[ For the past few days since the incident with the souls that escaped from Rem's care, Zelda has been keeping to herself at home. In addition to being drained of her vitality by a ghost that took the form of her late father, she also got a little bit... stabbed in the arm.
So of course that's when a mysterious island with a huge crater in the middle would just appear out of nowhere, when the princess is too injured to explore it.
But she has a feeling someone else she knows is also quite interested in it. ]
Darin, have you heard about the strange island that appeared near Latrommi?
[ It'd probably be hard not to hear about it at this point. Doubtless the news about it is all over the shellphone network. ]
[Darin had also been taking it relatively easy thanks to the spectral form of his brother harassing him; once in the form of a child and then a night later as a hideous, undead monstrosity. But thanks to his seemingly limitless well of Stamina, Darin is bouncing back much faster than one would anticipate.]
[The new island also affords a rather welcome distraction from the fresh trauma of seeing Dromas again, so once news of the island broke, Darin was already making preparation when Zelda's text popped up on his shellphone.]
I did! I'm actually prepping some necessities before I try and find a boat heading out that way. What do you think made the crater?
[At this point, he's eager for the distraction and he hadn't heard from Zelda in a couple of weeks. Not that he was paying attention to that sort of thing.]
[ Exploring a mysterious crater would be a nice distraction from the memory of seeing her father transform into a skeletal monster. It's been hard to get that image out of her mind. And overall, Zelda is feeling much better after a few days of rest. She could definitely handle an expedition!
If only her wounds healed as quickly as Darin's. Alas. ]
Based on the few pictures I have seen on my shellphone, I do not think it is naturally occurring. Bear in mind, I have no evidence to substantiate my theory, But I suspect it might have been made by a leviathan.
[Darin hadn't actually considered that. He was thinking that it was some sort of strip mine considering that something big enough to make an impact crater like that probably would have much larger ramifications for the world.]
Oh man I didn't even think of that! Maybe a leviathan crawled out of there? Or maybe it's an old nest!
Now I'm even more excited to check it out! You're gonna come right?
[Two months ago, Darin would probably have dreaded the idea of Zelda coming along. Now, he's happily assuming she'd like to. He probably hasn't even realized the change in attitude himself.]
[ (A crater left over from some large, devestating impact could possibly explain the Great Flood... Zelda has been intending to research the Flood's origins but has not yet found the opportunity.)
She's a bit surprised to see him assuming she's going to come along, but it also makes her smile to read. He made such a show telling her how inconvenient it would be for him to accompany her on expeditions a few months ago. Maybe he's finally getting comfortable with her. ]
I deeply wish that I could! I can scarcely imagine what kind of wonders could be found within. But unfortunately, I am currently indisposed. I sustained an injury on my dominant arm a few days ago and I am incapable of performing any strenuous activity until it fully heals.
[ Following this message, Darin will receive a photo of Zelda's right forearm, fully wrapped in clean linen bandages from wrist to elbow. An obvious lump is visible on the top of her forearm, where additional bandages cover the deep puncture wound she sustained from Louis' phantom when it transformed. ]
[Darin stares at the text. She was injured? Did she trip and fall or something? She didn't get into trouble, did she?]
[He wants to respond but he doesn't want to come off as too invested. She'll see that he's started typing several times as he cycles through non-committal responses. 'That sucks' or 'Aw man that's bad luck'. He doesn't want her to get the wrong idea after all. He was going to go on this expedition regardless...but he can't fight the pang of guilt he feels knowing he'd be going at it alone.]
[But her follow-up text comes through right before he decided to hit 'send' on his very well thought out, nonplussed response and he sees the photo. Darin's seen his fair share of wounds. You don't dress a wound like that unless something struck you.]
[Moments later, he's calling rather than just sending texts.]
You got injured?? When?? What happened??
[He has to actually halt himself from asking 'What attacked you?']
[ As she receives the call, Zelda just assumes it's because talking is easier than typing. Before she can even get a greeting out, she's bombarded with panicked questions. ]
Y-Yes, I--... It was--...
[ Her each attempt to answer is interrupted by a new question, which makes her next attempt that much more flustered. ]
A-A few nights ago, I was visited by the spirit of my father-- or, rather, a spirit that took the shape of my father. It tried to siphon my life energy to give itself form, but a man protected me from it. Unfortunately, I was not paying enough attention to my surroundings and I was ensnared by the fiend haunting him. We were both injured in the altercation that followed.
[ She's being unnecessarily hard on herself for being stalked and attacked by a monster, as well as neglecting to mention it was her divine magic that kept the fiend from siphoning enough energy to become stronger. ]
[A spirit...so what happened to Darin had happened to others as well. Dammit, of course he'd get so swept up in his own stupid problems...he should have checked on other people.]
[He runs a hand through his hair and sighs.]
How come you didn't say anything though??
[His tone is...unnecessarily harsh and he winces at his own words.]
I mean...[Sigh.]
I get it, I was attacked too by my own ghost...thing. So I can't really blame you for not saying anything. I'm sorry.
[Ugh, why are you apologizing? Just move on!]
Are you sure you're alright? Do you need anything? Do you need someone to change the bandage? Arm injuries are tricky...
[ His admonishment stirs a pang of guilt, because Zelda hadn't even thought to tell anyone what she went through. She survived the encounters. Louis treated her injuries, and she his (up until he abruptly decided he'd had enough of that and bolted from her home). She's been doing well enough since then. Why trouble someone needlessly?
Because he is her friend, a part of Zelda reminds herself. She need not try to do everything on her own. If she can rely on her friends in Hyrule, she can do the same here. ]
I apologize for not telling you sooner. I did not wish to trouble you if it was not necessary.
[ She pauses on his offer, looking around her small apartment home. She hasn't been able to cook lately and she has been paying a doctor at a nearby clinic to change her dressing since she can't do it properly left handed. ]
I am in no immediate danger, but... [ She hesitates. She feels like she'd be imposing. ] it would be nice not needing to pay someone to change the bandage. It is beyond my skill to do left-handed.
You were paying someone to— [Another audible huff.]
Give me ten minutes and I'll be right over.
[He hangs up before she can protest and tosses his pack to the side.]
[It takes him a little longer than expected...but only because Darin stopped off at a shop to load up on first aid supplies. He has no idea what Zelda has on hand (which could have been addressed if he'd worked up the nerve to just call her again) and he is woefully under-stocked for himself; a problem he's never had to address given his natural healing ability.]
[He knocks on her door with the back of his hand and when she opens the door, she'll find him laden with all types of first aid supplies.]
...I didn't know what you had so uh...I came prepared?
[He's literally realizing how stupid he looks in this exact moment. He should have just called to check! But that's what happens when you act before thinking.]
[ Indeed, Zelda starts to protest-- and then the call abruptly ends.
Well. That isn't at all how she thought this conversation was going to go. All she intended to do when she reached out to Darin was ask him to take photographs of the crater for her, since she won't be able to go herself. She hadn't meant to upset him and she definitely didn't intend for him to drop everything and rush to her home.
When Darin arrives at Zelda's small apartment home, she greets him with an apologetic smile and a quirk of her brow at his abundance of supplies. It looks like almost enough to stock an entire clinic in itself. Did he perhaps not know what to bring and decided to err on the side of caution by bringing everything? How much does a man with enhanced healing really know about first aid? Zelda doubts he has much need for it himself.
But she truly appreciates it, nodding gratefully as she steps aside to allow him inside. ] Thank you. I've not had an opportunity to replenish my own stock since the attack.
[ Zelda's apartment isn't much to look at: a few small rooms containing a variety of mismatched pieces of furniture. The front door opens to the largest room, a space that could generously be described as "multi-use." There is a round table with two chairs (because having only one looked unbearably lonely), a cushioned chair next to a window, a desk with yet another chair pushed against one of the walls, and sets of shelves here and there wherever they can it. The far end of the room is an open space containing the kitchen, outfitted with the basics and little more.
She leads Darin to the table, which is covered in a bright yellow tablecloth embroidered with a sunflower motif. A few jars of ointments and small box of cloth bandages sit upon one side of the table. On the other end is a basket containing a torn crimson vest and holster carrying a handgun-- things that don't look like they belong to Zelda. ]
[Darin scans the apartment with veiled interest; he notices the vest and handgun but doesn't say anything despite the apparent urge to ask about them. They don't seem like Zelda's but...then again, how much does he really know about her?]
[Considering what he can see of her apartment, she's not one for extravagance...which he can relate to. Darin felt much more at home in a forge and considering his home and his old forge were linked, 'home' was more about a place to sleep and a place to work rather than anything else. Darin could barely even remember his old home; the cabin he shared with his brother and father. That had been burned down when he was a child and hardly any memory remained of it.]
[Honestly, Darin had a lot of thoughts on the concept of 'home' but none he'd be willing to share with anyone just yet.]
[He moves to the table and places the bags of first aid supplies on the table, then gestures for Zelda to sit while he pulls up a chair in front of her.]
Alright...let's see the damage.
[His face looks serious but that's because he's trying not to show too much concern. His voice betrays him, though.]
[ Zelda sits as directed while Darin pulls up the other chair. The chairs, like the table and the rest of the furniture, are sturdy and well crafted, but worn with age-- all items purchased by a woman with limited funds at her disposal. The nicest things in the apartment are the ones she sewed herself, such as the tablecloth and a throw blanket covering the ugly upholstery of the cushioned chair by the window. Her apartment lacks much of the coziness of the home in Hateno she shared with Link, but it's a start.
She nods as she lifts her right arm for him. The cloth bandage wrapped neatly around her arm from wrist to elbow is still nice and clean, proof that Zelda is being careful not to use this arm very much. ]
I was, yes. [ And he said he was as well, something she'll want to ask him about too. ] The spirit took the form of my father and on the first night it visited me, I thought it was truly him. It looked and sounded just like him... it even had his memories. Even after I realized it was draining my essence, I couldn't bring myself to drive it away.
On the second night that it visited me, a man I met on Naughtilust approached us outside. He saw how the ghost was draining me and intervened to protect me. He did... something, I don't know what, but he forced the ghost to transform and it attacked us. I tried to stay out of the way, but there was another spirit near by, the one that had been haunting him, and it caught me.
[ She leaves her story hanging there as she watches Darin handle her arm. It doesn't feel necessary to trouble him with the rest... ]
[Darin unties and unravels the bandage quickly and carefully— the dexterous hands of a craftsman making short work of exposing the wound. Darin may never really need to perform first aid on himself, but that doesn't mean he's unable to dress a wound. He'd often helped his adopted father with any injuries he might have sustained and he'd spent enough time with the Arclight Knights along with his mentor to know how to properly treat a wound.]
I didn't know your father was dead...I'm sorry. That...must have been a nightmare.
[There's a pause as Darin inspects the wound and starts to pull out some supplies; antiseptic, gauze, bandages...a box of band-aids featuring a colorful, animated yellow sponge falls out of the bag and he quickly shoves it back in.]
...Mine took the form of my brother. The first night he was...about seven years old. The age when I lost him. The next...
[He pauses as if he's searching for the words to continue. In truth, he has the words...but the connotations would lead to more questions.]
...The next night, he turned into a monstrosity. He was more than just a danger to me.
[ Zelda nods wordlessly at his assessment. Yes, it was a nightmare... and has been haunting hers ever since. The way his features melt like wax, revealing a skeletal fiend underneath. The things he said, how he worried she had forgotten him, how he encouraged her to make up for her mistakes by giving him her life. Even knowing it wasn't really her father, it looked and sounded just like him, making the experience that much more difficult to put out of her mind.
Underneath the bandages is a square of gauze which covers the wound on the top of her forearm. It is not cut or slash, but a large puncture wound, about the size of a coin, closed and scabbed over. The swelling around it is minimal and there is no sign of infection. It has clearly been well cared for and should fully heal without leaving behind any permanent damage.
Zelda listens with a serious expression, lips drawing into a line as Darin describes his ghost. A brother, lost as a child. Darin has never mentioned a brother before. ]
Dangerous how? [ She probes gently, knowing how easily she can set him off when she asks more than he's willing to share. ]
[Darin's eye twitches as he visibly resists a wince when he uncovers the wound. Darin might heal from physical damage faster than most people but he still feels pain. And this wound would have especially hurt. He examines how far along she's healed and looks for any inflammation or infection. Satisfied that Zelda had been properly taking care of it, he begins the treatment while he talks.]
...He's my twin. I wasn't the only one born with my abilities. His name is—was— Dromas. Same face but his hair is a deeper, moss green. Kinda wild, down to his shoulders.
[Surely Zelda can imagine that a man with Darin's strength would be dangerous but his explanation might not make sense. If Dromas died as a child, why would he be dangerous now? Even with his supposed strength, a child would have a significant disadvantage...]
[Darin's hands move deftly; gentle and precise despite the hardened callouses on his fingers and palms. Twenty years in the forge have made his hands strong and hard but it's apparent from his control that he's used to being as careful as he can be. He sprays the wound carefully with antiseptic and carefully places a new square of gauze over it; the wound might be scabbed but one wrong move could reopen it again. Then, he holds one end of the bandage with his thumb just below the inside of her elbow.]
Hold here, please?
[Once she's got it pinned, he begins to wrap.]
...It's my fault he died in the first place. Always was afraid he'd haunt me just never expected it here and now.
[ The mention that his brother shared his same abilities is all the explanation Zelda feels she needs to understand why the monster his ghost transformed into would be a danger. Even though the spirits were not actually the people they took the shape of, they somehow mimicked their abilities. A monster possessing Darin's abilities as well as the ability to siphon someone's vitality would be a formidable foe.
No, what catches Zelda's attention is how Darin insists that he is responsible for his brother's death. That... That can't be right. It doesn't matter that she doesn't know the circumstances that lead to Dromas' death; there's no way Darin intentionally killed his own brother. They were only children. Whatever happened, whether an accident or something worse, the fault could not possibly lie with Darin-- with either of them. She refuses to entertain the thought that he was any less a victim than his brother.
However, Zelda keep this conclusion to herself as she quietly holds the end of the bandage in place. It's not her place to speak on something she knows nothing about and doubtless all she'll manage to do is upset Darin. ]
That soul was not truly his. [ She offers. ] It was... blank, originally. Somehow, you imprinted your memories of your brother onto it and that is why it took his form.
[ Rem said that was just a theory, but having had time to think about it, it makes the most sense. ]
[Darin wouldn't really get upset if Zelda had fought him on his insistence that he's the reason for his brother's death. He'd heard much the same from both Acteon and Kessler; two men he held in the highest regard.]
[But the fact remains that the events of that night are forever burned into his memory and the lone scar across his back will forever mark that night. Darin was a notorious crybaby as a child; always hiding behind his twin brother who was the more vocal of the two. That night, when they were attacked, Darin was supposed to be the first to be cut down.]
[But he ran and Dromas had stood between him and his assailant. The blade passed clean through and tore through Darin's back. Then, his father fell. And Darin hid under his fallen body, pretending to be dead, holding in his cries until their assailants left.]
[If Darin were braver, Darin would have been the one cut down first. Dromas would have survived, probably. And then...maybe all of the things happening bak home wouldn't be happening.]
[He's about to tie off the bandage when Zelda explains the source of the phantoms and that makes his gaze snap up incredulously.]
Y...You mean...
You mean Dromas wasn't— [He has to pause and physically swallow the lump forming in his throat.]
[ Oh. That's a look she hasn't seen on his face before. Nor an emotion she's heard in his voice either, something so raw and vulnerable and choked up. Zelda is a little taken aback by the way he looks up at her, but her expression quickly softens and she shakes her head in affirmation. ]
It wasn't, no. Nor was my father. They were more like... empty vessels, I think, souls who had somehow forgotten who they once were. They escaped from their caretaker and spread throughout the leviathans. I believe they sought us out in order to siphon our life energy so that they might live again.
[ She knows more, but this is as much as she'll share. Whoever-- whatever-- Rem is, it's not for Zelda to share her secrets.
Thus, she pivots the conversation just slightly. ] Were you injured?
[Darin might be looking at her but it's evident from the expression on his face he's looking miles beyond her. If what Zelda was saying was true then...then Dromas hadn't actually been here. No one on this world was in danger— at least, not any more danger than they'd be in with him here.]
[It takes him a minute to regain himself, to realize that Zelda had even asked him a question. His attention snaps back to the task at hand and he lowers his head to focus more on tying off the bandage. It's neat and snug, tight enough to keep the wound safely covered but comfortable enough that Zelda won't lose any circulation.]
[With that done, Darin nods a bit and lifts an arm to remove one of the bracers covering his forearms. Zelda will see a massive bruise going from wrist to elbow; evidence that his forearms were at least cracked if not outright broken. But the discoloration denotes that he's already mostly healed.]
[He doesn't clasp the bracer back on right away.]
I...like I said, the first night my brother was a child. The next...he was my age. Which...it's a long and complicated story but before I left my world he'd come back and he...he wasn't the same. He was strong. Stronger than me. And angry.
So...hearing that it wasn't actually him...
[It's a relief. A clear relief. And he can't find the words to finish his sentence.]
[ Zelda draws back her freshly bandaged arm and rests it in her lap, brows furrowing as her eyes roam over the bruise Darin reveals to her. Knowing what she knows of how quickly he heals, if this is what still remains several days later, his injuries must have been severe. Her left hand twitches with the urge to reach out and offer aid, but there's little to be done at this stage, so she holds herself back.
Besides, what he says is just as worrying as what he must have gone through. ]
[Darin's quiet and Zelda can likely sense why. Discussing this is not only incredibly personal but it could lead to further questions. Questions about the nature and origin of his powers. The prophecy. Everything he is.]
[His hands ball into fists briefly. What happens if he tells her? Would she be scared of him? He wouldn't blame her but...]
[But Zelda is pretty much his first friend. And somehow she's managed to want to stick around despite the fact he's been an incredible ass to her.]
[He clasps the bracer back onto his arm.]
I don't know the details. [It's not a lie. He doesn't know everything about how Dromas came back. Just that he was somehow given a new body and raised in the realm of the Archfiends.]
Not...all of them. But he's alive. And...he hates me. Before I arrived here I was on the run. Being hunted down for an assassination I didn't commit. There was an eye witness...someone saw a man who looked exactly like me with blue hair. So...that's all they needed. I was in Arclight that day and people...
Well, people didn't need much of a reason to suspect me.
[He stands and starts to pace, running a hand through his hair, pointedly avoiding eye contact.]
