I can't go back to yesterday because I was a different person then

[replicatedcourage]

Who: Sola and Vatheon
When: The wee hours of the morning
Where: Plaza
Style: Brackets
Status: Open to all CR great and small!

[At first the Hylian doesn't recognize where he is.

There's a heavy and wild intake of breath as if he doesn't expect for his lungs to expand. He scrambles for the nearest cover, nearly bowling over a hapless towel vendor in the process. He merges into the shadow of a building, nothing visible aside from piercing red eyes as he finally pauses to take in his surroundings, tense and suspicious.

What had Link done? He'd thought he'd been done for, that Ganon's resurrection was a failure purely because again he hadn't been able to spill the hero's blood. And he'd had so much time to plan, to send minions and monsters after him all along, to observe and prepare. But maybe that had been the problem, he'd waited too long. He should have attacked at the beginning when he'd been- well, not weak, he'd still defeated the Demon King, but when Link had his guard down during the reconstruction...

Dark Link's train of thought grinds to a halt as he finally connects where he is, as the jumble of memories he'd ignored suddenly appearing in his mind in favor of adrenaline still surging from his life or death battle start to sort themselves out slowly. They're hardly finished, but he knows this place now. He recognizes it.

Still standing in the shadows but no longer a part of them, Dark Link just stares.

Vatheon.

Home.]

Comments

1/?

[onlyasign]

[Sufferer was out late tonight. If asked, he'd say that he'd had things to do, but really, he'd wanted to spend some time around the coral and the Plaza. It's the time of month when new people tend to arrive in Vatheon, and he'd been hoping against hope that a certain someone would come back to him.]

[He's been dozing on a bench when he hears a small commotion near one of the towel vendors. He sits up, suddenly alert.]

2/2 okay wow, that was anticlimactic

[onlyasign]

[Someone has arrived, obviously; there's a trail of wet footprints leading into an alley. It's not uncommon for new arrivals to be scared and to hide, so Sufferer gets up and heads towards the alley. He pauses to snag a towel from the disgruntled vendor before continuing.]

Hello? It's okay, no one is going to hurt you. You're safe here.

pff, that's ok

[replicatedcourage]

[The voice is familiar, the kindness in it even moreso, though his mind is slow to sift through the memories from so long ago that he'd forgotten he had them.

He hadn't even noticed he was wet and the shiver that rolls through him takes precedence over sorting things out right now. He steps forward to snatch the towel, deciding if this person attacks that he-

No, they won't attack him. Far from it. Dark Link freezes as the memory finally clicks into place and it dawns on him exactly who is standing in front of him. He's frozen, hand hovering over the offered towel but unmoving as he stares. His voice is raspy when he speaks.]

Signless...?

[shippingmath]

[Being up late isn't anything new or special to Dirk, especially not when Roxy isn't there to pin him down and get him to sleep by virtue of falling asleep on him. If anything, her being asleep for so long is an incentive for him not to. He doesn't want to fall into a coma.

Not that he can control it in the first place. But it's what has him awake, and out of the house wandering the streets of the bubble even at this late hour.

His wandering takes him to the Plaza, and the coral. He doesn't intend to stop there, because even late at night, the Plaza's more likely to have people in it. Intending to move past, toward the other side of the bubble, he nearly passes by the alley Dark Link is standing in, but hesitates. Something is there, but he can't tell who or what. It's the curse of wearing shades at night.]

[replicatedcourage]

[As with much of Vatheon, it takes Dark Link some time to place Dirk. He remembers having high regard for him, akin to the feelings he'd had for his adopted troll parents. Family. Dirk had been one of the few to speak plainly to him, even when he'd been naive and childish. He never judged, and that brings Dark Link relief now. The things he'd done, the things Ganon had set him out to do knowing full well they were wrong but forcing Dark Link into them anyway, into fratricide for a second time, not to mention countless casualties he'd actually succeeded in producing, they've changed him. Yet Dirk, as he remembers, will pass no judgement on the changes.

Or so he hopes.

But still he hesitates, no longer melded with the shadows but still under their cover with a hand on the wall to his right. Even if he expects their meeting to be calm, that Dirk would even welcome him back, he's afraid.

So much has changed now, it's been so long even if Vatheon doesn't seem to have changed. What can he say?

He shifts his feet uncomfortably, then decides he's being a coward and forces himself to step into the light regardless.]

Hello, Dirk.

[shippingmath]

[Dirk doesn't resort to lifting his shades to let him see more clearly, but it's a near thing, when the answer is too long coming. Fortunately for him, Dark Link steps out into the light and speaks only a few moments later.

Recognition, on his part, is instantaneous and obvious, because even if he doesn't smile, the readiness for a fight leaves him. He's no longer about to call his sword out of his sylladex if he needs it. He even moves a step closer.]

That's one question I don't have to ask.

[He pauses for another moment, examining Sola again. It wasn't three days, but if Sola remembers, then he's not exactly the same as all the new arrivals they've gotten, either. Besides, something seems different now. And not just that Sola really looks older than him now.]

You only missed a month on our end of things.

