{ battle against the story eater }

[dreamposts]

BATTLE AGAINST THE STORY EATER

The Story Eater has arrived.

More details on everything can be found here. We will request any thread submissions for certain prompts during AC and TDM threads will count. For more information, refer to the Game Notes.

Players who made boss submissions, if you are creating a prompt in your toplevel or wish to create a designated prompt for your boss, please comment here which will be used as a directory.

I. ON THE MOON

Those on the moon will at first feel overwhelmed, possibly even forced to the ground by the sheer enormous force of the nightmare energy that continues to pour out where the Story Eater had once stood. It feels as if they had extremely underestimated its power, and those of a weak mind will already feel the effects of the nightmare latching onto their worst fears. However, a cold air brushes over them and the ground beneath warms as it pulses white. In an instant, the oppressive feeling disappears, clarity returning to them.

It's too early to fall now, little dreamers, a sultry voice whispers in their ears with a laugh as another sighs, the softer voice like a melody. Quick, before the blessing loses its effect. The rest is up to you.

A. Tapir Calvary. The tapirs may have been hanging back for a while, but they will pop in, all eager to feast upon the nightmares that appear. Of course… Like anything, too much is dangerous for them as well. While they are able to withstand the seemingly endless amount of nightmare energy as if they are just swimming through flooded waters, after eating too much they start to wobble and complain of their stomachs hurting. This in turn makes them irritable, and instead of stopping to eat, they start eating more. Stop them before they eat themselves sick. Those that start to exude a dark mist and start turning black need to be quickly taken off the moon or sent into a dream. If they are not… They will disappear to somewhere unknown.

B. Slenderman and Cupid. There are two particularly strong foes that will be working with the Story Eater. "Slenderman" will be just like it was when it first appeared by the castle, feasting on nightmare energy and using shadows to its advantage. It will be a tough foe to kill, but explosive wisps and pure dreamotion light will be effective against it. Cupid will be insane and will try to inflict hatred upon any struck by his arrows. He is more unstable and will be more susceptible to those who try to purify it with love and kindness. (Cupid will most likely move to attack the town so he is available for On the Ground prompts.)

C. Wisped Away. With the amount of monsters and damage caused by the Story Eater directly and its creations, deaths are inevitable. Normally for those who have fully integrated into the world, like the fae and the dragons, this would have been permanent. However, perhaps due to the unusual nature of the Story Eater, they will be "graced" the same fate like the dreamers that inhabit Reverein. Their physical body may disappear, but their "soul" turns into condensed dreamotion energy and takes the form of a wisp. (Characters can and will be turned into wisps if they die so these can also apply to them.)

🛑 Because of the high likelihood of the original body suffering a traumatic event, the wisp will be extremely vulnerable and has a high risk of turning into a noctaere. They will flash red and black and the deeper the color, the closer they are to changing. Find and help purify them via dreamotion.
🚦 Escort vulnerable wisps to the portal so they can be taken to a safehouse and calm down.
💣 Some wisps will not feel negative emotions and instead will want to continue to fight. Although they are still vulnerable, because their dreamotion energy is so condensed they have the ability to explode without any harm to themselves to either inflict damage on the creatures OR to help purify those afflicted with pure dreamotion energy. These wisps will be gold in color.

II. ON THE GROUND

As soon as the Story Eater appeared, those of strong magical prowess had attempted to erect a barrier to protect the town and its surroundings from the brunt of the fallout, but it could not keep up forever, especially as those who try to keep it in place begin to quickly fall as their own nightmares take over. Thus while it's still safer than what's going on on the moon, the same afflictions can still be felt and experienced.

A. Support the Barriers. There are two different barriers currently protecting Reverein and the surrounding areas. Not only must they be defended from attacks, they also need help to stay up.

🧱 The sand walls erected earlier will stand tall and withstand most physical attacks, but eventually they will begin to crumble and create gaps. They must be quickly patched up and defended as the Story Eater's minions, creations, and those turned into noctaere start to push through.
🔮 The magic barrier is fueled with dreamotion and serves to help keep the effects of the nightmare energy lowered so that most of the people inside can withstand it. However, as those who are trying to keep it up fall, replacements are needed. To help, the moles from before bring up crystals that anyone can help channel and use to help as a power source to empower the barrier.