Long story short, I escaped and chased down the guy who framed me. It...It was Dromas.
He'd dyed his hair blue knowing I'd be blamed. He wanted me to find him.
[And then he massacred the entire city of Eruyeka just to prove a point. To show Darin how strong he should be.]
[ Zelda knows that Darin doesn't particularly like to talk about personal matters. It's always a gamble whether he'll be willing to open up or whether he'll be cagey and defensive. So when he is initially hesitant to answer, she mentally prepares for the latter... and is surprised when she receives the former instead.
Her expression turns serious as she listens. It's a lot to take in all at once: a twin brother with the same abilities, who either died and returned to life or nearly died and miraculously survived; an assassination that he framed Darin for, perhaps solely for the purpose of getting his attention; and Darin living as a fugitive until he arrived here. This, coupled with what she already knows about him... it's no wonder he's so distrusting. ]
I cannot imagine how difficult it must have been to see him again... even if it wasn't truly his spirit that you met. [ She offers sympathetically, watching him as he paces. ] Especially considering...
[ Especially considering what happened before Darin arrived here. Especially considering there might be more that he's not telling her, and given everything he has told her, Zelda does not want to prod him further. ]
[There's more. Gods, there's so much more. Darin stops with his back to Zelda and she can see his hands clenching and relaxing as he wrestles with his own thoughts. Part of him wants to turn around and gauge her expression; he's good at that. He can read people. He can see the exact moment where pity or condescension for the 'poor demonkin' slips into a person's eyes coming from a mile away.]
[He doesn't want Zelda to pity him despite believing he truly is the most pitiable man ever.]
[But Dromas— the real one from his world— had made his intentions clear. He wanted to break Darin. To take away all of the comforts he'd known. Make him snap so that he could bring about the prophecy. The end of the world; the destruction of mankind. He hated that Darin got to live and he hadn't and he said as much before they parted. That Darin's was an idyllic life that a coward like him didn't deserve.]
[He decides to keep that to himself. Any mention of Dromas' intentions are likely to lead into a conversation about their origins. What they're meant to do. Keep it simple, Darin...]
He hated that I got to live. Hated me. I don't blame him. But coming here...I thought it might have been a blessing. I thought that maybe he'd never find me. So, when I saw him I thought...I thought this world was in danger because of me.
[He sighs and drags a hand down his face.]
But it's fine. It's fine, like you said. It wasn't him. Everyone's safe.
[He glances over his shoulder and smiles weakly at Zelda.]
[ Hatred. What a terrible thing to hear from one's own family. Even when things were at their worst between Zelda and her father, he never said he hated her. And she never hated him, not truly. She thought she did, at times during her adolescence, when all of her prayers and training yielded no results and her father refused to give her the comfort and encouragement she longed for. But deep down, she always loved him.
Could the same be true of Darin's brother? Perhaps it's naive, but Zelda hopes so. She does not have any siblings of her own, but she remembers Link with his sister and Mipha with Sidon and can't imagine hatred between them.
A thought she keeps to herself.
Darin glances back at her and Zelda sees that... he doesn't look good. What pity and sympathy he might have briefly seen in her expression disappear and worry takes their place. It seems like he's trying to deflect and change the subject, but he still seems tense and troubled.
She rises from her chair and walks over to him, shaking her head as she approaches. ] It is fine. You tied it well.
[ Zelda reaches out with her left hand to touch his arm, tilting her head inquisitively as she looks up at him. He doesn't seem like he's all right; he's avoided looking at her since he stood up. She searches his expression for an explanation. ] Are you all right?
[Darin looks down at Zelda's hand on his arm. She might feel his muscle tense and flinch; it's not that he fears physical contact. Far from it, actually. Darin's been known to ignore personal space but that's always been on his terms.]
[It's general kindness and gentleness that he's less accustomed to. To say that Darin is touch-starved is an understatement. Acteon loved Darin with all of his heart but the man was about as gentle as a bomb. Punches in the shoulder, claps on the back and chest, and a hair tousle that would knock your brain around were his preferred methods of affection and that's what Darin's known for as long as he can remember.]
[To his credit though, he doesn't pull away or outright rebuff her. He's trying.]
[And it's evident on his features. When he lifts his gaze to Zelda it's fearful. Anxious. But he doesn't like that side of him. That part of him that's still the scared, crybaby child. His life since the night he lost his brother and father was dominated by one thought: "How would Dromas act?" It gave him courage and a persona to be someone people might actually like.]
[If anyone knew the real Darin...well, no one would like that person. Darin couldn't stand him.]
[He manages a grin. That damnable mask is up once more.]
I'm...I'm fine. It was just a lot. And...like I said, Dromas is dangerous. He's a lot stronger than I am. He seems to know how to use his abilities. Dromas was always physically stronger...I was just more resilient. So when I saw him transform into that...thing...I dunno. I thought he was going to take away the place I was starting to have here.
[ Zelda expects him to flinch and pull away from her, so she's surprised when only one of those things happens. Darin never seems to have much of a problem intruding on her personal space, but he tends to react unfavorably when she intrudes on his. In that regard, he reminds of how Link used to act, back when Zelda first started to bridge the gulf between them. Link used to go completely rigid whenever Zelda so much as accidentally brushed against him. He was so high strung back then, never relaxing, never letting his guard down for a minute. It took a long time for him to learn to relax around Zelda, and even longer to stop jumping whenever she touched him.
She catches that moment of honesty in Darin's visage, but he whisks it away almost immediately. That fear is clearly something he doesn't want her to see.
But, having seen it, she now reads it between his words. He's... still quite shaken from this encounter, even though he seems to want her to believe that he isn't. That he mentions Dromas knows how to use their unique abilities sticks out to Zelda. As does his worry that Dromas was going to take away Darin's place here. ]
You were able to stop him, though. [ She counters gently. ]
[That draws a sardonic laugh from his lips as he turns back towards the table.]
Here? Barely. I had help at the last second and if I hadn't, I was going to do my damndest to take him with me. I'm not letting what happened to Eruteka happen here.
[He catches the slip and winces. Time to try and change the subject.]
You said you saw your father...? What was he like? Was he a researcher like you?
[ Well that's not the reaction she was hoping for. Here she is, trying to be encouraging because he seems upset, and he brushes her off. First he confides in her, then he throws up his walls again. It's like there's a time limit to his honesty; once the time's up, all hope for a proper conversation is over.
But worse than that is what he actually says, implying that he was willing to give up his own life in order to keep the monster that took the form of Dromas from doing harm.
And then Darin has the audacity to decide that no, he's done with this conversation. The abrupt change in his attitude makes the usually-patient Zelda bristle. ]
My father? [ She frowns, striding around him to stand beside her table. ] No, don't you try to change the subject. What happened?
What happened? Someone came and helped. I got to watch my brother die again, this time by my own hand. What more do you want? What, you want a play-by-play?
[Or was she talking about Eruyeka? Like hell he was going to tell her that. Darin already said Dromas was stronger than him, she doesn't need to know he wiped out a city. He doesn't need anyone else to know how much of a danger he could be simply by existing here.]
[He glowers down at her.]
Or, maybe you're the one who doesn't wanna talk now?? It's easier to pry into someone else's life isn't it?
[ This is hardly the first time Zelda has been on the receiving end of Darin's attitude, so she doesn't balk at it. She remains beside the table, right arm held carefully in front of her, challenging him on his attempt to intimidate her. ]
I will tell you everything you want to know about my father, but not until you tell me what you are so afraid of. You cannot simply tell me that you were prepared to use your own life to end his and expect me to leave it at that.
[ Originally, she intended to be more gentle about this. Everything he's already shared about his brother paints a troubling picture, to say the least. But she isn't going to allow him to attack her like this when all she's trying to do is understand what he went through. ]
Who the hell cares?! If that's what has to happen to keep Eltrut or any of the other cities from being lost, then that's a damn small price to pay!
[Darin lowers himself closer to Zelda's face as he gestures sharply to the side with his right arm.]
What the hell does it even matter to you?! You barely know me! I saved your life once and for some reason you've got me painted as some...some paragon of virtue! I acted without thinking! I'm not some damn hero or champion or anything, Zelda! I'm just a blacksmith who doesn't want to see people die anymore!
[He whips around and makes for the door, but stops. he runs both hands through his hair in frustration, then whips around again.]
You want to know why I was prepared to use my own life?? Fine! When I met Dromas in Eruyeka before I got here, he wanted to prove a point. Namely, the fact that I'm supposed to be a lot more powerful than I am. And he decided to prove his point by wiping Eruyeka off the map. It's gone. The city, the people. He killed them all and used his powers to turn every building, every body into a spire. "A monument to mark the beginning of our destiny" he called it.
[He hates this. He hates recounting the events of that day. But somewhere deep in his mind, he thinks that maybe he can scare Zelda. Make her believe he's dangerous. Too much trouble. He couldn't push her away by being abrasive and cagey so maybe it's time he just tries to make her fear him.]
[He gestures wide and grans as he recounts the story, straightening up to his full height as if he were regaling her with some incredible tale or legend. And when he's done, he holds his ground; chest puffed out, hands clenched at his sides. Resolute.]
I didn't want that for Eltrut. I couldn't live with myself if that happened again. If I have to go down to make sure no one else has to suffer, Zelda, I will do it without a second thought because who the hell am I to weigh my stupid life against everyone else's? Against all of you.
[And there's the crux of it. His life isn't worth the same as anyone else's. In his eyes, it never has been. And so he'd gladly sacrifice it if it meant those more deserving got to keep theirs. Losing him would be better for everyone anyway, in the end. If he's gone, there's no prophecy.]
[ It's decidedly more difficult to hold her ground when he starts shouting at her, but she somehow manages... even though a faint tremor runs through her form. She's not scared of him-- not scared that he'll hurt her, at least-- but his outburst is still frightening in itself. Rarely does anyone lose their temper with a princess.
For a moment, she worries that she's gone too far when he strides towards the door and she wonders frantically if she should try to stop him. The last time she tried to stop someone from leaving her home, they attacked her and then ran off anyway. Zelda feels like she knows Darin better than she knows Louis, but he also just yelled at her that she doesn't.
But he stays anyway and Zelda listens in silence as he lets out all his anger and all his fear. At the end of his story, she's shaken, this time visibly, and steadies herself with her left hand against the tabletop. No wonder he fears his own power-- to see it used not only to snuff out an entire city, but to warp even the bodies of the dead into something twisted and frightening.
If Darin had stopped there, he might have succeeded in actually scaring Zelda (at least temporarily). It's terrifying to imagine how his strength could be used to effortlessly kill everyone on Eltrut. But he doesn't stop, and when she hears what she knows to be the heart of the matter (because Zelda knows, better than most, about sacrificing oneself to protect others), her fear immediately dissipates. Over and over he insists that he is not selfless, not heroic, not virtuous, and yet in the next breath insists that use his own life to protect everyone else's.
But it doesn't come from a place of altruism, does it? It comes from a place of deserving... or, in this case, undeserving. ]
You truly think your life is worth less than anyone else's? [ The harshness is gone from her tone, but her question is still a challenge against him. ]
[Darin stands rigid, his heavy breathing flaring his nostrils. Fists balled at his sides so tight his nails have dug into the callouses; his knuckles bone white.]
[But he doesn't back down. If Zelda really desired to know, then fine. Fine. She can pity him and understand why he won't change his mind on this.]
You want to know who I am, Zelda? Really know?
My name is Darin Altway. The mere act of being born cost my mother her life. As a child, I survived an attack that I shouldn't have. An attack that took my brother Dromas, and my father Dracer. I ran and my brother tried to save me. He got cut down and all I bore was the scar across my back.
People with hair like mine are rumored to be descended from demons. The first thing I remember when I woke up in a strange bed, bandaged and clinging to life were adults arguing over who would take "The Cursed Child." And for a year, that's what I was. A burden to be passed around. No one wanted me. Everyone was afraid that keeping me around would lead them to the same fate as my family. No one had the courage to put me in an orphanage because "they owed it to my father" but apparently they didn't owe him enough to actually want me around.
[As he talks, his voice grows more somber. He laughs at that last sentence; a cold and bitter, mocking laugh.]
It's only by a miracle that Acteon took me in. And the only reason he didn't do it sooner is because he thought others were more well-suited to take care of a child. If it hadn't been for him, I would have been sent to an orphanage and no doubt conscripted into the army when I was old enough.
I hide my strength because people are scared of me. When I healed from something that should have killed me, people thought I was a monster. That sooner or later I'd become something terrifying. That I'd hurt them.
[He keeps the prophecy to himself. Dromas had only told Darin about it at their meeting in Eruyeka and talking about it felt like it might manifest somehow.]
So you tell me: is my life really worth the same as anyone else's? Because if it was, why didn't anyone want me? If the cost of saving a city is one life, why not the one that nobody wanted? No one would miss it.
[The lump is back in his throat. Darin wears his heart on his sleeve, earnest and true. And admitting now, with his own voice, that he was never wanted cuts deeper than the blade that tried to cleave him as a child. He doesn't want to be a bad man. But the world decided he was and fate seemed to conspire with them. All he wants is to do one good thing with his life. Even if he's never wanted, even if no one remembers him, it would validate his existence.]
[ It's hard to listen to his story, and harder still not to look away as he tells it, but she forces herself to. Because yes, she does want to know who he is. He's told her bits and pieces of his story here and there, and she recognizes those pieces when he reaches them. But this time, he lays them all out for her, in a line from start to finish, as if his life is a spectacle for her to judge.
It's not pity that fills her gaze as she listens, but sorrow. Sorrow to hear all the injustices he suffered as a child, only seven years old. Zelda knew loss at that age too, the untimely death of her mother, but at least she still had her father and Urbosa. Darin had no one. No one to care for him as he grieved the loss of his family. No one to tell him that their deaths were not his fault. How horrible, how cruel, to fear a child for reasons beyond his control.
Zelda remains silent, even as Darin challenges her to weigh the worth of his life. There are a thousand things she wants to say, a thousand ways she wants tell him that he did not deserve the cruelties he suffered as a child-- nor the stigmas he suffers yet today, all because of his unique power and the possibility that his heritage is less than completely human. He was right to run; he was a child. They were both children. His strength does not make him a monster; it is how he uses that strength that would. His brother proved that at Eruyeka.
But a handful of kind words will not undo years upon years of suffering. Worse, she doesn't want to make him think that she is trying to brush away his suffering with her words. He clearly carries far more scars than just the one across his back. Wounds like those take many years to heal. Hers have. Link's have.
So she chooses her words carefully, and when she finds them, they're small. Because she is small. She's only one person.
But so is he. Not a monster. Not a curse. Just a person. ]
[Darin stares at her. The edge in his eyes is gone, replaced with a mixture of confusion and incredulity.]
...Why?
[He doesn't understand. How could he? As far as he's concerned the only person who might miss him was in another world entirely. Acteon freed him from his prison transport. He sacrificed his own freedom because he believed Darin could find who framed him. He doesn't even know where Acteon was at that moment and the more he thought about it, the more tears stung his eyes.]
[Stubbornly, he shakes them out and returns Zelda's declaration with a hardened stare.]
Why the hell would you?? Because I saved you once? Because...Because I said we were friends? What possible investment could you have in me that you'd miss me when you've only barely learned who I am! What I can do!
[For all his protests, he's still standing, rooted in place. Desperation creeps into his body language— he pivots like he's looking for a way out. He shifts his weight back and forth between his feet and his hand constantly finds its way to comb through his damnable blue hair.]
I'm just one man. One stupid, cowardly man. I've run from everything! Hell, I'm trying to run from you right now!
[The tone of his voice shifts to pleading. Because something tells him that if he doesn't push her away right this moment, then he won't be able to walk away. And that, inevitably, he will hurt her. He hurts everyone. He's literally fated to do so.]
[ All his anger seems to have burned out, because even the way he glares at her doesn't carry the same intensity that it did a minute ago. His protests lack the same ferocity as before, sounding more desperate than cruel, as though he's trying to convince himself as much as her. ]
I disagree. I feel like I owe you quite a lot.
[ Despite how he looks like he's ready walk out the door at any moment, for whatever reason, he continues to hesitate.
Initially, Zelda remained beside the table out of fear-- fear of the force of his anger, fear that approaching him would drive him away. But now she takes a cautious step towards him, carefully watching his reaction. ]
Not because you saved me. But because I have enjoyed the time we've spent together. Because I've seen the brilliance of your designs and I want to help you bring them to life. Because you sampled those silly frogs with me.
[ By the time she finishes, she's about an arm's length away from him. And that's where she pauses, supporting her right arm with her left, careful of the bandage he just changed for her. ]
I cannot show you a sunset from the pinnacle of the sky to cheer you up, even though I wish that I could. All I have are my words. But I hope you can believe them, because they are the truth.
[For a moment, it does look like Darin might turn and flee out of the door. He watches Zelda slowly cross the room until she's close enough that they could both reach out to one another.]
[He hears Zelda's words and they're at complete odds with his worldview. His life. He has no reason to distrust her. She's been patient and considerate of his concerns and privacy. He's been so difficult with her and for what? Acteon and Kessler both proved that there were good people out there. People who would accept him.]
I'm still dangerous. I...I could still hurt you.
[He doesn't want to hurt anyone but people seem to get hurt just being around him.]
I'm cursed, remember?
[It's a weak, sardonic counter to her kind words. He's reaching; grasping at straws. Something to validate his fears. Dromas called him a coward and he's always known Dromas to know what he was talking about.]
[ His arguments are weak, half-hearted things, lacking any real fight, and that's how she can tell her words have managed to reach him. Are they things he truly believes, or just things he's heard so many times he assumes they're the truth? It's impossible not to internalize such cruelties, especially a lifetime's worth. Zelda is only just learning to believe that the Calamity was not her fault.
Zelda does not believe that he is cursed, but she stops short of asserting that. She doesn't want to overwhelm him anymore than she already has by challenging him on everything he believes about himself.
So instead, simply, ] I am not afraid of you.
[ She hesitates for a moment, then reaches out once more to lightly touch his arm with her left hand.
Is he dangerous? Certainly. Could he hurt her? Without question. But so could any other person, powers or not. Yes, perhaps the risk is greater with Darin should he lose control, and he has said himself that he barely knows his own strength, but Zelda can't find it in herself to fear him for that. That would be like fearing a lightning strike every time she hears thunder; she'd rather risk the danger to watch the storm than never see the beauty in each flash of electricity webbing across the sky. ]
[When she touches his arm this time, he doesn’t flinch. How can he? His entire body is tended up like a knot of steel cords. He lowers his gaze to the floor between them. He’s lost. Confused. The cognitive dissonance between what he feels and what Zelda is saying is deafening.]
