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 Posted: Sat Sep 18, 2021 12:35 pm
There had not been much space to speak his mind at the large meeting, and posit all the questions Kerberos had for their new alien visitors. Besides, some of his questions might have made people tetchy, especially when emotions were running high. It wasn't that Kerberos was opposed to the plan to nuke Metallia as hard as magically possible, it was just that he had some concerns regarding the fate of those enslaved to her Chaos.
So he was here, at the dome, with a picnic basket in hand. Appropriate etiquette said to welcome visitors with food, and Kerberos figured that he could have more effective diplomatic negotiations if he had plenty of baked goods.
Also, he had very thoroughly eased his own anxiety and frustration by baking. So very much baking. Enough that while he had three very large sized Tupperware containers of scones in his basket, there were also more left at home for his boys to enjoy while he was out.
Next to him, his little wisp companion bobbed cheerily, and he glanced over at it, looking for any sings of odd reactions, but there was nothing yet.
He knocked on the dome, and waited, and hoped that both Caedus and his Commodore might arrive.
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Posted: Sat Sep 18, 2021 1:57 pm
Kerberos was alone for only a few seconds. A shadow appeared just behind the glassy barrier, and even that seemed fluid and fast moving. “Oh!” Caedus said, surprised by the wisp. He stepped through the barrier, and his startled noise seemed to draw Lyndin’s attention. “You have one too!” Caedus said, seeming interested but not alarmed by the little wisp bobbing around Kerberos. He moved aside so Lyndin could comfortably join him. The Commodore looked a bit more wary of this strange thing; he raised a brow, looked at Caedus, and then looked at their guest. His idea of ‘relaxing’ seemed to be crossing his arms over his chest and observing. “Hello,” Caedus greeted, now that he wasn’t completely distracted. “I am sorry. I think your lights are very fun.” “Is that an Earth thing? It looks Celestial” Lyndin mused, but he smiled at Kerberos and seemed friendly enough. “Sorry, that’s not very good manners. Welcome, it’s nice to meet you.”
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Posted: Sat Sep 18, 2021 4:24 pm
Kerberos perked up as soon as Caedus stepped out. Lyndin was new and unknown, but Caedus, at least, had demonstrated that he was a proper friend to Order; although Kerberos had not interacted at all with the man in the lead-up to the invasion of Negaspace, he was still aware of the events, and aware of the ways he'd offered to help.
And so Kerberos desperately wanted to trust. Besides, it was hard not to trust someone who was so delighted with his little wisp companion. Was that a stupid metric? Sure. Did Kerberos care? Well, yes, but not right in the moment. He'd have time to evaluate their trustworthiness.
"Ah, yes," Kerberos said, brightly, "this little one has been following me around for a few months now. And since I'll be asking you all some questions, I'm happy to answer yours, but--" He gave a brief bow. "Proper introductions first, yes. I'm Sailor Kerberos," he said, "and I brought gifts." He held up the picnic basket, and then offered it to Caedus. "It's sort of an Earth custom of hospitality to offer food to visitors, and I bake, so I thought I'd bring you all some treats. I wasn't sure how many there were, so I baked...a lot. But they're called scones, and I've made a few flavors so you can try some different Earth foods." In the basket were cinnamon chip, raspberry, and colocate cherry scones; Kerberos figured that was a good spread.
"As for the wisp, they're not of Earth, no; they were brought to us by another extraterrestrial visitor. A merchant who goes by the name of Almadel." There, opening things with a little information exchange. "I don't think he intended for them to get loose, certainly not the way they did, but they've stuck with some of us, and they seem perfectly friendly."
He considered his approach, briefly. How best to do this? Briefly, he scuffed a foot against the asphodel flowers growing at his feet; ever since that day with Monoceros, he'd left flowers trailing wherever he walked.
"My purpose here is twofold; first, I wanted to extend an offer: I'm not sure if any of you would be interested in seeing our Senshi homeworlds, but I visit mine frequently, and while it isn't a living civilization as you have, I'm quite proud of the life that's returned to it, and would love to share it with all of you." Which was true; Kerberos loved his moon, and of late, the glowing asphodel flowers he'd only ever seen in memory seemed to be growing to fill every green space they could find, which brought him hope. "Second, I wanted to speak about your plan. It's not that I'm opposed--destroying Metallia seems, to me, the swiftest way to end the threat posed by the Negaverse, and if you've really brought us a way to do that, I'm thrilled to help. It's just...I have some concerns, regarding what will happen after, and I know not all of it is in your control, but I'd still like to discuss, particularly since I expect we'll all be working together going forward."
