[ it's food for thought, certainly, but in such a way that it only seems to pave the way to more questions. agent choi's mind turns, the gears spinning as information is memorized and stored carefully away for safekeeping until need of it might arise. but, for now? he'll resist the temptation to interrogate that scrap right down until only bone is left.
instead, he decides to build on what subaru has to offer him, the question carried across their tether by a genuine curiosity: does he think that she will answer honestly, if asked directly?
... does he think she knows the answer herself? ]
instead, he decides to build on what subaru has to offer him, the question carried across their tether by a genuine curiosity: does he think that she will answer honestly, if asked directly?
... does he think she knows the answer herself? ]
[ The torrent of emotions, Caelus expected them, so he manages to brace himself when it all crashes across the two of them. He won't pretend he understands anything between these two, because he doesn't. He's even more confused after seeing Subaru's memories at the cathedral that crimson night. Because those were obviously not pleasant memories in any way, yet… what is this feeling mixed along their tether? It's complicated, so much so, that the trailblazer can't pinpoint what emotions are present and exactly how many.
But Caelus doesn't need to. He can tell enough that these two are so, so lonely. And they care so much for each other, but they somehow can't extend that properly at all. There's nothing that Caelus can really do but be there. To be right here. That's what he'll continue to do without faltering. To protect these two souls, to give them the chance he promised… Perhaps one day, this uncertain torrent of emotions will transform into something else. So he steps closer to end the remaining distance between them.
Mindful of Anko, Caelus wraps his arms around Subaru's shoulders as he embraces him tightly, squeezing with all his spirit. Perhaps finally, he did manage to repay one part of this delicate onmyouji's neverending kindness. ]
Subaru, you are incredibly loved. I hope you don't diminish that from your heart.
But Caelus doesn't need to. He can tell enough that these two are so, so lonely. And they care so much for each other, but they somehow can't extend that properly at all. There's nothing that Caelus can really do but be there. To be right here. That's what he'll continue to do without faltering. To protect these two souls, to give them the chance he promised… Perhaps one day, this uncertain torrent of emotions will transform into something else. So he steps closer to end the remaining distance between them.
Mindful of Anko, Caelus wraps his arms around Subaru's shoulders as he embraces him tightly, squeezing with all his spirit. Perhaps finally, he did manage to repay one part of this delicate onmyouji's neverending kindness. ]
Subaru, you are incredibly loved. I hope you don't diminish that from your heart.
[ That is the difficulty of it, isn't it? ]
She may not know. There might be nothing to know at all. The only way to find out is to ask.
[ A hesitation lingers briefly on the tail end of his statement, more felt than heard. It's a rarity for someone so sure like he typically is. Subaru's hands still and he rests them on Choi's side thoughtfully for a moment. ]
There's just something I owe her.
[ It sounds simple, but even if he doesn't elaborate further, the tether saturates with it. It's terribly precious to him, whatever it is. His want for knowledge, for now, doesn't outweigh it. ]
She may not know. There might be nothing to know at all. The only way to find out is to ask.
[ A hesitation lingers briefly on the tail end of his statement, more felt than heard. It's a rarity for someone so sure like he typically is. Subaru's hands still and he rests them on Choi's side thoughtfully for a moment. ]
There's just something I owe her.
[ It sounds simple, but even if he doesn't elaborate further, the tether saturates with it. It's terribly precious to him, whatever it is. His want for knowledge, for now, doesn't outweigh it. ]
That's so interesting!
[ These occasional trivia that Subaru shares mean everything for the eternally curious Caelus. He absolutely adores learning about the cultures of worlds, as evidenced by his behavior when it comes to learning about other planets and other people. And there he is again, getting excited over one little fact about gates and doors.
Oh, but it is getting dark, huh. Is it already nearing sunset hours? It seems they've spent a lot of time together today without realizing how time flew by. These days, it has become so natural for the two of them. ]
I'll go check the kitchen. I'm sure there are cups there… Or at least, I hope so.
[ Temporarily parting from Subaru to look for the kitchen in the building, Caelus lets the onmyouji look around more for the meantime. He does seem fascinated by the book collection here. ]
[ These occasional trivia that Subaru shares mean everything for the eternally curious Caelus. He absolutely adores learning about the cultures of worlds, as evidenced by his behavior when it comes to learning about other planets and other people. And there he is again, getting excited over one little fact about gates and doors.
Oh, but it is getting dark, huh. Is it already nearing sunset hours? It seems they've spent a lot of time together today without realizing how time flew by. These days, it has become so natural for the two of them. ]
I'll go check the kitchen. I'm sure there are cups there… Or at least, I hope so.
[ Temporarily parting from Subaru to look for the kitchen in the building, Caelus lets the onmyouji look around more for the meantime. He does seem fascinated by the book collection here. ]
[ a debt to sleep, huh.
it doesn't sound like a small one by any mean, and thinking about it, choi's mouth feels dry. the tiger in subaru's lap snorts, but he's careful in what he shares with the tether—only a simple understanding comes through. message received.
...
a moment passes, and as if making its decision, the tiger pulls itself up to its feet in an abrupt motion. where its paws might step, it seems careful not to place too much of its weight—tentative, as if testing its footing, before it manages to manoeuvre itself to face subaru properly, body resting in the spot next to him rather than on him.
after a moment of peering at him, blinking, it lowers its head slightly, eyes remaining fixed on subaru's all the while. it seems to be expecting something. ]
it doesn't sound like a small one by any mean, and thinking about it, choi's mouth feels dry. the tiger in subaru's lap snorts, but he's careful in what he shares with the tether—only a simple understanding comes through. message received.
...
a moment passes, and as if making its decision, the tiger pulls itself up to its feet in an abrupt motion. where its paws might step, it seems careful not to place too much of its weight—tentative, as if testing its footing, before it manages to manoeuvre itself to face subaru properly, body resting in the spot next to him rather than on him.
after a moment of peering at him, blinking, it lowers its head slightly, eyes remaining fixed on subaru's all the while. it seems to be expecting something. ]
[ Allowing him to get up and switch positions, the absence of his weight prominent in the moment that it rises, Subaru can't help but feel — alarm. Soft, brief, echoing upwards from some buried part of him just enough to break free and run through their tether.
Message received?
He wants to ask him what he means by that. But he also thinks he knows, even if only a little. ]
...I don't really have the right to tell you what to do, [ Subaru starts, his thoughts slow to manifest as words. ] But...
[ He reaches out, taking his head in his hands. ]
Don't do anything so reckless that there's no way for you to take it back.
