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— oh my, come to think of it. I did not petition Heliopolis to perform the work.
[ He is a peculiarly honest man, actually. Incapable of perceiving lies, and incapable of lying. His directness, alongside Rosaria's, definitely meant that there were some substantial blindspots in their methodology — really, he's a scientist, not a spy! ]
Mm, I know I would have done so, had I not been as driven.
[ Perhaps being Harmonized to Meridian had affected him with a bit more, well, urgency? An impassioned drive that kept him from considering every approach, as he would have. He is no less smart, but — thinking of it now, he would have petitioned Heliopolis for permission to enter, would not have simply relied on his Meridian status, would have brought proof of curing the Blight, introduced Rosaria — relied on his spells even, in a pinch. ]
How silly of me, to be so distracted.
[ He is a peculiarly honest man, actually. Incapable of perceiving lies, and incapable of lying. His directness, alongside Rosaria's, definitely meant that there were some substantial blindspots in their methodology — really, he's a scientist, not a spy! ]
Mm, I know I would have done so, had I not been as driven.
[ Perhaps being Harmonized to Meridian had affected him with a bit more, well, urgency? An impassioned drive that kept him from considering every approach, as he would have. He is no less smart, but — thinking of it now, he would have petitioned Heliopolis for permission to enter, would not have simply relied on his Meridian status, would have brought proof of curing the Blight, introduced Rosaria — relied on his spells even, in a pinch. ]
How silly of me, to be so distracted.
[ Amos isn't much one for lying, either — but he is one for subterfuge when the situation calls for it, and, well... ]
Huh. Well, maybe next time.
[ If it is disapproval that Amos is expressing, then it's incredibly light. People fuck up, but not like anyone got hurt in this case. Not like Zenith was compromised. There probably won't be a next time for Bondrewd in Heliopolis, but that doesn't mean there won't be a next time somewhere else down the line for him.
So there's the communion-equivalent sensation of Amos giving Bondrewd a friendly little shoulder clap; they're good. And hopefully next time — with this in mind — things'll be successful, and not end up like... this. ]
Huh. Well, maybe next time.
[ If it is disapproval that Amos is expressing, then it's incredibly light. People fuck up, but not like anyone got hurt in this case. Not like Zenith was compromised. There probably won't be a next time for Bondrewd in Heliopolis, but that doesn't mean there won't be a next time somewhere else down the line for him.
So there's the communion-equivalent sensation of Amos giving Bondrewd a friendly little shoulder clap; they're good. And hopefully next time — with this in mind — things'll be successful, and not end up like... this. ]
I think I am ill-suited for work such as this. [ It doesn't need to be said, but he does say it. ] Lying is an impossibility for me.
[ There is a steady acceptance of Amos, though. A calm sort of sensation that is pleased to receive his judgment, but would not have been bothered if it had swung towards a need to punish him for his mistakes. Bondrewd views mistakes as part of the process, after all; even failure is something that one can learn from. Meridian is learning from their failures, and rapidly. He believes Zenith needs to be checked, and soon, for their growth to truly begin. ]
— I will be here, for a little while longer as a Meridian. I believe Miss Rosaria returned to Highstorm ahead of me. I am sure she is disappointed in our failure, although the blame may lie more with me.
[ he is after all
nearly seven feet tall in massive armor and lit up in zenith's personal mascot colors ]
[ There is a steady acceptance of Amos, though. A calm sort of sensation that is pleased to receive his judgment, but would not have been bothered if it had swung towards a need to punish him for his mistakes. Bondrewd views mistakes as part of the process, after all; even failure is something that one can learn from. Meridian is learning from their failures, and rapidly. He believes Zenith needs to be checked, and soon, for their growth to truly begin. ]
— I will be here, for a little while longer as a Meridian. I believe Miss Rosaria returned to Highstorm ahead of me. I am sure she is disappointed in our failure, although the blame may lie more with me.
