No, it is hardly unfair. You would have seen through this in an instant as well, and I'm furious that any of them even considered Cumore.
[Rideaux he can understand. Rideaux is an asshole and would've taken the opportunity to get Cumore killed and under most circumstances that would piss him off. But right now, Rideaux is surprisingly not the person he hates the most anymore and his entirely predictable reaction to Cumore being accused was almost a blessing because that was something he could expect. Everyone else being an idiot was probably something he should have figured for, however.]
Even with how poorly I was handling anything, I was still the one who accused that bastard. It felt like I was the only one fighting at all.
[Cumore shut down after being accused, so he's not mad at Cumore for that, but the rest? Mikami was obviously having issues so he wasn't being useful and Rideaux was primarily keeping his damn mouth shut, but how could all of the others be so blind? How could they look at Cumore first, when absolutely nothing about the evidence pointed to him aside from Sonui?]
I... [The feed cuts for a moment.] I wanted them all dead. In that moment, I would have done anything to ensure all but Cumore died.
[He considered; he was so damn close to asking Rembrandt about that hypothetical deal he hadn't gone through with. It had been a ploy to get Rembrandt to speak, but in that moment...]
I was... so afraid we wouldn't be able to avenge you. I was certain when the Lady announced the results of the vote that Cumore would be joining you.
[And he wouldn't have been far behind, one way or another.]
I do not like thinking of this hypothetical scenario, but if our positions were switched, I would no doubt have felt the same. So never feel guilty about that.
[He's pretty sure Iago doesn't, but he's just making sure.]
I am so grateful that the votes were swayed, even if many of you were uncertain of Ango's guilt. [His voice wavers. He's holding back emotion at this point.] I...I cannot fathom waking up in the Twilight beside Cumore and yourself.
[He's not stupid. He knows that would likely have been the last straw for Iago. It's a tragedy that chills him to even think about.
He's glad it wasn't Mikami either. From the sound of things, his loss would have hit Cumore pretty hard too.]
You all need to pull yourselves together. You all have to be confident and sure of yourselves when you confront the Lady and Rembrandt. Unfortunately, I have less faith than I did previously, but...well, we always did say it sometimes felt like we were the only truly competent ones.
I know. You would have had every right to be furious with me.
[Not necessarily for not being able to keep Cumore from being voted for, although he'd blame himself for that, but because he'd reached a point where he couldn't think clearly. What good is he if he can't even do that much?]
Someday I'll tell you about what that bastard said after we voted for him - but you're right. We need to focus. We're still the only truly competent people here, but things have changed. Before, most of us weren't playing the same game at all. But now...
Well, I believe we're all in agreement that we've had enough. I'll be surprised if any of us don't want to see the Lady bleed. While I don't trust the vast majority of them, at least we're finally in agreement about what the end goal should be.
Once this is over, I will never have to think about them again. I can tolerate them and work around them until then. I promise you, I'll make it through this alive. I would never dream of disappointing you now.
If it's you making that claim, then I will believe it. If nothing else, allow your spite to unite you.
[They really are such a spiteful bunch. Even in the Twilight, spite fuels its inhabitants. While he might not care for a lot of their group, he can at least get behind the spite train.]
Good. I need you to make it through alive. How else will you get to give her a punch in my stead? I certainly can't do it from here!
[He doesn't completely hate the Lady, but he's- he's not at all happy with her either. For a multitude of reasons.]
As much as I'd like that, I'd prefer to actually hurt her. [strength stat: 0.......] If only I had access to my magic... Oh well, perhaps stabbing her a few times would be nice.
[sigh!!]
I'll make sure to pay her back for everything she put you through. She'll regret ever having the nerve to drag you here.
Very well. I will settle for you getting a stab in for me instead.
[...at least he's trying to lighten the very dark mood.]
You have my thanks for seeing this through. I do not mean to burden you with it, but...I know it will be satisfying for the both of us.
[There's a brief pause on his end, and his tone is back to being dead serious when he tunes back in.]
Honestly, Iago... If there is one thing I will forgive her for, it is bringing me here. I wouldn't have met you otherwise. I would...most likely still be chasing my impossible dream.
[There's silence on his end for a long moment as he debates on how to address that, and just how much he wants to say. Eventually he speaks again, though it's a bit slower, almost hesitant.]
I feel the same way. Before you died, I... thanked her for that much.
[It wasn't part of his attempts to befriend her or use her, it was genuine.]
If she hadn't brought me here, I doubt I would have been able to rule Nohr. Even with the Dragon's Blood and Garon's death approaching... I'm not certain I could have defeated Leo and Xander in that battle.
[He still had the advantage, but it was a small one. Xander and Leo both are far more powerful than the average soldier and he wouldn't have stood much of a chance against either of them.]
