Alchemist-offical

alchemy and jewish mysticism yay He/him, hy/hym // roleplay blog

[alchemist-offical]

I am a mysterious alchemist! And chemist, I guess

character/mod pronouns: he/him, hy/hym

character name: Anshel

design [link]

ALCHEMY RESOURCES [link]

Mod hates chemistry. If you ask hym about it expect a yap, though.

please don’t use coloured text when interacting with me

tagging system:

#alchemy posting - in character post

#not alchemy posting - ooc posts about the blog

#I HATE CHEMISTRY - ooc posts about science specifically

#jewish mysticism yay - ooc posts about. oh idk jewish mysticism. specifically

#out of character chronicles - ooc post not about the blog

#shai thoughts - ooc post, a vent of sorts

[alchemist-offical]

*wanting to get away from the city, Savi tries to take a walk in the forest, but between his lack of knowledge of nature and his current lack of focus or attention to really anything, he quickly becomes lost*

- @supervillain-offical

*out gathering plants when hy spots Savi. He waves, but, noticing Savi’s distant demeanour, pauses and decides to walk up to him*

Hey—Savi. What are you doing all the way out here?

[supervillain-offical]

*blinks, looks up, startled*

Anshel-

What-what are you doing here?

[alchemist-offical]

…I live out here, silly.

[supervillain-offical]

Oh-

Yeah-

*looks around the forest*

R-right-

[alchemist-offical]

*tilts his head, studying Savi*

are you alright?

[supervillain-offical]

*opens his mouth, closes it, looks around then away*

Y-yeah.

[alchemist-offical]

What are you doing all the way out here?

[supervillain-offical]

Walking.

Uh.

Where-where’s here exactly?

[alchemist-offical]

In the woods. Just—you know, outside the city.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks relieved*

Not-not far?

[alchemist-offical]

*blinks*

I- what? No, you are far outside the city. That’s.. why I’m asking you why you’re out here. Seriously, are you okay? You’re not making a ton of sense

[supervillain-offical]

Oh-

Ohhhh-

*looks worried now*

Far as in-as in how far?

[alchemist-offical]

at least a half an hour’s walk past my cabin.

*looks even more concerned now*

seriously, are you alright?

[supervillain-offical]

*shakes his head quickly as if to wake up more*

I-

I’m, yeah, I-

I was just going for a walk-

Lost-lost track of time…and…where I was going…

[alchemist-offical]

I thought you were afraid of the outdoors?

*shakes hys head*

Something is wrong. You don’t have to tell me what, but I can see there is. Why don’t you come back with me and rest for a bit? Maybe have some tea and food.

[supervillain-offical]

*hesitates*

I-I am-

I-

*looks down, sighs*

If-if you’re sure, then I-I wouldn’t mind taking you up on that offer-

[alchemist-offical]

*nods and turns around, walking deeper into the forest. He gestures for Savi to follow hym*

[supervillain-offical]

*follows, trying to keep his attention on Anshel as he walks through the forest, a bit spooked at one point by a bird*

[alchemist-offical]

*glances back*

You must have been really distracted if you got all the way out here and didn’t notice.

*looks in front again*

It’s going to take a bit to get back. Do you want to talk about anything while we’re walking?

[supervillain-offical]

I-I-

Y-yeah-

*hesitant again*

*tightly*

I burned down a city.

[alchemist-offical]

Oh.

*pauses for a moment*

..may I ask why?

[supervillain-offical]

*looking away, swallows*

One of my-one of my best friends killed my brother.

[alchemist-offical]

*a bit incredulously*

..and they’re still your best friend

*shakes his head, adding quickly*

I’m sorry. That was- that was wildly inappropriate of me. My sincerest condolences. I.. know it hurts to lose a family member.

[supervillain-offical]

*swallows, defensively*

O-one of my best friends-

His-his boss made it so it-

And-and he didn’t know it was my brother-

I-it’s boss really hates me-

Which is…is part of the reason I burned down the city. T-to annoy him. Which is-

Yeah-

I-I know-

*grits teeth and continues to look down*

…th-thanks. I should’ve known better though-

[alchemist-offical]

*merely hums*

Enough of that. The ‘should have known better.’ You have hindsight now; you didn’t then. Besides, you couldn’t have known that was going to happen. You aren’t in control for others’ actions.

[supervillain-offical]

*sighs*

That-that’s what Elliot-a-a friend of mine-said.

And I-I know that-

But I did know I was putting him at risk by seeing him-

[alchemist-offical]

You blame yourself a lot, you know that? You look for every conceivable way something could possibly be your fault. It isn’t good for you.

[supervillain-offical]

*falters*

…I-I don’t know if feels easier…

[alchemist-offical]

Just because something’s easier doesn’t mean it’s better.

[supervillain-offical]

I-I can take it though and it’s easier and I don’t really have a-a habit of doing what’s better, so.

*falls quiet again*

[alchemist-offical]

*sighs and shakes hys head, also falling silent again*

[supervillain-offical]

*stays quiet as they walk*

[alchemist-offical]

*after a while they finally reach Anshel’s cabin. Anshel reaches up and brushes the mezuzah, then lightly kisses his fingers where they danced over the metal. He pushes open the door, standing behind it and gesturing for Savi to come in*

[supervillain-offical]

*Savi blinks looking up*

O-oh-

We’re here already-

*looks relieved again*

Thanks!

[alchemist-offical]

*nods, though still looking concerned*

Of course.

[supervillain-offical]

*takes a breath, steps inside*

[alchemist-offical]

*closes the door after Savi gently*

Would you like some tea? Or something to eat?

[supervillain-offical]

*hesitates, clears throat, trying to focus more*

If-if it’s not too much to ask-

Like-

Y-you don’t need to-

But I wouldn’t mind-

*shrugs*

[alchemist-offical]

*shakes hys head, insistently*

You’re my guest. It’s not too much to ask.

*steps over to hys cabinet, preparing the tea. As the water is boiling, he opens a different cabinet, rummaging through it*

um… it looks like I still have some chocolate babka left in here, if you’d like that.

[supervillain-offical]

I-I think I would-

*looks around*

Is…is it alright if I sit down?

[alchemist-offical]

*teasingly*

No, because I’ve never let you sit when you’re here before.

*takes the babka from the cupboard, which is in a container. He takes the lid off the container, walking over to Savi*

Of course you can sit.

[supervillain-offical]

*pauses then smiles slightly, taking a seat*

Th-thanks, Anshel.

[alchemist-offical]

*also smiles, amused. He holds out the container to Savi*

of course. Help yourself

[supervillain-offical]

*slowly takes some*

*repeats*

Thanks.

*takes a small bite*

[alchemist-offical]

*sets the container down in front of Savi and goes to take the kettle off the stove and pour the tea*

[supervillain-offical]

*hesitates then takes some more, not having really eaten much recently*

[alchemist-offical]

*walks back over with his measuring-cup-mugs and sets one down in front of Savi before sitting in a chair across from him*

[supervillain-offical]

*looks down at the tea*

Thanks-

For-for this on such short notice-

[alchemist-offical]

All good, my friend.

[supervillain-offical]

*continues to sit there for a moment then takes a sip of the tea*

S-so, how have you been?

[alchemist-offical]

*shrugs*

I’ve been pretty well. Had some curious visitors recently. A.. top hat, I think, that got in through the holes of my cabin that I haven’t been able to patch up, and a lovely person who just stumbled across my cabin while they were lost.

*laughs*

This may be the most people I’ve interacted with in a certain amount of time in the past fifty, maybe sixty years.

[supervillain-offical]

O-oh!

*smiles slightly*

I’m glad y-you’ve gotten a lot of visitors lately!

I might-I might know the Tophat.

[alchemist-offical]

*looks into hys tea awkwardly*

they were… a character, certainly. A bit concerning

[supervillain-offical]

They-they uh certainly have their own ways-

[alchemist-offical]

*shakes his head*

but let’s not gossip, shall we.

*thinks*

oh, one of the people I met recently was looking for a building surrounded by a wall of fire. Would you happen to know anything about that?

[supervillain-offical]

*shakes head*

No I-

*takes a moment to realize*

Wait-

What-

*narrows eyes*

That sounds like my lair.

[alchemist-offical]

Oh, weird. They said they were looking for someone they used to know but the only direction they were given was that they lived in a building surrounded by a wall of fire.

*shrugs*

and considering your lair did not have fire the last time I was there…

[supervillain-offical]

Y-yeah

N-new thing-

*mutters, looking apprehensive now*

Wh-what is this about?

If…if they come back, please don’t tell them? I-I have a lot-a lot-of enemies.

[alchemist-offical]

Oh, alright.

*takes a sip of his tea*

They did seem really nice, though. Their name was.. Jinthe? I think? In any case.

[supervillain-offical]

Huh?

*pauses*

I-I don’t think ‘Im familiar with them.

[alchemist-offical]

Oh, curious. Maybe ask around a bit when you get back. See if you can find who they were looking for.

[supervillain-offical]

*takes a breath, nods*

I will…I-I should…

[alchemist-offical]

*sips hys tea, falling silent*

[supervillain-offical]

*also falls silent, then suddenly looks like he wants to say something, then falls silent again*

[alchemist-offical]

You can talk if you’d like to.

*adds, teasingly*

You’re also allowed to drink the tea.

[supervillain-offical]

A-alright-

*takes a breath, smiles slightly and shakily picks up the tea*

*takes a sip, still looks like he has something to say but hesitates*

[alchemist-offical]

*drinking his own tea, figuring he’ll let Savi share on his own time*

[supervillain-offical]

*hesitant*

I…d-do…you have any-l-like-tips on dealing with -uh-s-siblings’ deaths?

[alchemist-offical]

*looks away, melancholy falling over his face. After a moment, he sighs*

I mean.. I do, but.. non-religious tips? Not really.

*looks back down at his tea*

I suppose just… I devoted myself to something that brought me comfort. Even after all these centuries, it always has. It’s the one thing that keeps me rooted in.. who I am. Who I was. I can only say try to find something similar for yourself.

[supervillain-offical]

*swallows and nods, looking down at his cup before finally taking a sip*

Thanks-

[alchemist-offical]

*nods as well, quiet for a few minutes*

I’ll.. admit, when I was younger, I wasn’t too different from you. I was angry. I was in a lot of pain. I made a lot of rash decisions that I wish I could go back on.

*exhales quietly, tapping his fingers on his mug*

Wishing doesn’t get me anywhere. Nor you. But I can at least try and save you from my fate.

[supervillain-offical]

*swallows*

Y-you shouldn’t waste your time on me.

*gives a soft, hollow chuckle*

Funnily enough, this is my second sibling killed as a way to get back at me.

[alchemist-offical]

*shakes hys head*

I’m not “wasting my time” on you.

*something flickers in Anshel’s eyes for a moment. What, is hard to say*

…I’m sorry. You don’t deserve that.

[supervillain-offical]

*shakes head*

I do deserve it though, that-that’s the problem-

If-if I’d known beforehand that I’d have siblings around then I wouldn’t have-wouldn’t have been so-

*sighs, runs a hand through his hair*

S-so reckless.

[alchemist-offical]

You’re blaming yourself again.

*sets his cup down*

Savi. It isn’t your fault for what others do. You don’t control other’s actions. And I know that can be hard to hear after something like that, but I need you to understand it isn’t your fault.

[supervillain-offical]

*snaps slightly*

A-and-

If I don’t blame myself then-then what? I just-I just move on? He trusted me a-and I failed him and I just-just shrug it off and move on?

[alchemist-offical]

I never said move on. You’re allowed to grieve without making yourself at fault.

[supervillain-offical]

*quietly*

I-I don’t think I know how.

[alchemist-offical]

*gently*

That’s something you’ll have to learn how to do on your own time. But blaming yourself is almost as bad as not grieving at all, Savi. You’re turning grief into a way of harming yourself. I just—I want you to understand that. It isn’t fair to you to do that, and it isn’t fair to the people you’ve lost.

[supervillain-offical]

*falls quiet, shakes his head*

I-I can’t honor him and I d-don’t want to forget him or move on-

And I mean, come on I am at least partially at fault!

[alchemist-offical]

*sighs*

You’re not. One day, maybe you’ll understand that. It doesn’t seem like today’s that day.

*picks up his cup and takes a long sip*

that’s okay. Healing takes time

[supervillain-offical]

*takes another sip of tea then bangs the cup down, almost causing it to spill*

I-I don’t have time to heal because someone else will be dead tomorrow!

*looks at the tea, then at Anshel, then away*

S-sorry.

[alchemist-offical]

It’s okay.

*sets his cup down*

Savi, you’re immortal now, whether you like it or not. That means you will see people die. There is nothing you can do about it. Death is a part of life. It is a fact of life. The more time you spend fighting it, the more it will hurt.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks panicked*

I-I’m not even thirty!

I can’t-I can’t do this forever!

And if I were to die I don’t even know if half the people I care about would go to any afterlife-

I don’t-I can’t get one fucking I don’t know day where I don’t have to worry about someone dying-

*takes a breath*

S-sorry-

I’m not-

Y-you know that, I-

Sorry, I-I just feel helpless I guess. I shouldn’t-

*trails off*

[alchemist-offical]

*quiet for a while*

..I know what it feels like. I don’t really remember how old I was when I became immortal. It’s been so long since then. I think I was in my late twenties. Around thirty, maybe. No older than thirty two.

*laughs quietly, hollowly, then sighs*

You don’t have to apologise. I know it’s hard.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks at him for a while*

I know I’ve said this before but, I-I don’t know how you’re so-

So good-

[alchemist-offical]

*huffs lightly and smiles*

it’s the Jew in me

*shakes hys head, staring at one of the walls*

You want to know something? When I say I understand where you are right now, I mean it. I’ve poisoned towns of thousands, Savi. I caused wars. I killed people with my own hands. I was angry when I was younger.

*looks down to hys mug, staring into his tea*

I still am. I’m not good. I’ve just lived long enough to be made into less of a monster.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks at hym in disbelief*

You started wars?! Poisoned towns?! You-you’re joking, right?

[alchemist-offical]

*chuckles quietly, picking up his mug and taking a long sip*

..No, I’m not joking. I’ll tell you the story of the time I did them together, if you’re so inclined.

[supervillain-offical]

*still disbelieving, picks up his tea*

Oh, yeah, sure! I-please! I must say, I’m pretty intrigued!

[alchemist-offical]

It’s not a happy story, might I preface.

*sighs*

This was.. oh, mid sixteen hundreds, I think. I lived in the Holy Roman Empire. I would generally flee from small state to small state every so often. One state, I.. can’t even remember its name now, I stayed in for a couple decades. They had a larger Jewish community than most.

*melancholy falls over his face*

The.. Prince of this state didn’t like that. One night, he arrests two Jews as they’re getting water from one of the town’s wells. He accuses them of attempting to poison the water supply. He fed hysteria to the people of the city. A few days later… a pogrom.

*voice quiets*

I had seen several pogroms before. But over.. a lie? Hundreds dead, several hundreds more injured, tens more missing, entire areas of the ghetto entirely destroyed and for what? A false rumour? Who am I kidding, that’s what they were always over. But I was livid. I.. found a water supply outside the ghetto, informed the rabbis, and decided that, if the prince wanted a poisoned water supply—

*hands tighten on hys mug, anger unlike any Savi’s heard from him before seeping into his voice*

—then I’d give him one. I poisoned every well and every aqueduct in that town. I watched for days as people got sicker and sicker with no help of getting better. And then I went to the Prince. I told him I did it, and his son—knowing very well he didn’t have one—had better respect my people more than he did.

*shrugs, forcing an apathetic demeanour*

And then I killed him. He had no heir. With no heir, surrounding kingdoms start getting involved, and…

*trails off for a moment, then continues eerily blankly*

They pillaged that town for days. It went up in flames.

[supervillain-offical]

*stares for a moment, then looks down*

Well-

Well you can’t call yourself a monster for that-

I mean-

I mean-

You were just trying to avenge your people and-and make something right that couldn’t be made right and-

You were angry and wanted justice, I-

I don’t think that could make you a monster-

Not like me-

[alchemist-offical]

Is that not what you do, too? Get revenge? Justice? Protect those you care about?

*shakes hys head, setting the mug down*

Do you not also take it too far?

[supervillain-offical]

N-no, I burned down an entire city because one guy whose death wasn’t caused in any way by anyone in said city, was killed. Just-just to irritate the guy who ordered his death!

I protect those I care about from the threats I brought to their doors in the first place!

…

I do take it too far. But I know that and I can’t stop.

[alchemist-offical]

*sighs*

stopping is always the hardest part

[supervillain-offical]

But I-I literally can’t! It’d just put everyone at more risk!

[alchemist-offical]

So you keep saying.

[supervillain-offical]

I-

I’m not trying to make excuses! I know I’m evil and it’s horrible! But-alright-I won’t stop as long as it protects everyone from the mess I got them into. If-if that makes sense.

[alchemist-offical]

it does. I— I’m sorry I’m not that able to help you, Savi.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks down*

But clearly I-I’m not doing enough-

*sighs*

No. Thanks. You-you have helped a lot.

[alchemist-offical]

*nods, falling silent with a sigh*

[supervillain-offical]

*quietly sips his tea, pauses*

How-how far is the walk back to the city from here?

[alchemist-offical]

Not far. Fifteen, twenty minutes, maybe.

[supervillain-offical]

*nods, hesitates*

I-

I can’t really teleport, would you-

Uh-

Mind giving me directions?

[alchemist-offical]

If you just go…

*holds up his hands, making the two L’s*

straight out left, you’ll eventually hit the outskirts of the city. Just keep walking and you’ll find it.

[supervillain-offical]

R-right-

*glances a bit apprehensively toward the door, nods*

Left. I-I can do that.

[alchemist-offical]

*tilts his head*

Everything alright?

[supervillain-offical]

Yeah! Yeah, I just-

No, I can do that-

[alchemist-offical]

If you say so. Why don’t you take some food with you?

[supervillain-offical]

*blinks*

Oh-

No I-

I live closer to grocery stores than you, you should keep the food-

[alchemist-offical]

This is true, but I also probably won’t eat it.

*thinks*

Oh, speaking of, do you need any more healing potions? Or any potions at all, really.

[supervillain-offical]

I-

*shakes head*

I don’t think so-

Thank you, Anshel. And I-

I don’t know, I feel bad about taking your food-

You’re sure?

[alchemist-offical]

Certain. I don’t need it.

[supervillain-offical]

*takes a breath*

Alright-

Well-

I-I should try to head back before it gets too dark-

[alchemist-offical]

Probably. Thank you for talking with me. It’s always nice to see you

[supervillain-offical]

It-it was really nice to see you-

*gets up, pauses*

A-and thanks for sharing that story with me-

[alchemist-offical]

*nods hesitantly*

Thank you for listening. I.. don’t think I’ve ever shared that before

[supervillain-offical]

Well I don’t know why you’d trust me of all people with that-

But I-

I really appreciate that you did-

[alchemist-offical]

*huffs quietly, amused*

I’m a lonely, old hermit. I guess I can’t help myself every so often

[supervillain-offical]

*smiles slightly*

Well hopefully I can change the lonely part by visiting more often. If you’d like.

*moves towards the door*

Uh-

*pauses for a long time*

R-right, right?

[alchemist-offical]

I’d appreciate that.

*shakes hys head*

left

[supervillain-offical]

Right! Left!

*turns back, smiles*

B-bye then!

[alchemist-offical]

*waves*

Goodbye, be careful

[alchemist-offical]

*wanting to get away from the city, Savi tries to take a walk in the forest, but between his lack of knowledge of nature and his current lack of focus or attention to really anything, he quickly becomes lost*

- @supervillain-offical

*out gathering plants when hy spots Savi. He waves, but, noticing Savi’s distant demeanour, pauses and decides to walk up to him*

Hey—Savi. What are you doing all the way out here?

[supervillain-offical]

*blinks, looks up, startled*

Anshel-

What-what are you doing here?

[alchemist-offical]

…I live out here, silly.

[supervillain-offical]

Oh-

Yeah-

*looks around the forest*

R-right-

[alchemist-offical]

*tilts his head, studying Savi*

are you alright?

[supervillain-offical]

*opens his mouth, closes it, looks around then away*

Y-yeah.

[alchemist-offical]

What are you doing all the way out here?

[supervillain-offical]

Walking.

Uh.

Where-where’s here exactly?

[alchemist-offical]

In the woods. Just—you know, outside the city.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks relieved*

Not-not far?

[alchemist-offical]

*blinks*

I- what? No, you are far outside the city. That’s.. why I’m asking you why you’re out here. Seriously, are you okay? You’re not making a ton of sense

[supervillain-offical]

Oh-

Ohhhh-

*looks worried now*

Far as in-as in how far?

[alchemist-offical]

at least a half an hour’s walk past my cabin.

*looks even more concerned now*

seriously, are you alright?

[supervillain-offical]

*shakes his head quickly as if to wake up more*

I-

I’m, yeah, I-

I was just going for a walk-

Lost-lost track of time…and…where I was going…

[alchemist-offical]

I thought you were afraid of the outdoors?

*shakes hys head*

Something is wrong. You don’t have to tell me what, but I can see there is. Why don’t you come back with me and rest for a bit? Maybe have some tea and food.

[supervillain-offical]

*hesitates*

I-I am-

I-

*looks down, sighs*

If-if you’re sure, then I-I wouldn’t mind taking you up on that offer-

[alchemist-offical]

*nods and turns around, walking deeper into the forest. He gestures for Savi to follow hym*

[supervillain-offical]

*follows, trying to keep his attention on Anshel as he walks through the forest, a bit spooked at one point by a bird*

[alchemist-offical]

*glances back*

You must have been really distracted if you got all the way out here and didn’t notice.

*looks in front again*

It’s going to take a bit to get back. Do you want to talk about anything while we’re walking?

[supervillain-offical]

I-I-

Y-yeah-

*hesitant again*

*tightly*

I burned down a city.

[alchemist-offical]

Oh.

*pauses for a moment*

..may I ask why?

[supervillain-offical]

*looking away, swallows*

One of my-one of my best friends killed my brother.

[alchemist-offical]

*a bit incredulously*

..and they’re still your best friend

*shakes his head, adding quickly*

I’m sorry. That was- that was wildly inappropriate of me. My sincerest condolences. I.. know it hurts to lose a family member.

[supervillain-offical]

*swallows, defensively*

O-one of my best friends-

His-his boss made it so it-

And-and he didn’t know it was my brother-

I-it’s boss really hates me-

Which is…is part of the reason I burned down the city. T-to annoy him. Which is-

Yeah-

I-I know-

*grits teeth and continues to look down*

…th-thanks. I should’ve known better though-

[alchemist-offical]

*merely hums*

Enough of that. The ‘should have known better.’ You have hindsight now; you didn’t then. Besides, you couldn’t have known that was going to happen. You aren’t in control for others’ actions.

[supervillain-offical]

*sighs*

That-that’s what Elliot-a-a friend of mine-said.

And I-I know that-

But I did know I was putting him at risk by seeing him-

[alchemist-offical]

You blame yourself a lot, you know that? You look for every conceivable way something could possibly be your fault. It isn’t good for you.

[supervillain-offical]

*falters*

…I-I don’t know if feels easier…

[alchemist-offical]

Just because something’s easier doesn’t mean it’s better.

[supervillain-offical]

I-I can take it though and it’s easier and I don’t really have a-a habit of doing what’s better, so.

*falls quiet again*

[alchemist-offical]

*sighs and shakes hys head, also falling silent again*

[supervillain-offical]

*stays quiet as they walk*

[alchemist-offical]

*after a while they finally reach Anshel’s cabin. Anshel reaches up and brushes the mezuzah, then lightly kisses his fingers where they danced over the metal. He pushes open the door, standing behind it and gesturing for Savi to come in*

[supervillain-offical]

*Savi blinks looking up*

O-oh-

We’re here already-

*looks relieved again*

Thanks!

[alchemist-offical]

*nods, though still looking concerned*

Of course.

[supervillain-offical]

*takes a breath, steps inside*

[alchemist-offical]

*closes the door after Savi gently*

Would you like some tea? Or something to eat?

[supervillain-offical]

*hesitates, clears throat, trying to focus more*

If-if it’s not too much to ask-

Like-

Y-you don’t need to-

But I wouldn’t mind-

*shrugs*

[alchemist-offical]

*shakes hys head, insistently*

You’re my guest. It’s not too much to ask.

*steps over to hys cabinet, preparing the tea. As the water is boiling, he opens a different cabinet, rummaging through it*

um… it looks like I still have some chocolate babka left in here, if you’d like that.

[supervillain-offical]

I-I think I would-

*looks around*

Is…is it alright if I sit down?

[alchemist-offical]

*teasingly*

No, because I’ve never let you sit when you’re here before.

*takes the babka from the cupboard, which is in a container. He takes the lid off the container, walking over to Savi*

Of course you can sit.

[supervillain-offical]

*pauses then smiles slightly, taking a seat*

Th-thanks, Anshel.

[alchemist-offical]

*also smiles, amused. He holds out the container to Savi*

of course. Help yourself

[supervillain-offical]

*slowly takes some*

*repeats*

Thanks.

*takes a small bite*

[alchemist-offical]

*sets the container down in front of Savi and goes to take the kettle off the stove and pour the tea*

[supervillain-offical]

*hesitates then takes some more, not having really eaten much recently*

[alchemist-offical]

*walks back over with his measuring-cup-mugs and sets one down in front of Savi before sitting in a chair across from him*

[supervillain-offical]

*looks down at the tea*

Thanks-

For-for this on such short notice-

[alchemist-offical]

All good, my friend.

[supervillain-offical]

*continues to sit there for a moment then takes a sip of the tea*

S-so, how have you been?

[alchemist-offical]

*shrugs*

I’ve been pretty well. Had some curious visitors recently. A.. top hat, I think, that got in through the holes of my cabin that I haven’t been able to patch up, and a lovely person who just stumbled across my cabin while they were lost.

*laughs*

This may be the most people I’ve interacted with in a certain amount of time in the past fifty, maybe sixty years.

[supervillain-offical]

O-oh!

*smiles slightly*

I’m glad y-you’ve gotten a lot of visitors lately!

I might-I might know the Tophat.

[alchemist-offical]

*looks into hys tea awkwardly*

they were… a character, certainly. A bit concerning

[supervillain-offical]

They-they uh certainly have their own ways-

[alchemist-offical]

*shakes his head*

but let’s not gossip, shall we.

*thinks*

oh, one of the people I met recently was looking for a building surrounded by a wall of fire. Would you happen to know anything about that?

[supervillain-offical]

*shakes head*

No I-

*takes a moment to realize*

Wait-

What-

*narrows eyes*

That sounds like my lair.

[alchemist-offical]

Oh, weird. They said they were looking for someone they used to know but the only direction they were given was that they lived in a building surrounded by a wall of fire.

*shrugs*

and considering your lair did not have fire the last time I was there…

[supervillain-offical]

Y-yeah

N-new thing-

*mutters, looking apprehensive now*

Wh-what is this about?

If…if they come back, please don’t tell them? I-I have a lot-a lot-of enemies.

[alchemist-offical]

Oh, alright.

*takes a sip of his tea*

They did seem really nice, though. Their name was.. Jinthe? I think? In any case.

[supervillain-offical]

Huh?

*pauses*

I-I don’t think ‘Im familiar with them.

[alchemist-offical]

Oh, curious. Maybe ask around a bit when you get back. See if you can find who they were looking for.

[supervillain-offical]

*takes a breath, nods*

I will…I-I should…

[alchemist-offical]

*sips hys tea, falling silent*

[supervillain-offical]

*also falls silent, then suddenly looks like he wants to say something, then falls silent again*

[alchemist-offical]

You can talk if you’d like to.

*adds, teasingly*

You’re also allowed to drink the tea.

[supervillain-offical]

A-alright-

*takes a breath, smiles slightly and shakily picks up the tea*

*takes a sip, still looks like he has something to say but hesitates*

[alchemist-offical]

*drinking his own tea, figuring he’ll let Savi share on his own time*

[supervillain-offical]

*hesitant*

I…d-do…you have any-l-like-tips on dealing with -uh-s-siblings’ deaths?

[alchemist-offical]

*looks away, melancholy falling over his face. After a moment, he sighs*

I mean.. I do, but.. non-religious tips? Not really.

*looks back down at his tea*

I suppose just… I devoted myself to something that brought me comfort. Even after all these centuries, it always has. It’s the one thing that keeps me rooted in.. who I am. Who I was. I can only say try to find something similar for yourself.

[supervillain-offical]

*swallows and nods, looking down at his cup before finally taking a sip*

Thanks-

[alchemist-offical]

*nods as well, quiet for a few minutes*

I’ll.. admit, when I was younger, I wasn’t too different from you. I was angry. I was in a lot of pain. I made a lot of rash decisions that I wish I could go back on.

*exhales quietly, tapping his fingers on his mug*

Wishing doesn’t get me anywhere. Nor you. But I can at least try and save you from my fate.

[supervillain-offical]

*swallows*

Y-you shouldn’t waste your time on me.

*gives a soft, hollow chuckle*

Funnily enough, this is my second sibling killed as a way to get back at me.

[alchemist-offical]

*shakes hys head*

I’m not “wasting my time” on you.

*something flickers in Anshel’s eyes for a moment. What, is hard to say*

…I’m sorry. You don’t deserve that.

[supervillain-offical]

*shakes head*

I do deserve it though, that-that’s the problem-

If-if I’d known beforehand that I’d have siblings around then I wouldn’t have-wouldn’t have been so-

*sighs, runs a hand through his hair*

S-so reckless.

[alchemist-offical]

You’re blaming yourself again.

*sets his cup down*

Savi. It isn’t your fault for what others do. You don’t control other’s actions. And I know that can be hard to hear after something like that, but I need you to understand it isn’t your fault.

[supervillain-offical]

*snaps slightly*

A-and-

If I don’t blame myself then-then what? I just-I just move on? He trusted me a-and I failed him and I just-just shrug it off and move on?

[alchemist-offical]

I never said move on. You’re allowed to grieve without making yourself at fault.

[supervillain-offical]

*quietly*

I-I don’t think I know how.

[alchemist-offical]

*gently*

That’s something you’ll have to learn how to do on your own time. But blaming yourself is almost as bad as not grieving at all, Savi. You’re turning grief into a way of harming yourself. I just—I want you to understand that. It isn’t fair to you to do that, and it isn’t fair to the people you’ve lost.

[supervillain-offical]

*falls quiet, shakes his head*

I-I can’t honor him and I d-don’t want to forget him or move on-

And I mean, come on I am at least partially at fault!

[alchemist-offical]

*sighs*

You’re not. One day, maybe you’ll understand that. It doesn’t seem like today’s that day.

*picks up his cup and takes a long sip*

that’s okay. Healing takes time

[supervillain-offical]

*takes another sip of tea then bangs the cup down, almost causing it to spill*

I-I don’t have time to heal because someone else will be dead tomorrow!

*looks at the tea, then at Anshel, then away*

S-sorry.

[alchemist-offical]

It’s okay.

*sets his cup down*

Savi, you’re immortal now, whether you like it or not. That means you will see people die. There is nothing you can do about it. Death is a part of life. It is a fact of life. The more time you spend fighting it, the more it will hurt.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks panicked*

I-I’m not even thirty!

I can’t-I can’t do this forever!

And if I were to die I don’t even know if half the people I care about would go to any afterlife-

I don’t-I can’t get one fucking I don’t know day where I don’t have to worry about someone dying-

*takes a breath*

S-sorry-

I’m not-

Y-you know that, I-

Sorry, I-I just feel helpless I guess. I shouldn’t-

*trails off*

[alchemist-offical]

*quiet for a while*

..I know what it feels like. I don’t really remember how old I was when I became immortal. It’s been so long since then. I think I was in my late twenties. Around thirty, maybe. No older than thirty two.

*laughs quietly, hollowly, then sighs*

You don’t have to apologise. I know it’s hard.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks at him for a while*

I know I’ve said this before but, I-I don’t know how you’re so-

So good-

[alchemist-offical]

*huffs lightly and smiles*

it’s the Jew in me

*shakes hys head, staring at one of the walls*

You want to know something? When I say I understand where you are right now, I mean it. I’ve poisoned towns of thousands, Savi. I caused wars. I killed people with my own hands. I was angry when I was younger.

*looks down to hys mug, staring into his tea*

I still am. I’m not good. I’ve just lived long enough to be made into less of a monster.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks at hym in disbelief*

You started wars?! Poisoned towns?! You-you’re joking, right?

[alchemist-offical]

*chuckles quietly, picking up his mug and taking a long sip*

..No, I’m not joking. I’ll tell you the story of the time I did them together, if you’re so inclined.

[supervillain-offical]

*still disbelieving, picks up his tea*

Oh, yeah, sure! I-please! I must say, I’m pretty intrigued!

[alchemist-offical]

It’s not a happy story, might I preface.

*sighs*

This was.. oh, mid sixteen hundreds, I think. I lived in the Holy Roman Empire. I would generally flee from small state to small state every so often. One state, I.. can’t even remember its name now, I stayed in for a couple decades. They had a larger Jewish community than most.

*melancholy falls over his face*

The.. Prince of this state didn’t like that. One night, he arrests two Jews as they’re getting water from one of the town’s wells. He accuses them of attempting to poison the water supply. He fed hysteria to the people of the city. A few days later… a pogrom.

*voice quiets*

I had seen several pogroms before. But over.. a lie? Hundreds dead, several hundreds more injured, tens more missing, entire areas of the ghetto entirely destroyed and for what? A false rumour? Who am I kidding, that’s what they were always over. But I was livid. I.. found a water supply outside the ghetto, informed the rabbis, and decided that, if the prince wanted a poisoned water supply—

*hands tighten on hys mug, anger unlike any Savi’s heard from him before seeping into his voice*

—then I’d give him one. I poisoned every well and every aqueduct in that town. I watched for days as people got sicker and sicker with no help of getting better. And then I went to the Prince. I told him I did it, and his son—knowing very well he didn’t have one—had better respect my people more than he did.

*shrugs, forcing an apathetic demeanour*

And then I killed him. He had no heir. With no heir, surrounding kingdoms start getting involved, and…

*trails off for a moment, then continues eerily blankly*

They pillaged that town for days. It went up in flames.