[ he is after all
nearly seven feet tall in massive armor and lit up in zenith's personal mascot colors ]
Edited 2023-06-29 00:29 (UTC)
[ ... Is Amos good at this? He wants Zenith to win, because they're his people. That's his home now. And part of that, considering how long he's been here — considering how much he's harmonized already — is making sure everyone else is doing well. He's an Exalt; he knows part of his role is to look out for his people. So reaching out seemed like something he should do, and considering how receptive Bondrewd is...
There is, maybe, a little boost in confidence that he'll be able to catch. A little bit of warmth tinging their communion, because Amos did a good thing here, and he's a little proud about that. It feels nice! He wants to help, and he is. ]
It's all good. We can figure out where you're better suited when you get back if you want. Or at least maybe check in with someone first.
[ Doesn't even have to be Amos, but kind of sounds like getting a second opinion would've spared them a bit of grief. But oh well, nothing to be done about it now; just keeping that in mind for the future. ]
I'm sure she'll be okay. See you when you get back.
[ because yeah
seeing him isn't really a question when he's out there looking like that... ]
There is, maybe, a little boost in confidence that he'll be able to catch. A little bit of warmth tinging their communion, because Amos did a good thing here, and he's a little proud about that. It feels nice! He wants to help, and he is. ]
It's all good. We can figure out where you're better suited when you get back if you want. Or at least maybe check in with someone first.
[ Doesn't even have to be Amos, but kind of sounds like getting a second opinion would've spared them a bit of grief. But oh well, nothing to be done about it now; just keeping that in mind for the future. ]
I'm sure she'll be okay. See you when you get back.
[ because yeah
seeing him isn't really a question when he's out there looking like that... ]
Edited 2023-06-29 00:50 (UTC)
I would appreciate that, if you or whomever you trust to recommend would grant me the time.
[ Oh, Amos. At his core, he seems a very gentle person.
Bondrewd cannot parse people or their emotions well, not anymore. Once, he was as human as they came — emotional, driven, given to struggling and doubting, and that version of himself might have been able to take the warmth he feels from Amos and return it wholeheartedly. Might be able to understand it, and surmise something more about him ( whether right, or wrong ).
That was why he had sacrificed it on the altar, in the end. Because, he would never ask anyone to do something he was not first and foremost willing to do himself. ]
I will see you then, Mister Amos. Would you meet me for a drink, perhaps? Your choice of venue, I would say.
[ Oh, Amos. At his core, he seems a very gentle person.
Bondrewd cannot parse people or their emotions well, not anymore. Once, he was as human as they came — emotional, driven, given to struggling and doubting, and that version of himself might have been able to take the warmth he feels from Amos and return it wholeheartedly. Might be able to understand it, and surmise something more about him ( whether right, or wrong ).
That was why he had sacrificed it on the altar, in the end. Because, he would never ask anyone to do something he was not first and foremost willing to do himself. ]
I will see you then, Mister Amos. Would you meet me for a drink, perhaps? Your choice of venue, I would say.
[ Amos faces that void Bondrewd offers him — because that is all he has to offer, in this shared mental space — and doesn't question it, because it makes sense. It's only a little weird, but like a frog in a slowly boiling pot of water, it's easy to adapt to. Forget about.
Doesn't stop him from continuing to feel that little bit warm, though. ]
Sure thing. [ And he's maybe even chipper, at that. ] There's a good spot not too far from the Tomes. Let me know when you're back, and we can talk shop there.
[ Because there are two different kinds of drinking: getting fucked (up?) and something quieter, and... for something like this, they're probably going to want the more chill environment. Somewhere where they can focus and actually talk. Kinda seems like they might both benefit from it.
Yeah, it feels good. ]
Doesn't stop him from continuing to feel that little bit warm, though. ]
Sure thing. [ And he's maybe even chipper, at that. ] There's a good spot not too far from the Tomes. Let me know when you're back, and we can talk shop there.
[ Because there are two different kinds of drinking: getting fucked (up?) and something quieter, and... for something like this, they're probably going to want the more chill environment. Somewhere where they can focus and actually talk. Kinda seems like they might both benefit from it.