Message received?
He wants to ask him what he means by that. But he also thinks he knows, even if only a little. ]
...I don't really have the right to tell you what to do, [ Subaru starts, his thoughts slow to manifest as words. ] But...
[ He reaches out, taking his head in his hands. ]
Don't do anything so reckless that there's no way for you to take it back.
[ His tether flares, fades back. Subaru's grip on his composure whispers over it like warm steel and presses it low again. Just out of reach.
It's obscured not by choice, but by the gentle, undiscriminating opaqueness of his own heart.
He is... loved. Doubt scrawls itself in ink-hues over the sound of his blood as it pulses, hot with fear, in his ears. He is loved, he thinks. He thinks it, over and over. He thinks its meaning, its misunderstanding, what it signifies to be here in the aftermath of it. He no longer hopes, having what he most sought pushed into his hands in a wasting moment of utter destruction. Also a brilliance calculated by the ephemeral heart of a jealous, jealous man. Subaru is loved in ways he doesn't understand for himself; what he does understand is that Sakurazuka Seishirou means to wield Caelus against him in his vast, unerring capacity for hope. Hope enough for the stars.
Arms coming around his shoulders makes him jolt slightly, out from the thoughts he coils like a serpent's scales at the bottom of his soul. Exhaling softly, he gives himself to the strength of Caelus's embrace for a moment, his much softer grip steadied on his sides. If he can just leave it at that... it's better, he thinks.
Anko shuffles on his shoulders, prompting him to pull away slightly. Hands soft on him for a moment, Subaru pushes, the ghost of a movement. ]
We should get you back inside. I'll make you some tea.
It's obscured not by choice, but by the gentle, undiscriminating opaqueness of his own heart.
He is... loved. Doubt scrawls itself in ink-hues over the sound of his blood as it pulses, hot with fear, in his ears. He is loved, he thinks. He thinks it, over and over. He thinks its meaning, its misunderstanding, what it signifies to be here in the aftermath of it. He no longer hopes, having what he most sought pushed into his hands in a wasting moment of utter destruction. Also a brilliance calculated by the ephemeral heart of a jealous, jealous man. Subaru is loved in ways he doesn't understand for himself; what he does understand is that Sakurazuka Seishirou means to wield Caelus against him in his vast, unerring capacity for hope. Hope enough for the stars.
Arms coming around his shoulders makes him jolt slightly, out from the thoughts he coils like a serpent's scales at the bottom of his soul. Exhaling softly, he gives himself to the strength of Caelus's embrace for a moment, his much softer grip steadied on his sides. If he can just leave it at that... it's better, he thinks.
Anko shuffles on his shoulders, prompting him to pull away slightly. Hands soft on him for a moment, Subaru pushes, the ghost of a movement. ]
We should get you back inside. I'll make you some tea.
[ Nodding Caelus off towards the kitchen for the last remaining items they need, Subaru lingers in the area between while he does so. Maybe the red door really is lucky, he thinks, gaze poring over the apartment's interior still holding strong against the rot of the outer world. Not everything is touched by her ruin, but it's uncommon enough that it stands out to him.
He notes it in the margins of his awareness. Perhaps he'll revisit this place to take his own pass over the books, the wares, the traces of a home long fallen but clinging to existence. It's nearby to the lot and a park where his birds fly free in practiced script. Later, he thinks. When there's more light.
Stepping closer to the entryway again, he calls out: ]
How is it? Any luck?
He notes it in the margins of his awareness. Perhaps he'll revisit this place to take his own pass over the books, the wares, the traces of a home long fallen but clinging to existence. It's nearby to the lot and a park where his birds fly free in practiced script. Later, he thinks. When there's more light.
Stepping closer to the entryway again, he calls out: ]
How is it? Any luck?
[ The fading of the connection, the sharp hesitation, the motion of an obvious doubt, the lack of response… The nail in the coffin is stepping away, being pushed. The cruel combination of everything causes Caelus's heart to tighten, his eyes widening slightly in intense concern and loneliness. It hurts. He never thought Subaru would be this much withdrawn.
Of course, he's aware it wouldn't be easy. He was prepared for it. But this much? Was everything Caelus built from the start all just… an illusion? He thought he was going somewhere. Maybe this is his own fault. What could he have done better? He should've been more patient… Should he persist? But what if doing so will make it worse? For now, maybe he should… should follow Subaru's instructions quietly.
Even if his heart is screaming something else. He tries to smile, coming out a little awkwardly, but still sincerely. ]
… Ah, yes. All right.
[ Anko trembles again, but makes no move to leave. Seemingly knows what Caelus really wants to do, so it stays right where it is. Close, right on Subaru. Caelus follows the two inside, his hands closing into tight grips. ]
Of course, he's aware it wouldn't be easy. He was prepared for it. But this much? Was everything Caelus built from the start all just… an illusion? He thought he was going somewhere. Maybe this is his own fault. What could he have done better? He should've been more patient… Should he persist? But what if doing so will make it worse? For now, maybe he should… should follow Subaru's instructions quietly.
Even if his heart is screaming something else. He tries to smile, coming out a little awkwardly, but still sincerely. ]
… Ah, yes. All right.
[ Anko trembles again, but makes no move to leave. Seemingly knows what Caelus really wants to do, so it stays right where it is. Close, right on Subaru. Caelus follows the two inside, his hands closing into tight grips. ]
[ With excited hops, Caelus eventually returns to Subaru's side while carrying not just two, but maybe five cups! The cups are as aesthetic as the rest of the apartment, noted by their colorful designs that match the interior. He shows them off proudly. ]
They were nicely kept in the cupboard! The original owner of this place must've been a very tidy person.
[ Only two of the cups are filled with water, though. As instructed by Subaru. ]
They were nicely kept in the cupboard! The original owner of this place must've been a very tidy person.
[ Only two of the cups are filled with water, though. As instructed by Subaru. ]
[ for a moment, the animal simply blinks up at subaru, as if listening patiently for more.
