|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Sat Sep 19, 2020 4:38 pm
Sterling’s brows furrowed in confusion. “…But wait. That’s…you said that you thought we were partners? We can’t be friends in real life? Is that what you’re trying to say, Cat?” He didn’t understand but felt a strange sense of loneliness, and some betrayal. Obviously himself and this other…Cosmos Knight? Was that what the cat had just called them? Whatever. Obviously they were going through the same delusion, it was natural that they would want to reach out and try to work through whatever was going on together.
“I don’t see how…that’s fair. I…” His eyes flickered to the paintbrush that was still in a white knuckled grip in his hand, and he noticed that the colors seemed to match those on his robes. “…I…”
He fell quiet, frowning deeply and tried to focus on something. On a name? A name that would just…just come to him?
It sounded so fake but…
“…Qingcheng. It…I think that’s my name…but…” He looked at the other page, a desperate look on his face, and shot a look of what was almost something close to disgust at the cat. “…My real name is Sterling.” Danger didn’t matter. He didn’t want to be alone in this.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Sep 19, 2020 4:51 pm
Soleiyu let out a slightly disgruntled noise. "I'm not saying you can't be friends. I'm saying you can't tell everyone your real name. Only those you trust." He moved over, sitting nearer to them; it seemed like he couldn't help but try and give them a look over to make sure they're okay. "But, good job, Qingcheng." He looked to Priam expectantly, but Priam seemed lost.
It took him a moment to mumble, "Nalanda, I think. It's the only word I could think of, so I--I don't know. I hope that sounds right."
"It does," Soleiyu said, and managed, "And I am Soleiyu." His glasses had dust on them, so he wriggled them off and tried to clean them on his tail. "I'm sorry for yelling. You two did a fine job."
Priam--Nalanda--wasn't quite sure of this, but he supposed they did just defeat two monsters. Quieter, like he was ashamed to admit it, he said, "My name is Priam. It's nice to meet you, Sterling. Or Qingcheng."
Soleiyu nodded, seeming less interested in them sharing names now that he had assured that there was no one in the area, and that they were in one piece. "No one will force you to fight monsters, or do any of this. It's a choice you make, with the power you've been given. But there is an evil in Destiny City, and maybe further, that may find you. But you two look spent, and overwhelmed. If you want to return to your other selves--Sterling, and Priam--you need only keep a clear mind and think about yourself. Your true self. Imagine what you were wearing, sometimes that helps. And then, whenever you want to power up again, you'll need to do the same. It's--a lot to take in," he confessed. "...But it is better you know sooner rather than later."
Nalanda swallowed and was, perhaps, a bit eager to test the theory that he could return to who he was; within a few seconds his form shimmered and he was back to himself. He breathed a sigh of relief and nodded, still resting close to the other Cosmos Knight. "I fear I might need a meal, and a warm drink, if I'm to process any of this."
"If you have somewhere safe to go, I can tell you. Both of you, together, or I can meet up with you later if that works better. I don't want you to face this alone, and without answers."
Priam was quiet for a moment and glanced to Qingcheng. "I would like to learn tonight. My place is not far away. I need to order dinner, but if it works for the two of you, I'm more than welcome to open my home if it means getting answers."
...They might all be strangers, but he already felt a camaraderie with the man next to him, and there was something a bit reassuring about having someone who knew as little as he did there with him--even if only to share in this strange dream he was suddenly living.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Sep 19, 2020 5:04 pm
Qingcheng nodded slowly and after a moment, Sterling once more sat in his place. “…No, I would like answers too, please. I don’t mind…I would like dinner. I…If it’s not too far. I’ll text my roommate and let him know I’ll be…ah. Studying with a friend…”
It wouldn’t be a lie. He felt as though this would be something that he would need to work on, and work at. His mind felt full of static and he wasn’t sure what to do. This was surreal and…he was uncomfortable, to say the least.
“…Thank you for your help, Soleiyu…I have the feeling…we may not have…come through this if it wasn’t for you…” Which was a scary thought indeed. If he had ever thought he would need the help of a talking cat…well.
He would have to do some research on just what was going on…provided he could…prove that it wasn’t real. Right now…Sterling almost wasn’t sure. And that made it all seem even worse, if he allowed himself to think about it.
“Thank you, too, Priam…Ah…I’m ready to go when you are…I think I’d like to wash my face off at your place, if you wouldn’t mind too much…” He got slowly to his feet and walked back to where their bags lay forgotten on the ground and quickly put the rest of Priam’s things into his, before picking up his own that held the blow torch. “Ah, here. Again…I’m sorry for running into you earlier…”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Sep 19, 2020 7:06 pm
Priam reached his side just as he had finished and said quickly, "No, no--I'm sorry for running into you. Thank you for this," he said, putting his bag back over his shoulder and tiredly peering around the corner to make sure there were no more youma.
When he determined that the coast was clear, he let out a soft sigh and reluctantly lead the way.
"You don't have to thank me," Soleiyu said, walking by their side. "I don't want any harm to befall either of you. Thank you for helping."
Priam nodded, not quite sure how they could have chosen not to--even if they hadn't been worried about helping others, surely they would have wanted to at least save themselves. "When we get to my house, you can use whatever you need to freshen up," he assured Sterling. "...I'll order pizza or something, and we can try to figure this all out..."
...If such a thing were even possible.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