Yeah, it feels good. ]
[ It's quite sudden when a presence reaches out to Bondrewd through Communion. It's familiar to him, but also not, since they've not had a proper conversation so much as direction being given. However. The voice of Aetós is fairly unmistakable. ]
Bondrewd, isn't it? You know who I am, I hope.
[ senpai, duh ]
I was hoping we might have a little chat.
Bondrewd, isn't it? You know who I am, I hope.
[ senpai, duh ]
I was hoping we might have a little chat.
[ Sebastian breathes out a little laugh at just where Bondrewd’s staff came from, but it’s only lightly surprised. It’s merely the fact that someone else had used such a method. The little staff of the Phantomhive manor came about in such a similar way, but it felt like a rather fortunate set of circumstances to him. So, it’s a bit pleasing to hear Bondrewd had the same, though he doesn’t speak to it. There’s no need, in his opinion. It’s a shared curiosity, but the servants of the Phantomhive manor were a matter of the past. ]
Then you of course have my thanks. I shall prepare something delightful and be certain there is room at the table for work.
[ How improper a setup! But despite any appearance otherwise, he is relaxing in his strict Victorian manners at this point. Somewhat. ]
Prushka, was it? I am sorry to hear that she passed. With how you spoke of her before, I had assumed… Well. [ Not that she was alive, necessarily, as Zenith’s claims didn’t quite allow for that, but. ] Was she your protégé as well?
Then you of course have my thanks. I shall prepare something delightful and be certain there is room at the table for work.
[ How improper a setup! But despite any appearance otherwise, he is relaxing in his strict Victorian manners at this point. Somewhat. ]
Prushka, was it? I am sorry to hear that she passed. With how you spoke of her before, I had assumed… Well. [ Not that she was alive, necessarily, as Zenith’s claims didn’t quite allow for that, but. ] Was she your protégé as well?
Aetós. [ But faintly, there’s a little note of approval and humor in his emotions. ] But I see you picked up the hint.
[ It’s not a subtle puzzle to connect “Kite” and “Aetós”, but it wasn’t really meant to be. For someone seeking their attention, it would be obvious, but it’s obscure to anyone else. ]
I would have reached out earlier. But you arrived with somewhat poor timing, personally. Matters had to be cleaned up first. [ just little Manon oopsies, don’t worry about it, ] I was surprised that Shard-Bearers took over my Zoo. Usually they do not have the fortitude.
[ It’s not a subtle puzzle to connect “Kite” and “Aetós”, but it wasn’t really meant to be. For someone seeking their attention, it would be obvious, but it’s obscure to anyone else. ]
I would have reached out earlier. But you arrived with somewhat poor timing, personally. Matters had to be cleaned up first. [ just little Manon oopsies, don’t worry about it, ] I was surprised that Shard-Bearers took over my Zoo. Usually they do not have the fortitude.
Had you not, I would have put more of an effort into ensuring I captured your attention.
[ He was, in fact, looking forward to it. Aetós is a deeply intriguing individual, of elusive morality — and great intellect. Naturally, Bondrewd is interested in them! ]
Mm, it reminded me of my Ido Front. I am more familiar with the impact of science without oversight [ or ethical consideration ] than most. Is there something you wish to discuss with me? I admit, I am a fan of your work — I do not know why you perform it, but I find it interesting all the same. Were I able to leave the documents you left behind, I might even have more input.
[ He was, in fact, looking forward to it. Aetós is a deeply intriguing individual, of elusive morality — and great intellect. Naturally, Bondrewd is interested in them! ]
Mm, it reminded me of my Ido Front. I am more familiar with the impact of science without oversight [ or ethical consideration ] than most. Is there something you wish to discuss with me? I admit, I am a fan of your work — I do not know why you perform it, but I find it interesting all the same. Were I able to leave the documents you left behind, I might even have more input.
[ It's funny, isn't it Sebastian?!