[Because he knows her words come from a place of kindness. Even Acteon and Kessler knew what he could do and said much of the same. That they trust him. They aren’t scared of him. He’s not a monster.]
[But they didn’t see what Dromas did. They didn’t see what he was apparently capable of. And they didn’t know about the prophecy, about the origins of his power. That he’s an Archfiend God of destruction. That he’s literally supposed to be the end of Anmaral.]
[So while Zelda says she’s not afraid of him now, he can’t help but believe that will change. That if she ever learns the truth, she’ll be terrified of him. And, honestly? As much as that prospect hurts, he’d prefer it to actually hurting her. Or anyone for that matter. He’d rather be alone than disappoint people who came to trust him. If they can’t stand him, they can’t get hurt when he inevitably changes. He’ll be easier to stop.]
[He can’t meet her gaze but she could easily step into his.]
Then clearly you don’t recognize danger when you see it.
[One last push; a weak barb meant to try and cause her to get upset and withdraw. Before she starts to care too much.]
[ Oh, it's much too late to stop her from caring too much. That chance has long since passed, blown away on the wind when he carried up into the sky and snapped their picture. ]
So I've been told before.
[ Zelda is aware of her tendency to be reckless. Hell, Darin chastised her for exactly that on the day they met, when she risked an encounter with the harpies in order to try to rescue him. And he is not the first person to say so, nor is he the first person she's put herself in danger because of... and he will certainly not be the last.
The nice thing about being notably shorter than Darin is that it's easy to move into his field of view when he's trying to avoid her gaze-- which she does now, not retracting her hand. ]
You say that I barely know you and very well, I will capitulate to that. But I do know that you would not hurt me, not on purpose.
[ But she knows he'll still fight her on that, so Zelda decides to take a gamble. ]
However- [ She takes a steadying breath. ] -if you can tell me truthfully that you intentionally mean me harm, I shall stand aside and trouble you no more with my company.
[Darin's eyes snap to hers. He has no doubt that she's telling him the truth; he knows that look. He's worn that resolute look more times than he cares to admit, always when he was challenging someone's authority. He wore that self-same look when he challenged the masters of his smithing guild when they tried to declare him ineligible for his master's certification. He wears that look any time some high-born noble looks down on him, pitying his 'affliction.' It's the look of someone who knows in their heart of hearts that something is worth fighting for.]
[And Zelda seems to think he's worth fighting for.]
[All he'd have to do is lie. Tell her that he'll hurt her, that he wants to hurt her and that'll be the end of it.]
[But didn't he tell her that he hates liars? That he'd rather people be straight with him than hide their thoughts and intentions? He wears everything on his sleeve openly. He never compromised who he was even if people hated him for it. His principles were forged in iron.]
[He sighs and closes his eyes, some of the tension leaving his large frame like steam evaporating off of a red-hot stovetop.]
...I...don't want to hurt you, Zelda. I'd never hurt you...
Hell, when I heard you got hurt I was ready to find the jerk who did it.
[He glances away, huffing as he rubs the back of his neck, slightly embarrassed at his own admission. After all, that's why he rushed over here in the first place, isn't it?]
[ She knows before he speaks that she's won her gambit. It's plain as day in his face and in his form, the will to fight dissolving right in front of her. Even if he had tried to lie to her, Zelda wouldn't have believed it-- not only because she already knows he's a terrible liar, but because she's already seen over and over again the way he cares for other people.
It's the entire reason he's here in her apartment at all.
She lets him look away this time, her countenance softening. ]
I know that you won't hurt me. It does not matter to me who-- or what-- you are, Darin. You are my friend, and I won't allow you to throw that away so easily.
[Darin spares a glance Zelda's way and immediately snaps his eyes back to the nearest wall, his frame stiffening up reflexively. It's really not fair how she can be so disarming.]
[What's worse, he feels like a complete ass right now. All of that trauma dumping, the yelling...and all because she just wanted to understand him. And he came over to help her too! Just what the hell was wrong with him?!]
[His head falls and he roughly tussles his own hair.]
Gah...! The hell is wrong with me?? I came over to check on you and I went and yelled at you over something stupid. I'm sorry, Zelda. I shouldn't have disturbed you in the first place.
[The urge to bail; to try and run and save face is strong. He'd probably be heading for the door if he wasn't so sure he'd just explode through it at this point.]
[ (His poor hair. If he keeps going at this rate, he's going to end up pulling it all out.)
Zelda carefully moves so that she's a bit closer to the door, intending to put herself between it and Darin. She'd really rather he not run off after all this. ]
No, I am glad that you came. Truly. [ She squeezes his arm softly, trying to get his attention back. ]
I'm sorry that I did not tell you sooner what happened to me. I only meant not to trouble you because I am not in danger, but... [ She expels a small sigh. ] ...Well, were this Hyrule, you would not be the only one upset with me for my silence.
If it helps, I will accept your apology for yelling at me. But none beyond that. [ There's something gentle but firm in her tone that says she's not willing to accept any argument about this.
Zelda pauses for a moment, examining him carefully. He seems to be calming down, but they've been in this position before, where he's gone back and forth between being comfortable with her and wanting nothing to do with her. And in addition to that, his words are often at odds with what she reads in his emotions; he acts as though it would be troublesome to spend time with her, but lights up like the sun when they stumble upon a subject they're both passionate about.
She can't keep up this guessing game any longer. ]
Darin, tell me plainly: do you wish me to stay out of your life?
[He answers before he even has a chance to properly think. Always quicker to speak with his heart than his own self-doubting mind. But now that he's outright said it, walking it back would just cause more frustration.]
[With a grumble, he drags a hand down his face.]
I don't...want you to stay out of my life, Zelda. I'm just not...good with this sort of thing. I actually really like spending time with and working with you.
[But there's something else and Darin's not sure he can put it off any longer. If Zelda is so dead set on understanding him then...]
...There's...a reason. A reason why I try and push people away. Do you mind if we sit...?
[ Zelda is not expecting an explanation for why he is trying to push her (and apparently others) away; he has reasons aplenty, based on what he's already told her of his life. So to hear that there's another reason under all that takes Zelda by surprise. ]
All right.
[ She nods and leads him back to the table, gesturing to the other chair as she takes a seat. She doesn't intend for it, but her brow has furrowed with concern at what he might be about to say. After everything else, what could be left? ]
[Darin takes a seat and leans forward, propping himself up with his elbows on his knees. He focuses on the floor rather than Zelda's face as he wrings his hands.]
Before...when I said that people with hair like mine are said to be descended from demons...? There's...more to it.
[He wrings his hands and closes his eyes. He recalls the day he crossed paths with Dromas at long last after weeks of chasing him down. The strangely empty city of Eruyeka. His dramatic reveal and speech. How he laid Darin out so easily, laughing at how weak Darin was.]
When I met my brother...back home. The day he destroyed Eruyeka...
He was trying to show me how strong I should be. That together...a city or two was nothing.
[He closes his eyes and breathes out slowly.]
Back home there's a...a prophecy spread by the church. They've used it to fearmonger and convert people.
"A Red Star Afore a Silvery Moon Ushers in the Heralds of This World's Doom The Realms Now Split the Demon King Will Rise This, Poor Souls, is How Our World Dies."
[It sounds like nothing more than a poem, one that Darin had heard endlessly parroted throughout his life. Only recently had it felt less like a limerick and more real.]
It talks about the alignment of Anmaral's moons forming what the chuch calls "The Demon's Eye." It's never happened before but when it does...something's supposed to happen.
The Archfiend Diomuhr is supposed to rise up and destroy the world.
[He pauses there, assuming Zelda has her fair share of questions. Darin certainly had enough for Dromas.]
[ Zelda listens silently, taking care to give Darin ample space to speak. The things he says are troubling, to be sure, but her expression remains measured for most of it.
Until she hears the words "Demon King," that is.
The color drains from Zelda's face, the rest of Darin's explanation going more or less unheard. The Demon King. Of course, he cannot be speaking of the same Demon King from Hyrule's past, the one Zelda fears she has identified among the members of Rauru's court. The one who is here, somewhere, doubtless biding his time and planning something terrible. Anmaral's Demon King cannot possibly be the same person. It is impossible.
But logic does not put Zelda's mind at ease. It's statistically impossible for Ganondorf to be here, in this world, at the exact same moment as Zelda, across all the possible worlds and moments in time and space. And yet, here they are.
Normally, Zelda would have a question or two at this point, even though she suspects Darin still has more to tell. But right now, she can't think of a single thing to ask. Although she is facing Darin, she seems to be staring right through him, her mind all the way back in Hyrule, watching Ganondorf kneel before Rauru and the utter fear that dropped in her stomach at the sight of him. Zelda has gone quite pale, her expression tense and grim, a look Darin has never seen on her before. ]
[Darin was expecting this reaction, which makes his next admission all the more painful. When he speaks, he closes his eyes and his words are hushed. Ashamed.]
According to my brother...Diomuhr could not enter Anmaral as he was. To do so, he had to play a trick. He had to be reincarnated.
One human couldn't contain all of that power. So...two were chosen by destiny to each bear one half of his soul.
Twins.
[He lets the emphasis hang, sure that Zelda knows what's coming next.]
...Zelda, Dromas and I—together—are Diomuhr.
I'm the Demon King prophesied to destroy my world...
[And there it is. There's the story. The reason why he doesn't want people to get close to him. Because he'll hurt them if he changes. Or worse yet, he'll hurt them by changing. They'll come to care for him and try and find ways to stop him and would likely get killed in the process. Or, worse yet, they'll be disappointed in him should he be unable to change his fate.]
[ There are very few things Darin could have said to invoke this kind of reaction from Zelda. The Princess of Hyrule is a woman of few fears and few prejudices, having a penchant for being curious and open minded to a fault. Nothing Darin has said up until now has stirred this kind of fear in her. And she knows-- she knows-- that his Demon King is not Hyrule's.
But no amount of reminding herself of this fact can stop her from flashing back to her seventeenth birthday, to the day the prophesied destruction of her world came to pass. She was so young, just a girl, and forced to face on her own the incarnation of hatred itself. One hundred years she spent trapped with it, using every ounce of her strength and magic to protect what remained of her kingdom until Link could defeat the monster and save them all. For how much Zelda has grown and recovered since then, the Calamity still haunts her nightmares. And after a century steeped in its hatred, Zelda knew its progenitor the moment she laid eyes on him kneeling before the first King of Hyrule.
[Zelda's not saying anything. Why isn't she saying anything? Darin's heart is beating into his throat. He can feel the rapid thumpTHUMP thumpTHUMP in his godsdamned ears!]
[He takes the chance and lifts his head to look at her and that same heart that had been pounding in his own ears sinks into the pit of his stomach.]
[He knows that look.]
[The look people gave him when he climbed out of his sickbed as a boy. Not astonished and elated that a boy of seven survived his grisly wound but horrified and appalled that he still yet lived. Not lucky. Not blessed.]
[Cursed. A Monster.]
[Over time those looks bothered him less but they stung all the same. But now...now he opened up of his own volition. He took a chance. He gambled.]
[And he lost.]
[And it's like watching the sun set after a funeral. Knowing that tomorrow things will be different. There will be loss and you'll feel hollow and things just won't feel the same. And over time, the pain fades. It dulls and hardens like a callous on the heart. He doesn't need her to say anything because her expression is plain: Terror. Pure terror. It's like she can see the monster he's meant to become looming over his shoulder.]
[The least he can do is cast the image out of her mind.]
[And so he stands abruptly, lowering his head to the floor.]
...And now you know. And it looks like I did what I set out to do in the end.
[His voice is cold and broken and when he speaks next, he laughs. It's bitter and mocking and sounds like ice linking around in a steel cup. The mask is back up in one fell swoop.]
I told you, didn't I~? I'm the furthest thing from a 'champion.' Any good I've done was accidental, I promise you.
[Play the role. Hammer the point home.]
I'm a smith, and with these hands I'll be forge the hammer that sunders the world. I'll forge an end to tomorrow.
[It's theatrical, but at this point he has to be. He has no other choice.]
[And so he makes for the door, throwing it open and pulling it closed behind him with a slam.]
[And as he walks home, he pulls out his shellphone. He looks at the wallpaper he spent hours trying to figure out how to assign; the selfie he'd taken with Zelda in the sky above Naughtilust. He wants to change it but he can't figure out how right now. Instead, he moves to her contact ID.]
[Spending the past few days to recuperate and get back to a hundred, Ranma knew he needed to check up on the others who took part in the front against Ganondoofus. Darin especially. The big lug took a helluva lot of damage and had to be dragged to a comfy bed because someone -- not naming names cough cough zelda cough cough -- decided the best course of action was to abandon ship and get the hell out of dodge. No he's still not bitter about being forced to flee, whatever gave you that impression.
But feelings of vituperation can come at a later date. For now]
Yo. How ya' holding up after everything? You were still out of it when I left. [ran out through the wall cause zelda neglected to bring up she had a cat in her home]
About the same, though I wasn't that badly beat up like you were. My ribs should be about healed up by now, and breathing doesn't feel like my lungs are on fire. I'd say I'm fit as a fiddle.
Hah! Beardo's done basically nothing to me. My body also has a faster healing time compared to most people. Only need a few days of bedrest, and I'm good as new.
[That, and he figured if he went to Kaveh or someone else for healing purposes, they'd make a big scene over him showing up unannounced with severe injuries that'd kill most ten times over.]
Ganon was using some pretty wicked magic back there though. I've never felt anything like it before. [Sensing it during the fight felt like he was being inundated in a smog of pure malice at its source.] I'd keep track of anything weird or bad for you if I were you, just in case he did something to you.
I know you know a little bit about my power but I never told you where it came from.
On my world I'm a reincarnated demon god. I'm supposed to destroy my world. I think that's why I survived what Ganondorf threw at me.
The thing is, I've never used my power. If I use too much of my strength then I risk destroying my body. But Ganondorf hit like nothing I'd ever encountered before. It was like fighting my brother.
I was no match.
Ranma, I want you to train me so I can withstand the force of my own power.
[One helluva demon-god-harbringer-of-the-end-days bombshell to drop all at once there Darin. However is Ranma supposed to process this, he's going to need a long, LONG time to take all of this in-]
Huh. Cool.
[Or never mind. He's rather more taken aback by what Darin said after the fact.]
Why me though? Not that I'm not flattered or nothing.
Ranma you went toe-to-toe with me and Ganondorf. I may have been holding back but that doesn't change the fact that you can do things that no one else in my world can.
You helped protect Zelda.
I trust you.
And If I'm going to get stronger. Strong enough to be able to stand against Ganondorf I need to stop running from what I can do and actually learn what I can do.
I'm just used to holding my own against foes hundred times stronger than I am. [Though he'll take the ego boost, so thanks for that Darin. That, and hearing someone say they actually trust him wholeheartedly, no doubts or second-guessing... feels really nice to hear actually.] But I'm hearing what ya saying here. Besides, I was hoping to get a chance to spar and train with you again, so we're both getting something out of this.
[Beat.]
How else do you want me to react to that? 'OH WOW THAT'S SO AWESOME' or 'EEK, STAY FAR AWAY FROM ME!'?
I can tell you what I know about my abilities but I admit it isn't much. But after seeing what you can do and hearing about your training, I admit I got a bit of a fire burning in me.
And I'd expect more of a reaction considering I just told you my biggest secret!
Fair enough. Alright then, I can help you figure out what you can and can't do with your powers, to the best of my abilities anyway.
[So far, all of his 'disciples' have been people younger than him who knew what they could do. This'll be a bit of a shake up from the norm.]
Might be your biggest secret, but to be frank, you ain't exactly the first technical god-demon thing I've met before. You're just the first that hadn't tried to kill me.
[If that's what he's calling his time back home, then he's got a grand list that'd make the Library of Alexandria's catalogue look like a rinky-dink bookmobile.]
So do you have any questions or anything? I'm not used to dropping the whole "I'm a world ending god of destruction" bit without some sort of follow-up.
[Gotta stop assuming people know what you're talking about Ranma.]
Life energy.
Maybe? It can take people their entire life to even be able to consciously use their ki to do basic things like pocket items, accelerate your body's healing, all that. I've only learnt how to convert it into an attack like two years ago.
My body already heals at an accelerated rate though.
I wonder if I actually can convert that energy into something.
Okay, I'm getting ahead of myself. First thing's first, I need to train my body to be able to throw a punch without it destroying my bones from the recoil.
Gonna be straight with you, working with ki's not entirely my strongest purview. The old crone's more familiar with that, hell, she's the one who taught the guy who inspired me to make my own version of his technique. But I'm willing to give it the old college try.
... Speaking of the old crone, she actually put the same guy, Ryoga, through training that made him durable as hell, more than me. I wasn't there when she did it, but we could try that.
Sounds like a plan to me. Truth is? I don't have any idea what my limits are. My brother wiped out a city with some kinda power I've never seen so apparently I'm capable.
But if I put my whole strength into a punch, I'm pretty sure it'll blow my arm off.
That blow I landed on Ganondorf that knocked him through to the upper decks was the best punch I've ever thrown. Somehow, that didn't destroy my arm but that still is only a portion of my power.
It's scary. Not gonna lie. I'm not a fan of my strength.
[That made him falter a bit. Darin told him about his brother leveling an entire city before. He can trust Darin'd never want to intentionally cause that much wanton destruction if he can help it, if he wanted to he easily could've a lifetime ago, but being reminded that so many lives could be wiped clean from the world's radar...
Soul of ice, Saotome. Soul of ice...]
I hear ya'. I can handle most things cause of Pop training me while I was still in diapers. My body's built up a lot of endurance that not even seasoned fighters can make it through these kinds of trainings without some debilitating injury or dying. [Really isn't much of a brag as he might sound right now.] It's cause of my training that I don't shatter all the bones in my body throwing a punch, or tear my own limbs off making them strike as fast as they can.
There's something a monk Pop and I ran into our travels told me that always stuck with me. Strength is only a simple tool one can use and master. I've met plenty of knuckleheads who think pure brute strength or speed's all you need to be a good fighter. Truth is, martial arts -- fighting as a whole -- is a trifecta, and they forget the third part: technique. Being strong and being fast can only do you well enough until you meet someone who can and will use whatever opening you leave. It's all about discipline.
