Enemy Unknown: Conclusion

[voidtreckermods]

The third night is as long and creepy as the others...

It might be that they found the engine room, solved the puzzles and found themselves in the hangar bay with no way out. It might be that they were still in the station hiding from the invisible monsters. Or it might be that they had been plucked from the mission and were waiting in their holding room.

Either way morning dawns on the fourth day...

---

ENEMY: UNKNOWN

---

DAY FOUR

the trapped. THOSE WHO SOLVED THE ENGINE ROOM SPENT THE NIGHT IN A LARGE HANGAR THAT DOES NOT SEEM TO HAVE ANY DOORS. Their SCA's are working, so they can still communicate with those in the station, perhaps talk them through the engine room puzzles or tell them to stay clear. As morning comes all the lights in the hangar come on. Brighter than any lights so far in the station, harsh white light after the eerie red of the rest of the mission.

Everyone still in the station wakes where they fell asleep - if they slept at all. It's not long after most people are up and about that they will hear a high-pitched beep from their SCA, and then a blue light will envelop them and those around them. It might be they spot their friends vanishing before they too disappear.

They arrive in the hangar, reunited with those who spent the night there. All their gear is with them at least, but that doesn't solve the problem of being in a hangar with no obvious way out. Nor are any of those who vanished during the last three days here, their SCA's still go unanswered.

---

the vanished. FOR THOSE IN THE HOLDING ROOM, THEIR NIGHT HAS PROCEEDED MUCH LIKE THE NIGHTS BEFORE. One of the screens showed the hangar, and those that had succeeded in completing the engine room task. The lights had dimmed for sleeping and turned on again bright in the morning. For those watching the screens they will see those in the station vanish in blue light and turn up in the hangar.

Around half an hour later a voice sounds in the room. "Please gather your belongings and prepare for release."

It's another ten minutes, allowing them to make sure they have all their things before their SCA's beep. They are then surrounded by a blue light, taking them from the room they had spent the last few days in.

REUNITED

reunion. AN HOUR PASSES AFTER FIRST ARRIVALS PASS IN THE HANGAR. Suddenly, there is another flash of blue light, and the missing eighteen Voidtreckers appear with the rest of their crew. They will find they had all their gear as well, including their missing weapons.

They are left to their own devices for a small while, a time for reuniting with friends, but not long enough to exchange stories before a voice rings out in the hangar:

"THANK YOU CREW OF THE VOIDTRECKER EXPRESS FOR YOUR COMPLIANCE. YOU MAY RETURN TO YOUR CRAFT."
There is a loud mass of beeping as everyone's SCA's flashes at the same time, holographic messages popping up too fast to be able to read them in their entirety.

Voidtreckers come in.

All Voidtreckers return to the Voidtrecker Express

Voidtreckers evacuate now

Voidtreckers do you read?

Layers of holographic messages pile on top of each other but a moment later everyone's SCA's glow gold and everyone vanishes from the hangar...

LUGGAGE CARRIAGE

return. EVERYONE ARRIVES INSIDE THE LUGGAGE CARRIAGE, PACKED LIKE SARDINES BETWEEN SUITCASES AND TRUNKS. There is no announcement, no warning of returning to the void; just a lurch that is likely to throw anyone on the train unaware of what has just happened off their feet, no matter the carriage they're in.

They return to the void at what feels like breakneck speed. Colours fly past the windows, and it is a good few hours before they seem to slow to their normal travel speed.

---

Comments

[wewillwewill]

"Forgive me. I have nothing to say. However it is good to see you well."

This is the most anyone will get out of Elidibus, who might still be sporting bandages from an arm injury he took during a run-in with the invisible 'monsters' but is otherwise sound of body. At least there's nothing further wrong with him since his disappearance on the third day.

Well one might have also gotten a warning not to speak of anything at all until they were gone.

One thing that would have happened; he would have waited until the last minute or until the train had force evacuated them all out to be sure everyone made it off the station.

The second that they appeared and the half-expected lurch of the train bolting into voidspace had finished, there is nothing but a billowing cloud of darkness disappearing from the spot the Ascian once occupied. With his abilities back and without a single word to anyone else, he'd made himself scarce. Somewhere on the train no doubt but very much gone.

It was very uncharacteristic, given the last two missions he'd thrown his full support in helping organize their return and departure.

---

I. A gil for your thoughts. Prompt for those who were interviewed.

He had cast off his physical body and lurked in a forgotten space of the train where the others would not often go; not unless they were looking for him specifically. Though there's many who could spy him while in his aetherial body, he'd chosen it to cut down on those who could.

