jikan_rpg | [CLOSED] A heavenly assignment

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[CLOSED] A heavenly assignment

⌛ Who: Azem (

starshepard), Emet-Selch (

emet_sulk), and Rhea'li (

lightduties)
⌛ What: Three refugees receive a heavenly assignment in which they fix fractured souls
⌛ When: Early December
⌛ Where: The Western Paradise
⌛ Warnings: FFXIV Shadowbringers/Endwalker spoilers all the way down, probably

Rhea'li is no stranger to odd requests, so he thinks nothing of it when he wakes after a strange dream and a golden train ticket in his hands. It wouldn't be the first time a god-like being has called to him in his sleep...

Which is how he ends up in the Western Paradise with a number of other refugees summoned to help return souls fractured and ripped from their bodies by the timeloops back to their rightful place. When he hears that, Rhea'li winces, thinking of his own soul, the sundered nature of it and the re-fracture of it in recent days.

It can be a little tricky for others to spot Rhea'li in the gaggle of refugees who had been summoned to help with the situation in the Western Paradise (being as short as he is), but he can certainly spot the two ancients amongst the crowd as Inari Okami teaches them how to properly wield Kizuna to complete their task. Without hesitation, Rhea'li bonds with another refugee -- a stranger as suggested -- before gently breaking it, the magic coming easily to him. Mayhaps the ease has something to do with its similarities to the echo, even though he has little control over the latter?

The lesson complete, the refugees are allowed to disperse to complete the task of aiding the lost and fractured souls, though not without a warning; particularly malevolent lost souls can influence or corrupt those who attempt to help them, possibly even possess them. So it would best to not travel alone, so that another can assist in removing the malevolence.

It's with that in mind that Rhea'li keeps an eye out for Emet-Selch and Azem as the other refugees begin to disperse, waving as he approaches.

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Emet probably sees Rhea'li first, given his soul sight, but the moment Azem notices him they wave in return. "There you are! How did everything go?"

For them, forming and breaking bonds had been relatively simple. Second nature even. Much as Rhea'li had found the whole procedure like using the Echo, Azem had found it the same. Only they have the virtue of being able to control their Echo (usually, it's been a little strange since arriving in this place.) If Azem lacked talent elsewhere, they were certainly talented with their utilization of the Echo.

With Azem's bright and burning soul nearby, he almost misses Rhea'li amongst all the rest of the summoned crowd. However, he has no time to approach them as the Inari Okami promptly commands their attention.

Hades declines to practice and instead watches as the rest form their invisible bonds. It just seems...wrong to form a connection with someone only to break it with a snap of one's fingers. A bond ought to be meaningful. In his time, the choice to bond with another was serious and lifelong and he sees no reason why it should be any different here.

Eventually he and Azem are able to approach Rhea'li. Come to think of it, this is the first time he has seen the two together. He's abruptly reminded that the pair have fornicated at least once and is struck by the feeling that he is the third wheel here. He's never really felt comfortable with anyone other than Azem or Hythlodaeus. Like it or not, Rhea'li isn't his old friend. So he keeps silent, trailing a step behind Azem.

Edited 2022-12-06 15:50 (UTC)

Blithely unaware of Emet-Selch's thoughts, Rhea'li approaches them both with a smile, nodding in greeting. "Azem. Emet-Selch."

It occurs to him that he's not been around both ancients at the same time. Given the complicated nature of his relationship with them both, he cannot help but feel a little out of place. However... he also cannot think of anyone better here to watch his back while they set out to complete the quest they have all been given.

"Aye, it went well enough. Learning more of the magic so important to this world was enjoyable." If he's quite honest, having some instruction and practice instead of being thrown into the deep end has been a novelty. "And yourselves?"

He can't imagine the magic would have been difficult for the ancients to grasp.

Azem might not know exactly what Emet is thinking but it isn't uncommon for him to be a little shy around others. And knowing the little bit of history they know about Emet and Rhea'li's interactions it doesn't surprise them that he using them as a bit of a shield. Internally it amuses them.

"It was quite enjoyable to learn some new magic." They agree, head bobbing in a nod. "I found it to be quite simple. What of you Hades?" They turn to look up at him with a smile.

He crosses his arms and averts his gaze, settling into his characteristic grumpiness.