You talked about training before with a dao, yeah?
[Discipline. Darin certainly had discipline in spades, didn't he? He's gone his entire life only using a fraction of his power, always attempting to keep other people and their safety in mind.]
[What could he achieve if he actually worked at it? Trained and developed technique? Hell, look at what Ranma could do and he was just a normal(?) human.]
I'm trained in a lot of different weapons. How can I make something as a blacksmith if I don't have fundamental knowledge of how it feels to wield it?
Don't tell anyone but I was actually trained by the Captain of the Arclight Knights.
[What's with the third degree?! He's a perfectly average human who can bench press steel into a pretzel.]
Highest honor you can get where you're from, I take it.
Now imagine your body's, your strength, your dao. Swing recklessly, you risk losing it or breaking your blade. Temper your strength and control your movement, only your target will take the brunt of your power. It's all about balance, keeping one from not tipping over to the other scale.
Not especially. There's a lot of knights. I just don't really like talking about it. I used to want to be one as a kid. Dromas and I were gonna do it together. Then he got killed and I ran from that whole thing.
You're talking about balancing the force of the strike against the recoil. However much I put into a strike I need to reinforce myself with the same amount?
Sounds good in theory but how do I 'reinforce' myself?
It's not dumbassery. Pop would just throw me into all kind of crap and tell me to figure it out, gripe if I don't make it out pristine, and do it all over again until I come out unscathed. It's mostly do or die from my experience.
[Sink or swim to its most extreme degree.]
If I'm gonna put you through the endurance strengthening exercise, I'm gonna need some prep time.
Right, but only one involves death. Automatically more important than losing.
[The change in topic is... well that's not something he expected to be asked. Ever.]
[The little typing dots pop up. Fade. And come back a couple times.]
Word of mouth, mostly. A lot of times, it wasn't hard. You went after big names in the underworld. Higher ups in the mercenary gangs.
Individuals was detective work. No law enforcement where I was... so you'd talk to victims. You'd trap suspects, chase down leads, tailed them. Make them talk. And then put them down.
Last month, you remember the Manta board quest about people disappearing? Zelda, I don't know if you know her. She's a researcher. She and I investigated it.
[Darin's trying his best to be vague. At least where Zelda's concerned.]
We found who was doing it. A giant bastard of a man named Ganondorf. Garrus, I was barely holding back and I couldn't put a dent in this guy. He almost cut me in half.
Normally, I recover within a few days but he's got this power.
[A few pictures follow. Darin's biceps are mottled black and purple with Gloom burns...and then there's the wound on his chest. It curs from shoulder almost to navel and if it had been anyone else, it's clear that it would have been a fatal wound. It's closed now and scarring but the edges of the wound have frayed out like a lichtenberg scar, charred black.]
Yeah, I know her. Anthropologist, archeologist sort of research, right?
[She's the one who reminded him of Liara, he remembers.]
[The silence, metaphorically, stretches. Now it makes sense - why Darin was asking after Archangel. A man behind people disappearing. A fight. And those injuries...]
[Honestly, it's a good thing this is text, because he hasn't felt this angry in a while. Not since those old days when everything was going down the drain, falling apart. There's no way to keep it out of his voice.]
Describe him. Huge, got it. How huge? Other identifying marks?
I'm asking because all I want is info. I don't want you to engage him at all. If anything happened to you, Zelda would never forgive herself or me for roping you in.
You were going to find out anyway. These wounds aren't subtle and I'm not the type to go into hiding licking my wounds.
Promise me you won't go after him, Garrus and I'll tell you what I can.
Garrus, he and Zelda have history. It's not my place to talk about but right now? My priority?
It's Zelda.
He's not going to sit around forever. He'll make another move and we need to be ready for him but until then we need to play this smart. He's not some superpowered brute. He's strong. He's smart. And he will use every advantage we give him so we need to be careful.
I want nothing more than to tear the sky down around this bastard's ears. He puts a fear in Zelda that makes me want to prove my brother right.
But I won't. I'm doing this my way. Not his. Not Ganondorf's.
So please, as my friend. I'm not asking you to stay out of this.
Forget me. I'm asking you to support Zelda.
Look into the Desert Wind. It's his ship. I don't know if he's acting alone or what but anything you can find out would be fine.
As for what he looks like? He's gotta be close to ten feet tall. Monstrously big, reddish-orange hair, kind of a greyish green skin. Carries an enormous sword at his hip that can change form to other weapons at will.
Right now, he thinks all Zelda has by her side is me and Ranma. I want to keep it that way.
It doesn't have to be revenge for yourself. It's easy to say it's for someone else. Write it off like that. But it is what it is. An eye for an eye.
[Hey Garrus how do you know that. Why are you so hung up on that. Not important.]
And if he's supposedly that dangerous, holding information back from your allies puts them in more danger.
Desert Wind. You know which fleet? Anything more about the ship? [Because there's not a convenient database to browse through here.] Has he posted on the network that you know of?
[SIGH. No resources, no backup. Usual avenues blocked off and the sole source of information is adamant nothing can take the target down. Not the worst ever... but close.]
I can't promise to stay out of his way while I'm tracking. There's always a potential risk when you dig for information. I'll figure a cover - I've done that before. But that's not a promise I can make, realistically.
But. If I did gun for him, he'd never see me coming. None of the others ever did.
[Especially not with what Cid went and did to his gun.]
Garrus, I landed a blow on his jaw that I know could flatten an anvil. His head shouldn’t just be gone. It should be a distant memory. But he took it and kept coming. He was a force of godsdamned nature.
I’m not trying to keep you out of it because if anyone needs more allies? It’s Zelda.
I don’t know if he’s posted anything on the network. He doesn’t seem the type. But we damaged his ship good so it’s going to need to post up for repairs. I doubt he’ll go to Eltrut. Maybe Nogard but also doubtful.
I’m trying not to press Zelda on what she knows about him because it’s hard on her and she deserves some time to just be Zelda. Like I said, she’s my priority. That’s why I’m asking you.
You’re one of my best friends, Garrus. That’s why I’m telling you this at all.
In the meantime, I’m gonna do something I never thought I’d do.
Then maybe he has some kind of barrier against physical attacks like that. Different worlds, different rules. Remember?
Fine - she was already on my radar anyway. Reminds me of someone from the crew I served with.
Damaged ship is something. Unless he has mechanics - or whatever passes for those around here - he'll have to land somewhere with repair facilities. What kind of damage? Easier to keep an eye out if I know that.
[And then snoop around every shipyard he can find. No big deal.]
Do what? Ask Zelda out? Because, honestly, if you don't, I'm about to for you.
[...'Barrier' huh? Makes sense. Apparently the Master Sword is the only thing that can hurt him so maybe because Darin's power is similar in nature it was diluted...?]
[...He might have to look into this.]
I don't know if he has accomplices. Acolytes. Whatever. They're called shipwrights. Look for shipwrights, especially any working under the table. I blew a portion of the deck off with that punch along with some decent hull damage. And anchor damage. Ranma got blasted right through the side of the damn hull.
[There's a solid minute before Darin even acknowledges that last part.]
Ask Zelda out where? We don't need to go anywhere.
Deck, hull and anchor. Understood. Shipwrights - maybe working for the "Corsairs" if they're more into that sort of thing. Be easier if I actually had a ship but, I can make one up easily enough.
[... the minute stretches.]
[And stretches.]
Dating.
I meant dating.
You know what, I'm just going to do it for you -
[He is not, but this is funnier. And he's a bit of an ass.]
Need I remind you how you just went on and on ... and on about how she needed protecting and allies and all of that?
You sound like [when I talk about Shepard- Oh. Hm. That's a nerve we're not going to examine today.] half the lovestruck guys I've known in my whole life.
Did you really think the whole... vigilante thing only applied to criminals? I was an investigator before that, you know. Besides, we had a whole talk in your forge about her, too.
... Yeah, no one wants to "lock mandibles" with anyone. Do you know how painful that gets?
Yeah, and then you clammed up when I asked what you fought about. The look on your face said it all.
[... Well #$%&.]
[Just what is he supposed to say to that? When it reminds him of half the damn conversations he'd had with Shepard? Painfully reminds him. Of Shepard, and of, strangely, Thane Krios. He hadn't been as privy to all the details of the man's past life, but the gist was similar. They bonded over rifles, after all.]
[The pause is very, very long.]
All right, all right - point taken. [Why is THAT what he said... is he that rattled?] I'll start digging. You don't have to worry about that.
You know, one of these days, I'm going to find something that's biologically impossible for your people to do, and make every joke at your expense about that.
It breaks down your organs, tissues. Stops them from functioning like normal because the cells that make up your whole damn body are too damaged. Their DNA is so screwed up, they stop being... well. Cells.
Sure, it can burn you, but most importantly, it stops your whole body from being able to do anything it should. Your hair falls out, in races with hair. You get nauseated, because your system stops being able to process food. And water.
If you're lucky, all you get is a treatable cancer. If not, you're dead.
Honestly maybe we better not. I'm sure I'd survive but Zelda doesn't like seeing me get hurt and I don't want to put her through that because I thought I was invincible.
Neither is living to a ripe old age back in our worlds, either.
If you like her, deep down under... whatever else is going on, don't waste a chance. Wait too long and next thing you know the world's falling down around your ears and it's too late.
[Darin sighs. It'd be a lot easier if Darin could tell Garrus that Zelda was a princess. But he's sworn himself to secrecy and Darin takes promises seriously.]
She's important to me, alright? And part of that means I'll do anything to make sure she can get back home. That this Ganondorf guy doesn't hurt her more than he has already.
That's my role. And I'm fine with that. She needs a shield and I'm damn good at making them.
[Darin wants to brag that his not!girlfriend-wife has the powers of a goddess but he's not sure if he's allowed to mention that and also, he won't give Garrus shit for once.]
Okay hold on so full disclosure most transports where I come from are still being pulled by horses and other beasts of burden. Not a lot of things have engines yet
So Im trying to imagine Shep steering two horses vertically up a cliff or backwards through town and Garrus
Look I got possessed by a ghost who wanted us to see if his lover was still waiting for him so we went and it turns out she was. Then Zelda got possesses because she was waiting around for centuries for the guy possessing me and she was really really pissed off!
Zelda was almost consumed so I kissed her to wake her up and then we did then we tried to help the ghosts by getting them married but they needed a body to get ghost married so we let them possess us until they got married and then they left and Zelda and I kinda maybe spent the night in the ghost lady's secret room!!
If it were a real wedding we would have invited you!!!
text // user: headhunt // directly after darin embarrasses himself
[ A neatly wrapped package with Darin's name on it is left at his residence. There isn't any name to hint who it was from as if the sender didn't want to pressure him into feeling he needed to give a gift in return.
Inside is a headband Darin can use while working the forge (because he's just asking for his hair to get set on fire as he works now) in certain someone's color scheme. ]
I've managed to take a peek at some of your works, very impressive stuff! If I ever need my sleigh repaired, I'll know who to ask! But until then, please enjoy this present!
Happy Holidays,
Santa Claus
[He'll receive... a handmade, wool cap to help fight off the winter chill, as well as a brand-new hammer!
...There's also yo-yo in there for him and chocolates.]
[In a wrapped package is a crystalline energy conduit that resembles a cylinder, with a few slots for installing different gems. It can compress and conduct the energy from elemental stones that were brought up from the Abyss, and in the signed note Miriam left with it is a short description of what it does. It's useful for connecting magitech sources to mundane systems; the lighting in a house, for example, or a heating/cooling system depending on what kind of elemental stone is used.
The package it's in is dusted with something iridescent and powdery, like dust shaken from a butterfly's wing. It's also been left somewhere a bit inconvenient for a creature without wings to get to, but still in an obvious place.]
[ At some point in early February, a parcel is left for Darin at his forge. It's clearly marked as being from Emet-Selch. Past the simple wrapping and the box itself, is...what initially looks underwhelming: it's an elegantly refined piece of cloudy white crystal (tetragonal prism, left). There's a note accompanying it. ]
Keep this near wherever you create or inset those elemental materia into your weapons. It can measure the latent magic of your surroundings and warn you if it exceeds a safe threshold. It will glow a most blinding white should that happen and attempt to absorb the excess magic. Once it cannot hold any more, it will shatter. You should have evacuated yourself and any others with you before then.
A world free of persecution. Where people aren't left to fall through cracks of a caste system or the laws that favor only those that pledge their loyalty. Where every person is free to pursue their passions, to be who they want to be rather than what society brands them as.
Systems like the armadas separate and create conflict where their shouldn't be any and people, innocent people, get caught in the crossfire.
[Poor Ganondorf, you're so put upon oh great King of Evil.]
Life isn't about competition. No one needs to lose at life.
But let's assume I play along with this line of thinking. I'm a tradesman. I know that I need to be competitive to be relevant. To survive. But I don't need to turn around and pull the ladder up behind me when I succeed.
People in power have a responsibility to uplift the people around them. It's that simple.
Man I am so tired of people spouting narrow-minded crap at me. You're seriously going to tell me that there's only two paths in life? I call your bluff.
I choose the third option, Ganondorf. Always have, always will.
Being a smith is about seeing potential where others see parts and components. If someone gave me a sword that couldn't cut, I turn it into something that can.
By your logic, there are only two paths. But with mine? All I gotta do is create one. Hell, I can create a hundred. And I bet that just chafes your sandpit, doesn't it?
Well, if you're quoting my own speech back at me, you saw one of them.
[He laughs but his tone shifts. There's a hint of remorse in his voice as he continues.]
I got a late start. In fact, if I had the kind of inspiration I have now back home, maybe I could have made a difference. But here, I have a chance to do something good and I'm not going to waste it.
[There's a pause before he continues.]
I have something worth protecting here. And you don't have to be anything you don't want to be either.
...The Gerudo had great heroes, didn't they? The Seven Heroines?
[He's been thinking a lot about them ever since Zelda formed her crew and told him the story. Zelda speaks so highly of the Gerudo. How could Ganondorf come from such a wonderful people? There had to be more to him.]
You think I sat on my ass twiddling my thumbs these last few months?
It's not every day I go toe-to-toe with someone who can match my strength, even when I'm still holding some of it back. I don't just sit around and wait for you to surprise me. How do you think I learned?
[Zelda. His captain. His inspiration.]
You don't seem like a stupid man, Ganondorf. So why? Why not do something good with that kind of power?
[Alright, so Know Thy Enemy. He tilts his head slightly. Point Granted.
But he's quiet a moment before speaking. Sounding...thoughtful?]
Would you consider my words if I brought up the Molduga of my home, or would you simply think me mocking you?...for they, no doubt, consider it 'good' to use their power to survive, to eat.
I will allow you to guess at their favorite prey.
[Beat]
Now, tell me; do you think their prey considers such 'good'?
For what it's worth, I don't think you're mocking me at all. I think I caught your attention for all the wrong reasons on your ship half a year ago. You don't go through life looking like me and not be able to tell when you catch someone's eye.
And I also think you're dodging my question because that would require justifying your actions and existence in a world you don't have a claim over. We're flotsam here as far as this world is concerned. We can either drift or do something about it. I just got tired of drifting.
[Darin might be reckless and he might act the fool, but he's spent a lifetime observing people. Studying on his own when he could because he wasn't allowed the luxury of a proper school.]
But to answer your question, no. It's not 'good.' But skewing the question to be about 'survival' over 'shared humanity' is just stacking the deck in favor of your perspective. So let's try this one:
Is this about survival for you? Or ambition? Because I've seen both of those arguments and neither of them are really all that compelling.
[Flashes of his brother's face leap to mind. Maybe Darin's so calm about this because he's replayed the last conversation he ever had with Dromas a million times in his mind. All the things he wished he'd had the ability to say rather than gawp at the fact that his twin was even alive in the first place.]
I admit I aspire to be more. [He sounds almost...bored of the conversation now? And utterly shameless as he makes that admission.] To grow stronger than I am now - I would not allow myself to grow stagnant, particularly in a world that offers so many opportunities.
[He makes a thoughtful noise, though, clearly giving weight to Darin's question beyond what he's said]
...I wish the world to be as strong as I am, Master Altway. In truth, it sickens me to see the weak banding together to stand against those greater to them. And it sickens me just as much to see a hand offered down try and raise them up to a place they have not earned.
I would rather watch it all burn than allow such pitiful a realm to exist.
So, it's cruelty. "Earn a place with your own strength or don't exist at all?"
[Darin can't say he's surprised. All of that gloom and malice that Ganondorf was throwing around all of those months ago...the scar that Darin still has over his chest and how he can still feel vestiges of that corruption latching onto something inside of him? That isn't borne from nothing. Even during his fight with Nappa, Darin could feel that malevolence rising up inside of him.]
So, where do I fall here? Are you disappointed that I want to lift people up? Or confused that I held my own against you when I hadn't even drawn my weapon?
[Darin's mouth curls up into a smirk and it's audible. He managed to catch Ganondorf off guard with the mention of the Seven Heroines. The man isn't a wall of stoicism. A small victory, but a victory all the same.]
Don't tell me you're going to try and convince me to go back on my oath! I'd hate to disappoint the public after all that.
[Darin's no stranger to threats. How many insults and promises of physical harm have been slung at him? How many people have called him 'monster' and swore they'd have him in chains by virtue of his existence? How many mercenaries and soldiers attempted to put him in his place because he so arrogantly refused to bend the knee?]
[But Ganondorf's threat isn't one to shrug off. There's weight to it. A promise writ in blood with the cadence of discord. He's heard those words before with that same cadence. His brother sought to do the same. To isolate Darin from his happy life. To steal away everything he loved and held dear so that he might fall and aid him in fulfilling the prophecy. To destroy his world.]
[Darin is no stranger to this. In fact, Ganondorf's pledge strikes a chord in his heart that he hates.]
[But after all of that he's survived. He's pushed on. He's stood up and continued moving forward and now, given the events of his time in prison, he finally has a path open to him. Not with the Paladins or the Corsairs, but something that is his. His own way forward. And if that path gets blocked, he'll just make a new one. Because the beauty of Darin's path is that it twists and turns. It dips and spirals and lifts and drops. It's as tempestuous as it is limitless. And with the eyes of a certain princess at his back, he has no inclination of backing down.]
Then I'll say it again special for you, Ganondorf. Drop the 'Master' nonsense because I'm not one for titles.
