15 >> {voice}
{It was funny. He knew he'd die.
Didn't expect to wake up in an alley, though, least of all that alley. Malfatto recognizes it the moment his eyes flash open, the brick, almost the scent, though what comes new of it is the sheer, crippling pain when he tries to move, tries to turn on his side. Rasping a breath, lungs searing, he cries out ( Read more... )
Didn't expect to wake up in an alley, though, least of all that alley. Malfatto recognizes it the moment his eyes flash open, the brick, almost the scent, though what comes new of it is the sheer, crippling pain when he tries to move, tries to turn on his side. Rasping a breath, lungs searing, he cries out ( Read more... )
[ At least, he wants to be the one to say it first, but it's not exactly easy to come right out and say, Hey there, old friend! I'm the one that done dinnered your ass a few days ago! ]
[ Right...so, where to begin? How to proceed? Shiva...he could really use a brush of good luck about now. ]
...You don't remember, huh?
[ Can't say I buy it, buddy. But...what if you really have lost your memory? Wouldn't this be the perfect chance to figure out what makes you tick? ]
It's a long story, Malfatto. Do you...need any help?
[ Yeah, you probably do...because I bet there are countless people who want to rip you to shreds now that you're back. ]
[ This is so screwed up... ]
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{Well well well! Look who it is. He'd be lying if he even tried to deny that taste of blood still lingering in his mouth, though he knew the effects of death all but erased it from then to now. Still, it remained, a stale film on his lips. Coppery.}
{Teeth grit, he has to calm himself all over again at the sound of the others' voice. This is the first time he's heard anyone's voice since that night... and it had to be his.}
{Steady.}
I don't think so. And no.
I find it irritating.
{Grr, argh. All that.}
... what do you mean, "a long story"?
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[ Take it slow... ]
[ He's a wily one, not to be underestimated. ]
What's the last thing you remember?
[ If it's a lie, he might trip himself up. If not...well, he can stomp across that bridge if/when he gets there. ]
...I don't mean to be abrupt, but it seems the best place to begin is from there.
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{Feigned thought. And you know what, SOLDIER boy? No more underestimating you, either.}
I was leaving the Arena. Work. It was quite late. I... {the sounds of frustration, as if he's struggling to arrange his thoughts, memories} ... a multitude of dreams, after that. But they're blurred. I remember a red-haired child ghosting about.
{And then? Revelation!}
Could it have been the Mist? Has it... done something?
{It tends to. Not a bad scapegoat.}
It's confusing. I dislike it.
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[ Ivy Rose. ]
[ And you expect me to believe the Mist conveniently wiped it all away? Why should you get the luxury of forgetting, when all of us see it behind closed eyes every single day?! ]
I can't imagine how difficult for you this must be.
[ Sure, the sympathy is false...but just wait. ]
[ Wait for it. ]
[ Waaaiiit... ]
These Forges are pretty neat devices though...you know? It's almost like you can rewind time, collect memories that would otherwise be lost to you.
[ He slips into a vaguely more friendly, less businesslike tone, but make no mistake...he's not fooling around. ]
We can go over it together, Malfatto. I'll help as best I can.
It'll be easier to put together the puzzle if you've got a friend that can help you keep track of the pieces.
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{And save your talk of luxuries for a civilization that isn't composed of people ripped from their homes and dropped in a realm riddled with monsters and ghosts. Stranger things have happened here aside from one man's memory loss!}
It isn't difficult. Merely an annoyance. One I'm sure will correct itself in time, or at the very least, fade out as an issue altogether.
{He'll wait til the Earth caves in on itself.}
This is what I aim to do. Perhaps revive something.
{And oh, what he'll see! Horrid things. Tch. Just horrid.}
{Shame he'll have no recollection of them.}
You're an acquaintance, sir. But I will take the offer.
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Hm...back to that, are we? And here I was, getting all used to you calling me amico.
Oh well.
[ So, you're willing, just like that? ]
[ ...Why? ]
Whatever your regard for me, we're pals...at least from where I stand. But you sound like you should try and get some rest first and foremost.
One thing we're not short on is time, after all.
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{Especially not you.}
I feel alright. Startled, confused, but alright.
{EXCEPT I CAN'T MOVE but you don't need to know that, now, do you.}
Precisely.
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