I'm glad that we're thinking of the same thing when it comes to this. He might have already given us an idea of what his magic is limited to but I'm still curious.
[ this poor plant doesn't deserve to be torn up like this but if there's anyone to be blamed for this then it'll be all on ish for it. aka cue sabo casually pulling and breaking some of the branches. ]
I was sort of worried about the kind of person you were given the last time we spoke. I'm used to dealing with all sort of characters but I would have imagined that you'd be a little less friendly.
[ is he being friendly now? who knows. sabo's snapping another branch easily with his hand. ]
[ ...or maybe not. Or maybe so. There is a reason indeed why the both of them in particular had gotten singled out above anyone else. Even he had not been deaf to that. So, whatever they are doing, it means that there is a chance for them to somehow be likeminded despite their personality difference. ]
...I'll have to disappoint at some point. I'm not good at being friendly.
[ His foreboding-sounding voice and normally crazy attitude are heralds to that. And yet... ]
But, I don't like him. And I don't like what he is doing. Originally, I even had no hope nothing can be done. I figured...we would all die here, even though I tried my best to kill him enough times I lost count. [ Also, he has fucked up thoughts about dying, because the immense depression is real... ] Then, he showed that he was not omnipotent. A weakness.
His magic may be weakening. This may help prove that too.
[ me writing this tag and being like "i miss wolfwood. wolfwood wasn't as cheerfully unhinged as sabo is." which goes to say that sabo will laugh at blade's response, particularly when he confesses to having tried to kill ish multiple times. this explains a few things (but what does it really mean when ish compares the two of them to one another??).
sabo continues to smile as he breezes right past blade's...blade...ness. ]
I'll think you'll be plenty friendly enough to me while we're here together, after all, you don't come across as the entirely unreasonable type.
People are rarely omnipotent. [ snap goes another branch. easily and cleanly. ] Everything comes to a head eventually, and when people who think that they're untouchable find out just how vulnerable they can be—
[ and here sabo breaks another, thicker, branch with his hand (singular) still with the pleasant expression on his face and sun shining bright above him. he reaches to grab yet another branch but doesn't snap this one. ...just yet. ]
There's something satisfying about watching them struggle to regain is to watch them fall from grace. Especially those who have used their belief of their omnipotence to harm or force others to do things against their will.
[ Maybe because Blade also surprisingly runs his mouth when he too is on spite, but he doesn't quite understand/know that aspect well enough...
Can't believe that their mutual trouble-making at the expense of authority figures Ish may in fact be something like a bridge. And, well, Blade is a part of a faction of his own - brought together for certain reasons. ]
Unfortunately for Ish...you're right.
[ Blade's lips twitch upwards into a twisted smile. He will watch as Sabo continues to snap each branch with ease. He moves to grab one branch with a gloved hand and exerts enough pressure to begin to fracture it - to break it just the same. His words have a dual-meaning - both that he can have 'reason' even if he is unreasonable. That there is something satisfying about those who believe they are untouchable fall from grace.
Blade has every intention of enjoying himself, should he reach that possibility. ]
There are many who are fond of coercion. Who believe that coward's path will make them as gods.
[ The Preceptors. And those who believe Yaoshi's blessing of immortality will afford them greatness, but not agony - he is no good-hearted man, but he has witnessed such things while strolling the Xianzhou. To say nothing of the borisin (he hates them instinctively, but doesn't know why.) ]
He is no different, believing we must adhere to that script. Where he is the one who is in control, and he drains every drop of blood from us until he reaches what he so desires. Death will come for us all, [ And he hopes for himself. ] but he is fool for believing it must be by his stage.
[ at the mention of "gods", sabo can't help but snap the branch he had been holding suddenly and with far more force than necessarily. his true extent of his strength absent has sabo chuckling. he has never been particularly fond of redirecting his anger towards anything unproductive (suppose shrubby destruction is slightly productive??) but he's been limited here.
even still, cowards masquerading around as "gods" where the extent of their power only came by their ability to coerce others was the reason that people like sabo existed. even if there were people who were too afraid to rise up despite reaching their breaking points, sabo would gladly stand up for them. ]
I see that you have personal experience with people posing as "gods" as well. Maybe that is why he called us out by name.
