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Epsilon - Hatsu

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Jan 21st, 2019
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  1. [22:20] Immense effort is made along the seemingly endless supply of stairs. Hatsu had made his way to the one of the highest points in the settlement, scouring his surroundings as he came to stand beside Epsilon. The youth appeared mildly troubled, but there was a sense of purpose that hung around him with unfamiliarity. His eyes drift downward as they gently lid, his arms fold along his chest as he silently observed those conversing at the base of the temple.
  2.  
  3. "Is there any reason you frequent up here, Epsilon? I'd imagine you were busying yourself with getting to know our companions."
  4.  
  5. A glance is given to the elder man, gently squinting at the man as he tries to make sense of what it was he may be here for.
  6.  
  7.  
  8. (Hatsu Wvelven)
  9. [22:24] The blind man smiles as Hatsu approaches, no apparent concern with the troubled look on his face. He's seated, head bent over his crossed legs, not lifting it at the young man's approach.
  10.  
  11. "Yes. A much simpler one than you might expect." He gestures offhandedly to the numerous steps leading down to the temple. "This temple is... a grand thing, imposing, and built for that specific effect, I imagine. I rather enjoy being atop it, just for that. Conquering it, in some small way."
  12.  
  13. He shrugs. "Perhaps a bit arrogant, a bit silly, but- that, and the effect it has, to see someone at the top. The imagery of all of it."
  14. (Epsilon)
  15. [22:33] "The only imagery it inspires is jealousy, I'd imagine. Everyone pines to be at the top, and for what? They only wind up being responsible and depended upon by many others, those that require guidance. They are lost without that individual, and that very same person then spends countless hours and energy in order to look after them. The view is decent, but you.. Can't really see it, can you?"
  16.  
  17. A glance toward the man is offered, only to eventually seat himself with a small frown. Was this some cruel joke in the words of this elder man? Surely he would not discuss the topic of 'views' when he seemingly lacked the qualifications for such, right?
  18.  
  19. "I'm curious as to where your studies lie, actually. What sort of knowledge have you ascertained in your life? You've outlived many others, I'd imagine."
  20. (Hatsu Wvelven)
  21. [22:40] "A great many presumptions, friend," the blind man purrs in his soothing monotone. "Not entirely inaccurate, in most cases. Except-"
  22.  
  23. He holds up a finger, grinning. "I would not imagine myself becoming a dependency for others. I offer guidance, perhaps, maybe organization of a sort, but... a leader, me?"
  24.  
  25. Slowly, he shakes his head, the grin growing wider. "No, I think not. Not the kind you envision."
  26.  
  27. He leans back, hands behind him, shifting the staff laying across his legs slightly. "As for my studies... I have a decent repertoire, yes, of a great many things. You may have to be more specific."
  28.  
  29. As he smiles, there's the distinct impression he might have winked, if only he had the eyes to do so.
  30. (Epsilon)
  31. [22:49] "Then continuing our conversation from here will only become more pleasant. I personally grow tired of watching folks push and shove one another for positions of power, or skulk in the background in hopes of an opportunity." A glance is cast downward for a moment, subtle distaste evident upon his face as he soon diverts his attention to the horizon. Surely, that would be far more welcome sight in his opinion.
  32.  
  33. The words of the blind-folded man beside him are taken in at an even pace, preferring to slowly digest the information. "What sort of organization is it that you speak of? I've heard only of a handful, and often times they're dedicated to silly goals. Like those Hell..something's." He muses, though he's admittedly unable to recall their name.
  34.  
  35. As for the studies in which Epsilon partook of, Hatsu would speak in a lower tone of voice, draping an arm over his left knee in order to make himself comfortable.
  36. (Hatsu Wvelven)
  37. [22:51] Hatsu Wvelven whispers: What do you know about the study of Arcane?
  38. [22:55] He offers another small shrug, holding his hand out. A small flame flickers in it, and he idly flips and turns it about as he rambles. "Organization of the sort involving myself and a group of like-minded individuals working towards collective entertainment, for the purpose of naught but entertainment."
  39.  
  40. The smile grows brighter at the whispered words, lowering his voice in turn to respond.
  41. (Epsilon)
  42.  
  43.  
  44. [22:55] Epsilon whispers: Ah. A great deal. Again- you may need to specify. Such a broad art.
