It wasn’t hard for the deity to sense the deepening darkness growing in the man before him. How close was he to breaking? He could almost taste the madness that this man was facing and was growing evermore curious about what exactly he’d gone through to reach this state. What exactly had he lost to break him to this point? The god of darkness was rather intrigued now, wanting this mystery to be solved. Perhaps it was his own growing influence over this man that drew him to this cave to begin with? He couldn’t be sure yet.
Hades watched the human put away those strange balls and cants his head a bit in interest. Perhaps the world has changed far more than he assumed. Strange how this man had assumed that they would be able to protect him should the god have been a hostile enemy. Another curiosity to add to this bizarre human. Perhaps later he could ask so that mystery would be solved as well. For now, he waited ever patient as the other stepped forward and spoke up. Tell him the truth was it? That would be no problem.
“Ask away young one, gods can only speak truths.”
He tilts his head thoughtfully at the poster produced from the other’s pocket. Was it a self portrait? No... While subtle the god could see the differences between the image and the man bearing it. Twins then. It was confirmed when Emmet speaks again and further affirmed at the removal of the mask. Sure, the man before him looked worse for wear than the one in the poster but it was easy enough to see.
“Though you shall not like my answer but I have not seen this man... He still yet lives. Where, though, is another matter entirely. Given you are here in such a remote part of the world though tells me you have exhausted most leads."
Hades knew this answer would break the man before him further and something in him disapproves of this. It was true however that this Ingo was not yet buried within the earth and still walked it somewhere, still linked so with his twin. While yes he was so close to losing his mind and completely falling into his realm of darkness he did not wish to see such a fighting spirit broken so completely. After a few more seconds of silence the god comes to a decision and takes just a few more steps closer to the other, gaze far softer than before and smile more sympathetic.
“I have decided to offer my aide young one... Tell me more the circumstances of his disappearance so I may discern the truth for you.”
Emmet felt his blood freeze at the answer--the words, used so nonchalantly: gods can only speak truths. This should have made him laugh! This was madness! A person claiming to be a god! Then why... Why did he start to cry? Was it the descend to madness being proved to him that broke him so? Or, despite every logical thought of him, the hope he saw in the higher being. Someone who could help him more than humans could.
Gods should't have existed. It was not right that a being could be more powerful than a human. It was sickening inequality. It was madness. Yet...
( Did his morals and principles matter anymore? )
At the first part of the answer, the confirmation that Emmet lied to himself would not be coming, that Ingo was not seen by the divine before him-- Emmet hitched a breath, covering his mouth as he felt the onset of panic. Of chaos within. How many times could his body stand to watch his hopes shatter?
"He lives?" Emmet blurted out, a broken chuckle leaving him. "They said I should not hope for his return. Three years. No men vanish into thin air with nothing by his side and makes it. Not often enough for me to hope for a miracle, they said." Tremors passed his body in uncanny resemblance to a hearty laughter. Tears trailed down the sickly pale face that had an etched sorrow.
"I did exhaust most leads. I have worked with people whose jobs should bring him back to me. I have gone out of my way to reach to people who were experts, and they only said it was a cold case, in the end. I... It shouldn't have been possible. But I did it all. I did all because I know he would do even more for me." Emmet offered a pained, too tense smile at the other. "I am not meant to be on my own. I had never been alone. I have derailed the moment he was taken away."
When there were steps toward him, Emmet froze in his tracks--the urge to throw his hands and protect himself, the despair of knowing it had never worked before.
The soft gaze was unexpected. Emmet knew better, but still relaxed, the strong stance broken into him hugging himself in self-soothing manner.
He nodded at the request. "Thanks. I... I will do anything to earn your assistance. I will. I..." Emmet took a deep, shaky breath, trying to find a response not automated. "It has been three and half years, to be exact. We were supposed to work that day. He left early--I think. It is all a blur, but that makes people less likely to search for him, or to take me seriously. We are verrrry close. We had our good days, and bad days, but we come out of them stronger. We work together, and live together. He was not only my brother, but also my only family. He... He would never leave me like this."
Emmet dared to return the gaze, though his was more exhausted and hesitant. Scared. "His belongings were found scattered. I was unconscious, laying near them. At our usual route to work. I presume... I presume we were attacked. I cannot remember. But whatever took place that day, Ingo left without his friends, his Pokemon. His bag, his phone, his everything. No one would leave without them. That's why I don't think he left of his own accord."
..."Should I continue? I... I am sorry. So sorry. Sorry. I ramble. Can't help it."
