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[He accepts the book and promptly dispels the illusion - it's back to looking like a perfectly normal book, albeit with those weird marks all over the back. In purple ink, of course.]
I would appreciate it. I attempted to ask Shin for more information about it, but he seemed unwilling to tell me everything he knows.
[Which is fair, it's not like he trusts Shin either, but come on!! Research!!!]
Can you summon a double here? I would like a chance to examine it further.
I would appreciate it. I attempted to ask Shin for more information about it, but he seemed unwilling to tell me everything he knows.
[Which is fair, it's not like he trusts Shin either, but come on!! Research!!!]
Can you summon a double here? I would like a chance to examine it further.
If he shares my feelings on it, then I can understand his hesitation.
[But Dist likes Iago, so...he'll deal with it.
He rises to his feet and snaps his fingers to summon his replica. The snap is unnecessary since he didn't do it the first time he demonstrated Klados, but he's just being dramatic.
For the time being, the second Dist is unresponsive and is just standing there all dead-eyed. Examine away, Iago!]
Much like your Illusio, Klados works in a measure of three. I can command this replica to do simple tasks, but only three at a time. I can only summon it three times a day as well- and I have to summon it into the same vicinity as me and command it from there.
There is a very key detail that Shin has not brought up. Honestly, I am not sure if he is even aware of it, but being a man of science, I did all manners of experiments on my replica. I will spare your floor with a demonstration [what] but I will say that this replica cannot sustain any kind of damage. It dissolves into liquid and makes a terrible mess. It took ages to clean off of my floor and nearly ruined my shoes.
[But Dist likes Iago, so...he'll deal with it.
He rises to his feet and snaps his fingers to summon his replica. The snap is unnecessary since he didn't do it the first time he demonstrated Klados, but he's just being dramatic.
For the time being, the second Dist is unresponsive and is just standing there all dead-eyed. Examine away, Iago!]
Much like your Illusio, Klados works in a measure of three. I can command this replica to do simple tasks, but only three at a time. I can only summon it three times a day as well- and I have to summon it into the same vicinity as me and command it from there.
There is a very key detail that Shin has not brought up. Honestly, I am not sure if he is even aware of it, but being a man of science, I did all manners of experiments on my replica. I will spare your floor with a demonstration [what] but I will say that this replica cannot sustain any kind of damage. It dissolves into liquid and makes a terrible mess. It took ages to clean off of my floor and nearly ruined my shoes.
[Has he told you you're the best person here (aside from himself) today?? Because you're the best person here (aside from himself).
Iago's up to examine the clone in an instant, reaching out to poke and prod it as he gets an idea of just what it looks like. It's a very convincing fake, right? Is there anything off about it in terms of appearance, or does it look exactly like Dist? And also while we're at it, can you feel any of of the poking he's doing...]
I hadn't realized it allowed a total of three copies... How fascinating.
[The limit of three times a day is interesting, however. Definitely something to keep in mind...
And then Dist continues and Iago looks up from his examination to make a face.]
Oh, how disgusting. [ewww!!] What sort of liquid was it? I imagine it wasn't blood...?
[But the idea of Dist just straight up murdering his replicas doesn't bother him at all, it's not like they're people, right?? So who cares?? You are a man of science and he respects that, and who wouldn't murder their weird double if given the opportunity??]
Iago's up to examine the clone in an instant, reaching out to poke and prod it as he gets an idea of just what it looks like. It's a very convincing fake, right? Is there anything off about it in terms of appearance, or does it look exactly like Dist? And also while we're at it, can you feel any of of the poking he's doing...]
I hadn't realized it allowed a total of three copies... How fascinating.
[The limit of three times a day is interesting, however. Definitely something to keep in mind...
And then Dist continues and Iago looks up from his examination to make a face.]
Oh, how disgusting. [ewww!!] What sort of liquid was it? I imagine it wasn't blood...?
[But the idea of Dist just straight up murdering his replicas doesn't bother him at all, it's not like they're people, right?? So who cares?? You are a man of science and he respects that, and who wouldn't murder their weird double if given the opportunity??]
[In terms of physical appearance, the replica is perfect. But that is about where the perfection ends. The replica lacks any of Dist's personality and is more like a hollow shell that just looks like the original. If Iago were to encounter Dist's replica in the wild, he'd be able to tell something was wrong- perhaps even be concerned about Dist's emotional state if he wasn't aware that Dist had Klados.]
Three copies a day, yes, but not three copies at once. Attempting to summon another makes the first vanish.
[In other words, he'll never see three Dists at once.]