B. Aid Relief. Those who have been injured and brought back from the moon or from around town will be ushered into designated locations set up for healing. Be it physical or mental, they will be treated and protected by those who remain on defense. However, as the battle goes on and more people are afflicted, supplies and personnel will wear out, so additional aid will be needed. This may even require venturing out to get much needed herbs or supplies unless someone can dreamotion them up.

III. SPECIAL MONSTERS & BOSSES

The Story Eater is using its powers to take on the forms of an individual's worst nightmare or enemy. This could be anything. Below is the full list of special bosses and mob monsters that were submitted by players and can be encountered both on the moon and on the ground. Refer to the original links for more information. Players are still free to create and use anything that is not on the list, especially f their character's worst nightmare is something else. IMPORTANT! While any of these are capable of killing, those marked with the red flag (🚩) indicate that these are more likely to perform kills or destroy the individual to turn them into wisps.

A. Monster Mobs. Typical monster/mob creatures that while numerous are the weakest and easier to defeat. Physical attacks will be enough, but dreamotion or using Aspect abilities will inflict more damage.

🍆 Sinner Demons. They take on any form based on the type of sin they committed. Could take on the form based on the person they face.
😱 Devils. Takes on forms based on the fears of people.
🚨 Garlean K-9 Soldiers and hunting dogs. These soldiers aren't here to help and will be targeting anyone they come across.
👻 Cursed Spirits. Spiritual beings manifested from cursed energy as a result of the negative emotions that flow out of humans. They cause harm to humans and seek humans out to harm them.
💨 Redead. Emits a scream that immobilizes temporarily, moves towards target and jumps on back to deal damage.
🐍 Nagas. Breathe and spew toxic miasma and prolonged exposure to it can cause weaker beings to transform into nagas themselves. Archnaga's venom is corrosive in both liquid and gas forms. Can also swallow large objects. 🚩
🕶 Shadows. Shadow-like blobs and tables and headless dancers and things. Fairly weak.
💎 Zeugles. Aggressive genetically enhanced animals; must destroy the core inside to completely destroy them.
🤺 Sword Retrograde Army. Sword tsukumogami summoned for a cause to change history. Generally stronger than normal humans with some spiritual powers.
👹 Demons. Can hide their horns and wings to appear more human, otherwise their true form is more monstrous. They range from committing harmless silly pranks to more violent and murderous. 🚩
🎭 Four Masks. Drains one's sanity until they go berserk with potential to summon Atman (boss).
🔊 Noise. Affect people with weaker willpower and play on their negative emotions or nightmares.
📰 Xeroms. Monsters capable of attacking, infesting and draining emotions dry leaving the victim an empty husk.

B. Solo Bosses. Some nightmares manifest into one singular entity with greater powers and considered a higher leveled "boss." They do not appear as often or in number as the monster mobs and some may be controlled by players.

