spirialink | Message Box

[Kor smiles fondly at Topaz's commentary, thinking back on everything he's been through with Merisia over the past year or so.]

Heh... Convincing her's never easy, but never giving up on her is why I've made it as far as I have with her.

[As they arrive to the destination, Kor gets a bad feeling in the pit of his stomach. There was something foreboding about this place right now, the way things had begun changing. But it was surely also the sign that this is where he needed to be. The most well-guarded secrets were well-guarded for a reason, after all.

He lingers in front of the door, not yet going in.]

Merisia's told me bits and pieces, but... Not the whole thing. Can you tell me why she hates the Echo so much, Carby?

[he's probably heard enough from Merisia to be able to piece it all together himself, but there might be a difference between how Merisia on the surface perceive it, and how her subconscious would.]

[ Topaz Carbuncle dips his head low, his eyes closing and his ears drooping. He's eager to get away from this storm, but...well, answering Kor's question will have to come first. ]

She doesn't...hate it, necessarily. She's afraid of it.

[ The storm churns overhead, and Topaz offers Kor a sincere look. As sincere as a Carbuncle can, anyway. ]

There's too much that she doesn't know about it. Everything it can do, everything it does to her... She scarcely even knows when she acquired it. She has no control over its powers to speak of, and the visions occur without warning. But one of her greatest fears is that it might somehow bring harm to herself, or to those she's come to care about...and there would be little that she can do to stop it. [ He shakes his head. ] Uncertainty has always been one of Merisia's greatest enemies. Not knowing if she can trust a stranger is difficult enough, but that's something she can handle. Not knowing if she can trust her own power, well... There's not much you can do to escape something that's a part of you, is there?

[ If anything, Topaz seems to agree more with Kor's sentiments than Merisia's, judging from his warm tone. Even so, there's still a sadness to his words, a level of concern that isn't outright stated, but still eager to make itself known. ]

If you really can help her...maybe that'll heal the damage it's already wrought.

[A fear of hurting others with her power... Kor can understand that sentiment. It's one of the biggest dangers of being a Somatic, after all. Having the power to correct a person's Spiria with your Soma also means you invariably have the power to damage their Spiria. Somatics are supposed to take a creed to help others, but his encounters with Striegov have taught him that evil Somatics do exist.

But fearing your gift and fearing what you can do with your gift are two very different things. You have the power to choose how you use your power, that's what Kor believes. Merisia could use the Echo to do terrible things, or she could use it to do the kinds of things Kor envisions it to be capable of.]

I'll do whatever I can help her, and with style, I might add! That's the Kor Meteor way! [No trying to help her, only actually helping her.]

[ Topaz Carbuncle lets out a trill of joyful approval and he straightens up, waving his tails. ]

Hahahah! That's the spirit! If your actions are as genuine as your words are, then we've got little to worry about.

[ That storm isn't too happy about going ignored, unfortunately. There's a loud - and close - crash of lightning, and there's a loud snarl, almost as if the beast it belongs to is mere inches away...but the beast in question is nowhere to be seen. The crystal visible in the area continues to shift to the same sickly yellow shade, while several few of them stubbornly remain blue, even glowing brighter in protest. ]

I'm afraid we've lingered long enough. Unless you want to make this place your grave, I'd suggest we get moving!

[ Topaz waits anxiously next to the door for Kor to hurry in...not that anything will be terribly visible once inside, as it's pitch-black. One or two lit torches can be seen nearby, but their light is hardly enough to illuminate whatever room they're in. There does seem to be a faint white glow in the distance, coming through what looks like a corridor, but otherwise it's impossible to see anything...for now. ]

[Yeah, Kor makes it a policy of his to not die inside the Spirias he's traversing, so he wastes no time in heeding Topaz's warnings. He pushes open the door and hurries inside, only to be greeted by near total darkness. He reaches over and grabs one of the torches, trying to use it to illuminate the area, but even that didn't seem to help anywhere near enough, almost like the darkness was just eating the light. There was that glow in the distance, though. His destination, maybe?]

I guess there's no way to make this any brighter, huh?

[ Topaz Carbuncle shakes off, trotting a few paces ahead. ]

There's always a way to bring light to darkness. It's like I said: you'll need more than your eyes to see. But, I'm afraid I have one more question for you.

