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guiltrip2023-06-12 11:33 am
killerwaves) wrote in guiltrip2023-06-12 11:33 am
WEEK 5
WEEK FIVE
21 Vacationers
The weekend sure was something, wasn't it? Tempers flared, explosions burst, and some were treated to an immersive sand bath experience. Come Monday at least, things seem quieter though not in the unnatural still way—the distortions on the islands have receded sometime in the night (with some impressive firework-like booms that may have stirred your sleep, at that; and the waves seem a little higher this morning) and the various amenities on the island have been made orderly again. Though, as always, some traces remain in the landscape; the waterfall looks like it has seen better days, though it's no longer in danger of coughing up debris on your head if looked at wrong.
This week like the rest brings new locations for you to explore, on Kakapo's Nest though it seems like only one of them really fits the vacation vibe. Hope you like snow!
!WEATHER ALERT:
Bulletin:
Starting Monday morning and continuing throughout the week, pollen counts will be elevated. This is expected to last until late Thursday
Starting Monday morning and continuing throughout the week, pollen counts will be elevated. This is expected to last until late Thursday
!TASKS:
Breathe Freely:
Enjoy the great outdoors with a fellow vacationer! It's never too late to appreciate nature.
(REWARD: RARE!)
(( Yes, only one task this week which is memshare with someone else. Have fun!
REMINDER: Task submissions are due Friday by 9 PM EST/6 PM PST. ))
(( OOC: Murder proposals are due by Tuesday at 4 PM EST / 1 PM PST, for the current week's murder, which is the last week of standard murder, week 6 being endgame!!Enjoy the great outdoors with a fellow vacationer! It's never too late to appreciate nature.
(REWARD: RARE!)
(( Yes, only one task this week which is memshare with someone else. Have fun!
REMINDER: Task submissions are due Friday by 9 PM EST/6 PM PST. ))
Also, as always, your admins can be contacted for a chat. ))
Closed Memshare(s)
For Birdkin (Artoria's & Co.'s Training Session)
The training grounds are up ahead. A place where knights spar off and on against one another.
A place where he has often had Artoria now go against him, in order to prepare the young blond better for the role of King in this land.
It's easy to see him approach, yet none seem to take notice.
'Too relaxed', is the thought that comes, audible to the point that it may as well have been spoken by the one observing this memory.
That being the case, Merlin tosses off his cloak, takes up a training blade, and surges forward to the least suspecting knight, before swinging wide, subsequently disarming him. ]
Hmm...is this what's to be expected from King Arthur's knights? Having fun is good, but having no potential is no good as well. I guess none of you will ever amount to anything, will you?
[ Just like that, this is how he seems to rile up those still training. Another person dares charge him.
This isn't for funsies, however.
Merlin is certain to bring the attention of a certain short king soon enough. Their would-be King is due for another training session, after all... ]
For Wei Wuxian (Sword in the Stone)
The current place is special. Indeed, one can say it is nothing less than noteworthy, it seems. Stones encircle the area, with grassy plains that stretch as far as the eye can see, and in the midst of it all...
No one can be mistaken by the sight. It is the one and only—the veritable sword in the stone.
A certain white-cloaked figure watches this, hidden in seemingly plain sight, yet invisible to those who are unable to perceive his presence, as a myriad in attendance vent their frustrations.
A crowd is also present, of people having hoped to witness someone pulling the sword from the stone. Yet, even though they're not a part of the knights who are attempting to succeed in what appears to be a fruitless endeavor—that is, being unable to lift a blade from where it has been embedded into rather sturdy rock—they have their own hopes as well. Those of which seem to become dashed as knight after knight, boy after boy, man after man attempts to pull the weapon out, but to no avail.
Here is where the talk starts, whispers rising above murmurs.
"Are there no knights in this country who bear the hallmark of a king?"
It appears that the seed of doubt has started. Yet, the person who is part of this memory can only feel a sense of amusement. Humans are always such interesting creatures. No matter the situation, push them a certain direction, and their reactions can vary. Unpredictable, but delightful all the same.
...These thoughts, however, clearly do not belong to the one who is observing the mage who thinks of himself as just an observer right now. Yet, it seems someone else is speaking up once again... ]
no subject
Anyway.
Wei Wuxian hangs back on the edge of the crowd, near that cloaked figure. He spares a glance towards Merlin before his gaze slides back to the crowd, his hands behind his back as he watches. So this is how they decide their king? It makes sense, he supposes, if they want someone to gain access to the throne through divine rights.
