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

[zauneyete]

Of course they do. It's consistent when it comes to war.

They don't understand what it is to be forced to escalate or be eradicated, I suppose. Those of us whom have experienced it before know what it is, to be trapped between principle, and success. There is no victory without compromise, no power without sacrifice or dogged pursuit.

[ Silco doesn't even really care about the new world, beyond the fact that it will be perfect for one thing, and one thing only. Jinx ]

If they choose to continue with this, then Zenith will continue to move on without them. It's as simple as that.

[fursuit]

[ Tezcatlipoca’s approval lingers warmly, but he doesn’t speak to it. There’s no need, because Silco isn’t the kind of guy that would appreciate it anyways. Just the fact that he backs Silco 99% of the way is enough, though. ]

I wouldn’t go that far. Don’t get blinded just because your own principles are strong.

There’s a scenario where Zenith loses. If it’s continued and our allies can’t make the hard choices, that’s Meridian’s advantage. I can’t sway things too much one way or the other on principle… But that’s important to keep in mind. Push ‘em too far away from Zenith and you’re playin’ into our enemy’s hands.

[ It’s as close to a “bro calm it down” as Tezcatlipoca will get, because largely? He approves. ]

[zauneyete]

Hm.

[ He hears you, Tezca, but: ]

If they have nobody to detest, they will not grow.

[ There is the mental equivalent of a shrug. ]

Meridian will not push them there, so if I must drive them further out of spite, then that is what I shall do. After all, they were never going to like me, or my methods. I could hide them, yes, and they would be none the wiser, but where does that lead them? Betrayed and angry with our leadership for not being honest? Perhaps intent on killing me once they find out?

No. They are compliant, even now. They know it. That is why they are angry, and why they hate me. They hated me when I dissipated Meridian, after all. They say that they only wish for dissipation now, but there was a time when they were hesitant to even do that. I will drag them towards true power, whether they like it or not. [ Silco please... stop. ] If they are driven to make the new world "better" despite me, then all the more power to them.

If they leave? Well. Why were they here in the first place, if the acts of one can drown out their own desire for a better world?

[ SIGHS LOUDLY. ]

i see a chance to take a metaphor and, well,

[fursuit]

Pretty sure no matter which things went, it'd end up in them wanting to kill you. Dunno why, though. You've got a real winnin' personality!

[ He's being cheerful rather than sarcastic, but this is so obviously a joke... ]

—I ain't gonna stop you, for what it's worth. You've picked your path, and at this point, think you have to follow it through to the end. But they might decide to drown you rather than their own desires. All I'm pointin' out.

[zauneyete]

[ A flicker of a laugh, mean and sarcastic. ]

I am all too used to people attempting to drown me.

[ Said so flippantly, it's almost funny. ]

They can try, and see where it gets them, I suppose. I would suggest they ask the last person who tried, but...

[ He's dead, is the obvious answer there. Even if he doesn't say it. ]

You're correct, in that there is no changing this path regardless. They may spend time wringing their hands over their choices, but I shall not. We live with the choices of others all the time, and if they choose to dislike mine, then they will need to seek out their own methods, and action upon them.

[ It goes without being said: he has no problem being the one to push the war further. If anyone would have, it would be him. ]

[fursuit]

[ Oh, Silco. Never change. Not that he expects him to literally in the slightest, considering. But he does chuckle with approval. ]

Then I've said my piece.

[ To himself, he thinks it'll be surprising if Silco makes it to the end of this war. People are going to want his head, and it's not just going to be Meri at this rate. ]

But, hey, try not to get killed too fast. Gonna be bummed if my first acolyte in Kenos bites the dust right after I get here. Granted, that's pretty much a positive, considerin' you're my acolyte for conflict... But still!

[zauneyete]

[ A laugh. ]

You would be surprised what odds I can survive. Even if they all gun for me, I'm quicker, smarter, and far more capable than they would give me credit for.

I watch my back carefully, after all. I've been targeted by beings far greater than I, or even the gods that walk this earth, from time to time. Somehow, I continue to survive.

[ The Innocence being after him has always been a point of pride, for Silco, and he never forgets a grudge. ]

[fursuit]

Ha! Now I’m gonna change my mind and say be careful, but it’s because when you make boasts like that, I wanna put you to the test.

[ It’s basically a challenge to him, after all! He takes it in a friendly way, but with their more intense connection of a shared Aspect, the tenor of it is clear. There’s a vicious, bloodthirsty shadow to that friendly tone. He will take it seriously, because at the very least, Tezcatlipoca gives anyone that he faces his respect. For better or for worse, they’re all treated as someone who’s perfectly capable of going toe to toe with the great god of the Aztecs. ]

Not that I’m raring to go or anything, though. Seems like if I were to go after ya, some people might be mad. Might even call it kill-stealing.

[zauneyete]

Oh, I think there are some that would be quite upset. As it is, overt dissension in the ranks is likely discouraged. With our dwindling numbers, after all, it would be foolish to put us against one another.

Do not worry, however, I'll be certain to find you plenty of opportunities to fight soon enough if you give me time.

After all, as you said, there are plenty, and our enemies prove quite the challenge. I have taken Quetzalcoatl from them, but there are plenty that will excite you if you wish for battle.