(open)

[hundredpower]

WHO: Barnaby and OTA
WHAT: Event aftermath, plus some babysitting
WHERE: Lover Shrine, later Achamoth
WHEN: After the Cost of Innocence event and this post
WARNINGS: Mentions of death/loss, grieving.

1. LOVER SHRINE
[Barnaby wanted to be alone. That was the reasoning behind his decision not to take the boat back to Achamoth with the others, though he'd told any who asked that he wanted to go to the Lover Shrine to investigate. He thought, perhaps, there could be clues of what might be another powerful entity tied to his Legacy, in the same way the Innocent had appeared in Venera. If such a powerful being has the ability to bring an entire city to its knees, dealing with many of them inserting themselves into the conflict between the two sects could soon prove unmanageable. The quicker they learn more about them and how many there are, the better.

When he arrives, though, trying to commune with the Shrine or gain new information here is useless. There's power here, but little else for him to go by, just the uncomfortable memories of awakening here when all this started.

So he exits the shrine into the sunlight, and moves to the beach, looking at his reflection in the shallows. He has nowhere to go except back to Achamoth. He's tired, and he has a purple, ugly bruise on his cheek from where Gen struck him, a reminder that when he returns to the Citadel he'll inevitably have to face what he exposed of his past to the other Kenoma. Most of all, he dreads seeing a certain demon right now, and being reminded yet again of his heartbreak, of the one person he lost and thought he'd found, however briefly. Grief seizes his chest in a vice. Now that he's alone, he feels he has to say something.]

...I doubt you can watch over me here. But if you did, would you want me to keep fighting?

[The wind picks up, blurring his reflection into countless ripples on the water. He's had many conversations with the dead over the years, and now he has one more person to speak with. Finally acknowledging that aloud, the weight of it, feels like it could crush him.]


2. RETURN TO ACHAMOTH
[When he finally arrives back in Achamoth, days later, his bruising has mostly faded and he looks only a little worse for wear, retreating to his quarters. After cleaning up and reporting to Xishen, he throws himself back into his daily training routine with renewed energy. When he's not training, he can be found at the library, surrounded by books on the Legacies, still in search of any clues that might help avoid a repeat of what happened in Venera.

There's little to be found on the Innocent entity -- hardly surprising when the Regent themself didn't seem to know much -- but perhaps beings associated to other Legacies could be properly investigated. He's studiously taking notes in silence, and it's only after a few hours that he has to pause to take off his glasses and rub at his eyes. It's been a long day.]


3. BUNNY DAYCARE
[Or perhaps you can find him in the gardens outside the Citadel. Ciel had told him about the orphans when he'd first arrived, and so he'd offered his help to the Achamites in caring for them, today taking a group of the younger orphans out for the afternoon to get some fresh air and play. Some take to him instantly, simply because he's an adult, or because he's an Aion, or both; others are more wary, prone to talking back to him or sulking when they misbehave. It's all familiar to him and reminds him fondly of the orphans back in Sternbild, so he has plenty of patience in dealing with them, even if he's still unsure how to deal with the rowdier children.

In contrast to them, one girl, Cerys, has taken to following him around or sitting with him the entire time, to the point he feels like he has a little second shadow. She's sitting on the grass beside him with a stuffed bear in her arms when he gently tries to coax her to go join the others.]

Don't you want to go and make friends? [She shakes her head and scowls, half-hiding her face behind the bear. He smiles to try to reassure her.] It's all right. Next time, we'll bring something you can do by yourself, or the two of us can do together.

[It's barely perceptible, but her scowl seems to lessen. Progress, perhaps.]


4. WILDCARD
[Write your own starter, or pm/dm me at moonsilver#4734 and we can plot something!]

Comments

2

[zauneyete]

[ Bunny wasn't the only one who tended toward research around his other activities. Mind, Silco's other activities tended towards lurking in the entertainment district like a leech. Often during the days, he would stop by the library, another thought on his own string of books to look through, before he would move on.

He'd just stepped in, when he noticed who else was in there. Ah. They'd barely spoken, either during the remainder of the events in Venera, or after. Silco was hardly one to reach out to someone and ask if they were alright, after all.