  45.  
  46. [22:55] Epsilon whispers: Ah. A great deal. Again- you may need to specify. Such a broad art.
  47. [23:01] Hatsu's legs fold beneath him as his interest is clearly piqued, lightly canting his head to the side. He had fondly remembered the text within various scripts that suggested for him to find himself among those of likened minds, to not be inhibited by those whom would otherwise have a conflict of ideals. "I like the sound of that, honestly. Carving out a path on my own accord has been quite the challenge, but I wouldn't pass up the opportunity to hear more about this organization. Though my interests admittedly lay in the pursuit of knowledge, and not so much for a good laugh."
  48.  
  49. Entertainment? The phrase strikes him as a bit odd, though the vagueness off such an announcement could be taken in various ways. Not to mention that some folks had a twisted sense of amusement or humor. A brief flashback of a certain individuals face leaves him to lightly frown.
  50. (Hatsu Wvelven)
  51.  
  52.  
  53. [23:02] Hatsu Wvelven whispers: That is currently the issue. My interests lay in the study of Chaos magic, though the specific path I wish to look into is obscure to me. I've acquired guidance previously, but I'm uncertain if I wish to follow the same path as that man. I already stated that I had no intentions of becoming like them, to begin with, you see.
  54. [23:04] Epsilon whispers: I see. Well then. Perhaps we should discuss this in private. More easily spoken about without prying eyes and wandering ears, hm?
  55. [23:06] Hatsu Wvelven whispers: If you find such suitable.
  56. [23:07] Epsilon says, "Come, come."
  57.  
  58. [23:10] The blind man leads Hatsu silently through the streets, across to the spa at the edge of town. He doesn't appear to have any interest in swimming with the Wvelven boy, instead taking a seat in one of the chairs and ignobly propping his boots up on the table in front of them.
  59.  
  60. "Now then." He smiles, setting his staff so that it leans against the armrest of the chair. "Where were we? Besides, well, the obvious that is chaos."
  61.  
  62. Quiet for a moment, he gestures to Hatsu with a wry look, pointing a few times. "You are not the kind I would have assumed to have an interest in that art. Tell me- this man whose path you are avoiding, who is he? I am not aware of many chaos practitioners left alive."
  63. (Epsilon)
  64.  
  65.  
  66. [23:13] An expression of caution is given as Hatsu made his way toward the Spa area, though he sat in a rather lax positioning. It was difficult to appear on-guard when he has been in the presence of true monsters, whose mere presence demanded every ounce of his concentration and left him mentally strained. Those meetings were both something he awaited and loathed, often feeling suffocated being confined in a room with him.
  67.  
  68. "I'm unsure if he'd prefer to be named, but I imagine he's taught you. He mentioned having another practitioner out in the world, and you seem to have a decent idea of the concept. An Alias he'd have utilized would be 'Comedian', though his sense of humor was...a miss, in my opinion." He admits, a light scowl forming.
  69.  
  70. He's still a bit sore about the 'joke' going over his head.
  71. (Hatsu Wvelven)
  72.  
  73.  
  74. [23:19] "Ah. Yes, yes, the Comedian. A terribly unfunny man, all things considered. Hardly deserving of such a title."
  75.  
  76. In contrast to the boy, Epsilon seems completely, startling at ease. He speaks with the casual calmness of someone describing an unruly houseguest, rather than someone who would be more likened to a war criminal. "Buuuuut, as with all things, there is the question of what you intend to do with this knowledge."
  77.  
  78. The small flame he held in the palm of his hand all the way here is revealed against, held out to provide a bit more light in the room. "What you plan to do is far, far more important than knowing the information. Without something to drive you, you will be lost, unable to claim the power one way or another."
  79. (Epsilon)
  80.  
  81.  
  82. [23:26] Ah, so he hit the nail on the mark? At the very least, the man's supreme sense off easy-going behavior was an indication that he had the natural talent and ability to be so. Hatsu sits back to a degree, but he was never able to find that sense of confidence to earn him that same ease. Perhaps he simply was far enough down that path of enlightenment to feel at ease, despite overcoming his fear of death for some time. Countless battles and harrowing journeys had shaped him to be a Magi with experience, even at his young age.
  83.  