My name is Darin Altway and like a shooting star, I will carry the hopes of this world on my back. I'll split the darkness of the limitless night and point the way towards the dawn. I will forge a better tomorrow with my two hands for everyone.
Knock me down, and I'll get back up. Over and over again. As many times as it takes. Break my body. Twist my mind. Throw everything you can at me because if the world can't break me? There's nothing a King can do.
Hah! Says the guy who’s been keeping his nine foot tall head down since our last bout? But I see what you’re trying to do. Goad me into a death battle with the odds in your favor. You had me outmatched last time and you’re counting on my pride to work in your favor.
[Darin casually begins to pace about, one hand on his hip.]
I won’t lie. Last time we fought I thought about pouring every ounce of my power into taking you down. I thought if I could at least take you with me, it’d be worth it. Not the most satisfying end, but there’s worse ways to go.
But things change. I’ve changed. I’ve sworn more than a single vow and my life isn’t just mine alone to throw away anymore.
So, if you want me, you know where to find me. And I’ll do whatever it takes to beat you in a way that satisfies me. I suggest you bring your A game, Your Majesty.
[His tone is mocking. He has no idea if he has what it takes to beat Ganondorf but he won’t run away. He won’t back down. He’s gotten stronger. He’s not alone. He has a life worth living and a home worth protecting. He has a place in someone else’s story, in her legend.]
[During Darin's birthday party, he may find a gift box in red and blue wrapping. Tag on the box confirms it came from one 'R.S.'. When he unwraps it and removes the box top, he'll find a kris that shimmers a teal color in the light with a dragon head on the handle. And with it, comes a card:
"Got this dagger from a cult that I've had lying around. Burns things when they're slashed or stabbed with it. Don't get stabbed with it, it sucks a lot, trust me. Happy B-day!
[ Sherlock had stopped by Darin's surprise birthday part, but when he saw a certain pair in attendance, he immediately left before he was noticed. They hadn't seemed to be causing problems at the party, but had Sherlock remained, a problem would no doubt come up.
So, he's at Starmetal Forge to drop off a nicely sketched drawing of Zelda, skillfully drawn but unsigned all the same. ]
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text (backdated to 7/8)
So of course that's when a mysterious island with a huge crater in the middle would just appear out of nowhere, when the princess is too injured to explore it.
But she has a feeling someone else she knows is also quite interested in it. ]
Darin, have you heard about the strange island that appeared near Latrommi?
[ It'd probably be hard not to hear about it at this point. Doubtless the news about it is all over the shellphone network. ]
no subject
[The new island also affords a rather welcome distraction from the fresh trauma of seeing Dromas again, so once news of the island broke, Darin was already making preparation when Zelda's text popped up on his shellphone.]
I did! I'm actually prepping some necessities before I try and find a boat heading out that way. What do you think made the crater?
[At this point, he's eager for the distraction and he hadn't heard from Zelda in a couple of weeks. Not that he was paying attention to that sort of thing.]
no subject
If only her wounds healed as quickly as Darin's. Alas. ]
Based on the few pictures I have seen on my shellphone, I do not think it is naturally occurring.
Bear in mind, I have no evidence to substantiate my theory,
But I suspect it might have been made by a leviathan.
no subject
Oh man I didn't even think of that! Maybe a leviathan crawled out of there? Or maybe it's an old nest!
Now I'm even more excited to check it out! You're gonna come right?
[Two months ago, Darin would probably have dreaded the idea of Zelda coming along. Now, he's happily assuming she'd like to. He probably hasn't even realized the change in attitude himself.]
no subject
She's a bit surprised to see him assuming she's going to come along, but it also makes her smile to read. He made such a show telling her how inconvenient it would be for him to accompany her on expeditions a few months ago. Maybe he's finally getting comfortable with her. ]
I deeply wish that I could! I can scarcely imagine what kind of wonders could be found within.
But unfortunately, I am currently indisposed. I sustained an injury on my dominant arm a few days ago and I am incapable of performing any strenuous activity until it fully heals.
[ Following this message, Darin will receive a photo of Zelda's right forearm, fully wrapped in clean linen bandages from wrist to elbow. An obvious lump is visible on the top of her forearm, where additional bandages cover the deep puncture wound she sustained from Louis' phantom when it transformed. ]
no subject
[He wants to respond but he doesn't want to come off as too invested. She'll see that he's started typing several times as he cycles through non-committal responses. 'That sucks' or 'Aw man that's bad luck'. He doesn't want her to get the wrong idea after all. He was going to go on this expedition regardless...but he can't fight the pang of guilt he feels knowing he'd be going at it alone.]
[But her follow-up text comes through right before he decided to hit 'send' on his very well thought out, nonplussed response and he sees the photo. Darin's seen his fair share of wounds. You don't dress a wound like that unless something struck you.]
[Moments later, he's calling rather than just sending texts.]
You got injured?? When?? What happened??
[He has to actually halt himself from asking 'What attacked you?']
no subject
Y-Yes, I--... It was--...
[ Her each attempt to answer is interrupted by a new question, which makes her next attempt that much more flustered. ]
A-A few nights ago, I was visited by the spirit of my father-- or, rather, a spirit that took the shape of my father. It tried to siphon my life energy to give itself form, but a man protected me from it. Unfortunately, I was not paying enough attention to my surroundings and I was ensnared by the fiend haunting him. We were both injured in the altercation that followed.
[ She's being unnecessarily hard on herself for being stalked and attacked by a monster, as well as neglecting to mention it was her divine magic that kept the fiend from siphoning enough energy to become stronger. ]
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[He runs a hand through his hair and sighs.]
How come you didn't say anything though??
[His tone is...unnecessarily harsh and he winces at his own words.]
I mean...[Sigh.]
I get it, I was attacked too by my own ghost...thing. So I can't really blame you for not saying anything. I'm sorry.
[Ugh, why are you apologizing? Just move on!]
Are you sure you're alright? Do you need anything? Do you need someone to change the bandage? Arm injuries are tricky...
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Because he is her friend, a part of Zelda reminds herself. She need not try to do everything on her own. If she can rely on her friends in Hyrule, she can do the same here. ]
I apologize for not telling you sooner. I did not wish to trouble you if it was not necessary.
[ She pauses on his offer, looking around her small apartment home. She hasn't been able to cook lately and she has been paying a doctor at a nearby clinic to change her dressing since she can't do it properly left handed. ]
I am in no immediate danger, but... [ She hesitates. She feels like she'd be imposing. ] it would be nice not needing to pay someone to change the bandage. It is beyond my skill to do left-handed.
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Give me ten minutes and I'll be right over.
[He hangs up before she can protest and tosses his pack to the side.]
[It takes him a little longer than expected...but only because Darin stopped off at a shop to load up on first aid supplies. He has no idea what Zelda has on hand (which could have been addressed if he'd worked up the nerve to just call her again) and he is woefully under-stocked for himself; a problem he's never had to address given his natural healing ability.]
[He knocks on her door with the back of his hand and when she opens the door, she'll find him laden with all types of first aid supplies.]
...I didn't know what you had so uh...I came prepared?
[He's literally realizing how stupid he looks in this exact moment. He should have just called to check! But that's what happens when you act before thinking.]
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Well. That isn't at all how she thought this conversation was going to go. All she intended to do when she reached out to Darin was ask him to take photographs of the crater for her, since she won't be able to go herself. She hadn't meant to upset him and she definitely didn't intend for him to drop everything and rush to her home.
When Darin arrives at Zelda's small apartment home, she greets him with an apologetic smile and a quirk of her brow at his abundance of supplies. It looks like almost enough to stock an entire clinic in itself. Did he perhaps not know what to bring and decided to err on the side of caution by bringing everything? How much does a man with enhanced healing really know about first aid? Zelda doubts he has much need for it himself.
But she truly appreciates it, nodding gratefully as she steps aside to allow him inside. ] Thank you. I've not had an opportunity to replenish my own stock since the attack.
[ Zelda's apartment isn't much to look at: a few small rooms containing a variety of mismatched pieces of furniture. The front door opens to the largest room, a space that could generously be described as "multi-use." There is a round table with two chairs (because having only one looked unbearably lonely), a cushioned chair next to a window, a desk with yet another chair pushed against one of the walls, and sets of shelves here and there wherever they can it. The far end of the room is an open space containing the kitchen, outfitted with the basics and little more.
She leads Darin to the table, which is covered in a bright yellow tablecloth embroidered with a sunflower motif. A few jars of ointments and small box of cloth bandages sit upon one side of the table. On the other end is a basket containing a torn crimson vest and holster carrying a handgun-- things that don't look like they belong to Zelda. ]
You can set them down here.
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[Darin scans the apartment with veiled interest; he notices the vest and handgun but doesn't say anything despite the apparent urge to ask about them. They don't seem like Zelda's but...then again, how much does he really know about her?]
[Considering what he can see of her apartment, she's not one for extravagance...which he can relate to. Darin felt much more at home in a forge and considering his home and his old forge were linked, 'home' was more about a place to sleep and a place to work rather than anything else. Darin could barely even remember his old home; the cabin he shared with his brother and father. That had been burned down when he was a child and hardly any memory remained of it.]
[Honestly, Darin had a lot of thoughts on the concept of 'home' but none he'd be willing to share with anyone just yet.]
[He moves to the table and places the bags of first aid supplies on the table, then gestures for Zelda to sit while he pulls up a chair in front of her.]
Alright...let's see the damage.
[His face looks serious but that's because he's trying not to show too much concern. His voice betrays him, though.]
You got attacked by a ghost too?
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She nods as she lifts her right arm for him. The cloth bandage wrapped neatly around her arm from wrist to elbow is still nice and clean, proof that Zelda is being careful not to use this arm very much. ]
I was, yes. [ And he said he was as well, something she'll want to ask him about too. ] The spirit took the form of my father and on the first night it visited me, I thought it was truly him. It looked and sounded just like him... it even had his memories. Even after I realized it was draining my essence, I couldn't bring myself to drive it away.
On the second night that it visited me, a man I met on Naughtilust approached us outside. He saw how the ghost was draining me and intervened to protect me. He did... something, I don't know what, but he forced the ghost to transform and it attacked us. I tried to stay out of the way, but there was another spirit near by, the one that had been haunting him, and it caught me.
[ She leaves her story hanging there as she watches Darin handle her arm. It doesn't feel necessary to trouble him with the rest... ]
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I didn't know your father was dead...I'm sorry. That...must have been a nightmare.
[There's a pause as Darin inspects the wound and starts to pull out some supplies; antiseptic, gauze, bandages...a box of band-aids featuring a colorful, animated yellow sponge falls out of the bag and he quickly shoves it back in.]
...Mine took the form of my brother. The first night he was...about seven years old. The age when I lost him. The next...
[He pauses as if he's searching for the words to continue. In truth, he has the words...but the connotations would lead to more questions.]
...The next night, he turned into a monstrosity. He was more than just a danger to me.
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Underneath the bandages is a square of gauze which covers the wound on the top of her forearm. It is not cut or slash, but a large puncture wound, about the size of a coin, closed and scabbed over. The swelling around it is minimal and there is no sign of infection. It has clearly been well cared for and should fully heal without leaving behind any permanent damage.
Zelda listens with a serious expression, lips drawing into a line as Darin describes his ghost. A brother, lost as a child. Darin has never mentioned a brother before. ]
Dangerous how? [ She probes gently, knowing how easily she can set him off when she asks more than he's willing to share. ]
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...He's my twin. I wasn't the only one born with my abilities. His name is—was— Dromas. Same face but his hair is a deeper, moss green. Kinda wild, down to his shoulders.
[Surely Zelda can imagine that a man with Darin's strength would be dangerous but his explanation might not make sense. If Dromas died as a child, why would he be dangerous now? Even with his supposed strength, a child would have a significant disadvantage...]
[Darin's hands move deftly; gentle and precise despite the hardened callouses on his fingers and palms. Twenty years in the forge have made his hands strong and hard but it's apparent from his control that he's used to being as careful as he can be. He sprays the wound carefully with antiseptic and carefully places a new square of gauze over it; the wound might be scabbed but one wrong move could reopen it again. Then, he holds one end of the bandage with his thumb just below the inside of her elbow.]
Hold here, please?
[Once she's got it pinned, he begins to wrap.]
...It's my fault he died in the first place. Always was afraid he'd haunt me just never expected it here and now.
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No, what catches Zelda's attention is how Darin insists that he is responsible for his brother's death. That... That can't be right. It doesn't matter that she doesn't know the circumstances that lead to Dromas' death; there's no way Darin intentionally killed his own brother. They were only children. Whatever happened, whether an accident or something worse, the fault could not possibly lie with Darin-- with either of them. She refuses to entertain the thought that he was any less a victim than his brother.
However, Zelda keep this conclusion to herself as she quietly holds the end of the bandage in place. It's not her place to speak on something she knows nothing about and doubtless all she'll manage to do is upset Darin. ]
That soul was not truly his. [ She offers. ] It was... blank, originally. Somehow, you imprinted your memories of your brother onto it and that is why it took his form.
[ Rem said that was just a theory, but having had time to think about it, it makes the most sense. ]
CW: Death/Trauma/Survivor's Guilt
[But the fact remains that the events of that night are forever burned into his memory and the lone scar across his back will forever mark that night. Darin was a notorious crybaby as a child; always hiding behind his twin brother who was the more vocal of the two. That night, when they were attacked, Darin was supposed to be the first to be cut down.]
[But he ran and Dromas had stood between him and his assailant. The blade passed clean through and tore through Darin's back. Then, his father fell. And Darin hid under his fallen body, pretending to be dead, holding in his cries until their assailants left.]
[If Darin were braver, Darin would have been the one cut down first. Dromas would have survived, probably. And then...maybe all of the things happening bak home wouldn't be happening.]
[He's about to tie off the bandage when Zelda explains the source of the phantoms and that makes his gaze snap up incredulously.]
Y...You mean...
You mean Dromas wasn't— [He has to pause and physically swallow the lump forming in his throat.]
...It wasn't really him?
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It wasn't, no. Nor was my father. They were more like... empty vessels, I think, souls who had somehow forgotten who they once were. They escaped from their caretaker and spread throughout the leviathans. I believe they sought us out in order to siphon our life energy so that they might live again.
[ She knows more, but this is as much as she'll share. Whoever-- whatever-- Rem is, it's not for Zelda to share her secrets.
Thus, she pivots the conversation just slightly. ] Were you injured?
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[It takes him a minute to regain himself, to realize that Zelda had even asked him a question. His attention snaps back to the task at hand and he lowers his head to focus more on tying off the bandage. It's neat and snug, tight enough to keep the wound safely covered but comfortable enough that Zelda won't lose any circulation.]
[With that done, Darin nods a bit and lifts an arm to remove one of the bracers covering his forearms. Zelda will see a massive bruise going from wrist to elbow; evidence that his forearms were at least cracked if not outright broken. But the discoloration denotes that he's already mostly healed.]
[He doesn't clasp the bracer back on right away.]
I...like I said, the first night my brother was a child. The next...he was my age. Which...it's a long and complicated story but before I left my world he'd come back and he...he wasn't the same. He was strong. Stronger than me. And angry.
So...hearing that it wasn't actually him...
[It's a relief. A clear relief. And he can't find the words to finish his sentence.]
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Besides, what he says is just as worrying as what he must have gone through. ]
What do you mean, he "came back?"
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[His hands ball into fists briefly. What happens if he tells her? Would she be scared of him? He wouldn't blame her but...]
[But Zelda is pretty much his first friend. And somehow she's managed to want to stick around despite the fact he's been an incredible ass to her.]
[He clasps the bracer back onto his arm.]
I don't know the details. [It's not a lie. He doesn't know everything about how Dromas came back. Just that he was somehow given a new body and raised in the realm of the Archfiends.]
Not...all of them. But he's alive. And...he hates me. Before I arrived here I was on the run. Being hunted down for an assassination I didn't commit. There was an eye witness...someone saw a man who looked exactly like me with blue hair. So...that's all they needed. I was in Arclight that day and people...
Well, people didn't need much of a reason to suspect me.
[He stands and starts to pace, running a hand through his hair, pointedly avoiding eye contact.]
Long story short, I escaped and chased down the guy who framed me. It...It was Dromas.
He'd dyed his hair blue knowing I'd be blamed. He wanted me to find him.
[And then he massacred the entire city of Eruyeka just to prove a point. To show Darin how strong he should be.]
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Her expression turns serious as she listens. It's a lot to take in all at once: a twin brother with the same abilities, who either died and returned to life or nearly died and miraculously survived; an assassination that he framed Darin for, perhaps solely for the purpose of getting his attention; and Darin living as a fugitive until he arrived here. This, coupled with what she already knows about him... it's no wonder he's so distrusting. ]
I cannot imagine how difficult it must have been to see him again... even if it wasn't truly his spirit that you met. [ She offers sympathetically, watching him as he paces. ] Especially considering...
[ Especially considering what happened before Darin arrived here. Especially considering there might be more that he's not telling her, and given everything he has told her, Zelda does not want to prod him further. ]
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[He doesn't want Zelda to pity him despite believing he truly is the most pitiable man ever.]
[But Dromas— the real one from his world— had made his intentions clear. He wanted to break Darin. To take away all of the comforts he'd known. Make him snap so that he could bring about the prophecy. The end of the world; the destruction of mankind. He hated that Darin got to live and he hadn't and he said as much before they parted. That Darin's was an idyllic life that a coward like him didn't deserve.]
[He decides to keep that to himself. Any mention of Dromas' intentions are likely to lead into a conversation about their origins. What they're meant to do. Keep it simple, Darin...]
He hated that I got to live. Hated me. I don't blame him. But coming here...I thought it might have been a blessing. I thought that maybe he'd never find me. So, when I saw him I thought...I thought this world was in danger because of me.
[He sighs and drags a hand down his face.]
But it's fine. It's fine, like you said. It wasn't him. Everyone's safe.
[He glances over his shoulder and smiles weakly at Zelda.]
...How's the bandage? Did I tie it too tight?
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Could the same be true of Darin's brother? Perhaps it's naive, but Zelda hopes so. She does not have any siblings of her own, but she remembers Link with his sister and Mipha with Sidon and can't imagine hatred between them.
A thought she keeps to herself.
Darin glances back at her and Zelda sees that... he doesn't look good. What pity and sympathy he might have briefly seen in her expression disappear and worry takes their place. It seems like he's trying to deflect and change the subject, but he still seems tense and troubled.
