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[ There is no longer the warmth of someone beside her when she rises, no arm around her, no shoulder for her head to be tucked into, no quiet breath she can hear, no soft rhythm of a heartbeat she can feel beneath her palm, no trace of a magic and light that feels as if she's bathed in the stars. There is no greeting with soft, quiet eyes and and an even softer touch, careful, caring, no murmur of her name. No feeling of acceptance, no slow rise thereafter, no touch in return to correct a strand of her hair with warm fingers lingering upon her cheek.
Instead there is emptiness as deep and overwhelming as the sea, perplexing, disorienting, storming, and cold. She peers into its maelstrom and knows that she ought to be there beneath it all, surrounding her, sealing her. That is the tomb she had chosen for herself for centuries, after all, basking in the safety of emptiness thus keeping the world safe in turn. How can emptiness feel so heavy and crippling, as if she's never experienced it before? Has she learned nothing?
No, she has learned something. It is the same lesson she has learned before-- ]
For those of his family and Eos, and for those of you who knew him, Somnus is no longer in Havenwell. I may only hope that he has returned to his homeworld in peace.
Please, let's all work together more to restore this world, so that perhaps those of us who wish to return to our worlds may also have the opportunity to return.
[ --that she must do what is necessary to secure the future of her world. She must return to her world. To return where she must be, to return to the state she had originally been in, to return to her Father and beg him for peace at last. Somnus has returned to his world, thereby ensuring its future. She has not forgotten that she, too, has the very same duty. Her love and her loss, this hollowness, this numbness-- she knows, she knows, it is painful, guilty; she ought not harbor any of these feelings. Yet terribly against her nature as it may be to experience emotions at all, they have one use in their turmoil and admiration for the world and all those in it: that they are reminding her, inspiring her to do what must be done to ensure that the future of her world remains. ]
A: Falconing. Morning.
He's gone, little partner. We are sorry. [ It's only Horus to whom she murmurs, the falcon unwittingly left behind by man who owned it. Presently the raptor is perched upon her arm, and she carefully strokes along the side of its neck as it turns its head side to side, seemingly awaiting a command. With a slight lift of her hand it takes flight, and a few moments later she tosses up bait for it to take.
To anyone watching her, she appears at peace. She is smiling and calm, watching the bird glide throughout the dilapidated buildings of the city. It circles her, awaiting its next morsel, and she throws another treat-- farther this time, and it dives after it.
It does not seem as if she notices that you may be approaching her. This may be odd to those who know her well enough to have noticed how normally attentive she is to her surroundings. ]
B: Returning from the Labs, Evening
[ For those of her who have known her throughout these months, they may also know by now that she is not shy to engage in contact.
Nothing has changed on that front, and so when you happen to join her on one of the streets, she will greet you with a pleasant, serene smile. As is also typical. ] Oh, are you heading this same way...?
[ Have a hand offered to you, fingers outstretched. Should you take it, her grip is light. To those who have taken her hand often before, this may seem odd. ] Let's walk together.
Instead there is emptiness as deep and overwhelming as the sea, perplexing, disorienting, storming, and cold. She peers into its maelstrom and knows that she ought to be there beneath it all, surrounding her, sealing her. That is the tomb she had chosen for herself for centuries, after all, basking in the safety of emptiness thus keeping the world safe in turn. How can emptiness feel so heavy and crippling, as if she's never experienced it before? Has she learned nothing?
No, she has learned something. It is the same lesson she has learned before-- ]
For those of his family and Eos, and for those of you who knew him, Somnus is no longer in Havenwell. I may only hope that he has returned to his homeworld in peace.
Please, let's all work together more to restore this world, so that perhaps those of us who wish to return to our worlds may also have the opportunity to return.
[ --that she must do what is necessary to secure the future of her world. She must return to her world. To return where she must be, to return to the state she had originally been in, to return to her Father and beg him for peace at last. Somnus has returned to his world, thereby ensuring its future. She has not forgotten that she, too, has the very same duty. Her love and her loss, this hollowness, this numbness-- she knows, she knows, it is painful, guilty; she ought not harbor any of these feelings. Yet terribly against her nature as it may be to experience emotions at all, they have one use in their turmoil and admiration for the world and all those in it: that they are reminding her, inspiring her to do what must be done to ensure that the future of her world remains. ]
A: Falconing. Morning.
He's gone, little partner. We are sorry. [ It's only Horus to whom she murmurs, the falcon unwittingly left behind by man who owned it. Presently the raptor is perched upon her arm, and she carefully strokes along the side of its neck as it turns its head side to side, seemingly awaiting a command. With a slight lift of her hand it takes flight, and a few moments later she tosses up bait for it to take.
To anyone watching her, she appears at peace. She is smiling and calm, watching the bird glide throughout the dilapidated buildings of the city. It circles her, awaiting its next morsel, and she throws another treat-- farther this time, and it dives after it.
It does not seem as if she notices that you may be approaching her. This may be odd to those who know her well enough to have noticed how normally attentive she is to her surroundings. ]
B: Returning from the Labs, Evening
[ For those of her who have known her throughout these months, they may also know by now that she is not shy to engage in contact.
