WHO: Tezcatlipoca & Others WHAT: 2025 catch-all time baby WHERE: all over WHEN: all times WARNINGS: threads will include content warnings where appropriate!
[ To be fair, even if they’re earnest, his new year’s greetings aren’t exactly personal, or at least not in the way she was concerned about enough to want privacy. Sitting on the top of his little stack is one addressed to Silco, for example, and it clearly wasn’t so much of a struggle.
Happy New Year, asshole. Don’t kick the bucket this time around either, since I’m dragging your ass to Mictlampa once you finally bite the dust.
…Which, granted. That’s certainly the brusquest of them, but still.
He glances up when Ereshkigal approaches and clicks his tongue in what seems like irritation. In reality, it’s closer to embarrassment… But there’s at least a smidgeon of an actual sourness, since he has a correction to make first. ]
Sure, technical term’s Master, but I don’t subscribe to that shit. He’s my priest, if anything.
[ This is definitely not the reason why she asks, but he feels the need to correct it anyways. He really does dislike the term, since the implication doesn’t apply to gods at all. In his opinion, anyways. Tezcatlipoca grumbles indistinctly, then takes another drink of his sake. He completely misunderstands why she’s asking, naturally, since her rosy interpretation doesn’t occur to him as a possibility at all. ]
If you’re lookin’ for weakness, don’t bother. Even besides my “no spoilers” policy here, guy doesn’t have any.
[ She sighs and shakes her head before sitting down across from him. Ereshkigal knows his opinion on the term "Master" and she even agrees with him, but priest? That's wishful thinking if she's ever seen it. ]
You're not doing him any favor by not acknowledging the existence of his weaknesses, you know?
[ She's not going to argue if he insists this Daybit truly has no weaknesses - that's not why she's here - but that's quite simply a foolish statement. Perfection does not exist, therefore all who live have their own flaws and weaknesses. Even her beloved little grape does - why, especially her beloved little grape. And it's in part from those weaknesses she draws her strength and willpower. ]
But that's not why I'm asking. [A small smile.] You answered his call and stayed, even if that meant fighting against human order. It takes someone special to earn a god's favor like that - yours no less.
[ He scoffs and waves a hand to the topic of Daybit’s weaknesses, since it’s not like he truly believes that Daybit doesn’t have any, but they’re certainly in much shorter supply than others. The weaknesses that most people would hold are just patched over by Daybit’s extraordinary circumstances more than anything he’d intentionally done.
However, even if he was inclined to explain that, her clarification stops the thought. He looks surprised for a moment, but it’s quick to shift to a wry smile. ]
Oh. Yeah. Guess that curiosity makes sense too.
[ Uniquely so, at least compared to someone like, say, Izou, because he and Ereshkigal are fundamentally different beings. Their divinity makes them fickle—or at least that’s how most mortals would see it. It truly does take something remarkable to catch their attention and heed a summoning, and it’s especially true in Tezcatlipoca’s case where he has the Authority to refuse the Counter Force outright.
He laughs again, but it’s not dismissive this time. It’s a little fonder and has humor in it, since the memory of his summoning is funny to him nowadays. ]
Well, answering the call itself, that was just curiosity, plain and simple. It’s crazy to summon me in the first place. Crazier that he actually figured out a way to do it. Figured the least I could do is see what kinda guy would have the balls to ask Yaotzin for help.
[ He starts to pour a bit more sake in the cup automatically, but after a moment’s consideration… He remembers Callisto’s birthday party and changes his mind for his intention there. He was going to offer it to her, but no. Never again. ]
Shot him in the gut for the trouble. [ He raises his now full cup to take a casual, punctuating drink. ] But he didn’t back down at all. Still wanted me for his plans. How could I not offer favor in the face of that?
[ It’s all true and definitely feels like Tezcatlipoca and his brutal whims, but it probably also doesn’t seem like it’s only that. Would that be enough favor for him to be pondering over a sentimental card like this? ]
[ ... This should be surprising, yet somehow this sounds accurate. Of course he would try to kill his summoner. No wonder mages have given up on trying to get help from divine spirits if that's what happens whenever a summoning is successful! Once in a blue moon you summon a god, and the jerk kills you for your trouble.
Sighs. She hates her kind so much. ]
No command spell?
[ When your Servant tries to kill you, that's kind of what it's there for. Now sure, she's not sure a single command spell could force temporary absolute obedience from divine spirits like them, let alone kill them... But using all three at once should do the trick.
She's not sure if not using them even in such a situation is stupidity or courage. Or maybe it's desperation. You'd need to be desperate to try and summon Tezcatlipoca to begin with. ]
I don't suppose that's all it took for you to take a liking to him.
[ Yet again, seeing how he likes Silco... His standards are abysmal, aren't they? ]
[ His retort is sly and dangerous, and it’s easy to believe that Tezcatlipoca would not respond well to someone attempting to use Command Spells on him. Though in reality, it had been different logic entirely. They were simply a valuable resource that Daybit had to save.
