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[The message starts with a rough sketch of a cactaur with an exaggerated thumbs-up at the end of one arm, and thumbs-down on the other, and that's all he'll say on the therapy matter. It's not a good topic for him right now.]

Tell Esteem to stop messing with me by association because I'm feeling the gross factor and noooo thank you. I want Dad to be happy but not details, whether they're legit or not...

That sucks. I'm guessing it was because they were part of the empire. Is he okay with you?

[ In response to the cactuar Era tries her hand at drawing a moogle. She quickly shifts into translating its form into geometric shapes, giving it a uniquely stylized look that isn't half-bad, but is a far cry from a drawing. ]

Esteem is laughing at you.

They were trying to kill me in order to bring their father back to them. They all but killed themselves trying to destroy me. I wanted so badly to save them.

I have only lived through the battles with Milisandia and Ricon so far. He is from my future, just after losing Rex. Apparently we rescue Allie, so the only one left now is Alfonse.

Gaius doesn't blame me. I know he must blame himself.

It was Garlemald's fault, not ours, but it does not erase the guilt.

[He sends back a doodle of the long-limbed moogle doll that Iris had given him, looking aggro and holding a sword with the caption "fight me!" in the corner of the page. Beside it, there's a scribbled cloud with "esteem??" and an arrow pointing to it.]

People have to own their choices in the end. Even kids. That can't all be on you. At least you tried, which is more than a lot of enemies would have done.

Hopefully you two can help each other with that.

[ She sends back the letter along with her own, because Esteem is keen on retorting to that drawing. They make the sword bigger, then scribble a note beside their name: Is that a likeness or a challenge? ]

My friend and mentor in the art of the dark knight, Sidurgu, and I received training from moogles. Sid loathed them so much.

I had a vision after Milisandia died. I don't know whose it was, as I didn't embody any of them.

In their room, sitting together on their beds, the siblings got to know each other. Milisandia was the eldest of Rex and Ricon, and their parents died in an epidemic. Gaius found them begging on street corners and took them in.

He found Alfonse and Allie later, on the roadside in Werlyt. Gaius took them in, too.

They wanted to make him proud. Milisandia suggested that because he fights for the Empire that they should, too.

Ricon was unsure. He didn't want to be like the Garleans the people of Werlyt were so afraid of.

"Lord Gaius is different. I know he is," said Alfonse.

Rex agreed. Gaius was always saying the strong should lead the weak. This was true even when I met him. I remember Rex was excited about this plan. "Maybe one day people'll look up to us like we do Lord Gaius," he said, barely able to sit still.

"Then it's settled," Alfonse declared. "From now on, we're all brothers and sisters fighting for the same cause."

Allie spoke up then, asking if all of them being brothers and sisters meant that Gaius was their father.

In the end they decided that it did, so long as Gaius didn't mind.

I haven't told him of this memory. They were just children, wanting to make him proud as thanks for his kindness, and in the end they died horrific deaths.

It isn't fair.

When
I had
When
The [ There are a few false starts entirely blotted out, along with some dots where she left her quill to ink for too long in thought.

She decides to continue. ]

When he learned the deceased pilot was Milisandia, I was struck by another flash of memory.

She was still barely ten summers, her tiny hand held in mine (his), smiling up at me (him) like I (he) hung the stars in the sky. Like I (he) was the greatest thing in the world, and could do no wrong.

It hurts.

I have no memory of her as an adult. The Milisandia I remember has only ever been ten.

Sorry for dumping this on you, Noct. I just needed to get it out of my head. I think you understand that better than most.

I am not sure what to do, but I will figure it out.

[Another delay in response, this one. He has to debate what to say for a while.

The doodle is attached separately this time with the original letter alongside it. The mystery cloud now has smoke rising up out of it (or "steam" if you will) and is wielding a twig. The text "depends on how brave you're feeling" has also been added.

The attached letter is less neatly written.]

It's cliche to say it, but war isn't any more fair than life is. Most kids want to do whatever they can to make their parents proud of them. It's on the parents to protect them, though, and kids like that are too young to be fighting their parents' wars. You're probably right that he feels guilty.

I do get it, though. Wish I didn't. And I don't know if I can offer much help with it, but I'll hear you out if/when you need it. This stuff's messy. Ardyn might have better advice for dealing with it, but it depends on what you feel like talking about.

