002. Video/Action for outside of Azalea Town

[leaveyourstarburning]

[Darkness has fallen over Johto when Zulf's feed flickers on; it isn't too late, but the sun has more than set. The location itself seems to be a secluded one, surrounded by trees shielding it from any signs of civilization, if there are even any cities around to begin with.

However, the camera is focused on a light source - a vast array of twinkling lights, more than can be counted, that seem to be coming from a great distance away. Those that are a bit more astronomically-inclined may recognize several of the major constellations; wherever he is, the view of the sky is beautiful, untainted by artificial light or other pollution.

He films it for a little while before the night sky vanishes, all those little pinpricks of light melding together in a blur as he turns the camera back toward himself. Despite all the darkness, he's actually visible on the feed; Squirt seems to have contented herself sitting in his lap, the soft glow from her antennae flickering up and illuminating his features.

He's smiling a little, though the expression isn't exactly joyful; like last time, the smile doesn't quite reach his eyes, though it's in a way that's more melancholy rather than untrustworthy.]

I've heard that the night sky makes some feel insignificant - something to do with how vast it is, and how completely untouchable it seems. But I've always found that comforting - that no matter what we do or how many mistakes we make, the stars will always be a constant.

[That smile shifts into something warmer, decidedly more genuine. It's...odd, given the subject he's talking about; whatever he's thinking of, it probably isn't supposed to be something that one reflects on fondly, but it seems to please him in some way.]

In some ways, a little insignificance is a good thing, I think - it breeds humility, rather than arrogance; it allows for stability, rather than the uncertainty of complete responsibility. The knowledge that there's always something that you can never touch, that can never be harmed or destroyed or affected by anything you do...it's good knowledge to have.

Enough of that, though...it's a beautiful night. I'm outside of Azalea Town - there's a well surrounded by a stand of trees. Should you want someone to talk to, I'll be here for a while.

[...his social skills are flawless, I am telling you...]

Comments

[leaveyourstarburning]

[Ah, hello again; Zulf can't say that he's displeased to see you on the 'Gear, there. He responds easily; he's been curious as to how you fared after those missing three days, after all.]

I find myself doing well, although I wouldn't say I reached it as much as I just woke up here.

...thank you for asking, though. Frank, wasn't it?

[determinator]

...Ah, yes. That seems to have happened to quite a few of us.

[He doesn't elaborate any more on that, though - instead he has something else to deal with.]

[...Who the hell calls him "Frank" anyway?]

Archer. If you please.

[orz tho]

[leaveyourstarburning]

...Archer, then. My apologies.

[... orz]

Have you been well?

[determinator]

It's fine.

[...orz indeed...]

I've been fine; I assume you're talking about those three days we're all missing?

[He really hasn't been fine, but it's alright! He looks presentable, after all. That's all that really matters, right?]

[leaveyourstarburning]

In general, actually. The loss of those three days was unsettling, but everything seems to have righted itself in the end.

Unless something happened to you during those days...?

[determinator]

No, of course not.

[That's immediate and defensive.]

This just isn't a pleasant experience.

[leaveyourstarburning]

...I understand.

[And he does; if Archer doesn't want to discuss it, Zulf isn't going to push him - he has his share of things that aren't up for discussion himself.]

If you should want to talk about it, I'll listen; otherwise, it is still good to know that you're all right.

[determinator]

[...Wait, that's not how this works. He accidentally shows some weakness and you're supposed to push until he tells you everything.]

[...Or maybe that's just Kimblee and normal people don't do that. Huh.]

I... see. Thank you.

[So confused though...]

[leaveyourstarburning]

[Why in the world would he do that? That would be intrusive, and you've been very nice to him so far.]

...is something bothering you?

[He will ask that, however.]

[determinator]

I'm not used to hearing that, I suppose.

[orz orz orz orz]

[leaveyourstarburning]

[...head...tilt.]

What do you mean? If you don't want to say anything, I'm not going to force you.

[determinator]

That's what I mean - I'm not used to hearing that. The... people I usually spend time with tend to press me on issues like this.

[...Sure, it's "people." orz]

[leaveyourstarburning]

I see. But even if I wanted to press, I don't know you well enough for either of us to be comfortable with that. At least, I think that's the case.

[...blunt as hell still, though, that's not going away.]

[determinator]

That's very true.

[...So blunt...]

Still, I appreciate it.

[leaveyourstarburning]

[Zulf doesn't say anything for a moment after that, petting his Chinchou in silence; his expression has softened a bit when he speaks again, though the look in his eyes is still oddly solemn.]

You always seem so surprised at acts of basic decency. It's almost as though you aren't used to others being kind to you.

[determinator]

[How are you this blunt?]

I... I'm... Well it's... something different, I suppose...

[...orz]

[leaveyourstarburning]

[By being raised into an odd mixture of peace, tolerance, and...absolutely zero sense of tact, honestly.

That said, he seems a bit surprised by that response, though he collects himself reasonably quickly.]

Do others tend to give you a hard time, then?

[determinator]

[Oh Zulf... What does he even do with you?]

I suppose you could say that. I don't believe they intend to be mean, but... Well.

[orz orz orz]

[leaveyourstarburning]

[...clearly you mislead him with half-truths, if this is anything to judge by.

Zulf does know well enough than to take everything like this at face value; he's been betrayed before. At the same time, he's fond of Archer; if the Calamity had taught him anything, it's to allow fondness to develop quickly.]

Why do you continue to spend time with them, if I might ask?

[determinator]

Ah, well. The man who usually does this is... different. He doesn't always realize what he says is hurtful, or that he's pressing when I'd rather not discuss something. I don't mind it when it comes to him, but there are others who... don't treat me like others. I suppose there is some reason behind that; I'm not like everyone else. I'm... not exactly the easiest person to deal with.

[That's... slightly more truthful, at least?]

[leaveyourstarburning]

[He pauses for a moment at that; it's clear that he doesn't exactly understand.]

"Not like everyone else"?

[The repetition is curious, rather than pointed; an invitation to elaborate without demanding it.]

[determinator]

It's not very often I actually like someone.

[A slight pause.]

I suppose you can consider yourself lucky. You're the exception to the rule.

[leaveyourstarburning]

[Willing friendship isn't something Zulf is unfamiliar with - he'd had friends back in Caelondia, after all - but open expression of such things...no. Even on the Bastion, after what effectively amounted to the end of days, they had never really expressed these sorts of things; it was just something that they had taken as a given, a sort of closeness that came with the knowledge that you were the only ones left.]

That's...

[...awkward, that's what it is, but it's clear from the smile that it's pleased him regardless.]

I consider myself very lucky, then, Archer. Thank you.

[determinator]

[Sar...casm... though...]

[Archer isn't sure what to do with that; it seems very genuine. He smirks in response; it really is nice to hear that. Somehow. He's not sure what to do with that knowledge either.]

Well, you're welcome, then.

[leaveyourstarburning]

[ASK HIM IF HE CARES, ARCHER. GO ON. ASK.]

...at any rate. I take it you managed to get out of those caves in one piece after the last time we spoke?