Nothing has changed on that front, and so when you happen to join her on one of the streets, she will greet you with a pleasant, serene smile. As is also typical. ] Oh, are you heading this same way...?
[ Have a hand offered to you, fingers outstretched. Should you take it, her grip is light. To those who have taken her hand often before, this may seem odd. ] Let's walk together.
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She continues, her tone carrying an air of wistfulness to it. ] This world... gives you opportunities you wouldn’t otherwise have in your own.
[ Her gaze drops to their held hands before she resumes looking forward. For her, it gives her the opportunity to hold another’s hand. ] To interact with others, to spend time with them, ...even to speak with others that you wouldn’t have been able to at home.
[ The corners of her lips curve into a smile again, and she speaks as if giving a conclusion, one in which Zenitsu might already know. ] ...Your time here with Tanjiro is precious.
my sense of time has been so messed up, Mitsuri's also here too...weeps
It's not just with Tanjiro, but with Mitsuri too. Not to mention the friends he's made with those from other worlds here, as well.
He means to cherish the time he gets with anyone, really. ]
...Do you miss someone from your world, Pyra?
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My hope... is that for those who wish to return to their worlds will be able to do so.
[ Her palm presses more into his, feeling the duality soft youth of his touch and the obvious callouses of his training. Her hand, in contrast, is markless. ] You are helping me with that.
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Meanwhile, Zenitsu falls back to his usual goofy demeanor as he listens to Pyra and smiles at her. ]
You're so nice, Pyra! It's okay to say you miss someone, you know? Thinking of others is always a good thing, but you should think about yourself from time to time, too.
[ Mainly because it's something he feels even himself should be allowed to feel. It's a little sad hearing Pyra's answer even after asking his question, but he won't push further than that. He knows all too well there's so much he can do on his own, if any at all.
It's also something he means to tell Tanjiro as well. Kind-hearted people usually put themselves at the very end and sometimes that would go a little too far, at least that's what he felt from watching others. ]
Helping? Oh, yeah! With hand-holding, right?
[ He gives a weird giggle out as his focus goes to their hands holding each other's. ]
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That's sweet of you to say. [ A pause. ] You are sweet, Zenitsu. Has anyone told you that?
[ She looks to the street they walk upon. Dilapidated buildings line their path on either side. This is the world as it is, without touch: decay and ruin. ]
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Aww, you're making me blush!
[ He is actually blushing. ]
I just try to treat people I like the best they deserve, you know?
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She continues, ]
Sweet and kind... [ Her, deserving kindness? She doesn't-- and she's certain that if Zenitsu knew what she is, he wouldn't be saying that. Yet she's unable to stop herself from accepting it, taking it, basking in the grace of his kindness. Take, take, take, that's all she does. ] And... strong fighter, too. [ She gives his hand a squeeze. ] With an even stronger will. [ He did managed to overcome the gravity well with her, after all. Perhaps all but a little bit of encouragement had been needed, but that doesn't detract from the fact that he succeeded. ]
I think many could learn a lot from your example... [ Including her, really. ]
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And Zenitsu never minds offering his kindness, because in return he gets to spend time with people he likes He's just had no luck with girls for the longest time that they would instead take advantage of his kindness.
Meanwhile, all the compliments easily overwhelms him and keeps wiggling around like a strange worm. ]
Uheehee, I think that's a little too much really! My friends are so much stronger than me, both skills and will, but... Thank you, Pyra.
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Oh, you know I can't say "you're welcome" in response to that, not when you undersell yourself. [ She replies, softly chiding. ] Your friends so much stronger than you? You're joking, you're joking!
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[ Zenitsu calms a little down as he starts talking about his friends. ]
Inosuke's also headstrong, so he'd probably have been a great help with relocating plants too, if he were here.
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Isn't that always how it should be, she thinks. She's moving forward, ever striving towards pushing toward a future she believes will be bright for others. Somnus had been the same way, and as she looks upon Zenitsu--
Optimism can cover for a variety of things, but she does not believe she is wrong in believing that he, too, has a great amount of hope for the world. After what feels like a delay, she speaks up again, softly: ] ...May I ask you a question?
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Because he was busy with his own thoughts, Zenitsu misses Pyra's change in expression. He does realize she's much quieter now, so when she speaks up again he tilts his head again. ]
Hm? Did I say something weird?
[ Ever sine he's arrived at Havenwell, Zenitsu thinks he's gotten better at conversing with girls, so he thinks he hasn't said anything out of line...yet. But just in case...! ]
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What... is it, that you find beautiful?
[ This question, she has asked others before.
She had asked Somnus, too.
Now, she asks him. ]
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[ That's a pretty difficult question to be thrown at him. Was it in general? Usually when girls ask about beauty, they would most often want to be complimented. Zenitsu was never able to properly answer that sort of question, though. ]
I guess... something you'd hold precious? Precious and worth protecting... maybe.
[ He's still not sure of what to say. To him, all girls are beautiful, and even though most don't need protecting, he still holds the dream of protecting someone like a hero.
Even though he's finished answering, he continues to think about it, gazing towards the sky as they continued to walk. ]
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But this is important. What others find beautiful, is important.
