[ open ]

[transcendens]

DATE: July 18
INVOLVED: transcendens and anyone who wants to run into him
ACTIVITY: After being struck blind for no reason, Aizen goes to Ten-ji to get away from Iki.
RATING: TBD

Comments

[alkahestry]

[Since Edward left to speak with Kiyoha and Aya he's lost track of time. He spent a few hours trying to scour the library for any information he can on how to possibly reverse the strange condition that was plaguing his brother and so many others.

It wasn't until his stomach had begun to make it's need of food known that he packed up the books he was reading and left the library and out into the district. He's got a small allowance to work with now, enough he figures to find himself something to eat lunch with now that the morning hours have come to an end.

When he spots Aizen, Alphonse stops in his tracks and stares for a moment. They had only spoken on the network the devices shared so far, and needing to meet in person eventually, Al saw no reason to not walk his way up towards the bench to do so.]

Good afternoon, Mr. Aizen.

[transcendens]

[ The sound of his name being spoken by a familiar voice arrests Sousuke’s attention, and he straightens from his slouch, turning sightless eyes in the direction of the young man’s voice. Elric. Alphonse Elric. Iki’s new apprentice and one of the few individuals he meant to seek out after his arrival in Ukiyo. ]

Good afternoon to you, too, Alphonse.

[ It feels like a good afternoon. He could not have asked for a better day to spend outdoors, and if he must be blind, he’s grateful for the weather that allowed him a reprieve from the household. Smiling at Al, he hopes that he’s smiling at him and not slightly to the side of him, Sousuke lifts a hand and beckons him closer. ]

What brings you out here? Are you also a fan of the gardens?

[alkahestry]

[Lucky for Aizen the bench he was still resting upon was directly in front of Alphonse, so it would have been a bit hard for Aizen to not look directly at him. When Aizen mentions the gardens he pauses to take a brief look around at the gardens in question.]

They are nice... but I was just passing through on my way to find something to eat outside of Iki. I saw you and thought it would be a good time to stop and say hi in person.

[transcendens]

[ The irony provokes a chuckle, and for a moment, Sousuke indulges himself in a bout of amusement. ]

While I'm pleased to have the opportunity to speak with you in person, I'm afraid our timing is just a bit off.

[ He aims a smile in Al's direction as best he can. ]

It's my eyes, you see. I've gone blind.

[alkahestry]

[Al was beginning to catch on about Aizen's sight, because there was just the slightest of shifts in his posture as Alphonse shifted from in front of Aizen to his right to take a seat on the bench besides him.]

You're not the only one suffering from weird circumstances.

[There's a slight uncomfortable tone to his voice as he acknowledges the predicament that's come to plague certain contract workers in Uikyo.]

Did you manage to get out here ... all on your own?

[transcendens]

Yes. It took quite a long time, and a certain amount of stubborn determination, but I've walked these paths so often during my time here that I could likely do it in my sleep.

[ But that first bit that Al's said catches his attention, and he turns to where he's sitting. ]

Are you suffering from them too?

[alkahestry]

Out of all the training I've managed to accomplish, doing something without vision would still take a fair amount of effort. [A small thoughtful sound passes his lips.] I lived for quite some time without most of my senses, you really come to realize how much we take them for granted once they are gone. Thankfully, I am not afflicted with whatever seems to be happening with you and the others.

[transcendens]

Without your senses?

[ For a moment, the connection escapes him. And then he remembers a story about souls and alchemy, armor and the Gate. ]

The incident with the Gate, yes? I too have lived for a time without my senses. Though only two years, it felt like an eternity. I understand, and I'm pleased you're not one of those affected now. It's hardly the type of warm welcome a new resident should face so soon after arrival.

[alkahestry]

Yes ... I know we really didn't talk about it much over the network, but I guess if you've spoken with my brother you probably know most of the story.

[His fingers curl into the fabric of his blue yukata and begin to tug the fabric further down his legs.]

When my brother and I tried to use Alchemy to bring back our Mother from the dead, Edward lost his leg and I lost my body. He gave up his arm in a last ditch effort to try and get me back, he attached my soul to a metal suit of armor that was in our Father's study.

I couldn't eat, sleep, or feel anything. It took over six years to get my body back. All considering, a few days doesn't seem that bad, but two years ... I'm sorry you had to experience that.

[His lips form a frown as his gaze remains on his thighs. He knew how lonely that could feel.]

[transcendens]

[ He shrugs, unwilling to dwell for long on his own misery. He isn't in Hell now, despite what it may feel like. ]

Six years is far longer than two, and if what I've witnessed and heard are any indication, you weathered them a great deal better than I.

This city is many things, Alphonse Elric. But it is not as terrible as it seems. Even with this latest dilemma, there are benefits to being here. Granted, they may be small and difficult to see, but they exist.

[ Sousuke can't see him. Can't judge his expression or the effect his attempt at comfort has on him. But he offers a smile anyway. Because he understands how uncomfortable this place can be. ]

One day at time, hmm? We can get through anything if we take it in that fashion.

[alkahestry]

The seems alright ... it's hardly home, but I have Edward here and that's enough to make it a better place.

[He might even be lonely if he had arrived by himself, but he would still act much the same. It would take something fairly extreme to break his optimism.]

I've already spoken with a lot of people who don't see the good, but it doesn't really help to dwell on the bad. Like you said, one day at a time, if you stop moving forward, then you've given up.

[transcendens]

I've heard it said that home is not a place, but those friends and family you keep around you.

[ He cannot vouch for this, of course. He's never had either to learn if the saying's true. But given the weight others place on these companions, he suspects that it might be. ]

You're quite right. Life is moving forward. To do anything else is to stagnate, and that's nearly the same as death. Should you ever find yourself in need of someone to shine a light on the good qualities, let me know. That, I think, I can manage.

[alkahestry]

That's a good saying, but I think they don't have to be close for that to even be true. Memories are just as good reminders of home, especially, since for some memories of certain people are all you have left. I'm more than happen to talk about the better qualities, any time ... did you plan on sitting out here all day?

[transcendens]

[ What Al's said about memories is very true, and Sousuke nods his agreement. ]

I do, in fact. It was getting a bit claustrophobic in Iki, thanks to my unexpected condition. I thought a bit of sunlight might be just what I needed.

[alkahestry]

It is a nice day ... and these gardens... [It's obvious from his tone of voice that he sounds quite awestruck by the beauty of the gardens.] I didn't know there was a place like this here. It's beautiful. [He pauses and takes a deep breath in through his nose.] Smells nice too.

[transcendens]

[ He nods, a faint smile playing over his lips. ]

I visit Ten-ji quite frequently. It's my favorite place in the city, relaxing and peaceful compared to the bustle of the rest of it.