[Sometime, not too long after the trial, Luke seeks out Piety. They'd met at the beach before, so that's where he goes again, sitting in the dunes this time, set back from the water.
He's not in any particular rush, but he feels like if he's looking for Piety, he'll show up. That was how it worked...or, seemed to.]
[It doesn't take too long. Eventually, he hears the soft sound of feet pressing through the sand, and then Ion is sitting beside him, completely out of his robes--as if he'd never been a god at all.]
That must have been really, really hard to go through. I'm so sorry, Luke.
It was... selfish, more than anything. Most of his calls on Piety--or Ion, felt selfish—even moreso, now that he knew who Piety was.
But it had felt nice, being with them before. And now...
...Whatever the outcome, he wasn't going to see Ion again. It was one thing he felt sure of—so sure, he didn't even need to ask.
Laying back in the sand, the slight incline of the dune supporting him, he sits, uncharacteristically silent, watching Ion. Trying to memorize him in a way he didn't get to before. There was no replacement.]
[For a long time, Ion only watches Luke in turn, their green eyes meeting. He pulls his legs up to his chest and leans his head against his knees, poised and relaxed despite all that had happened in the past several days.
He's thinking it, too.
Ion smiles at Luke, but his eyes are so, so terribly sad. A void of longing and regret--would it be easier if this had never happened? Should they be thankful for the chance to see each other now, to know that somewhere out there, each of them is safe, or is it going to hurt too much knowing they'll never see each other again. That this reunion has a very real, very soon expiration date.
Without thinking, he reaches on hand over and carefully brushes Luke's bangs out of his face.]
[It wasn't like Ion would've turned it down without a good reason, but his acceptance still fills Luke with genuine elation. He huffs another smile, and lays back in the sand.]
So, how does it feel to be a god? Better or worse than being the Fon Master?
[Underneath it all, after all, Ion is still just a kid. It's hard not to act like one when he's with Luke. He feels more like himself than he ever knew he should have been. Taking a deep breath, Ion backs away until there's plenty of space between them, and closing his eyes, raises one arm in the air. All around his hand, brilliant, white light explodes, and when he kneels, palm down against the sand, the circular arte expands out in that frighteningly wide radius, swirling and forcing sand into the air.
As it all settles, Ion stares at the back of his hand, seeming to expect himself to grow dizzy, to faint. But the spell of weakness never reaches him, and when he finally stands, the shaking in his knees is more from exhilaration than anything else.]
[As the arte fires, Luke is on his feet, too, pumping the air and laughing out loud in triumph—it really was cool, after all. As soon as it starts to die away, he's running across the sand towards him.]
[And before he knows it, Ion is half-running half-stumbling toward Luke in return. He still practically falls, but laughs as he catches himself on Luke's arms for support.]
It felt incredible. I'm not...lightheaded, or anything! I can...I can breathe!
[the sudden blast of compliments mid-spin catches him off-guard, and Luke finds himself already shaking his head, laughter coming in short, embarrassed breaths.]
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WEEK 3 (POST-TRIAL)
He's not in any particular rush, but he feels like if he's looking for Piety, he'll show up. That was how it worked...or, seemed to.]
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That must have been really, really hard to go through. I'm so sorry, Luke.
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[he shakes his head, quiet and melancholic.]
It's not your fault.
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If there's anything you need...I'll be right here.
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It was... selfish, more than anything. Most of his calls on Piety--or Ion, felt selfish—even moreso, now that he knew who Piety was.
But it had felt nice, being with them before. And now...
...Whatever the outcome, he wasn't going to see Ion again. It was one thing he felt sure of—so sure, he didn't even need to ask.
Laying back in the sand, the slight incline of the dune supporting him, he sits, uncharacteristically silent, watching Ion. Trying to memorize him in a way he didn't get to before. There was no replacement.]
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He's thinking it, too.
Ion smiles at Luke, but his eyes are so, so terribly sad. A void of longing and regret--would it be easier if this had never happened? Should they be thankful for the chance to see each other now, to know that somewhere out there, each of them is safe, or is it going to hurt too much knowing they'll never see each other again. That this reunion has a very real, very soon expiration date.
Without thinking, he reaches on hand over and carefully brushes Luke's bangs out of his face.]
Don't think about it. Not yet.
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[Shifting in the sand, he props himself up on an elbow, letting a sigh loose.]
We really messed up, today. [Especially him.] ...I probably need to apologize to Ambition. I'm just lucky she didn't know it was me at the time.
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[As...he might have noticed.]
I just want to make sure that she doesn't mistake the gesture--if you want, I can come with you.
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...You'd come with me? I'd really appreciate that. [More time with Ion, too.]
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[More time! With Luke!]
No matter where that was, or who it was with, or why.
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--and is quashed, just as quickly, at the idea that Ion can't quite fulfill them.
All the more reason to make use of their time together, here, now.
Scratching his cheek, he nods, and before he can stop himself, asks:]
Then... do you want to come eat dinner with me and Guy next week?
[It was a weird question to ask a god. But since it was Ion, it was fine... right?]
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[You know, before it's too late. But we're not! Talking about that!]
Since Guy knows I'm here, as well, I'll be able to take my mask off.
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[It wasn't like Ion would've turned it down without a good reason, but his acceptance still fills Luke with genuine elation. He huffs another smile, and lays back in the sand.]
So, how does it feel to be a god? Better or worse than being the Fon Master?
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[I mean, he doesn't have Mohs trying to puppet his every move and ultimately lead him straight to his untimely demise, so that's a perk.]
Oh! But I don't faint anymore! I'm still...pretty weak, compared to the average person, but I can use Daathic Fonic Artes without hurting myself!
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[This is something to genuinely be happy about, and he's making the most of it.]
Did you try yet?
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[He can't help being excited--it's infectious, and Ion clasps his hands together, beaming.]
I've never felt so...healthy, before.
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You should do the one you did in the Cheagle Woods and show me!
[the COOLEST attack]
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[performance anxiety]
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[he's cheering him on!]
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[Underneath it all, after all, Ion is still just a kid. It's hard not to act like one when he's with Luke. He feels more like himself than he ever knew he should have been. Taking a deep breath, Ion backs away until there's plenty of space between them, and closing his eyes, raises one arm in the air. All around his hand, brilliant, white light explodes, and when he kneels, palm down against the sand, the circular arte expands out in that frighteningly wide radius, swirling and forcing sand into the air.
As it all settles, Ion stares at the back of his hand, seeming to expect himself to grow dizzy, to faint. But the spell of weakness never reaches him, and when he finally stands, the shaking in his knees is more from exhilaration than anything else.]
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Awesome! That was incredible, Ion!
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It felt incredible. I'm not...lightheaded, or anything! I can...I can breathe!
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Yeah you can! You're the best!
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[Ion laughs as they spin, dizzy but comfortable, feeling flushed and elated.]
I wouldn't be who I am if it wasn't for you. No matter where you are, just the thought of you gives me strength.
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No way! You don't need me to--w-woah!
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these icon keywords have never been more correct
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