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[ Very suddenly, there’s a sense of Communion touching your character’s mind. However, it’s as if they connect with the mind of a shared Aspect, as they’re not able to block out the brief, but sharp memory that comes to them. ]
Their world deserved its destruction, of that the Shard-Bearer has no doubt. However, on sleepless nights, they wish for just one more day in their previous life, even if it meant facing its challenges again.
[ ooc note — Just to avoid OOC confusion/misinterpretation, the details included in this memory are random and are not necessarily interconnected or plot meaningful beyond a surface level. However, your character is free to interpret this random memory however they’d like! This event will also be touched on somewhat during today’s NPC Communion Post. ]
Their world deserved its destruction, of that the Shard-Bearer has no doubt. However, on sleepless nights, they wish for just one more day in their previous life, even if it meant facing its challenges again.
[ ooc note — Just to avoid OOC confusion/misinterpretation, the details included in this memory are random and are not necessarily interconnected or plot meaningful beyond a surface level. However, your character is free to interpret this random memory however they’d like! This event will also be touched on somewhat during today’s NPC Communion Post. ]
[ As a Harbinger, at least he isn't liable to broadcast to Shez how much he's thinking about how best to approach him. Small mercies. ]
I just thought I'd see where you might've gone to. Been a while, yeah?
[ Not that they don't all come and go as they please, but that question over Communion... ]
I just thought I'd see where you might've gone to. Been a while, yeah?
[ Not that they don't all come and go as they please, but that question over Communion... ]
[ Harbinger or not, Shez thinks he knows Yuri well enough to figure out what this is really about. Fussy. ]
Going on a long walk, I guess. Sort of ended up in this beach, and the weather is pretty nice so I'm taking my time.
[ Now, to address the real, unspoken question: ]
I'm okay, for the record. Just needed to get some thoughts in order, that's all.
Going on a long walk, I guess. Sort of ended up in this beach, and the weather is pretty nice so I'm taking my time.
[ Now, to address the real, unspoken question: ]
I'm okay, for the record. Just needed to get some thoughts in order, that's all.
[ After recent events, Yuri thinks his being a mother hen is entirely justified... At least he's mindful of boundaries still. ]
How's that going for you? Heard your Communion earlier but I've never been much for crowds.
[ Particularly inside of one's head. ]
How's that going for you? Heard your Communion earlier but I've never been much for crowds.
[ Particularly inside of one's head. ]
[ Yes, that's fine. For all that he complains, he thinks it's nice that Yuri cares, though he'd rather not have him so worried. ]
Well, there's a lot to process, that's for sure, so I'm probably still gonna be stewing in my thoughts for a while. But for what it's worth, I think I'm not feeling as lost anymore.
[ A beat. ]
... uh, you know. Figuratively.
[ He actually is kind of lost, now that he's stopped to consider his surroundings... ]
Well, there's a lot to process, that's for sure, so I'm probably still gonna be stewing in my thoughts for a while. But for what it's worth, I think I'm not feeling as lost anymore.
[ A beat. ]
... uh, you know. Figuratively.
[ He actually is kind of lost, now that he's stopped to consider his surroundings... ]
[ Silence follows, perhaps a few moments too long.
If Shez got the sorts of answers that he needs right now, Yuri can only be glad for it, but— ]
Any chance you might be lost in the more literal sense of the word?
[ The fact that Shez made the distinction suggests as much to him. ]
If Shez got the sorts of answers that he needs right now, Yuri can only be glad for it, but— ]
Any chance you might be lost in the more literal sense of the word?
[ The fact that Shez made the distinction suggests as much to him. ]
[ There is decidedly a sense of a loud, long-suffering sigh in this mindspace. ]
... maybe?
[ That's Shez-speak for yes, yes he's definitely lost. ]
I didn't have a place to go in mind, so I wasn't really paying attention as I made it to this beach. This is definitely Springstar territory, though, so I can make my way back if I do it the lazy way and use my powers.
... maybe?
[ That's Shez-speak for yes, yes he's definitely lost. ]
I didn't have a place to go in mind, so I wasn't really paying attention as I made it to this beach. This is definitely Springstar territory, though, so I can make my way back if I do it the lazy way and use my powers.
