𝚒𝚗𝚋𝚘𝚡 — 𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚗𝚒𝚊.

[sacral]

EVEN WHEN THE BOUGH BREAKS

Comments

[hallowedly]

You might have bartered for more.

But then, you'll say you'd have accepted less.

[sacral]

I've already asked an unfair question.

[hallowedly]

You're a beautifully unfair man.

[sacral]

You made me that way. [ Indulgence broken free of the dream, now awake. They do wake up. ] How are your illusions?

[hallowedly]

( The first wave of sheer chills, overdue. )

Still better than yours, kouhai.

[sacral]

[ An arrival he shouldn't welcome in the sudden sunlight's heat. ]

They haven't claimed me.

[hallowedly]

Having taken the world, the emperor weeps there is nothing left to conquer. ( Amused, maybe. But indulgent. ) The core of your practice is too rooted in yang.

[sacral]

My desire wasn't to harness it.

[hallowedly]

Not even a little...? For old times' sake?

[sacral]

Our host had other ideas.

[hallowedly]

You want to hear that you're not alone in your infirmity. Very well. What now?

[sacral]

I want to know what's taken its place.

[hallowedly]

Proxy abilities. Diluted, of uncertain origin.

You face a discount Sakurazukamori off the fake racks.

[sacral]

[ ... ]

So, it's effect is still similar to the dream.

[hallowedly]

Pity me.

[sacral]

Alright. I pity you.

[hallowedly]

( 'Careful what you wish for.' )


Never say that again.

[sacral]

[ He wonders if the taste of ash in his mouth is one that can be shared over the Murmur. If it was ever his to begin with, lucidity in withdrawal. ]

It felt uglier than dilution and uncertain origin.

[hallowedly]

Understandably. You're a prince of onmyoudo, stolen his crown.

Your Highness, how will you make do?

[sacral]

Learn again, I suppose.

Your yin returned.

[hallowedly]

I never needed it.

[sacral]

That doesn't mean it's never there.

[hallowedly]

What is this? Reassurance? Comfort?

[sacral]

...A reminder. Though maybe not for you.

[hallowedly]

Shall we make a bet?