Masa con Papas: Proxy's Memory

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

The Cloak
[First Resurrection]
CW: None


 

After wrapping up a much needed fall breakfast, you make plans with your cousins and Opera to go into town.

But… you want to make some preparations before.

You approach Mercury as soon as she finishes up with her plate.

She’s got good takes when it comes to a lot of supernatural growth and right now you could use some of that.

You give her a little gesture. She returns it.

Charon: Merc.

Merc: Charon, you okay?

Charon: It’s… can we talk quickly? Have a bit of trouble on my hands right now.

Mercury: Mm, is this about..

Charon: Somewhat. The fiend imbalance, the entire sudden shift in proxy…

Charon: I’d… like to get some advice on the latter. You’re a bit of an expert.

Mercury: Could say that. I’m filled in on a lot of it. Know a good bit so… fire away.

Charon: What do you do when something shifts so quickly? I imagine that’s had to have happened before..

Mercury: At least once before we met. Bit of a jarring thing when it happens.

Mercury: Makes you panicky, sudden shift in project of ego is one of those things where well..

Charon: You worry that you’ve become someone else.

Mercury: Mm.. and in some ways you do.

Mercury: But that’s normal for everyone in life. Difference between most folks and you is that it’s way more obvious on the outside.

Mercury: Especially the fiendish parts. Creatures made of unfiltered emotion and will. We all are but you’re like…

Charon: It’s corporal with us.

Mercury: Exactly.

Charon: What if it’s something awful? What if… you can’t recognize yourself anymore after a point?

Mercury: Honestly? The fact that you’re worried means your heart’s working fine.

Mercury: You’re scared of losing yourself yeah?

Charon: More than that…

Charon: I’ve realized this is going to be a crucial point for me.

Charon: A chance to rebuild myself in a lot of ways both physically and emotionally

Charon: I’m terrified of becoming someone appalling by the end but..

Charon: I think I can also become better, more whole.

Charon: I’ve neglected parts of myself for so long… proxy’s made it clear that it’s been bottling up quite a bit.

Mercury: I mean, really it’s you doing it too.

Mercury: Your relationship with it is symbiotic, least it’s supposed to be.

Charon: Mm.. Opera’s situation seems so peaceful by comparison. She could have it out in public all day without issue.

Mercury: I mean you can too, no?

Mercury: Just… picture it as part of your life..

Charon: Mm..

Mercury: Picture it as part of you, the same way everything else is.

Mercury: Your family, your friends, every moment for better or worse.

Mercury: Focus on the parts you want to build off of, your dreams, and everything you’ve overcome…

You nod, closing your eyes.

Mercury: Just… let it breathe for a bit. The proxy is just as much an organ as the heart and lungs.

You feel a cloak start to wrap around you, very gentle and assuring as it coils to your body.

Charon: I think I see-

Mercury: Shh… let it keep going.

Charon: Sorry..

Mercury: I want you to imagine something small, something close that feels right.

Mercury: Picture a memory that gets you through anything….

A memory…

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

There's many moments you can't live without, moments that embody everything you are or ever will be..

The time you shattered a god...



And brought down the stars too.. You risked your entire existence and made it out a stronger person.




Despite being the validation you sought out, it wasn't what drove you...




Nor was it the legacy you inherited...

The burden of being the last remnant of a time you never experienced yourself..

You can't help but wonder why Styx clung onto this host more than any other sometimes....

When you really think back, what kept you going...

Was the hope to make it back with Geezer.

Live life with your grandma, as long as you have the chance to left....

It's silly but....





Erica: Back from work kiddo.

Charon: Grandma? You're usually out til morning...

Erica: Easy night, town let me off. Got us some goodies.

Charon: Oh?

Erica: Imported cola, the kind with real sugar.

Erica: And some food from the streets. We'll unpack those soon.


Charon: R-really?

Charon: Is it a special day? I didn't forget something right...?

Erica: Mmm... not yet but...

Erica: Thinking about everything. Getting older, figure ya'll need as much time with me as you can get.

Erica: Especially with your cousin moving in.

Charon: Geezer, right?

Erica: Mmhmm. Picked him up under a mentorship so he's gonna be learning a lot of the family trade but....

Erica: He's pretty mellow. Think you two will get along pretty well.

Erica: Figured it'd be best to take him in as easy as it'd be to toss him over to Uncle Virgil or your Great Aunt.

Charon: Mm... is his room ready? I can help if you need me to.

Erica: Appreciated, but I've got it covered....

Erica: Anyway, why don't we go over to the porch, get some food together and keep talking...

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

 

Erica: What’s that over there?

She points to the big wooden sword left on the side of the porch as you two exit.

Charon: Just been training some more…

Erica: With that big nasty thing? Seems a bit much…

Charon: I mean… I wanna look good the first time people see me.

Charon: So I think if I could lift a big enough sword, I’ll get noticed anytime I walk to a new place.

Charon: That’s worked for plenty of knights, right?

Erica: Yeah, got me there.

Erica: Still… thing is so beat up. Where did you find it?

Charon: Armory. Looks like a lot of work went into it so…

Charon: Maybe that could rub off on me, you know?

Erica: If you say so.

You walk on over to it to show off. You make a few broad overhead swings. Erica gives you a puzzled look.

Erica: You got the technique down but.. You’re kinda thinking too in the box with that.

Charon: The real thing’s dangerous so… can’t really make mistakes there.

Erica: Guess not.

Erica: It’s a good look on you for sure.

Erica: Not what I would’ve picked for you but… exotic weapons like that are fun.

Charon: Really?

Erica: Mm.. granted, you know what they say about those types.

Charon: The path of most suffering..

Erica: Nothing comes easy, especially not a big ol’ sword like that.

Charon: Maybe not…

Charon: But when I become a knight, I wanna make it special.

Charon: When people think of the name Judgment, I want them to say good things because well…

Charon: Because It’s your name!

Erica: Maybe. Truth be told, we’ve done a lot of wrong behind the curtain.

Erica: For every great hero, there’s a heck of a lot of drama.

Charon: I’ll change that too.

Charon: Even if you won’t train me, I’m going to make it happen.

Erica: Can’t really stop you if you want it that bad…

Charon: And… maybe we’ll find you-know-who?

Erica: We don’t talk about you-know-who because you got no clue who that is.

Charon: I think I do… and… I get why you don’t want to tell me.

Erica: Oh?

Charon: The knight in solitude, B-

Erica: What about?

Charon: They’re my uh… I mean.. Is there a word for it?

Erica: Probably. But I can’t confirm or deny anything.

Erica: Whoever asked me to raised you wanted me to promise never to confirm.

Erica: Granted… it’s only going to get more obvious as you get older.

Charon: Things like web texture, hair, fiend canines, pigment changes…

Erica: You know the answer you want to hear, and you know the one that’s obviously true.

Erica: Hopefully? One the same.

Erica: That said, wouldn’t advise going to Solitude of all places.

Charon: I know, went “missing” and all…

Erica: Mmhmm. Their god doesn’t look kindly on us. Pray we don’t have to deal directly. Buck’s gotten into some deep stuff..

Charon: We should save them then, right?

Charon: Like… they’re family and all.

Charon: And… I know you keep in contact.

Erica: I mean… I want to.

Erica: But everyone else gets put at risk if we’re too obvious. You, me, even your dozen cousins.

Erica: I’d lay low.

Charon: For now…

Charon: But… when I become a knight, I’ll go out there and save them too. Whoever they are in the end.

Erica: Mm….

Erica: You got a big heart, keep that.

Erica: Don’t think we can do much anytime soon but..

Erica: If you manage that? You’d be doing a lot for me too…

 

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

Styx: Happy to revisit something nice today?

Charon: Mm, admittedly I needed that-

You turn to look at him. You’ve never seen him so rough.

Styx: What’s the matter?

Charon: You’re hurt…

Styx: Had worse, just a scratch really.

Charon: Let me take a look at you.

Styx: I’ll be fine.

You reach for him only for the snake to avoid you.

Styx: Don’t. Esperanto put some sort of mark on me. Fear if it’ll spread on contact-

You ignore him and get a good look at his wounds.

Charon: Really chunked you…

Styx: I’m still here but…

Styx: Yes…

Styx:I ’ll recover with enough time but.. I don’t think I’ll survive a rematch.

Styx: Honestly, I think I only lived because they wanted me to…

Styx: Their cursed proxy did a horrid number on me.

Charon: Styx…

Styx: Don’t worry much about it for now though. I just…

Styx: Fear that this could be my last rodeo. I don't think I can keep performing fake outs.

 

Styx: It's been a long time since I've thought about the possibility of truly fading from the world.

 

Charon: You're serious.

 

Styx: I've been hurt many times, and that last beating really did push me to my limit...

 

Styx: So...

 

Styx: I think it's time to max out our hand here.

 

Styx: I've taught you plenty, but not everything I'd like you to know yet.

 

Styx: Your foes ahead are strong, and your newfound rival wants to teach you the hard way.

 

Styx: You will sink or swim, a knight's true trial.

 

Charon: The Nemesis method...

 

Styx: Right.

 

Charon: Considered cruelty by today's standards, only the classically trained go through such hardship..

