- Location
- norway
edit: oh no, still poor
Last edited:
One Foot - Another Multiverse SI
- Thread starter Ars Poetica
- Start date
- Crossover Fantasy Alt. History
Hye
Reader of The Long Words
- Location
- In the middle of a story
Alright. I'm good again! So let us start off with a joke.
Also, I've started at a new job, so my C&C will most likely be slowed down a bit.
I don't know. i never learned them. It was just too Bore-ing
When is the other wing going to grow back? It seems like it's been missing for a while now.
God damnit. What does it take to kill that son-of-a-bitch
That was... Actually surprisingly smart...
God damnit, Poe!
Yes... You god damn idiot...
The Best Kind!
Man, if i didn't know better, then i would have thought it just ended. That he died...
Oh thank god, he's still alive. It's weird. I don't like Danny, I don't even know him, but i'm glad he's not dead.
Well... I might have spoken a bit too hasty... So he's a... what? Cross between a Hollow and those Mountain-Climber SCP?
Huh. That's not bad. You got played, Poe
Yes. Like stairs... Evil little Satans
Hah. Knew it.
For some reason, i imagined the sound Transformers make when they transform.
Mmm. This is nice. Just some good old sparring. No life-or-death, no fate of the world, no fighting over the last piece of food. Just sparring, testing and having fun.
Also, I've started at a new job, so my C&C will most likely be slowed down a bit.
If you're not cheating, you're not doing it right.
I really liked this scene, Ars. There were something about it that just... Clicked. It felt really good.
Don't eat it, Poe. The meat... Has gone Bad
And she's succumbing...
Oh boy! Another confusing round of "Who's who"
Hah, i got that reference!
"Please don't litter. I don't want a dirty mind"
Krazyfan1
Worrying for the future.
- Location
- Australia
I have some good news, and i have some Horrible news.....
Hye
Reader of The Long Words
- Location
- In the middle of a story
Oh, crap... Poe's wing regrows, but it's got Alien Hand Syndrome and tries to kill Poe whenever he uses it, resulting in an epic crash and burn which somehow lodges Poe in a place between dimensions where all the Spirits are corporeal and thus susceptible to harm, again resulting in the death of Medusa and Wrath, while Desiree takes over Poe's body trying to become a God!
But seriously. Don't tell me! No spoilers!
Krazyfan1
Worrying for the future.
- Location
- Australia
you got 4 words right.
- Location
- .
Things aren't looking so good -- Bob decided to stop paying the bills he left behind, our utilities are gonna be cut next week, and I haven't gotten a reply from any of the internships I've applied for. So, I decided to do something stupid.
Ars Poetica is creating Fiction; Fanfiction; Forum Postings | Patreon
As of today, I officially have a Patreon account. So, while I'm writing, editing, and looking for a stable job alongside the rest of my immediate family, you can support me here! My goal is $500 a month, and I know it's lofty, but hopefully it's reachable.
Regarding the lack of chapters recently... well, Real Life is an ass-kicker. Family and work come first -- usually in that order.
Thanks for being patient, everyone. And thanks for being around. I should have the next chapter up by Wednesday if nothing comes up.
Thrown 5 bucks at ya man.
Sorry that this shit happened to you.
Edit:
I can always suggest being an Officer in the Marines. You have the collage requirements I do believe.
You may potray yourself as a moron, But your knowledge and writing ability shows otherwise. Your questionable actions are par for the course for an Officer anyway. No joke.
Its a hard and cruel job, But it's a paycheck you can always count on.
Last edited:
Hye
Reader of The Long Words
- Location
- In the middle of a story
Ehm... This... Seems bad? Good? I'm not sure? I'm fairly certain that at least one of them will go along with Poe, and uuh... Yay? No?
He is his fury. Is he his patience? It is a conversation
At least it's not snowing!
Fucking hell, Poe...
That baby is Hitler or something, isn't it?
Nevermind. It's Teen Titans. I am going to bet that Raven is going to shit her... Pants? Does she even wear pants under that cape of hers? She's going to shit her robes when she sees Poe or Poe's Soul.