🍬 Gumball Waterson. Cartoon character turned creepy due to nightmare energy, but still on the sillier side. Body parts morphing or separating from him, getting into weird places, driving invisible cars, surviving crazy falls; basically whatever might be funny at that moment.
👂 Parrah & Nayo. Twin puppets that are not physically strong, but they're very annoying and are the "like to break people by talking" type of antagonist.
🙍‍♂️ Takaya Sakaki. Charismatic but otherwise a weaker enemy capable of standard Persona based magical and physical attacks and capable of summoning nightmare based Personas.
🐀 Rasputin. Can summon minions, destroy things, conceal nightmares within illusions.
🔥 Firelord Ozai. Can bend/generate fire and lightning, strong physical abilities.
🦋 Valentino. A charismatic moth demon capable of controlling smoke and has pheromones that can attract those to him.
🧝‍♀️ Gaea. Goddess of the Earth. Stronger when tethered to Earth. Powers include geokinesis, chlorokinesis (control of plants), creation of sentient life forms, atmokinesis (weather), control of animals, transformation.
🌱 Omega Flowey. Can grow vines, venus flytraps, plant stems that shoot, lots of plant based attacks.
🍐 Sephiroth. Sword fighting proficiency, shapeshifting, ability to cause hallucinations, telekinesis of medium sized objects, minor manipulation abilities, materia magic. Potential lethal backstabs. (Prompts available within FFVII toplevels). 🚩
⚡ Raiden Shogun. Scary lady with lightning based attacks, illusions, large-range attacks.
🤖 Shouki no Kami. Divine Automaton that uses lightning based attacks.
💃 Stella. Vile woman who thrives off mentally and physically tormenting.
👑 Paimon . Stolas' father, a powerful demon capable of shapeshifting, teleportation, grimoire manipulation, projection.
🧣 Ardyn Izunia. Has thirteen weapons at his disposal; can cast powerful magic such as striking down lightning, summoning blizzards, fiery explosions; has the power to heal; and is resilient to physical pain.
⏳ Kronos. God-like strength, specializes in sword combat, tough to take down. Has several types of kinesis magic.
💀 Nyx. Only has one main ability: cast death. However it's a slow windup so can be beaten beforehand. 🚩
😾 Wakaba Isshiki. Large sphynx with a woman's head. Heavy wind, almighty, and physical attacks. There can be riddles that are pertinent to those who engage it.
👮‍♀️ Makima. A woman who looks normal but is actually a Devil of immense strength, enhanced smell, domination, and can force manipulation that can damage weak targets by simply staring at them.
🖤 Atman. A very creepy giant mask that will disappear but then reappear after being defeated.
🤸‍♂️ Vholran. Fights with a waterblade. Acrobatic swordsman, mastery over water-elemental astral energy and can cast high power artes.
🎨 Creed Graphite. A Will Artist (spellcaster) capable of casting spells and summoning and controlling Xeroms.
🎼 Ganon. Hate and hunger for power in physical form. Can corrupt anything with darkness, will only be able to corrupt non-PCs unless players want to do something with that.
🌋 Calamity Ganon. Capable of creating Malice (poison substance that can cause other monsters or bosses to go aggro) and raising other monsters from the dead. Can be destroyed by any type of sealing dreamotion magic.
💔 Xehanorts (multiple). Control darkness and use darkness as a weapon; controlling people to his will by turning them into versions of himself, otherwise known as getting "norted" where victim gains yellow eyes and is controlled to his whims and the darkness in their heart/they will follow their darker side. Darkness meteorites can also be a thing.
➕ Emperor Demitrius (final boss form). Basically heal himself back up to full mid-fight so it will take a few rounds to defeat him.

C. Megabosses. Extremely powerful entities that may not even be defeated by conventional means and instead have powers that affect everyone instead. High chance of death. 🚩🚩🚩

🤖 Diaspora. Half the size of Dragon Island and up in the sky, it can disassemble dreamotion energy and knock someone out into wisp form without dying with a beam of blue goop. Has high regeneration, but will be vulnerable to prolonged attacks.
🐲 Dragons (Voids). Faces of dragons that coalesce in from the sky when they decide to attack with high concentrations of nightmare energy. Zhaitan will be capable of turning those who turned into wisps into noctaere in the form of Void Risen. Mordremoth will just descend and smash into small areas to inflict damage. Kralkatorrik will fire a giant beam of crystal fire breath that will encase anyone and anything in its path into purple crystal, and they must be freed before they turn into noctaere.

Comments

[lethechained]

[ It takes longer for Naminé to be sure of anything in this exhausted state, but even now it only requires a few long seconds of observation to recognize that Link's doing fine. (As much as any one of them can be, rather.) This is driven home in large part by the fact that he seems to be in the midst of eating lunch, or at least whatever meal it might happen to be at present. The sight is so jarringly, absurdly normal that Naminé finds her eyes beginning to sting from the depth of her relief, and shuts them briefly.

Goodness, it's been a long day. Finally deflating, Naminé eases the rest of the way back to her sitting position against the wall as she nods in answer to his question, eyes late to open. Watching him set down the remaining riceball, she croaks an, ]

I'll be okay.

[ Whether or not she is currently is a somewhat more complicated question.

