#Well no the ancestors are only sort of featured I guess which is a funny exclusion considering I usually find a way to shoehorn them in | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

xxforsaken-angelxx · 4 years ago

Text

> After popping onto the Grease Lightning:

tenebrousalamort

So here you are.

In Cronus's sitting room, with all its lavishly gloomy decor... and the snake.

You've barely seen anyone in days. You haven't seen him in over a week. You feel like you ought to be enjoying this rare opportunity, but truthfully...

It's just unsettling. After this long, you're not sure you much enjoy the idea of change. You don't know how to cope with change.

So you comfort yourself with routine, ensuring the tank is clean, tending to Servitor's feeding. And it is a comfort. The snake doesn't care about anything. The snake isn't here to beat you down or foolishly attempt to lift you up. It's just a snake, doing snake things. It's trapped, too, but it doesn't know the difference. As long as it has branches to drape over, a rock to bask on, and the occasional rodent, what more could it ever want?

...your thoughts are drifting badly, and you try to force yourself to focus before it ends up attempting to swallow your hand rather than the rat you're lowering into the tank. You kind of hate Cronus for insisting on feeding it live prey. Not that you feel particularly bad about it -- you're more than used to predators -- but because you'd like to maintain some pretense of dignity, which means you really, absolutely, do not need to be standing here wondering if it would even take the edge off.

...it's going to be a long night.

xxforsaken-angelxx

On this long night you'd so far found exactly jack and shit while storming about the Grease Lightning, and that wasn't super encouraging so far.

You weren't just running around into rooms randomly, either. Like, you kind of were, but you at least had a sorting order in mind here.

Big areas before small areas, public before private. If by then you didn't turn anything up, you had a couple hunches on where some ~secret~ rooms might be that you haven't seen. Your first guess was that maybe he'd just be hanging around where people were normally hanging around, but you weren't counting it. You weren't hedging your bets on this guy hanging around in one of Cronus' personal chambers either, but his stupid parlor for his casual meetings wasn't the last place in the world you'd look.

It's just that at that point you were starting to get a little frustrated with the lack of anything you'd found, so you don't even bother with more than one warning knock. The door would open, and there you would be. Eridan Makara, the Grinmaww, your hair and loud clothing generally a bit mussed from the running. You didn't look particularly pleased, but your whole face would change the moment you laid eyes on the person who was standing there feeding your ancestor's snake.

You uh.

You certainly haven't seen that guy before.

tenebrousalamort

The sudden knock startles you enough that you fumble and drop the tongs and your phone all at once-- thankfully, only the former actually falling into the tank, rat and all. You snatch them up and leave Servitor to its feasting, and that's where you're at when the door opens-- a little wild-eyed from the scare, phone lying on the floor at your feet and tongs in hand, the python gulping down its meal behind you. What a way to make an impression.

For a moment, you just. Stare at each other. He-- and that's the Grinmaww, most certainly, what in the world is he doing here? He looks quite nearly as taken aback as yourself, and you, your pusher is pounding fit to burst, a brief but chilling moment of abject terror gripping you by the throat. He doesn't-- he can't know. There's no way. You've spoken, yes, briefly, but there's no possible way he'd have any reason to know you to be "Mort"... is there?

You might have a better idea, had you ever been more present. Had you ever noticed more of his moirail beyond the barest fact that he has one at all.

Still, you make a game attempt to recover your aplomb, taking a deep breath as you set the tongs aside and straightening yourself up before giving a brief, respectful bow.

"My apologies-- You took me by surprise. Can I help you...?"

xxforsaken-angelxx

Oh that is Sollux's ancestor. Oh that is so Sollux's ancestor. He has his horns and his hair texture and his pretty eyes and this certain angle to all his features and- that's Sollux's ancestor. What the fuck. What the fuck?

You look at Servitor. Dear sweet precious Servitor. Cute little thing was working on swallowing a mouse and that was pretty gross but the snake itself was cute and that helped. Then you looked back at Mort.

