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

[bakedapple]

So they're the ones who're going to protect you, then? Highstorm politicians?

[ Link ignores his deflection. He's staring at him without a shred of doubt in how he's feeling, what he's saying. ]

Are you planning on bringing them with you to the Oracle?

[ Link stops suddenly. There's a soft buzz coming from his side of Communion, like he's just realized something. ]

...Where is Sebastian?

[ He hasn't said a single thing so far. Even to the people openly talking about Silco. ]

[zauneyete]

No, I fear little, and know quite well, how to watch my back and protect it.

Do you think this is the first time I have been detested by the people at large? [ I mean. Look at him. ]

I am nothing, if not capable of survival in the face of strife. It is how I was born, and how I have lived most of my life, if I were concerned with it, do you think I would not simply hide my acts? Do not mistake my forthrightness for foolishness.

[ Well. At least he's being honest. ]

As for Sebastian? I don't know. I saw him last at my club, where he usually haunts.

Perhaps he is busy with a dalliance or two, as he so often is.

[bakedapple]

[ Link is quiet for a long moment. He's deep in thought, evaluating the answer Silco gave, pondering the tone of his voice and the potential meaning behind his deflection.

That Sebastian would completely ignore a pre-Oracle discussion like this does not strike him as plausible. ]

I see.

Good luck, then.

[ He isn't interested in arguing with Silco. It won't accomplish anything. ]