Her brow pinches just a little as the food's presence at her side commands her attention. Now that she thinks of it, when was it that she ate last? It hadn't been a consideration at all for most of the day, but the reminder has given her cause to realize that she's ravenous, perhaps more so than she has been since much darker days in another world entirely.

But taking food out of his mouth (figuratively speaking) doesn't feel right when she knows firsthand how hard he fought today. So, too, is she equally aware that he's not the type one refuses help from successfully, nor that needs asking whether he's sure. Still, she does see fit to raise that question without speaking it aloud by angling one faintly shaky hand to press her fingertips to the edge of the cloth the riceball is resting on. She doesn't pull it toward her, but the thought is there as she regards him over it, gaze searching.

That, however, is for more reasons than one. There's so much she ought to ask him, has to ask him, and taking the indirect path feels beyond her now, when it's such an effort just to keep awake. So she asks, ]

What about you? After everything... [ No, there's no beating around the bush; ] Do you still feel like yourself?

[skyglider]

[Link recognizes that particular turn of phrase. I'll be okay. He had said so himself, plenty of times -- and certainly will do again, that much he knows for sure. So, too, does he know that that's really the best they can ask for, at this point. It's okay not to be okay, he hazily remembers, a distant voice from an all-too-distant past, still veiled in uncertainty. So long as you know you'll make it out of the woods, you may linger among the trees.

He doesn't press, for that reason, but he quietly notes her fingers at the corner of that cloth. Taking another bite of his own riceball, he makes a more definitive gesture with the other, pushing it a little bit toward her. He couldn't blame her for not having an appetite, if that's the case. But food can be nourishing for body and soul...and besides, most people don't think to eat in the heat of battle.

In the quiet of the moment, he tries to sort out the questions in his mind. Whatever powers she seemed to possess, the hazy way his memories refuse to fit together after their encounter with the monsters...

He seems a little relieved when she asks the first question, in large part because he doesn't know where to start.]

I do, [he says thoughtfully, working his mind around that question. Like yourself? Even if he doesn't entirely understand the meaning of the question, he can search his own feelings. He notes, for later, to ask more about it.]

Mostly. A few things seem...off. Memories.

[Minor things. The monsters he fought at home. The green fields surrounding Castle...no. He can't remember the name. His home. If he hadn't had such trouble with his memories, he might be more concerned, but he feels certain that nothing missing has been cast into Oblivion.]

Is that... [because of your powers? it almost slips out without thought, at the memories of that last battle: her cold features, her commanding voice.] ...something you've experienced?

[lethechained]

[ She has her answer, it seems. There's a grateful tightness in Naminé's chest as she finally nods and allows herself to reach out with weak fingers to collect the riceball from its resting place. Expressing that appreciation aloud, though, has to wait; so much hangs on his answer to her question that the girl finds herself unable to do anything other than wait on it, the food clutched (temporarily uneaten) between both hands.

At his initial words, her shoulders sink - only to rise partway again as he elaborates. Her heavily burdened eyelids rise subtly but meaningfully, gaze searching until that last word - memories.

Of course, they wouldn't both be fortunate enough to avoid it entirely. Her eyes squeeze shut for a moment, not entirely unlike what might happen if the words caused her physical pain. The riceball sinks slightly as her arms sag, brow pinched while she responds, ]

... I did today. [ Even she, it seems, is susceptible to her own powers. She'd never wanted to find that out, even if knowing now might eventually be for the better. But she can hardly leave her answer at that; she doesn't wait more than half a beat before adding, with all the restrained yet recognizable guilt that such a long-term regret demands, ] Usually, I'm... just the cause of it.

[ Eyes downcast, she doesn't dare raise them at the moment. A sigh leaves her lips; it doesn't actually take any of her shame with it, but it was worth a try nonetheless. He might not have accused her outright, but Link's a smart enough fellow, and surely he's more than capable of putting the pieces together. So even if he's also kind enough not to ask, someone has to make matters clear. Quietly, so quietly, ]

Have you realized yet - how much danger you were in because you tried to help me?

