[What he sees in Takame's eyes takes the tension out of him. He allows him to see him relax. He hasn't missed that leg moving. He reaches up to press his palm against his covered eye. He's starting to see spots in his vision but he can think. That's important.] I see. I can pierce the veil of confusion about the events in question.
But forgive me for my earlier...worry. There's never been anyone with an ability like yours. It surprised me. [Worried him. It still worries him. Kaeya sits up with a wince and folds his legs under him. He rests his hands on his thighs.]
Not your fault of course. Any more than Dvalin's when he attacked Mondstadt. When trapped in a curse as he was...it's thanks to the Honorary knight it didn't get any worse. And as a knight I thank you for your honesty.
[He places his hand to his chest and dips his head just like he had in the memory.] It was Aether and his party that took down Dvalin. To save him. You saw the aftermath.
[Kaeya relaxing gave Takame the leeway to do so as well. His leg stopped shaking and his tail returned to its natural swap before resting steadily on the chair, curved around his thigh. He shook his head once again.]
You needn't worry. 'Tis rare even in this land. Though I realize no one wants their memories being brought to light. It may be out of my control, but for that, as well as my earlier hostility, please accept my apologies. [Said with a low bow of his head. While Kaeya hadn't been completely cleared of suspicion, seeing him fight against the Abyss Order even in his home realm proved that his goal was consistent at least.
Tension having passed, Takame got down to business again.]
Who is this Dvalin? Why did the Abyss Order seek him?
[Kaeya shamelessly stretches out on the bed and settles his hands on his chest.] Dvalin was one of the guardians of the four winds. He is now free of that role, but it was not that which chained him. Long ago, he fought against a corrupted dragon, and its blood got into his wounds.
The Abyss Order sought him out to try to destroy Mondstadt. And, I believe they were using him to try to draw out our long-missing god. For a thousand years, Barbatos has been missing. God of the winds and believer of freedom, he is still one of the Seven.
Why they sought him out..I don't know. Only the Honorary knight and Barbatos could answer that. [He looks up at him and stretches his arms up over his head. As if he just flopped onto the bed and sprawled there. His tail curls over his thigh.] It is possible - this is only a theory - they are seeking the places your Primals struck to harvest the abundance of energy. It may shed light on what they're trying to do to our gods.
If so, I am greatly concerned. The face of Teyvat changed when the Archon war occurred. Their objectives could risk yet another cataclysmic event for both of our worlds.
Hmm... [Oh Takame sees you, Kaeya. He isn't immune to the fact that Kaeya is undeniably handsome, nor unaware of what he's doing. Occasionally his eyes would wander from Kaeya's face to his body and linger for a moment. Given the nature of their described enemy though it didn't take much to keep him focused on that.
A "guardian" strong enough to become a weapon and used to draw out a God. Teyvat's Seven were surely the equivalent of Eorzea's Twelve based on how they're spoken of.]
It would not be the first time crystal energy was harnessed for such a purpose. [He sat up in his chair, folding his hands in his lap.]
We can ill afford for another calamity to strike this realm. I imagine the same rings true for you and yours. The alliance will have their own means to question you, but I will ask you this as a protector of this land. Will you join forces with us to combat this threat?
As long as I’m free to keep investigating, I see it only to our mutual benefit. In other words, yes I’ll join forces with you.
[He props himself up on his elbows and his dark blue hair spills over his shoulder. It is thinner than Diluc’s hair but just as long, more like a river that spreads over his muscle corded back. Faint scars exist here and there like cracks in ice. He shifts his ears and nods,]
We can’t afford another calamity. I assume both our worlds are still feeling the effects. As for questioning, I’ll put up with it. As you saw dealing with politics is nothing new.
[He is second to Jean. A fact people sometimes forget.]
You have my thanks, Kae'ya. [He gave another bow of his head. Takame wasn't anticipating rejection, but he didn't expect an agreement either. Especially given how aggressive he was earlier.
But having someone with the knowledge to avert a potential new-age Eighth Umbral Calamity brought him great relief.]
Most likely they will appoint someone to monitor you. But I will lend you my approval so that your investigations may continue unhindered. It is the least I can do. [His tail flinched again. After all this time he still wasn't quite used to his word meaning half a damn in other people's eyes. He changed the subject to something long overdue.] ... My name is Takame. Takame Kesi.