[ With his powers, Shez certainly could get back on his own, Yuri knows, but... ]
Would you be averse to some company?
[ A short pause, during which he thinks to offer clarification— ]
I didn't answer that question of yours, but Communion's not my style.
[ With few exceptions, he prefers good old fashioned talking. ]
Would you be averse to some company?
[ A short pause, during which he thinks to offer clarification— ]
I didn't answer that question of yours, but Communion's not my style.
[ With few exceptions, he prefers good old fashioned talking. ]
[ There's silence on his end, too, and his presence in Communion nearly flickers off into the dark. He does worry about leaving Byleth on his own being sick as a dog like he is, but... he does need to get some things off his chest, and decidedly not within the man's earshot.
Maybe it's a bit selfish, but in the end, Shez is doing it for his sake, too. For all of them. ]
Sure. Let's make it a beach date.
[ Just doing it Yuri-style, an attempt at injecting some of his usual levity back into his (mental) tone. What follows is a shared image of his current view, with a focus on any unique landmarks he can find, and it lingers for a moment or two before he resumes talking. ]
There. Think you can find it?
Maybe it's a bit selfish, but in the end, Shez is doing it for his sake, too. For all of them. ]
Sure. Let's make it a beach date.
[ Just doing it Yuri-style, an attempt at injecting some of his usual levity back into his (mental) tone. What follows is a shared image of his current view, with a focus on any unique landmarks he can find, and it lingers for a moment or two before he resumes talking. ]
There. Think you can find it?
[ Yuri waits patiently, uncertain initially how Shez would respond to his question. He has two friends to worry about and he suspects they both very much don't want to cause him to worry, despite the fact that they each have needs after the Oracle.
The truth is that Yuri would worry regardless, but at least he can do so for the right reasons if and when they let him. ]
Yeah, I think I know the area.
[ Yuri may not be much of the beach-going type, but he did go fishing often enough to be familiar with the shore. After committing the landmarks to memory, he thinks to add— ]
Byleth's all squared here. Fluffy's sticking to him like a bur.
[ He knows Shez worries too. ]
I'll see you soon.
The truth is that Yuri would worry regardless, but at least he can do so for the right reasons if and when they let him. ]
Yeah, I think I know the area.
[ Yuri may not be much of the beach-going type, but he did go fishing often enough to be familiar with the shore. After committing the landmarks to memory, he thinks to add— ]
Byleth's all squared here. Fluffy's sticking to him like a bur.
[ He knows Shez worries too. ]
I'll see you soon.
[ His presence lightens up in Communion, just a little, the addition earning a quiet smile from him. ]
Guess he'll be in good paws for a bit.
[ It doesn't do much to ease his concerns, of course, but it's as best as they can do for now. ]
I'll be waiting for you.
Guess he'll be in good paws for a bit.
[ It doesn't do much to ease his concerns, of course, but it's as best as they can do for now. ]
I'll be waiting for you.
Indeed he is. You know how determined the little guy is.
[ Yuri takes note of it but calls no attention to it. They can rely on Fluffy's insistence on cuddle-time. That kitten is not to be denied.
They'll have time enough to talk, at least. ]
Stay put, alright?
[ Said in half-jest, as he knows if Shez says he'll wait, it's what he'll do. ]
[ Yuri takes note of it but calls no attention to it. They can rely on Fluffy's insistence on cuddle-time. That kitten is not to be denied.
They'll have time enough to talk, at least. ]
Stay put, alright?
[ Said in half-jest, as he knows if Shez says he'll wait, it's what he'll do. ]
[ Ah, yes, the most ferocious little beastie. His imagination runs loose for a second, and the picture it produces is warm enough to earn more of a huff, all earnest amusement.
Yuri's follow-up has a similar enough effect. ]
Asking too much from me, Yuri.
[ He's a meowcenary, too, you see. His zoomies must not be denied! ]
But I guess I'll make an effort for you.
[ Not like he was planning on going anywhere. ]
Yuri's follow-up has a similar enough effect. ]
Asking too much from me, Yuri.