"I have yet to try. Why should I have to bond with a complete stranger? Ridiculous."

If it's as simple as they say then surely a great sorcerer of eld like him will also find it a paltry exercise??

Ah... Should he be using their names instead of their titles?

"We will need to, so we return the lost souls to their bodies," Rhea'li points out. Of course he would unquestioningly help Inari Okami. "I'm afraid avoiding it is rather out of the question."

How strange that the ancient would find the entire affair so objectionable. This is no Eternal Bond, after all.

Azem's smile softens for a moment before their grin returns. They lean in toward Hades, tipping up onto their tiptoes a bit so they're more on his eye level. "Would you like to try with me? I seem to remember something being said..." They keep their voice low but Rhea'li is close enough that he can probably hear just fine.

He presses his lips together, eyes flicking to Rhea'li then away so quickly one might blink and miss it. He looks more self-conscious now rather than indignant.

"If I did bond with you, I would not want it broken," he mutters back through gritted teeth.

Rhea'li's ears twitch, hearing perfectly fine what is being said. Well, he can't help but feel a little like a third wheel to all this. He feels as though he is intruding on a private, intimate moment, and as much as he likes to eavesdrop on conversations that have nothing to do with him...

He looks aside and walks two paces away to give them some semblance of privacy.

Azem's cheeks heat a little at the mention of not wanting to break a formed bond with them. They remain quiet for a moment before speaking again, this time their tone and expression more serious.

"You need to know how to break it for this task to work as intended. But, you know, we can reform it after you know how to break it." They reach for his hand, wanting to give it a squeeze if he allows it.

He drops his gaze to their linked hands. Logically speaking, it shouldn't be as fraught as he's imagining it to be. But the question of 'what if' spins constantly in his thoughts. Doesn't it hurt when a bond breaks? That's what he has been told thus far.

Aware that Rhea'li is waiting on them though, he grips Azem's hand tightly. "Fine," he whispers. After mourning for so many millennia, what is one more pang of loss?

Hades lifts his other hand and places it over his friend's heart. Although he had not participated in the practice, he had still thought about what word he would use to form a bond with another. Hythlodaeus and Azem had both come to mind, but upon reflection he had settled on that which had come to represent everything he loved about the time they once shared together.

"...Amaurot."

Azem was under the impression it only hurt if done wrong or with someone the person already has a connection with. So this was likely to hurt, though they hoped it could be as painless as possible. It's only him that needs to break the bond and reform it, so they were hopeful it would go smoothly.

They smile up at him when he finally agrees and follows suit by pressing their hand over his heart in return.

They had decided that despite how much they love their friends, those that are like family to them, Etheirys as a whole was far more important. Without their star, they would not have those friends, their life, their loves, heartaches, and all else that comes with living. While they might not hold their star in the same regard as their mentor, they still regard it highly.

"Etheirys." And with that, the bond is formed. Azem notes that it immediately feels different from forming it with strangers though they're not sure they could put it into words.

Hades isn't at all surprised to hear Azem's word choice. Those who take on the title of Azem would not be travellers if they did not love the star. But it is the newly formed bond that holds his attention: a sudden awareness which had not been present before. As he expects, he can sense Azem's love for their world dimly through this new connection. What he doesn't expect is the giddy laughter that bubbles nervously past his lips.

He claps a hand over his mouth. The odd euphoria disappears as suddenly as it has come, leaving him unsettled.

His choice doesn't surprise Azem either. His duty has always been important to him, even if he hadn't wanted to be in the position he is now once upon a time. It's not just their love for their star that he might pick up on, but their love for him is also rather at the forefront.

The giddy laughter catches Azem by surprise and they can't help but giggle. It's not as if they haven't heard Hades laugh before, but it has never been anything like that. They're quick to clear their throat and put on a more serious face. "Now you just need to break the bond."

"Mm... Yes."

The part that he is apprehensive about. This time he places his hand on his own chest. It is easy enough to visualise the ball of light and from there to 'pull' it out. He braces himself as the light zips back towards Azem, but even though he expects the sudden loss, he still feels the emptiness keenly.

He certainly doesn't feel like laughing any more.

Azem doesn't break the bond on their end, not when they'd mentioned remaking it after he broke it on his side. He does it with such ease one would wonder if he hadn't practiced. Then again, he did always seem to pick up magic faster than they did.