[The only way he's getting access to everything is to work with the alliance. His tail swishes on the bed. He grabs it and pets the fur in slow strokes of his fingers.] A pleasure, Takame.
[He lets his tail go as he shifts to look at him with one hand to his chest and body bending in as much of a bow as he can allow. The air around him is changed to something more respectful and full of authority, his authority.]
Then allow me to formally introduce myself. I am Calvary Captain Kaeya Alberich of the Knights of Favonius. Strategist to our acting Grand Master. I was on a case involving missing persons and noticed evidence of the Abyss Order. I tracked them to a ruin and, well, you know the rest.
[He flicks his wrist and his tail swishes as he drops both his hands.]
Forgive me if I can't help but notice...perhaps I could ask your assistance for my investigation? I don't doubt you will look into this too and having someone who isn't just written intel would be valuable.
And while I can't explain it yet until we approach it. But any place with heavy cryo energy I might...lose myself a bit. I will explain when the time comes.
Mm, and you as well Captain Kae'ya. [A pause, with less emphasis on the latter half:] ... Kaeya? [Takame gave a questioning look, as if seeking approval that it was said correctly. If they were to be allies, he'd certainly not forget his manners. His sister taught him better than that. But ah, Kaeya certainly seemed the type who was very proud of himself. Arrogant and conceited if his displays the past while have been anything to go by.
Ah, perhaps he shouldn't think such a way. At least Kaeya seemed competent. And cooperative most importantly.
As such he couldn't rightfully deny the request, especially made with such a subtly authoritative air. Foreboding caveat aside.] I will assist you. 'Tis for the best that a Scion does so considering the matter may relate to primals.
[He smiles for him and nods. Then he lays back down, careful to lay back on his back. Better not to piss off his ribs while they're healing.]
Whether it does or doesn't, I can't tell you. I know very little about your primals. As a gesture of goodwill and necessary action to arm your people I'll compile an intelligence report of all my findings of the Abyss Order.
I will be upfront that there are some threads I'm letting play out. I don't know where they're leading just yet, but if we hunt them now... [He tips his head and a serious expression claims his face. There is something in the Abyss he has never seen before. Something dangerous on a level they haven't been just yet. He can't permit them to run free. Pretending his guard is down is the best offensive.]
[In the same light, Takame knew little of the Abyss Order. But as much as inactivity bothered him, he knew it to be necessary. He worked in subterfuge before.]
I understand. Let them proceed under the assumption all is going according to their plan as data is collected on them. [He crossed one leg over the other, a stance more casual than he's shown so far. As if he's finally speaking about a subject he was confident in.]
Likewise, I'll collect what I can on the trade of crystals throughout Eorzea, documented or otherwise. Regardless of whether primals are related or not, vast amounts of crystals are necessary to amass power.
I’d like to touch crystals myself. [He says as he draws his hair together and lets it rest over one side of his chest. It’s a little more composed than he has been. It makes him feel a little better.]
But I would also check places that Primals have left their mark. Any place with corrupted crystal as well. I haven’t located their outposts in this world yet, but with greater resources we can find them.
Tell me more about Dalamund. Is there a map of the places parts of it struck?
The beast tribe's strongholds. U'Ghamaro Mines in Outer La Noscea. Zaha'rak in Southern Thanalan, Natalan in Coerthas. [Said for Kaeya's reference, words for him to keep in the back of his mind. But where Dalamud fell would be a prime location indeed. Would that it didn't bring about anxiety that silenced him briefly.]
... A fragment of Dalamud still lies within Castrum Occidens in Eastern La Noscea. Corrupted crystal runs rampant throughout and it is rife with abandoned Allagan technology.
Indeed. They act as homes as well as places of worship. Past the beastmen's Aetherytes are domains where crystals are stored and summonings are carried out.
I have a suspicion but until I examine more about how energy flows here and get a look at the places they're striking...I can't build a solid theory.
[Kaeya says with his eye on the ceiling. In his minds eye the threads are twisting together, one tied to the next until they're a web spread out. But he can't see the patterns yet. He needs the reports. He needs to see.
If he can convince this alliance to give him these things he still doesn't have the biggest answers. A reckless idea sparks like the glimmer of the sun through ice. It's crazy.
It's got all the makings of a bad idea. He just said he would need watched if he got near cryo energy and yet.]
....I know one way to find out. Where did a cryo- ice primal strike?
