|
|
|
6,672 posts
|
92 likes
|
|
I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
|
|
|
Member
|
Post by Robot on Feb 13, 2021 0:22:39 GMT
"Goodwill is fleeting. The nature of man is destruction. Pulling things apart to find answers that should not be sought. Polluting as it suits them, taking when they desire it. You know firsthand. As does your little friend. Even now, the masses suffer at the hands of a few. Should this crisis pass there will be another. And another."
This time it was Serenity who drew the boy's attention. "Peace and comfort in our differences. Possibility in our dreams, and things even beyond dreaming." Once more memories came to give Thel strength. Memories of conflicts that turned into opportunities. Of the change that brought him here.
|
|
|
|
|
8,803 posts
|
16 likes
|
Sept 26, 2024 13:32:53 GMT
|
Administrator
|
Post by DataNinja on Feb 13, 2021 0:33:48 GMT
"The nature of some. But not all. I have seen it firsthand, the pain. Felt it. But it is a few. The rest reject that," Thel says, shaking his head. "For every crisis, we come together. I have seen that firsthand, too. When it matters most, there are people to bring everyone together. There will always be hardship. That is a fact of life. To believe otherwise is a lie. ...but we make the most of what we have, and most people build each other up."
"It's not worth tearing down all those who are good just for the sake of those few who seek to harm others. Punishing everyone for the sake of them. Is that not what you stand against?"
|
|
|
|
|
6,672 posts
|
92 likes
|
|
I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
|
|
|
Member
|
Post by Robot on Feb 13, 2021 0:49:34 GMT
"The well meaning few do not have the strength to overturn the tide of what mankind will become. Kind, and soft, they hold themselves in high esteem and believe their best is good enough. The inexorable tide that laps at your heels even now. If you will not fight to protect what you hold dear, how strong can you claim your convictions?!". The voice thundered.
"Trying anything, instead of nothing, in the face of despair, finding Hope, and bravery.". The Ribombee cheered Thel along in her spritely way. Those moments where in a panic he acted and those actions saw him through.
|
|
|
|
|
8,803 posts
|
16 likes
|
Sept 26, 2024 13:32:53 GMT
|
Administrator
|
Post by DataNinja on Feb 13, 2021 0:59:18 GMT
"You do not need strength on your own," Thel says, flinching at the volume, but remaining unbowed. "You need friends, and a willingness to form bonds. And knowledge of when to fight, and when to not. It is the strength of many, and the willingness to try that will pull humanity through. That will pull all of us through."
"Yes, there will always be those bad actors... but they can't compare to what can be accomplished by those working together..."
"Hope begets hope, and the more you show your ideals, the more people will strive to emulate them. And others will emulate them in turn."
|
|
|
|
|
6,672 posts
|
92 likes
|
|
I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
|
|
|
Member
|
Post by Robot on Feb 13, 2021 1:14:55 GMT
A shake of the head and a toss of the mane. "Not this time, Lucasta. The strength of one is all that will suffice. One for the rains. One for the crags. One for proof that humanity deserves to remain unfettered."
Fingers the size of columns began to close around Thel, as his own hand held his team. Harmony spoke last and in a raised chorus of voices they shouted; "Hearts and minds as one there is nothing we can't accomplish!"
|
|
|
|
|
8,803 posts
|
16 likes
|
Sept 26, 2024 13:32:53 GMT
|
Administrator
|
Post by DataNinja on Feb 13, 2021 4:50:01 GMT
"It's true. The strength of one is what matters." He nods at Harmony as he speaks to the one towering over all. "One purpose, many people. One person is nothing compared to that. No individual should - or can - solve everything. And that's what should be nurtured. Cooperation."
"But, I understand. You can't see that. You suffer from the same problems that you accuse others of. Selfishness, destruction, suffering. To you, your solution is the only one."