[skyglider]

[Every inch of her is burdened with guilt; she doesn't have to say anything for him to know it in her expression, her posture, the set of her brow... It is a burden he is all too familiar with. He's had many similar moments with Princess Zelda, musing over the refusal of her own powers to show themselves, lamenting over the heavy burden borne by each of them.

That is to say, this is not the first time he's found himself dreadfully incapable of easing someone else's guilt.

Just the cause of it. That one phrase answers many questions in his mind, thoughts that have strung themselves together over the entire course of his knowing her. The strained way she speaks about memories, the worry over her own powers... No wonder, if this is the nature of them.

Link turns that last question over and over in his mind, thinking quietly on it for some time. His expression is mild, thoughtful, perhaps even somewhat worried. It takes him a while to really begin finding words to answer it. When he does, he sets his riceball down, removing the Master Sword and its scabbard from his back.]

When I was young, I tried to pull a legendary blade from a pedestal. I heard that my country was in danger, and I wanted to use its power to protect my family... [His fingers curl around the scabbard, almost fondly. They've been together for quite a while, by this point. Two old friends who have been through a lot.] It chose me, as it has chosen others who have something to protect throughout its long history. People who will fight, no matter the cost.

[He hesitates again, struggling to find the right words. There is no shortage of heroes in a place like this, it's true. Some people may view them as foolish. But after everything he's been through, every battle he's fought, every loss he's felt--]

... The danger is worth it. Always.

[lethechained]

[ The quiet that stretches on should unnerve her more, she supposes, than it actually does. They've known each other long enough now that Naminé doesn't begrudge Link his silence, his time to consider - and she makes a conscious effort not to steal too many looks at him under the shadows of her lashes, wish though she might to find some pre-resolution of his thoughts on his features. This question, at least, is less pressing than her last one; the majority of her fear is directed toward his well-being, rather than his opinion of her.

Still, that doesn't mean it wouldn't sting if he decided to regret his decision - but she tries not to think about that as she begins to take careful bites of her riceball. It's sorely needed sustenance, and her stomach grumbles for more all but immediately. About then, though, the Master Sword makes an appearance, and-- naturally, her eyes shift directly to it.

It does cross her mind in that moment that, if he were to turn it on her, she'd be surprised, but not offended. He is a hero, after all, and she only a wicked witch, guilty of more crimes than one. If justice really prevailed--

The thought is fleeting, and gone in a moment as he begins to speak and Naminé lets out a breath she hadn't intended to hold. A few blinks are all it takes to shift her mind back to this present, rather than the hypothetical one, and gradually her expression softens even as it grows more sober. ]

Always...

[ She tests the word, but decides against testing his. There are reasons aplenty she could give him why that shouldn't be true; his value, for one, not to mention all that she could tell him of why it's greater than her own. But... now, too, she finds she cannot doubt him. His heart, she imagines, is strong and stubborn - every bit the champion he ought to be.

Quietly, she exhales what might be an exhausted, exasperated laugh, tinged with a warm yet wry sort of acceptance. ]

I can see why it chose you.

[ She would have, too, were she in its place. ]

But you must have realized already that courage like that is... not always a blessing. What could have happened to you because of me isn't as simple as dying and being brought back. Your memories--...

[ No, she's already decided not to try to convince him he should have fled, hasn't she? It's against her instincts to let that decision stand, but he's earned her faith. Faltering a moment, Naminé heaves a brief sigh, then finally shakes her head. ]

... They're already fragile. And I'm not sure if-- I can fix them.

[skyglider]

I know.

[In contrast, this answer is almost automatic. No, Link may not have known the extent or the nature of her powers -- or the specific risks involved with them. But in every fight, in every situation, there is risk -- death being only one element of that. To be trapped in the divine beasts like the Champions, to be held within a seal for a century fighting against a malicious beast, to lose your memories... A battle is never without stakes. It's why one must choose those battles so carefully.

He doesn't usually fight so hard to make it understood, though. Perhaps it's her expression and demeanor that resonates so strongly with his experiences. Princess Zelda's downcast eyes as she blamed herself for her friends' deaths. The empty well in his chest as Mipha tried to speak of his memories. The spirit of a fallen king as he casts a forlorn look at (it's just out of reach, the name, he feels it there) Castle... This is not a life or a destiny that anyone chooses. Yet they all rise to meet their fate, regardless of consequences.

