Egon is getting closer and closer to bringing his plan to fruition- or at least to action, but there is something extremely important for him to do.
He has to actually see what he's dealing with, in person. So it's during the day that he approaches Marco as genuinely as possible. A relatively small, scarred werewolf with his robot arm arriving at McGucket labs and going straight for the priest.
"Hello Marco, I'd like to ask a favor?"
He has to actually see what he's dealing with, in person. So it's during the day that he approaches Marco as genuinely as possible. A relatively small, scarred werewolf with his robot arm arriving at McGucket labs and going straight for the priest.
"Hello Marco, I'd like to ask a favor?"
Marco almost doesn't recognise Egon - he hasn't seen him in months - but the voice and the hair give him away.
"Hey."
Some of their encounters have been more amicable than others, but then again, Marco himself has been... better during some encounters rather than others. The least he can do is listen with a courteous smile on his face.
"What can I do for you?"
"Hey."
Some of their encounters have been more amicable than others, but then again, Marco himself has been... better during some encounters rather than others. The least he can do is listen with a courteous smile on his face.
"What can I do for you?"
The same goes for Egon, with his ever changing form and attitude towards Ryslig, even more than a year in. But he considers himself at least on fine terms with Marco, not hateful, not friendly- and he's working with Fiddleford these days, so they at least have that common ground.
He looks plenty different than their last meeting- what with being apparently human, and covered in facial scars- but the scientist seems plenty fine at the moment.
"I was wondering if you could take me on a tour of the arcade."
He looks plenty different than their last meeting- what with being apparently human, and covered in facial scars- but the scientist seems plenty fine at the moment.
"I was wondering if you could take me on a tour of the arcade."
"I just want to see it first,"
Not a yes or no, not even a maybe. Good, he wasn't lying, and he wasn't hiding what he had planned. The werewolf nods to himself, and then to Marco.
"I feel like its the one place I haven't seen."
Not a yes or no, not even a maybe. Good, he wasn't lying, and he wasn't hiding what he had planned. The werewolf nods to himself, and then to Marco.
"I feel like its the one place I haven't seen."
"Thank you."
His smile is curt, but genuinely grateful. He wants to help the peninsula, and Marco isn't supposed to get hurt in the process. No one is, really. But he isn't going to do any harm, this time.
His smile is curt, but genuinely grateful. He wants to help the peninsula, and Marco isn't supposed to get hurt in the process. No one is, really. But he isn't going to do any harm, this time.
"Did you want to go right now?"
Marco reaches into his pockets and takes out his keycard. If Egon has ever seen a Fourth follower's card, he might notice Marco's looks a little different. It has his name on it, for one.
"We can get there from any door, so, well, this probably won't take long."
Marco reaches into his pockets and takes out his keycard. If Egon has ever seen a Fourth follower's card, he might notice Marco's looks a little different. It has his name on it, for one.
"We can get there from any door, so, well, this probably won't take long."
"If it's not too much of an inconvenience."
He shrugs, eyeing the keycard curiously. It was more modern, that was interesting- worthy of noting, at least. He hasn't seen one before, so the name doesn't quite stick out.
"I don't plan on being long."
He shrugs, eyeing the keycard curiously. It was more modern, that was interesting- worthy of noting, at least. He hasn't seen one before, so the name doesn't quite stick out.
"I don't plan on being long."
"Oh, not at all. Follow me?"
Not that Egon has to follow him for long - Marco just walks up to the front door. He closes it first, mostly because he isn't sure how this would work (or if it would work) on a door that's already open, and then he slides his card as if to activate a reader that isn't really there. The door clicks open, but it no longer leads outside.
Marco gives Egon his best attempt at a welcome smile and walks on through.
Not that Egon has to follow him for long - Marco just walks up to the front door. He closes it first, mostly because he isn't sure how this would work (or if it would work) on a door that's already open, and then he slides his card as if to activate a reader that isn't really there. The door clicks open, but it no longer leads outside.
Marco gives Egon his best attempt at a welcome smile and walks on through.
The werewolf nods to himself, following Marco politely, not hesitating at the mysteriously changed doorway. Sure, dimension hopping, not like he doesn't keep one of those in his basement.
It also seem familiar, almost comfortingly so. Arcades are a staple of his generation after all. "Are the machines playable?"
It also seem familiar, almost comfortingly so. Arcades are a staple of his generation after all. "Are the machines playable?"
"Of course!" Marco smiles. "But it might be better if you don't try them out unless you decide to join us. Just to be safe."
Not that he knows if anything would happen, but, uh, Elias might just get kind of possessive. Because he's a kid, clearly, and not because of any megalomaniacal tendencies.
Not that he knows if anything would happen, but, uh, Elias might just get kind of possessive. Because he's a kid, clearly, and not because of any megalomaniacal tendencies.
He raises his eyebrows, the hand about to press a single button on the side of a flashing Dukes of Hazard pinball machine pulling away. "Sure."
"Tell me about the fourth god. I've only seen what he does, never heard his reasoning or personality."
"Tell me about the fourth god. I've only seen what he does, never heard his reasoning or personality."
"Then who would you want me to talk to?"
He raises his eyebrows incredulously, taking notes of the small machines and knowing they're being listened to.
"What is he, exactly? Where did he come from?"
He raises his eyebrows incredulously, taking notes of the small machines and knowing they're being listened to.
"What is he, exactly? Where did he come from?"
Edited 2018-07-23 15:10 (UTC)
"I... I'm not sure. Sorry."
That's the thing, isn't it? He can't be trusted, for the reasons he himself knows better than anyone, but then who can be? Who can even say? Probably not him.
But he'll say what he can, at least so he isn't wasting Egon's time.
"He was just a regular child, once. Then his father, he... did something to him." That much, he can say. It's not exclusive knowledge. "He made him hold a part of the Fog God's power, from what I understand."
That's the thing, isn't it? He can't be trusted, for the reasons he himself knows better than anyone, but then who can be? Who can even say? Probably not him.
But he'll say what he can, at least so he isn't wasting Egon's time.
"He was just a regular child, once. Then his father, he... did something to him." That much, he can say. It's not exclusive knowledge. "He made him hold a part of the Fog God's power, from what I understand."
Egon looks down, listening intently and politely. "It's a shame," He nods to himself. "Why? What purpose is there to having a child... wherever, or whatever he is."
"Is anyone looking for a cure for him?"
It seems a good question. Seems a proper one, considering. "A child doesn't need that burden."
It seems a good question. Seems a proper one, considering. "A child doesn't need that burden."
"A cure? A way to... remove his powers, is that what you mean?"
The way he's eying Egon could accurately be described as "guarded."
"I'm not sure if that would be a good idea just yet. His power used to be the Fog God's. If it leaves him, then it has to go somewhere else."
The way he's eying Egon could accurately be described as "guarded."
"I'm not sure if that would be a good idea just yet. His power used to be the Fog God's. If it leaves him, then it has to go somewhere else."
"Well, what happened to his body?"
His voice remains the same, giving away none of his intentions. He's curious, honestly.
"What does he do with these powers? How strong was she before he took his powers?"
His voice remains the same, giving away none of his intentions. He's curious, honestly.
"What does he do with these powers? How strong was she before he took his powers?"
"His body is... inanimate, as far as I know." Marco averts his eyes. "I'm sorry. We're starting to get into things I don't know how to answer."
Some of Egon's questions, Marco genuinely doesn't know the answer to, sure. The others...
Well, friendly terms or not, he's not about to show him the room where Elias' body rests.
Some of Egon's questions, Marco genuinely doesn't know the answer to, sure. The others...
Well, friendly terms or not, he's not about to show him the room where Elias' body rests.
"It was my job to help people, back home. Particularly in situations like this."
He didn't intend to sound malicious, though he did want to disable the fourth god entirely. If this was a child- and even if it wasn't- he didn't want to kill someone.
Well, any more than he had to.
He didn't intend to sound malicious, though he did want to disable the fourth god entirely. If this was a child- and even if it wasn't- he didn't want to kill someone.
Well, any more than he had to.
"I've dealt very closely and personally with gods and demons before. I've also helped those that were posessed or cursed before."
This lands somewhere in the realm of three of them. Egon looks around him again, examining the machines around him closely to take notes of later.
This lands somewhere in the realm of three of them. Egon looks around him again, examining the machines around him closely to take notes of later.
There's nothing too unusual about the arcade machines and the old consoles lying around, aside from the obvious fact that they seem to be a few years ahead of what would otherwise be possible in Ryslig. But those aren't the only pieces of machinery in the Arcade - every so often, small robots can be seen scurrying around. Their aesthetic fits right in with the rest of the place, and they're simple little things, really; mostly in charge of cleaning up.
"Maybe you should just talk to Elias. If you want to help him, I'm sure he'll listen."
That's fine, right? He can say that without it coming across like, say, a call for recruitment, yes?
"Maybe you should just talk to Elias. If you want to help him, I'm sure he'll listen."
That's fine, right? He can say that without it coming across like, say, a call for recruitment, yes?
Interesting. It seems that Elias has invented the roomba.
"I should, sometime- he's worth talking to." The werewolf nods. It's just a child, he should be able to reason with him. If the power hasn't gone to his head.
"I should, sometime- he's worth talking to." The werewolf nods. It's just a child, he should be able to reason with him. If the power hasn't gone to his head.
"Well, is there anything else I should know?"
"If there aren't any questions you can think of, then we should be fine."
The smile stays on. As far as he's concerned, if Egon doesn't have more questions, then any answers Marco might have left are either not that important or not to be revealed at all.
The smile stays on. As far as he's concerned, if Egon doesn't have more questions, then any answers Marco might have left are either not that important or not to be revealed at all.
[This is probably going to go badly, Fiddleford thinks. Might not, probably will, for reasons he can't begrudge Marco at all. It's just that he can't lie to Marco about it. He can't risk putting a wedge between them. So he pokes his head into the room Marco's in, tongue thpping nervously.]
Marco, honey? Did you see that Haze post?
Marco, honey? Did you see that Haze post?
Edited 2018-09-29 18:30 (UTC)
[Marco's sitting on the sofa like someone might if they were reading a book, but instead of reading a book, he just appears to be staring at the wall ahead of him. Of course, chances are Fiddleford knows him well enough to be more than aware of what he is doing, which is to say, browsing the network without a laptop.]
Mmhmm. [In fact, guess where he's having three conversations at the same time right now.] It's... strange. I'm not sure how I feel about it.
Mmhmm. [In fact, guess where he's having three conversations at the same time right now.] It's... strange. I'm not sure how I feel about it.
[Yeah. That was a silly lead-in, probably, when he could see Marco's responses right there. He just... he doesn't know how to lead into this.]
I... I think it might be worth lookin' into. [No, that's a bad way to put it, it's too vague--] Just, I mean, the things they're sayin' make sense. Regardless of who they're comin' from. And Lust -- well I trust Lust's judgement.
I... I think it might be worth lookin' into. [No, that's a bad way to put it, it's too vague--] Just, I mean, the things they're sayin' make sense. Regardless of who they're comin' from. And Lust -- well I trust Lust's judgement.
[... Maybe he would have seen this coming, if he weren't so wrapped up in managing his own feelings on the matter.
He looks at Fiddleford. RSDOS is still there, but he's pushed it to the background of his mind the best he can.]
... Which part? I mean... Which part do you... want to look into?
[He doesn't seem mad, or even scared. Only hesitant.]
He looks at Fiddleford. RSDOS is still there, but he's pushed it to the background of his mind the best he can.]
... Which part? I mean... Which part do you... want to look into?
[He doesn't seem mad, or even scared. Only hesitant.]
[Hhhhh. Okay. Marco seems to be taking this alright. That's... that's good.]
I... I don't know. The bits about helpin' each other out and keepin' an eye out for violence where there doesn't need to be any. Lord knows there's plenty of that. I'd like to be part of cuttin' down on it.
And bein' real honest with you I'm past the point of thinkin' what god a person follows is any indication of their character.
I... I don't know. The bits about helpin' each other out and keepin' an eye out for violence where there doesn't need to be any. Lord knows there's plenty of that. I'd like to be part of cuttin' down on it.
And bein' real honest with you I'm past the point of thinkin' what god a person follows is any indication of their character.
I think you have a point.
[He means that in regards to basically everything Fiddleford just said, but he goes silent again before he can clarify, distracted by a message Lucas sends him. Lucas worries him... but even then, he isn't sure how much of it is legitimate and how much it's all in his head.
Marco pinches the bridge of his nose. His head is starting to hurt.]
I-I'm not going to stop you, if that's what you're worried about. I trust you.
[That's something he can cling to. He trusts Fiddleford.]
[He means that in regards to basically everything Fiddleford just said, but he goes silent again before he can clarify, distracted by a message Lucas sends him. Lucas worries him... but even then, he isn't sure how much of it is legitimate and how much it's all in his head.
Marco pinches the bridge of his nose. His head is starting to hurt.]
I-I'm not going to stop you, if that's what you're worried about. I trust you.
[That's something he can cling to. He trusts Fiddleford.]
There once was a boy who was a Halloween fanatic. He loved dressing up for Halloween, he loved pulling pranks and watching horror movies, and above everything else... he loved candy. One fateful year, while he went trick-or-treating, he visited a house. This house was creepy as hell! It was big, it was old, it smelled like a grandmother and it was owned by a happy, old rich couple. The boy came here thinking that he would be handed out big chocolate bars, because it was a rich person's house but when he knocked on their door... he was handed a bag of that shitty candy that nobody likes! Tootsie rolls, shitty flavoured dum-dums, those weird... peanut things... needless to say, the boy was heartbroken. He was so heartbroken that he died, right there on their porch and now, every Halloween he goes out and finds people to curse. He wants everyone to suffer the same way he did!
Everybody is already suffering from his curse!! Send this to ten people to break the curse, or to avoid getting cursed, or you'll be stuck looking freakier than usual for the rest of your life!!!!!!!!!!
Everybody is already suffering from his curse!! Send this to ten people to break the curse, or to avoid getting cursed, or you'll be stuck looking freakier than usual for the rest of your life!!!!!!!!!!
yes, but i can't say who.
i don't want them to get cursed again.
i don't want them to get cursed again.
how do you know?
weird stuff happens here all the time.
weird stuff happens here all the time.
as far as you know.
they could be real one of these days.
they could be real one of these days.
There once was a boy who was a Halloween fanatic. He loved dressing up for Halloween, he loved pulling pranks and watching horror movies, and above everything else... he loved candy. One fateful year, while he went trick-or-treating, he visited a house. This house was creepy as hell! It was big, it was old, it smelled like a grandmother and it was owned by a happy, old rich couple. The boy came here thinking that he would be handed out big chocolate bars, because it was a rich person's house but when he knocked on their door... he was handed a bag of that shitty candy that nobody likes! Tootsie rolls, shitty flavoured dum-dums, those weird... peanut things... needless to say, the boy was heartbroken. He was so heartbroken that he died, right there on their porch and now, every Halloween he goes out and finds people to curse. He wants everyone to suffer the same way he did!
Everybody is already suffering from his curse!! Send this to ten people to break the curse, or to avoid getting cursed, or you'll be stuck looking freakier than usual for the rest of your life!!!!!!!!!!
Everybody is already suffering from his curse!! Send this to ten people to break the curse, or to avoid getting cursed, or you'll be stuck looking freakier than usual for the rest of your life!!!!!!!!!!
oh, you're marco-chan!!! hi, marco-chan!!!
ibuki will note this down as your number for any future endeavors!
you don't have to do that though!! ibuki was just spreading it for the halloween spirit!
there's nothing that gets people in the mood like a good curse, right???
ibuki will note this down as your number for any future endeavors!
you don't have to do that though!! ibuki was just spreading it for the halloween spirit!
there's nothing that gets people in the mood like a good curse, right???
hey marco
which monster has the bighest dick?
which monster has the bighest dick?
boo cop out
I think its slime thats my hypothesis, marco
I think its slime thats my hypothesis, marco
<C_137> (bet you thought you'd seen the last of this thread)
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
peaceamongworlds
2018-10-26 01:57 am (UTC)(link)
shades can be as big as they want
Shades can also give themselves as many dicks as they want. Trust me, you can give yourself at least 30 dicks when you're a shade
Just figured slimes were like barnacles, Marco. What's ur guess?
