audio.

[mercedis]

( as always, he's trying to make this as short as possible, but it's hard to even know where to stop with the way his voice carries into the charm. it's likely going to come out all wrong, but: he figures it's like posting something on the notice board in the slums. no one's going to listen to it, right? )

Looking to head back out into the forest to see if there's any trace of the people that went missing.

Figured it might be best to find someone, or someones, to come with me. Not looking to become one of the missing myself.

Some questions if you're considering it...

One, are you afraid of ghosts?

Two, how do you react when you're scared?

( --and then, with a measured sigh: )

My name is Cloud. Blonde hair, big sword. If you're worried, I'm pretty good at keeping people alive, but.

( imagine if he had just, you know, done a video. )

Comments

[emyoji]

[ Seimei also laughs gently at that. ]

We can't do anything but accept it. But that is probably why it is so frightening. It's inevitable, like a great wave we have to move with or be submerged beneath.

If you return home, do you have something good to return to? I'm sorry if this is a difficult question, since I know everyone is worried about that, but... I'd like to hear, if you don't mind? Things that you can look toward.

[mercedis]

Back home? ( he sounds almost reluctant--like he isn't used to sharing something like this, but also because he hates that the answer isn't exactly positive. )

Not sure if it's good. Was on my way to take care of someone from my past who...wants to watch the world burn, I guess. ( a soft breath through his nose, like a laugh. ) I think I was in for a long journey. Or will be, anyway.

Do you have something good waiting for you?

[emyoji]

That sounds like a serious quest.

[ That statement is something that might be teasing, but Seimei's tone is sincere. ]

If you succeed, then do you know what you will do after that?

[ He pauses, thinking about the question with a sigh. ]

Me? Ahh... I don't know? I would like to return home one day, perhaps.

[mercedis]

( it's a good question--and he's never really thought of it before. too focused on the journey, and not focused enough on what might happen after. )

Mm. What's waiting for you at home? Someone or something special?

[emyoji]

[ That's a no, huh? Seimei catches the lack of answer. Instead of pressing, he decides that it's better to meet Cloud halfway. After all, he's the inquiring stranger. ]

No, I have nothing waiting for me. I just think it's good to have goals.

[mercedis]

( it sounds a little sad like that, so he tries: )

Guess that means that possibility is what's waiting for you. That's pretty exciting.

[emyoji]

[ That answer is too nice. He doesn't deserve it, but that's why he admires people. ]

You're a good person. Maybe some time you can teach me a little about these possibilities? They sound nice.

[mercedis]

( a soft breath through his nose again, like a laugh. )

Not sure I'm a good person at all. People are afraid of me.

If you close your eyes and think of the first thing that makes you happy... What is it?

[emyoji]

People are afraid of you? Oh, you mean because you're a bodyguard? I guess that can be intimidating, yeah. But you seem very kind right now.

[ He has to pause at the question, though, a little bit stumped. ]

I suppose it's a place from my past. I was always happiest there.

[mercedis]

What sort of place was it? If you don't mind sharing.

[emyoji]

[ Seimei hesitates. His usual bright, enthusiastic attitude sobers a little as he decides how delicate to be around this particular subject. ]

What was it like...? It was my old home, but I haven't been back for a long time. When I was younger, it used to be very beautiful and filled with growing things. We had a lot of visitors in those days, but it isn't well known anymore. I always remember it as being very lively.

[mercedis]

I think there's the possibility of finding somewhere that makes you feel like that again. Not that...I think anywhere should replace the memories of what you used to have, but..

My hometown...doesn't exist anymore, either. Not really, anyway. I keep all the memories I had of it, but I still think there's the possibility to find happiness somewhere else, I guess. Finding...that sort of feeling.

[emyoji]

You think that there are ways of finding that same feeling despite how different things are?

[He doesn't sound critical, although there's still some hesitation in his tone. Things change. People definitely change.]

If you find a new home, then will you choose that? Rather than meeting that person from your past again?

[mercedis]

I think… I have to go back. Things won’t be right otherwise.

It sounds stupid, but there are things that probably only I can do, and if I have to sacrifice to do them, then that’s just how it has to be.

[emyoji]

It doesn't sound stupid at all.

[He doesn't think this man should feel like the only one able to resolve whatever issue he left behind, but he also understands that pressure.]

There are some things that only we can do. Sometimes each of us is just meant to fulfill a duty, whether we wish to or not. However, I don't think that goal should require your sacrifice.