On finishing his AU timeline.

[bloodlined]

Took you long enough. A bit overdramatic at the end there, but at least it's done.

Now, why don't we try to keep our momentum going?

Comments

[bloodlined]

[He draws himself up. He has no qualms with Natalia herself, of course, especially given that she isn't the Natalia he knows, so his expression softens.]

Well said. And yet--I'm still dead, and I'm still here. I can only move forward, not back.

[starofmalkuth]

That's true enough...

Nevertheless, there are still lots of opportunities in places such as this, even for those who have passed.

[She hesitates here.] Did you already have something in mind?

[bloodlined]

Oh, believe me, Princess, I'm not done yet. She's got notions of sending me somewhere; who am I to disagree with a lady?

[Lord help all of those poor people...]

[starofmalkuth]

Ah, I see! Then it may not be long at all before one of these opportunities arises. What sorts of places is she considering, Riten?

And please, 'Natalia' will suffice.

[bloodlined]

[A bit of a smile at that, because the Natalia he knows would never let him call her anything but her title.]

The places that'll accept people like me aren't a dime a dozen--and the ones that do aren't all that reputable. [His lip curls in brief dread.] Getting my soul ripped out wasn't in my plans, but there you have it.

[starofmalkuth]

[Even if he isn't the Guy she knows, hearing someone speaking of his soul being ripped out is...unsettling to say the least.]

People like you...?

[A pause as her mundane explains briefly.] Ah, I see... That seems unfair, does it not? That only one outcome should be allowed. It's the same as saying that a single path is "correct" and denying all the other possible futures everyone has worked for.

[But then, such is life. Despite everyone's choices, they all combine into a single future.]

[...]



[Idea.] ...Perhaps I can help you find a suitable place!

[bloodlined]

[....natalia pls]

And why would you want to help your enemy?

[starofmalkuth]

I'm aware of no such enemy.

[While her mundane explained "AUs" in general, no one has discussed the details of this particular one to her.]

[bloodlined]

[...oh, how cute. He's kind of forced to smile, because her good nature is charming. It's a shame, he thinks, that a true noble-hearted woman should be born in a Score-ruled nest of rats.]

Only because we haven't been formally introduced. [He bows.] I am Riten the Phoenix, serving as God-General under Commandant Van Grants of Daath. Does that make things clearer, Natalia?

[starofmalkuth]

[All right. That certainly makes things clearer. Natalia's lips form a thin line as she considers for a moment what she knows of Guy. And how he himself said that if things had turned out differently, at one point in time he might have...]

...So you've joined with Van in hopes of avenging those who died on Hod.

[But there's something else, too. Something that hasn't quite registered except for the fact she's getting a very bad feeling deep in her chest.]

[Wait. Luke... He'll be devastated.]

[bloodlined]

That's right. [A pinched smile, as he reads her expression; to think that he might have been someone the princess of Kimlasca called a friend, in another life...revolting.] The dead deserve to be honoured.

[starofmalkuth]

[Oh, Guy... If only they could have changed his mind. But no, she's certain of this much - Riten the Phoenix has chosen his path, and despite who he was and who he could have been, it is her duty to uphold her own set of beliefs. To ensure that her people have a future.]

And you honestly think killing off thousands of other innocents will honor their deaths? By creating a replica world?

Do you truly believe that is what they would have wanted?

[bloodlined]

[A roll of his eyes.] Do you know how often I've heard that line? The dead don't want anything, Princess--they're dead.

It's my mandate to make sure that no more innocents are slaughtered for the Score, and that's never going to happen as long as things stay as they are. [He clucks his tongue.] But let's not dwell on it--are you still willing to help me?

[starofmalkuth]

It is true that Auldrant can no longer continue down its current path; the present state of affairs all but demands change. However, I'm afraid I cannot condone what you and Van are attempting to do. [She shakes her head slowly, folding her hands carefully.]

Nevertheless, this place isn't Auldrant. And despite our differences, I stand behind what I've said. If you will allow me to do so, then I will help you look for a home.