[There's a long silence. Not only did Takame's mind go straight to Ysayle, but even pushing that painful memory back he recalled what Kaeya alluded to about losing himself in places with a lot of "cryo" energy.
Nonetheless:] ... Snowcloak. Akh Afah Amphitheatre. The primal of Ice, Shiva, was summoned there.
[He sits up.] This is a terrible idea but, the Abyss Order is moving on a vast scale. I've been chasing them for months. This is the only way I can see to gain the bigger answer.
[He wouldn't even be this upfront about it but, Takame's ability will strip the truth out. Or well, it could. If the pants of his soul are going to be ripped off he would rather be the one sliding them off.
So to speak.]
I'll explain on the way. You need to be prepared if it all goes horribly wrong. Your Primals and our Gods are nothing alike.
Takame willed his tail to be still despite apprehension building. Was it wise, he thought, to throw this man who warned him against such right into his literal element? Especially when he admitted to it being a bad idea?
Perhaps... it didn't matter. No, it certainly didn't. He was no mage, nor did he have deep knowledge of the Abyss Order. But the rate at which rifts keep spawning and the probability of people being hurt by them was high. He must prevent that at all costs. As a hero does.]
I've subdued beings beyond primals before. [Said matter-of-factly with willingness to face the danger. Lack of full awareness, maybe, but willingness.] We'll need to secure passage to Coerthas.
[Coetheras is cold like the Cryo Archon's heart. He can feel a pull the moment he follows Takame's bird with his own. It's like a hook in his heart, tugging him northwest.
He grits his teeth. The dread only grows and his dreams lately have been nothing but Diluc telling him to turn back.
'This is reckless even for you. What the hell are you trying to prove?'
He doesn't have an answer for him. It has to be really foolish for the man he is pretty sure is full of wrath at Mondstadt and himself to be in his dreams. Well if this turns out terrible, maybe that wrath will ebb without him around.
He takes out the map they were given and checks where Snowcloak is. His heart goes cold. Far to the northwest is that little mark. He shuts the book and picks up the place, crooning to the bird that already loves him. Then he subsides.]
Long before my time, gods roamed the continent. There's little known about that time. The world was a different place.
[Those who have Visions are chosen by gods and can ascend.]
For some reason, they started warring and killing each other. Seven emerged from this war and claimed the divine seats. We know them as the Seven. Of those original seven, only one remains. Barbatos.
Each reshaped the continent for the sake of their people. their people thrived in these lands and become the nations we know today.
The gods hand those they see worth of power a device called a Vision. In the moments in their lives that prove...who they are. It comes at a price. But those who use them often become great figures in history.
It is said they have the ability to ascend. Those of the Abyss Order just use magic as they please. Weaving it. Yet to draw out the gods and throw them down they reach for those old gods buried in the war. Or sealed away.
...my theories of what they're doing here I can only answer if I risk it all.
[Months in Ishgard haven't made Takame used to the cold. It didn't mix with his scales, nor with the climates he was used to. As with everything, it wasn't his place to complain. Not a soldier's, nor a hero's.
He knew the ley of the land well, he assured his allies when he armed with his Gunblade, though keeping his soul of the samurai should he need to act as executioner again. He led the charge to Snowcloak with Kaeya. He didn't speak much along the way, only listening to Kaeya's tale of his realm's history without any noteworthy reaction save for hums and glances indicating he was still listening.
So even gods aren't immune to wars. If they fall into the same trappings as man, can they be called gods, he wondered? Was it wise for a God to grant the power of ascension to humans when not even they can avoid temptation to war and raze the land?
All questions he kept to himself. Takame was not a devout man, less so recently given revelations learned of Hydaelyn, but that reminder just stirred anxiety in his chest that he locked behind layers of steel. Focus on the mission.]
I don't know. [He admits out loud.] Technically I'm treading into blasphemous territory here.
If I figure out how they make us ascend...Well, let's say I'm going to be hiding the truth behind layers of lies for the rest of my very long life. I don't wish to war with anyone and never have.
[Speaking that truth feels so liberating it makes his chest feel tight. He doesn't have to worry about the past haunting him if he could just let go like this all the time. He sighs.] And if I die, there's a series of journals in my bags. I made translations of everything you need to know. You won't be left without knowledge to make our worlds safer.
