linkingup | FOR THOSE WE HAVE LOST

[Aaron was gearing up for another round after seeing those dark flames, but once it's clear that Fray is back in the driver's seat, he sheathes his swords. He's actually pretty tired considering the back-to-back fights, so he definitely looks tired and battered, but the frustration that was present a few minutes ago clears up easily enough.]

Man, about time. And here I thought it'd go smoother with the lovebird-to-lovebird communication between you two.

['can he ever stop running his mouth for just one second' no. no he cannot.]

['can you ever stop running your mouth for just one second—' no, apparently not.]

You've my apologies for what I put you all through.

[...just gonna sidestep that, thank the gods for his helmet, you can't see him blush!!!]

[He may not be able to see, but he suspects!!! But it's also been a long palace for everyone so Aaron will give it a rest for now.]

Well, it wasn't bad training. Your Shadow wasn't exactly wrong about needing to be prepared, so I'll just treat this as a free lesson.

[Not that he's ever been the most dedicated when it comes to his own training, but he can still appreciate seeing other sword styles even if Fray really did put them through their paces.]

That was the intention behind it, though I wouldn't have done it quite like that had I been in control of myself.

[Sorry about all the bruises, cuts, and healing spells needed...]

[Honestly, he just really, really hates status effects after this one......]

Guess it might've been a little rough on the kids, but they're pretty tough after months of handling this shit. And at least it was way more interesting than repeating a bunch of drills.

[Sure wish you had Esuna on your hotbar, huh.]

I suppose there is that, yes. I'll be sure to apologize to them, of course. I didn't want to put them through anything like this.

[...............]

Damn, you really didn't learn anything from these, huh.

People didn't go through hell and back all because they wanted to hear an apology. If anything, it'd probably be easier on them if you admitted you needed the help.

[He crosses his arms.]

Everyone's got their own shit to deal with, and you're not some unique exception. And they all know that too -- just like they know this happened only 'cause of what that asshole god did. So spare us the apologies and just let 'em know you'll be relying on them in the future.

[That gets a soft laugh from him and his eyes dart away, focusing on someplace else in the distance.]

...You're right, of course. Sayaka has been trying to drill that lesson into my head. I suppose it may take some more time to fully sink in.

[Relying on others isn't something he's used to. It worries him, but that's no excuse. He's seen how these palaces work. He's seen the lengths everyone will go to for one another. And he knows now that they'll do the same for him, regardless his own thoughts on it.]

Thank you for the reminder, Aaron.

FOR THOSE WE HAVE LOST | FRAY'S PALACE

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