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

[corvidant]

You're assuming you could take my hands without a fight. And from the sound of it, it would seem someone else has claimed you as their personal prey.

[ He can respect a good ol' archnemesis relationship and stay out of the way! ]

In any case, you do realize I'm not advocating for a full extermination, do you not? Whether or not they wish to live in the world we aim to create is indifferent to me, but there will be no victory without force. If blood must be shed, then I should hope it will be theirs.

[twohand]

I could.

[ he has no doubts in his head or heart about that ]

Nobody is to be exterminated. If you are so interested in drawing that line, I will put your Shard below my blade first and then, we will test how devoted you are to senseless destruction.

[corvidant]

[ What Drizzt gets in response is a full, unabashed laugh. Not quite Unhinged Villain levels, but a step in the right(?) direction. ]

"Nobody is to be exterminated," and yet you are happy to hurl death threats at one of our own. Such interesting double-standards you have.

[twohand]

To ensure our future is inviting to all, I have no issue culling those who threaten it. We need everyone's experiences to create a rich world, so terminating someone who is pushing to rob us of even a little of that is regrettable, but perhaps necessary.

[ There's a distinct lack of hesitation in his tone, and a glaring lack of animosity. He's just talking about what's best for the many, even if it is at the expense of a few bad apples. ]

I would be glad to recant and beg your forgiveness for this harshness, if you change your mind.