From Sea to Sky

by Numbers-75

A cry for help echoes out across the empty fading skies as a wish for one more try bubbles up from the depths. A megacity on the edge of collapse is in need of help, and finds someone who wishes to finally prove themselves useful. Someone willing to stand next to them and with the determination to see their duty through, no matter the cost. Because this time, they will matter.

28. Ch 26 - Volume 1 Interlude 1

FFN AN: Hi there, Numbers-75 again. This chapter used a lot of fun and experimental formatting. FFN proceeded to eat all of it. I've made some edits to retain clarity, but it is a bit annoying. For the full formatting, SpaceBattles and Sufficient Velocity should have it.

dWritingBucket You'll find that she knows both a lot and surprisingly little.
Anchovyisbest The least spoiler way I could put it is to consider who exactly an inverted Nelson is.

---

Interlude 1, FAMILIAR/FOREIGNER

Rin Interlude 2 - Late Working Nights

Rin sighed as she finished off the last report for the day. She glanced at the clock on her computer and suppressed a groan of exhaustion when she saw the time.

Another late night.

She spun around in her chair to look out the windows at the rest of D.U beneath the General Student Council's building. It was peaceful. The sight of students and Adults walking about to attend to their day-to-day business. This was what it was for. This peaceful school and daily life of all the students and Adults of Kivotos. Sure, there might still be crimes, but an uprising like before would never happen again.

Rin would make sure of it. She couldn't have the President return to find the city in disarray. She'd never hear the end of it.

She just wished that her friend left more instructions, tips, and guidance on how to keep the city running. She still had no idea how the President could keep everything running, fight off outside influence, and carry on with projects like the Eden Treaty at the same time. She was barely able to manage the first two.

She just wished her friend was here.

A quiet *ding* from her computer broke her late-night reverie. She sighed and spun back around to face reality.

"An email from Nelson-Sensei?" Rin muttered quietly as she read the title, 'Thank You and Advisory'? That was an odd pair to put together.

It seemed she wasn't the only one with a late night. The dot next to the Adult's profile was still green.

Now that she thought of it, Rin had never actually met the Adult during the day after their first meeting. Nelson seemed to only stop by or reach out at the hectic late hours the two of them shared.

Still, if the responsibly irresponsible Teacher sent an email with the word 'advisory' on it, then it must be important.

Dear Acting President Nanagami,

I hope this message finds you well. Thank you for your assistance with the Abydos situation the other day. I have been able to resolve it in our favour and concluded it decisively. I apologize for the increase in paperwork and the additional politicking that my actions in this operation have likely caused you. I trust you were able to handle it, but I regret having added to your already strenuous workload.

Rin glanced down at the rest of the inbox, messenger applications, and stacks of paperwork surrounding her. An increase was putting it lightly. Nelson had effectively sidestepped the closure of the SRT Special Academy. Even if it was temporary, the extrajudicial law enforcement force she created had outraged some of the heads of Valkyrie. Meanwhile, Aoi and the Finance Office had questions on how Schale was financing the operation.

It was touch and go. Valkyrie was at least appeased with a promise to approve several budget requests for several projects and resources they had on the books. The Finance Office was much more of a headache to deal with but, fortunately, she didn't have to deal with it. Nelson's budget reports and books were watertight, and faithfully reported. She wasn't quite sure how the Adult was constantly finding novel ways to finance Schale, but it kept Aoi from having grounds to do anything.

Although my work here in Abydos has been completed, I have encountered several points of concern. First of which is how the situation in Abydos even came about in the first place.

Why the desertification of Abydos began is a mystery that I will not delve into here. What I will state, however, is that Abydos should not have had to bear the cost of recovery alone. The fact there was no recourse or emergency funding available is a concerning lack of foresight. The fact that Abydos accrued such a large debt to Kaiser without anyone in the General Student Council noticing is damning. Worse yet, if notice was made and nobody had cared to intervene.

Rin paused her reading to rub the bridge of her nose in exhaustion. She knew Nelson would raise this point. Abydos did have GSC support at first, according to her records. Relief funds for the early years.

But she couldn't exactly deny that the Council simply stopped caring to approve the emergency budgets that funded it, and then stopped caring to look into what was happening once the decline began. Things like the constant low-intensity conflict between Trinity and Gehenna took up much more resources and attention.

Still, Nelson could have put it a bit less directly.