[ Topaz sits down calmly. It certainly won't do to stumble around in the dark, and they really should keep moving, but there's something he needs to take care of first. A chill passes through the air, accompanied by a soft pulse of static. Several pairs of glowing blue eyes appear in the darkness, staring intently at Kor. Topaz either doesn't notice them, or doesn't seem to care, and he continues. ]

Merisia does everything she can to protect herself, and that includes hiding these things away from even those she would trust with her life. The fact that you could even open that door, let alone see it, is no small feat. She may trust you and see you as a friend, but if she's misplacing that trust...

[ He lets those words sit for a moment, the silence filled with nothing but a soft crystalline hum. Although his words are stern, the warm tone never leaves Topaz's voice. If anything, he seems more concerned than accusatory. ]

You say it's a Somatic's job to help people come to terms with themselves, but is that the only reason you're here? Who is Merisia to you? Just another patient? A broken tool to fix? Or is there something else in your heart that drove you all the way into this abyss to help her?

[More than your eyes to see, huh... Kor closes his eyes for the moment, trying to focus his other senses, but also to block out everything that's going on in the room so he could think more clearly.

Topaz posed an interesting question, certainly one that could trip up most people. But for Kor? The answer was simple and straightforward.]

It's the job of a Somatic to help people, yeah. But that's got nothing to do with why I'm here, besides the fact that I'm a Somatic. The truth is, it's the job of Kor Meteor to always help his friends when they need him. That's all there is to it. Merisia's my friend, so I'm helping her. I don't have any motive besides that.

[ The silence lingers for a moment longer, allowing Kor's words to echo in the darkness. Then, finally, Topaz softly trills in approval. ]

That's just what we need. Did you all hear that? We've got nothing to worry about.

[ The watchful eyes widen and shimmer, then scurry away. Almost on cue, the lights from the torches brighten, and the room illuminates. It's reminiscent of an old ruin made of stone and hidden away in a cavern, with a few chambers branching off from the main hall where Kor stands; in other words, the perfect place for an adventurer to explore. Though old, there's a welcoming warmth that fills the area as the light does. Further ahead, where the light is, the stone begins to fracture off, floating in what appears to be an otherworldy void. It's almost like that part of the ruins simply doesn't belong, yet it's meshed itself with them and made itself at home regardless.

And yet, with all the warmth, the static remains in the air...and it grows stronger. ]

...something isn't right... [ Topaz shifts uneasily, pawing at the ground. ] What you're looking for is just ahead, Kor. Just be careful. I can guide you, but I'm afraid I can't protect you from what lies ahead.

[Kor watches at the room suddenly brightens up, revealing its true form as an old catacomb. He kicks the ground with the toe of his boot, just to make sure it's stable. Everything seems okay, at least in this part.]

Don't worry, whatever's ahead, I can take of myself.

[He starts heading on ahead, going towards the light.]

Besides, I should be protecting you here, you're an important part of Merisia.

[ Topaz pauses thoughtfully at Kor's reply before chirping happily. ]

So I am... Thank you, Kor.

[ That said, he trots happily next to Kor, picking up his pace to walk in front of him once they near the light.

Past the fractured-off area, it seems that there's nothing but an enormous, blue abyss and nothing else. Despite the lack of visible ground, however, Topaz keeps right on walking. Small ripples of light beneath his feet signify that it's totally possible to walk onward, and if anything it's like walking on marble.

It doesn't take long for the main feature of this strange place to come into view: an enormous, sparkling crystal. Though not nearly the size of what it mimics, it's easily the size of a large building, dwarfing Kor and his guide. The void around it swirls with calm and beautiful light, the air filled with a reassuring and welcoming warmth. It's almost like this place is some sort of secret safe haven, or a familiar place, yet filled with countless secrets and mysteries.