[supervillain-offical]

*stares for a moment, then looks down*

Well-

Well you can’t call yourself a monster for that-

I mean-

I mean-

You were just trying to avenge your people and-and make something right that couldn’t be made right and-

You were angry and wanted justice, I-

I don’t think that could make you a monster-

Not like me-

[alchemist-offical]

Is that not what you do, too? Get revenge? Justice? Protect those you care about?

*shakes hys head, setting the mug down*

Do you not also take it too far?

[supervillain-offical]

N-no, I burned down an entire city because one guy whose death wasn’t caused in any way by anyone in said city, was killed. Just-just to irritate the guy who ordered his death!

I protect those I care about from the threats I brought to their doors in the first place!

…

I do take it too far. But I know that and I can’t stop.

[alchemist-offical]

*sighs*

stopping is always the hardest part

[supervillain-offical]

But I-I literally can’t! It’d just put everyone at more risk!

[alchemist-offical]

So you keep saying.

[supervillain-offical]

I-

I’m not trying to make excuses! I know I’m evil and it’s horrible! But-alright-I won’t stop as long as it protects everyone from the mess I got them into. If-if that makes sense.

[alchemist-offical]

it does. I— I’m sorry I’m not that able to help you, Savi.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks down*

But clearly I-I’m not doing enough-

*sighs*

No. Thanks. You-you have helped a lot.

[alchemist-offical]

*nods, falling silent with a sigh*

[supervillain-offical]

*quietly sips his tea, pauses*

How-how far is the walk back to the city from here?

[alchemist-offical]

Not far. Fifteen, twenty minutes, maybe.

[supervillain-offical]

*nods, hesitates*

I-

I can’t really teleport, would you-

Uh-

Mind giving me directions?

[alchemist-offical]

If you just go…

*holds up his hands, making the two L’s*

straight out left, you’ll eventually hit the outskirts of the city. Just keep walking and you’ll find it.

[supervillain-offical]

R-right-

*glances a bit apprehensively toward the door, nods*

Left. I-I can do that.

[alchemist-offical]

*tilts his head*

Everything alright?

[supervillain-offical]

Yeah! Yeah, I just-

No, I can do that-

[alchemist-offical]

If you say so. Why don’t you take some food with you?

[supervillain-offical]

*blinks*

Oh-

No I-

I live closer to grocery stores than you, you should keep the food-

[alchemist-offical]

This is true, but I also probably won’t eat it.

*thinks*

Oh, speaking of, do you need any more healing potions? Or any potions at all, really.

[supervillain-offical]

I-

*shakes head*

I don’t think so-

Thank you, Anshel. And I-

I don’t know, I feel bad about taking your food-

You’re sure?

[alchemist-offical]

Certain. I don’t need it.

[supervillain-offical]

*takes a breath*

Alright-

Well-

I-I should try to head back before it gets too dark-

[alchemist-offical]

Probably. Thank you for talking with me. It’s always nice to see you

[supervillain-offical]

It-it was really nice to see you-

*gets up, pauses*

A-and thanks for sharing that story with me-

[alchemist-offical]

*nods hesitantly*

Thank you for listening. I.. don’t think I’ve ever shared that before

[supervillain-offical]

Well I don’t know why you’d trust me of all people with that-

But I-

I really appreciate that you did-

[alchemist-offical]

*huffs quietly, amused*

I’m a lonely, old hermit. I guess I can’t help myself every so often

[supervillain-offical]

*smiles slightly*

Well hopefully I can change the lonely part by visiting more often. If you’d like.

*moves towards the door*

Uh-

*pauses for a long time*

R-right, right?

[alchemist-offical]

I’d appreciate that.

*shakes hys head*

left

[alchemist-offical]

*wanting to get away from the city, Savi tries to take a walk in the forest, but between his lack of knowledge of nature and his current lack of focus or attention to really anything, he quickly becomes lost*

- @supervillain-offical

*out gathering plants when hy spots Savi. He waves, but, noticing Savi’s distant demeanour, pauses and decides to walk up to him*

Hey—Savi. What are you doing all the way out here?

[supervillain-offical]

*blinks, looks up, startled*

Anshel-

What-what are you doing here?

[alchemist-offical]

…I live out here, silly.

[supervillain-offical]

Oh-

Yeah-

*looks around the forest*

R-right-

[alchemist-offical]

*tilts his head, studying Savi*

are you alright?

[supervillain-offical]

*opens his mouth, closes it, looks around then away*

Y-yeah.

[alchemist-offical]

What are you doing all the way out here?

[supervillain-offical]

Walking.

Uh.

Where-where’s here exactly?

[alchemist-offical]

In the woods. Just—you know, outside the city.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks relieved*

Not-not far?

[alchemist-offical]

*blinks*

I- what? No, you are far outside the city. That’s.. why I’m asking you why you’re out here. Seriously, are you okay? You’re not making a ton of sense

[supervillain-offical]

Oh-

Ohhhh-

*looks worried now*

Far as in-as in how far?

[alchemist-offical]

at least a half an hour’s walk past my cabin.

*looks even more concerned now*

seriously, are you alright?

[supervillain-offical]

*shakes his head quickly as if to wake up more*

I-

I’m, yeah, I-

I was just going for a walk-

Lost-lost track of time…and…where I was going…

[alchemist-offical]

I thought you were afraid of the outdoors?

*shakes hys head*

Something is wrong. You don’t have to tell me what, but I can see there is. Why don’t you come back with me and rest for a bit? Maybe have some tea and food.

[supervillain-offical]

*hesitates*

I-I am-

I-

*looks down, sighs*

If-if you’re sure, then I-I wouldn’t mind taking you up on that offer-

[alchemist-offical]

*nods and turns around, walking deeper into the forest. He gestures for Savi to follow hym*

[supervillain-offical]

*follows, trying to keep his attention on Anshel as he walks through the forest, a bit spooked at one point by a bird*

[alchemist-offical]

*glances back*

You must have been really distracted if you got all the way out here and didn’t notice.

*looks in front again*

It’s going to take a bit to get back. Do you want to talk about anything while we’re walking?

[supervillain-offical]

I-I-

Y-yeah-

*hesitant again*

*tightly*

I burned down a city.

[alchemist-offical]

Oh.

*pauses for a moment*

..may I ask why?

[supervillain-offical]

*looking away, swallows*

One of my-one of my best friends killed my brother.

[alchemist-offical]

*a bit incredulously*

..and they’re still your best friend

*shakes his head, adding quickly*

I’m sorry. That was- that was wildly inappropriate of me. My sincerest condolences. I.. know it hurts to lose a family member.

[supervillain-offical]

*swallows, defensively*

O-one of my best friends-

His-his boss made it so it-

And-and he didn’t know it was my brother-

I-it’s boss really hates me-

Which is…is part of the reason I burned down the city. T-to annoy him. Which is-

Yeah-

I-I know-

*grits teeth and continues to look down*

…th-thanks. I should’ve known better though-

[alchemist-offical]

*merely hums*

Enough of that. The ‘should have known better.’ You have hindsight now; you didn’t then. Besides, you couldn’t have known that was going to happen. You aren’t in control for others’ actions.

[supervillain-offical]

*sighs*

That-that’s what Elliot-a-a friend of mine-said.

And I-I know that-

But I did know I was putting him at risk by seeing him-

[alchemist-offical]

You blame yourself a lot, you know that? You look for every conceivable way something could possibly be your fault. It isn’t good for you.

[supervillain-offical]

*falters*

…I-I don’t know if feels easier…

[alchemist-offical]

Just because something’s easier doesn’t mean it’s better.

[supervillain-offical]

I-I can take it though and it’s easier and I don’t really have a-a habit of doing what’s better, so.

*falls quiet again*

[alchemist-offical]

*sighs and shakes hys head, also falling silent again*

[supervillain-offical]

*stays quiet as they walk*

[alchemist-offical]

*after a while they finally reach Anshel’s cabin. Anshel reaches up and brushes the mezuzah, then lightly kisses his fingers where they danced over the metal. He pushes open the door, standing behind it and gesturing for Savi to come in*

[supervillain-offical]

*Savi blinks looking up*

O-oh-

We’re here already-

*looks relieved again*

Thanks!

[alchemist-offical]

*nods, though still looking concerned*

Of course.

[supervillain-offical]

*takes a breath, steps inside*

[alchemist-offical]

*closes the door after Savi gently*

Would you like some tea? Or something to eat?

[supervillain-offical]

*hesitates, clears throat, trying to focus more*

If-if it’s not too much to ask-

Like-

Y-you don’t need to-

But I wouldn’t mind-

*shrugs*

[alchemist-offical]

*shakes hys head, insistently*

You’re my guest. It’s not too much to ask.

*steps over to hys cabinet, preparing the tea. As the water is boiling, he opens a different cabinet, rummaging through it*

um… it looks like I still have some chocolate babka left in here, if you’d like that.

[supervillain-offical]

I-I think I would-

*looks around*

Is…is it alright if I sit down?

[alchemist-offical]

*teasingly*

No, because I’ve never let you sit when you’re here before.

*takes the babka from the cupboard, which is in a container. He takes the lid off the container, walking over to Savi*

Of course you can sit.

[supervillain-offical]

*pauses then smiles slightly, taking a seat*

Th-thanks, Anshel.

[alchemist-offical]

*also smiles, amused. He holds out the container to Savi*

of course. Help yourself

[supervillain-offical]

*slowly takes some*

*repeats*

Thanks.

*takes a small bite*

[alchemist-offical]

*sets the container down in front of Savi and goes to take the kettle off the stove and pour the tea*

[supervillain-offical]

*hesitates then takes some more, not having really eaten much recently*

[alchemist-offical]

*walks back over with his measuring-cup-mugs and sets one down in front of Savi before sitting in a chair across from him*

[supervillain-offical]

*looks down at the tea*

Thanks-

For-for this on such short notice-

[alchemist-offical]

All good, my friend.

[supervillain-offical]

*continues to sit there for a moment then takes a sip of the tea*

S-so, how have you been?

[alchemist-offical]

*shrugs*

I’ve been pretty well. Had some curious visitors recently. A.. top hat, I think, that got in through the holes of my cabin that I haven’t been able to patch up, and a lovely person who just stumbled across my cabin while they were lost.

*laughs*

This may be the most people I’ve interacted with in a certain amount of time in the past fifty, maybe sixty years.

[supervillain-offical]

O-oh!

*smiles slightly*

I’m glad y-you’ve gotten a lot of visitors lately!

I might-I might know the Tophat.

[alchemist-offical]

*looks into hys tea awkwardly*

they were… a character, certainly. A bit concerning

[supervillain-offical]

They-they uh certainly have their own ways-

[alchemist-offical]

*shakes his head*

but let’s not gossip, shall we.

*thinks*

oh, one of the people I met recently was looking for a building surrounded by a wall of fire. Would you happen to know anything about that?

[supervillain-offical]

*shakes head*

No I-

*takes a moment to realize*

Wait-

What-

*narrows eyes*

That sounds like my lair.

[alchemist-offical]

Oh, weird. They said they were looking for someone they used to know but the only direction they were given was that they lived in a building surrounded by a wall of fire.

*shrugs*

and considering your lair did not have fire the last time I was there…

[supervillain-offical]

Y-yeah

N-new thing-

*mutters, looking apprehensive now*

Wh-what is this about?

If…if they come back, please don’t tell them? I-I have a lot-a lot-of enemies.

[alchemist-offical]

Oh, alright.

*takes a sip of his tea*

They did seem really nice, though. Their name was.. Jinthe? I think? In any case.

[supervillain-offical]

Huh?

*pauses*

I-I don’t think ‘Im familiar with them.

[alchemist-offical]

Oh, curious. Maybe ask around a bit when you get back. See if you can find who they were looking for.

[supervillain-offical]

*takes a breath, nods*

I will…I-I should…

[alchemist-offical]

*sips hys tea, falling silent*

[supervillain-offical]

*also falls silent, then suddenly looks like he wants to say something, then falls silent again*

[alchemist-offical]

You can talk if you’d like to.

*adds, teasingly*

You’re also allowed to drink the tea.

[supervillain-offical]

A-alright-

*takes a breath, smiles slightly and shakily picks up the tea*

*takes a sip, still looks like he has something to say but hesitates*

[alchemist-offical]

*drinking his own tea, figuring he’ll let Savi share on his own time*

[supervillain-offical]

*hesitant*

I…d-do…you have any-l-like-tips on dealing with -uh-s-siblings’ deaths?

[alchemist-offical]

*looks away, melancholy falling over his face. After a moment, he sighs*

I mean.. I do, but.. non-religious tips? Not really.

*looks back down at his tea*

I suppose just… I devoted myself to something that brought me comfort. Even after all these centuries, it always has. It’s the one thing that keeps me rooted in.. who I am. Who I was. I can only say try to find something similar for yourself.

[supervillain-offical]

*swallows and nods, looking down at his cup before finally taking a sip*

Thanks-

[alchemist-offical]

*nods as well, quiet for a few minutes*

I’ll.. admit, when I was younger, I wasn’t too different from you. I was angry. I was in a lot of pain. I made a lot of rash decisions that I wish I could go back on.

*exhales quietly, tapping his fingers on his mug*

Wishing doesn’t get me anywhere. Nor you. But I can at least try and save you from my fate.

[supervillain-offical]

*swallows*

Y-you shouldn’t waste your time on me.

*gives a soft, hollow chuckle*

Funnily enough, this is my second sibling killed as a way to get back at me.

[alchemist-offical]

*shakes hys head*

I’m not “wasting my time” on you.

*something flickers in Anshel’s eyes for a moment. What, is hard to say*

…I’m sorry. You don’t deserve that.

[supervillain-offical]

*shakes head*

I do deserve it though, that-that’s the problem-

If-if I’d known beforehand that I’d have siblings around then I wouldn’t have-wouldn’t have been so-

*sighs, runs a hand through his hair*

S-so reckless.

[alchemist-offical]

You’re blaming yourself again.

*sets his cup down*

Savi. It isn’t your fault for what others do. You don’t control other’s actions. And I know that can be hard to hear after something like that, but I need you to understand it isn’t your fault.

[supervillain-offical]

*snaps slightly*

A-and-

If I don’t blame myself then-then what? I just-I just move on? He trusted me a-and I failed him and I just-just shrug it off and move on?

[alchemist-offical]

I never said move on. You’re allowed to grieve without making yourself at fault.

[supervillain-offical]

*quietly*

I-I don’t think I know how.

[alchemist-offical]

*gently*

That’s something you’ll have to learn how to do on your own time. But blaming yourself is almost as bad as not grieving at all, Savi. You’re turning grief into a way of harming yourself. I just—I want you to understand that. It isn’t fair to you to do that, and it isn’t fair to the people you’ve lost.

[supervillain-offical]

*falls quiet, shakes his head*

I-I can’t honor him and I d-don’t want to forget him or move on-

And I mean, come on I am at least partially at fault!

[alchemist-offical]

*sighs*

You’re not. One day, maybe you’ll understand that. It doesn’t seem like today’s that day.

*picks up his cup and takes a long sip*

that’s okay. Healing takes time

[supervillain-offical]

*takes another sip of tea then bangs the cup down, almost causing it to spill*

I-I don’t have time to heal because someone else will be dead tomorrow!

*looks at the tea, then at Anshel, then away*

S-sorry.

[alchemist-offical]

It’s okay.

*sets his cup down*

Savi, you’re immortal now, whether you like it or not. That means you will see people die. There is nothing you can do about it. Death is a part of life. It is a fact of life. The more time you spend fighting it, the more it will hurt.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks panicked*

I-I’m not even thirty!

I can’t-I can’t do this forever!

And if I were to die I don’t even know if half the people I care about would go to any afterlife-

I don’t-I can’t get one fucking I don’t know day where I don’t have to worry about someone dying-

*takes a breath*

S-sorry-

I’m not-

Y-you know that, I-

Sorry, I-I just feel helpless I guess. I shouldn’t-

*trails off*

[alchemist-offical]

*quiet for a while*

..I know what it feels like. I don’t really remember how old I was when I became immortal. It’s been so long since then. I think I was in my late twenties. Around thirty, maybe. No older than thirty two.

*laughs quietly, hollowly, then sighs*

You don’t have to apologise. I know it’s hard.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks at him for a while*

I know I’ve said this before but, I-I don’t know how you’re so-

So good-

[alchemist-offical]

*huffs lightly and smiles*

it’s the Jew in me

*shakes hys head, staring at one of the walls*

You want to know something? When I say I understand where you are right now, I mean it. I’ve poisoned towns of thousands, Savi. I caused wars. I killed people with my own hands. I was angry when I was younger.

*looks down to hys mug, staring into his tea*

I still am. I’m not good. I’ve just lived long enough to be made into less of a monster.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks at hym in disbelief*

You started wars?! Poisoned towns?! You-you’re joking, right?

[alchemist-offical]

*chuckles quietly, picking up his mug and taking a long sip*

..No, I’m not joking. I’ll tell you the story of the time I did them together, if you’re so inclined.

[supervillain-offical]

*still disbelieving, picks up his tea*

Oh, yeah, sure! I-please! I must say, I’m pretty intrigued!

[alchemist-offical]

It’s not a happy story, might I preface.

*sighs*

This was.. oh, mid sixteen hundreds, I think. I lived in the Holy Roman Empire. I would generally flee from small state to small state every so often. One state, I.. can’t even remember its name now, I stayed in for a couple decades. They had a larger Jewish community than most.

*melancholy falls over his face*

The.. Prince of this state didn’t like that. One night, he arrests two Jews as they’re getting water from one of the town’s wells. He accuses them of attempting to poison the water supply. He fed hysteria to the people of the city. A few days later… a pogrom.

*voice quiets*

I had seen several pogroms before. But over.. a lie? Hundreds dead, several hundreds more injured, tens more missing, entire areas of the ghetto entirely destroyed and for what? A false rumour? Who am I kidding, that’s what they were always over. But I was livid. I.. found a water supply outside the ghetto, informed the rabbis, and decided that, if the prince wanted a poisoned water supply—

*hands tighten on hys mug, anger unlike any Savi’s heard from him before seeping into his voice*

—then I’d give him one. I poisoned every well and every aqueduct in that town. I watched for days as people got sicker and sicker with no help of getting better. And then I went to the Prince. I told him I did it, and his son—knowing very well he didn’t have one—had better respect my people more than he did.

*shrugs, forcing an apathetic demeanour*

And then I killed him. He had no heir. With no heir, surrounding kingdoms start getting involved, and…

*trails off for a moment, then continues eerily blankly*

They pillaged that town for days. It went up in flames.

[supervillain-offical]

*stares for a moment, then looks down*

Well-

Well you can’t call yourself a monster for that-

I mean-

I mean-

You were just trying to avenge your people and-and make something right that couldn’t be made right and-

You were angry and wanted justice, I-

I don’t think that could make you a monster-

Not like me-

[alchemist-offical]

Is that not what you do, too? Get revenge? Justice? Protect those you care about?

*shakes hys head, setting the mug down*

Do you not also take it too far?

[supervillain-offical]

N-no, I burned down an entire city because one guy whose death wasn’t caused in any way by anyone in said city, was killed. Just-just to irritate the guy who ordered his death!

I protect those I care about from the threats I brought to their doors in the first place!

…

I do take it too far. But I know that and I can’t stop.

[alchemist-offical]

*sighs*

stopping is always the hardest part

[supervillain-offical]

But I-I literally can’t! It’d just put everyone at more risk!

[alchemist-offical]

So you keep saying.

[supervillain-offical]

I-

I’m not trying to make excuses! I know I’m evil and it’s horrible! But-alright-I won’t stop as long as it protects everyone from the mess I got them into. If-if that makes sense.

[alchemist-offical]

it does. I— I’m sorry I’m not that able to help you, Savi.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks down*

But clearly I-I’m not doing enough-

*sighs*

No. Thanks. You-you have helped a lot.

[alchemist-offical]

*nods, falling silent with a sigh*

[supervillain-offical]

*quietly sips his tea, pauses*

How-how far is the walk back to the city from here?

[alchemist-offical]

Not far. Fifteen, twenty minutes, maybe.

[supervillain-offical]

*nods, hesitates*

I-

I can’t really teleport, would you-

Uh-

Mind giving me directions?

[alchemist-offical]

If you just go…

*holds up his hands, making the two L’s*

straight out left, you’ll eventually hit the outskirts of the city. Just keep walking and you’ll find it.

[supervillain-offical]

R-right-

*glances a bit apprehensively toward the door, nods*

Left. I-I can do that.

[alchemist-offical]

*tilts his head*

Everything alright?

[supervillain-offical]

Yeah! Yeah, I just-

No, I can do that-

[alchemist-offical]

If you say so. Why don’t you take some food with you?

[supervillain-offical]

*blinks*

Oh-

No I-

I live closer to grocery stores than you, you should keep the food-

[alchemist-offical]

This is true, but I also probably won’t eat it.

*thinks*

Oh, speaking of, do you need any more healing potions? Or any potions at all, really.

[supervillain-offical]

I-

*shakes head*

I don’t think so-

Thank you, Anshel. And I-

I don’t know, I feel bad about taking your food-

You’re sure?

[alchemist-offical]

Certain. I don’t need it.

[supervillain-offical]

*takes a breath*

Alright-

Well-

I-I should try to head back before it gets too dark-

[alchemist-offical]

Probably. Thank you for talking with me. It’s always nice to see you

[supervillain-offical]

It-it was really nice to see you-

*gets up, pauses*

A-and thanks for sharing that story with me-

[alchemist-offical]

*nods hesitantly*

Thank you for listening. I.. don’t think I’ve ever shared that before

[supervillain-offical]

Well I don’t know why you’d trust me of all people with that-

But I-

I really appreciate that you did-

[alchemist-offical]

*huffs quietly, amused*

I’m a lonely, old hermit. I guess I can’t help myself every so often

[alchemist-offical]

*wanting to get away from the city, Savi tries to take a walk in the forest, but between his lack of knowledge of nature and his current lack of focus or attention to really anything, he quickly becomes lost*

- @supervillain-offical

*out gathering plants when hy spots Savi. He waves, but, noticing Savi’s distant demeanour, pauses and decides to walk up to him*

Hey—Savi. What are you doing all the way out here?

[supervillain-offical]

*blinks, looks up, startled*

Anshel-

What-what are you doing here?

[alchemist-offical]

…I live out here, silly.

[supervillain-offical]

Oh-

Yeah-

*looks around the forest*

R-right-

[alchemist-offical]

*tilts his head, studying Savi*

are you alright?

[supervillain-offical]

*opens his mouth, closes it, looks around then away*

Y-yeah.

[alchemist-offical]

What are you doing all the way out here?

[supervillain-offical]

Walking.

Uh.

Where-where’s here exactly?

[alchemist-offical]

In the woods. Just—you know, outside the city.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks relieved*

Not-not far?

[alchemist-offical]

*blinks*

I- what? No, you are far outside the city. That’s.. why I’m asking you why you’re out here. Seriously, are you okay? You’re not making a ton of sense

[supervillain-offical]

Oh-

Ohhhh-

*looks worried now*

Far as in-as in how far?

[alchemist-offical]

at least a half an hour’s walk past my cabin.

*looks even more concerned now*

seriously, are you alright?

[supervillain-offical]

*shakes his head quickly as if to wake up more*

I-

I’m, yeah, I-

I was just going for a walk-

Lost-lost track of time…and…where I was going…

[alchemist-offical]

I thought you were afraid of the outdoors?

*shakes hys head*

Something is wrong. You don’t have to tell me what, but I can see there is. Why don’t you come back with me and rest for a bit? Maybe have some tea and food.

[supervillain-offical]

*hesitates*

I-I am-

I-

*looks down, sighs*

If-if you’re sure, then I-I wouldn’t mind taking you up on that offer-

[alchemist-offical]

*nods and turns around, walking deeper into the forest. He gestures for Savi to follow hym*

[supervillain-offical]

*follows, trying to keep his attention on Anshel as he walks through the forest, a bit spooked at one point by a bird*

[alchemist-offical]

*glances back*

You must have been really distracted if you got all the way out here and didn’t notice.

*looks in front again*

It’s going to take a bit to get back. Do you want to talk about anything while we’re walking?

[supervillain-offical]

I-I-

Y-yeah-

*hesitant again*

*tightly*

I burned down a city.

[alchemist-offical]

Oh.

*pauses for a moment*

..may I ask why?

[supervillain-offical]

*looking away, swallows*

One of my-one of my best friends killed my brother.

[alchemist-offical]

*a bit incredulously*

..and they’re still your best friend

*shakes his head, adding quickly*

I’m sorry. That was- that was wildly inappropriate of me. My sincerest condolences. I.. know it hurts to lose a family member.

[supervillain-offical]

*swallows, defensively*

O-one of my best friends-

His-his boss made it so it-

And-and he didn’t know it was my brother-

I-it’s boss really hates me-

Which is…is part of the reason I burned down the city. T-to annoy him. Which is-

Yeah-

I-I know-

*grits teeth and continues to look down*

…th-thanks. I should’ve known better though-

[alchemist-offical]

*merely hums*

Enough of that. The ‘should have known better.’ You have hindsight now; you didn’t then. Besides, you couldn’t have known that was going to happen. You aren’t in control for others’ actions.

[supervillain-offical]

*sighs*

That-that’s what Elliot-a-a friend of mine-said.

And I-I know that-

But I did know I was putting him at risk by seeing him-

[alchemist-offical]

You blame yourself a lot, you know that? You look for every conceivable way something could possibly be your fault. It isn’t good for you.

[supervillain-offical]

*falters*

…I-I don’t know if feels easier…

[alchemist-offical]

Just because something’s easier doesn’t mean it’s better.

[supervillain-offical]

I-I can take it though and it’s easier and I don’t really have a-a habit of doing what’s better, so.

*falls quiet again*

[alchemist-offical]

*sighs and shakes hys head, also falling silent again*

[supervillain-offical]

*stays quiet as they walk*

[alchemist-offical]

*after a while they finally reach Anshel’s cabin. Anshel reaches up and brushes the mezuzah, then lightly kisses his fingers where they danced over the metal. He pushes open the door, standing behind it and gesturing for Savi to come in*

[supervillain-offical]

*Savi blinks looking up*

O-oh-

We’re here already-

*looks relieved again*

Thanks!

[alchemist-offical]

*nods, though still looking concerned*

Of course.

[supervillain-offical]

*takes a breath, steps inside*

[alchemist-offical]

*closes the door after Savi gently*

Would you like some tea? Or something to eat?

[supervillain-offical]

*hesitates, clears throat, trying to focus more*

If-if it’s not too much to ask-

Like-

Y-you don’t need to-

But I wouldn’t mind-

*shrugs*

[alchemist-offical]

*shakes hys head, insistently*

You’re my guest. It’s not too much to ask.

*steps over to hys cabinet, preparing the tea. As the water is boiling, he opens a different cabinet, rummaging through it*

um… it looks like I still have some chocolate babka left in here, if you’d like that.

[supervillain-offical]

I-I think I would-

*looks around*

Is…is it alright if I sit down?

[alchemist-offical]

*teasingly*

No, because I’ve never let you sit when you’re here before.

*takes the babka from the cupboard, which is in a container. He takes the lid off the container, walking over to Savi*

Of course you can sit.

[supervillain-offical]

*pauses then smiles slightly, taking a seat*

Th-thanks, Anshel.

[alchemist-offical]

*also smiles, amused. He holds out the container to Savi*

of course. Help yourself

[supervillain-offical]

*slowly takes some*

*repeats*

Thanks.

*takes a small bite*

[alchemist-offical]

*sets the container down in front of Savi and goes to take the kettle off the stove and pour the tea*

[supervillain-offical]

*hesitates then takes some more, not having really eaten much recently*

[alchemist-offical]

*walks back over with his measuring-cup-mugs and sets one down in front of Savi before sitting in a chair across from him*

[supervillain-offical]

*looks down at the tea*

Thanks-

For-for this on such short notice-

[alchemist-offical]

All good, my friend.

[supervillain-offical]

*continues to sit there for a moment then takes a sip of the tea*

S-so, how have you been?

[alchemist-offical]

*shrugs*

I’ve been pretty well. Had some curious visitors recently. A.. top hat, I think, that got in through the holes of my cabin that I haven’t been able to patch up, and a lovely person who just stumbled across my cabin while they were lost.

*laughs*

This may be the most people I’ve interacted with in a certain amount of time in the past fifty, maybe sixty years.

[supervillain-offical]

O-oh!

*smiles slightly*

I’m glad y-you’ve gotten a lot of visitors lately!

I might-I might know the Tophat.

[alchemist-offical]

*looks into hys tea awkwardly*

they were… a character, certainly. A bit concerning

[supervillain-offical]

They-they uh certainly have their own ways-

[alchemist-offical]

*shakes his head*

but let’s not gossip, shall we.

*thinks*

oh, one of the people I met recently was looking for a building surrounded by a wall of fire. Would you happen to know anything about that?

[supervillain-offical]

*shakes head*

No I-

*takes a moment to realize*

Wait-

What-

*narrows eyes*

That sounds like my lair.

[alchemist-offical]

Oh, weird. They said they were looking for someone they used to know but the only direction they were given was that they lived in a building surrounded by a wall of fire.

*shrugs*

and considering your lair did not have fire the last time I was there…

[supervillain-offical]

Y-yeah

N-new thing-

*mutters, looking apprehensive now*

Wh-what is this about?

If…if they come back, please don’t tell them? I-I have a lot-a lot-of enemies.

[alchemist-offical]

Oh, alright.

*takes a sip of his tea*

They did seem really nice, though. Their name was.. Jinthe? I think? In any case.

[supervillain-offical]

Huh?

*pauses*

I-I don’t think ‘Im familiar with them.

[alchemist-offical]

Oh, curious. Maybe ask around a bit when you get back. See if you can find who they were looking for.

[supervillain-offical]

*takes a breath, nods*

I will…I-I should…

[alchemist-offical]

*sips hys tea, falling silent*

[supervillain-offical]

*also falls silent, then suddenly looks like he wants to say something, then falls silent again*

[alchemist-offical]

You can talk if you’d like to.

*adds, teasingly*

You’re also allowed to drink the tea.

[supervillain-offical]

A-alright-

*takes a breath, smiles slightly and shakily picks up the tea*

*takes a sip, still looks like he has something to say but hesitates*

[alchemist-offical]

*drinking his own tea, figuring he’ll let Savi share on his own time*

[supervillain-offical]

*hesitant*

I…d-do…you have any-l-like-tips on dealing with -uh-s-siblings’ deaths?

[alchemist-offical]

*looks away, melancholy falling over his face. After a moment, he sighs*

I mean.. I do, but.. non-religious tips? Not really.

*looks back down at his tea*

I suppose just… I devoted myself to something that brought me comfort. Even after all these centuries, it always has. It’s the one thing that keeps me rooted in.. who I am. Who I was. I can only say try to find something similar for yourself.

[supervillain-offical]

*swallows and nods, looking down at his cup before finally taking a sip*

Thanks-

[alchemist-offical]

*nods as well, quiet for a few minutes*

I’ll.. admit, when I was younger, I wasn’t too different from you. I was angry. I was in a lot of pain. I made a lot of rash decisions that I wish I could go back on.

*exhales quietly, tapping his fingers on his mug*

Wishing doesn’t get me anywhere. Nor you. But I can at least try and save you from my fate.

[supervillain-offical]

*swallows*

Y-you shouldn’t waste your time on me.

*gives a soft, hollow chuckle*

Funnily enough, this is my second sibling killed as a way to get back at me.

[alchemist-offical]

*shakes hys head*

I’m not “wasting my time” on you.

*something flickers in Anshel’s eyes for a moment. What, is hard to say*

…I’m sorry. You don’t deserve that.

[supervillain-offical]

*shakes head*

I do deserve it though, that-that’s the problem-

If-if I’d known beforehand that I’d have siblings around then I wouldn’t have-wouldn’t have been so-

*sighs, runs a hand through his hair*

S-so reckless.

[alchemist-offical]

You’re blaming yourself again.

*sets his cup down*

Savi. It isn’t your fault for what others do. You don’t control other’s actions. And I know that can be hard to hear after something like that, but I need you to understand it isn’t your fault.

[supervillain-offical]

*snaps slightly*

A-and-

If I don’t blame myself then-then what? I just-I just move on? He trusted me a-and I failed him and I just-just shrug it off and move on?

[alchemist-offical]

I never said move on. You’re allowed to grieve without making yourself at fault.

[supervillain-offical]

*quietly*

I-I don’t think I know how.

[alchemist-offical]

*gently*

That’s something you’ll have to learn how to do on your own time. But blaming yourself is almost as bad as not grieving at all, Savi. You’re turning grief into a way of harming yourself. I just—I want you to understand that. It isn’t fair to you to do that, and it isn’t fair to the people you’ve lost.

[supervillain-offical]

*falls quiet, shakes his head*

I-I can’t honor him and I d-don’t want to forget him or move on-

And I mean, come on I am at least partially at fault!

[alchemist-offical]

*sighs*

You’re not. One day, maybe you’ll understand that. It doesn’t seem like today’s that day.

*picks up his cup and takes a long sip*

that’s okay. Healing takes time

[supervillain-offical]

*takes another sip of tea then bangs the cup down, almost causing it to spill*

I-I don’t have time to heal because someone else will be dead tomorrow!

*looks at the tea, then at Anshel, then away*

S-sorry.

[alchemist-offical]

It’s okay.

*sets his cup down*

Savi, you’re immortal now, whether you like it or not. That means you will see people die. There is nothing you can do about it. Death is a part of life. It is a fact of life. The more time you spend fighting it, the more it will hurt.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks panicked*

I-I’m not even thirty!

I can’t-I can’t do this forever!

And if I were to die I don’t even know if half the people I care about would go to any afterlife-

I don’t-I can’t get one fucking I don’t know day where I don’t have to worry about someone dying-

*takes a breath*

S-sorry-

I’m not-

Y-you know that, I-

Sorry, I-I just feel helpless I guess. I shouldn’t-

*trails off*

[alchemist-offical]

*quiet for a while*

..I know what it feels like. I don’t really remember how old I was when I became immortal. It’s been so long since then. I think I was in my late twenties. Around thirty, maybe. No older than thirty two.