Please understand that I do not mean this to be an attack against you, Nanagami, or your iteration of the Council. It seemed that the Teacher had predicted Rin's reaction entirely. However, I am concerned about what else your predecessors failed to see. What other actions or plans are running behind the scenes to which you are blind? Not by choice, but merely by institutional momentum? What else has been missed, predicated on the belief that the plans of Adults will long outlast the whims of the Student Councils?

That stung to think about. And on some level, Rin knew that Nelson's fears had grounds. The Abydos situation relied exactly on the patience and memory of Adults being able to far outlast what any student could hope for. The operational plans for corporations like Kaiser could easily account for something like 'we'll wait for a troublesome opposing student to graduate'.

This brings me to my second concern. I understand that the search for the President is your current top priority. She holds a lot of institutional knowledge and authority that is currently unavailable. She is a lynchpin in several plans and operations both within and without Kivotos. She is your friend. I understand these dearly.

I ask you to keep that knowledge in mind when I state that I fear you are spending too much effort and resources on locating her. The General Student Council seems to become a more and more distant figure from an on-the-ground perspective. One that is known for how they do nothing instead of the main governing body of Kivotos. I have seen the collapse and death of empires and nations. The loss of respect and control in peripheral regions such as Abydos has been the first sign of such imminent problems. Even if it is hard, even if it is difficult, I recommend that you reassign resources used in the search to strengthen the Council's presence throughout Kivotos.

I apologize for any distress this message may have caused. I hope you consider my warnings.

Yours Aye, Nelson:a, Formerly of His Majesty's Royal Navy, Current Adviser to Federal Investigation Club Schale, Teacher of Kivotos.

Rin leaned back in her chair, staring at the ceiling as she tried to control her thoughts and emotions. Her initial reaction was to be upset. Nelson knew full well what the President meant to the Council, who the President was to her. To suggest that she reduce her efforts at locating the President was an affront to her sensibilities.

But Nelson also knew who the President was to her. Schale's entire mission was to be an autonomous organization. One that could raise concerns like this without fear of reprisal or political blowback. She was also willing to guess that the Adult knew how hard it was to make a call to reduce search operations. What it needed you to admit.

Rin didn't know if she was ready to change the course of operation yet. She knew the President was still out there, somewhere. She had to believe it.

But maybe she could ask Valkyrie to do some more prominent patrol work in the shared districts and borders. If they're so upset by how much Schale was doing, then maybe they could volunteer some forces.

Rin was about to send a reply to Nelson when she noticed the scroll bar went a bit further. She dragged the window to the bottom, and read the last line.

P.S. I know you are reading this as soon as it arrives. You should rest, Nanagami. I am not so demanding that I would wish for an immediate response. You can tell me your thoughts in the morning.

Rin glanced at Nelson's contact on the system, where the dot remained a bright green. It was a familiar nostalgic feeling to have a hypocrite of the highest order fuss about her. It wasn't quite the same feeling, but it was close enough. Close enough that she couldn't help the feeling of exasperation that seeped in.

Still, being a hypocrite didn't mean the Adult was wrong. She could send the answer in the morning. She just wished that Nelson could follow her own advice.

---

Lime Interlude

Welcome to Lime Messages!

You are viewing your conversation with ([DELETED ACCOUNT])

Hi there! (Read)

Hello? (Sent)

Oh good, it worked!
Sorry to bother you but this is important! (Read)

I'm sorry, do I know you? (Sent)

Kiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiind of? I'm a part of Schale too!
But I just can't say who I am. (Read)

Look, this is suspicious.
I don't know who you are, but this type of thing isn't funny. (Sent)

Wait! I really do have something important to tell you!
It's about Nelson-Sensei! (Read)

What? (Sent)

Something's wrong with her!
You have to have noticed it too, right!? (Read)

Maybe.
But how do you know? (Sent)

I'm pretty close with Sensei! (Read)

Then how come I've never met you? (Sent)

It's a little complicated, but you probably have!
I'm just hard to spot. (Read)

…
You're acting very suspicious.
I should report you to Sensei and Lime. (Sent)

Hawaa! I just want you to look into what's wrong with her!
Something strange has been happening since Abydos and I'm worried. (Read)

…
Maybe you do know something.
Sensei has been hiding something since she came back.
But how do I know I can trust you? (Sent)

I have some proof and evidence! (Read)