[He stares straight ahead as the call feels like hands wrapping around his neck. Sweat runs down his temple and slides down into the edge of his cloak.] I don't think I'm wrong.
Those sinners and fools from the rifts know it too, I think. Or how to manipulate the energy. Still courting with what made it all come crashing down.
... [Not comforting, but not unexpected. Hope for the best, expect the worst. Takame lived by half that mindset, often disregarding the former half. Takame could relate to the weight of needing to hide the painful truth and for the air that Kaeya gave off, Takame didn't sense that he was lying when he said he didn't wish for war.
He was of the same mind. War was for people like him, not for those caught in between who knew how to live. Would that he could learn how.
But so long as he could protect what was dear to him, that was what mattered. Though killing a man not even native to this shard, one who doubtless had family and friends like the ones he saw in the vision. Takame was glad at times that he could actually feel regret for the lives he took, but no one ever told him it would make him falter.]
I'll do what I must. [His tone was grim and heavy, showing just how far he would go. This wasn't a man who acted halfway.]
I know you will. [The eyes never lie. The cryo energy in the air within Snowcloak feels stifling as he stands against it. It only makes him sure he's right on track. Halfway through he catches a glimpse of himself in the ice. The streaks in his hair are gone. He lifts the long tail of his hair and blinks at the gradient it has taken.
He plays it off as a nervous fiddling with his hair. But he doubts he's fooling Takame. As they approach the place Shiva was summoned he grabs his arm and pulls, hoping he'll stop at the mouth of the tunnel.
He feels like he's on the edge of something. One more step and nothing will be the same ever again.] If the worst happens, there are letters in my bags too.
You'll find one with a seal. Make sure it survives if none of the others do.
[Sometimes one finds words that should have been said years ago on the eve of what could be your death, he supposes. The man it would go to would get the other letter tucked inside the first to where it needed to go.
Should the last ember of hope fade. He's such a terrible son. He walks into the tunnel and doesn't look back.]
[Takame had good eyes. Blank though they were, they were honest. And they haven't led him astray yet as he felt and saw Kaeya's aether strengthen the further through the region they got. It was reacting to him, or maybe the other way around.
He wasn't sure. It was unfamiliar territory from here on out, but the goal was the same. That kept him steady.] I understand.
[A statement with layers spoken as he watched Kaeya move forward. And his arm lifted to take the Gunblade off his back.]
[What little tiredness he has fades as he plunges into the unknown. A cold wind hits him in the face as he emerges into a wide amphitheater.
He descends the stairs towards the stage. A strange kind of gentle serenity steals over him as he climbs onto the stone stage. He can feel the currents of Cryo spinning in the air.
He walks to the center of the stage and turns to face Takame. He presses his hand to his chest and bows as he finally lets the energy flood into him.
A blizzard rips through the amphitheater drowning everything in white. A light sparks in the depths of the storm as shards of ice rip through the air. And inside it, Kaeya sinks to his knees.
It feels like he’s burning up inside. Letting it out as a howl as lonely as his soul has ever felt is like freedom.
The stone around them is altered with a flick of his fingers and a thought. It’s time to stop hiding. The cut of the stone has to be right. The words he has stopped pretending he can’t understand mark themselves into the sky and the walls.
The very air temperature plummets faster and faster, until everything is blanketed in ice. The storm clears and Kaeya stands at the center of the arena with a long, narrow sword made of ice shaping itself at chest height.
He takes it and sweeps it to the side. Panels of ice sweep around him and build a maze of ice. Panels hanging in the air. The better to give him a field advantage.
His cloak has expanded to cover both shoulders. It splits down the middle like the petals of a deadly flower. His feet are bare and his arms wrapped in symbols and fabric. His hair falls over his back as he drums the changed stage with his foot and sways to the side. He twists to the side with a stamp of his foot.
His eyepatch slips off and hits the floor. His left eye burns like a light in a dark night. Or a father’s hopes for a nation he loved and hated.
He kicks it aside and charges forward, closing the distance without slipping or sliding. The ice is his. The cold is his. He is the cold of the Abyss. The ice between. Winter’s his domain and his howl every lonely soul in the wilderness.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
But forgive me for my earlier...worry. There's never been anyone with an ability like yours. It surprised me. [Worried him. It still worries him. Kaeya sits up with a wince and folds his legs under him. He rests his hands on his thighs.]
