001. Voice.

[deference]

[ Mumbling, half dazed. ] Kyrie ... Nero. Was he able to save you? To fulfill the last wish that I had? I hope so. No. I'm sure he did.

[ long pause ]

Where am I? This does not seem like the depths of Hell... even if the letter acts like it were to be an explanation, it is but gibberish. Does it wish for me to believe I transcend to Heaven, to create a paradise of my own making? Even after everything ... everything I was unable to stop?

May the Savior bless us all.

Comments

[video]

[briochetime]

[Allen's somewhat hesitant in general to respond to posts like this -- ones that explicitly address the state of life or death. He prefers to simply observe those, without prying, because, well...

However. One of the names mentioned seems vaguely familiar, though all he can call up in response is a vague memory of someone in red. Not too helpful. And it doesn't sound like he was supposed to have heard that part.]

I do not believe this is either Heaven or Hell, sir. Despite the presence of 'gods' among us, many here appear to be perfectly alive.

Video.

[deference]

[ Credo blinks, before tipping his head. ]

Such musings were meant to be for myself alone. I did not realize I had yet pressed the screen to allow others to hear such [ A slight turn of his head. ] rants.

Yes, we are all alive. For that, we should find solace and gratitude.

[video]

[briochetime]

My apologies. I assumed the question was directed at those able to use these bracelets. [A brief bow of his head.] In that case, all of your musings were recorded, and... the name of 'Kyrie' is somewhat familiar. Someone else spoke it before you.

[There's a lengthy pause before he addresses the next statements, because he knows that personally -- he knows it, but.]

And I would agree, sir, if the price weren't too high.

[permavideo]

[deference]

Someone else? [ While he should not get his hopes up, while he should humor the idea that there could be another named the same as his sister, he still has to ask. ] Who? [ Could those of the Order be here? ]

The price is to live, isn't it?

[same!]

[briochetime]

It was a man in red, with... a number of unusual weapons at his disposal. I did not get his name. [He sounds a bit apologetic; the truth is that he's really been neglecting the introductory courtesies. Whoops.]

... No, that is not what I meant. [Even though you could say that's a price -- to go through this 'next life' without Rillianne, to be one half of a whole in a strange world forever.] The letter included a threat to our homes; that is the price I spoke of.

[deference]

[ A man in red? Could it be--? ] I see. I'll look into this matter. Thank you.

A veiled threat, but a threat all the same. However, I have no way to return to where I came, and so... I will protect this world as I protected that one. [ He had to once more read the letter. His head still so dizzy with being alive once more, and wondering what had happened to his loved ones. Credo only could get the gist but now he is calmer and can understand the concern.

A beat. ] I am sorry if you were brought here before your time was done.

[briochetime]

[He shakes his head.] There's no need to thank me for a coincidence.

[From the way the man talks, he's obviously certain of and acknowledging his own end. It's something.] I see. That's an admirable sentiment.

And I... [He has to take a moment to swallow the sudden strangling feeling in his throat. He wants to label it envy; there are words he can't get past it.] I am sorry you cannot return.

voice.

[departing]

You know Nero?

I've seen him around here before. You should be able to find him.


Savior?

voice.

[deference]

Nero?

He's here!? Why is he here?

voice.

[departing]

I don't know.

He said he was staying at Thor's house. He didn't look pleased about it though.

[Why would he be...]

permavoice.

[deference]

I don't suppose that he would be. [ Nero, then what will become of Kyrie? ]

aw yeah voice forever.

[departing]

Looks that way.

I think Nero was carrying a large sword.

I don't know much else about him asides from that.

Sorry.

[deference]

I know quite a bit about him.

You need not apologize for this.

voice;

[knickerweasels]

The depths? No, it's hardly the depths of anything. I'm sure we could all be so much deeper.

...But I wouldn't call it paradise, either. Not enough feathered fans or platters with figs on them for that.

voice;

[deference]

This world will be what we make of it, then.

voice;

[knickerweasels]

Well, I'm no good with bets and I don't have any coin, but I'm willing to wager a 'mess' is the first thing we'll make. [ and probably the last. ]

voice;

[deference]

Perhaps. Men may all be destined to fall, but we must live with it and be able to walk afterward.

voice;

[knickerweasels]

Even if we fall from very high up? I swear, I've broken more bones that way...

voice;

[deference]

It may be better to break a bone and learn from that mistake than remain so high and learn nothing.

voice;

[partlyblackened]

[Oh man... he did not see this one coming.

There's a long pause before he speaks, not exactly sure on how he should handle this situation. Biting sarcasm on how this place is indeed "Hell" to him, for various reasons, seems like an inappropriate greeting when you're greeting someone who's dead.

Or at least, Nero thinks he's dead. Being skewered on Yamato doesn't exactly pitch a high survival rate...]

Credo...?

voice;

[deference]

[ So. Nero is here.

He closes his eyes as he does not know what it is that he should say to him. Apologies come to mind, and he wonders what became of both Nero and Kyrie after he perished.

Credo wonders how he should feel that just from hearing his name in a familiar voice, that it should cause him to waver. He shakes his head before finally answering. ]

Nero. I had heard that you were here.

voice;

[partlyblackened]

[God, this is so awkward.

Time to play it cool? Aloof? He doesn't know how to handle this without yelling or overreacting, but his temper won't be yielding any results right now, no matter how much he wants to chew Credo out for going and getting himself killed.]

I hope you heard nice things. [Unlikely, and he knows it.] I've been good while you were gone.

[Is there a little bit of ire in that statement? Resentment, perhaps? No one said he had to be an adult about it.]

voice;

[deference]

I haven't heard anything that backs that up, but that's hardly surprising.

[ Closes his eyes. It is his light criticism. The most that he will give Nero at this time. ]

I've already offered apologies to those that you have offended who have come to me. You need not thank me for it.

voice;

[partlyblackened]

[Oh what the fuck...]

You're in no shape to be apologizing for anyone.

voice;

[deference]

Oh?