We are the children of the sun

[futhark]

Who: Caster, Zelda, Minako/ later (earlier?) Archer
When: past 20th January, time is fake, will update as needed
Where: Far Shore; Temple Metis | somewhere at the Near Shore
What: Taking your own advice is the hardest. But Caster's doing his best to move forward. Game night ensues. | | And apparently a surprise trip as well

Comments

Metis Temple: The Visit

[futhark]

[ Caster arrives at Zelda's temple with a full backpack. Like if he was going on a long trip somewhere or what. He's not, though he does have few clothes for change, but most of the backpack is filled with a gaming console. Blame Archer. It comes with several gamepads and detailed instructions how to hook it to a TV. As bonus it includes several popular adapters, just in case. Nope, Caster has no idea what half of it means.

And thus history made a full circle. Once it was Zelda who visited his temple to find company and escape the loneliness caused by the sudden leaving of Samus. He was the one to provide comfort and distraction. Now he's at her door seeking something similar- his temple is not lonely, with Archer and Lancer there. But lack of one presence is painfully obvious.

Could it happen differently? Maybe. Could they talk it out? Who knows. Maybe even if they talked it out they'd find that the only possible road is to separate. Maybe's are pointless, what's done is done. But it's not always easy to shake off the "maybes". Eventually, he has to follow his own advice, and move forward. Preferably not through stage of drinking and murdering every ayakashi in sight. Taking an example from that Zelda visit he messaged her with a desperate request and- it worked.

It truly did.

And for once he has absolutely no idea what is he doing. It's not a date, it's not taking her into some fun place it's- well, it's a visit that lasts who knows how long. And he's both excited and mildly unsure about it. It's not easy to gauge things with Zelda, he knows there are things about him that utterly infuriate her. And he's even working on toning them down for her sake.

Usually.

Second-thoughts are like a plague. Ugh, he should have brought flowers not console and food. But at this of the year, his garden doesn't provide. He was in such a hurry that this looks more like a visit to bro and play games. Not a date with a princess- of course, no one was ever talking about it being a date, but perhaps he should have made into it.

Which is why the ideal thing to do is to stop at the pond and peek at the water, seeking a movement under the surface. There- a flash of gold and white. ]

Just don't tell anyone, buggers [ Caster tells the fish as he takes off the backpack to take out a small packaging of fish food, snagged from a pet store. Which he opens and proceeds to sprinkle on the surface of the pond. Lo and behold, there is more of them, all suddenly trying to cover that one place which has food. ] You better grow shiny and strong-!

[ It's not like the fish are a gauge of their relationship. But it's not like they're completely "unrelated" either. That's his way of saying thanks to them. He gotta brace himself, it's supposed to be fun and he's going to show Zelda his smiling face ]

[sageprincess]

[She does not know the full extent of what happened. Ginia had been extremely sparing in the details she offered, and Zelda did not feel it within her right to pry. She can make some assumptions, though, tying together disparate pieces to create a pattern that makes sense to her. An oath had been broken. A name had been revoked. And not too long ago, Caster had quietly left the room when discussion at her own meeting turned to the naming of the beings known as "soulless."

Regardless, sorting out the problems that came between them is not her business. At this time, she is meant to play the entertainer, which... seems like a poor decision on everyone's part, honestly. She is hardly someone who can be described as fun and lighthearted, and she is well aware of that fact. ... But even so Ginia, who she's ever really gotten to know as Caster's shinki rather than as herself, said that she thought Zelda could bring joy to the men she had left in the wake of whatever happened. And though he's not coming along on this particular visit, it's surprisingly easy to imagine Archer saying the same in regards to his god.

And somehow, those expectations do not make her anxious as such things often do. Miraculously, she actually finds herself believing she can do what has been asked of her, and more than that, she wants to. Returning even a fraction of the comfort and happiness she has been given seems both fair and a goal more than worthy of pursuing.

And if all else fails, she can throw Minako at the problem. That will probably work well enough.

