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[You know what makes a complicated situation even more complicated? Adding Yeager to the mix. So naturally Raven finds the man seated in the dining hall with him and...Alexei...great. Well, as nice as it would be to just avoid Yeager for the time being, he should probably sort things out with the man. After all, their last encounter was uh...something to say the least.
So once everyone has started dispersing to investigate the area, Raven tracks down Yeager in what is hopefully a quiet area.]
Well, if ain't ol' Twinkletoes. [He's of course referring to the flashy display Yeager put on while revealing that he was Regaey all along. Truly the plot twist of the century that he did not figure out ages ago.] Fancy runnin' into ya here of all places.
So once everyone has started dispersing to investigate the area, Raven tracks down Yeager in what is hopefully a quiet area.]
Well, if ain't ol' Twinkletoes. [He's of course referring to the flashy display Yeager put on while revealing that he was Regaey all along. Truly the plot twist of the century that he did not figure out ages ago.] Fancy runnin' into ya here of all places.
[Of all people... Alexei and Raven, huh? Well, this makes a complicated situation even more difficult, but that seems to be the way Yeager's luck has been going lately, so he really shouldn't be surprised. He's not particularly surprised when Raven tracks him down not long after everyone's headed out - they're thankfully alone here for the time being, and it seems unlikely they'll be interrupted.]
Hmm... I'm quite sure I have no idea what you're referring to!
[But anyway, pleasantries aside.]
I must admit, you really did surprise me. What an odd place to meet up again, ja?
Hmm... I'm quite sure I have no idea what you're referring to!
[But anyway, pleasantries aside.]
I must admit, you really did surprise me. What an odd place to meet up again, ja?
[Sure you don't, Yeager. Raven just lets out a snort, letting it slide for now. They're a long way from home, so there's not much point in discussing it right now.]
Guess that's our habit of showin' up in unexpected places workin' in the same direction. Doesn't account for the Commandant, though...
[Seriously, what a quaint little group this is.]
So what's yer last memory, anyway? Do you remember agreein' ta any of this?
Guess that's our habit of showin' up in unexpected places workin' in the same direction. Doesn't account for the Commandant, though...
[Seriously, what a quaint little group this is.]
So what's yer last memory, anyway? Do you remember agreein' ta any of this?
It certainly is odd that a man like that is here...
[Sure, he's also a shady old man, but not in the same direction!! It's even more confusing that the three of them are here, when it seems some don't recognize anyone else who showed up here.]
My memory isn't nearly terrible enough to have forgot something like this... And last I checked, I wasn't precisely alone either, so I'm not sure how only the two of us were brought here.
[Gauche and Droite are almost always around, but it's not like it was just the three of them either. It certainly seems strange that no one else was dragged here aside from Raven. Alexei wasn't even nearby...]
[Sure, he's also a shady old man, but not in the same direction!! It's even more confusing that the three of them are here, when it seems some don't recognize anyone else who showed up here.]
My memory isn't nearly terrible enough to have forgot something like this... And last I checked, I wasn't precisely alone either, so I'm not sure how only the two of us were brought here.
[Gauche and Droite are almost always around, but it's not like it was just the three of them either. It certainly seems strange that no one else was dragged here aside from Raven. Alexei wasn't even nearby...]
No kiddin'.
[It's a very odd position for the three of them. Raven's had suspicions about some things for a while, so...
Well, anyway. Back to the conversation at hand.]
Same here, actually. I was still with the kids, last I remember. An' while I don't know where Alexei was, I doubt it was on Desier. Dunno if ya got back through beforehand or not, but the Empire's got a barricade set up in the Weasand of Cados now.
[It's a very odd position for the three of them. Raven's had suspicions about some things for a while, so...
Well, anyway. Back to the conversation at hand.]
Same here, actually. I was still with the kids, last I remember. An' while I don't know where Alexei was, I doubt it was on Desier. Dunno if ya got back through beforehand or not, but the Empire's got a barricade set up in the Weasand of Cados now.
Desier...?
