awashlogs | Catch All for May!

[ To appear as he would like to appear, his robes are a soft shade of green and little more elaborate in design. He takes a moment to look after himself -- he can even tell that his hair is done up in a much more elegant fashion. He looks even more like an elegant and untouchable immortal, which actually makes him feel like he can put on more airs. ]

Elysium. [ Shen Qingqiu carefully repeats the word. Heaven, more or less! She's a heavenly sword?! His eyebrows raise on his face. Holy shit, son. He lets out a small sigh, to help ease the coiling anxiety in his heart. ]

A memory... of where you were born... [ Come the fuck on, me. You're being like every single protagonist that ever protagonisted! Just repeating the words that are said and not offering anything to the conversation! This is something important to Pyra and all you can do is dumbly say back what she says?! GET THE FUCK OUT OF THIS PLACE AND DON'T COME BACK! He properly scolds himself front and back as he turns to properly face Pyra. ]

Where you and the person that you are going to meet me were born? [ Better, but not by much. ] And... you're a heavenly sword? [ Whatever, you're the worst at this ever. ]

[ She's definietly more than a sword, a Blade, or a concious weapon. But he doesn't need to know exactly what she is; a heavenly sword is exactly what the people of her world believe her to be, and so she will go by that with him as well. She nods politely to that question, and then... ]

This person is...

[ As she says this, her crystal begins to glow, and she lifts up from the ground, hovering. ]

[ A burst of brilliant light sweeps through the entire expanse of this scape, the energy rustling the tree and the tall grass, flowing outward in a strong impulse of energy. It will be harmless to him, however, as harmless as the multitudes of elementary particles there are constantly whipping through the universe undetected. But then all of that light and that energy returns to its origin, her form now but a silhouette of a golden power. It condenses, it shrinks, and then it expands once more to rebuild itself: a woman's form, skin, clothes.

The figure floating just slightly above him is the same stature as Pyra, the same build. But as her hair forms from light, as her toes touch down upon the ground, as her eyes open to reveal the same vibrant yellow of the sun... he might notice that she is quite different from the woman that had just been before him. Pyra's energy is soft, warm, shackled; the energy around this new being is practically harsh in its brightness.

Gravity resumes for her a moment later, her hair finally settling behind her, her weight adjusting upon the field. Yet she stands tall and proud as she regards him. ]

So we finally meet. [ She introduces herself. ] I... am Mythra.

[ Lifting his sleeve up, he covers his eyes. Holy fuck, that's bright! He feels his sleeves flapping in the breeze and he thinks that this scene must look very fantastical to anyone observing. But for Shen Qingqiu, he is staring at the inside of his sleeve and seeing more than a few dots sparkle over his vision. I regret any time I've said that these scenes look cool. I was being heartless to the characters part of it!

Lowering his sleeve down, he blinks slowly. Fuck, my vision is blurry! He, at least, is aware that there is a shadow passing over his vision. He also notes the difference in energy between this person and Pyra. Ah, this definitely is the source of that sassy voice! He blinks slow yet again to clear his vision.

He tilts his head down as soon as she lands. A real magical girl transformation! I'm really impressed! But I kind of wish I had been able to see it some. Still, it felt and seemed cool! You're cool! His expression remains even as he offers a small, half-smile. ]

A pleasure to meet you, Mythra. I am Shen Qingqiu. [ Even though, I'm sure you know it! He rests his hand over his chest as he bows slightly to her. ] And thank you for your insight and wisdom during that time. I do not believe I had a chance to thank you and so I'm glad to be able to do so now.

You're welcome. [ It's said with a proud huff through her nose, as if she knows she helped out. Because he was decidedly a panicking wreck at that time within his-- her-- mind. It had thrown Mythra off, but she has since chosen to interpret it as him being shocked at being in another's body and truly concerned for Pyra. ]

...But I should be thanking you, too. [ She'll give credit to where credit is due, her expression turning more somber as she regards him. A breeze passes through the plane they're within, carrying the scent of the forest beyond them with it. ]

You've.... [ And it seems that, for whatever reason, she's struggling to actually thank someone, as if it's not something she typically does. Unlike Pyra, of course. ] ...Helped us a lot. With things.

You've changed our perspective and... reminded us of what's important.

[ Shen Qingqiu cannot help but smile at how she accepts his gratitude. He cannot help but think that Mythra comes off as the "proud older sister" to Pyra. The thought comes and goes, but his smile remains unchanged. ]

Thanking me?

[ He parrots the words back to her first and stands a little straighter when her expression changes. Involuntarily, his head turns towards the breeze -- it flows through his long hair and robes. This place ... it's really and truly beautiful. A place where they both were born, a place now within their hearts... Elysium.

He turns his head back towards her and offers a warmer, brighter smile. ] Pyra did the same for me. I was drowning without realizing I was drowning... and she helped me see that there was land still in sight for me. [ Shen Qingqiu crosses the short distance to Mythra. ]

But I will still say that you are welcome. [ He's trying to get better at saying those words rather than turn back any compliment and praise onto the person. ] The things that are important... sometimes it's easy to lose sight of them. I am happy that what is important to you has been found once more.

