dear_mun | (no subject)

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.

[He nods. He understands that more than he'd like to admit.]

I accept that. Others? You would solemnly sit in corners as you could be wont to do.

Perhaps.

Or perhaps, I would be able to find reason to step out of them...

There are times when action is required. Your passive behaviour will only get you so far.

And there are times when your sword and vengeance is not required.

But perhaps, you've learned that there?

I do not use them all of the time.

[ Just the majority. ]

My apologies.

[Caim shakes his head.]

If fortune exists, then it was kind, for the academy happens to specialise in combat. Few use it, but it seems that was its primary purpose originally.

Then it was once a training ground?

Akin to, yes. Likely for self-defence.

Against what, Caim?

[He shakes his head again.]

I would not know. They could also be training their pupils for the role of soldiers.

[...Hey, remember those kids he killed? It could kind of be like that...]