"If you have the ability to end it all... there is so much more you could do with that sort of strength," he says, quietly. "But, no. You instead decide to snuff out every last bit of goodness. That's monstrous."
|
|
|
|
|
6,672 posts
|
92 likes
|
|
I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
|
|
|
Member
|
Post by Robot on Feb 14, 2021 0:19:13 GMT
"Yes, in the end what am I, but another man. See that your actions bear the strength of your conviction when the time comes... Lucasta." Massive fingers drew in around the boy and those he held so dear, casting it all into darkness with the grating of stone on stone. Then, he was alone. The presence and the weight of its aura had left him with a sense of claustrophobia, but beyond the lack of a sense of falling, nothing remained.
|
|
|
|
|
8,803 posts
|
16 likes
|
Sept 26, 2024 13:32:53 GMT
|
Administrator
|
Post by DataNinja on Feb 14, 2021 0:23:51 GMT
Darkness. Cloying his senses, but... it doesn't feel pressing in. It's just emptiness, as far as he can tell. There's nothing. "Patience?" he calls out. "Hope? Serenity? Harmony? Bliss?"
He doesn't expect an answer, in this nothingness. But... he has to try. He doesn't like this feeling of being alone. He's gotten used to at least having one friend around...
|
|
|
|
|
6,672 posts
|
92 likes
|
|
I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
|
|
|
Member
|
Post by Robot on Feb 14, 2021 22:44:49 GMT
One path makes itself available to Thel, as many paths had before. Many long, far, far longer then they should be. He quickly recognizes them as taking what was offered. Out of fear, or cowardice. Some are very short. Some assurance comes, in that a few of the decisions he might make neither end his journey abruptly, nor extend it indefinitely. Then, at last, Serenity answers. A presence at his side at first, then a hand on his shoulder.
"I could feel your distress, I'm awake now."
|
|
|
|
|
8,803 posts
|
16 likes
|
Sept 26, 2024 13:32:53 GMT
|
Administrator
|
Post by DataNinja on Feb 14, 2021 23:04:09 GMT
Many, many paths. Many, many failures. But... here is proof that there is some way out. He... doesn't know if he's strong enough to take it, though. Doesn't know if he can do what is required... whatever that may be.
And then he wasn't alone.
"I..." he says, the words not coming. "Thank you." He exhales as he grasps onto Serenity's hand. "I'm sorry for causing you distress. This... this isn't even happening, and I can't handle it."
"I'm not even strong enough to not let what's in my head get to me..."
|
|
|
|
|
6,672 posts
|
92 likes
|
|
I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
|
|
|
Member
|
Post by Robot on Feb 15, 2021 4:27:57 GMT
"I know it is worrying, Thel, but in the end, it's all in your head. Whatever good comes of these dreams is up to you.". A hand gentle settled atop the boy's head and caressed his hair. "We'll always be close to mend those feelings."
|
|
|
|
|
8,803 posts
|
16 likes
|
Sept 26, 2024 13:32:53 GMT
|
Administrator
|
Post by DataNinja on Feb 15, 2021 10:00:10 GMT
"I feel bad relying on all of you all the time..." Thel says, though he is comforted. "You all have your own troubles. I shouldn't have to burden you with mine."
He sighs. "It means everything to me to know that I don't have to take on things alone, but I can't help but feel guilty, is all. Because I know all of you would probably drop everything to help me..."
"I don't know what to make of these dreams... there are often things in them that surely couldn't happen. So I don't even know if they're useful. If there's anything that it could even prepare me for. If... I could even do anything about them. They feel more like a burden than anything."
|
|
|
|
|
6,672 posts
|
92 likes
|
|
I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
|
|
|
Member
|
Post by Robot on Feb 15, 2021 18:23:20 GMT
"Our troubles are few and far between since meeting you, Thel. Patience has a loving home and is getting better. Harmony is whole again. Bliss is finding her place in your world. Hope is... Still a carefree nuisance.". She snorts nasally at that.