HEY THAT'S SOLLUX'S ANCESTOR. You never really asked him about the guy because it seemed like a sore spot but you know he was a rebel and he was such a rebel that something happened to him and the whole legacy was kind of looming over Sollux and it was all uncomfortable. You also knew that your ancestor was sometimes responsible for helping the Empress dispose of those- For some reason she trusted the guy. He'd always been sparse on details, he was cagey about everything and you hated him, but you'd heard enough to guess how one thing connected to the other.

Everything was clicking together in your head now. Mort, Sollux, Cronus. Rebel man. Sleazy ancestor. 'Some-one off the re-cord'. Looming legacy. Weird caginess. 'GET US BOTH IN TROUBLE'.

"Mort man."

Fuck.

"Mort man you're not in trouble but I've been looking for you."

tenebrousalamort

Your face is the picture of dismay, and under any other circumstance, it might actually be funny. Unfortunately, you're not laughing. You just... stare at him, a moment longer, like he's come to personally announce your execution, then carefully bend to pick your phone up off the floor.

"I-- ...I need. To sit down, I think."

Phone clutched so tightly it's a wonder it doesn't shatter, with unsteady steps you manage to lower yourself into a chair nearby, a mug of coffee already sitting on the table that you'd fixed for yourself before tending to snake duties. You set the phone down and transfer your death grip to the mug instead. You're shaking like a leaf.

"...you'll. Forgive me if I find that hard to believe. After--"

You shake your head, suck down steaming liquid like you don't even feel it. Maybe you don't.

"...how did you know?"

xxforsaken-angelxx

The door is closed behind you and you totter over to the other seat, sitting on the arm instead of the actual chair. You didn't... really want to sit. Just in case. But you were fidgety and nervous and you didn't want to awkwardly stand around the guy either.

How the fuck do you explain any of this to him.

"It wasn't your fault," you say. That seems like a solid start. You really cannot over-emphasize how much he is not in trouble.

"My ancestor played his cards wrong and, fucking- I don't know, people told me pieces and it came together and here I am. You're... Mort, and a Maryam, and Cronus is holding you captive or something, yeah? I want- I wanna help you. I think I can help."

tenebrousalamort

He seems to mean it, so you'll try to believe it, but you're still a shade away from hyperventilating. You kind of feel like you're going to be sick.

"People... Who told you pieces, I don't-- No one. Is supposed to know. Besides him, and... And the helm. You don't understand. There's nothing to help, I--"

You look up, almost pleading, this is all just far too much all at once and he-- What does he think he can do for you?

"...how do you know my name?"

xxforsaken-angelxx

You frown, just a little. Embarrassed, not upset. What did you think would happen, man? There's not actually a way to talk about any of this without giving this dude a goddamn heart attack. But... at least you can start by being honest on that part?

"I don't think I can tell you everything without giving you a panic attack. And I'm trying to avoid that really hard right now."

Cool great cool. Now what. What can you even actually do? The thought that this guy was some kind of criminal had passed through your mind but the fact that he was part of some kind of old rebel faction makes this a lot more complicated. Is any of his situation even on paper?

"I don't want you in my ancestor's custody. I have a feeling you also don't want to be in my ancestor's custody. I don't- know, what I can really do for you, because I am fucking winging it here, but I have an opportunity before said bitch comes back to at least offer to take you back to the Hydromatic for a bit and see what can be done. Worst case scenario you wind up back here, and- I'll try again when I'm in power?"

"I'm not- I'm not going to force you into anything though. If that's too crazy you can stay here for now and I understand."

tenebrousalamort

Your hands are white-knuckled around your mug. You look...very not well, actually, even besides the trembling. Your skin, though somewhat darker than Sollux's, has an unhealthy pallor to it, bloodless and wan. You could fit all your worldly possessions in the bags under your eyes.

He's saying all this, and you just... have no idea how to react. Why he cares so much. Why you almost feel like you could cry.

"Grinmaww..."

You take a breath to steady yourself, eyes fixed on your mug. You don't think you can dare to meet his right now.

"What you want... What I want... It. It just doesn't matter. I'm sorry. It's kind of you, it truly is, but I... I'm here for a reason, you must realize this. Do you even understand what you're offering?"

xxforsaken-angelxx

"What I want does matter, and I care about what you want, so, like, fuckin', by extension-"

You... also take a deep breath. God. You're not mad, you're not upset, you're just frustrated, you are trying SO hard not to look like you have a temper and that any of it is directed at him, because it's not-

He's been through so much. You barely know anything about the guy, but you know he's been through so very much.