Shades can also give themselves as many dicks as they want. Trust me, you can give yourself at least 30 dicks when you're a shade
Just figured slimes were like barnacles, Marco. What's ur guess?
There once was a boy who was a Halloween fanatic. He loved dressing up for Halloween, he loved pulling pranks and watching horror movies, and above everything else... he loved candy. One fateful year, while he went trick-or-treating, he visited a house. This house was creepy as hell! It was big, it was old, it smelled like a grandmother and it was owned by a happy, old rich couple. The boy came here thinking that he would be handed out big chocolate bars, because it was a rich person's house but when he knocked on their door... he was handed a bag of that shitty candy that nobody likes! Tootsie rolls, shitty flavoured dum-dums, those weird... peanut things... needless to say, the boy was heartbroken. He was so heartbroken that he died, right there on their porch and now, every Halloween he goes out and finds people to curse. He wants everyone to suffer the same way he did!
Everybody is already suffering from his curse!! Send this to ten people to break the curse, or to avoid getting cursed, or you'll be stuck looking freakier than usual for the rest of your life!!!!!!!!!!
Everybody is already suffering from his curse!! Send this to ten people to break the curse, or to avoid getting cursed, or you'll be stuck looking freakier than usual for the rest of your life!!!!!!!!!!
ok here me out
ur like a super hot vampire mermaid angel so even if you dont do it youll prooooobably be fine b/c it would take a lot of freaky to make you not hot
i just rly dont wanna be cursed so i gotta do this OTL
ur like a super hot vampire mermaid angel so even if you dont do it youll prooooobably be fine b/c it would take a lot of freaky to make you not hot
i just rly dont wanna be cursed so i gotta do this OTL
r u sure about that because it seems real 2 me
if i got stuck with really bad candy at halloween, i know **i** would totally want to curse everyone around me!
There once was a boy who was a Halloween fanatic. He loved dressing up for Halloween, he loved pulling pranks and watching horror movies, and above everything else... he loved candy. One fateful year, while he went trick-or-treating, he visited a house. This house was creepy as hell! It was big, it was old, it smelled like a grandmother and it was owned by a happy, old rich couple. The boy came here thinking that he would be handed out big chocolate bars, because it was a rich person's house but when he knocked on their door... he was handed a bag of that shitty candy that nobody likes! Tootsie rolls, shitty flavoured dum-dums, those weird... peanut things... needless to say, the boy was heartbroken. He was so heartbroken that he died, right there on their porch and now, every Halloween he goes out and finds people to curse. He wants everyone to suffer the same way he did!
Everybody is already suffering from his curse!! Send this to ten people to break the curse, or to avoid getting cursed, or you'll be stuck looking freakier than usual for the rest of your life!!!!!!!!!!
Everybody is already suffering from his curse!! Send this to ten people to break the curse, or to avoid getting cursed, or you'll be stuck looking freakier than usual for the rest of your life!!!!!!!!!!
says you
im not taking any chances! i cant risk my cute little face becoming defiled
im not taking any chances! i cant risk my cute little face becoming defiled
i would appreciate it!
be sure to send before and after photos
be sure to send before and after photos
[It's taken a while for Elsa to work up the courage to send this message. Part of it was because she didn't want to burden Marco and Fiddleford with her problems so soon after their wedding and honeymoon, and part of it is just... her own problem with talking about her problems. This is one thing she's been feeling that she desperately wants to bottle up, but at the same time.... she promised Anna she'd stop doing that.
Anna may not be here anymore, but that doesn't mean Elsa intends to break that promise. So..... here goes nothing.]
Marco?
You, um. You offered to listen if I ever needed to talk about. Something.
I think I'm ready?
If now's not a bad time.
If it is, I can contact you some other time.
Anna may not be here anymore, but that doesn't mean Elsa intends to break that promise. So..... here goes nothing.]
Marco?
You, um. You offered to listen if I ever needed to talk about. Something.
I think I'm ready?
If now's not a bad time.
If it is, I can contact you some other time.
Edited 2018-11-02 21:56 (UTC)
I think in person would be best.
It's... it feels better to talk about personal matters like that.
I'm about ready to close up the cafe. If you'd like, I could leave some drinks and things out and we can talk here?
It's... it feels better to talk about personal matters like that.
I'm about ready to close up the cafe. If you'd like, I could leave some drinks and things out and we can talk here?
Of course.
I'll leave the door unlocked.
[She knows she doesn't really need to set snacks out, especially since her stomach is tying itself up in knots, but it gives her something to do while she waits for him. So she brews up a pot of tea, and some hot chocolate for herself, and picks out a few leftover pastries from the last batch she baked up.
By the time Marco arrives, Elsa will just be setting out her little thrown-together dessert, fidgeting nervously with a napkin as she waits.]
I'll leave the door unlocked.
[She knows she doesn't really need to set snacks out, especially since her stomach is tying itself up in knots, but it gives her something to do while she waits for him. So she brews up a pot of tea, and some hot chocolate for herself, and picks out a few leftover pastries from the last batch she baked up.
By the time Marco arrives, Elsa will just be setting out her little thrown-together dessert, fidgeting nervously with a napkin as she waits.]
[It's a nice little heads-up, yes. While it doesn't startle Elsa, it does give her that split second to stop shredding the napkin she'd been fidgeting with.]
Of course not! I'm sorry if I pulled you away from anything at the lab. I just.... [She had to avoid the lab in case Lup was there.] I needed somewhere a little more private.
Of course not! I'm sorry if I pulled you away from anything at the lab. I just.... [She had to avoid the lab in case Lup was there.] I needed somewhere a little more private.
Of course, of course.
[Marco doesn't quite make the leap to the exact reason Elsa might want to avoid the lab, but that doesn't matter, because the general idea of privacy is understandable enough. Besides, hey, he certainly wasn't doing anything more important than this.
He pulls up a chair. His attention is on her, not on the snacks.]
So. What's on your mind?
[Marco doesn't quite make the leap to the exact reason Elsa might want to avoid the lab, but that doesn't matter, because the general idea of privacy is understandable enough. Besides, hey, he certainly wasn't doing anything more important than this.
He pulls up a chair. His attention is on her, not on the snacks.]
So. What's on your mind?
[He may not make the connection immediately, but Elsa knows she can't beat around the bush forever. If she tries to be vague, she knows she'll just keep being vague, and she'll be wasting Marco's time and just feel even more terrible than she already does. So with a deep breath, and wrapping her hands tight around her warm mug to cling to some sort of comfort... she speaks.]
You... um. At the reception after the wedding. You asked me some things. [Her voice isn't.... shaking, exactly, but it definitely cracks a couple of times.] And I wasn't being entirely truthful. Or... I was? I don't think I fully understood it myself. But, um. Now, after I thought about it for some time...
[JUST SAY IT, SAY IT SO YOU CAN GET IT OUT ONCE AND LOCK IT UP TIGHT]
I think.... I think I might have feelings for Lup?
You... um. At the reception after the wedding. You asked me some things. [Her voice isn't.... shaking, exactly, but it definitely cracks a couple of times.] And I wasn't being entirely truthful. Or... I was? I don't think I fully understood it myself. But, um. Now, after I thought about it for some time...
[JUST SAY IT, SAY IT SO YOU CAN GET IT OUT ONCE AND LOCK IT UP TIGHT]
I think.... I think I might have feelings for Lup?
[HE KNEW IT. He knew it so hard, in fact, that his first impulse is to smack the table with his open palm. You know, to unload his excitement. Don't worry if it looks a little odd because he did it with no warning or because his smile is so subtle. He means well.
... But he does realise, after a second, that that may have been a little weird, so he settles back into his seat with a more visible, sheepish smile, and nods.]
I, ah, I had a feeling.
... But he does realise, after a second, that that may have been a little weird, so he settles back into his seat with a more visible, sheepish smile, and nods.]
I, ah, I had a feeling.
[You know that image of startled rabbits, when their ears shoot straight up in fright? That's exactly what happens at the sudden slam. Elsa's pointed, leaflike ears have been a little twitchy ever since her months as a werewolf, but they've never reacted quite like that before. And Elsa herself...]
You... you knew?
[... She looks horrified. The green hue to her skin thins out as she pales as much as can be possible for a nymph, and there's a light scratching sound - the sound of one of her claws leaving a small crack in the mug.]
Oh....oh, this isn't good...
You... you knew?
[... She looks horrified. The green hue to her skin thins out as she pales as much as can be possible for a nymph, and there's a light scratching sound - the sound of one of her claws leaving a small crack in the mug.]
Oh....oh, this isn't good...
Edited 2018-11-07 20:13 (UTC)
[Okay, at first he thinks he just sort of startled her, and he's ready to apologise, but... That's not what this is, is it? It's not all it is.]
Well, I... I just know the feeling, you know? I'm not saying it was obvious, or anything.
[Just... obvious enough for him to catch on to.
He hazards a guess:]
Is this the first time you've had feelings for someone?... Or for another woman?
Well, I... I just know the feeling, you know? I'm not saying it was obvious, or anything.
[Just... obvious enough for him to catch on to.
He hazards a guess:]
Is this the first time you've had feelings for someone?... Or for another woman?
... Both. [She doesn't look... ashamed? So that's a good sign here.] I didn't... I never really thought about my. Um. Preferences before. I never needed to.
[She manages to pry one of her hands from around her mug, but all she does is run it down her face before bringing it up again to run through her leafy "hair".]
I hope it's not obvious. The last thing I want is for her to find out.
[She manages to pry one of her hands from around her mug, but all she does is run it down her face before bringing it up again to run through her leafy "hair".]
I hope it's not obvious. The last thing I want is for her to find out.
[Marco nods. If Elsa turns out to have any hangups regarding her preferences, hey, he'll try to help - he's been there - but as long as anything else seems more pressing, he'll start there.]
Well, I really don't think she'd be mad, if that's what you're worried about. [He gives her a hopefully reassuring smile.] She's not that type of person at all, at least from what I've seen.
Well, I really don't think she'd be mad, if that's what you're worried about. [He gives her a hopefully reassuring smile.] She's not that type of person at all, at least from what I've seen.
[Hoo boy, Marco, that's a lot to unpack... Elsa's never really felt there was a problem with the concept- she's known Fiddleford and been around Anna and Lorna long enough to not even blink an eye at it - except when it came to her.
It's bad when it's her.]
She's... I-I know she jokes a lot, but. [She absolutely hates herself for the way her stomach knots up at her next words.] She's married. If she finds out, it'll be so awkward...
[She doesn't know what she'd do if she drove a wedge between herself and one of her closest friends.]
It's bad when it's her.]
She's... I-I know she jokes a lot, but. [She absolutely hates herself for the way her stomach knots up at her next words.] She's married. If she finds out, it'll be so awkward...
[She doesn't know what she'd do if she drove a wedge between herself and one of her closest friends.]
[Oh. That IS a thing. Lup being married to Barry. He can see why Elsa would worry - in her place, chances are he'd feel the same way. But somehow... The way Lup carries herself, her entire attitude... He really, really doesn't think she'd be angry, or even offended.
At the same time, something tells him Elsa won't just take his word at face value. Again, he's not sure he would, either.
Oh, wait -]
So... So when you say she "jokes a lot", do you remember anything in particular?
At the same time, something tells him Elsa won't just take his word at face value. Again, he's not sure he would, either.
Oh, wait -]
So... So when you say she "jokes a lot", do you remember anything in particular?
[Well, if there's one thing that can put a crack in Elsa's misery... it's that flush of embarrassment that crosses her face. She doesn't look uncomfortable, exactly, but... she's never really talked about this to anyone before. And she knows now that this is one of the things that contributed to her crush on Lup.
But Lup said she was just kidding. How pathetic does she have to be to get attached to that...]
She, um... she calls me "babe" sometimes. [Oh god she's blushing, isn't she???] She admitted that she was flirting with me. And called me cute when she did.
[Where once that made her feel all fluttery, before she realized what that feeling was, now it just makes her stomach knot up.]
But... that doesn't mean anything, with her saying she was simply joking.
But Lup said she was just kidding. How pathetic does she have to be to get attached to that...]
She, um... she calls me "babe" sometimes. [Oh god she's blushing, isn't she???] She admitted that she was flirting with me. And called me cute when she did.
[Where once that made her feel all fluttery, before she realized what that feeling was, now it just makes her stomach knot up.]
But... that doesn't mean anything, with her saying she was simply joking.
[Marco furrows his brow a little bit. He knows he's not getting the full picture here, but every detail he gets is helping him paint it.]
Well... Most married people don't flirt as a joke. Or, if they do, then, you know... They wouldn't be outraged if someone responded to the flirting, I'm fairly sure.
[Besides, yeah, Lup calls HIM by many creative and affectionate nicknames, but...] She doesn't flirt with me.
Well... Most married people don't flirt as a joke. Or, if they do, then, you know... They wouldn't be outraged if someone responded to the flirting, I'm fairly sure.
[Besides, yeah, Lup calls HIM by many creative and affectionate nicknames, but...] She doesn't flirt with me.
But that's... [Hm. How to say this without making it sound offensive. It's funny, after all the time she was in Ryslig, living with Anna and Lorna... she never really talked to them about this kind of thing.] You're attracted to men, yes? Maybe that's why.
[Maybe it's just... Lup being considerate? Look, she doesn't get it either...!]
What I feel, it's not... it's not something joking, like she does. [Aaaaand there's the hint of shame creeping into her voice.] If I was joking with her, it wouldn't be bad. But this... I think it's serious.
[Maybe it's just... Lup being considerate? Look, she doesn't get it either...!]
What I feel, it's not... it's not something joking, like she does. [Aaaaand there's the hint of shame creeping into her voice.] If I was joking with her, it wouldn't be bad. But this... I think it's serious.
[As much as he wants to point out that Elsa's logic doesn't really fly and Lup isn't psychic and can't tell who someone's into just by looking at them, he realises that probably wouldn't be productive in the slightest right now. He's not sure what WOULD be productive. He's not sure what he can do, or...
Okay. Marco takes a deep breath. He knows that his eagerness to offer help when, in fact, he's not sure he can provide any at all may be kind of a problem sometimes, but that doesn't mean it's a problem here! Heck, he's talked to a fake representation of his husband's ex-wife. He's kind of qualified.
But he's not a mind reader, is the thing. Although... Maybe he ought to remind Elsa that she isn't one, either?]
No, no, I know. I can tell. I mean... Because you're telling me all this. I-I can assure you it's not obvious. [Gotta reassure her, since obviously she's pretty worried about that.]
But... We can't really be sure she's joking, now can we?
Okay. Marco takes a deep breath. He knows that his eagerness to offer help when, in fact, he's not sure he can provide any at all may be kind of a problem sometimes, but that doesn't mean it's a problem here! Heck, he's talked to a fake representation of his husband's ex-wife. He's kind of qualified.
But he's not a mind reader, is the thing. Although... Maybe he ought to remind Elsa that she isn't one, either?]
No, no, I know. I can tell. I mean... Because you're telling me all this. I-I can assure you it's not obvious. [Gotta reassure her, since obviously she's pretty worried about that.]
But... We can't really be sure she's joking, now can we?
[Look, Elsa's logic is usually better than this, and looking back on this conversation she might feel a little embarrassed at how she's reaching, but... in the moment, when that knot in her chest is clenching like a vice and all her insecurities are flaring up in a way that they haven't since her coronation... it's hard to get a grip on her thundercloud of thoughts.
Except... what he says makes her brows furrow, and she looks up from her worrying hands back to him.]
... What? You think she's serious?
[HAHA, GOOD ONE....]
Except... what he says makes her brows furrow, and she looks up from her worrying hands back to him.]
... What? You think she's serious?
[HAHA, GOOD ONE....]
... Yes?
[Is... is it bad to assume that? Elsa knows she's sheltered, that many people here are from times far in the future to her, that her idea of romance and marriage are.... very separate... but that at least is something that should be a given, right???]
If someone's married, why would they flirt with someone else? They... they have their spouse. They have no need to try and attract anyone else.
[Is... is it bad to assume that? Elsa knows she's sheltered, that many people here are from times far in the future to her, that her idea of romance and marriage are.... very separate... but that at least is something that should be a given, right???]
