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IC INBOX - kaisou
I'm busy. Make it quick.
(or just don't leave a message at all.)
(or just don't leave a message at all.)
username: dark slayer | ✉ ☏ 📷 |
username: dark slayer | ✉ ☏ 📷 |
voice; un: freelancer
Mr. Vittore, I hope you are doing well.
Were you able to secure supplies for our lessons? My previous obligations are finished. I'll be available for those spear lessons at your convenience.
[He needs something to think about that isn't inside his own head.]
god im sorry it took me 2 days to reply to this its been a week
But to answer your question, yes. I have purchased a pair of well-crafted spears. They look and feel like a true spear, but the tips are rounded, the bladed sides are blunt.
I figure they will suffice.
Where shall we meet for our first lesson?
I admit, while I keep in very fair shape, I am not... practiced in any sort of martial skill. I expect fully that I will embarrass myself. [ at least he sounds amused. ]
:spraybottle: no apologizing it takes me WEEKS sometimes
[He nods invisibly. Yeah, that sounds about right... He'll have to test them to be sure, but they're probably fine.]
There is a place where others occasionally spar, and ample room on the building's lot when it isn't open to the public. I thought that property seemed like the most suitable place.
[It's where magic users go to practice, from what he's researched. But for them, it's better to have more room since there's going to be spear throwing eventually.]
I offered my services as a teacher, not an audience to be entertained. The only judgment I will be making is to see if you are fit to move onto the next phase.
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But at least something to think about between the lesson.
An open space that is not oft used is a good idea. If you could send me the location, I could come meet you sometime soon.
I will get my... ...brother to watch the store in the meantime.
[ he's never mentioned a brother once in his time of knowing you has he? ]
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[Nothing like the patience of a very, very old man to make someone feel at ease, right?]
Here is the address. [He sends him the address of, wouldn't you know it, the Fight Club that Nox runs.]
Your brother? [He doesn't remember a brother.] You've not mentioned him before. Did he follow you from Italy?
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he'll talk as he walks, he hasn't had the time to purchase a car yet, but walking suits him just fine. ]
...No. [ there's a quiet ... pause, as he tries to say the next part without sounding crazy. no, it was going to sound crazy. rip of the bandage, so to speak. ] I grew up a single child, my parents chose not to have another after me.
I met him after coming to this city. ...A brother from... 'another life'.
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Ah... I think I understand the situation now.
[Someone showed up from his past life, but they hadn't been reincarnated yet. It wasn't unusual here. Unfortunately, due to the whole... secrecy thing, it's also not something that Zhongli thought to warn him about. After all, what are the chances that one would start remembering their past life and have a long lost sibling show up? It's certainly never happened to Zhongli or anyone he's close to.
(He'd be in deep if some of his old enemies from the Archon War came tumbling through the portal, though.)]
I suppose there's no need to ask if you know the veracity of the claim. Your memories will likely have already told you the truth.
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He's quiet a moment as he thinks about how to respond--because yes, Zhongli is right; there's no need to ask about the veracity of the claim at all. But it's still such a starkly strange thing to be living with, sometimes he still wonders if it's real, or just some sort of cosmic joke being played upon him. ]
Given that I knew his name before he spoke it. And the fact that he has my face--as he is not just a brother, but somehow in fact, my identical twin.
Even someone with a skeptical mind as mine with a heavy leaning on logic over fantasy, even I cannot deny that he has to be related to me.
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An identical twin leaves very little room for doubt. [Vergil sounds so conflicted. As gently as he can muster, he says,] You are not the same person that you were in your past life, but as long as he acknowledges that, perhaps this could be the beginning of something beneficial for both of you.
[careful zhongli that sounds emotionally competent and we can't have THAT shit going on when you won't even talk to your son]
How much you remember of your past life ultimately doesn't matter, Mr. Vittore. What is important is how you wish to deal with it. Those memories don't define you, but they can shackle you if you aren't careful.
You are free in this world by virtue of being born. Remember that.
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I would have remained skeptical to it otherwise. I have had strange experiences with magical items before and would not have put it past one to give me false images. But given what others have told me about their own experiences gaining memories of past lives... [ there's no real denying that Dante was his brother. Even if it was from a life he doesn't remember, fully. ]
And I agree with you. I do. This person who I 'was.' Is not who I 'am'. I will not find myself defining my life by that, but.
Somehow, I think I might have been someone awful.
I have been trying not to think about it.
No, it is better I don't think about it.
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I think I might have been someone awful.
Ah... those words feel familiar. He may have uttered them himself at some point. It took a long time for him to wrap his mind around the kind of person he had been, and needed to be moving forward. It took a long time to understand the Archon Morax's morality.]
Mr. Vittore, I would not call you a bad person by any measure.