And Poe has already gained his complimentary power of the universe. The ability to come up with Witty and/or Heroic Quips in the heat of battle.
Called it
I consider myself rather well versed in DC, but i have absolutely no idea who this is
Aah, The Spectre. Also, God Damnit, Poe. You keep on weaponizing your fricking vomit.
Seriously! Stop it. The Spectre is probably the closest thing DC has to a God, maybe next to God itself. If DC has a God, i can't remember. I mean, i'm fairly certain it does, i know it has angels and demons, so there might be a God somewhere in there.
Huh. He seems rather nice. And apparently, Poe's vomit is the most powerful thing in the universe, seeing as he can't remove it from himself.
Smart of you, Spectre
Well, this was creepy as fuck. Something seems very wrong with this traincart
Here or there, it doesn't matter. You'll find fire and stuff to corrupt and destroy soon enough.
InfiniteDaze
Too lazy to leave the house
- Location
- I wish I could stay
Things aren't looking so good -- Bob decided to stop paying the bills he left behind, our utilities are gonna be cut next week, and I haven't gotten a reply from any of the internships I've applied for. So, I decided to do something stupid.
Ars Poetica is creating Fiction; Fanfiction; Forum Postings | Patreon
As of today, I officially have a Patreon account. So, while I'm writing, editing, and looking for a stable job alongside the rest of my immediate family, you can support me here! My goal is $500 a month, and I know it's lofty, but hopefully it's reachable.
Regarding the lack of chapters recently... well, Real Life is an ass-kicker. Family and work come first -- usually in that order.
Thanks for being patient, everyone. And thanks for being around. I should have the next chapter up by Wednesday if nothing comes up.
Well I can't pledge you money but I can pledge you my heart!
...Not in the lovey dicey way and no, you can not have my soul when I die. Said heart also requires a mandatory payment plan along with insurance so if you can sign right here....
- Location
- Greece
That's cold..... ice cold!
I would give money but *shows web-infested wallet* you get the idea. So all I can say is good luck man and stay frosty.
Not even sorry.
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Ars Poetica
ULTIMA RATIO NEMO OBLIGATUR
- Location
- The Kingdom of Fiore
- Pronouns
- He / Him / His
Don't be. That was clever.
Madou Sutegobana
Autocorrupt has been disabled.
- Location
- Twin Realms Mandala
Aren't Giant Mecha made of spiritual energy rides too?
Hye
Reader of The Long Words
- Location
- In the middle of a story
This little charade was brought to you by Sunburn. Because i am an ass who forgets that it's a thing!
And to be fair, i don't actually know where we are. I knew Avatar was a thing, because i had to make sure i read the Comments in that Arc. I also know that... Beserk? Clannad? Is a place, because it says so in your Signature, Ars.
Alright, it seems most people are convinced we're in D. Gray Man, so all i can say is shit...
We must solve this! To The Mystery Machine, Scoobs!
And to be fair, i don't actually know where we are. I knew Avatar was a thing, because i had to make sure i read the Comments in that Arc. I also know that... Beserk? Clannad? Is a place, because it says so in your Signature, Ars.
Alright, Scoobs. First clue. It's somewhere that has Rain. And where it's uncomfortable to be walking around barefoot and drenched to the bones
Third Clue. It's a world, with at least one forest.
Fourth Clue. Poe is still an idiot. I don't know how relevant it is, but it's there
I'm kinda disappointed he didn't :/ It was perfect and right up Poe's alley!
Man, why did you say that. Now i've been sitting and wondering which 4 words it is.
Aha! I still don't have any idea where we are!
Hmm, this might have given hints, as you said, but i still can't see where we are.
Alright, it seems most people are convinced we're in D. Gray Man, so all i can say is shit...
Well, that explains a lot...
I really don't know where the fuck you got "The land of Cheese" from, but it is bloody amazing!. It's making me laugh every time i read it. Also, Jesus christ, Poe. You're just digging your grave deeper!
