canon is vagrant story! someone sure has a bee in his bonnet

[peaceguard]

For someone who hasn't even finished 'playing' our story, you certainly like to daydream about the aftermath.

[But you don't understand Hardin; that endboss is giant sword hell--]

Since when have I tolerated excuses for mediocrity? Not that it's any of my business since apparently my story has run its course, but...

You are well aware of how death works in Lea Monde. There's no point in entertaining ridiculous reincarnation fantasies when I will forever be trapped for my failures. I think that's to be deserved, and Mullenkamp can take what she desires from my soul now that I've served my purpose.

Just stop with this reincarnation business. Even if I somehow managed to see more lifetimes...They would not be spent with one person. You and I know that he deserves better than that.

Comments

[thefreedomreign]

I can relate to having a story that's run its course, as well as an absolute intolerance for mediocrity.

As far as reincarnation -- those that write for us tend to have their heads in the clouds about that sort of thing, don't they? Mine took me from a time before my death so that she wouldn't have to find a way around it, but I wouldn't put it past her to try to negotiate me back to life in one form or another. It's bad enough that she's stuck me back in the human world as it is.

Long story short, I empathize.

[peaceguard]

These days it seems that both run rampant, doesn't it? [Hardin grimaces, eyes narrowing despite himself.]

At least yours gave you the dignity of an excuse; although I'm simply taken from earlier in the day normally to avoid what I've now learned, most of the time they simply go, 'surprise! You're alive again. Enjoy it.' My soul was meant to fuel magicks once dead, not to be dragged through a million lifetimes in a pathetic attempt to right every wrong--
[He catches himself whining and sighs at how petty this whole sojourn has made him; it leaves a bad taste on his tongue.] I apologise. The point is that the world is unnatural enough; to have us both torn from death is an abomination to be quite honest.

I do feel better, selfish though it is, to know that I'm not alone in this hell. So thank you for that comfort, friend.

[thefreedomreign]

It would seem that we have a lot in common. A soul meant to be used for magic once it's run its course isn't unheard of where I'm from. A majority of my brother's weapons actually come from just such a circumstance.

Apologies aren't necessary; you're right to be upset. Especially if you know where you want (or need) to be instead.

Fortunately, I'm not all too upset about being taken from before my death. If I die this way, that's fine, but what happens to me in my own canon is something I just can't accept. This woman -- ridiculous as she is -- has given me a chance to meet my death with a dignity that I was robbed of otherwise, so I'm at the very least appreciative of that.

The feeling is mutual, actually. It's nice to know that there are other worlds that work the way the demon world does. Having to spend so much time with humans is more than a little disorienting for how...pedestrian it all is. Hearing about the way things work where you're from is a welcome feeling of normalcy. And you're right -- it helps to know I'm not the only one dealing with a story that was cut short.

[He doesn't mention anything about empathy when it comes to the regret that his companion seems to be feeling, but that's definitely there. Loathe as he would be to admit it, there are a few things he'd change if he had it all to do over again.]

[peaceguard]

Indeed. Right down to having a brother, I believe. [Not that Hardin's brother counts for much with how he's long buried, but the thought brings the faintest hint of a smile to his face.] I've not heard of souls being used in weapons too much, but it's certainly an interesting thought...My soul was prepared for the Darkness and her sweet embrace alone, but serving as someone's blade...That sort of reincarnation I could swallow.

Thank you for saying as such, even if I can't tolerate that from myself. It's like an itch, being shackled here when I need to be home; I'm afraid it's made my tongue rather loose with anger.

[He snorts a little at the fact that they both so calmly discuss death and how things such as a slightly different ending can come to be so greatly appreciated. ...RP sure changes a man's priorities.]
You sound lucky for that small grace indeed; every man deserves the chance to go out in a manner that affords him some final dignity rather than die like a dog. I'd say I'm jealous, but it's more relieving to know that at least someone receives that much from their puppetmasters.

Demon world? [Even though Ivalice is seven shades of messed up, demons are one element that stay out of its equation. ...He's not sure if he prefers the idea of demons over undead.] I assure you I'm terribly human myself, for all the good it does me, but it makes sense that Lea Monde would run as well as any demon world could.
I do miss what ability the Darkness lent me however...Homesickness is the last emotion I fancied myself to feel.

[And then, he flat up smiles. It's reserved and somewhat uneasy from disuse, but smiling is a big thing for Hardin all the same.]
Thank you for sharing your time with me; we might not be able to change our situations, but swapping stories reminds me of a better time.

My name's John Hardin, for what it matters.

[thefreedomreign]

[Vergil is a little caught off guard to see John smile at the mere mention of his brother. How long had it been since the mention of Dante had caused him to react the same way...? Years, easily. It called to mind a time before his tunnel vision became so rampant -- when he was lead to believe that he was the only surviving son of Sparda. True though it was that the boys had been fighting like cats and dogs since before they were even born, all that had ceased to matter when the other's name was spoken under those circumstances. Instead of animosity, there had been a humble feeling that defied description. Maybe Dante grew to feel that way about him, after he died.

Either way, it's a feeling he hasn't revisited in years, and he's all the better for doing so now.]

Agreed. I'd much rather my soul be put to use alongside a worthy warrior than to just move aimlessly through the aether. Not that I have anything against the latter, I'm just too restless to slow down, even after I'm dead.

Trust me, I empathize with that entirely. [He is, after all, in the human world sort of against his will. He has that same itch to get back and defeat Mundus, to the point that every moment spent otherwise is kind of like poking an angry bear.] I'm actually more than a bit restless to get back to where I belong, myself.

For what it's worth, I hope that yours grants you something close to what you want, even if it is a....what's the term? An "AU"? Or "musebox thread"? [What's weird is that he sincerely means that. Vergil isn't really one to show empathy to anyone, but this person has earned at least that.]

I wouldn't have figured you for a human. [He says, a bit curiously, before he realizes how that sounds.] What I mean is, most humans don't deal much in magic, or discuss death without fear. So if you are human, you are definitely one of the more extraordinary ones I've ever met.

As someone that has gained power from the Darkness for years, I feel your pain there as well. Being so far removed from the main source of my power has been an odd mixture of a blessing and a curse.

[The smile is one that is echoed in Vergil -- light and more in his eyes than on his lips though it is.]

Vergil. Trust me when I say the honor has been mine. It isn't every day that I'm able to meet someone so different, yet so similar. I'm glad to have been able to bring you what comfort I could. You've definitely done the same for me.