[Asch also knows better than to sneak up on Tear after their last fighting encounter. But he's followed by the soft sound of armor and the clatter of his sword in the hilt, so it's not like Tear couldn't hear him coming anyway.
He's not having second thoughts about his plan, but he is wondering if this is the last time he'll be able to talk to Tear like this. If he fails... there might not be anything left of either of them.
He doesn't say anything in greeting, but his gaze is a deep, intense green; certainly something she can feel without looking at him.
[She doesn't look up when she hears his approach. There's few enough people wearing that much armour, and she's learned his gait from their previous interactions. She finishes the knife she's holding before looking up to meet his gaze, letting her concerns filter through without a word as well.]
[At this point, Asch is almost tempted to ask her if she'd rather not go through with the plan. It's not because Peony and Jade have made him reconsider. It's because he's been manipulating people against their will, and being a victim of that himself, he knows how awful it feels.
He is scared. Terrified, even. He's never had this much control over his destiny before, nor anyone else's. But he is ruthless and steel-like in his resolve, and after a long moment of meaningful glances, he closes his eyes in acceptance.]
... I don't know. [At least he's being honest. He watches her sharpen her knives with an unreadable expression.] Ready or not, we can't turn back. There's too much at stake.
[Why he states the obvious, he's not sure. Maybe to remind himself that things aren't so simple as being able to say 'I give up' and let Jade and Peony live in their happy, bright world where they don't have to think about things like the past. Like all the people they killed with their ignorance.
Politicians are hardly ever the ones on the battlefield themselves. And this is a war that Asch fully intends to win.
He leans against a nearby tree.]
If there's anything you want to know before you go, now is the time to ask.
[She nods in response again, although she's not paying complete attention. Her mind is whirling, trying to plan for the unplannable, just trying to prepare for something that makes her shake just a little when she thinks about what they're actually doing.]
[He's quiet for a minute, his gaze as thick and heavy as the silence.
He could offer an apology for deliberately manipulating Tear and Luke for a desired outcome. He could offer himself in the scenario that Akzeriuth fails completely, and condemns Tear and her time to a darker dimension.
But he does nothing of the sort. He's not that apologetic, at least not openly, and he'd rather not sabotage things by watering any seeds of doubt. All he can offer is a rare moment of honesty, his voice rough and warm and familiar.]
He's not having second thoughts about his plan, but he is wondering if this is the last time he'll be able to talk to Tear like this. If he fails... there might not be anything left of either of them.
He doesn't say anything in greeting, but his gaze is a deep, intense green; certainly something she can feel without looking at him.
For once, he is quiet.]
Reply
Reply
He is scared. Terrified, even. He's never had this much control over his destiny before, nor anyone else's. But he is ruthless and steel-like in his resolve, and after a long moment of meaningful glances, he closes his eyes in acceptance.]
You're ready.
Reply
As ready as I can be. Can one really be ready for something like this?
Reply
[Why he states the obvious, he's not sure. Maybe to remind himself that things aren't so simple as being able to say 'I give up' and let Jade and Peony live in their happy, bright world where they don't have to think about things like the past. Like all the people they killed with their ignorance.
Politicians are hardly ever the ones on the battlefield themselves. And this is a war that Asch fully intends to win.
He leans against a nearby tree.]
If there's anything you want to know before you go, now is the time to ask.
Reply
When would be the best time to strike?
Reply
[That's part of the plan... though she doesn't know that detail.]
He'll just get in the way.
Reply
Of course. He'd probably jump in to try to defend him again.
Reply
He could offer an apology for deliberately manipulating Tear and Luke for a desired outcome. He could offer himself in the scenario that Akzeriuth fails completely, and condemns Tear and her time to a darker dimension.
But he does nothing of the sort. He's not that apologetic, at least not openly, and he'd rather not sabotage things by watering any seeds of doubt. All he can offer is a rare moment of honesty, his voice rough and warm and familiar.]
Good luck, Tear.
[They'll both need it.]
Reply
Leave a comment