middaeg | [Open] Come In From The Cold...

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[Open] Come In From The Cold...

Who: House Darkness Residents and OPEN
When: All of February
Where: House Darkness in the Haven
What: It's an open log!
Warnings: Shadowbringers Spoilers in some threads possible, possible talk of the Snatched Event

[If anyone knows the residents of the house, it might seem strange that such a group have selected a cozy abode for their home in the city. However, it is not to be said that they are unwelcoming (depending on who) and usually when someone comes to visit, there's always a warm cup of tea ready for them...and maybe some food to go along with it. Feels like a crime if someone doesn't get fed. And despite the hardships of the previous month, the house does welcome guests for any particular reasons whether a visit for the soul, a chat to catch up on events, or even maybe go a few rounds with the poor striking dummy in the backyard.

When you live with sword users and have stress, it gets used, ok?

It might be chilly outside but strange enough, the house itself is pretty warm. Just mind the gaelkitten and Flood running around from time to time.]

((OOC: Feel free to make a top level if you wish! Open to all!))

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Mettaton, you are not ready for a lore dump. Besides, she doesn't hide her status as a Warrior of Light/Darkness (it's complicated) but rather no one asks.]

It's...rather complicated.

[Where to even begin? The very idea should make Mira want to flee but ever since she came here, she's been nothing but drawn to him. Wanted to know him beyond the title of ascian because they never did on her version of their star or shard. And the more she spent time with him and actually talked, Mira grew to feel comfortable around him. And then the masquerade happened. Oh boy did that happen. Her answer now is the same back then: she regrets none of it.

And it just grew more and more. Reckless it may be but Mira wanted to go further. She's never felt like this before and Fury strike her down for having these thoughts for her enemy but it's worth it to her. Oh they still disagree on several matters but somehow things work.]

We're supposed to be enemies where we come from. But here...there is no need for it.

Enemies...

[Is this related to his disdain for mortals? Fickle as they are. It doesn't sit well with Mettaton to think about by any stretch, but if he's able to grow close to the human sitting before him... He couldn't be all bad. (He's never met anybody in this timeline who he'd consider bad, save for the Rathmores. It takes a special somebody to end up there, but it happens.)

He slides further against the table, his arms atop it now instead of just his wrists, a nonverbal show of interest.]

What about this situation changed, defusing the necessity for being enemies? Could it be our lack of powers, here in Geardagas...?

[He doesn't want that to be the answer, in truth, because that means that that's all it could take to make them enemies again. But the answer could be just as simple.]

No, 'twas not our powers but the setting itself.

[Powers mean nothing between them, not in this context but there is a thing further down the line. But the cooperation was not due to lack of powers since they had tried it before coming to Geardargas. Hells, it was even Emet-Selch who proposed it back in the Crystarium. Neither her or the Scions extended a hand until prompted but Mira was simply stunned that one ascian actually decided to show himself and not try to kill her. Looking at you Lahabrea.

It's a lot more than that, instead not needing to fight because there is no connection with their Sources or shards here. What would the point be to fight? Hells, upon first meeting, Mira's instinct wasn't to clock Emet-Selch over the head with her sword but rather use it as a barrier as a means of protection. Things happen and...yeah, it's going to be the same thing: Complicated as Fuck.]

[Well, that makes it a bit better. If it's the setting that did it, and they were suddenly returned to it, perhaps they could've come to some kind of understanding here? He's still focused as ever on his original question: What does Mira think about Emet-Selch that he might construe as misguided? Surely it has to do with why they were enemies.

Mettaton ponders this, trying to chart out the ways one's setting could be cause for strife... Though he's limited to his own frame of experience. His attention fixes on the ceiling, his tea remaining untouched for one reason or another. (Wonder if it's... because he shouldn't drink tea?? Yet he asked for it! Amazing.) He searches his mental library of impressions he picked up on, placing so much importance upon tone and action as he does, and Mettaton's memory tracks on a placed note of bitterness in an attempt to discover what about their setting could have been cause for strife.]

Hm. The setting. I'm sure you don't mean territorial strife... But isn't that always how it is. [One could say it's the desire for the Surface that caused tension between humans and monsters, but there was more to it than that. Mettaton raises a pointer finger.] Does it have anything to do with the nature of souls, in your world...? The state of them?

[He'd called them "shattered" before while they discussed his own, and he seemed upset by it. A shot in the dark, but it comes from a place of relation to such conflict. Then again, he could be totally off. If he is, he hopes she'll explain.]

It's only a guess. One of my many gut feelings. [He smiles.] It's almost as if being around you does that to me!