It was here he would stay for some hours, seeking to spread his conscious to the events of recent past experienced by the passengers of the Voidtrecker Express. He had made note of everyone who appeared in the holding room not just for the sake of confirming their well-being, but knowing whom he would have to reach out to later.

Except this time he wasn't going to politely invite people to share their experience and hope they comply but seek to possess it firsthand. Well, there might be one or two exceptions.

[OOC: Elidibus is using an inborn power which can be likened to a type of souped up deus ex machina clairvoyance. FFXIV's mention of the Echo is noted as a 'fragment' of this power, but Elidibus has full control and mastery over it.

This prompt can be handwaved permission; I will reach out and ask folk to at least tag they've given permission (or not) and then read the interview logs! For the majority of cases this would be undetected. Even other Echo users don't generally sense it unless the person's right there next to them and usually they're experiencing something of their own.

But since there's crossover to consider, there might be ways to detect it was being used by the individual, particularly ones with clairvoyant powers or higher awareness. There might even be potential blocks. Feel free to talk them out with me!]

II. Ever Been Constantly Interrupted While Reading a Book?

But it's not like there aren't people who can't find him. Particularly if they want to look. He won't be answering his comms or the train intercom. Elidibus also won't be found in his bedroom or anyplace obvious. How many hours? Well, how many hours did those interviews take? There might be other matters to consider as well.

But if someone really determined and possessed of an ability to see non-corporeal beings came to find him, they could. One of his primary locations was no less than the back of the stores room, where the wall sealing off the engine room exists. Few people store food supplies and necessities at the very back after all, so anyone coming to fetch things after the train recalls them all should have few reasons to delve so far.

Still there could be some, even if they're not looking for him in particular.

III. Later, Somewhere in a Wildcard...

Back in his physical vessel, Elidibus can be found somewhere in the train, as if he hadn't been completely absent for an insane amount of hours and not taking any calls. If someone had left a message for him it might be answered. But it's only much later that any public calls for his presence will be responded to.

Or catch him eating a meal in the dining room, calm as can be. Perhaps in his cabin bunk before the hour turns to 21 and they all fall into whatever state the train puts them in before the next train 'day'. Maybe reading a book from the library?

I. Handwave permission bc mun doesn't want to play it out ♥

[darknessinzero]

III

[jan_ken_hacking]

Finally.

Finally she has found this man.

Kiyoiri didn't exactly have many words in mind once they were successfully evacuated, but watching him stalk off with an arm injury only to become entirely impossible to locate does not sit well on a medic's mind.

Ever.

So.

"....your arm...."

sir that arm had Better be okay

[wewillwewill]

It better be okay because he's definitely putting stress on it. Since he'd largely skipped out on... well, everything for many hours, Elidibus had turned calmly to the task of some Red Team chores: meal preparation. In this case, he's carrying crates of frozen meat pulled from the freezer chest to be placed in the kitchen to thaw over the coming days.

He stops, and without a single bit of guilt showing for disappearing for who knows how long, the Ascian's brow furrows. Arm... ah!

"Yes, I healed it on returning to the train." A faint smile follows; reassuring. "Would you like to verify it?" Down goes the crate with a thunk to a nearby table before he offers out his left arm. No wrapping, no bruising or swelling.

Technically, he fixed the body before he hopped back into it rather than usuing an actual healing spell but splitting hairs!

1

[tactlesstantei]

[Have some handwaved permission to do this to Sera! Please call her out on just how much she said…]

1

[goingthroughaphase]

((Handwaved permission to do this with Kitty!))

I

[miseris_socios]

[Handwave permission to do this on Ken!]

I.

[hoardsrealestate]

[ Have handwaved permission to see Freeza being seemingly forthcoming but dodging all the important questions with feigned ignorance. ]

1. handwaved permission

[monkeyinthewrench]

[ Jake is completely oblivious to such things, and naturally there is a lot to criticize to his approach here. ]

I. [Closed to Tidus]

[wewillwewill]

Elidibus may not be asking many people for permission. But there are a few. Xehanort, for an example. But he has also a certain regard for another on the list of those who ended up being pulled for an 'interview'.

Tidus is one of those.

It won't be until the former blitzball star is completely alone that the Ascian will appear via one of his shadowy gates. He has been notably scarce since the return to the train and currently oddly dressed. White robe, red half-mask.