...
give it a moment though, and it will close its eyes, nuzzling its face against his hand and up his wrist. it huffs and chuffs as it does so, and if subaru humors it enough, it will try to rub its cheeks up against his too, stepping back into his lap to get closer. surely this is justified if you don't have better means to show friendliness and affection, right?
behind it, its thick tail is raised high, curled at the tip. the tether between them remains wordless, but filling it instead is a great sense of affection—and confidence.
so maybe subaru can forgive him for not accepting his terms as a proper promise. ]
...
give it a moment though, and it will close its eyes, nuzzling its face against his hand and up his wrist. it huffs and chuffs as it does so, and if subaru humors it enough, it will try to rub its cheeks up against his too, stepping back into his lap to get closer. surely this is justified if you don't have better means to show friendliness and affection, right?
behind it, its thick tail is raised high, curled at the tip. the tether between them remains wordless, but filling it instead is a great sense of affection—and confidence.
so maybe subaru can forgive him for not accepting his terms as a proper promise. ]
[ It ripples in his peripherals, hazy and loud, as if something detonated behind his eyes — and it had. Love and Sakurazuka and — mori, his feverish mind supplies. Even as he moves back inside with his typical pace and poise, going so far as to lift a hand to soothe at Anko's shivering, there's something he's focusing on blinking back. Whatever has rooted in his heart and blossomed violently at the mention sows possession and conflict in a way that even his tether can't properly convey.
There is something else in there with him, always. Prowling, strong, fated. His equilibrium shifts with invisible memory, with the falling reminders, and only when his actions seem to settle back in his body, the pot of water, the cup, the tea, does Subaru's tether thump uneasily back to the surface.
Sensations float over it like the colors of an oil spill, refusing to mix in the brief interlude of connection; those colors are Caelus's hurt, the spark of loneliness that might ignite it.
It's not precisely guilt and not precisely sorrow that he feels. It is... acknowledgement, tender in the recesses of his overused heart. ]
It's not your fault.
There is something else in there with him, always. Prowling, strong, fated. His equilibrium shifts with invisible memory, with the falling reminders, and only when his actions seem to settle back in his body, the pot of water, the cup, the tea, does Subaru's tether thump uneasily back to the surface.
Sensations float over it like the colors of an oil spill, refusing to mix in the brief interlude of connection; those colors are Caelus's hurt, the spark of loneliness that might ignite it.
It's not precisely guilt and not precisely sorrow that he feels. It is... acknowledgement, tender in the recesses of his overused heart. ]
It's not your fault.
[ Briefly surprised by the appearance of so many cups, Subaru's expression fades into a pleasantly dry warmth. He reaches out to take the two cups of water from him so that his hands aren't so full. ]
It seems so. [ Which is a blessing, in these circumstances. ] We can take a better look later.
[ With that, he guides them back out of the apartment and shuts the door safely behind them. Down the steps, onto the sidewalk and back into the lot where the trailer sits against the oncoming backdrop of night. He goes about the last of the preparations: he connects the two sticks with a loose length of twine. Then, he sets the cups of water on either side of the "gate" he's made. Standing back, he pulls a length of paper from his pocket, its surface already imbued with ink and magic. ]
I've never attempted this without onmyoudo before. [ What a strange world still, to not have it, but something that feels as if it was crafted in its shadow. ] But the steps should work the same.
[ Curling his arm and releasing it in a quick snap, he flicks the paper at the gate and it flies as if alive, the rune on it casting a thin wall of magic for it to stick to. ]
It seems so. [ Which is a blessing, in these circumstances. ] We can take a better look later.
[ With that, he guides them back out of the apartment and shuts the door safely behind them. Down the steps, onto the sidewalk and back into the lot where the trailer sits against the oncoming backdrop of night. He goes about the last of the preparations: he connects the two sticks with a loose length of twine. Then, he sets the cups of water on either side of the "gate" he's made. Standing back, he pulls a length of paper from his pocket, its surface already imbued with ink and magic. ]
I've never attempted this without onmyoudo before. [ What a strange world still, to not have it, but something that feels as if it was crafted in its shadow. ] But the steps should work the same.
[ Curling his arm and releasing it in a quick snap, he flicks the paper at the gate and it flies as if alive, the rune on it casting a thin wall of magic for it to stick to. ]
Spoiler warning for Amphoreus going onward (canon updating)
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
trashblaze
2025-12-06 08:50 am (UTC)(link)
[ As Caelus observes Subaru's gestures, his head suddenly starts to pound. It comes with no warning. He squints his eyes, trying to focus his vision on the figure of the person that matters so much to him, but it's not working. His vision gradually splits, seeing the onmyouji's body fade right before his eyes. His golden eyes dim, the room spins, and the last thing he witnesses is the floor.
Caelus loses consciousness with half-open eyes, the light within them gone. The slam to the floor is not kind, and the Stellaron within his chest bursts with a golden glow, pulsing over and over. Anko lets out a distressed mewl, repeating the same cry as its trembling worsens.
"… Do you think you can try, Subaru? I wonder if you can calm it as well, if needed."
"If it comes to that, I'll try."
For you.
Physically, it doesn't seem like Caelus is breathing, but he's alive. His tether is alive, just… somewhere else. Somewhere so far away, beyond anyone's reach at this moment. Should Subaru attempt to communicate with that tether, he'll be taken along into those distant dreams. A dream of a fallen planet far beyond Earth.
Amphoreus.
The sound of book pages being turned can be heard somewhere on the horizon. A girl's voice will echo, saying, "My Darling… My Deliverer… Over here." With one turn towards the voice, her silhouette will be there, waiting. She reaches her hand out, beckoning. Subaru stands in this strange space, alone at first, but Caelus's figure soon appears. He runs past the onmyouji, seemingly unable to see him. Subaru is now a dreamwalker once more, here to witness it all as the book pages turn. ]
Caelus loses consciousness with half-open eyes, the light within them gone. The slam to the floor is not kind, and the Stellaron within his chest bursts with a golden glow, pulsing over and over. Anko lets out a distressed mewl, repeating the same cry as its trembling worsens.
"… Do you think you can try, Subaru? I wonder if you can calm it as well, if needed."
"If it comes to that, I'll try."
For you.
Physically, it doesn't seem like Caelus is breathing, but he's alive. His tether is alive, just… somewhere else. Somewhere so far away, beyond anyone's reach at this moment. Should Subaru attempt to communicate with that tether, he'll be taken along into those distant dreams. A dream of a fallen planet far beyond Earth.
Amphoreus.
The sound of book pages being turned can be heard somewhere on the horizon. A girl's voice will echo, saying, "My Darling… My Deliverer… Over here." With one turn towards the voice, her silhouette will be there, waiting. She reaches her hand out, beckoning. Subaru stands in this strange space, alone at first, but Caelus's figure soon appears. He runs past the onmyouji, seemingly unable to see him. Subaru is now a dreamwalker once more, here to witness it all as the book pages turn. ]
Gimme some time to not be so nervous about the goddess I'm flirting with --
[ He hums. How long will it take to ease his worries? Not that long. His easy-going nature - the nature that lets all trouble roll of him - is a blessing as much as a curse for those around him. ]
How about in two days time? In the afternoon?