She rises from her chair and walks over to him, shaking her head as she approaches. ] It is fine. You tied it well.
[ Zelda reaches out with her left hand to touch his arm, tilting her head inquisitively as she looks up at him. He doesn't seem like he's all right; he's avoided looking at her since he stood up. She searches his expression for an explanation. ] Are you all right?
[ Because he doesn't look like it. ]
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[It's general kindness and gentleness that he's less accustomed to. To say that Darin is touch-starved is an understatement. Acteon loved Darin with all of his heart but the man was about as gentle as a bomb. Punches in the shoulder, claps on the back and chest, and a hair tousle that would knock your brain around were his preferred methods of affection and that's what Darin's known for as long as he can remember.]
[To his credit though, he doesn't pull away or outright rebuff her. He's trying.]
[And it's evident on his features. When he lifts his gaze to Zelda it's fearful. Anxious. But he doesn't like that side of him. That part of him that's still the scared, crybaby child. His life since the night he lost his brother and father was dominated by one thought: "How would Dromas act?" It gave him courage and a persona to be someone people might actually like.]
[If anyone knew the real Darin...well, no one would like that person. Darin couldn't stand him.]
[He manages a grin. That damnable mask is up once more.]
I'm...I'm fine. It was just a lot. And...like I said, Dromas is dangerous. He's a lot stronger than I am. He seems to know how to use his abilities. Dromas was always physically stronger...I was just more resilient. So when I saw him transform into that...thing...I dunno. I thought he was going to take away the place I was starting to have here.
[Again.]
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She catches that moment of honesty in Darin's visage, but he whisks it away almost immediately. That fear is clearly something he doesn't want her to see.
But, having seen it, she now reads it between his words. He's... still quite shaken from this encounter, even though he seems to want her to believe that he isn't. That he mentions Dromas knows how to use their unique abilities sticks out to Zelda. As does his worry that Dromas was going to take away Darin's place here. ]
You were able to stop him, though. [ She counters gently. ]
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Here? Barely. I had help at the last second and if I hadn't, I was going to do my damndest to take him with me. I'm not letting what happened to Eruteka happen here.
[He catches the slip and winces. Time to try and change the subject.]
You said you saw your father...? What was he like? Was he a researcher like you?
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But worse than that is what he actually says, implying that he was willing to give up his own life in order to keep the monster that took the form of Dromas from doing harm.
And then Darin has the audacity to decide that no, he's done with this conversation. The abrupt change in his attitude makes the usually-patient Zelda bristle. ]
My father? [ She frowns, striding around him to stand beside her table. ] No, don't you try to change the subject. What happened?
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What happened? Someone came and helped. I got to watch my brother die again, this time by my own hand. What more do you want? What, you want a play-by-play?
[Or was she talking about Eruyeka? Like hell he was going to tell her that. Darin already said Dromas was stronger than him, she doesn't need to know he wiped out a city. He doesn't need anyone else to know how much of a danger he could be simply by existing here.]
[He glowers down at her.]
Or, maybe you're the one who doesn't wanna talk now?? It's easier to pry into someone else's life isn't it?
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I will tell you everything you want to know about my father, but not until you tell me what you are so afraid of. You cannot simply tell me that you were prepared to use your own life to end his and expect me to leave it at that.
[ Originally, she intended to be more gentle about this. Everything he's already shared about his brother paints a troubling picture, to say the least. But she isn't going to allow him to attack her like this when all she's trying to do is understand what he went through. ]
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[Darin lowers himself closer to Zelda's face as he gestures sharply to the side with his right arm.]
What the hell does it even matter to you?! You barely know me! I saved your life once and for some reason you've got me painted as some...some paragon of virtue! I acted without thinking! I'm not some damn hero or champion or anything, Zelda! I'm just a blacksmith who doesn't want to see people die anymore!
[He whips around and makes for the door, but stops. he runs both hands through his hair in frustration, then whips around again.]
You want to know why I was prepared to use my own life?? Fine! When I met Dromas in Eruyeka before I got here, he wanted to prove a point. Namely, the fact that I'm supposed to be a lot more powerful than I am. And he decided to prove his point by wiping Eruyeka off the map. It's gone. The city, the people. He killed them all and used his powers to turn every building, every body into a spire. "A monument to mark the beginning of our destiny" he called it.
[He hates this. He hates recounting the events of that day. But somewhere deep in his mind, he thinks that maybe he can scare Zelda. Make her believe he's dangerous. Too much trouble. He couldn't push her away by being abrasive and cagey so maybe it's time he just tries to make her fear him.]
[He gestures wide and grans as he recounts the story, straightening up to his full height as if he were regaling her with some incredible tale or legend. And when he's done, he holds his ground; chest puffed out, hands clenched at his sides. Resolute.]
I didn't want that for Eltrut. I couldn't live with myself if that happened again. If I have to go down to make sure no one else has to suffer, Zelda, I will do it without a second thought because who the hell am I to weigh my stupid life against everyone else's? Against all of you.
[And there's the crux of it. His life isn't worth the same as anyone else's. In his eyes, it never has been. And so he'd gladly sacrifice it if it meant those more deserving got to keep theirs. Losing him would be better for everyone anyway, in the end. If he's gone, there's no prophecy.]
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For a moment, she worries that she's gone too far when he strides towards the door and she wonders frantically if she should try to stop him. The last time she tried to stop someone from leaving her home, they attacked her and then ran off anyway. Zelda feels like she knows Darin better than she knows Louis, but he also just yelled at her that she doesn't.
But he stays anyway and Zelda listens in silence as he lets out all his anger and all his fear. At the end of his story, she's shaken, this time visibly, and steadies herself with her left hand against the tabletop. No wonder he fears his own power-- to see it used not only to snuff out an entire city, but to warp even the bodies of the dead into something twisted and frightening.
If Darin had stopped there, he might have succeeded in actually scaring Zelda (at least temporarily). It's terrifying to imagine how his strength could be used to effortlessly kill everyone on Eltrut. But he doesn't stop, and when she hears what she knows to be the heart of the matter (because Zelda knows, better than most, about sacrificing oneself to protect others), her fear immediately dissipates. Over and over he insists that he is not selfless, not heroic, not virtuous, and yet in the next breath insists that use his own life to protect everyone else's.
But it doesn't come from a place of altruism, does it? It comes from a place of deserving... or, in this case, undeserving. ]
You truly think your life is worth less than anyone else's? [ The harshness is gone from her tone, but her question is still a challenge against him. ]
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[But he doesn't back down. If Zelda really desired to know, then fine. Fine. She can pity him and understand why he won't change his mind on this.]
You want to know who I am, Zelda? Really know?
My name is Darin Altway. The mere act of being born cost my mother her life. As a child, I survived an attack that I shouldn't have. An attack that took my brother Dromas, and my father Dracer. I ran and my brother tried to save me. He got cut down and all I bore was the scar across my back.
People with hair like mine are rumored to be descended from demons. The first thing I remember when I woke up in a strange bed, bandaged and clinging to life were adults arguing over who would take "The Cursed Child." And for a year, that's what I was. A burden to be passed around. No one wanted me. Everyone was afraid that keeping me around would lead them to the same fate as my family. No one had the courage to put me in an orphanage because "they owed it to my father" but apparently they didn't owe him enough to actually want me around.
[As he talks, his voice grows more somber. He laughs at that last sentence; a cold and bitter, mocking laugh.]
It's only by a miracle that Acteon took me in. And the only reason he didn't do it sooner is because he thought others were more well-suited to take care of a child. If it hadn't been for him, I would have been sent to an orphanage and no doubt conscripted into the army when I was old enough.
I hide my strength because people are scared of me. When I healed from something that should have killed me, people thought I was a monster. That sooner or later I'd become something terrifying. That I'd hurt them.
[He keeps the prophecy to himself. Dromas had only told Darin about it at their meeting in Eruyeka and talking about it felt like it might manifest somehow.]
So you tell me: is my life really worth the same as anyone else's? Because if it was, why didn't anyone want me? If the cost of saving a city is one life, why not the one that nobody wanted? No one would miss it.
[The lump is back in his throat. Darin wears his heart on his sleeve, earnest and true. And admitting now, with his own voice, that he was never wanted cuts deeper than the blade that tried to cleave him as a child. He doesn't want to be a bad man. But the world decided he was and fate seemed to conspire with them. All he wants is to do one good thing with his life. Even if he's never wanted, even if no one remembers him, it would validate his existence.]
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It's not pity that fills her gaze as she listens, but sorrow. Sorrow to hear all the injustices he suffered as a child, only seven years old. Zelda knew loss at that age too, the untimely death of her mother, but at least she still had her father and Urbosa. Darin had no one. No one to care for him as he grieved the loss of his family. No one to tell him that their deaths were not his fault. How horrible, how cruel, to fear a child for reasons beyond his control.
Zelda remains silent, even as Darin challenges her to weigh the worth of his life. There are a thousand things she wants to say, a thousand ways she wants tell him that he did not deserve the cruelties he suffered as a child-- nor the stigmas he suffers yet today, all because of his unique power and the possibility that his heritage is less than completely human. He was right to run; he was a child. They were both children. His strength does not make him a monster; it is how he uses that strength that would. His brother proved that at Eruyeka.
But a handful of kind words will not undo years upon years of suffering. Worse, she doesn't want to make him think that she is trying to brush away his suffering with her words. He clearly carries far more scars than just the one across his back. Wounds like those take many years to heal. Hers have. Link's have.
So she chooses her words carefully, and when she finds them, they're small. Because she is small. She's only one person.
But so is he. Not a monster. Not a curse. Just a person. ]
I would.
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...Why?
[He doesn't understand. How could he? As far as he's concerned the only person who might miss him was in another world entirely. Acteon freed him from his prison transport. He sacrificed his own freedom because he believed Darin could find who framed him. He doesn't even know where Acteon was at that moment and the more he thought about it, the more tears stung his eyes.]
[Stubbornly, he shakes them out and returns Zelda's declaration with a hardened stare.]
Why the hell would you?? Because I saved you once? Because...Because I said we were friends? What possible investment could you have in me that you'd miss me when you've only barely learned who I am! What I can do!
[For all his protests, he's still standing, rooted in place. Desperation creeps into his body language— he pivots like he's looking for a way out. He shifts his weight back and forth between his feet and his hand constantly finds its way to comb through his damnable blue hair.]
I'm just one man. One stupid, cowardly man. I've run from everything! Hell, I'm trying to run from you right now!
[The tone of his voice shifts to pleading. Because something tells him that if he doesn't push her away right this moment, then he won't be able to walk away. And that, inevitably, he will hurt her. He hurts everyone. He's literally fated to do so.]
You don't owe me anything. You're better off.
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I disagree. I feel like I owe you quite a lot.
[ Despite how he looks like he's ready walk out the door at any moment, for whatever reason, he continues to hesitate.
Initially, Zelda remained beside the table out of fear-- fear of the force of his anger, fear that approaching him would drive him away. But now she takes a cautious step towards him, carefully watching his reaction. ]
Not because you saved me. But because I have enjoyed the time we've spent together. Because I've seen the brilliance of your designs and I want to help you bring them to life. Because you sampled those silly frogs with me.
[ By the time she finishes, she's about an arm's length away from him. And that's where she pauses, supporting her right arm with her left, careful of the bandage he just changed for her. ]
I cannot show you a sunset from the pinnacle of the sky to cheer you up, even though I wish that I could. All I have are my words. But I hope you can believe them, because they are the truth.
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[He hears Zelda's words and they're at complete odds with his worldview. His life. He has no reason to distrust her. She's been patient and considerate of his concerns and privacy. He's been so difficult with her and for what? Acteon and Kessler both proved that there were good people out there. People who would accept him.]
I'm still dangerous. I...I could still hurt you.
[He doesn't want to hurt anyone but people seem to get hurt just being around him.]
I'm cursed, remember?
[It's a weak, sardonic counter to her kind words. He's reaching; grasping at straws. Something to validate his fears. Dromas called him a coward and he's always known Dromas to know what he was talking about.]
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Zelda does not believe that he is cursed, but she stops short of asserting that. She doesn't want to overwhelm him anymore than she already has by challenging him on everything he believes about himself.
So instead, simply, ] I am not afraid of you.
[ She hesitates for a moment, then reaches out once more to lightly touch his arm with her left hand.
Is he dangerous? Certainly. Could he hurt her? Without question. But so could any other person, powers or not. Yes, perhaps the risk is greater with Darin should he lose control, and he has said himself that he barely knows his own strength, but Zelda can't find it in herself to fear him for that. That would be like fearing a lightning strike every time she hears thunder; she'd rather risk the danger to watch the storm than never see the beauty in each flash of electricity webbing across the sky. ]
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[Because he knows her words come from a place of kindness. Even Acteon and Kessler knew what he could do and said much of the same. That they trust him. They aren’t scared of him. He’s not a monster.]
[But they didn’t see what Dromas did. They didn’t see what he was apparently capable of. And they didn’t know about the prophecy, about the origins of his power. That he’s an Archfiend God of destruction. That he’s literally supposed to be the end of Anmaral.]
[So while Zelda says she’s not afraid of him now, he can’t help but believe that will change. That if she ever learns the truth, she’ll be terrified of him. And, honestly? As much as that prospect hurts, he’d prefer it to actually hurting her. Or anyone for that matter. He’d rather be alone than disappoint people who came to trust him. If they can’t stand him, they can’t get hurt when he inevitably changes. He’ll be easier to stop.]
[He can’t meet her gaze but she could easily step into his.]
Then clearly you don’t recognize danger when you see it.
[One last push; a weak barb meant to try and cause her to get upset and withdraw. Before she starts to care too much.]
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So I've been told before.
[ Zelda is aware of her tendency to be reckless. Hell, Darin chastised her for exactly that on the day they met, when she risked an encounter with the harpies in order to try to rescue him. And he is not the first person to say so, nor is he the first person she's put herself in danger because of... and he will certainly not be the last.
The nice thing about being notably shorter than Darin is that it's easy to move into his field of view when he's trying to avoid her gaze-- which she does now, not retracting her hand. ]
You say that I barely know you and very well, I will capitulate to that. But I do know that you would not hurt me, not on purpose.
[ But she knows he'll still fight her on that, so Zelda decides to take a gamble. ]
However- [ She takes a steadying breath. ] -if you can tell me truthfully that you intentionally mean me harm, I shall stand aside and trouble you no more with my company.
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[And Zelda seems to think he's worth fighting for.]
[All he'd have to do is lie. Tell her that he'll hurt her, that he wants to hurt her and that'll be the end of it.]
[But didn't he tell her that he hates liars? That he'd rather people be straight with him than hide their thoughts and intentions? He wears everything on his sleeve openly. He never compromised who he was even if people hated him for it. His principles were forged in iron.]
[He sighs and closes his eyes, some of the tension leaving his large frame like steam evaporating off of a red-hot stovetop.]
...I...don't want to hurt you, Zelda. I'd never hurt you...
Hell, when I heard you got hurt I was ready to find the jerk who did it.
[He glances away, huffing as he rubs the back of his neck, slightly embarrassed at his own admission. After all, that's why he rushed over here in the first place, isn't it?]
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It's the entire reason he's here in her apartment at all.
She lets him look away this time, her countenance softening. ]
I know that you won't hurt me. It does not matter to me who-- or what-- you are, Darin. You are my friend, and I won't allow you to throw that away so easily.
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[What's worse, he feels like a complete ass right now. All of that trauma dumping, the yelling...and all because she just wanted to understand him. And he came over to help her too! Just what the hell was wrong with him?!]
[His head falls and he roughly tussles his own hair.]
Gah...! The hell is wrong with me?? I came over to check on you and I went and yelled at you over something stupid. I'm sorry, Zelda. I shouldn't have disturbed you in the first place.
[The urge to bail; to try and run and save face is strong. He'd probably be heading for the door if he wasn't so sure he'd just explode through it at this point.]
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Zelda carefully moves so that she's a bit closer to the door, intending to put herself between it and Darin. She'd really rather he not run off after all this. ]
No, I am glad that you came. Truly. [ She squeezes his arm softly, trying to get his attention back. ]
I'm sorry that I did not tell you sooner what happened to me. I only meant not to trouble you because I am not in danger, but... [ She expels a small sigh. ] ...Well, were this Hyrule, you would not be the only one upset with me for my silence.
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N-No, really...it's fine. It's not like you've got any obligation to report things to me and I wasn't exactly in a position to help you either...
I'm just...I'm glad you're alright. And I wanted to do something. And then I went and yelled at you like that.
[He laughs, more at himself than anything else.]
Some friend I am.
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Zelda pauses for a moment, examining him carefully. He seems to be calming down, but they've been in this position before, where he's gone back and forth between being comfortable with her and wanting nothing to do with her. And in addition to that, his words are often at odds with what she reads in his emotions; he acts as though it would be troublesome to spend time with her, but lights up like the sun when they stumble upon a subject they're both passionate about.
She can't keep up this guessing game any longer. ]
Darin, tell me plainly: do you wish me to stay out of your life?
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[He answers before he even has a chance to properly think. Always quicker to speak with his heart than his own self-doubting mind. But now that he's outright said it, walking it back would just cause more frustration.]
[With a grumble, he drags a hand down his face.]
I don't...want you to stay out of my life, Zelda. I'm just not...good with this sort of thing. I actually really like spending time with and working with you.
[But there's something else and Darin's not sure he can put it off any longer. If Zelda is so dead set on understanding him then...]
...There's...a reason. A reason why I try and push people away. Do you mind if we sit...?
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All right.
[ She nods and leads him back to the table, gesturing to the other chair as she takes a seat. She doesn't intend for it, but her brow has furrowed with concern at what he might be about to say. After everything else, what could be left? ]
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Before...when I said that people with hair like mine are said to be descended from demons...? There's...more to it.
[He wrings his hands and closes his eyes. He recalls the day he crossed paths with Dromas at long last after weeks of chasing him down. The strangely empty city of Eruyeka. His dramatic reveal and speech. How he laid Darin out so easily, laughing at how weak Darin was.]
When I met my brother...back home. The day he destroyed Eruyeka...
He was trying to show me how strong I should be. That together...a city or two was nothing.
[He closes his eyes and breathes out slowly.]
Back home there's a...a prophecy spread by the church. They've used it to fearmonger and convert people.