[ He's a meowcenary, too, you see. His zoomies must not be denied! ]
But I guess I'll make an effort for you.
[ Not like he was planning on going anywhere. ]
[ In turn, though Yuri tries not to broadcast it, there comes a small measure of relief. The humor is reassuring. ]
I'll hold you to it.
[ And with that, Yuri closes off Communion to focus on locating Shez. It doesn't take him terribly long with the information he'd been provided and when he spots that familiar, vibrant purple hair, he lifts a hand and waves.
Quiet as this stretch of beach currently is, he doubts Shez would fail to notice him regardless. ]
I'll hold you to it.
[ And with that, Yuri closes off Communion to focus on locating Shez. It doesn't take him terribly long with the information he'd been provided and when he spots that familiar, vibrant purple hair, he lifts a hand and waves.
Quiet as this stretch of beach currently is, he doubts Shez would fail to notice him regardless. ]
[ Once Yuri makes it to the assigned spot on the beach, he'll find Shez sitting cross-legged in the sand, hands splayed behind him to support his back. Ahead, people brave tempestuous waters and ride the waves on boards for sport -- surfing, as they'd told him -- and though the ocean rages on as ever, the breeze blowing through his hair is warm and gentle, calming in its own right. It's enough to have him curious.
But when Yuri's presence is felt, those thoughts are swiftly dispersed, and he shifts his weight around to return his friend's wave with one of his own. ]
Took you long enough.
[ It's just teasing banter, playful as ever-- or, well, close enough. His energy isn't really all there just yet, but he's working on it. ]
Maybe next time I'll have you chasing me around, if you can keep up.
But when Yuri's presence is felt, those thoughts are swiftly dispersed, and he shifts his weight around to return his friend's wave with one of his own. ]
Took you long enough.
[ It's just teasing banter, playful as ever-- or, well, close enough. His energy isn't really all there just yet, but he's working on it. ]
Maybe next time I'll have you chasing me around, if you can keep up.
That's easy, provided you're not using your party trick.
[ If Shez was popping up just anywhere, it wouldn't be much of a chase. On foot, though? Yuri has always covered ground swiftly... Not that he particularly fancies chasing Shez down. He'd have to complain about that.
Hypotheticals aside, he makes his way over to sink into a seated position beside him. Yuri isn't much for sand, seeing as it has a way of getting absolutely everywhere, but he'll deal with it for the time being. The venue is far less important than his company is, and he's been concerned about Shez ever since they'd crossed paths in the labyrinth.
It is, after all, rare in his experience to see the man in such a state. ]
In the meantime, seeing as we're both here, you want another answer to that question of yours?
[ It's a place to begin, rather than cutting directly to asking what's on his mind. ]
[ If Shez was popping up just anywhere, it wouldn't be much of a chase. On foot, though? Yuri has always covered ground swiftly... Not that he particularly fancies chasing Shez down. He'd have to complain about that.
Hypotheticals aside, he makes his way over to sink into a seated position beside him. Yuri isn't much for sand, seeing as it has a way of getting absolutely everywhere, but he'll deal with it for the time being. The venue is far less important than his company is, and he's been concerned about Shez ever since they'd crossed paths in the labyrinth.
It is, after all, rare in his experience to see the man in such a state. ]
In the meantime, seeing as we're both here, you want another answer to that question of yours?
[ It's a place to begin, rather than cutting directly to asking what's on his mind. ]
Oh, yeah? I'll beat you to the punch without any party tricks, any day.
[ There's that first igniting spark of competition again, just an ember of his usual heat, but a clear sign of improvement nonetheless. With any luck, the banter is just enough to lessen Yuri's concerns, if only minimally.
So he waits for his friend to properly join him on the warm, warm sand, hoisting himself up to more of a upright sitting position as he does. There are questions incoming, no doubt, and he feels ready to dish out answers when they do, but if Yuri is kind enough to start them off easy, well, who is he to complain? ]
You wanna compare notes, huh? Sure, go ahead.
[ There's that first igniting spark of competition again, just an ember of his usual heat, but a clear sign of improvement nonetheless. With any luck, the banter is just enough to lessen Yuri's concerns, if only minimally.
