locked to zenith

[bakedapple]

[ Link's mental space feels like being outside, so depending on where you are, you might not realize that someone has started Communion with you. Since joining the Zenith, the landscape of Link's mind has gone from idyllic, sunny forests to icy, overcast mountains. A frigid wind blows against your face, carrying the scent of firewood and meat roasting over an open flame. The diminutive Hylian is not sitting by the fire, but standing at the edge of a rocky ledge, his back turned. ]

There's going to be another Oracle soon. I can feel it. The rest of you can feel it too, right? That... pulling feeling.

[ He sighs. ]

If we lose this one, it's over. The Meridian isn't going to go easy on us. I know them... I know how badly they want to win. To them, the stakes couldn't be higher.

So let's talk. About what we're going to be up against, and... well, planning ahead isn't really something we can do, but at least we can warn each other of the dangers that individual Meri pose.

And I... I want to say something, too.

[ He sits down where he stands, his feet hanging off the cliff. There's a sense that he knows this isn't going to go over well, but it's important enough to him to say it anyway. ]

Killing the other guy before they kill you is what war is. That's normal. But Kenos is different. Death doesn't work the way it should here. We don't die permanently. You can neutralize someone threatening you by just dissipating them. There's nothing to gain by destroying their soul after you're no longer in danger.

So, I don't think any of us should shatter anyone ever again.

If you claim someone's Shard, you should protect it. If you feel that you can't do that, give it to someone else.

...I'm not stupid. I know a lot of you aren't gonna agree to this. And the Meris probably won't either. I'm sure they want revenge for what happened to Quetzalcoatl, and those of you who lost the Shards Yima gave you probably aren't feeling very merciful right now either...

But if we don't come to some kinda agreement now, that's going to become normal. Things are gonna get really bad. I don't want that. So... can we talk about it, at least?

Comments

[tattooism]

[...]

I would tell you that I will not be doing that any time soon, Link, do not fret.

But... Unless I provide them with a beneficial spell in the ink to explain away the sense of magic in it... How will I sneak in the enchantments that benefit us?

[tattooism]

Very well.

Let it never be said I am not flexible~

[tattooism]

That is one thing it can do, yes.

Would you rather me tell you, or show you... ?

[tattooism]

If Amos Burton chooses to tell you what his does, then you will have his testimonial... Otherwise, I will keep mum upon it to preserve its use.

But if it is works I have completed in my own world, may it rest in peace...

I have returned a voice to the voiceless, and motion to a limb that would not move. I have provided armor, and I have provided protection from heat, or from cold...

Anything that is to do with the skin, or within reach of where my ink can seep... It may be available to you.

[bakedapple]

We still don't know who targeted our Shards or how.

[ This, Link says sharply, through gritted teeth. He wasn't targeted, but he's among those people most desperate to find out how exactly that happened and who did it. He doesn't appreciate Akechi implying that he doesn't care about that, or even forgot. ]

...Trying to make me emotional with hypotheticals doesn't do anything to change my mind about what we should do right now, going forward.

The simple truth is that none of us will benefit from unnecessary cruelty in the long run. At most, it will convince the Meris even more thoroughly of their moral superiority. They have more people, more resources, a bigger population of locals supporting them, and more unity and teamwork than we do.

If we galvanize them further, we're not going to win.

[fursuit]

[ ...He does get the impression that this is no longer a theoretical, but that's fine. Making offerings of blood are pretty easy, so far as they go, so he'll do it. ]

Oh, yeah, Big Bro. We chatted when I made my address. [ that's also his nickname, yeah ] I'll find the place.

[ But since he's curious— ]

Any idea where the tattoo might go, by the way? Doesn't really matter, since I'm good with anywhere, but just wonderin'.

[corvidant]

I admit I have yet to partake in one of those trials myself, but my understanding of them is that they are, first and foremost, a competition-- one with high stakes on the line, no less. I recognize there may be advantages to playing nice with Meridian, and it's none of my business whether or not fellow Zenites choose to consort with the enemy, but when the time to claim an Oracle comes next, I'll let nothing stand in my way.