Besides seeing the work the Ido Front was undertaking, it certainly didn't hurt to introduce the individuals and groups hunting him for the price on his head to Zoaholic, either. Once in its proximity, humans tended to prove rather weak-willed and susceptible to it, and thus primed for his consciousness to join with theirs. But, he does not have Zoaholic. ( Yet. ) Thus, no ability to do the same thing, without convincing someone thoroughly to his way. ]
My daughter and protégé, yes. She often helped me with my work. Not all of it, mind you — but, matters I could entrust her with. She was the most resolute soul, impossible to break the will of, and it was her love that allowed me to transcend all limits. Love was truly the answer to some of my greatest work.
[ this is going to be funny to see sebastian work mentally through ]
Besides seeing the work the Ido Front was undertaking, it certainly didn't hurt to introduce the individuals and groups hunting him for the price on his head to Zoaholic, either. Once in its proximity, humans tended to prove rather weak-willed and susceptible to it, and thus primed for his consciousness to join with theirs. But, he does not have Zoaholic. ( Yet. ) Thus, no ability to do the same thing, without convincing someone thoroughly to his way. ]
My daughter and protégé, yes. She often helped me with my work. Not all of it, mind you — but, matters I could entrust her with. She was the most resolute soul, impossible to break the will of, and it was her love that allowed me to transcend all limits. Love was truly the answer to some of my greatest work.
[ this is going to be funny to see sebastian work mentally through ]
Edited 2023-07-08 15:04 (UTC)
Potentially.
[ It’s a simple, curt answer to the question that’s followed by silence that’s just a little too long. ]
I understand that you worked in your world without oversight, and that is unusual. Useful, perhaps. What is it that you were trying to discover?
[ It’s a simple, curt answer to the question that’s followed by silence that’s just a little too long. ]
I understand that you worked in your world without oversight, and that is unusual. Useful, perhaps. What is it that you were trying to discover?
I lived in a place far to dangerous for people to impose true limitation upon my activities. And as a White Whistle, my authority was absolute by societal standard. I got results.
[ The most important thing to him, after all, is results. All else, he would sacrifice to obtain them and pass them on. ]
Every 2,000 years, my world underwent extreme change, sourced to the presence of the Abyss and its periodic growth. I sought to understand what happened to cause such apocalyptic changes, and avoid the extinction of humanity, heralding them to the next dawn. To that end, I worked to discover what changes I had to make — blessings, curses, souls, all to reach a point where people would survive whatever came next.
[ The most important thing to him, after all, is results. All else, he would sacrifice to obtain them and pass them on. ]
Every 2,000 years, my world underwent extreme change, sourced to the presence of the Abyss and its periodic growth. I sought to understand what happened to cause such apocalyptic changes, and avoid the extinction of humanity, heralding them to the next dawn. To that end, I worked to discover what changes I had to make — blessings, curses, souls, all to reach a point where people would survive whatever came next.
[ This response is… not what Sebastian expected at all. However one feels the Math Lady Meme™ through Communion, that is what’s going on here. ]
…Forgive me.
[ He does at least know that he is transmitting that feeling, whatever it is, so he does apologize. ]
It is merely a bit of a surprise to hear. When I have met those dedicated to scientific pursuits and especially with your vigor, they tend to be more muted sorts. But admittedly, love is the human emotion I understand the least.
…Forgive me.
[ He does at least know that he is transmitting that feeling, whatever it is, so he does apologize. ]
It is merely a bit of a surprise to hear. When I have met those dedicated to scientific pursuits and especially with your vigor, they tend to be more muted sorts. But admittedly, love is the human emotion I understand the least.
Oh, but it is the most invigorating of emotions! Should you wish to learn to emulate love as you do biological function, it might become a wonderful advantage for you to hold. No one would expect a demon capable of comprehending love, even on an intellectual level, effectively enough to utilize it.
Your mind is so adorable, Mister Michaelis.
[ He has zero issues with considering making Sebastian more dangerous. Though, he does reasonable expect that 'love' is utterly incompatible with his nature, and might be a deeply difficult thing. That Sebastian's brain is doing the [???????????] equivalent is charming to him. ]
Aah, it was the love of my daughter, and perhaps all the children I knew, that allowed me to uncover the manner in which I might transcend the grasp of the Abyss's curse — the force that caused mental and physical anguish, thus entrapping those who delved too deep. To be loved, was to be able to escape the Curse and transform it into a Blessing.