 

Styx: A old ally of mine went through this herself. She was the strongest knight I've ever met but..

 

Styx: She was full of hurt. And I imagine it shaved a few years off her life at that.

 

Charon: It pushes you until you either rise to the occasion or retire.

 

Charon: My Grandmother and her sister both went through this. I'll endure too.

 

Styx: It's abusive.

 

Charon: I know.

 

Charon: I'm going to make sure they know too.

 

Styx: Always have a response.

 

Charon: Learned from you.

 

Styx: As you should.

 

Styx: Your friends are waiting so...

 

Styx: I'd like to grant you one last gift until the next meeting but...

 

Styx: Just... come with me...

 

 

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

 

 

You follow along, finding yourself struggling to keep up in places the further you go. The world begins to become darker, a misty remnant of the castle before.

Charon: What are you up to.

Styx: Nothing just…

Styx: If you are to take my throne, I want you to be ruler of your own fate.

Styx: I am giving you the keys to choose who you are, the castle and all.

Styx: When I one day truly do fade… you are the lord who will guide souls.

Charon: Mm…

Charon: What if I don’t want to be?

Styx: My power will still be yours.

Styx: Your friend waits for you out there….

Styx: I am removing your limiters.

Styx: The power of seeing all, and knowing everything… it’ll consume you if you tap too deep but.. I do truly trust you to do fantastic things with it.

Styx: Your fiendish aspects, proxy, your true self will all be intertwined and what happens there is truly yours to figure out.

Your eyes become heavy

Charon: You’re not dying on me, are you?

Styx: Not quite yet I don’t think, but I earnestly do fear this job is my last so…

Styx: I am preparing you for the worst, so you can be your best….

Styx: Make your friends proud Charon….

Mercury:  Wake up….

 

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

Mercury: Charon, you doing alright?

You’re back in reality.

Charon: Honestly? Better than I’ve been in a long time…

Mercury: No kidding, aura's hella smug right now. More than usual..

Mercury: No pain?

Charon: None at all..

Mercury: Good, good. Was watching you and uh… your snake friend.

Charon: Styx.

Mercury: Right. You two talk to each other. Never heard a dialect like his before but his voice kinda sounds like yours otherwise…

Charon: It’s a result of contract poisoning… you make a deal with an entity, you become more like them overtime.

Mercury: Yeah… you been okay with that?

Charon: To be frank? More than I should be but…

Charon: I feel calm..

Mercury: Yeah, can tell. Maybe a bit too much? You’re stabilized for now either way. No idea how long, wouldn’t count on it being forever but…

Charon: But enough time to get a gameplan going, yes?

Mercury: Mmhmm! Should talk with the other fiendish folks around here about it.

Charon: Others?

Mercury: Ah… you haven’t figured it out? I mean…

Charon: Esperanto?

Mercury: Mmhmm.

Charon: Makes sense. Something about our fight felt…. Too personal.

Mercury: You took losing pretty bad, no offense. Know you can be hard headed about that but you were full tilt from what I’ve heard.

Charon: Still sorry about that…

Mercury: Happens, no big deal right? Anyway, I think they're-

Manzana knocks on the doorway. Everyone turns their attention toward her.

Mercury: Oh, hey. Just wrapping up here.

Manzana: Actually… I think I have something I’d like to share. But… I’d like to keep it family only for now. Opera too just as a witness.

Manzana: Ran into some complications the night before this, meeting up with someone today about it.

Manzana: Wanted to do it in private but… I think someone else here would have a better clue on how to address it.

Charon: What do you mean?

Manzana: Zinnia…

Manzana: They’re around. Not too sure about them but… perhaps one of you can resolve this?

You look directly at Mercury.

Charon: Merc...

Mercury: You need to go, I get it. We'll get back to this later but...

Mercury: You do what you gotta do kid. Proud of all of ya'll who've grown up so strong.

Mercury: You're gonna do good out there.

Charon: Nothing less.

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

INTERMISSION: Master and Disciple
Perspective: BUCKET JUDGMENT
CW: Abusive language and behaviors.


 

 

You are Bucket Judgment, the true Heir of Judgment and Champion of Solitude…

At least you were…

These days you wander around the continent, slaying cults and leaving behind happier towns.

A true nomad hero, the Blanc family back home would have something to say.

Today you’ve got a lead.

You’ve dived into a big nest, something that could make all your efforts go to waste…

Thanks to a contact, you’ve made discovery that overseas someone has found access to a undying body and equipment beyond your understanding.

A science project from another world.

The cult’s you’ve been fighting have deep pockets. Folks would be able to pick up much of what’s there and potentially bring it back home to cause issues.

And if what you’ve heard is true, the odds are looking rough. You need an investor. One who’s own potential interests are too petty to be a danger by comparison. Too isolated to sell it off to the cult that’s burned down many lives.

You stand in the tent, holding your best posture with your assistant with you.

Your former mentor and aunt, Ali Judgment.

She approaches, giving you a grimace.

Ali: After all these years, you’re a renegade. Not surprised.

Ali: Better fit anyway, you were a wild card when we trained.

Bucket: Good morning, Ali.

Ali: So it is, now that I’m here.

She examines the tent set up, taking a look at your collection of arms, books, and your allies trying not to catch her gaze.

Ali: So this is your grand resistance… suppose classical knight guilds weren’t too different.

Ali: Can’t believe you had the audacity to ask me to be the one to visit you… I was across the globe. I have quite the schedule.

Bucket: Certainly was a bit of an endeavor for a infamously busy person such as yourself.

Ali: Mockery or flattery? With your tone I can never tell…

Bucket:  Depends on how this exchange goes.  I believe you understand that I’m looking for assistance?

Ali: Mm. And what’s with the getup? Certainly a lot less refined than I remember.

Bucket: Things have become difficult, the years of evading Rein…

Ali: Heard a rumor. The pilgrimage thing seemed like a lie.

Bucket: Never bothered to check in?

Ali: Don’t need to draw more attention your way. Don’t have a glamor to hide my face as well as you do.

Bucket: I’m certain you have a courier.

Ali: Don’t want to risk them getting box’d by a god.

She looks over at the young salamander next to you.

Ali: Who’s that? Adopting dropouts for your little cause?

Bucket: Proxy actually. Student was sacrificed for some experiment, one that involves fiendish material.

Ali: Ah… a host.

Bucket: Mm…

Ali: Dangerous one at that..

The salamander holds out her hand.

???: I don’t bite, long as you’re willing to play nice.

Ali refuses it with a dismissive gesture.

Ali: Don’t trust creatures like yourself. Anyone wearing another’s flesh is one to take caution of.

She was glared down.

Bucket: Didn’t you consider a plan like that yourself? You did pick up a number of powerful candidates…

Ali: They proved more… useful as themselves.

Ali: And frankly I’d rather not have to explain to my children why I’m suddenly a rabbit or a bear.

Bucket: You are certainly something….

Bucket: Her name is Bern, I hope you try not to forget it.

Ali: You named that thing too? You’re setting yourself up for heartbreak.

Bern: Don’t talk about me like that.

Ali immediately gives her the glare again, a hiss across the room this time everyone could feel in their skull.

Bern backs off.

Bucket: You really went and used the scary eyes on her?

Ali: It’ll be fine. Now, shall we talk business?

Ali: You need my funding, and I have a lot to gain from this investment. 

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

 

The two of you seat yourselves at a table in the middle of the tent setup, Bern tries make herself look busy and pretends to examine equipment, keeping an eye on the conversation.

She’s a smart cookie, being present yet in the background to make the observations you may have missed in the moment.

Ali shuffles through he coat pockets for personal belongings.

Bucket: Is everything alright?

Ali: It’s fine. You need a card spread? Smoke? Do you still do those?

Bucket: Not really, both have rotated out of the realm of interest for me.

Ali: She takes her hand out of her pocket.

Ali: Good, for the best.

Ali: So, the auction.

Bucket: Mm. Intelligence has told me much about an upcoming auction in a region not too far fromTaverne.

Bucket: Are you familiar with Plaza?

Ali: Mmhmm, one of my daughters came from there. Bit of a construct sanctuary, attracts a lot of attention overseas for its tourism.

Bucket: Exactly..

Ali: I saw the details. Equipment from another world beyond our wildest imaginations. Potentially a good spot for the Judgment armory.

Bucket: You mean for Your armory?

Ali: Same difference, no offense but Erica does a piss job with hers.

Ali: Basically a storage room for poorly maintained gear. With how long our family’s been in the business, should be an open archive for the people.

Ali: Instead it all drowns in the odd chance a wanderer passes by and happens to be in desperate need of a knife.

Ali: Pity really. For the best that the family relics are no longer in her possession.

Bucket: Do you know where they are?

Ali: I have tabs on them…

Ali: Regardless, this is an opportunity to add. Nothing makes for an active guild more than a library for the community.

Bucket: Right..

Ali: But this isn’t just about that either. It’s about who’s involved in the auction.

Bucket: A few people Spit has in her pocket are going to appear. She has quite a few wealthy advocates keeping her cult going.

