Doctor Mathis, Origin Researcher

"My name is Jude Mathis. I'm currently an Origin Researcher working at an Elympian Facility known as Helioborg. It is my goal as well as my promise to rid the world of Jin with the help of Origins to make the world a safe place once again, so that both humans and spirits can live in peace." ( This is an Independent RP Blog for Tales of Xillia 2's Jude Mathis. ) Tracking Tag: evasionfinalist Magic Anon: None

[evasion-finalist]

pledgedheart​:

Maltran had little dealings with seraphim besides the Lord of Calamity’s pet. That waif of an illusionist seemed to have taken a liking to her, if her clumsy attempts at barbs were anything to go by.

Maltran had never understood Symonne’s interest in Alisha, but it had proven useful during this mission in particular. Not only was she helpful on keeping tabs on such an enthusiastic student her presence in Maltran’s life had been useful in developing certain senses. She was good at cloaking her presence - perhaps an effect of her element, but not good enough that Maltran hadn’t found a way to categorize the feeling.

From this she had learned two very important things: how to spot a void seraph, and how to hide her own malevolence if need be. Of course, if she hadn’t been so reliably informed on matters concerning her student she would not have been able to pinpoint the change in Alisha. As things stood now it was clear that Alisha was wreathed in some type of power even if she herself was unaware. 

Her student was missing that crucial piece of information, and that was exactly the way Maltran intended to keep things.

                                                —

Alisha smiled, relieved in the wake of her instructor’s greeting. She nodded in response to it and glancing at the sheath on her belt as she climbed down from her steed responded to Jude with a cheery yes in her mind. 

“I am glad to have made it, as well, Lady Maltran. I feel we have much to report to you. Will our troops be safe here?”

Maltran inclined her head to the shock of blue uniforms behind her gathered around several campfires (clearly the troops she had mentioned. “Of course,” she said. “Let us see to them before we begin our discussion.

Sirel replaced Alisha at the front of the Merlind platoon as Alisha walked back through the riders so that they could lead their horses over with the rest of the camp. Most seemed relieved to be settling down for the night particularly as it was still half a day’s ride to the interior of the Glaivend Basin outpost.

“It is a welcome development that we were able to parlay before going any further into the Basin,” Maltran revealed as Alisha came to rejoin her and Sirel. “Bartlow has not responded to my request for an update but my other sources tell me that the Shepherd was last seen in his midst.”

Alisha frowned at that. “There were rumors of that in Merlind as well,” she admitted. “I believe some of the people there are relieved to have him so close especially after what the town has gone through, but others are more suspicious especially as we try and excavate the town.”

Maltran put a hand on Alisha’s shoulder upon noting her worried tone and Alisha leaned into it slightly before straightening up again.

“Tell me how that has gone,” Maltran instructed as they walked further into the makeshift camp. “I notice Ian is not with you. Are she and her family well?”

Alisha shared a secretive glance with Sirel at that. They certainly would not be able to tell Maltran, at least not at the moment, all that had transpired in town but it seemed only fair to give her an update on one of her students.

“Her elderly mother has recovered well enough for the move,” Sirel chimed in. “We are currently waiting to hear back from the first of the evacuees.”

Alisha confirmed Ian’s report and used the segue in the conversation to see how the rest of the camp was doing. The ten or so others she had travelled with seemed to be acclimating well enough although the mood was understandably stilted. The few other conversations seemed hushed and they seemed to be willing to drop anything at a moment’s notice should their superiors tell them to.

“So much waiting,” Maltran tutted. “Still, there is little else we can do. Why don’t you rest your legs a bit with the rest of your platoon and we will plan further after a meal?”

Alisha agreed that would be for the best and in so doing the two parties settled in for the night.

Alisha’s response did not ease his worries, there was an unease he felt and he held no biases… Jude had to keep her safe and this feeling of his only brought concern. He kept wondering if he was just imagining things or getting caught up in things that were not there, but… he was not one to take chances, so he would observe carefully.

Most of the conversation seemed… normal. They had reached the person in question, they went over the rest of the people with them first, everyone seemed to begin to settle down and all that was left was the princess and the teacher to talk matters out.

There wasn’t much he could comment on and he did try and limit his dialog during serious discussions as he did not want to distract Alisha unless his words were helpful somehow. 

Another wave of unease washed over the seraph when Maltran touched Alisha’s shoulder like that. Despite her words holding consideration and care… He continued to feel this way when Maltran got too close. Was he intimidated..? Perhaps. 

That family… The mother only recovered due to the actions he and Alisha took together… But he knew why it would always remain a secret. Nobody could know about him after all… Not that anyone would believe Alisha and her friends if they did reveal him.

With the talks over and things progressing forward, Jude decided to speak up when Alisha agreed to rest for now. “Alisha..? Um… Can we talk? I’m… not sure how to say this…” he’s not even sure if he should bring it up, after all… Alisha idolized Maltran.

Yet he felt he should warn her nonetheless. He trusted his instincts and his instincts were saying that something was off, he was not about to bat them away without a second thought.

[evasion-finalist]

pledgedheart​:

part 3 cometh | @evasion-finalist

People cannot live without ideals, that is what Maltran ardently believed in her youth. It was against her mother’s wishes that she had enlisted as a foot soldier and for the continuation of her position had taken more and more dangerous jobs, encroaching upon the foothills and Volgran Forest. Back then the Rolance Empire had been caught up in power struggles as Dolan rallied for the throne and Maltran, first a knight and then a captain, felt it was a time of change in which Ladylake would finally achieve it’s sacred right of land and kingdom.

It was not, of course. It was a war like any other. She found that out pushing forward into Glaivend Basin and cutting down any Rolance red in her way only to be impaled on the lances of her own platoon.

She survived because she did not look away from the bloody reality she faced. She survived because, as it turned out, that was what she valued more than any ideal. The Blue Valkyrie fought her way out of that bloodbath and returned to Hyland’s camp, suggesting quite calmly to her rattled superiors that they retreat.

She accepted her promotion to general after the war with the same placidity. It did not seem worth it to flaunt her emotions here, for there would be battles again soon enough and she saw her role clearly now. Ideals had clouded her vision but there on the battlefield she saw the truth of her imminent demise and the futility of fighting for a cause other than herself.

She saw too as she entered the Lake Sanctuary the kingdom’s slumbering saint. There was no divine rite here and no revival of a sacred kingdom. Just ashes. Just a slumbering girl draped in the finery of a god who shivered when Maltran drew too close.

(She did try and take the blade once.  The girl shivered harder then, and that sight was worth the pain Maltran felt for months afterward).

She found Alisha there in that church. So maybe there was such a thing as fate, cruel as it was.

