( while she had casually seen him and heard his voice here and there, truthfully she kept her distance and was distracted by her interactions with the others there. )
( heather would have immediately snapped back at his remark if he didn't just spit out what she was getting at. she was trying to be delicate about the whole thing, trying her best not to trigger her gag reflex all over again because when she found out-
she threw up almost immediately. )
Yes...to put it in a rather blunt way. I guess you aren't as phased about it as I am?
Well, I was upset about it. I'm not a lunatic that would be fine with it, but let's think about it, hm?
[ He decides to pull her into his line of thinking. ]
Hannibal did something let's say unspeakable. [ From his tone, it indicates that he's not getting into the nitty-gritty details for her sake. ] However, his world is still in the running to be saved. Do you understand what that means?
[ He adds helpfully: ] Sin and evil as we understand it aren't a factor in discrediting a world. [ A pause. ] And to put it another way, you -- hm -- ejected a god from your body ... and Claudia did what she did.
We now have more in common with a madwoman, which is what irritates me more than anything else, if I'm being honest.
( and as much as she hated to admit it, he was right. it seemed that whatever it took to prove a world was worth saving, was good enough. good and evil were just arbitrary terms used to define how other's actions made her feel.
in a way, this line of reasoning helped protect her mind from further harm. however, there's a break in the conversation and a familiar voice seemed to take over. )
You're right Vincent, ever so logical and reasonable. Yet this is the thing that irritates you? Not the fact that you and Claudia were already so similar to begin with?
[ Vincent breathes out a sigh. He certainly has more to say on the topic but stops at hearing the voice that comes over the line.
His eyebrows come together as a bead of sweat rolls down his forehead. Not sure what I thought when it came to you but I suppose this is another lesson learned. He is glad that they are talking on voice rather than video.
As he registers the words, anger beats out fear. ]
Me? The same as her? Not even in your nightmares will I be like her.
( to someone like alessa [and even now as heather], the two were like lost, stray children who clung onto their religion for a sense of guidance and love. a protection from the cruelty of the world-
because if they could control it and usher in their version of paradise, the cruelty of life couldn't get to them. )
Let's hope you don't get a taste for human flesh after this.
[ Did he strike a nerve earlier? He wonders, but he supposes he could have been a little more sympathetic; he could have acted as he did to members who came to him in need of guidance. But Heather would have seen the lie in the sincerity. ]
Are you going to kill Hannibal for what he did to her? I'd not do it if I was you. Not for any lawful reasons, but she doesn't want to become a murderer.
( almost like a fog being swept away by the wind, the tone of voice returned back to normal, back to heather. it wasn't like alessa could control her-
she was alessa after all, cheryl too. the memories of her past self and the person she was though? that could never be discarded and set to the side as if it wasn't a part of her. )
Of course not Vincent, it would be stupid to try. He had to kill that person he fed us after all. Clearly he has some strength or someone helping him at the very least.
He can't think of them as separate entities, it seems, but he thought when they joined that would lessen the appearance of her. Well, he didn't get to test that theory before he died.
Hm, right. ]
So, what's stopping you is that it's too dangerous? That's a surprise.
You said it yourself, good or evil, it's arbitrary to assign those values to any actions taken here.
( but of course she had to throw it back at him, the same way he did before. )
Well of course I don't want to be a murderer, but even I can't help but feel those urges. I wanted to kill Claudia after all, and I was going to do it.
She didn't leave you any choice, did she? [ A beat. ] But it seems like you misunderstood me on a point. You see, I'm curious what he felt when he did it. Did he view it as an evil action? Or as a reprehensible one?
Our view on his morality doesn't matter. So, does his view matter? [ A longer sigh. ] To be honest, we can view this as a boon in figuring out more about how we're being judged.
I'm somewhat looking forward to seeing if that person tries to kill Hannibal and if he'll get a warning or something. If he does, well, won't that be something...
( as much as heather wanted to argue over the fact that none of this made any difference at all, and that what hannibal did was a violating thing, he made a fair point.
so far it seemed no one was out to punish him, or at least not from what she had seen. all there was, was a network post from the victim so far. )
I mean did Hannibal get a warning from killing and serving up that person to begin with? I guess you're right though, and for what it's worth, I think he views it as a perfectly acceptable thing to do.
I mean he fed all of us human flesh without even flinching. Almost like he got off to it.
These are all compelling questions and ones that I intend to ask. [ A beat. ] Not to worry. I'll share with you my findings. It doesn't do me any good to hide information from you, after all.
[ Another pause. ] I'll feel out about the last comment. Though, you probably don't want to know the answer if it turns out that it is like that, am I right?
( with the same intensity he felt when alessa seemed to take over, heather could only hope he could feel the roll of her eyes over the phone. his kindness, if one could even call it that was laughable.
she didn't want to see like she needed to be told about everything that went on with vincent, but then again, she felt partially responsible for him. so perhaps it wasn't the worst idea. but his statement...
he was right, she didn't want to know, because she already knew. why else would anyone do such a thing, after all? )
I think we can leave that where it belongs. Just tell me whatever you find out, as possible.
[ He hums and thinks to himself about the responses to the warning about Hannibal being a cannibal. ]
If you could, try to figure out what our main dish has to think about things. I do wonder if he'd like us to tar and feather Hannibal, but I also think that might be a little insensitive... given his wings.
I'll see what he says, if he's even willing to talk much.
( she sighed for now, opting to just close out the conversation for now. vincent can call her back when he gathers anything worth sharing.
for now though, she'll say one last thing. )
Maybe we should both be careful about going anywhere anyone invites us to, or avoid any 'free' food for a while...
( really, that's more for her than him. she's sure he doesn't care too deeply about being fed human flesh beyond sharing something else with claudia. )
[ By being direct about it, for once, because well, why not? ]
I've been feeling that for a while. I want to have a food taster, but sadly, even if they eat and it happens to be human meat... what can you do if they enjoy it?
[ Vincent laughs to himself, enjoying his horrifying joke. ]
Well, guess I shouldn't say human... that person definitely wasn't. Though, I guess you've already decided that doesn't matter much, hm?
( there was something that heather thought about before deciding to end the call. she wasn't sure if she should mention it to him or not, but she decided to-
after all, it was like he said, it would be hard to truly hide anything. )
I think I'll reach out to Aurora too...I'll see what 'she' thinks about these things too.
[ Mapping this place out is easier than home, after all. He doesn't need to remember convoluted ways to get to A to B. It's refreshing, if not a bit strange. ]
If you think it'll help. [ A small breath in and out. ] Heather, even if she thinks differently, don't let yourself hope. She's just as powerless as everyone else. It just is that she gets to be the voice of Echo.
( there's a strong tone of anger in her voice as she listened to what vincent had to say. it was difficult to even think of that thing as human, but when she first arrived, someone named chrollo seemed to imply it wanted to be treated as one.
she wondered if that was something vincent felt too, but she wasn't sure if she should even bring it up-
especially when his words felt more aimed at her than anything. it could have been from the pity she felt she was getting when she was alessa, or something else. whatever it was, she was growing weary of this conversation nonetheless. )
Whatever, I have to go. Just let me know when you've got something good to share.
[ There is a tentative pause before he speaks as he thinks about offering an apology for what he said. However, he doesn't think what he said is worth saying 'sorry' about.
Maybe if she actually got mad, he's say something, but since they're at the end of their talk, he ends with a chipper: ]
[Are they really doing this again? Are they?? Hank expected death last time, so he’s not sure what to anticipate this time. Other than something weird.]
The girl I spoke of to you is here. Jinx. [The amount of vitriol with which she says the name could corrode a steel girder. In general, Caitlyn sounds like she's having a Very Bad Day because, boy howdy, she really is.] You've got to be careful around her, if you see her. She's... she's mad, Vincent.
