from getting lost in the well of emotions that threaten to overthrow his better sense.]
Yes, well...good luck in finding him. As I said, he is elusive, and perhaps a scant few have ever beheld him. I certainly have not.
[He hates that there's a notable waver to his voice.]
Right, you should not waste your time speaking with me, when you should be getting yourself more acquainted with where you are, and preparing to receive Hythlodaeus...
[As if he could really run away that easily...]