Welcome to Gaia! ::

Caedus nodded. "I had hoped that would be your answer," he said, and immediately set about fishing around in his robes. It took him a moment to withdraw what he was seeking, and when he did he held a faded, leathery looking bag with a faded drawstring. With tired fingers, he loosened the cord and slid his hand inside. With some difficulty, he finally withdrew something and held it out to her in the palm of his hand.

"…I have enjoyed this conversation. I do not have much to provide in the way of thanks, be it words or actions, but I do find myself with a surplus of crystals. I have carried these for a long time. But speaking to you…I could think of only this one."

In his hand he held a tiny crystal; it very closely resembled a six-petaled flower. The center was tinged a strange, silvery color and it looked almost chrome, but it bled into a beautiful, vibrant blue. The crystal was beautiful enough that it seemed to be cut, but the somewhat irregular, imperfect edges implied it had a more natural formation.

"This one has no aroma…only a crystal, I am afraid. But I find its beauty relaxing."

Caedus nodded; he seemed more relaxed. "Yes, I am sure. I feel it would be best kept in your hands. Being on Earth…While better than the Rift, it is not comfortable to me. But you have made my time here more worthwhile, and I appreciate that."

"It would be no trouble," he insisted, and almost seemed pleased with the idea. He may have been full of mysteries, but it did not seem he had entirely mastered the ability to conceal emotions--or, perhaps it had been so long since he had felt anything that he did not bother to even try.

"I would welcome you readily. But do not inconvenience yourself. If you are out every night, you must be wearing yourself thin. Remember to take care of yourself as well. I would be unhappy if I heard anything had befallen you."

Caedus debated her question for a moment and then answered. "There are some things in the world that you cannot prevent. You are already doing more than most by trying to help as you are, but you cannot blame yourself if someone gets hurt and you could have prevented it. An infinite number of things are possible, so it would not be fair to say the blame lays on you. In your stead, anything could happen. Another senshi could help. An accident could happen. Not all things are controllable. Even if you try your hardest, I am certain someone will still get hurt under your watch. But you must not lament over such things," he said, almost sternly. "Guilt will tear you apart. You must not focus on who or what was lost. You must focus on trying your hardest. You will do not good to anyone if you are not doing good for yourself first. Always remember that, please."

"Yes," Caedus replied, almost fondly. If she could have seen his face, he might have been smiling. "But now, for as much as I enjoy your company, I must urge you to go home. If you work so much, take this time now to rest. I will be here tomorrow, and the day after. You may come whenever you like, and I will look forward to it."

Caedus nodded. "I would like that, very much. I am eager for your company. And to see what electronics you have. The idea that Earth has advanced so far…it tickles me." He seemed genuinely impressed—genuinely excited, even with his raspy, worn voice.

Caedus nodded and slumped a bit as he relaxed a little more. This conversation had been refreshing, and he seemed to have truly enjoyed it. "I look forward to it," he said softly. "You have a good night. Be safe."