peaceful sensastion, but one that seems to limit your energy—as if forced to slow and calm down and behave with care. WHY IOS THIS SO SMALL NOW weight ok i fixed it lol. NO PICTURE PICTURE LOOKS BAD.
[ There’s the emotional equivalent of a shrug first ]
I mean, kind of what you’d expect. I met Manon before he became, y’know, that. He’s a sketchy guy, but not a monster. [ Literally, in this case. ] But his Shard was damaged by whatever happened. It’s all mixed up, and I’m trying to figure out how so that I can help him.
You got it. I’m reaching out to everyone that ran into him, for what it’s worth. Since it’s so jumbled, the more I can piece together, the better, I figure. I’ve purified Shards before, but nothing like this, so…
[ He trails off with a laugh, but it’s soft and humorless. ]
If there was anything, I don’t know, strange that happened while you ran into him? I’d appreciate you sharing, if it’s not troubling for you.
[ childe chuckles, but there's no amusement to it. ]
You'll have to be more specific than that. There's plenty of strange things for a new-to-this-world person like myself dealing with such a situation but maybe not so much to you. I have no reason to keep anything from you—
—but I don't like telling long stories all for nothing. Besides, I was with a Meridian shard-bearer, so you've probably heard a lot from them, if not all of it, already.
Everyone's perspective is helpful. It's... experienced in different ways, I think is how I'd put it. I've just seen flashes of it through Manon's eyes, bits and pieces, which is how I know you ran into him.
[ There's a pause of consideration before he continues. ]
Images, voices, anything that might have gotten Communed that seems like it didn't belong. That's what I'm looking for.
[ The answer comes easily and without hesitation. ]
I mean, whatever I know, I'll share, of course. I know you're not- Well, you're not Meridian, yeah? But that doesn't mean I like seeing people get hurt. Especially not when it's something unexpected like this.
I'm not. Doesn't mean I don't like the version you preach, though. [ what he wouldn't give to be able to deny that the shards he has in his possession are fake. ]
Anyway, First: there were multiple voices in the communion between us and him besides his own. Two in particular that encountered it before Vander and me were part of it, but neither had their shard taken by it as I've come to find out. ... So I don't know why we heard their voices.
Second, can a shard out of its body really shatter from a punch? Vander managed to shatter one, and he hits hard enough to break bone, I'm sure, but I'm not sure if the strength of a shard should fail from such a blow when there's no force to smash it back against, if you know what I mean. It's not like taking a hammer to it when the crystal is lying on a mantle when it's midair, right? [ a pause before: ] I had thought a solid shard would be more resilient. Even so, the reactions all seemed genuine of a soul being destroyed.
Third, Manon had a thought passed to us about finding himself in a place called 'The Below' and thinking he could escape to somewhere that began with 'Kowl' from there before it was cut off. Is there something special about this 'the Below' and wherever he was trying to get to? Any idea where and what he was trying to escape?
And then— [he sends the same combined memories of his, Vander's, and Manon's of being released and knowing something worse than discord was to blame for what was happening to him via communion to Cyrus. The blurry figure in the distance, too— ]
I showed it to Yima, but she didn't have much to tell me. What about you? Any idea who that might be?
[ Cyrus listens in silence as Childe explains, taking in his words and images with a thoughtful, serious silence. When he answers… His voice sounds tired. Sad. ]
Your first and second question I don’t have an answer for. I’m, well. I’m trying to figure out that part of it myself, which is why I’m talking to all of you that ran into Manon. Sorry that I don’t have more on that, but from everything I know, it’s strange, yeah. From what I’ve heard so far, it seems like… Shards being welded together, somehow. I wouldn’t have guessed that was possible, but just assuming it is, I guess it could make them weaker, to your second point.
The third, though, I know that. Kind of. I’ve never been down there myself, since it’s—Just call it a political situation for ease of explanation. But the Below is the underbelly of Highstorm and Springstar both. In short. Kowloon is a settlement down there. I… don’t recommend going down there personally, since it’s not a good place, but if someone wants to hide, that’s where they go. If you want to go down there, send Cetina a message and tell her that she can share that information. I’ve never been down there myself, but she knows the way.
[ Which is something that can be handwaved, just let me know if Childe would indeed ask her for directions! ]
So you knew Manon before what happened to him. Not that there's anything saying a Zenite can't be friendly with the Tribune, but... did he seek you for something?
Yeah, no, never. If you go down there you'll... probably get why pretty quickly. I wouldn't exactly be welcome.
[ He's certain even Yima would get turned away, considering the area's fierce and stubborn form of independence, but. He won't get into that. But compared to how generally open and warm he's been... The other question gets Cyrus's response to be much more blunt. Almost chilly. ]
He did, but that's all I can say. It was in confidence and of a sensitive nature.