-

Alisha woke with the odd sensation she had just forgotten something important. Her usual stretches failed to bring anything to mind, so she decided it must have been a dream. Odd, though. Even as worried as she had been this past month she hardly had bad dreams when Jude was with her.

He had kept his promise and stayed with her throughout the night it seemed. His own determination helped put her at ease and it was simple enough to brush aside the uneasy feeling as a passing fancy and focus on getting Frederick and the others ready to move North.

It hardly seemed fair that the Hyland knights stationed at Merlind longest should  take on this duty as well, however, Alisha did not think she could trust the new recruits with something as important as protecting the citizens. The knights who had been sent ahead of Maltran all had an anxious aura about them and she knew they suspected their reason here as well as she.

She felt she could trust those she worked with in the past months as many had family here in the village, and those who did not were upstanding people who come to care for the brave townspeople. She knew she was asking much of them but that kind of relationship was important if they all really were to evacuate.

She was heartened by the well wishes her contingent who agreed to stay behind gave her as they once again went over their plans. Ian took Alisha (and Jude) aside as the meeting broke up and took Alisha’s hands in her own.

“I’m going to lead mom and Todd to safety, so take care of Sirel for me, okay? I promise to follow you when I can, princess.”

Sirel laughed. “Alisha and I will be glad to have one less thing to worry about knowing they’ll be keeping you busy here.

“Hey,,,”  Ian pouted and snatched her hands back to cross her arms. Alisha looked contrite, ready to apologize for Sirel before the girl in question’s frown turned into a small smile.

“Still, it will be odd not having you at our backs. So hurry up and follow us, okay Master Archer Ian?”

Ian grinned and wacked Ian on the shoulder as she left to fall into line with her platoon. “Yeah, yeah, you lowly foot soldier.”

Alisha laughed behind her hand, smiling happily as she shared this bit of silliness with Jude. It was nice someone else was able to see how the two cared for each other.

Parting with Ian marked the end of that kind of levity for some time, however. The rest of the day was spend gathering horses for her other platoon as while most had come in with them she, Sorel, and a few others still needed rides. Then it was double and triple checking supplies before they could finally be on their way.

The mood was subdued as they rode out of town and while there were some villagers stood to watch them leave with words of thanks Alisha did not have the time to cherish the fact. 

They had already sent a messenger pigeon ahead of them that would hopefully have reached Maltran by now. The plan was to ride until night fell and keep an eye out for any further orders. If the two parties did not meet up in the morning they would both rendezvous at the army base in Glaivend Basin.

Thankfully, just as dusk broke over the foothills Alisha and the others riding in front with her spotted a small fire in the distance and silhouetted in its light a familiar rider.

“Alisha,” Maltran greeted, “I am glad you made it.”

Sleeping was… strange. Waking up was a mix of confusion for a few seconds, before being slammed with immediate awareness. Perhaps that latter part was due to being a seraphim, though he couldn’t say for certain. Maybe he might do so again, if such a moment was needed again in the future. It brought unusual feelings with it, but they were unpleasant ones. Was that because of Alisha or… something else? He could not say.

The seraph could only wonder if Alisha had something on her mind when she awoke. He was becoming more and more used to the expressions she wore, and while he was unable to read her mind, he was quickly learning the patterns as to what they could be. Alisha often had something on her mind, but if she didn’t deem it worth mentioning… He would leave it be. It was only if her distress was clear or if she was hiding something that was hurting her that he might approach the subject. He did not want her to suffer in silence yet again.

Instead, all he could do was greet her when she awoke and keep her spirits up. Jude was here for her, whether that was for someone to confide in or for moral support… He’d return it to the best of his ability. He was even just happy to listen at times if she needed it. Even if… they were to lose this? Jude hoped she would still talk to him, even if she could not hear his responses, so long as she didn’t forget him, he’d be okay… That was what he kept telling himself at least… Since he went and got too attached and the more he thought about those words he had been told… The more it was slowly eating him up on the inside. But he couldn’t show that to Alisha. The time they had left shouldn’t be filled with negativity, not if they were truly their last moments.

Another meeting to discuss what was going on… He had observed these many times now since he had been in Alisha’s company. Jude could not give any input immediately and only spoke to Alisha privately (or with her friends) afterwards… Words carried power and even in moments like this, he valued that such things were being done by humans. That it was not immediate action, that it was planned out or discussed beforehand.

When he was ‘pulled’ (or in other words, he walked over himself) to the side. Ian was leaving and asking Alisha to take care of Sirel in her stead..? He crossed his arms at that. “I’m standing right here too, you know… I can look after them both.” Jude was set on defending Alisha, but that extended to her friends because he knew how much they meant to her and they were good people. So he would do everything in his power to keep them safe.

Though the two girls ended up teasing one another and Jude shook his head a little. Thankfully he did have a small grasp on humor (and being around this lot helped, so he knew what they were up to. “A positive friendship through relentless teasing… The more I watch humans the more interesting they become.” this was all a learning experience for the young seraph, so he was always happy to witness such things.

Once everything had been gathered and sorted out and they were ready to leave this town, Jude returned to his vessel at Alisha’s side as they went onwards. Keeping up would be harder if he remained in his physical form unless he expended a lot of energy at retaining high speeds and that would just be a waste of mana. 

Whatever came their way… Jude was set on keeping Alisha safe. No matter how she was treated or set up, he would see her through to safety. He was set on this. The war… The malevolence… The Lord of Calamity… He had to protect her from it all.

Supposedly they were meeting with Alisha’s teacher, the one she greatly admired and had spoken about rather generously in past conversations. Jude would finally get to see this person… Though time did pass (something Jude was observing by watching the placements in the sky from time to time) and there had still been no signs, at least… not until later on, when it was getting towards nightfall. 

But the person that greeted them was…

The young seraph could only stall as there was something… something was off. He could not place a finger on it, but… No… maybe he was just overthinking things? Was he..?

He could narrow down this feeling to… danger. In his times wandering and doing rather dangerous practices like studying malevolence (when he was not living in a certain library), he relied on this sense to keep him from death's door, so… why did he feel it now?

Dialing it back, this person addressed Alisha casually. This meant they had to have close ties to her to use her name like that, especially willingly. So… this was likely the one she spoke of, the one they were supposed to meet… The one the princess held so highly in her heart.

“Alisha…” he said quietly, though his voice was filled with caution. “...is this Maltran?”

[evasion-finalist]

the-king-of-the-wind​:

“Good.” Richard nodded once. 

A part of him had been prepared for Jude to insist on action, had readied an entire host of arguments to ensure his fried recovered his strength properly. Relief was evident when none of them were needed and the monarch’s pose eased in his chair. 