So he waits for his friend to properly join him on the warm, warm sand, hoisting himself up to more of a upright sitting position as he does. There are questions incoming, no doubt, and he feels ready to dish out answers when they do, but if Yuri is kind enough to start them off easy, well, who is he to complain? ]
You wanna compare notes, huh? Sure, go ahead.
Confident, are we?
[ He'll have to challenge Shez to a race sometime. Yuri may train largely alone, but it doesn't stop him from exercising his speed any. It's one of several strengths he can continue to work on by himself. New tactics, he's come to think, are another matter...but one he reserves for later.
For now, he looks out to the sea and releases a soft breath. ]
...You know I've had a rough life, yeah? What gives me strength is the same thing that always has, and it's my people. Wanting to better their lives, to see them safe and happy. That started with my mother.
[ Even now, he wants for her safety and happiness. He always will. ]
I've got you and Byleth here, and I'll see us home, whatever that requires of me.
[ It's nothing revelatory when it comes to Yuri, but it's more forthright than he usually allows himself to be. Shez is as much about others as he is, in his own way. Seeing him around camp had told Yuri as much, back home. ]
So long as you've got motivation, you can keep moving forward.
[ He'll have to challenge Shez to a race sometime. Yuri may train largely alone, but it doesn't stop him from exercising his speed any. It's one of several strengths he can continue to work on by himself. New tactics, he's come to think, are another matter...but one he reserves for later.
For now, he looks out to the sea and releases a soft breath. ]
...You know I've had a rough life, yeah? What gives me strength is the same thing that always has, and it's my people. Wanting to better their lives, to see them safe and happy. That started with my mother.
[ Even now, he wants for her safety and happiness. He always will. ]
I've got you and Byleth here, and I'll see us home, whatever that requires of me.
[ It's nothing revelatory when it comes to Yuri, but it's more forthright than he usually allows himself to be. Shez is as much about others as he is, in his own way. Seeing him around camp had told Yuri as much, back home. ]
So long as you've got motivation, you can keep moving forward.
[ There's a light huff of amusement at Yuri calling him out, and then another, softer, when his reply comes in earnest.
It's not as if the answer itself surprises him -- first impressions may elude him, but Shez does have a surprisingly accurate insight on people once he's gotten to know them -- but perhaps that may be a fair bit more open honesty than the usual. Surely this place has a way with changing people... ]
I know. That's what I have been fighting for, too.
[ But Shez has changed, as well, perhaps not so much in true nature or ideals, but something within has decidedly shifted. What, exactly, or how he'll keep growing moving forward, he can't say just yet, but-- ]
But that's the very thing that Oracle took from us, wasn't it? Our motivation.
[ Whether by killing, by wiping their memories, by pitting them against each other, each cruel mechanism chipping away at their willpower, demanding sacrifice upon sacrifice often taken without consent. No exactly a major revelation, either; Yuri should be at least as painfully aware of it as Shez is. ]
When I ran into you in the maze, you couldn't remember your own mother-- [ He turns to face his friend, and the look he gives him is one of real concern, never accusatory despite his words. ] --and that's the person who matters the most to you, right? If an Oracle has that kind of power, then it could easily have made you forget everyone else, and then... would there have been anything left to fight for?
It's not as if the answer itself surprises him -- first impressions may elude him, but Shez does have a surprisingly accurate insight on people once he's gotten to know them -- but perhaps that may be a fair bit more open honesty than the usual. Surely this place has a way with changing people... ]
I know. That's what I have been fighting for, too.
[ But Shez has changed, as well, perhaps not so much in true nature or ideals, but something within has decidedly shifted. What, exactly, or how he'll keep growing moving forward, he can't say just yet, but-- ]
But that's the very thing that Oracle took from us, wasn't it? Our motivation.
[ Whether by killing, by wiping their memories, by pitting them against each other, each cruel mechanism chipping away at their willpower, demanding sacrifice upon sacrifice often taken without consent. No exactly a major revelation, either; Yuri should be at least as painfully aware of it as Shez is. ]
When I ran into you in the maze, you couldn't remember your own mother-- [ He turns to face his friend, and the look he gives him is one of real concern, never accusatory despite his words. ] --and that's the person who matters the most to you, right? If an Oracle has that kind of power, then it could easily have made you forget everyone else, and then... would there have been anything left to fight for?