And so it remains for several long seconds, allowing a precious moment of respite before a familiar snarl resonates from behind them. A huge shadow leaps overhead from behind the two, landing neatly between Kor and the crystal. It's a small, shadowy behemoth, its entire body cloaked in darkness and black sparks of electricity. Its sparks taint the air with an almost tangible fear and confusion, sickly yellow eyes stare wide at both intruders. Topaz is the first to step forward. ]

Damn it all, it followed us all the way here! Hurry, you have to-

[ Topaz doesn't get a chance to explain. The monster lunges forward, snatching Topaz up in his jaws and hurling him aside like a rag doll. Topaz shrieks, tumbling to the ground and unable to push himself to his feet right away. The beast then turns its eyes on Kor, its fangs bared, but it doesn't move to strike...not now, anyway.

But who knows how long that will last... ]

[Kor marvels in awe at the sight of the large crystal they arrive to. It somewhat reminded him of a large willstone, like the one back in Dronning. But to compare it to such would be truly undermining the majesty this thing carried. It was inspiring and comforting just being in its presence. But the time he has to appreciate this thing was short-lived, as the behemoth descends.]

--! Watch out!

[Kor stands by and watches in horror as Topaz is pounced upon. He cries out in shock for his little furry friend, rushing over to him with due haste.]

Carby! Are you okay?!

[He stands between Topaz and the behemoth now, keeping his guard up but not drawing his weapon. Not yet, at least.]

Carby, you know what this thing is? What the heck's going on?

[ Luckily, it looks like Topaz hasn't been injured too badly. He trembles a bit, pushing himself back to his feet, but he hardly looks ready for another blow. ]

Why...do you keep calling me that?

[ The beast doesn't stalk closer, instead moving to place itself between Kor and the enormous crystal. Though its fangs are bared and its claws ready to strike at any moment, it almost looks as though it's shrinking away from them...almost cowering, despite its offense earlier and the continued jabs of lightning. A thick and unsettling aura of fear fills the air, overwhelming the comforting light of the crystal. ]

It showed up at the same time that storm did. Usually it keeps to itself, but it's been lashing out at us more and more as the storm gets worse.

[ Only now does the beast decide to stalk closer. As it does, its appearance briefly flickers into other images - a feline monster with long whiskers, a hooded assassin wielding dual daggers, even Kor himself - for mere seconds before it reverts to being a shadowy beast. Topaz does his best to stand up straight, but he's still wincing in pain. ]

If you want to finish that mission of yours, you'll have to calm that thing down first!

Why? [It seemed like such an odd question to ask.] It's because you're Carbuncle! Carby's a fun nickname for that, that's all!

[He smiles briefly back at Topaz, before turning his attention to the beast. Its behavior was strange. It wasn't acting aggressive, behaving more like a cornered scared animal than one on the hunt. But once he sees it changing forms, even taking on his own appearance, things finally start to click in his head.

This beast didn't "show up" here, did it? It's part of Merisia's Spiria, representing part of herself. Her fears, maybe? A lot of Merisia's distrustful nature did seem to stem from fear, after all...

Kor lowers his arms now, dropping his guard and leaving himself open. He speaks with a calm, even voice.]

It's okay... I'm not going to hurt you.

[ Topaz doesn't offer a response to Kor right away, opting instead to stare quietly as his words sink in. Then, there's a flicker of realization, soon replaced by worry, and he remains still and quiet. ]

Carbuncle? I guess that makes sense...

[ The beast hesitates, apparently caught off guard by Kor's calm gesture. The electricity coursing over its body wavers, lessening for a moment.

Of course, that moment of peace only lasts for a moment before the beast lets out another snarl, its eyes still wide in terror, fangs still bared. It's able to speak as well, but it's hard to pin down whose voice it resembles; it's as though there are multiple people all shouting at once: ]

NO. GET BACK. DESTROY IT. DESTROY IT!!!

[ It certainly is trying to put on a show of intimidation, but neither does the beast want to get anywhere near Kor. Still, Kor does have its attention. The electricity around the beast and prickling through the air seem to waver for a moment as well. It's a start, but the monster still refuses to budge. ]

[Kor glances back briefly again at Topaz, his reaction piquing his intrigue. He had his suspicions there was more to the carbuncle than could be seen, but...

...Well, they could talk about Topaz's identity later. He turns his attentions back to the beast.]

I'm not here to destroy anything. [He keeps up that calm tone, making no efforts to move forward or advance.] I just want to help. That's all.

YOU CAN HELP BY DESTROYING IT!