“The time won’t be spent in idleness either. I’ve already asked the knights to try and see what they can find out for us from the Fendelian guards on duty. Velanik is along the main road from Lhant to the capital of Zavhert so it is somewhat more regularly travelled than most of Fendel’s more secluded regions.” 

Of course that also worked against them. More faces meant the more common it was to see unfamiliar ones and the less likely these Exodus members would have garnished attention. If they’d the kind of cunning that Jude described, they’d know better than to cause a commotion in a foreign land when they couldn’t fully predict the outcome. That bought them some time, but Richard dared not wager on how precious little of it there was.  

“I’ll also send word to Asbel. He’s dealt with their group before so he can ensure that the security at the border fortress is especially cautious of unusual travellers. Is there anything in particular you’d like me to ask of him?” Knowing his best friend, Richard wouldn’t put it past Asbel to turn up in Velanik himself after receiving the letter, and should he… Richard would hardly deny him. They would need all the help they could get. 

“Jude.” Richard shifted slightly. “Before you go to sleep, I would ask one more thing of you. Knowing what you do of them and of Ephinea, what actions would you expect them to take should they have come through this rift with you?” 

Would they try to gather as a group and attack? Would they disseminate and hide themselves away? Did they attack with brute force or with political cunning?  In a world with relations as tenuous as Ephinea’s, Richard feared what their presence might signal for the three nations who were only just beginning to understand what peace between them might feel like. 

“Anything you can tell us will help with preparations. That way we’ll be ready to move as soon as you’re feeling better.”  

Jude was painfully aware of his present situation, fighting this would be pointless, even if every part of him wished to. He knew he had to rest and recover, so that he’d be able to correct the careless mistakes he had made. The faster he did so, the faster it would be done. 

The other was always well prepared… Richard had already taken steps to remain on alert. Exodus was a matter that should have this world on the reddest of alerts. An outside threat and an extreme danger. If left unchecked, they could overthrow this entire world if they met the right conditions… Just as they had almost done to Rieze Maxia. Thankfully it was a smaller force, but that didn’t make them any less deadly, only harder to find.

Even Asbel was going to get involved in this..? Jude wasn’t surprised. With what he knew of Asbel and how he acted when they first met. He’d probably make sure he was involved once he got word. It was handy that the lord had some experience with Exodus however and had the standing to influence security. “Asbel is free to do whatever he feels is best, but… I would recommend closing borders temporarily. If they get into any city, they will be harder to find.”

There was always more. Jude wasn’t asleep just yet, but he was more than ready to relax himself and fall right back into one. “I told you before about what happened to Nachtigal, the previous king of Rashugal? Exodus like to keep hidden and if they can, they will take advantage of any situation that comes their way. Before when they were here, they were harvesting cyras for a power source… They no longer are seeking a way home, but seeking for a way to remove Rieze Maxia out of the picture entirely. A terrorist faction that is against my part of the world.”

“They always appeal to others and then stab them in the back when the moment arises.” as he quickly added. “Not all of Exodus are like this… some left when they were able to return to Elympios, but many that remained are extremists. I don’t know what their plans are for this world, only that they were willing to risk everything by attacking me to obtain it. They… do like to aim high, so I would keep an eye on those important and… the Valkines.” it was a power source and it would interest them if they found out about it.

The strain on the younger was clear at this point, as once he had finished speaking, he was having a hard time keeping his eyes open. But he was set on waiting until Richard was content with his words, before he’d allow it to take him.

[evasion-finalist]

pledgedheart‌:

Alisha found herself leaning forward as Jude tapped the side of his forehead and wondered aloud how helpful Maltran would be. “Yes,” she assured him brightly. “I have no doubt. This is not the first campaign she has been and she has always helped me with my peace efforts before. I am sure there is much she can tell us.” She found herself very powerfully wanting to convince Jude of Maltran’s worth in that moment although between his keen mind and Ian’s own efforts she felt she was hardly to get any word in.

When Jude mentioned the mythology behind the valkyrie title Alisha paused. She had looked the subject up herself once in the palace libraries; after all, it was reading about Hyland’s long history of knights and historical romance that was a key part of her decision to become one. Still, rather than their role as harbingers of the dead the idea of a powerful woman warrior was what had stuck in Alisha’s mind. The realization of its less flattering aspect only gave her pause for a moment, however, it was just a coincidence after all.

Alisha was relieved when Ian had left because despite her affection for the other woman she did need a bit more space to breathe. She was particularly glad of it when Jude complimented her fighting style for it brought the red back to her face and she wasn’t sure if she could stay collected with that in tandem with either Ian’s teasing or further compliments.

“I, well…. It is heartening to hear you say that. I have practiced since I was a child so that I might have grace like that I first saw in Lady Maltran. I am sure you will see it too, Jude. You have such a discerning mind I am sure you will see everything Ian and I have said, and more!”

Having been so bolstered by the news of Matran’s arrival Alisha took to the next week with vigor she had not displayed since Lailah had spoken with her. It was enough that she knew Jude woulds tay with her and having his support as well as the certainty of her teacher’s presence was a balm to the current situation.

Neither Ian nor the rest of her squad had seen any additional letters but when the Sparrowfeathers guild of merchants came through town they brough news of the Hyland army as well as the nearby border.

Alisha recognized the dark haired man who oftend rove at the front of the caravan speaking to Frederick now. She waited, not wanting to interrupt, but was waved over by the red-headed woman beside him.

“Hey, you,” the merchant sing-songed. “You were with the Shepherd at the Ladylake festival right?

“I, yes, I was,” Alisha said, surprised at the question as well as this person’s attitude. The other woman merely took her answer in turn, nodded, and crouched down on top of the caravan to whisper: “Well, just between you and me: I saw him follow that general guy into the border camp. Seems kinda fishy to me. You guys aren’t employing him are you?”

“No!”

Alisha shocked herself and evidently Frederick as well as the other merchant with her outburst. She bit her look, eyes flicking back to Jude and then the scene at present before putting her hands at the front of her tabard.

Frederick cut in then telling her that he had gathered from the caravan that the Hyland army’s newest reinforcement (Maltran and others surely) were a day’s ride behind them. The Sparrowfeathers man and woman confirmed this as well as their own plans to head north away from any fighting that might break out.

“Those merchants helped Nief with medical supplies last time Merlind was in need. I wonder if we can enlist them to help move some of the civilians here,” Alisha mused once back in the barracks. While she was still hopeful her earlier mood had darkened at the mention of Sorey so close to the enemy camp and with that Landon no less. She was sure Jude must have noticed.

