Kor Meteor (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
spirialink) wrote2015-04-26 07:50 pm
spirialink) wrote2015-04-26 07:50 pmMessage Box
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empatheias!
empatheias!
spirialink) wrote2015-04-26 07:50 pm
empatheias!
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I guess there's no way to make this any brighter, huh?
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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?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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... ]
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--! 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?
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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!
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[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.
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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. ]
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...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.
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[ 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.
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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!
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...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.
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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.
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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. ]
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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.
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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. ]
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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.
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?
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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?
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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.]
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Our decisions must always be our own, guided by our own experiences, our own thoughts and feelings. Simply doing what others might do, well...you'd just be doing what someone else is doing, rather than acting on what your heart wants. And what kind of choice is that?
[ Emerek looks away, staring at the crystal. Despite his words, however, he fully intends to answer Kor. It's obvious that the young somatic's words are sincere, and not those of someone who simply wants an easy path to follow. But there's a strange sadness to Emerek's expression, suddenly. Behind that smile is a sorrow he doesn't look ready to admit. ]
It's never been my place to tell Merisia what to think, or how to feel. Instead...I would offer her a reason to believe otherwise. Give her time with it, show her a new side to things that she didn't know before, calm her fears instead of banishing them. In time, that new perspective just might encourage her to change her mind. But, well...
[ Emerek's expression finally falls, and he reaches into his pocket for something. ]
...it may very well be my fault that she fears the Echo so much in the first place.
[ After a moment, he holds out to Kor a small water canteen, covered in a familiar Echo-induced haze. It's the very same that had appeared in his first trip through, but had frozen over before he could reach it. ]
I'm only a small part of her, Kor. A memory, a few scraps of old wisdom and habits that she made her own, a remnant of an old friend she keeps clinging to after seven long years... [ His voice trails off. He's trying to downplay it, but it's no secret that memories are powerful things indeed. That, and, well...who knows how much truth his words really hold, knowing how many secrets there are in Eorzea that Merisia brought with her to Empatheias? ] But perhaps you can still learn from my mistake.
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He remembers feeling similar to that. Back when he find out he was Creed's vessel, that he had been harboring the monster whose actions led to his mother's and grandfather's death, who doomed an entire planet, and was the reason behind everything happening on Organica. And then... He was just expected to help fix everything? It had almost been too much to handle.
He takes the canteen in hand, looking it over carefully. He recognized it from his last trip, but why was he receiving this now...?]
Thanks, Emerek. I don't have any intentions of repeating your mistakes. What I want to do for Merisia is more than just helping her understand or accept the Echo. I want to help her carve her own path out, find her own way to do things.
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Then we'll leave this in your hands. Merisia is very lucky to have made such a good friend. I can't do much anymore, so...look after her for me, will you?
[ The light brightens, blocking out everything around Kor, replacing it with the familiar scene of a tent in the desert.
A young Merisia appears sitting next to a rolled-up sleeping bag of sorts, hugging her knees and staring at the ground, a canteen in one hand. She looks incredibly distraught, perhaps even shocked, and reluctant to move. A blanket has been draped over her shoulders, her hair is disheveled, and her shoes have been kicked off and sit in a pile nearby. Emerek sits next to her, looking equally messy, but it seems he's far more concerned with Merisia's well-being.
"A fire?"
Merisia nods, continuing to stare at the ground. "It was just... Suddenly everything was going up in flames. Everyone was running, and screaming... The next thing I knew it was all gone again, and I was back with you and the survivors at the crash site. I-I was so scared, it all happened out of nowhere, a-and it was all over before I even knew what happened..."
Emerek pauses, looking worried suddenly. "I see... So you have it too, then."
"Have what?" Merisia asks, finally looking up. "Emerek, what's going on? W-What's happening to me?"
The vision shifts, suddenly, as though disrupted. There are snippets of Emerek scooting up next to Merisia, resting a reassuring hand on her shoulder, explaining something to her. But the more he says, the more anxious Merisia appears to get. Finally, the vision settles, and it's clear that not much time has passed at all. But as it resumes...
"...need to promise me to be careful, alright?" Emerek states. "If anyone discovers you have this gift, it could be dangerous."
Merisia freezes. "Dangerous?"
Taking a deep breath, Emerek averts his gaze. "I was told once," he begins, "That the Empire sees those that have the Echo as enemies. For them, to be able to communicate with the beastmen makes you one of them."
The look on Merisia's face is nothing short of horrified. She nearly drops the canteen in her hands, and her shoulders tremble. "WHY?!" She protests. "I-I didn't ask for this stupid gift! I never wanted to see these visions or...or watch the sky fall apart! I-"
Her words are cut short as Emerek lays a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "You're going to be fine," he says, though Merisia hardly looks convinced. "Listen, I'll explain everything else I know once we get back to a proper inn. I just wanted to warn you before anything else happened." He smiles, patting her gently. "As long as no one finds out, we'll be just fine. So don't tell anyone, okay?"
Merisia hesitates, then nods. "R-Right. I promise..."
And then, quite abruptly, Merisia's normal voice cuts in, reverberating about the void.
"I promise, Emerek. I won't tell anyone."
"No one will find out about the Echo. As long as I keep it a secret, I'll be safe..."
When the vision fades, Emerek is gone, and the canteen disappears as well, shrouded in light before dissolving into small particles. Kor is left in the enormous Crystal's abyss, with only the exhausted blue Carbuncle curled up in his arms. It's awake now, its eyes cracked open, but it seems reluctant to move just yet.
There's no more guide to show him the way, no one else to offer him hints or answers. Everything is silent, waiting. ]
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But it's those barriers he had fought to break down on her. He understood why she was that way. He even respected it to a certain degree. But he had refused to accept her being that way. His stubbornness had been paying off, of course. Here he was now, after all, helping Merisia with the very issue that shaped who she was, is and will be. And help her, he was going to.
Kneeling down, he sets Carbuncle on the ground. He doesn't get up, staying right there next to the familiar.]
This is your decision to make, not mine. Your path to choose. But whatever you decide to do, I'll support and back you up here. [He looks down at Carbuncle and smiles.] ...Merisia.
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