[makainoou]

[The wee hours of the morning are, well, around when Laharl tends to go to sleep anyway. He's on his way home to hit the sack coffin when he passes through the plaza and something familiar tugs at his senses. He doesn't usually pay attention to newcomers, because he's been here long enough not to expect any of the few people he gives a damn about to show up. In fact, lately he's just been losing people, so making more acquaintances who'll just leave again isn't exactly a priority.

He stops now though. Of course he's not going to call out, because that would be stupid and make it seem like he missed the kid or something. But he's nevertheless hoping--just a little bit!--that the familiar presence will reveal itself to be his missing vassal.]

[replicatedcourage]

[Dark Link peers from the shadows at the passerby... or not passerby, as the small demon stops. He can feel his power from here, enough that it's a wonder it all fits in that small frame. He knows that face too, pushing through his unsorted memory as if through a veil. Laharl, the name comes to mind finally. Demon lord, tried to enslave him when he'd first been here.

No, not enslave. He tries to sift through nearly two years of memory from decades ago, trying to place his interactions. They'd been... friends, after a fashion. He recalls thinking Laharl wasn't very good at it, but now he wonders if he hadn't had the right idea. Vassals are useful and you know where you stand with them. Friends are confusing and there's no clear hierarchy.

Not that he has any intention of becoming a vassal when he already has a Master, but at the least he believes he understands now.

He's not sure what possesses him to do it - it would be easier just to meld back into the shadows and let the demon pass - but Dark Link steps into the light of the plaza and nods by way of greeting.]

Laharl.

[makainoou]

[Laharl's eyes come to rest on Sola as he steps out of the shadows, and he feels something strange, sort of like relief. Whatever it is, he has no intention of letting it show. He masks the expression with a smirk, folding his arms.]

Hmph. So it is you.

[not_heavens_adam]

[Johnny hadn't been keeping normal hours. He hadn't really been keeping any regular hours at all. He trusted Fai to work the tavern when Johnny decided to sleep instead or, if no one was available, he found himself feeling fairly apathetic towards the whole thing.

Tonight was one of those nights when he kept the hours he was prone to keeping back home. It was no secret that this was about the time newcomers would show up, but he wasn't looking for anyone nor was he holding his breath that he'd find anyone familiar, especially at this time of night.

Which was why he didn't fully recognize when he caught a familiar scent. It wasn't until he'd actually gotten deeper into the plaza that it finally registered. The vampire froze for all of a second before he was tearing off in the direction it was coming from. He stopped in the mouth of the Alley, the darkness in it practically nonexistence in his eyes.]

...Sola?

[He smelled different, that was part of why he hadn't picked it up at first, but there was a core of similarity. Even just looking at him, Johnny could see there was something off, something he couldn't pinpoint right that second, but it caused fear and dread to shred his stomach.

He took a few steps closer.]

Sola...do you remember me?

[replicatedcourage]

[The voice and the tall man creeping into his hiding place has Dark Link stepping backwards deeper into the shadows. He's afraid. He hadn't thought of what would happen when he saw the vampire, if he was even still in the bubble, because he didn't have time to think of it. He hadn't even had time to sort out everything else he was feeling over what had happened, over suddenly remembering an entire other short lifetime that had been the precursor to the one he'd just left. It had been so different. So bright and happy and everything the past nineteen years weren't.

And he's afraid, because after he'd embraced that darkness, could he ever really capture that light again? Johnny had called him his hero, he remembers. His light. What if it wasn't the same? What if he went to Johnny and was found lacking, different?

Extinguished?

But he can't just say nothing. He can't just hide here and hope Johnny will go away and he never has to face that question, nor does he want Johnny to leave. Sola he called him. His name. His own name that he's not sure he deserves anymore, but he'll answer to it all the same.

His voice is barely a whisper from the depths of the shadows he's wrapped around himself, tiny, fearful, and heavy with regret.]

I remember.

[not_heavens_adam]

[Relief ran like cold water through his veins and he grew less tense. But the way Sola was drawn in on himself and the scent of fear was obvious to him and it hurt, he just wanted to chase it away. What had happened to make his light like that?

Johnny closed the distance between them and pulled Sola close, practically trying to surround the hylian with how tightly he was holding him.]

I'm glad you're back.

I missed you.

[aim_exorable]

[Helpless towel vendor, you say? A Zahhak is on the case! Darkleer had simply been passing through the plaza after an early visit to the horses, but when he sees a local in distress, he gets out Archermedes and follows where he's pointed. It's probably nothing, but you can never be too sure.]

[He peers into the alley cautiously. Trolls are naturally night creatures, and Darkleer even moreso than some, so he sees through the darkness quick enough and finds his eyes widening behind his shades. When Johnny had reported Sola going missing, Darkleer had dealt with it like he usually dealt with loss- working overtime.]

[To see the young man back... Darkleer puts his bow away, but doesn't stop being cautious. Being away from Vatheon can do things.]

Sola?

[replicatedcourage]

Darkleer?

