As the three, near-identical chameleons slowly traversed the path to the house together, Espio turned with interest to hear the details that the other two now related to him.
trytochangeme: “You should not hold regrets,” He pointed out to his alternate, turning his head to him and grinning slightly. “Instead, be thankful your alternates were there to help you in these times of trouble. We chose to help, we chose to take the punishments, or sanctions, that come with that. So don’t worry, okay?”
Espio bowed his head in acknowledgement. These were lizards just like himself, and had their places been reversed, he knew he would have acted in the exact same way. It didn’t dispell his guilt completely, but acknowledging this went some way toward easing it.
trytochangeme: “I am very glad I am just as welcomed here as Espio is too. This is practically my home now, is it not Espio?” He directed a smile to the chameleon that had also been questioned. “This zone is a rather lovely one, do you like living here Espio?”
Inwardly Espio noted again the difference in their mode of speech - the gap was steeper than he had at first realised. This Espio was significantly more… relaxed was not the word, but his tone was less stoic, less refined, almost casual, and uncontrolled in deliverance. He quirked a dubious brow at him, curious as to how this rather sharp and noticeable different had come about, what it insuated about the alternate’s personality and how that personlity differed from his own… then winced. His face and skull was pretty bruised, to the point where such a facial expression smarted.
thechameleonninja: “Living here is enjoyable for me, so to answer your question… yes. It’s convenient as well considering the fact that I grew up here. Though, I’m afraid this zone has its own share of dark conniving secrets that I along with everyone else here could definitely live without.”
"I believe that all zones, or almost all, have some darkness somewhere about their midst," Espio replied, quietly, and pensive. "There may be no such thing as a ‘perfect’ world. There is a great deal of pain and suffering in my own, largely due to the efforts of one man - Dr. Robotnik. And yet…" he paused, thinking this over carefully as he spoke… "and yet, in a way, it is the evils that each of us have to face every day, that make us as strong as we are. Without the darkness and the suffering, the joy of life would become meaningless. One cannot appreciate the sunlight, if one has never experienced the night."
By now they had reached the dwelling, and as their alternate opened the door for them, the two battered chameleons made their way inside. Espio glanced about awkwardly, before reluctantly taking a seat - perching himself upon the edge of the chair as though he were sitting on furniture that was made of the most delicate glass. Accustomed to the zabutons he kept at home, chairs were not among Espio’s favourite things, and he was unaccustomed to sitting upon them. He shuffled uncomfortably, the aching injuries crying out for mercy as he did so, and fidgeted with his tail until he found a way to place it behind him without accidentally sitting on it or squashing it behind him.
trytochangeme: “And what is your zone like Espio? I have not yet visited it but I’m sure it’s a nice place!”
He lowered his head sadly. “As I said, there is a great deal of suffering in my zone. Dr. Robotnik rules over a large portion of my world, and he is a man of more brutal evil than it has ever been my misfortune to encounter. Fortunately however,” he added, raising his eyes slightly and softening his tone, “he has not been able to take Angel Island, largely due to the efforts of the Chaotix and the Guardians. There is always the threat hanging over us, but thus far, the threat has not become a reality. The floating island remains the beautiful haven that it has always been, and my allies and myself intend to keep it that way.”
trytochangeme: What can I get you guys? W-Water? bandages? Soothing cream?”
thechameleonninja: “Water sounds just fine thank you.”
"I should be glad of a glass of water as well," Espio replied appreciatively. "Though there is no cause for you to trouble yourself. I should be happy to go and get it myself, if you would be so kind as to tell me where your kitchen is," he made to lever himself up from the chair, and instantly groaned. That throbbing pain in the ribs suddenly hit like a stab right in the side, and almost immediately the chameleon flopped back down, holding his bruised sigh. "Thh!" he hissed through his teeth, eyes unfocusing for a moment as he tried to will the pain to dissipate.
thechameleonninja: “Shall I treat your wounds first. Or would you prefer to do it yourself?”
Wincing again, Espio glanced around. He had been going to say that he did not require medical aid but… well, that seemed rather redundant now. He would have much preferred to deal with his medication on his own, averse completely to the very idea of physical contact… but truth be told, he wasn’t at all certain as to whether his condition would allow it. Manoeuvring himself to apply bandages and the like would be painful in itself. Perhaps he was more seriously injured than he’d thought. Chaos. He probably looked even worse than he felt; his head was throbbing too, and he was pretty sure he’s acquired a black eye and a bruise to the jaw somewhere down the line. A mirror was not something the chameleon wished to see right about now.
"I’ll do it myself," he said stubbornly, after several moments’ silent thought. Not only did he wish to cause no further bother to his newfound friends and allies… but the thought of getting up so close and personal with anyone - even alternates of himself - was hardly the most comfortable one.
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dailybridgerton