[ It's a valid concern, and one that isn't so easy to answer. The sheer breadth of uncertainty bearing down on them is so overpowering that it can be paralytic to contemplate. Yuri has been forced to consider it more than once, though he knows it isn't productive when they lack the power to act upon it.
That influence on their minds was what made him reluctant to harmonize in the first place. If those powers — Zenith and Meridian — could read their true hearts at the onset, what else might they do? What power would they exert over them if they harmonized further? Surely, it had to be more than gaining a few spells, or Cyrus wouldn't deny basic information to those who didn't open themselves further to Meridian.
To be altered, to be changed in some fundamental way they couldn't know or decide for themselves, is daunting. ]
I can't deny it's possible... But I suspect if they could rob us of all recollection and deemed it the best way to use us, they'd do it from the very beginning.
[ Because why not brainwash the lot of them, if it was within their means and served their purposes? What are they to the people of this world, if not a means to an end. ]
But it's like you said— then we'd have no true motivation. Even if they spun up some story for us about who we are and why we're fighting, it wouldn't be the same.
[ The truth was always more potent than even the most beautiful lie. It wouldn't melt away under scrutiny and was far easier to maintain, and it was why the best lies were built upon truth. That would be a tall order to fill when the lot of them come from other worlds entirely, and doubly so for those like Liem who have no one from home here. ]
I may be wrong, but...they want us to win. Even forgetting my mother [ which frankly unnerves him to his core, but he's sure Shez knows that without him saying so because he was there— ] didn't mean I had no one left to fight for. That was a sadistic little test, but if it's pieces of us like that...we can still remind each other. Like you did for me.
[ They've got one another. No matter what the Harbinger Oracle might prioritize, that is an undeniable source of strength. ]
...Though if you go and forget me, I reserve the right to make up whatever I want and see how long you take to get skeptical.
[ He gently nudges Shez's side with his elbow to punctuate his jest. The truth is that they're powerless in many ways, but Yuri does believe it would be impractical to make them forget themselves at this juncture. Even if somehow they did, he wants to believe they'd find themselves again. ]
That influence on their minds was what made him reluctant to harmonize in the first place. If those powers — Zenith and Meridian — could read their true hearts at the onset, what else might they do? What power would they exert over them if they harmonized further? Surely, it had to be more than gaining a few spells, or Cyrus wouldn't deny basic information to those who didn't open themselves further to Meridian.
To be altered, to be changed in some fundamental way they couldn't know or decide for themselves, is daunting. ]
I can't deny it's possible... But I suspect if they could rob us of all recollection and deemed it the best way to use us, they'd do it from the very beginning.
[ Because why not brainwash the lot of them, if it was within their means and served their purposes? What are they to the people of this world, if not a means to an end. ]
But it's like you said— then we'd have no true motivation. Even if they spun up some story for us about who we are and why we're fighting, it wouldn't be the same.
[ The truth was always more potent than even the most beautiful lie. It wouldn't melt away under scrutiny and was far easier to maintain, and it was why the best lies were built upon truth. That would be a tall order to fill when the lot of them come from other worlds entirely, and doubly so for those like Liem who have no one from home here. ]
I may be wrong, but...they want us to win. Even forgetting my mother [ which frankly unnerves him to his core, but he's sure Shez knows that without him saying so because he was there— ] didn't mean I had no one left to fight for. That was a sadistic little test, but if it's pieces of us like that...we can still remind each other. Like you did for me.
[ They've got one another. No matter what the Harbinger Oracle might prioritize, that is an undeniable source of strength. ]
...Though if you go and forget me, I reserve the right to make up whatever I want and see how long you take to get skeptical.
[ He gently nudges Shez's side with his elbow to punctuate his jest. The truth is that they're powerless in many ways, but Yuri does believe it would be impractical to make them forget themselves at this juncture. Even if somehow they did, he wants to believe they'd find themselves again. ]
Edited (cries in typos) 2023-12-23 20:37 (UTC)
[Felix has left Shez a gift! It's a knife!!! A nice-quality hunting one. Be careful opening the wrapping.]