All of it is Hades' fault.

He was the founding father of the Garlean Empire. He has done so many unspeakable things, tempered as he is to Zodiark's will.

I have an idea to undo his bindings, but it would put my soul at risk again. I am stubborn enough that I think I would succeed...

I don't really want to talk about it. I don't want these memories in my head anymore. They aren't mine to keep, nor speak of.

I just needed to get them out somehow, if only for a moment.

Thank you.

If he's old enough to be a parent, he's old enough to be accountable for what he did. It's like blaming Somnus for everything the rest of the kings did. After a certain point we all made our own choices.

Hope you can get your memories sorted, too. I don't know if there's a way to get rid of them, and I'm not mad that you've got mine, but I wouldn't hate it if you forgot, either.

Just be careful with your own soul, you've only got the one. (And I know you've got the whole x number of souls in your history or whatever but even still, yours is yours.)

[ For the first time in a while her response takes longer than a day. ]

After Zodiark, Hades' choices were not truly his own. He has some agency, but there is only so far he can pull against his bindings.

How do your potions work? Is the healing instant, and can they be used in rapid succession?

My plan is sound, but I will only have under five minutes to accomplish it.

Also I am no longer doing the therapy thing.

I don't just mean Hades.

They're pretty instant, yeah. Might take a second or two depending on how quick you can break the seal, but you can use one after another. Usually the only limit is the number we can create and carry, since it takes magic to make them.

Is that a "it didn't work out with the guy who called me a stuck-up bitch" or "therapy is bad and/or not working and I give up"? Because those are very different things.

I know.

Would I be able to shove healing aether into one to boost its efficacy?

The latter.

Hades went and spoke to him about certain things. Apparently this caused him to hurt himself. His roommate contacted me and told me to control my 'attack dogs'.

I didn't know what his roommate was talking about. It was very confusing.

They have the impression that Hades went over to 'start something', but Hades is not that type of person. He is lazy, and doesn't like to get his hands dirty. He would rather be napping.

I apologized to my therapy tutor, and told him I would not initiate contact with him again. So that is that.

I am feeling okay though. I got to break things for ages and then had spa time with my bff.

I hope you're doing well, and have had the opportunity to kill many vegetable bugs.

I don't think it works like that. They could work alongside, but not together. But we could mess around with spell flasks to make attack + heal combo spells, if that would work better for whatever you're doing.

I think everyone sucks at communication in this. From start till now it's all been bad. Whatever though, I don't think it was a good fit based on what little you said about it. You should find someone who doesn't insult you.

I've fought some stuff, yeah. Felt good. And I guess you could say I got my own kind of therapy in, so. Progress.

I need enough healing in a very short amount of time to bring my body from the brink of death to stable.

I might be able to translate my more powerful healing spells into runes that can be activated with a touch of magic. Perhaps that in conjunction with a few powerful potions may work?

Aside from an intense amount of healing over a short period of time, I will need help when Hades' soul lashes out in defense. I suspect he'll aim to kill me in desperation and Tempered rage, and he would seek to destroy anyone in his way.

I will need people who can help shield the vulnerable and draw his ire, as well as those who can weaken him with powerful attacks.

In his 'monster form' he is a formidable opponent. The marks on my back are from the very tips of his claws. I will need people I know can keep themselves safe.

I have always been bad at communication, so that doesn't surprise me. I'm surprised Hades spoke to him at all. It's still baffling to me... Very wtf.

I think I will work on things on my own again for a while. Now that my 'breakdown' is over and I have helpful literature I should do better.

I would not mind sparring with you sometime, if you were amenable to it. I have proper weaponry now, and some armour.

I'm glad you're doing better.

I can get you an elixir or two instead. They're ideal for bad emergencies. Dad would be good for shielding, I can help with attacking if you need support there. I don't really understand what's going on, but if it's dangerous, obviously we'll help.

I kinda get what he might've been trying to do. Even if it didn't work out or it pissed you off- I get it. As for the therapy thing... do whatever you gotta, I guess. For you. Just be careful. Therapists exist because people can't just fix this stuff themselves.

We can spar sometime if you want, sure.

And thanks, I'm glad too.