[She's trying to figure out how to word it exactly but something else catches her mind: the mention of souls. Rather the state of them. And Mira wonders...how much does he know? How much did Emet speak on them? She hasn't even taken a single sip of her own tea but she does hold onto the mug and lets the contents swirl around for a second.]

Before I go on, might I ask how much you know about the souls on our star? Just to be sure that when explained, it will not go over heads. Not the best at it myself but I will try.

[Mettaton smiles at her, and he leans back in his chair with a smugness, self-satisfied for bringing up something that might check out. It's not difficult for him to recall what Emet-Selch said when it came to souls, since it was of interest to him.]

You're the best at providing your own account, darling. Don't worry! Now... I'm aware of some fracturing of the soul, belonging to all people in your h- ...Ha. You both call it a star. I like that. Anyway. Emet-Selch, and a scant few others, are the only ones possessing a soul still whole.

[As Mettaton speaks of the soul, his fingertips rest against his chest plate, an imitation of the way people talk about their hearts and souls.

...Suddenly, he blinks, his smile dropping a little.]

Are you one of the people with her soul still intact, Mira? [There are so many people, he imagines. What is the likelihood that she'd be one of the... three, was it?]

[Gods, where's Breezy and the Flood when she needs them?]

N-no, according to him, I am incomplete.

[Seven times rejoined though. Or now rather eight.]

Strange though; I don't feel like I am but I do not ignore his words nor take them lightly, he being more versed in them than I. This is still a matter I am trying to parse through myself, being something only a recent development.

[And yet...]

And yet despite all of it, I cannot help but be drawn to him.

I'm astounded. I didn't think it was possible, to live with an incomplete soul. How odd!

[His expression matches his declaration, wide-eyed and lips parted. The human sitting before him has a broken soul, just like Emet-Selch described. He doesn't think he's ever heard of such a concept before them. If a human with only a piece of a soul fell Underground, he's sure they'd be the most disappointing thing to happen in all of ever. Is an incomplete soul even as powerful as a whole one? It's laughable, and tragic... maybe? Mettaton focuses on her with an uncanny intensity made more striking by his new golden eyes, as if he could perceive her soul with his gaze alone, but he can't anymore. He wonders what he would have thought of her if he could.

He shakes his head.]

But then, humans are... remarkable. Strange. Of course you're perfectly capable of being, with just a part of a soul! I wish I could see it for myself. [He says so with deep admiration, once more leaning into the table. But there's something peculiar about all she's saying, and it feels a bit like he's finally looping back to his original curiosity.]

Don't be so glum, Mira-darling! You can't help your feelings. But! Do you mean to tell me... That he reminds you of the nature of your soul, in such a way intended to repel you?

[Oh Mettaton. Never underestimate a Sundered. Especially if they hold a title of 'Warrior of Light/Darkness'.]

You can see souls as well?

[According to Emet, not many could like he and his friend did. It shouldn't surprise her if the rules of another star are different.]

My...soul's nature? No, I don't think that but rather by words and actions. Before I had met him, I was told that his kind were bringers of chaos, trying to bring the star's destruction. There was no need to question it until one came to us offering cooperation.

[Mettaton nods at her question about his ability to perceive souls, though this discussion isn't one he intends to talk about monsters in. (Talking about himself? Always a good diversion. Talking about monsters isn't necessarily talking about Mettaton.) Emet-Selch had enough vexation grasping his kind, and he'd rather stay on track.

Finally, as Mira speaks, Mettaton does... the thing. He takes a sip of tea. ...Nothing happens. No shorts, sparks, or malfunctions. How does he do it? He did it because it felt like the right thing to do, scenically.]

Do you mean, those with souls whole? [Mettaton knows no other word for whatever Emet-Selch's kind is, or if that's even the qualifier.] They wanted to destroy your star? Why? Because you're incomplete...?

They call it the Rejoining because in the beginning, there was one star. But something happened to break it apart, into shards across ten and three. In a sense-

[She's about to continue when she sees him drink the tea and...nothing happens. Hold on, he's a robot, right?]

You...just had a drink. Are you feeling well?

[No malfunctions or anything?]

Hm...?

[Puzzled, Mettaton blinks at her. Then he grins wickedly.]

Why? Did you do something to my tea...? Ooh. Hoping to take advantage of me, is that it...? You only need to ask, if that's your design! Since you'll be pleased to know that I'm immune to all manner of toxins, darling.

[He knows that is NOT what she meant, but he's playful and refuses to address the real matter directly. ...Hm. He takes another sip of the tea, wondering if there is some quality to it that he can detect at all... But he must have been imagining things. Robots can't taste, feel temperature, or discern liquid textures with their tongue.]

Continue. I'm interested to know how these three with souls thought destroying your star was some kind of... Rejoining. It sounds quite the opposite.

[With a tilt of her head. What is he talking about?]

