FOR THOSE WE HAVE LOST | FRAY'S PALACE

[bloodweapon]

Welcome to the Vault. Let your judgment begin.
♫

Comments

[bloodweapon]

[The clinging and crying are sort of expected, after everything, but the apologies definitely aren't.]

Sayaka, please, you needn't apologize. You have nothing to apologize for; you've done nothing wrong.

[The words are as gentle as he can get them, and gentler still is his hand when he bring is up to pat her on the head. He's mindful of his gauntlet's claws, of course.]

I put you through all of this today. I forced you into a fight you never wanted. These are things I would have never done of my own volition, but I have done them just the same. That deserves an apology.

[destage]

[But it's not exactly sisterly of her to not look out for him, she wants to say, but...

It's those gentle words that at least make her a little more rational. Maybe it's the leftover overflow of guilt that's clung to her or something. She doesn't know. Maybe she's just predispositioned to taking all of the blame. It's been what she's done for so long, after all.]

...I'm not angry with you for any of that, and...I do forgive you. You've been in a lot of pain--either of your own, or through V'rhas. I...I just hated the idea of having to hurt you, or watch you hurt. I didn't want to lose you.

[She's never really had family to lose, that wasn't already gone in some manner or another.]

...I was so worried that something would happen. Or that we'd never see you again. I...at least feel like I understand you a bit better.

[...]

...I'm so glad you're home.

[bloodweapon]

[Fray closes his eyes as he thinks back to Sayaka's reaction to the massacre at the Waking Sands. How she carefully carried Noraxia's body, how terrified she was of seeing so many dead. He remembers her fight against Ravana as well, how she embraced her thrill of battle, how she fought with all her might.]

I wish you hadn't been forced to see them, but there is little to be done about it now. You do understand what I'm going through now, though I will admit even I hadn't realized the extent of my... issues with my identity.

[Yeah, he knew he was struggling, but he didn't think it was "spawn a palace" levels of struggling... That's what you get for thinking you're safe!!]

[destage]

...It's okay, you know, if you don't have all the answers. That's kind of what living is all about.

[Sayaka's own hand comes up, sort of mimicking the motions that he's using to soothe her. Sure, it probably can't be felt through the armor, but...she wants to do this. She wants to be there for him, in all the same ways he was there for her. That's what a family does, or at least tries to do, right?]

But you keep getting up every time, and...that's a part of living, too. At least I think, now. Living is...stumbling. Struggling. But...that's why we make friends, allies, and cherish them. And if the burden gets to be too much, then you can reach out, and someone will at least try to reach back.

[It's what family is for. She finds herself clamming up when she thinks that much, though--worried she's forcing her feelings on him.]

So if you can't find it on your own, then...let's keep looking together. Okay?

[bloodweapon]

...You're far too kind to me.

[She always has been. Even while struggling to find herself and her place in this world after dying in her own, Sayaka has always been willing to reach out a hand.]

We walk this path together. I won't forget that again - you've my word. I know you'll always be there to help me, should I stumble again.

[...]

When I stumble again may be more accurate. I do not plan on pretending everything is fine if it isn't. You've my word on that as well.

[Sayaka's right. Living is about picking yourself back up after you fall or something knocks you down. How many times has he seen V'rhas do just that?]

[destage]

Good. [...There's a pause, and you know what, screw it--] I'm not going to let my brother stumble alone again.

[Come on, we should probably get up. Sayaka's cheeks puff in some slight immaturity, and while she knows she's somewhat of a stick and Argenti's more suited to this, she'll hold out a hand to help him up and help him walk.]

After all of this, though, you better rest at least a little bit! I better not see you taking on too much training--I know we're all going to need a bit before we finally put that Conflict God at an end, but your health better come first. I'll hear no protesting of this.

[Huffs!!!]

[bloodweapon]

[That gets a soft laugh from him as he takes Sayaka's hand. Thankfully, he can get to his feet on his own without pulling her down, but he doesn't mind the attempt at assistance any. Let her feel like she's helping!!]

I'll be careful. I know I was bad about that recently.

[Though that was like 90% due to the God of Conflict, so...!!]

I won't give you any more cause for concern.