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Posted: Wed Mar 05, 2025 6:25 pm
With the meeting over, he hurriedly sent a mass message to his team with orders before teleporting back home where Desiree was waiting for him. He’d been concerned after hearing things from Liam just before his meeting and now it was time to look into things. The meeting did ease him, having given him some leeway in the way he investigated things. The only issue now was following up on things, while he had laid low to avoid notice by order, that meant his connections were limited outside of the few he’d recently met. Powering down in the living room, he hurried to the office he had down the hall on the first floor. Sitting at his desk, he started writing little notes, thinking through his options and how best to approach things. He’d review the database later to look for clues of who might be approachable without knowing he was a general. Eskrom would be first, after this visit to mirrorspace. Maybe he could have Liam reach out to their prince, even if it had been a long while since they’d last spoke. Over a decade, if he remembered correctly, back before everything had hit the fan. “Liam?” Poking out of his office, he went to look for his fiance. While he did feel better about things and about Metallia’s protection of him while on Earth, he was still tired and worried over his fiance’s safety in those plain white hallways.
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Posted: Wed Mar 05, 2025 7:24 pm
Liam had upon arriving home went to get something to drink and eat, needing to calm his own nerves, mirrorspace had never been like that. To see into space from a mirror, to see wraiths draining a mirror, it was a lot to take in. He knew mirrorspace was hostile from time to time, and wraiths didn’t always do as you told them to, but to see them draining energy out of a mirror. He was certain it wasn’t normal, or they’d all know about it by now, so something had changed and made the place a little less safe feeling.
He was sitting with a cup of tea, he really was almost as bad as Aloysius was when it came to drinking tea, when he heard his name being called. “In the kitchen!” He’d hoped the video had helped the other, it was the best he could offer at the moment, he was planning to help Aloysius write a report on it and offer u p a trip to mirrorspace so he could see things personally. He knew his fiance would want to see the place, investigate properly, and he was all for it. But he needed some food in him first, he hadn’t had much for breakfast, and his nerves needed time to calm down from things. His mind had been racing over what he’d seen, and he’d worried about trying to order the wraiths to cease their behavior. He’d worried about getting in their way as well…so he’d just watched. Would all these odd mirrors be gone? Or would new ones turn up to replace them?
So much seemed to be going on. “I have tea.” He called out as an afterthought.
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Posted: Wed Mar 05, 2025 7:26 pm
Stepping out and walking back down the hall to the kitchen, he was glad to see his fiance, at least until he noticed them tense in a way he hadn’t exactly been used to seeing. It wasn’t a surprise given he’d seen part of what they’d shown him on the call earlier.
Coming around the table he leaned in close and wrapped his arms around them. “Darling, are you alright?” Nosing their cheek slightly as he looked down at their hands curled around their mug. It was almost a death grip and he could feel the tension and nerves as he held them. It was the opposite of how last night had been, his own reassurances coming from both Liam and Metallia to help him get his nerves back under control.
“I can cook something for you, if you think you can manage eating.” Pulling the chair over without moving too far, he sat down and held their hands in his. “Tell me what else happened, before and after the call, okay? You know how safe it is here and we can wait to go look until you feel okay enough to do so.” Speaking softly, he was alright with taking some time to sit and rest. Even if his nerves were better, he was still exhausted from the night before.
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Posted: Wed Mar 05, 2025 7:32 pm
“I’m fine, nervous though. Mirrorspace can be temperamental on its own. I wonder if this, whatever it is, might set it off in some way. And the wraiths…I’ve never seen them do what they did this morning, I don’t think it’s normally even possible.” Were it possible they’d see it from time to time, or often even, but never. This was all new. “I don’t know if they’d have been hostile to myself, or Hedwig, had we approached them and gotten in their way or tried to stop them.” He didn’t like that level of unpredictability, it meant mirrorspace wasn’t safe.
Turning his face to press his lips to the others, a gentle little kiss, before he was nosing his cheek in return. “I’ll be fine, I just hope that mirrorspace doesn’t decide to get upset with us over this.” Whatever it was, because no one knew just yet.
“Food I can handle, I think I need it to be honest.” Because doing something so mundane and norma would help settle him, the routine of it. “You saw everything, I filmed everything we saw, right after that we left. I didn’t want to risk mirrorscape, or hanging around, while I had a fairly new senshi with me. If something happened I’d rather have someone with more strength to them.” He didn’t think anything would happen…but again he had wondered if the wraiths would become hostile if bothered.
“I’d rather look into things with you there.” Because a general at his side would be good…at least he hoped, you never knew with mirrorspace. Smiling as he leaned into the other, letting them hold his hands as he let his cup go for now.
“Let’s cook together and then we can leave for mirrorspace together.”