As someone speaks up, Wei Wuxian looks around for the source of the voice. ]
no subject
But then, that person speaks up again, tone now bitter than not, "...then again, was Merlin's prophecy even true in the first place?"
The doubts of the people seem to make the attending knights uneasy; at least even if the judgment is made by Merlin, it is obvious from the way they carry themselves as well. They decide to more or less put on a showing of sorts. Perhaps...to mend their own pride as well.
Merlin himself seems rather unbothered by this turn of events. If anything, judging by the slight upturn of his lips, he seems to find something amusing about it. After all, he's a being far from human, and at this point in time, seeing the results of people going up against a steep challenge is proving to be something worth a form of entertainment.
One of the knights declares, "Whatever the case, there are so many knights gathered here. There are many ways to choose a king. The best one will succeed Uther as king of the knights, inheriting from the previous king."
The knights begin to talk about setting up a joust, a tournament to decide who is 'heir to the throne'. Not surprising to Merlin. They were just simple men, after all.
Meanwhile among all these people are also two towards the back, a blond-haired young lady who is dressed like young males of her age. Another is a taller male beside her, and for some reason, Merlin has his attention on them.
The taller man is also displeased by the stormy look on his face...even as the young lady hands him his spear. She asks, "Brother Kay, is the chosen sword not good enough? Is that why it's going to be ignored?"
He simply says that it's not a matter of good or bad, and that it is only a nuisance, spouting the fact that the knights have decided upon a tournament, as well as the fact that this conclusion is one the knights have found themselves relieved with instead of the obvious possibility. When she questions this, this 'Kay' seems to brush her off, saying, "We don't have time to dream with Merlin and Uther. It's more humane to judge by how many men, money, and the power you have now then with some invisible proof of the king..."
...Merlin yawns and rubs at one of his ears as Kay starts his lecture. The feeling that arrives that he thinks this man is just saying things that are boring is clear to him. People may still be people, but this man is saying a lot of substance that doesn't change anything.
The man begins to make his way away from the blond-haired woman, even as he continues speaking, rounding it off with, "...No matter who you are, you don't need to see or be the 'agent of the god who saves everything'."
Then, of course, he's telling her to go home.
The other people follow Kay's lead in exiting, finally making their way out of the area, apparently also seeing no point, leaving the young woman alone with the sword in the stone.
She steps towards it, and silently, wraps her hands around the trapped blade. As there is a slight, but apparent movement, Merlin steps forward into sight at last, saying, "You should think twice before picking that up."
Whirling around, Merlin can only be amused to see how surprised she was, but then after a pause, he decides that he should say some more. With a mischievous and mysterious smile, the Mage of Flowers speaks again, words spoken in that gentle tone of his, but somehow without a single bit of warmth, "In fact, I'll even give you some helpful advice, and tell you to stop while you're ahead.
Once you pick that sword up, you will no longer be able to live the life of a human being until the end.
Finally, you will be resented by all if you accept that burden, and you will die a miserable death."
Merlin wonders, exactly, simply how she will take these facts? The answer is simple. She will likely turn away. The prophecy he delivered would cripple just about anyone. Such is human nature.
...Either way, such words, such thoughts are quite comforting, aren't they? Yet, seeing as the memory has not yet ended, there is no choice but to be witness to what may happen next, yes? ]
no subject
Hm.
Resented by accepting a burden... it hits a little bit too close to home for him, and he can't help but inch forward to see how the woman responds.
Is she going to take it on? ]
no subject
It appears that Merlin's words have stopped her completely; while it is true that neither of them know one another at this moment, he knows the amount of magnitude his say have. After all, as a mage of great renown, it is well-known that his prophecies, his words of warning...
They are all rooted in a truth that can't be denied. Not when he is speaking them earnestly, even if a playful smile can be easily read upon his face. If he presents one, it isn't with a sense of light-heartedness.
Nor is it a matter of simplicity. It just is how it is.
But at the same time, these words are not something Merlin must have given to her. Unnecessary, in a sense. At the heart of the matter, he doesn't consider them to be spoken out of any concern for a stranger. He is a creature who feels nothing truthfully for anyone; emotions belong foremost to humans, not something like him.