If someone's married, why would they flirt with someone else? They... they have their spouse. They have no need to try and attract anyone else.
Well... [He nods, more to acknowledge her point than exactly to agree with it.] By that logic, why would they flirt as a joke? If their spouse doesn't like it, it doesn't really matter what the intention is. So, I mean... I'm guessing Barry doesn't have a problem with it.
[His hands gesticulate with every other word. All the nervous energy from trying to put together an argument that'll hopefully help Elsa has to go somewhere.]
And maybe... Mind you, I'm not sure... But maybe they have that kind of open relationship going on.
[His hands gesticulate with every other word. All the nervous energy from trying to put together an argument that'll hopefully help Elsa has to go somewhere.]
And maybe... Mind you, I'm not sure... But maybe they have that kind of open relationship going on.
[It's funny, how both their nervous energy can be seen most with their hands. But while Marco flails around, Elsa fidgets nonstop, pressing her palms together or twisting up her fingers. But that little tic pauses, and now she looks more confused than worried.]
A what?
A what?
[Oh man. Marco hasn't ever given any thought to be BEING in an open relationship, but... Elsa doesn't even know what that means, does she?]
An open relationship. [Some more gesticulating. Some pursing of the lips.] Some couples are... They mutually agree that they're free to see other people.
An open relationship. [Some more gesticulating. Some pursing of the lips.] Some couples are... They mutually agree that they're free to see other people.
... Huh.
[It's... certainly odd. But when Elsa thinks about it... that was sort of a thing in her time, wasn't it? Marriages among royals were much more often than not made for political reasons, and it wasn't unheard of for one or both spouses to take a lover on the side. But with Lup and Barry... they love each other. With an incredible intensity that even Elsa could see it, whenever she comes to help with the farm. It's unfair to compare them to that. To compare them to that... she feels kind of bad.]
That would explain why Lup acts like that. [Still... she doesn't look too reassured.] I... I still don't think I should ever let her find out about this, though.
[It's... certainly odd. But when Elsa thinks about it... that was sort of a thing in her time, wasn't it? Marriages among royals were much more often than not made for political reasons, and it wasn't unheard of for one or both spouses to take a lover on the side. But with Lup and Barry... they love each other. With an incredible intensity that even Elsa could see it, whenever she comes to help with the farm. It's unfair to compare them to that. To compare them to that... she feels kind of bad.]
That would explain why Lup acts like that. [Still... she doesn't look too reassured.] I... I still don't think I should ever let her find out about this, though.
...
[Dang, Elsa, you don't make this easy, thinks Marco Evangelisti to himself, hypocritically.
Another nod of acknowledgement. He gets where she's coming from, really, but he still thinks it's best to keep talking her through this.]
I'm not saying you should run out and tell her right now... But why are you afraid of her finding out? Especially if she's flirting on purpose.
[Dang, Elsa, you don't make this easy, thinks Marco Evangelisti to himself, hypocritically.
Another nod of acknowledgement. He gets where she's coming from, really, but he still thinks it's best to keep talking her through this.]
I'm not saying you should run out and tell her right now... But why are you afraid of her finding out? Especially if she's flirting on purpose.
[Blame her parents and their encouragement of damaging coping methods with bad emotions!]
It's... [Again, she wars with the urge to clam up and the desire to talk. She shouldn't talk about this, she just has to deal with it...! But no. Elsa's never been a very emotionally strong person, and eventually she crumbles.] I can't let her know, because if what you say is true about this "open relationship"... I can't let myself reciprocate. Because of my responsibilities.
[there she said it]
It's... [Again, she wars with the urge to clam up and the desire to talk. She shouldn't talk about this, she just has to deal with it...! But no. Elsa's never been a very emotionally strong person, and eventually she crumbles.] I can't let her know, because if what you say is true about this "open relationship"... I can't let myself reciprocate. Because of my responsibilities.
[there she said it]
Edited 2018-11-17 15:29 (UTC)
[... Right. She's only ever told Lup and Juno about her title. Good thing their conversation has already been all kinds of awkward; one more dramatic reveal certainly can't make things worse, can it?]
In my own world... in Arendelle, I was its queen. [A pause, as she lets that sink in.] And as queen, there are certain... expectations. I'm expected to marry a man of high birth, a king or a prince. I'm expected to have children with him, to have an heir continue the royal line.
[Technically she could make her sister her heir, but that would eventually put that duty on Anna, and after seeing her relationship with Lorna, and their wedding... Elsa could never do that to her.]
A true relationship... it was never in the cards for me.
[Even before she realized her attraction to women, she never really entertained the idea of a true romantic relationship. It was a nice fantasy, of course, but between her issues with her powers and her problems getting close to people, Elsa never seriously thought that fantasy could ever be a reality. And now...]
In my own world... in Arendelle, I was its queen. [A pause, as she lets that sink in.] And as queen, there are certain... expectations. I'm expected to marry a man of high birth, a king or a prince. I'm expected to have children with him, to have an heir continue the royal line.
[Technically she could make her sister her heir, but that would eventually put that duty on Anna, and after seeing her relationship with Lorna, and their wedding... Elsa could never do that to her.]
A true relationship... it was never in the cards for me.
[Even before she realized her attraction to women, she never really entertained the idea of a true romantic relationship. It was a nice fantasy, of course, but between her issues with her powers and her problems getting close to people, Elsa never seriously thought that fantasy could ever be a reality. And now...]
[Even in the context of this conversation, both mundane enough to feel familiar to Marco and personal enough to feel ever so slightly awkward, the revelation that he's been talking to royalty makes his train of thought get lost for a moment. Not even just royalty, but an actual queen. A queen running a small shop. A CEO working as a coder and secretary in a small workshop. Familiarity, sympathy, a dash of wait-no-I-have-no-idea-what-that's-like--
It's this short derail that likely makes him blurt out, before anything else:] Oh, I'm-- I'm sorry. I didn't know.
[But then the rest of his brain starts catching up, and he furrows his brow.]
... This isn't Arendelle, though. Right?
It's this short derail that likely makes him blurt out, before anything else:] Oh, I'm-- I'm sorry. I didn't know.
[But then the rest of his brain starts catching up, and he furrows his brow.]
... This isn't Arendelle, though. Right?
[That apology manages to get a laugh out of Elsa. It sounds a bit strained, but the slight twitch at the corners of her mouth is proof that it's at least genuine, if a bit buried under everything else Elsa is currently feeling right now.]
No, it's fine. I haven't told many people, simply because... it was easier, if nobody knew.
[But that's another issue for another day. Because his next words.... mmm. She'd lie if that thought hadn't very briefly crossed her mind during all of this, but still... she shakes her head.]
But I can't stay here forever. I... I don't know if I want to. I love the friends I've made here, and the life I've settled into [people-eating aside of course] is bearable... but someday, if we can ever find a way to return home... I will be going back to Arendelle.
If.... if I let myself fall into a relationship here... it will have to end, when I return home. And I'm not sure I could bear it.
[Elsa is a person who hated herself for a long time. She had no love for herself, for her powers, for anything about her own life. To let someone in who can love her, who chooses to love her and who can make her feel good about herself, only to have to cut those ties because of tradition... that would hurt just as badly as her forced separation from Anna had.]
No, it's fine. I haven't told many people, simply because... it was easier, if nobody knew.
[But that's another issue for another day. Because his next words.... mmm. She'd lie if that thought hadn't very briefly crossed her mind during all of this, but still... she shakes her head.]
But I can't stay here forever. I... I don't know if I want to. I love the friends I've made here, and the life I've settled into [people-eating aside of course] is bearable... but someday, if we can ever find a way to return home... I will be going back to Arendelle.
If.... if I let myself fall into a relationship here... it will have to end, when I return home. And I'm not sure I could bear it.
[Elsa is a person who hated herself for a long time. She had no love for herself, for her powers, for anything about her own life. To let someone in who can love her, who chooses to love her and who can make her feel good about herself, only to have to cut those ties because of tradition... that would hurt just as badly as her forced separation from Anna had.]
Oh.
[It's a quiet sound; the sound of someone who hadn't thought of this at all, despite it seeming so obvious once it's out there. Marco is married now not only because he loves Fiddleford, but also because he doesn't think he can or will return home. How could he, the way he is now? He doesn't have it in him to run a company anymore. Maybe he shouldn't even be allowed to.
But if Elsa wants to go home...]
... Maybe you wouldn't have to go alone. Although-- Although I guess that still wouldn't let you... [Wait. He looks straight at her.] Why do you have to marry a man? If you're the queen, can't you just change the rules?
[It's a quiet sound; the sound of someone who hadn't thought of this at all, despite it seeming so obvious once it's out there. Marco is married now not only because he loves Fiddleford, but also because he doesn't think he can or will return home. How could he, the way he is now? He doesn't have it in him to run a company anymore. Maybe he shouldn't even be allowed to.
But if Elsa wants to go home...]
... Maybe you wouldn't have to go alone. Although-- Although I guess that still wouldn't let you... [Wait. He looks straight at her.] Why do you have to marry a man? If you're the queen, can't you just change the rules?
[Elsa would be lying if she said she hadn't thought about that before. Not in relation to all of this, of course, but when she was first coronated, back when she still had to keep her powers a secret, she thought that she might be able to go against her father's orders. She was the queen! But...]
I can't... the family line has to continue somehow. If I don't do it, Anna will have to, and the last thing I want is for that duty to fall to her.
I can't... the family line has to continue somehow. If I don't do it, Anna will have to, and the last thing I want is for that duty to fall to her.
Will she? I guess... Unless you instituted a democracy, or... [He's already trailing off before he can even finish the thought, because part of him acknowledges that casually suggesting a political revolution in Elsa's home might be kind of out there.
He sighs.]
You could adopt a child. Could you adopt?
He sighs.]
You could adopt a child. Could you adopt?
[For the past week or so Fiddleford has been conspicuously quiet. He hasn't opened the workshop. He hasn't cooked. He hasn't even left his box to bathe, despite the hot water being one of the best things for him as the temperature cools. He binged on a couple of unlucky humans immediately post-concert and once he settled in to digest he just sort of never got back up. Part of it's his natural snaky instinct to hibernate this time of year. Most of it was the music deadening the self-motivation that would usually keep him from doing that.
It takes him a while to come up out of it and it's with the unsettling feeling of having lost time. He hasn't felt that in a long while and he doesn't much like it. He knows he hasn't -- it's more a case of days and nights blending together as he snoozed through them-- but the effect is the same.
He's not angry. If he was angry Marco would know it. He's just... upset. Disappointed, more than anything. So instead of bursting into the master bedroom guns blazing he just knocks softly on the doorframe before letting himself in.]
Marco? I think we oughta talk.
It takes him a while to come up out of it and it's with the unsettling feeling of having lost time. He hasn't felt that in a long while and he doesn't much like it. He knows he hasn't -- it's more a case of days and nights blending together as he snoozed through them-- but the effect is the same.
He's not angry. If he was angry Marco would know it. He's just... upset. Disappointed, more than anything. So instead of bursting into the master bedroom guns blazing he just knocks softly on the doorframe before letting himself in.]
Marco? I think we oughta talk.
[Marco has been preparing himself for this - or trying to, anyway.
It didn't sink in right away. When it first became apparent that something went wrong, his first concern was how to fix it. As the week went on, however - as the full magnitude of what he did hit him, and especially as he saw the effect it was having on Fiddleford - he realised what this all meant: he ruined everything. He's barely been married for a month and now it's over and it's all his fault.
He's sitting in bed, practically hugging his knees, and for the moment, he can't quite bring himself to look at Fiddleford. The part of him that tells him - sometimes literally - that he should have figured, that he doesn't deserve the happiness Fiddleford brought to his life anyway, feels loud and clear right now.]
I'm sorry. I-- I know I probably should have packed up by now. But I thought... I thought I should wait until you were - you know. Actually able to say something to me..
It didn't sink in right away. When it first became apparent that something went wrong, his first concern was how to fix it. As the week went on, however - as the full magnitude of what he did hit him, and especially as he saw the effect it was having on Fiddleford - he realised what this all meant: he ruined everything. He's barely been married for a month and now it's over and it's all his fault.
He's sitting in bed, practically hugging his knees, and for the moment, he can't quite bring himself to look at Fiddleford. The part of him that tells him - sometimes literally - that he should have figured, that he doesn't deserve the happiness Fiddleford brought to his life anyway, feels loud and clear right now.]
I'm sorry. I-- I know I probably should have packed up by now. But I thought... I thought I should wait until you were - you know. Actually able to say something to me..
Packed up? No-- honey, no.
[Fiddleford settles some of his coils onto the bed and puts his hands on Marco's shoulders. Already a good sign, probably. He's not so upset that he wants a minimum amount of distance between them.]
I don't want you to leave. I just want to know-- I want to know what you were thinkin'.
[Fiddleford settles some of his coils onto the bed and puts his hands on Marco's shoulders. Already a good sign, probably. He's not so upset that he wants a minimum amount of distance between them.]
I don't want you to leave. I just want to know-- I want to know what you were thinkin'.
Oh-- Oh.
[His mouth hangs open for a good few seconds before he even starts thinking of an answer to Fiddleford's question, stunned as he is. He forces himself to relax to Fiddleford's touch; of course, forcing yourself to relax never works out quite like it's supposed to, but it's a genuine attempt. His shoulders feel stiff, but he's taking deep breaths.]
I... We thought...
[But as he shakes off his surprise, the self-loathing starts creeping in again. A part of Marco berates him for even beginning to consider ways to soften the blow, to do damage control; once the head of a business, always the head of a business; heartless, wretch, hypocrite.
The hands on his shoulders ground him.]
It was supposed to be... a mix of things. A-A display - a peaceful display - in contrast with what the Fog's people - some of the Fog's people, sorry - have been doing. Just a moment of peace, just during the show, just-- no fighting, no worries... [He's already beginning to trail off, unswayed by his own arguments.] A helping hand to the neutral people...
... I don't know why I thought it was a good idea. I should have known better.
[His mouth hangs open for a good few seconds before he even starts thinking of an answer to Fiddleford's question, stunned as he is. He forces himself to relax to Fiddleford's touch; of course, forcing yourself to relax never works out quite like it's supposed to, but it's a genuine attempt. His shoulders feel stiff, but he's taking deep breaths.]
I... We thought...
[But as he shakes off his surprise, the self-loathing starts creeping in again. A part of Marco berates him for even beginning to consider ways to soften the blow, to do damage control; once the head of a business, always the head of a business; heartless, wretch, hypocrite.
The hands on his shoulders ground him.]
It was supposed to be... a mix of things. A-A display - a peaceful display - in contrast with what the Fog's people - some of the Fog's people, sorry - have been doing. Just a moment of peace, just during the show, just-- no fighting, no worries... [He's already beginning to trail off, unswayed by his own arguments.] A helping hand to the neutral people...
... I don't know why I thought it was a good idea. I should have known better.
You should've.
[He isn't saying it to be mean. He's saying it because it's true.]
I know you meant well. [Probably, to begin with, even if meaning well should have led him to not doing the thing in the first place. Fiddleford can recognize that urge to do something, the kind of desperate desire to help that gets a man to dress in tight pants and sing on stage in front of hundreds of strangers. He can even respect it. It's there in him too. And that's why he knows how much trouble it can cause.]
But you -- you know you can make people happy without... [MmmMMM he doesn't know how to phrase this well] ... without not givin' them a say in it?
[He isn't saying it to be mean. He's saying it because it's true.]
I know you meant well. [Probably, to begin with, even if meaning well should have led him to not doing the thing in the first place. Fiddleford can recognize that urge to do something, the kind of desperate desire to help that gets a man to dress in tight pants and sing on stage in front of hundreds of strangers. He can even respect it. It's there in him too. And that's why he knows how much trouble it can cause.]
But you -- you know you can make people happy without... [MmmMMM he doesn't know how to phrase this well] ... without not givin' them a say in it?
[Fiddleford's words sink in.
And as they sink in - and as they're true, - Marco feels an overwhelming tightness in his chest. He knows exactly where Fiddleford is coming from, he knows he's speaking from experience and from regret and--
Marco throws his arms around Fiddleford, clinging to him. He looks like he should be crying, but he isn't. He kind of wishes he were.]
