VOICE.

[barebacking]

An odd question, I am sure, but I wonder...

I thought of the ghosts and the waters, and the idea that death could be just around the corner. That is that those of us that are just about to slip into that darkness may one day wake up to be choking on our own blood.

Forgive me for such a ... unfortunate image, but my point is ... how many of you have someone who you are close to? How many can say that you have met someone who makes your life worth it all, even if death may be so close? Even if this may all just be a dream?

This need not be romantic, I suppose, but friendship as well.

After all, sometimes it is friendship that can save a life, too, right?

Comments

[barebacking]

I am most happy to hear that.

It seems as I asked an easy question... I suppose I worry sometimes that there are those that have not felt such things, as was the case in my world. But it seems it is not the case here. Is that not miraculous in and of itself?

[strategisch]

I think those that say they are truly alone are on an island they created for themselves. That it's something that they want.

Even if Eren and Mikasa were not there for me... [As much as he would do anything to prevent such a thing from happening.] I am a soldier that has dedicated his heart to humanity. Friends and comrades may die, but duty never fades. That is something to live for.

[barebacking]

Something that they want... that is quite sad.

[ He lifts his head up just a little. ] How fascinating. I am also a soldier. I am a lieutenant in my world, and also believe what you say in duty.

Oh, little knight, your words remind me of home, and I am thankful. And it seems that you will rise high both here and there.

[strategisch]

Being alone has it's advantages. You are beholden to no-one, responsible for nobody. Perhaps it's the only way to truly be free.

A lieutenant. [He almost salutes, but realizes that he can't be seen.] I am Armin Arlert, of the 104th Trainee's Squad, serving in the Scouting Legion. May I have your name? Although I am no knight... [Compliments make him a little shy, it's not often that he receives them.]

[barebacking]

Suppose that you are right, but what kind of freedom is that?

[ Trainee Squad? So -- his eyebrows come together a little confused. A scout? Hm. ] I am Yaha. And it is a pleasure to meet you, Armin. Although you are no knight, you are a soldier and so I still feel I should treat you as the knights were for I know no other way. I hope you will not mind too much.

[strategisch]

A hard-earned freedom.

[It's a job that's a lot harder than it sounds, trust me.] The pleasure is mine. Treat me however you will, if that is the case.

[barebacking]

I suppose that is fair.

You are most kind, and I shall treat you with respect... you need not worry about that.

[strategisch]

I'm glad, Lieutenant Yaha.

May I ask, normally, what troops do you order?

[barebacking]

Of course, you may.

I command those assigned to the district known as the District of Precious Light. We are all under the title of Knights of the Seal. I command ... those that many would call monsters, as well. But they are not. They merely wish to live in our world and their habitats, for lack of a better term, were being taken over by humanity.

Naturally, they lashed out, but I was able to convince them that time would be better spent working with us to better the world for everyone than watching us all die and leave nothing to no one.

[strategisch]

Humanity... Taking over monsters?

[The thought seems to take him by surprise.]

But you say that they're sentient, if you're able to reason with them.

[barebacking]

Yes, I was able to reason with them.

But that is only because I knew the language of monsters. [ His shoulders shrug and he wonders if it is felt in the pause before he speaks again. ] There are few that learned human speech, but some did not.

[strategisch]

...You call them monsters, but did they really pose a threat to humanity? From a distance, they simply sound different.

[barebacking]

I call them monsters because that is what humans call them. I am certain there are those that call me a monster because I also am not human.

And you are right, Armin. They are different. They only wanted their land to remain their own. Or at the very least, let them hunt in the same area. But people see them and attack... this happened enough years that when these creatures saw humans, they would attack first rather than be taken. And so they are thought of as the aggressors rather than what they are. Sad really...

[strategisch]

You aren't human?

[That question comes first, before anything else.]

[barebacking]

[ For a moment, just a moment, Yaha feels bad about twisting the truth of the situation that he has painted. To make himself sound more sympathetic.

But the moment passes easily enough. ]

No, I am not human. Does that frighten you?

[strategisch]

...It makes me curious. From first impressions you seem perfectly sensible and harmless. Your world's definition of a monster seems much different than mine own, so I'm not as ready to judge you.

What are you, if you aren't a human?

[barebacking]

Thank you kindly.

I am an elf. Do you have elves or know of that word in your world?

[strategisch]

No. I've never heard that word before.

[barebacking]

I see.

Well, what it is, what I am... I look for all intensive purposes as a human, but my ears are pointed. This may seem like such a little thing, but in my world, it was quite a large difference. Not to mention the abilities I have over humans... magic, for one. All creatures in my world can use magic, but elves were especially good at it.

[strategisch]

I don't know what "magic" is supposed to entail, but pointed ears? If that is all that's different about you, and you're somehow mistreated for it, someone is being ridiculous.

[barebacking]

I certainly thought so, too.

It's nice to know I was not wrong in my thoughts. How funny that must sound, a lieutenant talking on how they worry about something so ... trivial.

[strategisch]

Well, it must be something significant if it troubles you so much. Even if it doesn't make sense...

[There just aren't enough people left in the world for anyone to afford to be racist where he's from.]

[barebacking]

Your world sounds sweet if you do not understand.

[strategisch]

I wouldn't call it sweet. We have other troubles to contend with.

[barebacking]

Oh?

Do you wish to talk about them?