Have you really? I must admit, I'm very curious... I've been playing it far too safe with her; I believed winning her favor would be more beneficial for me in the long run. How blind I was.
[Admittedly, absolutely no one saw Dist's death coming and that was the major catalyst in putting his priorities in order.]
I suppose I had a bit of an advantage by being her..."favorite", for better or worse.
[Even now, he sounds pretty conflicted about his status. He has never really known how describe his feelings on that woman.]
I've pushed the label more than I probably should have, but I always got the feeling that she was holding back her anger when I did. Perhaps it allowed me to get more out of her than others.
I imagine it did. You had quite a bit of freedom to push her and she was very riled after your death.
[He's not going to tell Dist about all the things she mentioned wanting to do to him because Dist doesn't need to know that and he doesn't ever want to think about it, so.]
I only ever truly angered her once, and thankfully it wasn't aimed at me. Her temper rivals Garon's own. [And he doesn't know her nearly well enough to know how to calm her down.] I was worried about irritating her as badly as I had initially; our first conversation after that was exceptionally annoying.
[Turns out the Lady's terrible when she doesn't like you......... Who would've guessed..........]
But the next time I spoke to her, she seemed perfectly fine with me. I'm not entirely certain why, though I suppose it might be because it was the week of that motive regarding our powers.
[She figured she had him beat and somehow she ended up finding him interesting during that conversation. That's the best guess he has, anyway.]
[He...he knows. Unfortunately, he knows. That was the one thing he found out about on the Twilight side. #Oof]
I believe I might have mentioned this before, but she likely took an interest to you in the same way that I did. You are an incredible Sorcerer with a similar mindset similar to our own. She said that people like us would fit nicely into her world.
[The Lady is just insane in a slightly different trajectory.]
She mentioned having given you an offer to go with her as well...?
She did, yes. Initially, she assumed I would have no interest in it, because my plans were to rule Nohr and conquer Hoshido.
[He's quiet for a moment once that's out there.]
Her offer was what helped me realize that it isn't what I want. Even back then I imagined we'd hate each other if we were to work together, but the possibility of learning more of what this world - and many others - has to offer was something I couldn't turn down.
I never did agree to work with her, mind you. I simply left that option open in case I needed it.
[In case he made it to the end and they stood no chance of winning. He would have sold everyone else out in a heartbeat if he could keep himself safe. And somewhere along the way, that extended to Dist and Cumore as well. Maybe he'd still be thinking like that if Dist was here by his side.]
But I don't like being someone's pawn and there's nothing she can say now to persuade me to join her.
[IT HIT JUST A LITTLE TOO CLOSE TO HOME FOR HIS LIKING, HONESTLY.]
Mm... I had a feeling. By the time I talked about you to her, she told me that her offer had "lost its luster", to quote her. I believe she must have known that you might change your mind about being interested in it.
[He's silent for a good moment, considering how he wants to word what he's about to say.]
I came...very, very close to accepting her offer. Her specialty—transferring memories and consciousness—is the final piece of the puzzle to my work back home. If I could convert that technology to function in Auldrant, I might've been able to successfully revive the Professor in a replicated body, as I had always wanted. She was prepared to allow me access to that technology if I joined her- she even gave me a blueprint of the machine that I would need to build.
The way that panned out...it was too good to be true.
[While it is difficult to admit all of that, it also feels a little freeing to have it out in the open.]
Had I not had you, I might have accepted. I have played the pawn more than once to get what I want, so it wouldn't have been anything new. But...now that I have talked things over with you, about my dreams and how unrealistic they truly are...it is hardly worth it.
[It takes him a moment to respond, mostly because it feels like someone has punched him in the chest and he can't remember how to breathe.
It makes sense - of course it makes sense. Dist was desperate to bring Professor Nebilim back. He would have done anything for that goal; he didn't understand how Iago could change his goals because Dist couldn't fathom it. She dangled that before him, knowing that she had everything he could possibly want.
She was so close to having Dist join her, far closer than she ever was to having him work with her.]
I'm glad you recognized that it was too good to be true. She offered me a place at her side after I discussed the motive regarding our powers with her.
[He was at his weakest then. She knew, and she preyed on both of them then. But that was also exactly what gave him pause, because she offered too much.
Another pause as he exhales and tries to focus.]
I was already certain I would kill her, but this only confirms it. After what she did to you... It's what she deserves. She very nearly had you and I can never forgive her for using your desires in such a way. You should never have to be anyone's pawn.
[That throws Dist off. He hadn't quite had his perceptions challenged so deeply until Iago entered his life, and he just keeps doing it. A part of him always believed that the Lady really did just want to use him, but near the end, he...couldn't help but feel like it was more than that. When she gave him that blueprint and told him why she found fondness in him, he believed her. He believed that in that moment, they were something resembling equals. He found himself envisioning a life in her world with Iago at his side, surrounded by amazing science and followers who would appreciate them.
Was he wrong about that?
...Maybe so.]
