Void Rift (rp) - Intermission

“You’ve been forging a weapon of your own demise. It might not be finished yet, but it’s still dangerous.”

 

"Please, humans are a disease that are eating away at themselves. They're hardly a threat that we can't handle." I say, starting to climb the wall. A few guards on look out initially seem hostile, before dropping their aggression once they recognise who I am.

 

“You came out of a prison break with serious wounds. Don’t give me the ‘they’re hardly a threat’ when you know otherwise.” Iris mumbles.
“Regardless, more pressing matters await the present.”

 

"And I've spent a lot of time training so that doesn't happen again." I add, jumping over the wall and heading through the palace gardens. The forest guardians remaining in them seem somewhat concerned, but stay on their duty. More Shadows and guardians are thrown away from the palace, many starting to reconsider their approach.

 

“Fair enough. Reminder that I still want to see the new and improved you sometime after your reunions with people who are actually your friends and not just a general pain in the ass.”

 

"Considering I've got a god from your reality to fight sometime soon, you'll probably not have to wait long." I say, approaching the entrance to the palace. The guards make a way for me as the nearby Shadows begin to realise who I am.

Once inside, I head toward the entrance of the throne room, a large queue of Shadows and guardians lined up near to it. The doors are sealed shut, though the members of the queue seem rather patient compared to those outside. As soon as I get close to the doors however, they swiftly open and I'm pulled inside.

"Tenbrae's been waiting for you, everyone figured out she was here, go speak to her." Shadow Stephanie says quickly and bluntly. She appears to be dressed in her more regal attire.

"It's nice to see you again too, Stephanie; especially since I last saw you." I say, smirking.

"Don't give me the smug attitude. I've already been through enough in your absence, and it doesn't help that it's complete chaos out there. Were you off picking flowers for Artemis before you got back here?" Shadow Stephanie asks, annoyed.

"No, but I didn't realise Tenebrae was waiting here. How long has she been here?" I ask.

"A few days. She said it's vital she speaks with you, so I wouldn't suggest you keep her waiting much longer," Shadow Stephanie says, "I hope for your own sake you didn't fuck anything up with her."

Tenebrae sits upon my throne, a thick layer of darkness around her making only her eyes clearly visible. However, they don't bear an expression of anger or annoyance, but one of kindness. Artemis and Stephanie seem to be chatting nearby, while Abigail and Katie appear to be enjoying each others company over tea.

 

Iris splits with you, laughing.
“Oh boy, I thought you were only keeping me waiting!”

 

"What is she doing here?" Shadow Stephanie asks, narrowing her eyes at Iris.

"She wanted to tag along." I say, shrugging.

Shadow Stephanie just sighs.

Artemis tackles me in a hug, having run over after noticing me.

"I missed you so much, Aj!" Artemis says, holding me in an embrace.

"I missed you too, Artemis." I say, seeming to drop my guard entirely as I hug Artemis.

"Great, now they're going to be stuck to each other's faces while the entire damn realm tries to break in here..." Shadow Stephanie says, exhausted.

 

“I’m capable of holding a barrier, if you’d like. Or I can push them in that direction.” She says, glancing towards Tenebrae.

 

Tenebrae doesn't seem to react too much.

"If you want you can go join the guards holding the crowds off." Shadow Stephanie shrugs, looking annoyed as she sees Artemis and I occupied with each other's company.

"You have our literal goddess waiting for you, no rush or anything." Shadow Stephanie says in a louder voice towards me. I seem to ignore it, busy with Artemis.

"What was he like on the way over here?" Shadow Stephanie asks as she turns back to Iris, seeming curious, "Did his excessive training manage to knock some of the embarrassing edginess out of him?"

 

“He was on edge, still waiting to jump on anyone who showed a weakness... but I wouldn’t say he’s any wiser than before. Maybe a touch less royal-ish.”

 

"Brilliant...I can see his trip away has really done him some favours," Shadow Stephanie says, "At least Artemis is sharper now, Gaia trained her well."

 

“I wouldn’t worry about it too much, Aj isn’t exactly the best in direct confrontations.”

 

"Mmhmm." Shadow Stephanie nods, arms crossed.

Artemis and I head over to Tenebrae, holding hands. Tenebrae seems rather pleased, though speaks with a concerned tone. She managed to keep her voice low enough to not be heard by prying ears, however.

 

Iris listens in via not having completely disconnected from you, curious.

 

"If you attempt to find Emerald, on a lot of timelines, you will be either badly wounded or even perish. Temporous has foreseen it, and you are a key connection to the reality that has clashed with our own," Tenebrae explains, "Your training with my gift to you is not enough. However, Praecantatia has come up with a form of assistance she is willing to gift to you."

"Is...that all?" I ask, seeming a bit confused.

"Not entirely, though an unintended recipient appears to be listening," Tenebrae says, looking at Iris.

 

I readjust my hold on Scurn, readying.

 

Iris looks blankly at Tenebrae, as if looking past her.

________________________________

After about four seconds, Scurn readies his chakram.
“Ram your face into the door.”

 

I blast into the door shoulder-first.

 

Okay, good.
Got me nervous there for a second.