Elidibus may wait a moment, to see if Tidus can perceive his aetherial form without aid. If he doesn't, the Ascian will exert himself as he had for Inigo but make no mistake; he currently has no true corporeal form.

"A word, if I may?" His voice, at least, is recognizable even if his visage isn't.

[blitzcheer]

It's fortunate, maybe, that Tidus can be caught on his lonesome. The upper library car isn't a hotspot for activity, and he has his own thoughts after the events of the so-called mission. He's sat at one of the tables, no books out in front of him by a notebook, closed, used as a rest for the arm that's also one for his chin.

But when the guy does appear - Tidus does recognise it. From the corner of his vision, in that aetherial form, a glance that then has him quickly leaning back in confusion, a "huh?" that escapes him. He doesn't know who it is at first, but when he hears them...

"Uh... sure?" A beat. "Elidibus?"

I. [Closed to Jingyi]

[wewillwewill]

He doesn't have to be close to witness the events which exist in the past of his chosen target. Proximity is only dictated by the train's small world. Normally the use of this particular birthright of Elidibus's people would not be discernable and the Ascian is mindful that others of power are present.

But a fleeting connection might occur with those sensitive to the presence of a type of clairvoyant power. While it isn't invasive, it lingers long enough to touch and, with the right gifts in kind, perhaps gather what is going on.

For Jingyi, it's also a familiar presence, as he has come to know Elidibus. Should the dragon be able to create a connection before the Ascian is gone and watching his memories, he'll certainly get the gist of what has been searched for.

Of course it goes without saying this will probably be noticed, but that's just fine right?

[jingyeets]

The last thing he was expecting, unhappy as he was, happened to be feeling anyone else in the sort of way that had his defenses immediately flaring up, ultimately useless as they were. It took him a moment to pin down the familiarity of that energy, but he was already pushing back at it (again, to no effect) and mentally shouting:

Hey! Elidibus?! What the hell are you doing!?

Anyone seeing Jingyi physically where he stood on train would see him reaching for his head with a frown and lashing his tail, agitated.

[firewalled]

[Handwaved permission for Elidibus to snoop!]

1

[eternalinquiry]

[ Permission to rifle through Wangji's mind. Just maybe don't look too deep into the past, he has a long memory. Otherwise go nuts. ]

[schrodingersghost]

After checking in with a few people, Danny had taken to wandering around the train and reacquainting himself with everything. (And is this also had the benefit of being a distraction from some of the question that this last adventure had brought up and that he was definitely not thinking about right now, who would know?)

Near the storage area, he pauses and frowns as he feels the familiar shivery warning that another ghost was near.

"Is someone here?"

[wewillwewill]

Though Elidibus might be a bit more vulnerable while running through the pasts of others with his gift, he is not knocked completely out of reality; benefits of having full mastery and control.

What it means is lowering his gloved hand from a gesture of focus and looking in the general direction of the front of stores when Danny enters. And by the time the youth calls out, Elidibus is fairly sure who has stumbled across his 'hiding space' at the back of the myriad shelves and storage bins.

"It is Elidibus," the Ascian calls across in affirmation before covering the distance from his spot to nearer Danny's with a quick teleportation. Cue spooky cloud of shadowy energy appearing in your proximity, Fenton. But Elidibus hasn't hidden this talent; there's been plenty of times to see him make use of it before so it shouldn't be alarming.

Totally alarming anyway. Who wants to have someone appear from a cloud of darkness in a stores room near them?

There's no khaki, hoodie and/or polo shirt today however. No physical body either for that matter but whether or not Fenton can pick up on that detail remains to be seen. Elidibus looks solid and doesn't have any hallmark 'ghost glow'. Bedecked in a hooded robe that is predominantly white with purple and golden embellishments, a red half-mask and gloves with metal fixings, he could be quite the stately figure. If not an ambiguous one.

"Besides you and myself, no one is here at present. Are you aiding in the search for possible stowaways?" He heard talk on the comms about it.

III wildcarding it up

[firewalled]

Rich has been looking for Elidibus for... a while. Even if he didn't have the remnants of aether encouraging him to seek out his mentor, he had seen him in that holding cell, and had seen how his arm looked. After he got out of that whole disorienting experience, the first thing he wanted to do was check on the people he cared about.

Which means, naturally, one of them has to disappear on him. He keeps checking by his cabin every few hours, but he doesn't have any luck until late in the evening, when he's making one of his last ditch attempts before sleeping. He nearly misses him, with him sitting there so quietly, as if nothing happened. Rich... is not quiet.