Ali: Mm…

Bucket: Reason to believe that this info is a detriment to the world should it be in her hands. Arms of the inhumane nature, modifications for warfare, and potentially the key to immortality.

Ali: Saw the footage leak your insider managed their hands on. A truly undying body..

Bucket: Something that should never be in the hands of anyone looking to weaponize such a concept. Frankly debatable of such a thing should exist at all

Ali: Have to say, not sure who you met to get in on it but you’re one lucky dog. I’ve seen your plan, it’s interesting. Assemble a crew alongside your contact, get an invite to the auction one way or another, have a secondary saboteur team ready to burn the place down if your heist fails.

Ali: Though I have to say, I’m curious why you picked me over other immediate family. Erica would help, no?

Bucket: Erica is… someone I rather not risk being compromised for this job. Should the cult find her involvement, it’s troublesome for a large number of important people. I don’t wish to risk that…

Ali: You mean the kid?

Bucket: Mm…

Ali: He was in that footage you know. Makes me wonder how many little things your side of the family’s been trying to keep under wraps. Feel like whatever experience lead to that would’ve been one you’d have all more to say on.

Bucket: I’m not even entirely sure, Erica’s very familiar with it however.

Ali: As am I, even if not directly so..

Bucket: Mm…

Ali: So, who are the invites here?

Bucket: A number of those involved in this incident, including my mother’s pupil.

Ali: Ah, the rabbit.

Bucket: Is that what he is?

Ali: Mm. Erica and I were both involved in a mentoring program at Plaza around the same period, nothing too special. During that we each manage to find ourselves a diamond in the rough.

Ali: Well… don’t know if I’d call hers that. He’s got the maturity but his potential is so low. Hero category but a weak one.

Bucket: Hero category?

Ali: Those in the family tend to be easy to assign into three styles: Hero, Nemesis, Courier. Category Virgil’s parents came up with to examine our family on a historical level.

Ali: Hero types are straight laced. They’ll perform well, have an honest career, and retire at a relatively normal age for their species.

Ali: They’re certainly rare in recent history though. You had the makings of one but your potential is… too high, lets put it at that.

Bucket: What does that make me then?

Ali: Nemesis. The blood knights of the family. You, me, and your mother all fall into this. Monsters on two legs. Generally have the most notable potential among the family. Hopefully you won’t waste yours.

Bucket: Right…

Ali: You might be a inbetween but your abilities are absolutely of the nemesis variety.

Bucket: And what if the courier type you mentioned?

Ali: Soft types, destined to retire young and unremarkable.
Ali: Your um… Charon was it?

Ali: Is absolutely one of those. Falls back on weak lesser magic, reliant on equipment to keep up…

Ali: His eyes say a lot more and he certainly has the potential but…

Ali: He’ll fumble over his own two feet.

Bucket: Think it’s a bit unfair and cruel to count him out so fast…

Ali: What’s your point? Am I wrong? Erica chose to not train him despite his interest in maintaining the legacy.

Bucket: Stop talking about him.

Ali: What can I say? Your kid’s got a little bit more potential if set right but at this point? Too much of a softie to go in this world.  Granted, my kids need to toughen up too but at least the rabbit’s shown her work.

Bucket: You’ve never been good to your students…

Ali: I’m preparing them for the world, you wouldn’t be alive without me.

Bucket: I’m on the run *because* I took your job recommendation…

Ali: You didn’t have to.

Bucket: You pushed for it..

Ali: You took a god’s offer before a month passed. That’s on you.

You start standing up from your seat.

Bucket: I-

Ali: You what?-

Bucket: I thought that you had my best interest. You always spoke about wanting people to walk out living an easier life than you did. I wanted to believe that all the hardship was genuinely to put me on the right place and-

Ali: And it worked. Nobody knew what that god of yours was up to. You took the job too early, found out too late. I told you to take a year contract to gauge the scene and you were too excited to play hero for a crowd to notice the red flag.

Ali: All you’re proving is that nothing I ever taught really stuck.

Ali: Erica left you too trusting for your own good. No wonder it went to shit.

Ali: Same thing’s going to happen to your kid, worse even.

Ali: Fragile, reactionary, fights with his heart first and brain last.

Bucket: Enough-

Ali: He’ll fight tooth and nail for every win and barely scrape by each time.

Bucket: He won’t be a knight anyway, Erica has actively-

Ali: He has his license Bucket, he trained and registered and took the exam at the continent’s biggest proving ground in order for every guild in the continent to recognize him.

Ali: You think he’s going to do better than you?

Ali: Kid needs a cane to walk by the end of each day.

Bucket: …When did this all happen?

Ali: I have access to a lot of money and info, that’s why you came to me.

Ali: I know where and what every member of this family is up to.

Ali: Tell you this, kid could be a pretty damn good witch if he cleaned up his work. My kid could put him on the right track fast. Also pretty soft but she’s got so much talent there.

Ali: Did everything I can to make ure she works with the best tools, the best crew, got her education.

Alli: You? You know even with being on the run that you haven’t done enough.

Bucket: Bringing you in was a mistake…

Ali: One you’re going to grin and bare if you want this job funded your way. If you don’t I’ll figure out my own plan. I can get whatever info you’re keeping in your pocket from somewhere else you know?

You sit back down and take a deep breath.

She looks at you with a smug grin.

Ali: That’s better. Hard lesson of the day for you. You want saying power at the adult table? You make sure the cards in your pocket are bigger than anyone else’s.

Bucket: Let's start over then...

 

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

Bucket: What are our terms here? I desire to see them pinpointed precisely.

Ali: I fund the job and a little more for your resistance effort. All the loot will be added to my library. You’re allowed access to any information discovered that may be beneficial to you.

Ali: Especially of the god killing variety.

Bucket: And how do I know I can trust you on this?

Ali: Because I personally enjoy having a contact for everything.

Ali: And I know you’re long away from being out of the woods.

Ali: It’s a 50/50 anyway. You might get out of all this with your freedom best case scenario.

Ali: And if you don’t? Well… I can arrange something more.

Ali: You’re family after all.

Bucket: Don’t want to hear that from you.

Ali: I got you out of that shithole, nothing town. Could get you way more.

Ali: I’ve seen your work since, you’re a bit of a master of your craft.

Ali: Not fair that you’re stuck on the run.

Bucket: Let’s see how that job goes first.

Bucket: I do wonder why you seek this.

Ali: Seek what?

Bucket: Immortality has been on the mind forever for you.

Ali: It’s a gift you’ve got.

Bucket: Gift is a strong word…

Bucket: And it’s conditional at most.

Ali: An opportunity nonetheless. Surprised that bastard hasn’t cut you off.

Bucket: It has its reasons, vile ones.

Ali: Never would’ve read it that way but.. The obsessions of gods aren’t relevant to me.

Bucket: You think you’re beyond that?

Ali: Beyond anyone, given the right tool in hand.

Ali: Can you say that for yourself?

Bucket: A knight shouldn’t see themselves as above anyone frankly. Disconnecting yourself from your humanity is a betrayal of our origins.

Ali: If you cling onto the old way, sure.

Ali: But our kind is dying. The knights, the guilds, the very family name we’ve had so long.

Ali: So much of this world is run by monarchs and the people are useless in the face of them.

Ali: Community guilds shattered, witch circles forced into basements and hidden taverns.

Ali: The power of the average person has dwindled.

Bucket: Then it’s only natural to empower them, no?

Bucket: We build archives and libraries, armories for the average person to revolt against the oppressor..

Bucket: Our kind take care of the community’s needs and are taken care of in return.

Ali: Tell me this, when’s the last time a town has resupplied you to compensate for the favors you’ve done for them?

Ali: Or offered you a job in exchange for bed and essentials?

Bucket: There’s been plenty of individuals willing to step up-

Ali: Has it been consistent?

Bucket: No.

Ali: They’re not reliable. People are too inherently selfish and cowardly to be reliable to make big changes.

Ali: Empowering them only does so much when all it takes is one little display to send them hiding and begging for their lives.

Ali: The Gallows Effect. Are you familiar?

Bucket: Mm.. The practice of rounding up knights and executing them in the public eye to discourage any political opponents in regions where gods and government are particularly hands on….

Ali: You know it’s still *very* legal in most regions? It may not come up, and certain gods may not practice it but..

Ali: It’s still very much a tool many gods keep in their pocket, just in case.

Bucket: And what do you plan to do then?

Ali: Become greater than any god on this mortal plane. True immortality, a champion who cannot die.

Ali: I can’t trust anyone else in this world to get it done right, so I’ll oversea it myself to the end of time.

Ali: You’d be more than welcome to join. Be a waste of talent.

Bucket: Then consider it wasted.

Bucket: I’ll take the job but I’ve had more than my fair share of eternal youth to be quite sick of it.

Ali: I’ll go talk to my legal worker to start working on forms. We’ll oversee them together.

Ali gets up from her seat.

Ali: If you have time, I’d like to spar some and perhaps dinner after too.

Bucket: On the condition that I can take my comrade.

Ali:Really now?

Bucket: Bern is essentially for me to operate at my fullest. She’s a loyal comrade and part of the negotiation with full pay and compensation.

Ali: To think you’d rely on such feeble magic…

Bucket: She’s my proxy, adopted or otherwise.