Since being brought here, I've learned so much. The existence of other worlds and all sorts of technology I could never have imagined... But mostly, I've had the opportunity to meet so many interesting people. I've never felt as though I've been among equals before. [Though that isn't to say he considers most of these people equals. He really doesn't.] Most of the other commanders are nobles who were granted their titles and positions through lineage, and the ones who worked their way up through the ranks couldn't even begin to compare to my skill.
I've been alone for as long as I can remember, and I saw that as a strength back home. Despite how painful it's been... I'm very pleased I've had the opportunity to be proven wrong. I've met you, after all, and no one else will ever understand me in the same way you do.
I don't want to imagine how things would have been if I hadn't met you. I don't want to imagine a life without you in it. I—
[—No. If there's one thing he should save to say to Dist in person, it's that.]
I'm very happy to have met you. I am grateful to the Lady for that, despite everything else.
[...is making it very difficult to not get emotional all over again. But when he says things like "I don't want to imagine a life without you in it", how isn't his heart supposed to immediately flutter like an entire flock of butterflies?
He smiles down at the walkie talkie, reflecting on the better things.]
I am so glad that despite everything, you found plenty of positivity in it. I did as well. Apart from meeting you, I certainly didn't expect to hear others praising my work, or calling me useful... That meant more than I can say, and I don't know if I would have been able to push as hard and as far as I did without you cheering me on. You were the first to take my side, you know.
...At this point, it is very difficult to imagine what may have become of us back home. But we needn't concern ourselves with it now. After all of this is over, we have a new future to look forward to.
[Even if that future is an uncertain one. He still has no idea where to even go after this. One step at a time, though.]
[It gets a good laugh out of him at least. He'll let Iago hear it.]
Well, it certainly got your foot in the door.
[Like...he knows that their relationship did start on them being a practical echo chamber of praise and venting. But the more they spoke and the more they learned about one another...it has become way more than that now. Way, way more.
So. Yes. They are too far gone now. No looking back, etc.]
Are you speaking in a physical sense? Because that may make both of our jobs difficult.
[Joking aside...]
I understand, though. Being apart from you once has proven to be a struggle that I never want to endure again.
I did indeed mean that in the physical sense. You'll have to pry me off.
[He drops the teasing tone for the next part, though.]
You never will. I intend to stay by your side once this is over, regardless of where that takes us.
[It's not as though he's given up on his desire for power - he certainly never could. But "power" is a bit of a vague goal and one he hasn't really properly defined at all since he decided on it. Ruling a kingdom or a country would be nice, of course, but he can start smaller and alter that goal until it fits neatly beside Dist's own.]
I'll be here for you. [Forever, if he has his way.] You aren't getting rid of me just yet.
[It gets a startled laugh out of him; you can catch the end of it as he clicks the button.]
I think you're asking a bit too much of me.
[He actually sounds somewhere between legitimately flattered and caught off-guard for that one. Congrats, Dist, that was shockingly smooth and absolutely has managed to get him to blush.]
I'm fairly certain I already succeeded in that, even if it wasn't physical.
Of course it does. I've already created a spell from scratch, I'm certain I can find a way to alter a Freeze staff to do just what I need it to.
[Gods, he's seriously considering this. What have you done to him, you horrible man.]
You're being so charming right now. Usually I'm the one doing the teasing. I suppose I can't really complain, though. I hope you continue to sweep me off my feet as soon as we're reunited.
[Clearly something amazing?? He's trying to hold back laughter at how absurd this conversation has become. Ah...he's glad this ended on a good note. They really did need to talk about the hard things, but they really can't dwell on them for too long.
A laugh does eventually escape, though it's a pleased one.]
I've learned plenty from you as well, it seems. [He smiles, once again wishing he could be there to touch Iago, but alas. Soon.] My first order of business is to rebuild my chair. Then I may properly do the same for you.
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[Rideaux he can understand. Rideaux is an asshole and would've taken the opportunity to get Cumore killed and under most circumstances that would piss him off. But right now, Rideaux is surprisingly not the person he hates the most anymore and his entirely predictable reaction to Cumore being accused was almost a blessing because that was something he could expect. Everyone else being an idiot was probably something he should have figured for, however.]
Even with how poorly I was handling anything, I was still the one who accused that bastard. It felt like I was the only one fighting at all.
[Cumore shut down after being accused, so he's not mad at Cumore for that, but the rest? Mikami was obviously having issues so he wasn't being useful and Rideaux was primarily keeping his damn mouth shut, but how could all of the others be so blind? How could they look at Cumore first, when absolutely nothing about the evidence pointed to him aside from Sonui?]
I... [The feed cuts for a moment.] I wanted them all dead. In that moment, I would have done anything to ensure all but Cumore died.