[ He just has to continue to look elegant even if he's just standing there with the wind doing what wind does; that is, blowing through his hair and his robes.

And then he comes closer--

Her tsunning intensifies! ]

[ --Then he mentions Pyra. Her eyes cast away from him, looking elsewhere. He says Pyra had helped him. ] Pyra...She's a construct that I created. [ She clasps her hands together, betraying just a little bit of her nervousness. ] And I made her to be... weaker. Her power... imperfect. I made her to be good.

[ This may seem like a tangent with the pause she gives, but quickly, she speaks up once more. She feels the need to explain more to him, because he is one of those she trusts here. And she wants to be in control of what she reveals to others instead of Chroma robbing that from her, because control is all she can ask for. ] Because what I've found here, I want to protect-- and I want to continue to protect.

[ He's probably figured out the reason by now, that she believes herself to be too dangerous. That this is all an elaborate seal, and that the best way she might protect others is to remain dormant here. ] But I had wanted to meet you... [ It takes a lot for her to admit that. ], and this is the only way to meet.

[ That's quite the revelation! He cannot keep the surprise off of his face when she explains exactly who Pyra is. To be 'good?'

His shoulders lower just a little as he watches her, as he listens to her. He understands that she considers herself dangerous. It is something that Pyra believes about herself, too. Something you instilled in her? ... making her weaker, imperfect in her power... but still that power is something.

What he had said before, he thinks that it is more than an honor to meet her. Indeed, looking around here is more than peering into someone's heart... it's a lot more than that. Pieces are slowly falling into place for him. If Pyra is a construct, that means that Mythra wasn't always in this place. By herself.

He remembers hearing her voice in his head, which means that she can see everything that is going on, but doesn't it also mean she can't really involve herself in it. ]

I see.

[ I don't want to say the wrong fucking thing so give me a second! He once more looks out to the surroundings. It feels like one of those scenes in anime where the character stares out meaningfully at everything, gathering their thoughts, as the wind slowly and peacefully ruffles through their hair and clothes.

His gaze becomes unfocused as his thoughts settle to the forefront of his mind, and they are mad. FUCKING SHIT. Why the hell are they forced to fucking suffer like this?! Who the fuck allowed this?! Who?! FUCKING! FIGHT! ME! RIGHT!!! NOW!!! ]

[ His temper cools as he finishes screaming in his head. In his heart, he is jumping up and down! In his heart, he is rolling around in an angry fit in the grass and ripping up the ground in a rage. In reality, he remains standing and looking out then up toward the sky.

He slowly turns back towards her. ]

This may be the first time that we have spoken, Mythra... but I believe you, too, are good. [ Right, I want you to know that, okay? He extends his hand out to her with a soft smile on his face. ] So, I am happy to be able to speak to you.

"Good", huh...? [ She can't say "you just met me", because in truth he-- and anyone who has met Mythra-- does know her through Pyra. All that Pyra wishes for-- to protect the world and those in it-- all of those values, Mythra holds as well.... That doesn't mean she's as good as Pyra as expressing it, though.

Mythra glances away, her smile wry or, perhaps, reluctantly pleased, as she combs her fingers through a lock of her hair. ] ...Heh. I don't need to predict the future to know you'd say something [ corny ] like that.

I suppose I am a little predictable, hm?

[ He cannot help but roast himself just a little. Though, his head snaps up as a suddenly thought hits him. Shen Qingqiu barely is able to keep himself from crossing the distance to get even closer to Mythra; it's an automatic reaction given what he wants to ask, but he is able to maintain his manners and keep to a polite distance. ]

You're aware, then, of the promise that I made to Pyra... that if something were to happen that I would become the one to wield her. [ His gaze levels with hers. ] What does that mean ... for you?

[ Her gaze returns to him when he asks his question, the wry smile fading into a sober frown. ]

It means that you will wield us both... If the seal were broken.

[ But then holds up a hand to signal she has more to say, pausing only here to gather her thoughts. When she continues, her tone is more reserved, as if she’s already decided upon something. ]

...But it’s okay. With her you’ll be safer, because she won’t lose control. Pyra is the inferior weapon, weaker.[ She states this matter-of-factly, her hands lowering to her sides. Sure more power means more ability to wreck an enemy... but it also means so much more risk for destruction. ] Anything that she is capable of, it’s just a trickle of what leaks through the seal.

It’s... better like this. Me being here. [ She holds his gaze steadily. She’s used to others knowing what she is. She’s used to others fearing her. She’s used to the look in others’ eyes wanting her as their own weapon.

None of that has happened here, not with anyone. But she thinks of Shen Qingqiu as being especially humble for what it’s worth, which is part of the reason she’s telling him this. ] Trust me on that.

[ Gee, Shen Qingqiu, why are you allowed two protag-weapons? Inside his mind, he lets out a very long and loud sigh. But he does catch the point of her saying "if." He lets his shoulders relax as he allows her to continue speaking.

