linkingup | Argenti's Palace

[Finally, Fray thinks, because he's spent this entire time waiting for the opportunity for this confrontation. He knows that it'll be a fight. There's no way it won't be, between those who want to punch Argenti for pulling them into this and Argenti himself. But if there's a chance to talk, to solve this without violence, then he has to try. It isn't his strong suit. It never could be. But...]

Argenti.

[Fray doesn't draw his sword, but he steps forward regardless. The other knight is... radiant, but he isn't really Argenti with such a distinctive, different appearance. Talking likely won't do any good.]

You're worried you've lost your way. [It isn't a question; the previous areas have made that perfectly clear.] Why is that? Has your time here truly been so... troubling?

[How long has he been suffering with such doubts? How had Fray not noticed?]

[ Fray can very much make the attempt. Solving everything without having to fight would make things simpler, wouldn't it.

Yet, it is also very much true that he doesn't seem intent to ignore everyone if someone should speak to him in the narrow time before the battle commences. When he speaks, his voice is light, still gentle as if everything is still right as rain, even with the subtle distortion only a shadow can have. ]

Worried?

Isn't it clear how far matters have already progressed? Whatever concerns I had before no longer matter.

Whatever has happened here...only sped up the inevitable.

The inevitable?

[It's sudden, sharp, tinged with anger and frustration and everything he's been trying to hold back this entire time. His eyes flash - yellow to red and back again as Fray tries to settle.]

The only inevitability here is that we're going to drag you back with us. We've come this far. We've seen what you had to show us, to explain why we're here. If you think we'll turn around now, then you're a fool.

[Another step forward. Still he doesn't draw his sword.]

Those concerns of yours still do matter - they matter to me. I want to help you as you've helped me, Argenti. I won't rest until you're free from this.

[He nearly leaves it there, but then...]

Let me help you.

[It's determined as the rest of his words, certainly, but there's something more to it that isn't quite as identifiable. It's not quite frustration despite his earlier words.]

[ Very much so.

There's a long period of silence as Fray makes his anguished, heartfelt reach towards his person in a way that simply speaking of it will not do the enormity of the gesture in all of its dept any justice. ]

...

[ His expression is unreadable.

But then for a moment he looks sad, and right after the expression disappears as he smiles instead - his voice light as he speaks once again, words drenched in sorrow that do not match his expression nor tone. ]

Fray, have you not realized as of yet?

There is no one that can help me now.

Prepare yourself for battle if you shall not turn away now.

Edited 2024-09-17 02:26 (UTC)

[Argenti is still in there somewhere.

Of course, Fray already knew this. He's known this since their last conversation before this damned palace. But he's certain now. There isn't any possible lingering doubt. If Argenti truly was consumed by this alternate version, by the God of Conflict or by the palace itself or whatever else seeks to harm him, then he wouldn't sound so damn anguished by this.]

You and I both know that's a lie. If you truly thought you were beyond help, you wouldn't have let me chase you down this far. I told you I'd find you, that I'd free you. I intend to keep my word. I won't let you walk this path alone.

[...wasn't he supposed to be saying "we"? whoops.]

[ Whatever's happened, whatever has changed, Argenti can never truly be expressionless, even if it is a reflection of all that darkness lying deep within. Whatever that is to be.

But perhaps due to his nature, Fray would know him best. His words seem to find their mark.

Or perhaps, it is a bit too early to say that for certain, even if he needs pause before he speaks once again. ]

...Foolishly, I do recall saying that I would await your arrival.

But, whatever sentiments I had then have left me entirely. I am no longer the person you thought I was.

Yet, even if you've seen all of those parts of me, you refuse to leave.

You cannot convince me with those words of yours.

So, I'll show you that you were wrong to place that faith in me. That whatever path is in front of me...is one I should be allowed to walk on alone.

Prepare yourself, my midnight knight.

[Fray's hand dips to his pocket for a moment before he shakes his head.]

You know why I won't leave. Even the ugliest, most damning parts of you are truly beautiful to me.

[He finally moves to draw his sword; its familiar weight a comfort in his hands. If it is to be a fight, then he won't disappoint Argenti.]

If you intend this to be your path, then I'll stop you. I won't let you hurt the others.

[Let's put on a show, shall we?]

Edited 2024-09-17 03:28 (UTC)

[ Argenti's eyes following the movement of that hand, before they land back on Fray's general position. He keeps his mouth closed to not dare question what he might have grasped.

His eyes glance to the side at his words, unable to look at him when he says that. Is he really worthy of such sentiment, like this? A wave of further, internal confliction rises within him, but he fights it down as Fray's heavy blade sees the glimmer of day once again.

Everything feels like it settles into place...like broken pieces of glass that are mismatched with the desperation to make them fit together as seamlessly as a perfected jigsaw puzzle. ]

...I shall await your fruitless efforts.

[ And with that, Argenti begins the battle. ]

Argenti's Palace

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