At least, this is his own thoughts, intent on running away from the thought of personally investing in anyone. It is a truth he'll blind himself to however long it'll be. As it is, he's already thinking of departure day from this, certain that he'll be awaiting another potential worthy person. The question is, will he speak the very same words if another candidate so happens to present themselves?
"No."
Merlin blinks as he's busted straight out of his own thoughts. Still startled, he can only ask, "Are you sure?"
He can already see it. Those who will impetuously rise their blades against their rightful king in a distance future so far off. But, he doesn't, not truthfully.
She just simply nods, determined written across her face.
'A king is one who kills the most in order to protect everyone.'
Merlin doesn't have to wonder if that is a thought running across her head at the moment. It is surely certainly something she's thinking right about now. But, it's not the only thing, unbeknownst to him.
That drive...
There's a sudden change in their surroundings. The sound of metal scrapping against stone—
With a smile of her own, the soon-to-be King draws the sword from the stone, holding it proudly in her hands as the wind ruffles their clothing, and stirs the grass in the gentle breeze. Merlin plays on looking annoyed, turning his head away briefly as he sighs, asking rhetorically, "Ahhh, you’ve drawn the sword? You've chosen the painful path, haven't you?"
Yet, he's actually more than happy in the end, that she has made this choice at all. This sort of outcome is something he hasn't foreseen, so it's also entertaining, or rather, quite interesting to him. Indeed...the path forward is something that will be full of trials and tribulations. But only one she can forge ahead.
Still, he's here as well. So, what can he do but offer her something else as well?
"...Even still, miracles require a necessary price."
Merlin's expression shadows as it becomes unclear what he's talking about. The sword in the stone? Her future ahead? Something else...?
But then he asks, "O, King Arthur, would you trade for a miracle what you hold as the most precious?"
It is without question that this young woman, who will take on the role of King Arthur, will give up what it means to be "human" and be reborn into the Once and Future King. So, right away, the other woman opens her mouth, to answer in the affirmative...
This is the start of the legend, and he will guide her from beginning to end. No matter what happens.
No matter the consequences.
...And just like that, the memory comes to an end. ]
no subject
He sighs, speaking aloud just on the off-chance Merlin is hanging around. ]
Merlin... how could you leave me with a memory like this but no opportunity to discuss it? Perhaps we can when I bring you back as one of my own personal ghosts.
For Psyche (Vivian Escape + Big Damn Heroes Moment)
No one would dare wish to invite her wrath.
Well, maybe that's not true.
Merlin knows this because he has somehow done exactly that, despite his greatest efforts to do the exact opposite. Or maybe it is because he has been so careless in his words that this is something of an inevitability than a simple mistake. A fate written of stone, borne of his own stupidity.
The scene set before the singular one privy of this very moment is of a wizard going through a forest, his steps careful, especially as he keeps looking from every direction. Stopping here or there, taking care to raise a hand to illuminate the darkest parts of these neck of the woods with a simple spell conjuring a bit of light. After some time, he breathes out a sigh of relief, saying to himself, "Looks like I managed to escape that hellion..."
Though, there also seems to be something that moves in the shadows. Seems like he really isn't out of the predicament just yet... ]
no subject
There's a thread of slightly sad amusement to this, at least as long as it stays absurd. Psyche would laugh if she could. Though, as a connoisseur of great escapes herself: she's rooting for him, really. Hopefully that's nothing concerning in the shadows? ]
no subject
Alas, Merlin isn't the only one who knows how to wield magic offensively. Especially the kind that can or cannot result in death.
Or perhaps some other unfortunate fate which will or may not result in such an end. Indeed, that becomes evident when some kind of powerful fire spell is hurled straight along towards his way, and the magus barely maneuvers himself out of the way with acrobatic momentum that would make gymnasts proud.
...Or it might make some people wonder how a mage is capable of such a feat. Merlin himself is even patting himself on the back for it! Not even a chant for a teleportation spell needed.
But, the egotistical moment is short-lived, especially when the woman emerges from the shades of those trees nearby, face darkened in anger, hair seeming more like shadows of the deep in the current state, regardless of the true color. Though even that seems hidden by the presence of night, and then there are her eyes...that are more like a gaze of a creature staring back up from the depths of hell towards the surface, than anything anywhere near beautiful.
Yes, he has done wrong. But he doesn't think he deserves this level of anger.
Immediately afterwards, he puts distance between himself and her, running away despite the fact that she tells him to face the consequences of his actions.