And it's not just her. There's a man here with her. Silco. He's a criminal mastermind, not to be trusted.
Still, this is some nice news. Surprising even that he's being warned about someone. How nice, it means that they're on the road of being good friends and he can think again on how to convince her to join the Order. Maybe he can speak of it with Jayce. Religion is something new and exciting to try - and feel comforted while here.
He closes his eyes and waves his hand - now, now, focus on the current issue at hand. The fury and warning of two people. ]
... it sounds like you've had quite a day. Are you all right?
It does. Certainly, there is no way to kill her and she is now a factor in deciding if your universe continues. Along with Silco. [ Not that he thinks she would do anything, but she has the feeling so best to mention it. But she probably came to the same conclusion as he did. ]
Actually, I have thought of what I can do... why not tell me what you're thinking?
[She's nowhere near the point where she wants to actually kill Jinx, at least not while she's thinking rationally about it, and yet Vincent isn't the first person to bring it up. She's starting to wonder if she comes across as someone who goes around killing people willy-nilly.]
I... [She sighs reluctantly.] I don't know what I'm thinking. If we were at home, I would say she needs to be arrested for everything she's done, to protect innocents from her. But I don't see how that's possible here. Even if the facilities for confinement existed, everyone here would have to agree to her imprisonment, she would need to be guarded and have her needs provided for...
But if she isn't confined, she may set off a bomb, or shoot someone. [Caitlyn genuinely is concerned for everyone in Etraya, but she's more reluctant to admit that she's extremely concerned for herself, so it takes her a moment to continue.] She knows I'm here. She may attempt to target me again.
[ He certainly hopes she'll one day become someone he can convince to kill someone willy-nilly if the need arises. But trust and relationships have to be built up before that can be achieved. Patience! ]
I had that talk with someone else. What do we do with certain individuals? Echo and Aurora seem to not care about the situation because we monitor ourselves.
[ The situation with Hannibal Lecter never finished in a way that he was wholly satisfied with because he was fascinated by how everyone would react and what they would do. The restrictions people place on themselves for the society that everyone here is making remain enchanting to watch. ]
Confining them is its own issue, is it not? These people are still brought here to ensure the continuation of their universe. Which means if they are not able to live and interact within Etraya, are we not also damning those lives? [ Fun food for thought; one that he has been munching on and happy to give it to her while sounding as sympathetic as possible.
It's easy to have a thought experiment when you're outside the experiment. ]
There is someone I know that says everyone is allowed three chances. This can be their second. [ His mouth softens to a kind smile. ] As dangerous as she is, I consider you one of my own... if it's all right to view you as such... and won't allow harm to come to you.
Yes, that's the other problem. There are several people here from my world, but Jinx is... She must have been chosen by Echo for a reason, mustn't she? [Caitlyn can't fathom what that reason is, but obviously Echo must have one.] I want to save my world, not have it condemned because of Jinx. One way or another.
[Huff. Sigh.]
That's very... [She doesn't quite know what to say, but it's clear from her tone that she's genuinely touched that Vincent considers her 'one of his own.'] I won't allow harm to come to you, either.
Perhaps, that is the reason why she is chosen. Some sort of moral test? Since it seems like we are on our own when it comes to morality. Echo and Aurora stay out of our business when it comes to what we, personally, view as right and wrong.
[ Something he's still thinking about, honestly. Perhaps, it is going down the wrong rabbit hole, but he does find the concept fascinating.
But is surprised to hear that she won't let anything happen to him. ]
What criteria do you believe Echo is actually testing? By what measure is the worthiness of our worlds being measured? I've spoken with Aurora and she's not forthcoming on any details.
I've been mulling over this information myself. I've found myself down a rabbit hole and uncertain if it is the right one or not. I believe our morality may be judged by how we feel about it.
For example, if you kill someone but feel no guilt about that kill; Echo will not view it as a sin or wrong. No matter how many people may be upset about the fact someone has died, if we know that person can come back, can we call our outrage "outrage?" Where are our feelings on the morality of resurrection and death? Where is it in the wrongs that we do?
If we truly see nothing wrong with the heinous actions that we commit, are we still sinners outside that universe? Can we be judged by the crimes we committed? By whose morality and why theirs? If enough consensus is built, will that create the morality of Etraya and Echo? Will that make the decision of who will be saved?
[She says it almost pleadingly. Life is a lot more complicated, she's realizing, than her upbringing had led her to believe, but she has to cling to the idea that some things still make sense.]
We can't condemn a world and all its inhabitants merely because one representative fails to live up to some sort of... morality by consensus. Or whatever the true standard of judgment is. If I – or Jinx – fail these tests, I don't understand why millions of people that neither of us have ever met should perish.
[ Of course, he wonders what it would look like - universal standards of morality. ]
Let me ask you something first, Caitlyn. Do you think the missions to come are collaborative or competitive? Which is to say do you think you're competing against everyone here to save your universe, or helping others to prove their worth?
[ Well, they are viewing things differently, but that works out for him. ]
Then, it makes sense that it can't be too easy for us. If everyone who is chosen is a good person like you, then how are we going to see what universes are worthwhile?
We have to struggle against our moralities and righteousness... and see if we can live up to what we have been. That is why I think more difficult people are brought... if we choose to abandon and leave them to die for our survival, do we deserve to live?
After all, part of the millions of people we're saving are people just like them.
[She hadn't considered that before, but it makes sense. From a certain perspective, at least. Still, she's struggling with the morality of all of this. Not just Jinx and her presence, but Echo too.]
I don't see why we should need to prove whether or not we deserve to live. Life isn't a matter of deserving or undeserving, really. Why should anyone, including Echo, get to choose who lives and who dies?
[ It's also profit and loss - and how useful any life is. ]
I suppose that, too, is the morality that we're fighting to prove here, too. And, perhaps, even if there is a finite amount of universes that can survive, it doesn't mean that those representatives who are here aren't among the unchosen.
What if those who have no representatives are lost but we are all saved? [ Another fun little thought, if he's honest. ]
But what isn't speculation is this... I shall defer to you on what to do. Those people are those you know and in the short amount of time we've spoken to one another, I do trust you. And... we've agreed to be there for one another.
( with her device in her hands, heather stared down at the glowing screen for a long time before she finally began to type out what exactly she wanted to say. she felt like she had known vincent for a long time now and to allow himself to die again seemed...
unusual to say the least. she wasn't sure of the full details of his latest demise, with maria keeping it vague but she felt compelled to check up on him.
at least. )
so....dead again? what happened?
( this is as much comfort as he's going to get from her, because she's not really sure what needed. )
[ He stares at the message and feels a sense of relief. It seems like Maria did as he asked and didn't tell Heather the gruesome details of his demise. However, he didn't return to the train as he thought that he would - instead, he awoke back on Etraya.
No other people there sans Aurora and the companion bots. Only himself and the pets that people left behind. He squirreled himself away back in Stonhyrr. It seems he was knocked out of continuing to participate in the mission, but his mission had succeeded.
Still ... for the first few days, he felt his fingers tremble and hands shake. The fear of death choked him in ways that he never experienced before. Well, it makes sense; the way that he died was violent and painful (however brief that pain was).
Maybe he should cherish himself more. His smile twists on his face; people would say he cherishes himself more than anyone else and he should try to think about others more. Yes, he's aware of his faults. But enough of all that thinking - a response is required. ]
( as his response came in, she looked down at the words with a shocked expression and full of confusion. heroic? she nearly wanted to scream out that word and laugh at the strangeness of all of this.
since when was he heroic and yet a part of her wondered if he was finally taking her advice to heart. she had told him if he tried, he could be liked after all- but she wasn't quite expecting this. could it be? the cold, menacing and calculating vincent actually did something nice for someone?
she didn't know the details around it really, and it was all speculation. so all she could do was think of what to say and ask next. )
you cared enough about someone to save them? is that correct?