Even Poe has acknowledged it!
You have kinda earned a few days of rest.
Alright! Rest's over! Time to return to our scheduled destruction of Canon.
Yeah... They're going to die or get attacked, aren't they?
Man, i should really watch D. Gray Man again. It's been a while since i last read it
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InfiniteDaze
Too lazy to leave the house
- Location
- I wish I could stay
Be prepared for this world's fabulousness.
RadioactiveSpoon
Rudimentary creature of blood and flesh
- Location
- Beyond the Black Stump
Hye
Reader of The Long Words
- Location
- In the middle of a story
Come on! That's unfair. That's in everything regarding Poe!
RadioactiveSpoon
Rudimentary creature of blood and flesh
- Location
- Beyond the Black Stump
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Chapter 278
Ars Poetica
ULTIMA RATIO NEMO OBLIGATUR
- Location
- The Kingdom of Fiore
- Pronouns
- He / Him / His
Well, it's been awhile. Things at home are improving, thank god, and I'm aiming to get one of two jobs nearby -- so that'll help. A big thanks to everyone who's supporting me over on Patreon. You guys are amazing. Thanks, to all of you.
That being said, let's get this show on the road.
-x-
With my two, gauntleted hands I held the future of a budding nation. Even as I pondered each word written on the long strip of parchment riddled with creases and folds, the southern land of Mucha was slowly but steadily being reorganized. Progress in the eastern land of Sutare was going very quickly, and Lautrec in the west was already under my control.
I knew that there was no way I could stay in this world forever, but there were so many things to prepare for. What would I set up in terms of rules of engagement with anyone that approached the island? The barrier that surrounded this place, and anywhere else the Organization might've had some holdings, had fallen.
That wall that resembled the inside of Las Noches but boasted a terrifying defensive barrier capable of stripping away flesh from 682… with that gone, the outside world could find its way here. Ships that previously barely slipped through small gaps or occasionally found their way here would suddenly become much more common.
How would the people here react? I knew that the Organization was xenophobic; I knew that they were paranoid, but did that extend to the people? So far, no.
Occasionally as I walked through the Holy City of Rabona, I'd receive a disturbed glance from the people who were being allowed out of their homes. Nobody had expressed open hostility towards me, but my fight against a literal dragon in a conflict that shattered the sky and ripped open the earth probably went a long way to dissolving that kind of tension.
Toulouse, the central region, would be an independent ally with their capital – the city state of Rabona – happily allowing free passage to my soldiers, my Knights, and the Warriors. My trepidation, thus, came from a few sources. Firstly, everything was going way too smoothly for my tastes. That's not to say I didn't like it when things went my way, but it just felt off.
It wasn't like the time that Funny Valentine played me for a fool. It wasn't nearly so dramatic. Maybe it was because I was coming at it from a position of strength? If the priests of the city expected me to approach them demanding terms of surrender and, instead, I eventually asked for their friendship, then they'd be shocked.
But they weren't surprised. They were insistent, they were careful, but they weren't surprised or even eager. So the thought occurred that I was probably not the first person they'd made this kind of deal with in the past.
Considering the size of the city and its population, as well as considering its stable economy and how well-trained the knights of Rabona had to be in order to repel Yoma, the thought occurred that this wasn't the first time the city had dealt with some would-be conqueror. If the Organization had approached them from a similar position I did, or if one of their propped-up bandit groups did the same, then surely the priests would have a kind of script prepared.
Looking at the whole thing from the perspective of them being a group of old men who were used to someone like me coming around, it made a lot more sense. But it left an uncomfortable feeling in my chest. After all, for that to be true it would imply that the Organization had been 'defeated' before, or that there were people on this island before they took control of it.
The shape of the island implied it was artificial, but the scale of it and the walls around it told a slightly different story. Now, assuming there's something to be found in all this speculation, let's say that the people who would eventually become the Organization weren't the only ones to find their way here. Let's say that a sizeable chunk of the land they left behind fell and landed here.
Would it be possible?