[That throws him for a loop, and it takes him a moment to mentally retrace his steps, like he has to remember why the hell he'd be passing through the Weasand of Cados in the first place. It wasn't like it was all that long ago, all things considered, but it certainly feels like a lot has happened since then.]
You... don't remember anything that happened after that? I left Desier quite some time ago.
[...and then again after Alexei left him in the goddamn desert, but that isn't the point.]
[That throws him for a loop, and it takes him a moment to mentally retrace his steps, like he has to remember why the hell he'd be passing through the Weasand of Cados in the first place. It wasn't like it was all that long ago, all things considered, but it certainly feels like a lot has happened since then.]
You... don't remember anything that happened after that? I left Desier quite some time ago.
[...and then again after Alexei left him in the goddamn desert, but that isn't the point.]
[For a moment, the look on Raven's face honestly seems more like he wants to groan in frustration rather than like he's taken aback to hear of a memory discrepancy. But he's definitely still going to do his damndest to appear surprised.]
...What? C'mon Yeager, I might be old but I ain't goin' senile yet! What in the world are you talkin' about? It hasn't been that long.
...What? C'mon Yeager, I might be old but I ain't goin' senile yet! What in the world are you talkin' about? It hasn't been that long.
[He notes the reaction, but he's not entirely sure what to make of it at the moment.]
If I was trying to pull one over on you, I'd think of something a bit more clever, you know!
[Regaey was absolutely clever, shut up.]
Given that we are missing memories of how we arrived here in the first place... perhaps yours were jostled a bit more than mine! It truly is unfortunate that you've forgotten so many wonderful things that happened afterwards...
[......i'm so sorry]
If I was trying to pull one over on you, I'd think of something a bit more clever, you know!
[Regaey was absolutely clever, shut up.]
Given that we are missing memories of how we arrived here in the first place... perhaps yours were jostled a bit more than mine! It truly is unfortunate that you've forgotten so many wonderful things that happened afterwards...
[......i'm so sorry]
[He seems to give that theory some genuine consideration, until:]
If you're sayin' they're wonderful, then I'm not lookin' forward ta findin' out. But ugh, if you're really not messin' with me, then this situation just became even more of a pain in the ass. I don't wanna deal with amnesia on top of everythin' else!
If you're sayin' they're wonderful, then I'm not lookin' forward ta findin' out. But ugh, if you're really not messin' with me, then this situation just became even more of a pain in the ass. I don't wanna deal with amnesia on top of everythin' else!
Great, just what I wanna deal with...
[Can't he just force Alexei to do all the talking for him? No, that's not how this works, ever.]
Well this sure isn't goin' how I thought it would. I'd originally just planned ta throw a truce on the table while we figure out what the hell's goin' on.
[Can't he just force Alexei to do all the talking for him? No, that's not how this works, ever.]
Well this sure isn't goin' how I thought it would. I'd originally just planned ta throw a truce on the table while we figure out what the hell's goin' on.
[Alexei may be less of a headache than usual here, but that doesn't mean Yeager wants to deal with him more!!]
If it makes you feel any better, I just got done helping you and your little companions!
[That's absolutely unbelievable, which is why it's hilarious that it's true. Ah well, maybe Raven will eventually remember how quick Yeager is to switch sides whenever he feels like it.]
It would be rather ill-advised to bring our... differences up here, ja? So for the time being I'll behave~ You have my word!
[Which means absolutely nothing!!!!]
If it makes you feel any better, I just got done helping you and your little companions!
[That's absolutely unbelievable, which is why it's hilarious that it's true. Ah well, maybe Raven will eventually remember how quick Yeager is to switch sides whenever he feels like it.]
It would be rather ill-advised to bring our... differences up here, ja? So for the time being I'll behave~ You have my word!
[Which means absolutely nothing!!!!]
[Sure enough, Raven skeptically narrows his eyes.]
Well aren't you just fulla surprises. [He knows Yeager is a wildcard through and through, but that sure would be a 180.] I can only wonder what got us in yer good graces fer once.