He made his way to a shelf, to pick at a book that had caught his eye the other day -- his own research erred towards either magic, or possessions -- this one had a title about some metaphysical mind manipulation. Something about it made Silco think perhaps he could find an answer to why the innocent had tried to posses him in there. ]

Writing a thesis?

[ He asked, pointing at the large stacks. ]

[hundredpower]

Hm? [Barnaby stops rubbing at his eyes and replaces his glasses on his face, not expecting anyone to join him, least of all a man he hadn't spoken to since Venera. He gives a slight smile and shakes his head.]

No... Not quite. I'm trying to learn more about the Legacies. [And maybe getting a little overzealous about it, true, but he tends to never do anything in half measures.] Yourself?

[zauneyete]

[ Silco held up his book, fingers on his still working hand obscured the title. His other hand remained in his pocket, where the crystals covered the stump at the moment. ]

Exciting. I'm sure you'll find little of use here, given the Regent's opinion on them.

[ A pause. ]

As for me, just some light reading. I come from a world without usable magic, so I have to catch up.

[hundredpower]

I see. [He looks to the book he holds up, then back at Silco.] My world has powers... but they're still not well-understood. We definitely wouldn't call them 'magic'.

[So perhaps he should do the same as Silco, at some point, and try to catch up. If nothing else, he knows who to ask for recommendations later.]

As for the Legacies, whatever the Regent's opinion, there's a wide range of stories here. The difficulty is in separating fact from fiction.

[zauneyete]

Mm, but you do have them. [ He pointed out, and not just because he'd seen Barnaby's eyes glow blue like they had in his dream. Silco, on the other hand, had never encountered magic. There were mages, in some old stories, of course, and some Yordles likely could talk about it.

Nothing like what Silco was experiencing here, certainly. Not that he would have asked the Yordles for their knowledge anyway. Books were free information without strings. People were not. ]

Mm, Of which that can be very difficult, without context. I was researching prior to heading to Venera, but found that there was little even close to what we experienced.

I wonder if your... investigation will actually prove fruitful.

[hundredpower]

I'm not sure. [He looks at his notes, deep in thought.] But we may not have to be concerned just yet. This month is the month of the Visionary, and so far all the stories seem to suggest its values are more aligned with the Kenoma. The Aions in the stories... or the Visionary itself... they're more interested in changing the world than the kind of suffocating peace that Innocent wanted.

[So even if anything appears, perhaps they don't have to be as worried... Though who can really say? The Legacies' goals can still diverge from the Regent's, and still bring them into conflict.]

I'll let everyone know if I do come across anything useful, anyway.

[zauneyete]

[ As much as the regent doesn't put stock in the legacies, Silco still has a little smirk for that. After all, his legacy is of the Visionary, and he'd remembered how violently he'd reacted to the Innocent. Of course they would be more in line with the Kenoma. ]

That's not surprising. Change is inevitable, after all, and what the Kenoma offers is the most... aggressive of changes. We haven't heard rumor yet of any odd diseases quite yet.

[ And good for them, honestly. Silco wondered what the Regent's tactic would be if the Visionaries were acting up? Or if they would? ]

I'm not certain how reliable the stories of the Aions are, regardless, but...I suppose it's inevitable that some legacies would be more aligned with the Kenoma's goals. Hopefully the next... I don't know -- Lover's Moon won't provide us any other trouble, hm?

[hundredpower]

I hope not. [Barnaby closes one of the books he'd been skimming through with a quiet snap, adding it to the pile he's already checked and probably won't revisit.] The last Lover's Moon was when I and the other new Aions arrived, wasn't it? Did anything... strange happen then that I wouldn't know about?

['Strange' being an understatement for what occurred in Venera, which seems to have been unprecedented, but perhaps something unusual happened in earlier months as well.]