But, really, when has he ever done that? Why not continue to run away from his problems? That's far easier, and ensures he doesn't get killed for it.
The day he doesn't run is the day he'll die.
That being said, there's a place that's up farther ahead. Farther still from where they are now, and where she (nor anyone) may reach him. That is where Merlin allows his teleportation spell to carry him towards.
Soon, the surroundings seem...somehow, just about the same, end to end with fields as he has long since left that forest. The sky brighter now.
Yet, somehow the skies are the same as they ever are, and even further along this landscape it appears that there are no changes. But, first, there is something important right before his very eyes.
'Only those free of sin may pass.'
This is what so happens to be written...no, it was etched onto an open "gate" that appeared cobbled together from large stones; a noteworthy sight given their majestic size. Walking under it, he can only laugh to himself, "I see that I've been tricked."
But he doesn't quite seem to care, even as he springs flowers at his footsteps, and even as he passes through this little entrance that seems intent on welcoming him suspiciously in. Hah, what a joke...
Those plains he traversed transformed almost immediately. It is plain and easy to witness the magus become surrounded by exceptionally long and stone-crafted walls that encase him within; he can see the differences immediately. Where he stands is now trapped inside of a sprawling tower, one that keeps him in one place.
No need to turn and see what he has just walked through has just disappeared. It has, without a doubt. But there is something illogical about him anyway that makes him turn around regardless, only to confirm the obvious.
It's easy and plain as day that this was a trap especially crafted for him. In a place that seems somehow like paradise with these gentle fields, and bright skies, Merlin can only presume that whoever hated him so much had gone through an insurmountable of trouble.
'A curse of this magnitude can't be cast if you don't trade your life for it...how scary.'
Merlin callously thinks that he can't even remember offending that woman to such a degree. And moves on from that before deciding he doesn't recall who else it could have been...so therefore, it had to be nobody worth mention or noting.
That's right. Nobody.
...Only the sinless may pass indeed. What a saying. Perfect for him, of course.
Though, suddenly, the surroundings Merlin are in begin to turn black, until there is a void.
It seems that, perhaps, the memory has ended. And yet...that can't be right either, can it? Proceed onwards? ]
no subject
The sight of stone walls around him hurts her heart a little. Merlin is someone who should be free, she thinks. Everyone should be. But especially someone like him. Just what did he do to make that woman so angry?
Of course Psyche wouldn't be satisfied leaving things at that. If the memory hasn't yet evaporated around her, she will continue to walk on. It's silly to hope for a satisfying outcome when at the end Merlin found himself in this place. But she's going to see anyway. ]
no subject
But, the view changes completely, from his perspective, as if seeing somewhere else entirely.
The place this magus is looking into is dark, where a monstrous creature lies still in one place, pinned underneath what appears to be sharpened blades crafted from some sort of red energetic substance. Though in reality, that doesn't last long, with some kind of crimson-colored mud suddenly encircling it, and effectively rendering the attack useless.
"Chaos Tide corruption! This is bad! It'll take over the whole underworld if it keeps spreading!"
A distant male's voice (Romani Archman) calls in this dank-looking place where three other people can be actually glimpsed.
"Wha...what's happening?!"
A blond-haired woman lets out a shout, a dark-haired young male looks kind of uneasy, and then there's a pink-haired young woman, holding a shield, as the male's voice from earlier begins to talk about how the transformation is essentially no bueno.
Those three are in trouble, there's no doubt about it. And the creature they're up against is Tiamat, a primordial god who is now worthy of being dubbed a "Beast", nothing less than an enemy of humanity.
One who would seek its eradication.
The image pulls back from this wretched sight as Merlin heaves a sigh, and then with a bit of movement seems to descend down the tower, intent on making way on leaving this idyllic landscape, yet certainly one might call a gilded cage of some sort. How does he get out of the tower after all of that? It doesn't matter.
But now he's sprinting on over. It seems ridiculous, to watch him run through the fields, but then...
But then again, the end of all humanity is upon them...so, in this sense, even this beautiful place isn't so far from this creature's reach.
The boundary between 'Avalon' and the underworld—such a thing is nonexistent may as well be nonexistent. As if he could let this stand even if it weren't, though.
It doesn't take the mage long to make his appearance mid-air somewhere else, the logistics seeming more fuzzy than not, and just in time too, as this corrupting "Chaos Tide" seems about to splash in what can be called a twisted tidal wave over those three people originally seen from Merlin's...'sight'.
