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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!]

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[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'.]

[ 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. ]

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.

[ 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?

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.

[ 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. ]

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.

[ It's kind of Barnaby to offer his sympathies but unnecessary, Eustace quietly dismissing the kindness with a few soft words of his own. ]

It's fine. It was a long time ago.

[ Nearly twenty years now, his memories of them beginning to dull at the edges. As much as they'd been his entire world and as hard as he'd tried to cling onto them, he's only human, with a falliable imperfect memory. But memories are important still, and he's grateful for Barnaby to have gotten the chance to relive those memories he holds so dear.

He doesn't smile back, gaze still solemn as he looks past to the children frolicking in the gardens, giggling and laughing with one another. None of them might have parents either, but at least they have someone watching out for them here. ]

Can I ask what happened to them?

[ They'd both seemed so healthy in that memory, so full of life. It's hard to imagine their sudden deaths as anything but unnatural, but that would make the loss all the more painful. ]

They... [He starts, then glances to Cerys's worried face peering at them both, the first time she's showed much real emotion on this trip besides scowling at anyone, and he sighs and gives a wan smile.]

Cerys, are you sure you don't want to go play? This isn't the kind of thing you should listen in on. [She shakes her head fiercely.] Then if you want to sit with us, cover your ears and count to a hundred in your head. When you're done, you can listen again. Is that all right?

[Begrudgingly, she agrees, but not before shoving her bear in Barnaby's arms to ask him to hold onto it. Then she turns away and clamps her hands over her ears, and starts to count, mumbling, 'One, two, three...' under her breath. Barnaby lets out a soft laugh at the entire outburst, and explains quietly for Eustace's benefit.]

She's a bit complicated, but I think this is her way of trying to make me feel better. [He holds up the precious bear he'd been entrusted with. In a strange way, she wasn't exactly wrong; her antics do make his heart a little lighter for what he has to explain next, and he drops his voice a notch, just to make sure she really won't overhear them.]

To answer your question... My parents were murdered, in our own home. For most of my life I couldn't remember the killer, but I recently learned the truth. It was a family friend, who shot them in a disagreement and stole their research.

[ —Ah. He really should have thought to use Communion for a heavy topic like this. At the very least they could have spared poor Cerys this conversation, even if she does have her small hands over her ears now.

As tempting as it is to stare the bear now in Barnaby's hands, or the grass, or the children playing not too far off, he gives Barnaby the full weight of his attention, gaze level as he listens to the somber explanation, made worse by the reveal of the murderer at the end. ]

I'm sorry. [ It's his turn to offer up platitudes, apparently. ] It must have been hard to learn their deaths were at the hands of someone you knew and trusted.

[ He can't even imagine the depths of betrayal learning such a thing might have caused. ]

Were they apprehended?

[It hurts to think about even now, and perhaps it's best they aren't using Communion so none of his ugly feelings or memories leak across the connection. He doesn't trust himself to keep a lid on it, not with a topic like this.

But just talking about it? That he can do. He's been asked about it all countless times in interviews already, so he can keep a cool head and talk through it for one more person.]

He did many things to cover his tracks, including taking me in and manipulating me so I couldn't piece together the truth, all the while pushing me towards seeking revenge. It was... convenient for his business model to do so.

[To put it in simple terms, anyway. It's a long story in itself, but that's an explanation for later.]

He almost got away with it. But I was able to learn the truth, and apprehended him myself.

[ It's not much, but Eustace is secretly grateful for Barnaby to have had the chance to apprehending the murderer himself. There's a certain sense of closure that comes with confronting old demons head on, even if it doesn't nearly make up for all the people lost along the way.

A small coil of frustration twists in his heart, a reminder he'll never get his own chance if the Regent is to be believed and their worlds are truly gone.

He rocks back onto his heels, gaze drifting back to the children at play. He's pried enough out of Barnaby he thinks, even if the other man had been willing enough to answer. Time for a change of topic. ]

The kids here are lucky to have someone like you watching over them.

[ Even if it's only for a few days at a time, that's still so much more than so many in similar situations get. ]

It's all I can really do. If they can at least have the chance to enjoy the present, then this will have been worth something.

[He only wishes he could do more for them, but who knows if the Regent would deign to grant them a place in the new world, as special exceptions to the Kenoma's drive for destruction? As it stands, he can't think of both their pasts and futures as anything but unbearably bleak.

But he doesn't want to dwell on that too much, not here, so he gently touches Cerys on the shoulder to let her know she can stop counting; they're done talking about serious adult things. Then he looks back at Eustace, the girl now peeking curiously at them both over his shoulder as if trying to puzzle out what they'd been discussing. Fortunately, Barnaby has a good poker face, and moves the subject right along for Eustace like they'd just been talking about the weather.]

What brought you here, out of interest? Were you just taking a walk, or were you heading somewhere in particular?

A walk. I've been cooped up in my room for the past few days because of these [ lifting one hand to tap at his now (regrown) ears ] so I wanted the chance to stretch my legs.

[ But....speaking of ears. He looks back at Cerys, having not forgotten the way she'd so blatantly stared at them when he'd approached, and deliberates for a moment before addressing her this time. ]

Did you want to pet them?