Tezcatlipoca laughs with a little shrug as he sets the sake down. He’s got a pretty high tolerance, but he’ll still take it easy. He wouldn’t want to come off as nervous about the topic either. ]
So, yeah, easy as that for me to like the guy. [ In some ways, he’s simple, maybe? But he shakes his head as his shitty smile softens marginally. ] But to be thinking about this damn card? He impressed me plenty after, that’s for sure. What does Chaldea even think of him? I figure he’s got a rep, since he’s a weird guy.
I don't know, I was waiting to be summoned when I got here.
[ Didn't she mention that before? She wasn't even aware of that whole Lostbelt business before talking to him. Well, she'd figured more Beasts would appear to try and destroy (challenge) humanity... After two Beasts had attacked back to back, it had been unavoidable. She hadn't had a clue that Lostbelts would end up involved. ]
But knowing her, Ritsuka has probably no preconceived ideas about him. That's the kind of person she is. No matter how evil or weird you appear to be, she'll treat you with the same respect and decency she would anyone else.
[ O-Oops, that's supposed to be his time to ramble about his Master, not hers! Speaking of which, after what he's said-- She smiles. ]
It sounds... You must like him a lot.
[ Maybe even... The forbidden word... The other l-word... Love! ]
[ He makes a light noise about her waiting, since he’d picked up on that detail and it definitely wasn’t the player that forgot nope that would never happen,,,, but he’s more surprised that she and Izou hadn’t chatted about it. But, hey, works for him. He’s not going to encourage it, considering. Even if Ritsuka might be forgiving, that doesn’t mean her Servants would be.
…Which is ironic, considering. He huffs out a laugh, because this is easier to speak to than her other statement. ]
Sweet idea. Can see why you like her if that’s the case. [ not the uno reverso… ] But I can guarantee it’s a waste of time for Daybit. Not because he’s a bad guy, but that just won’t mean anything to him.
[ He knows how Daybit’s mind works better than anyone else, after all. His expression softens in contemplation, because that touches on her assessment. He knows Daybit would discard such kindness, but it’s not because he’d want to. It’s just the silent tragedy of his situation. There would just be more important things to keep than that.
Tezcatlipoca looks back to the barely written card, then sighs as he taps the pen against it. He’s quiet for a few moments longer as he just looks at it, but when he ends up speaking again, it probably feels like he’s trying to change the topic. It’s just a context to better answer her question, though. ]
I told you this place wasn’t my first world-saving rodeo, right? Met Set and Silco there. But didn’t get into the stakes of it.
[ Honestly, the more he talks about him, the more she wonders if this Daybit is even human. To some extent, he has to be counted as a part of humanity. He could never have summoned a Servant - a god - otherwise. But there also appears to be an inhuman quality to him... Well, she's not gonna ponder much on it. She didn't come here intending to pierce whatever mysteries there are around this man, besides why Tezcatlipoca loves him so much.
Ereshkigal stiffens a bit when he seemingly changes the topic, bringing up both Set and Silco. She has problems with those two... Especially the later. But she has to admit being curious as to the context. ]
Your protégé mentioned it was a war. [Yes, she's talking about Silco. And she'll absolutely elaborate on why she's using this word if he somehow takes offense to it.] Quetzalcoatl was on the opposite side. That's the extent of what I know.
[ She would have taken from him everything he was trying to save. It is how Silco justified himself. But knowing Quetzalcoatl, she was probably only doing what she deemed was best for the world and its people. ]
[ “Protégé” just makes Tezcatlipoca laugh, since that’s probably not quite it, but he gets why she’d use that word. Hell, he calls Silco his acolyte, after all, but it’s more complicated than that. That’s not even something Silco is fully aware of, and he’d keep it that way. This isn’t about him, though, so he just nods. ]
Yeah, it was. No surprise that I showed up knowing that, right? Especially if my guess is right and Quetzalcoatl’s death was the catalyst.
[ He waves a hand dismissively, since that’s not the point either. ]
…Basics of it, though. Buncha people got pulled to a place called Kenos, but instead of us all working for one thing like we are here with LILITH, had two choices. You had Meridian, which is where Quetzalcoatl and Set laid their heads, and you had Zenith, which is where Silco and I ended up. Two sides were at odds because part of showing up there in the first place was that the worlds we’d come from were destroyed. Probably. And Meridian and Zenith had different ideas about what to do about that. Meridian wanted to restore ‘em, Zenith wanted to make something entirely new.
[ It’s the simple version, and where they all landed is probably unsurprising. It fits all of them, albeit in different ways. It’s also much more complicated and messy, and Tezcatlipoca has his own thoughts on the conflict itself. But. For how this all relates to Daybit… ]
Zenith’s is a bigger ask, obviously. So, came with an extra incentive. Saving a single soul from the world you came from. Making sure they weren’t consigned to oblivion. Isn’t what convinced me, since I would have been on that side anyways, but… Couldn’t turn it down, even if it might’ve been a bad idea.
[ He looks from her back to Daybit’s name again and taps it with the pen. The end of his explanation is obvious at this point, which makes his pause almost funny. But he doesn’t seem embarrassed to actually say it—his voice is just cool and neutral. ]
I picked Daybit. So, yeah. Can’t exactly deny that I like the guy at this point.