Yet, despite how dangerous and apparently dreadful that liquid is, Merlin simply turns all of that into a tidal wave of harmless glowing pink flowers that he's known for-
The blond-haired woman (Ereshkigal) asks softly, "Huh? What is this?"
The red keeps receding back into more and more of those flowers...and the male's distant voice comes right back in, speaking as the other three stare in awe...
"Is this...Chaos Tide's detoxification is accelerating! Lahmu emittance is Zero?"
...and a pink flower lands square in the middle of the black-haired male's palm, right as the male's narration continues, much to Merlin's delight, "Then, what you see there is just a..."
That's right. Without a doubt...
"No way!" A chorus of two voices goes off, the pink-haired woman (Mash's) and the black-haired male's (Ritsuka's) tones exuding nothing less than pleasant surprise at who it must be. Not that Merlin can blame them!
It can only be one person. It's the one who is praising himself on having interceded in such a monumental disaster as he descends closer to the ground that was once covered in a vicious, toxic liquid of red, shouting out victoriously, "Alright!! I made it in time!"
The Mage of Flowers lands gracefully on a bed of flowers, taking a gallant pose as if he is a knight who has come to save a damsel in distress, and taking pride in it. Meanwhile, he can feel Fou's unimpressed glare on him but this isn't about him.
This is about Merlin, spectacular great, miraculous, and legendary wizard who has managed to arrive from his ivory tower to save humanity and those who are fighting on its side. After all, there's no way he can allow things to end like this, no?
"Operation, if mud births life, all you have to do is change that life into something harmless...is a great success!"
Merlin brightly says this as if anyone can do that. Whereas the duo who had exclaimed their excitement from before, can only with a relieved breath shout out Merlin's name in glee, whereas the distant voice (who Merlin thinks of as the group's support) questions how he has even arrived. "Rest assured, I am the real deal, the genuine Merlin. I just popped over from Avalon!"
The black-haired male asks, "You ran over?"
"That's right! I do hate sad partings. Letting death be what separates us would've been too depressing! So, I came to the conclusion that this was the time for me to bend the rules a bit."
"Merlin!"
Despite the exclamation, Merlin keeps talking, looking (and being) proud of himself as he says, "After all, I enjoy bolstering my reputation as the Mage of Flowers!"
Then a wink as Merlin says, unashamed, holding out a hand with a flower in the palm of it, "You can praise me all you want~"
"Yes, Merlin! We're thrilled to see you again!"
"I really am grateful that you came all the way here, Merlin!"
Fou makes some kind of noise after their responses, but the words are what get Merlin to look actually embarrassed and get him to clear his throat. Look, how was he to expect people would be happy to see him? It doesn't happen often, even when he does come and help out in a pinch!
...And though the monster still stands, the memory seems to end here, but it's clear that the odds have turned in the favor of good.
So naturally...
Just like that, the memory fades away.
As for Merlin himself—he is nowhere to be found. Feel free to go back to your regularly scheduled day, Psyche. ]
no subject
Don't raise my hopes like that, Merlin... I hate sad partings too. I hope the time comes when I can tell you, "I'm sorry I kept you waiting." I promise I'll praise you as much as you want.
[ She really can't be satisfied with things ending like this. She'll drift her way to spend a little while in the garden, more thoughtful than melancholy. ]
For Billy (Various Merlin & Knights of the Round interactions)
And there, at the training grounds is a familiar figure. A gruff, solemn knight who has no mercy, but only room for impartially in his heart. His loyalty seems to be almost second to none, and so is his diligence. At least, that's the impression he gives off. But Merlin thinks there are still knights who beat him in that, like Bedivere.
Anyway, this one can only be the Knight Agravain.
Though, the perspective of the mage is that even this knight isn't as he seems. No one ever is, are they?
And yet, here he is, speaking to the knights. Addressing them like he's going off to battle; considering the amount of recent battles, it's probably true.
"The King is not the incarnation of the dragon; his heart is a single dragon. His magical power is of a level far beyond ours. I ask you not to seek the same values as ours from one possessing magic like the Gods."
...Ah, he recognizes these sentences very well. They are spoken by Agravain to knights consistently. Hearing such words from a resplendent man, the knights could only view him in awe.
As for the mage who stands, watching this happen, he isn't overcome with any such feelings.