[ or all of this, lbr. before saying else, sabo forgoes the branches and instead grabs a fistful of the shrub with a firm grip. he keeps his eyes trained on the plant as he speaks. ]
What are your thoughts on his offer? I know you have no qualms of killing if deemed necessary, and just now, I trust that the very idea of killing for him would be unacceptable under most conditions.
[ and here comes sabo just ripping a chunk of the shrub out from the ground. ]
Despite that, could you be tempted?
why is he like this in surrounded sound...continued cw
[ Oh, well then. Is it a sore point that has been pressed upon? That has been exposed by saying such a word? Blade can hardly fault him for feeling disdain towards those like that - he has no better option in granting relief to any frustrations himself (except for going wild like a chimpanzee, but the time for that is thankfully not now. He will simply break off another branch and stomp it underneath one heel.) ]
The universe is vast. I have seen many try to wear a mask; as much as a Pretender as Ish is.
[ It's not a nickname out of fondness. "Pretender" is what he usually uses to call Ish. And he suspects maybe that also is part of that irritance now - along with the similarity Sabo has pointed out. Which, honestly, is somehow even more gratifying. ]
I barely need a reason to kill.
[ ..... ]
But, those who believe in this new lie will regret it. He's already added stipulations.
[ What will keep him from adding more? From suddenly saying 'it isn't guaranteed'? He called out this man's ass on literally day one, and he all but showed his duplicity in that very same moment. ]
If I kill, it won't be to follow his tune; to only reap rewards. Self-preservation has never been my goal.
[ The opposite, really. Not because he feels he is a saint, but his outlook on life is just bleak. Killing could bring him closer to it - and to brandishing a blade with far more interesting elements against their captor. ]
...it will be to turn it against the Pretender, in the end.
Pretender? [ he'll laugh a bit of a laugh at that. ] I think that's a much too flattering nickname to give the witch in question.
[ you would think that being corrected, slightly, about how little that blade would kill for would upset sabo but it doesn't when he continues speaking. sabo can read between the lines easily and it's not like they're not in the same mindset. it's just...unfortunately: ]
...though, even if people would never confess this publicly, there are bound to be a few who are willing to use that wish as justification. Or at least see if they can really have their wish granted.
[ but unless the wish is for something that they can tangible see and hold in their hands, who knows just how possible it is for him to really grant the wishes that people might think of? if people wish for something to happen back home, they just have to go on what his word. ]
And as much as I hate to believe him in his belief that we could not think of a loophole out of the limitations of the wish that he'd grant us, I don't have enough experience with this situation to make a better judgement on it.
[ sabo has experienced many things but this? he doesn't have anything to compare it to... at least, not with enough information. ]
...what sort of nickname would you give him? He likes the title Witch just fine.
[ Since it is essentially part of his true title, anyway. Blade has no interest in referring to him as that. Pretender is quite the preferable one...though if Sabo has something far worse, he would like to hear it. ]
...I'm sure you're correct. About the wishes.
[ That people will use it for their own reasons and whatnot. As Sabo keeps talking, about having little experience in such situations, Blade turns over the words in his head. Especially while his own is so clear to do so with ease.
Yet...
He is no fool. He can follow along just fine and offer his two cents. ]
...there are always loopholes.
He just thinks we're stupid enough to believe him.
[ ... ]
There are ways to figure out what you don't know. It depends on where you want to look, and the price that needs to be paid.
Either by watching who tries, or some other way.
[ But, also, Blade is not a spring for a wealth of ideas. Wherever this is going, he can hardly know. ]
I suppose if I were to give him a nickname... [ give him a moment to think about it. there aren't too many things that come up that seem appropriately derogatory enough for him.
rather, cleverly derogatory enough for him. there are the obvious out profane words but sabo is better than that (unfortunately). so, ultimately: ] I probably wouldn't. Nicknames are for people you're fond of, and I'm not fond of him at all.
[ he says with a smile. ...that is short-lived as he sobers up to think about their situation regarding what they can and cannot do. the time that they've been given verses the opportunities... ]
The problem with trying to fine the right loophole is that they require some kind of testing. Just something small—a confirmation that our logic would be sound before we carry it out in a larger scale.
