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[betterthangarlond]

[ 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?

Comments

[aneyeonthepast]

[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.

[smoltol]

[ 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. ]

[aneyeonthepast]

[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?

[betterthangarlond]

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. ]

[aneyeonthepast]

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?

[smoltol]

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?

[aneyeonthepast]

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?

[smoltol]

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...?

[aneyeonthepast]

[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.

[smoltol]

[ 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.

[aneyeonthepast]

[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.

[smoltol]

...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.

[aneyeonthepast]

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

[smoltol]

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

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

[aneyeonthepast]

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

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

[betterthangarlond]

[ And so, they walk though the path... back at the top of the tower is where they emerge, the tower continuing to power it.

But... it's open. It's open, and there's nothing else coming though.

There's silence from the clones - until Unei collapses to her knees in relief, and Doga looks around. Softly, he seems to smile. They're alive. They're alive and they've done their task. (What now?) ]

We need to go and... deactivate it.

[aneyeonthepast]

[He stays wary for a few moments, before grinning in relief, reaching out to the other two.]

All right. It shouldn't be too hard! I'm sure Cid's been worrying himself over us, too…

[he's happy, though! and going to see the source for the gate.]

[betterthangarlond]

[ As they all move to it - Doga directing G'raha with hands and words - Unei decides to ask. ]

...Do you think we can... help Nero?

[ Which one did she mean? Who knows. ]

[aneyeonthepast]

[He enjoys it- working with them, together! And hopefully for longer.

He glances back, with a hum.]

I think so… You still have everything of his, don't you?