Ali: I see.

Ali: In that case, do understand that I will not tolerate underperformance on the job.

Ali: If she causes issues, you’re the one responsible.

Bucket: You’ve vouched for me before, don’t see why it’s different.

Ali: It is.

Ali: You’re the only one who understands, whether you know it or not.

She marches out of the tent.

Ali: I’ll return shortly. Grab your reading glasses if you need them.

You wait until she’s fully out of view. You look over at Bern who’s been in the background this whole time.

Bucket: Hey-

Bern:  You didn’t have to stand up for me like that-

Bucket: I do, not for you. For her sake.

Bucket: I want to make sure everyone knows that she bleeds.

Bern: Wow uh..

Bern: Huh.

Bern: Still.. Should be the one speaking up more.

Bucket: She dismisses anyone who hasn’t impressed her. You’re not missing anything.

Bern: Then I’ll have to do my best on this job, right?

Bucket: Do it for yourself first. She’ll learn overtime. She’ll hate it but…

Bern: But she’ll have to admit I get the job done, yeah?

Bucket: Exactly.

Bern: Mm…

Bern: Thanks. Sorry I didn’t get much in.

Bucket: You’ll have your time, I’ll make sure. Until then, do your usual.

Bern:  Mm.. I actually caught a few things while you two were talking. Something about her posture is really off…

Bucket: Not surprising. Can you write it down for now? I don’t think we’ll have much time to share.

Bern: Sure thing. You doing okay yourself? All that looked intense.

Bucket: Me? I’m fine so far. After dinner.. We will see. Would you like to come to that?

Bern: Maybe… think she’ll go for some big ticket place?

Bucket:  Absolutely.

Bern: Strongly considered.

Bucket: Mm…

Bern: You going to be okay though, for real? Not just toughing it out?

Bucket: Always is with her. I’m just a professional at this point.

Bucket: But for now, consider us employed…

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

A NEW DEAL
[Second Resurrection]
CW: Abuse Trauma, Fear





 You make your way out of the little headquarters, a little sensitive to the morning light at first.

Whatever metamorphosis you’re going through hasn’t made you any bigger a fan of sunlight. You bring your cane for good measure.

Though you haven’t been as dependent on it lately, you know that after that fight the walk will do you in without it.

Greeting you as you exit is a white haired rabbit, your cousin with an unusually warm smile and a friendly wave.…

Charon:... Plat?

Platino: Mmhmm! Asked if I could get some time with you before we head to the apartment.

Platino: We got a little time so… you know?

Charon: Mm..

Platino: You alright?

Charon: Just… admittedly a bit surprised to run into you. Everything else too.

Platino: Ah, yeah I wouldn’t guess you’d be just a person away, yeah?

Charon: Mmhmm. Small world.

Platino: Wasn’t exactly free to talk much about my family. Could shit talk my mom but her rep’s too tight to name her and all.

Charon: Makes sense. Miserable..

Platino: Becoming friends on the same board though for similar shit? That’s wild.

Charon: Not as big a coincidence. Parents are sisters in the same line of business.

Platino: Right, kinda bound to bump into each other one day,

Charon: Way I see it, family is too weird for the overlap not to happen.

Platino: Bugs me how much they do though. Makes me wonder if mom put me through everything to one up everyone else…

Charon: You’re free now at least.

Platino: I wish.. She’s got me and Zana contracted pretty regularly. End up taking it just because without her stepping in I’d be hell crunched.

Platino: My negotiator a lot of the time, you know?

Charon: You can’t find someone else?

Platino: Could find work sure, but couldn’t get clients to agree to paying my flight, bedding, even materials as easily. But…

Platino: I don’t wanna talk too much about that you know? Just glad to be hanging out.

Charon: Same.

He takes a good look at you, up and down.

Charon: Everything okay?

Platino: You really just have that proxy chilling in public like that? I’m guilty of that in my own way. Split from you or..

Charon: No, not in any meaningful sense… but I wanted to give it more time out. Get some fresh air and all. See Opera doing it all the time.

Platino: Yeah, she’s a sweetheart as far as I can tell.

Charon: Admire it really.

Platino: Her and Manzana talked a bit earlier, can’t believe she nearly popped us last night honestly. No idea how someone can carry that kind of heat without being a little on edge….

Charon: She’s tough, wouldn’t have had half her restraint in a lot of the same situations.

Platino: Yeah. Warm voice, sad eyes. You’re kinda like that too. Maybe a little more… tired? Guess that comes with folks like us.

Charon: You’re never all there anymore. One foot in the past…

Platino: And an eye that sees everything coming. Remember you used to love that show back then.

Charon: Some things die hard.

Platino: Suits you really.

He goes quiet, eyes very contemplative of his next words.

Charon: Talk.

Platino: Thinking. Timing of everything gives us both some bad vibes.

Platino: The four of us all here, this whole angel world thing rearing its head, Zinnia.

Charon: You need to elaborate on that, genuinely seems really important considering how much overlap there is here.

Platino: I know, I guess just.

Platino: We’re both so fucking scared right now….

Platino: We’re actually bleeding over pretty hard right now.

Platino: Getting hard to tell who’s thoughts are who.

He opens his arms out as if requesting for a hug, only to back away when you approach.

Platino: Sorry…

Charon: Plat?

Platino: She rejected it, doesn’t like being touched by most people.

Charon: You’re fine…. Whatever happens, I’ll keep you two safe. I’ll keep everyone safe-

His cadence is suddenly replaced by a distinct harshness

???: You can’t fucking promise that. You think you can but if my mom gets involved…

Charon: Plat..

???: I’m sorry… We’re both here right now I think…

Charon: You don’t need to apologize..

???: I just..

???: Want a promise.

???: If this whole thing goes to shit, bail.

Charon: It won’t reach that point-

???: Listen to me, I know how my mom operates.

???: Not a single one of you can take her head on directly. The cleanest possible answer here is someone takes the bullet in a 1v1 and pray to god she’ll let everyone else walk out intact.

???: If you take her own in a group, she will slaughter every one of you. She has these rules in her head and the moment you threaten her pride she will treat you like livestock.

???: Grouping up on her is the biggest mistake you could ever make.

???: Please just…. 
 They were practically whimpering at this point.

Perhaps you could….

Maybe?

It worked for you…

Charon: Wouldn’t be fair to keep going without addressing your worries.

Charon: And… even if we’re all still new to you… I do think people want you around.

Charon: I refuse to let anyone get hurt so…

Charon: I think your concerns should be voiced and addressed before we go any further with our plans.

Charon: A plan to fall back on is something we need. If it comes to the worst, it’s better to retreat and fight another day so…

Charon: I have an offer, one I’d bet everything on.

You hold out your hand. The two of you feel a familiar haze and the faintest hiss of a radio static.

Their eyes widen at you.

Charon: Negotiations are open.

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

CW: Discussion of Trauma

Charon: I’m going to put everything on the line to-

Manzana: You little-!

Manzana: You’re really offering a contract to me? Like you’re one of those cons from another world?

Manzana: You’re fucking serious. Doing a fantastic job making me feel good about all this.

Charon: I… pardon?

The tone in her voice was distinctly Manzana now, any trace of Platino gone.

Manzana: I don’t think this is funny. I don’t know everything about what you and Platino said to each other online but I’m pretty sure he’s let you in on what kind of shit we've gone through with this.

Manzana: The calzones on you…

Charon: I didn’t think it’d strike this hard of a nerve…

Manzana: It does! I’ve spent so much time with this sort of thing and it still freaks me out.

Manzana: I… I don’t know what you even are anymore. You’re a dog, you’re a fiend, you’re a hero in another world..

Manzana: You and your friends don’t exist in reality anymore. At least Geezer I know is a real person… you…

Manzana: I don’t even know what you are.

Charon: Too many things at this point.

Charon: I’m amazed I haven’t mutated in a way that’d caused me to fall apart…

Manzana: But you still want to make a contract? You know that shit changes both you and the person who signs if you aren’t careful.

Manzana: What if your whole being collapses? Do you really want to end up like most of these drafters? Stuck as a ghost in the heads of people?

Charon: I… thought I had something going on for a moment.

Manzana: What were you even going to offer?

Charon: I was planning to give you access to my magic, I can tell you hold back.

Charon: I think.. You could be the one to stop Ali.

Manzana: Me? She’s my mom.

Manzana: I’ve got the gun but she knows I won’t pull the trigger. I hate it but…

Manzana: Had plenty of chances if I wanted out but…

Manzana: Part of me’s scared.

Manzana: And part of me, even with everything… wants her to just be okay.

Manzana: She’s a real bastard but… I want her to be fucking normal.

Manzana: I want to see her live her life normal. She’s got something wrong with her, you know?

Manzana: Coughs a lot after work, eats alone in a dark room, tosses and turns every night.

Manzana: She deserves whatever she gets coming most of the time but… I dunno.

Manzana: Caring about someone who’s hurt you… I don’t know if you’d get that. You and your little family having figured out how to be happy and all…

Charon: Wish it was that simple. Grandma Erica’s done me dirty and right now I’ve got a ghost in my head trying to make amends.

