pop rocks

[cutlery]

[ By the time Sebastian reaches out in Communion, he’s already felt the fullness of his rage and taken it out. Viciously. It’s an occasion where he’s grateful for what Ryad provides, lest he had to express it in a more troublesome way.

Sebastian’s usual affect is warm and friendly, if with a polite distance, but today, it’s ice cold. His Communion is always expressed as something dark, but there’s a secondary sensation that comes today as well. It’s the unsettling sensation of being watched that makes someone’s hair raise. After all, there’s uncountable eyes in that abyssal dark. ]

I shall be brief. Someone broke into my home a few days ago and left a “gift” most unwelcome. A Shard belonging to someone from my home. Yet, though I kept it isolated to inspect it further, that did not seem to matter. It infected the Shard that Lady Yima gave me. A Shard that is now no more, for it burst. The soul that was in that little rock is no more.

[ His voice becomes more tense at that last sentence. It’s clear he’s very intentionally holding back his temper significantly. ]

I make this announcement for my fellow Zenites’ sake that they might destroy any they come upon immediately. Also to inform them that there is a way for these Shards to be tampered with that has been exploited. But let me also be clear.

I will find whoever was unwise enough to step into my home and play with my pet. I went through great lengths to obtain that soul, and I do not take kindly to being robbed of it. But there is no need for threats beyond that, is there?

[ So he says, but it’s crystal clear—Whoever it was, they’re in grave danger if they’re discovered. ]

Comments

[corvidant]

[ His presence in communion is cold and calculated, though something rattles in his mind, agitation peeking through the surface calm. ]

I had imagined these gifted Shards were more delicate than our own, without a physical body to guard them, but to think they could simply explode... You have my sympathy.

[ Not so much in the sense that one offers condolences, though, and more so for being robbed of something that belongs to them exclusively. ]

If you don't mind, it would be in Zenith's best interest to conduct a thorough investigation-- and my own, as well. Whoever is responsible for this may have a larger scale target, after all.

[cutlery]

[ There it is again, but— No, the feeling that comes with it is different and much more familiar to Sebastian. This brand of sympathy is the one that resonates, because that’s precisely how Sebastian feels. Yet, how odd. He wouldn’t have expected anyone else to feel that way about their gifted Shard. ]

It was not a risk I was ever made aware of. Nor anyone else, to my knowledge.

[ At least when it comes to the request, Sebastian acquiesces to this one much more easily than Flat’s… ]

I do not mind. I had to step out, as my feelings were so high [ putting it lightly ], but I am on my way back to my home now if that is acceptable.

[ he doesn't mention that someone else is also coming, ]

[corvidant]

[ How curious. This other man doesn't seem to take his words as condolences, either, not a sorrowful 'thank you' to be heard. If he's to assume his true feelings were communicated through communion, that's made all the stranger, too...

Ah well. Whether or not they share a sentiment, what matters is that they agree on cooperation. ]

I see. I have only recently arrived, but I've caught word that tensions have escalated between both factions. It's possible that having more Oracles on their side may have... emboldened the more dedicated Meridians.

[ Not... that Akechi hasn't resorted to unfair methods before, but naturally he won't let his side be cheated on. His justice will prevail. ]

Regardless, I would be amenable to getting started as soon as possible. I will only need directions [ oh, wait-- ] and a name to search for.

[cutlery]

Hmph. So it may have, but I would not have guessed they would be so brazen. A mistake I have paid for, clearly, as well as some others.

[ He won’t say their names, though, since that’s kind of their business. Plus, unbeknownst to him, their Shards are very much intact still. ]

Sebastian Michaelis. And I shall be there soon, so—

[ He gives a detailed set of directions and an address. They’re also really good directions, actually?? He seems to know the city very, very well. ]

[corvidant]

[ Some others, hmm? That's something else he'll have to account for at a later time, but for now, this is his starting point. ]

All the more reason to find the culprit and ensure this incident will not repeat itself.

[ How? Well. Akechi hasn't had the chance to learn much about the justice system in these cities, but as far as he's concerned, he'd rather the threat be dealt with... permanently. ]

Thank you for your directions, Michaelis-san. I'll meet you soon.