She climbs the stairs of her temple to meet Caster at the door, only to find him staring intently at the water surrounding it instead. Taking a page out of his playbook, she chooses to warp instead of walking towards him, appearing behind his kneeling form in a flash and gently sliding her arms over his shoulders and around his neck in a light embrace. Her golden hair falls over her own shoulders to tickle at his temples as she leans over to peer down at whatever in the water has caught his attention.]

Who are you talking to?

[She knows who he's talking to. But she can play dumb, just a little.]

[futhark]

[ The warping is super effective. There is a second when his body tenses, in reaction to the surprise. Wow, you got him, princess. Caught red-handed. So now he can just melt into the embrace as a punishment, yes?

He shakes his hand clean off, the remaining fish-food falling into the water. There was no way of hiding the hungry mouths anyway, you're not sneaky enough, fishes! ]

I- I'm plotting something in secret with your new neighbors. [ The response is not as witty as it could be, again, surprise! But he at least manages it, so that's a progress. His hands travel to her arms around his neck. How does she do it? How does her mere presence warms and lightens the entire area, hmm? A true mystery- but he is granted a day of basking in that light and it's a gift he's intensely grateful for. ] Now that you know, we'll have to hide somewhere until the plan is put in motion.

[ Because fishes agree, no witnesses. Though they are also benevolent schemers and are fine with those in the know to just remove themselves from the scene until everything is done. Look at their open mouth still expecting more food to fall from the sky. These are good fishes. ]

[sageprincess]

Is that right?

[He's definitely not on his A game, but given the circumstances that have driven him to her temple today, that's to be expected. Zelda indulges him anyway, curling her arms a little tighter around him when she feels the touch of his hands. She doesn't know anything about warming or lightening an entire area with her presence (at least when Actual Magic is not involved), but she can offer to play along with the little games they always play, little bouts of pretend to help them momentarily forget who and where they really are.]

Well, it is fortunate then that I know an excellent hiding spot to bunker down in for the duration.

[It's called her basement. She starts pulling away then, as a sort of indication for them to head inside, though not so quickly that Caster wouldn't be able to catch her if he really wanted to.]

[futhark]

[ Please no, please don't go, is a first instinctual reaction when after a tighter hug Zelda pulls away. At least he reads the move correctly and sees it as an invitation it is rather than putting a distance. And he tries to catch her, but not firmly enough and she slips away. All the more reasons to follow her. ]

My savior... lead on to that safe place [ Caster says as he picks up the bag he had left and follows her to the bunker, -err, basement, --err. temple. In the end, same thing. And the fishes can splash them goodbye, or what. ]

It is comfortable, and quite sturdy. [ he says as he seeks her hand, never allowing to lose a sight of her. Never going too far away to not be within reach of touch. He can be needy, and he invades personal space without noticing. So that means he really has to be conscious of what he's doing to not cross a line. He's not here just to get kicked out, see.

But when he gets close and lucky enough to steal a kiss- on a cheek, on a forehead, on a corner of mouth- he does so. ] A world could forget about us here… For a few days or so.

[sageprincess]

[Zelda is an observant woman - she kind of has to be, to have survived the life she's lived - and so the way Caster reaches for her, how he keeps himself close as they descend the stairs into her temple proper does not go unnoticed.

There's something to be said for being able to bear one's loneliness stoically. For herself, she still believes that it's necessary to an extent, despite all the arguments she has heard to the contrary. But Caster isn't like that, nor should he be. A fire cannot burn in the cold unless it is fed.

So she walks slowly, and allows him to catch her hand, squeezing it lightly when he does. And when he bends to kiss her cheek, the fact that she turns her head just so that he lands on the bow of her lips instead is a complete accident, honest. Look, she even blinks in surprise and glances away shyly afterwards - she definitely didn't mean for that to happen at all, no sir.]

Mmm, the reverse can also be true, if you see fit.