( she was absolutely curious about who he had 'saved' and why he wanted them to 'live', but for now she decided to pry further and see what he'll say all on his own.
heather didn't quite consider herself a manipulator by any means but....if he called her out on it, she would just say it was curiosity. )
( the moment those words appeared on her screen before her, she nearly dropped her device. instead it fell on her lap as a loud gasp filled the room around her. there was a large wave of emotions that filled her up with one of them being mostly confusion-
she already knew that they knew each other, she just wasn't sure of the full extent of their closeness given that heather had told maria about her and vincent's talk back in december.
as she thought about it longer, why didn't maria tell her that the person vincent died for was her? all she could do was think.
[ The "yes" that comes immediately is almost frightening.
It goes against his plans and schemes for their world if he lets anything happen to Heather. But the cold fear grips his chest - even after days of stewing and mulling over how he died on the train. He still feels that sharp anxiety and fear of a violent end.
His hands shake at the idea, but --
-- the fear of a similar end can't get in the way of what he needs to do. Heather, as far as he's aware and concerned, has yet to be convinced of what needs to be done to save their world. More time is needed, required, and sacrifices must be made.
His chin drops; he doesn't like it.
"Yes, you're on your own."
It'd be easy and simple and he could wash his hands of it while banking on the good will of dying once for them.
But -- what could be lost if she dies? Would she lose herself and become more like Alessa? They're both the same; they're both her. A terrifying thought that only he holds and no one seems to understand. ]
( it's not that she truly cared to be saved by him by any means—
after all, how could she trust him fully when he had been a part of such a destructive force to her life and her father? it was hard to shake off that pain and unease that came with being reminded of what the order did to her. yet there's a small part of her that knows he cares, even if it's for some calculating reason he's worked up in his head. maybe just maybe he cared for her just a bit more than that, beyond the reality of who and what she was.
would she ever know the answer? probably not. )
if someone killed me, I might go after them in turn.
otherwise I think I could. not that I want to die again.
( to her, the thought of sinking back into that old negativity wasn't a possibility- she had already sworn to be a better version of herself each and every day after all. but really who knew, when push came to shove. )
oh so now you're all buddy buddy with maria huh? I think you're just trying to get to me.
anyways thanks again for saving her. I guess I owe you.
( not that she's jealous whatsoever, she doubts they're that close anyways.
but it does speak volumes how she's willing to do him a solid- of course if it's just asking her to keep her secrets to herself well....that didn't count. )
I'd rather you didn't. I have something I want to request, but I don't think even this is enough to convince you to agree with my line of thinking. So, let's put a pin in the idea that you owe me one for now, okay?
[Maria had told Vincent that apparently she turns into a monster before the mission and she'd promised Vincent she'd tell him of any other updates. at the end of the day, it's better Vincent know about these because he probably understands what is happening far better than she can. even if she doesn't believe it's his god, they can agree there's no scientific explanation for what happens.
and she's trying to play damage control. Vincent gets very annoyed when she isn't completely transparent with him so you know what? heard loud and clear.]
Update! I did a challenge with a friend and it pulled from my fight with James. so he knows everything about me. Don't be mad. not like I could explain away what he saw.
he won't tell anybody. I know it means nothing to you but I do trust him
I didn't end things well with him and I'm starting to regret that. I wish....I could have gotten to understand why he was the way he was. he was so nice to me at first.
Do you think it was negative? I can tell you that it wasn't.
He didn't hold any grudges or hard feelings against you. He may not have been willing to die for your sake, but he was willing to do what he could.
Well, he was thinking in the short-term and didn't realize long-term manipulations are harder to maintain. Furthermore, as soon as trust is lost after a long time, a person may very well lose their place in this world.
If it makes you feel any better, he regretted that for a long time all you had was the two of us concerned about you. 'Course, I reassured him that it's better we are on your side than against you.
[ He has no intention of going back to the church the two of them would scheme. ]
He wouldn't be sad or miss me if I disappeared. He'd be disappointed if I didn't say I was around if I was, and I suppose, I'd feel the same. But we wouldn't miss one another.
We were using one another for an end goal. You can feel nothing and feel no guilt about it, Heather. I doubt he would fault you for it, if you did.
( the two of them were strange men in the end and while she didn't know the full extent of how he cared for heather in his own, strange way, she felt somewhat assured by vincent's words. things were complicated between heather and chrollo and while it seemed more clear between vincent and him, she's sure there was something else lingering between them.
perhaps a bond—
far beyond being concerned for heather together. with a soft sigh, she looked down at her device and simply shook her head. it seemed there was nothing else to say about this really. )
okay and—
( and she didn't want to say it again, that he was right but.... )
I guess you're right again, I won't think about it anymore. next time I make a friend though, try not to scheme with them about protecting me at a distance would you? it's kinda weird. you can just tell me you're doing it.
[ It certainly is nice to be told he's right. Honestly, he feels like he has been right about a whole lot - and will continue to be right going forward. However, he also knows if he acts a bit too smug, his warnings will end up going in one ear and out the other. Again. ]
Somehow, I don't think you'd like to know it's going on no matter how it is being done.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
chiming
voice | un; mason (private)
Date: 2024-11-07 09:48 pm (UTC)From:( her voice is shaky, filled with anxiety and a nervous disposition. she just found out the gruesome news. )
voice | un: vsmith (private)
Date: 2024-11-07 10:17 pm (UTC)From:Speaking. [ a beat follows. ] Indeed, I was, Heather.
no subject
Date: 2024-11-07 10:40 pm (UTC)From:( while she had casually seen him and heard his voice here and there, truthfully she kept her distance and was distracted by her interactions with the others there. )
no subject
Date: 2024-11-07 10:46 pm (UTC)From:[ He shakes his head, even if she can't see it, but holds his hand up automatically (again, aware that she can't see it, but does so, anyway). ]
Sorry, that was rude. I apologize.
[ And he moves on: ] Yes, it does seem like we ate a person.
no subject
Date: 2024-11-07 10:51 pm (UTC)From:she threw up almost immediately. )
Yes...to put it in a rather blunt way. I guess you aren't as phased about it as I am?
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Date: 2024-11-07 11:00 pm (UTC)From:[ He decides to pull her into his line of thinking. ]
Hannibal did something let's say unspeakable. [ From his tone, it indicates that he's not getting into the nitty-gritty details for her sake. ] However, his world is still in the running to be saved. Do you understand what that means?
[ He adds helpfully: ] Sin and evil as we understand it aren't a factor in discrediting a world. [ A pause. ] And to put it another way, you -- hm -- ejected a god from your body ... and Claudia did what she did.
We now have more in common with a madwoman, which is what irritates me more than anything else, if I'm being honest.
no subject
Date: 2024-11-07 11:14 pm (UTC)From:( and as much as she hated to admit it, he was right. it seemed that whatever it took to prove a world was worth saving, was good enough. good and evil were just arbitrary terms used to define how other's actions made her feel.
in a way, this line of reasoning helped protect her mind from further harm. however, there's a break in the conversation and a familiar voice seemed to take over. )
You're right Vincent, ever so logical and reasonable. Yet this is the thing that irritates you? Not the fact that you and Claudia were already so similar to begin with?
no subject
Date: 2024-11-07 11:21 pm (UTC)From:His eyebrows come together as a bead of sweat rolls down his forehead. Not sure what I thought when it came to you but I suppose this is another lesson learned. He is glad that they are talking on voice rather than video.