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Posted: Sun Sep 19, 2021 6:37 am
“I know this Earth custom well,” Caedus smiled; he accepted the basket and bowed his head politely. “Thank you. I was very spoiled my last time here, I did not need to share with anyone. But I am eager to let the others experience Earth as I have been able to.” Whereas Caedus was initially more interested in gratitude, Lyndin was more focused on staying productive. “It is good to meet you, Sailor Kerberos. Thank you. I’m surprised to hear you’ve had more visitors, but. That doesn’t quite bode well. If others know where to find you, you might already be in danger. To travel to your world, that is safe? I would like to go.” Caedus nodded his approval and interest, and Lyndin continued, “I would like to see how life has returned and hear how you did it. My primary focus is the restoration of worlds. Specifically our own, but I am not opposed to reviving the universe if we have the means to do so. Do you want to speak of your concerns for the plan now, or later? I am prepared for either. I am interested to know what ‘after’ you are worried for. If there are problems we have not yet considered, perhaps we can find solutions before anything can go wrong.”
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Posted: Mon Sep 20, 2021 6:40 pm
“Well, then I’m glad to continue the proud tradition of spoiling our guests with food,” Kerberos laughed, and his little wisp friend followed the basket, whirling around Caedus’s arm before coming to a stop in front of his face. It seemed inquisitive and unfearful, hesitating so little in its showing of interest.
“My world is perfectly safe. No one has ever bene able to go there except for those I bring with me; I would be happy to continue this conversation there, as long as that wouldn’t be uncomfortable for you, or I can take us there at a later date.” He would just have to wait to return until he could bring these two, to ensure the timing was right. “My concerns, though…I should start by saying that I used to be a member of the Negaverse.” He exhaled, unhappily. “Which is why I come from the perspective of….yes, purifying all of Metallia’s thralls, freeing them from her toxic hold? That’s good, and I want that, very desperately. But I suppose my biggest worry is that there are people in her service…”
His expression darkened, as he considered it.
“There are people in her service who, I think, would choose to do evil whether there was Chaos in their hearts or not, and I fear what releasing them from even the bare minimum leashing the Negaverse provides will do. As I’m sure you’ve noticed, Order doesn’t exactly have leaders it bows to. There are people we might respect, or individuals whose voices carry weight with certain groups, but not everyone is going to agree, and certainly no one has anyone directly watching over them.” He waved a hand. “I realize this might sound abstract or alarmist, and I know no one can think of every eventuality--and I certainly wouldn't put all the responsibility for looking out for that on your collective shoulders. But as much as there are people in the Negaverse I would very much like to save, there are others that I fear might become greater monsters with the freedom and lack of supervision that Order’s…disorganization provides. And I’d like to be certain that we’re as prepared for that as we can be.”
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Posted: Tue Sep 21, 2021 6:23 pm
Caedus was temporarily enamored with the little wisp; he carefully avoided it, like he wasn’t sure what touching it would do, but he seemed curious about it. Anything so close to his face made him a bit anxious; the crystals on his forehead reflected the light of the wisp in such a way that he seemed to be more aware of them. Self-conscious, he reached up to rub his forehead as if this time he’d wipe the crystals away. “I’ve noticed the disarray,” Lyndin answered. “I’d hoped the meeting had just been bad timing, but it seems as if this is a persistent issue. Of which, I mean no offense. There is chaos in disorganization. It breeds distrust and hostilities. I am worried for your forces. We can take our conversation there if you like. I am interested to see the state of all worlds. As a guest,” he added, because it did not seem as if he intended to impose if he could help it. “I can go put this down if you want to leave,” Caedus offered, nodding to the basket. Lyndin was already absentmindedly nodding, contemplating many things. Caedus offered a soft word of thanks to Kerberos again and moved to the barrier; he poked his head and arm inside and the basket disappeared onto what was probably a table close to the edge inside. He did not move in such a way that brought him too close to the wisp, but he smiled at Kerberos--and it--when the basket was safe inside. “There are people in her service who would do evil without her influence? Who might do worse if they were unchecked?” He exhaled. “That is dangerous. Are there those in your forces who are monsters without her ties?” Lyndin asked; this whole thing was so different from Velencya, and it appeared as though he was doing his best to consider everything he could.
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Posted: Thu Sep 23, 2021 10:04 pm
Kerberos nodded, giving a slightly guilty smile. It was true--Order was a mess, and to a group as organized as the Velencyans seemed to be, it must have looked even moreso. His eyes flicked to Caedus's face, but only briefly, to make sure the wisp wasn't causing too much trouble; Kerberos was loathe to stare; it was simply rude. He did, however, beckon slightly to the wisp, and it floated back to him, hovering over his shoulder.
He nodded to acknowledge Caedus's offer to put the basket away, watching Lyndin's face as he contemplated the news Kerberos had delivered.
