Conversation Space: The Ultimate

[powersthatbe]

You feel as if you've stepped through a door.

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Comments

[iseethe]

"The seventh and sixteenth," they say. "Do you wish to know active Travelers or those out of Ambit? Actively, there are nearly a hundred. Out of ambit, there are something like four or five hundred more."

[helborn]

"... I see. I meant more... how many of you." It'd be good to know what he's dealing with, at least.

[iseethe]

"Sixteen others remain," she says, studying her nails, which appear to be made of shell.

[helborn]

"You said 'matches'. So this is some kind of game?" If there's sixteen left... then that means a number have already been eliminated. Single elimination, maybe... or maybe some kind of other system that he doesn't know about. "What sort of things are involved in this?"

[iseethe]

"A tournament, yes. We send you to various worlds and bet on the outcomes."

[helborn]

"... And what sort of things are we supposed to do in those worlds? Fights to the death or something?"

[iseethe]

The Moon laughs, rich and throatily. "Not usually. There's always a chance that you may, but of all the worlds and scenarios on our short list, only a few involve copious amounts of murder." They cock their head to the side. "Why? Are you disappointed?"

[helborn]

He waves his hands in front of him. "Noooo. Not at all. I prefer talking over killing, honestly, I'm just trying to know what I'm in for. It's kind of stupid to head in unprepared."

Not that it's ever stopped him.

[iseethe]

Another laugh. Their hand reaches to touch his cheek. "How diligent of you."

[helborn]

He pulls back a little, Bob screeching and flapping and puffing up. "... Please don't touch me."

[iseethe]

Their hand drops, coming to rest on their hip.

[helborn]

He tries to pull his brain back to what he was just talking about. It's very difficult. "... Anyway. It's just the smart thing to do. I don't want other people getting hurt."

[iseethe]

"Mm. Kind as well."

[helborn]

"I... I just want to help people. Alive or dead... keeping the world safe is what I was born for." Not in so many words, but isn't fighting the Titans keeping the world safe? Isn't helping souls move on keeping the world safe? It's all the same.

[iseethe]

They laugh. "And yet you're one of mine. How amusing. But I suppose romantic ideals could be said to be in my domain. Tell me, Casper LeBlanc, is there anything that you might wish to ask of me?"

[helborn]

"Also occultism, in some ways. The veil between the seen and unseen."

Some other Arcana cover that too, but still. "What happens when the game is over?"

[iseethe]

"Mm. What indeed? That depends who wins, really."

[helborn]

"... Okay. Fine. What happens if you win?"

[iseethe]

"You'll be able to live a life you've only been able to dream of."

[helborn]

"... Just given to you?" He's not so sure that's a good thing.

[iseethe]

She shrugs. "You will all get to live out your dreams."

[helborn]

... Without the work to achieve them. He feels that there's something distinctly wrong with that. But he knows better than to say that to her face. "Fine. So I'm on your team." It's not like he can appeal, when she has the power to yank him out of his world.

[iseethe]

"Yes," she says. "You are." She tilts her head to the side. "Do you have any further questions of me?"