That's good.
Can you send it to me? (Sent)

Um, I can't… send it.
Not because I don't want to!
It's hard to explain, but the files won't transfer. (Read)

Don't tell me you want to meet somewhere. (Sent)

Don't worry!
Even I know that's really suspicious!
I just need you to access Sensei's tablet! (Read)

Sensei's tablet? (Sent)

The one she carries in her backpack!
It should be pretty easy for you to get to.
You're one of the few people with total access to all of Schale's facilities, including Sensei's Room! (Read)

How do you know that? (Sent)

I already told you!
I'm a part of Schale too! (Read)

… (Sent)

I'm telling the truth here!
I can prove it to you once you get to the tablet.
You just need to download this onto your phone!

[DELETED ACCOUNT] has attached a file (NEW USER BOOTUP)
Download file?
Warning, the file is already downloaded. Replace?
Download cancelled.

Then once you've got the tablet, put your phone and your Schale keycard on top of the tablet and the program will take care of the rest! (Read)

Are you asking me to hack Sensei's tablet? (Sent)

… It's not hacking…
You're the only one I can trust to do this!
I think you're the only one close enough to Sensei who also has the right credentials. (Read)

You're asking me to go behind her back!
I don't even know you, and you don't even have any convincing evidence. (Sent)

…
OK.
If you really want, I can try to send one of the things I have for evidence.
But don't say I didn't warn you!

[DELETED ACCOUNT] has attached a file [DELETED FILE]

There, believe me? (Read)

What was that?!
It almost blew out my headphones! (Sent)

I know, right!
I tried sending it to an off-site server and it doesn't upload correctly when I send it.
That's why I need you to access the tablet!
That way, I can show you directly. (Read)

What do you mean show me directly? (Sent)

Trust me, it'll make sense once you get to the tablet! (Read)

…
You honestly don't mean to hurt Sensei? (Sent)

Nope!
I just want to try to help her.
But I need someone on the outside to help! (Read)

Outside? (Sent)

It'll make sense! (Read)

…
This is a bad idea.
How do I know I can trust you? (Sent)

I can prove I'm close to Sensei.
She recently bought you a concert ticket as a gift!
It's for that Virtual Idol's first physical live. (Read)

How do you even know that?! (Sent)

I helped her pick it! (Read)

…
OK, I believe you.
I was wondering how Nelson-Sensei even knew about that concert.
I'll help you.
But if I think you're up to something, I'm going to tell Nelson-Sensei. (Sent)

I promise I only want to help!
She should be in the office tomorrow.
You just need to have access to the tablet for a few minutes! (Read)

---

Outsiders Interlude

"He's late," the (Idolator) stated, one hand tapping her fan against the other, the noise echoing like a metronome in the space between waking and sleeping.

The (Author) laughed, the hearty noise echoing in the void space. "Give him some time! Black Suit may have failed to complete his story in Abydos, but he has uncovered a richer subplot. He has finally discovered the element we have chased for so long."

"But of course!" Shouted the shadow of the (Author), the suited body carrying the framed head bouncing mildly on its heels.

"I can hardly believe it," the (Painter) muttered reverently, the wooden clattering of his joints accentuating his breathy tone, "He is blessed to have witnessed true anger. Not the castoff impressions of anger, but anger in its purest state. I already have so many ideas from having just glimpsed the shadow of its passing."

The (Idolator) groaned in frustration, casting her myriad glances aside, "Inspiration is meaningless, Maestro. Are you not at all concerned about this 'Sensei' who carries pure anger in them?"

The (Painter) tilted his heads in confusion, the unchanging expression failing to capture the annoyance in his tone, "What is there to be concerned about? My work is artistry and the replication of that which is the origin of all. I do not fear drawing her hostility, for there is nothing for us to come to disagreement over."

"Spare me your preaching," the (Idolator) snapped, "We should start planning for what to do if she interferes again."

"As expected, you simply do not understand the art of watching from afar. It is a practice of subtlety and control. You would benefit from trying it."

The (Idolator) hissed, snapping her fan shut as she took a step forward, "Is there something you want to say?"

The (Painter) chuckled, his unmoving faces revealing nothing. "Only as much as you can understand, Beatrice."

Before either of them could exchange further words, the suited body of the (Author) slid between them. "Now there! There is no need for such hostile language! This plot is unnecessary for now!"