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Posted: Wed Mar 05, 2025 7:34 pm
“Just need to be careful darling.” The wraiths couldn’t really harm people aside from draining but it still caused trouble if someone were to pass out. He didn’t think they would drain a person dry but… then again if agents could do that maybe then could the wraiths if someone were inclined to order them to do so.
“Do you think it should be reported to the others? Or to the prince? I am curious what he might know, if anything, about this.” Reaching up, he thumbed over their cheek again softly. “Even if I cannot quite travel around mirrorspace the same as you do, I can at least keep an eye out for things and I have more experience than your newest senshi has.” Digging in slightly that he was better, even if he didn’t need to compete for their attention.
“Since you made me something light before the meeting, what would you like for lunch? Or brunch perhaps…” Chuckling lightly as he got up, he pulled them with him. Keeping close would hopefully help them just as much as it helped him when he was nervous. Rubbing a hand up and down their back for a moment as he looked over things in the kitchen. Having a cup of tea for himself was pretty tempting but he could wait until they were done cooking.
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Posted: Wed Mar 05, 2025 7:34 pm
“I don’t know if we’ll know anything really. It seems this is something outside of us…affecting us. Which is why I wonder if mirrorspace, whatever fuels it all…the chaos seed even, will take it as a threat and lash out.” It was hard to tell, if not impossible, what might happen and how things might be taken by his courts realm. “I can reach out to Remarque…we can try and meet with him and fill him in on things.” Because it was best if he knew, if he didn’t already, perhaps filling him in on things that Aloysius knew…it might give answers to Remarque…or at least a reason behind the oddness he might also be observing.
Laughing he turned his head and nipped his partners thumb. “Mmm, I know you have more experience. It’s why I want to bring you this time, I want to check out the mirrorscape but I didn’t think it wise to bring him.” Because after mirrorspace he didn’t trust taking someone new to the deeper parts, not around the chaos seed and the floating islands which made up the mirrorscape.
“Mmm, brunch would be good. Something light, I don’t want anything heavy, I’ll make you tea while you cook.” That way they could work together, close together, and it would soothe both of them. “I’ll reach out to my own court today and let them know…and we can try for a meeting with Remarque…or maybe a civilian meeting even.”
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Posted: Wed Mar 05, 2025 7:39 pm
“I think you should and I can let him know of some of the information I have as well.” Most definitely not about the spike but he could share about the odd energy spikes and reactions he’d noticed alongside how magical items seemed to react wildly during things.
Reaching up into the cabinets, he pulled down a few ingredients as he set the oven to preheat. Something small, maybe savory tarts would be nice, something he could let cook while working on other small things. If they were going to check out Liam’s realm he wanted to have some small snacks to bring along as he usually did on their weekly visit. If anything he was hoping it would still be peaceful once they got there, even if some oddities were in the plane halls where more of the mirrors were.
Bumping his hip lightly into them as he went to grab eggs and butter from the fridge, he set them on the counter before brushing his bangs back and making sure his long hair was out of the way. He did freeze mid action at the mention of it being a civilian meeting, having him look over at them for a moment as his lips set in a small frown.
“I would rather not…” Sighing slightly, he leaned against the counter before speaking again. “I know he is your prince and I have met him in the past, but I want to keep things separated. I trust you but… the less risk the better.” He didn’t outright say he didn’t trust Remarque but there were more than enough reasons to keep things secret. He didn’t know if they were the type to show up randomly at his home or what their opinion was of things as they were with him being a general. It wasn’t as likely but still he preferred to keep whatever cards off the table that he could.
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Posted: Wed Mar 05, 2025 7:39 pm
“Alright, I’ll reach out.” Because of course he would, it made sense, it would be a good idea so word could spread amongst his court. A warning for them to keep an eye out for things and to be aware that things might go bad, for one reason or another. “That would be good, he might have ideas or even be able to help somehow. Remarque has been around a while after all.” And that came with something, right? He also, Liam was sure, spent enough time beyond the mirror wandering and learning…exploring. Though what he might find he wasn’t sure, outside of mirrorscape it all seemed the same to him.
Laughing he reached out, a quick movement from him, and pinched at the other's hip in return for the little hip bump. “Fair enough, I’ll see about a powered meeting of us three.” It shouldn’t be too hard to arrange, at least he didn’t think so, moving to get the tea he figured best suited his partner right now the blond set about washing out the tea kettle that had been in the sink. Once it was clean, and filled with water, he set a low flame under it so the water could work towards boiling.
“Is there anything else we should be pursuing, or rather anyone else?” He questioned, leaning against the counter as he looked over towards his other half, his back pressed to the counter top.
