twenty-second pact ❖ {in uthanera}

[pactum.livejournal.com]

[Emil isn't even sure where to begin. His monsters are practically afraid of him, and he... Did he really say those things? Did he really do those things? He must have, because he's pretty sure he died again.

He needs to make sure everyone is okay. Eventually he finds himself in Ammy's forest-- or what's left of it. A weathered oak tree invites him to sit against it; he unbuckles his sword and leaves it a few feet away. He feels so small in comparison, like a lost child seeking shelter in the gnarled arms of an old woman.

Emil draws his knees to his chest and huddles like this for a while. He should find his friends, but it's all he can do not to give up right here.]

[ooc: He's back to normal. ):]

Comments

[pactum.livejournal.com]

[He bows his head.]

... Thank you. M- maybe that's not the right thing to say, but if you hadn't-- I might have hurt even more people.

I know that I can't apologize for what I did... so that's... all I can say. You did the right thing. [softly] I wish I could have.

[darkercalling]

[Thank him? What...? Riku's suddenly at a loss for what to say. He shakes his head, takes another step forward.]

No, I-... Tch.

[He looks to the floor. He can't even bring himself to meet Emil's eyes right now.]

It... wasn't really you. And I should have known that before I attacked. I was too concerned with protecting people, I didn't stop to think that you... [... are a person too.]

[pactum.livejournal.com]

[Emil looks up again. His expression is soft yet tentative.]

It's okay. All that matters is that they're safe. I-- I would have killed me, too, if it meant protecting others. If that makes any sense.

[An awkward pause. He holds out his right hand.]

... I'm Emil.

[darkercalling]

Yeah. ... It makes sense. If you can believe it, I know exactly how you feel.

[During that awkward pause, he fights the urge to fidget in place. Seeing Emil's hand snaps him out of mentally berating himself, and he blinks. This really isn't how you greet the person who killed you, man. Seriously. But still... he takes it, for a firm shake.]

I'm Riku. [Pause.] And just so you know... I didn't last much longer than you did. [Small, rueful smile]

[pactum.livejournal.com]

Ah...

[He peeks at Riku, curious, but he doesn't pry. How could someone this strong and honest know what it's like to be a monster?

The news of Riku's death doesn't cheer him up much.] I thought so. I'm sorry.

Um... I've died before. So if you have any questions, I can try to answer them.

[darkercalling]

[He shakes his head.] Don't be.

You've... died before? [He pauses, frowns. That's... really disconcerting news about this place.] I... don't have any questions. ... Yet. But I'll keep it in mind. Thanks.

[pactum.livejournal.com]

[Welcome to the Plane, Riku.]

Okay.

And... one more thing. It's probably none of my business, but I-- if you need help, I'd like to make it up to you somehow.

... It's your choice.

[darkercalling]

I was going to tell you the same thing. [Which... actually, really amuses Riku. He even manages the faintest of smiles.] Maybe we should call it even.

But if you ever do need help with anything, or if I can make it up to you... just find me.