[ Ereshkigal's eyes widen a bit as he explains everything. That war is on a far bigger scale than anything she'd envisioned. Easily comparable to the incineration of humanity - even beyond it, seeing how other worlds had been involved. It makes her wonder if they may come from different realities, after all... If destruction on this scale had occurred in her world, she would probably be the first to know.
Yet again, if Quetzalcoatl's side won, it is possible the world was remade with nary a soul aware of it. And obviously her side won. If it hadn't, why would he be here talking about the Lostbelts and planning for the future? ]
I see...
[ That also makes her wonder what side she'd have picked. If her world died a natural death... Well it is the natural order of things to move on and for a new world to replace it. And yet, that "save a single soul from your world" leaves a bad taste in her mouth. Sure, she'd pick Ritsuka, but... That's not right. If you can save a soul, you can save more. And it's starting less and less to sound like a case of "natural death," and more and more like what the incineration of humanity had been. ]
[ Still... To pick Daybit of all souls. Like said earlier, she'd pick Ritsuka should she be in such a situation, of course. But that's a choice expected from her. A lonely goddess picking the first person who ever made her feel loved.
Tezcatlipoca though? He's not a lonely god, she figures he must have plenty of friends in his pantheon, or at least deities he likes. Why, he probably has plenty of humans who worship him and whom he must care about. And considering what she's heard about him- Daybit would likely have disagreed with his choice. He wouldn't have cared to be saved.
And still - in spite of this - he picked the Master who summoned him so recently. So she smiles and: ]
[ He pointedly doesn’t look at her, because this is something he has deep, complicated feelings on. He’d stuck to the facts of the story very intentionally for that reason, because even if he’s gained a bit of softness for Ereshkigal, he’s still just private when it comes to his own feelings. Whether it’s true or not, he feels that’s the way he needs to be, because he’s the almighty Tloque Nahuaque. His judgement stands above all others, and he’s the god of impartiality.
…Which is why his choice to pluck Daybit’s soul from oblivion is one he’s so conflicted about, even still. All souls should be equal under his eye. Yet, when faced with the choice, he hadn’t been able to do it. He hadn’t been able to abandon him to oblivion, an abyss where not even Mictlampa could beckon to him. But he had also seen possibility in Zenith’s hopes. In a new world shaped by his (and other’s) will, then would it be far enough to free his soul from the “Angels” that had such a grip on him?
So, her overall assessment makes him groan like he’s in pain. He drinks his sake like it’s a shot, then pours more. ]
Gghhh… Do you have to put it that way? Being sentimental at least sounds better…
[ It’s surely the alcohol and the cold that’s bringing color to his face. Nothing else. No way. ]
Yeah, yeah. It’s probably going to all go to shit because showing favor is against the rules, but that was the decision I made. He’s one hell of a guy, so… If there’s anyone deserving of my favor, it’s definitely him, at least. Don’t regret it.
While the temptation to tease him is extremely high, she'll refrain - if only so he will have the decency not to tease her whenever it'll be her turn to be embarrassed like that. ]
Nor should you.
[ She would have actually lost some respect for him if he regretted it. She's also broken her oath before and she doesn't regret it one bit. When she did that... That was when she felt the most alive. Even if it meant risking her very divinity, she would do it again without hesitating. ]
Well then, why are you hesitating? [She smiles.] You should write down what you just told me.
[ Well, maybe not the part about that otherworldly war... But that he likes him, that he impressed him and is deserving of his favor. Or could it be the great god Tezcatlipoca has a bad case of getting cold feet? And it's a card Daybit will likely never read! Goodness, what a disaster it must be in person. ]
[ He huffs and shakes his head as he recollects himself a bit, but the word still echoes in his head. Romantic. It just feels wrong, but part of that is tied up in being an eternal bachelor, same as the other three Tezcatlipoca. Romance just wasn’t in their cards, and he’d never thought anything of that. And yet…
He changes his mind on his earlier point, actually. He knows this could turn out chaotically, but that might just make him feel more grounded at this point. Tezcatlipoca leans back and offers the cup of sake to Ereshkigal. It’s not as potent as tequila shots by any measure, but considering what a lightweight she was, who knows. ]
Well, could do that, sure. But I tell him that all the time. [ His praise isn’t embarrassing, since that’s the arrogance of a god in action. If he deigns to offer it, then it’s self-evidently true, obviously! ] It’s more…
[ This is what he hesitates on, but his expression turns more serious as he mulls over whether to share that part or not. He could leave it at that without it being questioned, but it does feel like it’s leaving out part of what makes this complicated. It’s a purely tactical consideration, though, because even if they can pal around now, he never forgets that they’re destined to be enemies eventually. Would sharing this hurt their chances?
…He doesn’t think so, he decides. Daybit may not share the details of his “condition”, but that never struck Tezcatlipoca as something he kept close to the chest because he felt it was a secret that needed to be guarded. It’s more that it was something he considered irrelevant for other people to know. ]
It’s got nothing to do with the Lostbelts or Crypters or any of that shit, to be clear. But he’s only got a few minutes out of a day. He forgets the rest. That’s more why I’ve been sittin’ here thinking about it. It'd be nice if it was something worth remembering.