[He considered; he was so damn close to asking Rembrandt about that hypothetical deal he hadn't gone through with. It had been a ploy to get Rembrandt to speak, but in that moment...]
I was... so afraid we wouldn't be able to avenge you. I was certain when the Lady announced the results of the vote that Cumore would be joining you.
[And he wouldn't have been far behind, one way or another.]
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I do not like thinking of this hypothetical scenario, but if our positions were switched, I would no doubt have felt the same. So never feel guilty about that.
[He's pretty sure Iago doesn't, but he's just making sure.]
I am so grateful that the votes were swayed, even if many of you were uncertain of Ango's guilt. [His voice wavers. He's holding back emotion at this point.] I...I cannot fathom waking up in the Twilight beside Cumore and yourself.
[He's not stupid. He knows that would likely have been the last straw for Iago. It's a tragedy that chills him to even think about.
He's glad it wasn't Mikami either. From the sound of things, his loss would have hit Cumore pretty hard too.]
You all need to pull yourselves together. You all have to be confident and sure of yourselves when you confront the Lady and Rembrandt. Unfortunately, I have less faith than I did previously, but...well, we always did say it sometimes felt like we were the only truly competent ones.
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[Not necessarily for not being able to keep Cumore from being voted for, although he'd blame himself for that, but because he'd reached a point where he couldn't think clearly. What good is he if he can't even do that much?]
Someday I'll tell you about what that bastard said after we voted for him - but you're right. We need to focus. We're still the only truly competent people here, but things have changed. Before, most of us weren't playing the same game at all. But now...
Well, I believe we're all in agreement that we've had enough. I'll be surprised if any of us don't want to see the Lady bleed. While I don't trust the vast majority of them, at least we're finally in agreement about what the end goal should be.
Once this is over, I will never have to think about them again. I can tolerate them and work around them until then. I promise you, I'll make it through this alive. I would never dream of disappointing you now.
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If it's you making that claim, then I will believe it. If nothing else, allow your spite to unite you.
[They really are such a spiteful bunch. Even in the Twilight, spite fuels its inhabitants. While he might not care for a lot of their group, he can at least get behind the spite train.]
Good. I need you to make it through alive. How else will you get to give her a punch in my stead? I certainly can't do it from here!
[He doesn't completely hate the Lady, but he's- he's not at all happy with her either. For a multitude of reasons.]
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[Spite is one hell of a motivator...]
As much as I'd like that, I'd prefer to actually hurt her. [strength stat: 0.......] If only I had access to my magic... Oh well, perhaps stabbing her a few times would be nice.
[sigh!!]
I'll make sure to pay her back for everything she put you through. She'll regret ever having the nerve to drag you here.
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[...at least he's trying to lighten the very dark mood.]
You have my thanks for seeing this through. I do not mean to burden you with it, but...I know it will be satisfying for the both of us.
[There's a brief pause on his end, and his tone is back to being dead serious when he tunes back in.]
Honestly, Iago... If there is one thing I will forgive her for, it is bringing me here. I wouldn't have met you otherwise. I would...most likely still be chasing my impossible dream.
[Perhaps worse.]
She has put us through hell, but she has also inadvertently united us. If there is anything better to get back at her with, it is that.
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I feel the same way. Before you died, I... thanked her for that much.
[It wasn't part of his attempts to befriend her or use her, it was genuine.]
If she hadn't brought me here, I doubt I would have been able to rule Nohr. Even with the Dragon's Blood and Garon's death approaching... I'm not certain I could have defeated Leo and Xander in that battle.
[He still had the advantage, but it was a small one. Xander and Leo both are far more powerful than the average soldier and he wouldn't have stood much of a chance against either of them.]
Since being brought here, I've learned so much. The existence of other worlds and all sorts of technology I could never have imagined... But mostly, I've had the opportunity to meet so many interesting people. I've never felt as though I've been among equals before. [Though that isn't to say he considers most of these people equals. He really doesn't.] Most of the other commanders are nobles who were granted their titles and positions through lineage, and the ones who worked their way up through the ranks couldn't even begin to compare to my skill.
I've been alone for as long as I can remember, and I saw that as a strength back home. Despite how painful it's been... I'm very pleased I've had the opportunity to be proven wrong. I've met you, after all, and no one else will ever understand me in the same way you do.
I don't want to imagine how things would have been if I hadn't met you. I don't want to imagine a life without you in it. I—
[—No. If there's one thing he should save to say to Dist in person, it's that.]
I'm very happy to have met you. I am grateful to the Lady for that, despite everything else.
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[...is making it very difficult to not get emotional all over again. But when he says things like "I don't want to imagine a life without you in it", how isn't his heart supposed to immediately flutter like an entire flock of butterflies?