I am sorry, Iago. Perhaps it was foolish of me to even consider trusting her. But it does not matter now. I...I no longer need her assistance. I have a much brighter future ahead, thanks to you.
[It gets him to settle a bit, and he takes a moment to imagine how much easier this conversation would be in person. Or would it be more difficult? He would at least be able to hold Dist tightly and reassure him with more than just words.]
Perhaps, but I considered it as well. There's no need for you to apologize; I'm not angry with you at all.
[It's the Lady's fault; this has all been the Lady's fault this entire time, he simply allowed himself to forget that because he thought he could make use of her. He allowed himself to get sidetracked, to focus on everything but the big picture. Perhaps he could have assured Dist of this weeks ago if he'd simply sorted himself out earlier.]
That blueprint you mentioned... Is it somewhere in your room? I... admittedly haven't gone through everything in here.
[He tried, but he was mostly sorting through his own things. If there's anything else he should find and possibly share with the others, now's the time!!]
[Iago's words are reassuring, and Dist is grateful for that. He figured Iago would be pretty disappointed, but it does seem like the Lady almost got the both of them.
Oh, right. The blueprint. Maybe it would be helpful...]
It is, yes. It is tucked away in my desk. I can go over it with you, if you would like.
[Dist launches into a detailed description of the blueprint. It's a machine that is shaped like a throne for a subject to sit on, complete with shackles to keep the subject in place. The head is covered up by some sort of windowed brass contraption with lots of circuits and light bulbs.]
The Lady told me that this machine can collect and store the memories, knowledge and consciousness of the subject and transfer them to another person through this. I imagine she used it to inhabit the body that she is now, and will later update her real body with everything she has learned.
[As much as he hates the Lady for everything that's happened, there's no denying that she's a genius.]
I wonder if her real body is somewhere here...? If we can find that, we need to destroy it. We can't allow her to continue hopping between bodies at will.
Now that I do not know. From the message that Erik found, I have my doubts that she'd keep it somewhere we could find it. She does apparently have access to teleportation technology, after all. I believe it would require further investigation, at the very least.
Perhaps there is more to discover at the castle...?
Erik was able to get into her castle, but didn't have time to explore much before Rembrandt caught him. We need a way in and time enough to explore without interruptions. Given what she said to me before, it's possible we can get in through the sewers.
[But also like, eww. Gross.]
I'll share this with the others and we'll see if we can figure something out. The castle is likely where we'll find everything else we need to know.
This was a good talk. I believe we are as caught up as we can be, yes? [Some of it was really awful, but it's good to be caught up.] I look forward to what you bring me next. Even if it is simply to tell me to sleep well.
[Because even here in the Twilight, he needs to sleep. What a rip.]
You're going to have wonderful dreams of me sweeping you off your feet, aren't you? I'm sure your dreams will be pleasant.
[But it helps, and he's certainly going to spend as much time as he can talking to Dist, even about the most unimportant things. It's more or less a lifeline for him at this point.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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[He's gotten to catch her off guard once and it would've been the best if the circumstances weren't...after the fourth week's trial...
Anyway, he lets a conspiratory laugh come through the feed.]
I will be waiting in anticipation for that, no doubt about it.
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[Admittedly, absolutely no one saw Dist's death coming and that was the major catalyst in putting his priorities in order.]
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[Even now, he sounds pretty conflicted about his status. He has never really known how describe his feelings on that woman.]
I've pushed the label more than I probably should have, but I always got the feeling that she was holding back her anger when I did. Perhaps it allowed me to get more out of her than others.
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[He's not going to tell Dist about all the things she mentioned wanting to do to him because Dist doesn't need to know that and he doesn't ever want to think about it, so.]
I only ever truly angered her once, and thankfully it wasn't aimed at me. Her temper rivals Garon's own. [And he doesn't know her nearly well enough to know how to calm her down.] I was worried about irritating her as badly as I had initially; our first conversation after that was exceptionally annoying.
[Turns out the Lady's terrible when she doesn't like you......... Who would've guessed..........]
But the next time I spoke to her, she seemed perfectly fine with me. I'm not entirely certain why, though I suppose it might be because it was the week of that motive regarding our powers.
[She figured she had him beat and somehow she ended up finding him interesting during that conversation. That's the best guess he has, anyway.]
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I believe I might have mentioned this before, but she likely took an interest to you in the same way that I did. You are an incredible Sorcerer with a similar mindset similar to our own. She said that people like us would fit nicely into her world.
[The Lady is just insane in a slightly different trajectory.]
She mentioned having given you an offer to go with her as well...?
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She did, yes. Initially, she assumed I would have no interest in it, because my plans were to rule Nohr and conquer Hoshido.
[He's quiet for a moment once that's out there.]
Her offer was what helped me realize that it isn't what I want. Even back then I imagined we'd hate each other if we were to work together, but the possibility of learning more of what this world - and many others - has to offer was something I couldn't turn down.
I never did agree to work with her, mind you. I simply left that option open in case I needed it.