*laughs quietly, hollowly, then sighs*

You don’t have to apologise. I know it’s hard.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks at him for a while*

I know I’ve said this before but, I-I don’t know how you’re so-

So good-

[alchemist-offical]

*huffs lightly and smiles*

it’s the Jew in me

*shakes hys head, staring at one of the walls*

You want to know something? When I say I understand where you are right now, I mean it. I’ve poisoned towns of thousands, Savi. I caused wars. I killed people with my own hands. I was angry when I was younger.

*looks down to hys mug, staring into his tea*

I still am. I’m not good. I’ve just lived long enough to be made into less of a monster.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks at hym in disbelief*

You started wars?! Poisoned towns?! You-you’re joking, right?

[alchemist-offical]

*chuckles quietly, picking up his mug and taking a long sip*

..No, I’m not joking. I’ll tell you the story of the time I did them together, if you’re so inclined.

[supervillain-offical]

*still disbelieving, picks up his tea*

Oh, yeah, sure! I-please! I must say, I’m pretty intrigued!

[alchemist-offical]

It’s not a happy story, might I preface.

*sighs*

This was.. oh, mid sixteen hundreds, I think. I lived in the Holy Roman Empire. I would generally flee from small state to small state every so often. One state, I.. can’t even remember its name now, I stayed in for a couple decades. They had a larger Jewish community than most.

*melancholy falls over his face*

The.. Prince of this state didn’t like that. One night, he arrests two Jews as they’re getting water from one of the town’s wells. He accuses them of attempting to poison the water supply. He fed hysteria to the people of the city. A few days later… a pogrom.

*voice quiets*

I had seen several pogroms before. But over.. a lie? Hundreds dead, several hundreds more injured, tens more missing, entire areas of the ghetto entirely destroyed and for what? A false rumour? Who am I kidding, that’s what they were always over. But I was livid. I.. found a water supply outside the ghetto, informed the rabbis, and decided that, if the prince wanted a poisoned water supply—

*hands tighten on hys mug, anger unlike any Savi’s heard from him before seeping into his voice*

—then I’d give him one. I poisoned every well and every aqueduct in that town. I watched for days as people got sicker and sicker with no help of getting better. And then I went to the Prince. I told him I did it, and his son—knowing very well he didn’t have one—had better respect my people more than he did.

*shrugs, forcing an apathetic demeanour*

And then I killed him. He had no heir. With no heir, surrounding kingdoms start getting involved, and…

*trails off for a moment, then continues eerily blankly*

They pillaged that town for days. It went up in flames.

[supervillain-offical]

*stares for a moment, then looks down*

Well-

Well you can’t call yourself a monster for that-

I mean-

I mean-

You were just trying to avenge your people and-and make something right that couldn’t be made right and-

You were angry and wanted justice, I-

I don’t think that could make you a monster-

Not like me-

[alchemist-offical]

Is that not what you do, too? Get revenge? Justice? Protect those you care about?

*shakes hys head, setting the mug down*

Do you not also take it too far?

[supervillain-offical]

N-no, I burned down an entire city because one guy whose death wasn’t caused in any way by anyone in said city, was killed. Just-just to irritate the guy who ordered his death!

I protect those I care about from the threats I brought to their doors in the first place!

…

I do take it too far. But I know that and I can’t stop.

[alchemist-offical]

*sighs*

stopping is always the hardest part

[supervillain-offical]

But I-I literally can’t! It’d just put everyone at more risk!

[alchemist-offical]

So you keep saying.

[supervillain-offical]

I-

I’m not trying to make excuses! I know I’m evil and it’s horrible! But-alright-I won’t stop as long as it protects everyone from the mess I got them into. If-if that makes sense.

[alchemist-offical]

it does. I— I’m sorry I’m not that able to help you, Savi.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks down*

But clearly I-I’m not doing enough-

*sighs*

No. Thanks. You-you have helped a lot.

[alchemist-offical]

*nods, falling silent with a sigh*

[supervillain-offical]

*quietly sips his tea, pauses*

How-how far is the walk back to the city from here?

[alchemist-offical]

Not far. Fifteen, twenty minutes, maybe.

[supervillain-offical]

*nods, hesitates*

I-

I can’t really teleport, would you-

Uh-

Mind giving me directions?

[alchemist-offical]

If you just go…

*holds up his hands, making the two L’s*

straight out left, you’ll eventually hit the outskirts of the city. Just keep walking and you’ll find it.

[supervillain-offical]

R-right-

*glances a bit apprehensively toward the door, nods*

Left. I-I can do that.

[alchemist-offical]

*tilts his head*

Everything alright?

[supervillain-offical]

Yeah! Yeah, I just-

No, I can do that-

[alchemist-offical]

If you say so. Why don’t you take some food with you?

[supervillain-offical]

*blinks*

Oh-

No I-

I live closer to grocery stores than you, you should keep the food-

[alchemist-offical]

This is true, but I also probably won’t eat it.

*thinks*

Oh, speaking of, do you need any more healing potions? Or any potions at all, really.

[supervillain-offical]

I-

*shakes head*

I don’t think so-

Thank you, Anshel. And I-

I don’t know, I feel bad about taking your food-

You’re sure?

[alchemist-offical]

Certain. I don’t need it.

[supervillain-offical]

*takes a breath*

Alright-

Well-

I-I should try to head back before it gets too dark-

[alchemist-offical]

Probably. Thank you for talking with me. It’s always nice to see you

[supervillain-offical]

It-it was really nice to see you-

*gets up, pauses*

A-and thanks for sharing that story with me-

[alchemist-offical]

*nods hesitantly*

Thank you for listening. I.. don’t think I’ve ever shared that before

[alchemist-offical]

*wanting to get away from the city, Savi tries to take a walk in the forest, but between his lack of knowledge of nature and his current lack of focus or attention to really anything, he quickly becomes lost*

- @supervillain-offical

*out gathering plants when hy spots Savi. He waves, but, noticing Savi’s distant demeanour, pauses and decides to walk up to him*

Hey—Savi. What are you doing all the way out here?

[supervillain-offical]

*blinks, looks up, startled*

Anshel-

What-what are you doing here?

[alchemist-offical]

…I live out here, silly.

[supervillain-offical]

Oh-

Yeah-

*looks around the forest*

R-right-

[alchemist-offical]

*tilts his head, studying Savi*

are you alright?

[supervillain-offical]

*opens his mouth, closes it, looks around then away*

Y-yeah.

[alchemist-offical]

What are you doing all the way out here?

[supervillain-offical]

Walking.

Uh.

Where-where’s here exactly?

[alchemist-offical]

In the woods. Just—you know, outside the city.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks relieved*

Not-not far?

[alchemist-offical]

*blinks*

I- what? No, you are far outside the city. That’s.. why I’m asking you why you’re out here. Seriously, are you okay? You’re not making a ton of sense

[supervillain-offical]

Oh-

Ohhhh-

*looks worried now*

Far as in-as in how far?

[alchemist-offical]

at least a half an hour’s walk past my cabin.

*looks even more concerned now*

seriously, are you alright?

[supervillain-offical]

*shakes his head quickly as if to wake up more*

I-

I’m, yeah, I-

I was just going for a walk-

Lost-lost track of time…and…where I was going…

[alchemist-offical]

I thought you were afraid of the outdoors?

*shakes hys head*

Something is wrong. You don’t have to tell me what, but I can see there is. Why don’t you come back with me and rest for a bit? Maybe have some tea and food.

[supervillain-offical]

*hesitates*

I-I am-

I-

*looks down, sighs*

If-if you’re sure, then I-I wouldn’t mind taking you up on that offer-

[alchemist-offical]

*nods and turns around, walking deeper into the forest. He gestures for Savi to follow hym*

[supervillain-offical]

*follows, trying to keep his attention on Anshel as he walks through the forest, a bit spooked at one point by a bird*

[alchemist-offical]

*glances back*

You must have been really distracted if you got all the way out here and didn’t notice.

*looks in front again*

It’s going to take a bit to get back. Do you want to talk about anything while we’re walking?

[supervillain-offical]

I-I-

Y-yeah-

*hesitant again*

*tightly*

I burned down a city.

[alchemist-offical]

Oh.

*pauses for a moment*

..may I ask why?

[supervillain-offical]

*looking away, swallows*

One of my-one of my best friends killed my brother.

[alchemist-offical]

*a bit incredulously*

..and they’re still your best friend

*shakes his head, adding quickly*

I’m sorry. That was- that was wildly inappropriate of me. My sincerest condolences. I.. know it hurts to lose a family member.

[supervillain-offical]

*swallows, defensively*

O-one of my best friends-

His-his boss made it so it-

And-and he didn’t know it was my brother-

I-it’s boss really hates me-

Which is…is part of the reason I burned down the city. T-to annoy him. Which is-

Yeah-

I-I know-

*grits teeth and continues to look down*

…th-thanks. I should’ve known better though-

[alchemist-offical]

*merely hums*

Enough of that. The ‘should have known better.’ You have hindsight now; you didn’t then. Besides, you couldn’t have known that was going to happen. You aren’t in control for others’ actions.

[supervillain-offical]

*sighs*

That-that’s what Elliot-a-a friend of mine-said.

And I-I know that-

But I did know I was putting him at risk by seeing him-

[alchemist-offical]

You blame yourself a lot, you know that? You look for every conceivable way something could possibly be your fault. It isn’t good for you.

[supervillain-offical]

*falters*

…I-I don’t know if feels easier…

[alchemist-offical]

Just because something’s easier doesn’t mean it’s better.

[supervillain-offical]

I-I can take it though and it’s easier and I don’t really have a-a habit of doing what’s better, so.

*falls quiet again*

[alchemist-offical]

*sighs and shakes hys head, also falling silent again*

[supervillain-offical]

*stays quiet as they walk*

[alchemist-offical]

*after a while they finally reach Anshel’s cabin. Anshel reaches up and brushes the mezuzah, then lightly kisses his fingers where they danced over the metal. He pushes open the door, standing behind it and gesturing for Savi to come in*

[supervillain-offical]

*Savi blinks looking up*

O-oh-

We’re here already-

*looks relieved again*

Thanks!

[alchemist-offical]

*nods, though still looking concerned*

Of course.

[supervillain-offical]

*takes a breath, steps inside*

[alchemist-offical]

*closes the door after Savi gently*

Would you like some tea? Or something to eat?

[supervillain-offical]

*hesitates, clears throat, trying to focus more*

If-if it’s not too much to ask-

Like-

Y-you don’t need to-

But I wouldn’t mind-

*shrugs*

[alchemist-offical]

*shakes hys head, insistently*

You’re my guest. It’s not too much to ask.

*steps over to hys cabinet, preparing the tea. As the water is boiling, he opens a different cabinet, rummaging through it*

um… it looks like I still have some chocolate babka left in here, if you’d like that.

[supervillain-offical]

I-I think I would-

*looks around*

Is…is it alright if I sit down?

[alchemist-offical]

*teasingly*

No, because I’ve never let you sit when you’re here before.

*takes the babka from the cupboard, which is in a container. He takes the lid off the container, walking over to Savi*

Of course you can sit.

[supervillain-offical]

*pauses then smiles slightly, taking a seat*

Th-thanks, Anshel.

[alchemist-offical]

*also smiles, amused. He holds out the container to Savi*

of course. Help yourself

[supervillain-offical]

*slowly takes some*

*repeats*

Thanks.

*takes a small bite*

[alchemist-offical]

*sets the container down in front of Savi and goes to take the kettle off the stove and pour the tea*

[supervillain-offical]

*hesitates then takes some more, not having really eaten much recently*

[alchemist-offical]

*walks back over with his measuring-cup-mugs and sets one down in front of Savi before sitting in a chair across from him*

[supervillain-offical]

*looks down at the tea*

Thanks-

For-for this on such short notice-

[alchemist-offical]

All good, my friend.

[supervillain-offical]

*continues to sit there for a moment then takes a sip of the tea*

S-so, how have you been?

[alchemist-offical]

*shrugs*

I’ve been pretty well. Had some curious visitors recently. A.. top hat, I think, that got in through the holes of my cabin that I haven’t been able to patch up, and a lovely person who just stumbled across my cabin while they were lost.

*laughs*

This may be the most people I’ve interacted with in a certain amount of time in the past fifty, maybe sixty years.

[supervillain-offical]

O-oh!

*smiles slightly*

I’m glad y-you’ve gotten a lot of visitors lately!

I might-I might know the Tophat.

[alchemist-offical]

*looks into hys tea awkwardly*

they were… a character, certainly. A bit concerning

[supervillain-offical]

They-they uh certainly have their own ways-

[alchemist-offical]

*shakes his head*

but let’s not gossip, shall we.

*thinks*

oh, one of the people I met recently was looking for a building surrounded by a wall of fire. Would you happen to know anything about that?

[supervillain-offical]

*shakes head*

No I-

*takes a moment to realize*

Wait-

What-

*narrows eyes*

That sounds like my lair.

[alchemist-offical]

Oh, weird. They said they were looking for someone they used to know but the only direction they were given was that they lived in a building surrounded by a wall of fire.

*shrugs*

and considering your lair did not have fire the last time I was there…

[supervillain-offical]

Y-yeah

N-new thing-

*mutters, looking apprehensive now*

Wh-what is this about?

If…if they come back, please don’t tell them? I-I have a lot-a lot-of enemies.

[alchemist-offical]

Oh, alright.

*takes a sip of his tea*

They did seem really nice, though. Their name was.. Jinthe? I think? In any case.

[supervillain-offical]

Huh?

*pauses*

I-I don’t think ‘Im familiar with them.

[alchemist-offical]

Oh, curious. Maybe ask around a bit when you get back. See if you can find who they were looking for.

[supervillain-offical]

*takes a breath, nods*

I will…I-I should…

[alchemist-offical]

*sips hys tea, falling silent*

[supervillain-offical]

*also falls silent, then suddenly looks like he wants to say something, then falls silent again*

[alchemist-offical]

You can talk if you’d like to.

*adds, teasingly*

You’re also allowed to drink the tea.

[supervillain-offical]

A-alright-

*takes a breath, smiles slightly and shakily picks up the tea*

*takes a sip, still looks like he has something to say but hesitates*

[alchemist-offical]

*drinking his own tea, figuring he’ll let Savi share on his own time*

[supervillain-offical]

*hesitant*

I…d-do…you have any-l-like-tips on dealing with -uh-s-siblings’ deaths?

[alchemist-offical]

*looks away, melancholy falling over his face. After a moment, he sighs*

I mean.. I do, but.. non-religious tips? Not really.

*looks back down at his tea*

I suppose just… I devoted myself to something that brought me comfort. Even after all these centuries, it always has. It’s the one thing that keeps me rooted in.. who I am. Who I was. I can only say try to find something similar for yourself.

[supervillain-offical]

*swallows and nods, looking down at his cup before finally taking a sip*

Thanks-

[alchemist-offical]

*nods as well, quiet for a few minutes*

I’ll.. admit, when I was younger, I wasn’t too different from you. I was angry. I was in a lot of pain. I made a lot of rash decisions that I wish I could go back on.

*exhales quietly, tapping his fingers on his mug*

Wishing doesn’t get me anywhere. Nor you. But I can at least try and save you from my fate.

[supervillain-offical]

*swallows*

Y-you shouldn’t waste your time on me.

*gives a soft, hollow chuckle*

Funnily enough, this is my second sibling killed as a way to get back at me.

[alchemist-offical]

*shakes hys head*

I’m not “wasting my time” on you.

*something flickers in Anshel’s eyes for a moment. What, is hard to say*

…I’m sorry. You don’t deserve that.

[supervillain-offical]

*shakes head*

I do deserve it though, that-that’s the problem-

If-if I’d known beforehand that I’d have siblings around then I wouldn’t have-wouldn’t have been so-

*sighs, runs a hand through his hair*

S-so reckless.

[alchemist-offical]

You’re blaming yourself again.

*sets his cup down*

Savi. It isn’t your fault for what others do. You don’t control other’s actions. And I know that can be hard to hear after something like that, but I need you to understand it isn’t your fault.

[supervillain-offical]

*snaps slightly*

A-and-

If I don’t blame myself then-then what? I just-I just move on? He trusted me a-and I failed him and I just-just shrug it off and move on?

[alchemist-offical]

I never said move on. You’re allowed to grieve without making yourself at fault.

[supervillain-offical]

*quietly*

I-I don’t think I know how.

[alchemist-offical]

*gently*

That’s something you’ll have to learn how to do on your own time. But blaming yourself is almost as bad as not grieving at all, Savi. You’re turning grief into a way of harming yourself. I just—I want you to understand that. It isn’t fair to you to do that, and it isn’t fair to the people you’ve lost.

[supervillain-offical]

*falls quiet, shakes his head*

I-I can’t honor him and I d-don’t want to forget him or move on-

And I mean, come on I am at least partially at fault!

[alchemist-offical]

*sighs*

You’re not. One day, maybe you’ll understand that. It doesn’t seem like today’s that day.

*picks up his cup and takes a long sip*

that’s okay. Healing takes time

[supervillain-offical]

*takes another sip of tea then bangs the cup down, almost causing it to spill*

I-I don’t have time to heal because someone else will be dead tomorrow!

*looks at the tea, then at Anshel, then away*

S-sorry.

[alchemist-offical]

It’s okay.

*sets his cup down*

Savi, you’re immortal now, whether you like it or not. That means you will see people die. There is nothing you can do about it. Death is a part of life. It is a fact of life. The more time you spend fighting it, the more it will hurt.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks panicked*

I-I’m not even thirty!

I can’t-I can’t do this forever!

And if I were to die I don’t even know if half the people I care about would go to any afterlife-

I don’t-I can’t get one fucking I don’t know day where I don’t have to worry about someone dying-

*takes a breath*

S-sorry-

I’m not-

Y-you know that, I-

Sorry, I-I just feel helpless I guess. I shouldn’t-

*trails off*

[alchemist-offical]

*quiet for a while*

..I know what it feels like. I don’t really remember how old I was when I became immortal. It’s been so long since then. I think I was in my late twenties. Around thirty, maybe. No older than thirty two.

*laughs quietly, hollowly, then sighs*

You don’t have to apologise. I know it’s hard.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks at him for a while*

I know I’ve said this before but, I-I don’t know how you’re so-

So good-

[alchemist-offical]

*huffs lightly and smiles*

it’s the Jew in me

*shakes hys head, staring at one of the walls*

You want to know something? When I say I understand where you are right now, I mean it. I’ve poisoned towns of thousands, Savi. I caused wars. I killed people with my own hands. I was angry when I was younger.

*looks down to hys mug, staring into his tea*

I still am. I’m not good. I’ve just lived long enough to be made into less of a monster.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks at hym in disbelief*

You started wars?! Poisoned towns?! You-you’re joking, right?

[alchemist-offical]

*chuckles quietly, picking up his mug and taking a long sip*

..No, I’m not joking. I’ll tell you the story of the time I did them together, if you’re so inclined.

[supervillain-offical]

*still disbelieving, picks up his tea*

Oh, yeah, sure! I-please! I must say, I’m pretty intrigued!

[alchemist-offical]

It’s not a happy story, might I preface.

*sighs*

This was.. oh, mid sixteen hundreds, I think. I lived in the Holy Roman Empire. I would generally flee from small state to small state every so often. One state, I.. can’t even remember its name now, I stayed in for a couple decades. They had a larger Jewish community than most.

*melancholy falls over his face*

The.. Prince of this state didn’t like that. One night, he arrests two Jews as they’re getting water from one of the town’s wells. He accuses them of attempting to poison the water supply. He fed hysteria to the people of the city. A few days later… a pogrom.

*voice quiets*

I had seen several pogroms before. But over.. a lie? Hundreds dead, several hundreds more injured, tens more missing, entire areas of the ghetto entirely destroyed and for what? A false rumour? Who am I kidding, that’s what they were always over. But I was livid. I.. found a water supply outside the ghetto, informed the rabbis, and decided that, if the prince wanted a poisoned water supply—

*hands tighten on hys mug, anger unlike any Savi’s heard from him before seeping into his voice*

—then I’d give him one. I poisoned every well and every aqueduct in that town. I watched for days as people got sicker and sicker with no help of getting better. And then I went to the Prince. I told him I did it, and his son—knowing very well he didn’t have one—had better respect my people more than he did.

*shrugs, forcing an apathetic demeanour*

And then I killed him. He had no heir. With no heir, surrounding kingdoms start getting involved, and…

*trails off for a moment, then continues eerily blankly*

They pillaged that town for days. It went up in flames.

[supervillain-offical]

*stares for a moment, then looks down*

Well-

Well you can’t call yourself a monster for that-

I mean-

I mean-

You were just trying to avenge your people and-and make something right that couldn’t be made right and-

You were angry and wanted justice, I-

I don’t think that could make you a monster-

Not like me-

[alchemist-offical]

Is that not what you do, too? Get revenge? Justice? Protect those you care about?

*shakes hys head, setting the mug down*

Do you not also take it too far?

[supervillain-offical]

N-no, I burned down an entire city because one guy whose death wasn’t caused in any way by anyone in said city, was killed. Just-just to irritate the guy who ordered his death!

I protect those I care about from the threats I brought to their doors in the first place!

…

I do take it too far. But I know that and I can’t stop.

[alchemist-offical]

*sighs*

stopping is always the hardest part

[supervillain-offical]

But I-I literally can’t! It’d just put everyone at more risk!

[alchemist-offical]

So you keep saying.

[supervillain-offical]

I-

I’m not trying to make excuses! I know I’m evil and it’s horrible! But-alright-I won’t stop as long as it protects everyone from the mess I got them into. If-if that makes sense.

[alchemist-offical]

it does. I— I’m sorry I’m not that able to help you, Savi.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks down*

But clearly I-I’m not doing enough-

*sighs*

No. Thanks. You-you have helped a lot.

[alchemist-offical]

*nods, falling silent with a sigh*

[supervillain-offical]

*quietly sips his tea, pauses*

How-how far is the walk back to the city from here?

[alchemist-offical]

Not far. Fifteen, twenty minutes, maybe.

[supervillain-offical]

*nods, hesitates*

I-

I can’t really teleport, would you-

Uh-

Mind giving me directions?

[alchemist-offical]

If you just go…

*holds up his hands, making the two L’s*

straight out left, you’ll eventually hit the outskirts of the city. Just keep walking and you’ll find it.

[supervillain-offical]

R-right-

*glances a bit apprehensively toward the door, nods*

Left. I-I can do that.

[alchemist-offical]

*tilts his head*

Everything alright?

[supervillain-offical]

Yeah! Yeah, I just-

No, I can do that-

[alchemist-offical]

If you say so. Why don’t you take some food with you?

[supervillain-offical]

*blinks*

Oh-

No I-

I live closer to grocery stores than you, you should keep the food-

[alchemist-offical]

This is true, but I also probably won’t eat it.

*thinks*

Oh, speaking of, do you need any more healing potions? Or any potions at all, really.

[supervillain-offical]

I-

*shakes head*

I don’t think so-

Thank you, Anshel. And I-

I don’t know, I feel bad about taking your food-

You’re sure?

[alchemist-offical]

Certain. I don’t need it.

[supervillain-offical]

*takes a breath*

Alright-

Well-

I-I should try to head back before it gets too dark-

[alchemist-offical]

Probably. Thank you for talking with me. It’s always nice to see you

[alchemist-offical]

*wanting to get away from the city, Savi tries to take a walk in the forest, but between his lack of knowledge of nature and his current lack of focus or attention to really anything, he quickly becomes lost*

- @supervillain-offical

*out gathering plants when hy spots Savi. He waves, but, noticing Savi’s distant demeanour, pauses and decides to walk up to him*

Hey—Savi. What are you doing all the way out here?

[supervillain-offical]

*blinks, looks up, startled*

Anshel-

What-what are you doing here?

[alchemist-offical]

…I live out here, silly.

[supervillain-offical]

Oh-

Yeah-

*looks around the forest*

R-right-

[alchemist-offical]

*tilts his head, studying Savi*

are you alright?

[supervillain-offical]

*opens his mouth, closes it, looks around then away*

Y-yeah.

[alchemist-offical]

What are you doing all the way out here?

[supervillain-offical]

Walking.

Uh.

Where-where’s here exactly?

[alchemist-offical]

In the woods. Just—you know, outside the city.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks relieved*

Not-not far?

[alchemist-offical]

*blinks*

I- what? No, you are far outside the city. That’s.. why I’m asking you why you’re out here. Seriously, are you okay? You’re not making a ton of sense

[supervillain-offical]

Oh-

Ohhhh-

*looks worried now*

Far as in-as in how far?

[alchemist-offical]

at least a half an hour’s walk past my cabin.

*looks even more concerned now*

seriously, are you alright?

[supervillain-offical]

*shakes his head quickly as if to wake up more*

I-

I’m, yeah, I-

I was just going for a walk-

Lost-lost track of time…and…where I was going…

[alchemist-offical]

I thought you were afraid of the outdoors?

*shakes hys head*

Something is wrong. You don’t have to tell me what, but I can see there is. Why don’t you come back with me and rest for a bit? Maybe have some tea and food.

[supervillain-offical]

*hesitates*

I-I am-

I-

*looks down, sighs*

If-if you’re sure, then I-I wouldn’t mind taking you up on that offer-

[alchemist-offical]

*nods and turns around, walking deeper into the forest. He gestures for Savi to follow hym*

[supervillain-offical]

*follows, trying to keep his attention on Anshel as he walks through the forest, a bit spooked at one point by a bird*

[alchemist-offical]

*glances back*

You must have been really distracted if you got all the way out here and didn’t notice.

*looks in front again*

It’s going to take a bit to get back. Do you want to talk about anything while we’re walking?

[supervillain-offical]

I-I-

Y-yeah-

*hesitant again*

*tightly*

I burned down a city.

[alchemist-offical]

Oh.

*pauses for a moment*

..may I ask why?

[supervillain-offical]

*looking away, swallows*

One of my-one of my best friends killed my brother.

[alchemist-offical]

*a bit incredulously*

..and they’re still your best friend

*shakes his head, adding quickly*

I’m sorry. That was- that was wildly inappropriate of me. My sincerest condolences. I.. know it hurts to lose a family member.

[supervillain-offical]

*swallows, defensively*

O-one of my best friends-

His-his boss made it so it-

And-and he didn’t know it was my brother-

I-it’s boss really hates me-

Which is…is part of the reason I burned down the city. T-to annoy him. Which is-

Yeah-

I-I know-

*grits teeth and continues to look down*

…th-thanks. I should’ve known better though-

[alchemist-offical]

*merely hums*

Enough of that. The ‘should have known better.’ You have hindsight now; you didn’t then. Besides, you couldn’t have known that was going to happen. You aren’t in control for others’ actions.

[supervillain-offical]

*sighs*

That-that’s what Elliot-a-a friend of mine-said.

And I-I know that-

But I did know I was putting him at risk by seeing him-

[alchemist-offical]

You blame yourself a lot, you know that? You look for every conceivable way something could possibly be your fault. It isn’t good for you.

[supervillain-offical]

*falters*

…I-I don’t know if feels easier…

[alchemist-offical]

Just because something’s easier doesn’t mean it’s better.

[supervillain-offical]

I-I can take it though and it’s easier and I don’t really have a-a habit of doing what’s better, so.

*falls quiet again*

[alchemist-offical]

*sighs and shakes hys head, also falling silent again*

[supervillain-offical]

*stays quiet as they walk*

[alchemist-offical]

*after a while they finally reach Anshel’s cabin. Anshel reaches up and brushes the mezuzah, then lightly kisses his fingers where they danced over the metal. He pushes open the door, standing behind it and gesturing for Savi to come in*

[supervillain-offical]

*Savi blinks looking up*

O-oh-

We’re here already-

*looks relieved again*

Thanks!

[alchemist-offical]

*nods, though still looking concerned*

Of course.

[supervillain-offical]

*takes a breath, steps inside*

[alchemist-offical]

*closes the door after Savi gently*

Would you like some tea? Or something to eat?

[supervillain-offical]

*hesitates, clears throat, trying to focus more*

If-if it’s not too much to ask-

Like-

Y-you don’t need to-

But I wouldn’t mind-

*shrugs*

[alchemist-offical]

*shakes hys head, insistently*

You’re my guest. It’s not too much to ask.

*steps over to hys cabinet, preparing the tea. As the water is boiling, he opens a different cabinet, rummaging through it*

um… it looks like I still have some chocolate babka left in here, if you’d like that.

[supervillain-offical]

I-I think I would-

*looks around*

Is…is it alright if I sit down?

[alchemist-offical]

*teasingly*

No, because I’ve never let you sit when you’re here before.

*takes the babka from the cupboard, which is in a container. He takes the lid off the container, walking over to Savi*

Of course you can sit.

[supervillain-offical]

*pauses then smiles slightly, taking a seat*

Th-thanks, Anshel.

[alchemist-offical]

*also smiles, amused. He holds out the container to Savi*

of course. Help yourself

[supervillain-offical]

*slowly takes some*

*repeats*

Thanks.

*takes a small bite*

[alchemist-offical]

*sets the container down in front of Savi and goes to take the kettle off the stove and pour the tea*

[supervillain-offical]

*hesitates then takes some more, not having really eaten much recently*

[alchemist-offical]

*walks back over with his measuring-cup-mugs and sets one down in front of Savi before sitting in a chair across from him*

[supervillain-offical]

*looks down at the tea*

Thanks-

For-for this on such short notice-

[alchemist-offical]

All good, my friend.

[supervillain-offical]

*continues to sit there for a moment then takes a sip of the tea*

S-so, how have you been?

[alchemist-offical]

*shrugs*

I’ve been pretty well. Had some curious visitors recently. A.. top hat, I think, that got in through the holes of my cabin that I haven’t been able to patch up, and a lovely person who just stumbled across my cabin while they were lost.

*laughs*

This may be the most people I’ve interacted with in a certain amount of time in the past fifty, maybe sixty years.

[supervillain-offical]

O-oh!

*smiles slightly*

I’m glad y-you’ve gotten a lot of visitors lately!

I might-I might know the Tophat.

[alchemist-offical]

*looks into hys tea awkwardly*

they were… a character, certainly. A bit concerning

[supervillain-offical]

They-they uh certainly have their own ways-

[alchemist-offical]

*shakes his head*

but let’s not gossip, shall we.

*thinks*

oh, one of the people I met recently was looking for a building surrounded by a wall of fire. Would you happen to know anything about that?

[supervillain-offical]

*shakes head*

No I-

*takes a moment to realize*

Wait-

What-

*narrows eyes*

That sounds like my lair.

[alchemist-offical]

Oh, weird. They said they were looking for someone they used to know but the only direction they were given was that they lived in a building surrounded by a wall of fire.

*shrugs*

and considering your lair did not have fire the last time I was there…

[supervillain-offical]

Y-yeah

N-new thing-

*mutters, looking apprehensive now*

Wh-what is this about?

If…if they come back, please don’t tell them? I-I have a lot-a lot-of enemies.

[alchemist-offical]

Oh, alright.

*takes a sip of his tea*

They did seem really nice, though. Their name was.. Jinthe? I think? In any case.

[supervillain-offical]

Huh?

*pauses*

I-I don’t think ‘Im familiar with them.

[alchemist-offical]

Oh, curious. Maybe ask around a bit when you get back. See if you can find who they were looking for.

[supervillain-offical]

*takes a breath, nods*

I will…I-I should…

[alchemist-offical]

*sips hys tea, falling silent*

[supervillain-offical]

*also falls silent, then suddenly looks like he wants to say something, then falls silent again*

[alchemist-offical]

You can talk if you’d like to.

*adds, teasingly*

You’re also allowed to drink the tea.

[supervillain-offical]

A-alright-

*takes a breath, smiles slightly and shakily picks up the tea*

*takes a sip, still looks like he has something to say but hesitates*

[alchemist-offical]

*drinking his own tea, figuring he’ll let Savi share on his own time*

[supervillain-offical]

*hesitant*

I…d-do…you have any-l-like-tips on dealing with -uh-s-siblings’ deaths?

[alchemist-offical]

*looks away, melancholy falling over his face. After a moment, he sighs*

I mean.. I do, but.. non-religious tips? Not really.

*looks back down at his tea*

I suppose just… I devoted myself to something that brought me comfort. Even after all these centuries, it always has. It’s the one thing that keeps me rooted in.. who I am. Who I was. I can only say try to find something similar for yourself.

[supervillain-offical]

*swallows and nods, looking down at his cup before finally taking a sip*

Thanks-

[alchemist-offical]

*nods as well, quiet for a few minutes*

I’ll.. admit, when I was younger, I wasn’t too different from you. I was angry. I was in a lot of pain. I made a lot of rash decisions that I wish I could go back on.

*exhales quietly, tapping his fingers on his mug*

Wishing doesn’t get me anywhere. Nor you. But I can at least try and save you from my fate.

[supervillain-offical]

*swallows*

Y-you shouldn’t waste your time on me.

*gives a soft, hollow chuckle*

Funnily enough, this is my second sibling killed as a way to get back at me.

[alchemist-offical]

*shakes hys head*

I’m not “wasting my time” on you.

*something flickers in Anshel’s eyes for a moment. What, is hard to say*

…I’m sorry. You don’t deserve that.

[supervillain-offical]

*shakes head*

I do deserve it though, that-that’s the problem-

If-if I’d known beforehand that I’d have siblings around then I wouldn’t have-wouldn’t have been so-

*sighs, runs a hand through his hair*

S-so reckless.

[alchemist-offical]

You’re blaming yourself again.

*sets his cup down*

Savi. It isn’t your fault for what others do. You don’t control other’s actions. And I know that can be hard to hear after something like that, but I need you to understand it isn’t your fault.

[supervillain-offical]

*snaps slightly*

A-and-

If I don’t blame myself then-then what? I just-I just move on? He trusted me a-and I failed him and I just-just shrug it off and move on?

[alchemist-offical]

I never said move on. You’re allowed to grieve without making yourself at fault.