Yet, when Merlin carries himself away from that, there appears to be another knight striding towards him, having apparently been looking for the mage.
Though, his stormy facial expression doesn't lend to anything indicative of good... ]
For Zelkov (Confidential talks about being "inhuman")
It's potentially a place where humanity itself may fall well before its time, should the worst of events come to pass. Or so are the thoughts that go through a certain wizard's head.
This man stands upon a section of a tall and glorious wall, that still protects from enemy attacks. Or at least, that's the intention.
This mage within the moment is looking out solemnly towards the land that lies beyond it, wondering how fortunate it is that they enemy doesn't attack in the night. This man is clearly recognizable by the white cloak he wears, alongside the rapunzel-length white hair; though he seems and feels evidently also lost in thought. Until his small familiar sitting on his shoulder reaches a paw and slaps him on the cheek, with a light and audible pap to shake him out of the funk.
Surprisingly, it seems to work, as Merlin is more startled than not, distracted thoughts leaving him soon enough. ]
Ouch, ouch, ouch...!
It's rude to smack people for no reason, Cath Palug.
[ Really, it's clear Merlin is exaggerating his distress. A simple touch of Fou's paw against a cheek (lightly, at that) isn't enough to bring about any true amount of pain. It seems his overacting tendencies don't change wherever he goes.
That being so, he decides to turn around to see a young girl in a black cloak with dark-purple hair, sitting along the wall as well, perched comfortably so that she's sitting across from him, feet hanging over the ledge, but there is no worry from the magus. Merlin isn't concerned. After all, she's not human; and she's clearly positioned there for comfort's sake rather than any other reason. Still, he approaches... ]
no subject
he follows along as the memory continues, looking over to the girl in black himself, and silently appreciating her sense of style. ]
no subject
Not 'are you alright', because after all, the situation they're in, fighting day by day, and sometimes night by night, ensures that such an inquiry is more or less superfluous; or thoughtless. There is no in-between. Yet, even as the young lady glances briefly back at him, she simply says, "Nothing. I'm just getting some night air."
But...Merlin gives a soft 'hm' that is inoffensive, and Fou runs lightly down Merlin's shoulder before hopping onto part of the wall to sit by Ana. Truthfully, Merlin's thoughts run in doubt, and it is plain to see that he isn't wrong, even as he places his staff against one side of the stone wall nearby. Though, the mage does turn around before he says, "From the look on your face, that doesn't seem to be the case."
He hears her sigh and then say, "I was just thinking...if it was too late to let them know what's going on."
Ah, that's right.
A potentially grisly truth that Ana has an intention of revealing, hm? A picture of how she plans to deliver her revelation paints itself clearly in the mage's head. So, testing her resolve, he asks, turning his head back to her, "Oh? Are you sure? I think it might even freak out Fujimaru."
"But even so..."
Merlin then says, "It's not good. Not good at all. Emotions in general, are usually something to be discarded. So, when you have a hold over them, it'd be a waste not to cherish them."
Seems almost unrelated, what he's saying, but he knows that line of thinking very well. What she intends to imply by saying those things, a truth she is hesitant in unveiling. So he continues to speak, "You're keeping your distance from humans not because you don't like them, but because they scare you. You're afraid they'll find out who you really are. You're afraid they'll hate you. That's an emotion hard to come by.
You could call it the conscience of the divine being you truly are. The conscience, or its lack, is the greatest difference between you, and...her."
After all, Ana certainly has no intention of wiping humans out with a level of thoughtlessness. Yet, if she speaks that truth, she will make no distinction. Doubtlessly trying to throw away those emotions without holding them close to her chest.
And so he finishes with, "To toss it aside would be a waste!"
A moment of silence for Ana's struggles. At least, Merlin thinks he's showing quite an incredible amount of generosity, even as she inquires, "So, you're telling me to keep quite and hide it?"
Merlin doesn't even hold back in his answer. "Yes. That's the smartest thing to do. What's wrong with a non-human hiding her inhumanity?"
A pause on his end this time, before he offers with a wry smile, "I mean I say that, but I'm no different."
Then, Merlin reaches out with his right hand...and there is a small pink light drifting from two individuals who are fast asleep, which are then drawn to his hand, dispersing upon contact.
"Because I have no emotions, I can feed off of people's dreams...and intake those emotions as energy. The reason I can keep on being so kind is because I'm expending the emotions I've gathered up to this point as fuel."