2-ish/wildcard

[galdorleod]

[ Barnaby's head of curly blond hair is what draws Howl's attention away from his stack of books, and at first, his brain misidentifies him as a young woman. He watches the "lady" move around the library from between the gaps in the shelves, and the longer he watches, the more it starts to dawn on him that this ... may be a man. Their clothing suggests that, at least, but Howl can't help but feel a bit jealous of that straw-colored mane of theirs and wonder if it could really belong to a man.

Eventually, the person wanders towards the group of reading tables that Howl is settled in, and that's when he sees that his suspicions were true. Welp. A mistake anyone could have made, surely.

More importantly, now that the man has drawn near, Howl can see the peculiar subject matter of his research and the high, expensive quality clothing he's wearing. The books are especially relevant to the ordeal they'd just been through. And his attire is exactly the sort of high Achamoth style that the servants tend to bring to the Aions to wear. These observations quickly override any embarrassment he might be feeling from misjudging his gender; the fact that this could be one of the new Aions he hasn't met yet is much more commanding of his attention. Sure, he doesn't see a Shard on his person, but it could be covered much like Howl's is.

Howl watches him during the time that follows, glancing up from his book every few minutes to try to keep himself inconspicuous. And possibly failing. Definitely failing, actually, when eventually their eyes meet. If the other man hadn't noticed him before then, he does now.

The blond wizard gives him a coy, mysterious smile. Hello, friend; yes, he was watching. Then he hooks a finger under the neckline of his shirt and pulls down to flash him a glimpse of his Shard. That will serve as an interesting icebreaker, whether he's another Aion or not. ]

[hundredpower]

[Barnaby's not oblivious; fighting criminals for a career meant having a sharp eye for observation and a good awareness of his surroundings. But he's also used to drawing attention, since he doesn't go to great pains to make himself anonymous around the Citadel, so it wouldn't be strange for an Achamite to stop and stare, if not outright approach him. He always tries to be friendly and approachable to them, so his face is known reasonably well around these parts by now.

Still, he opts to stay focused on his task for the duration of his stint in the library, not interested in making small talk unless he's approached first. So he sits, and when he still feels those eyes on him, he looks up again to lock eyes with his observer.

He wasn't sure what he was expecting, but it wasn't being flashed a Shard, and he can feel the heat immediately rise in his cheeks. Why did he have to make that look... indecent?

Then he realises the man probably did it for a reaction, so he tries to salvage some composure, clearing his throat and meeting his eye again with an awkward:]

Hello.

3.

[lockedon]

[ After being sequestered in his room for so long while his ears regrew, it's a welcome change of pace to be able to finally stretch his legs and take a walk around the Citadel and through the streets of Achamoth. Though he has a few errands to run, his pace is languid today, devoid of the usual hurry that pushes him always forward.

It means he takes a side street instead of the main road, ambles through a garden instead of circling around it, and stops when he sees a familiar face surrounded by a bunch of tiny bodies instead of walking right past. Eustace sidles closer, just enough that he can pitch his voice loud enough to be heard without resorting to yelling. ]

I didn't realize you liked kids so much.

[ He keeps several feet of distance between himself and the group of children and their caretaker for the day. Not out of any particular dislike but mostly awkwardness; he hasn't had reason to interact with kids in a long time, and his permascowl doesn't usual endear him towards the youth. ]

[hundredpower]

[Most of the children barely take any notice of Eustace, either casting him only a brief look of curiosity or breezing right past him to run around and keep playing. The girl beside Barnaby, however, seems intent on competing with him for best permascowl and hides herself behind Barnaby, peeking out only slightly with a frown on her face. Barnaby offers him an apologetic look when he notices her reaction, though he should probably realise by now that Eustace of all people wouldn't really mind.]

They're children from the Citadel who don't have any parents. I've been helping them out when I have the time.

[He pauses and glances at the little girl still half-hiding behind him.] This is Cerys. Would you like to say hello to Mr Eustace?

[She's staring very, very intently at Eustace's ears. But when she's addressed, she pouts and turns her face away with a quiet 'no'.]

[lockedon]

[ Bring it on, little girl. He's got years of experience.

But actually what those years of experience have taught him is that he probably shouldn't be scowling at small children who are simply outside enjoying the weather, and so he tries to moderate his expression into something a little more neutral, with middling success.