[supervillain-offical]

*quietly*

I-I don’t think I know how.

[alchemist-offical]

*gently*

That’s something you’ll have to learn how to do on your own time. But blaming yourself is almost as bad as not grieving at all, Savi. You’re turning grief into a way of harming yourself. I just—I want you to understand that. It isn’t fair to you to do that, and it isn’t fair to the people you’ve lost.

[supervillain-offical]

*falls quiet, shakes his head*

I-I can’t honor him and I d-don’t want to forget him or move on-

And I mean, come on I am at least partially at fault!

[alchemist-offical]

*sighs*

You’re not. One day, maybe you’ll understand that. It doesn’t seem like today’s that day.

*picks up his cup and takes a long sip*

that’s okay. Healing takes time

[supervillain-offical]

*takes another sip of tea then bangs the cup down, almost causing it to spill*

I-I don’t have time to heal because someone else will be dead tomorrow!

*looks at the tea, then at Anshel, then away*

S-sorry.

[alchemist-offical]

It’s okay.

*sets his cup down*

Savi, you’re immortal now, whether you like it or not. That means you will see people die. There is nothing you can do about it. Death is a part of life. It is a fact of life. The more time you spend fighting it, the more it will hurt.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks panicked*

I-I’m not even thirty!

I can’t-I can’t do this forever!

And if I were to die I don’t even know if half the people I care about would go to any afterlife-

I don’t-I can’t get one fucking I don’t know day where I don’t have to worry about someone dying-

*takes a breath*

S-sorry-

I’m not-

Y-you know that, I-

Sorry, I-I just feel helpless I guess. I shouldn’t-

*trails off*

[alchemist-offical]

*quiet for a while*

..I know what it feels like. I don’t really remember how old I was when I became immortal. It’s been so long since then. I think I was in my late twenties. Around thirty, maybe. No older than thirty two.

*laughs quietly, hollowly, then sighs*

You don’t have to apologise. I know it’s hard.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks at him for a while*

I know I’ve said this before but, I-I don’t know how you’re so-

So good-

[alchemist-offical]

*huffs lightly and smiles*

it’s the Jew in me

*shakes hys head, staring at one of the walls*

You want to know something? When I say I understand where you are right now, I mean it. I’ve poisoned towns of thousands, Savi. I caused wars. I killed people with my own hands. I was angry when I was younger.

*looks down to hys mug, staring into his tea*

I still am. I’m not good. I’ve just lived long enough to be made into less of a monster.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks at hym in disbelief*

You started wars?! Poisoned towns?! You-you’re joking, right?

[alchemist-offical]

*chuckles quietly, picking up his mug and taking a long sip*

..No, I’m not joking. I’ll tell you the story of the time I did them together, if you’re so inclined.

[supervillain-offical]

*still disbelieving, picks up his tea*

Oh, yeah, sure! I-please! I must say, I’m pretty intrigued!

[alchemist-offical]

It’s not a happy story, might I preface.

*sighs*

This was.. oh, mid sixteen hundreds, I think. I lived in the Holy Roman Empire. I would generally flee from small state to small state every so often. One state, I.. can’t even remember its name now, I stayed in for a couple decades. They had a larger Jewish community than most.

*melancholy falls over his face*

The.. Prince of this state didn’t like that. One night, he arrests two Jews as they’re getting water from one of the town’s wells. He accuses them of attempting to poison the water supply. He fed hysteria to the people of the city. A few days later… a pogrom.

*voice quiets*

I had seen several pogroms before. But over.. a lie? Hundreds dead, several hundreds more injured, tens more missing, entire areas of the ghetto entirely destroyed and for what? A false rumour? Who am I kidding, that’s what they were always over. But I was livid. I.. found a water supply outside the ghetto, informed the rabbis, and decided that, if the prince wanted a poisoned water supply—

*hands tighten on hys mug, anger unlike any Savi’s heard from him before seeping into his voice*

—then I’d give him one. I poisoned every well and every aqueduct in that town. I watched for days as people got sicker and sicker with no help of getting better. And then I went to the Prince. I told him I did it, and his son—knowing very well he didn’t have one—had better respect my people more than he did.

*shrugs, forcing an apathetic demeanour*

And then I killed him. He had no heir. With no heir, surrounding kingdoms start getting involved, and…

*trails off for a moment, then continues eerily blankly*

They pillaged that town for days. It went up in flames.

[supervillain-offical]

*stares for a moment, then looks down*

Well-

Well you can’t call yourself a monster for that-

I mean-

I mean-

You were just trying to avenge your people and-and make something right that couldn’t be made right and-

You were angry and wanted justice, I-

I don’t think that could make you a monster-

Not like me-

[alchemist-offical]

Is that not what you do, too? Get revenge? Justice? Protect those you care about?

*shakes hys head, setting the mug down*

Do you not also take it too far?

[supervillain-offical]

N-no, I burned down an entire city because one guy whose death wasn’t caused in any way by anyone in said city, was killed. Just-just to irritate the guy who ordered his death!

I protect those I care about from the threats I brought to their doors in the first place!

…

I do take it too far. But I know that and I can’t stop.

[alchemist-offical]

*sighs*

stopping is always the hardest part

[supervillain-offical]

But I-I literally can’t! It’d just put everyone at more risk!

[alchemist-offical]

So you keep saying.

[supervillain-offical]

I-

I’m not trying to make excuses! I know I’m evil and it’s horrible! But-alright-I won’t stop as long as it protects everyone from the mess I got them into. If-if that makes sense.

[alchemist-offical]

it does. I— I’m sorry I’m not that able to help you, Savi.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks down*

But clearly I-I’m not doing enough-

*sighs*

No. Thanks. You-you have helped a lot.

[alchemist-offical]

*nods, falling silent with a sigh*

[supervillain-offical]

*quietly sips his tea, pauses*

How-how far is the walk back to the city from here?

[alchemist-offical]

Not far. Fifteen, twenty minutes, maybe.

[supervillain-offical]

*nods, hesitates*

I-

I can’t really teleport, would you-

Uh-

Mind giving me directions?

[alchemist-offical]

If you just go…

*holds up his hands, making the two L’s*

straight out left, you’ll eventually hit the outskirts of the city. Just keep walking and you’ll find it.

[supervillain-offical]

R-right-

*glances a bit apprehensively toward the door, nods*

Left. I-I can do that.

[alchemist-offical]

*tilts his head*

Everything alright?

[supervillain-offical]

Yeah! Yeah, I just-

No, I can do that-

[alchemist-offical]

If you say so. Why don’t you take some food with you?

[supervillain-offical]

*blinks*

Oh-

No I-

I live closer to grocery stores than you, you should keep the food-

[alchemist-offical]

This is true, but I also probably won’t eat it.

*thinks*

Oh, speaking of, do you need any more healing potions? Or any potions at all, really.

[supervillain-offical]

I-

*shakes head*

I don’t think so-

Thank you, Anshel. And I-

I don’t know, I feel bad about taking your food-

You’re sure?

[alchemist-offical]

Certain. I don’t need it.

[alchemist-offical]

*wanting to get away from the city, Savi tries to take a walk in the forest, but between his lack of knowledge of nature and his current lack of focus or attention to really anything, he quickly becomes lost*

- @supervillain-offical

*out gathering plants when hy spots Savi. He waves, but, noticing Savi’s distant demeanour, pauses and decides to walk up to him*

Hey—Savi. What are you doing all the way out here?

[supervillain-offical]

*blinks, looks up, startled*

Anshel-

What-what are you doing here?

[alchemist-offical]

…I live out here, silly.

[supervillain-offical]

Oh-

Yeah-

*looks around the forest*

R-right-

[alchemist-offical]

*tilts his head, studying Savi*

are you alright?

[supervillain-offical]

*opens his mouth, closes it, looks around then away*

Y-yeah.

[alchemist-offical]

What are you doing all the way out here?

[supervillain-offical]

Walking.

Uh.

Where-where’s here exactly?

[alchemist-offical]

In the woods. Just—you know, outside the city.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks relieved*

Not-not far?

[alchemist-offical]

*blinks*

I- what? No, you are far outside the city. That’s.. why I’m asking you why you’re out here. Seriously, are you okay? You’re not making a ton of sense

[supervillain-offical]

Oh-

Ohhhh-

*looks worried now*

Far as in-as in how far?

[alchemist-offical]

at least a half an hour’s walk past my cabin.

*looks even more concerned now*

seriously, are you alright?

[supervillain-offical]

*shakes his head quickly as if to wake up more*

I-

I’m, yeah, I-

I was just going for a walk-

Lost-lost track of time…and…where I was going…

[alchemist-offical]

I thought you were afraid of the outdoors?

*shakes hys head*

Something is wrong. You don’t have to tell me what, but I can see there is. Why don’t you come back with me and rest for a bit? Maybe have some tea and food.

[supervillain-offical]

*hesitates*

I-I am-

I-

*looks down, sighs*

If-if you’re sure, then I-I wouldn’t mind taking you up on that offer-

[alchemist-offical]

*nods and turns around, walking deeper into the forest. He gestures for Savi to follow hym*

[supervillain-offical]

*follows, trying to keep his attention on Anshel as he walks through the forest, a bit spooked at one point by a bird*

[alchemist-offical]

*glances back*

You must have been really distracted if you got all the way out here and didn’t notice.

*looks in front again*

It’s going to take a bit to get back. Do you want to talk about anything while we’re walking?

[supervillain-offical]

I-I-

Y-yeah-

*hesitant again*

*tightly*

I burned down a city.

[alchemist-offical]

Oh.

*pauses for a moment*

..may I ask why?

[supervillain-offical]

*looking away, swallows*

One of my-one of my best friends killed my brother.

[alchemist-offical]

*a bit incredulously*

..and they’re still your best friend

*shakes his head, adding quickly*

I’m sorry. That was- that was wildly inappropriate of me. My sincerest condolences. I.. know it hurts to lose a family member.

[supervillain-offical]

*swallows, defensively*

O-one of my best friends-

His-his boss made it so it-

And-and he didn’t know it was my brother-

I-it’s boss really hates me-

Which is…is part of the reason I burned down the city. T-to annoy him. Which is-

Yeah-

I-I know-

*grits teeth and continues to look down*

…th-thanks. I should’ve known better though-

[alchemist-offical]

*merely hums*

Enough of that. The ‘should have known better.’ You have hindsight now; you didn’t then. Besides, you couldn’t have known that was going to happen. You aren’t in control for others’ actions.

[supervillain-offical]

*sighs*

That-that’s what Elliot-a-a friend of mine-said.

And I-I know that-

But I did know I was putting him at risk by seeing him-

[alchemist-offical]

You blame yourself a lot, you know that? You look for every conceivable way something could possibly be your fault. It isn’t good for you.

[supervillain-offical]

*falters*

…I-I don’t know if feels easier…

[alchemist-offical]

Just because something’s easier doesn’t mean it’s better.

[supervillain-offical]

I-I can take it though and it’s easier and I don’t really have a-a habit of doing what’s better, so.

*falls quiet again*

[alchemist-offical]

*sighs and shakes hys head, also falling silent again*

[supervillain-offical]

*stays quiet as they walk*

[alchemist-offical]

*after a while they finally reach Anshel’s cabin. Anshel reaches up and brushes the mezuzah, then lightly kisses his fingers where they danced over the metal. He pushes open the door, standing behind it and gesturing for Savi to come in*

[supervillain-offical]

*Savi blinks looking up*

O-oh-

We’re here already-

*looks relieved again*

Thanks!

[alchemist-offical]

*nods, though still looking concerned*

Of course.

[supervillain-offical]

*takes a breath, steps inside*

[alchemist-offical]

*closes the door after Savi gently*

Would you like some tea? Or something to eat?

[supervillain-offical]

*hesitates, clears throat, trying to focus more*

If-if it’s not too much to ask-

Like-

Y-you don’t need to-

But I wouldn’t mind-

*shrugs*

[alchemist-offical]

*shakes hys head, insistently*

You’re my guest. It’s not too much to ask.

*steps over to hys cabinet, preparing the tea. As the water is boiling, he opens a different cabinet, rummaging through it*

um… it looks like I still have some chocolate babka left in here, if you’d like that.

[supervillain-offical]

I-I think I would-

*looks around*

Is…is it alright if I sit down?

[alchemist-offical]

*teasingly*

No, because I’ve never let you sit when you’re here before.

*takes the babka from the cupboard, which is in a container. He takes the lid off the container, walking over to Savi*

Of course you can sit.

[supervillain-offical]

*pauses then smiles slightly, taking a seat*

Th-thanks, Anshel.

[alchemist-offical]

*also smiles, amused. He holds out the container to Savi*

of course. Help yourself

[supervillain-offical]

*slowly takes some*

*repeats*

Thanks.

*takes a small bite*

[alchemist-offical]

*sets the container down in front of Savi and goes to take the kettle off the stove and pour the tea*

[supervillain-offical]

*hesitates then takes some more, not having really eaten much recently*

[alchemist-offical]

*walks back over with his measuring-cup-mugs and sets one down in front of Savi before sitting in a chair across from him*

[supervillain-offical]

*looks down at the tea*

Thanks-

For-for this on such short notice-

[alchemist-offical]

All good, my friend.

[supervillain-offical]

*continues to sit there for a moment then takes a sip of the tea*

S-so, how have you been?

[alchemist-offical]

*shrugs*

I’ve been pretty well. Had some curious visitors recently. A.. top hat, I think, that got in through the holes of my cabin that I haven’t been able to patch up, and a lovely person who just stumbled across my cabin while they were lost.

*laughs*

This may be the most people I’ve interacted with in a certain amount of time in the past fifty, maybe sixty years.

[supervillain-offical]

O-oh!

*smiles slightly*

I’m glad y-you’ve gotten a lot of visitors lately!

I might-I might know the Tophat.

[alchemist-offical]

*looks into hys tea awkwardly*

they were… a character, certainly. A bit concerning

[supervillain-offical]

They-they uh certainly have their own ways-

[alchemist-offical]

*shakes his head*

but let’s not gossip, shall we.

*thinks*

oh, one of the people I met recently was looking for a building surrounded by a wall of fire. Would you happen to know anything about that?

[supervillain-offical]

*shakes head*

No I-

*takes a moment to realize*

Wait-

What-

*narrows eyes*

That sounds like my lair.

[alchemist-offical]

Oh, weird. They said they were looking for someone they used to know but the only direction they were given was that they lived in a building surrounded by a wall of fire.

*shrugs*

and considering your lair did not have fire the last time I was there…

[supervillain-offical]

Y-yeah

N-new thing-

*mutters, looking apprehensive now*

Wh-what is this about?

If…if they come back, please don’t tell them? I-I have a lot-a lot-of enemies.

[alchemist-offical]

Oh, alright.

*takes a sip of his tea*

They did seem really nice, though. Their name was.. Jinthe? I think? In any case.

[supervillain-offical]

Huh?

*pauses*

I-I don’t think ‘Im familiar with them.

[alchemist-offical]

Oh, curious. Maybe ask around a bit when you get back. See if you can find who they were looking for.

[supervillain-offical]

*takes a breath, nods*

I will…I-I should…

[alchemist-offical]

*sips hys tea, falling silent*

[supervillain-offical]

*also falls silent, then suddenly looks like he wants to say something, then falls silent again*

[alchemist-offical]

You can talk if you’d like to.

*adds, teasingly*

You’re also allowed to drink the tea.

[supervillain-offical]

A-alright-

*takes a breath, smiles slightly and shakily picks up the tea*

*takes a sip, still looks like he has something to say but hesitates*

[alchemist-offical]

*drinking his own tea, figuring he’ll let Savi share on his own time*

[supervillain-offical]

*hesitant*

I…d-do…you have any-l-like-tips on dealing with -uh-s-siblings’ deaths?

[alchemist-offical]

*looks away, melancholy falling over his face. After a moment, he sighs*

I mean.. I do, but.. non-religious tips? Not really.

*looks back down at his tea*

I suppose just… I devoted myself to something that brought me comfort. Even after all these centuries, it always has. It’s the one thing that keeps me rooted in.. who I am. Who I was. I can only say try to find something similar for yourself.

[supervillain-offical]

*swallows and nods, looking down at his cup before finally taking a sip*

Thanks-

[alchemist-offical]

*nods as well, quiet for a few minutes*

I’ll.. admit, when I was younger, I wasn’t too different from you. I was angry. I was in a lot of pain. I made a lot of rash decisions that I wish I could go back on.

*exhales quietly, tapping his fingers on his mug*

Wishing doesn’t get me anywhere. Nor you. But I can at least try and save you from my fate.

[supervillain-offical]

*swallows*

Y-you shouldn’t waste your time on me.

*gives a soft, hollow chuckle*

Funnily enough, this is my second sibling killed as a way to get back at me.

[alchemist-offical]

*shakes hys head*

I’m not “wasting my time” on you.

*something flickers in Anshel’s eyes for a moment. What, is hard to say*

…I’m sorry. You don’t deserve that.

[supervillain-offical]

*shakes head*

I do deserve it though, that-that’s the problem-

If-if I’d known beforehand that I’d have siblings around then I wouldn’t have-wouldn’t have been so-

*sighs, runs a hand through his hair*

S-so reckless.

[alchemist-offical]

You’re blaming yourself again.

*sets his cup down*

Savi. It isn’t your fault for what others do. You don’t control other’s actions. And I know that can be hard to hear after something like that, but I need you to understand it isn’t your fault.

[supervillain-offical]

*snaps slightly*

A-and-

If I don’t blame myself then-then what? I just-I just move on? He trusted me a-and I failed him and I just-just shrug it off and move on?

[alchemist-offical]

I never said move on. You’re allowed to grieve without making yourself at fault.

[supervillain-offical]

*quietly*

I-I don’t think I know how.

[alchemist-offical]

*gently*

That’s something you’ll have to learn how to do on your own time. But blaming yourself is almost as bad as not grieving at all, Savi. You’re turning grief into a way of harming yourself. I just—I want you to understand that. It isn’t fair to you to do that, and it isn’t fair to the people you’ve lost.

[supervillain-offical]

*falls quiet, shakes his head*

I-I can’t honor him and I d-don’t want to forget him or move on-

And I mean, come on I am at least partially at fault!

[alchemist-offical]

*sighs*

You’re not. One day, maybe you’ll understand that. It doesn’t seem like today’s that day.

*picks up his cup and takes a long sip*

that’s okay. Healing takes time

[supervillain-offical]

*takes another sip of tea then bangs the cup down, almost causing it to spill*

I-I don’t have time to heal because someone else will be dead tomorrow!

*looks at the tea, then at Anshel, then away*

S-sorry.

[alchemist-offical]

It’s okay.

*sets his cup down*

Savi, you’re immortal now, whether you like it or not. That means you will see people die. There is nothing you can do about it. Death is a part of life. It is a fact of life. The more time you spend fighting it, the more it will hurt.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks panicked*

I-I’m not even thirty!

I can’t-I can’t do this forever!

And if I were to die I don’t even know if half the people I care about would go to any afterlife-

I don’t-I can’t get one fucking I don’t know day where I don’t have to worry about someone dying-

*takes a breath*

S-sorry-

I’m not-

Y-you know that, I-

Sorry, I-I just feel helpless I guess. I shouldn’t-

*trails off*

[alchemist-offical]

*quiet for a while*

..I know what it feels like. I don’t really remember how old I was when I became immortal. It’s been so long since then. I think I was in my late twenties. Around thirty, maybe. No older than thirty two.

*laughs quietly, hollowly, then sighs*

You don’t have to apologise. I know it’s hard.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks at him for a while*

I know I’ve said this before but, I-I don’t know how you’re so-

So good-

[alchemist-offical]

*huffs lightly and smiles*

it’s the Jew in me

*shakes hys head, staring at one of the walls*

You want to know something? When I say I understand where you are right now, I mean it. I’ve poisoned towns of thousands, Savi. I caused wars. I killed people with my own hands. I was angry when I was younger.

*looks down to hys mug, staring into his tea*

I still am. I’m not good. I’ve just lived long enough to be made into less of a monster.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks at hym in disbelief*

You started wars?! Poisoned towns?! You-you’re joking, right?

[alchemist-offical]

*chuckles quietly, picking up his mug and taking a long sip*

..No, I’m not joking. I’ll tell you the story of the time I did them together, if you’re so inclined.

[supervillain-offical]

*still disbelieving, picks up his tea*

Oh, yeah, sure! I-please! I must say, I’m pretty intrigued!

[alchemist-offical]

It’s not a happy story, might I preface.

*sighs*

This was.. oh, mid sixteen hundreds, I think. I lived in the Holy Roman Empire. I would generally flee from small state to small state every so often. One state, I.. can’t even remember its name now, I stayed in for a couple decades. They had a larger Jewish community than most.

*melancholy falls over his face*

The.. Prince of this state didn’t like that. One night, he arrests two Jews as they’re getting water from one of the town’s wells. He accuses them of attempting to poison the water supply. He fed hysteria to the people of the city. A few days later… a pogrom.

*voice quiets*

I had seen several pogroms before. But over.. a lie? Hundreds dead, several hundreds more injured, tens more missing, entire areas of the ghetto entirely destroyed and for what? A false rumour? Who am I kidding, that’s what they were always over. But I was livid. I.. found a water supply outside the ghetto, informed the rabbis, and decided that, if the prince wanted a poisoned water supply—

*hands tighten on hys mug, anger unlike any Savi’s heard from him before seeping into his voice*

—then I’d give him one. I poisoned every well and every aqueduct in that town. I watched for days as people got sicker and sicker with no help of getting better. And then I went to the Prince. I told him I did it, and his son—knowing very well he didn’t have one—had better respect my people more than he did.

*shrugs, forcing an apathetic demeanour*

And then I killed him. He had no heir. With no heir, surrounding kingdoms start getting involved, and…

*trails off for a moment, then continues eerily blankly*

They pillaged that town for days. It went up in flames.

[supervillain-offical]

*stares for a moment, then looks down*

Well-

Well you can’t call yourself a monster for that-

I mean-

I mean-

You were just trying to avenge your people and-and make something right that couldn’t be made right and-

You were angry and wanted justice, I-

I don’t think that could make you a monster-

Not like me-

[alchemist-offical]

Is that not what you do, too? Get revenge? Justice? Protect those you care about?

*shakes hys head, setting the mug down*

Do you not also take it too far?

[supervillain-offical]

N-no, I burned down an entire city because one guy whose death wasn’t caused in any way by anyone in said city, was killed. Just-just to irritate the guy who ordered his death!

I protect those I care about from the threats I brought to their doors in the first place!

…

I do take it too far. But I know that and I can’t stop.

[alchemist-offical]

*sighs*

stopping is always the hardest part

[supervillain-offical]

But I-I literally can’t! It’d just put everyone at more risk!

[alchemist-offical]

So you keep saying.

[supervillain-offical]

I-

I’m not trying to make excuses! I know I’m evil and it’s horrible! But-alright-I won’t stop as long as it protects everyone from the mess I got them into. If-if that makes sense.

[alchemist-offical]

it does. I— I’m sorry I’m not that able to help you, Savi.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks down*

But clearly I-I’m not doing enough-

*sighs*

No. Thanks. You-you have helped a lot.

[alchemist-offical]

*nods, falling silent with a sigh*

[supervillain-offical]

*quietly sips his tea, pauses*

How-how far is the walk back to the city from here?

[alchemist-offical]

Not far. Fifteen, twenty minutes, maybe.

[supervillain-offical]

*nods, hesitates*

I-

I can’t really teleport, would you-

Uh-

Mind giving me directions?

[alchemist-offical]

If you just go…

*holds up his hands, making the two L’s*

straight out left, you’ll eventually hit the outskirts of the city. Just keep walking and you’ll find it.

[supervillain-offical]

R-right-

*glances a bit apprehensively toward the door, nods*

Left. I-I can do that.

[alchemist-offical]

*tilts his head*

Everything alright?

[supervillain-offical]

Yeah! Yeah, I just-

No, I can do that-

[alchemist-offical]

If you say so. Why don’t you take some food with you?

[supervillain-offical]

*blinks*

Oh-

No I-

I live closer to grocery stores than you, you should keep the food-

[alchemist-offical]

This is true, but I also probably won’t eat it.

*thinks*

Oh, speaking of, do you need any more healing potions? Or any potions at all, really.

[alchemist-offical]

*wanting to get away from the city, Savi tries to take a walk in the forest, but between his lack of knowledge of nature and his current lack of focus or attention to really anything, he quickly becomes lost*

- @supervillain-offical

*out gathering plants when hy spots Savi. He waves, but, noticing Savi’s distant demeanour, pauses and decides to walk up to him*

Hey—Savi. What are you doing all the way out here?

[supervillain-offical]

*blinks, looks up, startled*

Anshel-

What-what are you doing here?

[alchemist-offical]

…I live out here, silly.

[supervillain-offical]

Oh-

Yeah-

*looks around the forest*

R-right-

[alchemist-offical]

*tilts his head, studying Savi*

are you alright?

[supervillain-offical]

*opens his mouth, closes it, looks around then away*

Y-yeah.

[alchemist-offical]

What are you doing all the way out here?

[supervillain-offical]

Walking.

Uh.

Where-where’s here exactly?

[alchemist-offical]

In the woods. Just—you know, outside the city.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks relieved*

Not-not far?

[alchemist-offical]

*blinks*

I- what? No, you are far outside the city. That’s.. why I’m asking you why you’re out here. Seriously, are you okay? You’re not making a ton of sense

[supervillain-offical]

Oh-

Ohhhh-

*looks worried now*

Far as in-as in how far?

[alchemist-offical]

at least a half an hour’s walk past my cabin.

*looks even more concerned now*

seriously, are you alright?

[supervillain-offical]

*shakes his head quickly as if to wake up more*

I-

I’m, yeah, I-

I was just going for a walk-

Lost-lost track of time…and…where I was going…

[alchemist-offical]

I thought you were afraid of the outdoors?

*shakes hys head*

Something is wrong. You don’t have to tell me what, but I can see there is. Why don’t you come back with me and rest for a bit? Maybe have some tea and food.

[supervillain-offical]

*hesitates*

I-I am-

I-

*looks down, sighs*

If-if you’re sure, then I-I wouldn’t mind taking you up on that offer-

[alchemist-offical]

*nods and turns around, walking deeper into the forest. He gestures for Savi to follow hym*

[supervillain-offical]

*follows, trying to keep his attention on Anshel as he walks through the forest, a bit spooked at one point by a bird*

[alchemist-offical]

*glances back*

You must have been really distracted if you got all the way out here and didn’t notice.

*looks in front again*

It’s going to take a bit to get back. Do you want to talk about anything while we’re walking?

[supervillain-offical]

I-I-

Y-yeah-

*hesitant again*

*tightly*

I burned down a city.

[alchemist-offical]

Oh.

*pauses for a moment*

..may I ask why?

[supervillain-offical]

*looking away, swallows*

One of my-one of my best friends killed my brother.

[alchemist-offical]

*a bit incredulously*

..and they’re still your best friend

*shakes his head, adding quickly*

I’m sorry. That was- that was wildly inappropriate of me. My sincerest condolences. I.. know it hurts to lose a family member.

[supervillain-offical]

*swallows, defensively*

O-one of my best friends-

His-his boss made it so it-

And-and he didn’t know it was my brother-

I-it’s boss really hates me-

Which is…is part of the reason I burned down the city. T-to annoy him. Which is-

Yeah-

I-I know-

*grits teeth and continues to look down*

…th-thanks. I should’ve known better though-

[alchemist-offical]

*merely hums*

Enough of that. The ‘should have known better.’ You have hindsight now; you didn’t then. Besides, you couldn’t have known that was going to happen. You aren’t in control for others’ actions.

[supervillain-offical]

*sighs*

That-that’s what Elliot-a-a friend of mine-said.

And I-I know that-

But I did know I was putting him at risk by seeing him-

[alchemist-offical]

You blame yourself a lot, you know that? You look for every conceivable way something could possibly be your fault. It isn’t good for you.

[supervillain-offical]

*falters*

…I-I don’t know if feels easier…

[alchemist-offical]

Just because something’s easier doesn’t mean it’s better.

[supervillain-offical]

I-I can take it though and it’s easier and I don’t really have a-a habit of doing what’s better, so.

*falls quiet again*

[alchemist-offical]

*sighs and shakes hys head, also falling silent again*

[supervillain-offical]

*stays quiet as they walk*

[alchemist-offical]

*after a while they finally reach Anshel’s cabin. Anshel reaches up and brushes the mezuzah, then lightly kisses his fingers where they danced over the metal. He pushes open the door, standing behind it and gesturing for Savi to come in*

[supervillain-offical]

*Savi blinks looking up*

O-oh-

We’re here already-

*looks relieved again*

Thanks!

[alchemist-offical]

*nods, though still looking concerned*

Of course.

[supervillain-offical]

*takes a breath, steps inside*

[alchemist-offical]

*closes the door after Savi gently*

Would you like some tea? Or something to eat?

[supervillain-offical]

*hesitates, clears throat, trying to focus more*

If-if it’s not too much to ask-

Like-

Y-you don’t need to-

But I wouldn’t mind-

*shrugs*

[alchemist-offical]

*shakes hys head, insistently*

You’re my guest. It’s not too much to ask.

*steps over to hys cabinet, preparing the tea. As the water is boiling, he opens a different cabinet, rummaging through it*

um… it looks like I still have some chocolate babka left in here, if you’d like that.

[supervillain-offical]

I-I think I would-

*looks around*

Is…is it alright if I sit down?

[alchemist-offical]

*teasingly*

No, because I’ve never let you sit when you’re here before.

*takes the babka from the cupboard, which is in a container. He takes the lid off the container, walking over to Savi*

Of course you can sit.

[supervillain-offical]

*pauses then smiles slightly, taking a seat*

Th-thanks, Anshel.

[alchemist-offical]

*also smiles, amused. He holds out the container to Savi*

of course. Help yourself

[supervillain-offical]

*slowly takes some*

*repeats*

Thanks.

*takes a small bite*

[alchemist-offical]

*sets the container down in front of Savi and goes to take the kettle off the stove and pour the tea*

[supervillain-offical]

*hesitates then takes some more, not having really eaten much recently*

[alchemist-offical]

*walks back over with his measuring-cup-mugs and sets one down in front of Savi before sitting in a chair across from him*

[supervillain-offical]

*looks down at the tea*

Thanks-

For-for this on such short notice-

[alchemist-offical]

All good, my friend.

[supervillain-offical]

*continues to sit there for a moment then takes a sip of the tea*

S-so, how have you been?

[alchemist-offical]

*shrugs*

I’ve been pretty well. Had some curious visitors recently. A.. top hat, I think, that got in through the holes of my cabin that I haven’t been able to patch up, and a lovely person who just stumbled across my cabin while they were lost.

*laughs*

This may be the most people I’ve interacted with in a certain amount of time in the past fifty, maybe sixty years.

[supervillain-offical]

O-oh!

*smiles slightly*

I’m glad y-you’ve gotten a lot of visitors lately!

I might-I might know the Tophat.

[alchemist-offical]

*looks into hys tea awkwardly*

they were… a character, certainly. A bit concerning

[supervillain-offical]

They-they uh certainly have their own ways-

[alchemist-offical]

*shakes his head*

but let’s not gossip, shall we.

*thinks*

oh, one of the people I met recently was looking for a building surrounded by a wall of fire. Would you happen to know anything about that?

[supervillain-offical]

*shakes head*

No I-

*takes a moment to realize*

Wait-

What-

*narrows eyes*

That sounds like my lair.

[alchemist-offical]

Oh, weird. They said they were looking for someone they used to know but the only direction they were given was that they lived in a building surrounded by a wall of fire.

*shrugs*

and considering your lair did not have fire the last time I was there…

[supervillain-offical]

Y-yeah

N-new thing-

*mutters, looking apprehensive now*

Wh-what is this about?

If…if they come back, please don’t tell them? I-I have a lot-a lot-of enemies.

[alchemist-offical]

Oh, alright.

*takes a sip of his tea*

They did seem really nice, though. Their name was.. Jinthe? I think? In any case.

[supervillain-offical]

Huh?

*pauses*

I-I don’t think ‘Im familiar with them.

[alchemist-offical]

Oh, curious. Maybe ask around a bit when you get back. See if you can find who they were looking for.

[supervillain-offical]

*takes a breath, nods*

I will…I-I should…

[alchemist-offical]

*sips hys tea, falling silent*

[supervillain-offical]

*also falls silent, then suddenly looks like he wants to say something, then falls silent again*

[alchemist-offical]

You can talk if you’d like to.

*adds, teasingly*

You’re also allowed to drink the tea.

[supervillain-offical]

A-alright-

*takes a breath, smiles slightly and shakily picks up the tea*

*takes a sip, still looks like he has something to say but hesitates*

[alchemist-offical]

*drinking his own tea, figuring he’ll let Savi share on his own time*

[supervillain-offical]

*hesitant*

I…d-do…you have any-l-like-tips on dealing with -uh-s-siblings’ deaths?

[alchemist-offical]

*looks away, melancholy falling over his face. After a moment, he sighs*

I mean.. I do, but.. non-religious tips? Not really.

*looks back down at his tea*

I suppose just… I devoted myself to something that brought me comfort. Even after all these centuries, it always has. It’s the one thing that keeps me rooted in.. who I am. Who I was. I can only say try to find something similar for yourself.

[supervillain-offical]

*swallows and nods, looking down at his cup before finally taking a sip*

Thanks-

[alchemist-offical]

*nods as well, quiet for a few minutes*

I’ll.. admit, when I was younger, I wasn’t too different from you. I was angry. I was in a lot of pain. I made a lot of rash decisions that I wish I could go back on.

*exhales quietly, tapping his fingers on his mug*

Wishing doesn’t get me anywhere. Nor you. But I can at least try and save you from my fate.

[supervillain-offical]

*swallows*

Y-you shouldn’t waste your time on me.

*gives a soft, hollow chuckle*

Funnily enough, this is my second sibling killed as a way to get back at me.

[alchemist-offical]

*shakes hys head*

I’m not “wasting my time” on you.

*something flickers in Anshel’s eyes for a moment. What, is hard to say*

…I’m sorry. You don’t deserve that.