[You can forget about the world in exchange if you want. Admittedly, there is something about that whole idea that appeals to her, shrinking down the world to just the two of them in this little hideaway. But she knows it's not a luxury she would ever allow herself; it's not in her nature. Caster is welcome to do so if he'd like, though.

They reach the landing that leads to the general living area of the temple, but Zelda doesn't step inside. She simply gestures to it instead.]

You can put your things down wherever you like, but there is something I would like to show you before you get settled in.

[Theoretically, this could wait if he's really going to spend a few days here, but she thinks her surprise is something he could probably use right now.]

[futhark]

[ Many things could be said about him, but stoic isn't one of them. It's a trait he admires, but doesn't possess- but again, in his position, he was never supposed to. The distance between grows smaller and smaller until their hands are allowed to touch and so a smile grows on his face at this tiny indulgement. It grows even more moment later when--

Is this a stroke of luck, or is this him being given a gift? There was a "blink of surprise" so he will play along and not suspect anything. It was him stealing the kiss, not him being gifted the privilege of kissing the princess. Surely--

--Obviously, if she didn't want a kiss, she wouldn't allow it to happen or would simply voice her displeasure. ]

Ooh? I truly cannot wait! [ His curiosity is piqued and a spark of excitement shows in his eyes. The reverse indeed, forgetting about the world for a short while sounds just as good - if not better - and it's also becoming quite easy to fall into. What it might be? What secret knowledge he might be granted?

Carefully he puts away his backpack, not to damage the content. The cables, the electronics, stuff that will give them all a headache later- But once that's done he's leaning close to Zelda, his hand absentmindedly brushing through caught hair strand. ] Consider me intrigued.

[ Yeah, princess, you got yourself a dog. He will follow you around like one now. ]

Metis Temple: The Tournament

[futhark]

[ Eventually, by some miracle (maybe the step-by-step instructions were that good; maybe it was the part of NEVER GIVE UP attitude surrounding Minako) the console is hooked to the TV screen. The correct channel is chosen

It's not that mages are allergic to technology, I mean they absolutely are, Caster just doesn't subscribe to the whole default idea. He's just, ancient. And if he wasn't shown or taught something - like connecting game console to a TV and all the cables (oh god, so many cables) - he doesn't have that Modern Instinct to just make it work,

Once it's on and working, it's at least familiar. He saw his shinki playing games, participated sometimes, so he knows how to fire off a game. However, the game he was given is unfamiliar. ]

Carts? This must be something new. [ Time to click play, right? ] Up to three players it says, maybe we can invite some more contenders. What do you think, Sparkle?

[ Can Zelda be convinced to play a cute racing game? Worth a try. ]

[reloves]

[ Videogames are definitely something Minako can find in the knowledge she still has despite her lack of memories. And there's excitement surrounding the knowledge, so she figures she must have been pretty into them when she was still alive - even sitting here now with the controller fills her with enthusiasm.

Still, she's not used to this.. thing. This tiny videogame device you're supposed to hook up to the TV. She's used to going to arcades and playing on the machines there, which means she also definitely wasn't used to the installation of these things - but it's nothing some determination can't fix. And hey, she didn't break anything doing it, so it's win-win!

What Caster suggests only makes Minako smile even wider. Caster visiting is fun, videogames are fun, but being able to oogle lovebirds in their natural surroundings? Now that's priceless. She has to get Zelda in on this. ]

Zeldaaaaaa! [ Her goddess may have moved to another room for a moment to grab something to drink while Minako almost caused a power outrage made sure the console worked, but that's no problem for Minako's voice's volume. ]

Do you wanna play with us? I promise I'll go easy on you..!

[ Her voice returns to a slightly more normal volume (by Minako standards) as she turns back to Caster-- ]

For the two of us though? It's on. Don't get too scared at the idea of witnessing a real expert at work!

