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[There's worry in his gaze as he listens. So not that far back... He had hoped it would have been more similar to himself, so he just frowns and rubs his chin in thought before he pauses.]

What do you mean the tombstone drained you?

[He vaguely recalls the research on it, but he'd rather hear the specifics.]

I tried to take whatever was in it, since it seemed like a soul was in there. Basically, it backfired.

[ She hasn't quite figured it out, but it happened, and she isn't keen on doing it again. It felt as if she'd been breathing glass for some time after that, but she'd taken the responsibility to rest. ]

It wasn't my best idea, I know, I know. But I thought I could use the tombstone to function as something like the Altocrystarium.

[She tried to—

He looks like he could say a lot of things, but instead he just wipes his face. Though...

As he thinks over her words, he taps his fingers.]

This is the tombstone from that ghost ship, wasn't it? And you're saying because your attempt backfired... Your condition was triggered?

[ She nods. ] I think, maybe, that it's only because it exhausted me, it did. But... as you can see, I've recovered a bit since then.

[ Rem's hand falls her to lap again. ]

When you said your curse differs among those from your world here, what do you mean?

[He's still a little skeptical. Something feels off, but he can't really draw any conclusions yet.]

So far the only real difference is that I'm back to before my symptoms started to show. If I had to guess, at most from ten years ago, if not all the way from the beginning. Others are either as they were or also similar to where the curse no longer affects them, but we don't know by how much.

Is that what you're asking?

That is. [ She nods, pausing to think. Who among them has the least amount of time, she wonders. And will they find a way to accept it, if there is no way of saving them? ]

Looks like we've both been given a second chance. I hope to make it count.

Aye, it's the best you can do. However...

[He looks at her for a moment.]

While you are searching for their cure, don't forget that this is also a chance to live a life you couldn't before. No wars, no need to gather souls, no taking orders from someone else.

Remember what I said before—it's not a matter of "if" but "when." Everyone dies one way or another. You could even be taken by the rifts tomorrow. And as someone once reminded me, choosing how to die is all well and good, but you also need to choose how you want to live. That way when that time does come, you won't have as many regrets and can at least say you lived.

How I want to live... [ She repeats this quietly to herself, looking down.

In a world away from her own, the Archsorceress, and other duties, choosing to live on her terms is a tall task. She can try, though, even though she's uncertain as to what living might entail with the time she has left.

Then again, it hasn't been as if she's only been doing her duties. She's been reading more books lately.... and trying more sweets, going to cafes, and even working on magitech. These are all things she'd never be able to pursue because of the war in her homeworld. Here, she has the opportunity until she does die. And if she'll be forgotten-- ]

However I live, I want to show that I was here.

[There's a small smile at that. It is a tall order, he knows. One that he's seen countless have to go through when they realize they are free from the shackles that once confined them. Her situation is a bit different, but it's all the same in the end.

A change to be something new, or at the very least improve from what was once before.]

At least on that you've already made quite the impression. But I am sure you'll be able to do so with whatever you do.

Edited 2024-03-25 03:12 (UTC)

As much as an impression as you are making, I hope. [ She musters a small, appreciating smile in return. It's nice to have someone show confidence in her. ]

It's as if you have a legacy, you do. Even if your curse takes you back, you'll have left waves in this world.

[There's something somber that flickers in his expression as he thinks about what Clive and the others have told him—how they did carry that legacy and even his very name, the crazy bastards. He didn't want them to be burdened by his mission, which, by the sounds of it, didn't happen, but... His mission had been for others to live as they wish, not to try and be him, too. ]

Hmph, well... I'm not really trying to do anything that grand here. Bit ready to retire from the "world changing" business.

[But this isn't about him, it's about her, and eyes her for a moment.]

But back on you, I think you should talk to Benedikta and Jill more. I know you've met with them already, but they might have some other perspectives and advice that I can't give.

[ She hesitates before answering. Going to them for advice doesn't sound ideal if she has to explain herself all over again. But she also doesn't have to tell them everything. Crystals knows it wouldn't be fruitful to ask how to be strong from those who have innate god-tier gifts. However, both Benedikta and Jill have their lives in order-- in Rem's eyes-- so asking for advice on that would be beneficial. ]

They're both so confident. I could talk to them, yes. [ A meek smile, and she lowers her gaze to her hands in her lap. ]

[ A moment passes, and she looks up at Cid. ] Everyone from your world are like them, too. You're all amazing people.

[A light smile. How much she ends up telling them, he doesn't know. But whether it's about her curse or just her general situation, those girls will surely be able to give her something she could use, no matter what it is. And, hopefully, she may open up to them more.]

You flatter us. But we're really just like anyone else. We just also have a lot of experience under our belts.

[With harder lives that everyone had to grow up from.]

And you're always welcome to come aboard to hang out.

[ She smiles in response, sincerely touched by the offer. ] Thank you, Cid. ]

...I'm going to make it up to you. Somehow.

You don't need to do any of that. And like I said, I'll try and see what I can find and let you know.

[A pause.]

Only favor I do ask is not mention to anyone about my own death and circumstances around it.

I wouldn't dream of it. [ She replies earnestly, looking up at him. Another thought occurs to her, though, and after a pause to consider asking it at all, she speaks. ]

Does... anyone else know?

Only those of my world.

[And.

Then.

A very.

Heavy.

Awkward sigh before he runs a hand over his face.]

Except Benedikta.

Edited 2024-04-03 01:30 (UTC)

[ ....... ]

You're kidding.

[ Except she can tell by is tone that he's not. Perhaps this deserves a more sentimental response-- BUT UH, dude. ]

[HE KNOWS HENCE THE RUBBING OF HIS FACE.]

I know, and I plan to tell her. The problem is it's not something you can just say out of the blue.

[Another sigh.]

And let's just say she's already a bit "touchy" about my well-being. If I tell her now without proper planning, I'd fear Nogard would lose more than a rib or worse.

[ That look of disbelief remains for a few moments more, but by the time he finishes speaking, it settles back into a smile. ]

Well.. That just means she cares about you, doesn't it? [ There's a lift of her brow. ]

[There's something of a wry, but soft smile at that.]

Perhaps a bit too much.

[But not a bad thing.]

[ She watches his smile for a moment. ]

...Hey, um, Cid?

Hm?

[ She tilts her head forward. ] It's okay to have people who care for you... also be upset for you. Or over you.

[ And mourn him, as it were.

Rem, too had expressed her sympathies. She can't imagine not caring deeply about her friends, and that includes being sad for them at times. It's normal. ]

[...—Ah. There's a small widening of his eyes as he looks at her before it softens again into a quiet laugh.]

Aye, what you say is true. Suppose I'm the type who'd prefer not to let anyone worry too much over me.

[And he can already hear Benedikta's words scolding him about always taking things on his own, of keeping things to himself. So there's a brief moment where his thoughts drift before his eyes return to her.]

But the same to you. Don't try to do things all on your own. Believe me, people won't let you go once they find out.

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