Her pointed stare is hard to miss but since he's not in the habit of letting strangers shove their hands onto his head, he says nothing. (To the little miss Cerys, at least). He does amble closer until he's about a foot away, resuming his conversation with Barnaby. It's not a pasttime he would have expected anyone in this place to have, but he can't say he's against it in the least. ]

Was that something you did as well before...all this?

[ With a nod of his head towards the city around them. Achamoth, Horos, being an Aion...the general gist is pretty clear. ]

[hundredpower]

It was. There was an orphanage on the edge of the city I'd help out with in my free time.

[And while it's not the easiest job -- he doesn't have much experience with children prior to that, and he couldn't always just fall back on his hero status there or Aion status here to dazzle them -- it's far more rewarding than just sitting around waiting for orders or training.

Of course, all those children back home are probably gone, now, and if the Regent gets their way, no child under their protection will have a future to speak of either. But...]

I understand a lot about how they must feel, so I want to make life even a little bit easier for them. That's even more important here than it was back home, I think.

[lockedon]

[ Suddenly the cheery atmosphere drops just a little, a crease forming between his brows at the quiet mentions of Barnaby's own experiences. A memory appears in his mind unprompted, not his own, but the one he'd walked the hallways of with Barnaby back in Venera. He hadn't thought much of it at the time, writing it off as just another pleasant childhood memory, but now he realizes just how important that much have been, if the implications of Barnaby's words are true.

Though Cerys still refuses to look at him, Eustace isn't deterred by her standoffish behavior, choosing instead to join the two of them in the grass, dropping down into a crouch to form a oblong trio of people. ]

Your parents also died when you were young?

[hundredpower]

Yes. I lost them over twenty years ago.

[Barnaby doesn't quite meet his eye as he admits it, his gaze wistful. It's enough to make Cerys peek out from hiding behind him, and although she stays quiet, there's surprise evident in her expression; apparently he hadn't told her that particular detail yet either.

Remembering something, he looks up at Eustace again.]

You saw my memories of my parents, didn't you? That was one of the last times I remember spending with them. [His memories during his time in Venera are something of a blur in parts, but in retrospect after he'd been cured, things had slowly fallen into place. Eustace being there had dawned on him after the fact.] Thank you for helping me back then.

[lockedon]

[ His frown deepens at the open acknowledgement of their time in Venera, though he has the grace to nod in remembrance. ]

I did. I'm sorry for intruding.

[ Even if it hadn't been seen as anything malicious in the end, he still feels a whisper of guilt for having witnessed something he normally wouldn't have. So much for the sanctity of private memories. But the connection born from that experience makes him more willing to speak up and share his own personal experiences rather than keeping silent yet again. ]

I understand though. I also lost my family a long time ago.

[ It doesn't seem as painful to say the words this time around, the constant reopening of this old wound again and again back in Venera turning him somewhat numb to it all now. Or maybe it had just started healing cleaner this time around, the supportive hands of those who had witnessed his memories helping him get back with less suffering than before. ]

[hundredpower]

I see... So we have that much in common. I'm sorry.

[Eustace had seemed to take the loss of his world hard when they'd spoken before -- who wouldn't, really? -- but it seems there was even more to it than that. Experiencing that kind of loss over and over again is perhaps the reason the Kenoma was able to hold sway over both of them, as much as he doesn't want to think about it.

He takes a steadying breath.]

...Please don't feel guilty for intruding, in any case. I'm proud of my parents. The circumstances in Venera were terrible, and I wish their memory wasn't exploited in that way, but I don't mind sharing them with others. [He offers Eustace a small smile.] Whatever happens, I want to hold onto them as nothing but fond memories.

3

[expiera]

[As the one who informed him about this particular feature of Achamoth, it should naturally be no surprise that Ciel's a familiar face around these parts, too. Maybe Barnaby and his little protégée hear her coming; there DOES seem to be a commotion suddenly attracting most of the other kids' attention. Maybe they'd rather stay in their little bubble through it, which is fine too, because once whatever's got everyone else in a hubbub has quietened back down, she's sauntering over towards them with a (rather large) basket in hand. A sharp sense of smell may pick up a sweet scent too, as a matter of fact...!]