[ A small laugh. ] I live quite far so it'll give me time to get to where you are. Since you're doing me a favor, the last I can do is put in the literal leg work.
[ He hums. How long will it take to ease his worries? Not that long. His easy-going nature - the nature that lets all trouble roll of him - is a blessing as much as a curse for those around him. ]
How about in two days time? In the afternoon?
[ A small laugh. ] I live quite far so it'll give me time to get to where you are. Since you're doing me a favor, the last I can do is put in the literal leg work.
[ It really is getting dark out here… Thankfully, the sunset is still bright enough. While Subaru is making his final preparations for the ceremony, Caelus approaches the pocket-sized device connected to the fairy lights above the trailer. It's actually a tiny generator that he's managed to create using salvaged parts, though it's nothing impressive, and it can only be charged up by an Artificer like him.
The tiny device can temporarily power the fairy lights, but it won't last the whole evening. Maybe around an hour at most. However, lighting up the area isn't the point. The main purpose is to see its beauty: the soft, glowing lights which set the mood, even if only for a short while. Caelus wants Subaru to witness that soft glow, so he decides to sacrifice some of his energy to charge the generator tonight. It'll make him a little dizzy after, but it's worth it. Besides, this is good practice for him to become stronger.
Just in time. Once Subaru flicks the paper and casts his spell, Caelus's own spell on the generator completes as well. Both of their spells glimmer together, then come fully alive. The fairy lights brighten, shining down on the trailer and within the reflection of their eyes. The full display of Subaru's completed gate. A soft sanctuary in this darkened city. ]
It's finally done.
The tiny device can temporarily power the fairy lights, but it won't last the whole evening. Maybe around an hour at most. However, lighting up the area isn't the point. The main purpose is to see its beauty: the soft, glowing lights which set the mood, even if only for a short while. Caelus wants Subaru to witness that soft glow, so he decides to sacrifice some of his energy to charge the generator tonight. It'll make him a little dizzy after, but it's worth it. Besides, this is good practice for him to become stronger.
Just in time. Once Subaru flicks the paper and casts his spell, Caelus's own spell on the generator completes as well. Both of their spells glimmer together, then come fully alive. The fairy lights brighten, shining down on the trailer and within the reflection of their eyes. The full display of Subaru's completed gate. A soft sanctuary in this darkened city. ]
It's finally done.
Edited (caught a typo 💦) 2025-12-08 10:05 (UTC)
[ It always comes to that. His breath catches, sensitivities flaying his reservations raw.
Something flares in the comfortable confines of this place that isn't home but sometimes feels it. It nearly happens against a plane of time that isn't the one they occupy — it draws long and echoing. It reaches through and it slows the painful thump that sears through their tether, the dim flutter of gold that rolls back until it takes him. Caelus's fall rattles the walls of his home and his heart. Instantly, his emotions disappear back into the inscrutable well of his heart so that all else guiding him can resurface into the strong, fluid tether they share. Moonlight shearing bright because of the will of the sun. ]
Caelus?
[ Action, because the price of inaction comes at a cost too steep to bear. Subaru barely has time to breathe his name before one swift movement takes him to his knees at the trailblazer's side. One hand steadies on his cheek to hold his head up, the other presses down on the golden light of his Stellaron leaking from his chest. He steels, magic burning on his palm, invoked with such power that ink winds up his arms in bold, runic strokes. ]
Caelus! Can you hear me?
[ But nothing comes. Not even breathing. Only the presence of their tether gives Subaru any indication that he is alive, but in his effort to grip it and follow it through to wherever he's gone, gentleness seared by dread, it plunges him into —
Not his soul. But a dream.
He inhales quietly as Caelus, alive, goes running past him. Relief floods him, colliding with his curiosity as he wheels around to look in the direction that he takes.
Pages... paper. A tool of creation. ]
Something flares in the comfortable confines of this place that isn't home but sometimes feels it. It nearly happens against a plane of time that isn't the one they occupy — it draws long and echoing. It reaches through and it slows the painful thump that sears through their tether, the dim flutter of gold that rolls back until it takes him. Caelus's fall rattles the walls of his home and his heart. Instantly, his emotions disappear back into the inscrutable well of his heart so that all else guiding him can resurface into the strong, fluid tether they share. Moonlight shearing bright because of the will of the sun. ]
Caelus?
[ Action, because the price of inaction comes at a cost too steep to bear. Subaru barely has time to breathe his name before one swift movement takes him to his knees at the trailblazer's side. One hand steadies on his cheek to hold his head up, the other presses down on the golden light of his Stellaron leaking from his chest. He steels, magic burning on his palm, invoked with such power that ink winds up his arms in bold, runic strokes. ]
Caelus! Can you hear me?
[ But nothing comes. Not even breathing. Only the presence of their tether gives Subaru any indication that he is alive, but in his effort to grip it and follow it through to wherever he's gone, gentleness seared by dread, it plunges him into —
Not his soul. But a dream.
He inhales quietly as Caelus, alive, goes running past him. Relief floods him, colliding with his curiosity as he wheels around to look in the direction that he takes.
Pages... paper. A tool of creation. ]
[ Static. The sounds of turning pages. The sounds of soft whirring, sharp clicking. Question. "What is the prime mover of life?"
The voice that asked is distorted, so it's impossible to tell what the person is like. The voice seems everywhere at once, but always seems to be whispering right into Subaru's ears. A short laugh follows.
"The answer is… Destruction. The fear of Destruction keeps life moving forward."
The girl in the horizon makes a sad expression. But once Caelus reaches her, the girl's smile is renewed. The silhouettes of the two disappear shortly, and then a series of flashes begin.
"33,550,337 cycles. At the end of the 33,550,337th cycle, the death of a God will finally occur!"
The memories of this tragic planet are nothing but a series of recurring deaths. This is all to perfect the equation of Destruction: "Eternal Recurrence." To earn the gaze of the Aeon of Destruction. Following that, it's to birth the Lord Ravager, Irontomb, into the waking universe. In order to kill that particular God.
And so, over and over again, Subaru is subjected to witnessing the cycle of destruction. The early cycles start small— petty crimes, unfortunate murders. But as the numbers grow, the destruction worsens. Famines, pandemics… And more. Wars, genocides. The people have never stopped suffering— their tears never dry. Their voices never stop echoing. Despite everything, they've never given up. They keep standing up, moving on to continue living. They get stronger at every new cycle.