Either way, apparently he has a small stubborn streak to contend with.]

I chose to fight. It's not your fault.

[It's the responsibility of people like him to accept the consequences of their choices -- easier, in this case, perhaps because the empty space between his thoughts is so familiar to him. He pauses a moment, glancing back to the sword before replacing the scabbard at his back.]

But... [He turns his eyes back to her, head tilted slightly.] ... I'm sorry for worrying you.

[It's not as though he's at peace with the way things are, not really. The slipped memories nag at the back of his mind, little warnings that something is not right. But he's wary of the way it seems to weigh on her, the burden she seems to think it to be. To think herself to be, perhaps.]

[lethechained]

[ A hero, then, through and through. She's known him to be one for what feels like a long time now, but Link's proven it several times over today. Her huff of breath doesn't quite make it to a laugh, although she appreciates the irony of it - of his efforts to protect her when she was the real threat all along. Her eyes are downcast indeed, but at his apology, they flick higher, her mouth pressing into a line as she regards him more directly again. ]

You don't have to apologize to me for that. Not - for anything that happened today.

[ The riceball's nearly gone now; she neglects it as she tries to gather the right words in her mind, gaze shifting briefly as she does. ]

Actually... I really admire you, Link. If I were half as brave as you are, I--

[ There's quite the tangle of possibilities in that hypothetical universe, too, but none of them are nice enough to mention. Summarizing them, though, in a sobered tone, ]

I would have fewer regrets, I think.

[ Of that, at least, she feels certain. From that thought on, however, she grows only more grim, for speaking of regrets-- ]

And I really do appreciate it. But... I owe you something, after all of this. [ Quieter, ] An explanation especially.

[skyglider]

[There's a cost to that nature that Link has become intimately familiar with -- in times such as this, especially, one becomes keenly aware of the people left behind to worry. To wonder. Bravery has a cost, and it is paid not by the heroes but by the survivors. Princess Zelda, fighting alone against the great Calamity; his family, left to flee, their fate uncertain even now; ...and her, too, left to bear the guilt of somehow playing a part in the consequences of that fight.

... That said, he cannot say for certain whether she would or not. No one can. But especially for her, because he doesn't know her as well as some others. Her past, her burdens, whatever makes that feel so heavy upon her. So he doesn't argue or object, instead listening quietly to her words. His own rice ball is gone now, and he absently cleans up a few stray grains that have dropped in his lap.]

You don't owe me anything, [he says softly, after a while. He glances in her direction, gives her a faint nod that he hopes is reassuring. He means it, of course. He bears her no resentment or ill will for any of this. He assigns her no blame.

All the same--]

But... I would like to listen, if you want to talk. As a friend.

[lethechained]

[ Judging by her weak but meant smile in the wake of his reassurance, it seems to have the intended effect. Perhaps she disagrees, but the sentiment itself... it may be that that eases some of the tightness in her chest. She's given the freedom, at least, to finish the last of their shared food, expression contemplative as she nods at his offer.

Once her mouth is no longer full, Naminé lets her hands rest on her lap, pauses, and - exhales, chin tucking with it. ]

You must have some idea by now, but... the truth is, I'm-- a witch.

[ She seems hesitant to meet his eyes, yet at the same time can't resist trying to search them, watching for any kind of reaction. Some are more familiar with such things as magic, she finds, and the names for those who cast it. ]

From the beginning of my life, I've had power over the memories of others, and their hearts and minds as a result. Today... was the first time I'd ever lost control of it like that. After Cupid hit me with that arrow, I-- was hardly myself at all anymore, for a while.

[ Between that, Morgan le Fay, and all the extra energy in the air - really, it's a wonder she didn't become a noctaere outright. ]

But the part of me that was myself was afraid that I would hurt you without meaning to. That's why I tried to get you to leave me, because I wasn't sure what might happen to you if you stayed close.

[skyglider]

A witch... [His tone as he repeats the word is not repulsed or afraid, but thoughtful. As if he's trying the word out, as if it has no inherent meaning. That's not entirely how it is, of course, but he can't see that as being something good or bad, so much as it just is.