[ The shadowy monster bristles visibly, snarling and straightening in a show of intimidation...which fails moments later when it takes a hesitant step back, its appearance once more flickering between various forms. Still, its gaze is locked firmly onto Kor. ]

IT'S TOO DANGEROUS. MIGHT HURT SOMEONE. KEEPS US FROM HURTING THEM. NOT SAFE. ONLY SAFE PLACE. DESTROYING IT IS TOO RISKY. IT HAS TO BE DESTROYED!

[ Well, someone sure can't make up their mind today. As conflicting as its statements may be, they're all still reasons to be afraid of the same thing. Its unsteady form finally settles on a partly-crystalized version of Kor, weapon drawn.

Topaz doesn't move much, and the whine he lets out is weak and quiet, but he manages to gently nudge the back of Kor's leg before he loses his footing again. Meanwhile, the beast continues, its voice beginning to falter. ]

YOU, TOO. YOU'RE dangerous. You can HURT us.

[Kor's eyes go wide when the beast finally takes on a form identical to his, but he doesn't back down, nor does he choose to draw his own weapon.]

You're right, I can hurt people with my powers. Being a Somatic means you have the power to hurt or help someone. And every time, I'll always choose to help! No matter what's at stake, I'll help anybody who needs me!

[It's here that he takes a determined step forward.]

This Echo power that Merisia has... There's still a lot I don't get about it... But what I do get is that it's the same! With the Echo, Merisia can cause a lot of hurt if she wants to. But she can do a lot of good with it too. It's all in how she chooses to use it. And that's why I'm here! I want to help Merisia! I want to help her figure out how to make that choice!

[ The shadow pauses for a moment as Kor speaks, the wide-eyed expression of fear fading and taking some of that intimidation with it. The darkness cloaking it fades a little, and at first, it's silent. It seems something Kor is doing is getting through. Though it flinches a little as Kor approaches, it doesn't back away. In fact, it even takes its own step forward. Hesitant and unsure, but there's a glimmer of recognition and trust.

...but as Kor continues on, the fear comes back. ]

No way to use it. IT CAN'T.

[ It casts a fearful look to the crystal behind it, but doesn't move. As afraid as the beast is of both the crystal and the intruder trying to get to it, it's still intent on barring the way. Once more, its form destabilizes, but if Kor looks closely and is quick to catch it, the beast's form lingers for a split second on a fully-crystallized version of Merisia herself. ]

Can't be controlled. Or predicted. Or used. The Echo is the Echo. IT'S JUST HERE. No choice. Not safe. DON'T WANT IT!

[ The beast lets out a roar, and for a moment the abyss around them shifts and brightens. There's a flash of images, of a flaming caravan in the desert. Of a dying wind seraph. Of a war-torn battlefield. Of a fierce meteor shower, in the midst of which is none other than Dalamud itself. Other images appear, but they go by too fast to make out clearly. And with them all, a young Merisia's voice breaks through:

"What's happening to me?!"

"Why am I seeing this?!"

"I don't know what's-!"

And then it's all over. The abyss darkens, the only remaining light coming from the crystal. The beast snarls, but it's starting to look tired. Once more, it settles into its shadowy behemoth form, albeit smaller this time. ]

Don't know anything. Don't know what to do. Has it taken you? I won't...let it hurt you.

[Kor had originally assumed that the Carbuncle he was traveling with was some representation of Merisia's inner self, there to guide him to the Echo he was supposed to "destroy". But maybe that wasn't the case... ...No, of course that wasn't the case, now that he thinks about it. If anything, this thing in front of him's way more Merisia than Topaz is. Her fears, her doubts, her hesitations... All given form in this beast right here....

This behemoth is Merisia's inner self, or at least one facet of it. That much, Kor is relatively sure of.]

Why are you so afraid of it?

[Even in the dark, Kor refuses to back down or hesitate. He takes another step forward, maintaining his calm again.]

I know the Echo's made things hard for you, Merisia. You had a rough life just because you had this power you didn't ask for. And... It even cost you the lives of people you care about.

[There's a pause from Kor.]

...But I want that to change. I think you can find a way to do good things with the Echo. I'll even help you do it if I have to! I... won't let it hurt you, ever again.