Why would I take advantage of you?

[Wasn't that a thing with being kidnapped and stuff?]

But as I was saying...the Rejoining is when a shard becomes too imbalanced that what happens is that it returns to whence it came, called the Source. However, that means that shard, becomes destroyed. Millions of people gone because of it.

[Emet may think them broken but they have value in their lives! Even when they spoke about it and not stormed off, it was all hypothetical. If lives were not lost. If...]

But the Source would not be sparred. Too much aether at once and of one kind would make it become chaotic, destructive even. We call these events 'Calamities' and it has happened seven times already...so many lives perished due to these.

[When she asks why she might take advantage of him, she's treated only to mysterious laughter. There is nothing more he'll say.

If he knew that she was thinking of these people as people with lives losing them, Mettaton would agree enthusiastically. Of course they have lives! It's only logical that if Mira's perfectly alive and has only a fraction of a soul, so too would the rest of these people. But the story starts to get complex, and he's forced to let his eye wander while he tries to sort her information: the Rejoining is when a shard returns to this Source; the loss of that shard would spell the ruin of millions; a shard returns if "imbalanced," and "aether" would disrupt the Source, causing Calamities.

He imagines it must be this difficult for anyone to understand the rules of another world. What keeps him here without tapping out is the desire to understand what she's so mistaken about, and to understand the motivations behind a man who treats self-disclosure as something earned. Mettaton doesn't get ahead in life by knowing nothing. When he sorts through what she's told him, something stands out. He presses a finger to his lower lip.]

So... These shards. They were all originally part of one star. And if they're imbalanced, they return to a "Source." To become one again, I assume. How is that destroying the star? Isn't that reconstructing it...? It doesn't sound like such a bad thing.

[He remembers something important, and quickly interrupts himself by dropping his fist into his palm.]

Oh... Of course! It's because in doing so, this kills millions of innocent people. That's unfortunate. [He tilts his head. Can't reform the broken star if it kills millions upon millions!] So this is how your stars are destroyed... But, why? What would returning these shards to the Source do for them, if all it does is destroy? Sounds counterproductive!

[To be honest, she wants to say it all but parts of it, she believes that Emet-Selch should tell the story. For he has more knowledge, can understand it more than her. As she is trying to still grip the idea of what she has always known, what she has been told...is not all of the story. But she will say this:]

...for his home. For his people.

[While Emet-Selch can be a right asshole and so entitled at sometimes one wants to shove ice down his skirts, Mira cannot say that he doesn't give a damn. She can tell with how he speaks of Amaurot and the people there that there's compassion...love, determination.

"I will bring back our brethren. Our friends. Our loved ones. The world belongs to us and us alone."

He kept pushing. Wanting her to prove herself in his eyes and despite every single obstacle he threw at her and the Scions, she came out of it. And still it was not enough for him. Her imperfect self was not worthy even in the end. Even so...if this was the reasoning, why did she still raise her sword in protection to him in this place? Why did she let herself listen to him, hear the tales of the time long ago when the star was one?

Why did she let him kiss her that night at the masquerade?

Why was it that when the Rathmores and their lackeys kidnapped and tortured him, she found herself much more enraged and worked herself to the point of hysterics back at the Coven? Yeah, she can say 'it was to bring everyone home' but the one thought honestly was 'to save him.'

Why did she care for someone who thought her less? Did he still? There had to be something deep down in that soul of his...after all, she felt it. That small positive feeling that only lasted for a mere moment but Mira knew it exists.]

He might be harsh but...he cares. Given the subject matter.

[Cares but he is far from toothless. Mira would not have him any other way.]

[She seems to be thinking deeply upon something, and Mettaton tucks his fingers under his chin to regard her curiously. Her words are scant, but her thoughts are many, and that's fine. Maybe she's thinking the same sort of thing he'd like to hear, the curiosity of wondering how someone who held people such as her with such contempt could be redeemable to her. If he knew the extent of it at this point, he'd be more concerned. But he'd hold hope that Mira could see something in him that he cannot.

He nods, and smirks. So he has some "people" he's doing this in the name of, and she understands that much. Yet she was still his enemy. There must be a good reason for that, and yet...]

Despite your differences, you place such faith in him. You must really love him.

[Does he have evidence that the two are in love? Heavens, no. But he'd like to think so, and even if they didn't agree. It still doesn't clarify what she's so "mistaken" about, to Mettaton... Perhaps he can sort that out. He'd like to think that if anyone's mistaken, it's not Mira.]

[It's just that time when she decides to take a drink of her tea, to gather her thoughts. And then Mettaton drops that particular four letter word and Mira cannot help but have a reaction of nearly spitting her drink back into her mug, coughing because did he just say what she thinks she heard?!]