[He's surprised to see the hulking troll, though after a moment he's not certain why he should be. It may have been years for him but he has no idea how much time has passed in the bubble. Long enough for his absence to be noticed at least.

Cautiously, Sola steps from the comfort of his shadow and goes to Darkleer, standing at his full five feet and four inches instead of slouching as he had in the past. He's alert but not furtive, possessed of a confidence in himself and his abilities that pervades his posture and certainly makes him appear much older even if his face remains the same as it had before he had gone.]

It's good to see you.

[aim_exorable]

[Definitely different... How long as it been for him since he's been away from Vatheon? Still, Darkleer gives him a reassuring smile. A bit tired, but he's trying. And he's so glad to see him.]

We all missed you very much.

[And he'll lean down for a hug, if Sola lets him.]

[warriorofwinds]

[Link was walking around Vatheon as he always did and made his way to the plaza. That's when he just stopped dead in his tracks. The person he was staring at was... Sola! He was back! Have a bitty Link charging at you to give you a bear hug,]

Sola! You're back!

[replicatedcourage]

[The immediate hug reaction is surprising considering Dark Link and this Link had hardly spoken after their initial meeting, and it makes the older Hylian highly uncomfortable. He knows this Link is from a different possible future, one where Ganon isn't... well he's still bad but he just doesn't care anymore. Not in the same nefarious way.

Not in the way Dark Link had emulated...

Instead of allowing this Link to touch him, he steps back and away, melding into the shadows so he's incorporeal and there's nothing to hug. His voice comes disembodied and spooky, but there's a measure of pain in it too.]

Why are you so happy to see me?

[warriorofwinds]

[And when that happens, Link falls flat on his face. But he dosen't care, he's just happy to see you.]

I missed you, silly!

[helmetdoesnothing]

[Though his attention had strayed and he hadn't been waiting like he had when Sola first disappeared, Mituna is idly drifting around in the vicinity of the coral when he sees a figure that sparks a faint light of recognition.

It moves too quickly for him to properly register, but curiosity draws him towards those red eyes burning out of the shadows, and he twists the fabric of his t-shirt in one hand as he ventures tentatively...]

... Thola?

[replicatedcourage]

Mituna?

[Upon seeing the troll, many memories flood Dark Link's mind, of fun and comfort, if maybe a little sad. They'd been friends, close friends. He recalls almost asking Mituna to be moirails before he'd found out Kurloz already had the position, and he's misunderstood it anyway. It wasn't about friendship so much as babysitting each other, and Dark Link had definitely leaned towards the former with Mituna.

At least he'd used to. Now he's not sure. True he only feels friendship and warmth for the troll, but Dark Link's the one that now needs watching, after everything he'd done.

Even so, the Hylian steps into the light with a smile on his face.]

How are you?

[helmetdoesnothing]

[When the other male's identity is confirmed, he brightens and moves forwards, one hand hovering near Sola's arm but not quite touching it. One of his front teeth is missing, and there's a little scrape on his jaw that's mostly healed.]

I wath waiting for you! [Mostly true. He's practically bouncing on his heels.] Fai thaid you didn't want to leave and I knew you'd come back jutht like Latula did.

[Excited? Why, yes.]

[dontsaymyname]

[ Barry stops dead in his tracks when he spots that familiar shock of silver hair. His eyes instantly narrow and he is in no way happy to see Sola.

And just when things were starting to loo up too. ]

Sola...

[ Barry moved forward, his face a perfect mask. ]

My, it's good to see you back in the bubble. Addy's been missing you. So rude of you to leave when you were both getting along so well.

At least I was there to comfort him in your absence.

[ Barry smiled sweetly. ]

[replicatedcourage]

Cut the crap, Barry.

[The snap is almost a snarl. Barry's memory comes back to him faster than most, the amount of hatred he feels for the demon coloring over and almost completely overshadowing the sympathy he'd started to feel when he'd discovered the incubus' replica origins.]

If you hurt him in any way, I will end you right here, replica or not.

[There's no trace of fear anymore, no pity evident in that gaze, and the threat is even different this time. He doesn't feel the need to draw his shield to make it, doesn't look ready to run the second Barry says 'boo' despite his words. He's confident in his abilities.]

But since I'm fairly certain you're just trying to wind me up because you're a sore loser, I'll be on my way.

[He begins to walk past Barry with an uncaring air, as if the demon is no more than an ant. He'll hear the story from Johnny, then decide if Barry's head needs some time apart from his body.]

[runbysmiles]

Sola!

[ Sora grinned when he saw the boy. Something about him looked different, but he culdn't quite place his finger on it. He ran up to the boy grinning all the while. ]

You came back! Oh...[ He stopped in his tracks a few feet away from hugging him out right. ] You remember me, right?

[ Sora hoped so, but if not, they'd just have to try again! ]

[replicatedcourage]

[Sora just receives a blank stare for a long moment, Dark Link having trouble sifting through memories to find the exuberant boy with the giant shoes.]

...Sora, right?

[He remembers the name, at least. He knows they did something together at least once, something during a curse, but it was a long time ago and he has trouble recalling.]

I'm sorry, that's all I remember.