Argenti's Palace

[beautifulknight]

The stage is set they say;
They don their masks and shields,
Shadows creep and cover their minds;
Now, what beautiful role shall they play?

𝓜𝓮𝓵𝓾𝓼𝓽𝓪𝓷𝓲𝓷 𝓒𝓪𝓼𝓽𝓵𝓮


♫

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FINAL BATTLE PHASE: ROUND 4 2/2

[beautifulknight]

[ —only to lower it instead.

In fact, he even reaches out with one large hand for the earring. ]

I do not know what to do. I...I am not certain...how to return to how I was. But, you seem confident that I still can. And, I think I recall...you said other things as well...nevermind, forget it.

[ The words sound slightly embarrassed? He seems to hardly recall his time as "Argenti" now, but as a Shadow he recalls the following:

Even the ugliest, most damning parts of you are truly beautiful to me.

Right now he certainly is hideous.

For Aerith...

She does not help at all. But, it makes him feel more human, even if due to something he can't remember, he wonders if that ever will truly be the case. Still, someone please call her out someday for him. ]

Your words sound truly resonate with what is associated with Beauty. Albeit...embarrassing.

[ Then, for Izou, there is a pause, considering...as if there is recollection of something else, as time of being a Shadow; he was listening at the beginning, after all. Followed by words for him, hesitant, but soft and gentle: ]

...And you believed that I was still an embodiment of my beautiful self, didn't you? Even when I must have stopped having faith that I could still be as much.

I am sorry, for not being able to recognize the depth of your heartfelt expression. Your sentiments conveyed earnestly are a mark of a thoughtful and deeply gentle soul.

[ For Sayaka... ]

...Perhaps. I am uncertain if those who care so deeply about me should have to put up with this. But, at this point, they are...stubborn. I cannot keep hurting them any longer - it feels wrong. Whoever I was, I must have failed them enough already.

[ ...Then, Maika. The uncertainty is starting to truly peel back now, darkness receding, the spear crumbling into nothingness. ]

Must you phrase it as running away? I am not some coward.

[ Argenti sounds kind of indignant in the very same way Maika can remember when she accused him of running before. Yet... ]

No...I shall not flee. Whoever I was, I do not think I was ever a coward. Even if it hurt, even if it made matters difficult, I always did my best to walk unflinchingly on the Path right in front of me and never stray...did I not?

[ He is a little scared in saying so, though. Because what if he didn't? What if...he was always like this? Still... ]

I do not know if I can be who you all wish for me to be, but I am not running.

[ Where Mafuyu has snuck off to, she can see the image is of two people dancing, though their forms are obscured by darkness, their surroundings are painted in rainbow. As she watches for longer, the two figures move in the painting at the same time Aaron plays the ocarina. Even if it is especially horrid.

Then the following words appear on the painting as the individual on the right is suddenly wearing a yellow dress, and the other is in a red suit:

𝓛𝓪 𝓑𝓮𝓵𝓵𝓮 𝓮𝓽 𝓵𝓪 𝓑ê𝓽𝓮

And as for Argenti, who hears the ocarina, he turns towards Aaron, finally. ]

Y̸̨̧̝͕̣̻̠͒̓̋̄̉̂̔̈̏̃̇̓̕̕ou play so terribly, some may be inclined to say what you're doing offends Beauty.

[ ...But there is amusement instead. And...fond remembrance. ]

Playing that instrument was my singular comfort in that turbulent time...

I remember now. I lost hope, but when I had nothing, and everything had continued to crumble all around me for years on end, I found an ocarina deep underground. And, I played it. It was just as horrible, unskilled, unrefined, and utterly wretched as how you played it...my dear friend, Aaron.

...But, in the end, I found it unbelievably and distinctively beautiful.

[ The Shadow says this with a certainty despite the absolute burn of those words (sorry, Aaron.) The room manages to become brighter, and the distortion clears from its voice.

Though, the shadow still remains in its form. The creature - Argenti - gets down on one knee. ]

Do you all think...I can return? I had still hurt you all so deeply and profoundly.

[chimken]

Of course you can return. You can always return to us.