"But of course!"

The (Idolator) and the (Painter) stared at each other for a moment, carved eyeless faces matching gaze with countless eyes, waiting for the other to react.

"My, I'm terribly sorry for being so late," A voice echoed forth as a fourth figure entered the space, "The research on the samples has proven to be… fascinating."

The (Idolator) huffed and stepped back, fan snapping open to cover her face. "I see you are never short on excuses, Black Suit. I believe you have information to share."

The (Lawyer) laughed cheerfully, the cracks on his face widening. "That I have. Although it would be better if we had Nelson-Sensei herself, the fragments left from her have proven equally fascinating."

"Yes!" The (Painter) said, stepping closer to the (Lawyer), "Please, what of it?!"

"I finished analyzing some samples of the ice left behind. It's a most particular product. It remains at a constant negative 2 degrees Celsius despite our best attempts to melt it. Despite this, it behaves and appears to be simple ice. The implications of such a material are revolutionary to our understanding of this world!" The (Lawyer) explained, his smile never fading.

Only for it to droop a bit as the (Idolator) snapped her fan open, "I don't care for your science experiment, Black Suit. Enough with the mundanity, you know well what we're here for."

"Oho!" The (Author) called out, his suited body chortling, "Don't be in such a rush! After All, one cannot expect the punchline without the se-"

"Stop your inane prattling Golconde, I'm in no mood for this. I have things to attend to."

The (Author) stepped back, torso bowing slightly. "Very well, if you wish to skip to the reveal then I suppose we should ask! After all, you were late to this meeting, Black Suit."

"But of course!"

If there was any offense or anger, the (Lawyer) did not show it. He simply smiled and nodded before speaking, "Well, if you're in such a rush, then perhaps I can just move to the part that concerns us all." He paused, leaning in, "The ice contains within it fragments of thaumaturgical energy. One that is almost analogous to Terror."

"Impossible." "What a twist!" "But of course!" "How magnificent." The (Idolator), (Author), the (Author)'s shadow, and (Painter) exclaimed.

"Yes," the (Lawyer) agreed with a nod, "Even more, this energy is reactive to external stimuli. Exposure to heat over 100 degrees will cause the ice to increase the output of this energy."

"And what is this energy?" The (Idolator) asked, snapping her fan shut again.

The (Lawyer) shrugged sheepishly. "Unfortunately, my equipment is not designed to investigate such ill-defined materials. It is some sort of latent emotional energy."

The (Painter) stepped forward, clapping his hands together. His voice was calm, even as his form shook lightly. "Black Suit, I must examine this sample post-haste. I already have so many ideas about what it could possibly be."

"Getting ahead of us already?" The (Author) jibed, before chuckling, "I do admit though, this would be in line with your capability!"

"But of course!"

"Once you've determined what it is, we can best decide how to utilize it." The (Idolator) agreed.

The (Lawyer) nodded in agreement. "It seems we've determined our next course of action then! Maestro, I'll see to it a sample of ice is delivered to you. I expect to hear about your results at the next meeting."

"Yes, I'm already inspired by what I hear. I already know of a place to begin my first sketches." The (Painter) muttered as he stepped away, vanishing from the void. The (Author) followed momentarily, leaving just the (Idolator) and (Lawyer). The two stared at each other, neither moving to leave.

Finally, the (Idolator) spoke, "That was a dangerous game you played in Abydos. You exposed us, our goals, and some of our research to an outsider. An outsider who, at best, has not joined us and, at worst, is actively our enemy."

"I fail to see an issue with it," The (Lawyer) answered with a laugh, the joyless noise rumbling in the void, "I've successfully engaged Nelson-Sensei in dialogue and she's now aware of the benefits we offer. The opportunities we provide. The power we have. Allies are hard to come by in this wishy-washy land, Beatrice. Especially one who possesses innate Terror. We should not write her off as a foe so early."

The (Idolator) laughed, the mocking lilt echoing around them. "Believe what you may, Black Suit. I will continue my preparations for when she inevitably turns her attention towards us. She will be useful to our goals, one way or the other."

---

SakuranBoard Interlude

Welcome to SakuranBoard, MadFox4-3!

You Are Viewing:
Board: (The Real World) (News & Society Discussion) (General)
Thread: The New Federal Investigation Club Schale!

