middleofsomewhere | The Mountain Top: Grasshopper 25

The Mountain Top: Grasshopper 25

After the strangeness of their second day on the island for some, with memories and conversations in a cave, the third day goes calmly.

At least until mid afternoon. As the day winds on into evening all of those who have been sharing memories with others will feel a pull.

A pull to climb the mountain in the north. It is a good feeling, that mountain is where you need to be. A sense of belonging, friendship, camaraderie. You don't need to be alone, just climb the mountain.

For those that climb they will find worn wooden benches spaced around the lip of the caldera in concentric circles, the centre set up like an amphitheatre. The Jema syrup spills from crevices around the edges, running down from the peak in well-worn grooves and channels.

The sun sets slowly on Jema’grethy, slowly sinking into the ocean over a period of a couple of hours. During that time pairs of Voidtreckers will feel drawn towards the syrup, to touch the surface.

When they do they will receive a memory and find themselves back in that cave once more. For those watching it is as if they are in a trance, lasting a few moments.

People feel moved at different times and so there are always people aware, sat around the mountain top. It might be that there are other friends they wish to speak to about what they see. It might be that they wish to sit silently and avoid everything, if only their friends will allow it.

But it is a place to be together nonetheless.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Can't is a weird word to use for it, Inigo thinks. He expected more something like Tidus not wanting to, but saying 'can't' gives it a different edge. Like there's something keeping Tidus from talking that's not just a desire to keep a secret, or not want to seem too vulnerable.

Inigo is quick to respect that though, instead focusing on the other thing Tidus says. It's a foreign feeling for him - what would he even miss, what is home? A ruined future? A past he doesn't belong in? At best a world that doesn't seem so complicated all the time, maybe - but that doesn't mean Inigo can't sympathize with it all the same.

"Sorry."

'You'll go back there one day', he almost says, but then remembers what Tidus told him about suddenly having found himself in a different place entirely, and quickly swallows those words back up.

"Would talking about home make you feel a bit better? You don't have to explain anything to us, just.. reminisce."

Edited 2020-09-01 17:36 (UTC)

"Yes. You don't have to tell us, but you can talk. About whatever you want."

He didn't really need their permission but sometimes it helped to hear it. Taiki could understand missing home. It was a feeling he had felt a lot, for different places and different times. He was the kirin of Tai but he was also a Taika and earth was part of him too.

He remembered Tidus telling him about his world, about how he was from a part that was separate from the rest, that he had ended up in another part of the world. So he was used to being in other places too but it didn't make it any easier, didn't make it hurt less.

"You can talk about whatever you want."

If this were any other time, he'd talk about it happily. Had earlier that day even, in the days past, on the train and off during his time with the Voidtrecker Express. Told the pair of them details of it--Taiki probably the most. The arched waterways and the districts set on different levels, water flowing off the buildings. His home on the sea. How he'd take him on a boat sometime.

But here, the suggestion, offer--his entire being clamps down, refuses to allow him to say anything. Anything about that place, 'cause what right did he have? To reminiscence, to yearn.

They had no choice. But...

"What about you two?" Tidus asks instead; knowing there's nothing either of them can do, nothing he can do himself. And he isn't the only guy to witness memories best left in the past. Or memories...memories that revealed more than one recalled. "Did you both see...something hard?"

Well, Taiki had said Tidus could talk about whatever he wanted. Though Inigo isn't entirely sure if that question is better. He doesn't want to dodge it, because clearly Tidus needs to think about something else right now.

But when he thinks back on his memory.. He's too scared. Too terrified of how Taiki, so meek and avoiding any sort of battle, might look at him when Inigo would tell him how many people he killed with his own hands. Too worried about how Tidus may judge him, having struggled so much yet always keeping it inside, never telling anyone.

Too ashamed by his own weakness.

But if he doesn't talk, it will by default force Taiki to have to talk about his memory, and he doesn't want to do that to the other. Just in case it was something too painful. Judging by what Inigo saw of Gyousou's memories, if they're anything like that--

"Just the usual battles back home," Inigo says with a shrug, immediately forcing a smile on his face and making sure to keep his tone light. It's not like he's lying. Just downplaying it. He's just banking on the fact that hopefully Taiki won't ask Gyousou about it. "If anything, I suppose I'm only slightly worried about having looked kind of pathetic in front of lord Gyousou."