Wouldn't be surprised if he did, but I don't know anything specific. It's not uncommon for Shard-Bearers that have been in Kenos for a while to end up gravitating towards Alenroux, but it's just because of the hustle and bustle of the cities. When you grow up here, you don't mind it so much, but there's not many Shard-Bearers that seem to come from such busy places. At least from what I've noticed.
[ There's a pause, longer this time. Cyrus seems to be considering it, but there's no feeling that comes through, as if he's blocked that part of the connection. But eventually, he offers gently: ]
He was, but barely. He had... doubts. That's how I came to meet him.
Thank you. Both for that and for going to Alenroux and helping with the whole situation. It ended up being a lot more than I expected, I know, but... I'm glad Manon ended up safe.
Anything else that might be useful information while looking for stuff about Manon? My feelings will be real hurt if I get into a mess down there that could have easily been avoided because of a small bit of info you decided not to give me, Mr. Cyrus.
—one more thing. I want to contact the ones who finished Manon off, but I don't know who they are. Could you tell me their names? I'm hoping to get all involved in encountering him in working together to solve this.
Edited (edit because you're sick to wrap it up quicker. <3) 2022-12-05 21:14 (UTC)
[ He’s firm on this, and it carries in his tone as he gets more serious. ]
No offense, but I have my people to look out for. Zenites and Meri can work together and figuring out what happened to Manon is a good reason to bridge that gap. But it’s also a choice I leave to them. I won’t take it out of their hands.
[ But that colder tone softens again as he returns to the first point ]
I don’t know anything else useful though, sorry to say. This is something I’m trying to piece together myself. So, all that said? I do wish you luck.
Funny you're assuming I'm a Zenite just because I said I wasn't a Meridian. [ that tells him there's a very strong divide of "you're with us or against us" mentality between both factions as well as a defensive mindset, afterall. is Yima also a defensive, or does she play offensive? Hm. ]
For the record, if I had been harmonized to either side already, Manon's shard would have been in my hands and not anyone else's. [ yup, keep telling yourself that, Childe. ]
Still, I'm going to have to decide pretty soon since that encounter proved to me that I can't remain without my powers.
[ so technically Cyrus's argument stands unless he decides to go Meridian. Even if he were a zenite, though... childe's not sure how allowing him to contact them to ask would actually take their decision to work together or not out of their hands. something to file away and be cautious about. this is fine, though, it's just one more reason to keep both Yima and Cyrus out of the loop in terms of his discussions with the others who encountered Manon.
Also interesting that this guy's demeanor swaps rather fluidly. Childe actually thinks Cyrus's view on this is a good one for the Meridian sect. It would leave his side vulnerable if he was open; but it's not good for bringing separated parties together for a common cause. seems like the two factions may not be as interested in working together as he had originally thought. He'll gauge it once he talks to Yima again.
On the plus side, he at least he knows the people who dealt the final blows are Meridians and not (or at least no longer) untouched. That means he doesn't have to go searching through the neutral parties. ]
Good luck healing Manon of his discord. No one wants to die a monster.
[ his last words are said more to himself, but they are convey in the communion link. it's something Childe can at least connect with Manon on, as he doesn't think the individual still inside what he fought was proud of their transformation or even wanted a part of it. ]
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Oh, so you have ended up with his shard~. I was wondering what happened to it.
Care to share what you mean by that? You wouldn't call that him?
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I mean, kind of what you’d expect. I met Manon before he became, y’know, that. He’s a sketchy guy, but not a monster. [ Literally, in this case. ] But his Shard was damaged by whatever happened. It’s all mixed up, and I’m trying to figure out how so that I can help him.
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I see. Does figuring that out have to do with why you're speaking with me now?
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[ He trails off with a laugh, but it’s soft and humorless. ]
If there was anything, I don’t know, strange that happened while you ran into him? I’d appreciate you sharing, if it’s not troubling for you.
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You'll have to be more specific than that. There's plenty of strange things for a new-to-this-world person like myself dealing with such a situation but maybe not so much to you. I have no reason to keep anything from you—
—but I don't like telling long stories all for nothing. Besides, I was with a Meridian shard-bearer, so you've probably heard a lot from them, if not all of it, already.
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[ There's a pause of consideration before he continues. ]
Images, voices, anything that might have gotten Communed that seems like it didn't belong. That's what I'm looking for.
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—Yeah a couple things. Before I say anything, though, what's in it for me?
Are you gonna answer my questions I have about this if I give you my experience?
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[ The answer comes easily and without hesitation. ]
I mean, whatever I know, I'll share, of course. I know you're not- Well, you're not Meridian, yeah? But that doesn't mean I like seeing people get hurt. Especially not when it's something unexpected like this.
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Anyway, First: there were multiple voices in the communion between us and him besides his own. Two in particular that encountered it before Vander and me were part of it, but neither had their shard taken by it as I've come to find out. ... So I don't know why we heard their voices.
Second, can a shard out of its body really shatter from a punch? Vander managed to shatter one, and he hits hard enough to break bone, I'm sure, but I'm not sure if the strength of a shard should fail from such a blow when there's no force to smash it back against, if you know what I mean. It's not like taking a hammer to it when the crystal is lying on a mantle when it's midair, right? [ a pause before: ] I had thought a solid shard would be more resilient. Even so, the reactions all seemed genuine of a soul being destroyed.
Third, Manon had a thought passed to us about finding himself in a place called 'The Below' and thinking he could escape to somewhere that began with 'Kowl' from there before it was cut off. Is there something special about this 'the Below' and wherever he was trying to get to? Any idea where and what he was trying to escape?
And then— [he sends the same combined memories of his, Vander's, and Manon's of being released and knowing something worse than discord was to blame for what was happening to him via communion to Cyrus. The blurry figure in the distance, too— ]
I showed it to Yima, but she didn't have much to tell me. What about you? Any idea who that might be?
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Your first and second question I don’t have an answer for. I’m, well. I’m trying to figure out that part of it myself, which is why I’m talking to all of you that ran into Manon. Sorry that I don’t have more on that, but from everything I know, it’s strange, yeah. From what I’ve heard so far, it seems like… Shards being welded together, somehow. I wouldn’t have guessed that was possible, but just assuming it is, I guess it could make them weaker, to your second point.
The third, though, I know that. Kind of. I’ve never been down there myself, since it’s—Just call it a political situation for ease of explanation. But the Below is the underbelly of Highstorm and Springstar both. In short. Kowloon is a settlement down there. I… don’t recommend going down there personally, since it’s not a good place, but if someone wants to hide, that’s where they go. If you want to go down there, send Cetina a message and tell her that she can share that information. I’ve never been down there myself, but she knows the way.
[ Which is something that can be handwaved, just let me know if Childe would indeed ask her for directions! ]
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Huh! You've really never been?
So you knew Manon before what happened to him. Not that there's anything saying a Zenite can't be friendly with the Tribune, but... did he seek you for something?
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Yeah, no, never. If you go down there you'll... probably get why pretty quickly. I wouldn't exactly be welcome.
[ He's certain even Yima would get turned away, considering the area's fierce and stubborn form of independence, but. He won't get into that. But compared to how generally open and warm he's been... The other question gets Cyrus's response to be much more blunt. Almost chilly. ]
He did, but that's all I can say. It was in confidence and of a sensitive nature.
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Do you know if he had any hobbies or reason that would take him to Alenroux?
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One more question— was Manon no longer a Zenite when he disappeared?
[ since Yima dodged this in his conversation with her, time to see if Cyrus will do the same. ]
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He was, but barely. He had... doubts. That's how I came to meet him.
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Eh, I don't really know if I can help much further, but if I find anything in the Below I'll let you know.
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Anything else that might be useful information while looking for stuff about Manon? My feelings will be real hurt if I get into a mess down there that could have easily been avoided because of a small bit of info you decided not to give me, Mr. Cyrus.
—one more thing. I want to contact the ones who finished Manon off, but I don't know who they are. Could you tell me their names? I'm hoping to get all involved in encountering him in working together to solve this.
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[ He’s firm on this, and it carries in his tone as he gets more serious. ]
No offense, but I have my people to look out for. Zenites and Meri can work together and figuring out what happened to Manon is a good reason to bridge that gap. But it’s also a choice I leave to them. I won’t take it out of their hands.
[ But that colder tone softens again as he returns to the first point ]
I don’t know anything else useful though, sorry to say. This is something I’m trying to piece together myself. So, all that said? I do wish you luck.
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For the record, if I had been harmonized to either side already, Manon's shard would have been in my hands and not anyone else's. [ yup, keep telling yourself that, Childe. ]
Still, I'm going to have to decide pretty soon since that encounter proved to me that I can't remain without my powers.
[ so technically Cyrus's argument stands unless he decides to go Meridian. Even if he were a zenite, though... childe's not sure how allowing him to contact them to ask would actually take their decision to work together or not out of their hands. something to file away and be cautious about. this is fine, though, it's just one more reason to keep both Yima and Cyrus out of the loop in terms of his discussions with the others who encountered Manon.
Also interesting that this guy's demeanor swaps rather fluidly. Childe actually thinks Cyrus's view on this is a good one for the Meridian sect. It would leave his side vulnerable if he was open; but it's not good for bringing separated parties together for a common cause. seems like the two factions may not be as interested in working together as he had originally thought. He'll gauge it once he talks to Yima again.
On the plus side, he at least he knows the people who dealt the final blows are Meridians and not (or at least no longer) untouched. That means he doesn't have to go searching through the neutral parties. ]
Good luck healing Manon of his discord. No one wants to die a monster.
[ his last words are said more to himself, but they are convey in the communion link. it's something Childe can at least connect with Manon on, as he doesn't think the individual still inside what he fought was proud of their transformation or even wanted a part of it. ]