[ Ah. She's surprised Tezcatlipoca would share this with her. That's a debilitating condition, and it makes the man's exploits all the more impressive. But... She feels bad. Why did he have to say this? It's not like she can forget, nor will she stop herself from trying to think up ways this condition could be exploited. Well she could, but her desire to see Ritsuka survive this is far stronger than her guilt.
Yet again, he'll exploit everything she told him about Ritsuka if he can too. And if he did say it then he must believe this is not a weakness that can be exploited.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ]
You're infuriating even when we're on friendly terms, you know.
[ She's just saying. She wasn't supposed to feel guilt or negative emotions today! Regardless, she shakes her head when he offers her a cup of sake. No drinking for her, no sir. She doesn't trust herself with alcohol any more. ]
Regardless... Don't waste his time with too many words then. The three short words "I love you" are usually enough to make a few seconds more memorable than any other.
[ Even though she's never had such an experience herself... She knows without any doubt those seconds would be the most memorable of her life. ]
And then when you see him again, there are ways other than words to express affection to fill those few precious minutes.
[ She's talking about handholding, of course. Maybe hugs and kisses. But that's it. Probably. ]
[ Ereshkigal’s assessment makes him laugh, and in a sharp contrast to how her mood falls a bit, his brightens. It’s that toothy, annoying smile in particular that comes out most for occasions like this. He’s being a pain in the ass and he knows it. ]
Ha— You bet. That’s exactly what I’m supposed to be.
[ He laughs it off with a shrug as he brings the sake to his lips instead. So, it’s probably all the more satisfying when those three short words hit him like a truck. ]
[ His shitty older brother routine crumbles immediately as he sputters into his drink. It’s not dramatic enough that it makes a mess, but it’s still a choke into his drink that makes it clear that he was not expecting that to be the overall assessment at all.
Which, naturally, is ridiculous. With what little he’s explained, it’s the conclusion that almost anyone would come to, especially if they’re a romantic like Ereshkigal. And with what he hasn’t explained, it would be even more damning. Things like why his vessel looks this way. Making Daybit take a single day “off” just to experience it, even if most of it was meaningless. Taking a little crystal out to the most beautiful places in Kenos he could find, since the idea of just keeping a soul in the dark didn’t sit right with him. What else could that be?
…It’s a sentiment that the so-called god of impartiality is struggling with, apparently. This is definitely a few seconds that he’s going to remember, but he’s going to wish he could forget. Maybe Daybit is the lucky one, actually? ]
Ah, shit… [ He sets the cup down as he wipes at his mouth and clothes to get the sake off. ] Well, yeah, that’d make a hell of an impression… Asshole would probably ask me if I was joking.
[ which. you know. not unfair, considering Tezcatlipoca… but this also paints a picture of Daybit’s personality too, honestly. No wonder they get along. ]
[ Well, that reaction settles it. If there had been any doubt about it before, there are absolutely none left now. Sure, he'll probably try to deny it or frame it in a way where "actually, it's not love, it's a deep mutual emotional investment." Yes, she can totally see him say something silly like that. But it doesn't matter.
Whatever he will say, he knows the truth. Why, as she smiles, she can't help but say: ]
Fufufu~ I didn't think you could possibly be that cute.
[ Thankfully, that's where her teasing starts and ends. Just a little victory for her, after all the torment he's put her through this past year. It's a blessing she has refused his offer to drink, because things could have been far far worse.
Her smile softens and then she speaks on a tone that indicates she's quoting someone (herself, that's who she's quoting). ]
You should live your life so that at the end of it all, you will not be filled with regrets. So that you will not look back at your life and wish you had done things differently. So that you will not mourn your lost life, but celebrate it. [She closes her eyes.] It feels weird saying that to you... But we're really more humans than gods here.
[ Cute… He wouldn’t say that either, dammit! He grimaces, somewhere between annoyed and embarrassed, but, what, can he deny it? That would just be proving her point and playing into her hands. He grumbles indistinctly as he picks up the card, since there’s just enough splatter of sake that he’ll start over. It’s only the name, so it’s not like it’s much. ]
That again?
[ He shakes his head lightly as he grabs another, and his pens out Daybit’s name quickly. Even if it’s quick, he has shockingly nice penmanship, though. Go figure. ]
I get your point, and it’s a nice sentiment. Hell, that’s what I tell anyone that’s following me, more or less.
[ “More or less” doing a lot of work there, because he doesn’t tend to say it so straightforwardly. It’s cloaked in the context that his followers should fight for every day and live vivaciously in the conflict that surrounds them. It’s more brutal, but that’s also the context of his world. ]
But can’t agree with that last point. My body may be human, but here— [ He taps his chest over his heart, but the implication is the same as if he had tapped his head. ] All god. The way I think, it just ain’t human. That’s why Daybit and I get along, since we kinda see things the same way.
[ Goodness, is it the topic of Daybit that makes him so vulnerable? ]
Maybe. [A pause.] Yet you are limited by your human brain, especially in this world where our selves are limited to those vessels.