In a kingdom where so many would wish harm upon Alisha, the seraphims concern was understandable. Though she did have those she could trust and so far… that trust seemed well placed. He had no reason to question, though perhaps he was a little protective. If Alisha said Maltran was one they could trust, he could only believe in her and go along with it.

Alisha truly did move with grace in battle. He’d never seen anything quite like it before. Each strike had flair and grace to it and no movement was wasted. Jude was not one for taking interest in fighting, but even he was rather awed by her movements. The wind seraph couldn’t really comment much on Maltran further. After all… Alisha had all that faith in him and in her. There was a very strong bias here and… it wasn’t making it easy on him.

Though the effects that news had on her was a positive one. Alisha was almost back to her usual self. While there was an upset on the horizon… She shouldn’t be weighed down by it. Jude had made his pledge to her and he planned on keeping it. It may not be as fun or fulfilling, but… this was where he belonged now, and that was fine. He was happy with his decision and would stick through it until the end.

Jude watched as he always did, observing quietly and giving input when he could. Even if Alisha couldn’t publicly interact with him so much, she could hear his words and that’s all that mattered in these moments. When the princess was waved over, he frowned for a moment as he joined her and watched the interaction. It was strange… There was something about this person, he couldn’t put his finger on it though.

While the news of the Shepherd being so close to the battlefield on Hylands end was a surprise, this merchant's assumptions were out of line. Accusing Alisha of doing something like that..! “You have no right! What the Shepherd does is entirely up to him! We can’t control what he does or where he goes! Why would we ask him to help in a war when it’s what we want to prevent! If he participated in a war...” it would hurt him and his seraphic companions, thus endangering the Shepherd even further… The current hope they had in this time.

He looked to the side. “...what does it matter, you can’t hear me anyway.” sighing defeatedly at that as he shook his head. That was just how it went for seraphim.

News of the current state of their surroundings was… helpful, though rather concerning. They didn’t have much time if they were going to prevent this altogether.

“I’m not fond of them, but asking for aid from those who are willing is not a bad idea. I hope things don’t come to that, and Merlind was just saved too… But there is nothing wrong with being cautious.” though… she wanted to continue looking out for the Shepherd and that was understandable with how important they were to everything. “You know… there is nothing wrong with wanting to check in on how the Shepherd is doing.” she could do that, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with such an action.

Perhaps… Should he word it for her? “You want to protect the people, right? Isn’t making sure the Shepherd is safe another way of doing just that? You need the Shepherd to help protect this land-- which in turn protects the people.” if she were to step out of Merlind briefly to see to this matter, it would still be acting in line with her beliefs. “We can’t let the Shepherd get involved in that war… by any means necessary. I could only imagine the level of malevolence on a battlefield and… what it would do to everyone there, let alone them and those with him.”

[evasion-finalist]

pledgedheart‌:

In a way, he had told her, even without meaning to I have always been by your side.

She did not, could not, respond to that in the moment but she had gripped his hand tightly and laughed through the last of her tears as he commented on being put to the sword by Ian and Sirel.

 Are you alright, he had asked, and she had paused to take in the kindness in his eyes. Selfishly, she wanted it to be a memory that could last forever. She had nodded and tried to connect her current feeling of warmth to that memory forming.

“I am.” 

She was; because she had to be, as always, but now there was something new too – the knowledge that Jude was with her. She trusted him.

 *

 They needn’t have worried about being walked in on for the guard was on high alert. The few nobles who had been sent to Merlind were irritated at the order to remain and Alisha made sure to pay them specific heed. It was they who she had to keep safe from Ian’s temper and Sirel’s cold fury.

The others in the brigade seemed to pick up on the tensions and stood their ground as if war had already started.

No one said that word, of course – certainly not Alisha outside of the company of her two friends or seraph companion. Still, she and Jude had discussed the political situation at length and it was the likeliest explanation.

When Lady Maltran sent word she was headed to Merlind with more troops Alisha felt the strangest mix of emotions. Part of her was delighted to see her teacher again but so much was on the line. Still, as she told Jude,

“Lady Maltran is a well respected member of Hyland’s top knights. I know she must have more information and as noble and beneificent a woman as she is she surely will be a great ally in averting this disaster.”

Sirel had smiled at that and offered to go see what the merchants who had just come in to town had to say. Ian watched her go surreptitiously and when she had closed the door turned to Jude with a wide grin.

“Our teacher is just the coolest! Did you know this is her hometown? The Blue Valkyrie they call her – not only did she make a name for Merlind she proved that peasantry and women on top of that could fight as well as any nobleborn male!”

Ian in her excitement went through a few practice drills and tapped Alisha theatrically on the shoulder after one of her flashier punches. “Hey, princess, tell him – she’s the reason you chose the spear as your main weapon, right?”

Alisha kept the red from rising to her face just barely as she stepped away from Ian and out of range of her theatrics. “That’s quite enough. Go find Sirel and report back to the barracks.”

Ian twirled out of their room in the inn with a “roger that” and Alisha shared a small smile with Jude. Yes, she did feel better after all.

“Spearmen are known as the least glamorous of the king’s army,” Alisha admitted to him in a slightly hushed voice. “Though they bear the brunt of the fighting the majority are commoners so their praises are seldom song. Lady Maltran was the exception. I knew she was brilliant from the moment I first saw her… and I, I mean we all, wanted to be just like her.”

Alisha gestured to where Sirel and Ian had just left. Her eyes roamed the room from Jude’s curious face to her sword and spear currently laying in the corner.

“She chose it as her weapon precisely to prove that point and I… I was inspired. I was taught in swordsmanship too of course but when I thought of it as the weapon of the commoners I wanted to use it too. Both to remind myself of the most vulnerable and, well, so that I could always carry the pride of my mother.”

Jude had surely noticed that alongside her Hyland regalia she also wore the Diphdan crest – something no other knight did. She knew it painted, quite literally, a big target on her back but it reminded her to be steadfast in her morals.

“It might sound silly,” Alisha said to him wistfully, “but you know she’s like a second mother to me. No matter when it happens I am so glad you will be by my side when we meet her once more.”

The seraphim turned to face Alisha when she explained more on the certain individual who was coming here. It definitely invoked a strange reaction from Alisha, but he was sure to find out more to it very soon-- if not right at this very moment. All he had heard was mentions of the name within the time he had spent with Alisha and… by Alisha herself. He had not forgotten. After all… he treasured each moment he spent with her, words were not missed.

“Your… mentor. I remember you telling me this when we first spoke, but other than your positive feelings, I can’t say I know much else.” so Alisha thought highly of this individual? They could help? Truly? “Do you really think they will be capable of aiding in this? They have that much influence? And are on your side?” much of Hyland seemed… corrupted. Was this Maltran also one who was like the rest? Or was she the kind of person that he wanted to believe in? 

