animus_network

I have two things to speak of today, starting with the one directed to the residents of this Tower as a whole.

[She holds up a striped billiard ball from the bar on the 88th Floor.]

I wish to learn to play this game. Who can teach me?

[She then idly rolls the ball in her fingers as she continues.]

As for the other matter, it is directed to those from my world or a variation of it where a specific war takes place involving magi. With Rider gone, his ridiculous idea of a conclave amongst us to discuss the War and those of us involved in it should also disappear.

Though I understand why the King of Conquerors wished for the gathering, it was folly to believe such a thing could ever happen and remain peaceful. There are worst fates than a death that does not take here. I know that there was one that had been planning to use Rider's conclave as means to gaining power with all gathered in one location. Had Rider carried his meeting out before his disappearance, I would have seen to neutralizing that threat.

Should another of you be foolish enough to pursue this idea, I will not and you will reap what you sow.

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[It would have been another uncomfortable silence had Saber not spoken. He chuckles despite himself, a light sound for what should be a heavy topic.]

Maybe. Not every father ingrains that kind of ideal into their children. Even the thickest of blood should be able to step aside for the sake of a little bit of common sense.

[There's a tinge of something bitter in the tone of his words, here and gone again. Betrayal wasn't the issue here, anyways. Not when it came to Luke, at least. It was all so very complicated. Guy preferred that it didn't have to be.]

If you want to believe was Asch said, Luke, that's your choice. But I'm not a fan of lying about things you really need to know.

What I need to know?

[Luke stared at Guy, incredulous. Did he really just hear that from his mouth? He wasn't exactly helping him with his insecurities at the moment, nor was he helping with that sinking feeling that Asch was right and Guy was hiding something from him. Just how many people from his world were lying to him? Did other people know about him being a replica? How many? What else was being kept from him?]

[He felt his stomach turning around into a knot, and he wrapped his arms around his waist in an effort to keep his lunch from paying him a return visit.]

So you are keeping something from me... Why? I know I haven't been the best master or the best friend, but what the hell did I do for you not to trust me like this...?

[Saber's posture shifted, the metal of her armor sounding as the plates moved, as she brought her right foot back and half-turned into a more aggressive positioning. She did not summon her sword as she knew it wasn't needed, but she really did not like the words that had come from Guy's mouth.]

There is no honor in lying. Who are you to determine what he does and does not need to know? Speak quickly, plainly and truthfully before I send you chasing after Asch.

Wh-- [The offensive stance of the woman gets Guy to back up slightly, eyes flickering quickly to Luke, then back to her. What, was he the bad guy here now?

He sighs raggedly, a hand at the bridge of his nose.]

Look, believe what you want about my credibility, I'm sorry. But I'm not going to hurt him, and nothing I just told him was a lie. Luke... [Dammit, he's having to fight the urge to stay right where he is instead of walking the few steps to make sure Luke's alright. Luke, come on, look at him--]

Luke, listen. I know it doesn't look that way. But you haven't done anything, this has nothing to do with you or how much I trust you.

[Luke fumbled up to his feet, shuffling back. No... why, why was his own friend keeping stuff from him?]

I'm already hurt; what the heck's the difference?

[And then a thought struck him then, making him freeze up inside.]

...it's... not that you don't trust me. You don't trust me not to flip out. You think... I'm still like I was? That I'm just going to start yelling if it's something bad?

[...he had every reason to think that, but... it still hurt.]

Why... you know I'm trying...

[He... he really couldn't take this. He really did want to flip out now, and if he didn't step away... Luke felt tears threatening again, and he wanted to start sobbing again, but he managed to bite it back. Instead he reached up, wiping his eyes with a glove.]

...no. I can't... I can't deal with this anymore. I've gotta step away.

[Saber's visor faded away, revealing her pale yellow eyes boring into Guy's.]

Leave. Now.

This moment is done. I will see Luke back to his room.

Luke--

[The blonde looks absolutely torn. A stubborn edge to him wants to square his shoulders and say no, stay here and stay quiet until Luke felt like they could talk. There was no way in hell he was going to let Luke feel he had to deal with this alone again, not after having to see it through a first time. Understanding the consequences of his actions was one thing, but he didn't deserve to be abandoned or isolated because of it.

For a second, Guy's arm is raised, as if he means to ignore Saber's words entirely and try to take control himself.

But--]

[...

No. He had to give Luke his space. Just like when Akzeriuth fell. As much as he was used to being the kid's one resort for companionship and comfort... nothing was going to be able to comfort him until he could process things for himself, and it sounds like he was having trouble doing that right about now.

Saber was right. They were done for now.

His hand drops as his expression clouds over, his mouth pressing into a thin line. He gives a brief glance to Luke (apologetic? Honestly, it's hard to read) before drawing himself up, a fist clenched against the hilt of his sword as he strides past the duo and back down the hall.

He would explain himself, when Luke was good and ready to understand. Just not now.]

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