"A burden of truths is still a burden. What is the psychic saying? Forewarned is forearmed? You just need someone with better understanding of these things to teach you."
|
|
|
|
|
8,803 posts
|
16 likes
|
Sept 26, 2024 13:32:53 GMT
|
Administrator
|
Post by DataNinja on Feb 15, 2021 18:42:21 GMT
"She's not that much of a nuisance," Thel says, laughing. "...she's always there when it matters, at least."
"And what about you?" he asks, gently. "You didn't mention yourself. Is there something that troubles you, other than me?"
"You know psychics far better than I. I never met one before Em…" He shakes his head. "So, I couldn't tell you if that was a saying or not. Em did mention that she was talking to a human psychic. I can't remember her name. So... when I'm done with classes, and can go up to visit her, hopefully it can all be sorted out." Well... assuming there's an opportunity for him to do so, and he doesn't just... run into trouble before then. "I really need to make sure to give her a call tomorrow... let her know that I'm going to be a little bit busy in the coming days, so she doesn't worry..."
|
|
|
|
|
6,672 posts
|
92 likes
|
|
I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
|
|
|
Member
|
Post by Robot on Feb 15, 2021 19:12:22 GMT
"I'm coming to terms with the fact that my best friend, while being very spidery, isn't going to hurt or eat me. Other then that, it's constantly raining, I miss the sun, and I don't really like living in a cave. Some of those things there is nothing you can really do. Not unless you know a place where the sun is always shining."
The Greenhouses were very well lit, even at night, now that Thel thinks about it.
|
|
|
|
|
8,803 posts
|
16 likes
|
Sept 26, 2024 13:32:53 GMT
|
Administrator
|
Post by DataNinja on Feb 15, 2021 19:22:52 GMT
"Yeah... even as someone who lived his whole life in a cave... it's rough never getting to really leave, to never see the sun. I can't imagine how it is for someone who was always under the sky..." He puts his arm around her, and holds her close.
"I looked into greenhouses after Violet mentioned that Bliss might like them. I was very confused about why a green house was any different than any other colour, but it turns out that they're a clear house. Which is very confusing. But, they're used to grow plants, and it's really, really bright and sunny in there. There are some around, so I might be able to see about getting permission to go into one."
|
|
|
|
|
6,672 posts
|
92 likes
|
|
I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
|
|
|
Member
|
Post by Robot on Feb 15, 2021 19:42:53 GMT
"That would be really nice. The weather and the cave, it all just makes me want to sleep. Lay very still and watch it until it passes.". Serenity pulled herself close against him, resting her face against his neck.
"Worry about the problems you *can* solve, before the ones you can't.". She offered warmly.
|
|
|
|
|
8,803 posts
|
16 likes
|
Sept 26, 2024 13:32:53 GMT
|
Administrator
|
Post by DataNinja on Feb 15, 2021 19:49:20 GMT
"I know the feeling..." Thel says, softly. "Just wanting to sleep until the storm passes, and the sun comes out once again. ...but it won't happen soon. And, if we just sit back... we won't have a normal to return to."
"It's what keeps me going... the knowledge that I have to keep going. For everyone else's sake..."
|
|
|
|
|
6,672 posts
|
92 likes
|
|
I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
|
|
|
Member
|
Post by Robot on Feb 15, 2021 20:00:35 GMT
"Do you think your nightmares are over for tonight? That you can rest properly if I leave you to drift again?". Serenity searched his eyes. "You won't sleep as well with your mind active like this. Unless there is something I can do to help calm you?"
|
|
|
|
|
8,803 posts
|
16 likes
|
Sept 26, 2024 13:32:53 GMT
|
Administrator
|
Post by DataNinja on Feb 15, 2021 20:10:05 GMT
"I... imagine they probably are," Thel says, tentatively. "Thank you. The worst of it was before Patience woke me up. And then the actual images ended before you came here. So... I can deal with nothingness. Especially having talked to you." He squeezes her hand. "So... I think I can rest now. You probably should, too. I'm sorry for waking you. ...hopefully this isn't going to be a regular occurrence."
|
|