He quickly got the indication that Alisha’s companions felt the same way. So this Maltran was from Merlind? A… Blue Valkyrie? As amazing as she sounded, that title wasn’t a good one. “I read that valkyries choose people that die and turn them into warriors that fight the end of the world… or so the story went.” with the wind seraph being more reserved on fighting unless it had to be done, he wasn’t so keen on such tales, aside from the lore aspect of it. “But… I guess I will find out, won’t I?” there was no way he could form an opinion from others, especially when a strong bias was here from the girls.

Of course, Ian went and poked Alisha into telling something rather personal and probably a little embarrassing to the princess. The price to pay for that was being kicked out of the room immediately which brought a small smile to Jude’s face. The relationship Alisha had with them was a good one. Seeing moments like this… reassured him that she would be fine. She still had those close to her, friends that had her back, that kept her upright during all of this, and… for everything after it.

Jude felt he had to say something upon hearing her say it wasn’t glamorous. Alisha might have been dazzled by this individual, but one thing was clear-- “And yet you wield your spear so gracefully. How can you say it isn’t glamorous? Perhaps… it just takes a lot of skill to wield it in such a way and… those that can’t, appear how you describe.” though he had learned much of Alisha’s tale by this point and hearing about Maltran did explain a few things, though he had never questioned deeply her desire to use a spear and he already knew why she became a knight, despite being a princess.

It all came back to her ties in society and it often went back to her mother. “I understand your resolve, Alisha. Using the spear because of that? I think it’s a wonderful reason.” and Jude secretly hoped that she’d end up being the best wielder of the spear that ever lived. For both her mother and… for promoting the side of society that was often forgotten or cast aside. 

His eyes did widen however when she mentioned she was like a mother to her. Even if he had no family as a seraphim, he knew what they meant to humans and he knew how much Alisha’s mother meant to her-- or at least a good deal of it. To say that about Maltran was… a big deal. “You really feel that way about her..? I… really hope she is as you say.” someone they could trust, who could help… They needed more on their side if they were to end this catastrophic mistake before it got to the breaking point.

[evasion-finalist]

"Juuuude! It's your birthday! Happy birthday! Bet you forgot!" Leia presents him with a container holding... a fish. "I got it from finishing a job today! Maybe you can make something tasty out of it, since I bet you haven't eaten today!" It's quite a long pause before she reaches into her jacket and pulls out a wrapped present. "Oh! And got this for you too!" Inside is a book. When he opens it, she says, "It's got all sorts of obscure Elympion gadgets in it! Figured it suits your weird tastes!"

Was it his birthday..? He never really paid attention to that detail, but Leia never did forget it. He was kind of baffled by the… fish? And how did she knew he hadn’t eaten yet!? Though before he could even speak, she pulled out something else which… was an actual present. So it wasn’t the fish? He wouldn’t have been surprised if she handed him a fish in all honesty.

Placing the container to the side so he could actually open the present, his eyes widened briefly. He hadn’t seen this one yet, it looked like a new print… It was likely released in the past week or so. Though his gaze went to one of a deadpan look when she insulted him on the side. She couldn’t have just left it at that without the snide comments.

“Thanks, Leia. I’ll read it tonight.” when he was finished cooking that is.

[evasion-finalist]

warmthofthehearthfire‌:

Leia froze in her tracks. Jude’s… triple chocolate ice cream… “Hey, you know I’m super patient, Jude! I can totally wait an hour for you to make some of your ice cream! Come on, let’s go back home!” They’d barely left and she was already turning around.

When she stopped, only for her to immediately turn around and take back everything, he laughed loudly. “Your will is that weak, huh? To be so easily swayed by triple chocolate ice cream?” well-- if that’s the case. “Then I better get to work.”

[evasion-finalist]

warmthofthehearthfire‌:

“Hey, I suggested we should go out first! Besides, wouldn’t you rather I say I like your ice cream over some shop’s ice cream?” Because she did! “Yep, there’s always something new and exciting there! They’ve got my favorite–” She nudged him with an elbow as they stepped out the door. “–besides yours, at least!”

“That’s true.” he wouldn’t refute that. “...not enough to wait an hour for it though it seems. Shame... I was thinking triple chocolate today.” he totally was not to make regrets with that, what are you talking about. “But the shop it is.” though a smile quickly came back to his face at the compliment. Of course his was better, it was tailored to Leia specifically!

[evasion-finalist]

continued from here

With his new attachment and Leia eagerly dragging him towards the door, he followed without any objections. “Someone is being pushy. I’m the one who made the suggestions.” as he opened the door when they got close enough. “Going for the one in the corner again? I didn’t have a chance to check what new favors are avalible there this week.”

[evasion-finalist]

*poke* *poke* *poke* "Hey, Jude, I'm hungry! How about fixing me up some ice cream! And it's nice outside, so let's go enjoy it at the park or something!"(warmthofthehearthfire's Leia)

“If you want me to make it from scratch, it’s going to take at least an hour-- and that’s cutting the usual preparation time in half. So do you want to wait that long, or do you want to go out now and we can find something together?”

[evasion-finalist]

Out of Time

[evasion-finalist]

shimmerfang-impact‌:

“That’s right! I’ve been talking to monsters since I was two years old. That’s when Nia Khera designated me as Lady Milla’s handmaid!” For him, talking to monsters and animals was as natural as talking to humans, if not even more so. Their groups were much more accepting and didn’t have nearly as many complicated rules for conducting themselves. In fact, Ivar spent much of his early life talking to animals rather than other people… and many of the villagers attributed this as the cause of Ivar’s temper.

“Acrophobia…” Ivar repeated aloud, as if he was trying to remember the word. But at the mention of Lady Milla, he was quick to stammer and flush with shame, and he attempted to make an excuse for himself. “Well, I didn’t see how well things went. I’m sure Lady Milla did just fine, no thanks to you.” He’d watched her fly through the air many times before– except she had been riding on the back of Sylph, not a wyvern.

Ivar ran his hands down Vim’s mane, and he received a sound much like a deep purr in response. He was accustomed to only having one person on his back, but the lack of protest told Ivar that there would be no issue. The wyvern was quite vocal with his complaints, after all, so he’d know if something was uncomfortable right away.

As he took hold of the reins, Ivar realized that he might be the one unaccustomed to riding with company. Oh, no, he was going to be subjected to physical contact with the phony. “Neither of us will like it, but unless you want to fall off, you’ll have to hold onto me.” He lightly tapped at his hip. “You can either hold onto me or we can hold the reins together, if your arms can reach.” Regardless, it would be awkward considering Ivar was ready to beat Jude into the ground just a few weeks ago. “But if you do fall off, Vim is good at catching people.” He knew from personal experience.