[ sabo's duality of being fine to jump right into the deep end verses his pragmatism to know that he should at least be aware of what kind of things await for him at the bottom. the main thing, however, is simply that they do not hesitate with whatever it is. ]
Except our situation doesn't really allow us that luxury. Whatever we end up doing, we must do it without hesitation and without fear of the results.
If we had time then I'd be properly obnoxious. [ sabo laughs, inappropriately or not. ] He keeps claiming that there are no loopholes, but if there was a way to truly test all of them, then I would definitely go about doing that.
It's impossible for anyone to plan for everything. There's always something that gets overlooked or something that hasn't been thought of before.
[ is he serious about this or just being hyperbolic? the correct answer is that he's serious. 900% serious. there are ways to get all sorts of things done and to annoy someone while getting to the meat of things. though sabo stops his chuckling to give blade a better look and judges where this may or may not go. ]
...nothing is out of consideration? [ this gets his attention. ] Even if that plan might be considered nothing short of insane?
[ oh how unfortunate that these two are going to vibe about this. if it's crazy and no sane person would do it, then it must mean that it's worthwhile, no? ]
How lucky for the two of us that the only things that matter to me here are "serious" in nature. [ "serious" and a bit on the "crazy" side of things. sabo is smiling to himself as he speaks to these things, not exactly detached from it all but more of something that deserves to be protected. ] As much as I love the kissing booths and playing with animals... There's that witch to deal with.
If you're serious about this then I'm going to hold you to that word. [ ... ] I've been thinking about something but I need more time with it before acting on it.
[ time sure did tell how things were going to go down between the two of them and the insane plan that sabo undoubtedly will come up with. clearly these two got along on a level that was worth being afraid about...
closes my eyes. sabo, though, will chuckle at blade stating the very obvious of not being good at parties. the idea of blade partying it up is hilarious and so out there. ]
I'll only talk about it when I'm ready to do it. Our situation only affords us so much time and my idea would allow for even less.
[ Time really did show how it did. Blade and Sabo managing to vibe means that it caused quite a bit of trouble for a multitude of people; and it's a shame that isn't even a joke in the slightest.
Also if Blade is partying up, then the world is ending. ]
I'm sure it does.
...And like I said, I'll be waiting.
[ Then, Blade goes to make a movement to exit the gardens. ]
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no subject
[ this poor plant doesn't deserve to be torn up like this but if there's anyone to be blamed for this then it'll be all on ish for it. aka cue sabo casually pulling and breaking some of the branches. ]
I was sort of worried about the kind of person you were given the last time we spoke. I'm used to dealing with all sort of characters but I would have imagined that you'd be a little less friendly.
[ is he being friendly now? who knows. sabo's snapping another branch easily with his hand. ]
no subject
[ ...or maybe not. Or maybe so. There is a reason indeed why the both of them in particular had gotten singled out above anyone else. Even he had not been deaf to that. So, whatever they are doing, it means that there is a chance for them to somehow be likeminded despite their personality difference. ]
...I'll have to disappoint at some point. I'm not good at being friendly.
[ His foreboding-sounding voice and normally crazy attitude are heralds to that. And yet... ]
But, I don't like him. And I don't like what he is doing. Originally, I even had no hope nothing can be done. I figured...we would all die here, even though I tried my best to kill him enough times I lost count. [ Also, he has fucked up thoughts about dying, because the immense depression is real... ] Then, he showed that he was not omnipotent. A weakness.
His magic may be weakening. This may help prove that too.
no subject
sabo continues to smile as he breezes right past blade's...blade...ness. ]
I'll think you'll be plenty friendly enough to me while we're here together, after all, you don't come across as the entirely unreasonable type.
People are rarely omnipotent. [ snap goes another branch. easily and cleanly. ] Everything comes to a head eventually, and when people who think that they're untouchable find out just how vulnerable they can be—
[ and here sabo breaks another, thicker, branch with his hand (singular) still with the pleasant expression on his face and sun shining bright above him. he reaches to grab yet another branch but doesn't snap this one. ...just yet. ]
There's something satisfying about watching them struggle to regain is to watch them fall from grace. Especially those who have used their belief of their omnipotence to harm or force others to do things against their will.
cw: suicidal ideation because blade
Can't believe that their mutual trouble-making at the expense of
authority figuresIsh may in fact be something like a bridge. And, well, Blade is a part of a faction of his own - brought together for certain reasons. ]Unfortunately for Ish...you're right.