[ Falin is holding her staff tight - she knew what it felt like to hurt others without any control. The idea that she hurt her friends while she was a Dragon Chimera. But Marcille...Laios... everyone worked hard to make sure she could come back. ]

It's natural to hurt others; we can't live in a world were we don't hurt those closest to us. However, what is important is realizing the motivations behind that hurt and try to understand each other a little better. The reason why people hurt those around them is because the hurt they feel is deep...

So yes, you can always return.

[goei]

[IZOU IS OVERHEARING THIS ALSO AND FEELING WAYS ABOUT HIS OWN SITUATION

DID THIS RANDOM SLEEPY GIRL JUST MAKE HIM WANT TO FORGIVE RYOUMA? WHO IS SHE?]

[destage]

[Sayaka's startled for a moment, wondering if this will be the end of them. The beast must be so tired, and Sayaka is almost waiting for the other shoe to drop--for something to happen, for Argenti to be hurt, and they don't have much of anything to shield him that she knows of but...

Then he begins to speak, and Sayaka could swear that she feels hope in her heart. For the first time since this fight began.]

...You haven't failed us at all. You know that we all stumble sometimes, right?

[Sayaka's words are soft, and for the first time this fight--she lays down her weapons. Atropos helps her walk shakily over to where the shadow--where Argenti goes down to one knee, and her expression is soft and she feels her eyes start to well with something. Relief, she's sure. She's relieved that he's here. He's alive.

But Sayaka walks over to Argenti, stumbling a bit as she winds up going to a knee herself, but she continues speaking.]

That's part of...living. We're all going to stumble, and fall, and fail repeatedly. We're going to hurt the ones we care about at some points. It's never pleasant to do so, but that doesn't mean the people who truly care are going to run from you.

[It's something Sayaka has had to learn. Now that she has people who genuinely care for her. But she'll place a hand on what she can only assume to be his shoulder, even if it hurts her.]

You haven't failed. You've stumbled, yes, but even if you did fail...do you really think that would drive us away? [Sayaka chuckles a bit.] Unfortunately, you'll find us quite stubborn. We're going to be here, no matter what. We'll keep reaching out to you. Because that's what friends do. That's the real beauty of friendship--that no matter how far you fall, there will always be hands to catch you. No matter how tainted and ugly you believe yourself to be...we'll keep reaching, and we'll pull you out from the dark.

[Physical affection is still something Sayaka struggles with. Even on a good day like this, her arms tremble and shake a bit as they move, but...

If allowed, Sayaka will hug Argenti. (20)]

We believe in you. And you can certainly return--I don't think a single one of us want anything more than that, Argenti.

[kandata]

...you can return.

Not a single person standing here has gone through life without hurting someone, physically or emotionally. Even if someone here may not understand completely what you went through and what you felt, they will understand pain. Anyone who cares about you will want to help you through that pain.

So please stand up and prepare yourself to return.

[gardenful]

[ He’s back. Or, at least, Argenti has returned in a meaningful way. His heart is back, even if he still looks very much like a Shadow.

Still, above all, his heart matters the most.

Her answer is something Aerith doesn’t have to think about for longer than a few seconds. Yes, there’s hurt, but… ]

Of course you can. Part of being a person and having people important to us means that we hurt them sometimes. I think we all knew that, going into this, we were going to hurt a little. I know I did, and I even welcomed the risk.

[ With a smile, she lowers her defenses. Perhaps it’s foolish or reckless, but she doesn’t care. She trusts Argenti. ]

For so long, I was alone. I felt like I didn’t have a purpose. But I met my friends back home, and suddenly waking up every day felt like a new adventure. I had things to look forward to, people to rely on, people I could look after in return…

I know you’ve been alone for a long time, but that doesn’t mean it has to stay that way, and I think I’m a great example of that. The moment you reach out, we’ll grab your hand. After all, we’re friends.

[ It’s cheesy and she feels a mild sense of embarrassment admitting to all of this, but hey. She’s been embarrassing this entire palace, why give that up now? ]

You can apologize if you want to, and I’ll even accept an expensive dinner as an apology, but… what matters most to me is having you back.

