dear_mun | (no subject)

But I feel that you do need something, Caim.

[ He appears uncomfortable for a moment. ]

I thought my reasons were clear enough...

What I need, you cannot provide.

[How rude of the prince. He pauses.]

Our reasons were not the same. And yet they were. To save the world from an impending destruction we could not avoid. We are not heroes.

Perhaps, it is only something the Gods can give you.

Nor do I believe that we are heroes. We are merely protectors. Knights, if you would, even though no king had given us the honor.

Can we not agree on that?

Knights.

[Leonard, you are trying him and trying him to the core. But... You are also sad and awkward to the point of pity.]

Very well. If that is what you need to sleep at night.

I hope it will allow you to sleep, too.

It seems as though you could do with some peace, Caim.

Unlikely to occur.

[But he doesn't argue it. Leonard's precisely on the mark with that one.]

Vengeance shall give some.

Have you not had enough?

Never.

One day the stench of death will become too much for even you, Caim.

Unlikely. Incomplete is what I am without it. As you are incomplete without your... words of 'wisdom'.

I will get you to see reason one day. Then perhaps, you can find rest.

Perhaps we both can.

[But Caim is the most faithless, evidently.]

[ He nods. Grateful that he is agreed with. ]

And where do you reside now, Caim?

[Oh, man, Leonard. You don't want to know.]

A...

[What does he call it?]

Hell. A town near an educational facility. They call it an academy.

An academy?

That hardly sounds like Hell, but a place of learning and scholars... ah... I see... for you that would be difficult. But I think that actually would be good for you, too.

[He raises an eyebrow.]

It is more suited for you or Arioch. There are many children.

Please, do not mock me so.

... that is a cross that I must bear for all time... regardless of what it is that I wish.

[The prince relents.]

You would be useful there. Here. I have no reason to lie to you.

Perhaps, that would be how I could redeem myself... a little.

Redemption is a definition of yours alone. Rely not on others to judge you. This...

[Another pause. Oh, look. Caim's been regaining some of his humanity.]

This academy is no land forsaken by gods or tormented.

You do seem a little bit more at peace than before, even if you still say things that does hurt the soul to hear.

[He says nothing to begin with. Well. Thinks nothing.]

Memories cannot be washed away, no matter where one goes. Yours will not leave either.

I understand that more than anyone, Caim, but I have to believe that there is a place where we will not be weighed down by our memories.

You may find the help you need to do that. Where I am, that is.

[He almost adds as an afterthought that there's the promise of his companionship as well.]

They are... understanding.

Still, I would not share with them the monster that lies in my heart. Understanding or not, there are some things we cannot share.

But I will consider it.