He can't help but be a little mad with her calling Pyra an "inferior weapon." It feels almost like an insult even though he knows it isn't. Still, that's some fucking news. His eyes widen just a little, but he's actually so horribly shocked that he wasn't able to keep his face from showing a little bit of it. Shit was bananas and that isn't even her full power! Holy fucking shit!

The shock fades out of his eyes as they become more sullen as she holds his gaze in hers. He can only look at her for so long before he looks out to where she is. It's beautiful. But ... isn't this also a cage? His head lightly shakes as he cannot trust her on that point because he remembers. He remembers the talk in the castle. ]

Have you not been locked up for a long time? Once by the will of others and now by yourself? [ A slight pause. ] The world may not be fully aware you are here in this memory... but it misses your presence.

[ Her eyes narrow briefly as the term, locked up, as if this is some sort of prison. She supposes it's an appropriate allusion of sorts, reminiscent of fairy-tale, a princess's gilded cage-- if she is to be entirely poetic. But the comparison is undermined by being the creator of these shackles, the consent to have the one who wielded her last to sink her far below the cloud-sea. ]

Misses my...

[ Mythra closes her eyes, seemingly thoughtful for a moment, and when she opens them her gaze is level and calm.

And challenging. ]

Aa, and you think you speak for the entire world, is that it? [ She knows he doesn't mean it like that; she's only speaking to stall, to gather more of her thoughts. ]

I'm here... because I care. [ THERE. She said it! She said cares! ] Because I care about the world, because you... you and those here, are in it. [ Just like Pyra had said about loving the world because those she loves are in it. ]

If you were in my position, I think you'd do the same, you know. You would do all that you could to make sure those you care for are safe. And if that means staying "locked away"... [ Then so be it. ]

Perhaps, I would.

[ He can't deny that he might have done something like that, but he wonders how much good it would have done him. Breathing in slow, he thinks of a good answer that he can give to Mythra. I wonder if this may be the last talk we have since I make such a bad impression, sticking my nose where it doesn't belong, but still! ]

If I was locked away somewhere, and said I did not wish to leave, I think ... Pyra and you would still wish for me to come out. [ His smile softens. ] So, that is why I am being as arrogant as I am now... because I care about you and your happiness.

You can bet your ass that we would come and get you--

[ --Ah.

And with that.

He's just pointed out her hypocrisy. That she would want for him to come out, if he were locked away.

Actually, didn't that already happen in his "heart"? ]

[ A huffy t'ch sounds under her breath, and she looks away for a few moments. ]

[ When her eyes return to him, her hands are folded under her chest. ] It's different.

You.

You're not dangerous. [ There hasn't been a single thing that he's said or revealed to her that has ever gotten her to once believe that if this man could lose control, he would be dangerous. And even of what she knows of his past, that he pushed his disciple into some demon realm... He clearly regrets it. It's not as if he would push her into some realm where she would belong.

Heck, if he had the ability to push her into some pocket dimension and seal it away completely if he thought her dangerous, she wouldn't stop him. ]

[ Her tone softens. ] It's different because you're.... good. And kind. And you care about others. And, most importantly, you do not lose control. [ Even when those who had cut down trees had lost emotion, he was able to restrain himself better than most. ]

And I...

[ A pause. ] I don't wish to hurt you. [ Or others, but she feels the need to emphasize him right now.

He's absolutely right, though, that she would be happier out there, and she hates that he's right. She loves the world that much, she loves those in it that much. Her hands grip either side of her arms, as if she's afraid of something, trying to console herself.... ] I.... But I'll think about it, alright? I'm.

I'm doing things. Making arrangements. So that if I appear... and things get out of hand... it will be okay. [ Hence, her asking him to resonate with her if it comes down to it. ]

[ All of what she says is true. The last part, at least, I don't have any world-ending abilities and I try to keep a good hold on my emotions.

His eyes soften considerably as she explains that she does not wish to hurt him, that she does not want to hurt anyone. It's just... being alone in here makes me worry about you. Shen Qingqiu keeps that to himself but smiles a little when she says that she will think about it. ]

Good. I'm glad that you are making those arrangements... to make yourself feel safe when you finally do come join us. [ He holds his hand out to her. ] We will be waiting, but until then... thank you for caring so much for us.

[ ....Pyra is usually the one who does all the hand-holding, the physical contact.

Thus his offered hand will have to endure a little more of a delay before she places her fingers within, as if the gesture is foreign to her. But she does step closer, her fingers eventually curling around his... and she's surprised at how easy it is to hold hands. Easier than she had thought, before.

No wonder Pyra does it so often.

She smiles at last at him, calmer now. Reassured. He seems to understand that she is listening to him, that she acknowledges that he wants her to appear within the real world as well. But he's granting her time to think. ]

...I can't not care. [ She admits quietly, this time without any of the charged stubbornness and walls behind her words.

And with that, the realm will begin to fade, and he will be back in reality. ]

Catch All for May!

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