What was I thinking? Why do I-- Why am I like this?!
[He squeezes Fiddleford like he's hoping it'll make his chest feel lighter.]
And as they sink in - and as they're true, - Marco feels an overwhelming tightness in his chest. He knows exactly where Fiddleford is coming from, he knows he's speaking from experience and from regret and--
Marco throws his arms around Fiddleford, clinging to him. He looks like he should be crying, but he isn't. He kind of wishes he were.]
What was I thinking? Why do I-- Why am I like this?!
[He squeezes Fiddleford like he's hoping it'll make his chest feel lighter.]
[A loop of Fiddleford's tail slides around to press against Marco's waist and his arms curl around Marco's shoulders. One of the best parts of being a naga is that he's great at giving hugs, which works out nicely right now because both of them need one.]
If I had to take a guess, it's because you're desperate for somethin' to work.
[The weight of his past hangs heavy in the air. He's not going to say it outright. They both know. There's no point rehashing it in detail.]
Speakin' as someone who never feels like he's doin' enough.
If I had to take a guess, it's because you're desperate for somethin' to work.
[The weight of his past hangs heavy in the air. He's not going to say it outright. They both know. There's no point rehashing it in detail.]
Speakin' as someone who never feels like he's doin' enough.
I'm sorry.
[He means it, but the truth is the apology leaves him too quickly for him to be entirely sure what he's sorry about. Is this about what he did, or the unfortunate fact that Fiddleford understands? Is it a little bit of both?
Marco takes a deep breath and his chest hurts.]
I-I won't... I want to say I'll never do anything like this again, but-- but I already promised that before, didn't I? And... And I still did it.
[It takes some effort to look Fiddleford directly in the eye, but he does it.
Sometimes, Marco's face isn't quite in tune with what he's feeling - through no fault or deliberate attempt of his own, but as part of the whole package of things that have gone a little bit askew in his brain. Here, his expression isn't what one might call anguished, by any means, but his eyes are on the verge of bursting into tears.]
[He means it, but the truth is the apology leaves him too quickly for him to be entirely sure what he's sorry about. Is this about what he did, or the unfortunate fact that Fiddleford understands? Is it a little bit of both?
Marco takes a deep breath and his chest hurts.]
I-I won't... I want to say I'll never do anything like this again, but-- but I already promised that before, didn't I? And... And I still did it.
[It takes some effort to look Fiddleford directly in the eye, but he does it.
Sometimes, Marco's face isn't quite in tune with what he's feeling - through no fault or deliberate attempt of his own, but as part of the whole package of things that have gone a little bit askew in his brain. Here, his expression isn't what one might call anguished, by any means, but his eyes are on the verge of bursting into tears.]
[Yeah. Yeah, Fiddleford can't argue that. He also can't bring himself to really be mad about it. How could he? He's the man who started a cult, found out what that cult did and how horrible it was for everyone involved, and still stuck with the fourth god for over a year. Still insisted that was different. That it was better. And look at him now, officially throwing his lot in with the Haze. He feels like it's different. He wants to believe it is. He still expects the other shoe to drop at any second.]
Sweetheart.
[He raises one hand to cup Marco's cheek.]
I don't want to kick you while you're down. Don't got legs to kick you with anyway. [Haha. It's joke.] ...You really thought I was goin' to kick you out?
Sweetheart.
[He raises one hand to cup Marco's cheek.]
I don't want to kick you while you're down. Don't got legs to kick you with anyway. [Haha. It's joke.] ...You really thought I was goin' to kick you out?
[His mouth moves in response to the joke. Or maybe it's just a nervous twitch.]
I... Well...
[A small nod. Of course he thought it was over - and he wouldn't have blamed Fiddleford if that were what he wanted. When the reality of what Marco did sank in, the part of him that still can't believe he's married, still can't believe Fiddleford loves him - that same vicious, self-hating part of him that tells him he'll never be fit for a high-level job again and he'll never be as quick-thinking and well-spoken and capable as he once was - began speaking too loudly.
But he won't say that. Especially because, now that he's in his husband's arms, another part of him chimes in, telling him so many of those dark, suffocating thoughts are nothing more than just that and he's not alone and he doesn't have to be - and as a result, he realises that walking Fiddleford through the entire emotional journey he's been through this past week would just cause unnecessary distress.
Marco leans into Fiddleford's touch. Letting out a breath, he closes his eyes.]
I thought wrong, huh?
[There's a joke to be made there, but Marco isn't ready to make it yet.]
I... Well...
[A small nod. Of course he thought it was over - and he wouldn't have blamed Fiddleford if that were what he wanted. When the reality of what Marco did sank in, the part of him that still can't believe he's married, still can't believe Fiddleford loves him - that same vicious, self-hating part of him that tells him he'll never be fit for a high-level job again and he'll never be as quick-thinking and well-spoken and capable as he once was - began speaking too loudly.
But he won't say that. Especially because, now that he's in his husband's arms, another part of him chimes in, telling him so many of those dark, suffocating thoughts are nothing more than just that and he's not alone and he doesn't have to be - and as a result, he realises that walking Fiddleford through the entire emotional journey he's been through this past week would just cause unnecessary distress.
Marco leans into Fiddleford's touch. Letting out a breath, he closes his eyes.]
I thought wrong, huh?
[There's a joke to be made there, but Marco isn't ready to make it yet.]
I married you, didn't I?
[He rubs his thumb across Marco's cheek, careful of his claw. Given that it's been several years he's pretty good now at working around them.]
And I wouldn't have asked to if I didn't mean to stay. I'm not... I'm not happy about this, but we're goin' to keep movin' forward together. And the next time you get an idea like this, you just run it by me first. Alright? I'm your husband. You can talk to me.
[He rubs his thumb across Marco's cheek, careful of his claw. Given that it's been several years he's pretty good now at working around them.]
And I wouldn't have asked to if I didn't mean to stay. I'm not... I'm not happy about this, but we're goin' to keep movin' forward together. And the next time you get an idea like this, you just run it by me first. Alright? I'm your husband. You can talk to me.
I promise.
[Marco stamps down the part of him that says this wasn't his idea alone, but then he has to rein in the part that did the stamping, too, because it's all too eager to make his head hurt and his chest feel tight again. To fight it, he brings his own hand to the hand on his cheek, leaves soft kisses at the base of Fiddleford's thumb. You're not eating yourself today, Brain. Not now.]
... I can trust you. I know I can.
[Marco stamps down the part of him that says this wasn't his idea alone, but then he has to rein in the part that did the stamping, too, because it's all too eager to make his head hurt and his chest feel tight again. To fight it, he brings his own hand to the hand on his cheek, leaves soft kisses at the base of Fiddleford's thumb. You're not eating yourself today, Brain. Not now.]
... I can trust you. I know I can.
< HAOU > Post Draco's death on the 16th of December
gentle_darkness_duelist
2018-12-28 02:39 pm (UTC)(link)
[Sometime after Firewall, after having a conversation with Danny, Judai acquired Marco's network number. Judai doesn't know the man is, only that he's a Fourth Priest and he was part of the band Firewall.
And honestly, that was enough.
Judai needed answers. Judai needed something to make sense of the incident, more-so than what Draco could provide him.
Why would they steal from the goddess?]
You. Reira. Cuthbert.
Firewall was your faults.
So you have to answer.
What did you actually gain from her flame?
And honestly, that was enough.
Judai needed answers. Judai needed something to make sense of the incident, more-so than what Draco could provide him.
Why would they steal from the goddess?]
You. Reira. Cuthbert.
Firewall was your faults.
So you have to answer.
What did you actually gain from her flame?
Edited 2018-12-28 14:40 (UTC)
I am the person your music was intended for.
You hurt a lot of people with that performance.
Me especially, but I don't expect you to care.
Answer my questions.
You hurt a lot of people with that performance.
Me especially, but I don't expect you to care.
Answer my questions.
[The person their music was intended for... Judai?
Marco takes a deep breath. He won't waste his time explaining that he does, in fact, care - chances are Judai wouldn't even believe him.]
Unfortunately, I can't tell you anything.
Marco takes a deep breath. He won't waste his time explaining that he does, in fact, care - chances are Judai wouldn't even believe him.]
Unfortunately, I can't tell you anything.
Edited 2018-12-31 15:06 (UTC)
I'm very sorry about what happened
But as far as her followers are concerned, the answer to that question doesn't matter either way.
I don't want to hurt anyone and, again, I made mistakes.
But when it comes to these matters, I can't give away critical information to the enemy.
You understand.
But as far as her followers are concerned, the answer to that question doesn't matter either way.
I don't want to hurt anyone and, again, I made mistakes.
But when it comes to these matters, I can't give away critical information to the enemy.
You understand.
[Judai takes a moment to figure out which parts he wants to reply to. He nearly sends a seething message at the apology but eventually the teary-eyed man just types what's necessary.]
Yes it does matter. If it's information on the nature of the Fog, it's important! Her powers or anything. Anything to hint at how to go home!
Why the fuck do we have to be enemies? I don't understand. Thats the whole fucking point why I'm messaging you.
Yes it does matter. If it's information on the nature of the Fog, it's important! Her powers or anything. Anything to hint at how to go home!
Why the fuck do we have to be enemies? I don't understand. Thats the whole fucking point why I'm messaging you.
Do not have me mistaken for a traitor or a double agent.
But don't have me listed as a crazy, mindless follower as well.
As much as I love the Fog, I understand that she's just... not human. She's a force who struggles to emphasise with our emotions. She's careless and destructive at times to and takes pleasure in dominance.
I'm a follower because I see my partner and myself in the Fog. I want to help her. And I want to show her that she doesn't have to keep stealing people to share her 'gifts'. I want to give people the choice to stay here or go home.
And I can't fucking do that if she's lost her trust.
But don't have me listed as a crazy, mindless follower as well.
As much as I love the Fog, I understand that she's just... not human. She's a force who struggles to emphasise with our emotions. She's careless and destructive at times to and takes pleasure in dominance.
I'm a follower because I see my partner and myself in the Fog. I want to help her. And I want to show her that she doesn't have to keep stealing people to share her 'gifts'. I want to give people the choice to stay here or go home.
And I can't fucking do that if she's lost her trust.
[Marco doesn't know how much of this he can believe. Maybe it's all lies, all tailored to him, all trying to get him to lower his guard and share what he knows.
And yet, as much as he wants to err on the side of caution, there's a part of him that wonders whether that caution is too extreme, or even whether it's the exact kind of sentiment that has made him hurt so many people in the past.
... Ultimately, his decision is made easier by one simple fact:]
Okay.
I wouldn't blame you if you don't believe me, after how I first reacted
But the truth is that we couldn't get a single thing from that log.
And yet, as much as he wants to err on the side of caution, there's a part of him that wonders whether that caution is too extreme, or even whether it's the exact kind of sentiment that has made him hurt so many people in the past.
... Ultimately, his decision is made easier by one simple fact:]
Okay.
I wouldn't blame you if you don't believe me, after how I first reacted
But the truth is that we couldn't get a single thing from that log.
[Judai stares at the response for a long time. He stares with dark eyes, mind reeling as he tries to process the simple lines. He tries to rationalise it in his head. He does several times before he responds.]
Couldn't or didn't?
As in... The Fourth won't share what you got?
There has to have been something. No way
Couldn't or didn't?
As in... The Fourth won't share what you got?
There has to have been something. No way
He could have lied or deemed it not important
There can't be nothing. She wouldn't have been so mad.
No No No No No No No No No
There can't be nothing. She wouldn't have been so mad.
No No No No No No No No No
r u secretly super rude or do u just never get asked to hang out?
cause i'm going out later n i thot i'd ax if u wanna come 2.
cause i'm going out later n i thot i'd ax if u wanna come 2.
clearly
dunno. got sum bars i like hitting. can't drink but i got other stuff i can do. maybe do a little shopping. i dunno. mybody double doppelganger decoy buddy is going thru the changes n all n hes like upset and having a tuff time. keep thinking maybe i shud like get him sumthing?
dunno. got sum bars i like hitting. can't drink but i got other stuff i can do. maybe do a little shopping. i dunno. my
can fish dudes not drink?
dunno. u met a dude who looks like me, only younger and like he lifts trucks for fun?
dunno. u met a dude who looks like me, only younger and like he lifts trucks for fun?
no u sed 'don't' but i figured it was a monster thing. why no drinky?
he hasn't been here long. he lives with me. and he doesn't have a job or wutev i think he just sits around the house all day. idk. he's a weird dude but...
idk ¯\_(0.0)_/¯
he hasn't been here long. he lives with me. and he doesn't have a job or wutev i think he just sits around the house all day. idk. he's a weird dude but...
idk ¯\_(0.0)_/¯
oh. that sux. sorry dude.
yeah? so...like wut?
yeah? so...like wut?
well idk!
he drinks a lot. he smokes. i think he likes cats?
a...a smoking, drinking cat? is that a thing?
he drinks a lot. he smokes. i think he likes cats?
a...a smoking, drinking cat? is that a thing?
booze isn't a present, its wut i have around the house all the time outa general courtesy
wut about
shit
idk
this is hard!
wut about
shit
idk
this is hard!
speak 4 urself. i got $$$$.
but no wine just seems like idk. u give wine 2 ppl u don't really kno. n he drinks whiskey. and coffee. lots of whiskey n coffee. isn't there any place round here 2 get like gift baskets?
but no wine just seems like idk. u give wine 2 ppl u don't really kno. n he drinks whiskey. and coffee. lots of whiskey n coffee. isn't there any place round here 2 get like gift baskets?
I have money too.
Just not as much as I used to.
[Not that Marco's the type to brag about it!... Something about what Jack said just rubbed him the wrong way, that's all.]
Well, sure, a gift basket is also an option.
You know, maybe we should just start looking and you're bound to think of something eventually.
Just not as much as I used to.
[Not that Marco's the type to brag about it!... Something about what Jack said just rubbed him the wrong way, that's all.]
Well, sure, a gift basket is also an option.
You know, maybe we should just start looking and you're bound to think of something eventually.
ha tell me bout it! had to REALLY redefine my ideas of wealth here. i own whole planets back home.
yea ur probly rite
thanx n all that
and u kno...it's not like i never give gifts or anything. i just used to have secretaries and assistants 2 do this shit 4 me.
yea ur probly rite
thanx n all that
and u kno...it's not like i never give gifts or anything. i just used to have secretaries and assistants 2 do this shit 4 me.
Wow.
Well, maybe this can be a learning opportunity.
A chance to, I don't know, start doing things differently, get closer to people. :)
[He honestly doesn't mean anything passive-aggressive by that - it's just that he's getting an impression from Jack that isn't altogether unfamiliar to him, of something like an emotionally distant businessman so far removed from the common man he can hardly see things from the common man's perspective; like some business partners he's known, except... on a futuristic, cosmic scale.
And heck, it's not like Marco himself hasn't been guilty of similar lacks of perspective in the past.]
Well, maybe this can be a learning opportunity.
A chance to, I don't know, start doing things differently, get closer to people. :)
[He honestly doesn't mean anything passive-aggressive by that - it's just that he's getting an impression from Jack that isn't altogether unfamiliar to him, of something like an emotionally distant businessman so far removed from the common man he can hardly see things from the common man's perspective; like some business partners he's known, except... on a futuristic, cosmic scale.
And heck, it's not like Marco himself hasn't been guilty of similar lacks of perspective in the past.]
yea i've ben getting the feeling rich ppl in other places aren't usually as rich as i am back home. n nobody else comes from a corporatocracy. it's weird. cause a lot of people come from like similar worlds? or places with shit in common?
but i guess u gotta point. ben a long time since i wasn't apparently ludicrously wealthy n in charge of everything.
but i guess u gotta point. ben a long time since i wasn't apparently ludicrously wealthy n in charge of everything.
yea c in space shit's not divided up by countries or planets, it's companies. like i don't say i'm tantalaen, i'm hyperion. that's my company, that's my allegiance. wut planet i come from doesn't matter. but companies r the 1s in charge of public services, law enforcement, civic infrastructure... i mean actual politicians n shit do that stuff, there's mayors n sheriffs n some companies have human armies - we don't, we use robots since...why send a bunch of ppl 2 die when robots? n there's like a whole board of ppl to approve n vote on shit...
but yea 'president of x company' doesn't just mean president of the company, it means PRESIDENT.
i'm a world leader, bb!
but yea 'president of x company' doesn't just mean president of the company, it means PRESIDENT.
i'm a world leader, bb!
i was like ceo of a whole empire!
now i am not.
now i am not.
gimme like an hour, meet ya by...shit, i dunno, what's a good central meeting place in bavan?
c u there!