[In case he made it to the end and they stood no chance of winning. He would have sold everyone else out in a heartbeat if he could keep himself safe. And somewhere along the way, that extended to Dist and Cumore as well. Maybe he'd still be thinking like that if Dist was here by his side.]
But I don't like being someone's pawn and there's nothing she can say now to persuade me to join her.
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Mm... I had a feeling. By the time I talked about you to her, she told me that her offer had "lost its luster", to quote her. I believe she must have known that you might change your mind about being interested in it.
[He's silent for a good moment, considering how he wants to word what he's about to say.]
I came...very, very close to accepting her offer. Her specialty—transferring memories and consciousness—is the final piece of the puzzle to my work back home. If I could convert that technology to function in Auldrant, I might've been able to successfully revive the Professor in a replicated body, as I had always wanted. She was prepared to allow me access to that technology if I joined her- she even gave me a blueprint of the machine that I would need to build.
The way that panned out...it was too good to be true.
[While it is difficult to admit all of that, it also feels a little freeing to have it out in the open.]
Had I not had you, I might have accepted. I have played the pawn more than once to get what I want, so it wouldn't have been anything new. But...now that I have talked things over with you, about my dreams and how unrealistic they truly are...it is hardly worth it.
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It makes sense - of course it makes sense. Dist was desperate to bring Professor Nebilim back. He would have done anything for that goal; he didn't understand how Iago could change his goals because Dist couldn't fathom it. She dangled that before him, knowing that she had everything he could possibly want.
She was so close to having Dist join her, far closer than she ever was to having him work with her.]
I'm glad you recognized that it was too good to be true. She offered me a place at her side after I discussed the motive regarding our powers with her.
[He was at his weakest then. She knew, and she preyed on both of them then. But that was also exactly what gave him pause, because she offered too much.
Another pause as he exhales and tries to focus.]
I was already certain I would kill her, but this only confirms it. After what she did to you... It's what she deserves. She very nearly had you and I can never forgive her for using your desires in such a way. You should never have to be anyone's pawn.
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Was he wrong about that?
...Maybe so.]
I am sorry, Iago. Perhaps it was foolish of me to even consider trusting her. But it does not matter now. I...I no longer need her assistance. I have a much brighter future ahead, thanks to you.
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Perhaps, but I considered it as well. There's no need for you to apologize; I'm not angry with you at all.
[It's the Lady's fault; this has all been the Lady's fault this entire time, he simply allowed himself to forget that because he thought he could make use of her. He allowed himself to get sidetracked, to focus on everything but the big picture. Perhaps he could have assured Dist of this weeks ago if he'd simply sorted himself out earlier.]
That blueprint you mentioned... Is it somewhere in your room? I... admittedly haven't gone through everything in here.
[He tried, but he was mostly sorting through his own things. If there's anything else he should find and possibly share with the others, now's the time!!]
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Oh, right. The blueprint. Maybe it would be helpful...]
It is, yes. It is tucked away in my desk. I can go over it with you, if you would like.
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I'll get it now.
[He moves his mask and circlet over to the desk with him, carefully opening it up and locating said blueprint. What's going on here?]
I have it. What can you tell me about it?
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[Dist launches into a detailed description of the blueprint. It's a machine that is shaped like a throne for a subject to sit on, complete with shackles to keep the subject in place. The head is covered up by some sort of windowed brass contraption with lots of circuits and light bulbs.]
The Lady told me that this machine can collect and store the memories, knowledge and consciousness of the subject and transfer them to another person through this. I imagine she used it to inhabit the body that she is now, and will later update her real body with everything she has learned.
no subject
[As much as he hates the Lady for everything that's happened, there's no denying that she's a genius.]
I wonder if her real body is somewhere here...? If we can find that, we need to destroy it. We can't allow her to continue hopping between bodies at will.
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Now that I do not know. From the message that Erik found, I have my doubts that she'd keep it somewhere we could find it. She does apparently have access to teleportation technology, after all. I believe it would require further investigation, at the very least.
Perhaps there is more to discover at the castle...?
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[But also like, eww. Gross.]
I'll share this with the others and we'll see if we can figure something out. The castle is likely where we'll find everything else we need to know.
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[Because while this is important, not smelling like sewer is equally important.]
Good plan. I will tune into the meeting if I am able. We are all quite interested in hearing your progress.
[Well. Dist is, anyway. A lot of the Twilight gang are...themselves...]
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[send the good guys in to open the sewers!!]
Of course, Dist. I certainly won't let you down, though I don't know if I can say the same of the others.
[His opinion of most of them was already really low, but last trial just kind of tanked it directly into the ground...]
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[At least they delivered...?]
This was a good talk. I believe we are as caught up as we can be, yes? [Some of it was really awful, but it's good to be caught up.] I look forward to what you bring me next. Even if it is simply to tell me to sleep well.
[Because even here in the Twilight, he needs to sleep. What a rip.]
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[But it helps, and he's certainly going to spend as much time as he can talking to Dist, even about the most unimportant things. It's more or less a lifeline for him at this point.]