Somnus had given her a certain answer, the very first time she had met him here and asked this very same question. His answer had indeed fit the criteria of what he held as precious. What he thought was worth protecting above all else-- the world. ]
What do you hold precious?
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The ties I've gotten to form, maybe. There's a girl back in my world who I want to marry, but it's not just her that I'd protect.
[ Zenitsu pauses for a moment, wondering if he should speak further. There are more on his mind about that, but up to this point he has never actually voiced it out loud. ]
...I've been alone before becoming a Demon Slayer. I mean, you've seen me whining and crying during that gravity stuff way back when I first got here, right? I've been like that since I can remember, and people would leave my side because of that. But even with that, I still got to meet really kind people.
So... the ties with them are super precious for me.
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I think you're precious to me too, Pyra~!
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His answer is bonds, and it seems that she's among them. ] Am I, now? [ Her smile is small and amused, but it seems that she appreciates his answer.
Then, after a long moment, she continues: ]
You're precious as well. [ Like a small sun. She's not even among those who orbit around his warmth, not being from his world or those close to him here, but more like a comet passing by every so often. She's seen him both smiling and flailing, but there's stability in that. She knows what to expect from him: that even if he does become serious or downtrodden, he returns right back to that smile. He pushes forward.
Somnus had been the same, forever seeking that future. ]
...For that resilience, and being able to form those bonds.
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[ Even after conversing with Pyra so much since he arrived to Havenwell, it still feels a little ticklish receiving genuine compliments and he blushes at that. ]
I think it's the least I can do, really. If I can repay the kindness I've received, I'd be super happy.
[ He knows it's not a easy thing to do, especially if he wants to repay his teacher back in his home world. Thinking of others and taking action on their behalf was something easier to do than thinking about himself, and he knows all too much of how painful and lonesome it is if he were to stay in one spot, especially mentally. ]
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She attempts to do the same. Sometimes, she even allows herself to believe that she is doing so much, what with being able to see him smile in front of her. She feels as if she's doing something right.
With Somnus gone, however, there is a debt she could never repay-- even if the "debt" is imaginary. She had told him, before, that all she had done for him, all she would do for him was unconditional. Yet Zenitsu brings up this new concept to her, the thoughts turn over in her mind one after the other. ] ...And what if you couldn't?
Repay that kindness, I mean, to someone who has gone.
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If they're gone...? I haven't been able to think that far, actually. But if that happens... I'd try to repay the kindness to those who were near them, maybe.
[ Who knows if they'd appreciate that, though. He's not like Tanjiro with limitless kindness and strength that not lot can compare to.
He wonders if he could even achieve it. Being someone who started with nothing, what he's got in his mind to repay the kindness he received from his teacher back in his home world isn't something that's easily achieved. He's somewhat had this conversation with Somnus before and he's reminded of that, in a way.
"For those you wish to protect, you must push onward," he's said before, and to "remember those who stand by" him. ]
...Either way, I would have to move forward, I think. Somnus told me that before, even though we were talking about something else...
[ But it's something he felt he could apply to this case, as well. ]
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Moving forward-- funnily enough, she said that to others already. "I'm moving forward." Forward is the only way to go, for the future, towards the future. She's always known this; it's written into her very form. For her world, for all that she cares for, she works to move towards oblivion so that others might have that chance of a future. ]
...He's gone.
[ And with those words, she lets a touch more of her sadness slip into her smile. It's subtle and silent, like lavenders in the wash of colors at dawn: hardly there, but a reminder that night had occurred and that sorrow lingers. Yet it is a smile. Somnus had influenced this youth too, it seems. And of course he did, there's nothing about Somnus that isn't admirable to her-- he would have the impression on others, of reminding them of looking towards that future, too. She's glad for it. ]
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He never liked his ability to pick up even the faintest sounds, but this was one time that he felt it could've been a lot more useful.
Zenitsu stays quiet for a moment even after Pyra finishes speaking, for a second hoping there would be more to it. When there isn't, he opens his mouth to start speaking slowly. ]
...Somnus is gone?
[ Up until this moment, someone leaving this place didn't completely sit in Zenitsu's mind. Yes, he's heard of it, but he's never seen it happen to anyone close to him for the few months he's been here, so the knowledge felt like some kind of fairy tale.
As he spoke those words, the thought dragged his upbeat mood from a moment ago down, as well as disbelief. ]
But I was just talking to him a while ago...! Tanjiro and I were doing some training with him...! He can't just disappear like that, would he?
[ And during that time, he was being a dumbass wailing and complaining throughout the entire time. That wasn't a great last impression to make, especially to someone who Zenitsu was looking up to as a mentor in this world. ]
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It's not just Pyra who has lost others. There are many noted disappearances on the network. Many have vanished. Perhaps they go to their homeworlds, or perhaps they are spirited to another. ]
From... what I know. They fall asleep, then they vanish.
[ This happened to Somnus. She had fallen asleep with him, each other in the others' arms. By morning, he was gone from their bed, their house, and this world. ...For the best. He didn't belong here. He has a duty to his own world, and ending to claim, a world to help save. ] ...You knew him?
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