Kisuke Urahara and Mayuri Kurotsuchi both proved that it was possible to switch real-world objects as large as modern cities with spiritual constructs. They showed that it could be done in Bleach canon, so why couldn't it naturally occur? And when I thought of that, I couldn't help but also think of the Ghost Zone and how chunks of it could find their way into the real world through so many portals, and vice-versa as well.
If the Organization wasn't the only group on the island when it first fell and hit the water, then what had to have happened to the other group or groups? If they weren't conquered, if they didn't die out, then they probably turtled up. The Holy City of Rabona was probably a result of that.
"But, Ars," I heard Medusa say to me, "You can't know that."
"And I never will," I replied with a sigh. Offering a sardonic smile, I shook my head. "It just wouldn't be a world based on Dark Souls if everything was clear." I had so many of the pieces, and I could connect them in so many different ways, but I couldn't make out the picture.
…How frustrating.
I had more to worry about than the past of the island, though. I was thinking about its future… and who was going to lead it when I was gone. I'd need to write up a whole constitution and everything. Experience with the Pineapple Confederation and my time in Amestris had left me with a solid understanding of what those kinds of documents were supposed to look like, but how was I going to set the whole thing up?
The rules and laws I'd be putting forward were drafted by people who were technologically much more advanced than the people of this island. There was an industrial revolution, and amendments added or dropped to fit with the times. For once, improvisation was not the key.
"Poe, Poe, Poe," Hermanubis chided me, "I've got this." He stood next to me as the world greyed out, "Pass me sufficient parchment, and I can use this," he held up a single book, "To draft something up."
"…Wait, you can do that?" I blinked at him with my uncovered eye.
"Of course," he nodded. "The books stored in your mind aren't just your memories… they're books. You think I haven't been storing things in there from time to time? Your Knights would come and go to the House of the Rising Sun; of course they'd have some novels on hand."
"But it's not the most recent version–"
"You remember enough, and I'm intelligent enough to fill in the blanks. Whenever I can't, I'll just ask Wrath for a favor." He raised a hand as I made to say something, "I won't take no for an answer, Poe. Not even the presence of your scantily-clad Warriors prevents boredom, and I'd be happy to ghostwrite a constitution."
"Actually it's more like ghost-plagiarism considering–"
"Poe." He cut in, "You sound like a nerd. Stop that."
We stared at each other for a silent few moments.
All at once, we lost our composure and laughed. "Th-Thanks," I gasped, "Hah! I… I needed that. I really did." I said to him, wiping a tear from my eye. "And you're sure the work won't be too much?"
"I'll have to pause in my feeding of Ammit for a little while, but I'm sure she'll be fine." He grinned, "She's a good girl."
"Sure she is," I chuckled and ran a gauntleted hand through my hair, my other hand grasping my hat as color faded back into the world.
…One problem down, another to go.
-x-
"I've gathered you all here for something exciting," I tried. Pausing, I scowled and shook my head. "No, that's too fucking vague. Uh, I have an announcement to make!" Another pause, "That's even worse. Shit. Why is this so fucking hard?"
For once, nobody came out from the House of the Rising Sun to say anything. My session with Desiree wasn't for another few hours, and with Meds, Wrath, and Hermanubis swamped with work, that just left Horace. Actually, what was Horace up to?
"Oh, you know," I was startled at his Brooklyn accent, turning to glare at him in the greyed out world. "Just hanging around and waiting things out." He adjusted his cap, his wings flapping slightly as they folded into his back. "Having problems with that speech?"
My glare subsided and I sighed. "You know I am."
He nodded, "It's understandable. You've known the people here for a few months. That's not enough time to name a successor, and you don't know anyone that can take over for you."
"…You wouldn't happen to have an easy solution to the problem, would you?"
"Nope."
"Damn it."
"The simplest solution is sometimes the best solution. Try holding an election, or arranging a test."
"…A test," I deadpanned, "Seriously?"
"What'd you expect? I'm a Zanpakuto spirit. Tests are usually the go-to answer… even if I'm not very good at them."