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Posted: Thu Mar 06, 2025 9:50 am
"Okay, and I know he has. I met him back when I was actually a captain. Though I do wonder what he would think if I still was one? I leave it up to you on whether or not I keep things smothered. I do doubt he would let order know about that and really I have no reason to hide that information from anyone outside that group." Thinking on it, he cracked eggs and got things settled to slide into the oven, checking the recipe on his phone a few times just in case.
Making a slight noise, at the pinch, he poked them in the side as they leaned against the counter. "Yes, but given how I laid low for so long, I need to tread carefully to get information." It was both a blessing and a curse when it came down to it, having kept out of harms way after everything had gone sideways but leaving him with few connections until Liam had pulled him back from the edge.
"I need to speak with order, under that guise of a captain, and I have a persona if it were to keep additional violence from being pointed at me. A hesitancy to be in the negaverse, a potential onlooker who seeks a wonder. One with a child so they cannot just jump into things without repercussions." Fidgeting with his hands as he worked on cleaning up a bit while things cooked, he didn't exactly know how they might take things. It was a wide difference from the truth, but he'd spread the information casually when the opportunity arose with the knights he'd interacted with.
"It is all an act darling, you know I would never leave you right? My world is here, with you, and not up there in that dead space. I just need to keep all the cards to my chest to keep safe." Curling his hand around theirs on the counter, he squeezed it to add emphasis. Blue eyes searching their face for any signs this had gone badly.
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Posted: Thu Mar 06, 2025 10:23 am
"To be honest I don't think having him think you're a captai nwould be good. If you haven't seen him in that long...and you haven't moved up in rank. That might look very good." Even if the uniform had changed, denoting a change in things, if the signature didn't match it might just be taken as a magical change in uniform. Plus not showing it, and hiding it, might be seen as thinking Remarque not someone to trust..or thinking him dumb enough to believe it. Explaining this to his partner, knowing Aloyisus would understand, Liam knew it was best to be honest here. They were all chaos and didn't need to go hiding, not when they were allied with each other.
"I know, and you have done good at it. I'm glad you've managed to so well, it's kept you safe, and helped with information. This isn't the time to hide though...at least not from everyone...just order." Because that he understood, he knew there was a good reason for it. Sniffing at the air, wondering what the other was making, he watched as something was placed into the oven.
Listening as Aloysius told him the role he'd made for himself, and played with order, he could understand how hard that must be but also how needed it was. It would keep him safe, mostly, as order didn't seem the sort to attack a single father who might just want to join their side. "I assume the act has worked well so far, or you'd have ditched it. Keep doing as you need to...keep the act going as long as you can. Find out whatever you can, act scared with what's going on...confused and scared. Let them guide and help you." Because he knew his partner wasn't going to go changing sides and leaving him, he trusted in that. It was all an act and it would help them right now, he was certain of that.
Smiling down at their hands he nodded. "You don't even need to tell me that, I'm confident in us. I know you aren't going to leave me for them." And he was, he was secure and confident in his posistion in life right now...in his posistion with Aloysius. "I want you to keep doing as you have been. I'll keep your secret and keep my distance whenever a fight breaks out, so you can keep up your act." But he would be there, for whatever happened, he wasn't backing away from things.
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Posted: Thu Mar 06, 2025 6:22 pm
Nodding slowly, he could understand that even if he still didn't like the information coming out. "Okay, then as a general for this meeting." It was a midpoint at least, giving a little trust to get some in return.
"It has, especially with a few newer knights, well the lowest ranked ones. I plan on approaching one of the same rank as I am though. She has... well, she was the one that helped me clear out those gargoyles that caused Desiree and your mirror senshi trouble. She seems to have been around for more time than the others I have met, so she might know something." Avoiding the fact that he was going to approach her about her wonder and planet to see if he could find any clues, he tried to get it across that she was not one to cause a problem for him.
"That is exactly how I approach things, scared and anxious, looking for an escape but without jumping into it due to having a son to worry about. And I plan on getting what I can out of other knights who might be bleeding hearts for such a story." Moving in close as they smiled, he let out a small sigh of relief.
"Good... very good. I want to be able to get what I can without the added risks that Alexandre takes. It may not be the fastest route but it is the safest and that is what we need." Resting his head on their shoulder, he pulled them into a hug.
"Food should only take a few more minutes, then we can get ready for mirror space. I want to see what might be going on before our meeting with Remaque."
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Posted: Thu Mar 06, 2025 8:09 pm
"Alright, the knight sounds safe enough. Just keep the earring on just incase something happens to you both. I won't be able to help, much as it pains me to say, but I'd still like to know if anything happens so I can call Lorcan if it's needed." So he could be ready just incase. If they were dealing with problems up in space he wanted to be safe, to take every precautioun possible. He knew Aloysius would understand and wouldn't refuse the earring, he didn't either when he went out. It was something they both wore each time out for the sake of the other, incase anything ever again happened.