That said, I do agree that making a permanent execution public may not be the wisest move. I would rather resort to indirect strikes and draw less attention to us, lest we'll paint more targets on our backs, as you say.

[tattooism]

That would depend on what you are trying to do... and what needs to be there to facilitate it.

You are a new face, no... ? Do tell~

[erbe]

Perhaps you can consider it fate, oh omniscient and almighty god.

[Another joke, but it's one that's thrown out with little bite. Tossed into the pot, but she moves onto the next ingredient.]

In any case, I'll have been around almost a year now, so as long as it's not someone new I could probably tell you quite a bit about most people.

[corvidant]

The ends justify the means. If you believe anything less, I can guarantee Meridians will take advantage of the weak willed.

Besides. If we lose here, there will be no new world to even start. We'll either be stuck with the old reality or nothing at all. Is that what you want?

[corvidant]

I wouldn't have to be, if only I wasn't surrounded by such bleeding hearts.

[erbe]

The trick about Oracles is that they are trials. While it may be a competition, you never know what criteria you'll be judged on. So far it seems like each one has had their own "preferences". Iconoclast measuring conviction, Exalt forcing others to work as a team, Harbinger insisting individuals overcome their own vulnerabilities alone... Each of them take their own shape, and in that sense we never know if we'll be forced into a situation where a Meridian's kindness, mercy, or foolish optimism could be utilized to our advantage.

They may be enemies, but they are also pieces on the board that can be wielded like tools in our own favor or against each other.

[eightfoldfiend]

Chooses to tell me, eh?

Is it dangerous for us to know what these tattoos do for each other?

[fursuit]

[ THIS PUNK... But whatever annoyance he feels is easily tempered by an offer of information, even if it comes with a grumble first. ]

...Well. I asked Set about it, and he recommended Claude, Dimitri, and Yuri to me. So anything you know about them I'd be interested in.

[ A pause, and then: ]

Also Rudbeckia.

[alliterating]

It's not that serious.

[ She's a bit flippant. ]

Win, lose, whatever. I don't wanna lose and I don't want the Old Timer's shard getting hurt - but that doesn't mean I wanna kill someone over it.

[twohand]

Target anyone for permanent death, and I will have your hands first. Your head, if you continue to consider such a path.

We need everyone's experience to make a fruitful future. The Meridian will struggle enough when we win, unable to have any say — but, we will need them.

[fursuit]

[ yayyyy conflict :) which is why tezca has to butt in ]

Ha, big words, but after our lil tussle, I can at least say I believe you'd make a good effort!

[ It's a compliment, probably ]

So, you promise? I'd be real disappointed if you talked this kinda game but weren't actually willin' to follow through when push came to shove.

[erbe]

How interesting that he mentioned three people from seemingly the same world — if their shared goddess is anything to go by. I know little about Claude other than his connection to Hayame [thanks Post Harby Oracle Papers] and his involvement in some of these communion posts. He comes off playfully aloof, but I spoke with him once on why the world I come from doesn't deserve to be brought back. In that moment he was sensitive, and sober. My conclusion is that he's simply smart enough to keep his business private. I have no information on his abilities or temperament otherwise.

Dimitri has a heart so soft that it's easily broken. He once attempted to kill me in a fit of rage. He has inhuman strength and an overly forgiving nature — as long as it is taken advantage of before he snaps. I'd venture to guess he'd only go so far as to kill others as a last resort. He's insensitive to magic, and because of that I was able to spy on him for some time.

Yuri is a fellow Harbinger. Closed off, secretive, and clever. I know little about his abilities but the fact that he shares an Aspect speaks volumes, in my opinion. Though he too has a soft spot for those who show him any amount of humanity. Most Meridians seem to have this trait. He assisted me in the Harbinger Oracle when he should have left me be.

Rudbeckia is... trickier. I don't see much of her, though I had tried nurturing her to Zenith in the past. She seems to cling to Set for protection, and insists she's a noncombatant. If anything I'd consider her less of an enemy and more a liability. If she's ignored, whatever non-violent activities she commits during the Oracle could still count in Meridian's favor. If she's targeted, one would probably incite the wrath of Set — and Meridian as a whole — for picking off such a "helpless" individual.