[And true to his word, Jack is indeed waiting, feeling like an idiot without a coffee to drink or a cigarette to smoke. He never knows what to do with his hands these days. Weird things that come with changing into a robot.]
[But it's nice to get out, and with somebody who isn't Rick. A guy needs variety! Marco's a cool enough dude, from all Jack can tell, and he sure as shit could use some help picking out some kind of gift for his double.
Dude's been mopey, it's bumming him out.]
[And true to his word, Jack is indeed waiting, feeling like an idiot without a coffee to drink or a cigarette to smoke. He never knows what to do with his hands these days. Weird things that come with changing into a robot.]
[But it's nice to get out, and with somebody who isn't Rick. A guy needs variety! Marco's a cool enough dude, from all Jack can tell, and he sure as shit could use some help picking out some kind of gift for his double.
Dude's been mopey, it's bumming him out.]
[For his part, Marco just appreciates going out, especially if someone's inviting him to. Not that he doesn't get many invitations - he wasn't entirely truthful with Jack, there - but, well, it's important for him to be out there and do things. He knows himself well enough now to realise that nothing good comes of stewing in his own thoughts alone for too long.
So here he is, that usual courteous smile on his face. It's kind of chilly out today, but that's how he likes it.]
Oh, I hope I didn't keep you waiting.
So here he is, that usual courteous smile on his face. It's kind of chilly out today, but that's how he likes it.]
Oh, I hope I didn't keep you waiting.
Nah, I just forget that it takes me quicker to get around now just walking. Robot legs. Gotta say, annoying as a lot of the bot shit is...don't mind not having an aching back and knees that freak out every time it gets cold!
[It's undeniable that Jack is far healthier and in far better shape as he is now.]
[But he's amiable and enthusiastic when he pushes off from the decorative post he's been leaning against.]
And I'm pretty sure robots don't physically age, so...score on that part!
[It's undeniable that Jack is far healthier and in far better shape as he is now.]
[But he's amiable and enthusiastic when he pushes off from the decorative post he's been leaning against.]
And I'm pretty sure robots don't physically age, so...score on that part!
Yeah, I got oil and sealants for that! And ya know what works great on my whole exoskeleton or whatever? Car wax!
[Jack seems really excited about that fact. Which he is, for some unknown reason. He sets off walking in the direction of the shops, whirring and clicking softly as he moves.]
[He is not a quiet monster.]
Now there's something I gotta get one of these days, a car.
[Jack seems really excited about that fact. Which he is, for some unknown reason. He sets off walking in the direction of the shops, whirring and clicking softly as he moves.]
[He is not a quiet monster.]
Now there's something I gotta get one of these days, a car.
Car wax... Wouldn't that be bad for you? [Marco thinks to himself, and after a while, his eyebrows rise as if to indicate the end of his own internal debate.] I guess not.
[That said, for some reason, he's having a little trouble with the image of a robot inside a car?? Hm.]
You could ask Mana for wheels. [WAIT. SUDDEN THOUGHT.] ... Could you become a car?
[That said, for some reason, he's having a little trouble with the image of a robot inside a car?? Hm.]
You could ask Mana for wheels. [WAIT. SUDDEN THOUGHT.] ... Could you become a car?
Nah, makes my metal bits look all shiny and buffed!
[It is not great for his synthetic skin, though, he has to be careful. It just sort of stains it and makes him look dirty.]
[Then he turns to Marco, wishing very much that his expression changed, because he'd be giving the other man a very perplexed look.]
Are...are you asking me if I'm a Go-Bot or some shit? Or...suggesting I ask Mana to be? I...look at me, how big a car could I possibly turn into? But I guess that doesn't matter, I seen some people during the fog...
[A pause as Jack gives this idea some honest consideration.]
Okay, but I'd wanna be something way cooler than a car. Like a motorcycle or some shit.
[It is not great for his synthetic skin, though, he has to be careful. It just sort of stains it and makes him look dirty.]
[Then he turns to Marco, wishing very much that his expression changed, because he'd be giving the other man a very perplexed look.]
Are...are you asking me if I'm a Go-Bot or some shit? Or...suggesting I ask Mana to be? I...look at me, how big a car could I possibly turn into? But I guess that doesn't matter, I seen some people during the fog...
[A pause as Jack gives this idea some honest consideration.]
Okay, but I'd wanna be something way cooler than a car. Like a motorcycle or some shit.
You had those types of toys in your universe too?
[Wow. It's amazing, the kinds of things that appear to be a universal constant. Also, some might find it odd that Jack is actually giving the idea some thought, but for the most part, Marco is just glad not to get a reaction like "where the hell did that come from" or something similar.
Because, well, sometimes he doesn't really get where his ideas come from, harmless or otherwise.]
Oh, but that reminds me! Do you know if your friend likes virtual pets?
[Wow. It's amazing, the kinds of things that appear to be a universal constant. Also, some might find it odd that Jack is actually giving the idea some thought, but for the most part, Marco is just glad not to get a reaction like "where the hell did that come from" or something similar.
Because, well, sometimes he doesn't really get where his ideas come from, harmless or otherwise.]
Oh, but that reminds me! Do you know if your friend likes virtual pets?
They were a thing, I guess. Plenty of old Earth shit made it into space. Hell, my favorite musician's Taylor Swift. Incredible talent, the woman was a goddess.
[Do not pursue that thought, Marco, Jack will never shut up about Taylor Swift.]
Huh? Oh...uh, I think he likes real ones? So...maybe! That a thing here?
[Do not pursue that thought, Marco, Jack will never shut up about Taylor Swift.]
Huh? Oh...uh, I think he likes real ones? So...maybe! That a thing here?
No, I had not heard. What are we talking here?
[With the kind of tech here, he's a little surprised they'd pulled it off. And there's gotta be some demand for it...]
I'm guessing it's a big seller?
[With the kind of tech here, he's a little surprised they'd pulled it off. And there's gotta be some demand for it...]
I'm guessing it's a big seller?
Well, you could call it a moderate success. They're these little toy machines with an LCD screen, you see - [and Marco traces a shape slightly larger than a regular tamagotchi in the air with his fingers] - with more intuitive controls for ease of use.
They're less demanding than the classic fare, too, so you can go to school or work without worrying about your pet dying.
They're less demanding than the classic fare, too, so you can go to school or work without worrying about your pet dying.
Oh yeah? Well, I get the feeling my buddy's into pets for the something warm to snuggle aspect, but I wanna check out your virtual thing.
[Because even something primitive is pretty impressive, with the limitations of this world. And Jack appreciates anyone who's pushing the boundaries of possibility. That's what Hyperion's built on.]
Did you have some kind of base to start out with, or did you just do everything from scratch?
[Because even something primitive is pretty impressive, with the limitations of this world. And Jack appreciates anyone who's pushing the boundaries of possibility. That's what Hyperion's built on.]
Did you have some kind of base to start out with, or did you just do everything from scratch?
Mostly from scratch. The original idea wasn't ours, of course, but we did largely have to code it from a blank slate. There wasn't really anything like it in Ryslig before, to my knowledge.
[Some people make tamagotchis, other people figure out meme generators, and all of this is valid.
... Marco isn't much of a meme guy, but he can appreciate Wrench's work, conceptually speaking.]
[Some people make tamagotchis, other people figure out meme generators, and all of this is valid.
... Marco isn't much of a meme guy, but he can appreciate Wrench's work, conceptually speaking.]
hes not pissed at u
just so u know
just so u know
uuuuuh you do know bar right???
he doesnt have an angry bone in his body
forgives p quick
more of the weepy type than pissed
he doesnt hold grudges
he doesnt have an angry bone in his body
forgives p quick
more of the weepy type than pissed
he doesnt hold grudges
maybe it was a little presumptuous of you
or you coulda fielded that question over to us instead of getting our girls hopes all up
but i get you didnt mean to cause drama
and maybe we dont know each other super well or whatever
or you coulda fielded that question over to us instead of getting our girls hopes all up
but i get you didnt mean to cause drama
and maybe we dont know each other super well or whatever
she does have a pretty epic kicked puppy look huh
and hes not
same for me
and hes not
same for me
look
and dont u fucking dare repeat this to anyone
but as much as i love to have shit owed to me or be given nice things or whatever
it isnt always friggin necessary
sometimes you can just apologize and be done w it
u dont gotta drag ursef thru the mud just becuz u think we are pissed at u
cuz we arent
promise
and dont u fucking dare repeat this to anyone
but as much as i love to have shit owed to me or be given nice things or whatever
it isnt always friggin necessary
sometimes you can just apologize and be done w it
u dont gotta drag ursef thru the mud just becuz u think we are pissed at u
cuz we arent
promise
Edited 2019-02-03 18:02 (UTC)
dope
then u can fix the leak in our roof and we can call it even
then u can fix the leak in our roof and we can call it even
I decided to just tag out on the event post you get this here instead hoo hoo hoo
terribibble
2019-02-17 01:35 am (UTC)(link)
[The renovations on McGucket Labs have been pushed back a few times already, and since the fires that ravaged Bavan the date of completion has once again moved back. Fiddleford has been spending much of his time in the city since, trying to mitigate the damage and keep construction on schedule. On the thirteenth he just didn't come back. Any attempts to contact him went unanswered. It isn't until the fifteenth that he shows up at home, all bright smiles and apologies.]
Sorry I'm late, hon. Traffic was terrible.
Sorry I'm late, hon. Traffic was terrible.
[As anyone who knows Marco may have been able to guess, he has not been taking this well.
In the first day without news, he was worried enough. In the second day, he was devastated, forced to face a very real possibility that he has been trying to ignore for a long time now: monsters disappear at random, at any given time, and one day, that could just happen to Fiddleford. The timing didn't help matters, of course, but in the end, it wasn't even the most important part; if Fiddleford disappeared, Marco would be heartbroken no matter whether it happened on his husband's birthday or on Valentines Day or on any other random date.
But he's been trying to keep it together - even if, in this instance, keeping it together entailed sitting around at home instead of running around on a hopeless chase - and now, well... his efforts have been rewarded, so to speak. Fiddleford is barely done slithering in when Marco throws his arms around him, pulling him into a tight hug.]
Honey, I'm so glad you're okay! [The tension leaving him is palpable - the hands he places on Fiddleford's shoulders are shaking, and his shoulders slump as he sighs.] What in the world was happening for traffic to be that bad?
In the first day without news, he was worried enough. In the second day, he was devastated, forced to face a very real possibility that he has been trying to ignore for a long time now: monsters disappear at random, at any given time, and one day, that could just happen to Fiddleford. The timing didn't help matters, of course, but in the end, it wasn't even the most important part; if Fiddleford disappeared, Marco would be heartbroken no matter whether it happened on his husband's birthday or on Valentines Day or on any other random date.
But he's been trying to keep it together - even if, in this instance, keeping it together entailed sitting around at home instead of running around on a hopeless chase - and now, well... his efforts have been rewarded, so to speak. Fiddleford is barely done slithering in when Marco throws his arms around him, pulling him into a tight hug.]
Honey, I'm so glad you're okay! [The tension leaving him is palpable - the hands he places on Fiddleford's shoulders are shaking, and his shoulders slump as he sighs.] What in the world was happening for traffic to be that bad?
hey quick q are people getting replaced
dont answer this if you also got kidnapped i swear to fuckin gods
[Why did he send Marco and Only Marco this? It's a long story, but like. He's becoming increasingly certain Marco is one of the only people who didn't get yeeted off this plane of existence.]
dont answer this if you also got kidnapped i swear to fuckin gods
[Why did he send Marco and Only Marco this? It's a long story, but like. He's becoming increasingly certain Marco is one of the only people who didn't get yeeted off this plane of existence.]
[Marco probably gets this not very long after he's made his anonymous post, and goodness gracious he can swear his heart just stops for a solid three seconds.]
I think
there's a possibility.
I did not get kidnapped.
Fiddleford did. Or he vanished or whatever happened
He's been acting strange but I thought
Well, never mind what I thought.
I think
there's a possibility.
I did not get kidnapped.
Fiddleford did. Or he vanished or whatever happened
He's been acting strange but I thought
Well, never mind what I thought.
[He doesn't get a reply immediately, mostly because Taako is writing that down.]
great cool well theyre doing a piss poor job of that
seeing as they didnt even know my fucking name
youd think if they went through all this trouble theyd try harder
fuck
how far away is it
great cool well theyre doing a piss poor job of that
seeing as they didnt even know my fucking name
youd think if they went through all this trouble theyd try harder
fuck
how far away is it
i dont know alright
in this sort of stitch you gotta assume the worst and work with caution alright
ive done shit like this before
[Not without Lup, of course, but-- fuck it, he'll figure it out, he always does.]
just play it cool right now
see if we can get the jump on em
wait for the right time
in this sort of stitch you gotta assume the worst and work with caution alright
ive done shit like this before
[Not without Lup, of course, but-- fuck it, he'll figure it out, he always does.]
just play it cool right now
see if we can get the jump on em
wait for the right time
bar and i were real touched by ur wedding
[For better or for worse, with all that has happened this month, Marco doesn't realise what this is about. Not just yet.]
Really?
Well, that's good to know.
I never thought I'd get married, let alone in a place like this.
Was it like yours?
I mean
I'm not sure what I mean. Ha.
But I bet your wedding was a heck of a time.
Really?
Well, that's good to know.
I never thought I'd get married, let alone in a place like this.
Was it like yours?
I mean
I'm not sure what I mean. Ha.
But I bet your wedding was a heck of a time.
[Even Marco's texts read super awkwardly. Lup is gonna miss this nerd.]
nah never really did anything official
not yet
been a little too hectic back home for it
[yes too hectic to fit a wedding in over the course of fifty-some years. a fine excuse]
whenever we do its gotta be the biggest party
i want everyone there
just a fuckton of food and dancing all night and koko dead drunk doing the cha cha slide
nah never really did anything official
not yet
been a little too hectic back home for it
[yes too hectic to fit a wedding in over the course of fifty-some years. a fine excuse]
whenever we do its gotta be the biggest party
i want everyone there
just a fuckton of food and dancing all night and koko dead drunk doing the cha cha slide
[That's certainly a perk of having your brain directly wired up to RSDOS, for a given value of the word "perk".]
Something tells me Fiddleford would be right there with him.
Well, maybe he wouldn't be doing the slide.
But he'd find some creative ways to hambone, tail or not.
Something tells me Fiddleford would be right there with him.
Well, maybe he wouldn't be doing the slide.
But he'd find some creative ways to hambone, tail or not.
[that depression feel when u think of ur friend dancing and then realize they are gonna be dead soon lol]
i dont doubt it
that guy will take any chance he can to cut a rug and bust out his disco
i dont doubt it
that guy will take any chance he can to cut a rug and bust out his disco
[that's one way to shake a woman out of her spiraling depression god]
what
are you expecting save the dates?
what
are you expecting save the dates?
dont get me wrong
barry and i are def married
like somewhere after dating for 50 years it just sorta becomes a Thing
dont need a piece of paper to tell me hes my chubby hubby
but not to sound real gay or whatever but i still wanna stupid big wedding someday
barry and i are def married
like somewhere after dating for 50 years it just sorta becomes a Thing
dont need a piece of paper to tell me hes my chubby hubby
but not to sound real gay or whatever but i still wanna stupid big wedding someday
jeezy creezy
ur such a fucking nerd
but thinking about it isnt awful
p opposite really
having u and fidds there would be dope
ur such a fucking nerd
but thinking about it isnt awful
p opposite really
having u and fidds there would be dope
[a matter of time is right]
i wish we could fam
but times running out
bar and i wont be around for much longer
i wish we could fam
but times running out
bar and i wont be around for much longer
yeah
yeah
we never found the light
this whole fucking place is doomed
yeah
we never found the light
this whole fucking place is doomed
[Sounds pretty on brand for Marco to apologize for dying.]
yep
got it in one
we dont find the light and the hunger descends on this plane before just gobbling it up like mags does with hard candy
yep
got it in one
we dont find the light and the hunger descends on this plane before just gobbling it up like mags does with hard candy
[Right. That's what's supposed to happen, assuming Ryslig is a world like any of the others Lup and her crew have been to. But...