"Taking them or making them?"
"I'm you."
"Oh. So both, then."
Horace exhaled and looked away from me, "Look, the way I see it, you've got a few answers. An election's your best bet. Why're you so hesitant to go forward with one?"
"Because I don't know who they're going to put forward," I answered. "Because I can't be sure if whoever wins will step down, because I don't know if the next leader would help the island or hurt it, because…" I trailed off, "God, I must sound like a paranoid fuckhead."
"Paranoid?" Horace asked me, "You sound concerned. It's reasonable to worry that your successor won't live up to you, just as it's reasonable to prepare for the worst – but don't assume the worst, Poe. Don't assume the Dai Li are inevitable when they're preventable. You know this."
"I do," I nodded. "But I can't shake this feeling I've got. It's the Organization. As long as there's even a shred of them remaining, they might find a way to undermine everything."
"So?"
At his response, I sputtered. "So? They're the single biggest threat to this island!"
"They're a fringe group that may never regain the support they had."
"And what if they do?"
"Second verse, same as the first: So?"
"…" I stared at him incomprehensibly, "I'm sure you're leading into something, but I don't know what."
"Tell me, Poe. How many people do you think liked the Organization? How many would be willing to fight against them if they ever tried taking control once more?"
"Plenty, I'd assume. I mean, if their living conditions improve after the Organization disappears, and if the Organization is painted as an awful thing, then the people would fight tooth and nail… oh."
"Now you're getting it," Horace pointed to me. "Assuming the Organization ever takes control again, assuming they try to reestablish their network and subjugate the people, do you really think they wouldn't fight back? Do you think the people will lose?"
"I… They might…"
"Then they'll stand up and fight again," Horace leaned back. "You've read your history books, Poe. You know how this story goes. No matter what, no matter if it takes centuries, the people get what they want."
"But what about those centuries? I don't think they'd be content to wait."
"Good. That means they'll act sooner. That means they'll be angry when they should be angry, or they'll be elated when they should be elated… and not when you, or I, or the Organization think they should be happy or mad." Horace cracked his neck and shifted his weight on either foot, "If you fear the future, fight to brighten it and win. If you fight the future, you'll always lose to fear and darkness."
"…That sounds insightful," I nodded along with him. "Did you come up with it?"
"No. It's an old idiom, pieced together from a little bit of stuff from all over." I got the feeling that if Horace could smirk, he would have at that moment. "Or I just made it up on the spot. Which do you think you would do?"
"Both?"
"Eh," he shrugged, "You're not wrong." His image was already fading as he stepped back to the House of the Rising Sun. "You don't have a lot of time, Poe. Hold an election, and put whoever wins as your successor."
"What about the fight against Isley?" I asked him, "The battle for the north?"
"It's obvious what has to come first, Poe. You can't go into a battle without a backup plan."
…And he was gone.
Damn it.
I pinched my brow as I felt a headache coming on. It felt like there was always something else to delay the fight a little more, just another thing that'd pop up and needed attention… It was annoying as hell, but in a strange way I didn't mind that. All my abuse of the House of the Rising Sun's strange power had made me forget what it was like to be short on time.
Remembering like this was a humbling wake-up call that left me feeling excited…! But yeah, I was mostly pissed.
Now how the hell was I going to do this and have enough time to kick some ass?
-x-
One Foot on the Platform
OR: One Foot on the Train
End-278
That being said, let's get this show on the road.
-x-
With my two, gauntleted hands I held the future of a budding nation. Even as I pondered each word written on the long strip of parchment riddled with creases and folds, the southern land of Mucha was slowly but steadily being reorganized. Progress in the eastern land of Sutare was going very quickly, and Lautrec in the west was already under my control.
I knew that there was no way I could stay in this world forever, but there were so many things to prepare for. What would I set up in terms of rules of engagement with anyone that approached the island? The barrier that surrounded this place, and anywhere else the Organization might've had some holdings, had fallen.
