[ Nothing is impossible, no? Including the lives of two people being preserved after everything is said and done...for one battle, at least.
Albedo heads down to the at home after taking care of honestly extremely minor business (really, it is hardly worth mentioning), and allows himself back into the Operatives guild.
He takes a little longer to prepare the other his favorite dessert. Whatever substitutions he has to make, he'll manage. Albedo has heard of the recipe before and he is a lover of sweets. He vaguely recalls that much.
Once done, Albedo will knock upon the other male's door lightly with one hand. ]
[ Noé is achey and getting out of bed is such a task, but he manages to roll out from under the covers and rise to his feet. He gets ready for the day right away, because who knows what it'll bring... Eventually, he hears a knock on his door, and he opens it, wearing one of his nice skins. ]
Hello, Albedo. Come in.
[ He'll step off to the side and let Albedo enter his humble abode. ]
I think there's a lot to discuss with everyone, but I'll answer any of your questions now, if you want.
[ How arduous, no? Albedo is...wearing what he always does. He was never much for fashion or looking different than he usually has. A constant that remains in-game except the minor embellishments like fantasy-themed dress, markings, and the like.
Once he's within the room, he takes stock of the other man properly. ]
What was the action that sealed their defeat, exactly?
[ Holding out the dessert in question to Noé now. ]
And are your injuries bothering you? As I understand it, healing is hampered in the game.
A lot of teamwork, but the final blow to Macha was dealt by Swallow, a Data Drain user. Leviathan finished Tarvos off with a stab, but I know there was a Data Drain attempt before that...
[ He frowns, recalling it all. He remembers all the blood on his hands. But his spirits lift immediately when he sees the dessert. ]
You made it?! I think my injuries suddenly went away after seeing it!
[ He will gladly take the dessert and chow down, thank you! ]
Fascinating. So this 'Data Drain' in action done by them is what finished them off? And these two are part of the initial Data Drain team.
[ Albedo smiles slightly regardless. Something about the other male's actions in eagerly consuming the food he's given is nothing short of...novel. Though he doesn't understand why? Perhaps it's simply the exuberance, is all.
But he waits until he is finished eating. Then he comes closer and holds out a hand. ]
I believe I have always had an inclination towards sweets, so this feels well within my specialty. However, I hesitate to conclude that it was that level of effective. Let me see your hand; I may not be a doctor but even I understand that following such high level of activity any irregular pulse may be cause for concern.
You should also let me know if you have any lingering pains.
[ Albedo is blinking at the question. Injuries may linger, so is it so strange? Then again, he doesn't come off as the type of person to worry.
He reaches out to take hold of the hand, pressing a finger gently in the middle of his wrist, holding it gently. The warmth of it is nonetheless memorable from last time, though that is not something to be advertised in normal conversation, he thinks; merely an idle thought. ]
Depending on the level of injury, there can be remnants.
If there was a way to heal everyone more effectively of their wounds...otherwise people may be hampered by what they should normally be cured of. But, as it is...
[ Albedo is frowning a little at this and shaking his head. ]
...Of course it can't.
It needs to be taken care of for good, otherwise we will all come to an end here.
[ Albedo surely won't have a reason not to fight alongside him, and Sinclair, and Oria. He can count on that.
He'll be there, for certain. He doesn't apologize for not being there before despite it feeling strange enough for his chest to ache a little. Is this guilt? But it is fleeting because he doesn't really think it much his fault. ]
I have not witnessed the fight, but based upon your report, your condition, and Vogel's words, I can certainly believe that they're difficult.
[ He doesn't blame Albedo for not participating at all. It's probably better that a good number of them sat out. Hopefully this means they'll be able to assist with upcoming battles.
Stares at Uta and Michel.... ]
Let me know when you go, then. I'll be there with you, like always.
Afterwards, after all of this...will there be that at all? He knows the answer to this. But, maybe before everything gets rough, he should actually talk about it instead of evading it.
Maybe, he can get himself to actually broach it properly, if he leads into it, just a little. ]
When we all fell unconscious, some of us had been certain to have those who would ensure our safety.
I don't have such a guarantee. Friends, family...I don't have anything like that.
I never have, until I started to play this game.
[ Albedo doesn't remember but he has written down that his mother left him; and and some other miscellaneous notes about his life. Someone named "Klee", but he doesn't know her relation to him at all; though he understands they don't live together. ]
...It hurts. It hurts to hear that, because it's not like he knows what it feels like. Memoir has always had someone – even without his memories, he knows this. But the implications of what Albedo's saying sink in and cut like a knife. His body...what's become of it? Will someone, once again, slip right through his fingers? Will he reach out and grab onto nothing?
There's a moment in which he's quiet, and the dread starts to sink in.