A witch who has power over memories. Goddess, but there does seem to be some irony in it. A memory witch and an amnesiac. Some great force of nature must find this quite funny.

That being said, there is something so achingly familiar in the avoidance of her gaze, in the heavy tone of those words. He thinks instantly to the two princesses in his life: Mipha and Zelda, two born to the same fate and calling, to save Hyrule from the Calamity. One who embraced her gifts and one who was overwhelmed by them...]

I've never had my own magic. But knowing those who do...it seems a heavy burden. I'm sorry you've had to bear it alone.

[As for the rest -- it makes sense now. A small, grateful smile tugs at his expression, because really, he is grateful that she cares so much for the safety of others. Still--]

... And I'm sorry I'm not a very good listener.

[His tone here is a little lighter. He's not really sorry for staying beside her, but he is sorry that she was put in such a difficult situation.]

[lethechained]

[ He's said the word back to her himself, but Naminé still finds herself giving half a nod, half a blink to confirm the title instinctively. Regardless of what Link's actually thinking, maybe his tone is proof enough on his own that he hasn't taken it poorly outright. Not the type to hide it, is he? No, for all her misgivings, it feels like he'll understand, when she really thinks about it.

Understand maybe too readily, in fact. Self-preservation doesn't seem to be his strong suit - but her intentions are as pure as they ever were, and she bows her head a little under his sympathy. She falters with actual words at first, unsure what to do with this kindness beyond the instinctive pull of gratitude, but-- the truth is easy enough to grasp when she tries. (The only question is how much of it she ought to admit to, for his sake.) ]

It's for the best, I think. [ Because she has always been alone, hasn't she? Where her powers are concerned, she's never been fortunate enough to have a teacher to guide her path, or even someone similarly cursed to commiserate with. The magic she was born with is only one distinction of many that separates her from almost everyone she's ever known, but it's the starkest among them. Her tired eyes are solemn as she admits, ] No matter how hard I try, I never seem to be able to use it without doing harm.

[ In varying amounts, perhaps, but invariably all the same. His more humorous comment and the accompanying smile nevertheless prompt one of her own and a small, fond breath out through her nose. The lass sighs, not quite energetic enough to feign a scolding air with her, ]

But you are. [ Ah-- no, wait, she'd meant to tease back. Quieter, she tries again. ] Just not always when it counts, I suppose.

[ Not when it comes to keeping himself out of trouble, that is. Still, she has more to confess, and although it seems he's already forgiven her her nature, she sobers at at the idea of explaining her choices. Mouth flattening into a shallow line, she resists the urge to let out another sigh, and secondarily to keep her mouth shut. ]

I... should have told you all of this sooner. When I first realized what had happened to you - happened to your memories, that is, before we ever met - I thought about offering to help you. Except-- I was... afraid.

[skyglider]

[Without doing harm...knowing her the way that he does, it's those words that stick particularly in his mind. He can't imagine the depths to which that harm might extend, but he has a feeling that any harm may be too much, in this case. This is different, he thinks, from anything he has experience with. The Champions all seemed to have confident poise when using their abilities, the utmost faith that they could fulfill their duties. Princess Zelda stood alone, terrified and despairing of her inability to even access hers...

To think that someone may hurt someone with a power like that, without even meaning to?

He tries not to allow himself to feel pity, exactly -- it is such a wretched emotion and feeling. But his heart aches for how difficult that must be for her.]

I'm sorry. That must have been hard.

[The words seem so superficial, and yet, it's the best he can do. Enduring all of that alone... While he could never share in her burden, he was always willing to listen to Princess Zelda's frustrations. It...seemed important, to provide that shoulder of support. That listening ear.

His eyes find hers again at her admission, rolling her words over in his mind. Afraid...with what she's told him, that seems understandable. The fact that she says all of this in the way she does speaks again of her kindness and the way she regards others. If he was in her position, would he have done any differently? The expression on his face is of one seeking to understand, rather than to judge. He already feels that she has no obligation to tell him anything, but if she wants to, then...he feels a measure of gratitude that she's willing to trust him with all of this.]