You have always dealt with matters fairly and reasonably, and you have no issue holding up your end of our agreements. Not once have I seen an ounce of cruelty in your actions. You are a man of your word, which is increasingly rare these days. To me, these things define someone's character.
You will likely never know the full reasoning behind your past self's actions. With every contract there are outside circumstances that should be considered when reviewing it, and our past lives are much the same. But... because information has been lost to us, it's unfair to judge our old lives by the brief glimpses we see.
We need a new scale to weigh against, for we are not quite the same people as we were back then... nor are we the same as we were yesterday.
[At last he sees the roof of the warehouse being used for the fight club, and begins looking around the lot for any sign of his friend.]
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Perhaps he isn't cruel, and yes, he does keep his word, but it was a matter of needing to uphold an image, to keep ahold of contacts--not out of any sort of morality. he's swindled people out of rare artifacts before, after all--using his knowledge to lowball them.
But eventually the interjections die down because not only are the calm man's words... oddly kind, kinder than any the man had offered him in their entire decade of being familiar with one another--but the advice is, astonishingly solid. They're words that will sit with him, even if he'll likely play them off as just brief and courteous conversation. ]
...As usual, your counsel is something that I do not expect, but appreciate. Your point of view seems sharp in this regard.
Either these are words you've said to someone before, or they are your own feelings on the matter.
[ he won't accuse zhongli of being in the same situation, after all. if the man wishes to share that he's experienced the same thing that he is, he'll let him. ...he'll welcome it, and part of him hopes that he does, if only because the oddest thing about his memories is the introduction of a feeling he's never had set in his bones before: a fear. a fear of being alone, a fear of not being able to protect himself from whatever's coming.
and maybe that's why there's a pair of practice spears on his back as he makes his way into the warehouse that Zhongli had directed him to. Waiting outside for the long-haired man to join him. ]
Either way, I appreciate your words. And I will keep them close at hand as things continue to go the way they do.
...
In any case, I have arrived, I will be waiting outside.
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I have some... experience... with matters of memory.
I can remember many things with near perfect clarity. For a long time now, this has also included the memories of my past life.
[He'll just casually drop that bombshell and hang up without actually answering that question. When he finds Vergil next, it's in person. He's dressed the same as always-- custom Black Order suit, impeccable shoes, black leather gloves. He's a teacher not an undertaker, but you'd be excused for wondering.]
And here you are. I hope you have not been waiting long.
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...hells, the man could actually be like his 'brother', a being from another world, kidnapped away and dumped here.
he does give a small sigh of ... some sort of emotion when the man drops an absolute cinder block on his head. AND THEN HANGS UP ON HIM? Vittore yanking his phone from his ear and staring at it in ACTUAL disbelief, because okay, that's not what he expected the man to say at all, for one, and for two...
...when the man approaches, dressed in his finery, it gives him time to pause and actually Look at the man. Had his eyes always been so golden? Much like how vittore had black hair when last they met--perhaps Zhongli had eyes like that for far longer; and vergil just couldn't see it until now? ]
No more than five minutes. You are prompt as you are reliable. ...As you are quite the man of mystery that I did not expect you to be. Mr. Zhongli.
[ he's going to hand him the carrying case with the spears. ]
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Haha, I'm simply an old man who knows a little about many things.
[You'll have to ask better questions if you want answers, Vergil. Or... well, actually, he probably won't say anything unless it suits him, but there's nothing wrong with trying????
He takes the carrying case and sets it down. Then he undoes the case latches so that he can inspect the practice weapons. He tests the sharpness of each spear's tip as well as the balance, even doing a little twirl to make sure nothing falls apart.
Then he nods, satisfied.]
These will do. I've only just realized that we are lacking in armor, but I suppose we won't be striking each other just yet.
Your first lesson will be to learn where your feet are.
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don't disassociate, vittore. how many of your friends are actually-- ]
If armour is needed, I can pick it up next time. I had a feeling that our initial session would be on basics that would not call for it. Given I am not actually sure how to hold this thing.
[ he turns the spear over in his hands, but... feet. Right.
Now's a good time as any. ]
Last I saw you, I am more than sure your eyes did not look like that.
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[Pain is a good teacher, though, and he's sure they will acquaint themselves thoroughly before these lessons are concluded.
Zhongli lets Vergil take his time getting familiar with the weapon and how it feels in his hands. He is nothing if not patient. However, he's noticed that searching look, and braces himself for questions.
... That is not a question about the spear. His eyebrows rise, and then he smiles a little, almost imperceptible but very obvious to anyone familiar with Zhongli's manner.]
Your proximity to the Spirit Vein has made you more perceptive than you were in Italy, so you are bound to notice differences in the world. That includes the people around you. Call it an 'awakening' if you like.
[He twirls his practice spear, tosses it, and grabs it again in a way that suggests he is not nearly as out of practice as he'd have one believe.]
When you're ready, come stand beside me with your feet slightly apart, lined up with your shoulders.