And it wasn't blood, no, but it had texture. Sludge-like, if I were to give it a specific quality. And it looked as though...well, it had simply melted, clothing and all.
[It was a Dist-colored puddle is what he's saying here.]
Three copies a day, yes, but not three copies at once. Attempting to summon another makes the first vanish.
[In other words, he'll never see three Dists at once.]
And it wasn't blood, no, but it had texture. Sludge-like, if I were to give it a specific quality. And it looked as though...well, it had simply melted, clothing and all.
[It was a Dist-colored puddle is what he's saying here.]
Ah, I see.
[...probably for the best that we don't have three Dists running around all at once. No one needs that many Dists.]
Well, that's horrid. I can certainly see why you didn't want to give a demonstration of that. I'm fond of my floor the way it is, so I'll take your word for it.
[And also: that's so disgusting, eww.]
This is very valuable information to have in the event that a Klados duplicate is utilized in a murder, but I feel as though the odds of anyone using their powers to kill has lessened significantly now.
[Given that almost everyone's powers are out in the open now, anyway...]
[...probably for the best that we don't have three Dists running around all at once. No one needs that many Dists.]
Well, that's horrid. I can certainly see why you didn't want to give a demonstration of that. I'm fond of my floor the way it is, so I'll take your word for it.
[And also: that's so disgusting, eww.]
This is very valuable information to have in the event that a Klados duplicate is utilized in a murder, but I feel as though the odds of anyone using their powers to kill has lessened significantly now.
[Given that almost everyone's powers are out in the open now, anyway...]
And I have no interest in cleaning up another sludge puddle, so we both win in this scenario.
[Because yeah, it's absolutely disgusting.]
It all depends, really. Whoever else has Klados—those who have not revealed their powers included—might not be aware of its limitations like I am. It has the potential to be used without leaving a trace of its use like Illusio, Sanguis or Lux, provided a sludge incident doesn't happen.
[Because yeah, it's absolutely disgusting.]
It all depends, really. Whoever else has Klados—those who have not revealed their powers included—might not be aware of its limitations like I am. It has the potential to be used without leaving a trace of its use like Illusio, Sanguis or Lux, provided a sludge incident doesn't happen.
We'll have to be careful from now on. We don't know everyone's power just yet, and the last thing we need is to start jumping to conclusions again.
[thanks, rideaux!!!!!]
I appreciate the information, Dist.
[...But even more than that...]
And I'm... pleased you came to check on me.
[It sounds so... stupid to word it like that. It isn't anything he's ever wanted before, and yet...
Ridiculous. He just needed someone to complain with and to distract him, that's all.]
[thanks, rideaux!!!!!]
I appreciate the information, Dist.
[...But even more than that...]
And I'm... pleased you came to check on me.
[It sounds so... stupid to word it like that. It isn't anything he's ever wanted before, and yet...
Ridiculous. He just needed someone to complain with and to distract him, that's all.]
Likewise- absolutely likewise.
[That last bit may seem stupid to Iago, but it does have an impact on Dist. Though he tries one of those self-satisfied smiles that he is so good at, it comes off a bit softer than that.]
I am glad to hear it. Consider my door always open to you, should you desire company in the future.
[Y'know, just in case Iago isn't as open about having a rough time like he was today.]
[That last bit may seem stupid to Iago, but it does have an impact on Dist. Though he tries one of those self-satisfied smiles that he is so good at, it comes off a bit softer than that.]
I am glad to hear it. Consider my door always open to you, should you desire company in the future.
[Y'know, just in case Iago isn't as open about having a rough time like he was today.]
[who allowed dist to be this cute???
also this entire week is just iago screaming into his hands so you know. it's fine, probably.]
I appreciate that as well, and please consider the offer returned. Should you ever need it, I won't mind offering you my company.
[It's weird and sort of uncomfortable, but maybe it's okay. Just this once.]
also this entire week is just iago screaming into his hands so you know. it's fine, probably.]
I appreciate that as well, and please consider the offer returned. Should you ever need it, I won't mind offering you my company.
[It's weird and sort of uncomfortable, but maybe it's okay. Just this once.]
[...heh.]
Then I look forward to spending more time with you in the future. You do still have plenty to teach me, after all. I promise I'll be a diligent and hardworking student.
[...It's not nearly as sarcastic as it probably should have been...]
Then I look forward to spending more time with you in the future. You do still have plenty to teach me, after all. I promise I'll be a diligent and hardworking student.
[...It's not nearly as sarcastic as it probably should have been...]
[Dist grins at that. He's actually really pleased that Iago has taken to the idea of being taught about Dist's specializations.]
Good. I expect nothing less from one of my students.