Not your fault of course. Any more than Dvalin's when he attacked Mondstadt. When trapped in a curse as he was...it's thanks to the Honorary knight it didn't get any worse. And as a knight I thank you for your honesty.
[He places his hand to his chest and dips his head just like he had in the memory.] It was Aether and his party that took down Dvalin. To save him. You saw the aftermath.
no subject
You needn't worry. 'Tis rare even in this land. Though I realize no one wants their memories being brought to light. It may be out of my control, but for that, as well as my earlier hostility, please accept my apologies. [Said with a low bow of his head. While Kaeya hadn't been completely cleared of suspicion, seeing him fight against the Abyss Order even in his home realm proved that his goal was consistent at least.
Tension having passed, Takame got down to business again.]
Who is this Dvalin? Why did the Abyss Order seek him?
no subject
The Abyss Order sought him out to try to destroy Mondstadt. And, I believe they were using him to try to draw out our long-missing god. For a thousand years, Barbatos has been missing. God of the winds and believer of freedom, he is still one of the Seven.
Why they sought him out..I don't know. Only the Honorary knight and Barbatos could answer that. [He looks up at him and stretches his arms up over his head. As if he just flopped onto the bed and sprawled there. His tail curls over his thigh.] It is possible - this is only a theory - they are seeking the places your Primals struck to harvest the abundance of energy. It may shed light on what they're trying to do to our gods.
If so, I am greatly concerned. The face of Teyvat changed when the Archon war occurred. Their objectives could risk yet another cataclysmic event for both of our worlds.
no subject
A "guardian" strong enough to become a weapon and used to draw out a God. Teyvat's Seven were surely the equivalent of Eorzea's Twelve based on how they're spoken of.]
It would not be the first time crystal energy was harnessed for such a purpose. [He sat up in his chair, folding his hands in his lap.]
We can ill afford for another calamity to strike this realm. I imagine the same rings true for you and yours. The alliance will have their own means to question you, but I will ask you this as a protector of this land. Will you join forces with us to combat this threat?
no subject
[He props himself up on his elbows and his dark blue hair spills over his shoulder. It is thinner than Diluc’s hair but just as long, more like a river that spreads over his muscle corded back. Faint scars exist here and there like cracks in ice. He shifts his ears and nods,]
We can’t afford another calamity. I assume both our worlds are still feeling the effects. As for questioning, I’ll put up with it. As you saw dealing with politics is nothing new.
[He is second to Jean. A fact people sometimes forget.]
no subject
But having someone with the knowledge to avert a potential new-age Eighth Umbral Calamity brought him great relief.]
Most likely they will appoint someone to monitor you. But I will lend you my approval so that your investigations may continue unhindered. It is the least I can do. [His tail flinched again. After all this time he still wasn't quite used to his word meaning half a damn in other people's eyes. He changed the subject to something long overdue.] ... My name is Takame. Takame Kesi.
no subject
[He lets his tail go as he shifts to look at him with one hand to his chest and body bending in as much of a bow as he can allow. The air around him is changed to something more respectful and full of authority, his authority.]
Then allow me to formally introduce myself. I am Calvary Captain Kaeya Alberich of the Knights of Favonius. Strategist to our acting Grand Master. I was on a case involving missing persons and noticed evidence of the Abyss Order. I tracked them to a ruin and, well, you know the rest.
[He flicks his wrist and his tail swishes as he drops both his hands.]
Forgive me if I can't help but notice...perhaps I could ask your assistance for my investigation? I don't doubt you will look into this too and having someone who isn't just written intel would be valuable.
And while I can't explain it yet until we approach it. But any place with heavy cryo energy I might...lose myself a bit. I will explain when the time comes.
no subject
Ah, perhaps he shouldn't think such a way. At least Kaeya seemed competent. And cooperative most importantly.
As such he couldn't rightfully deny the request, especially made with such a subtly authoritative air. Foreboding caveat aside.] I will assist you. 'Tis for the best that a Scion does so considering the matter may relate to primals.
no subject
Whether it does or doesn't, I can't tell you. I know very little about your primals. As a gesture of goodwill and necessary action to arm your people I'll compile an intelligence report of all my findings of the Abyss Order.
I will be upfront that there are some threads I'm letting play out. I don't know where they're leading just yet, but if we hunt them now... [He tips his head and a serious expression claims his face. There is something in the Abyss he has never seen before. Something dangerous on a level they haven't been just yet. He can't permit them to run free. Pretending his guard is down is the best offensive.]
We'll learn nothing.
no subject
I understand. Let them proceed under the assumption all is going according to their plan as data is collected on them. [He crossed one leg over the other, a stance more casual than he's shown so far. As if he's finally speaking about a subject he was confident in.]
Likewise, I'll collect what I can on the trade of crystals throughout Eorzea, documented or otherwise. Regardless of whether primals are related or not, vast amounts of crystals are necessary to amass power.
no subject
But I would also check places that Primals have left their mark. Any place with corrupted crystal as well. I haven’t located their outposts in this world yet, but with greater resources we can find them.
Tell me more about Dalamund. Is there a map of the places parts of it struck?
no subject
... A fragment of Dalamud still lies within Castrum Occidens in Eastern La Noscea. Corrupted crystal runs rampant throughout and it is rife with abandoned Allagan technology.
no subject
But the energy of the crystals...]
I want to check that fragment. They don’t care much for technology. It’s energy and creatures they can corrupt and use, possibly even gods.
[If a primal could be taken under binding...he closes his eye. This is not good.] Hold on.
The strongholds. Are these...cities dedicated to their primals?
no subject
[A head tilt. It's too early to be sure, but.]
Do you believe that is their target?
no subject
[Kaeya says with his eye on the ceiling. In his minds eye the threads are twisting together, one tied to the next until they're a web spread out. But he can't see the patterns yet. He needs the reports. He needs to see.
If he can convince this alliance to give him these things he still doesn't have the biggest answers. A reckless idea sparks like the glimmer of the sun through ice. It's crazy.
It's got all the makings of a bad idea. He just said he would need watched if he got near cryo energy and yet.]
....I know one way to find out. Where did a cryo- ice primal strike?
no subject
Nonetheless:] ... Snowcloak. Akh Afah Amphitheatre. The primal of Ice, Shiva, was summoned there.
no subject
[He wouldn't even be this upfront about it but, Takame's ability will strip the truth out. Or well, it could. If the pants of his soul are going to be ripped off he would rather be the one sliding them off.
So to speak.]
I'll explain on the way. You need to be prepared if it all goes horribly wrong. Your Primals and our Gods are nothing alike.
no subject
god at least buy him a few drinks firstTakame willed his tail to be still despite apprehension building. Was it wise, he thought, to throw this man who warned him against such right into his literal element? Especially when he admitted to it being a bad idea?
Perhaps... it didn't matter. No, it certainly didn't. He was no mage, nor did he have deep knowledge of the Abyss Order. But the rate at which rifts keep spawning and the probability of people being hurt by them was high. He must prevent that at all costs. As a hero does.]
I've subdued beings beyond primals before. [Said matter-of-factly with willingness to face the danger. Lack of full awareness, maybe, but willingness.] We'll need to secure passage to Coerthas.
no subject
He grits his teeth. The dread only grows and his dreams lately have been nothing but Diluc telling him to turn back.
'This is reckless even for you. What the hell are you trying to prove?'
He doesn't have an answer for him. It has to be really foolish for the man he is pretty sure is full of wrath at Mondstadt and himself to be in his dreams. Well if this turns out terrible, maybe that wrath will ebb without him around.
He takes out the map they were given and checks where Snowcloak is. His heart goes cold. Far to the northwest is that little mark. He shuts the book and picks up the place, crooning to the bird that already loves him. Then he subsides.]
Long before my time, gods roamed the continent. There's little known about that time. The world was a different place.
[Those who have Visions are chosen by gods and can ascend.]
For some reason, they started warring and killing each other. Seven emerged from this war and claimed the divine seats. We know them as the Seven. Of those original seven, only one remains. Barbatos.
Each reshaped the continent for the sake of their people. their people thrived in these lands and become the nations we know today.
The gods hand those they see worth of power a device called a Vision. In the moments in their lives that prove...who they are. It comes at a price. But those who use them often become great figures in history.
It is said they have the ability to ascend. Those of the Abyss Order just use magic as they please. Weaving it. Yet to draw out the gods and throw them down they reach for those old gods buried in the war. Or sealed away.
...my theories of what they're doing here I can only answer if I risk it all.
[Becoming a god.]
no subject
He knew the ley of the land well, he assured his allies when he armed with his Gunblade, though keeping his soul of the samurai should he need to act as executioner again. He led the charge to Snowcloak with Kaeya. He didn't speak much along the way, only listening to Kaeya's tale of his realm's history without any noteworthy reaction save for hums and glances indicating he was still listening.
So even gods aren't immune to wars. If they fall into the same trappings as man, can they be called gods, he wondered? Was it wise for a God to grant the power of ascension to humans when not even they can avoid temptation to war and raze the land?
All questions he kept to himself. Takame was not a devout man, less so recently given revelations learned of Hydaelyn, but that reminder just stirred anxiety in his chest that he locked behind layers of steel. Focus on the mission.]
What will happen to you?
no subject
If I figure out how they make us ascend...Well, let's say I'm going to be hiding the truth behind layers of lies for the rest of my very long life. I don't wish to war with anyone and never have.
[Speaking that truth feels so liberating it makes his chest feel tight. He doesn't have to worry about the past haunting him if he could just let go like this all the time. He sighs.] And if I die, there's a series of journals in my bags. I made translations of everything you need to know. You won't be left without knowledge to make our worlds safer.
[He stares straight ahead as the call feels like hands wrapping around his neck. Sweat runs down his temple and slides down into the edge of his cloak.] I don't think I'm wrong.
Those sinners and fools from the rifts know it too, I think. Or how to manipulate the energy. Still courting with what made it all come crashing down.
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He was of the same mind. War was for people like him, not for those caught in between who knew how to live. Would that he could learn how.
But so long as he could protect what was dear to him, that was what mattered. Though killing a man not even native to this shard, one who doubtless had family and friends like the ones he saw in the vision. Takame was glad at times that he could actually feel regret for the lives he took, but no one ever told him it would make him falter.]
I'll do what I must. [His tone was grim and heavy, showing just how far he would go. This wasn't a man who acted halfway.]
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He plays it off as a nervous fiddling with his hair. But he doubts he's fooling Takame. As they approach the place Shiva was summoned he grabs his arm and pulls, hoping he'll stop at the mouth of the tunnel.
He feels like he's on the edge of something. One more step and nothing will be the same ever again.] If the worst happens, there are letters in my bags too.
You'll find one with a seal. Make sure it survives if none of the others do.
[Sometimes one finds words that should have been said years ago on the eve of what could be your death, he supposes. The man it would go to would get the other letter tucked inside the first to where it needed to go.
Should the last ember of hope fade. He's such a terrible son. He walks into the tunnel and doesn't look back.]
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He wasn't sure. It was unfamiliar territory from here on out, but the goal was the same. That kept him steady.] I understand.
[A statement with layers spoken as he watched Kaeya move forward. And his arm lifted to take the Gunblade off his back.]
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He descends the stairs towards the stage. A strange kind of gentle serenity steals over him as he climbs onto the stone stage. He can feel the currents of Cryo spinning in the air.
He walks to the center of the stage and turns to face Takame. He presses his hand to his chest and bows as he finally lets the energy flood into him.
A blizzard rips through the amphitheater drowning everything in white. A light sparks in the depths of the storm as shards of ice rip through the air. And inside it, Kaeya sinks to his knees.
It feels like he’s burning up inside. Letting it out as a howl as lonely as his soul has ever felt is like freedom.
The stone around them is altered with a flick of his fingers and a thought. It’s time to stop hiding. The cut of the stone has to be right. The words he has stopped pretending he can’t understand mark themselves into the sky and the walls.
The very air temperature plummets faster and faster, until everything is blanketed in ice. The storm clears and Kaeya stands at the center of the arena with a long, narrow sword made of ice shaping itself at chest height.
He takes it and sweeps it to the side. Panels of ice sweep around him and build a maze of ice. Panels hanging in the air. The better to give him a field advantage.
His cloak has expanded to cover both shoulders. It splits down the middle like the petals of a deadly flower. His feet are bare and his arms wrapped in symbols and fabric. His hair falls over his back as he drums the changed stage with his foot and sways to the side. He twists to the side with a stamp of his foot.
His eyepatch slips off and hits the floor. His left eye burns like a light in a dark night. Or a father’s hopes for a nation he loved and hated.
He kicks it aside and charges forward, closing the distance without slipping or sliding. The ice is his. The cold is his. He is the cold of the Abyss. The ice between. Winter’s his domain and his howl every lonely soul in the wilderness.]
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