[ He doesn't usually go around offering complete strangers the opportunity to touch his ears, but he'll make an exception today for this girl who is surprisingly thoughtful for her age, and who deserves more than to have her short life ended if the Regent ever succeeds at their plan. ]

Yes! [The little girl practically trips over herself in her hurry to move over to Eustace, her little hands stretching up to touch his ears, delight evident in her usual surly expression. Barnaby seems taken aback -- he hadn't noticed she had been staring at Eustace's ears in the first place, much less that she'd want to pet them.]

Ah-- please try to be gentle...

[He has no idea why Eustace was cooped up in his room, but if his ears were causing him problems, he probably doesn't want a little kid getting too excited and yanking on them. Thankfully, she doesn't need to be told, and is just petting them.]

[ Sometimes your ears get turned to stone and then knocked off by an angry jinba, these things just happen.

There is a little bit of tension as Cerys makes a mad dash for him (or more accurately, his ears), his shoulders twitching upwards before relaxing again when the little girl starts petting his ears in a nice, normal fashion instead of trying to pull them off. It's—more than a little strange, admittedly, to have someone actively touching his ears after he's kept himself physically separate from others for so long, but the touch isn't unpleasant.

And if it brings her some amount of joy, then he doesn't mind so much. ]

It's fine.

[ Surely a little girl petting his ears is nothing compared to the far worse dangers he faces on a regular basis. ]

Have you managed to settle in at Achamoth?

[ This directed towards Barnaby. ]

[Cerys is giggling and cooing to Eustace about how soft his ears are. Credit to him where it's due for being able to carry on a serious conversation while he's being pet like a, well, pet, Barnaby thinks.]

I'm trying. But even with keeping up my training, or research, we have far more free time than I'm used to, so I've been trying to keep myself occupied.

[Back home he rarely had days off, so free time was a luxury to squeeze in around his many commitments. Here, it's more like a struggle trying to find commitments to take up that free time.]

So I'm grateful to have found other ways I can help. [The struggles of a workaholic...] What about you? Do you have any plans, now your, ah... ears aren't causing you any problems?

[ Being unceremoniously dumped into a strange new land and then barely given any sort of guidance at all is truly a workaholic's worst nightmare, Eustace can relate. It's only easier now for him due to the fact that he's got a few additional months under his belt now and more leads to follow. Not nearly as much as he's used to, admittedly, but better than that first month where he'd truly had to scramble his brains for something to fill his time with. ]

There's the training camp that needs to be set up, and then I'm hoping to travel to a few cities outside of Achamoth in order to... [ he trails off here, gaze shifting back to the delighted Cerys ] do some sightseeing.

[ Read: do a little bit of recon and maybe try and dig up some information that wouldn't be so readily available in Achamoth. They'd been cautioned before to remain close to Achamoth, but after being allowed to travel out to Venera maybe the Regent will take a little more kindly to impromptu field trips to other major cities. ]

What are you researching right now?

[ Assuming it's something appropriate to discuss in front of small children. ]

['Sightseeing'... Barnaby gets the idea. Meanwhile, Cerys seems to get embarrassed when Eustace looks at her again, because she blushes and finally lets go of his ears, but instead of running away, plops down onto the grass next to him with a pleased expression. Friendship ended with Barnaby, now Fluffy Ear Man is her best friend... 🤝

Still amused at her antics, Barnaby answers Eustace's question. The topic's not exactly child-friendly, but she's too young to understand what he'll mean, so he'll mention it anyway.]

I've been trying to research the Legacies so we have a better idea of what to anticipate, but I don't think Achamoth is the best place for it. If you find anything useful on your travels, I don't suppose you could let me know?

[He's too tied to his own commitments in Achamoth for a research trip, at least for the time being.]

[ Finally freed of his duty to play the role of soft and fluffy dog, Eustace leans back onto the heels of his feet, straightening so he can turn his attention back to Barnaby properly instead of hunching over like some strange furry gargoyle. ]

I'll look into it. Most cities outside of Achamoth seem to be more [ hm ] open to discussing the Legacies.

[ For various reasons that he probably doesn't need to elaborate on. Barnaby's a smart man, surely he can put two and two together on why there are so few materials regarding the Legacies available in Achamoth. ]

Any in particular, or just in general?

I'm not sure researching the Innocent will be much use right now, but the Visionary, Sovereign and Firebrand moons are next. I think investigating those would be the most-- informative use of our time.

[For the simple reason of curiosity, and definitely nothing to do with avoiding talking about assessing potential threats in front of a little girl. Catching her eye, Barnaby distracts her by smiling and saying,] You should study hard too, Cerys.

I don't want to. I want to go with Fluffy. [Evidently she can't remember his name, but she's looking up at Eustace as she says it. Someone definitely has a fan...!]

[ Fl.....Fluffy?

Eustace is in the middle of nodding agreement when that nickname blindsides him out of nowhere and his head jerks back a little, eyes widening in surprise. It's not an unreasonable nickname for her to give, considering where her attention has been for the past five minutes, but usually the nicknames he gets are more of the insulting variety. ]

That's...it's Eustace.

[ Is she even going to remember or care? Debatable. He looks at Cerys. Looks at Barnaby. Looks back at Cerys. Says, very very cautiously: ]

If you study really hard, I'll take you with me next time.

[ Next time, and also in like fifteen years when she's older. But she doesn't have to know that. ]

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