[futhark]

[ Getting Zelda on the game is perfect. Maybe it's even better right now, when he has no freaking idea how to play the game yet. But he will refrain from additional shouting just yet- ]

I will fight to the death, do not think I will give up even if the enemy force outnumbers me! [ One (1x) Minako vs one (1x) Caster, someone has clearly a power of numbers here. So she might be a shinki, but if she's familiar with this stuff, it's very probable that muscle memory just will kick in, and she will wipe the floor with him. Virtual floor. Or rather road.

C'est la Vie, modern knowledge courtesy to Grail doesn't include lifetime alongside video games. That's something he got used he will never catch up to. ]

You sound like a professional, have you played a game like this already? [ If not the title itself. The title screen finally shows up and offer to do a tutorial- why not skip it and go straight to the car and...character... choice? ]

[reloves]

Hmm.. I guess so?

[ But even though Minako sounds like she's genuinely still thinking about it as she says so, there's definitely some muscle memory kicking in here. Sure, she might not have played this particular game during her life, but she has - even without remembering - played enough racing games to know how this stuff works.

She presses buttons to get to the right menu like it's nothing. And the character choice comes fairly easy to her too - the most showy and flashy girl character, of course. Probably with a golden car, because style. ]

I can't remember, of course, but this feels familiar. And I know what videogames are and I know that they're fun, so I must've at least played some during my life, right?

[futhark]

[ Oh snap, so she hasn't played it around here, and he just made a grave mistake of making a shinki think about their lost memories. This godly business is being a pain once again. Luckily he is adept in the art of distraction. ]

Oh they sure look like they're fun- I've seen some being played back in the temple- not this one though. [ Ginia has a special fondness for all those dating sims visual novels. Wonder if she gets to still play them at Ebisu- argh, wrong type of distraction. He's specifically here to not think about this kind of longing. So he slaps his cheek, maybe a little bit too hard and focuses on the golden car. ]

You think it's going to be faster because it's shiny? Do they have like- stats? Or is it purely of what looks the coolest? [ He is moving towards choosing a blue dragster like car. Is that a hedgehog behind the wheel though? ]

[reloves]

[ Thankfully it's pretty easy to distract Minako. She knows not too try and remember anything about her life anyway - which really sucks, but she's good at obeying as much. Not like she feels like changing into an ayakashi, after all. Him suddenly slapping himself is.. a little stranger, but Minako has better instincts than might seem at first glance, and figures it's probably best to not ask why he did that. ]

You know about videogame stats? [ It's half a genuine question, half teasing. Sorry, Caster, but your hair doesn't exactly make you seem like you are Modern and Hip and With It With Today's Youth. Hence why Minako grins just a little bit as she asks it. ]

They do though! Here, you can see it right there [ pointing at the screen ] with these stats! The heavier cars are slower, but it's also harder to knock them off the road and into the deep abyss!

[ Okay, so maybe she's making these games sound a little more dramatic than they actually are. ]

18th, afternoon

[boneofsword]

[At first Archer intends to give his god time and space to mourn the sudden loss, but two days of sleeping or drinking are a bit of an overkill, and he decides to remedy this in typical Archer style. It takes some time spent on searching the web followed by preparations, but everything is ready. In the afternoon he goes to search for Caster, finding him in the dog cuddle pile in front of the fireplace.]

Do you have some time? [he knows too well that Caster does, but some politeness won't hurt.]

[futhark]

[ Look drinking can be very therapeutic. So is sleep. Plus it’s much better than raging at the world, raging at yourself for telling wrong things and reacting badly, raging at Ginia for pulling a stunt like that in first place, and then back at raging at the world because if it wasn’t set the way it is, there wouldn’t be a problem in the first place!

Give humanity a few thousands of years and then make the examples for two opposites of that amount of years meet and they could be as well meeting an alien. ]

Nope I’m busy, I’m so busy… [ Caster waves his hand from underneath the pile. Those dogs. Just those dogs. He didn’t ask them to do this. They just decided on their own to gang on him. They’re most likely just as upset over the sudden change as him.

In the end they both he and Ginia were just following what they see as important, their own rules and morality. It just happens that they have different values. And truly, even if a friend has different values than him, following them regardless of those difference is something he can and does respect. Double on that when it’s between god and shinki, it takes courage to do that.