Otherwise, he'd truly be a being carved from utter despair, wouldn't he?
Ana point-blank states, "Merlin, you are inhuman."
Fou takes this moment to run back up Merlin's shoulder, as the mage speaks again, "That's right. We are literally inhuman. But there's no rule that what's inhuman must be an enemy of humanity, right?"
Ana blinks and then looks down as she admits, "That's true..."
"You're allowed to side with them because it's fun. Whether they love you or if you can love them is an entirely different matter."
Another moment of silence as the other asks, "Do you love humans, Merlin?"
Such a question asked isn't exactly wrong. But the hopeful note that she asks such a question with, as if ready to suddenly reappraise her impression of him. As some kind of good-doer, who looks out for people with an altruistic view, even if it's "humanity"...to that, he only has one answer.
"Of course not. As you know, I'm an awful person."
Fou looks at him like that, as if judging, but says nothing.
It's true. What he does isn't out of the benefit of anyone but himself. Time and time again, he's done unspeakable things for humans to persist; for those who he has served to seize victory at the end of day. So, any thought of perceiving him in a positive light at a time like this in such a manner, well. Merlin can't help but correct it.
"But even if I were to hide that fact, do you think Fujimaru would really care?"
"That's..."
"He will just accept things for what they are. That is, the fact that you and I stand by his side. So, there's no need to disclose your true identity."
That's right. This has just been about her, in order to not necessarily force her to his own opinion, but to choose a choice that doesn't end with her regretting her actions.
In the face of this, Ana can only say, "It's humiliating, Merlin. Having to hear you say this to me is the biggest shame of my life. I think in the end, I'll have to kill you."
Merlin just laughs, not at all bothered by this. If anything he continues talking, nonchalantly saying, "Your existence would be the vital point the Goddess of Demonic Beasts didn't expect. If there's a time for you to reveal it all, it'll be done in an instant."
And then, it will be over for Ana.
Accepting this, she answers, "Alright."
Merlin does seem to think about what he's said for a moment. Unable to keep from adding, "Though, amongst all this foreshadowing it's worth mentioning I don't want that kind of ending at all! Because that would be boring!"
That's right. It wouldn't be entertaining to him at all. In fact...
"Sad partings aren't my style. I prefer to deceive and disparage the enemy, and emerge as the victor unharmed. So, let's do it like the humans do!"
She sighs. "Disgusting. You only say what's the most convenient for you."
That's right. That's all he ever does, do what he ever wants to do for the sake of himself.
A small pause as Ana adds, "But...I guess I don't mind putting in some effort to make that outcome a reality."
Yet, he also thinks something else after hearing that answer:
That's right...a reality where they had no more casualties in this battle, where that other side was trying to crush humanity. Where no one else had to die who shouldn't—that is something Merlin would like to witness as well.
A fundamentally good ending for the humans (and those he might care about.)
Too bad it won't be that easy. And yet, it is with that this memory too fades away. ]
For Wang Lu (What it means to be King)
Human's lives are so finite. A fact that is ever so burned within the memory of this mage; yet, it is not like he has ever thought it a bad thing.
It's only when the people turn against someone who has been protecting them that the sweetness of humanity turns so sour. Worse than hate, ungratefulness is a poison that rots the inside out of such creatures.
Yet, Merlin doesn't think those thoughts with any single bit of bitterness. Not even when he hears the dreaded murmurs when the people don't have enough. And instead begin to point their finger at someone who can't hope to control the intricate matters of weather itself.
He recalls hearing the complaints of the people in his mind:
"Wasn’t King Arthur the king who was supposed to shine?"
"Wouldn't the country be prosperous if we followed his words?"
Despite it all, as he and the blond-haired young woman named Artoria stand in strict confidence in the throne room, she takes the blame with ease, her words spoken solemnly, but Merlin sees no point in helping her with her delusion, simply speaking plainly, "That's not the problem. This island was always poor, to begin with. The people of Britain are falling into darkness because the Shinning Tower can no longer be seen."
The look of confusion and then understanding is expected, perhaps, from a King of her caliber, as she ventures, "The Shinning Tower? Do you mean Rhongomyniad, the Holy Lance?"
"Yeah. Speaking of which, I still haven't explained the difference between the Holy Sword and the Holy Lance."
Because whyever would he see the need to explain it. It hasn't mattered, at least, not until now... ]