Stronger, and stronger. Destruction is the prime mover of life, just like that voice said. That voice returns again, sounding amused, clapping in the distance as if they're merely an audience. And this is all just a show.
"Oh, it appears there's an unfamiliar face here. But you're just a lost soul, aren't you? You can't do anything but watch." The voice reveals itself finally, underneath a spotlight. A strange entity stands there, staring at Subaru with a sharp, cold curiosity. It's the complete opposite of Caelus's innocent curiosity. Not the gaze of someone who wishes to connect with someone wholeheartedly, but instead, the gaze of someone who looks at the subject like a common lab rat.
To be studied, then discarded. Just like this planet, Amphoreus.
"No matter. You can't interfere, so might as well make yourself comfortable… And witness the end to this story!" ]
The voice that asked is distorted, so it's impossible to tell what the person is like. The voice seems everywhere at once, but always seems to be whispering right into Subaru's ears. A short laugh follows.
"The answer is… Destruction. The fear of Destruction keeps life moving forward."
The girl in the horizon makes a sad expression. But once Caelus reaches her, the girl's smile is renewed. The silhouettes of the two disappear shortly, and then a series of flashes begin.
"33,550,337 cycles. At the end of the 33,550,337th cycle, the death of a God will finally occur!"
The memories of this tragic planet are nothing but a series of recurring deaths. This is all to perfect the equation of Destruction: "Eternal Recurrence." To earn the gaze of the Aeon of Destruction. Following that, it's to birth the Lord Ravager, Irontomb, into the waking universe. In order to kill that particular God.
And so, over and over again, Subaru is subjected to witnessing the cycle of destruction. The early cycles start small— petty crimes, unfortunate murders. But as the numbers grow, the destruction worsens. Famines, pandemics… And more. Wars, genocides. The people have never stopped suffering— their tears never dry. Their voices never stop echoing. Despite everything, they've never given up. They keep standing up, moving on to continue living. They get stronger at every new cycle.
Stronger, and stronger. Destruction is the prime mover of life, just like that voice said. That voice returns again, sounding amused, clapping in the distance as if they're merely an audience. And this is all just a show.
"Oh, it appears there's an unfamiliar face here. But you're just a lost soul, aren't you? You can't do anything but watch." The voice reveals itself finally, underneath a spotlight. A strange entity stands there, staring at Subaru with a sharp, cold curiosity. It's the complete opposite of Caelus's innocent curiosity. Not the gaze of someone who wishes to connect with someone wholeheartedly, but instead, the gaze of someone who looks at the subject like a common lab rat.
To be studied, then discarded. Just like this planet, Amphoreus.
"No matter. You can't interfere, so might as well make yourself comfortable… And witness the end to this story!" ]
[ Perhaps a blessing in disguise, that cavalier nature of his. ]
Understood. But I'll choose a location closer to you. After this ritual, your body might not be in any condition to travel long distances.
[ Forward. ]
Unless you'd like to stay with me for a time.
[ ...even more forward. ]
Understood. But I'll choose a location closer to you. After this ritual, your body might not be in any condition to travel long distances.
[ Forward. ]
Unless you'd like to stay with me for a time.
[ ...even more forward. ]
[ A path of destruction never starts with the grandeur of a finale. No, it starts with the blight of misunderstanding, with sins born from desperation stretched to their limit. Subaru has lived but one single lifetime and yet that knowledge touches him all the same — the debt that causes parents to take the lives of their children, the corruption that stains the houses of whole bloodlines, the will to summon a dangerous demon for vengeance. People curse their gods as a means of control, curse each other as collateral. War, famine, a planet in ruin. It all starts so very small, and he thinks no one person is ever meant to bear the cycle from start to finish.
In his one lifetime, he sees this similar path in its infancy.
To witness it millions upon millions of times... he can't look away, nor can he seem to bear it. Knowing a forest burned to the ground will rise anew from the fertile soil doesn't ease the pain of the loss, of all that died in it. It doesn't protect it from that same fate.
His heart aches with a sensation too vast for him to contain it in, cut through only by the voice that singles him out in this dream. Subaru's expression steels and he doesn't look away; he isn't afraid of whatever entity it is that greets him, taunting and sure. He knows he doesn't belong. He's no Dreamseer, no traveler of the stars. Only his thunderous, unyielding connection to Caelus keeps him here. And whatever this dream and the tether that guides him through it mean to show him, he will watch for him and not simply out of an inability to do nothing.
Even if he can only look on. Even if there's nothing his two hands can do to save the planet as its revolutions wheel on and on, towards ruin every time.
And so, he waits for the end. ]
In his one lifetime, he sees this similar path in its infancy.
To witness it millions upon millions of times... he can't look away, nor can he seem to bear it. Knowing a forest burned to the ground will rise anew from the fertile soil doesn't ease the pain of the loss, of all that died in it. It doesn't protect it from that same fate.
His heart aches with a sensation too vast for him to contain it in, cut through only by the voice that singles him out in this dream. Subaru's expression steels and he doesn't look away; he isn't afraid of whatever entity it is that greets him, taunting and sure. He knows he doesn't belong. He's no Dreamseer, no traveler of the stars. Only his thunderous, unyielding connection to Caelus keeps him here. And whatever this dream and the tether that guides him through it mean to show him, he will watch for him and not simply out of an inability to do nothing.
Even if he can only look on. Even if there's nothing his two hands can do to save the planet as its revolutions wheel on and on, towards ruin every time.
And so, he waits for the end. ]
[ CYCLE 50,121. The gaze of the Aeon of Destruction has taken deep interest in the recurring annihilations. Hundreds, thousands, millions of lives massacred over, and over, and over, and over. The planet eventually dies, only to be revived and killed all over again. 50,121 times.
But it's not enough. Being able to destroy a planet isn't enough to kill a God. And so, it continues on.
The strange entity appears beside Subaru again, seated comfortably on a couch. He crosses his legs and lets out a dramatic sigh. "Lost soul, what is your name? Hmm, perhaps I'll call you…" Seconds later, multiple lights scan Subaru's body. Quick, efficient. "Aha. You will be PleiD219. You may call me Lygus."
176,200. Irontomb has learned inheritance. Rather than start from ground zero at every cycle reset, it shall inherit and execute all the necessary processes to evolve further. These petty little deaths do not matter anymore. They need to ascend further, closer and closer into divinity themselves.