Charon: Can’t blame them entirely though and I know it’s not the same but…

Manzana: Ghost?

Charon: His name is Styx. My fault we met in the first place but…

Charon: Left me injured for life and with a limp. Geezer without his original body..

Manzana takes a good look at you.

Manzana: The prosthetics?

Charon: Originally just braces of sorts. When you’re part fiend, sometimes your body develops a bit slow in spots. Limbs weren’t functional enough yet so we used some add ons to supplement..

Charon: Styx’s contract stunted it, caused the metal to grow in a bit…

Charon: Steel nerves and wires bored into my flesh and bone. We modified it overtime but…

Charon: Sorry. Derailing.

Manzana: It’s fine, had no idea….

Manzana: Haven’t noticed a limp much but you’re a bit slow walking so..

Charon: Try to cover it with my posture. Don’t like people feeling like they have to help me out too much.

Charon: Need to use a cane at times though, especially in this windy area.

Manzana: Mm…

Manzana: I get what you mean…

Manzana: I refuse to sign a contract but…

Manzana: Platino and I want a promise.

Charon: A promise?

Manzana: Mm. Opera said you love making those and you tend to keep them.

Charon: I can do that.

Manzana: Save whatever contract you're going to make for someone you know who’ll get the job done.

Manzana: Find a way to take down Ali… if you can even deter her, I’d be willing to stick around.

Manzana… we’ve been keeping your friends waiting. Sure Geezer and Opera are done working on the bus by now.

Charon: Mm..

Manzana: If I need to back out, I will but… I’ll do as much as I can.

Manzana: Just… stay safe. I know your side of the family loves to play tough but...

Charon: Promise I will.

Manzana: Thank you... that's what I need to hear.

Manzana: Let's get going then.

 

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

THE WORLD PART I
A Brief Intermission...
Perspective: Charon.
CW: None

 A memory…

Back in that abyss again, or at least what’s left.
 
A world torn up as its people flee. Those who chose to stay rebuild from the ashes of the cult.

There’s a few loose threads, and martyrs to bury.

The corpses of evils to be burned and forgotten.

You walk through from corner to corner, embracing the title you’ve been given.

The reaper, the destroyer, the ferryman at the end of it all.

Nothing scares you anymore.. And you hate it..

But you will see it through to the end.. And you will return to your family when you’re all done.

You drag your blade across uneven concrete, the blood of your last encounter not quite dried.

Everything hurts.

Styx: You’ve gotten quite good at this revolutionist thing, you know that?

Charon: Can’t exactly afford to be bad at it..

Styx: Fair enough. Still..

Styx:  For a child you’ve managed to adapt to a hard setting quite naturally.

Charon: I just want to get home.. Snow’s started.

Styx: Mm..

Charon: Been here for months, I’m just tired…

Styx: Understandable, you’ve done quite a bit of fighting lately…

Charon: Mm..

Styx: I have to ponder what drives you at this point. Most would’ve lost hope by now.

Charon: Holidays. Missed the whole fall season and winter is coming, you know?

Charon: Think my Grandma would cry if I wasn’t back for that…

Styx: Perhaps I can offer you a peek at what they’ve been up to?

Charon: Maybe..

Styx: Only a maybe?

Charon: Right now I’m just.. Angry. Too angry to slow down. If I let myself cool off at all, might not be ready.

Charon: Each fight just.. Keeps getting harder.

Charon: Even though we burned it all down, there’s so much left.

Charon: I’m just glad everyone else made it back okay…

Styx: Don’t think okay’s the right word.

Styx: Until you get back, there’s a dog shaped hole in their heart.

Styx: You’ve changed a lot since then though. Have to ponder.. Can you say you’re still the same dog?

Charon: No. Don’t think so.

Charon: Wouldn’t feel right if I was.

Styx: No.. I think devil feels more appropriate at this point.

Styx: You’ve hurt a lot of people on the path of righteousness.

Charon: I hurt people because they wouldn’t listen to words.

Charon: They made their bed even when they knew what they did was hurting people.

Charon: So I made the hard choice. Cut down them down one by one, until they couldn’t anymore.

Charon: Til all I could feel is recoil.

Charon: Hurt at first but… in the end.

Charon: Don’t think it’s a sin to fight for what’s right.

Charon: If god won’t forgive me for that, I don’t need him.

Styx: Child…

Charon: Now I just want to go home. But… until I know this won’t happen again.

Charon: I’m going to keep fighting.

Charon: Opera stayed behind too. We’re going to do everything we can.

Styx: And how do you return once you’ve done that?
 Styx: The angel is long gone.

Charon: You brought me here, yeah?

Charon: I’ll just find a ride back. 
 Styx: Mm….

Styx: I have to make a confession to you.

Styx: I’ve slowly realized I’m what binds you to this world still.

Styx: If you want out, you need to burn your contract.

Styx: Cut me down and you’ll be back to where you belong. 
 Charon: …..

Styx: You won’t miss me, nobody will.

Styx: It’s all downhill from here kid, least for me. 
 Styx: I won’t go down quietly though. I want you to understand.

Charon: I know. Don’t expect you to.

Charon: I’d like one last deal.

Styx: Oh?

Charon: When I’m done, when all my work here is closed and I’m ready to go home. We’re going to fight anywhere you’d like. 

Charon: I want you at your strongest. 

Charon: But until then, you’ll wait.. 

Charon: A truce til it’s time to settle it.

Styx: What do I get if I win?

Charon: All of it. My power, my soul, all the spoils of war.

Charon: What you do with it all after well… I expect you to do the right thing.

Styx: Such a good client. Hesitate to call you such at this point though.

Styx: You’ve proven to be so much more.

Charon: I don’t want it to end this way but…

Styx: But it’s the only option I think. 

Styx: Consider it graduation, should you succeed.

Styx: The apprentice becomes the master…

Charon: Maybe…

Styx: The way you hold the blade… it’s as if it’s part of your soul.

Styx: Your blood, bone, and fangs all in each swing.

Styx: I admire that.

Charon: Know you’re big on that sort of thing. Weapons as an extension of yourself…

Charon: Least I could do is prove I’m listening to you here and there.
 
Styx: You do well.

Charon: You’ve done me a lot of wrong but…

Charon: We’d all be dead without you so…

Styx: A simple thank you works.

Charon: We’ll see…

Charon: Keep walking with me, I’m not done yet.

Charon: Til I am.. I want to be with a friend, you know?

Styx: I can do that. Just this once…

Charon: One final time..

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

EXHAUSTION
[Third Resurrection]
CW: Discussion of Abuse Trauma, Fear

 You make your way out of the safehouse and into the streets nearby, the bus parked as Opera and Geezer exchange a bit of playful banter you’re too tired to make out. You give a tired little wave at the two, Geezer gesturing for you to come on over.

Geezer: You both okay? Kept us waiting a bit.

Opera: It’s fine, we’ve been busy.

Geezer: Pretty much done with maintenance on the tour bus, scoot right in yeah?

You give a little nod, looking over at Manzana who eagerly climbs in.

You follow behind, two of you flopping into seats with audible sounds of exhaustion smoking out.

Opera gives you both a quick look and whispers something over to Geezer. He only gives a shrug in return.

She proceeds to slide into the seat next to you, face with a tinge of concern but giving the two of you a warmth you appreciate quite a bit right now.

Opera: You two wanna talk about it?

Manzana: We had a bit of a discussion.

Charon: Manzana had concerns and my response wasn’t the most appropriate.

Manzana: It was well intentioned, don’t give yourself too much shit.

Manzana: Fact that you can stand me after that’s a miracle frankly.

Charon: I should’ve handled it better regardless.

Manzana: I’m just embarrassed Platino got caught up in it, hates emotional blending…

Charon: Is.. he okay?

Manzana: Course he is,

Charon: I’m sorry…

Opera: Did you two argue-?

Manzana: It’ll be fine.

Charon: We did in a way but-

Manzana: Not really. More just…

Manzana lets out a deep sigh.

Manzana: I’ve got nerves about this job, I’ll leave it at that. Don’t want to say more.

Opera: You sure? Maybe I can help you-

Manzana: No. You’re really sweet and that’s the last thing I need right now.

Manzana: A pep talk on the way to the liquor store isn’t going to make me suddenly open up, no offense.

You don’t take particularly well to her tone.

Charon: She’s just trying to hel–

You’re immediately shushed, first a finger directly toward you, then a gentle hand on your head.

You instinctively rest on her shoulder, you spot the tiniest smirk on her face.

Why the fuck is she so good at this?
 
Opera: That’s fair. We don’t have to talk.

Opera: Not going to tolerate infighting though. Got way too much on our hands for that.

The rabbit’s ears pull back.

Manzana: I just wanted to go on a date..

Manzana: Wanted to do my shift, have a nice night, and tell Platino about it in the morning.

Manzana: Instead I’m seeing ghosts and talking about stealing corpses and worried my mom’s going to find out about this-

Opera: Your mom?

Geezer: Ali. She’s a bit of a walking disaster.

Geezer gives a little wave to everyone.

Geezer: Sorry to interrupt but, think I wanna handle it from here.

Geezer: No offense but… you know.

