II. Red

[eightofseven]

[For once, "Al Saiduq" has chosen to make himself visible again. But rather than stare intently at people like he usually does, he seems to be thinking about something instead.]

[Namely, what it is he would do now. From his conversations with people here (mostly Oz), the possibility that he would come to be despised by all was becoming too great to ignore. Normally, self-preservation would be among the least of his concerns, and even though he now knew (albeit not firsthand) that death was impermanent in this world, he didn't know what would happen with regards to the Shining One's situation if he were to fall in battle. It wasn't time for that yet. He wasn't ready.]

[If you come and speak to him, he'll greet you with a "Hello", and possibly with a nickname, or a title maybe, if you have one.]

Comments

[galaxiapride]

[Strange to be the one to find the Anguished One instead of being found by him. He deliberates for a while, then decides to approach him.]

Al Saiduq, was it?

[eightofseven]

Yes, it is I.

May I ask you something?

[galaxiapride]

...You may.

[eightofseven]

How connected do you think this place is to the other worlds? Whenever one of us dies here, would the ripples of the event be felt in their home?

[galaxiapride]

[He contemplates this.]

It's possible this entire world is a simulation. It functions as a game, after all.

[eightofseven]

Another interesting possibility, but not one without problems.

[hoperaider]

[Okay, Jake has problems ignoring people who look troubled.]

Is something troubling you?

[eightofseven]

Yes.

I am... not sure what it is I should do now.

[galaxiapride]

Problems being?

[eightofseven]

If The World is indeed a simulation, what is its purpose?

[galaxiapride]

[For a while, he says nothing.]

...Then we must brace ourselves if the purpose is malicious.

[hoperaider]

Well, what had you been planning before?

[eightofseven]

How interesting, though, if it has given us a means to fight back.

[eightofseven]

I had planned to continue as I had been, simply observing those who reside here, but...

[galaxiapride]

[There is a slight pause in his movements.]

Just what are you implying?

[eightofseven]

The new powers we have received, our "classes"... They could be for our benefit or an instrument of our demise. It remains to be seen which it will be, and yet...

[it was so familiar]

[adarable]

Mister Saiduq? [ oh, what has her brother done now. ]

[galaxiapride]

I thought it was a fair translation of our usual abilities. I was a swordsman long before I came to this world.

[viiru2alert]

[Sollux turns around on the Anguished One, frowning distrustfully. He's never seen you before, and yet you refer to him as the Mage of Doom, a title which maybe eleven other people know he has? Not a recipe for chummy behavior, sorry.]

Who're you?

[eightofseven]

But there are so many here that had no talent in combat at all before.

[eightofseven]

[There was enough difference between trolls and humans that he had decided not to bother with many of them at all. Nevertheless, he would oblige.]

One who is able to sense the inner powers of people.

There are those who call me "Al Saiduq".

[eightofseven]

Ada Vessalius... why have you come?

[viiru2alert]

[...What kind of a stupid name is Al Saiduq?]

You know what, whatever.

What do you want?

[eightofseven]

[I blame the Persians.]

I have been asking that question of myself... you, however, must have approached me for a reason.

[galaxiapride]

They'll learn. Any weapon is merely an extension of one's self.