[fursuit]

[ Tezcatlipoca listens, and as it quickly becomes clear that she’ll indeed provide useful information rather than just give him a hard time, his feelings cool to quiet, serious analysis. It’s partway through her explanation of Dimitri that it warms a little, though. It’s approval. It’s obvious that she had a sharp mind from their first conversation, but he’s getting a better sense of how here. ]

Nothing particularly noteworthy about them being from the same world, I can say. Wouldn’t go far as to say it’s total coincidence, but at least here, yeah. Set mentioned that all three of ‘em are leaders in their world, so I have my own interests in really pushing people like that. Doesn’t matter who wins. There’s no place in either their world or ours for weak leaders.

[ It’s harsh, but it’s explained smoothly and with just a little bit more formality than he seems to speak with generally. It’s one expression of his more divine aspects. ]

Which, thanks for the info, in that case. Gives me a better idea of how to push ‘em. Sounds like they all have a soft underbelly.

[ Though Tezcatlipoca isn’t as conniving as Set, that doesn’t mean it’s totally absent. His motivations behind it are simply different. Which, speaking of— ]

As for her, you’re right. Set told me as much, more or less. Said if she caught my interest that he’d take the Trials in her stead. But I ain’t gonna do that. [ sorry lil bro you have to be put through your trials too ] She’s his priestess and the one spreading tale of his divinity in Meridian. Don’t have to kill her. But you want to fuck with Set, capture her. He’ll be a small nightmare to deal with, but he’s the kinda guy that’s weakest when he’s mad.

[corvidant]

[ Then perish!! Preferably with Set, the other allergies guy. ]

Better than the taste of defeat, I'm sure. And it would seem Zenith has had far more than mere sampling so far, under our past and current forces. [ Y'know. Like Gen. ]

That alone should make a case for changing our methods. Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results is the very definition of insanity.

[kinaesthesia]

Yeah, she can handle a close-range fight no problem. There's the obvious to watch out for, [Y'know, the hooves,] but if anyone does try to take a fight up close and personal with her, you gotta go in swinging hard and fast because she can work that shield spell a few of us have picked up too.

[semicharmed]

Ah, yeah ... I see that.

[ Matt's paradigm for violence is so personal. He understands intellectually that others here have a different experience--many of them know war all too well--but when it comes to true understanding, he keeps stubbing his toes in the dark.

It's a good point. Even though Matt desperately doesn't want to be in a war, they're clearly in at least the worsening skirmishes of one. ]

In that sense, I definitely get more "honorable combatant" from the whole thing.

[semicharmed]

Identities, [ Matt seizes on. He spends a moment fretting about whether Florence or Kathova will be able to overhear this conversation, or whether Link will tell them about it himself. He tries to chart a narrow, but honest path. ] Yeah, that's exactly what I'm wondering about--if they have distinct identities, or personhood. If there's something in them that could still be reached.

My understanding is there's something called an effigy, and that's not actually the Oracle per se? But I'm wondering if I got close enough, if I could run some kind of magical scan and get a glimpse of their deal.

[erbe]

In all honesty I wouldn't want to deal with Set. Staying out of his hair has worked well enough for me, and I don't find particular glory in felling a god over anyone else in this place. I've never not known him to be anything but a headache, and that's not even thinking about how much power he may have. After all, I am the kind of person who doesn't take on challenges I know I cannot win.

[A lie. Perhaps that's what she'd like herself to be. A creature of logic and thought only. But that is not what she is. To be that she must tear herself to pieces and compartmentalize them all. Sectioned off and vacuum sealed.]

I will keep your assessment of him in mind if there comes a time to strategize against him specifically.

[epiprocta]

Call her a female to her face and maybe she'll blow a gasket hard enough her veins explode.

[ Said at a bitter deadpan. But anyway, he actually has something somewhat useful to contribute: ]

I'm pretty sure she can cripple magic, too. Dunno how it works, but whatever it was messed with my ability last I fought with her -- made it harder to control, less effective. Long-distance ambush is probably the best chance against her, honestly. [ The equivalent of a sniper shot. ]