... Afraid of what?

[lethechained]

[ As rarely as she's spoken of this - of her power, of her nature - Naminé finds that it really is a comfort to do so now, in the company of someone she trusts to know it. Regardless of what he might term his words or feelings on the matter, they appear to soothe her well enough as her eyes flutter shut, just for a moment. There's the tone of a confession in her, ]

Maybe. [ Her voice is careful even with that one word, almost as if she doesn't believe she deserves to speak it. Surer is the, ] It was... worse for everyone else.

[ She's had a profound effect on many lives other than her own, no matter her wishes or intentions. Her tense posture eases subtly, though, as she continues. ]

Things are different now than they used to be. I have-- more choices. Better choices.

[ And sometimes that means choosing to do nothing. To not meddle, for once in her life. Nevertheless, that doesn't excuse her from explaining herself, she thinks - and accepts the meeting of their gazes. Her eyes are a little sad, but willing. He wants to understand, and she wants that, too, so she answers, ]

Afraid of making it worse. Or of-- finding out I couldn't do anything at all, or that if I did, it would already be too much. Of getting your hopes up for nothing, I suppose. [ Her magic can be fickle, truthfully, in who she can and can't affect. ] This world changed some of the ways I do what I can do. Up until now, I wasn't sure what that might mean, and I wasn't willing to - to use you to find that out, even if it might have helped you in the end. Not if it might have hurt you, too.

[ Although she's been candid throughout, there's finally a hesitation now as her words slow, pause - as if she's reluctant to express some more personal aspect of this. Eventually, though, ]

And... I didn't want to frighten you, either. [ A beat; deeper still, ] For you to be scared of me.

[skyglider]

[Her words are pieces of a puzzle, and they're only just beginning to fit together in his mind. Better choices. Worse for everyone else. Whatever she's been through -- it sounds terrible, and it sounds like it was not her choice. A pang of sympathy twists in his chest. It is true that his duties have not always been his choice; he might have elected not to follow Princess Zelda everywhere if it had not been his assignment. But he was always able to follow his own morals, to choose, for himself, what he felt was right. And even though he did not want to, aiding Princess Zelda was the right thing to do.]

I'm glad for that.

[That she has more agency, more choice. He truly is. No one should live their life under the thumb of someone who has them do wrong.

The fear she speaks of, though -- that he understands on several different levels. The fear Princess Zelda felt over not being able to awaken her powers, the fear that gripped him on that fateful day when the Calamity was finally upon them. He learned long ago that bravery was not the opposite of fear, but the acceptance of it. The willingness to do something in spite of it.

But so, too, has he learned that holding back is a type of care, as well.

He's quiet for a little while after she finishes speaking. He knows it might be a little unsettling, that quietness, but-- he doesn't want to choose his words poorly. At last, he admits, with fair plainness,] ... I could never be scared of you.

[Not then, and not now, either.]

[lethechained]

[ Link's acceptance thus far has been proof enough of his generosity for Naminé to weather his silence after her words in what almost approaches comfort, when she has to wait for an answer. Hope and fear both spring eternal, and she feels both in similar measures, but gratitude outweighs the pair. If this is the sticking point, if her failure to tell him this part of the truth sooner is too much for his patience and kindness, then so be it; she cares too much for his well-being to have done anything differently, no matter her regrets.

But if she has her measure of him correct, Naminé doubts that this particular straw will break any backs. In the end, she's proven right, it seems - although her expression still lifts in surprise at his phrasing. ]

Never?

[ He should be - afraid, that is. That might be the healthiest way to feel toward an entity such as she... but she's learned her lesson already. Trying to convince him to be afraid might be the same as trying to turn a duck from water; bravery seems his natural state, these days, no matter how he might have learned it.

So she sighs, and it comes out like a laugh. Weak, but fond. ]

After today... I think I'll have to believe you.

[ She's certainly felt herself to be at her worst today, at least where the management of her powers is concerned. Leaning back against the wall she's tucked alongside, Naminé regards him with tired but grateful eyes. ]

Thank you, Link. For understanding, and-- for everything.