Do elixirs work if they are poured into an open wound, or do they need to be orally ingested?

I am going to disconnect my soul from my body by triggering Living Dead, then I shall engage in a battle of wills with Zodiark.

I will defeat Him, because Hades is mine and I am stubborn. But it will be very dangerous and there will be many injuries.

Hades cannot know of this. His tempering will force him to stop me at all costs.

I will see if Hades will make small models of his 'boss forms' for me, so I can show you. They are hard to explain, but very [ there is a super duper blotted out word ] cool.

If I had emojis I would say they were eyes emoji. But I would use 2 eyes emojis because he had that many eyes.

And he had 4 arms and two giant wings when he abandoned his mortal flesh. The only stupid thing was his weapon, but that is forgiveable.

Once I acquire models I can arrange a meeting to detail for you — and any other trusted comrades — his abilities and combat style. He will not be as formidable here with no Lifestream to draw upon and his aether reserved lessened, but he is easily still more powerful than a god.

I do not want anyone to assist without them being fully aware of the possible risks.

It didn't work because he does not know me, or understand the way that I phrase and interpret things. I know my mind works differently, even disregarding my illness.

Am I too polite/formal and stiff? It was how I learned to speak with others, and not dissimilar to how my family at home speaks. I always thought it was respectful. It was what I was taught.

It's easier for me to follow the 'rules' of respectful address, until I know someone better and can match my speech to theirs. Like when we text and I'm comfortable.

I don't think I want to stop speaking more 'old fashioned' (no one here has called it that — this has been my observation). It is a small piece of my home I can carry with me.

You can do either. Most of the time we just crush them, chugging mid-fight takes too long.

That sounds pretty messed up, not gonna lie. I'm cool with the danger, but that sounds like a major thing to do to someone without their permission. Isn't there a way to ask him without literally asking him? That plus the "he is mine" talk... someone's gonna think you're a murder-stalker if you say stuff like that.

I don't know about too polite or formal. I had to switch between a lot so I'm used to it. Plus I grew up with Ignis, he's as polite as it gets when it comes to talking. Even his insults are posh. You're right though, it takes a while for someone more used to slang to figure out how to handle formality.

You shouldn't have to lose that, I don't think. But what you say can hit harder because to some people formality = distance, so it can seem like you don't care. It's tricky... my dad talks formally/politely a lot, but you can usually tell his intent, right? He wasn't like that as much in my time, so we get along better here. Expression matters, too. It's hard to convey emotion or intent through text. For some nuanced stuff, in-person is better.

If that makes any sense.

That is good to know. I think I'll buy some potions to experiment with.

It's super messed up. I hate it. I wish I could ask him, but it is impossible. I tried to last year, before Ardbert arrived. It hurt him to even think it, however vaguely. Actual, agonizing pain lancing through his head.

I know he appreciates freedom, and I have learned that he has spent over 12,000 years finding ways to maneuver as much as possible within Zodiark's restrictions. He would appreciate no longer being so limited, but I would need to place new bindings to prevent the guilt of his actions destroying him. I am most concerned about this part. Fortunately, if he hates what I've done I can remove those new bindings if need be.

Hades is mine, and I am his. Like the sun and the moon, orbiting each other for millennia. It is a mutual claim. Zodiark has no place in it.

Your dad is very diplomatic. He cares so much, and it is evident in everything he says. When he and I message each other his consideration of and affection for me is so apparent that it often makes me feel as though I'm going to cry.

I don't want people to believe I hold no warmth or care for them. He radiates these things in his every word. I wish I could be more like him.

I am not very good at in-person stuff. There are many factors to pay attention to beyond mere words, and it can be too much.

Expressions are difficult for me. I spent years working to keep a stoic expression, you know? Because those who follow me in battle are more at ease if I do not show fear, or pain, or hesitation. Nobody cared a lick for what words I have, so I didn't need to divide my focus.

Now I have to try and use the right expression and the right words, while also paying attention to the body language, expressions, words, and tone of voice of one or multiple people at once. I have to use context to piece together unfamiliar turns of phrase, which is tiring. When I ask for clarification most people have been kind enough to do so for me, though some find it frustrating.

I do think I've gotten better. I still need to improve a great deal, but I have more experience to draw upon now. Our conversations have been particularly helpful in that regard, so I am very grateful to you.

