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

[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.