❝ Maybe you deserve this. ❞
「 ☆ 」 Tired… Silver is so tired.
Have been since they can remember. Born into a world of strife, where struggle was the norm. Strength or smarts crucial if one was going to survive. Frankly, Silver doesn’t think they possess nearly enough of either at times. It’s a miracle they’ve lasted a long as they have, and surely not thanks to their own merit. Even escape from the charred cage they call home did nothing to ease their exhaustion.
True, it’s lesser now at some moments… but the weight always finds them eventually. When their friends are gone, be it in the others flawed utopias or Silver’s own decrepit world. Rot spreading through from the roots, refusing to heal no matter how many times they try. Over and over and over— So many attempts, Silver can’t even recall them all; a fractured mind to blame, but they prefer not to think about it too much or the implications should it grow worse.
Body feeling like it’s moving through jelly, Silver can barely find the energy to lift their gaze to meet Mephiles'. BARELY. They find it, as they always have and always will… and when golden hues meet those of someone who they bet would love to play the part of judge, jury, and executioner, they offer a weak smile. Riddled with a bittersweet acceptance they can’t bother to hide in this exchange. Next time, they’ll be better. They’ll make up for this crack in the facade.
But for now, Silver lets themself say, ❝ Yeah. Maybe I do. ❞
That’s not the issue, though. It never has been. Silver’s punishment for failing may be vast and cruel as the dimensions they are flung around by the whims of fate. Skipping like a stone, leaving meaningless ripples that always fade into nothingness. Perhaps Silver deserves everything that has happened and WILL come. But that holds no importance when it comes to those around them. Those Silver is desperate to save help. Do they deserve to have their lives crumble around them? Innocents buried in broken pieces of what was meant to provide shelter and happiness.
❝ Heh— I don’t know whether that makes everything easier or harder to bear. ❞ Silver lightly chuckles, a mirthless sound as their smile doesn’t meet their eyes. Quietly, after a drawn-out exhale of breath, they add, ❝ … What about you? Do you think you deserve anything that’s happened? ❞ 「 ☆ 」