Opera: Sorry…

He looks over at Manzana, nothing but kindness in his tone.

Geezer: Is she here?

Manzana: Don’t think so, not yet.

Geezer: Can’t count on that to stick though.

Manzana: Never…

Manzana: If she is, I don’t want you to engage with her at all.

Geezer: I know…

Manzana: Last time you two met…

Geezer: Yeah… got way too close.

Manzana: Didn’t have to stand up for me.

Geezer: Didn’t like seeing her scream at you, what can I say?

Manzana: That’s all she would’ve done.

Geezer: Don’t deserve any of that.

Manzana: You both almost killed each other…

Geezer: We’re both walking just fine after that.

Manzana:  I don’t… want either of you hurt.

Manzana: You’re too good to be dragged into this. That’s why I don’t like having you around, hate the idea of something happening.

Manzana: And… as fucked up as it is…

Manzana: I just want my mom to get help. She’s been hurting for so long, you’ve seen her.

Geezer: Doesn’t mean she’s allowed to take it out on you.

Manzana: I know, I just…

Manzana: I’m sorry, it’s a bit too much right now.

Geezer: Yeah.

Geezer: Tell you this. After we see Zinnia? We can leave it at that, pretend nothing ever happened.

Geezer: You go home, play dumb if she asks. We handle our own job, try to stay out of her way.

Geezer: Not gonna force you to do anything.

Manzana: I… I have to think about it.

Geezer: I got a lot of favors in Plaza, home field advantage.

Geezer: If she shows up, we’ll be out and hiding til things cool down.

Manzana: That helps a little…

Manzana: Can we get going soon? Platino’s waiting on us.

Manzana: Plus an associate of mine is coming over, you remember Needle?

Geezer: Yeah, she’s chill. We’ll head out soon then.

Manzana: Good, I just want to get this over with.

Geezer scoots over to get situated at the wheel.

Geezer: That case, we’ll be heading out in just a sec.

The engine rumbles.

Geezer: Seatbelts on, ya’ll behave. ETA, about 12 minutes. 

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

Geezer: We’re here. Everything all good?

Manzana: Mm.

Manzana: Platino’s giving me some details, Zinnia wants to talk to people one on one.

Manzana: Members of the family, and people who were part of the abduction.

Geezer: I mean that’s just all of us.

Opera: We’ve got a couple of crew members who don’t fit that bill so…

Geezer: That’s fair, yeah. None are here with us though, makes it easy.

Opera: Mm! Guess so…

Charon: Any reason?

Manzana: We’ll have to find out.

Manzana: They’d prefer if you went first actually, you two met before?

Charon: In a way…

Manzana: Then you know the drill.

Charon: Any other instructions?

Manzana: Show up ready to spar.

Opera: He just got in a rough fight earlier..

Charon: It’ll be fine, it’s different with them. Zinnia’s a duelist at heart. Best way for them to communicate.

Charon: I’m actually looking forward to this one.

Geezer: He’s got this one, I wouldn’t worry too much.

Geezer: Any other instructions?

Manzana: Mm. Wanted to see you last actually.

Manzana: Said it might get long.

Geezer: Dang, first time meeting like this and they’re already gonna chew me out.

Geezer: I can live with that.

Opera: Guess I’m in the clear then, huh?

Manzana: You and me both.

Opera: What did you even do?

Geezer: Dunno, but we’ll find out.

Manzana: Did want to talk to me and Plat together apparently.

Opera: Anything for me at all?

Manzana: Nothing specific, but you’re included in this either way.

Opera: Guess I’m not special, figures.

Opera: Got mixed feelings on talking to them in general though.

Charon: Feel you there.

Opera: Went through a lot ‘cause of that incident, you know?

Geezer: Yeah.. feel that one.

Opera: Is it bad? Like..

Opera: Can’t blame everything on them entirely but…

Opera: I dunno.

You look directly at them and quietly open up your arms.

The cat doesn’t hesitate to take the hug.

Opera: Thank you… you ready to go handle things?

Charon: Mm… best as I can.

She pulls away.

Opera: You knock things out.

Geezer: Yeah, do what you gotta do. We’ll be here after.

Manzana: Don’t got much to say personally, just be careful out there.

Charon: I will.

You give your whole body one last stretch before you make your way out of the bus.

The door to the apartment is unlocked…

Your chest pounds a bit.

You can’t tell if you’re excited or scared.

The moment you step inside, you’re no longer in Plaza.

You find yourself surrounded by familiar imagery.

A display of memories and the cracked remains of the world you escaped from long ago.

Your proxy is live,you prepare your weapons at your hip.

The old Judgment’s voice echos through the room.

Zinnia: It’s been a good while since we’ve done this.

Zinnia: You’re all grown up. At least in a couple of ways.

Zinnia: About as tall as I was back in my day…

Zinnia: Hopefully you were informed but..

Charon: I’m ready to spar if you are.

Zinnia: Ah! Good! Hopefully you’re prepared then.

Zinnia: Picked a familiar arena, for old time’s sake.

Zinnia: Hard memories for both of us but..

Charon: You want to see me back in that moment.

Zinnia: Aye.

Zinnia: A little reflection is good for anyone.

Charon: Had plenty as of late but… I’ll manage.

Zinnia: Mm.

Zinnia: Your cadence is so different.

Charon: It’s been a decade in my time.

Zinnia: Perhaps so, but I don’t know what you’re trying to do here.

Zinnia: Not a mannerism seen among modern knights.

Zinnia: But not quite homage to those before either.

Zinnia: You’re quite the fan of fantasy I can tell.

Charon: What’s it matter?

Zinnia: Nothing but…

Zinnia: With all the little differences between our current and past meeting.

Zinnia: I simply wonder how the scars of time have healed.

Zinnia: Your posture is strong, but your body is tired.

Zinnia: Your voice cold, and yet there’s a timidness there..

Zinnia: To be vulnerable is not showing weakness.

Zinnia: You’re allowed to be scared.

Charon: Can’t really afford to be as of late.

Charon: It’s a bit tiresome really…

Zinnia: Mm… I understand that.

Zinnia: Something does bother me about the gaze in your eyes admittedly.

Charon: Metamorphosis-

Zinnia: I'm very aware of what that is.

Zinnia: That's expected.

Zinnia: What gets me is... I can't see the same person from back then at all.

Zinnia: Not hiding, not trapped...

Zinnia: Who are you really?

Charon: .... Pardon?

Zinnia: Before I saw a dog and a entity.

Zinnia: Now all I see is the entity...

Zinnia: But now that I bring this up...

Zinnia: The fear in your eyes seems too genuine...

Zinnia: I'm... going to pick my next words carefully.

Styx, are you there?

As much as I can be. I wasn't looking forward to this conversation if I'm honest.

Did you know something?

I had my theories but... I mean you've clearly put it together by now too..

Otherwise you wouldn't be panicking my way.

Styx please...

Don't you find it odd? How different you've become? The fact that your proxy still clings to my power long after you'd done me in?

I mean..

Esperanto's immediate hostility seemed so drastically out of character to Mercury, despite claiming to know them, no?

I shouldn't be here after you'd done me in, and yet here you are talking to what's left.

What happened between you and I back then wasn't you purging me from your mind and body.

Your soul had been claimed long ago in the contract. You overextended.

You are not the original Charon. A pastiche at best really.

Residual feelings, memories, a remnant desperate to stay in this world.

to maintain your sense of person.

If you were still entirely you, you'd be more like your little cat friend. She's more in line with who you were meant to become I imagine.

Zinnia: Charon, talk to me... who's there with you?

Even now that name feels a little detached, doesn't it?

I'll give you credit though, I've never seen a husk cling so desperately before.

Makes me more pathetic doesn't it?

Losing to what amounts to less than a shadow?

Charon: Zinnia?

Zinnia: Yes?

Charon: Give me the terms for our duel.

Zinnia: Are you sure? You seem quite out of it.

Defiant to the end as always...

Charon: I want you to help me figure out who I am.

Zinnia: Then... it's true.

Charon: Maybe. Don't care.

Charon: Hate to call in a favor right away but-

Zinnia: No, you're more than fine. I owe you over two decades of birthday gifts, consider this a start.

Zinnia: I offer you a challenge, nothing but your best.

Charon: Name your terms.

Zinnia: First to surrender. I'll give you a pass or a fail based on your performance.

Charon: Accepted. I toss initiative to you.

Zinnia: Really? Are you sure?

Charon: Done this before, I'll be fine.

Zinnia: Consider it done then. On your call.

Charon: Duel going live, begin.

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

TRIAL OF CHARON, JUDGMENT PART III
[First Trial]
CW: None

 

 You traded blows the best you could.

Facing a foe so fast your eyes couldn’t be trusted after a point.

Strike, parry, counterblow, retreat.

Against someone like them, there was no margin for error.

Even in a friendly spar, you couldn’t give it anything less than your best.

Tank, counterblow.

Knockdown, counterblow.

The rings around your eyes rotating like lens, rewinding you back to that day long ago.

And just like before, it’s decided in a few decisive strikes.

You stand up tall on a pillar of scrap metal and limbs held together by the thinnest fibers of metal.

Your opponent staggers first.

