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]

The spell I am inclined to listen to my client's requests- or at least, their needs, so that I might tailor something appropriate.

The design, however, will be "no requests".

[settingup]

Yeah, yeah. That part ain't a big concern of mine, but you're sayin' what it does is something I can still pick? I mean, I'm guessin' there are still limitations and all that, but I can make some kinda general request on the powers?

[tattooism]

General requests... ?

Yes, that is what I am saying ♡

[settingup]

Yeah, like what kinda power comes outta it.

[tattooism]

Indeed. It would be pointless to give a combatant a tattoo that did not match well with their style, after all.

So you can tell me all about that... and what you think you need the most~

[settingup]

Right now what I really need is a way to catch myself when I'm fallin'. See, I can zip around in the air pretty well at the moment, but it ain't exactly flyin', and once I start goin' down, I don't have a great way to stop goin' down.

[ A pause. ]

Well, the ground'll stop me, but I'm hopin' for something that'll help that not be option number one. If that ain't gonna work, then something that'll strengthen the wind powers I picked up, 'cause if I can make a nice enough gust I bet I could properly cushion a fall.

[tattooism]

My, what a particular problem you potentially have there. Even those who have wings fear falling...

[She would know. She's been with a lot of tengu.]

... And you do not even have that.

So why do we not see if that can be remedied?

[settingup]

[ The ease at which she suggests that surprises him. He was spitballing ideas of things that would be useful to him, but he didn't think it would really work. ]

You seriously think you can do something about it?

[tattooism]

[She smiles- or at least, the sense of her in communion seems to smile.]

I know that I can. Yes. ♡

[settingup]

Alright. I'm takin' you up on that offer then.

[tattooism]

In that case... Well, you know where my studio is now, do you not?

I have to hear you clomping about upstairs all the time, after all.

[Is she genuinely annoyed by their presence at Amos' or still teasing? Who! knows!]

[settingup]

[ He's bristling slightly despite her offer to help here. ]

I don't clomp... you're thinkin' about one of the others.

[ If she's actually hearing noises, it's almost certainly him. He's probably the heaviest of the boys that happen to be staying with Amos. ]

[tattooism]

Call it a group "you" then, if you would prefer I consider you more delicate in the step.

[The mental equivalent... of a gentle exhale of fragrant tobacco smoke. Teasing.]

[settingup]

You oughta keep me outta the "you"s altogether.

[tattooism]

Whyever?

[Weirdly, he seems to have her attention on this almost as much as he had about actual work.]

Did you move out? Have my ears and nose deceived me... ?

[settingup]

Sorry, your nose?

[ What is this lady saying right now? ]

I didn't do anything. I'm still kickin' it at Amos' place if that's what you're tryin' to ask, but in a weird way.

[tattooism]

I have a keener sense of smell than most~

[DW about the nose3 thing! More importantly--]

If you are still staying there... then you are still in the "yous"... are you not?

[As if this conversation makes no sense, and its his fault, not hers.]

[settingup]

I ain't like the other yous though!!

[ He's different than the other two! Better!!

According to him and only him. If you asked Tony, he'd probably say the same thing about himself. If you asked Gen........

Hard to say. Gen hates himself, but he also wouldn't want to say anything that propped up the other two. ]

[tattooism]

Unfortunately in this instance, whether you smell better or treat lighter... You are still interfering in my engagements, so I must sadly lump "you" all together, sweetness ♡

[... She does think he's different, though. Still!]

Well, if you're upstairs, it makes your journey to my chair easier. Come on down when you're ready.

[settingup]

Huh? I got no idea what you're talkin' about right now...

[ He aggressively does not pay attention to the sex lives of others, and probably to everyone's relief, he will continue not to. ]

You got time right now then?

[tattooism]

And apparently, things need to stay that way~ For your sake. So no need to fuss about it.

[Ugh, Amos' child protection house rules. Whatever!!!]

I have nothing but time now.

[settingup]

[ There is a strong feeling of agitated confusion that can be read nice and strong through the connection.

But the tattoo is more important to him right now, so Atsumu actually drops it. ]

Gimme a sec. I'll be done in a moment.

[tattooism]

[Look, see, no fussing about it!]

Alright~

I suppose I shall get some clothes on, then. Just knock twice so I know it's you ♡

[ ... Though she's not above teasing, apparently.]

1/3

[settingup]

Yeah, yeah. I'll do your secret kno--

[settingup]

[ Hold up... what was that about clothes? ]