As he registers the words, anger beats out fear. ]
Me? The same as her? Not even in your nightmares will I be like her.
no subject
Date: 2024-11-07 11:25 pm (UTC)From:( to someone like alessa [and even now as heather], the two were like lost, stray children who clung onto their religion for a sense of guidance and love. a protection from the cruelty of the world-
because if they could control it and usher in their version of paradise, the cruelty of life couldn't get to them. )
Let's hope you don't get a taste for human flesh after this.
no subject
Date: 2024-11-07 11:31 pm (UTC)From:[ Did he strike a nerve earlier? He wonders, but he supposes he could have been a little more sympathetic; he could have acted as he did to members who came to him in need of guidance. But Heather would have seen the lie in the sincerity. ]
Are you going to kill Hannibal for what he did to her? I'd not do it if I was you. Not for any lawful reasons, but she doesn't want to become a murderer.
no subject
Date: 2024-11-07 11:40 pm (UTC)From:( almost like a fog being swept away by the wind, the tone of voice returned back to normal, back to heather. it wasn't like alessa could control her-
she was alessa after all, cheryl too. the memories of her past self and the person she was though? that could never be discarded and set to the side as if it wasn't a part of her. )
Of course not Vincent, it would be stupid to try. He had to kill that person he fed us after all. Clearly he has some strength or someone helping him at the very least.
no subject
Date: 2024-11-07 11:53 pm (UTC)From:He can't think of them as separate entities, it seems, but he thought when they joined that would lessen the appearance of her. Well, he didn't get to test that theory before he died.
Hm, right. ]
So, what's stopping you is that it's too dangerous? That's a surprise.
no subject
Date: 2024-11-08 12:03 am (UTC)From:( but of course she had to throw it back at him, the same way he did before. )
Well of course I don't want to be a murderer, but even I can't help but feel those urges. I wanted to kill Claudia after all, and I was going to do it.
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Date: 2024-11-08 12:11 am (UTC)From:[ She probably can feel his shrug. ]
She didn't leave you any choice, did she? [ A beat. ] But it seems like you misunderstood me on a point. You see, I'm curious what he felt when he did it. Did he view it as an evil action? Or as a reprehensible one?
Our view on his morality doesn't matter. So, does his view matter? [ A longer sigh. ] To be honest, we can view this as a boon in figuring out more about how we're being judged.
I'm somewhat looking forward to seeing if that person tries to kill Hannibal and if he'll get a warning or something. If he does, well, won't that be something...
no subject
Date: 2024-11-08 07:52 pm (UTC)From:so far it seemed no one was out to punish him, or at least not from what she had seen. all there was, was a network post from the victim so far. )
I mean did Hannibal get a warning from killing and serving up that person to begin with? I guess you're right though, and for what it's worth, I think he views it as a perfectly acceptable thing to do.
I mean he fed all of us human flesh without even flinching. Almost like he got off to it.
no subject
Date: 2024-11-09 03:02 am (UTC)From:[ Another pause. ] I'll feel out about the last comment. Though, you probably don't want to know the answer if it turns out that it is like that, am I right?
no subject
Date: 2024-11-11 09:36 pm (UTC)From:she didn't want to see like she needed to be told about everything that went on with vincent, but then again, she felt partially responsible for him. so perhaps it wasn't the worst idea. but his statement...
he was right, she didn't want to know, because she already knew. why else would anyone do such a thing, after all? )
I think we can leave that where it belongs. Just tell me whatever you find out, as possible.
no subject
Date: 2024-11-11 10:34 pm (UTC)From:[ He hums and thinks to himself about the responses to the warning about Hannibal being a cannibal. ]
If you could, try to figure out what our main dish has to think about things. I do wonder if he'd like us to tar and feather Hannibal, but I also think that might be a little insensitive... given his wings.
no subject
Date: 2024-11-12 09:29 pm (UTC)From:( she sighed for now, opting to just close out the conversation for now. vincent can call her back when he gathers anything worth sharing.
for now though, she'll say one last thing. )
Maybe we should both be careful about going anywhere anyone invites us to, or avoid any 'free' food for a while...
( really, that's more for her than him. she's sure he doesn't care too deeply about being fed human flesh beyond sharing something else with claudia. )
no subject
Date: 2024-11-12 11:50 pm (UTC)From:[ By being direct about it, for once, because well, why not? ]
I've been feeling that for a while. I want to have a food taster, but sadly, even if they eat and it happens to be human meat... what can you do if they enjoy it?
[ Vincent laughs to himself, enjoying his horrifying joke. ]
Well, guess I shouldn't say human... that person definitely wasn't. Though, I guess you've already decided that doesn't matter much, hm?
no subject
Date: 2024-11-13 12:11 am (UTC)From:Give me a call when you do, or if you'd prefer to meet up to discuss, I'd be okay with that too.
( not that she cared to see him that much, but she did want to keep an eye on him. )
no subject
Date: 2024-11-13 01:46 am (UTC)From:Let's meet up. [ A quick decision, a quick preference. ]
I mean, we're under the gaze of Echo so nowhere is private, but there's something nice about being face-to-face, am I right?
no subject
Date: 2024-11-13 10:09 pm (UTC)From:( there was something that heather thought about before deciding to end the call. she wasn't sure if she should mention it to him or not, but she decided to-
after all, it was like he said, it would be hard to truly hide anything. )
I think I'll reach out to Aurora too...I'll see what 'she' thinks about these things too.
no subject
Date: 2024-11-15 01:10 am (UTC)From:[ Mapping this place out is easier than home, after all. He doesn't need to remember convoluted ways to get to A to B. It's refreshing, if not a bit strange. ]
If you think it'll help. [ A small breath in and out. ] Heather, even if she thinks differently, don't let yourself hope. She's just as powerless as everyone else. It just is that she gets to be the voice of Echo.
In many ways, you should pity her.
no subject
Date: 2024-11-17 08:06 pm (UTC)From:( there's a strong tone of anger in her voice as she listened to what vincent had to say. it was difficult to even think of that thing as human, but when she first arrived, someone named chrollo seemed to imply it wanted to be treated as one.
she wondered if that was something vincent felt too, but she wasn't sure if she should even bring it up-
especially when his words felt more aimed at her than anything. it could have been from the pity she felt she was getting when she was alessa, or something else. whatever it was, she was growing weary of this conversation nonetheless. )
Whatever, I have to go. Just let me know when you've got something good to share.
no subject
Date: 2024-11-17 08:47 pm (UTC)From:Maybe if she actually got mad, he's say something, but since they're at the end of their talk, he ends with a chipper: ]
'Course. Here and then, I'm on your side.
no subject
Date: 2024-11-17 08:49 pm (UTC)From:he was never truly on her side, and even in death, she couldn't accept him of all people being on it. still she relented-
all they had was each other in this strange new world, and she wasn't going to completely burn their bridge. for now at least. )
text | un: hank
Date: 2024-12-25 03:12 pm (UTC)From:You
You’re an asshole
Let’s do that again
MAYBE
The daddy thing was weird tho. You don’t gotta make this shit any weirder than it already is
[This is Hank’s way of saying “Merry Christmas,” or something, to the guy who choked him out at the church.]
no subject
Date: 2024-12-25 06:42 pm (UTC)From:i won't say it
if you don't ask for it ahrder
how'sthat?
no subject
Date: 2024-12-25 06:53 pm (UTC)From:If you don’t want me to tell you to choke me HARDER then your grip should
Y’know
Fucking exist
no subject
Date: 2024-12-25 06:59 pm (UTC)From:i'll do better
so we don't
sayweirdthing
toeach other
no subject
Date: 2024-12-25 07:05 pm (UTC)From:Good
You do that
Read up on how to knock a man out faster
Could do a chokehold
[Hank really is just playing with fire.]
no subject
Date: 2024-12-25 07:06 pm (UTC)From:from the library
then
no subject
Date: 2024-12-25 07:12 pm (UTC)From:You really want me to go to the library and ask Mr. Finch if he has a book on choking??