[ The beast doesn't move, not even as Kor approaches. It shifts uncertainly, but doesn't back away. Then again, given the fact that it gives a fearful glance towards the crystal, maybe it's not an indicator of bravery...

But, after a moment, it looks up and offers a quiet answer. ]

Already told you. There's too much we don't know. Too many questions. Too many...risks... Could be eating away at us. Could be the only thing keeping us alive. Don't know. Could be anything at this point. Nothing is safe. NOTHING is certain. [ It's not much different from what Merisia already told Kor, after all. The Empire's view of it, the unpredictability and lack of control... It's not so much that there are other issues, and more that the issues that do exist are so important and alarming to Merisia's sense of self. But, of course, there is more. ] Wasn't so bad before. Still didn't like it. But could move on. Then we found someone who knew. Tried to get answers, got more questions. Don't know anything now. And if we don't know anything, we can do nothing if danger strikes. Not having answers...is dangerous. Don't know the Echo. Don't know OURSELVES anymore, either. Don't know ANYTHING. For all we know, there are nothing but dangers ahead that we can't control, waiting to happen. Waiting to take more away. If it hasn't already hurt us.

[ It's not a lack of knowledge that comes with a wonder of discovery. Only the fear of something terrible waiting at the end.

At first, it seems that Kor's effort to break through to the beast still isn't going to work. After all, fear is a stubborn thing, and Merisia seems ever adamant about clinging to it as she does her distrust. But then, that last statement he makes clicks, somehow. The static calms, the shadows thin further. Carefully, the beast takes a half-step forward, the yellow hue finally starting to fade from its eyes, fangs no longer bared. ]

The dangers can't be ignored. We just want to keep people safe. We want...answers. You...really want to help us? Will it hurt you?

[ It takes another step forward. The beast looks hesitant and unsure, yet there's a quiet eagerness to its movement, almost as if it's reaching out to him. The crystal's warmth reaches out in a gentle pulse, and several bands of light begin to swirl in the abyss again. It's still dark, but it's more akin to quiet evening sky than the dangerous depths of a cavern. ]

Edited 2018-06-22 03:34 (UTC)

[Kor listens intently to the beast's explanation, this embodiment of Merisia's feelings. She fears the Echo. No, it's more like she fears how unknown the Echo is to her. It's this thing that's part of her very being and yet she knows nothing about it. It'd be like Kor not understanding what a Spiria is. Something so entrenched in her existence, and she feels like she barely knows the first thing about it.

It's terrible just to think about.

He doesn't flinch as the beast approaches him, nor does he hesitate to respond to its question. Instead, he just holds out his hand. If the beast was reaching out to him, he'd reach right back. Working together means meeting in the middle, compromising and accepting, not one side giving into the other.]

Maybe? [Despite saying that, he only offers a smile.] But I'm not afraid of that happening. It's a risk I'm willing to take, if it means I can help someone I care about.

[ The beast hesitates, mere inches away. That wasn't really the answer it wanted to hear, but there really is no denying the reality of this situation, either. It's only scared, not foolish. The possibility of the Echo harming Kor is like a nightmare. And yet as much as the beast craves a relief from the fear that has so disfigured and devoured it, courage is not the answer. Banishing fear isn't what's going to work here. It is something else that will ultimately set it free...and Kor seems to be offering just that.

After a few uncertain moments, the beast heaves out a sigh, carefully reaching out and nudging Kor's hand. In that instant, a memory flickers in the darkness, of Merisia stalking angrily away from an armatized Kor. And a voice, as well, one Kor may recognize as his own. His words are muffled, and difficult to hear, but it's clearly him.

The image of Merisia pauses, her stern expression faltering for a moment. A look of surprise, then grief, crosses her face. For a moment, she starts to turn and look behind her...but only for a moment before she scowls and walks off again. Had his words really reached her that day? Or was it something else...?

As the memory fades, so too does the darkness of the void surrounding them. ]

...alright.

[ The beast bows its head, eyes closing tiredly. ]

We...I...will trust you...with this.

[ The shadows ebb away, evaporating into wisps that slowly vanish into the air. The beast's form fades and withers away, eventually revealing something held captive within: the exhausted, unconscious form of a blue Carbuncle that gently floats down to the ground. Not just any, though: it's the very same one that guided Kor through Merisia's Spiria the first time he visited.