...
He probably shouldn't say anything Lucretia hasn't told them. Lord knows if his hunch is even right.]
No way around it?
...
He probably shouldn't say anything Lucretia hasn't told them. Lord knows if his hunch is even right.]
No way around it?
[Lucretia still hasn't told them herself, so Marco knows more than she does at the moment.]
hasnt been before
weve been looking for a way out
a way to stop it
and we are so fucking close
but
hasnt been before
weve been looking for a way out
a way to stop it
and we are so fucking close
but
yeah
[she debates on giving him the full info, the real info, wondering if it was kinder to just leave Marco in the dark or not. but in the end...]
skies gonna get dark
colors gonna leave everything
itll get dark and heavy and itll feel like u cant breathe
and then the hunger will come
drop from the sky in these dark columns
to take over everything
just eat it all up
[she debates on giving him the full info, the real info, wondering if it was kinder to just leave Marco in the dark or not. but in the end...]
skies gonna get dark
colors gonna leave everything
itll get dark and heavy and itll feel like u cant breathe
and then the hunger will come
drop from the sky in these dark columns
to take over everything
just eat it all up
we wake up right back on the ship
looking exactly the same as we did a year ago
like the last year never happened
looking exactly the same as we did a year ago
like the last year never happened
more like
reliving the same day over and over
you gain all the knowledge of what happened
of whatever u learned
built those relationships and made scientific progress
but you wake up and its like nothing ever happened
you KNOW it has
your mind isnt changed
but your body jumps straight back
even if you died
reliving the same day over and over
you gain all the knowledge of what happened
of whatever u learned
built those relationships and made scientific progress
but you wake up and its like nothing ever happened
you KNOW it has
your mind isnt changed
but your body jumps straight back
even if you died
a lot longer
bar and koko and i
meeting u guys has been everything
getting to be a part of ur lives
getting to know u
im so sorry marco
we wanted to save u so bad
u and fidds deserve so much better
bar and koko and i
meeting u guys has been everything
getting to be a part of ur lives
getting to know u
im so sorry marco
we wanted to save u so bad
u and fidds deserve so much better
[she goes silent after that, still certainly upset wherever she's laying awake, but there's no point in texting pointless apologies over and over to the man. it doesn't fix anything.]
Hey, Marco.
Just wanted to thank you for everythin'. It was nice bein' human again.
Fully human, I mean.
Just wanted to thank you for everythin'. It was nice bein' human again.
Fully human, I mean.
Yeah, wasn't much of a problem. I'm used to fightin' my way through tough spots.
You doin' alright?
You doin' alright?
I got a feelin' that might be for the best.
You wanna screw off for an afternoon or two and smell the fllowers, lemme know. I've been kinda takin' off out of the city every now and then, and it helps.
You wanna screw off for an afternoon or two and smell the fllowers, lemme know. I've been kinda takin' off out of the city every now and then, and it helps.
I don't believe ya have.
Although I could probably find it anyway.
[ Was that creepy? Maybe it was creepy. ]
By askin' around.
[ DEFINITELY NOT BY SMELLING MARCO. IT'S FINE. ]
Although I could probably find it anyway.
[ Was that creepy? Maybe it was creepy. ]
By askin' around.
[ DEFINITELY NOT BY SMELLING MARCO. IT'S FINE. ]
[ GOOD. ]
Are ya around now? Want me to come over?
Are ya around now? Want me to come over?
Why not? The time is now.
[ And assuming Marco gave him a location, Majima would come bounding from the direction of downtown Bavan in wolf form -- so useful. So fluffy!
Once he got close enough, he'd slow to a trot. ]
Marco!
[ And assuming Marco gave him a location, Majima would come bounding from the direction of downtown Bavan in wolf form -- so useful. So fluffy!
Once he got close enough, he'd slow to a trot. ]
Marco!
Edited 2019-04-11 20:33 (UTC)
[At first, Marco is just surprised to see a wolf coming this way, largely because for that one moment, he kind of forgets that's a thing werewolves can do and takes it for a regular old wolf. As soon as Majima speaks, though, he recognises him - and then he's surprised that his directions were enough. Pleasantly surprised, of course.]
Majima! Nice, ah...
[... How is he going to finish that sentence.]
...
Coat.
Majima! Nice, ah...
[... How is he going to finish that sentence.]
...
Coat.
Thanks, I just got it brushed out. You wanna feel it?
[ Look, Marco, he didn't just offer this option to everyone. And if Marco chose to take him up on it, Majima's wolf coat would be suuuuuper warm and silky. Not much like a wild wolf's, to be honest. ]
[ Look, Marco, he didn't just offer this option to everyone. And if Marco chose to take him up on it, Majima's wolf coat would be suuuuuper warm and silky. Not much like a wild wolf's, to be honest. ]
[Whoa.] ... May I?
[He hesitates briefly, but then he goes for it. And, well, he's never petted a wild wolf, so he wouldn't exactly know the difference between petting one and a particularly well-groomed dog. All he knows is that it feels nice.]
Wait, you said you got it brushed out? [Right, he... supposes a wolf couldn't exactly brush himself.] Who brushed you?
[He hesitates briefly, but then he goes for it. And, well, he's never petted a wild wolf, so he wouldn't exactly know the difference between petting one and a particularly well-groomed dog. All he knows is that it feels nice.]
Wait, you said you got it brushed out? [Right, he... supposes a wolf couldn't exactly brush himself.] Who brushed you?
Lust's got a groomin' service, so I went in to try it out.
[ Majima's fur smelled sort of like... sandalwood? And if Marco just pressed his hand in even a little, he'd find it engulfed in the thick coat. ]
It's surprisingly relaxing. Do you have to do anythin' like that?
[ Majima's fur smelled sort of like... sandalwood? And if Marco just pressed his hand in even a little, he'd find it engulfed in the thick coat. ]
It's surprisingly relaxing. Do you have to do anythin' like that?
Oh. Huh.
[He knew about the spa and all, but the grooming is new. It makes enough sense to him - at least now. A few years ago, he might have been kind of weirded out by the thought.]
Not that I know of. My, uh, skin [he rubs one of his coat's slick sleeves] is pretty smooth. I'm not sure if I could... exfoliate the parts where I have scales, or something...
[Which are not that many, actually. Most of his fishy exterior is right there in the shape of his coat, and the texture of it is more cephalopod-like than scaly.]
[He knew about the spa and all, but the grooming is new. It makes enough sense to him - at least now. A few years ago, he might have been kind of weirded out by the thought.]
Not that I know of. My, uh, skin [he rubs one of his coat's slick sleeves] is pretty smooth. I'm not sure if I could... exfoliate the parts where I have scales, or something...
[Which are not that many, actually. Most of his fishy exterior is right there in the shape of his coat, and the texture of it is more cephalopod-like than scaly.]
Sounds a lot easier to maintain.
[ Not that he'd give up this fluffiness for scales or cephalopod skin, though. He kind of liked it. ]
So this's your place, huh? Wanna show me around?
[ Not that he'd give up this fluffiness for scales or cephalopod skin, though. He kind of liked it. ]
So this's your place, huh? Wanna show me around?
[Sure, maybe it's easier... but now he's curious.]
Ah, sure, sure. First off, well - [He gestures to the nearby lake with a smile.] This is ours too, believe it or not. I don't know how Mana does it, but she sure got some mileage out of those coins I gave her.
Ah, sure, sure. First off, well - [He gestures to the nearby lake with a smile.] This is ours too, believe it or not. I don't know how Mana does it, but she sure got some mileage out of those coins I gave her.
She gave ya a lake?
[ Holy wow, that was some magic. ]
What's in it? Any fish?
[ ...but perhaps predictably, what Majima wanted most was to know if it was a decent fishing spot. ]
[ Holy wow, that was some magic. ]
What's in it? Any fish?
[ ...but perhaps predictably, what Majima wanted most was to know if it was a decent fishing spot. ]
Uh, other than me? Not really. Haha. At least, not that I've noticed. I just keep my things in there, and... you know.
[If he's hesitant to clarify, it may be because the only fishermen who pass by are the ones he's lured to the lake, and... those certainly don't get to do much fishing.
There's also a corpse at the bottom of the lake, completely unrelated to any of this, but Marco feels it may be best not to mention it.]
[If he's hesitant to clarify, it may be because the only fishermen who pass by are the ones he's lured to the lake, and... those certainly don't get to do much fishing.
There's also a corpse at the bottom of the lake, completely unrelated to any of this, but Marco feels it may be best not to mention it.]
[ Marco.............
Majima snorted at the joke, but it wasn't like he'd be able to travel to the bottom of the lake, anyway. Well, not without help. ]
Too bad. So, do I get a tour of your place?
Majima snorted at the joke, but it wasn't like he'd be able to travel to the bottom of the lake, anyway. Well, not without help. ]
Too bad. So, do I get a tour of your place?
Of course, of course. I just thought I'd start with the outside.
[... Although it makes sense that a werewolf wouldn't care about the lake quite as much as Marco does, huh?
ANYHOW, Marco guides him inside. By this point, the place already looks lived in - and somehow, perhaps through the combination of Fiddleford's and Marco's respective tastes, it looks both spacious and cozy at once.]
So, this is kind of a, ah... Well, it's mostly a country house. Which isn't the type of thing you see very often in Japan, is it?
[... At least not with colorful retro rugs, Marco would imagine.
Also, here's a roomba making its way to another room. It is, by no means, the only piece of technology in the house.]
[... Although it makes sense that a werewolf wouldn't care about the lake quite as much as Marco does, huh?
ANYHOW, Marco guides him inside. By this point, the place already looks lived in - and somehow, perhaps through the combination of Fiddleford's and Marco's respective tastes, it looks both spacious and cozy at once.]
So, this is kind of a, ah... Well, it's mostly a country house. Which isn't the type of thing you see very often in Japan, is it?
[... At least not with colorful retro rugs, Marco would imagine.
Also, here's a roomba making its way to another room. It is, by no means, the only piece of technology in the house.]
[ And immediately, he followed, nosing into the doorway with his tail wagging. Apparently, Majima had inherited some of that canine enthusiasm; he hopped up on one of the rugs in an almost playful fashion, then hopped against to feel the material against his paws. ]
But it's cozy.
[ He cocked his head toward the sound of the Roomba, then perked up his ears. ]
...the hell? Is that a robot?!
[ HOLY SHIT. ]
But it's cozy.
[ He cocked his head toward the sound of the Roomba, then perked up his ears. ]
...the hell? Is that a robot?!
[ HOLY SHIT. ]
Oh! Kind of. I mean... Yes, but maybe not in the way you're thinking.
[Right, 80s. He might have to take this bit by bit.]
That's a cleaning robot - kind of a smart vacuum cleaner, if you will. We called them roombas, back where I was from. But we do have other robots here, and other smart appliances, for that matter. For example -
[HOLD THAT THOUGHT. A weird janky dog comes in with a robotic bark.]
Well, ah, him I've had for a couple of years now. That's Polo.
[Right, 80s. He might have to take this bit by bit.]
That's a cleaning robot - kind of a smart vacuum cleaner, if you will. We called them roombas, back where I was from. But we do have other robots here, and other smart appliances, for that matter. For example -
[HOLD THAT THOUGHT. A weird janky dog comes in with a robotic bark.]
Well, ah, him I've had for a couple of years now. That's Polo.
[ Excuse Majima while he padded over to the robot and batted at it with his paw, looking almost more like a cat than a big old 6' long wolf. ]
Hey, the future is here.
[ Now Polo looked something more like he was expecting, a bit awkward and made in obvious imitation of a living creature. But the name didn't escape him. ]
Heheheh. Someone's got a sense of humor. Didn't realize ya had so much company out here.
Hey, the future is here.
[ Now Polo looked something more like he was expecting, a bit awkward and made in obvious imitation of a living creature. But the name didn't escape him. ]
Heheheh. Someone's got a sense of humor. Didn't realize ya had so much company out here.
I've talked to him, yeah, though not in person.
[ Majima chose that time to shift back into his human form, presumably so as not to get wolf hair all over Marco's things. He reached down to pat Polo. ]
What's he run on? Not run-of-the-mill batteries, I'd imagine.
[ Majima chose that time to shift back into his human form, presumably so as not to get wolf hair all over Marco's things. He reached down to pat Polo. ]
What's he run on? Not run-of-the-mill batteries, I'd imagine.
Who's a good boy?
[ Probably Polo? Maybe? Perhaps? What Majima did know was that these words seemed to have extra meaning nowadays, but he turned to Marco all the same. ]
Hey, that's pretty convenient. So ya got a robot pooch, and a robot cleaner. Any other mechanical buds I ought to meet?
[ Probably Polo? Maybe? Perhaps? What Majima did know was that these words seemed to have extra meaning nowadays, but he turned to Marco all the same. ]
Hey, that's pretty convenient. So ya got a robot pooch, and a robot cleaner. Any other mechanical buds I ought to meet?
[Yeah, Polo's a pretty good boy. It's not his fault Elias put a spying device on him!]
Well, the other big one is Gregory, but he's not here, he's at the workshop. We're still renovating, but, ah, you know how things go in this place. There's always... always something.
[He pauses for a moment after the brief digression, as if needs to physically make his way back on topic.]
Then there's a lot of technology in this place, but most of it isn't exactly what you'd call a robot, just smart. Oh, has anybody told you about smartphones?
[marco he wants to see the HOUSE]
Well, the other big one is Gregory, but he's not here, he's at the workshop. We're still renovating, but, ah, you know how things go in this place. There's always... always something.
[He pauses for a moment after the brief digression, as if needs to physically make his way back on topic.]
Then there's a lot of technology in this place, but most of it isn't exactly what you'd call a robot, just smart. Oh, has anybody told you about smartphones?
[
[ Oh dear... Majima stopped to think for a second. ]
Smartphones? If I recall, ya did mention mobile phones way back when we met. That what you're talking about?
[ Or maybe at this point Marco just meant an out-and-out phone with little legs. Maybe not intelligent, but convenient? ]
Smartphones? If I recall, ya did mention mobile phones way back when we met. That what you're talking about?
[ Or maybe at this point Marco just meant an out-and-out phone with little legs. Maybe not intelligent, but convenient? ]
Even smaller than laptops, in other words. But then why call 'em phones at all?
[ God humanity why didn't you make any damn sense? At least Majima seemed content to chat about technology with Marco, how's that for friendship. ]
So there's smartphones, and smart... other stuff? Houses? Cars?
[ God humanity why didn't you make any damn sense? At least Majima seemed content to chat about technology with Marco, how's that for friendship. ]
So there's smartphones, and smart... other stuff? Houses? Cars?
Oh, well... Because they still do calls, I suppose? In the end, communication is still their main purpose.
[That's a good thing, because Marco is probably kind of impossible to be around if you don't like to talk about this kind of thing.]
There are smart cars of a sort, yes, but come to think of it, nobody calls them that... I guess that's because of the brand. Uh, there's a brand of cars named Smart, I mean. But those are just... small, I'm fairly sure.
[That's a good thing, because Marco is probably kind of impossible to be around if you don't like to talk about this kind of thing.]
There are smart cars of a sort, yes, but come to think of it, nobody calls them that... I guess that's because of the brand. Uh, there's a brand of cars named Smart, I mean. But those are just... small, I'm fairly sure.
Smart cars are small cars and real smart cars are somethin' else. Yeah, that makes sense.
[ Did Majima sound a little amused? Must be the old imagination. ]
Where's this workshop ya mentioned? Are visitors allowed?
[ Look, Marco clearly liked talking about technology, so he might as well give the guy the perfect opportunity to show off, right? ]
[ Did Majima sound a little amused? Must be the old imagination. ]
Where's this workshop ya mentioned? Are visitors allowed?