  84. "That is an easy thing to understand. I intend to enter the 'Grand Library' and acquire even further knowledge. To perhaps build up a society of like-minded individuals that harbor and know the value of information. One of which won't quarrel for empty titles and hide behind walls. People who can change the world with that knowledge, and improve it from this broken state. This sort of study isuninhibited by the likes of close-minded thinkers - by all means, it will allow us to stride towards acquiring a world worth saving. With that knowledge, I'll do as I please with it. That is the 'freedom' in which was taught to me. I am not required to do anything but what I desire, but those lay within my desires."
  85.  
  86. He doesn't place his feet upon the table, but he does rest his arms along the table as he studies Epsilon's expression with a critical gaze.
  87. (Hatsu Wvelven)
  88.  
  89.  
  90. [23:35] "A library? Mm. Curious." He tilts his head to one side, considering the thought for a few moments before responding. The idea of such a thing seems vaguely unfamiliar to him, an entirely foreign concept.
  91.  
  92. "But..." The flame in his hand slows, then stops entirely, a motionless fire flickering like reflected light. Distinctly unnatural. "I was like you in my youth. Seeking power without understanding it. Dangerous-" He grins, the fire resuming normal motion. "-and inherently problematic in relation to chaos. It is not, as many seem to think, just another aspect of magic. It is your very will pressed into the world, such to the degree that you can shape it, make it do as you will."
  93.  
  94. He leans back, waving away the small fire. "And to do that, you must understand the world. Everyone wants freedom, everyone wants to do what they want. Very, very few have the will for it."
  95.  
  96. Taking his feet off the table, he leans forwards, chin resting gently on his fists. "So, I ask again- what will drive you to achieve this? Convince me."
  97. (Epsilon)
  98.  
  99.  
  100. [23:43] "I've dedicated the majority of my young adulthood studying, and learning about the various cultures of those within this world. From Dryads, Nerieis, Oscuri, Naguals, Drakanites, those in Dawn, and even vampires. I've taken the time to understand each of their perspectives, to understand their culture and their history. I have not set myself on this path lightly, and I've cut off everyone that could've held me back from accomplishing this. What drives me now is the fact that I've burned every other bridge I had, there is no 'out' and the only way is forward. All of those who were once my loved ones, my home, and my family - they're gone. They are my enemies or obstacles in my way.
  101.  
  102. I've removed myself from every construct that has bound me to a singular place, in order to accomplish my achievements. My pursuit to unlock the secrets of this world, to understand it all..that is my drive. My conviction is not to be questioned." He states quietly, unflinchingly staring down the blind-folded man.
  103.  
  104. It's clear by his tone that regardless of the assistance he sought, he would continue to pursue this path in some form. His words were genuine, and he would remove anything and anyone that threatened to obstruct him from his desires. His morbid curiosity of the secrets of the world have long since eclipsed the majority of his life. He wanted to know, and experience the freedom.
  105. (Hatsu Wvelven)
  106.  
  107.  
  108. [23:55] "Ah. But it is."
  109.  
  110. One might get the distinct impression Epsilon is enjoying this, amusing himself through these lengthy political talks. "Because chaos does not like compromise. It does not want to be one of many arts you study, in an attempt to obtain all manners of power. No."
  111.  
  112. Slowly, precisely, he enunciates every syllable with delicate care. "Chaos seeks to be the all. The more you give yourself to it, the more it will reward you. Try to balance it between other things, and... well."
  113.  
  114. He smiles, not needing to explain the results of trying to cheat some vague, otherworldly force that gives power to the cruel and barbaric.
  115.  
  116. "What you describe is a good work ethic. Promising, certainly! Useful, even. But having no other option is not the drive I speak of.
  117.  
  118. You seem to think little of the Comedian... but he might be a good example to explain. He sees, as I do, the world for what it is. A joke. Again, not a very funny one. He spent his life devoted to a cause, his nation, only to be rewarded with his family murdered before him. He even had a chance to stop it!" His voice carries a bit more emotion now, caught up in his storytelling. "But he did not stop it. He was weak, and watched them die, watched idiots climb to the top of the anthills proclaiming themselves the truth in the world.
  119.  
  120. So he used that knowledge, that conviction, and that drive, to tear a wound open in the fabric of the world, and annihilate a city while both sides warred."
  121.  
  122. He claps his hands together, sitting back, anecdote concluded, ready to appraise Hatsu's response.
  123. (Epsilon)
  124. [00:06] "On the contrary, I respect his choices, but neither do I merely wish to be a copy of him. You are correct in that he had the opportunity to stop it all, but his choices had led to him watching his family die twice over. To be betrayed by the very kind he helped spawn into this world, and then responded in turn by obliterating their safe haven. They now scatter about the world, doing their best to survive in a world where everyone despises them."
  125.  
  126. A small pause ensues, not quite as enthusiastic as Epsilon is, but he does enjoy the mental gymnastics being exchanged. Intelligent, or even mind-provoking conversations were not easy to come by in Gehenna, and they often spoke more with their weapons and blood, rather than words. "I am not compromising, this is the first and final journey into the unknown that I require to delve into. To acquire the end-all answer to the questions of the unknown that have plagued man for ages. It is not merely another option to pick from, it is the only answer I have been able to discern after countless years of toiling away in my studies. This is a world built upon hypocrisy, all you need to do is look upon yourself, or the neighboring cities. Huangzhou preaches of 'righteousness' and claims Angels work alongside them - and yet they participate in the same rituals as Gehenna does, the very same that they condemn them for.
  127.  
  128. To ensure this world is worth salvaging, it needs to have its slate wiped clean. Annihilating a city is certainly a valid answer to the betrayal that he received from his own kind, but it needs to happen on a grand scale. When I acquire the opportunity, I will not hesitate to act upon it, as 'Comedian' did."
  129.  
  130. It was admittedly difficult to describe his drive in pure words, to explain his hearts deepest desires in the span of only minute exchanges. But it's clear that he was unhappy with the state of the world they lived in, and sought to have it changed one way or another. Hatsu could only presume that Epsilon would be able to discern the conviction and words he was trying to convey.
  131. (Hatsu Wvelven)
  132.  
  133.  
  134. [00:17] Several times, the otherwise nearly motionless Epsilon perks up, as if the answers he was looking for were given in exact form. First, a minor one as he describes wishing to not be a copy. "A copy? No, of course not. As will as ineffective, that would be horribly uninteresting. Uniqueness is clearly preferable."
  135.  
  136. And a second, much more enthusiastic time, as he describes the similarities between nations. He grins, applauding lightly. "Ah, see? You do understand the joke."
  137.  
  138. He leans forwards again, his smile dropping. Not as if he's angered, more just like he's speaking now with a grave, possibly playful severity, the two of them discussing something urgent. There's still enough hint in his voice to clue Hatsu in that it's at least partly an act, but he's serious for the momentnonetheless. "Civilization is built on falsehood. The idea that actions set you apart when really everyone is... well. Just so similar."
  139.  
  140. He half-coughs, half-laughs as he leans back, gesturing to the blindfold across his eyes. "Not that you can trust a blind man to say everyone looks the same, but, well- they do. The only thing differentiating the world is who has power, and where. The Comedian- Malentine has power. I have power. You want that same power.
  141.  
  142. But more importantly- you have the same vision."
  143.  
  144. His smile, while dark, seems very sincere. "I will be glad to help you how I can."
  145. (Epsilon)
  146.  
  147.  
  148. [00:28] The air of solemnness did not escape Hatsu, and despite his lax positioning previously, he sat up to a degree. He had learned quickly not to judge others based on appearances alone, and spending several years with Comedian had given him insight on those he ought to be wary of. A man who consistently smiled despite the disgusting state of this world was always a red alarm, in the back of his mind. But this was the very same man whom could open up doors for him that he'd otherwise be banging his head against.
  149.  
  150. Malentine had offered to show him a path that he had taken himself, but Hatsu was not interested in becoming a carbon copy of the Sin of Envy. He aspired to do carve his own name, his own pursuit of this elusive knowledge was just that. His own.
  151.  
  152. "Can you really be called blind if you can see what others can not? The warring states that squabble among one another are very similar. The only slight differences happen to be their gods, and the magic they use. None of them are truly in the right, after all. What you say has validity to it. There will always be vacuums of power that people scramble for. Perhaps..
  153.  