More than anything, I want my friend back on my side again.

[ Which is why she casts Diarama on him. ]

[bloodweapon]

[There's no hesitation, uncertainty, or fear as Fray gently places the earring in Argenti's hand. His own lingers against Argenti's hand for several moments too long (his gauntlet against one of Argenti's fingers, touch still gentle despite everything) before he pulls back.]

Of course you can return. We've come this far together; we won't turn our backs on you now.

[oh so it's back to "we", is it??]

We would not be here at all if we didn't believe in you. After all, you have tried to deter us every step of the way, have you not? We can heal the damage that was done to us, but we will not lose another friend. Return to us, Argenti.

[And then, after a brief pause, Fray decides to hells with it. Aerith and Sayaka have already called him out on it anyway, might as well just embrace it.]

Return to me.

If you cannot find your way alone, then I will guide you. Every time you stumble, I will be here to catch you. Allow me to stay by your side, to help ease the burdens you bear.

[Here's a diarama spell, because the fight is over. There's no more need to pretend that they stand at odds anymore.]

In your darkest hour, in the blackest night... think of me... and I will be with you. Always. For where else could I go? Who else could I love but you?

[goei]

[IZOU OBSERVING THIS AND THEN LOOKING AROUND AT EVERYONE ELSE LIKE "ARE YOU GUYS SEEING THIS TOO OR IS IT JUST ME????"]

[destage]

[oh, sayaka's is seeing it.

she's been seeing it for a while.

🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈]

[goei]

[PLEASE USE YOUR VISION POWERS FOR HIM TOO PLEASE]

[fullmoonmutt]

[ ELI JUST CATCHES IZOU'S LOOK AND SHRUGS? LIKE? HE DOESN'T KNOW, MAN. ]

[kandata]

I hope he will say this all to Argenti all over again once we are back.

[What if Argenti doesn't recall this love confession said to the shadow? It'd be a shame]

[goei]

[As a shadow haver Izou can confirm that he will.]

Does he really gotta say all that in fronta everyone though???

[EMOTIONAL VULNERABILITY??? IN PUBLIC???]

[cirquedesang]

[Observing like this because fuck yeah get him, Fray...!

...buuuuuut also subtly tossing Fray a Rakukaja just in case an asshole god tries to be homophobic.]

[bloodandstars]

[ Those words had hit their mark before; even like this, Maika believed they would do so again. She lifts her chin a little as she glares up at the Shadow. ]

If you're not a coward, then prove it. You still think you can't afford to make mistakes? Tough. As long as you're alive, you're going to keep making them.

[ Like Sayaka said. Like Tuya had said, back then. Maika feels her throat tighten and burn at the reminder: what it felt like to be hopeless, to be given hope again, to have it crushed by the same hand that reached out to her. Her voice is hoarse with more than just anger as she keeps on. ]

Learning from those mistakes is hard. Remembering is hard. If you want to drown in your guilt and shame, that's a lot fucking easier. ...But I don't think you do. I think you wouldn't have made this such a fight if you did.

[ A true coward can always run faster and further, to places where they'd never be found. That Argenti is here is proof enough to her that he hasn't given up. Even if part of him might believe he had. ]

"When there is no way... you follow the way in front of you." Someone told that to me once, when I was lost. What's in front of you, Argenti?

[ She thinks his answer is the same as hers was back then. And if he's not able to reach it himself... she'll just have to give him the push that Areka had to her. ]

[goei]

[On the one hand, Izou thrives off compliments. On the other hand, never in his live would he have expected someone to look at him and determine him "thoughtful and deeply gentle." He turns red out of embarrassment but... doesn't actually seem to hate it?]

O-Of course I think that! When I turned into some terrible demon, you and everyone else believed in me, didn't ya? What kinda guy would I be if I didn't do the same?

Anyway, the fact that you can still drum up a crazy compliment that no one'd ever throw my way's proof that yer still the same maniac we came here ta get. Like I told you, I was ready from the start ta kick yer ass in order to bring you back.

[fullmoonmutt]

...if it means you'll stop throwing me around, you can return as many times as you want, you absolute knob.