[ They are much more than their vessel back home, even in such a limited Servant form. Their divinity radiates beyond the confines of those bodies and they can manipulate their surroundings in ways that enhance what they are capable of. Here though? Nothing, and he proved it himself when they failed to connect to the local afterlife.
But she supposes that's a difference in perspective. Even limited by a human body, the way he thinks is still so alien to the human mind, it may be accurate to call him a god anyway. Whereas she's always been the closest goddess to humans in her pantheon, alongside Ishtar. So the thought of being human... She likes it. ]
But I respect your decision on the matter. [She's not going to pick a fight on whether they should be categorized as gods or humans. It's too dependent on how they perceive the divide between gods and humanity.] You should be careful though, we're aging here.
[ She got great beauty products recommendations if he wants to delay the inevitable wrinkles and grey hair. ]
[ He frowns a bit more, and it’s clear that he would argue about it, but that’s no surprise. He’s willing to get confrontational over just about anything, but… That’s exactly what you’d expect from the god of conflict. So, as such, he also deflates a little when she brushes it off.
She’s also correct to do so, since getting into the finer points of how his godhood works and how he perceives it is a headache. The change of conversation is better, albeit much stupider… ]
Why are you tellin’ me to be careful? I’m the god of beauty. Of course I’ve got a beauty routine.
[ Very annoyingly, he is not kidding… Tezcatlipoca is perhaps one of the more regular visitors of the base spa. ]
But I also don’t exactly care about this vessel beyond it representing me well. I made it, so it’s not like your deal, I’m guessin’. [ He waves a hand vaguely at her. ] You borrowed yours, yeah? I think I met her. She wasn’t blonde, though.
[ I am definitely just pretending he just never cared enough to bring it up before and not that my stupid ass totally forgot, ]
... She opts not to comment on that. They say you shouldn't speak if you don't have anything pleasant to say. And it's not like she thinks he's ugly or anything like that!! But much like Ishtar, they're really handing out that authority to the least deserving people around. ]
This vessel is all you have in this world. You should be more careful with it.
[ While he may not care for it, if this body dies then that's it for him. Sure, his divinity would still exist back home, but the specific aspects and memories that are stuffed into that body? Gone forever, unless somehow LILITH has enough sense to dump the leftovers back to their world.
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no subject
Happy New Year, asshole. Don’t kick the bucket this time around either, since I’m dragging your ass to Mictlampa once you finally bite the dust.
…Which, granted. That’s certainly the brusquest of them, but still.
He glances up when Ereshkigal approaches and clicks his tongue in what seems like irritation. In reality, it’s closer to embarrassment… But there’s at least a smidgeon of an actual sourness, since he has a correction to make first. ]
Sure, technical term’s Master, but I don’t subscribe to that shit. He’s my priest, if anything.
[ This is definitely not the reason why she asks, but he feels the need to correct it anyways. He really does dislike the term, since the implication doesn’t apply to gods at all. In his opinion, anyways. Tezcatlipoca grumbles indistinctly, then takes another drink of his sake. He completely misunderstands why she’s asking, naturally, since her rosy interpretation doesn’t occur to him as a possibility at all. ]
If you’re lookin’ for weakness, don’t bother. Even besides my “no spoilers” policy here, guy doesn’t have any.
no subject
You're not doing him any favor by not acknowledging the existence of his weaknesses, you know?
[ She's not going to argue if he insists this Daybit truly has no weaknesses - that's not why she's here - but that's quite simply a foolish statement. Perfection does not exist, therefore all who live have their own flaws and weaknesses. Even her beloved little grape does - why, especially her beloved little grape. And it's in part from those weaknesses she draws her strength and willpower. ]
But that's not why I'm asking. [A small smile.] You answered his call and stayed, even if that meant fighting against human order. It takes someone special to earn a god's favor like that - yours no less.
no subject
However, even if he was inclined to explain that, her clarification stops the thought. He looks surprised for a moment, but it’s quick to shift to a wry smile. ]
Oh. Yeah. Guess that curiosity makes sense too.
[ Uniquely so, at least compared to someone like, say, Izou, because he and Ereshkigal are fundamentally different beings. Their divinity makes them fickle—or at least that’s how most mortals would see it. It truly does take something remarkable to catch their attention and heed a summoning, and it’s especially true in Tezcatlipoca’s case where he has the Authority to refuse the Counter Force outright.
He laughs again, but it’s not dismissive this time. It’s a little fonder and has humor in it, since the memory of his summoning is funny to him nowadays. ]
Well, answering the call itself, that was just curiosity, plain and simple. It’s crazy to summon me in the first place. Crazier that he actually figured out a way to do it. Figured the least I could do is see what kinda guy would have the balls to ask Yaotzin for help.
[ He starts to pour a bit more sake in the cup automatically, but after a moment’s consideration… He remembers Callisto’s birthday party and changes his mind for his intention there. He was going to offer it to her, but no. Never again. ]
Shot him in the gut for the trouble. [ He raises his now full cup to take a casual, punctuating drink. ] But he didn’t back down at all. Still wanted me for his plans. How could I not offer favor in the face of that?
