17. [Voice]

[infidus]

The nature of this city, if one stops to think on it, is quite fascinating.

Consider, for example, the damage inflicted upon us by... ah, our neighbors. [He chuckles, softly.] Only days later, and the world has simply begun to.. continue on. The homes of those surrounding me have repaired themselves, though no one has set to working on them

Comments

[breakspromises]

Not sure if I'd say desensitized...maybe adapting would be the term I'd use.

[infidus]

Another question of perspective, really. Although the two are not mutually exclusive. After all, to be desensitized is to adapt, as well.

[breakspromises]

Ah, true. People have to do what they can to survive.

[isoalgorithm]

It's true that if you remain under the same conditions for a long time, you do get used to it eventually. For better or for worse.

But it's not always that easy to break someone's spirit.

[infidus]

Easy? No. But of course, easy is not impossible. And you are still new here, aren't you?

[isoalgorithm]

I think it depends on the person.

...Is it obvious?

[infidus]

I wouldn't necessarily say it is obvious on the face of it. However, I am aware of the residents here.

It seemed unlikely that I had missed a new arrival.

audio;

[maelstroms]

Birds sing after storms, do they not?

Your vantage point is much too cynical, Aizen.

audio;

[infidus]

And yours, as always, is too idealistic. But, of course, that has always been a concern with you, hasn't it?

[A short pause. Aizen sips his tea.]

My apologies for not greeting you earlier, on your return. I was distracted.

audio;

[maelstroms]

[ A concern, is it? ]

They are not so far apart, idealists and cynics. One has merely been disheartened.

An apology though, is far from necessary. Truth to be told, after learning of your presence here, I hadn't expected to exchange salutations with you quite so soon.

audio; SORRY FOR THE DELAY, GAH

[infidus]

Is that what you believe? And would you consider yours to be a universal explanation for cynicism? I must admit, I don't feel particularly disheartened.

[He's smiling now.]

Well, in any case. I'm glad to see that you aren't repeating the errors of your past incarnation, here.

[holy_pickle]

I'm okay... and I helped lots of people! So they're okay too! But Mister...

[his voice drops to a loud whisper]

something is growling behind you!

[Just thought you should know Aizen. Because it could be a monster... and monsters are scary.]

[infidus]

[... cute.]

Ah, yes. I wouldn't concern myself with that.

[holy_pickle]

But Mister it could be a monster! You good get hurt!

[Look at that Aizen- someone GENUINELY concerned for your well being...]

[infidus]

Could I? That would be... interesting.

[ Voice ]

[velvet_zealot]

I'm amazed you bothered to involve yourself.

[ Voice ]

[infidus]

There is a time for all things, Yazoo. Inaction, action. [And somewhere in between, like sending your lieutenant out while you sip tea. Shh. Pulling out your tongue because you're so damn mouthy.]

And what were you doing at that time?

[ Voice ]

[velvet_zealot]

I don't require a lesson in action or inaction.

And what I was doing isn't anything that concerns you, either.

[ He sighs, the sound of it soft and dreamy. It floats unfazed over the airwaves. ]

You allied yourself with the losing side.

A poor call...if you ask me.

[ Voice ]

[infidus]

I would say you require a good number of lessons. It's to your benefit that you don't tempt me to administer them.

[His tone remains... smooth. Pleasant. As always.]

I wouldn't, however, say that I allied myself with any side at all. If I had, I can assure you, the outcome would have been substantially altered.