"I doubt that." He reassures Inigo quickly, whilst never letting go of Tidus' hand, continuing to move his thumb gently over it, trying to give comfort.

"If anything I would think he would think you even more impressive." If the small looks he had witnessed from his king in Inigo's direction these last few days had been anything to go by.

"I can't imagine anything that would make Lord Gyousou believe you pathetic."

After all he never thought Taiki pathetic, even when Taiki didn't know anything. Even when Taiki failed. Even now when Taiki is a powerless creature, unable to help king or kingdom.

"Taiki's right," Tidus speaks up, looking towards Inigo, his face pulled into an uneasiness display than any particular emotion usually worn. "You're not pathetic."

After all that they've spoken about lately, after all the time they've known each other, it would be have been spoken more loudly, firm. And while there is a firm quality, it's soft, a refusal to the self-deprecation before them.

Tidus brings his head back down, not quite looking out to the sea. Just somewhere else, his shoulders heaving on a breath.

"You don't need to talk about anything," he says, to the both of them, "but-- ..." But. It takes him a second. "... You two... can talk, too. When you're ready. If you want to."

Another pause. "...but I know, it's not always easy to."

There's just some subjects that are... impossible.

Inigo slowly sucks in a breath before releasing it again.

"Yeah." He still leans sideways against Tidus slightly as he breathes out the word. "I think.. we're probably all at least somewhat emotionally sore right now though. If we want to talk, maybe it'll be better to do it at some later moment, when we feel better."

He's at least willing to admit that much, despite his downplaying from a moment ago. The fact that Tidus is emotionally sore is radiating off him in waves, even stronger than Inigo's own exhaustion. He's not sure about Taiki, but then again, the other always seems a little sad - so Inigo makes sure to shoot a look the kirin's way while Tidus is looking away from both of them, just a slight hint of concern in his eyes and a tilted nudge of his head, like he's silently asking the other if he's okay, if he wants to say anything.

He won't push for it though in case Taiki doesn't want to talk, so he leans back, remembering their talk from the other day.

"Regardless.. we still have each other. No matter what we went through in the past, or what we saw now." Inigo reaches out with his hand, putting it on Tidus's hair to ruffle it a bit. It could have been seen as jokingly if it wasn't for how gentle the motion is before Inigo pulls his hand back. "I, for one, am very glad to have two great friends who don't think I'm pathetic."

It really was sometimes impossible, words were difficult and he knows there is pain in both of their hearts. Pain in all three of their heart because honestly seeing that moment again was... He had been so naive then, a kirin who really knew nothing. Seeing it again, it had been so easy for Asen, he hadn't even needed to try.

He was no better now really. He nodded at Inigo, he's alright. He really is. He leans into Inigo's hand when his hair was ruffled, happy for the comfort. "Yes." He nodded, "I am glad too."

For having friends such as this, for being able to be with them. Even if things were painful right now.

It was... tough. There was more they maybe should ponder: everything that happened, everything that went on. What any of this meant in the long run and beyond the linked visions.But none of it was a point of consideration that Tidus wanted to deal with. He wanted to be nowhere, thoughtless. Not even thinking about Zanarkand, the sea where...

Tidus takes a hold of Taiki's hand on his, sighs as he unravels his legs tucked in, just to loosen them some. Places his other hand on Inigo's thigh, and he gives them each a reassuring squeeze. A small gesture of his own.

"Thank you-- both. I should... I shouldn't leave Yuna right now. I should look for her." It wasn't the best of him to be away from her, not right now, though she was okay. It just... didn't feel right anyway, or maybe he simply wanted to see her. Wanted to be selfish, despite the good company he had in both Taiki and Inigo.

"If you need me-- just, let me know. 'kay?" He looks to them both, low, a smile pressed onto his lips. "Both of you."

There's definitely moments where it's a little hard to read Taiki. Or maybe it's just since Inigo is projecting a little bit too much, and his own habits make it hard for him to know when someone is being truthful about being alright and when someone isn't. He wants to believe in Taiki's nod though, so he smiles at the other until he can feel Tidus's hand on his thigh.