With a flap of wings, the wyvern began to hover just above the ground, giving them a bit of time to adjust. “So, we’re going to the Lakutam Seahaven… why?”

So he had it all his life? A useful talent. Ivar really was unique for a human, and that unique ability was likely why he ended up the way he did. Though… was it due to that power that he was given such a task? He became Milla’s handmaid due to his talents?

Jude continued to laugh when Ivar tried to cover up his mistake, but it was quick to turn to a smile when Ivar technically complimented him. The spirit didn’t feel any need to fight or argue with the other, and was just here for a task… Once it was over, he was to return home back to his own time.

This wyvern was incredibly patient and… kind in comparison to Ivar. He really appreciated that the creature was alright with doing this, and that he was alright with him too. Jude was asking a lot to be carried here… especially when he technically could fly like any other spirit, but if he were to enlist Ivar’s help, this was how it had to be.

Ivar made a good point, while on the wyvern… he would have to hold on somehow. Even for the older spirit, it was still awkward to hold on to Ivar, so he settled for holding on to the reigns which he could just reach in this form. “If I fall, I’ll be fine. Let’s just focus on getting there.” then it was the huge task of searching the ocean for that particular spirit fossil… It wasn’t going to be easy by any means.

With the wyvern beginning to fly, he was already being questioned by the other. “I need to find something from the Zenethra wreckage. It’s… really important that I find it.”

[evasion-finalist]

Overlapping Ripples

[evasion-finalist]

unborderedreflection‌:

Milla took his hand, actually letting him help her stand. Her human self would have refused, but… he had already helped her all this time, helped her to remember herself, so… she should accept it, the help of… this fellow spirit.

“…Good,” was all she could say to hearing that… she had helped them, just like Milla had asked. That was… only right. 

It took her a moment before she could really think of anything to ask, but eventually she realized– How long had it been in human years? If Jude was dead… what about the two of them? How were… they? Where were they? “Do you know…” Her voice caught, worried as she was to hear the answer. “Do you know where they are? Are they… here?”

If they were… they wouldn’t know her any longer, just as she hadn’t know them until just now. How could she… repay her debt to them? Ah… that was it, wasn’t it? That was what she’d been clinging to all this time, wasn’t it? “I need to… I need to thank them for… everything they did for me. How can I… find my place as a spirit if I don’t do that, first?” Perhaps if she could do that… maybe she would be able to finally move on, and fulfill her role as a spirit.

Milla’s face and tone were remarkably even compared to how she’d been as a human, especially with Jude, though they did still carry a hint of deep sorrow that she continued to bear, even as a spirit.

Jude helped her up with little difficulty, most spirits didn’t have much weight to them after all. In the past such a thing may not have happened, but… they were spirits now and… other than looking back on some memories, the past was well behind them. It shouldn’t get in the way of matters now, and… if it had? Jude wouldn’t have gone this far to begin with.

Of course… She would ask about the two Kresnik’s. It was so long ago now… His gaze fell a little, before meeting her own once more as he shook his head. “It has been a long time, Milla. Humans become spirits, spirits become humans, their souls are constantly passing through this place and only a few remain outside of time. They were here, but… they would have long moved on by now I imagine.” it may be possible for Elle’s soul to be here somewhere, but… he could not say.

“I’m sure your feelings reached them back then, even if you never spoke them.” it was the kind of people they were. “Well… I believe you should slow down first, if you can recall your past… you have a lot to think about. You’re questioning finding your place as a spirit?” a good start. 

“Perhaps if you are unable to thank them, but still wish to… You could always do something in their memory. They gave their all to save this world, as did we… and despite everything? You were saved in this one. Maybe this is where you shine?” she was pulled here against her will and yet… given a chance here that ended short, only… she still lived on.

[evasion-finalist]

Out of Time

[evasion-finalist]

shimmerfang-impact‌:

“I don’t need to command them; I’m so charming and sociable that they willingly do things for me!” Not that he hadn’t done so before in dire situations… but something felt wrong about controlling his animal friends. In Nia Khera, he’d often talk to the animals to resolve conflicts, even if that created more work than using the persuasion of beastcraft would.

“Acro– what?” Why did the know-it-all phony have to use such long words?! Ivar’s cheeks puffed out childishly as he continued. “In any case, you’ve been on a wyvern before. I don’t know how well you did it– probably terribly in comparison to the skills of Maxwell’s handmaid! But you’ll be useful enough to not get in the way.” Despite the lash of insults, Ivar appeared somewhat happy, posing with hands on his hips and an arrogant smile on his face.

Vim bowed his head in appreciation, beady eyes offering a friendly stare at Jude. ‘See, master? He’s nice. Nicer than most, at least.’ The monster’s neck craned closer to the human. ‘Besides, there is–’

“Hm?” But Vim said nothing more on the matter– strange, considering he had all sorts of nice things to rattle on about the phony. Two could play that game! Without missing a beat, Ivar replied to Jude,” He said he still resents you… agh!” Though he couldn’t speak, Vim was fully capable of nudging Ivar in the shoulder hard. Fair enough; speaking falsely on his behalf had been quite rude. “Okay, fine! He said you’re a nice human. Ugh, let’s get flying before we get all buddy-buddy around here!”

With that, Vim bowed close to the ground, and Ivar climbed onto his back. He looked expectantly at Jude. “Do you need help getting on?” Yes, he was flaunting his 1 cm height advantage.

“Uh-huh…” the spirit said, fairly amused. It was very… Ivar to say something like that. “Well your answer tells me you don’t know how you can do it… I guess you always were able to?” he summarized. The ability to talk to monsters and it was sheer natural ability. Many would dream to have such a skill, and here Ivar had it and… probably wasted it. At the very least, he made some good and willing animal companions from it.

Figures Ivar wouldn’t know the medical term for it. “Acrophobia-- the fear of heights.” though as the other went on to say he wasn’t sure how well Jude rode the wyvern in the past… and compared it to himself. He couldn’t help but laugh a little at that. “Well… back then Milla was the one at the helm, so… you’re saying you can do it better than her?” would Ivar really? Jude would be impressed if Ivar would actually go so far and say that.

When the wyvern bowed at him, Jude bowed his head slightly in return. Nature was a funny thing and he knew just how precious every living thing was that lived in the world even more than ever as he was now. Though his eyes widened a little as the creature could clearly sense something, and Jude put a finger to his own lips briefly. Figures they would… Animals were deeply connected with nature and were always more sensitive to these sorts of things. 

Ivar decided to translate what the wyvern had said… Only to incorrectly do so and gain some ire from the wyvern in return. Once again, he was amused, but also fairly warmed… that the wyvern liked him despite the fact they didn’t really know each other at all. “Well I’m sure he’s just as nice of a wyvern.” he said back, but Ivar of course didn’t like all this positive talk on Jude’s behalf. He still had a negative streak for him no matter what it seemed.

Shaking his head at Ivar’s offer for help, he climbed up on to the wyvern behind the other. “I’ll be fine.” as he got comfortable. Spirits weighed less than humans, so… thankfully he didn’t add much extra load here for their flying companion.

[evasion-finalist]

Overlapping Ripples

[evasion-finalist]

unborderedreflection‌:

The spirit stared, all incurious, as the Great Spirit completed his arte. While it was somewhat surprising to have the arte thrust at her like that, it was merely a means to and end and held no interest to her. No, she was interested in what came after.

How did she feel, he asked…? She felt… She felt… changed and yet no different at all. She still didn’t have any of her memories, but she felt… something… pulling at her? What was it… What was…?

She put a hand to her head, feeling unsteady, feeling as if the ground was rushing up to meet her. There was… a sensation, the sensation of weightlessness–though as a spirit, it shouldn’t have been as shocking as it was in that moment–as well as… something… that same something tugging at her.

What was it?

Suddenly, she was surrounded by darkness, as if thewhole Spirit Realm around her had been snuffed out. She could feel nothing, see nothing, hear nothing. The darkness was complete as the Void itself.

Outside of this nothingness, this void, everything was the same–the clear sky, the gentle wind, and Jude in front of her–except that the spirit had fallen, clutching at her head, weeping.

Trapped in this darkness as she was, she was suddenly overcome with an intense… longing for someone, anyone, to reach out and take her hand, help her out of this Void. Was this loneliness?

There was… There was someone here with her, too. Someone who… looked like her. A human, weak and shivering, curled up on the ground. That human looked at her, something resembling strength in the very depth of her eyes. “I have to… remember them. I might have died… but it was for them that I did. No one else, not for anyone else. But who… who are they…?”

She could speak, even though the spirit herself could not.

These people… Who were these people?

Memories flooded into her mind, memories of… the two of them, together with her. There was weakness there, her own weakness; there was strength there, their strength. Their strength wore away at her weakness like the water’s waves on the shore, with their steadfast lovingkindess and their determination to include her.

There was… a promise, a promise to protect–to protect her, of all people. A promise that overrode some innate feeling of inadequacy, a promise that they extended to her despite how weak and insignificant she was. They would sacrifice themselves for her, in order to keep that promise.

And yet, she had sacrificed herself for them.

Not for the world, not for that woman whose place she had taken and who took her place in turn, and certainly not for the man who had orchestrated this tragedy.

For them. And only for them.

The two who had given her a place. The two who had given her a home, even after destroying her original one. A better home, a home of warmth, a home of love, a home of affection, a home of care.

But who were they?

And who was she?

The human version of herself in this void was standing now–or attempting to, at least. She had put her hands on the ground, attempting to push herself up. Though she failed at first, she tried again. “Who am I…? To them, who am I?” She managed to get up to her knees, still struggling, while her spirit self watched on. “I am more than myself, with them. I remember this. But… who do they make me?”

The human once again attempted to force herself up. She put one foot on the ground in front of her, the other leg still resting on her knee. “Their names. Elle. Ludger. How could I forget them? They destroyed my world, but they… gave me theirs.”

That still didn’t answer her final question. Who was she–to them, because beyond the two of them, she was nothing to no one and her world, the only place she’d had a place, was gone–and what was she?

As she climbed up onto her other foot, standing tall and proud, she finally discovered her answer.

Outside of this void, outside of this trap of her own mind, the spirit opened her tear-stained eyes, raising her head to look at the Great Spirit–so familiar, and yet so unfamiliar at the same time, someone who had known her as a human… 

–Though, had he ever truly known her, as they had?

“I remember. To Ludger and Elle… I am Milla.” To them, she was herself, with all her flaws, all her failures… yet all her strengths, all her love, as well. They saw her as she was, but they saw something great in her nonetheless–something to love, something to cherish, something to protect.

They saw more in her than the others had, than the others could.

They saw her with clear, unbiased eyes and clear, loving hearts.

Looking to Jude–someone who, in her life as a human, had caused her almost as much pain as her sister–she asked in a quiet tone, “Tell me, Jude, did she help them, like I asked?”

Her final wish… Her final plea…

Had it been fulfilled?

All he could do was watch her and keep an eye out for changes. She couldn’t speak verbally and relied on writing… so if she wasn’t doing either, he could only read from her actions.

There was certainly some kind of a reaction as she put a hand to her head and definitely didn’t look right. Jude’s worry increased, though there wasn’t anything he could do to help or aliviate what she was going through. He didn’t even know what she was going though… Whether the arte had worked or… just made her suffering even worse.

“Hey!” 

He tried calling out to her, but… her mind was gone. Had he really done the right thing? Jude didn’t force this on her… it was what she desired, it would end her suffering in silence and yet… He couldn’t help but worry that he had made the wrong choice.

Jude waited for a time and yet there was nothing. The arte had caused something and she was lost to the world. Would she ever return..? Or would she remain like this forever? Trapped in… whatever place her mind went to. Even if she was strong… it might not be enough. Would her desire to know shine through? Or would she continue to wander?

Eventually she fell as he reached a hand out, but soon pulled it back… he didn’t dare touch her. No… He had to watch this and see how it played out. Jude couldn’t interfere or he could make things worse. If the memory arte were to complete… His presence would do nothing for it. She had to do this on her own. But if she needed the help and he could give it, he would.

When she looked up to him and spoke, his eyes widened. To say those names and… her own. Jude didn’t expect the arte to work so effectively, but… perhaps her will to know the truth… all this time… she just needed the extra push. Different Milla or not… she was just as stubborn if not more so and that carried a great amount of strength with it.

“Milla is your name… and if you recognise it as such, it should remain to be.”

Much time had passed and he wasn’t hung up on something so petty now. They were all spirits here and… spirits just went by the names or titles they had, nothing more, nothing less.

Her question made him pause, but he should have expected it. While Jude didn’t know about what she had passed to the other in detail… “She did.” help them that is… Milla Maxwell had carried out the rest of the journey in her place and saw them through to the end of the Trial. 

The spirit then offered her his hand as she was still on the ground. “I’m sure you have a lot of questions... I will answer them if I can.”