"I don't know that there's a good time to see us. In groups, Order becomes its worst." He shook his head, and sighed quietly. "I'm sorry that was your first greater impression of us, though. I hope these little one on one meetings will be better for that." Because he surely couldn't be the only one doing this.
Lyndin's question made him wince, though.
"....It seems particularly shameful for me to say so, but yes. A few years ago, several of our own kidnapped agents of the Negaverse and held them prisoner. Subjected them to torture. I wasn't involved--I learned about it after the agents had already been rescued--but as I understand, it was done in perceived retaliation for a kidnapping the Negaverse had done earlier that year. And..." He looked a little guilty, even bringing it up. "....Prince Castor and his brother once murdered a number of Lieutenants and drew officers in to show off the bodies, as a declaration of war. My hope is that he's changed since then, but..." He sighed. "Order grants free will. And when people have free will, they sometimes choose to use it in the worst ways."
But he extended one hand and produced his Senshi phone in the other, and gave a smile to both of them.
"Come with me. If we're going to talk about all the dark and terrible things people do once you let them make their own choices, I'd at least like to do it while I show you my planet's glowing asphodel fields. I’m not sure how much you know of our brand of space travel? But you’ll have to be touching me for me to carry you with me."
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Posted: Fri Sep 24, 2021 3:47 pm
The basket had been deposited, and Caedus and Lyndin both stood before Kerberos. Caedus, with worry and excitement. Lyndin, with reserved curiosity. He had been given a lot to think about in Kerberos’ assessment of Order, and it seemed like he didn’t take any information lightly. “I am learning much in these smaller meetings,” Lyndin assured; he seemed respectful of personal space but approached Kerberos, hooking their arms together to make sure he still had use of his hands. Caedus was a bit more squeamish at the idea of holding onto someone, but he drew in a breath and seemed to overcome whatever reservations he’d had at the idea. He mimicked Lyndin, attaching himself to Kerberos’ other arm. “Please tell me if this is all right,” Caedus insisted. He sounded excited, and glanced to the Senshi phone curiously. Lyndin’s attention was on the device as well; he seemed impressed by it. “Thank you for this opportunity.”
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Posted: Tue Sep 28, 2021 1:58 am
Kerberos took a breath. This, now, was the fun part; even with all they'd spoken of, there was a warm smile on his face as he held up his phone.
"These," he explained, for the benefit of his guests, "is a Senshi communication device that the Mauvians devised for us. It lets us contact each other, and also lets us visit our planets." He tapped the app that would take him to space, and let it carry him and his guests off.
When they arrived, they were on an outdoor balcony overlooking what had once been a vast, manicured garden. Once upon a time, Kerberos knew, it had been a place of contemplation for visitors, designed to allow for long walks and hushed talks. Paths wound through it, and benches were spaced throughout, and on the balcony, there was a table and chairs that Kerberos had cleaned and ensured the sturdiness of on a previous visit. The fgarden's plants grew wild, now, but they were clearly alive and flourishing--and most prominent among them were glowing asphodel flowers that matched the ones that decorated Kerberos's hip-wings.
He let go of Caedfus and Lyndin, but only so he could move to stand in front of them and bow.
"Welcome, my friends, to Kerberos. It's not as lively as it was a thousand years ago, but as you can see...it's very much alive."
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Posted: Wed Sep 29, 2021 6:28 pm
Lyndin watched with quiet interest; Caedus was far more enthusiastic about the communication device. Traveling was the same; Lyndin’s curiosity was reserved, but Caedus seemed a bit less capable of repressing his enthusiasm. “Oh,” he said, and sucked in a very excited breath. “It is lovely here, Kerberos. It is very much alive. It is beautiful. Can you grow food here?” he asked, “Do you have weather? And seasons?” Lyndin, despite his curiosity, was not so demanding with his questions--though he as well seemed interested in the answers. His arms crossed over his chest as he observed, with obvious reverence for the area. He added to Caedus questions, “How did you manage to revive it so much? What was it like before?”
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Posted: Fri Oct 01, 2021 7:09 pm
"I haven't tried growing anything from Earth," Kerberos admitted, moving to the edge of the balcony to look down on the gardens below, "and I confess that I don't remember enough to know which native plants would be safe to eat--if they would even still be safe, since I'm also not sure how much Kerberan physiology differed from human." He gave a sheepish smile. "There's weather, sometimes--it rains, and the winds vary--but I get the impression that the seasons were quite mild even in the past; not an endless summer per se? But very little difference through the year."
Lyndin got a nod, and Kerberos looked back down. "It wasn't like this before. I've come here frequently over the years, since I left the Negaverse, and I spent a lot of time cleaning, both inside and outside. When I first came here, everything was very dead, and there was dirt and debris everywhere. I did a lot of cleaning on my own, and that seemed to start things, but it wasn't until after I Transcended," he gestured to the glowing marks on his body, "and created a closer bond with my planet that things really started to grow. This garden is recent--I started noticing it coming back to life earlier this year."
