[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.
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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. ]
no subject
[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...
no subject
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.
no subject
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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