7,091,231. Humans have truly ascended. They're now capable of killing demigods. Heroes are born.
11,749,992. The Black Tide. The planet has reached a critical threshold and can no longer withstand the increasing strain. Erosion, decay, corruption… All that's touched by this blight is beyond recovery. Plants, animals, oceans, earths, cities, humans… No one is safe.
Heroes rise and defend the people. No matter if they're killing their former loved ones, corrupted into mindless monsters. But they remain powerless against the Black Tide, eventually dying to it themselves.
But this is no good, either. If they die so easily, then they are weak. More. Ascend more.
19,110,218. The Era Nova. The heroes survived and made their last bastion, but at what cost? Can they still go on? No, of course they should. There's only one path forward. No matter how many die to the Black Tide, they will never entirely fall. They will reach the end of Era Nova, into the new world where they can be reborn, to be free from all of this ruination!
28,371,274. …
"They say that the heroes of this world should be as countless as the stars… Yet now, we're the only ones left standing. So, in the end, the black tide still swallowed everything…"
"… Why? Why must Amphoreus's wishes be so… cruel? We made the best choices we could, whenever we could! But in the end… the prophecy that led us… this black tide swallowing everything… Why does it look like this?"
"I… I don't know. But we haven't had any other choice… except to move forward. Not for a long time now. Even if we only see the long, long night ahead, I still believe… that through it, we'll find the dawn on the other side. Beyond these flames, a new sun will someday rise."
"That person we're waiting for… One day, they will come."
Suddenly, everything turns black. Lygus stands up, and an indescribable aura rises from him. "PleiD219, you must be here because of that Intrusion Variable. I hope you've already said your farewells, because I'm not letting that little error disrupt my progress. I'm at 99.81% to eradicate that Aeon, Nous! We are so close to witnessing true history!" ]
But it's not enough. Being able to destroy a planet isn't enough to kill a God. And so, it continues on.
The strange entity appears beside Subaru again, seated comfortably on a couch. He crosses his legs and lets out a dramatic sigh. "Lost soul, what is your name? Hmm, perhaps I'll call you…" Seconds later, multiple lights scan Subaru's body. Quick, efficient. "Aha. You will be PleiD219. You may call me Lygus."
176,200. Irontomb has learned inheritance. Rather than start from ground zero at every cycle reset, it shall inherit and execute all the necessary processes to evolve further. These petty little deaths do not matter anymore. They need to ascend further, closer and closer into divinity themselves.
7,091,231. Humans have truly ascended. They're now capable of killing demigods. Heroes are born.
11,749,992. The Black Tide. The planet has reached a critical threshold and can no longer withstand the increasing strain. Erosion, decay, corruption… All that's touched by this blight is beyond recovery. Plants, animals, oceans, earths, cities, humans… No one is safe.
Heroes rise and defend the people. No matter if they're killing their former loved ones, corrupted into mindless monsters. But they remain powerless against the Black Tide, eventually dying to it themselves.
But this is no good, either. If they die so easily, then they are weak. More. Ascend more.
19,110,218. The Era Nova. The heroes survived and made their last bastion, but at what cost? Can they still go on? No, of course they should. There's only one path forward. No matter how many die to the Black Tide, they will never entirely fall. They will reach the end of Era Nova, into the new world where they can be reborn, to be free from all of this ruination!
28,371,274. …
"They say that the heroes of this world should be as countless as the stars… Yet now, we're the only ones left standing. So, in the end, the black tide still swallowed everything…"
"… Why? Why must Amphoreus's wishes be so… cruel? We made the best choices we could, whenever we could! But in the end… the prophecy that led us… this black tide swallowing everything… Why does it look like this?"
"I… I don't know. But we haven't had any other choice… except to move forward. Not for a long time now. Even if we only see the long, long night ahead, I still believe… that through it, we'll find the dawn on the other side. Beyond these flames, a new sun will someday rise."
"That person we're waiting for… One day, they will come."
Suddenly, everything turns black. Lygus stands up, and an indescribable aura rises from him. "PleiD219, you must be here because of that Intrusion Variable. I hope you've already said your farewells, because I'm not letting that little error disrupt my progress. I'm at 99.81% to eradicate that Aeon, Nous! We are so close to witnessing true history!" ]
[ Something in him relaxes as Subaru acknowledges the information–while the other man hadn't given him reason to think he was prideful or one to scoff at a helping hand, there was always a possibility. Arthur thumbs the weighted die in his pocket, feeling out the indentations of the pips as a blind man would with braille. ] Dunno about countless, I could probably get you a number, if you want data for a comparison.
[ Okay, not the point, but hey. It's there. In case Subaru had any doubt of what kind of person he was. ]
You wouldn't be the first. Don't think you'll be the last, either. This place has a way of blurring the lines. [ His hand closes around the cherry red die, the edge digging into his palm like an odd comfort. ] A friend of mine came up with the theory of a totem; a small, unique object you could carry in your pocket. Preferably weighted–not a coin or currency, since too many people would know what that feels like.
[ Mirroring Subaru's earlier hesitation, there's a moment of conversational suspension, a breath before the plunge. ] Hers was a little metal top that would spin forever in a dream, instead of toppling.
[ Okay, not the point, but hey. It's there. In case Subaru had any doubt of what kind of person he was. ]
You wouldn't be the first. Don't think you'll be the last, either. This place has a way of blurring the lines. [ His hand closes around the cherry red die, the edge digging into his palm like an odd comfort. ] A friend of mine came up with the theory of a totem; a small, unique object you could carry in your pocket. Preferably weighted–not a coin or currency, since too many people would know what that feels like.
[ Mirroring Subaru's earlier hesitation, there's a moment of conversational suspension, a breath before the plunge. ] Hers was a little metal top that would spin forever in a dream, instead of toppling.
[ Subaru casts a long look aside, not dignifying the call sign with much else of a response. Plei... Pleiades. His name in the sky, in the strokes of his language. To cluster, to come together. To escape in a hail of doves. To always have one sister out of sight. He doesn't wonder how Lygus knows that, the stars that signify his birth. Being divested of his secrets by waves of prying light is obvious enough. His blood's thrumming and at the ready, but he keeps his composure, unwilling to come apart at the provocation.
He is likely a threat, but Subaru's attention remains transfixed on the planet. On Amphoreus. Caelus mentioned it to him in that first waking encounter. How he'd been trapped there for years, cut off from communication....