[supervillain-offical]

*shakes head*

I do deserve it though, that-that’s the problem-

If-if I’d known beforehand that I’d have siblings around then I wouldn’t have-wouldn’t have been so-

*sighs, runs a hand through his hair*

S-so reckless.

[alchemist-offical]

You’re blaming yourself again.

*sets his cup down*

Savi. It isn’t your fault for what others do. You don’t control other’s actions. And I know that can be hard to hear after something like that, but I need you to understand it isn’t your fault.

[supervillain-offical]

*snaps slightly*

A-and-

If I don’t blame myself then-then what? I just-I just move on? He trusted me a-and I failed him and I just-just shrug it off and move on?

[alchemist-offical]

I never said move on. You’re allowed to grieve without making yourself at fault.

[supervillain-offical]

*quietly*

I-I don’t think I know how.

[alchemist-offical]

*gently*

That’s something you’ll have to learn how to do on your own time. But blaming yourself is almost as bad as not grieving at all, Savi. You’re turning grief into a way of harming yourself. I just—I want you to understand that. It isn’t fair to you to do that, and it isn’t fair to the people you’ve lost.

[supervillain-offical]

*falls quiet, shakes his head*

I-I can’t honor him and I d-don’t want to forget him or move on-

And I mean, come on I am at least partially at fault!

[alchemist-offical]

*sighs*

You’re not. One day, maybe you’ll understand that. It doesn’t seem like today’s that day.

*picks up his cup and takes a long sip*

that’s okay. Healing takes time

[supervillain-offical]

*takes another sip of tea then bangs the cup down, almost causing it to spill*

I-I don’t have time to heal because someone else will be dead tomorrow!

*looks at the tea, then at Anshel, then away*

S-sorry.

[alchemist-offical]

It’s okay.

*sets his cup down*

Savi, you’re immortal now, whether you like it or not. That means you will see people die. There is nothing you can do about it. Death is a part of life. It is a fact of life. The more time you spend fighting it, the more it will hurt.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks panicked*

I-I’m not even thirty!

I can’t-I can’t do this forever!

And if I were to die I don’t even know if half the people I care about would go to any afterlife-

I don’t-I can’t get one fucking I don’t know day where I don’t have to worry about someone dying-

*takes a breath*

S-sorry-

I’m not-

Y-you know that, I-

Sorry, I-I just feel helpless I guess. I shouldn’t-

*trails off*

[alchemist-offical]

*quiet for a while*

..I know what it feels like. I don’t really remember how old I was when I became immortal. It’s been so long since then. I think I was in my late twenties. Around thirty, maybe. No older than thirty two.

*laughs quietly, hollowly, then sighs*

You don’t have to apologise. I know it’s hard.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks at him for a while*

I know I’ve said this before but, I-I don’t know how you’re so-

So good-

[alchemist-offical]

*huffs lightly and smiles*

it’s the Jew in me

*shakes hys head, staring at one of the walls*

You want to know something? When I say I understand where you are right now, I mean it. I’ve poisoned towns of thousands, Savi. I caused wars. I killed people with my own hands. I was angry when I was younger.

*looks down to hys mug, staring into his tea*

I still am. I’m not good. I’ve just lived long enough to be made into less of a monster.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks at hym in disbelief*

You started wars?! Poisoned towns?! You-you’re joking, right?

[alchemist-offical]

*chuckles quietly, picking up his mug and taking a long sip*

..No, I’m not joking. I’ll tell you the story of the time I did them together, if you’re so inclined.

[supervillain-offical]

*still disbelieving, picks up his tea*

Oh, yeah, sure! I-please! I must say, I’m pretty intrigued!

[alchemist-offical]

It’s not a happy story, might I preface.

*sighs*

This was.. oh, mid sixteen hundreds, I think. I lived in the Holy Roman Empire. I would generally flee from small state to small state every so often. One state, I.. can’t even remember its name now, I stayed in for a couple decades. They had a larger Jewish community than most.

*melancholy falls over his face*

The.. Prince of this state didn’t like that. One night, he arrests two Jews as they’re getting water from one of the town’s wells. He accuses them of attempting to poison the water supply. He fed hysteria to the people of the city. A few days later… a pogrom.

*voice quiets*

I had seen several pogroms before. But over.. a lie? Hundreds dead, several hundreds more injured, tens more missing, entire areas of the ghetto entirely destroyed and for what? A false rumour? Who am I kidding, that’s what they were always over. But I was livid. I.. found a water supply outside the ghetto, informed the rabbis, and decided that, if the prince wanted a poisoned water supply—

*hands tighten on hys mug, anger unlike any Savi’s heard from him before seeping into his voice*

—then I’d give him one. I poisoned every well and every aqueduct in that town. I watched for days as people got sicker and sicker with no help of getting better. And then I went to the Prince. I told him I did it, and his son—knowing very well he didn’t have one—had better respect my people more than he did.

*shrugs, forcing an apathetic demeanour*

And then I killed him. He had no heir. With no heir, surrounding kingdoms start getting involved, and…

*trails off for a moment, then continues eerily blankly*

They pillaged that town for days. It went up in flames.

[supervillain-offical]

*stares for a moment, then looks down*

Well-

Well you can’t call yourself a monster for that-

I mean-

I mean-

You were just trying to avenge your people and-and make something right that couldn’t be made right and-

You were angry and wanted justice, I-

I don’t think that could make you a monster-

Not like me-

[alchemist-offical]

Is that not what you do, too? Get revenge? Justice? Protect those you care about?

*shakes hys head, setting the mug down*

Do you not also take it too far?

[supervillain-offical]

N-no, I burned down an entire city because one guy whose death wasn’t caused in any way by anyone in said city, was killed. Just-just to irritate the guy who ordered his death!

I protect those I care about from the threats I brought to their doors in the first place!

…

I do take it too far. But I know that and I can’t stop.

[alchemist-offical]

*sighs*

stopping is always the hardest part

[supervillain-offical]

But I-I literally can’t! It’d just put everyone at more risk!

[alchemist-offical]

So you keep saying.

[supervillain-offical]

I-

I’m not trying to make excuses! I know I’m evil and it’s horrible! But-alright-I won’t stop as long as it protects everyone from the mess I got them into. If-if that makes sense.

[alchemist-offical]

it does. I— I’m sorry I’m not that able to help you, Savi.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks down*

But clearly I-I’m not doing enough-

*sighs*

No. Thanks. You-you have helped a lot.

[alchemist-offical]

*nods, falling silent with a sigh*

[supervillain-offical]

*quietly sips his tea, pauses*

How-how far is the walk back to the city from here?

[alchemist-offical]

Not far. Fifteen, twenty minutes, maybe.

[supervillain-offical]

*nods, hesitates*

I-

I can’t really teleport, would you-

Uh-

Mind giving me directions?

[alchemist-offical]

If you just go…

*holds up his hands, making the two L’s*

straight out left, you’ll eventually hit the outskirts of the city. Just keep walking and you’ll find it.

[supervillain-offical]

R-right-

*glances a bit apprehensively toward the door, nods*

Left. I-I can do that.

[alchemist-offical]

*tilts his head*

Everything alright?

[supervillain-offical]

Yeah! Yeah, I just-

No, I can do that-

[alchemist-offical]

If you say so. Why don’t you take some food with you?

[alchemist-offical]

*wanting to get away from the city, Savi tries to take a walk in the forest, but between his lack of knowledge of nature and his current lack of focus or attention to really anything, he quickly becomes lost*

- @supervillain-offical

*out gathering plants when hy spots Savi. He waves, but, noticing Savi’s distant demeanour, pauses and decides to walk up to him*

Hey—Savi. What are you doing all the way out here?

[supervillain-offical]

*blinks, looks up, startled*

Anshel-

What-what are you doing here?

[alchemist-offical]

…I live out here, silly.

[supervillain-offical]

Oh-

Yeah-

*looks around the forest*

R-right-

[alchemist-offical]

*tilts his head, studying Savi*

are you alright?

[supervillain-offical]

*opens his mouth, closes it, looks around then away*

Y-yeah.

[alchemist-offical]

What are you doing all the way out here?

[supervillain-offical]

Walking.

Uh.

Where-where’s here exactly?

[alchemist-offical]

In the woods. Just—you know, outside the city.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks relieved*

Not-not far?

[alchemist-offical]

*blinks*

I- what? No, you are far outside the city. That’s.. why I’m asking you why you’re out here. Seriously, are you okay? You’re not making a ton of sense

[supervillain-offical]

Oh-

Ohhhh-

*looks worried now*

Far as in-as in how far?

[alchemist-offical]

at least a half an hour’s walk past my cabin.

*looks even more concerned now*

seriously, are you alright?

[supervillain-offical]

*shakes his head quickly as if to wake up more*

I-

I’m, yeah, I-

I was just going for a walk-

Lost-lost track of time…and…where I was going…

[alchemist-offical]

I thought you were afraid of the outdoors?

*shakes hys head*

Something is wrong. You don’t have to tell me what, but I can see there is. Why don’t you come back with me and rest for a bit? Maybe have some tea and food.

[supervillain-offical]

*hesitates*

I-I am-

I-

*looks down, sighs*

If-if you’re sure, then I-I wouldn’t mind taking you up on that offer-

[alchemist-offical]

*nods and turns around, walking deeper into the forest. He gestures for Savi to follow hym*

[supervillain-offical]

*follows, trying to keep his attention on Anshel as he walks through the forest, a bit spooked at one point by a bird*

[alchemist-offical]

*glances back*

You must have been really distracted if you got all the way out here and didn’t notice.

*looks in front again*

It’s going to take a bit to get back. Do you want to talk about anything while we’re walking?

[supervillain-offical]

I-I-

Y-yeah-

*hesitant again*

*tightly*

I burned down a city.

[alchemist-offical]

Oh.

*pauses for a moment*

..may I ask why?

[supervillain-offical]

*looking away, swallows*

One of my-one of my best friends killed my brother.

[alchemist-offical]

*a bit incredulously*

..and they’re still your best friend

*shakes his head, adding quickly*

I’m sorry. That was- that was wildly inappropriate of me. My sincerest condolences. I.. know it hurts to lose a family member.

[supervillain-offical]

*swallows, defensively*

O-one of my best friends-

His-his boss made it so it-

And-and he didn’t know it was my brother-

I-it’s boss really hates me-

Which is…is part of the reason I burned down the city. T-to annoy him. Which is-

Yeah-

I-I know-

*grits teeth and continues to look down*

…th-thanks. I should’ve known better though-

[alchemist-offical]

*merely hums*

Enough of that. The ‘should have known better.’ You have hindsight now; you didn’t then. Besides, you couldn’t have known that was going to happen. You aren’t in control for others’ actions.

[supervillain-offical]

*sighs*

That-that’s what Elliot-a-a friend of mine-said.

And I-I know that-

But I did know I was putting him at risk by seeing him-

[alchemist-offical]

You blame yourself a lot, you know that? You look for every conceivable way something could possibly be your fault. It isn’t good for you.

[supervillain-offical]

*falters*

…I-I don’t know if feels easier…

[alchemist-offical]

Just because something’s easier doesn’t mean it’s better.

[supervillain-offical]

I-I can take it though and it’s easier and I don’t really have a-a habit of doing what’s better, so.

*falls quiet again*

[alchemist-offical]

*sighs and shakes hys head, also falling silent again*

[supervillain-offical]

*stays quiet as they walk*

[alchemist-offical]

*after a while they finally reach Anshel’s cabin. Anshel reaches up and brushes the mezuzah, then lightly kisses his fingers where they danced over the metal. He pushes open the door, standing behind it and gesturing for Savi to come in*

[supervillain-offical]

*Savi blinks looking up*

O-oh-

We’re here already-

*looks relieved again*

Thanks!

[alchemist-offical]

*nods, though still looking concerned*

Of course.

[supervillain-offical]

*takes a breath, steps inside*

[alchemist-offical]

*closes the door after Savi gently*

Would you like some tea? Or something to eat?

[supervillain-offical]

*hesitates, clears throat, trying to focus more*

If-if it’s not too much to ask-

Like-

Y-you don’t need to-

But I wouldn’t mind-

*shrugs*

[alchemist-offical]

*shakes hys head, insistently*

You’re my guest. It’s not too much to ask.

*steps over to hys cabinet, preparing the tea. As the water is boiling, he opens a different cabinet, rummaging through it*

um… it looks like I still have some chocolate babka left in here, if you’d like that.

[supervillain-offical]

I-I think I would-

*looks around*

Is…is it alright if I sit down?

[alchemist-offical]

*teasingly*

No, because I’ve never let you sit when you’re here before.

*takes the babka from the cupboard, which is in a container. He takes the lid off the container, walking over to Savi*

Of course you can sit.

[supervillain-offical]

*pauses then smiles slightly, taking a seat*

Th-thanks, Anshel.

[alchemist-offical]

*also smiles, amused. He holds out the container to Savi*

of course. Help yourself

[supervillain-offical]

*slowly takes some*

*repeats*

Thanks.

*takes a small bite*

[alchemist-offical]

*sets the container down in front of Savi and goes to take the kettle off the stove and pour the tea*

[supervillain-offical]

*hesitates then takes some more, not having really eaten much recently*

[alchemist-offical]

*walks back over with his measuring-cup-mugs and sets one down in front of Savi before sitting in a chair across from him*

[supervillain-offical]

*looks down at the tea*

Thanks-

For-for this on such short notice-

[alchemist-offical]

All good, my friend.

[supervillain-offical]

*continues to sit there for a moment then takes a sip of the tea*

S-so, how have you been?

[alchemist-offical]

*shrugs*

I’ve been pretty well. Had some curious visitors recently. A.. top hat, I think, that got in through the holes of my cabin that I haven’t been able to patch up, and a lovely person who just stumbled across my cabin while they were lost.

*laughs*

This may be the most people I’ve interacted with in a certain amount of time in the past fifty, maybe sixty years.

[supervillain-offical]

O-oh!

*smiles slightly*

I’m glad y-you’ve gotten a lot of visitors lately!

I might-I might know the Tophat.

[alchemist-offical]

*looks into hys tea awkwardly*

they were… a character, certainly. A bit concerning

[supervillain-offical]

They-they uh certainly have their own ways-

[alchemist-offical]

*shakes his head*

but let’s not gossip, shall we.

*thinks*

oh, one of the people I met recently was looking for a building surrounded by a wall of fire. Would you happen to know anything about that?

[supervillain-offical]

*shakes head*

No I-

*takes a moment to realize*

Wait-

What-

*narrows eyes*

That sounds like my lair.

[alchemist-offical]

Oh, weird. They said they were looking for someone they used to know but the only direction they were given was that they lived in a building surrounded by a wall of fire.

*shrugs*

and considering your lair did not have fire the last time I was there…

[supervillain-offical]

Y-yeah

N-new thing-

*mutters, looking apprehensive now*

Wh-what is this about?

If…if they come back, please don’t tell them? I-I have a lot-a lot-of enemies.

[alchemist-offical]

Oh, alright.

*takes a sip of his tea*

They did seem really nice, though. Their name was.. Jinthe? I think? In any case.

[supervillain-offical]

Huh?

*pauses*

I-I don’t think ‘Im familiar with them.

[alchemist-offical]

Oh, curious. Maybe ask around a bit when you get back. See if you can find who they were looking for.

[supervillain-offical]

*takes a breath, nods*

I will…I-I should…

[alchemist-offical]

*sips hys tea, falling silent*

[supervillain-offical]

*also falls silent, then suddenly looks like he wants to say something, then falls silent again*

[alchemist-offical]

You can talk if you’d like to.

*adds, teasingly*

You’re also allowed to drink the tea.

[supervillain-offical]

A-alright-

*takes a breath, smiles slightly and shakily picks up the tea*

*takes a sip, still looks like he has something to say but hesitates*

[alchemist-offical]

*drinking his own tea, figuring he’ll let Savi share on his own time*

[supervillain-offical]

*hesitant*

I…d-do…you have any-l-like-tips on dealing with -uh-s-siblings’ deaths?

[alchemist-offical]

*looks away, melancholy falling over his face. After a moment, he sighs*

I mean.. I do, but.. non-religious tips? Not really.

*looks back down at his tea*

I suppose just… I devoted myself to something that brought me comfort. Even after all these centuries, it always has. It’s the one thing that keeps me rooted in.. who I am. Who I was. I can only say try to find something similar for yourself.

[supervillain-offical]

*swallows and nods, looking down at his cup before finally taking a sip*

Thanks-

[alchemist-offical]

*nods as well, quiet for a few minutes*

I’ll.. admit, when I was younger, I wasn’t too different from you. I was angry. I was in a lot of pain. I made a lot of rash decisions that I wish I could go back on.

*exhales quietly, tapping his fingers on his mug*

Wishing doesn’t get me anywhere. Nor you. But I can at least try and save you from my fate.

[supervillain-offical]

*swallows*

Y-you shouldn’t waste your time on me.

*gives a soft, hollow chuckle*

Funnily enough, this is my second sibling killed as a way to get back at me.

[alchemist-offical]

*shakes hys head*

I’m not “wasting my time” on you.

*something flickers in Anshel’s eyes for a moment. What, is hard to say*

…I’m sorry. You don’t deserve that.

[supervillain-offical]

*shakes head*

I do deserve it though, that-that’s the problem-

If-if I’d known beforehand that I’d have siblings around then I wouldn’t have-wouldn’t have been so-

*sighs, runs a hand through his hair*

S-so reckless.

[alchemist-offical]

You’re blaming yourself again.

*sets his cup down*

Savi. It isn’t your fault for what others do. You don’t control other’s actions. And I know that can be hard to hear after something like that, but I need you to understand it isn’t your fault.

[supervillain-offical]

*snaps slightly*

A-and-

If I don’t blame myself then-then what? I just-I just move on? He trusted me a-and I failed him and I just-just shrug it off and move on?

[alchemist-offical]

I never said move on. You’re allowed to grieve without making yourself at fault.

[supervillain-offical]

*quietly*

I-I don’t think I know how.

[alchemist-offical]

*gently*

That’s something you’ll have to learn how to do on your own time. But blaming yourself is almost as bad as not grieving at all, Savi. You’re turning grief into a way of harming yourself. I just—I want you to understand that. It isn’t fair to you to do that, and it isn’t fair to the people you’ve lost.

[supervillain-offical]

*falls quiet, shakes his head*

I-I can’t honor him and I d-don’t want to forget him or move on-

And I mean, come on I am at least partially at fault!

[alchemist-offical]

*sighs*

You’re not. One day, maybe you’ll understand that. It doesn’t seem like today’s that day.

*picks up his cup and takes a long sip*

that’s okay. Healing takes time

[supervillain-offical]

*takes another sip of tea then bangs the cup down, almost causing it to spill*

I-I don’t have time to heal because someone else will be dead tomorrow!

*looks at the tea, then at Anshel, then away*

S-sorry.

[alchemist-offical]

It’s okay.

*sets his cup down*

Savi, you’re immortal now, whether you like it or not. That means you will see people die. There is nothing you can do about it. Death is a part of life. It is a fact of life. The more time you spend fighting it, the more it will hurt.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks panicked*

I-I’m not even thirty!

I can’t-I can’t do this forever!

And if I were to die I don’t even know if half the people I care about would go to any afterlife-

I don’t-I can’t get one fucking I don’t know day where I don’t have to worry about someone dying-

*takes a breath*

S-sorry-

I’m not-

Y-you know that, I-

Sorry, I-I just feel helpless I guess. I shouldn’t-

*trails off*

[alchemist-offical]

*quiet for a while*

..I know what it feels like. I don’t really remember how old I was when I became immortal. It’s been so long since then. I think I was in my late twenties. Around thirty, maybe. No older than thirty two.

*laughs quietly, hollowly, then sighs*

You don’t have to apologise. I know it’s hard.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks at him for a while*

I know I’ve said this before but, I-I don’t know how you’re so-

So good-

[alchemist-offical]

*huffs lightly and smiles*

it’s the Jew in me

*shakes hys head, staring at one of the walls*

You want to know something? When I say I understand where you are right now, I mean it. I’ve poisoned towns of thousands, Savi. I caused wars. I killed people with my own hands. I was angry when I was younger.

*looks down to hys mug, staring into his tea*

I still am. I’m not good. I’ve just lived long enough to be made into less of a monster.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks at hym in disbelief*

You started wars?! Poisoned towns?! You-you’re joking, right?

[alchemist-offical]

*chuckles quietly, picking up his mug and taking a long sip*

..No, I’m not joking. I’ll tell you the story of the time I did them together, if you’re so inclined.

[supervillain-offical]

*still disbelieving, picks up his tea*

Oh, yeah, sure! I-please! I must say, I’m pretty intrigued!

[alchemist-offical]

It’s not a happy story, might I preface.

*sighs*

This was.. oh, mid sixteen hundreds, I think. I lived in the Holy Roman Empire. I would generally flee from small state to small state every so often. One state, I.. can’t even remember its name now, I stayed in for a couple decades. They had a larger Jewish community than most.

*melancholy falls over his face*

The.. Prince of this state didn’t like that. One night, he arrests two Jews as they’re getting water from one of the town’s wells. He accuses them of attempting to poison the water supply. He fed hysteria to the people of the city. A few days later… a pogrom.

*voice quiets*

I had seen several pogroms before. But over.. a lie? Hundreds dead, several hundreds more injured, tens more missing, entire areas of the ghetto entirely destroyed and for what? A false rumour? Who am I kidding, that’s what they were always over. But I was livid. I.. found a water supply outside the ghetto, informed the rabbis, and decided that, if the prince wanted a poisoned water supply—

*hands tighten on hys mug, anger unlike any Savi’s heard from him before seeping into his voice*

—then I’d give him one. I poisoned every well and every aqueduct in that town. I watched for days as people got sicker and sicker with no help of getting better. And then I went to the Prince. I told him I did it, and his son—knowing very well he didn’t have one—had better respect my people more than he did.

*shrugs, forcing an apathetic demeanour*

And then I killed him. He had no heir. With no heir, surrounding kingdoms start getting involved, and…

*trails off for a moment, then continues eerily blankly*

They pillaged that town for days. It went up in flames.

[supervillain-offical]

*stares for a moment, then looks down*

Well-

Well you can’t call yourself a monster for that-

I mean-

I mean-

You were just trying to avenge your people and-and make something right that couldn’t be made right and-

You were angry and wanted justice, I-

I don’t think that could make you a monster-

Not like me-

[alchemist-offical]

Is that not what you do, too? Get revenge? Justice? Protect those you care about?

*shakes hys head, setting the mug down*

Do you not also take it too far?

[supervillain-offical]

N-no, I burned down an entire city because one guy whose death wasn’t caused in any way by anyone in said city, was killed. Just-just to irritate the guy who ordered his death!

I protect those I care about from the threats I brought to their doors in the first place!

…

I do take it too far. But I know that and I can’t stop.

[alchemist-offical]

*sighs*

stopping is always the hardest part

[supervillain-offical]

But I-I literally can’t! It’d just put everyone at more risk!

[alchemist-offical]

So you keep saying.

[supervillain-offical]

I-

I’m not trying to make excuses! I know I’m evil and it’s horrible! But-alright-I won’t stop as long as it protects everyone from the mess I got them into. If-if that makes sense.

[alchemist-offical]

it does. I— I’m sorry I’m not that able to help you, Savi.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks down*

But clearly I-I’m not doing enough-

*sighs*

No. Thanks. You-you have helped a lot.

[alchemist-offical]

*nods, falling silent with a sigh*

[supervillain-offical]

*quietly sips his tea, pauses*

How-how far is the walk back to the city from here?

[alchemist-offical]

Not far. Fifteen, twenty minutes, maybe.

[supervillain-offical]

*nods, hesitates*

I-

I can’t really teleport, would you-

Uh-

Mind giving me directions?

[alchemist-offical]

If you just go…

*holds up his hands, making the two L’s*

straight out left, you’ll eventually hit the outskirts of the city. Just keep walking and you’ll find it.

[supervillain-offical]

R-right-

*glances a bit apprehensively toward the door, nods*

Left. I-I can do that.

[alchemist-offical]

*tilts his head*

Everything alright?

[alchemist-offical]

*wanting to get away from the city, Savi tries to take a walk in the forest, but between his lack of knowledge of nature and his current lack of focus or attention to really anything, he quickly becomes lost*

- @supervillain-offical

*out gathering plants when hy spots Savi. He waves, but, noticing Savi’s distant demeanour, pauses and decides to walk up to him*

Hey—Savi. What are you doing all the way out here?

[supervillain-offical]

*blinks, looks up, startled*

Anshel-

What-what are you doing here?

[alchemist-offical]

…I live out here, silly.

[supervillain-offical]

Oh-

Yeah-

*looks around the forest*

R-right-

[alchemist-offical]

*tilts his head, studying Savi*

are you alright?

[supervillain-offical]

*opens his mouth, closes it, looks around then away*

Y-yeah.

[alchemist-offical]

What are you doing all the way out here?

[supervillain-offical]

Walking.

Uh.

Where-where’s here exactly?

[alchemist-offical]

In the woods. Just—you know, outside the city.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks relieved*

Not-not far?

[alchemist-offical]

*blinks*

I- what? No, you are far outside the city. That’s.. why I’m asking you why you’re out here. Seriously, are you okay? You’re not making a ton of sense

[supervillain-offical]

Oh-

Ohhhh-

*looks worried now*

Far as in-as in how far?

[alchemist-offical]

at least a half an hour’s walk past my cabin.

*looks even more concerned now*

seriously, are you alright?

[supervillain-offical]

*shakes his head quickly as if to wake up more*

I-

I’m, yeah, I-

I was just going for a walk-

Lost-lost track of time…and…where I was going…

[alchemist-offical]

I thought you were afraid of the outdoors?

*shakes hys head*

Something is wrong. You don’t have to tell me what, but I can see there is. Why don’t you come back with me and rest for a bit? Maybe have some tea and food.

[supervillain-offical]

*hesitates*

I-I am-

I-

*looks down, sighs*

If-if you’re sure, then I-I wouldn’t mind taking you up on that offer-

[alchemist-offical]

*nods and turns around, walking deeper into the forest. He gestures for Savi to follow hym*

[supervillain-offical]

*follows, trying to keep his attention on Anshel as he walks through the forest, a bit spooked at one point by a bird*

[alchemist-offical]

*glances back*

You must have been really distracted if you got all the way out here and didn’t notice.

*looks in front again*

It’s going to take a bit to get back. Do you want to talk about anything while we’re walking?

[supervillain-offical]

I-I-

Y-yeah-

*hesitant again*

*tightly*

I burned down a city.

[alchemist-offical]

Oh.

*pauses for a moment*

..may I ask why?

[supervillain-offical]

*looking away, swallows*

One of my-one of my best friends killed my brother.

[alchemist-offical]

*a bit incredulously*

..and they’re still your best friend

*shakes his head, adding quickly*

I’m sorry. That was- that was wildly inappropriate of me. My sincerest condolences. I.. know it hurts to lose a family member.

[supervillain-offical]

*swallows, defensively*

O-one of my best friends-

His-his boss made it so it-

And-and he didn’t know it was my brother-

I-it’s boss really hates me-

Which is…is part of the reason I burned down the city. T-to annoy him. Which is-

Yeah-

I-I know-

*grits teeth and continues to look down*

…th-thanks. I should’ve known better though-

[alchemist-offical]

*merely hums*

Enough of that. The ‘should have known better.’ You have hindsight now; you didn’t then. Besides, you couldn’t have known that was going to happen. You aren’t in control for others’ actions.

[supervillain-offical]

*sighs*

That-that’s what Elliot-a-a friend of mine-said.

And I-I know that-

But I did know I was putting him at risk by seeing him-

[alchemist-offical]

You blame yourself a lot, you know that? You look for every conceivable way something could possibly be your fault. It isn’t good for you.

[supervillain-offical]

*falters*

…I-I don’t know if feels easier…

[alchemist-offical]

Just because something’s easier doesn’t mean it’s better.

[supervillain-offical]

I-I can take it though and it’s easier and I don’t really have a-a habit of doing what’s better, so.

*falls quiet again*

[alchemist-offical]

*sighs and shakes hys head, also falling silent again*

[supervillain-offical]

*stays quiet as they walk*

[alchemist-offical]

*after a while they finally reach Anshel’s cabin. Anshel reaches up and brushes the mezuzah, then lightly kisses his fingers where they danced over the metal. He pushes open the door, standing behind it and gesturing for Savi to come in*

[supervillain-offical]

*Savi blinks looking up*

O-oh-

We’re here already-

*looks relieved again*

Thanks!

[alchemist-offical]

*nods, though still looking concerned*

Of course.

[supervillain-offical]

*takes a breath, steps inside*

[alchemist-offical]

*closes the door after Savi gently*

Would you like some tea? Or something to eat?

[supervillain-offical]

*hesitates, clears throat, trying to focus more*

If-if it’s not too much to ask-

Like-

Y-you don’t need to-

But I wouldn’t mind-

*shrugs*

[alchemist-offical]

*shakes hys head, insistently*

You’re my guest. It’s not too much to ask.

*steps over to hys cabinet, preparing the tea. As the water is boiling, he opens a different cabinet, rummaging through it*

um… it looks like I still have some chocolate babka left in here, if you’d like that.

[supervillain-offical]

I-I think I would-

*looks around*

Is…is it alright if I sit down?

[alchemist-offical]

*teasingly*

No, because I’ve never let you sit when you’re here before.

*takes the babka from the cupboard, which is in a container. He takes the lid off the container, walking over to Savi*

Of course you can sit.

[supervillain-offical]

*pauses then smiles slightly, taking a seat*

Th-thanks, Anshel.

[alchemist-offical]

*also smiles, amused. He holds out the container to Savi*

of course. Help yourself

[supervillain-offical]

*slowly takes some*

*repeats*

Thanks.

*takes a small bite*

[alchemist-offical]

*sets the container down in front of Savi and goes to take the kettle off the stove and pour the tea*

[supervillain-offical]

*hesitates then takes some more, not having really eaten much recently*

[alchemist-offical]

*walks back over with his measuring-cup-mugs and sets one down in front of Savi before sitting in a chair across from him*

[supervillain-offical]

*looks down at the tea*

Thanks-

For-for this on such short notice-

[alchemist-offical]

All good, my friend.

[supervillain-offical]

*continues to sit there for a moment then takes a sip of the tea*

S-so, how have you been?

[alchemist-offical]

*shrugs*

I’ve been pretty well. Had some curious visitors recently. A.. top hat, I think, that got in through the holes of my cabin that I haven’t been able to patch up, and a lovely person who just stumbled across my cabin while they were lost.

*laughs*

This may be the most people I’ve interacted with in a certain amount of time in the past fifty, maybe sixty years.

[supervillain-offical]

O-oh!

*smiles slightly*

I’m glad y-you’ve gotten a lot of visitors lately!

I might-I might know the Tophat.

[alchemist-offical]

*looks into hys tea awkwardly*

they were… a character, certainly. A bit concerning

[supervillain-offical]

They-they uh certainly have their own ways-

[alchemist-offical]

*shakes his head*

but let’s not gossip, shall we.

*thinks*

oh, one of the people I met recently was looking for a building surrounded by a wall of fire. Would you happen to know anything about that?

[supervillain-offical]

*shakes head*

No I-

*takes a moment to realize*

Wait-

What-

*narrows eyes*

That sounds like my lair.

[alchemist-offical]

Oh, weird. They said they were looking for someone they used to know but the only direction they were given was that they lived in a building surrounded by a wall of fire.

*shrugs*

and considering your lair did not have fire the last time I was there…

[supervillain-offical]

Y-yeah

N-new thing-

*mutters, looking apprehensive now*

Wh-what is this about?

If…if they come back, please don’t tell them? I-I have a lot-a lot-of enemies.

[alchemist-offical]

Oh, alright.

*takes a sip of his tea*

They did seem really nice, though. Their name was.. Jinthe? I think? In any case.

[supervillain-offical]

Huh?

*pauses*

I-I don’t think ‘Im familiar with them.

[alchemist-offical]

Oh, curious. Maybe ask around a bit when you get back. See if you can find who they were looking for.

[supervillain-offical]

*takes a breath, nods*

I will…I-I should…

[alchemist-offical]

*sips hys tea, falling silent*

[supervillain-offical]

*also falls silent, then suddenly looks like he wants to say something, then falls silent again*

[alchemist-offical]

You can talk if you’d like to.

*adds, teasingly*

You’re also allowed to drink the tea.

[supervillain-offical]

A-alright-

*takes a breath, smiles slightly and shakily picks up the tea*

*takes a sip, still looks like he has something to say but hesitates*

[alchemist-offical]

*drinking his own tea, figuring he’ll let Savi share on his own time*

[supervillain-offical]

*hesitant*

I…d-do…you have any-l-like-tips on dealing with -uh-s-siblings’ deaths?

[alchemist-offical]

*looks away, melancholy falling over his face. After a moment, he sighs*

I mean.. I do, but.. non-religious tips? Not really.

*looks back down at his tea*

I suppose just… I devoted myself to something that brought me comfort. Even after all these centuries, it always has. It’s the one thing that keeps me rooted in.. who I am. Who I was. I can only say try to find something similar for yourself.

[supervillain-offical]

*swallows and nods, looking down at his cup before finally taking a sip*

Thanks-

[alchemist-offical]

*nods as well, quiet for a few minutes*

I’ll.. admit, when I was younger, I wasn’t too different from you. I was angry. I was in a lot of pain. I made a lot of rash decisions that I wish I could go back on.

*exhales quietly, tapping his fingers on his mug*

Wishing doesn’t get me anywhere. Nor you. But I can at least try and save you from my fate.

[supervillain-offical]

*swallows*

Y-you shouldn’t waste your time on me.

*gives a soft, hollow chuckle*

Funnily enough, this is my second sibling killed as a way to get back at me.

[alchemist-offical]

*shakes hys head*

I’m not “wasting my time” on you.

*something flickers in Anshel’s eyes for a moment. What, is hard to say*

…I’m sorry. You don’t deserve that.

[supervillain-offical]

*shakes head*

I do deserve it though, that-that’s the problem-

If-if I’d known beforehand that I’d have siblings around then I wouldn’t have-wouldn’t have been so-

*sighs, runs a hand through his hair*

S-so reckless.

[alchemist-offical]

You’re blaming yourself again.

*sets his cup down*

Savi. It isn’t your fault for what others do. You don’t control other’s actions. And I know that can be hard to hear after something like that, but I need you to understand it isn’t your fault.

[supervillain-offical]

*snaps slightly*

A-and-

If I don’t blame myself then-then what? I just-I just move on? He trusted me a-and I failed him and I just-just shrug it off and move on?

[alchemist-offical]

I never said move on. You’re allowed to grieve without making yourself at fault.

[supervillain-offical]

*quietly*

I-I don’t think I know how.

[alchemist-offical]

*gently*

That’s something you’ll have to learn how to do on your own time. But blaming yourself is almost as bad as not grieving at all, Savi. You’re turning grief into a way of harming yourself. I just—I want you to understand that. It isn’t fair to you to do that, and it isn’t fair to the people you’ve lost.

[supervillain-offical]

*falls quiet, shakes his head*

I-I can’t honor him and I d-don’t want to forget him or move on-

And I mean, come on I am at least partially at fault!

[alchemist-offical]

*sighs*

You’re not. One day, maybe you’ll understand that. It doesn’t seem like today’s that day.

*picks up his cup and takes a long sip*

that’s okay. Healing takes time

[supervillain-offical]

*takes another sip of tea then bangs the cup down, almost causing it to spill*

I-I don’t have time to heal because someone else will be dead tomorrow!

*looks at the tea, then at Anshel, then away*

S-sorry.

[alchemist-offical]

It’s okay.

*sets his cup down*

Savi, you’re immortal now, whether you like it or not. That means you will see people die. There is nothing you can do about it. Death is a part of life. It is a fact of life. The more time you spend fighting it, the more it will hurt.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks panicked*

I-I’m not even thirty!

I can’t-I can’t do this forever!

And if I were to die I don’t even know if half the people I care about would go to any afterlife-

I don’t-I can’t get one fucking I don’t know day where I don’t have to worry about someone dying-

*takes a breath*

S-sorry-

I’m not-

Y-you know that, I-

Sorry, I-I just feel helpless I guess. I shouldn’t-

*trails off*

[alchemist-offical]

*quiet for a while*

..I know what it feels like. I don’t really remember how old I was when I became immortal. It’s been so long since then. I think I was in my late twenties. Around thirty, maybe. No older than thirty two.

*laughs quietly, hollowly, then sighs*

You don’t have to apologise. I know it’s hard.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks at him for a while*

I know I’ve said this before but, I-I don’t know how you’re so-

So good-

[alchemist-offical]

*huffs lightly and smiles*

it’s the Jew in me

*shakes hys head, staring at one of the walls*

You want to know something? When I say I understand where you are right now, I mean it. I’ve poisoned towns of thousands, Savi. I caused wars. I killed people with my own hands. I was angry when I was younger.

*looks down to hys mug, staring into his tea*

I still am. I’m not good. I’ve just lived long enough to be made into less of a monster.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks at hym in disbelief*

You started wars?! Poisoned towns?! You-you’re joking, right?

[alchemist-offical]

*chuckles quietly, picking up his mug and taking a long sip*

..No, I’m not joking. I’ll tell you the story of the time I did them together, if you’re so inclined.

[supervillain-offical]

*still disbelieving, picks up his tea*

Oh, yeah, sure! I-please! I must say, I’m pretty intrigued!

[alchemist-offical]

It’s not a happy story, might I preface.

*sighs*

This was.. oh, mid sixteen hundreds, I think. I lived in the Holy Roman Empire. I would generally flee from small state to small state every so often. One state, I.. can’t even remember its name now, I stayed in for a couple decades. They had a larger Jewish community than most.

*melancholy falls over his face*

The.. Prince of this state didn’t like that. One night, he arrests two Jews as they’re getting water from one of the town’s wells. He accuses them of attempting to poison the water supply. He fed hysteria to the people of the city. A few days later… a pogrom.

*voice quiets*

I had seen several pogroms before. But over.. a lie? Hundreds dead, several hundreds more injured, tens more missing, entire areas of the ghetto entirely destroyed and for what? A false rumour? Who am I kidding, that’s what they were always over. But I was livid. I.. found a water supply outside the ghetto, informed the rabbis, and decided that, if the prince wanted a poisoned water supply—

*hands tighten on hys mug, anger unlike any Savi’s heard from him before seeping into his voice*

—then I’d give him one. I poisoned every well and every aqueduct in that town. I watched for days as people got sicker and sicker with no help of getting better. And then I went to the Prince. I told him I did it, and his son—knowing very well he didn’t have one—had better respect my people more than he did.

*shrugs, forcing an apathetic demeanour*

And then I killed him. He had no heir. With no heir, surrounding kingdoms start getting involved, and…

*trails off for a moment, then continues eerily blankly*

They pillaged that town for days. It went up in flames.

[supervillain-offical]

*stares for a moment, then looks down*

Well-

Well you can’t call yourself a monster for that-

I mean-

I mean-

You were just trying to avenge your people and-and make something right that couldn’t be made right and-

You were angry and wanted justice, I-

I don’t think that could make you a monster-

Not like me-

[alchemist-offical]

Is that not what you do, too? Get revenge? Justice? Protect those you care about?

*shakes hys head, setting the mug down*

Do you not also take it too far?

[supervillain-offical]

N-no, I burned down an entire city because one guy whose death wasn’t caused in any way by anyone in said city, was killed. Just-just to irritate the guy who ordered his death!

I protect those I care about from the threats I brought to their doors in the first place!

…

I do take it too far. But I know that and I can’t stop.

[alchemist-offical]

*sighs*

stopping is always the hardest part

[supervillain-offical]

But I-I literally can’t! It’d just put everyone at more risk!

[alchemist-offical]

So you keep saying.

[supervillain-offical]

I-

I’m not trying to make excuses! I know I’m evil and it’s horrible! But-alright-I won’t stop as long as it protects everyone from the mess I got them into. If-if that makes sense.

[alchemist-offical]

it does. I— I’m sorry I’m not that able to help you, Savi.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks down*

But clearly I-I’m not doing enough-

*sighs*

No. Thanks. You-you have helped a lot.

[alchemist-offical]

*nods, falling silent with a sigh*

[supervillain-offical]

*quietly sips his tea, pauses*

How-how far is the walk back to the city from here?

[alchemist-offical]

Not far. Fifteen, twenty minutes, maybe.

[supervillain-offical]

*nods, hesitates*

I-

I can’t really teleport, would you-

Uh-

Mind giving me directions?

[alchemist-offical]

If you just go…

*holds up his hands, making the two L’s*

straight out left, you’ll eventually hit the outskirts of the city. Just keep walking and you’ll find it.

[alchemist-offical]

*wanting to get away from the city, Savi tries to take a walk in the forest, but between his lack of knowledge of nature and his current lack of focus or attention to really anything, he quickly becomes lost*

- @supervillain-offical

*out gathering plants when hy spots Savi. He waves, but, noticing Savi’s distant demeanour, pauses and decides to walk up to him*

Hey—Savi. What are you doing all the way out here?

[supervillain-offical]

*blinks, looks up, startled*

Anshel-

What-what are you doing here?

[alchemist-offical]

…I live out here, silly.

[supervillain-offical]

Oh-

Yeah-

*looks around the forest*

R-right-

[alchemist-offical]

*tilts his head, studying Savi*

are you alright?

[supervillain-offical]

*opens his mouth, closes it, looks around then away*

Y-yeah.

[alchemist-offical]

What are you doing all the way out here?

[supervillain-offical]

Walking.

Uh.

Where-where’s here exactly?

[alchemist-offical]

In the woods. Just—you know, outside the city.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks relieved*

Not-not far?

[alchemist-offical]

*blinks*

I- what? No, you are far outside the city. That’s.. why I’m asking you why you’re out here. Seriously, are you okay? You’re not making a ton of sense

[supervillain-offical]

Oh-

Ohhhh-

*looks worried now*

Far as in-as in how far?

[alchemist-offical]

at least a half an hour’s walk past my cabin.

*looks even more concerned now*

seriously, are you alright?

[supervillain-offical]

*shakes his head quickly as if to wake up more*

I-

I’m, yeah, I-

I was just going for a walk-

Lost-lost track of time…and…where I was going…

[alchemist-offical]

I thought you were afraid of the outdoors?

*shakes hys head*

Something is wrong. You don’t have to tell me what, but I can see there is. Why don’t you come back with me and rest for a bit? Maybe have some tea and food.

[supervillain-offical]

*hesitates*

I-I am-

I-

*looks down, sighs*

If-if you’re sure, then I-I wouldn’t mind taking you up on that offer-

[alchemist-offical]

*nods and turns around, walking deeper into the forest. He gestures for Savi to follow hym*

[supervillain-offical]

*follows, trying to keep his attention on Anshel as he walks through the forest, a bit spooked at one point by a bird*

[alchemist-offical]

*glances back*

You must have been really distracted if you got all the way out here and didn’t notice.

*looks in front again*

It’s going to take a bit to get back. Do you want to talk about anything while we’re walking?

[supervillain-offical]

I-I-

Y-yeah-

*hesitant again*

*tightly*

I burned down a city.

[alchemist-offical]

Oh.

*pauses for a moment*

..may I ask why?

[supervillain-offical]

*looking away, swallows*

One of my-one of my best friends killed my brother.

[alchemist-offical]

*a bit incredulously*

..and they’re still your best friend

*shakes his head, adding quickly*

I’m sorry. That was- that was wildly inappropriate of me. My sincerest condolences. I.. know it hurts to lose a family member.

[supervillain-offical]

*swallows, defensively*

O-one of my best friends-

His-his boss made it so it-

And-and he didn’t know it was my brother-

I-it’s boss really hates me-

Which is…is part of the reason I burned down the city. T-to annoy him. Which is-

Yeah-

I-I know-

*grits teeth and continues to look down*

…th-thanks. I should’ve known better though-

[alchemist-offical]

*merely hums*

Enough of that. The ‘should have known better.’ You have hindsight now; you didn’t then. Besides, you couldn’t have known that was going to happen. You aren’t in control for others’ actions.

[supervillain-offical]

*sighs*

That-that’s what Elliot-a-a friend of mine-said.

And I-I know that-

But I did know I was putting him at risk by seeing him-

[alchemist-offical]

You blame yourself a lot, you know that? You look for every conceivable way something could possibly be your fault. It isn’t good for you.

[supervillain-offical]

*falters*

…I-I don’t know if feels easier…

[alchemist-offical]

Just because something’s easier doesn’t mean it’s better.

[supervillain-offical]

I-I can take it though and it’s easier and I don’t really have a-a habit of doing what’s better, so.

*falls quiet again*

[alchemist-offical]

*sighs and shakes hys head, also falling silent again*

[supervillain-offical]

*stays quiet as they walk*

[alchemist-offical]

*after a while they finally reach Anshel’s cabin. Anshel reaches up and brushes the mezuzah, then lightly kisses his fingers where they danced over the metal. He pushes open the door, standing behind it and gesturing for Savi to come in*

[supervillain-offical]

*Savi blinks looking up*

O-oh-

We’re here already-

*looks relieved again*

Thanks!

[alchemist-offical]

*nods, though still looking concerned*

Of course.

[supervillain-offical]

*takes a breath, steps inside*

[alchemist-offical]

*closes the door after Savi gently*

Would you like some tea? Or something to eat?

[supervillain-offical]

*hesitates, clears throat, trying to focus more*

If-if it’s not too much to ask-

Like-

Y-you don’t need to-

But I wouldn’t mind-

*shrugs*

[alchemist-offical]

*shakes hys head, insistently*

You’re my guest. It’s not too much to ask.

*steps over to hys cabinet, preparing the tea. As the water is boiling, he opens a different cabinet, rummaging through it*

um… it looks like I still have some chocolate babka left in here, if you’d like that.

[supervillain-offical]

I-I think I would-

*looks around*

Is…is it alright if I sit down?

[alchemist-offical]

*teasingly*

No, because I’ve never let you sit when you’re here before.

*takes the babka from the cupboard, which is in a container. He takes the lid off the container, walking over to Savi*

Of course you can sit.

[supervillain-offical]

*pauses then smiles slightly, taking a seat*

Th-thanks, Anshel.

[alchemist-offical]

*also smiles, amused. He holds out the container to Savi*

of course. Help yourself

[supervillain-offical]

*slowly takes some*

*repeats*

Thanks.

*takes a small bite*

[alchemist-offical]

*sets the container down in front of Savi and goes to take the kettle off the stove and pour the tea*

[supervillain-offical]

*hesitates then takes some more, not having really eaten much recently*

[alchemist-offical]

*walks back over with his measuring-cup-mugs and sets one down in front of Savi before sitting in a chair across from him*

[supervillain-offical]

*looks down at the tea*

Thanks-

For-for this on such short notice-

[alchemist-offical]

All good, my friend.

[supervillain-offical]

*continues to sit there for a moment then takes a sip of the tea*

S-so, how have you been?

[alchemist-offical]

*shrugs*

I’ve been pretty well. Had some curious visitors recently. A.. top hat, I think, that got in through the holes of my cabin that I haven’t been able to patch up, and a lovely person who just stumbled across my cabin while they were lost.

*laughs*

This may be the most people I’ve interacted with in a certain amount of time in the past fifty, maybe sixty years.

[supervillain-offical]

O-oh!

*smiles slightly*

I’m glad y-you’ve gotten a lot of visitors lately!

I might-I might know the Tophat.

[alchemist-offical]

*looks into hys tea awkwardly*

they were… a character, certainly. A bit concerning

[supervillain-offical]

They-they uh certainly have their own ways-

[alchemist-offical]

*shakes his head*

but let’s not gossip, shall we.

*thinks*

oh, one of the people I met recently was looking for a building surrounded by a wall of fire. Would you happen to know anything about that?

[supervillain-offical]

*shakes head*

No I-

*takes a moment to realize*

Wait-

What-

*narrows eyes*

That sounds like my lair.

[alchemist-offical]

Oh, weird. They said they were looking for someone they used to know but the only direction they were given was that they lived in a building surrounded by a wall of fire.

*shrugs*

and considering your lair did not have fire the last time I was there…

[supervillain-offical]

Y-yeah

N-new thing-

*mutters, looking apprehensive now*

Wh-what is this about?

If…if they come back, please don’t tell them? I-I have a lot-a lot-of enemies.

[alchemist-offical]

Oh, alright.

*takes a sip of his tea*

They did seem really nice, though. Their name was.. Jinthe? I think? In any case.

[supervillain-offical]

Huh?

*pauses*

I-I don’t think ‘Im familiar with them.

[alchemist-offical]

Oh, curious. Maybe ask around a bit when you get back. See if you can find who they were looking for.

[supervillain-offical]

*takes a breath, nods*

I will…I-I should…

[alchemist-offical]

*sips hys tea, falling silent*

[supervillain-offical]

*also falls silent, then suddenly looks like he wants to say something, then falls silent again*

[alchemist-offical]

You can talk if you’d like to.

*adds, teasingly*

You’re also allowed to drink the tea.

[supervillain-offical]

A-alright-

*takes a breath, smiles slightly and shakily picks up the tea*

*takes a sip, still looks like he has something to say but hesitates*

[alchemist-offical]

*drinking his own tea, figuring he’ll let Savi share on his own time*

[supervillain-offical]

*hesitant*

I…d-do…you have any-l-like-tips on dealing with -uh-s-siblings’ deaths?

[alchemist-offical]

*looks away, melancholy falling over his face. After a moment, he sighs*

I mean.. I do, but.. non-religious tips? Not really.

*looks back down at his tea*

I suppose just… I devoted myself to something that brought me comfort. Even after all these centuries, it always has. It’s the one thing that keeps me rooted in.. who I am. Who I was. I can only say try to find something similar for yourself.

[supervillain-offical]

*swallows and nods, looking down at his cup before finally taking a sip*

Thanks-

[alchemist-offical]

*nods as well, quiet for a few minutes*

I’ll.. admit, when I was younger, I wasn’t too different from you. I was angry. I was in a lot of pain. I made a lot of rash decisions that I wish I could go back on.

*exhales quietly, tapping his fingers on his mug*

Wishing doesn’t get me anywhere. Nor you. But I can at least try and save you from my fate.

[supervillain-offical]

*swallows*

Y-you shouldn’t waste your time on me.

*gives a soft, hollow chuckle*

Funnily enough, this is my second sibling killed as a way to get back at me.

[alchemist-offical]

*shakes hys head*

I’m not “wasting my time” on you.

*something flickers in Anshel’s eyes for a moment. What, is hard to say*

…I’m sorry. You don’t deserve that.

[supervillain-offical]

*shakes head*

I do deserve it though, that-that’s the problem-

If-if I’d known beforehand that I’d have siblings around then I wouldn’t have-wouldn’t have been so-

*sighs, runs a hand through his hair*

S-so reckless.

[alchemist-offical]

You’re blaming yourself again.

*sets his cup down*

Savi. It isn’t your fault for what others do. You don’t control other’s actions. And I know that can be hard to hear after something like that, but I need you to understand it isn’t your fault.

[supervillain-offical]

*snaps slightly*

A-and-

If I don’t blame myself then-then what? I just-I just move on? He trusted me a-and I failed him and I just-just shrug it off and move on?

[alchemist-offical]

I never said move on. You’re allowed to grieve without making yourself at fault.

[supervillain-offical]

*quietly*

I-I don’t think I know how.

[alchemist-offical]

*gently*

That’s something you’ll have to learn how to do on your own time. But blaming yourself is almost as bad as not grieving at all, Savi. You’re turning grief into a way of harming yourself. I just—I want you to understand that. It isn’t fair to you to do that, and it isn’t fair to the people you’ve lost.

[supervillain-offical]

*falls quiet, shakes his head*

I-I can’t honor him and I d-don’t want to forget him or move on-

And I mean, come on I am at least partially at fault!

[alchemist-offical]

*sighs*

You’re not. One day, maybe you’ll understand that. It doesn’t seem like today’s that day.

*picks up his cup and takes a long sip*

that’s okay. Healing takes time

[supervillain-offical]

*takes another sip of tea then bangs the cup down, almost causing it to spill*

I-I don’t have time to heal because someone else will be dead tomorrow!

*looks at the tea, then at Anshel, then away*

S-sorry.

[alchemist-offical]

It’s okay.

*sets his cup down*

Savi, you’re immortal now, whether you like it or not. That means you will see people die. There is nothing you can do about it. Death is a part of life. It is a fact of life. The more time you spend fighting it, the more it will hurt.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks panicked*

I-I’m not even thirty!

I can’t-I can’t do this forever!

And if I were to die I don’t even know if half the people I care about would go to any afterlife-

I don’t-I can’t get one fucking I don’t know day where I don’t have to worry about someone dying-

*takes a breath*

S-sorry-

I’m not-

Y-you know that, I-

Sorry, I-I just feel helpless I guess. I shouldn’t-

*trails off*

[alchemist-offical]

*quiet for a while*

..I know what it feels like. I don’t really remember how old I was when I became immortal. It’s been so long since then. I think I was in my late twenties. Around thirty, maybe. No older than thirty two.

*laughs quietly, hollowly, then sighs*

You don’t have to apologise. I know it’s hard.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks at him for a while*

I know I’ve said this before but, I-I don’t know how you’re so-

So good-

[alchemist-offical]

*huffs lightly and smiles*

it’s the Jew in me

*shakes hys head, staring at one of the walls*

You want to know something? When I say I understand where you are right now, I mean it. I’ve poisoned towns of thousands, Savi. I caused wars. I killed people with my own hands. I was angry when I was younger.

*looks down to hys mug, staring into his tea*

I still am. I’m not good. I’ve just lived long enough to be made into less of a monster.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks at hym in disbelief*

You started wars?! Poisoned towns?! You-you’re joking, right?

[alchemist-offical]

*chuckles quietly, picking up his mug and taking a long sip*

..No, I’m not joking. I’ll tell you the story of the time I did them together, if you’re so inclined.

[supervillain-offical]

*still disbelieving, picks up his tea*

Oh, yeah, sure! I-please! I must say, I’m pretty intrigued!

[alchemist-offical]

It’s not a happy story, might I preface.

*sighs*

This was.. oh, mid sixteen hundreds, I think. I lived in the Holy Roman Empire. I would generally flee from small state to small state every so often. One state, I.. can’t even remember its name now, I stayed in for a couple decades. They had a larger Jewish community than most.

*melancholy falls over his face*

The.. Prince of this state didn’t like that. One night, he arrests two Jews as they’re getting water from one of the town’s wells. He accuses them of attempting to poison the water supply. He fed hysteria to the people of the city. A few days later… a pogrom.

*voice quiets*

I had seen several pogroms before. But over.. a lie? Hundreds dead, several hundreds more injured, tens more missing, entire areas of the ghetto entirely destroyed and for what? A false rumour? Who am I kidding, that’s what they were always over. But I was livid. I.. found a water supply outside the ghetto, informed the rabbis, and decided that, if the prince wanted a poisoned water supply—

*hands tighten on hys mug, anger unlike any Savi’s heard from him before seeping into his voice*

—then I’d give him one. I poisoned every well and every aqueduct in that town. I watched for days as people got sicker and sicker with no help of getting better. And then I went to the Prince. I told him I did it, and his son—knowing very well he didn’t have one—had better respect my people more than he did.

*shrugs, forcing an apathetic demeanour*

And then I killed him. He had no heir. With no heir, surrounding kingdoms start getting involved, and…

*trails off for a moment, then continues eerily blankly*

They pillaged that town for days. It went up in flames.

[supervillain-offical]

*stares for a moment, then looks down*

Well-

Well you can’t call yourself a monster for that-

I mean-

I mean-

You were just trying to avenge your people and-and make something right that couldn’t be made right and-

You were angry and wanted justice, I-

I don’t think that could make you a monster-

Not like me-

[alchemist-offical]

Is that not what you do, too? Get revenge? Justice? Protect those you care about?

*shakes hys head, setting the mug down*

Do you not also take it too far?

[supervillain-offical]

N-no, I burned down an entire city because one guy whose death wasn’t caused in any way by anyone in said city, was killed. Just-just to irritate the guy who ordered his death!

I protect those I care about from the threats I brought to their doors in the first place!

…

I do take it too far. But I know that and I can’t stop.

[alchemist-offical]

*sighs*

stopping is always the hardest part

[supervillain-offical]

But I-I literally can’t! It’d just put everyone at more risk!

[alchemist-offical]

So you keep saying.

[supervillain-offical]

I-

I’m not trying to make excuses! I know I’m evil and it’s horrible! But-alright-I won’t stop as long as it protects everyone from the mess I got them into. If-if that makes sense.

[alchemist-offical]

it does. I— I’m sorry I’m not that able to help you, Savi.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks down*

But clearly I-I’m not doing enough-

*sighs*

No. Thanks. You-you have helped a lot.

[alchemist-offical]

*nods, falling silent with a sigh*

[supervillain-offical]

*quietly sips his tea, pauses*

How-how far is the walk back to the city from here?

[alchemist-offical]

Not far. Fifteen, twenty minutes, maybe.

[alchemist-offical]

*wanting to get away from the city, Savi tries to take a walk in the forest, but between his lack of knowledge of nature and his current lack of focus or attention to really anything, he quickly becomes lost*

- @supervillain-offical

*out gathering plants when hy spots Savi. He waves, but, noticing Savi’s distant demeanour, pauses and decides to walk up to him*

Hey—Savi. What are you doing all the way out here?

[supervillain-offical]

*blinks, looks up, startled*

Anshel-

What-what are you doing here?

[alchemist-offical]

…I live out here, silly.

[supervillain-offical]

Oh-

Yeah-

*looks around the forest*

R-right-

[alchemist-offical]

*tilts his head, studying Savi*

are you alright?

[supervillain-offical]

*opens his mouth, closes it, looks around then away*

Y-yeah.

[alchemist-offical]

What are you doing all the way out here?

[supervillain-offical]

Walking.

Uh.

Where-where’s here exactly?

[alchemist-offical]

In the woods. Just—you know, outside the city.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks relieved*

Not-not far?

[alchemist-offical]

*blinks*

I- what? No, you are far outside the city. That’s.. why I’m asking you why you’re out here. Seriously, are you okay? You’re not making a ton of sense

[supervillain-offical]

Oh-

Ohhhh-

*looks worried now*

Far as in-as in how far?

[alchemist-offical]

at least a half an hour’s walk past my cabin.

*looks even more concerned now*

seriously, are you alright?

[supervillain-offical]

*shakes his head quickly as if to wake up more*

I-

I’m, yeah, I-

I was just going for a walk-

Lost-lost track of time…and…where I was going…

[alchemist-offical]

I thought you were afraid of the outdoors?

*shakes hys head*

Something is wrong. You don’t have to tell me what, but I can see there is. Why don’t you come back with me and rest for a bit? Maybe have some tea and food.

[supervillain-offical]

*hesitates*

I-I am-

I-

*looks down, sighs*

If-if you’re sure, then I-I wouldn’t mind taking you up on that offer-

[alchemist-offical]

*nods and turns around, walking deeper into the forest. He gestures for Savi to follow hym*

[supervillain-offical]

*follows, trying to keep his attention on Anshel as he walks through the forest, a bit spooked at one point by a bird*

[alchemist-offical]

*glances back*

You must have been really distracted if you got all the way out here and didn’t notice.

*looks in front again*

It’s going to take a bit to get back. Do you want to talk about anything while we’re walking?

[supervillain-offical]

I-I-

Y-yeah-

*hesitant again*

*tightly*

I burned down a city.

[alchemist-offical]

Oh.

*pauses for a moment*

..may I ask why?

[supervillain-offical]

*looking away, swallows*

One of my-one of my best friends killed my brother.

[alchemist-offical]

*a bit incredulously*

..and they’re still your best friend

*shakes his head, adding quickly*

I’m sorry. That was- that was wildly inappropriate of me. My sincerest condolences. I.. know it hurts to lose a family member.

[supervillain-offical]

*swallows, defensively*

O-one of my best friends-

His-his boss made it so it-

And-and he didn’t know it was my brother-

I-it’s boss really hates me-

Which is…is part of the reason I burned down the city. T-to annoy him. Which is-

Yeah-

I-I know-

*grits teeth and continues to look down*

…th-thanks. I should’ve known better though-

[alchemist-offical]

*merely hums*

Enough of that. The ‘should have known better.’ You have hindsight now; you didn’t then. Besides, you couldn’t have known that was going to happen. You aren’t in control for others’ actions.

[supervillain-offical]

*sighs*

That-that’s what Elliot-a-a friend of mine-said.

And I-I know that-

But I did know I was putting him at risk by seeing him-

[alchemist-offical]

You blame yourself a lot, you know that? You look for every conceivable way something could possibly be your fault. It isn’t good for you.

[supervillain-offical]

*falters*

…I-I don’t know if feels easier…

[alchemist-offical]

Just because something’s easier doesn’t mean it’s better.

[supervillain-offical]

I-I can take it though and it’s easier and I don’t really have a-a habit of doing what’s better, so.

*falls quiet again*

[alchemist-offical]

*sighs and shakes hys head, also falling silent again*

[supervillain-offical]

*stays quiet as they walk*

[alchemist-offical]

*after a while they finally reach Anshel’s cabin. Anshel reaches up and brushes the mezuzah, then lightly kisses his fingers where they danced over the metal. He pushes open the door, standing behind it and gesturing for Savi to come in*

[supervillain-offical]

*Savi blinks looking up*

O-oh-

We’re here already-

*looks relieved again*

Thanks!

[alchemist-offical]

*nods, though still looking concerned*

Of course.

[supervillain-offical]

*takes a breath, steps inside*

[alchemist-offical]

*closes the door after Savi gently*

Would you like some tea? Or something to eat?

[supervillain-offical]

*hesitates, clears throat, trying to focus more*

If-if it’s not too much to ask-

Like-

Y-you don’t need to-

But I wouldn’t mind-

*shrugs*

[alchemist-offical]

*shakes hys head, insistently*

You’re my guest. It’s not too much to ask.

*steps over to hys cabinet, preparing the tea. As the water is boiling, he opens a different cabinet, rummaging through it*

um… it looks like I still have some chocolate babka left in here, if you’d like that.

[supervillain-offical]

I-I think I would-

*looks around*

Is…is it alright if I sit down?

[alchemist-offical]

*teasingly*

No, because I’ve never let you sit when you’re here before.

*takes the babka from the cupboard, which is in a container. He takes the lid off the container, walking over to Savi*

Of course you can sit.

[supervillain-offical]

*pauses then smiles slightly, taking a seat*

Th-thanks, Anshel.

[alchemist-offical]

*also smiles, amused. He holds out the container to Savi*

of course. Help yourself

[supervillain-offical]

*slowly takes some*

*repeats*

Thanks.

*takes a small bite*

[alchemist-offical]

*sets the container down in front of Savi and goes to take the kettle off the stove and pour the tea*

[supervillain-offical]

*hesitates then takes some more, not having really eaten much recently*

[alchemist-offical]

*walks back over with his measuring-cup-mugs and sets one down in front of Savi before sitting in a chair across from him*

[supervillain-offical]

*looks down at the tea*

Thanks-

For-for this on such short notice-

[alchemist-offical]

All good, my friend.

[supervillain-offical]

*continues to sit there for a moment then takes a sip of the tea*

S-so, how have you been?

[alchemist-offical]

*shrugs*

I’ve been pretty well. Had some curious visitors recently. A.. top hat, I think, that got in through the holes of my cabin that I haven’t been able to patch up, and a lovely person who just stumbled across my cabin while they were lost.

*laughs*

This may be the most people I’ve interacted with in a certain amount of time in the past fifty, maybe sixty years.

[supervillain-offical]

O-oh!

*smiles slightly*

I’m glad y-you’ve gotten a lot of visitors lately!

I might-I might know the Tophat.

[alchemist-offical]

*looks into hys tea awkwardly*

they were… a character, certainly. A bit concerning

[supervillain-offical]

They-they uh certainly have their own ways-

[alchemist-offical]

*shakes his head*

but let’s not gossip, shall we.

*thinks*

oh, one of the people I met recently was looking for a building surrounded by a wall of fire. Would you happen to know anything about that?

[supervillain-offical]

*shakes head*

No I-

*takes a moment to realize*

Wait-

What-

*narrows eyes*

That sounds like my lair.

[alchemist-offical]

Oh, weird. They said they were looking for someone they used to know but the only direction they were given was that they lived in a building surrounded by a wall of fire.

*shrugs*

and considering your lair did not have fire the last time I was there…

[supervillain-offical]

Y-yeah

N-new thing-

*mutters, looking apprehensive now*

Wh-what is this about?

If…if they come back, please don’t tell them? I-I have a lot-a lot-of enemies.

[alchemist-offical]

Oh, alright.

*takes a sip of his tea*

They did seem really nice, though. Their name was.. Jinthe? I think? In any case.

[supervillain-offical]

Huh?

*pauses*

I-I don’t think ‘Im familiar with them.

[alchemist-offical]

Oh, curious. Maybe ask around a bit when you get back. See if you can find who they were looking for.

[supervillain-offical]

*takes a breath, nods*

I will…I-I should…

[alchemist-offical]

*sips hys tea, falling silent*

[supervillain-offical]

*also falls silent, then suddenly looks like he wants to say something, then falls silent again*

[alchemist-offical]

You can talk if you’d like to.

*adds, teasingly*

You’re also allowed to drink the tea.

[supervillain-offical]

A-alright-

*takes a breath, smiles slightly and shakily picks up the tea*

*takes a sip, still looks like he has something to say but hesitates*

[alchemist-offical]

*drinking his own tea, figuring he’ll let Savi share on his own time*

[supervillain-offical]

*hesitant*

I…d-do…you have any-l-like-tips on dealing with -uh-s-siblings’ deaths?

[alchemist-offical]

*looks away, melancholy falling over his face. After a moment, he sighs*

I mean.. I do, but.. non-religious tips? Not really.

*looks back down at his tea*

I suppose just… I devoted myself to something that brought me comfort. Even after all these centuries, it always has. It’s the one thing that keeps me rooted in.. who I am. Who I was. I can only say try to find something similar for yourself.

[supervillain-offical]

*swallows and nods, looking down at his cup before finally taking a sip*

Thanks-

[alchemist-offical]

*nods as well, quiet for a few minutes*

I’ll.. admit, when I was younger, I wasn’t too different from you. I was angry. I was in a lot of pain. I made a lot of rash decisions that I wish I could go back on.

*exhales quietly, tapping his fingers on his mug*

Wishing doesn’t get me anywhere. Nor you. But I can at least try and save you from my fate.

[supervillain-offical]

*swallows*

Y-you shouldn’t waste your time on me.

*gives a soft, hollow chuckle*

Funnily enough, this is my second sibling killed as a way to get back at me.

[alchemist-offical]

*shakes hys head*

I’m not “wasting my time” on you.

*something flickers in Anshel’s eyes for a moment. What, is hard to say*

…I’m sorry. You don’t deserve that.

[supervillain-offical]

*shakes head*

I do deserve it though, that-that’s the problem-

If-if I’d known beforehand that I’d have siblings around then I wouldn’t have-wouldn’t have been so-

*sighs, runs a hand through his hair*

S-so reckless.

[alchemist-offical]

You’re blaming yourself again.

*sets his cup down*

Savi. It isn’t your fault for what others do. You don’t control other’s actions. And I know that can be hard to hear after something like that, but I need you to understand it isn’t your fault.

[supervillain-offical]

*snaps slightly*

A-and-

If I don’t blame myself then-then what? I just-I just move on? He trusted me a-and I failed him and I just-just shrug it off and move on?

[alchemist-offical]

I never said move on. You’re allowed to grieve without making yourself at fault.

[supervillain-offical]

*quietly*

I-I don’t think I know how.

[alchemist-offical]

*gently*

That’s something you’ll have to learn how to do on your own time. But blaming yourself is almost as bad as not grieving at all, Savi. You’re turning grief into a way of harming yourself. I just—I want you to understand that. It isn’t fair to you to do that, and it isn’t fair to the people you’ve lost.

