paladinlost | 24th moon [video]

[The room is dark, as befitting the middle of the night. The soft sounds of sleeping Pokémon can be heard, undisturbed. A shadow that appears to be an Eevee can be seen sleeping on a pillow at the head of the bed. Cecil is in the middle of it, sitting up, his skin so pale it almost glows. The sheets around him are rumpled, twisted by an uneasy sleep. He looks tired, but does not sleep.]

I dreamed. I dreamed of them. I miss them all, I think. Even those who are waiting for me. Even those who came here but left. Even those we've forgotten. I hope they do not think badly of us because of it. I'll try to remember their names, next time.

[He sounds lost, somehow. Perhaps lost within a dream. Perhaps lost within a memory. But he soon shakes his head.]

So many opportunities, yet I've never asked. About any of it, Conflict and home both. Well, he never volunteered the information either. All that talk of foolishness and crystals and plans, but he never bothered...

[He interrupts himself.]

I apologize. I appear to be overly sentimental tonight. The exact date matters little in the end. I should simply choose one and be done with it, after all these years.

[He reaches out and closes the Pokégear.

Not that he'll sleep for the rest of the night.]

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Would you like to talk? I'm going to be up for a while yet.

I could, but I'd not know where to start...

[A sigh.]

...Is being bothered by something that has not bothered you in years normal?

I'm not the best person to ask about normal, but all of our life experiences matter and shape us, so, yes, I think so. Is there something that stands out more than others about this particular something?

...Most people seem to take it completely for granted. I also took for granted that I'd never know, but I'm starting to realize that I could, if only I just asked.

It sounds like this was a pretty life-changing experience. I don't want to pry, but maybe it would help ease your spirit to talk a bit more specifically?

[A small laugh.]

I'd not call it life-changing, personally.

[He hesitates for a few seconds.]

...I'll officially turn thirty-eight at some point during the next two weeks.

Thirty-eight! That's a noble age. Is it considered young or old where you're from?

It's nearly but not quite middle age. Technically, you could say I've been thirty-eight since about November, but officially, that would be today. Or the 31st. Or any date in between, really.

Fifty is middle-age where I'm from; you look nowhere close. You certainly are lucky in the looks department.

So, is there something in particular about your birthday that has gotten you into this mood?

...I was merely thinking that knowing the exact date would be nice, and that by finding myself here, I'd lost my chance to do so. That's all.

You don't know your exact birth date?

[He shakes his head.]

Narrowing it down to the last two weeks of March is as close as we got. My brother would know, if he still remembers, but he speaks little in general and even less of such details.

I'm sorry. I hope you're able to find out the date from your brother sometime.

I don't really know when my birthday really is either. As France, I assume that my birthday coincides with Bastille Day, but it's impossible to actually know.

...Is there anyone hold enough to know? Someone from home you could ask? Or can you only accept that date and try not to wonder?

No one in Europe is really old enough. Maybe Spain, but he's not reliable for that sort of thing. I'm pretty sure that the Italies were around before me, but they were very young. Anyone who would remember exactly haven't existed for a really long time.

Is there no way to talk to the death in your world? Even under extraordinary circumstances?

No. It's not possible. Maybe if you're divinely touched. Or crazy.

That cuts off many options. You'd think a few spirits would be willing to help with some soul searching. Then again, they tend to be so wise that they forget to tell you important details.

Is... communicating with the dead normal where you're from?

It's far from common. Yet somehow, that one time, they managed to be there when we needed them the most. So it's possible.

Was it like divine intervention?

Well, the first time was in a holy shrine at the top of a mountain, one that is known to be able to give people powers. The second was as we faced a terrible threat, and we also saw our living but absent allies. Would that be a form of divine intervention?

Yes, that counts. Where there other people to witness these events?

Edited 2011-03-26 09:32 (UTC)

There were, both times. Otherwise, I'd not have believed it myself. One of those witnesses is even here, though she's not witnessed it yet.

That's amazing.

Time and space discrepancy?

[Video]

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