Your mind is so adorable, Mister Michaelis.
[ He has zero issues with considering making Sebastian more dangerous. Though, he does reasonable expect that 'love' is utterly incompatible with his nature, and might be a deeply difficult thing. That Sebastian's brain is doing the [???????????] equivalent is charming to him. ]
Aah, it was the love of my daughter, and perhaps all the children I knew, that allowed me to uncover the manner in which I might transcend the grasp of the Abyss's curse — the force that caused mental and physical anguish, thus entrapping those who delved too deep. To be loved, was to be able to escape the Curse and transform it into a Blessing.
[ …There he goes again, calling him adorable, and over something Sebastian would consider decidedly not adorable. Or at least that would be his understanding with any other person. Bondrewd is correct that it would give him an advantage, and Sebastian even has an argument on his tongue that he can emulate the motions of it well enough, but… No, he decides to let it go. Lest he be called adorable again, maybe.
…Not that the other half of this conversation is any less perplexing, though. ]
…This Abyss of yours is truly a strange place. When you first told me of it, I was distinctly reminded of a particular author’s depiction of Hell, but the more you speak of it…
[ AND EVERYTHING ELSE? ]
No, it is somehow far stranger. Yet, it still seems apt, somehow, what with talk of curses and blessings. From what you have said, I have a sense enough of what makes a curse, but then what would a blessing be?
…Not that the other half of this conversation is any less perplexing, though. ]
…This Abyss of yours is truly a strange place. When you first told me of it, I was distinctly reminded of a particular author’s depiction of Hell, but the more you speak of it…
[ AND EVERYTHING ELSE? ]
No, it is somehow far stranger. Yet, it still seems apt, somehow, what with talk of curses and blessings. From what you have said, I have a sense enough of what makes a curse, but then what would a blessing be?
[ Aetós listens silently, but when Bondrewd mentions apocalypse, they do laugh, though it’s no more than a single note that’s clear and cold. ]
Interesting. It sounds like your world and mine share some threads. Unusual.
[ Though that’s clearly a personal aside, since they move on from it quickly. ]
Souls are what interest me. This comes with curses and blessings at times. But it is largely the question of the spark of life that drives me. A frightening prospect to most. Especially here, where it can become tangible. Broken.
So, in a place where extinction is not a concern… What interests you?
Interesting. It sounds like your world and mine share some threads. Unusual.
[ Though that’s clearly a personal aside, since they move on from it quickly. ]
Souls are what interest me. This comes with curses and blessings at times. But it is largely the question of the spark of life that drives me. A frightening prospect to most. Especially here, where it can become tangible. Broken.
So, in a place where extinction is not a concern… What interests you?
[ marry him already please aetós ]
The truth of the soul, of course. The very choice to use the world "shard" in place of "soul" here strikes me as a wonderfully poignant lexical decision. I fear not for my fate. I shed such connections and tethers for the work and the impact it may have.
[ He beams, empty and dark across their connection. ]
I want to explore the seat of the soul, in Kenos. Nothing else truly matters to me but what their lives mean, and maybe saving them — if it is at all possible.
[ There is a sense of "if not, oh well!" within him, though. ]
The truth of the soul, of course. The very choice to use the world "shard" in place of "soul" here strikes me as a wonderfully poignant lexical decision. I fear not for my fate. I shed such connections and tethers for the work and the impact it may have.
[ He beams, empty and dark across their connection. ]
I want to explore the seat of the soul, in Kenos. Nothing else truly matters to me but what their lives mean, and maybe saving them — if it is at all possible.
[ There is a sense of "if not, oh well!" within him, though. ]
Wonderful.
[ It's light, but there's approval and interest. ]
Then, I believe we may be able to do some work together. You seek the truth of it. I wish to create it.
[ There's passion in that single word, and it's the sort that Bondrewd will easily recognize because he holds it himself. It's that passion for discovery and progress focused on a singular point... At the expense of everything else. But that's not a problem, is it? ]
I cannot bring you to my labs right away. You understand, I am sure. But I will give you a task, if you're agreeable. Complete it, and I will feel more confident in extending an offer more formally. We can work together.