"A Red Star Afore a Silvery Moon
Ushers in the Heralds of This World's Doom
The Realms Now Split the Demon King Will Rise
This, Poor Souls, is How Our World Dies."
[It sounds like nothing more than a poem, one that Darin had heard endlessly parroted throughout his life. Only recently had it felt less like a limerick and more real.]
It talks about the alignment of Anmaral's moons forming what the chuch calls "The Demon's Eye." It's never happened before but when it does...something's supposed to happen.
The Archfiend Diomuhr is supposed to rise up and destroy the world.
[He pauses there, assuming Zelda has her fair share of questions. Darin certainly had enough for Dromas.]
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Until she hears the words "Demon King," that is.
The color drains from Zelda's face, the rest of Darin's explanation going more or less unheard. The Demon King. Of course, he cannot be speaking of the same Demon King from Hyrule's past, the one Zelda fears she has identified among the members of Rauru's court. The one who is here, somewhere, doubtless biding his time and planning something terrible. Anmaral's Demon King cannot possibly be the same person. It is impossible.
But logic does not put Zelda's mind at ease. It's statistically impossible for Ganondorf to be here, in this world, at the exact same moment as Zelda, across all the possible worlds and moments in time and space. And yet, here they are.
Normally, Zelda would have a question or two at this point, even though she suspects Darin still has more to tell. But right now, she can't think of a single thing to ask. Although she is facing Darin, she seems to be staring right through him, her mind all the way back in Hyrule, watching Ganondorf kneel before Rauru and the utter fear that dropped in her stomach at the sight of him. Zelda has gone quite pale, her expression tense and grim, a look Darin has never seen on her before. ]
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According to my brother...Diomuhr could not enter Anmaral as he was. To do so, he had to play a trick. He had to be reincarnated.
One human couldn't contain all of that power. So...two were chosen by destiny to each bear one half of his soul.
Twins.
[He lets the emphasis hang, sure that Zelda knows what's coming next.]
...Zelda, Dromas and I—together—are Diomuhr.
I'm the Demon King prophesied to destroy my world...
[And there it is. There's the story. The reason why he doesn't want people to get close to him. Because he'll hurt them if he changes. Or worse yet, he'll hurt them by changing. They'll come to care for him and try and find ways to stop him and would likely get killed in the process. Or, worse yet, they'll be disappointed in him should he be unable to change his fate.]
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But no amount of reminding herself of this fact can stop her from flashing back to her seventeenth birthday, to the day the prophesied destruction of her world came to pass. She was so young, just a girl, and forced to face on her own the incarnation of hatred itself. One hundred years she spent trapped with it, using every ounce of her strength and magic to protect what remained of her kingdom until Link could defeat the monster and save them all. For how much Zelda has grown and recovered since then, the Calamity still haunts her nightmares. And after a century steeped in its hatred, Zelda knew its progenitor the moment she laid eyes on him kneeling before the first King of Hyrule.
Prophesied destruction.
Demon King.
She feels like she's going to be sick. ]
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[He takes the chance and lifts his head to look at her and that same heart that had been pounding in his own ears sinks into the pit of his stomach.]
[He knows that look.]
[The look people gave him when he climbed out of his sickbed as a boy. Not astonished and elated that a boy of seven survived his grisly wound but horrified and appalled that he still yet lived. Not lucky. Not blessed.]
[Cursed. A Monster.]
[Over time those looks bothered him less but they stung all the same. But now...now he opened up of his own volition. He took a chance. He gambled.]
[And he lost.]
[And it's like watching the sun set after a funeral. Knowing that tomorrow things will be different. There will be loss and you'll feel hollow and things just won't feel the same. And over time, the pain fades. It dulls and hardens like a callous on the heart. He doesn't need her to say anything because her expression is plain: Terror. Pure terror. It's like she can see the monster he's meant to become looming over his shoulder.]
[The least he can do is cast the image out of her mind.]
[And so he stands abruptly, lowering his head to the floor.]
...And now you know. And it looks like I did what I set out to do in the end.
[His voice is cold and broken and when he speaks next, he laughs. It's bitter and mocking and sounds like ice linking around in a steel cup. The mask is back up in one fell swoop.]
I told you, didn't I~? I'm the furthest thing from a 'champion.' Any good I've done was accidental, I promise you.
[Play the role. Hammer the point home.]
I'm a smith, and with these hands I'll be forge the hammer that sunders the world. I'll forge an end to tomorrow.
[It's theatrical, but at this point he has to be. He has no other choice.]
[And so he makes for the door, throwing it open and pulling it closed behind him with a slam.]
[And as he walks home, he pulls out his shellphone. He looks at the wallpaper he spent hours trying to figure out how to assign; the selfie he'd taken with Zelda in the sky above Naughtilust. He wants to change it but he can't figure out how right now. Instead, he moves to her contact ID.]
[Zelda (FIRST FRIEND!)
[And presses Delete.]
Dated after the fight with Ganon, text
cough cough zelda cough cough-- decided the best course of action was to abandon ship and get the hell out of dodge. No he's still not bitter about being forced to flee, whatever gave you that impression.But feelings of vituperation can come at a later date. For now]
Yo. How ya' holding up after everything? You were still out of it when I left. [ran out through the wall cause zelda neglected to bring up she had a cat in her home]
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I've been better but I'll be okay. Are you okay??
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[Maybe it's time Darin comes clean about his powers to Ranma. After all, Darin wasn't exactly subtle when he started to lose his temper.]
I'm glad you're alright, though.
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[That, and he figured if he went to Kaveh or someone else for healing purposes, they'd make a big scene over him showing up unannounced with severe injuries that'd kill most ten times over.]
Ganon was using some pretty wicked magic back there though. I've never felt anything like it before. [Sensing it during the fight felt like he was being inundated in a smog of pure malice at its source.] I'd keep track of anything weird or bad for you if I were you, just in case he did something to you.
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Actually, I'm glad you reached out. I wanted to talk to you about something important.
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Oh?]
What's up?
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On my world I'm a reincarnated demon god. I'm supposed to destroy my world. I think that's why I survived what Ganondorf threw at me.
The thing is, I've never used my power. If I use too much of my strength then I risk destroying my body. But Ganondorf hit like nothing I'd ever encountered before. It was like fighting my brother.
I was no match.
Ranma, I want you to train me so I can withstand the force of my own power.
(1/2)
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Huh. Cool.
[Or never mind. He's rather more taken aback by what Darin said after the fact.]
Why me though? Not that I'm not flattered or nothing.
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You helped protect Zelda.
I trust you.
And If I'm going to get stronger. Strong enough to be able to stand against Ganondorf I need to stop running from what I can do and actually learn what I can do.
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I'm a reincarnated demon god of destruction!!
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[Beat.]
How else do you want me to react to that? 'OH WOW THAT'S SO AWESOME' or 'EEK, STAY FAR AWAY FROM ME!'?
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And I'd expect more of a reaction considering I just told you my biggest secret!
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[So far, all of his 'disciples' have been people younger than him who knew what they could do. This'll be a bit of a shake up from the norm.]
Might be your biggest secret, but to be frank, you ain't exactly the first technical god-demon thing I've met before. You're just the first that hadn't tried to kill me.
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[If that's what he's calling his time back home, then he's got a grand list that'd make the Library of Alexandria's catalogue look like a rinky-dink bookmobile.]
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So do you have any questions or anything? I'm not used to dropping the whole "I'm a world ending god of destruction" bit without some sort of follow-up.
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So was I going crazy or did you shoot an energy blast from your hands during the fight?
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1 - What's ki
2 - Can you teach me to do that
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Life energy.
Maybe? It can take people their entire life to even be able to consciously use their ki to do basic things like pocket items, accelerate your body's healing, all that. I've only learnt how to convert it into an attack like two years ago.
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I wonder if I actually can convert that energy into something.
Okay, I'm getting ahead of myself. First thing's first, I need to train my body to be able to throw a punch without it destroying my bones from the recoil.
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... Speaking of the old crone, she actually put the same guy, Ryoga, through training that made him durable as hell, more than me. I wasn't there when she did it, but we could try that.
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But if I put my whole strength into a punch, I'm pretty sure it'll blow my arm off.
That blow I landed on Ganondorf that knocked him through to the upper decks was the best punch I've ever thrown. Somehow, that didn't destroy my arm but that still is only a portion of my power.
It's scary. Not gonna lie. I'm not a fan of my strength.
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Soul of ice, Saotome. Soul of ice...]
I hear ya'. I can handle most things cause of Pop training me while I was still in diapers. My body's built up a lot of endurance that not even seasoned fighters can make it through these kinds of trainings without some debilitating injury or dying. [Really isn't much of a brag as he might sound right now.] It's cause of my training that I don't shatter all the bones in my body throwing a punch, or tear my own limbs off making them strike as fast as they can.
There's something a monk Pop and I ran into our travels told me that always stuck with me. Strength is only a simple tool one can use and master. I've met plenty of knuckleheads who think pure brute strength or speed's all you need to be a good fighter. Truth is, martial arts -- fighting as a whole -- is a trifecta, and they forget the third part: technique. Being strong and being fast can only do you well enough until you meet someone who can and will use whatever opening you leave. It's all about discipline.
You talked about training before with a dao, yeah?
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[What could he achieve if he actually worked at it? Trained and developed technique? Hell, look at what Ranma could do and he was just a normal(?) human.]
I'm trained in a lot of different weapons. How can I make something as a blacksmith if I don't have fundamental knowledge of how it feels to wield it?
Don't tell anyone but I was actually trained by the Captain of the Arclight Knights.
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Highest honor you can get where you're from, I take it.
Now imagine your body's, your strength, your dao. Swing recklessly, you risk losing it or breaking your blade. Temper your strength and control your movement, only your target will take the brunt of your power. It's all about balance, keeping one from not tipping over to the other scale.
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You're talking about balancing the force of the strike against the recoil. However much I put into a strike I need to reinforce myself with the same amount?
Sounds good in theory but how do I 'reinforce' myself?
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I'm sorry.
[Beat.
Darin'll see that buffering ... for a good two minutes, before finally--]
Good question.
[He doesn't know the answer to that either. Still working on the whole imparting martial percipience.]
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[Essentially saying just don't die lmao]
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I can't believe the only reason you're as resilient as I am is because you're too stupid to die.
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It's the current icon]
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[Stares at the photo.]
Screw it if stupidity is the metric I have to use to measure my life then I'm functionally immortal.
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[He means thickheaded.]
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[Is this what it's like to be everyone else?]
[He owes a lot of apologies.]
You know what? To hell with it. Doing something ill-advised and ridiculous has never stopped me before.
Teach me the Way of the Dumbass.
Where do I start?
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It's not dumbassery. Pop would just throw me into all kind of crap and tell me to figure it out, gripe if I don't make it out pristine, and do it all over again until I come out unscathed. It's mostly do or die from my experience.
[Sink or swim to its most extreme degree.]
If I'm gonna put you through the endurance strengthening exercise, I'm gonna need some prep time.
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So I just need experience.
Alright, let's do this thing. Take your time but don't hold back!
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Don't worry, I won't. Shouldn't take me long to find some ropes and large enough boulders.
[And that's what he's leaving Darin off on.
This is fine.]
text;
I see there's a bounty up. Granted, it's for 'jellyfish'. But still. I can probably shoot them.
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If we have to actually go into the water, then biological disadvantage should be taken into account.
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Honestly, after the last few weeks I've had, some sport is just what I could use.
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Last few weeks? What happened?
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[Darin looks at his shellphone in thought. It'd been a few weeks since Ganondorf and the Desert Wind.]
When you were Archangel, how'd you find criminals to go after? Did you follow tips or did you track them? How'd that whole thing work?
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[The change in topic is... well that's not something he expected to be asked. Ever.]
[The little typing dots pop up. Fade. And come back a couple times.]
Word of mouth, mostly. A lot of times, it wasn't hard. You went after big names in the underworld. Higher ups in the mercenary gangs.
Individuals was detective work. No law enforcement where I was... so you'd talk to victims. You'd trap suspects, chase down leads, tailed them. Make them talk. And then put them down.
Why? What happened?
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[Darin's trying his best to be vague. At least where Zelda's concerned.]
We found who was doing it. A giant bastard of a man named Ganondorf. Garrus, I was barely holding back and I couldn't put a dent in this guy. He almost cut me in half.
Normally, I recover within a few days but he's got this power.
[A few pictures follow. Darin's biceps are mottled black and purple with Gloom burns...and then there's the wound on his chest. It curs from shoulder almost to navel and if it had been anyone else, it's clear that it would have been a fatal wound. It's closed now and scarring but the edges of the wound have frayed out like a lichtenberg scar, charred black.]
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[She's the one who reminded him of Liara, he remembers.]
[The silence, metaphorically, stretches. Now it makes sense - why Darin was asking after Archangel. A man behind people disappearing. A fight. And those injuries...]
[Honestly, it's a good thing this is text, because he hasn't felt this angry in a while. Not since those old days when everything was going down the drain, falling apart. There's no way to keep it out of his voice.]
Describe him. Huge, got it. How huge? Other identifying marks?
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He makes my brother seem like a minor inconvenience.
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You're the one who brought up Archangel - and now you're asking me to sit on my ass?
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You were going to find out anyway. These wounds aren't subtle and I'm not the type to go into hiding licking my wounds.
Promise me you won't go after him, Garrus and I'll tell you what I can.
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That's the part they don't tell you about vigilante work. The part where working alone gets you killed.
If you want to take him down, get revenge, whatever it is, the hell you're doing it alone.
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Garrus, he and Zelda have history. It's not my place to talk about but right now? My priority?
It's Zelda.
He's not going to sit around forever. He'll make another move and we need to be ready for him but until then we need to play this smart. He's not some superpowered brute. He's strong. He's smart. And he will use every advantage we give him so we need to be careful.
I want nothing more than to tear the sky down around this bastard's ears. He puts a fear in Zelda that makes me want to prove my brother right.
But I won't. I'm doing this my way. Not his. Not Ganondorf's.
2/2
Forget me. I'm asking you to support Zelda.
Look into the Desert Wind. It's his ship. I don't know if he's acting alone or what but anything you can find out would be fine.
As for what he looks like? He's gotta be close to ten feet tall. Monstrously big, reddish-orange hair, kind of a greyish green skin. Carries an enormous sword at his hip that can change form to other weapons at will.
Right now, he thinks all Zelda has by her side is me and Ranma. I want to keep it that way.
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[Hey Garrus how do you know that. Why are you so hung up on that. Not important.]
And if he's supposedly that dangerous, holding information back from your allies puts them in more danger.
Desert Wind. You know which fleet? Anything more about the ship? [Because there's not a convenient database to browse through here.] Has he posted on the network that you know of?
[SIGH. No resources, no backup. Usual avenues blocked off and the sole source of information is adamant nothing can take the target down. Not the worst ever... but close.]
I can't promise to stay out of his way while I'm tracking. There's always a potential risk when you dig for information. I'll figure a cover - I've done that before. But that's not a promise I can make, realistically.
But. If I did gun for him, he'd never see me coming. None of the others ever did.
[Especially not with what Cid went and did to his gun.]
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I’m not trying to keep you out of it because if anyone needs more allies? It’s Zelda.
I don’t know if he’s posted anything on the network. He doesn’t seem the type. But we damaged his ship good so it’s going to need to post up for repairs. I doubt he’ll go to Eltrut. Maybe Nogard but also doubtful.
I’m trying not to press Zelda on what she knows about him because it’s hard on her and she deserves some time to just be Zelda. Like I said, she’s my priority. That’s why I’m asking you.
You’re one of my best friends, Garrus. That’s why I’m telling you this at all.
In the meantime, I’m gonna do something I never thought I’d do.
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Fine - she was already on my radar anyway. Reminds me of someone from the crew I served with.
Damaged ship is something. Unless he has mechanics - or whatever passes for those around here - he'll have to land somewhere with repair facilities. What kind of damage? Easier to keep an eye out if I know that.
[And then snoop around every shipyard he can find. No big deal.]
Do what? Ask Zelda out? Because, honestly, if you don't, I'm about to for you.
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[...He might have to look into this.]
I don't know if he has accomplices. Acolytes. Whatever. They're called shipwrights. Look for shipwrights, especially any working under the table. I blew a portion of the deck off with that punch along with some decent hull damage. And anchor damage. Ranma got blasted right through the side of the damn hull.
[There's a solid minute before Darin even acknowledges that last part.]
Ask Zelda out where? We don't need to go anywhere.
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[... the minute stretches.]
[And stretches.]
Dating.
I meant dating.
You know what, I'm just going to do it for you -
[He is not, but this is funnier. And he's a bit of an ass.]
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[Also, she's a princess. She has a (former) knight. Even if they're not involved there's no room for him there anyway!]
Why do you think I want to date her??
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You sound like [when I talk about Shepard- Oh. Hm. That's a nerve we're not going to examine today.] half the lovestruck guys I've known in my whole life.
Hold on, I'll get her on the phone -
[Garrus stop pretending like you're calling her.]
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I don't want to see you get hurt either you giant scaly jackass! That doesn't mean I want to lock mandibles with you!
I was talking about training my powers!
[You know, so he can protect her.]
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... Yeah, no one wants to "lock mandibles" with anyone. Do you know how painful that gets?
[PAUSE.]
And why do you want to do that? Be specific now.
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But fine, you want to know why? You want damn specifics?
It's because she saved me, Garrus. And I'm not talking about saving me from Ganondorf or anything.
She makes me feel like I'm not alone. That just because I was born to end my world it doesn't mean I can't do something good before my time runs out.
That woman's been through hell and now that hell has followed her here. Everything she does, she does for others and never herself.
She's my hero, Garrus.
So, I'm gonna do what I do best as a smith. Support the real heroes. Support my hero.
So I need to be better.
I want to be better.
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[... Well #$%&.]
[Just what is he supposed to say to that? When it reminds him of half the damn conversations he'd had with Shepard? Painfully reminds him. Of Shepard, and of, strangely, Thane Krios. He hadn't been as privy to all the details of the man's past life, but the gist was similar. They bonded over rifles, after all.]
[The pause is very, very long.]
All right, all right - point taken. [Why is THAT what he said... is he that rattled?] I'll start digging. You don't have to worry about that.
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[A minute passes.]
You're not actually calling her, are you?
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[... Not a lie this time. Or you know, teasing him.]
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I can't help it if she's interested in my history.
[Okay NOW he's giving Darin shit.]
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[It's cute.}
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[Liara and Zelda would get along great.]