[ It’s all true and definitely feels like Tezcatlipoca and his brutal whims, but it probably also doesn’t seem like it’s only that. Would that be enough favor for him to be pondering over a sentimental card like this? ]
no subject
Sighs. She hates her kind so much. ]
No command spell?
[ When your Servant tries to kill you, that's kind of what it's there for. Now sure, she's not sure a single command spell could force temporary absolute obedience from divine spirits like them, let alone kill them... But using all three at once should do the trick.
She's not sure if not using them even in such a situation is stupidity or courage. Or maybe it's desperation. You'd need to be desperate to try and summon Tezcatlipoca to begin with. ]
I don't suppose that's all it took for you to take a liking to him.
[ Yet again, seeing how he likes Silco... His standards are abysmal, aren't they? ]
no subject
[ His retort is sly and dangerous, and it’s easy to believe that Tezcatlipoca would not respond well to someone attempting to use Command Spells on him. Though in reality, it had been different logic entirely. They were simply a valuable resource that Daybit had to save.
Tezcatlipoca laughs with a little shrug as he sets the sake down. He’s got a pretty high tolerance, but he’ll still take it easy. He wouldn’t want to come off as nervous about the topic either. ]
So, yeah, easy as that for me to like the guy. [ In some ways, he’s simple, maybe? But he shakes his head as his shitty smile softens marginally. ] But to be thinking about this damn card? He impressed me plenty after, that’s for sure. What does Chaldea even think of him? I figure he’s got a rep, since he’s a weird guy.
no subject
I don't know, I was waiting to be summoned when I got here.
[ Didn't she mention that before? She wasn't even aware of that whole Lostbelt business before talking to him. Well, she'd figured more Beasts would appear to try and destroy (challenge) humanity... After two Beasts had attacked back to back, it had been unavoidable. She hadn't had a clue that Lostbelts would end up involved. ]
But knowing her, Ritsuka has probably no preconceived ideas about him. That's the kind of person she is. No matter how evil or weird you appear to be, she'll treat you with the same respect and decency she would anyone else.
[ O-Oops, that's supposed to be his time to ramble about his Master, not hers! Speaking of which, after what he's said-- She smiles. ]
It sounds... You must like him a lot.
[ Maybe even... The forbidden word... The other l-word... Love! ]
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and it definitely wasn’t the player that forgot nope that would never happen,,,, but he’s more surprised that she and Izou hadn’t chatted about it. But, hey, works for him. He’s not going to encourage it, considering. Even if Ritsuka might be forgiving, that doesn’t mean her Servants would be.…Which is ironic, considering. He huffs out a laugh, because this is easier to speak to than her other statement. ]
Sweet idea. Can see why you like her if that’s the case. [ not the uno reverso… ] But I can guarantee it’s a waste of time for Daybit. Not because he’s a bad guy, but that just won’t mean anything to him.
[ He knows how Daybit’s mind works better than anyone else, after all. His expression softens in contemplation, because that touches on her assessment. He knows Daybit would discard such kindness, but it’s not because he’d want to. It’s just the silent tragedy of his situation. There would just be more important things to keep than that.
Tezcatlipoca looks back to the barely written card, then sighs as he taps the pen against it. He’s quiet for a few moments longer as he just looks at it, but when he ends up speaking again, it probably feels like he’s trying to change the topic. It’s just a context to better answer her question, though. ]
I told you this place wasn’t my first world-saving rodeo, right? Met Set and Silco there. But didn’t get into the stakes of it.
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Ereshkigal stiffens a bit when he seemingly changes the topic, bringing up both Set and Silco. She has problems with those two... Especially the later. But she has to admit being curious as to the context. ]
Your protégé mentioned it was a war. [Yes, she's talking about Silco. And she'll absolutely elaborate on why she's using this word if he somehow takes offense to it.] Quetzalcoatl was on the opposite side. That's the extent of what I know.
[ She would have taken from him everything he was trying to save. It is how Silco justified himself. But knowing Quetzalcoatl, she was probably only doing what she deemed was best for the world and its people. ]
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Yeah, it was. No surprise that I showed up knowing that, right? Especially if my guess is right and Quetzalcoatl’s death was the catalyst.
[ He waves a hand dismissively, since that’s not the point either. ]
…Basics of it, though. Buncha people got pulled to a place called Kenos, but instead of us all working for one thing like we are here with LILITH, had two choices. You had Meridian, which is where Quetzalcoatl and Set laid their heads, and you had Zenith, which is where Silco and I ended up. Two sides were at odds because part of showing up there in the first place was that the worlds we’d come from were destroyed. Probably. And Meridian and Zenith had different ideas about what to do about that. Meridian wanted to restore ‘em, Zenith wanted to make something entirely new.
[ It’s the simple version, and where they all landed is probably unsurprising. It fits all of them, albeit in different ways. It’s also much more complicated and messy, and Tezcatlipoca has his own thoughts on the conflict itself. But. For how this all relates to Daybit… ]
Zenith’s is a bigger ask, obviously. So, came with an extra incentive. Saving a single soul from the world you came from. Making sure they weren’t consigned to oblivion. Isn’t what convinced me, since I would have been on that side anyways, but… Couldn’t turn it down, even if it might’ve been a bad idea.