Only a moment or two later, Kor may hear footsteps nearby as someone approaches. ]

Not bad. I knew you had it in you.

[ Topaz's voice is no longer disembodied...but Topaz himself is gone. In his place stands none other than Emerek himself, looking particularly calm and cheerful. A bit scuffed up, sure, but otherwise fairly content. ]

[It was a long time ago, but Kor still remembers that day. The day they'd all returned from Piphron's domain after getting the Arehtei to accept them. The day he forged a Somatic Bond with Dezel that changed his life. And the day he first met Merisia.

He never forgot how Merisia first reacted to him that day, their initial encounter forever coloring their interactions together for months. It shaped the way he saw her, and how hard he worked to earn her trust, despite how much she rebuked him. And he never forgot the words he uttered that day as they parted.

No one deserves to feel like they can't trust anybody...

What he didn't know about was the reaction she had as they left. Had she actually heard those words? Or was she feeling some tinge of guilt over their conversation? Was it something else entirely? He'd never know. Even after all this, Merisia was still kind of a mystery to him, even if he feels like he understands her better now.

As the beast departs and releases Emerald Carbuncle, a look of surprise washes over Kor's face. He's quick to bend down and catch the familiar before he hits the ground, scooping him into his arms.

And then he hears the voice. The voice that led him here, the one that seemingly came from the Carbuncle that was traveling with him. But that wasn't this blue Carbuncle, it was the yellow one, right... He turns around behind him, where the other Carbuncle once was. But it was nowhere to be found, and instead, there were a pair of boots standing behind him. His eyes travel up the boots, taking in the rest of the figure, where they suddenly grow wide at who he finds.]

--You! You're...! [Emerek. The man he saw in the visions of Merisia's past, who influenced her and meant so much to her.] What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be, uhh... Well, you know... [Just come out and say it, Kor.] ...Dead?

[ Emerek chuckles at Kor's response, amused but still retaining a gentle and welcoming air. Of course, he follows it up with one of his usual warm smiles. He's still as gentle and cheerful as he appeared in those visions from Merisia's past, the only difference between then and now being that he's a bit battle-torn. ]

You know, they say that the people who are important to you eventually become a part of you, in some way. Wander around here long enough, and I wager you'd find yourself somewhere.

[ He gives Kor a knowing smile, on the verge of winking at him. Well, it's...not a very direct answer, let alone a very clear one, but there you go. ]

I'm afraid there wasn't much I could do about how you saw me back there. Fear can distort lots of things, and in lots of ways. But, well...I'm sure you're already well aware of that.

[ Emerek kneels down to inspect the tiny blue Carbuncle, reaching out to gently pat it on the head. Carbuncle purrs softly and curls up in Kor's arms a little. It seems pretty comfortable, a stark contrast from the hasty retreats and wary stares it held for Kor last time, but it's still largely unconscious...or just incredibly exhausted. Carbuncle is light and warm in Kor's arms, its fur much softer than its real-world counterparts. Emerek gives the creature a fond smile as he continues addressing Kor. ]

You really are something, though. The fact that you were able to quell her fear, let alone approach it, or even find your way to one of her most guarded secrets...Merisia must really trust you. [ Emerek gives Kor a meaningful, almost worried look. ] But tell me something. You say you want to help Merisia understand the Echo. You also said that you want her to accept that it's a gift, rather than the curse that she believes it to be. If you still intend to do that, then tell me...

Are you sure that's the right thing to do?

[Emerek's comments about people becoming part of you strikes home for Kor far more than he'd ever realize. He lived his life based on the bonds he forged with people, growing and changing because of how they impact his life.

If he could only see inside his own Spiria, he'd see just how many people had become a part of it over the years.

To Emerek's question, he just offers an innocent, peaceful smile.]

How about I answer your question with one of my own? If the great Emerek, who Merisia respects and admires so much, were in my position, what would he do?

[Kor already knew his own answer, but to him, Emerek stood as a milestone. He wanted to become like Emerek, the sort of person that had become so immensely important to who she is. But he also wanted to do better than him.]

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject