Master Xehanort (
capax_infiniti) wrote in
sirenspull_logs2012-10-17 03:15 am
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Entry tags:
we watch our world fall apart
Who: Master Eraqus (
hikari_no_kundou) and Master Xehanort (
capax_infiniti)
When: Early in the morning.
Where: A pleasant little cafe somewhere.
Summary: Masterbros meet up. With any luck shit will not go down and pleasant conversation will ensue...
Warnings: potential matter/antimatter reaction may result.
[Early morning. While he rarely sleeps and is often nosing around in the darkness, when all is said and done and the sun breaks he heads for the first cafe that opens. Since getting his job he's gone there often enough that he's something of a regular, and within a few minutes his first pot of tea is brought to him. It's a strong breakfast tea, meant to bolster the constitution in the morning. He pours out the first cup, and fluffs out his newspaper to read as he drinks.
After the first pot is done, the next one brought out is a lighter, white tea. One that's meant to clean up, delicate in flavour, light and pleasant to carry him through the day. This is the one he looks forward to most, and the one he makes last as long as possible. He's done this enough that he can time the last sip to when he finishes the newspaper, when it's time for him to leave.
Until then, he's content to read and relax and enjoy a rather pleasant morning.]
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When: Early in the morning.
Where: A pleasant little cafe somewhere.
Summary: Masterbros meet up. With any luck shit will not go down and pleasant conversation will ensue...
Warnings: potential matter/antimatter reaction may result.
[Early morning. While he rarely sleeps and is often nosing around in the darkness, when all is said and done and the sun breaks he heads for the first cafe that opens. Since getting his job he's gone there often enough that he's something of a regular, and within a few minutes his first pot of tea is brought to him. It's a strong breakfast tea, meant to bolster the constitution in the morning. He pours out the first cup, and fluffs out his newspaper to read as he drinks.
After the first pot is done, the next one brought out is a lighter, white tea. One that's meant to clean up, delicate in flavour, light and pleasant to carry him through the day. This is the one he looks forward to most, and the one he makes last as long as possible. He's done this enough that he can time the last sip to when he finishes the newspaper, when it's time for him to leave.
Until then, he's content to read and relax and enjoy a rather pleasant morning.]
no subject
There's a familiar feeling in the air, though he doesn't scan it outright - there's light enough in this place, and he has little reason to engage it without cause. After all, the majority had made their positions clear. He would not instigate matters with them directly, and they would sit and be utterly ineffective. It wasn't really a problem, as he was rarely so overt in operation anyway. By the time they realized what was going on...
A brief mental query, and he issued the silent command to do a careful scan of the area to find out just who had entered. Ramadas rose from where she'd been perched on the back of the other chair and began to hover over to the counter to investigate.]
no subject
Payment is settled on the counter as he hums in his throat politely, picking up one of the available papers for further perusal. The increasing reports of such tragic circumstances - young adults, little better than children, really - earns a frown. The darkness was dangerous enough here, that much he'd learned in a very short time, but this..
The news, the paper, it's a distraction, helping absent brush-off of the faint pulses of darkness he can sense hereabouts. There's always some straggling sense of taint once the night has gone, something he has been working to ignore best he can; unfortunately, in his distraction, the more familiar darkness is swept up too.
Or, perhaps, Eraqus is simply refusing to see what happens to be there all along. It wouldn't have been the first time, after all.
The faint whirrrring of Ramadas' approach pulls his attention back to his current location. Grey gaze sharpens, flicking to one side, before blinking at the odd-seeming floating device rising over the counter. Uhhhh..]
[muttered] ..What in the Light..?
[He doesn't remember that being in the shop last time he was here.]
no subject
ERAQUS001?
[Eraqus-zero-zero-one. From a moment of rebellion that had gotten her into quite a bit of trouble indeed... she'd been afraid to speak with him since. Now, however he's present... she's much more cheerful.]
no subject
Eraqus looks briefly astonished to be addressed, his eyes widening at the designation. There is only one person, creature/entity, that has ever referred to him as that, and he truly had not expected to run into her at a cafe. The voice certainly
incorrectly?reinforces his belief that her sprite is bound to the odd device, and after a moment, his hand is held out towards her. To hover over, perhaps, since she/it does not possess legs for landing.]Ramadas? ...So this is what you look like.
[He had wondered. It had been some time since their brief conversation, after all, and it would appear that her period of rebellion had not lasted beyond the week of technological craziness. She did not appear to have suffered harm...but his lack of knowledge regarding technology makes such an assumption--
And then Eraqus froze.
If she was here, then.. Where was her Master?]
What are you doing here?
[Close, surely. A frown formed on his face as he considers his options. It would appear that avoiding notice would no longer be possible, which would no doubt be of much concern to his students. He would have to proceed with utmost care.
Focusing his senses, his heart reached cautiously with a faint pulse-sweep of light, seeking places where darkness marred the world. His former peer would surely recognise it for what it was, if not the sender.]
no subject
MASTER spends his mornings before classes here...
[Before she can elaborate further, a mental command pierces her thought processes. With a beep for confirmation, she switches modes of operation, though there isn't any outward difference.]
He requests me to bring you to speak with him.
no subject
Classes..?
[ Given how long it had taken him to take a singular apprentice, the thought of multiples does not sit well. Lips press into a flat line for a moment, particularly at the request -- a 'request', is it?
Well. Far be it for him to place Ramadas in an uncomfortable position, order or not. His head inclines in a polite bow to the NV. ]
Then by all means. Please lead the way, Ramadas.
no subject
Ramadas makes a small whine sound as she approaches, and Xehanort neatly closes the newspaper, folding it carefully, one hand sweeping out in a gesture to the other chair.]
I was wondering when you'd join me, Eraqus.
no subject
No.
In some other universe, maybe. But not today.
Now he knows where and what to look for, Xehanort is indeed easy to spot. Politely tucking power back beneath his shields, Eraqus maintains an easy gait and poise as he approaches the other master, giving no hint to the wariness he feels on approach.
Join you? Now there's a loaded statement if there ever was one. He comes to a halt next to the offered chair, though he does not sit. Not immediately. ]
I've only been here a short time. I'm told you've been here longer, however.
[ He lets that linger a moment, before grey eyes regard the tea pot. ]
Only a few places here seem able to brew tea well, I've noticed.
no subject
[He doesn't comment on Eraqus' position. Instead, he moves to pour some tea - a fine white that it took him a bit of sampling to come across. He slides the cup over to the edge of the table. An offer.
The waitress comes back, looking at Eraqus a bit uncertainly, before setting down another cup and saucer and backing off wordlessly. This too, is filled, the older master taking a sip.]
This particular cafe has a good selection. I come here quite often.
no subject
So it would seem. To what purpose, I wonder?
[ It's not likely Xehanort would be so uncouth as to drug the very tea he's drinking, particularly after paying it such a compliment - that would be very wasteful. The younger master does not drink it straight away, however, content to settle hands on either side of the cup instead. ]
It seems less prevalent here than shops dedicated to coffee. Though I've heard a new establishment was just opened.
[ He spares a brief glance towards Ramadas, before it settles back on Xehanort. The older wielder certainly seems no different compared to when he last saw him. ]
no subject
[It's all too easy for him to fall into the familiar cadence, that core essence of himself that Eraqus had known and grown up with... including that intense curiosity.]
It's quite a shame. Coffee is ubiquitous. There are few who seem willing to properly enjoy such things, and even fewer who wish to cater to those who prefer to.
A new establishment? Which one?
[The NV hovers just off of Xehanort's shoulder for a moment, before perching on his chair back with a soft whine.]
no subject
It is all too easy to fall back into familiar roles, familiar patterns.]
From what I understand, those who arrived before us attribute such activities to a Core -- no, /The/ Core, if I remember correctly.
[ A curious emphasis, really. But they are certainly no stranger to strange artifacts of significance, are they, Xehanort? ]
Too true.
It is fairly new, opened only recently. It is called the 'Jasmine Dragon', and I believe the owner to be of a similar mind when it comes to taste. It does not open as early as this location [ Such a pity! ] but it has a far wider range of brews.
no subject
[His fingers lightly tap against the edge of the teacup, drawing warmth from the porcelain.]