[ He looks from her back to Daybit’s name again and taps it with the pen. The end of his explanation is obvious at this point, which makes his pause almost funny. But he doesn’t seem embarrassed to actually say it—his voice is just cool and neutral. ]
I picked Daybit. So, yeah. Can’t exactly deny that I like the guy at this point.
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Yet again, if Quetzalcoatl's side won, it is possible the world was remade with nary a soul aware of it. And obviously her side won. If it hadn't, why would he be here talking about the Lostbelts and planning for the future? ]
I see...
[ That also makes her wonder what side she'd have picked. If her world died a natural death... Well it is the natural order of things to move on and for a new world to replace it. And yet, that "save a single soul from your world" leaves a bad taste in her mouth. Sure, she'd pick Ritsuka, but... That's not right. If you can save a soul, you can save more. And it's starting less and less to sound like a case of "natural death," and more and more like what the incineration of humanity had been. ]
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Tezcatlipoca though? He's not a lonely god, she figures he must have plenty of friends in his pantheon, or at least deities he likes. Why, he probably has plenty of humans who worship him and whom he must care about. And considering what she's heard about him- Daybit would likely have disagreed with his choice. He wouldn't have cared to be saved.
And still - in spite of this - he picked the Master who summoned him so recently. So she smiles and: ]
I didn't think you such a romantic, Tezcatlipoca.
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…Which is why his choice to pluck Daybit’s soul from oblivion is one he’s so conflicted about, even still. All souls should be equal under his eye. Yet, when faced with the choice, he hadn’t been able to do it. He hadn’t been able to abandon him to oblivion, an abyss where not even Mictlampa could beckon to him. But he had also seen possibility in Zenith’s hopes. In a new world shaped by his (and other’s) will, then would it be far enough to free his soul from the “Angels” that had such a grip on him?
So, her overall assessment makes him groan like he’s in pain. He drinks his sake like it’s a shot, then pours more. ]
Gghhh… Do you have to put it that way? Being sentimental at least sounds better…
[ It’s surely the alcohol and the cold that’s bringing color to his face. Nothing else. No way. ]
Yeah, yeah. It’s probably going to all go to shit because showing favor is against the rules, but that was the decision I made. He’s one hell of a guy, so… If there’s anyone deserving of my favor, it’s definitely him, at least. Don’t regret it.
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While the temptation to tease him is extremely high, she'll refrain - if only so he will have the decency not to tease her whenever it'll be her turn to be embarrassed like that. ]
Nor should you.
[ She would have actually lost some respect for him if he regretted it. She's also broken her oath before and she doesn't regret it one bit. When she did that... That was when she felt the most alive. Even if it meant risking her very divinity, she would do it again without hesitating. ]
Well then, why are you hesitating? [She smiles.] You should write down what you just told me.
[ Well, maybe not the part about that otherworldly war... But that he likes him, that he impressed him and is deserving of his favor. Or could it be the great god Tezcatlipoca has a bad case of getting cold feet? And it's a card Daybit will likely never read! Goodness, what a disaster it must be in person. ]
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He changes his mind on his earlier point, actually. He knows this could turn out chaotically, but that might just make him feel more grounded at this point. Tezcatlipoca leans back and offers the cup of sake to Ereshkigal. It’s not as potent as tequila shots by any measure, but considering what a lightweight she was, who knows. ]
Well, could do that, sure. But I tell him that all the time. [ His praise isn’t embarrassing, since that’s the arrogance of a god in action. If he deigns to offer it, then it’s self-evidently true, obviously! ] It’s more…
[ This is what he hesitates on, but his expression turns more serious as he mulls over whether to share that part or not. He could leave it at that without it being questioned, but it does feel like it’s leaving out part of what makes this complicated. It’s a purely tactical consideration, though, because even if they can pal around now, he never forgets that they’re destined to be enemies eventually. Would sharing this hurt their chances?
…He doesn’t think so, he decides. Daybit may not share the details of his “condition”, but that never struck Tezcatlipoca as something he kept close to the chest because he felt it was a secret that needed to be guarded. It’s more that it was something he considered irrelevant for other people to know. ]
It’s got nothing to do with the Lostbelts or Crypters or any of that shit, to be clear. But he’s only got a few minutes out of a day. He forgets the rest. That’s more why I’ve been sittin’ here thinking about it. It'd be nice if it was something worth remembering.
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Yet again, he'll exploit everything she told him about Ritsuka if he can too. And if he did say it then he must believe this is not a weakness that can be exploited.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ]
You're infuriating even when we're on friendly terms, you know.
[ She's just saying. She wasn't supposed to feel guilt or negative emotions today! Regardless, she shakes her head when he offers her a cup of sake. No drinking for her, no sir. She doesn't trust herself with alcohol any more. ]
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[ Even though she's never had such an experience herself... She knows without any doubt those seconds would be the most memorable of her life. ]
And then when you see him again, there are ways other than words to express affection to fill those few precious minutes.