Is that an actual suggestion or are you just
Weird
no subject
Date: 2024-12-25 07:13 pm (UTC)From:unless you know
chokeholds youlike
no subject
Date: 2024-12-25 07:19 pm (UTC)From:Jesus Christ
Just stand behind me and wrap your arm around my neck. SQUEEZE
10 seconds and I’m out
This fuckin guy. “Don’t say weird shit” he says
no subject
Date: 2024-12-25 07:26 pm (UTC)From:whaever
fine
you'retallerthan me
so knowwhatyou'll have to do
got it?
no subject
Date: 2024-12-25 11:04 pm (UTC)From:Are you really
You really gonna say I have to kneel
Is that where this conversation is going
(i'm so sorry; i never saw this)
Date: 2025-01-09 05:00 am (UTC)From:yes
and yes
no subject
Date: 2025-01-09 06:41 am (UTC)From:(OOC: NO PLEASE LMAO I just assumed icly that Vincent was weirded out so I am wheezing right now.)
—
Why are you so weird, man
[Says the guy who asked a bunch of strangers to choke him out.]
Why do you gotta make this WEIRD
no subject
Date: 2025-01-09 08:57 am (UTC)From:no subject
Date: 2025-01-09 09:07 am (UTC)From:Fucking whiner
You’re not that short VINCENT
Get some big ass clown shoes if you really think you’re so short
no subject
Date: 2025-01-09 01:34 pm (UTC)From:fine
no kneeling
no subject
Date: 2025-01-09 05:28 pm (UTC)From:See, that’s what I like to hear. Dedication to the job
no subject
Date: 2025-01-10 03:34 am (UTC)From:fr me
no subject
Date: 2025-01-12 08:42 am (UTC)From:participation sticker, sure
a very small gold star for the weirdo (:
no subject
Date: 2025-01-12 09:14 pm (UTC)From:get into who is
a weirdo here
anyway
whenveryou're up forit
i'll happilychoke you
no subject
Date: 2025-01-13 10:32 pm (UTC)From:[Hank could refute that first bit. He could.]
Good to know you’re all roaring and ready to go
[Is it, though? Is it??]
Thought maybe i’d weirded you out with all this. Which would be fair.
I’d be fuckin weirded out
no subject
Date: 2025-01-15 04:17 am (UTC)From:no subject
Date: 2025-01-15 08:28 pm (UTC)From:why would I say sorry to you
for literally anything
do people often apologize to you???
[Hank can’t imagine it, but...]
no subject
Date: 2025-01-15 08:36 pm (UTC)From:buthtye should
no subject
Date: 2025-01-15 08:46 pm (UTC)From:has anyone even done anything deserving an apology??
like at all
no subject
Date: 2025-01-15 10:20 pm (UTC)From:alsodidyou say thanks to me yet?
no subject
Date: 2025-01-15 10:31 pm (UTC)From:Oh I’m SURE
[Did Hank thank him? Directly? He doesn’t think so.]
I mean it’s not like you thanked me for providing the old fuck to choke out
no subject
Date: 2025-01-15 10:33 pm (UTC)From:no subject
Date: 2025-01-15 10:39 pm (UTC)From:Oh yeah. Weird guy was watching me when I woke up
So thanks I guess???
[There. Is that enough!!]
no subject
Date: 2025-01-15 10:42 pm (UTC)From:maybei'll
bite you
too
no subject
Date: 2025-01-15 10:46 pm (UTC)From:?????????
OK what is
What is all that
You fucking bite me I’ll bite you. What the fuck
no subject
Date: 2025-01-15 10:59 pm (UTC)From:no subject
Date: 2025-01-15 11:09 pm (UTC)From:and yet you keep insisting you’re not weird. Definitely not, huh
no subject
Date: 2025-01-15 11:11 pm (UTC)From:no subject
Date: 2025-01-15 11:23 pm (UTC)From:do you often bite people, Vincent
is this something that you go around Etraya doing
1/2
Date: 2025-01-15 11:52 pm (UTC)From:just youdaddy
no subject
Date: 2025-01-15 11:53 pm (UTC)From:no subject
Date: 2025-01-16 12:14 am (UTC)From:Vincent
Do I even want to know why you keep calling me that
Is there some sort of projection going on here
no subject
Date: 2025-01-16 12:19 am (UTC)From:no subject
Date: 2025-01-16 12:21 am (UTC)From:Whatever you say
Daddy
(;
no subject
Date: 2025-01-16 12:25 am (UTC)From:no subject
Date: 2025-01-16 12:27 am (UTC)From:Kinda weird, huh
Kinda weird to be called daddy by random guys
no subject
Date: 2025-01-16 12:31 am (UTC)From:f i ne
no subject
Date: 2025-01-21 01:40 am (UTC)From:Good to see you understand how this works (:
Now you just gotta keep your mouth shut and everything will be fine
no subject
Date: 2025-01-21 01:41 am (UTC)From:or i will keepup what is tarted
no subject
Date: 2025-01-21 01:44 am (UTC)From:Sure
Then I can just say it right back (:
no subject
Date: 2025-01-21 01:46 am (UTC)From:whendoyou want ot get
choked out again
no subject
Date: 2025-01-21 01:50 am (UTC)From:You’re really into this choking old men thing, huh
I dunno. When can you pencil me in? Busy man like you. Probably up to lots of weird shit
We have that mission coming up too
no subject
Date: 2025-01-21 01:54 am (UTC)From:How cruel thinking i am some schemer
Worried we won't have time to choke you out during then we should before hm?
no subject
Date: 2025-01-21 01:59 am (UTC)From:Takes two to tango, baby
Yeah, you are not choking me out on a weird train
I hate it here but getting OFF the train will be my priority. Don’t think me passed out will help anyone
So yeah. If you can pencil me in before then. Or after. Fuck if I know
no subject
Date: 2025-01-21 02:28 am (UTC)From:how about before and after
a good luck charm and a reward for a mission won or make us feel better if we failed
no subject
Date: 2025-01-21 02:40 am (UTC)From:Not sure I’d consider getting choked out lucky, but you know what?
OK
You got some fancy places in mind? You gonna take me on a date first or is it straight to lights out?
no subject
Date: 2025-01-21 02:43 am (UTC)From:i'll take you out on a date
can't have all our time end so quickly
no subject
Date: 2025-01-21 02:46 am (UTC)From:[...Is this a joke? This has to be a joke.]
Gonna keep it all a nice surprise for me, huh?
no subject
Date: 2025-01-21 02:47 am (UTC)From:no subject
Date: 2025-01-21 02:48 am (UTC)From:Sure, yeah. Watch me go out and get a nice suit and then you take me to the fucking dump
no subject
Date: 2025-01-21 02:50 am (UTC)From:i have to eat theretoo you know
think of me why don't you
no subject
Date: 2025-01-21 02:53 am (UTC)From:Sounds like something that a guy who’s planning on taking me to the dump would say
I am thinking of you. Obviously. In a fucking weird way. Coulda gone and asked some other weirdo for a round 2, but I didn’t, now did I
no subject
Date: 2025-01-21 04:38 am (UTC)From:i'm very blessed
thank you
no subject
Date: 2025-01-21 05:16 am (UTC)From:That is probably one of the weirdest ways you could’ve replied to that and I’m not even surprised
You’re welcome I guess
no subject
Date: 2025-01-21 05:19 am (UTC)From:tried of talking to you like this
so go get dresse dto have dinner
no subject
Date: 2025-01-21 05:25 am (UTC)From:Right now?? Jesus
Where do you want me to meet you
[Are they really doing this again? Are they?? Hank expected death last time, so he’s not sure what to anticipate this time. Other than something weird.]
no subject
Date: 2025-01-21 05:43 am (UTC)From:we have a lot of opions here
guess we'll go to the idner
no subject
Date: 2025-01-21 05:49 am (UTC)From:Damn. Not gonna make me a homecooked dinner?
