middaeg | [closed] i'm always chasing rainbows

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[closed] i'm always chasing rainbows

Who: Soundwave and Saber
When: Beginning of Septeril
Where: Saber's residence
What: Talking, exchanging backstories
Warnings: Likely war discussion will come up. A crime against cuisine

[With their schedule clear, it was time to make true of the promise they made back during Lunasa celebration last month, both offered to share their long stories when they have the time. A bit of a bonding exercise, and it was an opportunity to learn more about the blond girl. It's early in the afternoon, they'll have plenty of time to discuss their stories. Given that he could still transform into his alt-mode, an armored vehicle of sort, it won't be long for him to reach Saber's place of residence after a small exchange over their watches.

The roar of an engine is alien for the locals but it was sure to perk anyone's attention, as he rolls over to his destination. It's fairly likely that Saber might be able to hear it too, the rumbling sound of an engine, getting closer and closer outside until it dies down. He'll leave himself parked outside the house, materialized his avatar instead as to better able to enjoy the drinks Saber will provide.

After making sure he's got the right house, he knocks upon the door and waits for her patiently, sending a message to Saber beforehand that he's arriving soon.]

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[ The rumble of an engine reminds her of the motorcycle she drove during the Grail War and it seems a little out of place. She supposes it's Soundwave, though, and that's confirmed by the brief exchange of messages. She has the table prepared, everything set out exactly so and she makes one last adjustment as she hears the knock on the front door. A few moments later, she swings it open, glancing over his avatar's shoulder toward the rather more hulking form of his 'true' self. ]

Soundwave. Please, come in.

[ As straight to the point as ever. ]

[He always appreciates her straightforwardness. As soon as he's allowed to, the avatar steps in, curiously looking around the iside]

Thank you for having me. [...] I think is what guests say when invited over. I admit I've never been invited for this sort of gathering before. [The tea party, he means.]

[ It's a rather large building, honestly. Practically a mansion - and a little empty. She leads him into a sitting room that's lit through large windows. ]

It's simply a matter of enjoying some refreshment with one another, nothing more, nothing less.

[ She gestures. ]

Please, sit.

And share stories.

[He adds after Saber, taking the seat after her gesture, eyes briefly looking at her set up on the table. ]

It's a nice place you have here, Saber. [Recalling what she said before, she wasn't wrong that his real form would fit inside the building easily- it's quite the large place she owns. Still, he can't quite enjoy some refreshment with her if he's not in his avatar, and he'd rather not drink junk like oil...]

It was convenient.

[ She sounds slightly sheepish as she says that and then reaches out to begin pouring them both a cup of tea. ]

I don't believe in being ostentatious or overindulging.

You never strike me as the type. It's still a nice place, regardless.

[He reaffirms the compliment, taking the cup between his hands, his gaze briefly look downwards at his tea and then back up to Saber.]

Shall we get started on your story? [No pressure of course]

I suppose we should.

[ She takes a slow sip, considering where she ought to start. ]

I was born to become king, I believe. To become something greater. I was raised by a knight and guided by a wizard, named Merlin. And most of that early life was carefree. I... did not want and I found joy in everything. But in time, I became aware of my destiny. I became aware that if I were to fulfill a prophecy, to take the sword from a stone - a magical sword - then I would be setting out down a long and hard road.

[Soundwave doesn't take a sip yet, even after Saber started telling her tale, merely focused on listening to her. If Soundwave is surprise at the revelation that Saber was a king, he doesn't show it nor when she described her past self as being carefree and joyful. Though it is somewhat odd to imagine her that way now. She's must've become jaded...]

The magical sword... Is it the sword you carried with you?

[He had seen it once before. That meant she set on a difficult road, she spoke of?]

It is not, unfortunately. That one was lost... the sword I carry is Excalibur. That, all by itself is another story that would take much time to tell...

[ She takes another sip of her tea. ]

I resolved that I would be a good king. A just king. The perfect king, if I could - and so I shut myself off from others, for the most part. Ruled as dispassionately as I could...

[Another story he'd be willing to listen next time then. His lips pursed. Despite the time period where he shut himself off from others, he can't agree that would be a good way to rule, and it's why when he became leader he resolved to improve his lack of social skills and connections with others. But that can come up later.

Rather, he has a question for her.]

... How did it work out for you?

It worked. For a time.

[ She sets her teacup down and interlaces her fingers. It's always difficult to recount the downfall of her kingdom. Her own failures. It's necessary, though. ]

I ruled and I ruled well. We were able to defeat the Saxon invaders, to build a kingdom where I could keep my people safe. But over time, people began to whisper that I was not natural. That I was... too perfect. And I allowed, in a few cases, my own love for certain close companions to get in the way of my judgment. My... son... obtained a desire to take the throne and rallied those discontented with me to his side.