[evasion-finalist]

Overlapping Ripples

[evasion-finalist]

unborderedreflection‌:

The spirit waited patiently while the arte continued to do its work. Time was meaningless to her, after all. She now had a goal, a mission, a purpose–that was, to wait–so the passing time was bearable (though admittedly far more noticeable than the past uncounted years of human time).

When he was finally done, she cocked her head slightly to one side in curiosity at the arte. It was… interesting. She could almost read what was in it, but the meaning of the words slipped out of her mind as soon as she internalized them. She almost reached out a hand to touch it. It looked… similar to something she felt she’d seen before, except far more gentle; an arte that symbolized something good rather than bad. Well… whatever it looked like, she could not place, so she shook herself slightly to break her mind away from trying to think about it when the answers only slipped out, like sand.

She nodded. She was ready. Whether it was painful or not… She was ready to take on whatever came.

His gaze fell briefly as… he’d rather not be the one to do this, but… she had committed and he so had he. This kind of thing was more Milla Maxwell’s duty, but he was here in the Spirit World right now and they did work together. It was not completely strange for Milla to do something in the human world so it really did go both ways.

Right now… He was a Great Spirit doing something rather serious, he could not be so light about this. However this turned out… He had full responsibility for it. 

So very quickly, as the arte was within his hand, he thrust it straight into her chest and if you blinked-- you would have missed it. Jude’s hand barely even touched her, it was just enough to put the arte inside of her without melding it into her form slowly. There was no sense in prolonging this arte, no… it would deal no physical damage as he had said.

The real concern was what came after, what was to come…

“That is it done.” he stated, as he eyed her carefully. “...how do you feel?”

[evasion-finalist]

Out of Time

[evasion-finalist]

shimmerfang-impact‌:

A serious mission? Could it have something to do with Lady Milla?! When Jude defeated him at the shrine, one of Jude’s friends claimed that he was going to finish what Lady Milla started… could this be part of that? “Whatever secretive mission you’re on, I suppose I can graciously lend my assistance,” he grumbled, although the words held no meaning as evidenced by Ivar’s willingness to help despite not know the specifics of the situation

However, he became much more alert at the mention of the seahaven. “Lakutam Seahaven? That’s…” Where Ivar found himself after the E.S.S. Zenethra crashed into the ocean. It was where Lady Milla died, dissolving into mana right before his eyes. If that was Jude’s destination, then it must have to do with Lady Milla! All the more reason for Ivar to join him.

“My wyvern?! Well…” Vim would probably be happy to help, and that was half of the problem. The damn monster had an odd fondness for Jude (at least, he didn’t share Ivar’s anger towards the phony), often saying that Jude and Ivar had some similarities. Ivar wanted to hear none of it, especially with Jude around, but it was true that Vim would be very useful for the task at hand. “…yeah, I guess I can do that.” With fingers in his mouth, he sounded out a sharp whistle. A few moments passed before wings flapped overhead, and the wyvern landed beside them.

‘Oh? Did you make up with that Jude human?’

“Wha– no way! We need to get to the Lakutam Seahaven. You good to fly?“ Vim grunted as an affirmative answer. With a hint of exasperation, Ivar turned his attention back to Jude. “Do you have any experience riding a wyvern? I’ll be leading, obviously, but having a fear of heights or something will make things difficult.”

There was a smile when Ivar agreed to help. Jude really appreciated it, even if the other had their way with words. He wasn’t a mind reader, so he had no idea what Ivar thought about all of this or… why he was going along with it as he was. There may be something small he could do for him once this was over… a nudge in the right direction perhaps?

Maybe he should give Ivar more credit. The other was going to find out the objective of his task sooner or later and… what he really was. It was likely unavoidable, at least some of it. But Jude hoped he could at least keep his spirit nature hidden in this past time.

With the agreement on bringing along his wyvern friend, Ivar soon called out for them and they were here within seconds as the creature landed beside them both. “You know I always did wonder… You’re not using beastcraft at all to do that.” the ability the other had to communicate with creatures like this was outstanding. A talent that many in Xian Du would likely kill for. His skills were almost wasted here, and maybe part of him realised that already.

Jude couldn’t understand the wyvern, but… he did get a weird sense from it-- like he could tell it was trying to convey something, like a question.

“I’ve ridden on wyverns before and I’m not acrophobic, you don’t have to worry about that.” this would not be his first time. Though the spirit turned his attention to the wyvern, this was the first time he’d ever really… been on good terms with it, considering the first time they met properly face-to-face was in combat all those many years ago. “I hope I didn’t hurt you too much that day… I was holding back against you.” not Ivar, just the wyvern.

[evasion-finalist]

Overlapping Ripples

[evasion-finalist]

unborderedreflection‌:

Be proud of something she had already accomplished? Just because she had not used this communication tool to Jude before now, it did not mean she had not done so before at all. Still… her feelings were the larger issue, not whether or not she could speak. The fact that they… existed… and she could not identify them… and that they were so… overwhelmingly strong…

Before, she had never felt anything this strong. Any… feeling… she had “felt” before had been dulled–almost not there at all. This was very different from what she was used to, whatever it was that was making her form shake like it was. 

Still, he… was ready to help her? She shook her head, before nodding after a moment. She would give him the time he needed and… if it didn’t work–whether immediately or at all–then… hopefully this desire to know would no longer be driving her; hopefully she would be able to live freely. She would wait, wait and see. It was, after all, something she’d been doing for who knew how long in human time. Waiting would be… easy. At least it was waiting, with an end. Waiting… with a chance that things might eventually change rather than the sameness of her long life.

Jude watched her quietly as he was about to work on the arte. When she nodded back at him, he did the same as all his attention moved away from her and went to what he was doing. As one of the higher spirits he had learned how to do this, but he had never used it. Your life before was not something you were supposed to encourage in reincarnated spirits. Yet a method was known for… extremely rare cases that were up to the spirits own discretion. 

Milla Maxwell had been brought back with help from the Four, because it was not her time and… they were right. The only reason he had remembered was… he was a similar case to the one right here now. Jude had not entirely forgot who he was before, it leaking into his very being and after some time he managed to reconnect the dots and it all came back. Whether Origin had made a shoddy job on purpose or… he had chosen not to wipe him completely, he didn’t know. Even the Lord of Spirits was surprised, so it certainly wasn’t her doing. Either way… he too had a purpose here now so… he still had more to do.

It took some time for the arte to be collected and modified for these purposes and an unknown amount of time past. In this world it was easy for that to happen and when he was satisfied with the results he nodded to himself as it stabilized and jumped down from the rock he was sitting on. Jude then walked up to her with it floating in one of hands and rotating gently. 

“Are you ready for this? I promise I’ll make it quick, so it shouldn’t hurt… at least not physically.”