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[ It was one of those times where NOAH was still figuring out their way past the Labyrinth of the Ancients, and Nero was still lingering.

Today, though, he had found himself by the side of G'raha, when G'raha was taking a break. Not that Nero had been watching for it, of course not.

With a soft grunt, he flopped down next to him, holding a few of the tomestones that they'd been tasked to decyther. (Nero, honestly, had been asked not to join in this, but. Nero had waited until Rammbroes wasn't paying attention and stolen these ones.) ]

...You're all struggling with these?

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[uhhhhh hahaha. Uh oh. G'raha straightens up more, alert and getting worried.]

So it all transferred to you… [he gestures, a little- he'll stay for the moment, but maybe they should move…] What are you going to do with it?

[ The clones move back - but Doga is ready to rush in. But then... Nero falls again, to the ground. ]

Hold on a little. It's-- It's overwhelming. We wanted this, but...

[ He can feel the entire Void around him. Well, not the entire Void, but so much of it. It's his. ]

Steady-

[he takes another step forward- hesitating a little, but…]

It's more than you imagined?

Far more, child.

[ He says, still laughing. ] Do you know why I came here in the first place? It would be the same for... yours.

[he huffs a little- he's not that young. But- a cautious nod.]

For a discovery- and power, wasn't it…?

The power of Darkness - none thought it possible to control... but look at me. All it took was losing all those I cared about, now didn't it?

I don't think many had thought it possible… or not so much, at least… But I'd hardly call it a fair trade. [even if it is, well. thematically fitting.]

Neither would I, honestly. But... what use are they? What use are you?

[ Oh no. He's got that grin again, magic beginning to flicker at him. ] You were blessed with your Eye from birth. Destined for greatness. Not like me.

[He twitches a little, tail flicking.]

Maybe. But that wouldn't have come to fruition without meeting you, and Doga and Unei… It didn't simply happen. Not getting to this point, either.

[ As he laughed, though, his body seemed to be... contorting again? And then he was standing, tendrils like the Cloud of Darkness behind him, wrapping around his pained body.

Nero looked to them then, and then... frowned. ] We are but pawns in the destiny in others. I helped Gaius reach greatness, and you too. Not you.

[G'raha's hair stands on end. Those tendrils- a sign of his power, or worse…? He seems supported, at least…]

Maybe so, but- you helped us out here. I'd think… that would deserve something in turn, surely.

[ No. No he doesn't want to shift more, even as Nero takes a trembling step forward, taint seeming to drip from him. ]

...Flee. Please, flee. I don't want to taint you, children. I can... seal the gate from this side.

[ It's him, and he's terrified. His body seems to shift, though, and he looks tall and Garlean, as the robot did. ]

Last time... my time... the path fell from my feet. I was left here, forgotten, until I created my own gate. It wasn't my choice.

[ This isn't his choice either. ]

[Gods- he wants to reach up, still concerned about the taint.]

Nero…

[He breathes sharply, curling his hands.]

… It's not fair. I can- I promise I won't forget. But… I don't… will be be able to see you again?

The first thing I thought you knew - anybody knew about life, G'raha?

[ Unlike the robot, he doesn't drop the G. ]

It's not fair. You claw up from nothing, and end up nothing. But... we're a Voidsent now. You are aware of summoning practices, are you not? [ As he talks, though, taint seems to swirl in his hand... to summon a book. ]

You still- you keep trying. Because- surely there's something you can do…

[he notes it, ears flicking up- a point of difference? Huh. His eyes go to the book.]

Aware, yes. Practiced? Not as much- but I can learn. That's… what you mean, isn't it?

It is. Summon me - the instructions are within. A beat. But I won't flood your Eorzea with darkness.

Wait.

[ It's Doga, who speaks up. ]
If you will not be flooding Eorzea with Darkness... does that not mean the contract is broken?

Ah… All right, I understand. [he reaches out to take the book- and glances back at Doga when he speaks.]

… It should, shouldn't it? Or- does the gate have to be sealed as well?

The gate will need to be depowered, but that can be done from the other side. It was the risk of the Cloud of Darkness which made us rush.

[ But the void Nero seems to be ??? at this, before beginning to laugh again. ] A happy ending, is it...? You all escape, and leave the door open...?

[he nods- letting himself relax a little. They still need to get back, but… Hopefully they're fine.]

Ah- to the void. Yes, that's… probably not a good idea. Otherwise- well, hopefully it will be.

[ It felt weird to Nero, that they weren't rushing. He could see it - every moment they lingered close to him...

...the more taint entered them. Would they become Voidsent? No, their bodies still remained stable. Nero, though, remained with a soft laugh. ]

How very lucky. One mans' loss of self becomes anothers saving.

[Nothing seems obviously wrong- although he does feel a little strange. Maybe that's just after everything…?]

I suppose… But we will see you again. [he taps the book] Though- I suppose this is goodbye, for the time being.

...I suppose it is.

[ He says, looking from him to the clones. ] All of you - look after each other. Don't go dying on me. Or I'll be forced to leave here and pursue you.

Hah- well, I'd hate to have to make you feel you were forced to. But I'd say that's definitely the plan!

[ He looks to the path, quietly, trying to shuffle his feet. ]

...I never got to say goodbye last time. Just-- go.

[a nod] … I thought it would be good to, this time.

[but- he's ready to go, looking to Doga and Unei before moving.]

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