[ A quick breath of laughter pushes past before the nudge even connects, the joke momentarily distracting him from the brunt of his troubled thoughts. ]
Yeah? Just don't try to paint us as long-lost twins or something-- our hair colors don't quite match.
[ Would his blood relatives have hair as brightly colored as his? Did he even have any left, unknown and spread across a vast, vast world that may or may not be there anymore? Those are questions for which he can't make enough room in his brain space right now, brimming with pressing concerns as it is.
It's enough to have his visage sobering up in a moment, his eyes shifting back to the ocean up ahead. ]
... I hope I never have to find out what kind of outlandish stories you'd come up with.
[ His choice of words doesn't pack any real punch, not meant as a jab. It's just something of an euphemism, easier on the ears and the heart.
(He hopes he never has to forget-- not Yuri, not any of his other friends trapped in this place, and certainly none that have been left behind.) ]
But, with how unpredictable this place can be... I think it can't hurt to have a back-up plan. That's what I've decided to pursue.
[ Ahead, the sea rages on, hectic, ruthless, but Shez refuses to be swept in the current, to be caught in the undertow of history. He will not be forgotten, and neither will the people he holds dearest. ]
Yeah? Just don't try to paint us as long-lost twins or something-- our hair colors don't quite match.
[ Would his blood relatives have hair as brightly colored as his? Did he even have any left, unknown and spread across a vast, vast world that may or may not be there anymore? Those are questions for which he can't make enough room in his brain space right now, brimming with pressing concerns as it is.
It's enough to have his visage sobering up in a moment, his eyes shifting back to the ocean up ahead. ]
... I hope I never have to find out what kind of outlandish stories you'd come up with.
[ His choice of words doesn't pack any real punch, not meant as a jab. It's just something of an euphemism, easier on the ears and the heart.
(He hopes he never has to forget-- not Yuri, not any of his other friends trapped in this place, and certainly none that have been left behind.) ]
But, with how unpredictable this place can be... I think it can't hurt to have a back-up plan. That's what I've decided to pursue.
[ Ahead, the sea rages on, hectic, ruthless, but Shez refuses to be swept in the current, to be caught in the undertow of history. He will not be forgotten, and neither will the people he holds dearest. ]
Oh no, no, not siblings... [ Yuri bats the thought away like smoke. ] I'd sooner claim to be your husband than your twin, but it'd be difficult. A cousin, on the other hand — much more manageable.
[ There are things he'd need to know and understand about Shez, the more intimate a (fake) relationship was, in order to be remotely convincing... Not that he'd actually go through with such a ruse. He doesn't mind tossing out the idea in jest, however. ]
I'd prefer to think we'll never have to find out the rest.
[ Mismatched memories between them and those who come from a five-year war provides enough complications as it stands. Where Byleth had to contend with some other version of him being a beloved teacher, spending months alone in remembering something else, Claude and Dimitri had never known Shez at all.
He can only imagine how that must feel. ]
...But that sounds more like the guy I know.
[ Despondency, or what seemed like it to Yuri, didn't suit Shez. He doesn't think it suits either of his friends from home, for that matter. They don't deserve it, what's more. ]
So what are you thinking you'll do?
[ There are things he'd need to know and understand about Shez, the more intimate a (fake) relationship was, in order to be remotely convincing... Not that he'd actually go through with such a ruse. He doesn't mind tossing out the idea in jest, however. ]
I'd prefer to think we'll never have to find out the rest.
[ Mismatched memories between them and those who come from a five-year war provides enough complications as it stands. Where Byleth had to contend with some other version of him being a beloved teacher, spending months alone in remembering something else, Claude and Dimitri had never known Shez at all.
He can only imagine how that must feel. ]
...But that sounds more like the guy I know.
[ Despondency, or what seemed like it to Yuri, didn't suit Shez. He doesn't think it suits either of his friends from home, for that matter. They don't deserve it, what's more. ]
So what are you thinking you'll do?
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