KPB Official (Kronos School of Journalism-Kronos Press Bureau) [Pinned]
Breaking news! The General Student Council's Vice President, Rin Nanagami revealed a new Federal club during an emergency question session today. She introduced us to the new Adult who will be the Advisor, and Teacher to Kivotos: Nelson-Sensei! The formation of this club was one of the final acts by the President before the recent turmoil. Please click the link for our exclusive video… (See More)
2347 Likes

Page [1]…[94][95][96][97][98]…[145]

Beautiful Elegant Genius (Millenium Science School-Veritas)
You couldn't hope to understand. Schale's network is extremely robust. Only someone as skilled and talented as I could hope to even get her foot in the front door. A two-bit hacker claiming to have insider info is laughable.
663 Likes

SwimsuitsAreBetter (Odyssey Maritime School-Deckhand Studies)
Look, I don't know why people still say Sensei has to be from Odyssey. Newsflash! There are people outside of Kivotos! And some of them, you know, own boats?
309 Likes

SpeedSpeedSpeed (Apollo Automotive Academy-Unlimited CC Club)
Yeah but the rumors are that she's from a navy. Odyssey has one of the last navies. Unless you're telling me that the Opochtli Naval Institute reopened, you have to at least know of her.
478 Likes

DonutCop (Valkyrie Police Academy-Community Safety Bureau)
{Quote MadFox4-3}
Yeah, yeah, we know how cool Sensei is. You don't need to remind us every page. We get it, you're her Number 1 Simp. Can you come up with some new material now?
844 Likes

RealGourmand (Gehenna Academy-Gourmet Research Society)
Guys? I saw a bunch of Prefect Team members heading out to the highway this morning on my way to work. How much do you want to bet Schale's up to something again?
788 Likes

KVPD_PR_Official (Valkyrie Police Academy-Community Safety Bureau)
{Quote MadFox4-3}
We're pretty sure we know who you are. It's only a matter of time before we catch you, so stop posting and turn yourself in already! {Quote DonutCop}
Are you slacking again? You still have reports to fill out!
615 Likes

Madfox4-3 (Unregistered)
KVPD_PR_Official
You can't prove anything. DonutCop
How dare you. You are simply an uncultured swine. You don't have the sense of taste to understand the sublimity of Nelson-Sensei's skill at leadership, her elegant talent with a blade, her effortless perfect beauty… (See More)
1 Like

Cats Paw (Trinity General School-After-School Sweets Club)
I heard some people spotted Trinity transport trucks leaving yesterday. I think we might be getting a news report soon.
379 Likes

TheGreen10 (Unregistered) [Schale Insider] ) ･)

|)

|ω･｀)
|･ω･｀)
1695 Likes

Caffeinated Code (Millenium Science School-Veritas)
*School forces moving out suddenly*
*People speculating about Schale activity*
*TheGreen10 posting vague reaction emoji*
Somebody get me a Frenzy MAX and a Popcorn. This is gonna be hillarious.
599 Likes

Justice For All (Trinity General School-Justice Task Force)
That's not good.
981 Likes

EyeSpy (Red Winter General Academy-Class No. 227)
It's a TG10 vaguepost! Run, criminals, run! Before Nelson-Sensei finds you!
122 Likes

HelmetsAreCool (Dropout-Helmet Gang)
Oh god, it's true. I can't deal with this shit for a third time.
490 Likes

KPB Official (Kronos School of Journalism-Kronos Press Bureau) [Original Poster]
Breaking News! We just received a press release from Schale's Public Outreach Office! Schale has launched a new cross-district training exercise set to begin in Abydos as of 30 minutes ago. Several major schools including Gehenna, Millenium, and Trinity have all joined together in a rare show of solidarity. Schale hopes that this will help boost Abydos's failing economy and revitalize the district. Please click the link for our exclusive video… (See More)
1312 Likes

StreamerRating (Wildhunt Arts Academy-Online Media Studies)
{Quote BooksAreMyFriends}
Now that you mention it, the Schale Vtuber does talk like how the Schale newsletters are written. I wonder if they're the same person...
699 Likes

Page [1]…[94][95][96][97][98]…[145]

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Page [1]…[143][144][145][146][147]

DonutCop (Valkyrie Police Academy-Community Safety Bureau)
Will you please stop simping for Nelson-Sensei for one page? Especially the cringe poetry. This is the news board, not the creative writing board!
450 Likes

