An old friends' reunion(?)

[stupidhonor]

[1 - later than other two prompts actually]
[With some caution regarding use of unfamiliar technology, Sielje reviews a mission recording time and time again. Or rather, a part of it - one during which her own words can be clearly heard. A desperate confession forced by an enemy...]

There is no way to make this disappear...

...

So be it, then. This is, after all, the truth.

Painful may it be.

[2]

"I could not find lord Ishin."

[Ynya returns from a short visit to the Fumerco headquarters. For some reason, his entrance nor leave was not halted by anyone.]

"I saw it - war machines torn to shreds, killed guards... only armed guards. But no sight of Ishin, he is gone like the wind itself."


"It is not his style to murder a defenseless servant. But one with a weapon, even if he is no more of a match to Ishin... regardless, this is not all. Please take a look at this. It is a 'copy', one of many."

Kimhone has in her hands a file of documents. Even cursory reading reveals incriminating evidence - a whole lot of incriminating evidence. Illegal black ops operations, biotech research that violates multinational law (and was done on beasts imported from Ankaia)... it's enough to sink Fumerco forever.

"These papers are strewn all over the Fumerco merchants' building. Not very well guarded, for their contents. I believe Ishin said he needs them no longer? This looks to be his parting gift, to ensure Fumerco will disappear as a player in his game."


"Hmm. But there is something else. Good news, for a change."

The Champion's Arm holds something in its hands.

"This is a device. I am no expert at such matters but it looks like something to open a portal to Ankaia. Very similar to what we have back on our planet... but smaller, more limited. Fumerco had it, and it seems undamaged. Shall we try?"

[3]
[One matter yet remains...]


"Perhaps... it was my mistake to reach out to Fumerco. Blinded by my own optimism, I could not see through intentions of leaders behind it until it was too late. I was blind to many things that seem so obvious now."


"We all made mistakes. What to do of them but to learn and move forward? Look to the future. Is that not right?"

[Kimhone and Ynya both turn towards the third person present.]


"..."

[Sielje is not too eager to start a conversation. Have you something to say perhaps, before leaving the three alone?]

Comments

1

[majestic_keiki]

Hi.

[Sielje's private moment of guilt is interrupted by a Rabbit, two cups of tea and a pocketful of chocolate bars.]

Want to be alone or is talking okay? [She's less awkward about it than in previous conversations, for some reason.]

[stupidhonor]

Mm...

I will not run away from it. Please stay.

[majestic_keiki]

Okay.

[The pocket of chocolate bars is emptied next to them and Kei puts down one cup in front of Sielje.]

I just wanted to make sure you're okay. And tell you not to beat yourself up about it too badly.

[stupidhonor]

[Sielje glances at the bars hungrily, and that cup does not escape her sight either.]

I am not beating myself up.

You know how I feel.

About everything.

1

[a_centered_mind]

I wondered why you weren't with them when we were on Ankaia.

That certainly wasn't what I expected to hear.

[stupidhonor]

You expected a far more serious reason. Or... perhaps I should say, a less selfish one.

[a_centered_mind]

Everyone's allowed to feel that way. If you still think you're that selfish, you did save many people in the end, us included.

Had it been me your position, I wouldn't have been able to do what you did.

[stupidhonor]

Through repeated clashes with Lady Beldyn, I noticed the device that gave power to her barrier. The rest was just to strike it. I doubt anyone in here would have difficulty with it.

1

[dignity_kept]

"Horrible" feelings. Yeah, right. Those barely qualify as "naughty", kid.

[The reverberating voices of Kagura sound slightly amused as she floats in, illuminating the room]

[stupidhonor]

What are you saying? Is envy not a sign of futile weakness? Even on Earth, many consider it a major sin...

[dignity_kept]

Lots of pretty natural things are considered sins for a lot of people, kiddo. I mean, most humans seem to consider sex a dirty sinful thing, and you people literally need it for your species to exist. [Yeah, the voices that seem to vibrate all over the room definitely sound amused now]

Wanting what you couldn't have is normal human reflex. Hell, normal sapient reflex - I'm not human, and I could teach you a master class on what real hateful envy looks like. [The spirit is wry - it's going to take some getting used to Kagura actually having inflections now] What makes a difference is what you do about it.

[stupidhonor]

Or what you do not do about it...

I am older than most of this group, you realize.

1

[lostamigo]

It's not easy, is it. To admit your mistakes. And envy.

[stupidhonor]

No, it is not. But there was no choice...

[lostamigo]

T'least you let it all out.

...

Are you envious of everyone you met in UG?

[stupidhonor]

... Of many.

3

[empress_without_a_throne]

[Of course she has something to say!]

Lord Ynya, Lady Kimhone.

[The Abyss Empress smiles, bowing in appreciation.]

Regardless of... personal and more large-scale revelations that came about while fighting... thank you for your help.

[stupidhonor]

...


"Think nothing of it. It is the Champion's duty to right the misdeeds of his own people."


"It is good we kept a keen eye on what is going on, and could react with haste. But then, the Beast Gargantua is not an easy sight to miss, is it?"

[empress_without_a_throne]

It wasn't... though thanks to some outside help doing much about it was a different story.

But what about now? Will it be safe for you to go back to Ankaia? Or will you stay here on Earth? I can't promise it'll be any safer.

[srwu_npc4]

"Ynya is still the Champion in the end. Ishin cannot threaten him without losing support of all but a handful. The moment he tries, his war is lost."


"I also made sure for others to know where we went off, and when to expect us back. Our absence would cast suspicion on Ishin - but I promised to return if I can, so the two of us will. Ankaia needs our presence, and I have prisoners to escort."


...

1

[actuallyselfish]

Dido approaches Sieljie, looking a little stunned. "So you've been jealous of the folks in the Unity Group," she says slowly.

She fidgets. "Does that include me?" She asks.

[stupidhonor]

Yes... that is correct.

[She seems to briefly consider something.]

Both of those.

2

[a_centered_mind]

Are you sure that it's safe? If evidence like what we have here is meant for others to find, it might be the same for that...

We definitely don't want another Gargantua or wyverns coming through it.

[srwu_npc4]

"A fair point. This device was somewhat hidden rather than laid out in open with clear intent, but we best stay cautious."


"Hmm hmm..."

The Champion furrows his brow, but his wife seems actually amused somewhat.

[a_centered_mind]

[This does not escape Elys.]

...Lady Kimhone? Is something the matter?