A pity. There are not many quality establishments that cater to early-morning clientele. This was perhaps the best I could find to cater to my whims. Perhaps another day when I do not have as much on my plate I may sample their service.
no subject
'Curious' is certainly one word for it. It certainly has many unique properties, as well as problems of its own, in addition to this Pull phenomenon.
[ doot dooooo de doo doo ]
Perhaps the hours will adapted in due course, once the place has become more established. The fare offered is certainly worth making the time to enjoy, when permitted. [ He arches a brow slightly. ] Though might I ask what occupies your time otherwise?
[ Grey eyes note Ramadas' lingering presence behind his peer; he won't mention she mentioned 'classes' just yet. ]
no subject
It inspires one who seeks knowledge to learn. Perhaps even you might dip into the lore and attempt to understand the whys and hows...
[A dig, although presented as good-natured. He takes another sip of tea.]
Perhaps so. That would be pleasing, although I've finally gotten the waitstaff here properly trained. It still bears sampling, however.
[He sets the cup down on its saucer, turning the handle to his right, before looking back up at Eraqus. There's little reason to hide his motives... by now, his apprentices have most likely filled him in on whatever things may have been missing from his span of memories. Besides, who isn't? Even Riku was doing so, in his own fashion, within SERO.]
I'm a professor at Hillsdale College now, as well as doing a fair amount of investigation and research into the Darkness that permeates this place.
no subject
[Faintly lofty hint. You say that as though he had not been a diligient student, Xehanort. Sip sip. Savour. Ahhh, yes, very nice indeed.]
The staff there were certainly not intrusive. When you've had an opportunity to sample its wares, I'd be interested to hear what you think.
[A teacher, eh? Brows arch slightly.]
Hmm. They always did want you to share your knowledge with others. [Investigating the Darkness? The lack of surprise at that is obvious. He still frowns for a moment, before sampling more tea.] Darkness, and nothing like what we are used to. A sickness, rising from within the world itself. I have never seen its like before.
[He has a theory, of course, something that might surprise his former brother-in-arms.
Eraqus' expression remains surprisingly neutral, gaze unwavering as it peers across the top of his tea cup as he continues to enjoy the beverage. Oh, he has heard plenty, and will not doubt hear more before their time in the Port is done. Heard and believed, given his own past knowledge. He's certainly not going to volunteer further information on that just yet, especially when he has no idea how much Xehanort has heard in turn.]
no subject
[If nothing else, perhaps they'll sell some blends he can bring home with him on the occasion he wishes for a hot drink.]
Of course. Their disapproval at my lack of taking an apprentice was incessant. Of course, this form of teaching is much less intimate... though there are a few students who show promise.
[Promise for what is of course left unspoken.]
This world is a broken and twisted place, the likes of which we have never seen. The damage no doubt goes clear to its heart, corrupting the very interplay of forces within... [His words fade off. It's unclear if he's speaking seriously, or simply saying what he's sure Eraqus wants to hear. He's not going to be completely forthright with what information he does possess... not until he's more certain about this particular Eraqus and his stance.]
THIS IS SO LATE i am so sorry
[He's...surprisingly sincere about that, actually. Something that is as much a surprise to himself as it might be to Xehanort. Old habits truly are easy to fall back into.. Cup, now emptied, occupies his hands for a little while longer.]
All students show promise. Some simply take longer than others.
[He keeps his expression carefully neutral while listening, though eyes narrow slightly as the conversation moves on. Wary? Oh yes. And not just from what his children have told him - though certain details will be kept behind his teeth. Especially as the topic strays further onto this world, and subjects close to heart; an ironically appropriate term, really.]
I have seen it. [Faintly grim.] The transition between day and night is uniquely symptomatic of whatever greater illness lies within this very world. A manifestation of darkness I doubt even the writers of the Precepts could have imagined.
[Like you even need to guess what his stance on DARKNESS is, brother: his distate for the Port's variation is clear.
..Eraqus does not mention that he cannot sense the world's Heart. He's still uncertain of the implications that fact alone carries, or how Xehanort might turn that to an unpleasant advantage.]
It's all right I've been fail at tags lately anyway
[While he would not take opinions on matters of light and darkness, mundane topics are more than safe to accept Eraqus' feelings on. Unless he begins to expound on the metaphysical characteristics of the tea...]