It still ultimately sucks, because it makes them incompatible. And might be a sign of troubles in the future - what if there is such incompatibility between him and Archer or Lancer too? Hopefully, he will he be able to handle it better next time. Speaking of which- he sits up, fixing his hair along the way ]

But I can make some time for you in my extremely busy schedule. [ He says with a joking attempt ]

[boneofsword]

[It tells a lot of how upset Caster is to find him so resigned. He has to make up for everything that happened, and give his god something else to think about. Archer offers him a hand to help him up.]

Good! [he says with appreciation, and winks.] Go grab an outfit appropriate for the Near Shore, there's something I want to show you.

[Given the time to calm down and think Archer can partially understand Ginia's reasons. If he wasn't able to do anything aside being a weapon he might be as lost as her. Perhaps she needs to experience other things by herself before making a final decision. It's not something he voiced to Caster, though.]

[futhark]

[ Archer and so much of initiative. Wow. Despite feeling incredibly lazy as he does, Caster collects himself up and nods. ]

Give me ten minutes or so. [ Just enough to get himself in order. Brush teeth, brush hair, find some winter appropriate clothes. There, presentable. That's how he leaves the temple, looking back at Archer with curiosity. ]

So where should I take us? [ The location is it. But since Archer wants to show him something just warping there could have ruin the surprise- so he relents on that offer quickly offers alternative ] Or are you going to lead us through the shrines?

[boneofsword]

[Now that more like Caster that Archer knows and likes. He has the whole route planned already, with interesting spots to catch the eye during the bus ride.]

Telling you the location will ruin the surprise, so I'm planning a safe route through the shrines. [he answers leading them to the stone circle that serves as the shrine. The landing point is an oak tree old enough to remember times long gone, and nearby a bus stop.]

[futhark]

[ There is a little less banter, but it's given. This is an attempt at normalcy, something he would end proposing himself eventually but Archer beat him to it- He appreciates the effort so he does his best to play along. Putting a smile on his face, that might falter a bit when Archer is not looking.

Maybe they should have taken Lancer with them, but he supposes Archer might have done it with less just "friendly" intention in mind. So somewhere along the way, when two places next to each other are freed on the bus, Caster grabs Archer by his hand and tugs him to sit down next to him- not taking away the hold on his hand ]

It is quite a long way from the familiar areas- [ he says as he looks through the window. ] How many more stops to go?

february 1st

[sageprincess]

[Zelda is the last to wake from the "sleeping sickness" that plagued the Heavens at month's end. This shouldn't be surprising, given her nature, but it may be concerning to those whose own natures have them watching over her still and silent body, the slow rise and fall of her chest as she breathes the only evidence that it still lives.

But if she were to wake without ensuring that there isn't a single person left suffering because of her mistake, she wouldn't be able to live with herself. And so she sleeps on, late into the third day of her slumber, until, finally, she stirs.]

Mnn...

[She groans a bit, first, her body feeling almost unbearably stiff from not moving for three days straight. Then her eyes flutter open, squinting against the light as she lifts her hands to rub the sleep from them. It doesn't take long after that to notice a familiar - if slightly blurry at the moment - shock of blue in her periphery.]

... Caster?

[futhark]

[ Seeing Zelda's eyelids flutter and open - finally, finally - is a gift to the world. Caster leans down to place a kiss on her temple.

Shh, I got you. ]

I'm here. [ He says, relief audible in his voice. The wait for her to wake up was growing scary. During his own time asleep he either didn't manage to find her or- didn't remember that he did. In the end, dreams are dreams, they are not easily remembered. ] We were here the whole time.