They reach up to caress his cheek. "Do you still want to remake the bond?"

His cheeks grow warm and he nods quickly - although not too quickly, he hopes.

"Yes." This time he doesn't hesitate to repeat the bond creation process, letting out a quiet sigh once it settles into place again.

He decides that he is going to find Hythlodaeus as soon as they return and do the same.

They're glad to see that breaking the bond hasn't left him feeling as if recreating it was a bad idea. It's not difficult to see that he's relieved once the bond is back in place. They pull him in for a quick peck on the forehead before turning their attention back to Rhea'li.

"I believe we are ready to go. Right, Hades?" They ask as they glance back at him.

As for bonding with Hythlodaeus, Azem would like to try it when they return as well. Though they also wonder if it's possible to have a three-way bond.

When Azem turns their attention back to him, Rhea'li likewise turns to face the pair, expression carefully neutral. It's not hard to see the affection between the two, hitting him harder now that he can bear witness to it happening before him, rather than seeing it in echoes of a dead city, a monument of pain.

He sympathises with Emet-Selch's desire to keep Azem in the dark. If... (or when, for it seems inevitable for such a secret to remain one for long) ... Azem learns of the future that awaits, things will change.

Rhea'li nods. "The task appears to be simple enough." Gaze flickering to Emet-Selch, he adds, "If you do not wish to bond with the lost souls, then I am willing to take on your share."

Nevermind that his own soul is a little worse for wear, still healing from the recent crack.

Edited 2022-12-08 08:49 (UTC)

Azem gets a reluctant nod. The process is indeed as simple as he had thought it would be. The bonding process should not pose any issues.

To Rhea'li, however, Hades scowls. "I have been ferrying souls since before your era began. I don't need your help."

He still wishes the bonding part was unnecessary, but it is what it is. He can barely remember what it had been like when the voices of the dead didn't resonate with him in some way.

Azem scowls at Emet. "Hades! Come now, I know you two have some history but you could be a little nicer."

They don't know just how much history the two have thanks to being kept in the dark as they have.

They turn back to Rhea'li with a smile. "I'm sure you've grown accustomed to this grumpy old man, however, I apologize on his behalf."

Edited 2022-12-09 00:15 (UTC)

Rhea'li just shoots Azem a wry smile and shrugs. "By the standards of the people of my land, he would be positively ancient."

Ha.

"You need not apologise on his behalf; I know he is reliable when it matters most." He taps his chin. "There are many other refugees on the same task as us. I'm sure they can search the courtyards and villas for lost souls. Shall we search the more remote areas?"

He points towards the forested areas around the outskirts of the floating island. Being who they are, he surmises their ability to endure the rigours of the task and travel would be better suited to the task than perhaps some of the other refugees helping.

"Hmph..." The joke fails to amuse him. Perhaps it would have if they weren't keeping the truth hidden from Azem.

He crosses his arms and turns his gaze towards the forest. Since he has a weapon now, he has no fear of venturing into more risky territory. Actually, is there any need to be cautious in this supposedly holy place?

"I suppose I will be taking the lead?" he asks with a put-upon sigh. "Fine. Let's be off then."

"One would think so with his demeanor." While the meaning behind the joke goes completely over Azem's head, they do chuckle.

"That sounds like an excellent idea. They also turn their gaze toward the forest before looking at Emet. "I suppose your sight would make it easier if you do, but don't think you need play the role of protector."

Azem doubts they'll run into anything particularly dangerous but they can still summon their axe if need be. How effective it may be, however, is another question.

Rhea'li simply smiles and gestures with a hand as if to say without words, 'after you,' at Emet-Selch's rather put-upon offer, falling into step behind him.

Fortunately the Western Paradise is, as expected, devoid of dangers so typical to various lands of Etheirys. Immaculately created shrines are dotted throughout the area, the endlessly blossoming trees gently decorating their path with fallen petals in a carpet of pastel pinks. They pass by other refugees, sometimes with a little glowing ball of light, one of the many lost souls drifting throughout the land.

As they enter the nearest forested area -- a shrine nestled inside it, further in -- the press of souls both living and lost thin out. But there are still lost souls within the forest to be found, wandering aimlessly. Some of them are higher in the branches, others prefer to stay on the ground, darting away if approached incautiously.

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