He smiles down at the walkie talkie, reflecting on the better things.]
I am so glad that despite everything, you found plenty of positivity in it. I did as well. Apart from meeting you, I certainly didn't expect to hear others praising my work, or calling me useful... That meant more than I can say, and I don't know if I would have been able to push as hard and as far as I did without you cheering me on. You were the first to take my side, you know.
...At this point, it is very difficult to imagine what may have become of us back home. But we needn't concern ourselves with it now. After all of this is over, we have a new future to look forward to.
[Even if that future is an uncertain one. He still has no idea where to even go after this. One step at a time, though.]
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[It lacks any sort of bite at all despite the fact that he's trying to be teasing with it.]
You were the first for me as well, though. Perhaps the feeling is mutual.
[Gods, we really are hopeless, aren't we... Not that he really minds that, and he laughs before continuing.]
I am looking forward to that future and to what you have to discuss with me. I'm a bit afraid that I may simply never let you go once we're reunited.
[It sounds teasing but uh. That might be a legit concern......]
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Well, it certainly got your foot in the door.
[Like...he knows that their relationship did start on them being a practical echo chamber of praise and venting. But the more they spoke and the more they learned about one another...it has become way more than that now. Way, way more.
So. Yes. They are too far gone now. No looking back, etc.]
Are you speaking in a physical sense? Because that may make both of our jobs difficult.
[Joking aside...]
I understand, though. Being apart from you once has proven to be a struggle that I never want to endure again.
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[He drops the teasing tone for the next part, though.]
You never will. I intend to stay by your side once this is over, regardless of where that takes us.
[It's not as though he's given up on his desire for power - he certainly never could. But "power" is a bit of a vague goal and one he hasn't really properly defined at all since he decided on it. Ruling a kingdom or a country would be nice, of course, but he can start smaller and alter that goal until it fits neatly beside Dist's own.]
I'll be here for you. [Forever, if he has his way.] You aren't getting rid of me just yet.
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[Apparently that's what he has decided was the most pressing thing to address.
The next most pressing thing—and something he is very serious about—is:]
You had better work on that physical strength of yours, so you can sweep me off of my feet when we meet again.
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I think you're asking a bit too much of me.
[He actually sounds somewhere between legitimately flattered and caught off-guard for that one. Congrats, Dist, that was shockingly smooth and absolutely has managed to get him to blush.]
I'm fairly certain I already succeeded in that, even if it wasn't physical.
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[He says it as if he's reluctant to. He really isn't at all. Plus he just loves what he's hearing from Iago's end.]
But I don't know. I've simply had...dreams of someone coming along and doing just that in a physical sense.
[While this is entirely a joke...Jade. It was Jade before.]
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[It's usually teasing, but it certainly doesn't manage that this time.]
I'm afraid that may have to remain a dream. Not that I'm complaining if you're dreaming about me, of course.
[And not. You know. Having nightmares about anything that happened.]
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And just what happened to you not intending to disappoint me, hm?
[What has this conversation become.]
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You would use my own words against me in such a way? You wound me, Dist.
[ahhhhhhh this is so much harder when someone else is doing the teasing!!!! how is dist this smooth!!!!!!]
Perhaps I'll have to look into finding a spell that will help make your dream a reality.
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[He is bumblefucking his way through it, as one does in this murdergame group.]
Oh, now that I would accept. Sweeping me off my feet with magic...yes, that does fit you very well.
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[Gods, he's seriously considering this. What have you done to him, you horrible man.]
You're being so charming right now. Usually I'm the one doing the teasing. I suppose I can't really complain, though. I hope you continue to sweep me off my feet as soon as we're reunited.
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[Clearly something amazing?? He's trying to hold back laughter at how absurd this conversation has become. Ah...he's glad this ended on a good note. They really did need to talk about the hard things, but they really can't dwell on them for too long.
A laugh does eventually escape, though it's a pleased one.]
I've learned plenty from you as well, it seems. [He smiles, once again wishing he could be there to touch Iago, but alas. Soon.] My first order of business is to rebuild my chair. Then I may properly do the same for you.
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Why not just build one big enough for both of us?
[this is quite literally the most cursed idea. flying loveseat. disgusting.]
Alternatively, I could just sit in your lap.
[THAT'S EVEN WORSE]
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While Iago doesn't hear the flustered noise he just made, it's still pretty evident in his tone.]
It needs to be small enough to fit through doorways... S-So I suppose the latter would be the only option.
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That does sound like a nice option. Your chair might be comfortable, but I'll have the best seat.
[cuts the feed so he can continue cackling]
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You are something else! Have I told you that yet?!
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[that's more like it!!!! he's the one who's supposed to being doing the flustering here!!!]
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