"Elidibus! Where the hell were you? I thought you got kidnapped a second time somehow!"

[wewillwewill]

A familiar voice says his name. An unfamiliar form of panicked concern is recognized.

No, Elidibus remembers. Kiyoiri had also been distraught in a similar fashion, just not so energetic. It really is something he's not used to.

The Ascian sets aside the book and comes to the door of his cabin. Others might be inside and settling in or trying to catch some rest. Or maybe they're not. Either way, it would be best not to invite Rich in. There are reasons for this, ones which have the man looking down the corridor of the carriage one way, then the other before stepping out and closing the door behind him.

"I've been occupied with many tasks. Forgive me for not answering if you've messaged me." You did try to message him, right Rich? Not that he had answered any calls earlier but still. He is as courteous as ever though this time his calm is in hopes of helping to quiet Rich down a little bit. "I did not mean to alarm you. I was not aware I would be so missed in the confusion of our return."

As to his body, it's in perfect form. As if scrapes, bumps and injured arm never were. Even his clothing is repaired. Or he's changed into a new set. The point is any inspections will definitely make him seem in top shape.

iii

[flatteries]

Hey, maybe Elidibus somehow didn't manage to spot Inigo earlier during the time he was trying to spy on those who had been interviewed as well - or maybe he actually did think of asking the other, rather than reading it all out of his mind.

Whatever the reason might be specifically, at least Elidibus will see the other when the other is sitting there and eating dinner. Inigo seems to have grabbed some food for himself, looking for a place to sit down. It's a little late, and most people already have eaten and left the dining room, so rather than sitting there all by himself Inigo opts to sit across the table from where Elidibus is sitting.

If not just so he can lightly quip: "Is there anything that could not make you look this calm?"

.. okay, it's definitely a joke, because Inigo knows there is. Elidibus did seem a bit more emotional during the story he told Inigo before, but he can't help but make this remark all the same. They just experienced the wildest fake mission, and here Elidibus is, sitting there and eating like nothing is up.

[wewillwewill]

With Inigo he had been about to simply look into the matter as he had so many others. But he'd paused. A mix of calculation and consideration might have been in play more than connection at first. Yet there was no denying a certain... well, bond. Not even the Warrior of Light had heard their story in a climate where someone simply sat down and related it.

It had earned Inigo a last minute reprieve. Though matters had delayed Elidibus in seeking the youth out so far, such as chores and dinner and returning to his vessel so that he could let others know he was fine. Apparently that was a thing the Ascian must now accustom himself to.

Inigo receives a faint smile in response to the quip. Elidibus appears to know it is said in jest. "A few matters come to mind. If it's any consolation, I have had time to compose myself in private." If you consider aetherial form in the back of the storage carriage private. "Though I'm glad you sought me out. I have a request I'd like to make."

Business as usual? Well there'll be a pause enough to allow for 'what is it' or other prompting before Elidibus explains.

"A trait of my people allows me to view events as though I were present. I know you were one of those given interview by our latest captors and would like to request your permission. I'm aware you are oft times uncomfortable in my presence and favor your privacy. Though I can assure I will delve no further than the interview itself without your consent."

After dropping this request and somewhat alarming nature of an ability, he takes another bite of his meal. It wouldn't do to let it grow cold. It's just that type of food.

Train Encourages Social Interaction :(

[wewillwewill]

Elidibus had left in peace after speaking with Tidus about his interview. Of course this had been with a certain tacit understanding that not everyone was going to be asked permission.

Perhaps it's really no surprise the Ascian has come in search of the youth again. Still in his aetherial form but not as intent on privacy. He's here to make a more public request.

"I'm sorry to disturb you again, Tidus. Are you currently free?"

train is a suck

[blitzcheer]

At least Tidus didn't have any big plans for the day of their return. Nothing except musing over the recent events, what was to happen next; just ending up with a blank mind, thoughts leading nowhere. He told Ryo he was going to rest, and he's made his way to the room he shares with Inigo.

So enjoy the inside of that, Elidibus. They have nice bedsheets. Hopefully the appearance might come with a knock, and if not, Tidus will be startled from his laying down position, a puzzled - and slightly miffed - look on his face.

"Eh? What now?"

The response is the same, regardless of knocks.

I [MAJOR FFXIV SPOILERS, be warned]

[dyingpro]

Zagreus had been so glad to return to his room on the Train, despite its emptiness. Despite trading one gilded cage for another. This one, at least, was familiar.