What kind of pre-choking date is this
You’re making me get all dressed up to go to the DINER?
no subject
Date: 2025-01-21 05:57 am (UTC)From:i have a monster on my bridge
do you have a monster leading to your home
irefuse to ask my neighbor for help
want me to bring things over to cook for you
no subject
Date: 2025-01-21 06:05 am (UTC)From:Got two monsters leading to my apartment, but fair enough
Come cook for me, yeah. Since you mentioned it
Would prefer I pass out at home or something so you won’t need to worship Castiel, or whatever it is you do.
no subject
Date: 2025-01-21 06:10 am (UTC)From:fine
just dress nice
no subject
Date: 2025-01-21 06:23 am (UTC)From:I will. Jesus. Whine whine whine
I’m at the store now, so you just worry about that food
no subject
Date: 2025-01-21 06:25 am (UTC)From:so don't think it's going to be to your tstes
no subject
Date: 2025-01-21 06:27 am (UTC)From:Oh for fuck’s sake
WHAT weird shit are you making, Vincent
no subject
Date: 2025-01-21 06:28 am (UTC)From:how dare you
what is it that you want
let me guess
some steak?
hamburger?? hmmm?
cn: cannibalism mentions
Date: 2025-01-21 06:30 am (UTC)From:Not asking you to make me some gourmet shit
Just want to know if you’re making something weird
Like some ritualistic cannibal bullshit
Or
Cauliflower
cn: cannibalism mentions
Date: 2025-01-21 06:31 am (UTC)From:and i don't have any cannibalistic tendencies
although
nevermind
anyway i do like the idea of steak
cn: cannibalism mentions
Date: 2025-01-21 06:38 am (UTC)From:Yeah I bet you’d like to know if I’m allergic, huh? Slip some in there?
To answer your question, no, I’m not allergic. Sorry to disappoint
Although WHAT
[He almost brings up how Vincent was just whining about Hank wanting steak. But he could go for some steak, so he doesn’t mention it.]
Where are you getting the meat, Vincent
cn: cannibalism mentions ONWARD 1/4
Date: 2025-01-21 06:42 am (UTC)From:no subject
Date: 2025-01-21 06:42 am (UTC)From:no subject
Date: 2025-01-21 06:42 am (UTC)From:no subject
Date: 2025-01-21 06:43 am (UTC)From:do you know hwo hard it is to kill someone
and cut them up for meat?
too much effort
and you're not worth it
/end
Date: 2025-01-21 06:43 am (UTC)From:no subject
Date: 2025-01-21 06:48 am (UTC)From:OK. So what did that “although” mean
Thought you could distract me huh
Sounds like a cannibal in denial
[Hank doesn’t argue with the “you’re not worth the effort” bit because that, at least, is true.]
no subject
Date: 2025-01-21 06:50 am (UTC)From:how's that?
you can ask me a total of three questions
and i'll answer honestly
in return
i get one favor
okay?
no subject
Date: 2025-01-21 06:53 am (UTC)From:Oh god
Here we are talking about cannibalism and the weird guy wants a favor
Lemme guess. You’re not gonna tell me what the favor is until you get here
no subject
Date: 2025-01-21 06:53 am (UTC)From:and i'll answer that one for free
i don't have a favor in mind
just always nice to have a favor a person owes you
no subject
Date: 2025-01-21 06:57 am (UTC)From:If I’m gonna owe you for the three questions, then this “““favor”” better be equivalent to that
No pulling weird shit on me. Not gonna kill someone just cause you let me ask some questions
no subject
Date: 2025-01-21 06:58 am (UTC)From:i'll meet you soon
no subject
Date: 2025-01-21 07:01 am (UTC)From:Yeah yeah. On my way back too
It’s the apartment with the nameplate that says FUCK OFF
no subject
Date: 2025-01-21 07:02 am (UTC)From:so classy
no subject
Date: 2025-01-21 07:11 am (UTC)From:Isn't it (:
Glad you approve
For a couple hours I’ll even let you ignore the sign
1/2
Date: 2025-01-21 07:12 am (UTC)From:no subject
Date: 2025-01-21 07:12 am (UTC)From:no subject
Date: 2025-01-21 07:16 am (UTC)From:What does what mean???
Sign says fuck off. I am oh so graciously allowing you the privilege to ignore the sign tonight
You may get the fuck into my apartment, Vincent. This one time
no subject
Date: 2025-01-21 07:20 am (UTC)From:this ONE time
no subject
Date: 2025-01-21 07:22 am (UTC)From:Obviously
Unless you’re gonna make me dinner again
If it’s shit this time no second chances though
no subject
Date: 2025-01-21 07:24 am (UTC)From:i will
whatever
WHWLTEVER
no subject
Date: 2025-01-21 07:26 am (UTC)From:You’re the one who said I wasn’t gonna like it
Figured I should listen to you. For once.
Or should I not??
no subject
Date: 2025-01-21 01:27 pm (UTC)From:voice; un: piltoversfinest
Date: 2025-01-03 06:25 pm (UTC)From:And it's not just her. There's a man here with her. Silco. He's a criminal mastermind, not to be trusted.
no subject
Date: 2025-01-03 08:24 pm (UTC)From:Still, this is some nice news. Surprising even that he's being warned about someone. How nice, it means that they're on the road of being good friends and he can think again on how to convince her to join the Order. Maybe he can speak of it with Jayce. Religion is something new and exciting to try - and feel comforted while here.
He closes his eyes and waves his hand - now, now, focus on the current issue at hand. The fury and warning of two people. ]
... it sounds like you've had quite a day. Are you all right?
no subject
Date: 2025-01-05 07:30 am (UTC)From:[She huffs a frustrated little huff.]
I told you some of what she's done. Her being here... It complicates things.
no subject
Date: 2025-01-05 03:46 pm (UTC)From:[ Hm. ]
It does. Certainly, there is no way to kill her and she is now a factor in deciding if your universe continues. Along with Silco. [ Not that he thinks she would do anything, but she has the feeling so best to mention it. But she probably came to the same conclusion as he did. ]
Actually, I have thought of what I can do... why not tell me what you're thinking?
no subject
Date: 2025-01-05 08:32 pm (UTC)From:I... [She sighs reluctantly.] I don't know what I'm thinking. If we were at home, I would say she needs to be arrested for everything she's done, to protect innocents from her. But I don't see how that's possible here. Even if the facilities for confinement existed, everyone here would have to agree to her imprisonment, she would need to be guarded and have her needs provided for...
But if she isn't confined, she may set off a bomb, or shoot someone. [Caitlyn genuinely is concerned for everyone in Etraya, but she's more reluctant to admit that she's extremely concerned for herself, so it takes her a moment to continue.] She knows I'm here. She may attempt to target me again.
no subject
Date: 2025-01-05 09:06 pm (UTC)From:I had that talk with someone else. What do we do with certain individuals? Echo and Aurora seem to not care about the situation because we monitor ourselves.