[But Yeager's exactly right. That's why he wanted to propose a truce in the first place. They're a long way from Terca Lumireis. They may as well use their familiarity with one another to their benefit.]
I mean, I'm hardly gonna babysit ya or anythin'. That's way above my job description.
Well aren't you just fulla surprises. [He knows Yeager is a wildcard through and through, but that sure would be a 180.] I can only wonder what got us in yer good graces fer once.
[But Yeager's exactly right. That's why he wanted to propose a truce in the first place. They're a long way from Terca Lumireis. They may as well use their familiarity with one another to their benefit.]
I mean, I'm hardly gonna babysit ya or anythin'. That's way above my job description.
Oh, don't worry, I wouldn't expect you to trouble yourself like that~
[Raven's already busy playing babysitter for the party and lbr he's probably going to be doing that for Alexei here, because Raven is not allowed to have a goddamn break.]
As far as I'm concerned, the things we were dealing with back in Terca Lumireis can stay there. We do have bigger things to worry about at the moment, after all.
[A temporary truce, at the very least.]
[Raven's already busy playing babysitter for the party and lbr he's probably going to be doing that for Alexei here, because Raven is not allowed to have a goddamn break.]
As far as I'm concerned, the things we were dealing with back in Terca Lumireis can stay there. We do have bigger things to worry about at the moment, after all.
[A temporary truce, at the very least.]
[That's exactly it... God as much as he's going to be popcorning at the meeting he's also going to be screaming internally.]
Glad we're on the same page.
[...]
Gotta say, the circumstances could definitely be better, but it's at least a little interestin' ta be stuck in a place with you of all people, away from everythin' goin' on back home. You've always been an elusive character at meetings.
[Does Yeager even attend Union meetings. Surely he does, right??]
Glad we're on the same page.
[...]
Gotta say, the circumstances could definitely be better, but it's at least a little interestin' ta be stuck in a place with you of all people, away from everythin' goin' on back home. You've always been an elusive character at meetings.
[Does Yeager even attend Union meetings. Surely he does, right??]
I do my best to remain a mystery~ Besides, I don't have to tell you how dreadfully boring those meetings are. And the Don...
[There's a very brief pause before he decides to just keep using present tense. It's far easier than trying to get into what actually happened!!]
...isn't really all that fond of me! I really can't imagine why.
[In other words, he only shows up in person occasionally.]
[There's a very brief pause before he decides to just keep using present tense. It's far easier than trying to get into what actually happened!!]
...isn't really all that fond of me! I really can't imagine why.
[In other words, he only shows up in person occasionally.]
Mmm, probably 'cause you've managed to be shadier than me since day one.
[He knows! He was there for that!]
Still, you bring up a good point about the meetin's. But that just makes it sting all the more, ya know. I'm not even a leader and I'm forced ta be there!
[So, so should Yeager! It's only fair!!]
[He knows! He was there for that!]
Still, you bring up a good point about the meetin's. But that just makes it sting all the more, ya know. I'm not even a leader and I'm forced ta be there!
[So, so should Yeager! It's only fair!!]
Thanks fer noticin'.
[DRAMATIC SIGH.]
Well, at least I can count on you ta not add ta that...fer a day or two. I trust ya about that much, and that's bein' generous.
[DRAMATIC SIGH.]
Well, at least I can count on you ta not add ta that...fer a day or two. I trust ya about that much, and that's bein' generous.
Two whole days, how generous!
[He laughs at that, holding up a hand.]
Well, I won't take up any more of your time. Perhaps our paths will cross again later~
[Though it goes without saying that he hopes they won't. Shame that we're stuck here for the foreseeable future!!!]
[He laughs at that, holding up a hand.]
Well, I won't take up any more of your time. Perhaps our paths will cross again later~
[Though it goes without saying that he hopes they won't. Shame that we're stuck here for the foreseeable future!!!]
[Sorry, Yeager's stuck with Raven. And they're both stuck with Alexei, it's great for everyone involved.
But...yeah, they've definitely said more than enough already. There's still so much to see and do before the host arrives. Raven returns the gesture.]