[ or: 💍? ]
[ It's light, but there's approval and interest. ]
Then, I believe we may be able to do some work together. You seek the truth of it. I wish to create it.
[ There's passion in that single word, and it's the sort that Bondrewd will easily recognize because he holds it himself. It's that passion for discovery and progress focused on a singular point... At the expense of everything else. But that's not a problem, is it? ]
I cannot bring you to my labs right away. You understand, I am sure. But I will give you a task, if you're agreeable. Complete it, and I will feel more confident in extending an offer more formally. We can work together.
[ or: 💍? ]
Of course, I understand.
[ He feels he has never understood, nor been as understood, as in this moment. The pursuit of knowledge and the results are what matter to him; he prays upon an altar of scientific inquiry and methodical discovery, and finds Kenos a beautiful realm to explore. The people brought to it? Expendable, if necessary. ]
Name it, if you would allow me to expend my efforts in the direction of your choosing. I have sought a connection to you for some time, after all.
[ 💍!!! ]
[ He feels he has never understood, nor been as understood, as in this moment. The pursuit of knowledge and the results are what matter to him; he prays upon an altar of scientific inquiry and methodical discovery, and finds Kenos a beautiful realm to explore. The people brought to it? Expendable, if necessary. ]
Name it, if you would allow me to expend my efforts in the direction of your choosing. I have sought a connection to you for some time, after all.
[ 💍!!! ]
I noticed.
[ trying to get his attention bondrewd… kyaa… ]
So, it is best to start with the work that most find so disagreeable. And provide some information for you. And data for me. No Shard-Bearer of this generation has yet to experience the worst of what Discord has to offer. It is worth showing and sharing.
It does not matter to me which Shard-Bearer, merely that you facilitate them reaching the apex of Discord, the fourth tier. At that point, let them do as they are drawn to for a day or so. Then see them killed and collect the Shard. Our first project can be on theirs.
[ trying to get his attention bondrewd… kyaa… ]
So, it is best to start with the work that most find so disagreeable. And provide some information for you. And data for me. No Shard-Bearer of this generation has yet to experience the worst of what Discord has to offer. It is worth showing and sharing.
It does not matter to me which Shard-Bearer, merely that you facilitate them reaching the apex of Discord, the fourth tier. At that point, let them do as they are drawn to for a day or so. Then see them killed and collect the Shard. Our first project can be on theirs.
Oya, oya. How exciting a task.
[ doesn't he sound excited ]
Is this a matter you would like to see observed in public, or private? It seems by your words [ 'let them do as they are drawn to' ] that imprisoning them for observation might limit the data.
[ doesn't he sound excited ]
Is this a matter you would like to see observed in public, or private? It seems by your words [ 'let them do as they are drawn to' ] that imprisoning them for observation might limit the data.
It will. I do not want to ruin the surprise. But they will be unruly. It is best to let things run their course, somewhat. It will also be informative for you and the rest of this generation.
[ see bon they're just as benevolent as you! clearly! ]
If they retreat to privacy, that is fine. But this would be unusual.
[ see bon they're just as benevolent as you! clearly! ]
If they retreat to privacy, that is fine. But this would be unusual.
I can guarantee you one Shard-bearer, naturally.
[ The Greenwood Yards rewarded him with the exact means to accomplish such a thing, after all. Herbs, that will reduce his Discord by allowing him to offload it onto someone else. ]
If I am feeling particularly inspired, I may be able to duplicate the observable data with a second. Within given parameters, naturally. One does not wish to lose control of the research, while seeking a variety of data.
[ The Greenwood Yards rewarded him with the exact means to accomplish such a thing, after all. Herbs, that will reduce his Discord by allowing him to offload it onto someone else. ]
If I am feeling particularly inspired, I may be able to duplicate the observable data with a second. Within given parameters, naturally. One does not wish to lose control of the research, while seeking a variety of data.
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