[He's never been a teacher—the thought of educating others is kind of awkward considering it reminds him so much of Professor Nebilim—but if there's one thing he's good at it, it's talking. He's bound to be thorough.]
Good. I expect nothing less from one of my students.
[He's never been a teacher—the thought of educating others is kind of awkward considering it reminds him so much of Professor Nebilim—but if there's one thing he's good at it, it's talking. He's bound to be thorough.]
Only the best for you, Dist.
[It's only slightly joking...]
[It's only slightly joking...]
[This whole week has been horrible. Iago's been trying to keep his mind off of the incentive as much as he can (as much as he can afford to, anyway) but today's somehow managing to top everything.
After the disaster with Zangetsu and Ulquiorra, Iago isn't exactly sure what to do with himself. He could go back to his room and take up his favorite hobby of screaming into a pillow until he's finally gotten control of himself, but he doesn't really want to be there right now. Not with the crystals Pizza left behind, anyway. He does need to chat with Cumore at some point, but for right now...
Well, for right now he doesn't want to be alone, and he doesn't want to pretend he's going to be productive. Somehow, this ends with him standing in front of Dist's door.
He's not entirely sure what to expect once he knocks. Maybe he can convince Dist to tell him more about his world, or maybe teach him more. A distraction might be nice. But Dist did say his door would always be open and maybe...
Before he can talk himself out of it, Iago knocks.]
After the disaster with Zangetsu and Ulquiorra, Iago isn't exactly sure what to do with himself. He could go back to his room and take up his favorite hobby of screaming into a pillow until he's finally gotten control of himself, but he doesn't really want to be there right now. Not with the crystals Pizza left behind, anyway. He does need to chat with Cumore at some point, but for right now...
Well, for right now he doesn't want to be alone, and he doesn't want to pretend he's going to be productive. Somehow, this ends with him standing in front of Dist's door.
He's not entirely sure what to expect once he knocks. Maybe he can convince Dist to tell him more about his world, or maybe teach him more. A distraction might be nice. But Dist did say his door would always be open and maybe...
Before he can talk himself out of it, Iago knocks.]
[Dist answers the door personally this time. For one reason or another, he's in a pretty good mood despite everything that this disaster week has decided to be. And he's definitely pleased to see Iago at his door.]
Greetings, Iago! What can I do for you?
[He won't even be mad if it's just business. Business is totally fair.]
Greetings, Iago! What can I do for you?
[He won't even be mad if it's just business. Business is totally fair.]
[Well, at least Dist is looking like he's doing fine...]
I was wondering if you were busy. There's something I want to discuss.
[The words are easy enough but his gaze darts down the hall, almost as if he's expecting them to be interrupted. It's not like it's strange for him to seek Dist out like this, but it's... weird. It's really weird.]
I was wondering if you were busy. There's something I want to discuss.
[The words are easy enough but his gaze darts down the hall, almost as if he's expecting them to be interrupted. It's not like it's strange for him to seek Dist out like this, but it's... weird. It's really weird.]
I...
[Gods, never mind, is it too late to turn around and pretend this never happened— Yeah, it's probably too late. Damn.]
I suppose this week has been a bit... difficult.
[It sounds like it's a struggle to get that much out and Iago folds his arms, glaring at the floor.]
It's... The incentive. You understand, don't you? My magic is—
[Ugh, hang on, let him start over. This isn't nearly as easy as it sounded in his head.]
My position is the lead tactician of the Nohrian army and I serve as King Garon's adviser. This is a position I have spent years working for, but I never would have made it this far if I wasn't naturally gifted in magic. I caught Garon's eye precisely because I can use magic most others cannot.
[Iago pauses, considering.]
Having that taken away and replaced with a mockery of my own magic is... quite the blow to my pride, as I'm sure you can imagine.
[It's a start. It's not a very good start, but it's a start. Iago's gaze has remained firmly on the floor since he entered Dist's room as well, despite the fact that he usually tends to make entirely too much eye contact.]
[Gods, never mind, is it too late to turn around and pretend this never happened— Yeah, it's probably too late. Damn.]
I suppose this week has been a bit... difficult.
[It sounds like it's a struggle to get that much out and Iago folds his arms, glaring at the floor.]
It's... The incentive. You understand, don't you? My magic is—
[Ugh, hang on, let him start over. This isn't nearly as easy as it sounded in his head.]
My position is the lead tactician of the Nohrian army and I serve as King Garon's adviser. This is a position I have spent years working for, but I never would have made it this far if I wasn't naturally gifted in magic. I caught Garon's eye precisely because I can use magic most others cannot.
[Iago pauses, considering.]