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Posted: Mon Oct 04, 2021 6:57 am
Caedus nodded along with everything and moved to the side of the balcony to look down, too. He was obviously admiring everything, and his eyes were alight with joy at how much he’d been able to accomplish and how alive things were. “Earlier this year,” Lyndin repeated thoughtfully; he glanced at Caedus, who seemed too enamored by the sheer growth of things to notice the look, but Lyndin nodded and returned his attention to Kerberos. “That’s impressive. You’ve done a good job with this place. How did you find the power to Transcend?” He was looking at the the glowing marks on Kerberos as if he’d never really seen something like that before, but it was so hard to read him when he was curious about something. He seemed like he was always thinking, always trying to plan--and if Kerberos could bring his world back from life, he needed to learn what he could so he could do the same for Velenia.
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Posted: Mon Oct 04, 2021 6:14 pm
Kerberos nodded. There was no sheepishness; he knew he’d done the work. There was also no smugness, though—while he was proud of what he’d done, it was an understated, fond sort of pride. “Thank you. It’s important to me, so I’m willing to put in the work. After all, I’m the last one left to take care of this place.” There was Asphodel, the Knight, but Kerberos had no clue if there was any relation between his planet and Asphodel’s Wonder. It could be a coincidence; there was so much room in the universe, after all.
“As for Transcendence…I don’t know how much if it was…per se finding the power?” Kerberos admitted. “As much as it was…oh, this is going to sound so strange, but an exercise of trust between myself and my world.” He exhaled. “I came here frequently; it was a place of safety and solace. Somewhere no one else could touch, that was mine. And I fell in love with it, even before it was all back together again.” He extended an arm so that Lyndin might get a better view at the pale, delicate patterns on it. “It happened…as a surprise, of sorts,” he said.
“When we Senshi and our Knight counterparts visit the places we’re named for—our planets, our Wonders—we often have memories that come from our previous incarnations. So I’ve had quite a few memories that came from the previous Sailor Kerberos, and…it was one of those, that led me into Transcendence, finally. I followed his steps through an ancient ritual dance of exorcism, and when I was finished, I glowed.”
He paused. Considered, for a moment, revealing more.
"How much do you know about Transcendence? I don't want to presume no one's told you anything, but I'd be happy to fill in any holes to the best of my ability."
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Posted: Tue Oct 05, 2021 3:28 pm
“I know some,” Caedus suggested, a bit enthusiastically. Lyndin did not seem completely unaware; he nodded a bit. “I have heard of them. Caedus mentioned there were some here, but I do not remember meeting any prior to Earth. Information is significantly limited though,” he confessed. “There have not been many to share what they have learned, not for quite a while. We don’t have anything exactly like that among us.” Lyndin’s attention was split between Kerberos’ markings and how alive the world appeared to be, but Caedus looked like he was ready to throw himself over the balcony to examine the plants. He had an obvious smile on his face, genuinely appearing proud of Kerberos for reviving his world so greatly. “It gives you power, it ties you to your world? A Senshi who Transcends both takes power from their world and returns it, is that it?” Lyndin asked, doing his best to follow along.
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Posted: Sat Oct 09, 2021 10:39 pm
Caedus's eagerness was deeply apparent, and Kerberos couldn't help but smile. "Let's go down to the garden itself," he said, and he beckoned for Caedus and Lyndin to follow him into the temple.
As he led them down the stairs, he continued speaking.
"I'm not surprised that you don't exactly have a lot of people to ask," he said, "since there aren't even that many of us on Earth, and it's a hotspot for Senshi and Knights. Hundreds of us, and maybe...two dozen or so Transcendeds, if I had to guess? But to say that we both take power from and return it to our worlds is pretty accurate, yes. Transcendeds have an excess of energy--some of us can channel it into others, while others channel it into our attacks. It gets bled off, somewhat, when we visit our worlds, and if we don't..." He exhaled between his teeth. "I haven't had it happen to me, I like coming here regularly, but I've heard it's not pleasant." Just rumors, though, and chatter. He wished he had more concrete understandings, but it wasn't something Keberos wanted to experiment with.
"Otherwise, it protects your starseed from removal or corruption, so Chaos can never take hold on someone who's Transcendent. And it seems to come from a bond with the planet itself-from hard work and time spent dedicated to its improvement. By demonstrating that we care about our worlds, our worlds repay the favor." He supposed that was a good enough short explanation, at least to start, and they'd reached the bottom of the stairs, so he pushed open the doors that led out to the garden.
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