[ Him and Minako, taking turns. Guarding your sleep. Or attempting to, at least ]

How was your sleep? [ The question is out of true concern, but also of curiosity what the princess might have been up to in the dreamscape. How many of the people lost in dreams did Zelda help? ]

[sageprincess]

[She blinks in surprise at the sensation of his lips on her temple, still in the middle of processing her return to reality and all that it entails. No longer can she sense thoughts and feelings emanating from the world around her; no longer can she simply blink her body out of existence with merely a thought. It feels a little bizarre, and a little empty, to be without the power she has in dreams after wielding it for such an extended period of time.

Caster's words center her, though, as does the relief in his tone. Ah... that's exactly what she didn't want to happen.]

I... I am sorry.

[She begins, pushing herself up to sit upright on her bed. She wonders, idly, what time it is - having a temple that's largely underground suits her in many ways, but the lack of windows can be troublesome at times.]

I did not intend to worry the both of you. ... I had hoped-- [That neither of you would have to be involved at all, but she can't quite make herself voice those words. She stares at her hands in her lap instead, not looking Caster in the eye.] ... Well, the "plague" should be over now, I believe. There should not be anyone who is unable to wake, anymore.

[futhark]

It's okay- [ The string of apologies is something he would vehemently oppose in a different situation- but now it's not a place to start arguing about semantics. So he lets the sorries flow, putting his hand over her own. ]

You took care of them, it's amazing. We always knew you were out there, saving everyone. [ The "we" here are both him and Minako of course ] No one else could do it better than you.

[ Of course, he is sure she ended the "plague", and that's what he puts attention on. Look. A success. No one else could do this, her powers were exactly tailored for this kind of problem, and so she worked the most.

He gives her hand one last squeeze as he turns around for a moment to take a cup and pour a tea from brewing pot into it. The candle under the pot almost went out by now, which means the tea is warm and pleasant to drink, but not boiling. So just exactly right. ]

Here, try it. Good for waking up- I've got milk or honey at hand if you'd want some.

[ Forcing normalcy, here it goes. He's good at that recently. It's not to diminish her achievements and her worries, quite on the opposite. There are questions and there are stories to tell, but Caster wants to ensure that Zelda herself is attended to first. She tends to put her duties first- which is admirable, but also something that right now can wait. As far as he knows, no official is waiting at the door, no one she has to appear unfaltering to.

Let me take care of you ]

[sageprincess]

[You took care of them, it's amazing.

Her hand clenches into a fist under his, her brow wrinkling as her jaw tightens. His words end up having the opposite effect than intended, making her feel sick to her stomach rather than reassured. Forced normalcy, tender care - none of it works if the one on the receiving end doesn't think it's something they're worthy of.]

I am... undeserving of such praise.

[He doesn't know. Not really. Circumstance has lead her to reveal bits and pieces of her history, but the full extent of her failings has been a secret she has jealously guarded from everyone and everything in this world. And it's been so easy to do so, to keep those terrible things locked away and left behind in some dark, forgotten corner, that she's managed to deceive herself a little as well. Think that she really is this great, worthy person that Caster and Archer and Minako all see her as - or at least something close to it.

But she's not.]

... It was all my fault.

[There's no pride to be found in cleaning up a mess of one's own making. There's no happiness in seeing those you only wish to protect hurt and scared because of your actions.

She keeps her eyes down, and doesn't look at him.]

[futhark]

[ Well, that Didn't Work. But it also gives a glimpse of the full extent of what happened. She didn't just run there to save them, there is something else.

Is she saying the sleeping sickness caused by the dreamwalking princess. Did someone use her powers against everyone else, or was that her own attempt gone wrong? Did something out of her dream- unique in power as they are - escaped and caused everyone to become locked in their own dreams? Questions, questions, and there is no point wondering on them, it is just a question that has to be asked out loud. ]

Tell me what happened.

[ The homely and normalcy dropped, but the tenderness and care, and worry are still there. He sits closer and puts his arm around her- hand on her shoulder. No judging, just support. But he's not either trying to tell her it's not as bad as it seems.

He doesn't really know. Sometimes it's not bad, it's worse. Been there, done that. And what helps to go through the worst, at least to him - at least in his mind and memory -, is that reminder that you're not alone with it. ]