Don't sound so excited about the possibility! [Wink.] Be seein' ya.
But...yeah, they've definitely said more than enough already. There's still so much to see and do before the host arrives. Raven returns the gesture.]
Don't sound so excited about the possibility! [Wink.] Be seein' ya.
[Today was so much. Not just for the absolute mess the trial was, but for Raven and Yeager specifically. After learning that Alexei and Yeager have been in contact for god knows how long, Raven's hunch about Yeager's identity started to feel more than just a hunch. Today gave the indisputable proof.
Both of them were revived by Alexei. He was never the only one.
With this information absolutely rattling him, he has no fucking idea how to even begin to approach Alexei about this. So instead, he...goes to Yeager. They can't avoid this conversation for too long.
A good while after the trial and afterparty have wrapped up, he goes looking for Yeager. Not having seen the man since the trial, he tries his room first. Logical first guess.]
It's Raven.
[Yeager will hear Raven's voice from the other side of the door, assuming he's in there.]
Both of them were revived by Alexei. He was never the only one.
With this information absolutely rattling him, he has no fucking idea how to even begin to approach Alexei about this. So instead, he...goes to Yeager. They can't avoid this conversation for too long.
A good while after the trial and afterparty have wrapped up, he goes looking for Yeager. Not having seen the man since the trial, he tries his room first. Logical first guess.]
It's Raven.
[Yeager will hear Raven's voice from the other side of the door, assuming he's in there.]
[It isn't a surprise that Raven's finally made his way over here. Perhaps he already spoke with Alexei first and has a better understanding of the situation, or maybe he just needed some time to himself before handling this topic. Yeager doesn't know, and frankly, he doesn't care. He knew it was only a matter of time before Raven learned the truth, he just didn't expect it to be like this.
He gets the door in short order and allows Raven to enter, then moves to sit on the bed, one leg folded over the other.]
So nice of you to drop by to check on me~
[It's not even really sarcastic at this point, it's just... empty. His smile is still in place, but that too looks like there isn't much behind it anymore.]
But I won't bore you with pleasantries. Go ahead and ask your questions.
He gets the door in short order and allows Raven to enter, then moves to sit on the bed, one leg folded over the other.]
So nice of you to drop by to check on me~
[It's not even really sarcastic at this point, it's just... empty. His smile is still in place, but that too looks like there isn't much behind it anymore.]
But I won't bore you with pleasantries. Go ahead and ask your questions.
[Raven sinks down onto the vanity's seat after entering. Seeing the look in Yeager's eyes, with the same weight of emptiness that he's been carrying for ten years... How hadn't he seen it sooner?]
I really wish it was that simple.
[But before he grills Yeager with a million questions...]
First of all, do you want to see mine? Seems only fair.
I really wish it was that simple.
[But before he grills Yeager with a million questions...]
First of all, do you want to see mine? Seems only fair.
[Of all things, this is the last one he expected. He figured Raven would question him and then go about his business and it would be that simple. Maybe they'd ignore it entirely and talk about nothing important. Or maybe Raven would be here with orders from Alexei or something - at this point, it could be anything.
Anything but that, and when Raven asks, his gaze darts immediately. It's never been something he's considered. Sure, he worked it out, but what it looks like...
What has it been like for him? He finds himself wondering, unwillingly. He doesn't want to know. He doesn't care to know. It doesn't matter, because it's never mattered, and it won't matter now.]
...Only if you're unopposed. You've already had to reveal it once today.
[The words are quieter, more unsure, like he's not entirely certain if that's what he wants to say in the first place.]
Anything but that, and when Raven asks, his gaze darts immediately. It's never been something he's considered. Sure, he worked it out, but what it looks like...
What has it been like for him? He finds himself wondering, unwillingly. He doesn't want to know. He doesn't care to know. It doesn't matter, because it's never mattered, and it won't matter now.]
...Only if you're unopposed. You've already had to reveal it once today.
[The words are quieter, more unsure, like he's not entirely certain if that's what he wants to say in the first place.]
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