[ Eli says it with all the affection in the world, really. He's pulling himself back up from where he'd ended up landing last round. He isn't big on long, heartfelt speeches, okay? ]

C'mon. Come back already. Let's go back to... to where we all went last time, to eat. That was nice. Or, I dunno. Maybe we all can try something new instead.

[imperiosity]

[There’s a huff here like he’s torn between being offended or amused — he has ears too, so he knows exactly how it sounded, but he’s prideful enough that it still stings in some way.

Even so, he simply scoffs at the question.]

The only thing that hurts here is your whole edgy martyr act. Hate to say it, but I think we finally found something more embarrassing than your beauty shtick. So how about you cut the emo crap already and go back to something that actually suits you.

[Finally, he holds the ocarina out to Argenti.]

Besides, if you’re gonna criticize how I play this stupid thing, then come over here and show me how it’s done. And after that, you better get ready for me to whip your ass at this, ‘cause hell if I’m letting you get the last laugh.

[goei]

Hey yeah, that's right! If yer gonna be annoyin' at least be annoyin' in the less depressing way!

[These two bastards were destined to be friends I think.]

[imperiosity]

[vogelfrei]

[ BRUTAL?????? ]

[beathollow]

( mafuyu doesn't need to know french to understand the words. as she watches quietly, pretending that aaron's playing isn't making her eye twitch, she thinks.

its a familiar story, one any child knows- be it story books or d*sney.

she turns around and walks to the shadow's side, speaking softly, gently- )

Even the Beast returned to his true form with love. What makes you so different?

Humans are ugly, imperfect creatures. Thats what makes us wonderful. So please... come home, because you are so very loved.

[vogelfrei]

[ The absolutely horrible ocarina tune is not doing a whole lot to set the mood here, and maybe that is for the best because McGillis is struggling while hearing everyone's speeches to love and friendship. Though he can recognize the storybook-like poetry of what everyone is saying, it rings hollow to him. The way the people here can wax poetic about these matters just makes him feel like most of them have not yet experienced real hardship - he doesn't wish it on them, he truly doesn't. But it means their words leave him cold and... uncomfortable, if he's honest with himself.

It's thus tempting to stay back and not address Argenti at all - but that would be cowardice, and if there's one thing he and Argenti have in common it's that they do not run. ]

You have not hurt me at all.

[ 'McGillis what about the critical hit?' Don't worry about it. ]

What you did is exactly what I wished you would - you came at us with all your ugly feelings and did not hold back. I may never understand you and you may never understand me, but that is of no consequence.

You've never been more beautiful than you have been today.

[ McGillis does see beauty in the usual Argenti, bright and optimistic and hurtful to look at - but he'd never thought it at all inspiring before learning there is a darkness lurking deeper beneath. ]

And if you hate that assessment, you'll have to show me an even more beautiful side of yourself in the days to come.

[ledbythewind]

[The shockwave sends Richard flying back, knocking the air from his lungs yet again and causing more pain to blossom from his already-injured ribs. He lies still for a moment, darkness creeping in around the edges of his vision, until he hears that question and recognizes the quiet trepidation behind it, and that's enough to spur him to try to lever himself up enough on one elbow to speak.]

Isn't that... why we're here...?

[No.]

... isn't that why you summoned us here? You wanted to be saved... you wanted us to reach out a hand...

[He understands, because that's all he's ever wanted too.]

Look how many hands are reaching for you right now. So at least... do us the favor of taking them after all this trouble...

[cirquedesang]

[Finally, he's whacked away, and... it doesn't hurt that much, all told. He'd done as intended, anyway, Mafuyu got to sneak by, see what he was hiding...

And it seems words are getting through to him.

Good.]

Argenti... Even like this, you've been beautiful. Your expressions of devotion have never been so apparent. [Both from watching his past and interacting with his manifestations of shadow.]

You claim to have hurt us, but... it's nothing we cannot recover from, and were you not simply trying to push us away? To protect us from the you we see now? How could we not see and forgive that? Come back to us. We'll welcome you with open arms, darkness and all.