If I may ask, is being spoken to in a more formal manner something that bothers Gladio?

[It still sounds creepy, saying it so bluntly, but he doesn't feel like arguing about something that mostly comes down to perception and isn't his business anyway, so he leaves it alone.]

Everybody wants to be more like Dad. It's kind of a whole thing.

You're not going to get better at anything if you avoid doing it. So you're no good at in-person, so what. You already said you're not good at communicating, period. At least in person it's possible to see emotions you can't hide. People can tell when you're really angry, or really happy. Your tail gives away how you're feeling too. All of that counts and shows others who you are. It's hard to really get to know someone through text. Believe me, I know.

I've never known Gladio to be bothered just by formal talk. Did something happen? I don't know if I should even ask.

What do you mean 'kind of a whole thing'? I'm curious now.

[ There are a few false starts, neatly crossed out, and a blot of ink where she left her quill to the page for too long. ]

My tail is embarrassing and I will try to control it better. I'm still learning who I am, and I'm not sure I like what I've learned thus far. I don't want others to see.

It is nothing important, really.

I was texting with him and speaking of something that made me nervous. When he commented on my speech I thought he was implying I was being polite for my own personal gain, so I tried to clarify. I believe I may have been too formal and cautious, as I don't know him well enough to know how to be casual. I also am well aware his boyfriend could not think more poorly of me, which is another factor I couldn't put from my mind.

I suspect we will have no further communications, so I suppose it is irrelevant now. It just caught me by surprise. When I am no longer angry at Hades I may seek his input on what I misinterpreted so I can learn from my mistake.

Gladio is very protective, and his boyfriend needs that protection. Perhaps it is a bit excessive, but they are a balance to each other and I believe that is good. To have that stability is important in this place. I hold no ill will for them. I simply disrupt their balance, and so I will keep my distance.

How has your dad been?

[....

okay he was gonna answer faster than he does, but her comment about Gladio completely derailed him for a bit. What. What even.]

Don't worry about it, sorry. [It's kind of embarrassing.]

Hang on. You said expressions are hard for you, because you practiced staying stoic. I tell you your tail helps you express yourself, and your response is you to want to hide it, too? You're making it into too much of a chore to be yourself. Don't control your tail, at least not with people you want to get to know better. Let it show people who you are when you're having trouble with your face. Hiding or faking it just makes it seem like you're lying, and we already fought about that so I'm not getting back into it.

Also- boyfriend??? First I've heard of anything. Are you talking about Stark? Far as I know they're just roommates. They came from the same alt world, not home, the way you or Prompto did. They're pretty close, Gladio said they're family. Protective I guess is the word for it, but they're both real aggro about it.

Re: Stark, I can't tell if he genuinely likes anyone. He's kind of flip-flopped with me so I have no idea, still figuring that one out. One minute he's all smiles and the next trying to chew my ass off...

And re: Gladio, I won't lie. When he's pissed off he's hard to talk to. I wish I had better advice but usually I just bail until we can both cool off. Give him some space.

Dad's doing okay. Getting used to a quieter house. You could check on him yourself, you know.

Curiosity is not worry, but I won't pry. [ She has an epiphany here, and slaps down a cute little smiley cat face sticker. Voila! The original emoji. ]

My reflex has always been to hide myself or my feelings when I'm uncomfortable. It's what kept me alive, you know? I spent two whole years hiding my features from the world. I had thought I stopped after I took off my cloak, but I suppose I just found different ways to hide, didn't I?

If you happen to notice me doing it when we're in person, would you nudge me to stop? I'll ask Ardbert and Hades, and maybe some other friends, if they're willing.

I don't know what makes you say that as I've been very careful to maintain anonymity. So I will neither confirm or deny and if anyone asks I never told you.

When I visited their home the way they interacted with each other was like Hades and I. There was an awareness and connection that goes beyond familial and more akin to partners.

Gladio did say they weren't partners... But the aggressive way he messaged me about Hades speaking with his not-boyfriend was an extreme overreaction for anything less. If Hades had gone to start a fight or be violent it would be different, but Hades just had words with him about his treatment of me.

So I would say if they are not dating they will be in the relatively near future, whenever they realize their feelings and/or stop denying them.

