Seventy-Seventh Mission [OPEN COMMENTLOG]

[shadesofeco]

[After all the "revelations" from Praxis and Erol about his supposedly deteriorating sanity, and learning about the gaps in his memory, Jak is decidedly confused, angry, and not particularly stable

Comments

[oblique_wisdom]

You mean to tell me the thought never crossed your mind?

[She refrains from scoffing.]

Kage told me that the passengers are different from the crew. He didn't go into great detail with me, but he said that we're "pure". You know that, because it means Baron Praxis, Commander Erol, and Ganondorf are all pure as well. You and I have talked about it before.

On the other hand, Kage told me he's human, in spite of this overwhelming difference. He seemed fairly adamant about it too, so I imagine he was being pretty truthful with me.

[Zelda thinks about the other information she's managed to acquire, which apparently she hasn't shared until now.]

The crew can never leave this ship. The crew can never step foot onto the Golden Shore. They have too many limitations, perhaps because of their impurities. Perhaps because of something else we simply don't know yet.

Why would Captain Redd destroy our homes, though...?

[Her eyebrows furrow and she considers her conversation regarding the passage in Kage's book. She seems to be talking to herself momentarily, before giving Jak her attention again.]

Captain Redd is like that of a god. The crew, the ladder to the god. The passengers--

We're special to the captain. We have something he wants. Maybe we'll be sacrificed. Maybe he'll use us for something else. Perhaps we were particular beings from our homelands. Perhaps he wanted to nullify any potential for beings like us. Does any of that make sense to you?

[shadesofeco]

[He glares at her angrily, fingers digging into his arms.]

I've had more important things to think about.

[Jak grunts at her last question, giving her a flat look. He's not a child, Zelda, it makes sense. He's just incredibly distracted with his own head shit right now.]

[oblique_wisdom]

So I've noticed.

[She doesn't seem upset by this, however.]

Everyone has their prerogative. That's to be expected. I don't have all the answers, unfortunately, so I'm not sure if my theories should be shared with anyone. I mean, not with regards to this nonsense about our missing homes. I want to be able to tie it all together, but I can't do it just yet.

Maybe I'm not thinking enough about you. You don't look well at all. You probably know that, though. I just... What can I say? You won't talk to me at all, so I can just stand aside and say foolish things.

[shadesofeco]

[Jak grunts in that wonderfully eloquent way of his, and looks aside.]

I can take care of myself.

[Though at this point, he's not so sure of that. Regardless, he can't tell Zelda what's going on. It'll worry her unnecessarily, and there's always the chance of him truly spiraling into insanity like Gol did, and taking down everyone around him as he does. If that happens, he wants Zelda as far away as possible.]

[oblique_wisdom]

I understand that. I'm not about to rush in and attempt to save you, because it's so...

[So disgustingly obvious.]

I know you don't want me to, so I'll go against everything in me and I'll abide by your silent requests, but please understand that the more you don't tell me, the more I'm thinking it's me. The more you refuse to confide in me, the more I'm worrying.

[She shakes her head.]

I don't know how much more of this I can take.

[shadesofeco]

[There's a moment's pause, as if he's considering something, looking straight at her, locking gazes with her. Then he shrugs his shoulders and turns away from her.]

Maybe it is you.

[oblique_wisdom]

[For a moment she says nothing. She hates those words, loathes them. He knows better than anyone else what''s good for him. Perhaps she's really not the best. She's known that, though. She's not Jak's type at all. She's soft and fragile, and even if he doesn't come out and say it, she must be a burden to some degree.

Zelda inclines her head and lifts a hand to run her fingertips over the Seal of Mar. Will he want it back? She shouldn't have it if she can't be what she wants to be.]

...I'm so sorry, Jak.

[shadesofeco]

[This is so hard to say. It's so hard to push her away. But ultimately, it's for her own good. It is for the best, even if it means he can't have her anymore.

Reaching into his pocket, he pulls out the triforce earrings and holds them flat in the palm of his hand. They catch the light here and there, shining gold.

Shifting his weight, he holds them out, still not looking at her.]

You should keep these.

[oblique_wisdom]

[She draws her lower lip between her teeth. Is she angry? Yes, perhaps a part of her is. Not at him, strangely enough.

Her hands lift and she carefully unfastens his seal and she forces a smile. Jak is still an ally. She'll still support him in whatever he chooses to do. She has to. She offers it to him kindly in return for her earrings.]

Thank you. I appreciate it.

[shadesofeco]

[His fingers brush against cold metal, and he pulls his hand away in surprise, lifting his head to see what it was. Oh. Right.

Snagging it by the leather thong, he stuffs it into his pocket wordlessly. He's not happy with his decision, especially knowing it will hurt Zelda. But hurting her like this is better than maiming her with teeth and claws when he loses his sanity.

Without a word, he turns his back and stalks out of the forest.

Sorry, Zelda.]