Smiling he let hismelf be pulled into a hug, melting into the others hold, his chin laid o nthe others shoulder and his nose pressed to Aloysius' neck. "Mmm, everyone goes about things differently. It words for you...and it works for Alexandre. It just means he may get information you don't and vice versa, information that together paints a better...more full picture." Smiling as he spoke against the others skin. His arms coming round to hold onto the other.
"Mmmm, let's hope mirrorspace is in a good mood when we head in. I didn't like seeing it acting as it was earlier." But that didn't mean anything bad would happen..it also didn't mean nothing that things would be safe either. "You should talk to Alexandre at some point, see if he knows anyone who should be approached...anyone he might not be able to...or anyone you both can speak with." Because the other general might know some senshi, or knights, who were bleeding hearts...but not total idiots who would think the tiny blond was nice and innocent. But they might believe his partner.
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Posted: Thu Mar 06, 2025 8:35 pm
"I will, and that way I can let you know information I may not be able to write down." It would make things easier for taking in details of the wonder, just in case.
He didn't like having to rely on people still, at least outside of Liam, but it couldn't be helped in this case if he wanted to stay safe. Let the other blonde get involved with the more dangerous ones, he would take the safer route.
Just staying there for a bit longer, until the timer on his phone went off, he was glad they seemed less nervous. At least for now. Shifting carefully, he turned in their hold to pull the pan out to set on the stovetop.
"If it throws a fit, you know I will be there with you." It might not mean as much considering he couldn't go through the mirrors on his own, but he could help somehow.
Sighing slightly at the mention of Alexandre again, he nodded. "We will see, I know I have a few ideas based on information I have access to." The database had many entries, especially once he had trained his team for adding things after each interaction with order.
"Be careful, they will be hot by the way." Moving slightly to get a plate and fork down from their respective drawer and cabinet, he turned back to face them again with a slight smile. "I will take what is left with us, since I am still full from breakfast."
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Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2025 2:33 pm
"IO also might catch things you don't, if you get caught up with something else. It would be good to have another set of eyes on things." Having someone else help, even from a distance, would be useful for Aloysius. It would give him the ability to collect more information, maybe anyway, and that might just advance things quicker because it was important that all the information which could be gathered was gathered...and quickly. There was an unknown time frame they were working within.
"Should I speak with Melody? I can fill her in on things...maybe she can put her social skills to use with a senshi or a knight as well?" He offered up, thinking of the skills she used at social events. They might just be useful against order and perhaps advance things a bit more. "Either way it might be good if she knows what's coming and what information we have." Incase things went to hell, he'd rather her know what was going on. His own father....if he could he would tell the man...but he couldn't. He would keep his father as far removed from all of this as possible.
"I know, and that's why I want you with me. I wouldn't throw Hedwig into things if it's going to go bad." He would rather someone he could trust, someone with the strength and who wouldn't panic or lose themselves.
Laughing he poked the other in the cheek with the fork, which he took fro mthe others hand, before helping himself to brunch. "This smells amazing." It looked just as good, and the first bite proven that it tasted amazing. Sighing, a pleased smile on his face, he kissed the others cheek. "Thank you." And he hurried through brunch before moving to pack the rest so he could let Desiree know to cover their signatures.
Powering up i nthe kitchen he stood there waiting for Aloy to power up before heading for a nearby mirror that was big enoguh to walk through. Taking his partner with him as he held onto the general by the waist. "Cross your fingers love, this place can be difficult." And it felt harder to get through...like walking through gel maybe? It wasn't as easy as usual or as easy as it was this morning. When he did step out, with Chalcanthite, he glanced at him. He was certain he didn't need to say anything, that they had felt it also, it was not normal.
"Mirror hall first...any crystals you can pick up."
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Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2025 3:33 pm
Glad that they were getting the right idea, he felt better about them knowing a bit of his activities. It still worried him that they might pop in to interrupt if things went south, but he had lots of options before them when it came to it.
"Let her know, the rest should come out shortly through the Queen for her though or from Alexandre since she's on his team." He had a feeling she'd stick in the city, given she was still more grounded in the mundane side of things instead of being curious over space as he was.
"Glad you like it darling." Pressing a kiss to their cheek before grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge. He needed something to drink before he powered up alongside them. He got a few sips before they were pulling him by the waist to get started. It felt reassuring to have them close, even as he too felt that normally watery feeling morph into one more akin to stepping through sludge or gel.
Once through and in those white halls, he stayed close and looked around. Nothing looked out of place so far but he wasn't about to let his guard down after what he'd seen from them earlier.
"Okay, I can keep an eye out for any as well as those odd wraiths or mirrors you mentioned. We can go slow, at least until Remqarque gets back to us about that meeting." Moving ahead, he still kept close enough so they could keep a hand on his waist.
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