Having that taken away and replaced with a mockery of my own magic is... quite the blow to my pride, as I'm sure you can imagine.
[It's a start. It's not a very good start, but it's a start. Iago's gaze has remained firmly on the floor since he entered Dist's room as well, despite the fact that he usually tends to make entirely too much eye contact.]
[Dist freezes a little as soon the incentive is mentioned. He hadn't batted an eye at it himself. Before arriving here, he didn't have any special powers. His ability to create machines isn't something physically tied to him that can be torn away like Iago's ability to use magic. And because of other business on his end, he hadn't considered how terribly this could be affecting Iago.
He feels an unfamiliar pang of guilt about it.
...
First thing's first. He just...guides Iago over to his bed to sit down. And this time, he joins him on the bed.]
I can certainly imagine, yes. While I cannot claim to know how distressing this is for those of you with prior abilities, I can see that is terribly appalling of the Lady to dangle hope over your heads in the manner she is.
[She quite literally took Iago's livelihood away with this little stunt. It's horrible...]
He feels an unfamiliar pang of guilt about it.
...
First thing's first. He just...guides Iago over to his bed to sit down. And this time, he joins him on the bed.]
I can certainly imagine, yes. While I cannot claim to know how distressing this is for those of you with prior abilities, I can see that is terribly appalling of the Lady to dangle hope over your heads in the manner she is.
[She quite literally took Iago's livelihood away with this little stunt. It's horrible...]
[He goes willingly and it's... sort of nice to have Dist beside him, if only because that makes it easier to keep his gaze directly on the floor without looking too weird. Still weird, but not as bad as it could be.
Dist's words get a short nod.]
It's dreadful. She knows how important my magic is to me - I've made no secret of that. She...
[His nails dig into his palms for a moment before he forces himself to release his grip and settle his hands on his knees instead.]
She told me that there are two people she hopes will take the incentive. I'm one of them.
[So it's not just that she knows this would get a rise out of him, it's that she's targeting him specifically.
It occurs to him after a moment that he hasn't clarified the most important part, however. He does look up at Dist after that, expression carefully composed to hide as much of the anger and frustration as he can.]
...I have no intention of acting on this incentive, despite how infuriated I am with it. Rembrandt confirmed that it is still possible to regain one's abilities in their home world; the Lady's incentive would simply speed up the process.
[So you know. This isn't as bad as it could be. It's not like he showed up to confess he'd be killing someone or anything, it's fiiiiine.]
Dist's words get a short nod.]
It's dreadful. She knows how important my magic is to me - I've made no secret of that. She...
[His nails dig into his palms for a moment before he forces himself to release his grip and settle his hands on his knees instead.]
She told me that there are two people she hopes will take the incentive. I'm one of them.
[So it's not just that she knows this would get a rise out of him, it's that she's targeting him specifically.
It occurs to him after a moment that he hasn't clarified the most important part, however. He does look up at Dist after that, expression carefully composed to hide as much of the anger and frustration as he can.]
...I have no intention of acting on this incentive, despite how infuriated I am with it. Rembrandt confirmed that it is still possible to regain one's abilities in their home world; the Lady's incentive would simply speed up the process.
[So you know. This isn't as bad as it could be. It's not like he showed up to confess he'd be killing someone or anything, it's fiiiiine.]
[Dist remains quiet as Iago speaks. He briefly opens his mouth to speak about the fact that Iago went to see the Lady—Yulia help him, he's going to give that woman a piece of his mind after this—but holds his tongue until the other finishes.
And boy is that a doozy of a finish. Dist...can't help but smirk, pleased with the outcome.]
Good! What better way to metaphorically spit in her face than to refuse the incentive she targeted you with? Besides, you have no need to risk a trial. You will have plenty of new toys to entertain King Garon with in addition to your exceptional magic once this is over, won't you?
[This is a dire situation, but he's hoping to help Iago see it more as an annoying setback than anything.]
And boy is that a doozy of a finish. Dist...can't help but smirk, pleased with the outcome.]
Good! What better way to metaphorically spit in her face than to refuse the incentive she targeted you with? Besides, you have no need to risk a trial. You will have plenty of new toys to entertain King Garon with in addition to your exceptional magic once this is over, won't you?
[This is a dire situation, but he's hoping to help Iago see it more as an annoying setback than anything.]
[Something about that isn't sitting well with him; it's probably obvious enough from the silence and the fact that his gaze has darted away again, but putting into words is...]
I realized something while I was talking with her. She assumed I would have no interest in taking her up on anything she might offer because she was certain my interest lies only in Nohr.
...It's a bit strange to realize that there really is nothing tying me to my country - my entire world - outside of a dying king.