You drag your blade across the ground toward them, its teeth in a perpetual snarl.

Zinnia: That’s enough for now, think I’ve seen enough for now.

Zinnia: I concede.

Charon: Are you alright after that?

Zinnia: I’ll spring back just fine, I wouldn’t worry.

Charon: Feel like I might’ve overdone it on my end.

Zinnia: I wanted your heart fully in on it, otherwise it would’ve been pointless fighting.

Charon: I just… needed to block him out.

Zinnia: The entity?

Charon: Mm, you can tell.

Zinnia: Obviously, his smug energy can be felt a mile away if I’m honest.

Zinnia: He was there last time too, I’d say I’m surprised you’ve kept him around so long but…

Zinnia: I get the sense that wasn’t a choice you had say in.

Charon: Didn’t even realize if I’m honest… not until he started talking again.

Zinnia: And how did he survive? Did you not purge him from yourself?

Charon: Thought I did but, now I’m not so sure…

Charon:... I didn’t quite survive back then, did I?

Zinnia: I’d like to give you an answer but… I wish to hear your thoughts prior.

Charon: All you see is the entity. All people see is him.

Charon: His soul is what’s here…

Charon: Entities are angelic in nature to some degree, no?

Zinnia: To an extent.

Charon: They remove and replace..

Charon: I’m not much different from one of the sleeper agents they leave behind.

Charon: And it makes me wonder… how much staying power I really have right now.

Zinnia: I’m going to ask you a question, and I want you to answer honestly.

Zinnia: Are you Charon Judgment? Or are you all that remains?

Charon:... I don’t really know.

Charon: I want to say so but… I’m scared.

Charon: I…. think I’ve run into someone recently, got in a scuffle or two and-

Zinnia: Mm, I’ve heard. Don’t have to fill me in on that bit.

Charon: You know?

Zinnia: I’ve taken the role of the family’s guardian. I try my best to keep track on things.


Charon: Good to know, anyway..

Charon: One look and they’re ready to ragdoll me. Trying to purge an intruder…

Charon: And the more I think about it, that’s me isn’t it?

Charon: They noticed it before I could. They could see the disconnect from the start..

Charon: A foreign soul with remnants of the original.

Charon: It makes me wonder what others would say if they knew…

Zinnia: Let me ask you this quickly, because I’ve also been thinking of something similar.

Zinnia: You were raised by Erica, yes?

Charon: Mm…

Zinnia: You think she hasn’t noticed by now? You’d be a fool to assume otherwise.

Charon:...that’s true.

Zinnia: Has she cared for you any less since you returned?

Charon: God no, she’s doubled down.

Charon: Scared to let me do anything unsafe.

Zinnia: Mm.. and what of Geezer? Opera? From what I’ve told they both seem to care quite a bit about you.

Charon: Care about them a lot too…

Zinnia: I am far from what many would consider the original Zinnia at this point.

Zinnia: And yet you and the others revere me as the one who holds the title of original Judgment.

Zinnia:  But I think at the end of the day, a person is more than their brain, their nerves, even their soul.

Zinnia: Your actions, the pieces that remain, the way you look at others and the way they care about you…

Zinnia: Would you want to be anyone else besides Charon Judgment?

Charon: No. That’s why I’m asking you-

Zinnia: There’s your answer! There you go!

Zinnia: You’ve left your impact on this world as Charon Judgment!

Zinnia: And no matter what version of yourself you are right now, nobody has any right to tell you otherwise.

Zinnia: And perhaps that’s wishful thinking from me as well… truth be told, I’ve had my own fears.

Zinnia: I want to see him again…

Charon: Arabis? Don’t see why not.

Zinnia: Mm.. I know deep down he’ll be more than happy but..

Zinnia: I also have had the same thoughts as well.

Zinnia: What remains of me is even less than what you may consider the “real” you.

Zinnia: My body gone, my soul shaped beyond recognition.

Zinnia: All that’s left is my lingering sentiments at this point, bound to metal bones and old relics.

Zinnia: I wonder if it’ll be hard on him.

Charon: I really have my doubts. Still thinks of you practically every day.

Charon: And between you and me, the construct body will only encourage him to pick up more hobbies.

Charon: He’ll have to take care of you somehow.

Zinnia: He was always a good craftsman… and he may have been a little too eager when I’m under the weather.

Zinnia: Any excuse to feed me soup in bed.

Charon: May want to consider bringing up anything that needs repairing then. Might be more than worth your time.


Zinnia:...Mm.. that’s very much his line of thinking as well.

Zinnia: Would go out and run errands on snowy days so I’d have to thaw him out after. You know how fiends are..

Charon: Can’t take the cold.

Zinnia: Mm. He’d practically melt afterward though…

Zinnia: Could I ask you a huge favor?

Charon: Mm?

Zinnia: Sit with me for awhile. Catch me up on the family.

Zinnia: After a fight like that we could both afford to cool off.

Charon: Of course..

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

 Charon: Don’t know where to start, you’ve been gone a long time.

Zinnia: Recent is good.

Charon: Got my license to operate under a guild..

Charon: Geezer’s managed to get pretty far with knighthood. Works in this region but still makes time to visit.

Zinnia: He’s a good egg.

Charon: He is.. Admire him.

Zinnia: An envy at all? Be honest.

Charon: None, he’s never made me feel any less.

Charon: It’s comforting knowing that if things don’t work out, I’ve got someone to depend on.

Charon: Truth be, think I just want to be able to do more for him.

Zinnia: Guilt?

Charon: Plenty.

Zinnia: You think he holds it against you at all?

Charon: I worry but.. If he’s hiding hard feelings, I’ll probably never know.

Zinnia: Don’t think he does, honest.

Charon: Grandma’s doing pretty good. As much as she talks about retiring, don’t think she can fully commit.

Charon: She “retired” recently but she still goes out.

Zinnia: For some people, retiring just means taking it a bit easier. 

Zinnia: Think you could do that for yourself here and there?

Charon: I can.

Your proxy scooted up close to you.

Zinnia: That right there. That’s what you need right now.

Charon: Been told.

Zinnia: Easier to be nice to people who aren’t you.

Zinnia: But this is a nice compromise I think.

Charon: It’s done a lot for me. Don’t think I could ever go out of my way to hurt it.

Zinnia: What kindness you carry… that’s the real Charon I think.

Zinnia: That proxy of yours too.

Zinnia: Reconnect with yourself through it, think you’ll find the rest of you.

Zinnia: Maybe not in the same sense but…

Zinnia: I think being complete is more than the body you’re born with.

Charon: Honest question.

Zinnia: Oh?

Charon:.. You think I’ll do good?

Charon: This family means a lot…

Zinnia: I wouldn’t worry about it, honestly.

Zinnia: Just be the best you can and you’ll find your way.

Zinnia: You have power, knowledge, and good people in your life.

Zinnia: I’d be more surprised if you didn’t leave a mark frankly.

Charon: Mm..

Charon: Can’t deny the last one.

Charon: I wanna do good for them.

Zinnia: Aye.

Zinnia: I think you’re set personally, I’ve made my judgment here.

Charon: Did I pass?

Zinnia: Think you know.

Zinnia: Whether you’re ready or not, a mentor awaits you soon.

Zinnia: One who’ll push you to be their equal no matter what.

Zinnia: When that time comes, I want you to go beyond them.

Zinnia: I want you to be the one who teaches them something in the end.

Charon: Soon?

Zinnia: Very. You should be on your way but for now do me a quick favor.

Charon: Oh?

Zinnia: Let Opera know she’s next. 

Zinnia: When I’ve gone through each of you, we’ll meet as a group.

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

TRIAL OF OPERA, TOWER REVERSED
[Second Trial]
CW: None
Perspective: Opera.

 

 Zinnia: Gun cocked and ready to go?

Zinnia: Hope Charon didn’t tell you I was looking for a fight.

Zinnia: Admittedly I didn’t have plans for two in a row. ..

Opera: Dog told me that’s how you get to know people best, right?

Opera: So I wanna cut to the chase.

Zinnia: Hmm….

Opera: Had to be thinking about it, right?

Opera: Lot of show going on just for a talk.

You looked up to the sky above. Blistering winds, twisted clouds, and an angel you recognize from one of your first jobs.

Opera: If you weren’t looking for a fight, didn’t do a good job of making that clear.

Zinnia: Suppose that’s fair.

Zinnia: I simply pulled from your own sentiment, nothing more or less.

Zinnia: I’m surprised, admittedly. This isn’t the angel pocket.

Opera: Had a lot going on in life since then.

Opera: Whole thing was formative, but that’s where life started in a lot of ways.

Zinnia: Fill me in then, what’s the deal with this?

Zinnia: Help a lost soul understand what I’m looking at.

You lined up your finger with the horizon.

Opera: Spent a lot of time mending stuff in the pocket, but a bulk of folks found new homes.

Opera: When I finished school, spent time helping a chunk of the town with its new locale.

Opera: Nice little village by the mountains. The old locals were a little confused where all these new buildings came from, but folks got along.

Opera: Needless to say, wasn’t all peaceful. Right now we're on the balcony in an old manner, big setup for some Frankenstein stuff.