[ Look, Marco clearly liked talking about technology, so he might as well give the guy the perfect opportunity to show off, right? ]
That would be McGucket Labs! Maybe I've mentioned the place before, ah, it's where we work. We're mostly closed for renovations right now, but we're still seeing customers with more urgent requests. Maybe you can drop by once we're properly ready to show the new space to the public! We'd be happy to have you.
[When you get Marco talking like this, that's probably when he sounds the most like the businessman he used to be.]
[When you get Marco talking like this, that's probably when he sounds the most like the businessman he used to be.]
Yeah, I believe ya did. Pretty extensive renovations, huh? As long as ya don't mind me looking at all your gadgets.
[ Which was hopefully the point, right? ]
Did Mana help ya get materials for your inventions? Maybe as part of the house deal? Or was that all you?
[ Which was hopefully the point, right? ]
Did Mana help ya get materials for your inventions? Maybe as part of the house deal? Or was that all you?
Oh, uh...
[Ah, there goes the PR Voice. He's back to normal now.]
No, see, the inventing, most of that is on Fiddleford. He's the engineering genius, not me. And - and when I say he's a genius, I mean it, you know? He can make things you wouldn't believe - like, like his robots! - out of ordinary things you can find around Bavan. No deals with Mana necessary.
[No, sorry, not just normal. "Gushing" is more like it.]
[Ah, there goes the PR Voice. He's back to normal now.]
No, see, the inventing, most of that is on Fiddleford. He's the engineering genius, not me. And - and when I say he's a genius, I mean it, you know? He can make things you wouldn't believe - like, like his robots! - out of ordinary things you can find around Bavan. No deals with Mana necessary.
[No, sorry, not just normal. "Gushing" is more like it.]
Yeah? In that case, maybe I oughta ask for his help for a project I've been thinkin' about. Back home, we had all kindsa goods you could get your hands on for fending off angry thugs.
Here, though...
[ Well, you know. In many ways, Ryslig was a bit behind Majima's point in time. ]
Anyway, I had a pair of nunchaku back in Osaka that I really miss right now.
Here, though...
[ Well, you know. In many ways, Ryslig was a bit behind Majima's point in time. ]
Anyway, I had a pair of nunchaku back in Osaka that I really miss right now.
[Marco isn't entirely sure if he follows, but...]
I don't mean to dissuade you or anything, but you should know, if you ask Fiddleford to make you nunchucks, you might end up with something, uh... More than that.
[Like, potentially with buzzsaws and all.]
I don't mean to dissuade you or anything, but you should know, if you ask Fiddleford to make you nunchucks, you might end up with something, uh... More than that.
[Like, potentially with buzzsaws and all.]
Well, turns out that's exactly what I need.
[ Maybe not the buzzsaws, but definitely the extra? He was a menace. ]
The ones I had could keep a charge, so you could use 'em to zap people. Only the ones that were trying to menace ya, of course.
[ OF COURSE. ]
[ Maybe not the buzzsaws, but definitely the extra? He was a menace. ]
The ones I had could keep a charge, so you could use 'em to zap people. Only the ones that were trying to menace ya, of course.
[ OF COURSE. ]
I wouldn't say they were street legal, but it was easy enough to pick up a pair if ya knew who to ask.
[ This seemed to be something of a fond memory for Majima, actually. ]
The business I made deals with sent agents out to find all kindsa stuff. Cursed dolls, explosives, gravity converters...
[ THIS SOUNDED RATHER ILLEGAL. ]
[ This seemed to be something of a fond memory for Majima, actually. ]
The business I made deals with sent agents out to find all kindsa stuff. Cursed dolls, explosives, gravity converters...
[ THIS SOUNDED RATHER ILLEGAL. ]
Yeah. Test devices, from some kinda government project.
[ Yakuza was a strange and mysterious place... ]
They worked pretty well, though. Had to use 'em in a couple weapons.
[ Yakuza was a strange and mysterious place... ]
They worked pretty well, though. Had to use 'em in a couple weapons.
[Marco opens his mouth to say something, but then it occurs to him that he can't be sure the government wasn't at least looking into this type of thing in 2016, so he closes his mouth and rethinks what to say.]
Well... Well, in that case, Fiddleford is absolutely your man.
Well... Well, in that case, Fiddleford is absolutely your man.
I'll definitely need to remember to mention it to him.
[ Was Majima also going to try and make a pair himself? MAYBE. ]
Y'know, he sounds like he might make an interestin' cook, too. Or maybe ya don't let him near the kitchen?
[ Look. If a man could invent nunshocks, think of what kind of culinary havoc he could wreak. ]
[ Was Majima also going to try and make a pair himself? MAYBE. ]
Y'know, he sounds like he might make an interestin' cook, too. Or maybe ya don't let him near the kitchen?
[ Look. If a man could invent nunshocks, think of what kind of culinary havoc he could wreak. ]
So he's just an all-around talented guy. Good thing he's around to keep an eye on ya.
[ That was humor in Majima's expression, but it did seem like the two of them made a good team. ]
One day I gotta get the two of ya in the same room, see what you're like together.
[ That was humor in Majima's expression, but it did seem like the two of them made a good team. ]
One day I gotta get the two of ya in the same room, see what you're like together.
[In truth, Marco and Fiddleford are very much the kind of couple that keeps an eye out for each other... but he still can't help feeling a little self-conscious about how right Majima is.]
Well, the renovations are bound to be over soon, so maybe you'll find out when you drop by.
Well, the renovations are bound to be over soon, so maybe you'll find out when you drop by.
Do you still think the Fourth god has our best interests in mind?
I'm starting to wonder if I should be doing more to help him besides like.
Nothing.
Nothing.
Not for a long time.
TBH I'd rather talk to you first.
I trust you.
Soeki does too.
TBH I'd rather talk to you first.
I trust you.
Soeki does too.
Well, I appreciate it.
Thanks.
[He really means it. After all, Oliver and Soeki KNOW how he can get.]
The main thing that comes to mind right now...
Well, it's kind of a long shot.
But I think it would be great to have more people looking for an alternate power source for the machine Elias and I built.
Thanks.
[He really means it. After all, Oliver and Soeki KNOW how he can get.]
The main thing that comes to mind right now...
Well, it's kind of a long shot.
But I think it would be great to have more people looking for an alternate power source for the machine Elias and I built.
The one that sent Soeki home?
I don't know if he'd like that after what happened before.
I don't know if he'd like that after what happened before.
I don't see why not.
I'll admit I'm not an expert, but I'd say crossing dimensions in the first place is the hard part.
In theory, more power should be the key to fixing the issue.
It's just that
We won't be able to use the fog god's power like that again any time soon.
I'll admit I'm not an expert, but I'd say crossing dimensions in the first place is the hard part.
In theory, more power should be the key to fixing the issue.
It's just that
We won't be able to use the fog god's power like that again any time soon.
I'll have to take your word.
It's not like I'm an expert either.
I never thought that anything like that was even possible before the Fog God brought me here.
Of course not.
She won't let that happen easily.
What about the Fourth?
It's not like I'm an expert either.
I never thought that anything like that was even possible before the Fog God brought me here.
Of course not.
She won't let that happen easily.
What about the Fourth?
But are you really going to be able to find something more powerful than the gods are?
What if there was some way to amplify his power?
What if there was some way to amplify his power?
I don't know. Maybe it's not a matter of finding more power, but rather using it more efficiently.
But that's just a hypothesis.
Amplifying his power...
I'm not sure. That's the kind of thing that can get out of hand very easily.
And whatever the method, the fog god wouldn't like it.
But that's just a hypothesis.
Amplifying his power...
I'm not sure. That's the kind of thing that can get out of hand very easily.
And whatever the method, the fog god wouldn't like it.
It's not a bad hypothesis.
It's worth trying, right?
You're probably right, but I don't think she'll like it no matter what you do.
She's the one who wants us stuck here in the first place.
It's worth trying, right?
You're probably right, but I don't think she'll like it no matter what you do.
She's the one who wants us stuck here in the first place.
They are pretty big on retaliation, huh?
I guess it comes down to if we can work something out that works well enough to run the risk.
If you don't mind me helping, I mean.
I guess it comes down to if we can work something out that works well enough to run the risk.
If you don't mind me helping, I mean.
Hi, Marco. Ya have a sec to talk about Elias?
And the God stuff in general, I guess.
And the God stuff in general, I guess.
Well, I hadn't really been plannin' to take sides.
But after the whole Felfri thing and the portals, it seems like that was the closest anyone's ever come to figuring out a way back.
So I signed up to help. Not that I really know all that much about magic.
But after the whole Felfri thing and the portals, it seems like that was the closest anyone's ever come to figuring out a way back.
So I signed up to help. Not that I really know all that much about magic.
Yeah. I've been there once or twice, but I kinda don't hang out there a lot. I mean, there's barely anyone in there.
It's kinda like hangin' out in a lobby.
It's kinda like hangin' out in a lobby.
Ah, we must have missed each other.
[Not that Marco goes to the Arcade anywhere near as much as he used to, anyway. There was a time when he would go there and close himself in his room just to feel safe; now, most of his visits are for the purpose of seeing Elias "in person".]
You know,
There used to be more of us
But, well, that doesn't matter.
Numbers aren't that important in the grand scheme of things, and even if they were you couldn't just go around forcing people to join us.
[Not that Marco goes to the Arcade anywhere near as much as he used to, anyway. There was a time when he would go there and close himself in his room just to feel safe; now, most of his visits are for the purpose of seeing Elias "in person".]
You know,
There used to be more of us
But, well, that doesn't matter.
Numbers aren't that important in the grand scheme of things, and even if they were you couldn't just go around forcing people to join us.
Yeah, no, that makes sense.
Seems like there're a lot of people who went missing. Guess I just wanted to say, if ya need help with anythin' or...
No, I guess I wanted to ask about Elias. Reira seems to think of him as a friend, but not the same way you do. At first I figured he just wanted what just about everyone in power wants -- more of it.
Seems like there're a lot of people who went missing. Guess I just wanted to say, if ya need help with anythin' or...
No, I guess I wanted to ask about Elias. Reira seems to think of him as a friend, but not the same way you do. At first I figured he just wanted what just about everyone in power wants -- more of it.
Ah.
It's...
A little complicated. Elias considers all of his allies friends. And
Well, if Reira and I view our interactions with him differently, it's probably because of the age difference.
I'm not sure if I already told you, but Elias is a child.
He has been stuck as a child ever since he became what he is now.
It's...
A little complicated. Elias considers all of his allies friends. And
Well, if Reira and I view our interactions with him differently, it's probably because of the age difference.
I'm not sure if I already told you, but Elias is a child.
He has been stuck as a child ever since he became what he is now.
Wait, uh... how long has he been a kid? That sounds kinda awful.
So more'n four or five years ago.
Not really a fate I'd wish on anyone.
Not really a fate I'd wish on anyone.
Some old man.
But what happened to the guy? He invented the network, right?
But what happened to the guy? He invented the network, right?
Essentially. And he used his son to power it, too.
What I'm trying to say
is that Elias probably didn't get much love from his father.
So these days, I try to be gentle with him. Gentle but firm.
[Kind of stopping just short of admitting "I want to adopt him" here.]
What I'm trying to say
is that Elias probably didn't get much love from his father.
So these days, I try to be gentle with him. Gentle but firm.
[Kind of stopping just short of admitting "I want to adopt him" here.]
Fuckin' why?
[ no seriously though? why?
It was kind of one thing to try and make your kid divine to take down a power-mad god. It was kind of another to use him as a battery for the internet? ]
[ no seriously though? why?
It was kind of one thing to try and make your kid divine to take down a power-mad god. It was kind of another to use him as a battery for the internet? ]
I don't know.
I can't imagine what goes through the mind of a father who does something like that, and I don't think I want to.
Dr. Liewen
He's gone now.
[He hesitates... but he ought to be honest, right?]
He's the one powering the network in his son's place.
I can't imagine what goes through the mind of a father who does something like that, and I don't think I want to.
Dr. Liewen
He's gone now.
[He hesitates... but he ought to be honest, right?]
He's the one powering the network in his son's place.
Wait, what
Run that by me again?
[ How could someone be gone and also powering the network, how could a person even power a network ]
Run that by me again?
[ How could someone be gone and also powering the network, how could a person even power a network ]
Well, not to seem overly sympathetic to a guy who'd use his own kid to power the internet, but uh
Am I sucking out some old man's soul every time I type somethin' on this thing?
Am I sucking out some old man's soul every time I type somethin' on this thing?
That's
not reassurin'. But he's lasted this long, so it probably doesn't work that way, right? I don't get this place at all.
[ It was A LITTLE WORRYING SOMETIMES, TBQH ]
What happened to the others, though? They just... kinda disappear?
not reassurin'. But he's lasted this long, so it probably doesn't work that way, right? I don't get this place at all.
[ It was A LITTLE WORRYING SOMETIMES, TBQH ]
What happened to the others, though? They just... kinda disappear?
Or the people with Elias, the ones ya mentioned earlier.
Monsters do seem to disappear, though, don't they? Seen a couple of announcements on the network myself.
That Rin guy, for instance. And Kaito, though I guess he came back.
Monsters do seem to disappear, though, don't they? Seen a couple of announcements on the network myself.
That Rin guy, for instance. And Kaito, though I guess he came back.
Oh yeah? But I guess ya kinda had different experiences, what with him disappearin' and all.
...yeah. Haven't seen him around for a while, and no one else seems to know where he went.
[ Not sure how to feel about that one, honestly... ]
Although now that I'm thinking back, I wonder if he wasn't part of that Freedom Fellowship. Didn't even know it existed till recently.
...yeah. Haven't seen him around for a while, and no one else seems to know where he went.
[ Not sure how to feel about that one, honestly... ]
Although now that I'm thinking back, I wonder if he wasn't part of that Freedom Fellowship. Didn't even know it existed till recently.
Me, either. Didn't know they existed till that message went up.
He talked about goin' to the Olympics. And his family.
Can't imagine what that's like.
He talked about goin' to the Olympics. And his family.
Can't imagine what that's like.
Lot to think about out here.
Listen, I know ya said you're fine with stayin' in Ryslig, but... is there anyone ya miss from back home? Someone you'd like to say goodbye to?
Listen, I know ya said you're fine with stayin' in Ryslig, but... is there anyone ya miss from back home? Someone you'd like to say goodbye to?
Clean break, huh?
If we're speakin' realistically, there aren't too many people who'd miss me back home, either. It's just that I got a debt to pay.
If we're speakin' realistically, there aren't too many people who'd miss me back home, either. It's just that I got a debt to pay.
This kind you could never pay off with money, no.
Short version of this story is that I let someone down, and now I owe it to them to try and make up for it. If that's even possible.
Short version of this story is that I let someone down, and now I owe it to them to try and make up for it. If that's even possible.
I hope so, too.
How're things goin' on that front, by the way? Anythin' I can do to help?
How're things goin' on that front, by the way? Anythin' I can do to help?
If I wanted to tell you something, would you listen, and keep it between us?
I'm usually right about people. I'd put my accuracy in that regard over 99%, easily. But I was born a human being, which means that it's impossible for me to be perfect that way. Do you understand?
I’m 99% sure I was wrong about you, given recent and very compelling evidence. I can’t ignore it in favor of pride, though I may have done so in the past for my own reasons.
Are you being serious at this time? Surely you can recognize an apology.
I said that there was a high likelihood I was wrong, that there was evidence supporting the likelihood, and that I've been biased against that evidence in the past on account of pride. I implied that I subsequently behaved in ways that could be perceived as incorrect, in light of the revelation. I really don't get how two words that an infant child can be forced to say regardless of sincerity would be preferable.
I'm not trying to be insensitive when I say that you're not meant to hear things like tone when you're reading words on a screen. You realize that, right? That is, you're not learning this for the very first time now?
[GOD. He would love to believe Linden is trying, he really would, if only because it would make him stop wondering if he's just being paranoid or not - but the phrasing can't not be a jab at him, right? "You're not meant to hear things"? Really?]
You should really find more writers for your newspaper, because frankly, with that way of thinking, I'm not sure how long you can keep it going.
You should really find more writers for your newspaper, because frankly, with that way of thinking, I'm not sure how long you can keep it going.