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[ and many secrets because yoURE STILL BEING A CAGEY BITCH mr zhongli good god he's learning more about his old friend in this last hour than he has the last year, he's pretty certain. It's Dizzying. But he came here with a goal in mind, and his drive to learn is stronger than his drive to interrogate, at least.
He can always ask questions while they're going through forms, one can figure.
He IS going to watch what Zhongli is doing after all. Moving to stand next to him; Get his legs in the right position, watch the man's hands, so he can copy how the other is holding the spear--shoulders lined up with the staff...
...but not even attempting to toss it and spin it like the old man is currently doing. Well; doesn't he seem graceful. ]
There was no such spirit vein like this in Italy. I noticed the sky, first thing, when I was landing in the plane. While my first brush with the supernatural wasn't here...
[ ...well. ]
One does wonder how long it's been since you 'awakened'.
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[He doesn't deny what Vergil says, though. He knows a little about a lot as it turns out.
He's pleased to see Vergil already copying his stance, however. He tries to make it easier to see. Feet like this, grip like this--]
Not too tight. If your knuckles are white, you'll only hurt yourself.
[With that gentle correction given, he continues the mental checklist...]
Good. Now take a half step forward. [He demonstrates.] Your balance should be on the balls of your feet, not the heel. Not too far forward, either.
Next, bring your spear forward. Hold it like an extension of your arm, so the handle rests here...
[Zhongli continues with firm, clear corrections as needed. He isn't putting his hands on Vergil but if his form is bad enough he might just need to.]
You make it sound like you'll be selling me in your front window next. [He sounds amused by this.] I've had certain powers and memories the entire time we have been acquainted, but I was bound to secrecy by a long-standing contract. It was never my intent to deceive you, Mr. Vittore. However, fair agreements such as the one I signed must be respected—without exception.
[He goes through the routine again. Step forward, thrust with the spear. Neutral position. Step forward, thrust with the spear...]
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step forward
grip not too tight
stab forward, not like a weapon, but part of his arm
...easier said than done, he might. fumble a moment, as his grip on the pole slides. he readjusts, and tries it again with a grumble of effort in his throat. ]
Don't be ridiculous. Were you an artifact in my shop, you would be one of the ones marked clearly 'not for resale'. [ he'll give zhongli that much respect, with a crooked grin on his face as he resets his position. Moving along with Zhongli to repeat it, repeat it, and to repeat it again. ...it does feel oddly. Easier. with every pass, as if he's used to training with something like this. the handle of a wooden sword familiar between his fingers--
he shakes his head, trying to will the memory away. ]
You've always been big on honouring contracts. Almost to a point where one might call it obsessive.
...This isn't a disparaging comment, mind you. I'd far prefer someone rigid to a fault than flaky.
But that would explain your tight-lippedness.
Were I aware that the supernatural world existed before, I'd have looked into it far sooner than this year.
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His friend's wry little remark is enough to make Zhongli chuckle. It's a rare sound, but it's warm.]
That's comforting to hear.
[He coaches a little more, but Vergil is... more of a natural at this than he expected. Which is good. It makes all of this that much easier.]
Hmm... [Zhongli's not happy about being called obsessive, but he'll let it go.] Before there were laws to govern the land, there were contracts. In fact, one could say that a contract was the first 'law'. Contracts are the defining line between order and chaos, and the building blocks of a civilization.
Contracts also enforce fairness. There can be no trade without contracts, and without trade, there can be no society. In this day and age people see contracts as a matter of convenience not to be taken seriously... but for those who understand the truth, they are almost sacred.
[... Obsessive was probably a good word, actually.]
You seem to have a good understanding of the basic forward thrust. Now I'll show you what makes the spear superior to a sword. [From here he launches into a short explanation of how to use the blunt end of the spear to hit an opponent behind. It works much in the same way as the forward thrust, but... backwards. Obviously.] Never forget that you have the advantage of reach. A well placed jab or swing at an opponent's feet or their abdomen can cause them to lose their balance. This isn't something a sword can do easily.
[Once he's sure Vergil has the form for that one, he continues the conversation.]
There are many strange and wonderful things in this world and the Spirit Realm both. Throughout my years of wandering I cannot say I've seen even a fraction of what they have to offer.
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about how contracts predated law, and how without a contract, one could not enforce order. it makes sense, of course, barely anything zhongli said didn't make logical sense in at least one form or another, but.
Once again, theres that niggling bit of uncertainty in his mind: how much of that focus and stern rigidity about contracts from his like for having things in order, and how much of it .... could be learned habit from a time before laws.
surely, zhongli is older than he's letting on.
what with his strange hair, his strange eyes
and a general feel for being Not Quite as he seems
....but surely he can't be *that* old. that's just ridiculous.
