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

[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.

[a_centered_mind]

You were willing to sacrifice something that close to your heart to do it, because you realized others were in peril. That's what I mean.

Many people have secrets they wouldn't reveal. Then, there are those like me who can't afford to.

In this case, I guess I'm the one who's envious of you.

[stupidhonor]

Envious? Of me? Is it because of those secrets you need to keep?

[a_centered_mind]

It isn't just that.

I had a talk with them, with Ynya and Kimhone, when we were on Ankaia.

You have two great friends who care about you.

[stupidhonor]

I know. I know, and yet... look how I treated them.

[a_centered_mind]

[Elys pauses for a moment here.]

I know a thing or two about mistreating a friend... I've put one through worse, and I realized then: even though there may be a fight sometimes, the ones you've known and trusted for a very long time will understand.

Anyway, you and those two still fight for the same cause, don't you? Unless you suddenly decide to join Ishin and abandon everything you've stood for out of envy, you aren't as terrible a person as you believe.

...So keep your chin up, 'Guardian of The South'.

[stupidhonor]

Guard of the South. The title is not so grand, really...

[Sielje smiles wryly, but only for a moment. Her expression grows more serious.]

I would never join a cause like Ishin's, but... even if we did not fight on the battlefield, I was opposing Ynya. His goal was for Earth and Ankaia to stand together. Lord Moswar's...

[a_centered_mind]

W-Well...as far as I'm concerned, you did save the day. A grander title is a more fitting one, so there.

[After a not-so-successful save, she raises a finger to interrupt the knight.]

...And I know about Moswar. Though, with how you actually kept your promise to the UG and didn't try to sabotage anyone, I don't think you were as extreme as Ishin even then.

More than that, you didn't try to use that cause as justification to try to kill the two either, so what you had was just a disagreement. Disagreements happen between friends a lot. And in your case, it doesn't exist anymore at this moment.

[stupidhonor]

Just a disagreement?

...

I feel like it comes too easy to someone like me. Even after all happened, Ynya and Kimhone were quick to forgive me as well...

But...

I will take it.

[a_centered_mind]

I don't know if they actually see it the same way, but them forgiving you should say something in itself, right?

For the moment, you should try to rest and not worry so much about it. Listening to that recording isn't going to help.

[stupidhonor]

Yes, that is true. But you need not to cheer me up. I am not worried.

Ishin's actions make me wary, but what happened does not worry me anymore. Quite the opposite, I almost feel relieved.

Strange, is it not?

[a_centered_mind]

I guess you did get everything off your chest.

Sometimes that's all you need.

[stupidhonor]

I was ashamed to admit it, but... now that it happened, it does not feel so horrible.

Even if nothing much changed otherwise.