— each revolution of this planet rises to brilliance like diamond pressurized by fire only to be shattered by this force dictating its fate. It is crushed, hewn to nothingness, tamped back down to dust and glass, muted in darkness. But it lives on, each and every time. A heart that is alive will fight to remain so, even if it struggles against plague and injury and hopelessness manufactured under the guise of destiny. The voice echoes in his mind as it turns its lament into a guiding force, hoping for a sunrise that may never come. It's painful to behold, no matter the entity at his side who seems to have a hand in its orchestration —
Is the trailblazer somewhere in here? In all these years that comprise the 0.19% left?
This is not a memory, and not just a dream. Subaru feels the weight of it slowly seizing against the back of his neck. This is happening.
And, as the entity stands to face him, Subaru tenses but doesn't make the first move, attention's equilibrium shifting to him rather than the planet. He can't predict what trying to fight against someone like this will be like; even if this is a dream, the reality of it stands to harm Caelus if he's too rash. It's not a risk he's willing to take.
No matter what it costs him. ]
He is likely a threat, but Subaru's attention remains transfixed on the planet. On Amphoreus. Caelus mentioned it to him in that first waking encounter. How he'd been trapped there for years, cut off from communication....
— each revolution of this planet rises to brilliance like diamond pressurized by fire only to be shattered by this force dictating its fate. It is crushed, hewn to nothingness, tamped back down to dust and glass, muted in darkness. But it lives on, each and every time. A heart that is alive will fight to remain so, even if it struggles against plague and injury and hopelessness manufactured under the guise of destiny. The voice echoes in his mind as it turns its lament into a guiding force, hoping for a sunrise that may never come. It's painful to behold, no matter the entity at his side who seems to have a hand in its orchestration —
Is the trailblazer somewhere in here? In all these years that comprise the 0.19% left?
This is not a memory, and not just a dream. Subaru feels the weight of it slowly seizing against the back of his neck. This is happening.
And, as the entity stands to face him, Subaru tenses but doesn't make the first move, attention's equilibrium shifting to him rather than the planet. He can't predict what trying to fight against someone like this will be like; even if this is a dream, the reality of it stands to harm Caelus if he's too rash. It's not a risk he's willing to take.
No matter what it costs him. ]
[ For the first time, the two survivors at the end have discovered the truth: what Lygus has been doing to them and their planet for a heinous amount of time, how their prophecies are all corrupted calculations by this man to force them to repeat this abhorrent cycle.
Cyrene, the one with the authority of Time in this world, and Phainon, the one with the Worldbearing authority. They are the key figures to renew each cycle.
"This is a moment the universe will remember. After millions of extrapolations, the experimental environment known as "Amphoreus" has finally achieved results," Lygus explains with amusement, yet his tone is cold and detached.
"So, the "results" you speak of... are this wreckage of a world?" Phainon answers with burning eyes, his voice cracking, "We all gave everything we had, returning twelve Coreflames to recreate the world... and in return... We become nothing more than sacrificial offerings at the end of everything?"
"So in your eyes, all the sacrifices are just a string of insignificant numbers?" Cyrene adds, her own tone matching Phainon's.
"Don't sell yourselves short. I'd say, rather than numbers, you're more like "fuel for the fire." And without fire, there can be no sunrise tomorrow."
"Even if that sunrise is born from annihilation?"
"Heh, curious question. Have you ever considered that, after millions of extrapolations, Amphoreus is already following a different Path from the Erudition? It has long since granted divine blessings equally to each child... The golden blood flowing in your veins... It comes from The Blemished One, whose name is "Destruction" itself. And Amphoreus's Chrysos Heirs were, from the very beginning, fuel for the Aeon to burn the universe. Amphoreus has waited for this moment for too long. At the end of the empty, cold, and lonely extrapolations — the Destruction has reached its final destination.
NeiKos496. PhiLia093. No need to feel regret. This generation of Chrysos Heirs is the most outstanding model, and you two are the final factors. For you, the Era Nova is no lie. Just step forward, embrace the black tide, and accept the Aeon's gaze. You will come to life from a string of cold numbers. Along with all those who have passed, you will run toward the real universe, fulfilling Amphoreus's long-held wish— In the name of the Lord Ravager Irontomb, unleash its fury and destroy the source of all this tragedy!
"… Or, we could always choose another option," Cyrene smiles unexpectedly, an idea coming to her thanks to Lygus's explanation. Lygus thinks he's won this. He's trying to deceive them with the idea that they have no other options but to embrace this fate. Is this why he's trying to corner them like this now?
"You're pretending, revealing the so-called truth just to deceive us, covering up another possibility…" Phainon connects, realizing it too. "Destruction is not the only outcome for the fate of Amphoreus."
"Do you two really think, as petty little "demigods," you can change the outcome written by the stars? What makes you think you're capable of doing that?"
"Hmm... A little courage and determination? Just kidding, the answer is pretty simple— But, we're not gonna tell ya ♪"
Before this scene ends, Cyrene looks over to Subaru and gives him an encouraging wink. Almost as if saying to trust her.
A flash. In a different place, Cyrene and Phainon are speaking to each other about what to do, in order to halt further progress of this madness. They've come up with the idea of creating an eternal loop, one that deceives Lygus's system into thinking they're still progressing. But the truth is, they're stalling. Stalling for a miracle. The arrival of their Hero.
And so, they begin their plan to intervene. No matter how long it takes, they'll keep praying for the arrival of that person.
"I will wait for that day. For as long as it takes. The day will come. When someone turns over this nearly eternal page… And follows in our footprints… To write an ending unlike any that ever was."
CYCLE 33,550,336. The memory of the sky alighting. It parts as a train from the heavens pierces through the clouds. The memory of a past Lygus being immediately alerted, and he knocks over something in fury.
"The Astral Express. How did they pierce the firewall? Not even the Path of Trailblaze should've been able to go through it…"
Lygus runs a scan of the descending train, seeing him. The one with a Stellaron heart. Caelus.
"What? Who… is this? No matter. I need to remove this Intrusion Variable."
And so, the start of Lygus's attempts to get rid of Caelus. First, he directly shot the train down as an assassination attempt, causing it to crash land. It was almost successful, if certain figures hadn't intervened. Too bad. Now Caelus is able to influence this world, befriending those he meets, changing their fates by simply doing this.
Stop that. Another attempt. This time Lygus directly uses Dan Heng, trying to convince him to leave Amphoreus under the guise of protection. He lies by saying he can only do this now before the threat of this world grows worse, as he won't be able to do this later on. He's manipulating Dan Heng's protective feelings for Caelus. However, it doesn't work because Dan Heng understands what Caelus would've wanted. And it's what he would've wanted as well.