[Ah.]

A rebellion.

[That's an awfully familiar word. Usually taken form when the people resent . He finally sips his tea, and then blinks down at it, mildly surprised. It's not a taste he's used to... but nevermind that.]

I don't imagine that ends well. Your son, Mordred... [The rowdy fellow is still fresh in his mind.] Last I recall, he seems to... dislikes you.

[Generously speaking.]

That... was another failure. He could not have been king, but I still rejected him entirely.

[ She sighs quietly. ]

I thought I was doing what was right, but... it did not end well. He led others in a rebellion and I was forced to fight for my throne. There was one last climactic battle, one in which so many perished. I slew Mordred and Mordred... he mortally wounded me in return.

Ah...

['Rejected him entirely'. No wonder Mordred hold such resentment towards her. In a way, though, Soundwave sympathizes with Mordred... Right after the end, he hums quietly. Soundwave sets his cup down and stays his gaze on the blond.]

Then... That was the end of your journey as a king?

Essentially.

[ Saber nods her head. ]

...I tried to resolve it, of course. By making a deal with the World and offering up my services as a Heroic Spirit if it would allow me a chance to undo my mistakes. But I don't believe that would be productive any longer.

There's no use dwelling on past mistakes or trying to undo them. It is best to learn from them and start moving forward.

[His tone is sympathetic.]

Incidentally, What do you mean by... 'Heroic Spirit'? [That's the first he ever heard of that.]

Ah. I should explain.

[ She pauses, as if trying to put her thoughts in order. ]

In my world, many heroes of legend and myth or at least shades of them, can be summoned by humans of great magical power called magi. Normally this simply happens because a man or woman has such presence in life... however, in my case I offered myself up as one such servant in order to have a chance to obtain a wish.

Like a familiar, then.

[Thanks to his experience here, it's a concept he easily understood.]

And the wish was... to undo your past mistakes. Though that's no longer your wish right... [Going by what she said before, about it not being productive.]

More that I wished to... redo it all.

[ She sighs. ]

And while I still regret what happened, while I still mourn my failure... I shouldn't attempt to undo it. Not now.

Like I said, it's best to focus on the future. [He takes a sip of his drink, still trying to get used to the taste.] Besides, I may be assuming, but being granted a wish like... redoing the past so easily sounds like there might be a catch to it.

[Some things sound too good to be true, and this one of them.]

Probably. I won't find out now.

[ Which is both a disappointment and a relief. She's not sure what to say about it. ]

At least, not if I never leave this place.

Hmm. I ssee, you have a reason to return to your world.

[Said near-absentmindedly. He doesn't, on the other hand.]

In any case, I hope you'll able to ease your pain... The troubles you faced during your reign and how it ended, I'm sorry to hear how it went down.

I'm not sure I do have reason. I was dying.

[ She shrugs. Thinking about it is a bit painful, but there's nothing she can do about it now. ]

I cannot help but want to change things, but I also shouldn't dwell. Or at least I'm trying not to.

[ She picks up her tea and sips. ]

What's your story? If I may ask.

[Taking another sip, he sets aside jis cup and folds his arms across his chest, gathering his thoughts in silence. He has a long history, and it's difficult to start without providing a bit of context about Cybertron's society.]

I'll start with a condensed version of what my homeworld was in the past, I feel it is important. About five million years ago, Cybertron, my homeworld, was ruled by the Senate, but their political belief was influenced by the Functionist party. The Functionist believed how we are formed and our alt-mode should determine your life... Us Cybertronians have the ability to transform into an alternate mode. If a Cybertronian transformed into an ambulance, then they should work as a medic. If a Cybertronian turned into a drill, then they should be in the mines. A microscope, then they should be a scientist.

It may sound logical, but like humans, we have the free will and desire to choose our own path. But the Senate wouldn't allow such a thing like individualism... To add to that was the class system. If one is born a manual labor class or in the disposable class, then basically you were born to be looked down on. If you were born lucky, you might get the chance to climb higher in Cybertron's society.

[He pauses, just to see that she's following him so far. He's kept his tone steady, but there are hints he doesn't agree with social caste system.]

[ She seems to understand, although some of the thought of alt modes is strange to her. It isn't too different from the idea of nobility in her own world. ]

I see. From the way you speak, you sound as if you wanted to change this outlook...

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[closed] i'm always chasing rainbows

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