"Listen. I really will just leave if that's what you want and I swear you won't even get in trouble for me being here. But. The church is at a weak point right now. I say that as second in command. There's a lot happening. If there was ever a time for me to do something risky like harbor a criminal for a bit and see if I can negotiate better conditions for you, now would be that time."

You... don't want anyone to feel out of options, again.

tenebrousalamort

"You don't even know me!"

It comes out...a lot louder than you'd intended, but you can't take it back now. You're looking at him now, with a deeper jade, with a flicker of... something. Something fearful. Something bright.

What's happening? What's happened, nobody tells you anything--

"What... What more do you think I would ask for?" You have to laugh. Anything to relieve the tension. Anything to keep yourself from believing you could take this seriously.

"I'm wanted for more counts of high treason than I'm probably aware of, do you-- do you have any idea how fortunate I am to not be in chains somewhere? Or long dead?"

xxforsaken-angelxx

Your hands flail up and just kind of cycle about in the air.

"I just generally like it when people are treated like people! And my ancestor's an ass! He's this slippery weirdo that gets in your head! And that's just around me!"

The arms cycle around a little faster in exasperation and then flop back down. Everything happens so much.

"When I have control of this place- cause I will- I'm going to want to treat you better anyways 'cause I'm just like that. I'm not, capable, of whatever the fuck he does or is doing. He tries to make me and fuckin. Bleh. Whatever. I thought maybe I had a risky gamble-y chance to expedite some processes and I've had a long week and change and I would like to expedite some goddamn processes."

You rise up from the arm of the chair, though, and slowly raise your hands up. You're backing off. He really doesn't seem to be taking to this, so you're a man of your word.

"But I don't feel like I'm changing your mind any time fast. So unless me leavin' is doing that then I'll get out of your hair for now."

tenebrousalamort

He's-- You don't know whether you want to laugh or cry. Listen to this kid, he's... He's so idealistic. So determined. So much like you'd once wanted to be. He's been putting up with Cronus for-- not anywhere near as long as you, no, but for his entire life and the guy is his ancestor, if anyone had a right to be well and truly sick of his bullshit, it would probably be Grinmaww!

And you could admire him for it so much. But what are you even supposed to do with this? What right do you have to be treated with such consideration?

Breathe. Breathe. You're going to pass out at this rate.

"Did... You really think you were just going to come in here and. And change my mind about something I have no say in? This is punishment, this is justice, do you have any idea how many people died because of me? How can you possibly believe this isn't going to come crashing down on both of us? That you could just-- get me out of here without setting off an uproar? I don't even know what's going on--"

You drop your face into your hands, staring through the gaps in your fingers.

"I haven't set foot off of this ship in over a century..."

xxforsaken-angelxx

...You just.

You're gonna. Very carefully.

Shuffle over and try to hug him. Arms out before touching him so he can refuse if he wants, like he's a feral cat. This guy needs a hug. He needs a hug just, so bad.

"The helm of the Hydromatic conspired to get a guy to attack our ship and remove them from the helm. And it worked. They're gone, I've been trying to keep us afloat ever since. I'm... trying to find a way to assert myself over Cronus. I feel like now's the time, while everyone is disoriented."

"I... hate that- that the troll who was our helm had to go so far. I hate what we put them through. I already hate what you've been put through, and I don't know you. I'm really sick of everything and I won't pretend that bringing you back wouldn't be a mess but I really do think it could turn out so much better for us if you'd be willing to chance it..."

tenebrousalamort

You freeze.

You don't jerk, or try to shove him away, you just. Freeze. You really do need a hug, even if you're really not sure how to warm up to it. At least it's not like Cronus, when he would play at being your buddy, sling an arm over your shoulders and say something in that wheedling tone that always left you feeling like someone had dumped oil down your spine. Ugh.

...that's. So fucking much to take in. If your head weren't already spinning, if you weren't already seated, you might have to sit down for that one! Ha ha.

"The...helm of the Hydromatic?"