Madfox4-3 (Unregistered)
DonutCop
You're a cop, point me to where in the rules it says fanwork is banned in this thread. Someone with your immature heart could never understand the pure true maiden's love I have for Nelson-Sensei... (See More)
1 Like

Abydos Official (Abydos High School)
Once again, we would like to extend our thanks to Schale for helping us uncover this corruption scandal and illegal occupation of school property! We would also like to thank all the schools who answered Nelson-Sensei's call for aid and provided assistance. We look forward to welcoming anyone interested in moving or transferring to Abydos!
331 Likes

Caffeinated Code (Millenium Science School-Veritas)
Once again, TheGreen10 emoji vagueposting foreshadows a Schale operation. But I don't think anyone expected something as big as this.
725 Likes

I Never Lose (Millenium Science School-Game Development Department)
Bad guys should look out when she starts posting suddenly! They might have a Sensei-shaped problem in the future…
526 Likes

TheGreen10 (Unregistered) [Schale Insider]
(･ω･)b
1812 Likes

KVPD_HQ_Official (Valkyrie Police Academy-Public Peace Bureau)
While Schale's work is undoubtedly important, we would like to remind everyone that police work should be normally undertaken by Valkyrie. The need for a rapid and quiet response necessitated Schale's unique approach in this instance.
51 Likes

XxCriminalBossLadyxX (Gehenna Academy-Problem Solver 68)
Oh? That's quite a big claim for a force that can't even stop regular criminals. Never mind an elite force like us or corrupt Adults.
591 Likes

Beautiful Elegant Genius (Millenium Science School-Veritas)
They certainly don't have a chance of protecting their servers and information from someone as talented as I. Or anyone else.
289 Likes

Madfox4-3 (Unregistered)
KVPD_HQ_Official
I can't believe you would dare to denigrate the hard work and effort that Nelson-Sensei put into cleaning up such dreadful rabble like Kaiser Loans. You should be ashamed of yourselves for besmirching her good name when you can barely even keep your prison doors shut without the help of … (See More)
1 Like

HelmetsAreCool (Dropout-Helmet Gang)
I mean… It's kinda hard to take you guys seriously when regular street gangbangers overrun KVPD outposts all the time.
241 Likes

DonutCop (Valkyrie Police Academy-Community Safety Bureau)
Yeah, it's kinda cringe when the cops try to pretend that they're doing something when they aren't.
487 Likes

KVPD_PR_Official (Valkyrie Police Academy-Community Safety Bureau)
{Quote DonutCop}
You're a cop too! Stop agreeing with them!
339 Likes

SwimsuitsAreBetter (Odyssey Maritime School-Deckhand Studies)
Hey, uh, Abydos Official ? Why is there an iceberg in the middle of the desert?
942 Likes

NanagamiRin (General Student Council-Vice President)
I'm sorry, there is a what in the middle of where?
31 Likes

Page [1]…[143][144][145][146][147]

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Dreamers Interlude

"Tell me, what do you see when you look out the window?"

The dull thud of steel on wood, and a distorted voice hummed in contemplation. Finally, they answered, "I see a sunrise. The end of an era as was previously understood. What do you see, dear girl?"

"I see the vast void of the night tearing at the countlessly dyed dawn," The Dreamer took a sip of her tea, savouring the flavour. She pointed at the edge of the yard beneath her balcony, where a young olive tree had fallen. Its trunk was split from crown to root, having been split by lightning. "I see the death of a young peace never meant to be, struck down by the heavens and rejected by the earth."

Her teacup clinked in the quiet room as it struck against its saucer, the Dreamer staring at her Guest with sleepy half-lidded eyes. Her melancholic voice echoed, both distant and far away, "Kivotos is a land of contradictions and strife, barely clinging to normalcy. It struggles to survive but refuses to change. Tell me, do you think they can avoid this?"

Her Guest laughed, a vicious cruel sound, before they answered, "No. You Students may not be the humanity I know, but humans are the same wherever I go. They're wretched and weak. They cling to whatever can promise them stability and peace, careless of what they must surrender to achieve it."

They leaned forward, staring into their mug. What the Dreamer could see of their expression seemed almost melancholic. "No, I don't believe you all can avoid this any more than we could avoid our war."

"It's as I feared then," She replied with a sigh, watching the scenes outside the window slowly shift and change, the threads of fate reestablishing it past the snarl that was Abydos. "Are we truly doomed to this fate?"