[supervillain-offical]

*falls quiet, shakes his head*

I-I can’t honor him and I d-don’t want to forget him or move on-

And I mean, come on I am at least partially at fault!

[alchemist-offical]

*sighs*

You’re not. One day, maybe you’ll understand that. It doesn’t seem like today’s that day.

*picks up his cup and takes a long sip*

that’s okay. Healing takes time

[supervillain-offical]

*takes another sip of tea then bangs the cup down, almost causing it to spill*

I-I don’t have time to heal because someone else will be dead tomorrow!

*looks at the tea, then at Anshel, then away*

S-sorry.

[alchemist-offical]

It’s okay.

*sets his cup down*

Savi, you’re immortal now, whether you like it or not. That means you will see people die. There is nothing you can do about it. Death is a part of life. It is a fact of life. The more time you spend fighting it, the more it will hurt.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks panicked*

I-I’m not even thirty!

I can’t-I can’t do this forever!

And if I were to die I don’t even know if half the people I care about would go to any afterlife-

I don’t-I can’t get one fucking I don’t know day where I don’t have to worry about someone dying-

*takes a breath*

S-sorry-

I’m not-

Y-you know that, I-

Sorry, I-I just feel helpless I guess. I shouldn’t-

*trails off*

[alchemist-offical]

*quiet for a while*

..I know what it feels like. I don’t really remember how old I was when I became immortal. It’s been so long since then. I think I was in my late twenties. Around thirty, maybe. No older than thirty two.

*laughs quietly, hollowly, then sighs*

You don’t have to apologise. I know it’s hard.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks at him for a while*

I know I’ve said this before but, I-I don’t know how you’re so-

So good-

[alchemist-offical]

*huffs lightly and smiles*

it’s the Jew in me

*shakes hys head, staring at one of the walls*

You want to know something? When I say I understand where you are right now, I mean it. I’ve poisoned towns of thousands, Savi. I caused wars. I killed people with my own hands. I was angry when I was younger.

*looks down to hys mug, staring into his tea*

I still am. I’m not good. I’ve just lived long enough to be made into less of a monster.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks at hym in disbelief*

You started wars?! Poisoned towns?! You-you’re joking, right?

[alchemist-offical]

*chuckles quietly, picking up his mug and taking a long sip*

..No, I’m not joking. I’ll tell you the story of the time I did them together, if you’re so inclined.

[supervillain-offical]

*still disbelieving, picks up his tea*

Oh, yeah, sure! I-please! I must say, I’m pretty intrigued!

[alchemist-offical]

It’s not a happy story, might I preface.

*sighs*

This was.. oh, mid sixteen hundreds, I think. I lived in the Holy Roman Empire. I would generally flee from small state to small state every so often. One state, I.. can’t even remember its name now, I stayed in for a couple decades. They had a larger Jewish community than most.

*melancholy falls over his face*

The.. Prince of this state didn’t like that. One night, he arrests two Jews as they’re getting water from one of the town’s wells. He accuses them of attempting to poison the water supply. He fed hysteria to the people of the city. A few days later… a pogrom.

*voice quiets*

I had seen several pogroms before. But over.. a lie? Hundreds dead, several hundreds more injured, tens more missing, entire areas of the ghetto entirely destroyed and for what? A false rumour? Who am I kidding, that’s what they were always over. But I was livid. I.. found a water supply outside the ghetto, informed the rabbis, and decided that, if the prince wanted a poisoned water supply—

*hands tighten on hys mug, anger unlike any Savi’s heard from him before seeping into his voice*

—then I’d give him one. I poisoned every well and every aqueduct in that town. I watched for days as people got sicker and sicker with no help of getting better. And then I went to the Prince. I told him I did it, and his son—knowing very well he didn’t have one—had better respect my people more than he did.

*shrugs, forcing an apathetic demeanour*

And then I killed him. He had no heir. With no heir, surrounding kingdoms start getting involved, and…

*trails off for a moment, then continues eerily blankly*

They pillaged that town for days. It went up in flames.

[supervillain-offical]

*stares for a moment, then looks down*

Well-

Well you can’t call yourself a monster for that-

I mean-

I mean-

You were just trying to avenge your people and-and make something right that couldn’t be made right and-

You were angry and wanted justice, I-

I don’t think that could make you a monster-

Not like me-

[alchemist-offical]

Is that not what you do, too? Get revenge? Justice? Protect those you care about?

*shakes hys head, setting the mug down*

Do you not also take it too far?

[supervillain-offical]

N-no, I burned down an entire city because one guy whose death wasn’t caused in any way by anyone in said city, was killed. Just-just to irritate the guy who ordered his death!

I protect those I care about from the threats I brought to their doors in the first place!

…

I do take it too far. But I know that and I can’t stop.

[alchemist-offical]

*sighs*

stopping is always the hardest part

[supervillain-offical]

But I-I literally can’t! It’d just put everyone at more risk!

[alchemist-offical]

So you keep saying.

[supervillain-offical]

I-

I’m not trying to make excuses! I know I’m evil and it’s horrible! But-alright-I won’t stop as long as it protects everyone from the mess I got them into. If-if that makes sense.

[alchemist-offical]

it does. I— I’m sorry I’m not that able to help you, Savi.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks down*

But clearly I-I’m not doing enough-

*sighs*

No. Thanks. You-you have helped a lot.

[alchemist-offical]

*nods, falling silent with a sigh*

[alchemist-offical]

*wanting to get away from the city, Savi tries to take a walk in the forest, but between his lack of knowledge of nature and his current lack of focus or attention to really anything, he quickly becomes lost*

- @supervillain-offical

*out gathering plants when hy spots Savi. He waves, but, noticing Savi’s distant demeanour, pauses and decides to walk up to him*

Hey—Savi. What are you doing all the way out here?

[supervillain-offical]

*blinks, looks up, startled*

Anshel-

What-what are you doing here?

[alchemist-offical]

…I live out here, silly.

[supervillain-offical]

Oh-

Yeah-

*looks around the forest*

R-right-

[alchemist-offical]

*tilts his head, studying Savi*

are you alright?

[supervillain-offical]

*opens his mouth, closes it, looks around then away*

Y-yeah.

[alchemist-offical]

What are you doing all the way out here?

[supervillain-offical]

Walking.

Uh.

Where-where’s here exactly?

[alchemist-offical]

In the woods. Just—you know, outside the city.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks relieved*

Not-not far?

[alchemist-offical]

*blinks*

I- what? No, you are far outside the city. That’s.. why I’m asking you why you’re out here. Seriously, are you okay? You’re not making a ton of sense

[supervillain-offical]

Oh-

Ohhhh-

*looks worried now*

Far as in-as in how far?

[alchemist-offical]

at least a half an hour’s walk past my cabin.

*looks even more concerned now*

seriously, are you alright?

[supervillain-offical]

*shakes his head quickly as if to wake up more*

I-

I’m, yeah, I-

I was just going for a walk-

Lost-lost track of time…and…where I was going…

[alchemist-offical]

I thought you were afraid of the outdoors?

*shakes hys head*

Something is wrong. You don’t have to tell me what, but I can see there is. Why don’t you come back with me and rest for a bit? Maybe have some tea and food.

[supervillain-offical]

*hesitates*

I-I am-

I-

*looks down, sighs*

If-if you’re sure, then I-I wouldn’t mind taking you up on that offer-

[alchemist-offical]

*nods and turns around, walking deeper into the forest. He gestures for Savi to follow hym*

[supervillain-offical]

*follows, trying to keep his attention on Anshel as he walks through the forest, a bit spooked at one point by a bird*

[alchemist-offical]

*glances back*

You must have been really distracted if you got all the way out here and didn’t notice.

*looks in front again*

It’s going to take a bit to get back. Do you want to talk about anything while we’re walking?

[supervillain-offical]

I-I-

Y-yeah-

*hesitant again*

*tightly*

I burned down a city.

[alchemist-offical]

Oh.

*pauses for a moment*

..may I ask why?

[supervillain-offical]

*looking away, swallows*

One of my-one of my best friends killed my brother.

[alchemist-offical]

*a bit incredulously*

..and they’re still your best friend

*shakes his head, adding quickly*

I’m sorry. That was- that was wildly inappropriate of me. My sincerest condolences. I.. know it hurts to lose a family member.

[supervillain-offical]

*swallows, defensively*

O-one of my best friends-

His-his boss made it so it-

And-and he didn’t know it was my brother-

I-it’s boss really hates me-

Which is…is part of the reason I burned down the city. T-to annoy him. Which is-

Yeah-

I-I know-

*grits teeth and continues to look down*

…th-thanks. I should’ve known better though-

[alchemist-offical]

*merely hums*

Enough of that. The ‘should have known better.’ You have hindsight now; you didn’t then. Besides, you couldn’t have known that was going to happen. You aren’t in control for others’ actions.

[supervillain-offical]

*sighs*

That-that’s what Elliot-a-a friend of mine-said.

And I-I know that-

But I did know I was putting him at risk by seeing him-

[alchemist-offical]

You blame yourself a lot, you know that? You look for every conceivable way something could possibly be your fault. It isn’t good for you.

[supervillain-offical]

*falters*

…I-I don’t know if feels easier…

[alchemist-offical]

Just because something’s easier doesn’t mean it’s better.

[supervillain-offical]

I-I can take it though and it’s easier and I don’t really have a-a habit of doing what’s better, so.

*falls quiet again*

[alchemist-offical]

*sighs and shakes hys head, also falling silent again*

[supervillain-offical]

*stays quiet as they walk*

[alchemist-offical]

*after a while they finally reach Anshel’s cabin. Anshel reaches up and brushes the mezuzah, then lightly kisses his fingers where they danced over the metal. He pushes open the door, standing behind it and gesturing for Savi to come in*

[supervillain-offical]

*Savi blinks looking up*

O-oh-

We’re here already-

*looks relieved again*

Thanks!

[alchemist-offical]

*nods, though still looking concerned*

Of course.

[supervillain-offical]

*takes a breath, steps inside*

[alchemist-offical]

*closes the door after Savi gently*

Would you like some tea? Or something to eat?

[supervillain-offical]

*hesitates, clears throat, trying to focus more*

If-if it’s not too much to ask-

Like-

Y-you don’t need to-

But I wouldn’t mind-

*shrugs*

[alchemist-offical]

*shakes hys head, insistently*

You’re my guest. It’s not too much to ask.

*steps over to hys cabinet, preparing the tea. As the water is boiling, he opens a different cabinet, rummaging through it*

um… it looks like I still have some chocolate babka left in here, if you’d like that.

[supervillain-offical]

I-I think I would-

*looks around*

Is…is it alright if I sit down?

[alchemist-offical]

*teasingly*

No, because I’ve never let you sit when you’re here before.

*takes the babka from the cupboard, which is in a container. He takes the lid off the container, walking over to Savi*

Of course you can sit.

[supervillain-offical]

*pauses then smiles slightly, taking a seat*

Th-thanks, Anshel.

[alchemist-offical]

*also smiles, amused. He holds out the container to Savi*

of course. Help yourself

[supervillain-offical]

*slowly takes some*

*repeats*

Thanks.

*takes a small bite*

[alchemist-offical]

*sets the container down in front of Savi and goes to take the kettle off the stove and pour the tea*

[supervillain-offical]

*hesitates then takes some more, not having really eaten much recently*

[alchemist-offical]

*walks back over with his measuring-cup-mugs and sets one down in front of Savi before sitting in a chair across from him*

[supervillain-offical]

*looks down at the tea*

Thanks-

For-for this on such short notice-

[alchemist-offical]

All good, my friend.

[supervillain-offical]

*continues to sit there for a moment then takes a sip of the tea*

S-so, how have you been?

[alchemist-offical]

*shrugs*

I’ve been pretty well. Had some curious visitors recently. A.. top hat, I think, that got in through the holes of my cabin that I haven’t been able to patch up, and a lovely person who just stumbled across my cabin while they were lost.

*laughs*

This may be the most people I’ve interacted with in a certain amount of time in the past fifty, maybe sixty years.

[supervillain-offical]

O-oh!

*smiles slightly*

I’m glad y-you’ve gotten a lot of visitors lately!

I might-I might know the Tophat.

[alchemist-offical]

*looks into hys tea awkwardly*

they were… a character, certainly. A bit concerning

[supervillain-offical]

They-they uh certainly have their own ways-

[alchemist-offical]

*shakes his head*

but let’s not gossip, shall we.

*thinks*

oh, one of the people I met recently was looking for a building surrounded by a wall of fire. Would you happen to know anything about that?

[supervillain-offical]

*shakes head*

No I-

*takes a moment to realize*

Wait-

What-

*narrows eyes*

That sounds like my lair.

[alchemist-offical]

Oh, weird. They said they were looking for someone they used to know but the only direction they were given was that they lived in a building surrounded by a wall of fire.

*shrugs*

and considering your lair did not have fire the last time I was there…

[supervillain-offical]

Y-yeah

N-new thing-

*mutters, looking apprehensive now*

Wh-what is this about?

If…if they come back, please don’t tell them? I-I have a lot-a lot-of enemies.

[alchemist-offical]

Oh, alright.

*takes a sip of his tea*

They did seem really nice, though. Their name was.. Jinthe? I think? In any case.

[supervillain-offical]

Huh?

*pauses*

I-I don’t think ‘Im familiar with them.

[alchemist-offical]

Oh, curious. Maybe ask around a bit when you get back. See if you can find who they were looking for.

[supervillain-offical]

*takes a breath, nods*

I will…I-I should…

[alchemist-offical]

*sips hys tea, falling silent*

[supervillain-offical]

*also falls silent, then suddenly looks like he wants to say something, then falls silent again*

[alchemist-offical]

You can talk if you’d like to.

*adds, teasingly*

You’re also allowed to drink the tea.

[supervillain-offical]

A-alright-

*takes a breath, smiles slightly and shakily picks up the tea*

*takes a sip, still looks like he has something to say but hesitates*

[alchemist-offical]

*drinking his own tea, figuring he’ll let Savi share on his own time*

[supervillain-offical]

*hesitant*

I…d-do…you have any-l-like-tips on dealing with -uh-s-siblings’ deaths?

[alchemist-offical]

*looks away, melancholy falling over his face. After a moment, he sighs*

I mean.. I do, but.. non-religious tips? Not really.

*looks back down at his tea*

I suppose just… I devoted myself to something that brought me comfort. Even after all these centuries, it always has. It’s the one thing that keeps me rooted in.. who I am. Who I was. I can only say try to find something similar for yourself.

[supervillain-offical]

*swallows and nods, looking down at his cup before finally taking a sip*

Thanks-

[alchemist-offical]

*nods as well, quiet for a few minutes*

I’ll.. admit, when I was younger, I wasn’t too different from you. I was angry. I was in a lot of pain. I made a lot of rash decisions that I wish I could go back on.

*exhales quietly, tapping his fingers on his mug*

Wishing doesn’t get me anywhere. Nor you. But I can at least try and save you from my fate.

[supervillain-offical]

*swallows*

Y-you shouldn’t waste your time on me.

*gives a soft, hollow chuckle*

Funnily enough, this is my second sibling killed as a way to get back at me.

[alchemist-offical]

*shakes hys head*

I’m not “wasting my time” on you.

*something flickers in Anshel’s eyes for a moment. What, is hard to say*

…I’m sorry. You don’t deserve that.

[supervillain-offical]

*shakes head*

I do deserve it though, that-that’s the problem-

If-if I’d known beforehand that I’d have siblings around then I wouldn’t have-wouldn’t have been so-

*sighs, runs a hand through his hair*

S-so reckless.

[alchemist-offical]

You’re blaming yourself again.

*sets his cup down*

Savi. It isn’t your fault for what others do. You don’t control other’s actions. And I know that can be hard to hear after something like that, but I need you to understand it isn’t your fault.

[supervillain-offical]

*snaps slightly*

A-and-

If I don’t blame myself then-then what? I just-I just move on? He trusted me a-and I failed him and I just-just shrug it off and move on?

[alchemist-offical]

I never said move on. You’re allowed to grieve without making yourself at fault.

[supervillain-offical]

*quietly*

I-I don’t think I know how.

[alchemist-offical]

*gently*

That’s something you’ll have to learn how to do on your own time. But blaming yourself is almost as bad as not grieving at all, Savi. You’re turning grief into a way of harming yourself. I just—I want you to understand that. It isn’t fair to you to do that, and it isn’t fair to the people you’ve lost.

[supervillain-offical]

*falls quiet, shakes his head*

I-I can’t honor him and I d-don’t want to forget him or move on-

And I mean, come on I am at least partially at fault!

[alchemist-offical]

*sighs*

You’re not. One day, maybe you’ll understand that. It doesn’t seem like today’s that day.

*picks up his cup and takes a long sip*

that’s okay. Healing takes time

[supervillain-offical]

*takes another sip of tea then bangs the cup down, almost causing it to spill*

I-I don’t have time to heal because someone else will be dead tomorrow!

*looks at the tea, then at Anshel, then away*

S-sorry.

[alchemist-offical]

It’s okay.

*sets his cup down*

Savi, you’re immortal now, whether you like it or not. That means you will see people die. There is nothing you can do about it. Death is a part of life. It is a fact of life. The more time you spend fighting it, the more it will hurt.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks panicked*

I-I’m not even thirty!

I can’t-I can’t do this forever!

And if I were to die I don’t even know if half the people I care about would go to any afterlife-

I don’t-I can’t get one fucking I don’t know day where I don’t have to worry about someone dying-

*takes a breath*

S-sorry-

I’m not-

Y-you know that, I-

Sorry, I-I just feel helpless I guess. I shouldn’t-

*trails off*

[alchemist-offical]

*quiet for a while*

..I know what it feels like. I don’t really remember how old I was when I became immortal. It’s been so long since then. I think I was in my late twenties. Around thirty, maybe. No older than thirty two.

*laughs quietly, hollowly, then sighs*

You don’t have to apologise. I know it’s hard.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks at him for a while*

I know I’ve said this before but, I-I don’t know how you’re so-

So good-

[alchemist-offical]

*huffs lightly and smiles*

it’s the Jew in me

*shakes hys head, staring at one of the walls*

You want to know something? When I say I understand where you are right now, I mean it. I’ve poisoned towns of thousands, Savi. I caused wars. I killed people with my own hands. I was angry when I was younger.

*looks down to hys mug, staring into his tea*

I still am. I’m not good. I’ve just lived long enough to be made into less of a monster.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks at hym in disbelief*

You started wars?! Poisoned towns?! You-you’re joking, right?

[alchemist-offical]

*chuckles quietly, picking up his mug and taking a long sip*

..No, I’m not joking. I’ll tell you the story of the time I did them together, if you’re so inclined.

[supervillain-offical]

*still disbelieving, picks up his tea*

Oh, yeah, sure! I-please! I must say, I’m pretty intrigued!

[alchemist-offical]

It’s not a happy story, might I preface.

*sighs*

This was.. oh, mid sixteen hundreds, I think. I lived in the Holy Roman Empire. I would generally flee from small state to small state every so often. One state, I.. can’t even remember its name now, I stayed in for a couple decades. They had a larger Jewish community than most.

*melancholy falls over his face*

The.. Prince of this state didn’t like that. One night, he arrests two Jews as they’re getting water from one of the town’s wells. He accuses them of attempting to poison the water supply. He fed hysteria to the people of the city. A few days later… a pogrom.

*voice quiets*

I had seen several pogroms before. But over.. a lie? Hundreds dead, several hundreds more injured, tens more missing, entire areas of the ghetto entirely destroyed and for what? A false rumour? Who am I kidding, that’s what they were always over. But I was livid. I.. found a water supply outside the ghetto, informed the rabbis, and decided that, if the prince wanted a poisoned water supply—

*hands tighten on hys mug, anger unlike any Savi’s heard from him before seeping into his voice*

—then I’d give him one. I poisoned every well and every aqueduct in that town. I watched for days as people got sicker and sicker with no help of getting better. And then I went to the Prince. I told him I did it, and his son—knowing very well he didn’t have one—had better respect my people more than he did.

*shrugs, forcing an apathetic demeanour*

And then I killed him. He had no heir. With no heir, surrounding kingdoms start getting involved, and…

*trails off for a moment, then continues eerily blankly*

They pillaged that town for days. It went up in flames.

[supervillain-offical]

*stares for a moment, then looks down*

Well-

Well you can’t call yourself a monster for that-

I mean-

I mean-

You were just trying to avenge your people and-and make something right that couldn’t be made right and-

You were angry and wanted justice, I-

I don’t think that could make you a monster-

Not like me-

[alchemist-offical]

Is that not what you do, too? Get revenge? Justice? Protect those you care about?

*shakes hys head, setting the mug down*

Do you not also take it too far?

[supervillain-offical]

N-no, I burned down an entire city because one guy whose death wasn’t caused in any way by anyone in said city, was killed. Just-just to irritate the guy who ordered his death!

I protect those I care about from the threats I brought to their doors in the first place!

…

I do take it too far. But I know that and I can’t stop.

[alchemist-offical]

*sighs*

stopping is always the hardest part

[supervillain-offical]

But I-I literally can’t! It’d just put everyone at more risk!

[alchemist-offical]

So you keep saying.

[supervillain-offical]

I-

I’m not trying to make excuses! I know I’m evil and it’s horrible! But-alright-I won’t stop as long as it protects everyone from the mess I got them into. If-if that makes sense.

[alchemist-offical]

it does. I— I’m sorry I’m not that able to help you, Savi.

[alchemist-offical]

*wanting to get away from the city, Savi tries to take a walk in the forest, but between his lack of knowledge of nature and his current lack of focus or attention to really anything, he quickly becomes lost*

- @supervillain-offical

*out gathering plants when hy spots Savi. He waves, but, noticing Savi’s distant demeanour, pauses and decides to walk up to him*

Hey—Savi. What are you doing all the way out here?

[supervillain-offical]

*blinks, looks up, startled*

Anshel-

What-what are you doing here?

[alchemist-offical]

…I live out here, silly.

[supervillain-offical]

Oh-

Yeah-

*looks around the forest*

R-right-

[alchemist-offical]

*tilts his head, studying Savi*

are you alright?

[supervillain-offical]

*opens his mouth, closes it, looks around then away*

Y-yeah.

[alchemist-offical]

What are you doing all the way out here?

[supervillain-offical]

Walking.

Uh.

Where-where’s here exactly?

[alchemist-offical]

In the woods. Just—you know, outside the city.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks relieved*

Not-not far?

[alchemist-offical]

*blinks*

I- what? No, you are far outside the city. That’s.. why I’m asking you why you’re out here. Seriously, are you okay? You’re not making a ton of sense

[supervillain-offical]

Oh-

Ohhhh-

*looks worried now*

Far as in-as in how far?

[alchemist-offical]

at least a half an hour’s walk past my cabin.

*looks even more concerned now*

seriously, are you alright?

[supervillain-offical]

*shakes his head quickly as if to wake up more*

I-

I’m, yeah, I-

I was just going for a walk-

Lost-lost track of time…and…where I was going…

[alchemist-offical]

I thought you were afraid of the outdoors?

*shakes hys head*

Something is wrong. You don’t have to tell me what, but I can see there is. Why don’t you come back with me and rest for a bit? Maybe have some tea and food.

[supervillain-offical]

*hesitates*

I-I am-

I-

*looks down, sighs*

If-if you’re sure, then I-I wouldn’t mind taking you up on that offer-

[alchemist-offical]

*nods and turns around, walking deeper into the forest. He gestures for Savi to follow hym*

[supervillain-offical]

*follows, trying to keep his attention on Anshel as he walks through the forest, a bit spooked at one point by a bird*

[alchemist-offical]

*glances back*

You must have been really distracted if you got all the way out here and didn’t notice.

*looks in front again*

It’s going to take a bit to get back. Do you want to talk about anything while we’re walking?

[supervillain-offical]

I-I-

Y-yeah-

*hesitant again*

*tightly*

I burned down a city.

[alchemist-offical]

Oh.

*pauses for a moment*

..may I ask why?

[supervillain-offical]

*looking away, swallows*

One of my-one of my best friends killed my brother.

[alchemist-offical]

*a bit incredulously*

..and they’re still your best friend

*shakes his head, adding quickly*

I’m sorry. That was- that was wildly inappropriate of me. My sincerest condolences. I.. know it hurts to lose a family member.

[supervillain-offical]

*swallows, defensively*

O-one of my best friends-

His-his boss made it so it-

And-and he didn’t know it was my brother-

I-it’s boss really hates me-

Which is…is part of the reason I burned down the city. T-to annoy him. Which is-

Yeah-

I-I know-

*grits teeth and continues to look down*

…th-thanks. I should’ve known better though-

[alchemist-offical]

*merely hums*

Enough of that. The ‘should have known better.’ You have hindsight now; you didn’t then. Besides, you couldn’t have known that was going to happen. You aren’t in control for others’ actions.

[supervillain-offical]

*sighs*

That-that’s what Elliot-a-a friend of mine-said.

And I-I know that-

But I did know I was putting him at risk by seeing him-

[alchemist-offical]

You blame yourself a lot, you know that? You look for every conceivable way something could possibly be your fault. It isn’t good for you.

[supervillain-offical]

*falters*

…I-I don’t know if feels easier…

[alchemist-offical]

Just because something’s easier doesn’t mean it’s better.

[supervillain-offical]

I-I can take it though and it’s easier and I don’t really have a-a habit of doing what’s better, so.

*falls quiet again*

[alchemist-offical]

*sighs and shakes hys head, also falling silent again*

[supervillain-offical]

*stays quiet as they walk*

[alchemist-offical]

*after a while they finally reach Anshel’s cabin. Anshel reaches up and brushes the mezuzah, then lightly kisses his fingers where they danced over the metal. He pushes open the door, standing behind it and gesturing for Savi to come in*

[supervillain-offical]

*Savi blinks looking up*

O-oh-

We’re here already-

*looks relieved again*

Thanks!

[alchemist-offical]

*nods, though still looking concerned*

Of course.

[supervillain-offical]

*takes a breath, steps inside*

[alchemist-offical]

*closes the door after Savi gently*

Would you like some tea? Or something to eat?

[supervillain-offical]

*hesitates, clears throat, trying to focus more*

If-if it’s not too much to ask-

Like-

Y-you don’t need to-

But I wouldn’t mind-

*shrugs*

[alchemist-offical]

*shakes hys head, insistently*

You’re my guest. It’s not too much to ask.

*steps over to hys cabinet, preparing the tea. As the water is boiling, he opens a different cabinet, rummaging through it*

um… it looks like I still have some chocolate babka left in here, if you’d like that.

[supervillain-offical]

I-I think I would-

*looks around*

Is…is it alright if I sit down?

[alchemist-offical]

*teasingly*

No, because I’ve never let you sit when you’re here before.

*takes the babka from the cupboard, which is in a container. He takes the lid off the container, walking over to Savi*

Of course you can sit.

[supervillain-offical]

*pauses then smiles slightly, taking a seat*

Th-thanks, Anshel.

[alchemist-offical]

*also smiles, amused. He holds out the container to Savi*

of course. Help yourself

[supervillain-offical]

*slowly takes some*

*repeats*

Thanks.

*takes a small bite*

[alchemist-offical]

*sets the container down in front of Savi and goes to take the kettle off the stove and pour the tea*

[supervillain-offical]

*hesitates then takes some more, not having really eaten much recently*

[alchemist-offical]

*walks back over with his measuring-cup-mugs and sets one down in front of Savi before sitting in a chair across from him*

[supervillain-offical]

*looks down at the tea*

Thanks-

For-for this on such short notice-

[alchemist-offical]

All good, my friend.

[supervillain-offical]

*continues to sit there for a moment then takes a sip of the tea*

S-so, how have you been?

[alchemist-offical]

*shrugs*

I’ve been pretty well. Had some curious visitors recently. A.. top hat, I think, that got in through the holes of my cabin that I haven’t been able to patch up, and a lovely person who just stumbled across my cabin while they were lost.

*laughs*

This may be the most people I’ve interacted with in a certain amount of time in the past fifty, maybe sixty years.

[supervillain-offical]

O-oh!

*smiles slightly*

I’m glad y-you’ve gotten a lot of visitors lately!

I might-I might know the Tophat.

[alchemist-offical]

*looks into hys tea awkwardly*

they were… a character, certainly. A bit concerning

[supervillain-offical]

They-they uh certainly have their own ways-

[alchemist-offical]

*shakes his head*

but let’s not gossip, shall we.

*thinks*

oh, one of the people I met recently was looking for a building surrounded by a wall of fire. Would you happen to know anything about that?

[supervillain-offical]

*shakes head*

No I-

*takes a moment to realize*

Wait-

What-

*narrows eyes*

That sounds like my lair.

[alchemist-offical]

Oh, weird. They said they were looking for someone they used to know but the only direction they were given was that they lived in a building surrounded by a wall of fire.

*shrugs*

and considering your lair did not have fire the last time I was there…

[supervillain-offical]

Y-yeah

N-new thing-

*mutters, looking apprehensive now*

Wh-what is this about?

If…if they come back, please don’t tell them? I-I have a lot-a lot-of enemies.

[alchemist-offical]

Oh, alright.

*takes a sip of his tea*

They did seem really nice, though. Their name was.. Jinthe? I think? In any case.

[supervillain-offical]

Huh?

*pauses*

I-I don’t think ‘Im familiar with them.

[alchemist-offical]

Oh, curious. Maybe ask around a bit when you get back. See if you can find who they were looking for.

[supervillain-offical]

*takes a breath, nods*

I will…I-I should…

[alchemist-offical]

*sips hys tea, falling silent*

[supervillain-offical]

*also falls silent, then suddenly looks like he wants to say something, then falls silent again*

[alchemist-offical]

You can talk if you’d like to.

*adds, teasingly*

You’re also allowed to drink the tea.

[supervillain-offical]

A-alright-

*takes a breath, smiles slightly and shakily picks up the tea*

*takes a sip, still looks like he has something to say but hesitates*

[alchemist-offical]

*drinking his own tea, figuring he’ll let Savi share on his own time*

[supervillain-offical]

*hesitant*

I…d-do…you have any-l-like-tips on dealing with -uh-s-siblings’ deaths?

[alchemist-offical]

*looks away, melancholy falling over his face. After a moment, he sighs*

I mean.. I do, but.. non-religious tips? Not really.

*looks back down at his tea*

I suppose just… I devoted myself to something that brought me comfort. Even after all these centuries, it always has. It’s the one thing that keeps me rooted in.. who I am. Who I was. I can only say try to find something similar for yourself.

[supervillain-offical]

*swallows and nods, looking down at his cup before finally taking a sip*

Thanks-

[alchemist-offical]

*nods as well, quiet for a few minutes*

I’ll.. admit, when I was younger, I wasn’t too different from you. I was angry. I was in a lot of pain. I made a lot of rash decisions that I wish I could go back on.

*exhales quietly, tapping his fingers on his mug*

Wishing doesn’t get me anywhere. Nor you. But I can at least try and save you from my fate.

[supervillain-offical]

*swallows*

Y-you shouldn’t waste your time on me.

*gives a soft, hollow chuckle*

Funnily enough, this is my second sibling killed as a way to get back at me.

[alchemist-offical]

*shakes hys head*

I’m not “wasting my time” on you.

*something flickers in Anshel’s eyes for a moment. What, is hard to say*

…I’m sorry. You don’t deserve that.

[supervillain-offical]

*shakes head*

I do deserve it though, that-that’s the problem-

If-if I’d known beforehand that I’d have siblings around then I wouldn’t have-wouldn’t have been so-

*sighs, runs a hand through his hair*

S-so reckless.

[alchemist-offical]

You’re blaming yourself again.

*sets his cup down*

Savi. It isn’t your fault for what others do. You don’t control other’s actions. And I know that can be hard to hear after something like that, but I need you to understand it isn’t your fault.

[supervillain-offical]

*snaps slightly*

A-and-

If I don’t blame myself then-then what? I just-I just move on? He trusted me a-and I failed him and I just-just shrug it off and move on?

[alchemist-offical]

I never said move on. You’re allowed to grieve without making yourself at fault.

[supervillain-offical]

*quietly*

I-I don’t think I know how.

[alchemist-offical]

*gently*

That’s something you’ll have to learn how to do on your own time. But blaming yourself is almost as bad as not grieving at all, Savi. You’re turning grief into a way of harming yourself. I just—I want you to understand that. It isn’t fair to you to do that, and it isn’t fair to the people you’ve lost.

[supervillain-offical]

*falls quiet, shakes his head*

I-I can’t honor him and I d-don’t want to forget him or move on-

And I mean, come on I am at least partially at fault!

[alchemist-offical]

*sighs*

You’re not. One day, maybe you’ll understand that. It doesn’t seem like today’s that day.

*picks up his cup and takes a long sip*

that’s okay. Healing takes time

[supervillain-offical]

*takes another sip of tea then bangs the cup down, almost causing it to spill*

I-I don’t have time to heal because someone else will be dead tomorrow!

*looks at the tea, then at Anshel, then away*

S-sorry.

[alchemist-offical]

It’s okay.

*sets his cup down*

Savi, you’re immortal now, whether you like it or not. That means you will see people die. There is nothing you can do about it. Death is a part of life. It is a fact of life. The more time you spend fighting it, the more it will hurt.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks panicked*

I-I’m not even thirty!

I can’t-I can’t do this forever!

And if I were to die I don’t even know if half the people I care about would go to any afterlife-

I don’t-I can’t get one fucking I don’t know day where I don’t have to worry about someone dying-

*takes a breath*

S-sorry-

I’m not-

Y-you know that, I-

Sorry, I-I just feel helpless I guess. I shouldn’t-

*trails off*

[alchemist-offical]

*quiet for a while*

..I know what it feels like. I don’t really remember how old I was when I became immortal. It’s been so long since then. I think I was in my late twenties. Around thirty, maybe. No older than thirty two.

*laughs quietly, hollowly, then sighs*

You don’t have to apologise. I know it’s hard.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks at him for a while*

I know I’ve said this before but, I-I don’t know how you’re so-

So good-

[alchemist-offical]

*huffs lightly and smiles*

it’s the Jew in me

*shakes hys head, staring at one of the walls*

You want to know something? When I say I understand where you are right now, I mean it. I’ve poisoned towns of thousands, Savi. I caused wars. I killed people with my own hands. I was angry when I was younger.

