Void Rift (rp) - Intermission

"Ask him about Vesius. If they're here, he and the others should be back by now."

 

"Will do, capp'n!" Abigail says, saluting and flying back down to Martin and I.

"Do you know a draconian named 'Vesius'?" Abigail asks Martin.

 

"Yeah, he's one of the Fragments of Divine Judgement. He, Tirai, and Riihs helped us evacuate."

 

"Do you, per chance, know where he is?" Abigail asks.

 

He looks cross.
"We all do. He told us to go on without them. We lost contact after we fled."

 

"Very well. I'll see what I can do about this ticket, since you've been co-operative." Abigail says, flying back up to Rineth; I follow.

"He says he knows Vesius, and he helped them escape. Apparently they lost contact because Vesius said to go on without them," Abigail says, "I don't think I should push him for more questions, he seems to be getting annoyed."

 

Rineth sighs.
"Get Aj. I've got a guilt trip planned for him. I know what that means; he's trying not to make you feel bad."

 

"Oh yes, I think I must've lost a few brain cells. I think the Infernal beast would be a classic choice."

 

"Ahem," I say, flying next to Abigail, "I'm right here."

Abigail switches positions with me, so I'm closer to Rineth.

 

"In that case, care to tell Ihra what an orphan is?"
"What?"

 

"An orphan is a child who has lost their mother and father, by death. An example would be Artemis; her mother was killed when she was young, and a few years later, so was her father. This makes Artemis an orphan." I explain.

 

"So..."
"Yes."
Ihra just goes pale.
"That's one hell of a problem."

 

"What's the problem? Artemis is fine, as far as I can see." I say.

 

"You killed mother. Riihs is dead, or will be soon."

 

"Please don't bring that up, I still feel awful about it." I say guiltily, the fact weighing on me.

"I'm sure you could ask Artemis about being an orphan, if you're worried about anything." Abigail says.

"How do you know your father's dead anyway?" I ask, still feeling guilty about the homicide I commited.

 

"The way out is sealed. They're trapped in The Hive, and there's nowhere to hide."
"They're all dead. All three..." Ihra whimpers.

 

"Shall I get Artemis to give you an orphan-to-orphan hug, or will my warm hugs do?" Abigail asks, flying closer to Ihra.

I decide to fly down to Artemis.

 

She hugs Abigail despite the risk.
"I hate this. What did I do? I can't stop them on my own... I can't even ascend!" Ihra complains through tears.

 

Abigail turns off her magma boots and stands on Rineth, reducing the risk of burning Ihra accidentally.

"There there, Abby's here for you," Abigail says, giving Ihra a warm hug and patting her on the back gently, "It's not your fault for their fates, and you won't be fighting them alone. Would you like some nice tea? Would that make you feel better sweetie?"


"Hey, Aj!" Artemis says happily.

"Hey...Artemis, I came to discuss something with you." I say guiltily.

"What's wrong?" Artemis asks, concerened.

"Well...I guess like you, Ihra's an orphan now. Apparently Riihs and Vesius have died, and I have the responsibility for killing Vei." I say sadly.

"Oh no, that's terrible! Is Ihra alright?" Artemis asks, saddened.

"Abigail's helping her," I say, "It's just...I can't shake the feeling that I could have done something different. That, I wasn't meant to kill Vei, it was like a universal glitch."

"Well, on the contrary, I think you were," Artemis says, "Your future self confirmed that; you're meant to travel down this timeline."

"I know, but...I feel like I've really hurt Ihra. I can't help but feel terrible for it, and there's nothing I can do," I say, sadness in my voice, "She's an orphan now because of me, Artemis!"

"Sometimes we need to stop holding onto the past and try to make a better future. Vei's dead, and as horrible as that is to face, there's no changing it. Ihra, however, is still alive; and you can make it up to her by not letting her get hurt." Artemis says, smiling at me.

 

"Sure... tea sounds good..."

Rineth forces a telepathic connection onto you.
"Vei sacrificed herself to right a paradox you created. I hate to be blunt, but you really could have done differently."