"Yes. But there are still ways to survive it"

"Oh?"

"You can be made strong. You can stare adversity in its face, dance with true death, and let it cut off that which makes you weak. Become that which your kind has the potential for."

The Dreamer tilted her head curiously, processing the idea. Survival at all costs. "And what of those that cannot surmount such opposition?"

"Then they will be cast off," her Guest answered with a casual shrug, "The individual may die, but society survives."

"How cruel," The Dreamer remarked, neither agreeing nor condemning, "Can you call it survival if you must become something unrecognizable to attain it? Is the murder of innocence and hope worth living for?"

"It is the strong that survive. It is the strong that determines what is innocent. It is the strong who determine what is possible, and what one can hope for. The death of innocence and hope in one form is merely the changing of its definitions to another," Her Guest recited, notes of reverence clear in their voice.

"I don't think I can agree with you." She could hardly hide the frown on her lips or the disgust in her voice.

Her Guest chuckled mirthlessly, looking out at the now clear skies beyond the balcony, "I do not support it out of belief, but by necessity. It is an ugly philosophy, drafted by uglier souls," They sighed, their lips slipping up into the smallest of grins, "I hope you learn to render such ugly realities unnecessary. Kivotos is many things. Naïve, innocent, unprepared, and ineffectual. But it's also potential, pure and true. Beautiful not for what it is, but what it could be."

"Then would you hold back when the time comes?"

"No," her Guest answered resolutely, shaking their head, "If this potential must be shaped, then my hands shall be the first to take up the blade. Better we do it than another. But I think it's better for us all to simply stare at that formless potential a while longer, and imagine what it could be. What other shapes it might take. The blade will be drawn eventually. We do not need to pick it up before its time."

"Thank you. Even if I can't agree with you entirely, your input has been enlightening." The Dreamer sighed. The first guest to arrive in so long and they could do nothing but confirm her fears. Still, there was one thing that bothered her. "But I must admit, you weren't who I was expecting when I chased the threads of that storm."

"Oh? Am I not who you thought I was, dear girl?"

"I was hoping to reach the Sensei of Schale. You don't seem to be them."

"You've been here quite a long time. How do you know I'm not them?"

"I may have been asleep for quite a time," answered the Dreamer, a sleeve-enclosed finger circling the rim of her teacup, "But the threads of fate for those waking souls are clear to me. The Sensei of Schale that I see in these threads was a Haloless Adult like yourself," She paused, staring at her Guest with a curious look, "And she's also a Woman."

Her Guest smiled; his purple lips barely cracking open. What little she could see of his flesh was a bloated pallid green-grey, splotched with the telltale kaleidoscope of rot. Fortunately, their soaked, worm-eaten clothes hid the worst of the decay. An additional layer of seaweed and molluscs further obfuscated the horror that might lay beneath. A badly damaged peaked cap sat on his head. The only thing that she could see clearly was his lower face, which was somehow intact despite the discoloration.

"My apologies, mädchen," There was a shift in his tone, a previously disguised accent leaking in. He continued, an honesty in his voice even if his appearance was abjectly horrifying, "But the person you've attempted to reach is unavailable. Her second has also refused to answer, so it falls to me."

She tilted her head, with confusion as clear on her face as her mind. "So, you aren't the Sensei of Schale?"

"Not quite," the drowned man answered, "I am a part of her, much as you are a part of your waking self. I am merely a Deckhand now. Nothing more, nothing less.

"But we are happy to discuss whatever you may want in her place."

---

AN: Happy New Year, folks! The first Post-Volume 1 interlude! In case it isn't clear, this is intended to show the various reactions and plays outside of the immediate frame of focus. Furthermore, the previous use of Gematria's Role Tags should be clear now. The Role Tags in place of their name will be used again in certain contexts, but don't expect to see it everytime Maestro or Black Suit shows up.

The forum sections are 100% inspired by Worm PHO sections. I liked them, it gave a good way to see into how the greater world reacted to events in a more looser setting that seemed natural. It also gave plenty of reasons why people who would be outright hostile to each other would be interacting. So I took inspiration from it.

Planning for Volume 2 is complete and writing is now in progress. I might actually start adding arc names into it, but I'm just stuck on thinking of a particularly snappy or modified one. If it falls through, it falls through but here's hoping it doesn't!