  154. Perhaps a mean to eliminate that false throne will be provided one day. I appreciate your offer of guidance, as I've already conducted several steps that were required of me before I could delve into the arts themselves. What lays before me now is the application of Chaos, and how to bring it forth."
  155.  
  156. His hands fold beneath his chin, resting his head upon it as he stares at Epsilon with a careful gaze. It seems to dawn upon him only now. This man was quite dangerous.
  157. (Hatsu Wvelven)
  158.  
  159.  
  160. [00:40] Dangerous or no, it's fairly easy to assume the blind man mostly directs himself towards amusement, and right now Hatsu is proving entertaining enough to remain safe.
  161.  
  162. He chuckles at the 'blind' comment, nodding his approval, but not speaking until Wvelven finishes. "Chaos manifests differently for each person. If you were attempting to become another Malentine, I suspect you would fail. Violently, dramatically, with it certainly resulting in your death."
  163.  
  164. And he's back to the frivolous, careless attitude, speaking as if they were discussing the weather. "So too does the method of attuning yourself to it. With Malentine, it came from his years as a hunter, the death of his family, and his ability to change his appearance and to slaughter anyone who disappoints him. With me, it came from a sort of gradual shattering of my worldview, of my friends disappointing me, of the world around me being brought into focus even as I lost my vision, and of tormenting those who failed to amuse me."
  165.  
  166. He holds his hands in front of him as if examining his nails despite the blindfold. "I find inflicting agony on those around me remarkably effective. Fire is helpful with that.
  167.  
  168. As for what will work for you- well. It certainly will not be healthy for those weaker than you in your immediate vicinity. As to the specifics of how it manifests..?"
  169.  
  170. He shrugs. "Improvise. The world rewards the creative. Chaos doubly so."
  171. (Epsilon)
  172.  
  173.  
  174. [00:48] Of course. There was no set way to derive the formula for Chaos - its name was the answer in itself. To open the eyes of those who kept them shut, and those around them bending to one's will. Chaos in itself was the key to acquiring his desires, though it would manifest differently for everyone that pursued it, if at all. Carrying out the will of Malentine was not deemed an effective route for Hatsu, as it had felt forced to embark on a similar path as he had. Hatsu was no hunter, and his family had all but abandoned him. His friends had proven to be scarce, and the love of his life had betrayed him without even an apology.
  175.  
  176. He was unsatisfied with the state of the world, much like an unkempt library. Everything was awry, grungy, and unclean in the sense that hypocrites thrived among the masses, and puppets were placed at the top of false thrones. Epsilon's words inspire him heavily, though he was never one to take the words of another as gospel.
  177.  
  178. That was how he wound up speaking to this man in the first place, instead of blindly following Malentine's words as his companions had.. "I've felt an odd sensation when I felt myself in positions in where I could actively change things around me. It's not necessarily a rush of power, or even satisfaction. But it felt right. I will continue to pursue that intuition that my body quietly whispers to me, and I will return to you once I felt the proper steps have been taken.
  179.  
  180. Thank you again, Epsilon. But do you have questions for me? I am not one to take from another without a fair trade of sorts."
  181. (Hatsu Wvelven)
  182.  
  183.  
  184. [00:53] Epsilon shakes his head, smiling warmly, as if the two of them were old friends. He rises from his seat, the staff moving to his hand without being touched. "No questions. They would be redundant, really. No..."
  185.  
  186. Turning, he strides towards the door, one hand on his staff, the other casually hung on his belt. "I will just wait for your updates. I look forwards to seeing how you progress. The only thing I would ask of you is to join me, if at some point a few years from now, I call you to join me for a little 'jaunt', so to speak."
  187.  
  188. He stops, turning on his heel, that wry, questioning look on his face again. "I am glad you approached me. So very few seem to really be worth the time of interacting with. I hope you succeed. Dramatically, if at all preferable."
  189. (Epsilon)
  190.  
  191.  
  192. [01:04] "A jaunt, you say? Well, provided you're willing to impart the details when the time comes, I see no reason not to. My curiosity has been piqued enough as is, so I would look forward to the venture. Whether my success is dramatic or not, I'll be sure to let you know my progress, once some is made." He states quietly, clearly leaving in a better mood than he had arrived in.
  193.  
  194. Making his way toward the door, it was likely they'd return to the square.
  195. (Hatsu Wvelven)
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