However, after yesterday –
Memoir grits his teeth and shakes his head. He holds Albedo's hand in both of his and gives it a squeeze. ]
No. I refuse to believe it's over for you, Albedo. Your dreams, your ambitions – [ He raises their joined hands. ] you have so many of them! Too many of them for your journey to end here, in this stupid reality that we were forced to partake in. There's hope; we're getting closer. I promise.
You're not finished, and you won't be, once we escape.
[ If it sounds like he's pleading for Albedo to hang on, it's because he is. Even if this is him being foolishly optimistic, he doesn't care. He's done letting go of the people who matter to him. ]
I'm going to make sure you get to accomplish everything you've ever wanted.
[ No visible reaction. Not at first, but when he feels the gentle squeeze, Albedo sits there only wanting more.
He is certain he's thought about his ambitions, chief of all that he recalls imperative. For his own sake, and to "discover the truth of this world".
Originally, maybe it was not this one. But perhaps it is now this one and reality itself.
Does he know the answer still? Has his heart given into despair? The loneliness encircling him compels him to care little. But it also makes him desperate to reach out for people to call friends. If he does so, can he really call them as much? Or is he being delusional?
Won't they abandon him when all is said and done? He wouldn't blame them. ]
...I haven't even told you. Of my dreams, of my ambitions.
[ ...Albedo can only smile faintly. Maybe Noé wouldn't leave him. Maybe...it can still be something that remains. That persists, and lives, despite it all. ]
But, I would like that.
[ Even if Albedo can't believe it. He wants to believe in Noé. Would that mean that somehow he's wrong? He can't imagine it, but he doesn't pull away from where their hands are joined. ]
You don't need to tell me specifics. You told me -- you told me you were a scientist. I can only imagine how much more there is left to discover in the world that we can truly call "home", and how much you'd like to uncover it all.
[ "Home" is not not here. He's sure of it, now, even if he can't recall much about who he used to be.
Slowly, he lowers their hands, but he doesn't let go. Not yet. Instead, he just places them onto his lap. ]
Even if there's no one there for you now, you'll have people who will be, when this is over. People who will help you preserve your work and explore the world alongside you. I know I will.
[ And as Noé Archiviste, he can do that. When Memoir inevitably remembers that he was a traveler, he can make good on his promise even more. ]
So...hold onto that, and even if there's only a 1% chance that you're alive there, that's more than no chance at all.
[ ...How odd. There is never any certainty, especially less so in regards to his own position. But all the same, each time the other man speaks, he wants to believe.
He can do that, can't he? Even if the odds and logical reasoning is indicative that the idea of holding onto such hope is futile. Even if those words have incurred within him such a desire. ]
You would explore the world with me? To try to unearth all its mysteries?
[ Even when he knows nothing of him? Even when he is uncertain that he is anywhere near 'normal'?
Albedo has let go of such hopes so long ago, that he would be able to see beyond the world, and pragmatism still keeps himself so grounded that he could never truly entertain that hope for long.
But, he can believe in Noé. And if he believes in him, maybe somehow, against all logic and reason, that hope will be made manifest. ]
...As long as you don't let go.
[ As long as he has Noé with him, he can nurse just a tiny bit of hope. So, those words are spoken, softly, wanting to hear the other speak again. With that infectious hope that his own life has been preserved. That he will still stand by him, even if he is an unconventional person. That he will not turn upon him with jealousy for being who he is, even if his accomplishments are forgotten.
So, for the first time Albedo reaches for hope. And looks at Noé again, who is like a star of brightness in a dark ocean of unfathomable liminal space. ]
[ The quiet request makes Memoir chuckle. It's quiet but no less warm, and finally, he smiles. ]
"Let go"?
[ And just like that, he releases Albedo's hand –
but only so he can take it in his again, and intertwine their fingers.
Something warm blooms in his chest. It's warmer than the "love" he felt for Macha. It flourishes with the desire to protect, to explore, to walk alongside Albedo. He is only now realizing that there may have been a deeper reason why he didn't leave him in the graveyard.
[ ...Is it strange? That his heartbeat quickened for one of the few times he has been in this game. No, this is, in fact, the second time. Feeling something like a semblance of foolish anxiety when the other released his hand, wondering if he had said something wrong.
But, ah – he had been wondering, what exactly he himself meant by wanting 'more', and this seems...fitting. An alien warmth continues to flood through his chest, at this, and remains where it is.
A soft, gentle smile unfolds on the blond's lips when he gazes upon Noé with a look he has never granted anyone else. ]
Logically speaking, you would have a reasonable number of reasons to do exactly that.
...But, I am ever so glad that you have no interest in seeking that as an option. Even if I am rather used to being by my lonesome, and certainly could make do, I believe I would have found it disappointing.
[ Albedo feels a light stinging in his cheeks; not enough to bring an obvious flush, but his ears tint a little red.