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If they're not underwater, you can come too. Otherwise you'll do nothing but complain.
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[Except admit feelings but that's more of a 'man' thing than a 'human' thing.]
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[Okay but feelings are low hanging fruit since lol pot kettle here.]
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You know, I've never tried?
Full disclosure I have no idea how strong I actually am.
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No. Just - no testing that.
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Cooks it?
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It breaks down your organs, tissues. Stops them from functioning like normal because the cells that make up your whole damn body are too damaged. Their DNA is so screwed up, they stop being... well. Cells.
Sure, it can burn you, but most importantly, it stops your whole body from being able to do anything it should. Your hair falls out, in races with hair. You get nauseated, because your system stops being able to process food. And water.
If you're lucky, all you get is a treatable cancer. If not, you're dead.
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Okay, I wanna preface this statement with the fact that I'm not gonna try this but
It does raise the question of what I can survive. I don't think I can survive that but
I guess I'm just realizing how little I know about how my stupid body works.
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Like launching you out of a cannon.
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I bet I could survive it.
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Partly because it'd be funny.
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She's not my superior officer. I don't have to make a report.
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Honestly maybe we better not. I'm sure I'd survive but Zelda doesn't like seeing me get hurt and I don't want to put her through that because I thought I was invincible.
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You know, you're not beating the "I have feelings" allegations right now.
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I just know that I've never tried to spare Tali's feelings for my stunts. Not like this, anyway.
[Garrus that's because your relationship with Tali is a shitty sibling relationship.]
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Seriously, she's just a girl that I am good friends with.
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Uh huh. All right.
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She just chained me up with light shackles till I listened to her.
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Huh. I didn't know you were into that.
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I kinda deserved it I was being an ass.
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Okay there's no way you're that dense.
It's a kink thing. Restraints. Bondage. Being tied up for fun.
1/???
IT'S WHAT?!?!?!
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DONE
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[Waiting.]
[Waiting...]
[Wow he's really losing his mind over this, isn't he.]
[As payback, because Garrus Vakarian is a jackass like this, he waits enough 30 minutes before responding. Have fun with that, bestie.]
Are you done? I've got another gun to clean if you have more kinks to work out. I mean, the restraints bit I got but... 'being bad'?
Damn.
[He's saving all of these for posterity. By the way.]
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[When Garrus finally responds he dives for his phone.]
SHUT UP!!!
Starting to think Dromas was onto something and that violence might be the answer!!
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I haven't said a word. I've just typed. This whole time.
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SERIOUSLY WHY THE HELL DO YOU THINK I EVEN LIKE HER THAT WAY??
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I don't know. The capslock, probably.
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That's typing in all caps. Caps as in capitals.
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[She's a researcher, so naturally, she's probably got a doctorate or something.]
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Besides, we're not even from the same world. Even if I did feel something, nothing could come of it.
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... you know you're currently in the SAME world. Right?
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If you like her, deep down under... whatever else is going on, don't waste a chance. Wait too long and next thing you know the world's falling down around your ears and it's too late.
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She's important to me, alright? And part of that means I'll do anything to make sure she can get back home. That this Ganondorf guy doesn't hurt her more than he has already.
That's my role. And I'm fine with that. She needs a shield and I'm damn good at making them.
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Keep what I said in mind. All right? Don't waste opportunities.
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Anyway.
Good talk.
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Thank you.
For looking out for me.
Truth be told I've never had a friend before I got here.
I appreciate the perspective.
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What's the point in being a grizzled ex vigilante if you can't dispense wisdom at the drop of a hat?
[That means "you're welcome".]
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text; un: archangel (backdated to just after the shots contest)
'Seriously, her ass is perfect'?
Text| UN: hammertime
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Fine.
Ask.
You jackass.
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How's your face, first of all? Recovered?
How about your dignity?
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But it's been a while since I got that intoxicated, I admit.
At least I wasn't yelling about someone's ass.
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I didnt forget that by the way
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How old are you again?
[Says the guy who punched him.]
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Did you text me to check in on me or just give me grief
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Both, actually. And to see if you told Zelda yet.
[This is why Tali threatened him with her shotgun.]
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I am not telling her about her ass she knows she has one its a moot point
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No, I mean how you appreciate it.
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Im not answering that
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So... no. You didn't.
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If you want to get more serious, it's that, personally, I just think you should say something. Not wait around until it's too late.
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[He might have done. Other things.]
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wait what
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Lets just leave it at that
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You might as well tell me, or else I'm going to dig.
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We just.
We spent the night there okay??
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We just spent the night thats it
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Besides, I'd lose a hell of a lot of respect here if you did spill anything.
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So yeah that happened
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Well.
Good for you two, then.
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Still
Thanks
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I'd be a damned hypocrite if I didn't congratulate you, anyway.
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To be honest I dont even know what we are
Just that we have a lot of feelings
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which
is a perfectly normal thing to be.
Just saying.
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Shep's pretty great by the way. I like her!
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Yeah.
No denying it - it is.
she's
[She is literally the whole world and the reason he's still alive and -]
She's the strongest person in the galaxy.
Except for driving. And dancing.
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[Shepard on the other hand?]
Wait, she can't drive?
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very dangerously.
As in, straight up a mountain, off a cliff. Driving the wrong way in traffic.
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So Im trying to imagine Shep steering two horses vertically up a cliff or backwards through town and Garrus
I cant
I cant stop laughing
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It has a cannon as big as I am tall.
That is what went up the mountain. And off a cliff. Several times.
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She just used the thrusters.
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Not gonna lie I wanna see her driving for myself
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I would rather drown. I love her, she is the love of my life, but I do not want to be in the tank with her.
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Thats okay we dont need a chaperone. Ill ride
Sidesaddle?
Whats it called when youre the copilot
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The support thing. I'll take the rest of the crap just not that.
... Copilot. It's called copilot.
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[See? Darin can be nice! He can accept a line when one is given!]
Right copilot. Ill be copilot. You dont need to be there I just wanna experience it for myself
It cant possibly be that bad
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she drove directly at an oncoming truck once
and then asked if a taxi had weapons
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It's like you want me to get old before my time.
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I'm only in my thirties, Darin.
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We age about the same.
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Wow
That sucks
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Excuse me?
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text // user: headhunt // morning after the masquerade
did you die
Text| UN: hammertime
I could probably throw you from one leviathan to the other
also why would I die
[This is clearly just how they are. This is a sign of good friendship.]
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you know
from alcohol
or
embarrassment
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And look as embarrassing as it was I stand by what I said!
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then did you tell her
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I did not tell her that she has a perfect ass no
[A lot of. Other things. Happened.]
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why not
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Other things happened
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and if you die you die
other things?
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We wound up staying the night
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so what then
you guys cuddled?
( because ghosts are scary, so obviously. . . )
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Cuddling.
Happened.
[Because that doesn't sound even remotely suspicious.]
1/2
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YOU POPPED YOUR CHERRY!!
( wrong idea. )
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1/??? - darin, turn off your phone. spam is coming.
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making out and heavy petting
you know trouser touching
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I REALLY THOUGHT WE HAD SOMETHING GOING ON BETWEEN US MAN
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8/8
that's a big deal. we gotta have a party.
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Look I got possessed by a ghost who wanted us to see if his lover was still waiting for him so we went and it turns out she was. Then Zelda got possesses because she was waiting around for centuries for the guy possessing me and she was really really pissed off!
Zelda was almost consumed so I kissed her to wake her up and then we did then we tried to help the ghosts by getting them married but they needed a body to get ghost married so we let them possess us until they got married and then they left and Zelda and I kinda maybe spent the night in the ghost lady's secret room!!
If it were a real wedding we would have invited you!!!
text // user: headhunt // directly after darin embarrasses himself
wake up, blueberry
looks like you've got a shot with your girl
( and apparently they're perfect for each other for being so obvious on the network. )
TEXT| UN: hammertime
But Id have to talk to her first. I dont know if shes as worried about the legality as this person is
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sounds like she is
you should talk to her sooner
than later
now probably
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I can ask her how she feels about all of this
A lot kinda happened really fast
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you GOTTA talk to her ASAP
how many numbskulls do you think had your experience
other than you two
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Wait are you telling me thats Zelda asking for advice????
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not exactly an average tuesday night
even here
yanno?
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But I guess I can see why
[Darin's assuming no one else knows she's a princess.]
Yeah Ill talk to her. If we gotta get this annulled or something for her sake I dont mind
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HEY
focus fairy hair
FOCUS
zelda wants to be with you
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Ive still got a lot growing to do before I believe myself worthy of something like that
BUT BEFORE YOU GIVE ME CRAP
That doesnt mean Im just gonna walk away from her
Im her blacksmith. Shes my Sunshine.
Well figure it out together!
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we're pirates
all i care is you don't let go of whatever you've got going on with her
life and love is beautiful
good luck working it out with her, blueberry!!!! we're all cheering for you
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She makes me so happy Karlach
Ive literally never thought I could be cared about. I never thought anyone could want or have feelings for me. Then I met her.
Even now its weird hearing that people are cheering for us but its a good weird
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make each other happy every day
don't joke like that
plenty here who care about you
including me!
been on the edge of my seat watching this whole time!!
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Just like that heart of yours is part of you my past is part of me
But you fight like hell every day so no reason I cant follow in your footsteps
Thanks Karlach
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today is today
and today is bright
call me later and tell me how it went
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Man youre really invested in this
Youre like a big sister
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of course
i didn't say i cared for you for nothing!!
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Thats one thing you and I have in common
Not a fan of liars. Better to speak your heart and damn anyone who doesnt see you for who you are
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so keep me the loop nerd
Sometime during Winterstide
Inside is a headband Darin can use while working the forge (because he's just asking for his hair to get set on fire as he works now) in certain someone's color scheme. ]
Christmas Present
I've managed to take a peek at some of your works, very impressive stuff! If I ever need my sleigh repaired, I'll know who to ask! But until then, please enjoy this present!
Happy Holidays,
Santa Claus
[He'll receive... a handmade, wool cap to help fight off the winter chill, as well as a brand-new hammer!
...There's also yo-yo in there for him and chocolates.]
Winterstide Gift
The package it's in is dusted with something iridescent and powdery, like dust shaken from a butterfly's wing. It's also been left somewhere a bit inconvenient for a creature without wings to get to, but still in an obvious place.]
Delivery
[A key is dropped off at Darin’s door. An odd, double pronged key. With a note:]
Opens my apartment. Deactivates the door trap. Was planning on handing this over anyway and figured now was a good time. - G
Gift
Keep this near wherever you create or inset those elemental materia into your weapons. It can measure the latent magic of your surroundings and warn you if it exceeds a safe threshold. It will glow a most blinding white should that happen and attempt to absorb the excess magic. Once it cannot hold any more, it will shatter. You should have evacuated yourself and any others with you before then.
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Really, Master Altway?
[oh hey he still calls you that how 'nice'-]
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[He hasn't heard that voice in months but he'd never forget it.]
[Darin excuses himself to someplace private.]
Yeah, that's right. I stand by my declaration. Let me guess, gonna chide me on how foolish it is?
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Tell me what your 'better tomorrow' is. If you're inclined to humor me.
[He sounds so casual, like he's talking about the weather.]
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A world free of persecution. Where people aren't left to fall through cracks of a caste system or the laws that favor only those that pledge their loyalty. Where every person is free to pursue their passions, to be who they want to be rather than what society brands them as.
Systems like the armadas separate and create conflict where their shouldn't be any and people, innocent people, get caught in the crossfire.
We're all here under one sky.
We should live and work together.
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But seriously. Icon face.]
I take it you have no concept of 'competition'.
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Life isn't about competition. No one needs to lose at life.
But let's assume I play along with this line of thinking. I'm a tradesman. I know that I need to be competitive to be relevant. To survive. But I don't need to turn around and pull the ladder up behind me when I succeed.
People in power have a responsibility to uplift the people around them. It's that simple.
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But allow me to try and cater to your own, as a smith.
What would you do with a sword that cannot cut as well as another? Would you keep it anyway, or smelt it down for scrap?
By the logic you give, you would give it an equal chance on the battlefield.
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I choose the third option, Ganondorf. Always have, always will.
Being a smith is about seeing potential where others see parts and components. If someone gave me a sword that couldn't cut, I turn it into something that can.
By your logic, there are only two paths. But with mine? All I gotta do is create one. Hell, I can create a hundred. And I bet that just chafes your sandpit, doesn't it?
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[...that's not scornful. Well, it is, but it's not a scoff. It actually seems...amused?]
What a blessing, to see the world in such a light.
[Okay, that's scornful.]
And how many third paths have you created so far?
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[He laughs but his tone shifts. There's a hint of remorse in his voice as he continues.]
I got a late start. In fact, if I had the kind of inspiration I have now back home, maybe I could have made a difference. But here, I have a chance to do something good and I'm not going to waste it.
[There's a pause before he continues.]
I have something worth protecting here. And you don't have to be anything you don't want to be either.
...The Gerudo had great heroes, didn't they? The Seven Heroines?
[He's been thinking a lot about them ever since Zelda formed her crew and told him the story. Zelda speaks so highly of the Gerudo. How could Ganondorf come from such a wonderful people? There had to be more to him.]
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But that question? He sounds taken aback.]
How do you-?
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It's not every day I go toe-to-toe with someone who can match my strength, even when I'm still holding some of it back. I don't just sit around and wait for you to surprise me. How do you think I learned?
[Zelda. His captain. His inspiration.]
You don't seem like a stupid man, Ganondorf. So why? Why not do something good with that kind of power?
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But he's quiet a moment before speaking. Sounding...thoughtful?]
Would you consider my words if I brought up the Molduga of my home, or would you simply think me mocking you?...for they, no doubt, consider it 'good' to use their power to survive, to eat.
I will allow you to guess at their favorite prey.
[Beat]
Now, tell me; do you think their prey considers such 'good'?
[The point is, quite honestly, a simple one.
Good is subjective.]
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And I also think you're dodging my question because that would require justifying your actions and existence in a world you don't have a claim over. We're flotsam here as far as this world is concerned. We can either drift or do something about it. I just got tired of drifting.
[Darin might be reckless and he might act the fool, but he's spent a lifetime observing people. Studying on his own when he could because he wasn't allowed the luxury of a proper school.]
But to answer your question, no. It's not 'good.' But skewing the question to be about 'survival' over 'shared humanity' is just stacking the deck in favor of your perspective. So let's try this one:
Is this about survival for you? Or ambition? Because I've seen both of those arguments and neither of them are really all that compelling.
[Flashes of his brother's face leap to mind. Maybe Darin's so calm about this because he's replayed the last conversation he ever had with Dromas a million times in his mind. All the things he wished he'd had the ability to say rather than gawp at the fact that his twin was even alive in the first place.]
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[He makes a thoughtful noise, though, clearly giving weight to Darin's question beyond what he's said]
...I wish the world to be as strong as I am, Master Altway. In truth, it sickens me to see the weak banding together to stand against those greater to them. And it sickens me just as much to see a hand offered down try and raise them up to a place they have not earned.
I would rather watch it all burn than allow such pitiful a realm to exist.
And that includes a realm not my own.
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[Darin can't say he's surprised. All of that gloom and malice that Ganondorf was throwing around all of those months ago...the scar that Darin still has over his chest and how he can still feel vestiges of that corruption latching onto something inside of him? That isn't borne from nothing. Even during his fight with Nappa, Darin could feel that malevolence rising up inside of him.]
So, where do I fall here? Are you disappointed that I want to lift people up? Or confused that I held my own against you when I hadn't even drawn my weapon?
[Darin's mouth curls up into a smirk and it's audible. He managed to catch Ganondorf off guard with the mention of the Seven Heroines. The man isn't a wall of stoicism. A small victory, but a victory all the same.]
Don't tell me you're going to try and convince me to go back on my oath! I'd hate to disappoint the public after all that.
1/2
I'm disappointed, but I won't try and shatter your oath.
2/2
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[But Ganondorf's threat isn't one to shrug off. There's weight to it. A promise writ in blood with the cadence of discord. He's heard those words before with that same cadence. His brother sought to do the same. To isolate Darin from his happy life. To steal away everything he loved and held dear so that he might fall and aid him in fulfilling the prophecy. To destroy his world.]
[Darin is no stranger to this. In fact, Ganondorf's pledge strikes a chord in his heart that he hates.]
2/2
[But after all of that he's survived. He's pushed on. He's stood up and continued moving forward and now, given the events of his time in prison, he finally has a path open to him. Not with the Paladins or the Corsairs, but something that is his. His own way forward. And if that path gets blocked, he'll just make a new one. Because the beauty of Darin's path is that it twists and turns. It dips and spirals and lifts and drops. It's as tempestuous as it is limitless. And with the eyes of a certain princess at his back, he has no inclination of backing down.]
Then I'll say it again special for you, Ganondorf. Drop the 'Master' nonsense because I'm not one for titles.
My name is Darin Altway and like a shooting star, I will carry the hopes of this world on my back. I'll split the darkness of the limitless night and point the way towards the dawn. I will forge a better tomorrow with my two hands for everyone.
Knock me down, and I'll get back up. Over and over again. As many times as it takes. Break my body. Twist my mind. Throw everything you can at me because if the world can't break me? There's nothing a King can do.
You can't even make me kneel.
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I trust then that next time we battle, you will not run away?
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[Darin casually begins to pace about, one hand on his hip.]
I won’t lie. Last time we fought I thought about pouring every ounce of my power into taking you down. I thought if I could at least take you with me, it’d be worth it. Not the most satisfying end, but there’s worse ways to go.
But things change. I’ve changed. I’ve sworn more than a single vow and my life isn’t just mine alone to throw away anymore.
So, if you want me, you know where to find me. And I’ll do whatever it takes to beat you in a way that satisfies me. I suggest you bring your A game, Your Majesty.
[His tone is mocking. He has no idea if he has what it takes to beat Ganondorf but he won’t run away. He won’t back down. He’s gotten stronger. He’s not alone. He has a life worth living and a home worth protecting. He has a place in someone else’s story, in her legend.]
[His tale won’t end at the hands of a tyrant.]
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"Got this dagger from a cult that I've had lying around. Burns things when they're slashed or stabbed with it. Don't get stabbed with it, it sucks a lot, trust me. Happy B-day!
-Ranma"]
Around birthday
So, he's at Starmetal Forge to drop off a nicely sketched drawing of Zelda, skillfully drawn but unsigned all the same. ]