He sighs and lays down in his bunk, just wanting to rest his eyes a little before he talks to the rest of the Train about his interaction with the Void Inspectors. He tosses his forearm over his mis-matched eyes and sprawls out his legs on either side of the mattress, his flaming toes dangling off the side to prevent any singe marks. Siri and Artie had been so straightforward, so intimidating with their presence alone, demanding information of him with rules and strictures they had defined while under the guise of asking simple questions. He was not in trouble, you see, but cooperation would make his life so much easier. He'd be returned to his crew within a day, as long as he gave them information about his movements. Zagreus let out a snort of laughter, the distaste in his mouth an even more familiar sensation than the mattress of his bunk. They were so much like calmer versions of his Father.

... Father...

The prince finds himself thinking about the King of the Underworld for the first time since the mission on Kamakan. The contempt in glowing crimson eyes, the disappointment in that booming voice, the snide remarks to everything Zagreus said or did. Was it terrible that he kind of missed that? Probably said more about him than it did about his home world.

And then suddenly there's a sharp pain at his temples, and Zagreus winces, his vision turning white. What was happening? His hand comes to his face and clutches tight as he sits up, suddenly grimacing with the pain, letting out a yell that he stifles by gritting his teeth and closing his mouth. A flash of a figure in pure darkness wearing a white robe, the tell-tale sound of a heart pounding impossibly loud in his ears, a crimson seal, and a warrior appearing to be made entirely of white marble clad in gleaming armor of silver and blue-green. Then his vision shifts so quickly it almost makes him sick, to a blue crystalline floor and thirteen curious stones scattered haphazardly on the floor. Ghostly white hands picking them up, impossibly small. But something feels wrong, something is missing. The faintest impression in his mind that there were only ever meant to be thirteen.

The images vanish as quickly as they came, and he's left to gasp for breath, not knowing he had stopped breathing during that brief moment. "Wh-what the Hell was that," Zagreus says to himself, as if expecting the Old Man from home to answer him. But the narrator of his life had been notably silent on the Train, and the deafening silence that follows only confirms that fact. Irritated now, Zagreus rises from his bed, his mind trying to return to the hazy images and the feeling it had instilled in him. The energy of the thing that had happened to him seems familiar somehow, and it takes him a moment to figure out why, before it hits him all at once.

It's the same sea of dark and light energy that he sensed when he first witnessed the web of a life line that belonged to Elidibus.

His lips clench together in a thin line, jaw set and fists constricted his knuckles are paper-white. Without another thought he lunges out his door, dashing forward with all the speed he can muster, his gaze catching onto a branching strand of that impossibly long life line and following it to its source.

~~~

Something goes wrong when Elidibus uses the Echo, this time. Not wrong, per se, but it seems that touching the young God's mind alters Elidibus' control of his own power, almost as if Zagreus is inadvertently hijacking part of the power for his own. Granted, this also means Elidibus sees the same flashes of images Zagreus sees, hears the same sounds Zagreus hears, and feels the same familiar pain in the temples from when he first began to learn how to use the Echo's power, many eons ago. And then there's a shift far further back in Zagreus' past than Elidibus had first intended, as if the Echo has hijacked itself now. When it's done, and Elidibus has the Echo completely reined in once more, he peers back...

... to a silent winter's night, in a clearing outside the entrance to the Temple of Styx, the nip of the chill air fogging Zagreus' breath as he steps out into it. A strange force presses against his skin, sending chills down his spine and his laurels rustling helplessly into the air, performing small twirls and dances before snuffing out as before. The prince stares with widened eyes at the marble columns and headstones grouped closely together, at the foot-high mound of perfectly undisturbed snow glistening in the moonlight, and is startled by the hiss of it melting beneath his fiery soles. He glances up into the night sky, the true night sky, the one made by Nyx, and the moon, that must be Selene, the moon, that bright white orb in the sky! "Wow..." he finds himself breathing the word at this gorgeous scene, whispering it almost like a prayer. Zagreus slowly walks forward, taking in every single detail of the surface world, of crystalline blue water rushing past him in a river, of the sound of his feet crunching into the snow and leaving behind perfect icy footprints, of the trees-- those must be trees! Real ones!

And then he spots a crimson cape, a familiar silhouette. "Oh. Of course." Zagreus' murmurs disdainfully to himself as he comes to a stop several yards away from the figure of Lord Hades, God of the Dead, standing with his back turned gazing out over a moonlit pond. His Lordship wastes no time with in speaking.

"... I never grew accustomed to the air, up here. It gusts senselessly whichever way it pleases. I suppose you must prefer it to the stillness of the air below." Lord Hades' voice booms unnaturally, filling the whole clearing with even the smallest word, a true testament of his Godhood.

Ah, Zagreus thinks, then that thing before must have been the air. The excitement of learning that fact is quickly dampened by his Father's continued presence. Zagreus tries to keep his countenance neutral as he speaks. "You know, you're right. The air up here seems pretty good so far. But I will reserve judgment 'til I've had my fill. I have to say, though, Father: The Helm of Darkness suits you. I'm touched you'd dust it off on my account."

"It should not have had to come to this. For all your antics with me and around the House, I always kept my temper, have I not? Unlike you." The words of his Father are said in low disappointment, something Zagreus has always expected to dig into his ribs in a painful, uncomfortable way.

Zagreus' jaw clenches, his attempt quickly failing. He keeps his voice low and calm, but the resentment and anger begin to bleed into it almost immediately. "Well let's see. You've berated me repeatedly and often. You've lied to me. Mustered a bunch of incompetent wretches to try to kill me. But, sure, I'll grant you that you've always kept most of your anger bottled up. All that's about to change, then?"

Hades answers immediately, his voice pointed despite being turned away. "We're gods, boy. Killing one another is our lot. Although, I always thought I was above it. I told you that you cannot leave this place. It seems I must enforce my rules myself. I'm sending you home, now." The last word stings at his ribs again, sharp and aggravating, a metaphysical pain that only makes the physical wounds he's sustained in this last escape attempt feel like simple scrapes.

The God of the Dead turns to face his son, then, flinging his red cape off his shoulders with a raise of both fists, the fabric instantly bursting to flame and vanishing into ash. Through gritted teeth, Zagreus responds, "No. You're going home, not me." From a summoning portal that appears the ground comes a massive two-pronged spear, Gigaros, into Hades' waiting hand. It is larger than even the God is, dwarfing Zagreus as he rushes into close range, Stygius already swinging for his Father's side.

The scene, thankfully, cuts itself off before Elidibus can witness who was slaughtered, and who was the victor.