[It's strangely freeing to admit that, and as if to confirm it, Iago nods to himself.]
I was in the middle of attempting to stop a coup, and a good portion of my army betrayed me. I could have still won, but that was weeks ago. By the time I return, it's likely King Garon will be dead and Prince Xander will have taken the throne. Everything I've worked for will have gone up in smoke.
[And while that used to be an absolutely terrifying idea... what if it isn't the only option?]
...Ah, but I've gotten distracted. There's no sense in thinking about such things until this whole ordeal is over with. [He waves a hand as if to dismiss it.] The point is I'm keeping my options open and considering everything I can carefully.
You're right in that I have no desire to risk dealing with another trial. The reason I tell you all of this is in case someone gets it in their head to start accusing me of a murder I didn't commit. My power is unknown to all of them, and I have no doubts Rideaux will attempt to force my hand if he has the opportunity.
[you'll never guess who is STILL MAD at rideaux!!!!]
I realized something while I was talking with her. She assumed I would have no interest in taking her up on anything she might offer because she was certain my interest lies only in Nohr.
...It's a bit strange to realize that there really is nothing tying me to my country - my entire world - outside of a dying king.
[It's strangely freeing to admit that, and as if to confirm it, Iago nods to himself.]
I was in the middle of attempting to stop a coup, and a good portion of my army betrayed me. I could have still won, but that was weeks ago. By the time I return, it's likely King Garon will be dead and Prince Xander will have taken the throne. Everything I've worked for will have gone up in smoke.
[And while that used to be an absolutely terrifying idea... what if it isn't the only option?]
...Ah, but I've gotten distracted. There's no sense in thinking about such things until this whole ordeal is over with. [He waves a hand as if to dismiss it.] The point is I'm keeping my options open and considering everything I can carefully.
You're right in that I have no desire to risk dealing with another trial. The reason I tell you all of this is in case someone gets it in their head to start accusing me of a murder I didn't commit. My power is unknown to all of them, and I have no doubts Rideaux will attempt to force my hand if he has the opportunity.
[you'll never guess who is STILL MAD at rideaux!!!!]
[Dist stares back at Iago in disbelief, entirely taken aback by what he's hearing. Just weeks ago, they were talking about how terrible the incentive was to risk everything that they've spent so long working toward. They connected over how important their aspirations were to them. And now Iago is speaking freely about being open to the idea of his life's work being taken away from him?
To say Dist is shaken up is an understatement. Just about everything else Iago says is a blur as his previous words repeat in Dist's mind.]
Right, right... That is entirely likely.
[Though he responds, it's in a distant sort of way, like he's not truly listening.]
To say Dist is shaken up is an understatement. Just about everything else Iago says is a blur as his previous words repeat in Dist's mind.]
Right, right... That is entirely likely.
[Though he responds, it's in a distant sort of way, like he's not truly listening.]
[...Well, it looks as though that was the exact wrong thing to say. Ugh, this is exactly what he deserves for speaking without thinking. This place really is doing a number on him, isn't it?
It would be easy enough to try to push the conversation along and gloss over it and maybe pretend that everything's fine; it isn't often he gets away with something like that, but maybe Dist would let him. But...]
It seems something I've said has caught you off-guard. Would you like me to clarify anything for you?
[Despite the wording, it isn't sarcastic. Dist is one of the very few people here Iago is willing to try for, even if he doesn't look very happy about it.]
It would be easy enough to try to push the conversation along and gloss over it and maybe pretend that everything's fine; it isn't often he gets away with something like that, but maybe Dist would let him. But...]
It seems something I've said has caught you off-guard. Would you like me to clarify anything for you?
[Despite the wording, it isn't sarcastic. Dist is one of the very few people here Iago is willing to try for, even if he doesn't look very happy about it.]
I-
[Deeply uncomfortable at this point, Dist can't hold back how he really feels about what was just said.]
I do not understand. How can you be so...so resigned toward the possibility of your work being ruined? Do you not wish to see Nohr under your rule above all else?
[He can't even fathom giving up, even if his plans did go up in smoke. He would simply have to keep trying, even if it killed him. He would do anything for Jade and the Professor.
Anything...]
[Deeply uncomfortable at this point, Dist can't hold back how he really feels about what was just said.]
I do not understand. How can you be so...so resigned toward the possibility of your work being ruined? Do you not wish to see Nohr under your rule above all else?
[He can't even fathom giving up, even if his plans did go up in smoke. He would simply have to keep trying, even if it killed him. He would do anything for Jade and the Professor.
Anything...]
Edited 2020-01-25 02:38 (UTC)
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