*looks down to hys mug, staring into his tea*

I still am. I’m not good. I’ve just lived long enough to be made into less of a monster.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks at hym in disbelief*

You started wars?! Poisoned towns?! You-you’re joking, right?

[alchemist-offical]

*chuckles quietly, picking up his mug and taking a long sip*

..No, I’m not joking. I’ll tell you the story of the time I did them together, if you’re so inclined.

[supervillain-offical]

*still disbelieving, picks up his tea*

Oh, yeah, sure! I-please! I must say, I’m pretty intrigued!

[alchemist-offical]

It’s not a happy story, might I preface.

*sighs*

This was.. oh, mid sixteen hundreds, I think. I lived in the Holy Roman Empire. I would generally flee from small state to small state every so often. One state, I.. can’t even remember its name now, I stayed in for a couple decades. They had a larger Jewish community than most.

*melancholy falls over his face*

The.. Prince of this state didn’t like that. One night, he arrests two Jews as they’re getting water from one of the town’s wells. He accuses them of attempting to poison the water supply. He fed hysteria to the people of the city. A few days later… a pogrom.

*voice quiets*

I had seen several pogroms before. But over.. a lie? Hundreds dead, several hundreds more injured, tens more missing, entire areas of the ghetto entirely destroyed and for what? A false rumour? Who am I kidding, that’s what they were always over. But I was livid. I.. found a water supply outside the ghetto, informed the rabbis, and decided that, if the prince wanted a poisoned water supply—

*hands tighten on hys mug, anger unlike any Savi’s heard from him before seeping into his voice*

—then I’d give him one. I poisoned every well and every aqueduct in that town. I watched for days as people got sicker and sicker with no help of getting better. And then I went to the Prince. I told him I did it, and his son—knowing very well he didn’t have one—had better respect my people more than he did.

*shrugs, forcing an apathetic demeanour*

And then I killed him. He had no heir. With no heir, surrounding kingdoms start getting involved, and…

*trails off for a moment, then continues eerily blankly*

They pillaged that town for days. It went up in flames.

[supervillain-offical]

*stares for a moment, then looks down*

Well-

Well you can’t call yourself a monster for that-

I mean-

I mean-

You were just trying to avenge your people and-and make something right that couldn’t be made right and-

You were angry and wanted justice, I-

I don’t think that could make you a monster-

Not like me-

[alchemist-offical]

Is that not what you do, too? Get revenge? Justice? Protect those you care about?

*shakes hys head, setting the mug down*

Do you not also take it too far?

[supervillain-offical]

N-no, I burned down an entire city because one guy whose death wasn’t caused in any way by anyone in said city, was killed. Just-just to irritate the guy who ordered his death!

I protect those I care about from the threats I brought to their doors in the first place!

…

I do take it too far. But I know that and I can’t stop.

[alchemist-offical]

*sighs*

stopping is always the hardest part

[supervillain-offical]

But I-I literally can’t! It’d just put everyone at more risk!

[alchemist-offical]

So you keep saying.

[alchemist-offical]

*wanting to get away from the city, Savi tries to take a walk in the forest, but between his lack of knowledge of nature and his current lack of focus or attention to really anything, he quickly becomes lost*

- @supervillain-offical

*out gathering plants when hy spots Savi. He waves, but, noticing Savi’s distant demeanour, pauses and decides to walk up to him*

Hey—Savi. What are you doing all the way out here?

[supervillain-offical]

*blinks, looks up, startled*

Anshel-

What-what are you doing here?

[alchemist-offical]

…I live out here, silly.

[supervillain-offical]

Oh-

Yeah-

*looks around the forest*

R-right-

[alchemist-offical]

*tilts his head, studying Savi*

are you alright?

[supervillain-offical]

*opens his mouth, closes it, looks around then away*

Y-yeah.

[alchemist-offical]

What are you doing all the way out here?

[supervillain-offical]

Walking.

Uh.

Where-where’s here exactly?

[alchemist-offical]

In the woods. Just—you know, outside the city.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks relieved*

Not-not far?

[alchemist-offical]

*blinks*

I- what? No, you are far outside the city. That’s.. why I’m asking you why you’re out here. Seriously, are you okay? You’re not making a ton of sense

[supervillain-offical]

Oh-

Ohhhh-

*looks worried now*

Far as in-as in how far?

[alchemist-offical]

at least a half an hour’s walk past my cabin.

*looks even more concerned now*

seriously, are you alright?

[supervillain-offical]

*shakes his head quickly as if to wake up more*

I-

I’m, yeah, I-

I was just going for a walk-

Lost-lost track of time…and…where I was going…

[alchemist-offical]

I thought you were afraid of the outdoors?

*shakes hys head*

Something is wrong. You don’t have to tell me what, but I can see there is. Why don’t you come back with me and rest for a bit? Maybe have some tea and food.

[supervillain-offical]

*hesitates*

I-I am-

I-

*looks down, sighs*

If-if you’re sure, then I-I wouldn’t mind taking you up on that offer-

[alchemist-offical]

*nods and turns around, walking deeper into the forest. He gestures for Savi to follow hym*

[supervillain-offical]

*follows, trying to keep his attention on Anshel as he walks through the forest, a bit spooked at one point by a bird*

[alchemist-offical]

*glances back*

You must have been really distracted if you got all the way out here and didn’t notice.

*looks in front again*

It’s going to take a bit to get back. Do you want to talk about anything while we’re walking?

[supervillain-offical]

I-I-

Y-yeah-

*hesitant again*

*tightly*

I burned down a city.

[alchemist-offical]

Oh.

*pauses for a moment*

..may I ask why?

[supervillain-offical]

*looking away, swallows*

One of my-one of my best friends killed my brother.

[alchemist-offical]

*a bit incredulously*

..and they’re still your best friend

*shakes his head, adding quickly*

I’m sorry. That was- that was wildly inappropriate of me. My sincerest condolences. I.. know it hurts to lose a family member.

[supervillain-offical]

*swallows, defensively*

O-one of my best friends-

His-his boss made it so it-

And-and he didn’t know it was my brother-

I-it’s boss really hates me-

Which is…is part of the reason I burned down the city. T-to annoy him. Which is-

Yeah-

I-I know-

*grits teeth and continues to look down*

…th-thanks. I should’ve known better though-

[alchemist-offical]

*merely hums*

Enough of that. The ‘should have known better.’ You have hindsight now; you didn’t then. Besides, you couldn’t have known that was going to happen. You aren’t in control for others’ actions.

[supervillain-offical]

*sighs*

That-that’s what Elliot-a-a friend of mine-said.

And I-I know that-

But I did know I was putting him at risk by seeing him-

[alchemist-offical]

You blame yourself a lot, you know that? You look for every conceivable way something could possibly be your fault. It isn’t good for you.

[supervillain-offical]

*falters*

…I-I don’t know if feels easier…

[alchemist-offical]

Just because something’s easier doesn’t mean it’s better.

[supervillain-offical]

I-I can take it though and it’s easier and I don’t really have a-a habit of doing what’s better, so.

*falls quiet again*

[alchemist-offical]

*sighs and shakes hys head, also falling silent again*

[supervillain-offical]

*stays quiet as they walk*

[alchemist-offical]

*after a while they finally reach Anshel’s cabin. Anshel reaches up and brushes the mezuzah, then lightly kisses his fingers where they danced over the metal. He pushes open the door, standing behind it and gesturing for Savi to come in*

[supervillain-offical]

*Savi blinks looking up*

O-oh-

We’re here already-

*looks relieved again*

Thanks!

[alchemist-offical]

*nods, though still looking concerned*

Of course.

[supervillain-offical]

*takes a breath, steps inside*

[alchemist-offical]

*closes the door after Savi gently*

Would you like some tea? Or something to eat?

[supervillain-offical]

*hesitates, clears throat, trying to focus more*

If-if it’s not too much to ask-

Like-

Y-you don’t need to-

But I wouldn’t mind-

*shrugs*

[alchemist-offical]

*shakes hys head, insistently*

You’re my guest. It’s not too much to ask.

*steps over to hys cabinet, preparing the tea. As the water is boiling, he opens a different cabinet, rummaging through it*

um… it looks like I still have some chocolate babka left in here, if you’d like that.

[supervillain-offical]

I-I think I would-

*looks around*

Is…is it alright if I sit down?

[alchemist-offical]

*teasingly*

No, because I’ve never let you sit when you’re here before.

*takes the babka from the cupboard, which is in a container. He takes the lid off the container, walking over to Savi*

Of course you can sit.

[supervillain-offical]

*pauses then smiles slightly, taking a seat*

Th-thanks, Anshel.

[alchemist-offical]

*also smiles, amused. He holds out the container to Savi*

of course. Help yourself

[supervillain-offical]

*slowly takes some*

*repeats*

Thanks.

*takes a small bite*

[alchemist-offical]

*sets the container down in front of Savi and goes to take the kettle off the stove and pour the tea*

[supervillain-offical]

*hesitates then takes some more, not having really eaten much recently*

[alchemist-offical]

*walks back over with his measuring-cup-mugs and sets one down in front of Savi before sitting in a chair across from him*

[supervillain-offical]

*looks down at the tea*

Thanks-

For-for this on such short notice-

[alchemist-offical]

All good, my friend.

[supervillain-offical]

*continues to sit there for a moment then takes a sip of the tea*

S-so, how have you been?

[alchemist-offical]

*shrugs*

I’ve been pretty well. Had some curious visitors recently. A.. top hat, I think, that got in through the holes of my cabin that I haven’t been able to patch up, and a lovely person who just stumbled across my cabin while they were lost.

*laughs*

This may be the most people I’ve interacted with in a certain amount of time in the past fifty, maybe sixty years.

[supervillain-offical]

O-oh!

*smiles slightly*

I’m glad y-you’ve gotten a lot of visitors lately!

I might-I might know the Tophat.

[alchemist-offical]

*looks into hys tea awkwardly*

they were… a character, certainly. A bit concerning

[supervillain-offical]

They-they uh certainly have their own ways-

[alchemist-offical]

*shakes his head*

but let’s not gossip, shall we.

*thinks*

oh, one of the people I met recently was looking for a building surrounded by a wall of fire. Would you happen to know anything about that?

[supervillain-offical]

*shakes head*

No I-

*takes a moment to realize*

Wait-

What-

*narrows eyes*

That sounds like my lair.

[alchemist-offical]

Oh, weird. They said they were looking for someone they used to know but the only direction they were given was that they lived in a building surrounded by a wall of fire.

*shrugs*

and considering your lair did not have fire the last time I was there…

[supervillain-offical]

Y-yeah

N-new thing-

*mutters, looking apprehensive now*

Wh-what is this about?

If…if they come back, please don’t tell them? I-I have a lot-a lot-of enemies.

[alchemist-offical]

Oh, alright.

*takes a sip of his tea*

They did seem really nice, though. Their name was.. Jinthe? I think? In any case.

[supervillain-offical]

Huh?

*pauses*

I-I don’t think ‘Im familiar with them.

[alchemist-offical]

Oh, curious. Maybe ask around a bit when you get back. See if you can find who they were looking for.

[supervillain-offical]

*takes a breath, nods*

I will…I-I should…

[alchemist-offical]

*sips hys tea, falling silent*

[supervillain-offical]

*also falls silent, then suddenly looks like he wants to say something, then falls silent again*

[alchemist-offical]

You can talk if you’d like to.

*adds, teasingly*

You’re also allowed to drink the tea.

[supervillain-offical]

A-alright-

*takes a breath, smiles slightly and shakily picks up the tea*

*takes a sip, still looks like he has something to say but hesitates*

[alchemist-offical]

*drinking his own tea, figuring he’ll let Savi share on his own time*

[supervillain-offical]

*hesitant*

I…d-do…you have any-l-like-tips on dealing with -uh-s-siblings’ deaths?

[alchemist-offical]

*looks away, melancholy falling over his face. After a moment, he sighs*

I mean.. I do, but.. non-religious tips? Not really.

*looks back down at his tea*

I suppose just… I devoted myself to something that brought me comfort. Even after all these centuries, it always has. It’s the one thing that keeps me rooted in.. who I am. Who I was. I can only say try to find something similar for yourself.

[supervillain-offical]

*swallows and nods, looking down at his cup before finally taking a sip*

Thanks-

[alchemist-offical]

*nods as well, quiet for a few minutes*

I’ll.. admit, when I was younger, I wasn’t too different from you. I was angry. I was in a lot of pain. I made a lot of rash decisions that I wish I could go back on.

*exhales quietly, tapping his fingers on his mug*

Wishing doesn’t get me anywhere. Nor you. But I can at least try and save you from my fate.

[supervillain-offical]

*swallows*

Y-you shouldn’t waste your time on me.

*gives a soft, hollow chuckle*

Funnily enough, this is my second sibling killed as a way to get back at me.

[alchemist-offical]

*shakes hys head*

I’m not “wasting my time” on you.

*something flickers in Anshel’s eyes for a moment. What, is hard to say*

…I’m sorry. You don’t deserve that.

[supervillain-offical]

*shakes head*

I do deserve it though, that-that’s the problem-

If-if I’d known beforehand that I’d have siblings around then I wouldn’t have-wouldn’t have been so-

*sighs, runs a hand through his hair*

S-so reckless.

[alchemist-offical]

You’re blaming yourself again.

*sets his cup down*

Savi. It isn’t your fault for what others do. You don’t control other’s actions. And I know that can be hard to hear after something like that, but I need you to understand it isn’t your fault.

[supervillain-offical]

*snaps slightly*

A-and-

If I don’t blame myself then-then what? I just-I just move on? He trusted me a-and I failed him and I just-just shrug it off and move on?

[alchemist-offical]

I never said move on. You’re allowed to grieve without making yourself at fault.

[supervillain-offical]

*quietly*

I-I don’t think I know how.

[alchemist-offical]

*gently*

That’s something you’ll have to learn how to do on your own time. But blaming yourself is almost as bad as not grieving at all, Savi. You’re turning grief into a way of harming yourself. I just—I want you to understand that. It isn’t fair to you to do that, and it isn’t fair to the people you’ve lost.

[supervillain-offical]

*falls quiet, shakes his head*

I-I can’t honor him and I d-don’t want to forget him or move on-

And I mean, come on I am at least partially at fault!

[alchemist-offical]

*sighs*

You’re not. One day, maybe you’ll understand that. It doesn’t seem like today’s that day.

*picks up his cup and takes a long sip*

that’s okay. Healing takes time

[supervillain-offical]

*takes another sip of tea then bangs the cup down, almost causing it to spill*

I-I don’t have time to heal because someone else will be dead tomorrow!

*looks at the tea, then at Anshel, then away*

S-sorry.

[alchemist-offical]

It’s okay.

*sets his cup down*

Savi, you’re immortal now, whether you like it or not. That means you will see people die. There is nothing you can do about it. Death is a part of life. It is a fact of life. The more time you spend fighting it, the more it will hurt.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks panicked*

I-I’m not even thirty!

I can’t-I can’t do this forever!

And if I were to die I don’t even know if half the people I care about would go to any afterlife-

I don’t-I can’t get one fucking I don’t know day where I don’t have to worry about someone dying-

*takes a breath*

S-sorry-

I’m not-

Y-you know that, I-

Sorry, I-I just feel helpless I guess. I shouldn’t-

*trails off*

[alchemist-offical]

*quiet for a while*

..I know what it feels like. I don’t really remember how old I was when I became immortal. It’s been so long since then. I think I was in my late twenties. Around thirty, maybe. No older than thirty two.

*laughs quietly, hollowly, then sighs*

You don’t have to apologise. I know it’s hard.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks at him for a while*

I know I’ve said this before but, I-I don’t know how you’re so-

So good-

[alchemist-offical]

*huffs lightly and smiles*

it’s the Jew in me

*shakes hys head, staring at one of the walls*

You want to know something? When I say I understand where you are right now, I mean it. I’ve poisoned towns of thousands, Savi. I caused wars. I killed people with my own hands. I was angry when I was younger.

*looks down to hys mug, staring into his tea*

I still am. I’m not good. I’ve just lived long enough to be made into less of a monster.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks at hym in disbelief*

You started wars?! Poisoned towns?! You-you’re joking, right?

[alchemist-offical]

*chuckles quietly, picking up his mug and taking a long sip*

..No, I’m not joking. I’ll tell you the story of the time I did them together, if you’re so inclined.

[supervillain-offical]

*still disbelieving, picks up his tea*

Oh, yeah, sure! I-please! I must say, I’m pretty intrigued!

[alchemist-offical]

It’s not a happy story, might I preface.

*sighs*

This was.. oh, mid sixteen hundreds, I think. I lived in the Holy Roman Empire. I would generally flee from small state to small state every so often. One state, I.. can’t even remember its name now, I stayed in for a couple decades. They had a larger Jewish community than most.

*melancholy falls over his face*

The.. Prince of this state didn’t like that. One night, he arrests two Jews as they’re getting water from one of the town’s wells. He accuses them of attempting to poison the water supply. He fed hysteria to the people of the city. A few days later… a pogrom.

*voice quiets*

I had seen several pogroms before. But over.. a lie? Hundreds dead, several hundreds more injured, tens more missing, entire areas of the ghetto entirely destroyed and for what? A false rumour? Who am I kidding, that’s what they were always over. But I was livid. I.. found a water supply outside the ghetto, informed the rabbis, and decided that, if the prince wanted a poisoned water supply—

*hands tighten on hys mug, anger unlike any Savi’s heard from him before seeping into his voice*

—then I’d give him one. I poisoned every well and every aqueduct in that town. I watched for days as people got sicker and sicker with no help of getting better. And then I went to the Prince. I told him I did it, and his son—knowing very well he didn’t have one—had better respect my people more than he did.

*shrugs, forcing an apathetic demeanour*

And then I killed him. He had no heir. With no heir, surrounding kingdoms start getting involved, and…

*trails off for a moment, then continues eerily blankly*

They pillaged that town for days. It went up in flames.

[supervillain-offical]

*stares for a moment, then looks down*

Well-

Well you can’t call yourself a monster for that-

I mean-

I mean-

You were just trying to avenge your people and-and make something right that couldn’t be made right and-

You were angry and wanted justice, I-

I don’t think that could make you a monster-

Not like me-

[alchemist-offical]

Is that not what you do, too? Get revenge? Justice? Protect those you care about?

*shakes hys head, setting the mug down*

Do you not also take it too far?

[supervillain-offical]

N-no, I burned down an entire city because one guy whose death wasn’t caused in any way by anyone in said city, was killed. Just-just to irritate the guy who ordered his death!

I protect those I care about from the threats I brought to their doors in the first place!

…

I do take it too far. But I know that and I can’t stop.

[alchemist-offical]

*sighs*

stopping is always the hardest part

[alchemist-offical]

*wanting to get away from the city, Savi tries to take a walk in the forest, but between his lack of knowledge of nature and his current lack of focus or attention to really anything, he quickly becomes lost*

- @supervillain-offical

*out gathering plants when hy spots Savi. He waves, but, noticing Savi’s distant demeanour, pauses and decides to walk up to him*

Hey—Savi. What are you doing all the way out here?

[supervillain-offical]

*blinks, looks up, startled*

Anshel-

What-what are you doing here?

[alchemist-offical]

…I live out here, silly.

[supervillain-offical]

Oh-

Yeah-

*looks around the forest*

R-right-

[alchemist-offical]

*tilts his head, studying Savi*

are you alright?

[supervillain-offical]

*opens his mouth, closes it, looks around then away*

Y-yeah.

[alchemist-offical]

What are you doing all the way out here?

[supervillain-offical]

Walking.

Uh.

Where-where’s here exactly?

[alchemist-offical]

In the woods. Just—you know, outside the city.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks relieved*

Not-not far?

[alchemist-offical]

*blinks*

I- what? No, you are far outside the city. That’s.. why I’m asking you why you’re out here. Seriously, are you okay? You’re not making a ton of sense

[supervillain-offical]

Oh-

Ohhhh-

*looks worried now*

Far as in-as in how far?

[alchemist-offical]

at least a half an hour’s walk past my cabin.

*looks even more concerned now*

seriously, are you alright?

[supervillain-offical]

*shakes his head quickly as if to wake up more*

I-

I’m, yeah, I-

I was just going for a walk-

Lost-lost track of time…and…where I was going…

[alchemist-offical]

I thought you were afraid of the outdoors?

*shakes hys head*

Something is wrong. You don’t have to tell me what, but I can see there is. Why don’t you come back with me and rest for a bit? Maybe have some tea and food.

[supervillain-offical]

*hesitates*

I-I am-

I-

*looks down, sighs*

If-if you’re sure, then I-I wouldn’t mind taking you up on that offer-

[alchemist-offical]

*nods and turns around, walking deeper into the forest. He gestures for Savi to follow hym*

[supervillain-offical]

*follows, trying to keep his attention on Anshel as he walks through the forest, a bit spooked at one point by a bird*

[alchemist-offical]

*glances back*

You must have been really distracted if you got all the way out here and didn’t notice.

*looks in front again*

It’s going to take a bit to get back. Do you want to talk about anything while we’re walking?

[supervillain-offical]

I-I-

Y-yeah-

*hesitant again*

*tightly*

I burned down a city.

[alchemist-offical]

Oh.

*pauses for a moment*

..may I ask why?

[supervillain-offical]

*looking away, swallows*

One of my-one of my best friends killed my brother.

[alchemist-offical]

*a bit incredulously*

..and they’re still your best friend

*shakes his head, adding quickly*

I’m sorry. That was- that was wildly inappropriate of me. My sincerest condolences. I.. know it hurts to lose a family member.

[supervillain-offical]

*swallows, defensively*

O-one of my best friends-

His-his boss made it so it-

And-and he didn’t know it was my brother-

I-it’s boss really hates me-

Which is…is part of the reason I burned down the city. T-to annoy him. Which is-

Yeah-

I-I know-

*grits teeth and continues to look down*

…th-thanks. I should’ve known better though-

[alchemist-offical]

*merely hums*

Enough of that. The ‘should have known better.’ You have hindsight now; you didn’t then. Besides, you couldn’t have known that was going to happen. You aren’t in control for others’ actions.

[supervillain-offical]

*sighs*

That-that’s what Elliot-a-a friend of mine-said.

And I-I know that-

But I did know I was putting him at risk by seeing him-

[alchemist-offical]

You blame yourself a lot, you know that? You look for every conceivable way something could possibly be your fault. It isn’t good for you.

[supervillain-offical]

*falters*

…I-I don’t know if feels easier…

[alchemist-offical]

Just because something’s easier doesn’t mean it’s better.

[supervillain-offical]

I-I can take it though and it’s easier and I don’t really have a-a habit of doing what’s better, so.

*falls quiet again*

[alchemist-offical]

*sighs and shakes hys head, also falling silent again*

[supervillain-offical]

*stays quiet as they walk*

[alchemist-offical]

*after a while they finally reach Anshel’s cabin. Anshel reaches up and brushes the mezuzah, then lightly kisses his fingers where they danced over the metal. He pushes open the door, standing behind it and gesturing for Savi to come in*

[supervillain-offical]

*Savi blinks looking up*

O-oh-

We’re here already-

*looks relieved again*

Thanks!

[alchemist-offical]

*nods, though still looking concerned*

Of course.

[supervillain-offical]

*takes a breath, steps inside*

[alchemist-offical]

*closes the door after Savi gently*

Would you like some tea? Or something to eat?

[supervillain-offical]

*hesitates, clears throat, trying to focus more*

If-if it’s not too much to ask-

Like-

Y-you don’t need to-

But I wouldn’t mind-

*shrugs*

[alchemist-offical]

*shakes hys head, insistently*

You’re my guest. It’s not too much to ask.

*steps over to hys cabinet, preparing the tea. As the water is boiling, he opens a different cabinet, rummaging through it*

um… it looks like I still have some chocolate babka left in here, if you’d like that.

[supervillain-offical]

I-I think I would-

*looks around*

Is…is it alright if I sit down?

[alchemist-offical]

*teasingly*

No, because I’ve never let you sit when you’re here before.

*takes the babka from the cupboard, which is in a container. He takes the lid off the container, walking over to Savi*

Of course you can sit.

[supervillain-offical]

*pauses then smiles slightly, taking a seat*

Th-thanks, Anshel.

[alchemist-offical]

*also smiles, amused. He holds out the container to Savi*

of course. Help yourself

[supervillain-offical]

*slowly takes some*

*repeats*

Thanks.

*takes a small bite*

[alchemist-offical]

*sets the container down in front of Savi and goes to take the kettle off the stove and pour the tea*

[supervillain-offical]

*hesitates then takes some more, not having really eaten much recently*

[alchemist-offical]

*walks back over with his measuring-cup-mugs and sets one down in front of Savi before sitting in a chair across from him*

[supervillain-offical]

*looks down at the tea*

Thanks-

For-for this on such short notice-

[alchemist-offical]

All good, my friend.

[supervillain-offical]

*continues to sit there for a moment then takes a sip of the tea*

S-so, how have you been?

[alchemist-offical]

*shrugs*

I’ve been pretty well. Had some curious visitors recently. A.. top hat, I think, that got in through the holes of my cabin that I haven’t been able to patch up, and a lovely person who just stumbled across my cabin while they were lost.

*laughs*

This may be the most people I’ve interacted with in a certain amount of time in the past fifty, maybe sixty years.

[supervillain-offical]

O-oh!

*smiles slightly*

I’m glad y-you’ve gotten a lot of visitors lately!

I might-I might know the Tophat.

[alchemist-offical]

*looks into hys tea awkwardly*

they were… a character, certainly. A bit concerning

[supervillain-offical]

They-they uh certainly have their own ways-

[alchemist-offical]

*shakes his head*

but let’s not gossip, shall we.

*thinks*

oh, one of the people I met recently was looking for a building surrounded by a wall of fire. Would you happen to know anything about that?

[supervillain-offical]

*shakes head*

No I-

*takes a moment to realize*

Wait-

What-

*narrows eyes*

That sounds like my lair.

[alchemist-offical]

Oh, weird. They said they were looking for someone they used to know but the only direction they were given was that they lived in a building surrounded by a wall of fire.

*shrugs*

and considering your lair did not have fire the last time I was there…

[supervillain-offical]

Y-yeah

N-new thing-

*mutters, looking apprehensive now*

Wh-what is this about?

If…if they come back, please don’t tell them? I-I have a lot-a lot-of enemies.

[alchemist-offical]

Oh, alright.

*takes a sip of his tea*

They did seem really nice, though. Their name was.. Jinthe? I think? In any case.

[supervillain-offical]

Huh?

*pauses*

I-I don’t think ‘Im familiar with them.

[alchemist-offical]

Oh, curious. Maybe ask around a bit when you get back. See if you can find who they were looking for.

[supervillain-offical]

*takes a breath, nods*

I will…I-I should…

[alchemist-offical]

*sips hys tea, falling silent*

[supervillain-offical]

*also falls silent, then suddenly looks like he wants to say something, then falls silent again*

[alchemist-offical]

You can talk if you’d like to.

*adds, teasingly*

You’re also allowed to drink the tea.

[supervillain-offical]

A-alright-

*takes a breath, smiles slightly and shakily picks up the tea*

*takes a sip, still looks like he has something to say but hesitates*

[alchemist-offical]

*drinking his own tea, figuring he’ll let Savi share on his own time*

[supervillain-offical]

*hesitant*

I…d-do…you have any-l-like-tips on dealing with -uh-s-siblings’ deaths?

[alchemist-offical]

*looks away, melancholy falling over his face. After a moment, he sighs*

I mean.. I do, but.. non-religious tips? Not really.

*looks back down at his tea*

I suppose just… I devoted myself to something that brought me comfort. Even after all these centuries, it always has. It’s the one thing that keeps me rooted in.. who I am. Who I was. I can only say try to find something similar for yourself.

[supervillain-offical]

*swallows and nods, looking down at his cup before finally taking a sip*

Thanks-

[alchemist-offical]

*nods as well, quiet for a few minutes*

I’ll.. admit, when I was younger, I wasn’t too different from you. I was angry. I was in a lot of pain. I made a lot of rash decisions that I wish I could go back on.

*exhales quietly, tapping his fingers on his mug*

Wishing doesn’t get me anywhere. Nor you. But I can at least try and save you from my fate.

[supervillain-offical]

*swallows*

Y-you shouldn’t waste your time on me.

*gives a soft, hollow chuckle*

Funnily enough, this is my second sibling killed as a way to get back at me.

[alchemist-offical]

*shakes hys head*

I’m not “wasting my time” on you.

*something flickers in Anshel’s eyes for a moment. What, is hard to say*

…I’m sorry. You don’t deserve that.

[supervillain-offical]

*shakes head*

I do deserve it though, that-that’s the problem-

If-if I’d known beforehand that I’d have siblings around then I wouldn’t have-wouldn’t have been so-

*sighs, runs a hand through his hair*

S-so reckless.

[alchemist-offical]

You’re blaming yourself again.

*sets his cup down*

Savi. It isn’t your fault for what others do. You don’t control other’s actions. And I know that can be hard to hear after something like that, but I need you to understand it isn’t your fault.

[supervillain-offical]

*snaps slightly*

A-and-

If I don’t blame myself then-then what? I just-I just move on? He trusted me a-and I failed him and I just-just shrug it off and move on?

[alchemist-offical]

I never said move on. You’re allowed to grieve without making yourself at fault.

[supervillain-offical]

*quietly*

I-I don’t think I know how.

[alchemist-offical]

*gently*

That’s something you’ll have to learn how to do on your own time. But blaming yourself is almost as bad as not grieving at all, Savi. You’re turning grief into a way of harming yourself. I just—I want you to understand that. It isn’t fair to you to do that, and it isn’t fair to the people you’ve lost.

[supervillain-offical]

*falls quiet, shakes his head*

I-I can’t honor him and I d-don’t want to forget him or move on-

And I mean, come on I am at least partially at fault!

[alchemist-offical]

*sighs*

You’re not. One day, maybe you’ll understand that. It doesn’t seem like today’s that day.

*picks up his cup and takes a long sip*

that’s okay. Healing takes time

[supervillain-offical]

*takes another sip of tea then bangs the cup down, almost causing it to spill*

I-I don’t have time to heal because someone else will be dead tomorrow!

*looks at the tea, then at Anshel, then away*

S-sorry.

[alchemist-offical]

It’s okay.

*sets his cup down*

Savi, you’re immortal now, whether you like it or not. That means you will see people die. There is nothing you can do about it. Death is a part of life. It is a fact of life. The more time you spend fighting it, the more it will hurt.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks panicked*

I-I’m not even thirty!

I can’t-I can’t do this forever!

And if I were to die I don’t even know if half the people I care about would go to any afterlife-

I don’t-I can’t get one fucking I don’t know day where I don’t have to worry about someone dying-

*takes a breath*

S-sorry-

I’m not-

Y-you know that, I-

Sorry, I-I just feel helpless I guess. I shouldn’t-

*trails off*

[alchemist-offical]

*quiet for a while*

..I know what it feels like. I don’t really remember how old I was when I became immortal. It’s been so long since then. I think I was in my late twenties. Around thirty, maybe. No older than thirty two.

*laughs quietly, hollowly, then sighs*

You don’t have to apologise. I know it’s hard.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks at him for a while*

I know I’ve said this before but, I-I don’t know how you’re so-

So good-

[alchemist-offical]

*huffs lightly and smiles*

it’s the Jew in me

*shakes hys head, staring at one of the walls*

You want to know something? When I say I understand where you are right now, I mean it. I’ve poisoned towns of thousands, Savi. I caused wars. I killed people with my own hands. I was angry when I was younger.

*looks down to hys mug, staring into his tea*

I still am. I’m not good. I’ve just lived long enough to be made into less of a monster.

[supervillain-offical]

*looks at hym in disbelief*

You started wars?! Poisoned towns?! You-you’re joking, right?

[alchemist-offical]

*chuckles quietly, picking up his mug and taking a long sip*

..No, I’m not joking. I’ll tell you the story of the time I did them together, if you’re so inclined.

[supervillain-offical]

*still disbelieving, picks up his tea*

Oh, yeah, sure! I-please! I must say, I’m pretty intrigued!

[alchemist-offical]

It’s not a happy story, might I preface.

*sighs*

This was.. oh, mid sixteen hundreds, I think. I lived in the Holy Roman Empire. I would generally flee from small state to small state every so often. One state, I.. can’t even remember its name now, I stayed in for a couple decades. They had a larger Jewish community than most.

*melancholy falls over his face*

The.. Prince of this state didn’t like that. One night, he arrests two Jews as they’re getting water from one of the town’s wells. He accuses them of attempting to poison the water supply. He fed hysteria to the people of the city. A few days later… a pogrom.

*voice quiets*

I had seen several pogroms before. But over.. a lie? Hundreds dead, several hundreds more injured, tens more missing, entire areas of the ghetto entirely destroyed and for what? A false rumour? Who am I kidding, that’s what they were always over. But I was livid. I.. found a water supply outside the ghetto, informed the rabbis, and decided that, if the prince wanted a poisoned water supply—

*hands tighten on hys mug, anger unlike any Savi’s heard from him before seeping into his voice*

—then I’d give him one. I poisoned every well and every aqueduct in that town. I watched for days as people got sicker and sicker with no help of getting better. And then I went to the Prince. I told him I did it, and his son—knowing very well he didn’t have one—had better respect my people more than he did.

*shrugs, forcing an apathetic demeanour*

And then I killed him. He had no heir. With no heir, surrounding kingdoms start getting involved, and…

*trails off for a moment, then continues eerily blankly*

They pillaged that town for days. It went up in flames.

[supervillain-offical]

*stares for a moment, then looks down*

Well-

Well you can’t call yourself a monster for that-

I mean-

I mean-

You were just trying to avenge your people and-and make something right that couldn’t be made right and-

You were angry and wanted justice, I-

I don’t think that could make you a monster-

Not like me-

[alchemist-offical]

Is that not what you do, too? Get revenge? Justice? Protect those you care about?

*shakes hys head, setting the mug down*

Do you not also take it too far?