His gaze turns towards Tidus then, and Inigo's smile widens. It looks very genuine, like Inigo really doesn't have any negative feelings within him at all right now.

"You should!" He pulls his arm partially back, but mostly so he can pat Tidus on the back in a 'go and see your girl' kind of gesture. "I bet she's waiting for you."

Especially if she may have had visions of her own. Those two should be supporting each other exactly at a moment like this. Find comfort in each other.

Taiki should be doing the same, Inigo thinks, and of course he knows the person his other friend most likely wants to be with right now too, so he easily continues: "And you probably want to be with lord Gyousou right now, right?"

"Yes you should." He nodded at Tidus as well, he isn't sure where Yuna is but he knows that Tidus should go to her, if she has seen things as well it would be even more important. But even if she hasn't, Tidus should still be at her side.

He nods at Inigo, because it was true, the place he wanted to be most right now, always, was at Lord Gyousou's side. "Do you want to come with me?"

He might not, as it was Lord Gyousou who saw his memory. But also Taiki can't really imagining anyone not wishing to be with Lord Gyousou. He has that effect on people.

Tidus won't interrupt Taiki's question, waiting until there's a moment where he can begin to shift and move, lift himself up from where he's been sitting. Yuna hadn't been suffering these visions herself, and he hadn't seen her on the mountain either, but even so--he couldn't know.

There's a second though where he considers speaking; standing ready to go, one foot ahead, but paused in a thought. Some reminder of being glad to meet them, that he got to, even though he shouldn't have, none of them should have, but him more so...

But it's not a mood he wants to leave on them, so he only smiles before heading off, to find his way off the mountain.

Inigo is about ready to answer Taiki's question, but then he notices Tidus standing there from the corner of his eye. He looks up at the other, almost questioningly for a moment - it's like Tidus wants to say something, but doesn't.

.. maybe it had to do with the odd mood Tidus had been in. Inigo can't help but be a little worried, but surely he'll be okay at Yuna's side, right? Inigo knows they'll find comfort in each other.

And so will Taiki and Gyousou. For sure. And that is also something he can't come between, something he shouldn't ruin.

So he just smiles and shakes his head.

"It's alright. You should speak to him alone. I'm sure the two of you have a lot to discuss."

Taiki sees as well, watching Tidus as he walks off. Feeling strange about it, like Tidus had wanted to say more.

He looks back towards Inigo, concern on his face. "Will you be alright?"

He doesn't want Inigo to be alone, and he is sure Lord Gyousou would not wish that either.

His smile grows a little wider.

"Yes, of course!" Sure, with Inigo there's always the concern whether or not he really means it, since he never answers the question about being alright with anything other than yes, he's alright, he has always been alright and will forever be alright. But even if it's a lie, he makes it sound really genuine. "Come on, have I ever not been alright? You don't have to worry about a thing, Taiki! Not like a few silly memories are going to get me down."

He just looks at him for a moment, because yes. There had been times when Inigo has really really been not alright.

But he seems fine now, though Taiki worries that he is hiding his pain. Still he nods slowly, not wanting to call his friend a liar.

"Okay. But if you need us... Please come and find us."

He is certain Lord Gyousou won't mind.

Honestly, Taiki's worry is entirely warranted. Inigo is lying through his teeth right now, it's just that he's doing a pretty good job at it - the only possible thing betraying him being his background of pulling this stunt often enough that it's easy to doubt him whenever he says he's fine.

"Alright." But he smiles, his eyes forming crescents. Like truly nothing is up, like the worries stirring in his mind aren't there. "Don't worry, I know it. You both are much too kind."

Which is exactly why he can't intrude.

Inigo stands up, briefly clasping Taiki's shoulder before smiling a last time.

"Say hi to him for me!"

And with that, he turns and walks off.

"I will." He nodded and watched after him with a worried frown. He knows Inigo is not alright, but pushing would be... difficult. He would leave it for now and check up on his friend later.

For now he stood up and returned to his king's side.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

The Mountain Top: Grasshopper 25

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject