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PLAN TIME
[ Beast waits until the next morning to say anything to the rest of the group, in part because it's a little late when they get home and he doesn't want to gather everyone on short notice and also because he needs some time to collect himself. First thing in the morning though he sends the message through discordia. ]
@ everyone
The Authority has been found.
She's one of the regulars at the Phantasma Fantastique that Sir Lion described. There is no doubt about it, she confirmed it once she realized what I was. I fortunately managed to record the conversation between us and I will upload it as soon as [ he figures out how ] I am able to.
I would like to propose a meeting at the mansion in Invidia this afternoon so we can pool together any other knowledge we have and start to formulate a plan. It should be easier to figure one out in person than over messages. If you know of any new Executors or ones who don't check their phone as often be sure to let them know.
[ He pauses a moment, thinking something over, before quickly adding: ]
On another note, I would like to make a personal request.
I would greatly appreciate it if you could all try calling me Achilles for the next little while.
Lately I have been thinking of picking a new name for myself and am quite fond of this one so I would like to hear how it sounds coming from everyone else before I make up my mind. Don't worry though, I will still respond to Beast if you call me that instead.
Thank you. I shall see you all later today.
[ A few hours later, with some help from Rei, the audio file gets uploaded to the group chat. The irrelevant stuff with the "masked guest" and security has been cut so all it includes is his conversation with Greta from beginning to end, but he still provides a time stamp to when she reveals herself for anyone that wants to get to the point. The audio quality is shockingly well for being in his pocket the whole time, so both he and Greta can be heard clearly. (because that'll just make it easier for all of us) In case anyone misses it or needs a refresher, he plays it again at the meeting, right at the start.
Now, let's hash this out. ]
@ everyone
The Authority has been found.
She's one of the regulars at the Phantasma Fantastique that Sir Lion described. There is no doubt about it, she confirmed it once she realized what I was. I fortunately managed to record the conversation between us and I will upload it as soon as [ he figures out how ] I am able to.
I would like to propose a meeting at the mansion in Invidia this afternoon so we can pool together any other knowledge we have and start to formulate a plan. It should be easier to figure one out in person than over messages. If you know of any new Executors or ones who don't check their phone as often be sure to let them know.
[ He pauses a moment, thinking something over, before quickly adding: ]
On another note, I would like to make a personal request.
I would greatly appreciate it if you could all try calling me Achilles for the next little while.
Lately I have been thinking of picking a new name for myself and am quite fond of this one so I would like to hear how it sounds coming from everyone else before I make up my mind. Don't worry though, I will still respond to Beast if you call me that instead.
Thank you. I shall see you all later today.
[ A few hours later, with some help from Rei, the audio file gets uploaded to the group chat. The irrelevant stuff with the "masked guest" and security has been cut so all it includes is his conversation with Greta from beginning to end, but he still provides a time stamp to when she reveals herself for anyone that wants to get to the point. The audio quality is shockingly well for being in his pocket the whole time, so both he and Greta can be heard clearly. (because that'll just make it easier for all of us) In case anyone misses it or needs a refresher, he plays it again at the meeting, right at the start.
Now, let's hash this out. ]
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[ And then he pauses, trying to find the words to explain. ]
...It's not that you hurt me. Your words simply... reminded me of things I wished not to think about and so I overreacted somewhat. That's all.
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...But I truly meant what I said. Every word of it.
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[Even if everyone else forgets- He shakes his head.]
After all, at some point we are to pass through the gates of eternity and be reborn anew, someone different, without the burdens of the past. We'll hardly know ourselves, much less each other.
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...Is that the part that’s been bothering you?
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...Ah. Perhaps? [He rubs the back of his neck, looking away.] I hadn't thought of it bothering me. It's simply a fact, isn't it? Reach the Cogs, fix them, and then we'll go. Unless we don't, some kind of guardians. We don't really know.
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It is fact, yes... assuming what we've been told is correct at least. Truthfully, I haven't put any thought at all into it, not until today with Lady Mona's - and now also your own words.
[ And it definitely seems to be bothering Mona so-- ]
I am just a little surprised to hear you bring it up in this context. That makes it sound like it's something weighing on you, my friend.
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Perhaps.
...Should I tell you then? Why it weighs on me?
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I...still, it was a careless thing of me to say. I don't want anyone to let themselves down if things should go awry. Or if what we think will happen comes to pass.
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He takes a few steps closer to Chiron and reaches out to put a hand on his arm, re-establishing physical contact. ]
...Thank you. I appreciate it, Chiron. Truly.
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You told me about your--about the man you loved in life. Perhaps it's only fair if I mention my fiancee. Or...well, that's how I recall her. I hope we were wed, although from certain memories, I think I would not blame her if we weren't.
She told me once that if everyone in the world ever forgot my name, she would remember me. I have to wonder...I can only wonder if she does, if she did. If perhaps she's down here, somewhere, with no recollection.
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He wonders if he should pull his hand back but instead decides to keep it right where it is, thinking it might be even more needed now. ]
...I had no idea. I'm sorry, my friend. That must be painful to think about.
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[It comes out so suddenly, it surprises even him, and he raises a hand to his mouth. Scandalized that his traitor tongue would give voice to the incessant thought he's had about it.]
That--
Understand, I have no memory of doing so, and I cannot imagine ever-- I can't. But the...man that I was did something...to a woman who was not my Aera, but a...a relative, she must have been. I do not know the reasons why, cannot fathom them, but...I...
A-and even if it was not by my hand, I have the...dreadfully sinking feeling that she died before me, at least. I think we are, the both of us, ah...terribly long lived. It...confuses me.
Don't...say anything to the others. I would prefer to get my own facts straight before letting everyone else run wild with my...conjecture.
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Of course. I won't tell a soul.
[ And then he moves to put both of his hands on Chiron's shoulders, leaning down so that he's a little more level with him. ]
But listen to me Chiron: you said it yourself, this is just conjecture. You're confused, and jumping to conclusions because that confusion is scaring you. But it's even more likely that you did no such thing, my friend.
And even if you did... even though you did something to that other woman, that needs not define you now. What matters is not the man you were. What matters is what you do with this and how you act now.
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...Thank you. I apologize for...losing composure.
Though I do have to point out that the man I was does matter, in a sense. What would be the point of working through sin if you don't know what sins you've committed?
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...I suppose you have a point. We can’t very well... work through it and become better if we don’t know. Turning a total blind eye may be unwise in that case.
So let me put in a different way then: it doesn’t matter to me. I don’t think any less of you after telling me this, Chiron... if that gives you any small comfort at all.
[ He knows the dread will still be there, that you can’t just let go of such an awful feeling after seeing a memory like that. But he doesn’t know the man in Chiron’s memory - he only knows Chiron, his friend. And so he hopes he can help even somewhat. ]
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[A breath, in, out. The dread is still there, but muffled, now. A hand reaches up to cup Achilles along the cheek.]
I cannot make the promise to be the man you all trust so much, but I can promise to try to be worthy of it.
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That’s all you have to do, my friend. Trying your best is all I could ask of you.