The students that you or I are familiar with... are quite different from the school children that I have taken up with now. Of course, from what I understand, these children do wish to be here... however, some simply do not have as strong a work ethic as we would have expected from apprentices. There are a few that perhaps would have made that particular cut, of which I am grateful. I have no ill feeling to any of them... how could a teacher bear that feeling to those taken under his wing?
[Is he testing Eraqus' reaction? It's hard to tell.
He chuckles at Eraqus' obvious distaste. Some things never change... it's good to know you're still the same old absolute, brother.]
There are now two masters here. The scourge has grave opposition now... perhaps our combined powers may indeed make a difference. This is no longer the place for the precepts... what we were taught is not in evidence here. We must learn and conform... only then can we truly face what we are up against.
THIS TAGS SUCKS, I'M SORRY sob it took forever
[He's not about to wax philosophical about tea (there's a large menu and he's barely sampled any of it), even if it does happen to be the safest of conversations he can hope for with his Keyblade peer.
It is actually interesting to hear what the teacher's life is like on this particular oddball world, even if Eraqus is liberally dousing the words in more than their fair share of salt. If his brow twitches slightly once, certainly no more than twice, that's about as overt of a reaction the prodding is going to get.]
It sounds as though the people of this world, and perhaps several others, have very different expectations for what would be considered an acceptable education. On the other hand, it does not appear that apprenticeships and trades are common here, not as we knew them at least.
[Secret order of giant key wielders protecting the galaxy, hooooooooo.
Time and time and time again, with the smallest of exceptions, Eraqus has found his deeply entrenched beliefs regarding Darkness proven right. Dislike stemming from actual experience with the native darkness for this world doesn't hinder it at all. As such, there is the faintest snort to hear Xehanort pronounce the need to disregard the Precepts once again - he's not the only one who has not changed, it would seem.
He frowns, folding his arms across his chest.]
As ever, you are quick to want to discard things you consider a hindrance, never mind that such things have served well for generations.
[His eyes fall closed, a finger tapping along his upper arm. He is careful not to let his ire rise more than necessary; there's a slight tick along his jaw, but beyond that, it is difficult to say for sure what he's thinking.] Once again, you reason that our Master's teachings, those of our order, should be discarded. Yet, what if the very lack of Precepts is the reason this place has fallen foul of such odd corruption? We have no precedent, nor proof, that they should be disregarded so easily as you claim.
[His left eye opens, fixing for a moment on Xehanort. There is no overt hesitation, but his words carry no small measure of careful consideration on his part.]
..What could be learned might make all the difference, or none at all. I do not know that conforming to the unknown would serve any useful purpose. But it may well take two masters to reach the heart of the matter, and determine the best means of dealing with the scourge.
it's okay, I'm sorry I took so long to reply work has been kicking my ass
Apprenticeship exists in certain occupations, though it is not as strong a relationship. It is simply the title of one learning a trade... much like the concept of an apprentice cobbler though perhaps less formal. One is less a mentor than simply a teacher. It is more difficult to connect...
[Though he's sure you're more than pleased to hear that, Eraqus. It's too bad for you that he has his pick of prize students to further his own needs, though.]
The Precepts foster ignorance, Eraqus. You told me before that knowledge of the truth was barred... and why is that? Because the truth goes against the teachings that Light is absolute. But Light is not absolute... even you must surely understand this concept! In this place... to say it is a world held in check by the Precepts is little more than the fanciful thoughts of a feckless fool!
[He curbs his passion, slightly. They are in public after all.]
I do not discard the teachings of our Master. She is the one who gave me such insights to begin with. The Keyblade Order is fraught with propaganda, Eraqus. For all that the blade is supposed to maintain the balance, there is little done in regards to Darkness that is not related to its destruction. So now, this place... a blight, no doubt. As masters we should learn first of its state... not simply charge in blindly, destroying all things touched by Darkness as though that will heal anything. Slapping a bandage on does not prevent gangrene from spreading...
No, we must investigate properly... which is not holding fast to the ideals of light and darkness. We need to get our hands dirty if we are to discern the truth of the matter, what lies at the true heart of this world.
[His eyes narrow, fixing on Eraqus. An unspoken invitation, much like before... though he fully expects the offer to be thrown back in his face.]