That wall that resembled the inside of Las Noches but boasted a terrifying defensive barrier capable of stripping away flesh from 682… with that gone, the outside world could find its way here. Ships that previously barely slipped through small gaps or occasionally found their way here would suddenly become much more common.
How would the people here react? I knew that the Organization was xenophobic; I knew that they were paranoid, but did that extend to the people? So far, no.
Occasionally as I walked through the Holy City of Rabona, I'd receive a disturbed glance from the people who were being allowed out of their homes. Nobody had expressed open hostility towards me, but my fight against a literal dragon in a conflict that shattered the sky and ripped open the earth probably went a long way to dissolving that kind of tension.
Toulouse, the central region, would be an independent ally with their capital – the city state of Rabona – happily allowing free passage to my soldiers, my Knights, and the Warriors. My trepidation, thus, came from a few sources. Firstly, everything was going way too smoothly for my tastes. That's not to say I didn't like it when things went my way, but it just felt off.
It wasn't like the time that Funny Valentine played me for a fool. It wasn't nearly so dramatic. Maybe it was because I was coming at it from a position of strength? If the priests of the city expected me to approach them demanding terms of surrender and, instead, I eventually asked for their friendship, then they'd be shocked.
But they weren't surprised. They were insistent, they were careful, but they weren't surprised or even eager. So the thought occurred that I was probably not the first person they'd made this kind of deal with in the past.
Considering the size of the city and its population, as well as considering its stable economy and how well-trained the knights of Rabona had to be in order to repel Yoma, the thought occurred that this wasn't the first time the city had dealt with some would-be conqueror. If the Organization had approached them from a similar position I did, or if one of their propped-up bandit groups did the same, then surely the priests would have a kind of script prepared.
Looking at the whole thing from the perspective of them being a group of old men who were used to someone like me coming around, it made a lot more sense. But it left an uncomfortable feeling in my chest. After all, for that to be true it would imply that the Organization had been 'defeated' before, or that there were people on this island before they took control of it.
The shape of the island implied it was artificial, but the scale of it and the walls around it told a slightly different story. Now, assuming there's something to be found in all this speculation, let's say that the people who would eventually become the Organization weren't the only ones to find their way here. Let's say that a sizeable chunk of the land they left behind fell and landed here.
Would it be possible?
Kisuke Urahara and Mayuri Kurotsuchi both proved that it was possible to switch real-world objects as large as modern cities with spiritual constructs. They showed that it could be done in Bleach canon, so why couldn't it naturally occur? And when I thought of that, I couldn't help but also think of the Ghost Zone and how chunks of it could find their way into the real world through so many portals, and vice-versa as well.
If the Organization wasn't the only group on the island when it first fell and hit the water, then what had to have happened to the other group or groups? If they weren't conquered, if they didn't die out, then they probably turtled up. The Holy City of Rabona was probably a result of that.
"But, Ars," I heard Medusa say to me, "You can't know that."
"And I never will," I replied with a sigh. Offering a sardonic smile, I shook my head. "It just wouldn't be a world based on Dark Souls if everything was clear." I had so many of the pieces, and I could connect them in so many different ways, but I couldn't make out the picture.
…How frustrating.
I had more to worry about than the past of the island, though. I was thinking about its future… and who was going to lead it when I was gone. I'd need to write up a whole constitution and everything. Experience with the Pineapple Confederation and my time in Amestris had left me with a solid understanding of what those kinds of documents were supposed to look like, but how was I going to set the whole thing up?
The rules and laws I'd be putting forward were drafted by people who were technologically much more advanced than the people of this island. There was an industrial revolution, and amendments added or dropped to fit with the times. For once, improvisation was not the key.
"Poe, Poe, Poe," Hermanubis chided me, "I've got this." He stood next to me as the world greyed out, "Pass me sufficient parchment, and I can use this," he held up a single book, "To draft something up."
"…Wait, you can do that?" I blinked at him with my uncovered eye.
"Of course," he nodded. "The books stored in your mind aren't just your memories… they're books. You think I haven't been storing things in there from time to time? Your Knights would come and go to the House of the Rising Sun; of course they'd have some novels on hand."