Would you two like a snack?

[She stops a few feet away from them at a respectful distance, tilting her basket over to show them The Goods: freshly baked berry muffins, there's still several left. Gotta keep your energy up when playing through the day, right?]

[hundredpower]

[Barnaby smiles when he spots Ciel; of course she'd be the source of the sudden excitement, but Cerys isn't interested in going anywhere near the big crowd of children even with the promise of snacks, so he opts to stay with her instead until the other Aion heads over to them.]

Of course -- they smell wonderful. Thank you, Ciel.

[He approaches and takes a couple, turning to offer one to the little girl, who responds by scowling at them both as if they'd committed some kind of grave offence.] I don't want it!

[Barnaby's apparently gotten used to dealing with this all day by now, because he just gives a wan smile.]

Then maybe your friend might want it for later? I'm sure he'll be hungry... [He's referring to the stuffed bear she's taken with her all day. She still shoots him a sullen look, but that seems to persuade her, and she reluctantly takes the muffin.]

[expiera]

Don't mention it. They're all growing kids, they can use every bit of energy they can get! [Calories, sugar and all!

Her smile doesn't wane at the smaller girl's grumpy refusal though, maybe brightening if anything once Barnaby manages to bargain her into accepting the Offering for the sake of her beary furry friend.]

How are b-- Ah, I'm sorry. I mean, how are the three of you doing, today? It's a very nice day out, isn't it?

[Perfect day to be outside, playing sulky wallflower sitting on the grass and not doing much else being no exception. Touching grass is touching grass, right?]

[hundredpower]

[Barnaby settles beside Cerys again and looks at her expectantly for an answer, but she's sulking and turning her back to them, picking at the muffin and pretending to share some with her bear before not-so-sneakily eating it for herself.

Apparently she wanted the treat more than she wanted to let on, but Barnaby won't point that out to avoid embarrassing her, just giving Ciel a knowing smile.]

It's a perfect day. I'm glad we could get permission to take the children from the Citadel, so everyone could make the most of it.

[expiera]

[Ah. Well, Ciel for her part is simply glad she didn't catch flak for almost misspeaking against aloof little miss Cerys and her trusty companion, and once it's clear she IS eating without complaint, shifts her attention back to Barnaby.]

This is a nice area very close to it, yes. I'd say it wouldn't have hurt to ask a few Citadel staff to accompany you and help out, but you seem to have things well under control here. Someone sure got popular quickly, hm~?

[Teasing or not, it's the truth! He's really taken to this like fish to water, and the children are definitely not the only ones thriving. Hard for her to forget how he looked when they first met by the lodestone, especially knowing the circumstances of his arrival to Achamoth. And now... Small miracles, hm?]

[hundredpower]

I don't know about that. Not all of the children listen to me, so having at least a second person around is probably a good idea.

[It's rare for him to admit he's not perfect at something (old habits of needing to keep up an image die hard), but that's his honest assessment. Although his experience back home has certainly helped, it'll take him a while to command the respect of the entire group, if that ever happens at all.

Still, he'll stop grumbling in response to her teasing to offer a more measured response.]

Really, though, as long as everyone's happy and safe, that's the most important thing.

[expiera]

Well, of course. [Like 'duh', but polite.] Anyone who could get all these energetic and willful little ones to behave is someone I would love to get advice from, too. But since neither of us are all-powerful like that, it's all the more reason to rely on bargaining chips and other tools. [She meaningfully glances back down at her basket, then at him again. Yep, nothing works quite as well as sugary bribes! ...That is.]

But yes, I'm sure some of their usual caretakers wouldn't mind accompanying you. You're also more than welcome to send me word, I'd be happy to help in whatever ways I can as well. You are including yourself when you say "as long as everyone's happy and safe", yes?

[Her tone remains light and playful, but there's a more pronounced weight now to her gaze still holding onto his. "Can't take care of others if you don't take care of yourself" and all that, hm?]