And, well, with their hands intertwined...he gives a little squeeze. ]
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@ Phantom Operatives Guild Home Post-battle
Albedo heads down to the at home after taking care of honestly extremely minor business (really, it is hardly worth mentioning), and allows himself back into the Operatives guild.
He takes a little longer to prepare the other his favorite dessert. Whatever substitutions he has to make, he'll manage. Albedo has heard of the recipe before and he is a lover of sweets. He vaguely recalls that much.
Once done, Albedo will knock upon the other male's door lightly with one hand. ]
I've arrived.
Are you still awake?
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Hello, Albedo. Come in.
[ He'll step off to the side and let Albedo enter his humble abode. ]
I think there's a lot to discuss with everyone, but I'll answer any of your questions now, if you want.
no subject
Once he's within the room, he takes stock of the other man properly. ]
What was the action that sealed their defeat, exactly?
[ Holding out the dessert in question to Noé now. ]
And are your injuries bothering you? As I understand it, healing is hampered in the game.
no subject
[ He frowns, recalling it all. He remembers all the blood on his hands. But his spirits lift immediately when he sees the dessert. ]
You made it?! I think my injuries suddenly went away after seeing it!
[ He will gladly take the dessert and chow down, thank you! ]
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[ Albedo smiles slightly regardless. Something about the other male's actions in eagerly consuming the food he's given is nothing short of...novel. Though he doesn't understand why? Perhaps it's simply the exuberance, is all.
But he waits until he is finished eating. Then he comes closer and holds out a hand. ]
I believe I have always had an inclination towards sweets, so this feels well within my specialty. However, I hesitate to conclude that it was that level of effective. Let me see your hand; I may not be a doctor but even I understand that following such high level of activity any irregular pulse may be cause for concern.
You should also let me know if you have any lingering pains.
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Especially since Albedo is asking for his hand. Mid-bite, Memoir's eyes widen, and he swallows before setting his dessert off to the side. ]
My pulse? ... You're really worried, aren't you?
[ Memoir grins before he extends a hand towards Albedo. He remembers how it felt to hold his hand the first time.
...Huh. ]
Sure, you can check it.
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He reaches out to take hold of the hand, pressing a finger gently in the middle of his wrist, holding it gently. The warmth of it is nonetheless memorable from last time, though that is not something to be advertised in normal conversation, he thinks; merely an idle thought. ]
Depending on the level of injury, there can be remnants.
[ There's a pause and he asks, again: ]
Are you in any lingering pain?
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Well, my muscles are sore, and I'm sure I have bruises everywhere...
[ And cuts. A lot of cuts from being sliced up by shards. ]
My HP is fine, though.
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He'll just keep holding it, it's fine. ]
Then, everything should be fine.
[ ... ]
...It appears everything may be coming to a head sooner than any of us might have anticipated. And, I do doubt this will be the last fight.
I do wonder if everyone will be able to sustain multiple battles of this nature, however.
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I'm not sure how it'll be possible, because we got roughed up badly this time around. Still, we have to try.
Lily needs to be stopped. He can't keep doing this to people.
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[ Albedo is frowning a little at this and shaking his head. ]
...Of course it can't.
It needs to be taken care of for good, otherwise we will all come to an end here.
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[ Good and bad news, honestly. ]
We need all the help we can get. These fights make area explorations seem like jokes, Albedo.
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[ Albedo surely won't have a reason not to fight alongside him, and Sinclair, and Oria. He can count on that.
He'll be there, for certain. He doesn't apologize for not being there before despite it feeling strange enough for his chest to ache a little. Is this guilt? But it is fleeting because he doesn't really think it much his fault. ]
I have not witnessed the fight, but based upon your report, your condition, and Vogel's words, I can certainly believe that they're difficult.
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Stares at Uta and Michel.... ]
Let me know when you go, then. I'll be there with you, like always.
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[ Albedo feels a strange stab in his heart.
Afterwards, after all of this...will there be that at all? He knows the answer to this. But, maybe before everything gets rough, he should actually talk about it instead of evading it.
Maybe, he can get himself to actually broach it properly, if he leads into it, just a little. ]
There's something I should mention.
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[ The sudden shift in tone gives Memoir pause. Albedo has something to say...? ]
What is it?
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...All of you have been so certain about your return to the other side.
I can't say I would imagine myself in the very same category. My circumstances in reality are not promising. So, I...there will be no 'always'.
Not for me.
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It's not heartbreak, like Macha would've described it. It's not for himself.
It's the feeling of his heart breaking for Albedo. ]
What...what do you mean? What's going on, Albedo?
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I don't have such a guarantee. Friends, family...I don't have anything like that.
I never have, until I started to play this game.