"But it's not the most recent version–"
"You remember enough, and I'm intelligent enough to fill in the blanks. Whenever I can't, I'll just ask Wrath for a favor." He raised a hand as I made to say something, "I won't take no for an answer, Poe. Not even the presence of your scantily-clad Warriors prevents boredom, and I'd be happy to ghostwrite a constitution."
"Actually it's more like ghost-plagiarism considering–"
"Poe." He cut in, "You sound like a nerd. Stop that."
We stared at each other for a silent few moments.
All at once, we lost our composure and laughed. "Th-Thanks," I gasped, "Hah! I… I needed that. I really did." I said to him, wiping a tear from my eye. "And you're sure the work won't be too much?"
"I'll have to pause in my feeding of Ammit for a little while, but I'm sure she'll be fine." He grinned, "She's a good girl."
"Sure she is," I chuckled and ran a gauntleted hand through my hair, my other hand grasping my hat as color faded back into the world.
…One problem down, another to go.
-x-
"I've gathered you all here for something exciting," I tried. Pausing, I scowled and shook my head. "No, that's too fucking vague. Uh, I have an announcement to make!" Another pause, "That's even worse. Shit. Why is this so fucking hard?"
For once, nobody came out from the House of the Rising Sun to say anything. My session with Desiree wasn't for another few hours, and with Meds, Wrath, and Hermanubis swamped with work, that just left Horace. Actually, what was Horace up to?
"Oh, you know," I was startled at his Brooklyn accent, turning to glare at him in the greyed out world. "Just hanging around and waiting things out." He adjusted his cap, his wings flapping slightly as they folded into his back. "Having problems with that speech?"
My glare subsided and I sighed. "You know I am."
He nodded, "It's understandable. You've known the people here for a few months. That's not enough time to name a successor, and you don't know anyone that can take over for you."
"…You wouldn't happen to have an easy solution to the problem, would you?"
"Nope."
"Damn it."
"The simplest solution is sometimes the best solution. Try holding an election, or arranging a test."
"…A test," I deadpanned, "Seriously?"
"What'd you expect? I'm a Zanpakuto spirit. Tests are usually the go-to answer… even if I'm not very good at them."
"Taking them or making them?"
"I'm you."
"Oh. So both, then."
Horace exhaled and looked away from me, "Look, the way I see it, you've got a few answers. An election's your best bet. Why're you so hesitant to go forward with one?"
"Because I don't know who they're going to put forward," I answered. "Because I can't be sure if whoever wins will step down, because I don't know if the next leader would help the island or hurt it, because…" I trailed off, "God, I must sound like a paranoid fuckhead."
"Paranoid?" Horace asked me, "You sound concerned. It's reasonable to worry that your successor won't live up to you, just as it's reasonable to prepare for the worst – but don't assume the worst, Poe. Don't assume the Dai Li are inevitable when they're preventable. You know this."
"I do," I nodded. "But I can't shake this feeling I've got. It's the Organization. As long as there's even a shred of them remaining, they might find a way to undermine everything."
"So?"
At his response, I sputtered. "So? They're the single biggest threat to this island!"
"They're a fringe group that may never regain the support they had."
"And what if they do?"
"Second verse, same as the first: So?"
"…" I stared at him incomprehensibly, "I'm sure you're leading into something, but I don't know what."
"Tell me, Poe. How many people do you think liked the Organization? How many would be willing to fight against them if they ever tried taking control once more?"
"Plenty, I'd assume. I mean, if their living conditions improve after the Organization disappears, and if the Organization is painted as an awful thing, then the people would fight tooth and nail… oh."
"Now you're getting it," Horace pointed to me. "Assuming the Organization ever takes control again, assuming they try to reestablish their network and subjugate the people, do you really think they wouldn't fight back? Do you think the people will lose?"
"I… They might…"
"Then they'll stand up and fight again," Horace leaned back. "You've read your history books, Poe. You know how this story goes. No matter what, no matter if it takes centuries, the people get what they want."