[ She's talking about handholding, of course. Maybe hugs and kisses. But that's it. Probably. ]
1/2 also,
Ha— You bet. That’s exactly what I’m supposed to be.
[ He laughs it off with a shrug as he brings the sake to his lips instead. So, it’s probably all the more satisfying when those three short words hit him like a truck. ]
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Which, naturally, is ridiculous. With what little he’s explained, it’s the conclusion that almost anyone would come to, especially if they’re a romantic like Ereshkigal. And with what he hasn’t explained, it would be even more damning. Things like why his vessel looks this way. Making Daybit take a single day “off” just to experience it, even if most of it was meaningless. Taking a little crystal out to the most beautiful places in Kenos he could find, since the idea of just keeping a soul in the dark didn’t sit right with him. What else could that be?
…It’s a sentiment that the so-called god of impartiality is struggling with, apparently. This is definitely a few seconds that he’s going to remember, but he’s going to wish he could forget. Maybe Daybit is the lucky one, actually? ]
Ah, shit… [ He sets the cup down as he wipes at his mouth and clothes to get the sake off. ] Well, yeah, that’d make a hell of an impression… Asshole would probably ask me if I was joking.
[ which. you know. not unfair, considering Tezcatlipoca… but this also paints a picture of Daybit’s personality too, honestly. No wonder they get along. ]
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Whatever he will say, he knows the truth. Why, as she smiles, she can't help but say: ]
Fufufu~ I didn't think you could possibly be that cute.
[ Thankfully, that's where her teasing starts and ends. Just a little victory for her, after all the torment he's put her through this past year. It's a blessing she has refused his offer to drink, because things could have been far far worse.
Her smile softens and then she speaks on a tone that indicates she's quoting someone (herself, that's who she's quoting). ]
You should live your life so that at the end of it all, you will not be filled with regrets. So that you will not look back at your life and wish you had done things differently. So that you will not mourn your lost life, but celebrate it. [She closes her eyes.] It feels weird saying that to you... But we're really more humans than gods here.
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That again?
[ He shakes his head lightly as he grabs another, and his pens out Daybit’s name quickly. Even if it’s quick, he has shockingly nice penmanship, though. Go figure. ]
I get your point, and it’s a nice sentiment. Hell, that’s what I tell anyone that’s following me, more or less.
[ “More or less” doing a lot of work there, because he doesn’t tend to say it so straightforwardly. It’s cloaked in the context that his followers should fight for every day and live vivaciously in the conflict that surrounds them. It’s more brutal, but that’s also the context of his world. ]
But can’t agree with that last point. My body may be human, but here— [ He taps his chest over his heart, but the implication is the same as if he had tapped his head. ] All god. The way I think, it just ain’t human. That’s why Daybit and I get along, since we kinda see things the same way.
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Maybe. [A pause.] Yet you are limited by your human brain, especially in this world where our selves are limited to those vessels.
[ They are much more than their vessel back home, even in such a limited Servant form. Their divinity radiates beyond the confines of those bodies and they can manipulate their surroundings in ways that enhance what they are capable of. Here though? Nothing, and he proved it himself when they failed to connect to the local afterlife.
But she supposes that's a difference in perspective. Even limited by a human body, the way he thinks is still so alien to the human mind, it may be accurate to call him a god anyway. Whereas she's always been the closest goddess to humans in her pantheon, alongside Ishtar. So the thought of being human... She likes it. ]
But I respect your decision on the matter. [She's not going to pick a fight on whether they should be categorized as gods or humans. It's too dependent on how they perceive the divide between gods and humanity.] You should be careful though, we're aging here.
[ She got great beauty products recommendations if he wants to delay the inevitable wrinkles and grey hair. ]
FINALLY BRINGS IT UP, LMAO
She’s also correct to do so, since getting into the finer points of how his godhood works and how he perceives it is a headache. The change of conversation is better, albeit much stupider… ]
Why are you tellin’ me to be careful? I’m the god of beauty. Of course I’ve got a beauty routine.
[ Very annoyingly, he is not kidding… Tezcatlipoca is perhaps one of the more regular visitors of the base spa. ]
But I also don’t exactly care about this vessel beyond it representing me well. I made it, so it’s not like your deal, I’m guessin’. [ He waves a hand vaguely at her. ] You borrowed yours, yeah? I think I met her. She wasn’t blonde, though.
[ I am definitely just pretending he just never cared enough to bring it up before and not that my stupid ass totally forgot, ]
1/4
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
... She opts not to comment on that. They say you shouldn't speak if you don't have anything pleasant to say. And it's not like she thinks he's ugly or anything like that!! But much like Ishtar, they're really handing out that authority to the least deserving people around. ]
This vessel is all you have in this world. You should be more careful with it.
[ While he may not care for it, if this body dies then that's it for him. Sure, his divinity would still exist back home, but the specific aspects and memories that are stuffed into that body? Gone forever, unless somehow LILITH has enough sense to dump the leftovers back to their world.
And wait, what's that about her vessel? ]
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4/4
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this is so stupid
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