B-Beg pardon?! Am I w-what now?!

[That...cannot be possible, right? There is no way that a child of Hydaelyn could ever feel that way with a child of Zodiark. Despite her job as a dark knight, Mira still fights for the Mothercrystal...although she does have a lot of questions for her. Such as why the seven hells did she not know about most of this until Emet had to tell them?!

But love?! She doesn't even know what the hell that is supposed to be like!]

[Oh, this is absolute gold. Mettaton's smile broadens, his eye widening, thoroughly entertained. Is Mira being real with him right now?! He covers his mouth, snickering behind his glove at the sheer weight of her reaction.]

Oh, Mira. [He practically sighs her name.] Mira, Mira, Mira. Here, I thought I was stating the obvious...! Ahahaha!

[He composes himself, humming with satisfaction. He loves some good drama, and this proves to be such a hopeless case of romance to him. He shakes his head.]

Ha. I'm just saying it like I see it! [He shrugs with his arms.] Enemies to lovers... How romantic. You've only been talking about how much you trust and care for him. See through him to his goodness. And, you even admitted as much... Being so drawn to him. Or am I mistaken, about all I've been hearing? Which, I'm not. I know what I heard. But!! You know best!!

Isn't that what anyone would feel when they spend time with someone?

[Doesn't everyone get protective at their friends like that? ~~No sweetie, they do not.~~ Half her face is hidden by her mug because how does she handle this emotion that isn't a form of self love? What does she even do? How does she know what the puca is saying the truth?]

I...I honestly don't know. This is going to sound very strange but given my line of work, it's a good reason why but...I don't know how it feels to have that particular emotion. In that particular way.

[Familiar love she can understand easily. Love between friends she can comprehend. Love for romance when it came to her...not a damn clue.]

[Protective, sure. But Emet-Selch has an unrivaled depth of disdain for people with souls like hers, and she knows this, but she still feels this way about him. He smirks, lacing his fingers together atop the table.]

Of course you don't know how it feels. ...Or, so you think. But that's the nature of love... in that particular way.

[Terribly amusing. Who knew people could be so endearing...? It reminds him a little bit of prying into his best friend's love life, though its quite different: she couldn't begin to deny it like Mira can. And, uh, well. Small difference: she wasn't into somebody who was supposed to be her enemy? At all.]

Let me ask you something, darling. If you had to self-describe your feelings for him, what would you pick? Family? Friend? Foe? ...Something else?

[And what does she mean, by her line of work? Filed away for curiosities.]

[She has no clue why he seems to be concerned with this particular part of her feelings. Was this a normal thing for him? Nonetheless, that mug is staying up because she wants to try and hide some of her.

This can't be love. It's not possible.]

We have stated that we are friends after all...and that I do care for him. But it is something else. I don't know how to describe it.

That's what I'm telling you, Mira. [He performs a dramatic eye roll, smirking all the while.] You say your friends... But it's not enough. The depths of your concern for him run deeper than most, so much so that it veers... into unfamiliar territory, head-on! It's classic. Aren't I right?

[When is Mettaton ever wrong?? He'd say: never. And don't think he doesn't notice that strategic hiding of her lower face — that, too, is a cinematic classic. Mettaton sees things through the lens of a camera at times, and he loves it when they come true.]

[It started in this place. She never felt this way about the Emet-Selch from her particular version of her universe but the one here, who only first knew her as another pesky Warrior of Light but then...it grew.

Both of them knew that it was wrong to get so close but did they listen? No.

Mettaton won't be getting a verbal answer but he will get one by Mira nodding her head once. These feelings are not familiar to her and so she can't say it's love.

Was it?]

[[ ooc: you're* friends, not your, BASIC MISTAKE ZONE ]

Mettaton hums, satisfied with that answer just as much as any. She nods; she sees that her feelings run deeper than stating they're friends. That's all he could ask for.

He nods approvingly.]

I'm glad you see it, now. At least it gives you something to ponder...

[Because even if she's nodding, he's sure it might take a lot of internal denial before anything comes of it! Nonetheless, the only thing that comes to mind for Mettaton is, well... Love doesn't have to be a reciprocal game. Mira could love him, and love him devoted. But he didn't have to feel the same. He sighs.]

But that'll only get you to know yourself. Loving someone as prickly as Emet-Selch... You have your work cut out for you, if you're hoping he'll reciprocate.

I doubt he will.

[Stubborn twelve thousand year old man here. Besides, might be a cold day in hell before anyone admits those kinds of feelings. Mira knows that she wouldn't dare to.]

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Some ShB Spoilers

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We going into some deep ShB Spoilers but not too much

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Fuck it, assume ShB spoilers from now on you lurkers

beware

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