sparkstrikes | empatheias IC contact. (archive)

... You want the honest answer?

[ So this is what Usagi meant. ]

Because if I go back I'll die. Again.

[ At least he's pretty sure. ]

[She raises an eyebrow at his answer. Well, at least he's honest, but she's still got a lot of questions and no answers.]

And Usagi said I could help you? I'm not looking for reasons or ways to stay. I wanna know who's in charge.

No, she didn't say you could help me exactly.

[Trying to get a friend off the hook.]

But I asked her for anyone else looking into this kind of stuff, and you were one of the people she suggested. If you're looking for how to get out, then the reasons why people end up staying instead could be part of it, right?

Could be.

[If there was any way to convey her arms crossing through voice, it's definitely there right now. She's a little wary of letting her reasons be known to a stranger, but Lightning's also not one to turn down someone when they come to her for help. Maybe in the past, she would have, but it's her job to help.]

Haven't found much out yet, so you're outta luck for now. Thought maybe the Arehtei would be a good place to start, though. [A beat.] Why not just ask one of them to let you stay?

[Does it even work that way? She has no idea.]

I... thought about it. I guess I'm just not sure which one I should probably talk to. Usagi suggested not...

[He has to think about it again.]

Just not Sosyne.

What, afraid of some whale?

[There's a hint of some teasing there, masked behind her usual flat voice.]

Which one are you aligned to?

I'm not a representative like Usagi is.

[That's what she means, right? He never learned this bit and still has his original crystal.]

Nevermind.

[Lightning pinches at the bridge of her nose, letting out a long suffering sigh.]

So what are you expecting I do to help you?

Well for one thing you could explain what you meant if I didn't give you the answer you were looking for.

[He can at least catch that from 'Nevermind.']

[There's a sudden shock of static that sends over the connection, this one not as much an accident as the first.]

Do you know which Arehtei you're aligned to?

... No. I didn't know anyone was aligned to an Arehtei.

[... Hm. Dare for a follow up...]

How can I tell?

[She doesn't bother to hide another sigh, and when she speaks through it, her voice is both tired but firm. Either he's really new or no one gave him the rundown, but as far as she sees it, this isn't on her.]

Look, kid. I'm not here to give anyone lessons on how this place works. Look at your crystal, figure it out. Then we can talk.

[Definitely not the answer he was expecting, but then he remembers what Usagi told him about her.]

Fine. I'll call later.

['Later' being after talking to some of the other, more helpful folks about the original issue.

But since she isn't interested in explaining things, he hangs up.]

empatheias IC contact. (archive)

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