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.

[deference]

[ True. It may all add up to nothing, but -- wait, what would Dante be doing here? ] Still, I am grateful for the information.

Admirable? It is merely my duty. [ He straightens his shoulders just a little bit in turn. ] It is as the Savior wants it.

[briochetime]

[He just nods. They can compromise instead of going back and forth in some ridiculous fashion.]

A duty to a Savior...? I'm not sure I understand.

[He knows about hearts duties that go on and on, but... This sounds more religious, which is a little odd to hear in this situation.]

[deference]

The Order may have lost its way, but I still believe in Him. He saved the world that I came from. Even though He did not need to do so, He became our Savior. It is only right to continue to serve him, regardless of where I am now. Regardless if there are 'gods' in this world, I know who my God is.

[briochetime]

[A cause to follow, no matter what else changes -- yes, that he can understand. He's just kind of curious about the form of that following.]

Then, your duty is to 'save', as well?

[Lofty, but... Not a bad thing, depending on what is meant. Is this guy a priest...??]

[deference]

My duty is to protect. I cannot think myself so great that I can be as the Savior. [ Yes, in the end, he committed hubris. He closes his eyes before opening them once more. ] The world I came from was still in turmoil despite all he did, and so I pledged that I would do what I could to ensure its safety.

That is all that I can do. I cannot truly save anyone, but I can ensure their happiness is protected. [ Because he believes in the Savior as much as he believes in Dante. He believes, that Dante found a way to save Kyrie and Nero. This brief talk has reminded him of that faith. And so, if his being here will keep that world intact, will allow them happiness, then he will stay. Gladly and watch over them here. ]

[briochetime]

[It's a bit surreal, hearing someone else state aloud some of his own thoughts, in a way. A bit surreal, a bit comforting, and... at the same time, this man seems too noble for the similarities to be true. He's overthinking things.

In the end, he doesn't know what to say. So he just bows to the screen, deeply.]

It's an honor to meet one such as yourself, sir. My name is Allen. Welcome to Asgard, for what it is worth.

[deference]

Please, do not bow to me.

[ He holds his hand up lightly. ] I am Credo. Thank you for your welcome, Allen.

[briochetime]

[He straightens obligingly, but he won't take it back or apologize.]

... If I may ask, Sir Credo, which House has been designated for you?

[deference]

You may ask, and it's Heimdall.

[briochetime]

[Something that might be almost a smile passes over his face.]

I see. I can assist with directions to the House, if you wish.

[deference]

Yes, that would be most appreciated. I was given a map, but it seems I am literally walking around in circles.

[briochetime]

[He nods. At least he has some prior experience with lost Heimdallers to draw on.]

The districts are beginning to show signs of color, but are still difficult to navigate for the most part. Heimdall's House is located close to the southwest of the first castle. If you have passed a very lavish building, that is the bank, and you must turn back the way you came.

[deference]

Who knew that color would mean so much? I suppose ... that may be what they were partially right about, one only being able to see the importance of something when it is gone. But still... it does not change the method -- it's nothing. How long have you been here?

[briochetime]

[He listens to the small stream of musings quietly, though there may be a flash of humor in his eyes that doesn't show up anywhere else.]

I could always tell new arrivals to go to the most colorful part of town, but due to the difficulty of describing where they are, I might be directing them to the wrong House entirely.

[Which he has heard can end up being bad, even if he doesn't know it personally.]

And I think... it has been three weeks. From the weather, and a celebration organized by the 'gods', it would seem that the year is drawing, or has drawn, to a close.

[deference]

Well, at least, I feel I am on the way to where I need to be.

[ Hm? ]

So this is a new year?

[briochetime]

Please let me know if you require further assistance at any time, sir.

[He doesn't know anything about where this guy's from, so he can't say how well he'll acclimatize to the world, but... He seems like the type of person who can take that in stride, after everything.]

Many seem convinced that it is, because many of the 'worlds' seem to have important winter holidays. We do not know the exact date, but I think the seasons here are the four that most know of.

[deference]

You may call me 'Credo.' I no longer hold a title of captain or knight.

[ Holidays. He remembers the one that he has left. The Festival of the Sword. His little sister was given a great honor that day, and then everything fell to ruin. But he still can see her standing in the center, singing. That is enough. ]

Four. Just like where I am from. I shall accept this new year and consider it one for renewal and change.

[briochetime]

[Captain or knight, huh... That also explains a few things. So, probably not a priest, after all.]

Then please accept it as a title of respect given to an elder.

[This is not something he's taking back, either.

He acknowledges the proclamation with a small nod, though when he responds it is with a certain somberness.]

May it be such a year for all Travellers, and all of the 'worlds' that we have known.