~~~

Shortly after Elidibus returns from his vision, he hears the telltale sound of Zagreus' Dash echoing down the length of the Train, and soon Zagreus is rushing into the car, scanning the Food Stores car for any sign of life. "Elidibus!" He calls to the presumably empty car, before his stare follows the lifeline to its origin point, and Zagreus glares daggers at the exact spot the Ascian's aether is inhabiting. "We need to talk." His voice is clipped, indignant. The jig seems to be up.

[wewillwewill]

The image of the first Warrior of Light should ring a bell from memories of the false Diagad at least. A certain clash of a retired villain's son and the resident poster hero of D-FORCE ring any bells?

There is a phantom pain. Unusual. Familiar? That would be hard to say. So many of his own memories are still missing or in fragmented pieces. And perhaps that is a reason for the scattered experience Zagreus catches. Maybe not.

It's virtually unheard of for an adult of their kind to have lost control of this particular gift. Children? Yes of course, as they learned to master any of their skill. But someone as old as Elidibus had long been past such young fumbling. The 'yank' suggests it was not something he was at fault for. No, something about the connection he used to the memories he wished to witnessed had... something similar to this birthright.

But not quite as much control. And that power had caused a shift. Elidibus begins to seek to regain control and steer matters back to what he had meant to witnessed- he'd had no intention of prying into any other matters, after all. But he hesitates, grows curious. And as the gift seems to cycle back onto itself, it seems better to allow it to play its course to the end.

It's not as if names are mentioned. He knows Zagreus of course. But the location, the other god; other than the word Father, it all has no real meaning. Yet the words and the impression of an effort at escape. It lends some insight to why Zagreus so often seems in a rush.

In truth, Elidibus had at least an expectation he would receive a visit sooner than later. As he is released from the vision and hears the approach of the godling, he takes a moment to compose himself. While it would surprise him that someone with Zagreus's talent would not be able to perceive him without aid, if that seems to be the case, Elidibus does put in the effort to be seen.

But if distance still remains between them, the Ascian obligingly closes it, with a short teleportation between the back of the stores carriage to the spot Zag has chosen to glare in his direction. There he is, clad in white robes and a red mask. It could be evident this is his natural state; gone is the mortal vessel and with it any hiding what he really is. But maybe the godling had always known.

"I'm here, Zagreus." He doesn't bother to ask what they need to speak of, nor does he take the initiative. The Ascian leaves the floor to the godling.