"But what about those centuries? I don't think they'd be content to wait."
"Good. That means they'll act sooner. That means they'll be angry when they should be angry, or they'll be elated when they should be elated… and not when you, or I, or the Organization think they should be happy or mad." Horace cracked his neck and shifted his weight on either foot, "If you fear the future, fight to brighten it and win. If you fight the future, you'll always lose to fear and darkness."
"…That sounds insightful," I nodded along with him. "Did you come up with it?"
"No. It's an old idiom, pieced together from a little bit of stuff from all over." I got the feeling that if Horace could smirk, he would have at that moment. "Or I just made it up on the spot. Which do you think you would do?"
"Both?"
"Eh," he shrugged, "You're not wrong." His image was already fading as he stepped back to the House of the Rising Sun. "You don't have a lot of time, Poe. Hold an election, and put whoever wins as your successor."
"What about the fight against Isley?" I asked him, "The battle for the north?"
"It's obvious what has to come first, Poe. You can't go into a battle without a backup plan."
…And he was gone.
Damn it.
I pinched my brow as I felt a headache coming on. It felt like there was always something else to delay the fight a little more, just another thing that'd pop up and needed attention… It was annoying as hell, but in a strange way I didn't mind that. All my abuse of the House of the Rising Sun's strange power had made me forget what it was like to be short on time.
Remembering like this was a humbling wake-up call that left me feeling excited…! But yeah, I was mostly pissed.
Now how the hell was I going to do this and have enough time to kick some ass?
-x-
One Foot on the Platform
OR: One Foot on the Train
End-278
Krazyfan1
Worrying for the future.
- Location
- Australia
hmm..is this the first time Ammit was mentioned?
thank goodness
Ars Poetica
ULTIMA RATIO NEMO OBLIGATUR
- Location
- The Kingdom of Fiore
- Pronouns
- He / Him / His
No, she's been around for a loooooong time.
- Location
- United States
I have recently completed your story and I must say it is excellent. While the early story did at times worry me with the direction the rest of the story would take, the rest of the story up to this point has assuaged my fears and shown that this story is and will always be great. Thank you for your diligence in updating it and your devotion to the story.
spencer1519
(Verified Heretic)
- Location
- Oregon, USA
"The election is on fire."
"What, you mean like the voting booths or..."
"No. The election. The entire election. Burning."
"What does that mean!? What? How!? Who!?"
"... who do you think?"
"..."
"..."
"... god damn it Poe."
"What, you mean like the voting booths or..."
"No. The election. The entire election. Burning."
"What does that mean!? What? How!? Who!?"
"... who do you think?"
"..."
"..."
"... god damn it Poe."
Krazyfan1
Worrying for the future.
- Location
- Australia
"And everyone voted so hard that the palace caught on fire and burned down"
Hye
Reader of The Long Words
- Location
- In the middle of a story
Yeah. It counts for one ticket to a grave. Bravery gets someone killed at some point
Man, don't even go there... It's not healthy for you
This. This is what happens when you stop and talk in the middle of a firefight. Really, it's you own fault, Lulu Bell
All Aboard The Ass-Kicking Train!
You know? I never found out if he actually said this, or if it was more for our benefit..
Rule 34 of the Evil Overlord List: "I will not turn into a snake. It never helps."
Alright. I'm not sure i caught the pun/joke here.
Man... Now i feel sad...
You can't Flirt for shit, Poe.
Well, what do you know... You got invited to a girls house anyway. Well, it's more like a girls room inside a house you own, but still
You might not know what to say, but you give the best gifts. The gifts of death and horrible eldritch abominations
Aww. That was so adorably awkward. Also 'awkward' is a really weird word.
Yay. More minions!
Yes, give them all the despair of knowing they're in a world with a several thousand year old madman, who has a near unlimited amount of soldiers.
I don't even know the name yet, and i still agree with the nigh-mindless drone
God Damnit, Poe!
How the hell is that intelligently chosen?
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