[ Blade's lips twitch upwards into a twisted smile. He will watch as Sabo continues to snap each branch with ease. He moves to grab one branch with a gloved hand and exerts enough pressure to begin to fracture it - to break it just the same. His words have a dual-meaning - both that he can have 'reason' even if he is unreasonable. That there is something satisfying about those who believe they are untouchable fall from grace.
Blade has every intention of enjoying himself, should he reach that possibility. ]
There are many who are fond of coercion. Who believe that coward's path will make them as gods.
[ The Preceptors. And those who believe Yaoshi's blessing of immortality will afford them greatness, but not agony - he is no good-hearted man, but he has witnessed such things while strolling the Xianzhou. To say nothing of the borisin (he hates them instinctively, but doesn't know why.) ]
He is no different, believing we must adhere to that script. Where he is the one who is in control, and he drains every drop of blood from us until he reaches what he so desires. Death will come for us all, [ And he hopes for himself. ] but he is fool for believing it must be by his stage.
pls blade...
even still, cowards masquerading around as "gods" where the extent of their power only came by their ability to coerce others was the reason that people like sabo existed. even if there were people who were too afraid to rise up despite reaching their breaking points, sabo would gladly stand up for them. ]
I see that you have personal experience with people posing as "gods" as well. Maybe that is why he called us out by name.
[ or all of this, lbr. before saying else, sabo forgoes the branches and instead grabs a fistful of the shrub with a firm grip. he keeps his eyes trained on the plant as he speaks. ]
What are your thoughts on his offer? I know you have no qualms of killing if deemed necessary, and just now, I trust that the very idea of killing for him would be unacceptable under most conditions.
[ and here comes sabo just ripping a chunk of the shrub out from the ground. ]
Despite that, could you be tempted?
why is he like this in surrounded sound...continued cw
The universe is vast. I have seen many try to wear a mask; as much as a Pretender as Ish is.
[ It's not a nickname out of fondness. "Pretender" is what he usually uses to call Ish. And he suspects maybe that also is part of that irritance now - along with the similarity Sabo has pointed out. Which, honestly, is somehow even more gratifying. ]
I barely need a reason to kill.
[ ..... ]
But, those who believe in this new lie will regret it. He's already added stipulations.
[ What will keep him from adding more? From suddenly saying 'it isn't guaranteed'? He called out this man's ass on literally day one, and he all but showed his duplicity in that very same moment. ]
If I kill, it won't be to follow his tune; to only reap rewards. Self-preservation has never been my goal.
[ The opposite, really. Not because he feels he is a saint, but his outlook on life is just bleak. Killing could bring him closer to it - and to brandishing a blade with far more interesting elements against their captor. ]
...it will be to turn it against the Pretender, in the end.
hands him a coupon for free therapy and ice cream
[ you would think that being corrected, slightly, about how little that blade would kill for would upset sabo but it doesn't when he continues speaking. sabo can read between the lines easily and it's not like they're not in the same mindset. it's just...unfortunately: ]
...though, even if people would never confess this publicly, there are bound to be a few who are willing to use that wish as justification. Or at least see if they can really have their wish granted.
[ but unless the wish is for something that they can tangible see and hold in their hands, who knows just how possible it is for him to really grant the wishes that people might think of? if people wish for something to happen back home, they just have to go on what his word. ]
And as much as I hate to believe him in his belief that we could not think of a loophole out of the limitations of the wish that he'd grant us, I don't have enough experience with this situation to make a better judgement on it.
[ sabo has experienced many things but this? he doesn't have anything to compare it to... at least, not with enough information. ]
he'd just stare at it...
[ Since it is essentially part of his true title, anyway. Blade has no interest in referring to him as that. Pretender is quite the preferable one...though if Sabo has something far worse, he would like to hear it. ]
...I'm sure you're correct. About the wishes.