I thought you wrote that letter.
Do me a favor. If you ever find me in Hell again, just leave me there. It would be better than trying to navigate the puzzle box of an apology you're demanding.
Do me a favor. If you ever find me in Hell again, just leave me there. It would be better than trying to navigate the puzzle box of an apology you're demanding.
I'm always serious, and you are inept at explaining things.
You're also spectacularly uncharismatic.
Is this something that happens a lot? Someone apologizes to you in good faith, and the power instantly goes to your head and endows you with a disproportionate sense of entitlement?
Is this something that happens a lot? Someone apologizes to you in good faith, and the power instantly goes to your head and endows you with a disproportionate sense of entitlement?
I'm VERY sorry if that's how it came across.
I can't say I noticed anything going to my head, and it wasn't my intention to sound entitled, but I understand that tone is hard to convey in text.
That's exactly why I try to be mindful of how my words can be interpreted.
It takes practice, but it's an important skill.
[MAYBE YOU SHOULD TRY IT, ALSO]
I can't say I noticed anything going to my head, and it wasn't my intention to sound entitled, but I understand that tone is hard to convey in text.
That's exactly why I try to be mindful of how my words can be interpreted.
It takes practice, but it's an important skill.
[MAYBE YOU SHOULD TRY IT, ALSO]
I ACCEPT your apology.
I'm not holding it over your head and saying that it wasn't good enough the first time, like some kind of really terrible person.
I'm not holding it over your head and saying that it wasn't good enough the first time, like some kind of really terrible person.
Don't thank me. That's absurd and inappropriate.
Just say that you accept my apology.
Just say that you accept my apology.
Reira told me something was wrong with Elias.
Do you know what's happening? What can be done?
Do you know what's happening? What can be done?
Interesting.
Perhaps I should try. He hates me, but I can look at it.
Perhaps I should try. He hates me, but I can look at it.
Well, I'm hearing from him fine.
He certainly doesn't want to talk to me, though.
He certainly doesn't want to talk to me, though.
so let me ask you something
why do you always try to act so nice
offering to talk n shit
you must know i'm someone whos tried to kill you at least once or twice right
[ [She barely remembers the night of the masks, but she does remember their encounter by the lake during the whole episode that led to the burning of the original Nest... AND YET...] ]
why do you always try to act so nice
offering to talk n shit
you must know i'm someone whos tried to kill you at least once or twice right
[ [She barely remembers the night of the masks, but she does remember their encounter by the lake during the whole episode that led to the burning of the original Nest... AND YET...] ]
what just moving on and never talking about it again isnt good enough for you?
[SHE'S BEING PRICKLY AS EVER but honestly a month ago she wouldn't have even tried to talk about this. To him. Or anyone else she's ever butted heads with. Is that a good development? Who even knows.]
[SHE'S BEING PRICKLY AS EVER but honestly a month ago she wouldn't have even tried to talk about this. To him. Or anyone else she's ever butted heads with. Is that a good development? Who even knows.]
im not uncomfortable
just curious
cuz i dont know what u stand 2 gain from this
[And she is very much used to nobody doing anything unless there's something in it for them. Even good people.]
just curious
cuz i dont know what u stand 2 gain from this
[And she is very much used to nobody doing anything unless there's something in it for them. Even good people.]
no u said somethin vague about needing to show youre making up for your mistakes
i mean what are you GETTING out of it
i mean what are you GETTING out of it
as if peace of mind is even possible in this place
whats the REAL reason?
[MARCO SHE IS WEARING HER SKEPTICALS YOU MIGHT AS WELL MAKE SOMETHING UP]
whats the REAL reason?
[MARCO SHE IS WEARING HER SKEPTICALS YOU MIGHT AS WELL MAKE SOMETHING UP]
[BECAUSE SHE HAS A LIFETIME SUBSCRIPTION TO TRUST ISSUES MAGAZINE WHILE HER SIGNUP FOR "BELIEF IN THE INHERENT GOODNESS OF OTHERS" LAPSED LIKE TEN YEARS AGO.]
look nobody does anything out of the goodness of the hearts even if they got a guilty complex
people do things because it benefits them somehow and if the thing happens to also be the right thing to do thats just a bonus
so like
what are you getting out of it, tangibly???
look nobody does anything out of the goodness of the hearts even if they got a guilty complex
people do things because it benefits them somehow and if the thing happens to also be the right thing to do thats just a bonus
so like
what are you getting out of it, tangibly???
[Luckily (?) for Heather, Marco happens to be subscribed to The Person I Can Trust The Least Is Myself Magazine, so after thinking about it for a little longer... he's able to come up with an answer.]
I suppose
I get to feel better about myself.
[It's not like it's never crossed his mind before. How much is his need to help ultimately selfish?]
I suppose
I get to feel better about myself.
[It's not like it's never crossed his mind before. How much is his need to help ultimately selfish?]
[There's a long pause.]
well
i guess thats something
well
i guess thats something
probably as much of an answer as im ever gonna get
Well to start with: I want to apologize for how I acted the last time we spoke. It was not exactly a good situation to find oneself in and you ended up being treated very badly as a result.
[... His apology might not actually be that sincere. But acting apologetic tends to get the best results when you want to talk to people like Marco again.]
[... His apology might not actually be that sincere. But acting apologetic tends to get the best results when you want to talk to people like Marco again.]
I'm going to ask you a question, and I want you to answer truthfully, please, setting aside any animosity between us for the moment. It has nothing to do with the Fog, and I am not seeking to accuse you of anything.
What do you know about Aunamee?
What do you know about Aunamee?
One of your priests did something to him.
I'm hoping to reassure myself that it wasn't you. For all our disagreements, I don't particularly want to come to blows with you.
I'm hoping to reassure myself that it wasn't you. For all our disagreements, I don't particularly want to come to blows with you.
He told me so. I trust him to be honest with me in this matter, but in any case, given his state of mind I'm not at all sure he could have told me a cogent lie.
Thank you for clearing this up. I suppose I'll have to follow other routes.
Thank you for clearing this up. I suppose I'll have to follow other routes.
Don't worry about it.
You've been very helpful. Thank you.
You've been very helpful. Thank you.
[Egon arrives at the Evangelisti-McGucket household late after the event ends, looking harried and burnt-out. If he was there to threaten them, he certainly wouldn't look this distressed. Egon is a very no-nonsense type, after all.]
[He knocks and waits patiently by the door, still holding his chest, eyes down.]
[He knocks and waits patiently by the door, still holding his chest, eyes down.]
[Despite the fact that he's not expecting anyone, Marco opens the door.
... Then he looks like he's going to close it just a little, but ultimately, he doesn't. He can't quite keep himself from narrowing his eyes, however...
At least, until he notices the way Egon is carrying himself.]
Is something wrong?
... Then he looks like he's going to close it just a little, but ultimately, he doesn't. He can't quite keep himself from narrowing his eyes, however...
At least, until he notices the way Egon is carrying himself.]
Is something wrong?
I wanted to ask about the sea of stars disaster.
I know we aren't on the same side, and that you don't trust me, but my goal isn't to turn anyone in at this point.
I know we aren't on the same side, and that you don't trust me, but my goal isn't to turn anyone in at this point.
I'll believe that.
But do you know who? Or how? Why? At least one of those.
It's not something effecting just one group this time.
But do you know who? Or how? Why? At least one of those.
It's not something effecting just one group this time.
Right, I just-
[Oh, he's just going to spill his guts right here and now to Marco isn't he? He doesn't want to, but after his last visit to the Fog, things are so overwhelming. He puts his hands over his face.]
They brought back Boone. I want to know who did it and... why
[Oh, he's just going to spill his guts right here and now to Marco isn't he? He doesn't want to, but after his last visit to the Fog, things are so overwhelming. He puts his hands over his face.]
They brought back Boone. I want to know who did it and... why
[Marco didn't know Boone very well, but even if he did, he doubts he could do anything at all to help. Just like he said, he knows nothing; heck, with the general skill level he displayed when trying to handle the situation, he's kind of surprised he didn't get himself killed yet again.
... However.]
Egon... [He sighs.] Do you want to come in?
... However.]
Egon... [He sighs.] Do you want to come in?
[The nephilim looks... ashamed. If he was going to break down to anyone, he'd rather it be Lust or Lup, but Marco just happened to be in the line of fire.]
[He runs a hand down his face, letting out a slightly more strained sigh.]
If... If you don't mind.
I'm sorry.
[He runs a hand down his face, letting out a slightly more strained sigh.]
If... If you don't mind.
I'm sorry.
[The nephilim nods, stepping just inside the doorway and wherever Marco guides him. It takes a little bit of ducking, but he does make it inside. Nice place they have here.]
Thank you. I know its not your concern.
Thank you. I know its not your concern.
I- no, you don't have to.
[He won't ask you to offer a cup of coffee or something. His feathers ruffle slightly, fumbling a cartoonishly small looking half-empty box of cigarettes from his pocket.]
Do you mind if I smoke?
[He won't ask you to offer a cup of coffee or something. His feathers ruffle slightly, fumbling a cartoonishly small looking half-empty box of cigarettes from his pocket.]
Do you mind if I smoke?
I wouldn't want to smoke up your home.
[Well, that's fair. Even in the eighties people were starting to lose tolerance for smoke in every indoor space. He shrugs, following Marco out to the Veranda before lighting the paper in his mouth with a spark of electricity from his thumb.]
... How long have you two been together, Marco? You and Fiddleford.
[Well, that's fair. Even in the eighties people were starting to lose tolerance for smoke in every indoor space. He shrugs, following Marco out to the Veranda before lighting the paper in his mouth with a spark of electricity from his thumb.]
... How long have you two been together, Marco? You and Fiddleford.
How long?
[The answer that comes to mind first - the easier one - is how long they've been married, but that was just... a formality, right? Well, no, it was more than that. It was sweet, and meaningful, and right. But it certainly wasn't when they got together.
He needs to think. If he's been here for, god, four years now...]
I guess... three years. -Ish.
[The answer that comes to mind first - the easier one - is how long they've been married, but that was just... a formality, right? Well, no, it was more than that. It was sweet, and meaningful, and right. But it certainly wasn't when they got together.
He needs to think. If he's been here for, god, four years now...]
I guess... three years. -Ish.
That's nice.
[He considers for a moment before offering the merman a cigarette of his own, even more cartoonishly small in his hands than the box was.]
What would happen if Fiddleford just... was gone one day?
I'd not threaten either of you unprompted, of course. Purely hypothetical. You know how this place operates better than I do.
[He considers for a moment before offering the merman a cigarette of his own, even more cartoonishly small in his hands than the box was.]
What would happen if Fiddleford just... was gone one day?
I'd not threaten either of you unprompted, of course. Purely hypothetical. You know how this place operates better than I do.
You shouldn't have to think about it.
[He'll take the cigarette back and put it away, exhaling smoke that sparks as it comes out of his mouth, turning clear and white as he purifies it.]
I didn't think I'd find a community, ever. Especially not under circumstances like this.
Boone was a good man, too good for someone like me.
[He'll take the cigarette back and put it away, exhaling smoke that sparks as it comes out of his mouth, turning clear and white as he purifies it.]
I didn't think I'd find a community, ever. Especially not under circumstances like this.
Boone was a good man, too good for someone like me.
[... A community. With all that's happened between them, Marco has just about forgotten the time period Egon comes from, and in that moment, a pang of guilt hits him harder than he's ready for.]
I didn't know him very well. So I don't really know if that's... a fair assessment or not.
I didn't know him very well. So I don't really know if that's... a fair assessment or not.
[He liked to forget. Egon wasn't particularly outgoing, but he'd had enough of being belittled in his life time. At least here he could be judged for, say, accidentslly turning people into animals- something under his control.]
I don't know if you two would have gotten along, but he was quite respectable.
[And then he glances back to Marco and frowns.]
Look, Marco, I didn't mean anything personal before, before.
I don't know if you two would have gotten along, but he was quite respectable.
[And then he glances back to Marco and frowns.]
Look, Marco, I didn't mean anything personal before, before.
[That's a surprisingly comforting thing to hear here. The nephilim nods, finishing his cigarette before putting it out against his butt on his massive left arm, allowing it to disappear into the folds and tentacles before starting another.]
I'd worry, knowing how you feel about fog followers. My research into both gods comes before all loyalties though.
I'd worry, knowing how you feel about fog followers. My research into both gods comes before all loyalties though.
[He may be reading too much into it. Maybe Egon didn't mean it that way. After all, no matter whether he realises it or not, Marco has become hyper-vigilant when it comes to the things he needs to work on.
Regardless, there is one thing that immediately springs to mind.]
... I still come across that way, do I?
Regardless, there is one thing that immediately springs to mind.]
... I still come across that way, do I?
You are the only adult fourth priest that I know of. It's not... subtle, your distaste for the rest of us.
But that's not what I came here for. It was about the fallen bodies, and now it's just me here sniveling.
But that's not what I came here for. It was about the fallen bodies, and now it's just me here sniveling.
I can't blame you, really.
Not many people you can always trust here. I follow the fog because I like my new body and I had someone to be close with I wouldn't have had before.
...why do you dedicate yourself to Elias, if I may ask?
Not many people you can always trust here. I follow the fog because I like my new body and I had someone to be close with I wouldn't have had before.
...why do you dedicate yourself to Elias, if I may ask?
[Now that is a question he's not all that inclined to give Egon the answer to, his best attempts to be civil be damned.
He joined Elias because he was afraid; the fear grew and grew until it warped into something else, and now that he's better at seeing through it he's remained with Elias because... because he can't just abandon him. Elias doesn't need another Dr. Liewen in his life.
Marco frowns.]
"Dedicate" is... is a little intense, no?
[Dodging the question, then.]
He joined Elias because he was afraid; the fear grew and grew until it warped into something else, and now that he's better at seeing through it he's remained with Elias because... because he can't just abandon him. Elias doesn't need another Dr. Liewen in his life.
Marco frowns.]
"Dedicate" is... is a little intense, no?
[Dodging the question, then.]
Marco, you're a priest.
[He barks out a cynical laugh, then finishes a second cigarette before mashing it into his arm again.]
You don't become a priest of anything without being dedicated to it, unless you're a real grifter type, and I don't think you are.
[He barks out a cynical laugh, then finishes a second cigarette before mashing it into his arm again.]
You don't become a priest of anything without being dedicated to it, unless you're a real grifter type, and I don't think you are.
You don't have to stay with him, Marco. He needs help but... you don't have to hand him all the power.
I-- [Marco looks at Egon for a moment; seemingly uncomfortable, he decides to go back to focusing on some point just beyond the lake.] I don't know what you think I'm doing, but it's not... it's not that. I don't see how it's that at all.
Besides, he needs...
[His hands tense up. When he finishes the sentence, it's in a mumble:]
He needs me.
Besides, he needs...
[His hands tense up. When he finishes the sentence, it's in a mumble:]
He needs me.
[Egon doesn't look at Marco at all. He's not good at this sort of thing, but at the very least the Merman has never elicited the worst from him. He looks at his arm, then at Marco's hand.]
Then what is it?
Elias is a child, and he deserves to be a child. He won't listen to me and I can't blame him for that, but I stand by that his power is corrupting him.
Then what is it?
Elias is a child, and he deserves to be a child. He won't listen to me and I can't blame him for that, but I stand by that his power is corrupting him.
[Marco shakes his head, and catches a glimpse of Egon looking at his hand in the process.
Right. That's why what Egon is saying doesn't sound right.]
If anything, he's the one handing me power. I can't fight. I'm no good at magic. If it weren't for him... I don't know how much of my old life I would still remember.
[And yet he still calls it his "old life" so easily. Marco gulps and tries to shake the thought.]
We protect each other, that's all. Even if it's not... not quite in the same way I used to believe.
[... Has he said too much?]
Right. That's why what Egon is saying doesn't sound right.]
If anything, he's the one handing me power. I can't fight. I'm no good at magic. If it weren't for him... I don't know how much of my old life I would still remember.
[And yet he still calls it his "old life" so easily. Marco gulps and tries to shake the thought.]
We protect each other, that's all. Even if it's not... not quite in the same way I used to believe.
[... Has he said too much?]
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