Their helm... got themselves removed? They're free now? Leaving the ship powerless, while the Egregore's contingent was over there, which explained all the fuss and confusion, the radio silence... And Grinmaww, trying to find a path to unseating his ancestor, in the midst of chaos.

...their helm. The troll who was their helm. A recently freed helm, who would surely be in terrible shape after such an ordeal.

"...that was them, wasn't it? That's why... She didn't want me speaking with them."

You're not...quite sure what to do with that information, just now, and file it away. He sounds truly remorseful, and you believe it of him, and somehow that hurts.

You take another breath, and lift your head somewhat, though you're still gazing somewhat blankly at the table in front of you, hair hanging in shaggy swoops around your face.

"I'm a traitor, Grinmaww... If you help me, you're risking so much. It won't just be a matter of succession, anymore..."

xxforsaken-angelxx

"That was them."

And they were... so happy, now. Even Goldwave seemed happier now, as much as you fucking hated the guy.

What else have you ever cared about? Morals confuse you. Philosophies confuse you. All this time you've just liked making people happy.

You break off the hug but still stay touching him lightly.

"Y'know... the weird thing about handling all this is there's only so much to do. I've had a lot of time to think about stuff. I'm... not afraid of getting into something big. I've kind of already done some stupid shit to get here."

There's just been so many little thoughts swirling in your head. So many tiny little loops of what could or couldn't happen. You also still had that headache.

"The stars feel aligned. Stuff feels willing. I don't have any more logic, all I have is that I feel like this is an answer and I'm sure I want to offer it."

He... hasn't given you a no yet.

tenebrousalamort

He is... so close. And it's a good thing your head is so awhirl with distracting thoughts, or that might become a problem. He moves away after a moment, and that's better. You can relax a little, if only a little. You're not that desperate yet, but it's more than you dare risk. You'd never forgive yourself, for throwing one more unforgivable sin onto the pile.

For you, it's all happening so incredibly fast. You'd barely ever exchanged words with him before, it's been perigees since the last, and now... Now he wants to help you. Now he wants to upend your entire reality, and somehow make it better. Your dreams are never quite so unrealistic.

An answer to what, though? Would this somehow help him in achieving his own designs, too? You're here by Imperial mandate, even if the records have been scrubbed...

...and you deserve this. You know you do. The only reason you're still alive is that this is the only way you can atone for how many died by your hand and because of your choices-- because you're all that's left of their memory.

But you are so... so very sick of it here. The idea that you could just up and leave feels so impossible, and he's offering you just that.

Your eyes track across the room, and come to rest on Servitor in its tank. That snake really was your only friend here, and deserved far more than being touted around as the old greaseball's fucking accessory.

"... Do you have a sylladex?"

xxforsaken-angelxx

"I do."

It's a question that caught you off guard, making you tilt your head like a dog until you followed his tired eyes to the snake tank. Said snake was happily resting after it's big mousey meal, so now its just full adorable instead of gross and adorable.

"...Are you the one who's been takin' care of Servitor all this time? I'm pretty sure I could take that whole thing if you want to take them with you."

You pace over to the tank and gently rest your fingers on the built-in cabinet piece it was resting on, sizing it up.

"I always thought someone else deserved 'em anyways..."

tenebrousalamort

You nod, in a somewhat distracted way. You're...really considering this. Really thinking you might go through with it. And stealing Cronus's snake on top of it all? God, you can just imagine how it would stick in his craw, the insult added to injury...

"...then we should hurry. Before I think better of this..."

xxforsaken-angelxx

The tank pops out of the room and safely into your sylladex, leaving only the cabinet behind.

Then you turn around to face Mort again, and you're... grinning. Absolutely grinning. It's a smile that's completely oozing with 'I'll make sure you won't regret it!'

Then you tug on his sleeve, once, and start leading him to the transportalizer from whence you came.

"Follow me."

tenebrousalamort

There's things you'd be leaving behind... Clothing. Books. You have no idea if it would be an option at all for anyone to return for them, after this.

You don't... really care, though. It's all things he's so graciously given you. Nothing that can't be replaced. You have nothing left at all of your old life, nothing but memories, and those you would carry with you.

...what's left for you to do, but follow?

#ooc #logs.txt #animal death //#BUT NOT THE SNAKE

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