[ That people will use it for their own reasons and whatnot. As Sabo keeps talking, about having little experience in such situations, Blade turns over the words in his head. Especially while his own is so clear to do so with ease.
Yet...
He is no fool. He can follow along just fine and offer his two cents. ]
...there are always loopholes.
He just thinks we're stupid enough to believe him.
[ ... ]
There are ways to figure out what you don't know. It depends on where you want to look, and the price that needs to be paid.
Either by watching who tries, or some other way.
[ But, also, Blade is not a spring for a wealth of ideas. Wherever this is going, he can hardly know. ]
i'm in tears
rather, cleverly derogatory enough for him. there are the obvious out profane words but sabo is better than that (unfortunately). so, ultimately: ] I probably wouldn't. Nicknames are for people you're fond of, and I'm not fond of him at all.
[ he says with a smile. ...that is short-lived as he sobers up to think about their situation regarding what they can and cannot do. the time that they've been given verses the opportunities... ]
The problem with trying to fine the right loophole is that they require some kind of testing. Just something small—a confirmation that our logic would be sound before we carry it out in a larger scale.
[ sabo's duality of being fine to jump right into the deep end verses his pragmatism to know that he should at least be aware of what kind of things await for him at the bottom. the main thing, however, is simply that they do not hesitate with whatever it is. ]
Except our situation doesn't really allow us that luxury. Whatever we end up doing, we must do it without hesitation and without fear of the results.
wheezes
Especially since he's essentially the type of individual to never let go of a grudge easily once it sets in. ]
...Would never say I'm fond of him.
[ Blade doesn't think they have much time given to them - with their memories having been erased of previous incidents, that hurts them even moreso. ]
If we had times, we could plan a detailed test; something destructive or something that requires a method that would be not be detected easily.
[ So a public vs a private method. Obvious vs covert.
Though, now they have to rush a bit - settle for something in between without being able to work out the kinks. ]
Whatever we come up with, I'll be willing to try. Nothing is out of consideration. We can't afford to be too choosy.
no subject
It's impossible for anyone to plan for everything. There's always something that gets overlooked or something that hasn't been thought of before.
[ is he serious about this or just being hyperbolic? the correct answer is that he's serious. 900% serious. there are ways to get all sorts of things done and to annoy someone while getting to the meat of things. though sabo stops his chuckling to give blade a better look and judges where this may or may not go. ]
...nothing is out of consideration? [ this gets his attention. ] Even if that plan might be considered nothing short of insane?
[ THESE ARE DANGEROUS WORDS BLADE. ]
no subject
[ Anyway, Blade is certain that he is serious so he nods in agreement; it sounds like common sense to him, either way.
So why would it necessarily be wrong? ]
...I'm not exactly the type to shy away from 'insanity'.
Though, anything that isn't serious is not to my interest.
I won't hold back, otherwise.
[ So, yeah. ]
no subject
How lucky for the two of us that the only things that matter to me here are "serious" in nature. [ "serious" and a bit on the "crazy" side of things. sabo is smiling to himself as he speaks to these things, not exactly detached from it all but more of something that deserves to be protected. ] As much as I love the kissing booths and playing with animals... There's that witch to deal with.
If you're serious about this then I'm going to hold you to that word. [ ... ] I've been thinking about something but I need more time with it before acting on it.
no subject
But in other ways, it makes it...well, who knows? Only time will tell (and we know how that would go as well.) ]
...yes, he is an element that needs to be taken care of. As soon as possible.
I am no good with parties in general.
[ Which is probably unsurprising, really. ]
...when that time comes, I'll be ready to discuss it. Though, I trust you won't take too long to act on it.
no subject
closes my eyes. sabo, though, will chuckle at blade stating the very obvious of not being good at parties. the idea of blade partying it up is hilarious and so out there. ]
I'll only talk about it when I'm ready to do it. Our situation only affords us so much time and my idea would allow for even less.
[ looks from the future. ]
no subject
Also if Blade is partying up, then the world is ending. ]
I'm sure it does.
...And like I said, I'll be waiting.
[ Then, Blade goes to make a movement to exit the gardens. ]
We'll speak again, Sabo.