Opera: Always had a bad vibe personally. The crew working there were making some nasty things. Peeking into other worlds, digging up bodies from cemeteries, playing god…

Opera: At some point, investigators from out of town started showing. Decided that it wouldn’t be right to not check in on things. And well..

Opera: Got messy from there.

You partially holstered the gun for a brief moment, still keeping your hand on it.

Opera: Don’t want to duel you like this though. Wanna fight you fair and square.

Zinnia: Oh?

Opera: Know that being a big orb in the sky isn’t your style at all. I want you at your best.

Zinnia: Think that’d be dangerous…

Opera: You hold back for Charon?

Zinnia: It was a friendly spar, for the most part anyway…

Zinnia: Might’ve been a touch of spite in his swing. Had to accommodate for that.

Opera: What do you want if you aren’t gonna give me that?

Zinnia: To figure out your role in things yet to come..

Zinnia: Admittedly the plan was just those in the family but…

Zinnia: I felt inclined. You remind me too much of others..

Zinnia: Don’t think I could fight you at my fullest.

Opera: Why don’t we go into town, yeah?

Opera: Hate this place, lab could burn to the ground…

Opera: I wanna go somewhere nice if we’re not throwing hands.

Zinnia: Very well then.. Fair enough.

Zinnia: Lead the way.

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

 

Zinnia: Noticed there’s a bit of overlap.

Opera: Mm…

Zinnia: Keep ending up in places like back then.

Opera: Got my reasons.

Zinnia: I’d like to hear if you don’t mind talking about it.

Opera: I mean…

Opera: Be lying if I said the whole thing didn’t fuck me up.

Zinnia: Mm..

Opera: I don’t want to repeat that. Nobody who showed up wants to see shit happen again, you know?

Zinnia: Understandable.. I imagine you hold a bit of resentment toward me.

Opera: Don’t want to but…

Zinnia: But…

Opera: I’ll get over it.

Zinnia: Won’t force you to forgive me.

Opera: Yeah….

Opera: One day, you seem alright but..

Opera: I don’t know.

Opera: Wanted to fight you, but think I’d feel bad doing that.

Zinnia: Would you fight me if I were the same as back then?

Opera: You’d be dead right now, that’s the truth really.

Zinnia: Mm..

Zinnia: I don’t think you’re wrong.

Zinnia: You hold a power that’s terrifying, one that perhaps only the witchiest of your group can compare to.

Opera: Bit of a gift..

Zinnia: And just as much a burden.

Opera: Mmhmm…

Opera: Don’t want to become like her..

Zinnia: Rook.

Opera: Mm..

Zinnia: That entity tried to make a contract with you.

Opera: She did.

Zinnia: And you made it out unscathed?

Opera: Mostly. Better than Geezer and Charon I guess but..

Zinnia: Only physically.

Opera: Emotionally I think I’m still stuck there, you know?

Opera: One eye in the past. The other looking ahead.

Opera: But my body’s stuck in the present..

Zinnia: Well spoken.

Opera: I missed people though..

Opera: Know it’’s some convoluted time and space mess but..

Opera: Part of me didn’t want things to end.

Opera: I wanted to keep fighting, just because everyone would leave…

Opera: But… I don’t know really.

Zinnia: How old are you?

Opera: 26 now. Older than the others on the bus by a year or two

Zinnia: Mm…

Opera: They’re all me, right? Like another me.

Zinnia: You’re the Judgment of your world. Not by name maybe but.. Spiritually.

Opera: Scares me to think about.

Opera: Wonder if I’m looking at their future.

Opera: Everyday my work’s got me feeling a little less human, you know?

Zinnia: I mean… you are a cat.

Opera: Metaphorically.

Zinnia: Right.

Opera: More I see past the skybox, the more I kinda just…

Opera: Everything feels so small.

Opera: I want to see all of it, but I don’t want to forget.

Zinnia: Don’t think you will.

Zinnia: Your sentiments are what keep you bound.

Zinnia: Every one of you has lost something significant.

Zinnia: Charon’s heart, Geezer’s body, and your sense of peace…

Opera: Mm..

Opera: Feel bad I couldn’t stop all that.

Opera: I can’t let it happen to people, even it takes my whole life.

Opera: I don’t know…

Zinnia: Every world has people like you and your friends, no?

Zinnia: Brave people who just want to protect others.

Zinnia: You’ve got the burden of being one playing many’s roles..

Zinnia: But other worlds are happy to have people like you exist there too..

Zinnia: Let's sit down somewhere…

 

 

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

Opera: So what do you want?

They reached over for your gun.

Opera: What are you doing?

Zinnia pressed the muzzle against their own chest.

Opera: Don’t do that.

Zinnia: I’m giving you the opportunity, if you’re still mad and well.. Rightfully so..

Zinnia: You may have that catharsis.

Opera: Ugh.

Opera: Don’t make it that easy.

Zinnia: Why not?

Zinnia: You’ve endured enough.

Opera: I’d feel bad…

Opera: Honestly as much as I want to take it out on you, talking to you like this.

Opera: Hate it.

Opera: Because now there’s a face to all of it.

Opera: A sweet old-timer who’s made a lot of mistakes.

Zinnia: No emphasis on the latter?

Opera: I’d be full of it honest.

Opera: I’ve done all sorts of wrong. This life and others.

ZInnia: Mm…

Opera: I’m not too far from an entity, worried one day I’ll become one outright.

Opera: I dunno.

Zinnia: Fears aren’t without merit, you’ve seen so much. Been through so much.

Zinnia released the gun. You maintained it against their chest.

Zinnia: If you need to take the shot, do it.

Zinnia: Just pass down what I have to say to the others-

Opera: No, you can say it yourself.

Opera: Right now we need you alive so..

Opera: Gonna have to sit on it.

Zinnia: Will you be able to commit later?

Opera: God no.

Opera: But some closure, good or bad, just something would be nice you know?

You removed your gun.

Opera: I guess you’re my weird AU grandpa or something so it’d be weird to shoot you anyway.

Opera: I mean not that that’s stopped me, sometimes family needs a wakeup call but..

Zinnia: You want a truce?

Opera: For now. Maybe working with you’ll help me get through this, I dunno.

Opera: I’m too far from home for this shit.

Zinnia: Then I’ll take that for now.

Zinnia: A truce.

You tuck away your weapon and head back toward the door.

Opera: I need a nap but…

Opera: We’re not finished, alright?

Opera: Putting a pin in this.

Zinnia: Putting a pin indeed… 

 

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

THE EMPRESS REVERSED
[A Flashback Intermission]
CW: None
Perspective: Opera

Opera: Hey!

Charon: Opera?

Opera: Yeah!

Charon: How’d you get up here?

Opera: Wasn’t too hard, just had to climb up. You know how it is, cat things.

Charon: Yeah… I just wanted some air.

Opera: This high up?

Charon: Yeah. Used to do the same back home with my grandma.

Opera: So uh..

Opera: You wanna meet my friends? Hang out?

Charon: Mm? Right now? It’s pretty late..

Opera: Yeah! Folks are celebrating Darkest Night stuff lately. Even though it’s a weird pocket void and all, people need it..

Charon: I mean..

Charon: I don’t mind I guess.

Charon: But..

Opera: ..Buuut?

Charon: I don’t want to leave Geezer behind. Is it okay if he comes?

Opera: Is he your brother?

Charon: Cousin. We just met but he seems pretty cool and well…

Charon: My fault he got dragged into this.

Opera: Don’t be so hard on yourself…

Charon: It’s true. So like… I don’t want to not go with him.

Charon: If folks are having fun, I want him to join in. Make him feel welcome, you know?

Opera: Makes sense. Lead the way then.

Opera: Rest of your family going to be okay with this?

Charon: Long as we’re still in this part of town, it’s fine right?

Opera: Mm… I guess so.

Opera: I’ll have to talk to my crowd to see if they’re all good for this then.

Charon: Mm…

You scooted to the top of your bunk bed to pester Geezer.

Charon: Hey, you awake.

Geezer looked at you with a tired gaze before sobering up at the sight of Opera.

Geezer: Who’s that? She from downstairs?

Charon: Friend I met recently.

Opera: Opera!

Charon: It’s darkest night right now. Folks are celebrating outside.

Geezer: That’s right.. We’re missing out on that…

Opera: Not today! Wanna go down as a group? Live a little?

Geezer: Maybe. Arabis and Erica aren’t home right now though…

Geezer: Feels bad not asking them.

Charon: That’s true.. She said we’d be staying in our part of town though.

Geezer: True… kinda in the mood for candy right now…

Opera: I’ll make sure we stay safe, just gonna meet up with a couple of friends.

Geezer: What kind of friends?

Opera: Just some kids in the area, Fenton and Hickory. You kinda remind me of one of them…

Geezer: Me? I dunno. Maybe.

Geezer: Not gonna lie, those sound like band names.

Opera: Geezer doesn’t?

Geezer: …Yeah but mine’s cool.

Opera: Okay. So you in or…

Charon: Up to you Geez, don’t wanna do this if you’re not good for it.

Geezer: You kidding? I’m down dude. Take me to the ball.

Opera: You’re a ham, follow me.