week 6, sunday

[vigilantics]

[ it's much later in the evening when steph goes looking to talk to one of the crafters. she really does not care which one at this point because this day has been horrific, but as soon as the door appears, she's walking right through it. ]

Hello?

Comments

[themodsgrimm]

Did she?

[She scoffs.]

Of course she'd be so morbid. If that woman has a death wish, it's on her.

[vigilantics]

[ huh. ]

So then... once you're no longer doing-- whatever the hell this shit is-- then what?

[themodsgrimm]

[There's a pause, like she's not sure how to answer. Actually, in fact...]

I don't know. I just want to live.

[vigilantics]

[ ... ]

And you won't, if you lose?

[themodsgrimm]

Certainly not. It's all about balance, for her. So if she wants to die, I'm not allowed to live.

[vigilantics]

[ wait. ]

But if you want to live, then why is she allowed to die?

[themodsgrimm]

I'm not sure I understand the question. Do you mean in regards to my victory or her own?

[vigilantics]

Okay then-- how would it work in either situation?

[themodsgrimm]

[She leans her head into a hand, thinking about it.]

Hmm, well, I can't speak for her actions explicitly, just what I understand of her myself. She gives up everything, even her life, and takes me down with her in the name of balance. On my end, I take what I want and give her the death she's committed to in either situation.

[vigilantics]

So, if Dragon wins, there is absolutely no way to make it sure that you live through it?

[themodsgrimm]

As far as I know. If my life is at her disposal and she chooses to punish me for my part in this war, who am I to deny her that revenge?

[But, as if this discussion hasn't been nearly as serious as has been, she straightens her posture and waves a hand, like she's oh-so-totally unaffected.]

Not saying I'll be very happy about it, or take it gracefully! I'm a sore loser.

[vigilantics]

Are you? How sore?

[ she'll allow the slight topic change. ]

[themodsgrimm]

[She laughs.]

Oh, I don't know. It's not anything to worry about.

[ ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ ]

[vigilantics]

...

That sounds not true?

[themodsgrimm]

I only mean to say...if she wins and intends to kill me, she better not expect me to accept it without a fight.

[Her eyes flash, as if she's already expecting that Dragon knows this. They've been at this for a long time, after all.]

I will not die without a fight.

[vigilantics]

[ ... steph can't really blame her for that, honestly. ]

How do the two of you even... know each other?

[themodsgrimm]

We...

[She closes her eyes, her brow furrowing.]

We're the Tiger and the Dragon, destined to battle.

[Tiger pauses, frowning as she seems to think deeper, or try to, anyway.]

I don't remember all the details. It feels like things have always been this way, even though I know they weren't. I don't believe...she was who I started this war with, but she stepped in, and it's been her ever since.

[She opens her eyes, but stares down at a space on the floor, seeming frustrated--possibly with herself.]

It's not important anymore.

[vigilantics]

[ oh that's... interesting. steph wasn't expecting tiger to struggle like that. ]

But... if somehow else managed to leave the war... maybe you guys can too?

[themodsgrimm]

It doesn't matter if we do. Everyone is gone now.

[...]

I remember that much, at least.

[vigilantics]

... can I ask who "everyone" is?

[themodsgrimm]

Everyone from before--from home.

[vigilantics]

... that would have been a really long time ago, right?

[themodsgrimm]

Right. Too long ago for me to properly remember.

[As Steph just saw for herself.]

[vigilantics]

Do you guys even remember why you're at war?

[themodsgrimm]

It's difficult. I remember some of the why, and some of the how...I remember what I was thinking and what I wanted, but I can't necessarily fit the pieces together.

[Like looking through a photo album with missing pages.]

But what I wanted back then and the reasons for it, even if they've been rendered inconsequential now...I have no choice but to continue forward. I forged this path for myself, and stepping away from it now...no, I can't even fathom it.

[vigilantics]

[ ... ]

Because it's all that you know now?

[themodsgrimm]

It's all I know and it's all that I have.

[vigilantics]

..,

You guys seriously got a shitty deal.

[themodsgrimm]

Won't argue with that.

[She hates it! :) ]