[ The situation with Hannibal Lecter never finished in a way that he was wholly satisfied with because he was fascinated by how everyone would react and what they would do. The restrictions people place on themselves for the society that everyone here is making remain enchanting to watch. ]
Confining them is its own issue, is it not? These people are still brought here to ensure the continuation of their universe. Which means if they are not able to live and interact within Etraya, are we not also damning those lives? [ Fun food for thought; one that he has been munching on and happy to give it to her while sounding as sympathetic as possible.
It's easy to have a thought experiment when you're outside the experiment. ]
There is someone I know that says everyone is allowed three chances. This can be their second. [ His mouth softens to a kind smile. ] As dangerous as she is, I consider you one of my own... if it's all right to view you as such... and won't allow harm to come to you.
no subject
Date: 2025-01-07 06:06 pm (UTC)From:[Huff. Sigh.]
That's very... [She doesn't quite know what to say, but it's clear from her tone that she's genuinely touched that Vincent considers her 'one of his own.'] I won't allow harm to come to you, either.
no subject
Date: 2025-01-08 03:09 pm (UTC)From:[ Something he's still thinking about, honestly. Perhaps, it is going down the wrong rabbit hole, but he does find the concept fascinating.
But is surprised to hear that she won't let anything happen to him. ]
... that so? Well, thank you... I appreciate it.
no subject
Date: 2025-01-10 12:13 am (UTC)From:no subject
Date: 2025-01-10 03:42 am (UTC)From:For example, if you kill someone but feel no guilt about that kill; Echo will not view it as a sin or wrong. No matter how many people may be upset about the fact someone has died, if we know that person can come back, can we call our outrage "outrage?" Where are our feelings on the morality of resurrection and death? Where is it in the wrongs that we do?
If we truly see nothing wrong with the heinous actions that we commit, are we still sinners outside that universe? Can we be judged by the crimes we committed? By whose morality and why theirs? If enough consensus is built, will that create the morality of Etraya and Echo? Will that make the decision of who will be saved?
no subject
Date: 2025-01-11 07:18 pm (UTC)From:[She says it almost pleadingly. Life is a lot more complicated, she's realizing, than her upbringing had led her to believe, but she has to cling to the idea that some things still make sense.]
We can't condemn a world and all its inhabitants merely because one representative fails to live up to some sort of... morality by consensus. Or whatever the true standard of judgment is. If I – or Jinx – fail these tests, I don't understand why millions of people that neither of us have ever met should perish.
no subject
Date: 2025-01-12 09:12 pm (UTC)From:[ Of course, he wonders what it would look like - universal standards of morality. ]
Let me ask you something first, Caitlyn. Do you think the missions to come are collaborative or competitive? Which is to say do you think you're competing against everyone here to save your universe, or helping others to prove their worth?
no subject
Date: 2025-01-13 12:54 am (UTC)From:The latter, I'd like to think.
no subject
Date: 2025-01-13 01:04 am (UTC)From:Then, it makes sense that it can't be too easy for us. If everyone who is chosen is a good person like you, then how are we going to see what universes are worthwhile?
We have to struggle against our moralities and righteousness... and see if we can live up to what we have been. That is why I think more difficult people are brought... if we choose to abandon and leave them to die for our survival, do we deserve to live?
After all, part of the millions of people we're saving are people just like them.
no subject
Date: 2025-01-13 06:55 am (UTC)From:I don't see why we should need to prove whether or not we deserve to live. Life isn't a matter of deserving or undeserving, really. Why should anyone, including Echo, get to choose who lives and who dies?
no subject
Date: 2025-01-15 04:17 am (UTC)From:[ It's also profit and loss - and how useful any life is. ]
I suppose that, too, is the morality that we're fighting to prove here, too. And, perhaps, even if there is a finite amount of universes that can survive, it doesn't mean that those representatives who are here aren't among the unchosen.
What if those who have no representatives are lost but we are all saved? [ Another fun little thought, if he's honest. ]
no subject
Date: 2025-01-16 01:09 am (UTC)From:Until we find a way to talk to Echo, or somehow find more information about them, this is all mere speculation.
no subject
Date: 2025-01-16 03:05 am (UTC)From:But what isn't speculation is this... I shall defer to you on what to do. Those people are those you know and in the short amount of time we've spoken to one another, I do trust you. And... we've agreed to be there for one another.
I think that's the best we can do for now.
no subject
Date: 2025-01-16 05:20 am (UTC)From:[No one's ever put that kind of faith in her before. She's surprised, but she's going to take it very, very seriously.]
Yes. Of course. We'll be there for one another. And if anything changes, you'll hear about it. I promise.
In the meantime, we'll... keep doing what we can. To uncover this place's secrets.
no subject
Date: 2025-01-16 07:16 am (UTC)From:[ Well, this is nice. He will have to try to figure out how to bring up learning about the Order soon. Yes, everything is going well. ]
Yes. One foot in front of the other, and all that.
text | un: mason
Date: 2025-02-17 07:11 pm (UTC)From:unusual to say the least. she wasn't sure of the full details of his latest demise, with maria keeping it vague but she felt compelled to check up on him.
at least. )
so....dead again? what happened?
( this is as much comfort as he's going to get from her, because she's not really sure what needed. )
no subject
Date: 2025-02-17 08:00 pm (UTC)From:No other people there sans Aurora and the companion bots. Only himself and the pets that people left behind. He squirreled himself away back in Stonhyrr. It seems he was knocked out of continuing to participate in the mission, but his mission had succeeded.
Still ... for the first few days, he felt his fingers tremble and hands shake. The fear of death choked him in ways that he never experienced before. Well, it makes sense; the way that he died was violent and painful (however brief that pain was).
Maybe he should cherish himself more. His smile twists on his face; people would say he cherishes himself more than anyone else and he should try to think about others more. Yes, he's aware of his faults. But enough of all that thinking - a response is required. ]
I miscalculated how heroic I could be.
no subject
Date: 2025-02-17 08:50 pm (UTC)From:since when was he heroic and yet a part of her wondered if he was finally taking her advice to heart. she had told him if he tried, he could be liked after all- but she wasn't quite expecting this. could it be? the cold, menacing and calculating vincent actually did something nice for someone?
she didn't know the details around it really, and it was all speculation. so all she could do was think of what to say and ask next. )
you cared enough about someone to save them? is that correct?
no subject
Date: 2025-02-17 09:32 pm (UTC)From:But it's fine. ]
I merely wanted them to live and ended up dying.
I don't think "care" had anything to do with it. More like bad luck.
no subject
Date: 2025-02-17 09:43 pm (UTC)From:( she was absolutely curious about who he had 'saved' and why he wanted them to 'live', but for now she decided to pry further and see what he'll say all on his own.
heather didn't quite consider herself a manipulator by any means but....if he called her out on it, she would just say it was curiosity. )
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Date: 2025-02-17 09:48 pm (UTC)From:Or rather which part don't you believe?
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Date: 2025-02-17 09:57 pm (UTC)From:vincent I think you've become less of a 'grinch' in your time here.
no subject
Date: 2025-02-17 10:04 pm (UTC)From:no subject
Date: 2025-02-17 10:10 pm (UTC)From:( did he need it to be spelled out? she thought he understood her-
the ways of being a teen girl that is. this truly was a compliment after all. )
no subject
Date: 2025-02-17 10:15 pm (UTC)From:Anyway.
[ Hm, how to answer. It seems like Maria didn't say anything. ]
Promise not to feel too betrayed when I tell you who it is?
no subject
Date: 2025-02-17 10:42 pm (UTC)From:but sure I can't imagine I'd be too much of an emotional wreck over it.