Because of Lygus's failure to stop the Astral Express, both Caelus and Dan Heng finally discover the truth of this world as well. And it's time… To trail a blaze into the future!
— No. No. Error. ERROR. This time, a more direct approach. He can't allow this. He's so close. This god damned little trailblazing Receptacle needs to die. But he's unable to kill him… Too many obstacles are guarding this Intrusion Variable. Confinement… That's right, he can simply lock him up.
Surely… surely, this time!
Cyrene reappears beside Subaru, taking both of his hands into a gentle squeeze.
"Beautiful wandering dove… Let's pray for our star together." ]
Cyrene, the one with the authority of Time in this world, and Phainon, the one with the Worldbearing authority. They are the key figures to renew each cycle.
"This is a moment the universe will remember. After millions of extrapolations, the experimental environment known as "Amphoreus" has finally achieved results," Lygus explains with amusement, yet his tone is cold and detached.
"So, the "results" you speak of... are this wreckage of a world?" Phainon answers with burning eyes, his voice cracking, "We all gave everything we had, returning twelve Coreflames to recreate the world... and in return... We become nothing more than sacrificial offerings at the end of everything?"
"So in your eyes, all the sacrifices are just a string of insignificant numbers?" Cyrene adds, her own tone matching Phainon's.
"Don't sell yourselves short. I'd say, rather than numbers, you're more like "fuel for the fire." And without fire, there can be no sunrise tomorrow."
"Even if that sunrise is born from annihilation?"
"Heh, curious question. Have you ever considered that, after millions of extrapolations, Amphoreus is already following a different Path from the Erudition? It has long since granted divine blessings equally to each child... The golden blood flowing in your veins... It comes from The Blemished One, whose name is "Destruction" itself. And Amphoreus's Chrysos Heirs were, from the very beginning, fuel for the Aeon to burn the universe. Amphoreus has waited for this moment for too long. At the end of the empty, cold, and lonely extrapolations — the Destruction has reached its final destination.
NeiKos496. PhiLia093. No need to feel regret. This generation of Chrysos Heirs is the most outstanding model, and you two are the final factors. For you, the Era Nova is no lie. Just step forward, embrace the black tide, and accept the Aeon's gaze. You will come to life from a string of cold numbers. Along with all those who have passed, you will run toward the real universe, fulfilling Amphoreus's long-held wish— In the name of the Lord Ravager Irontomb, unleash its fury and destroy the source of all this tragedy!
"… Or, we could always choose another option," Cyrene smiles unexpectedly, an idea coming to her thanks to Lygus's explanation. Lygus thinks he's won this. He's trying to deceive them with the idea that they have no other options but to embrace this fate. Is this why he's trying to corner them like this now?
"You're pretending, revealing the so-called truth just to deceive us, covering up another possibility…" Phainon connects, realizing it too. "Destruction is not the only outcome for the fate of Amphoreus."
"Do you two really think, as petty little "demigods," you can change the outcome written by the stars? What makes you think you're capable of doing that?"
"Hmm... A little courage and determination? Just kidding, the answer is pretty simple— But, we're not gonna tell ya ♪"
Before this scene ends, Cyrene looks over to Subaru and gives him an encouraging wink. Almost as if saying to trust her.
A flash. In a different place, Cyrene and Phainon are speaking to each other about what to do, in order to halt further progress of this madness. They've come up with the idea of creating an eternal loop, one that deceives Lygus's system into thinking they're still progressing. But the truth is, they're stalling. Stalling for a miracle. The arrival of their Hero.
And so, they begin their plan to intervene. No matter how long it takes, they'll keep praying for the arrival of that person.
"I will wait for that day. For as long as it takes. The day will come. When someone turns over this nearly eternal page… And follows in our footprints… To write an ending unlike any that ever was."
CYCLE 33,550,336. The memory of the sky alighting. It parts as a train from the heavens pierces through the clouds. The memory of a past Lygus being immediately alerted, and he knocks over something in fury.
"The Astral Express. How did they pierce the firewall? Not even the Path of Trailblaze should've been able to go through it…"
Lygus runs a scan of the descending train, seeing him. The one with a Stellaron heart. Caelus.
"What? Who… is this? No matter. I need to remove this Intrusion Variable."
And so, the start of Lygus's attempts to get rid of Caelus. First, he directly shot the train down as an assassination attempt, causing it to crash land. It was almost successful, if certain figures hadn't intervened. Too bad. Now Caelus is able to influence this world, befriending those he meets, changing their fates by simply doing this.
Stop that. Another attempt. This time Lygus directly uses Dan Heng, trying to convince him to leave Amphoreus under the guise of protection. He lies by saying he can only do this now before the threat of this world grows worse, as he won't be able to do this later on. He's manipulating Dan Heng's protective feelings for Caelus. However, it doesn't work because Dan Heng understands what Caelus would've wanted. And it's what he would've wanted as well.
Because of Lygus's failure to stop the Astral Express, both Caelus and Dan Heng finally discover the truth of this world as well. And it's time… To trail a blaze into the future!
— No. No. Error. ERROR. This time, a more direct approach. He can't allow this. He's so close. This god damned little trailblazing Receptacle needs to die. But he's unable to kill him… Too many obstacles are guarding this Intrusion Variable. Confinement… That's right, he can simply lock him up.
Surely… surely, this time!
Cyrene reappears beside Subaru, taking both of his hands into a gentle squeeze.
"Beautiful wandering dove… Let's pray for our star together." ]
[ No, there was no doubt. But there is something to be said, he thinks, of data in relation purely to dreams. Many could be driven to insanity by that. Instead...
..."Hers" lands with such softness that Subaru understands on instinct alone that the "was" following it must ache in recesses that he rarely allows anyone to see, let alone touch. Silence follows in acknowledgement, though he measures the weight of its knowing against the light of his consideration. He's trying to help, so he puts his focus in the corresponding place. For now. ]
Assuming its total uniqueness to its owner, that simple object would be difficult to translate into the language of the dream without suspect variations. It's a genius idea, really.
..."Hers" lands with such softness that Subaru understands on instinct alone that the "was" following it must ache in recesses that he rarely allows anyone to see, let alone touch. Silence follows in acknowledgement, though he measures the weight of its knowing against the light of his consideration. He's trying to help, so he puts his focus in the corresponding place. For now. ]
Assuming its total uniqueness to its owner, that simple object would be difficult to translate into the language of the dream without suspect variations. It's a genius idea, really.
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