ATP Time~

[strikeoflightning]

Appealing to my emotions won't get you anywhere. You know I have my hands full with looking after Serah. {However!} Seeing them again wouldn't be so bad. Just don't put that guilt on my shoulders. If they're safer staying put, let them stay.

We'll manage.

The village can't hold us forever. {Oh Etro she hopes that's the case.} As for that other place, I'm content. Anyone who tries to screw up that peace will get punched.

Comments

[servaturus]

[Like Lightning, he's content but there's that storm brewing in his eyes that something can go wrong at any given time. Last even proved this to be true. Caius stands firm in his decisions to stay and refuses to jeopardize what he has.]

In time, I will have to venture into the Darkness and take hold of the village that has kept us steady. However, should the time come for me to engage in battle, do not come to my aid.

[There's a reason for this. (Mun has nasty plans for him.)]

[strikeoflightning]

What do you mean you have to "venture into the Darkness"? {No, no no, this is not happening.} Taking over the city is no small matter, Caius, and I won't let you lose yourself.

{If he enters the Darkness, won't that change him?}

[servaturus]

This is the only way I can harness the Chaos without killing others to obtain it. I regret that I cannot change this. There are circumstances that you may not understand thus making the decision was not done lightly.

[He's not happy about it either but it has to be done or he'll die.]

Yeul...is dying.

[strikeoflightning]

Then let me do it. You need to keep yourself whole for her. {She scowls, stepping up to him. He will forever be taller than her, but she meets his gaze resolutely.} Tell me what to do.

At least if something goes wrong, you can fend me off.

[servaturus]

Lightning...

[He is stunned by her spirit that's strong enough to match his own. He knows that whatever the Darkness is, it's not something that can be wielded by anyone other than those that have the power to control themselves. He inhales sharply and nods. Lightning's determination is not something he can best easily. He's seen it before.]

Very well. Your will is strong. It needs to be contained within a vessel that can control their own inner strength. I must warn you, the effects are painful and may cause you loss of focus. Once you have absorbed the energy, it will feel as if your soul is consumed by the Darkness.

Your inner strength and perseverance must best it lest you be consumed by it. The Darkness will envelope you. There is no ritualistic way to harness it for it will find you first.

Know that I do not trust this task to anyone else.

[At the very least, it'll help him from keeping out of the way or destroying the place that he's called home now for nearly two months.]

[strikeoflightning]

Pain is nothing new. I won't forget what's important to me. {He hasn't and she has been tested before - not to the extent that she will be tested in the future, but at least she is apart of the world. As a true human being, there are people and bonds that she cannot give up - no matter what.}

Let me help you shoulder the burden. At least while we're in the city. {She shakes her head sharply.} I won't fail. Ruby City will be protected and Yeul will live.

[servaturus]

[Somehow, he knows that she won't. If it were him to go in there, everything that he is now would be gone. He's been a part of the Chaos far too long that whatever remains of his soul will vanish. Her absolution marks her as admirable and Caius is thankful for her help. She's one of two that he trusts the most even though in their worlds they are fighting the same battle for two different reasons.

He shows his gratitude with a slow nod.]

Yes. I know you will succeed where I cannot. You know as well as I what will become of us.

[And the sad reality is that he most likely will be changed forever but not for the worse.]

I shall do what I can with my limits to keep Yeul safe. You have my sword when you need it.