RE: Stark
Tony makes me nervous. I cannot predict him. His moods are volatile. His temper is easily triggered. Once sparked it ignites into an inferno in the blink of an eye. I know I am temperamental as well, but not like that.

I hope you've told him to sod the fuck off when he's chewed your ass out. If he's pissed off he can take it out on someone deserving of it.

RE: Gladio
He will have all the space he needs, as I will not be the one to reach out to him. He is welcome to contact me in the future should he wish to, but have no desire to upset him further.

RE: Dad
I reached out to him recently, seeking his input on how to help Gaius grieve more comfortably. He is the only father I know here that trust would be kind about the situation. If I'm honest, I think Tony would likely have told me I deserve to feel bad for killing those kids. I do, but that isn't helpful to me. So I talked to Da instead.

It was nice. I want to ask how he is doing, but I don't want to pry. I will try and remind him more often that I am here for him if he has need of me.

What do you think? Should I so more?

Sorry for asking so much of you. I would like to hear more about how you are doing, too, but I am not sure if that is all right to ask yet.

[He sends back a cartoonish doodle of a cat wearing sunglasses and smirking.]

I'll keep an eye out.

In part a guess based on association, but I found him in P&P with a headache thanks to a surprise visit from "Solas" on your behalf. They haven't been here that long, Gladio's quick to hook up with girls but bf/gf isn't something he jumps into so fast, unless that's changed too. (I don't even know if he's into guys, tbh.) Not that I think anything's going on, just that he's the only other option that might've given you that impression besides the other guys.

Don't know if I'm ready to consider it either way with everything else we're dealing with, so... just going to try and pretend this convo didn't happen, yep.

I told him to shove it. Few days later he apologized. He's in the neutral column for now, so we'll see how that goes.

[Got a number of people in that column these days. He doesn't know what to say about Gladio, since he's still learning the steps again there, so... she's probably got the right of it to give him space. Pushing him in the wrong direction never really gets anywhere.]

I think what you do or don't do for my dad is up to you. I do know that if you asked him how he's doing, he wouldn't consider it prying. If there's something he won't talk about then he'd keep it to himself, he won't be bothered by you asking.

~~I'm not~~

[There's a blot of ink where he rested, tapped, rested the pen a few times before continuing.]

I'm not ready to talk about how I'm doing yet. Still sorting stuff out. Usually I'd just say I'm fine, so... I guess that's progress.

Thanks for asking anyway. Kind of. Asking-but-not-asking. Whatever.

A headache?

I bet Hades teleported unexpectedly and startled him. That would make the most sense.

When you say "I'm fine" it usually means you aren't but don't want to talk about it. I like this new response better.

I don't mind if you're not ready yet. I won't mind if you're never ready to talk about it with me. I just want you to do what is best for you.

I will never begrudge you for taking care of yourself and your needs first. It makes me happy.

Solid guess. Ask him yourself, though.

It's not that I don't want to talk about it. It's just easier if I don't bother.

The rest, I'm working on. I told you before, that isn't your responsibility, and it's still true. You figure yourself out, and let me worry about me.

I haven't asked for details yet, as I was too busy chewing him out for going behind my back that way.

I was so angry with him when I found out what he did that my voice came back, then promptly disappeared because I yelled loud enough it hurt my throat. (I healed it better.) [ Gold star sticker + some sparkles here. ]

I'll be certain to ask him later, when I help him create the models of his monster forms. He is almost done the first form, but the other will require much more time.

Easier for who?

I was attempting to offer you my help if you both want and need it, just as you have been helping me. Not out of misplaced responsibility or worry, but because I know it's hard.

It is an open offer, and will be available indefinitely.

[ She thinks of something else she wanted to add, but the letter has already been sent.

She waits five minutes, then texts: ]

ACCOUNTABILIBUDDIES.
☆ヾ(*´・∀・)ﾉヾ(・∀・`*)ﾉ☆

That is the word for what I was offering in the letter I last sent.

I did not mean to all caps there but I am keeping it.

Edited (format lol) 2021-03-23 17:28 (UTC)

Don't wait too long with Hades, but OK.

Easier for everyone. Or less painful. Whatever sounds better.

I'll keep the offer in mind. Maybe someday. Still too close to the problem I think.

Never heard of "accountabilibuddy", though.

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