[ Albedo doesn't remember but he has written down that his mother left him; and and some other miscellaneous notes about his life. Someone named "Klee", but he doesn't know her relation to him at all; though he understands they don't live together. ]
no subject
...It hurts. It hurts to hear that, because it's not like he knows what it feels like. Memoir has always had someone – even without his memories, he knows this. But the implications of what Albedo's saying sink in and cut like a knife. His body...what's become of it? Will someone, once again, slip right through his fingers? Will he reach out and grab onto nothing?
There's a moment in which he's quiet, and the dread starts to sink in.
However, after yesterday –
Memoir grits his teeth and shakes his head. He holds Albedo's hand in both of his and gives it a squeeze. ]
No. I refuse to believe it's over for you, Albedo. Your dreams, your ambitions – [ He raises their joined hands. ] you have so many of them! Too many of them for your journey to end here, in this stupid reality that we were forced to partake in. There's hope; we're getting closer. I promise.
You're not finished, and you won't be, once we escape.
[ If it sounds like he's pleading for Albedo to hang on, it's because he is. Even if this is him being foolishly optimistic, he doesn't care. He's done letting go of the people who matter to him. ]
I'm going to make sure you get to accomplish everything you've ever wanted.
no subject
He is certain he's thought about his ambitions, chief of all that he recalls imperative. For his own sake, and to "discover the truth of this world".
Originally, maybe it was not this one. But perhaps it is now this one and reality itself.
Does he know the answer still? Has his heart given into despair? The loneliness encircling him compels him to care little. But it also makes him desperate to reach out for people to call friends. If he does so, can he really call them as much? Or is he being delusional?
Won't they abandon him when all is said and done? He wouldn't blame them. ]
...I haven't even told you. Of my dreams, of my ambitions.
[ ...Albedo can only smile faintly. Maybe Noé wouldn't leave him. Maybe...it can still be something that remains. That persists, and lives, despite it all. ]
But, I would like that.
[ Even if Albedo can't believe it. He wants to believe in Noé. Would that mean that somehow he's wrong? He can't imagine it, but he doesn't pull away from where their hands are joined. ]
no subject
[ "Home" is not not here. He's sure of it, now, even if he can't recall much about who he used to be.
Slowly, he lowers their hands, but he doesn't let go. Not yet. Instead, he just places them onto his lap. ]
Even if there's no one there for you now, you'll have people who will be, when this is over. People who will help you preserve your work and explore the world alongside you. I know I will.
[ And as Noé Archiviste, he can do that. When Memoir inevitably remembers that he was a traveler, he can make good on his promise even more. ]
So...hold onto that, and even if there's only a 1% chance that you're alive there, that's more than no chance at all.
no subject
He can do that, can't he? Even if the odds and logical reasoning is indicative that the idea of holding onto such hope is futile. Even if those words have incurred within him such a desire. ]
You would explore the world with me? To try to unearth all its mysteries?
[ Even when he knows nothing of him? Even when he is uncertain that he is anywhere near 'normal'?
Albedo has let go of such hopes so long ago, that he would be able to see beyond the world, and pragmatism still keeps himself so grounded that he could never truly entertain that hope for long.
But, he can believe in Noé. And if he believes in him, maybe somehow, against all logic and reason, that hope will be made manifest. ]
...As long as you don't let go.
[ As long as he has Noé with him, he can nurse just a tiny bit of hope. So, those words are spoken, softly, wanting to hear the other speak again. With that infectious hope that his own life has been preserved. That he will still stand by him, even if he is an unconventional person. That he will not turn upon him with jealousy for being who he is, even if his accomplishments are forgotten.
So, for the first time Albedo reaches for hope. And looks at Noé again, who is like a star of brightness in a dark ocean of unfathomable liminal space. ]
no subject
"Let go"?
[ And just like that, he releases Albedo's hand –
but only so he can take it in his again, and intertwine their fingers.
Something warm blooms in his chest. It's warmer than the "love" he felt for Macha. It flourishes with the desire to protect, to explore, to walk alongside Albedo. He is only now realizing that there may have been a deeper reason why he didn't leave him in the graveyard.
As for letting go... ]
Why would I ever do that?
no subject
But, ah – he had been wondering, what exactly he himself meant by wanting 'more', and this seems...fitting. An alien warmth continues to flood through his chest, at this, and remains where it is.
A soft, gentle smile unfolds on the blond's lips when he gazes upon Noé with a look he has never granted anyone else. ]
Logically speaking, you would have a reasonable number of reasons to do exactly that.
...But, I am ever so glad that you have no interest in seeking that as an option. Even if I am rather used to being by my lonesome, and certainly could make do, I believe I would have found it disappointing.
[ Albedo feels a light stinging in his cheeks; not enough to bring an obvious flush, but his ears tint a little red.
And, well, with their hands intertwined...he gives a little squeeze. ]
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