vatheon | (no subject)

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[If you've visited the island any time in the past week, then you would have had the briefest conversation with Station Master in the elevator, right before you stepped off onto the island, demeanor as polite as ever as he speaks--]

I'm trying out some new cookie recipes and wanted to know if you wanted to try some. Stop by, when you and your friends are able. I’m thinking of baking up a big batch on Saturday and pass them out where we met before. You really should come.

[--before the doors of the elevator will close, dissuading further conversation. He certainly looked far too serious to be talking about cookies.]

---

[For those who take Station Master up on his offer, he'll be waiting by the warehouse up on the island, distracted, before waving people inside. Inside are cookies, muffins, and cups of water, but those aren't the real reason he's summoned you here. When Station Master steps inside, he removes his hat, but his gaze is still distant, as if he has other thoughts preoccupying him.]

I’m sorry for calling everyone here on such short notice. I’m afraid I had little choice though and my message is not an enjoyable one.

[His expression is serious now, very serious.]

This morning I intercepted a message meant for the Head Nurse from the lead scientists who are behind this experiment. I was able to erase the message, leaving her unaware of its existence for now but I’m afraid I’ve only been able to buy us some time, nothing more.

[He’s reaching into his pocket now, drawing out a folded piece of paper. The message for those who’d rather read it black on white.]

It said they have gathered all the data needed and are shutting down this project. They’ve also given her the all clear on eradicating all left over assets. That is to say… you.

((Now with a summary))

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It depends on what plan of action we go through with. There's been talk of leading an assault on the scientists, to keep them from escaping or doing any harm to us. In that event, I believe I might need to be there. They'll need technological experts to use whatever equipment they have.

In that event, I would need you to be here.

Why?

[Equius is prepared to be stubborn about this!]

I could help with technology too!

You could help with what's here, both technology and otherwise. There's a lot here we need someone to look after. I need someone I can trust here.

I want to stay with you.

[A heavy sigh.]

Equius... Sometimes, for a plan to work, that means splitting individuals apart so that everything is covered.

But what if something happens to you? I'm the only one who can give you fresh blood!

I've survived on my own before, Equius. I'll be able to take care of myself.

[Equius actually stomps his foot like an angry young colt.]

No! I'm staying with you. That's final.

[He's not the only b100b100d acting a bit horse-like. Darkleer's face still maintains its usual blank look, but his nostrils flare and puff out air.]

Equius. You want to help me? Then listen to me.

[Equius sees your nostril puff and raises you one ~~mane~~ hair toss.]

I am listening! You're not listening to me! I would be more helpful if I was with you, not somewhere else! Archeradicators stick together and have each other's backs, and I'm the closest thing to one that you have!

There's no guarantee of that, Equius. We aren't even close to coming up with a concrete plan yet, there's no telling who we will need where!

What if something happened to you?!

[Whoops, someone is yelling now.]

What if you got hurt? What if the scientists sent everyone who went against them home? What if I got left behind?!

[Not particularly a fan of starting a scene in the midst of a crowd- especially while they're still planning- Darkleer tries to guide Equius to a corner to talk.]

Equius, please.. [A deep breath.] If I get hurt, then I will get hurt. That happens. As long as I am not dead, then everything will be just fine. I will be surrounded by competent people. As for being sent home...

[He reaches forward to cup one large hand around Equius' face, the other reaching up to push his glasses up against his horns. Darkleer's eyes still carry a fair bit of misery in them, and there's almost a sort of pleading look as he stares down at his descendent, at his son.]

It would hurt me less than it would hurt you. I have exile awaiting me. I would go there willingly if it meant you and Gamzee could stay here.

[Darkleer's exposed eyes still carry enough power to make Equius stop what might have been a very impressive, pissy highblood rant, and he looks up at Darkleer, actually calming down and listening. Then he takes a deep breath, reaches up, and pushes his own glasses up onto his head.]

[Equius has gotten older here in Vatheon, his face beginning to take on the planes and angles that are a mirror image of Darkleer's. But with his glasses out of the way, he looks very young all of a sudden, very young and very frightened. He's well aware of what Darkleer means, of the implications, and his eyes are those of a child trying very, very hard to be STRONG.]

I don't... I don't want you to go.

[He lunges forward then, both arms going around Darkleer--around his father--and squeezing him in a panicked, bone-crushing embrace.]

I don't want anyone to have to go.

Edited 2013-09-28 17:37 (UTC)

[It's hard to look at Equius sometimes. They really are starting to become mirror images of one another, with just one or two details out of place. The young troll is a reminder, really. A reminder of everything Darkleer has lost and all that he's gained. He wants so much for this boy who looks so much like himself to lead a happy life, with the worst to worry about being relationship troubles.]

[Darkleer braces himself as Equius lunges forward and holds him just as tightly, head bowed and hair falling over his shoulders like a curtain.]

I know. I know. That is what we're planning to stop, Equius. We'll do our best not to let them do anything to us.

[For Equius, looking at Darkleer is like seeing his own potential... what he could have been, had he been given the chance. Had he made different decisions. Had he never decided to grab a chance to be a leader and backstab a neighbor and play a game.]

[His voice is muffled when he speaks, his face still hidden in Darkleer's chest.]

Don't leave me behind. Dadleer, please... don't leave me behind.

Equius...

[There's no easy way to go about this. As gently as he's capable of, Darkleer starts to stroke Equius' hair.]

The blue in your eyes is getting more and more prominent every day, I can tell. You're going to be an adult soon. That means standing on your own sometimes. I can't promise that I'll come back.. but I'll do my best.

[Equius nods, comforted by the hand on his head. He still doesn't like what Darkleer is saying, but he understands what he's getting at. He looks up, still sad, but trying hard to be brave.]

If you need me in the back, I'll stay back. But you're taking RoboEquius with you.

[The robot can protect Darkleer even if Equius can't.]

I suppose I can accept that. [He tries to smile down at Equius as best he can, even though he can't quite get rid of the tired and sad look in his eyes.] You're growing to be a fine troll, Equius.

[Equius meets Darkleer's gaze, and tries to smile back. He fails, not as well versed as his ancestor in concealing his emotions.]

That's because you've been here to help me. [He leans in and bumps his forehead, gently, against Darkleer's bicep.] Dad.

[It's okay when there's no one around to hear it.]

You would have done well enough on your own, I'm sure of it. You're a clever young troll.

[His arms tighten around him, just a bit. If things go wrong, this might be one of the last times he'll ever get to be around his descendent. He doesn't want things to go to waste.]

Mmmm.

[Equius doesn't quite agree with that, but if it makes Darkleer feel better, okay. And he's thinking the same thing... only he's gone quietly into the dark night once before, and he's not doing it again. If things start going south on Darkleer's end, he'll throw RoboEquius into the mix and then abandon whatever he's doing to get to his ancestor.]

[Darkleer stays like this for a little while longer, stroking Equius' hair, before he speaks up again.]

We'll stay until the end of the meeting before going back to Gamzee, alright?

Okay.

[Equius is in no hurry to leave, and he shifts a little against Darkleer's chest. The feelings he has for his ancestor are complex, and something he never would have experienced on Alternia. He wouldn't have even had a name for them until he met and interacted with humans. Now, though, he can't imagine not having his ancestor in his life.]

[There aren't words in the troll language to describe this. But there are in the human one.]

I love you, Dadleer.

[Somehow, he thinks Darkleer will understand.]

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