He's going to continue to focus on the lesson. He's always been a star pupil, he cannot let his fancy focus on the supernatural and his past life--and zhonglis apparent past life--get in the way of what he came here for. ]
...It's a clever weapon, to say the least.
The sword is always one that is more popular in the eyes of those who appreciate weaponry, but I suppose that is because it is one of the easiest to learn how to use.
A weapon like this requires far more spacial awareness.
....And can afford far more defensive ability than a sword can.
[ he seems impressed as Zhongli goes over the new form, and he's .... gonna do his best to copy it.
Bookish nerd that he is, its clear he's gonna need quite a bit more training to get used to the weapons weight alone. counterbalancing for such a strike takes a finesse he just doesn't have, yet. ]
You've been inside one of them, then. The spirit realms that stagnate in this place.
I would argue that they sound dangerous.
But I am quickly coming to realise you may be far more capable than you appear.
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There is nothing wrong with the sword. As a fighting form, it is effective and beautiful. But it also requires a great deal of control, and to strike with a sword is point-for-point more dangerous than with a spear. It is far too easy to expose your weaknesses with the sword even if you are practiced.
[Zhongli notes this silently, adding it to a mental list of things to develop routines around so that Vergil can gain some much-needed strength and stamina. There's no way to do that except through hard work. He doesn't doubt that he'll be devoted, though, after a session like this.
Vergil has always sought knowledge, and Zhongli is using this to better Vergil's life. Whether he likes it or not!]
I have many times. There are countless gates that we know of on this earth, and far more that we do not. Some are only temporary. Others are like the Stable Gates you're aware of.
[He makes a small correction to Vergil's posture. No hunching, sir.]
There are wonders and dangers in equal abundance, and it has been like this for a very long time. Even the strangest legends may contain a mote of truth.
As for myself...
[He pauses, then he rests the blunt end of his staff on the ground.]
I don't mind discussing some topics that fall outside our contract. If I considered answering one question of yours each time we train together, would that be enough for you to continue the lessons? I can't guarantee an answer simply because there are things I am bound not to disclose, but if such a topic comes up I'll allow you to ask a different question.
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no, he has a good feeling about the spear. it suits his current self--the need to protect himself--much better.
he'll likely complain about stamina training just a little, if only because it means he'd have to do more than his regular cardio. He has an exercise bike and it works great okay??? ]
I have not bothered to go near any of those gates. Both likely out of a desire to not get myself into a situation I would find unfavorable, and because I am not really keen on the idea that if something goes... wrong in one, that I may not come out.
[ he'd rather not get lost in a stable gate--or one of the unstable ones.
...but. he is listening to zhongli's new offer. pausing in following and repeating forms alongside his friend with the spear, idly letting it rest against his shoulder as he... considers it.
It's a completely fair thing to offer. Rather, it's a very generous offer that Zhongli is putting on the table between them--from what he can tell, zhongli has little to gain from this sort of agreement, and there's an... odd feeling in his chest as he thinks longer on it. ]
That would be more than generous of you to offer, if I am to be completely honest with you.
It almost makes me feel as if I am the only one benefitting from where I am standing.
Unless you have something in mind to ask in return of me?
That being said, if it is within my ability to do something for you in return, I would so so in a moment.
[ ...friend? isn't that what friends do? ]
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Understandably so. I believe I also warned you for that precise reason... As we've discussed, it's dangerous. Until you're more accustomed to the dangers, I must insist you don't go in alone.
[Take Grandpa, he's here to help.
Vergil is tipping his hand, though, in being so considerate. He pauses in the instruction for now, so Vergil can rest for a few minutes.]
I wasn't going to consider it part of our contract. [As usual, he chews his words, but there's warmth to them.] We are friends, and defining a friendship via a contract isn't feasible... Just how does one measure sentiment or fondness?
[He used the f word, oh no. It has been ten years, after all... and he knows that isn't a small amount of time to a human.]
But if you'd like, I can break it down for you. You enjoy learning the knowledge I share with you, Mr. Vittore, and I enjoy sharing what I know.
[...]
For me there is intrinsic value merely in the telling and the recalling of information. Discussion of the stories keeps the memories alive. Paper becomes brittle and eventually turns to dust, and even rock succumbs to water over time. One cannot record the truth of history without acknowledging these facts. So much history changes from the moment it is written to the day it is recalled, reclaimed, and taught.
Yet perhaps in my memory, the truth can live a little longer, unsullied as such by the erosion of time. Long enough for me to pass it on so it outlasts even the end of a world.
[He thinks about the first time he set eyes upon the Glaze Lilies in the courtyard of the apartment complex. Teyvat is dead, but parts of it endure. Is he the final witness of his beloved Liyue? He isn't the same as the god who raised it, but he still feels beholden to that land and its people. They suffered, they persevered, they struggled, they overcame. They deserve to be remembered.]
That... would be most ideal.
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