1/2
Date: 2025-02-18 01:35 am (UTC)From:no subject
Date: 2025-02-18 01:35 am (UTC)From:1/2
Date: 2025-02-19 04:14 pm (UTC)From:she already knew that they knew each other, she just wasn't sure of the full extent of their closeness given that heather had told maria about her and vincent's talk back in december.
as she thought about it longer, why didn't maria tell her that the person vincent died for was her? all she could do was think.
finally came her response. )
no subject
Date: 2025-02-19 04:15 pm (UTC)From:why? why would you do that for her?
no subject
Date: 2025-02-19 04:54 pm (UTC)From:no subject
Date: 2025-02-19 04:56 pm (UTC)From:I uh....she means a lot to me and while I'm shocked, thank you.
( not that she's going to take his word for it- she will absolutely message maria shortly. )
no subject
Date: 2025-02-19 05:09 pm (UTC)From:You know that doesn't sound quite right when it comes to me.
But yes, you're welcome. I know she means a lot to you so that also factored into my decision.
no subject
Date: 2025-02-19 05:13 pm (UTC)From:I don't know what to say.
( should she bake him a cake or something? regardless, she's still wildly perplexed by all of this. )
I'm guessing it's a one and done deal right? I'm on my own if I'm in danger?
1/2
Date: 2025-02-19 05:27 pm (UTC)From:It goes against his plans and schemes for their world if he lets anything happen to Heather. But the cold fear grips his chest - even after days of stewing and mulling over how he died on the train. He still feels that sharp anxiety and fear of a violent end.
His hands shake at the idea, but --
-- the fear of a similar end can't get in the way of what he needs to do. Heather, as far as he's aware and concerned, has yet to be convinced of what needs to be done to save their world. More time is needed, required, and sacrifices must be made.
His chin drops; he doesn't like it.
"Yes, you're on your own."
It'd be easy and simple and he could wash his hands of it while banking on the good will of dying once for them.
But -- what could be lost if she dies? Would she lose herself and become more like Alessa? They're both the same; they're both her. A terrifying thought that only he holds and no one seems to understand. ]
no subject
Date: 2025-02-19 05:28 pm (UTC)From:Do you think you're capable of handling dying here?
no subject
Date: 2025-02-19 06:01 pm (UTC)From:after all, how could she trust him fully when he had been a part of such a destructive force to her life and her father? it was hard to shake off that pain and unease that came with being reminded of what the order did to her. yet there's a small part of her that knows he cares, even if it's for some calculating reason he's worked up in his head. maybe just maybe he cared for her just a bit more than that, beyond the reality of who and what she was.
would she ever know the answer? probably not. )
if someone killed me, I might go after them in turn.
otherwise I think I could. not that I want to die again.
( to her, the thought of sinking back into that old negativity wasn't a possibility- she had already sworn to be a better version of herself each and every day after all. but really who knew, when push came to shove. )
no subject
Date: 2025-02-19 07:00 pm (UTC)From:Maria is included in that "anyone."
So, let's just do our best to avoid that sort of scenario.
no subject
Date: 2025-02-19 07:05 pm (UTC)From:I guess you aren't that bad of a person if you were willing to die again, for maria of all people.
no subject
Date: 2025-02-19 07:21 pm (UTC)From:What can I say? She's my best friend.
1/2
Date: 2025-02-19 08:10 pm (UTC)From:no subject
Date: 2025-02-19 08:10 pm (UTC)From:since when do you have best friends?
no subject
Date: 2025-02-19 08:31 pm (UTC)From:And I suppose ... since now?
no subject
Date: 2025-02-19 09:28 pm (UTC)From:anyways thanks again for saving her. I guess I owe you.
( not that she's jealous whatsoever, she doubts they're that close anyways.
but it does speak volumes how she's willing to do him a solid- of course if it's just asking her to keep her secrets to herself well....that didn't count. )
1/2
Date: 2025-02-19 09:34 pm (UTC)From:no subject
Date: 2025-02-19 09:34 pm (UTC)From:I'd rather you didn't. I have something I want to request, but I don't think even this is enough to convince you to agree with my line of thinking. So, let's put a pin in the idea that you owe me one for now, okay?
no subject
Date: 2025-02-19 09:36 pm (UTC)From:I'll make sure to get you a matching 'bestie' necklace for you two in the meantime then.
( she'll set aside the idea of repaying him for now, but now they have a new inside joke-
she will truly never let him live down the whole best-friend thing. )
1/2
Date: 2025-02-19 09:40 pm (UTC)From:no subject
Date: 2025-02-19 09:41 pm (UTC)From:There are worse people to die for than you two.
[ Can he count that as two compliments to two people? He's gonna try. ]
no subject
Date: 2025-02-19 09:43 pm (UTC)From:it didn't physically hurt you to write that did it?
no subject
Date: 2025-02-19 09:43 pm (UTC)From:no subject
Date: 2025-02-19 09:44 pm (UTC)From:try not to die again vincent, okay?
no subject
Date: 2025-02-19 10:13 pm (UTC)From:sometime during the mission, after her challenge with Vander
Date: 2025-03-31 06:11 pm (UTC)From:and she's trying to play damage control. Vincent gets very annoyed when she isn't completely transparent with him so you know what? heard loud and clear.]
Update! I did a challenge with a friend and it pulled from my fight with James. so he knows everything about me. Don't be mad. not like I could explain away what he saw.
he won't tell anybody. I know it means nothing to you but I do trust him
text | un: @mason
Date: 2025-04-24 06:01 pm (UTC)From:no subject
Date: 2025-04-24 07:28 pm (UTC)From:no subject
Date: 2025-04-24 08:40 pm (UTC)From:I guess I wanted to ask you if he ever talked about me?
no subject
Date: 2025-04-24 09:04 pm (UTC)From:Yes, he did. We talked about you every so often.
no subject
Date: 2025-04-24 09:23 pm (UTC)From:I didn't end things well with him and I'm starting to regret that. I wish....I could have gotten to understand why he was the way he was. he was so nice to me at first.
no subject
Date: 2025-04-24 10:09 pm (UTC)From:I can tell you that it wasn't.
He didn't hold any grudges or hard feelings against you. He may not have been willing to die for your sake, but he was willing to do what he could.
Well, he was thinking in the short-term and didn't realize long-term manipulations are harder to maintain. Furthermore, as soon as trust is lost after a long time, a person may very well lose their place in this world.
no subject
Date: 2025-04-24 10:20 pm (UTC)From:I guess that's better than what I was expecting, but you....Vincent do you miss him? are you sad he's gone? I'm not sure how to feel.
1/2
Date: 2025-04-25 04:51 am (UTC)From:I'm sure you can agree with that, as well.
no subject
Date: 2025-04-25 04:55 am (UTC)From:[ He has no intention of going back to the church the two of them would scheme. ]
He wouldn't be sad or miss me if I disappeared. He'd be disappointed if I didn't say I was around if I was, and I suppose, I'd feel the same. But we wouldn't miss one another.
We were using one another for an end goal. You can feel nothing and feel no guilt about it, Heather. I doubt he would fault you for it, if you did.
no subject
Date: 2025-04-25 05:30 pm (UTC)From:perhaps a bond—
far beyond being concerned for heather together. with a soft sigh, she looked down at her device and simply shook her head. it seemed there was nothing else to say about this really. )
okay and—
( and she didn't want to say it again, that he was right but.... )
I guess you're right again, I won't think about it anymore. next time I make a friend though, try not to scheme with them about protecting me at a distance would you? it's kinda weird. you can just tell me you're doing it.
no subject
Date: 2025-05-19 02:47 am (UTC)From:Somehow, I don't think you'd like to know it's going on no matter how it is being done.