Tear Away What You Know to Learn What You Don't (Rumble)
Oct 7, 2019 22:34:05 GMT -5
The Anarchist and Holden Ross like this
Post by David Hunter on Oct 7, 2019 22:34:05 GMT -5
“Hey, you know that Jeff Bridges played the Prince in The Last Unicorn?” David asks.
“David…” Lapis utters, more so in curiosity than discontent or annoyance.
“Yeah, it’s so weird hearing that man’s voice as some noble prince trying to woo a princess,” David says.
“We have no idea what either of those things are,” Qrow says.
“That’s cause you don’t know culture,” David says.
“Seconded,” Heather says, floating aimlessly above David.
Thirdeded.
“David,” Lapis says, with much more urgency.
“Yes?” the man asks.
“Why are you here?” she asks.
“Because I want to talk to you two? Duh, why else would I come to this dimension?” David asks rhetorically and sarcastically.
A stream of water comes out of nowhere and sprays David in the face. It splashes down on his t-shirt and jeans.
“David, I think she means, why are you here in New Homeworld to talk to us?” Qrow asks. “Especially when you are still technically a prisoner of the Council…and are technically now a fugitive.”
“Oh…that…” David mutters.
There’s a good few seconds with none of them actually responding or uttering a sentence about the whole situation.
“David!” Lapis actually yells.
“Okay, so…look. There’s this…entity, let’s say…that’s become a part of my spirit. Nobody knows who it is, but they’ve traced its source back as one of the Creators. Given this recent update, it brings to light a few things I’ve left unresolved. First off, I was arrested by the Council to avoid Noxorus’ wrath, as the point of pissing him off by stealing the Cyclonian Crystal that he stole from Master Cyclonis was to focus all his efforts on me…”
There’s a brief pause for David to recollect is thoughts.
“…that seems to have worked for the moment, but jury’s still out on any final results. Secondly, this thing that’s inside me kind of likes to takes over at times, which is fine, but very inconsistent. It’s a two sides of the same coin. Kind of like the Lute—”
Both Qrow and Lapis’ hands cover David’s mouth before he can finish.
Oh, yeah.
So I’m not sure if I can actually say their name(s), but the duo that Lapis and Qrow just tried to stop David was speaking of are some of the complex creations that the universe has ever deigned to create, and I don’t mean by the Creators, just by the universe itself doing a yolo.
These two have the ability to travel wherever and whenever they desire. Those attuned to the game have reduced to just calling them Reality Walkers.
Their creation has been documented as a once-in-an-existence anomaly, and just uttering their names can lead to them showing up.
You don’t want them showing up.
“Thank you for the running commentary,” Heather says.
Less so for you, but whatever makes you happy, I guess.
Qrow and Lapis remove their hands from David’s mouth, allowing the man to continue speaking.
“Right, sorry, but you get what I’m going for. Anyway, the main goal of this guy is to figure out who it is and see what we can do about it. On one hand I like my body to not be possessed. On the other, it gives me an excuse to drink copious amounts of alcohol and never have a hangover,” he says.
“Lucky…” Qrow mutters.
“Funny, I’d assume you’d be okay with this whole thing given your usual affection towards Grand Wizards,” David says.
“He’s part of the KKK?!” Heather shrieks out.
Which, okay, has me and David laughing.
This is something that I can do freely, but David? Well, given they have no knowledge that David can communicate with that which is unheard and unseen, they just kinda jot it down as one of his proclivities.
David has a lot of proclivities.
“Proclivities, nice,” Heather says.
“And finally, there’s this other thing I’ve been throwing around. Mostly just an idea, but one that I think has some level of merit. So, you know how there’s the Council, the Others, and Peacekeepers? Well—”
“No,” Lapis says, her eyes narrowed.
“I haven’t even finished the pitch,” David whines.
“I know where this is going, and no,” she says.
“Right, ignoring water wings over here. Qrow, we’re starting a fourth group.”
Qrow raises an eyebrow.
Given his recent fallout with his former employer and his own ‘group’, I could’ve theorized this was a bad idea.
And I did.
“Shut-up Heather, you say this enough we’ll start to think you’re against the creation of the group,” Heather mutters.
That’s because I AM against the creation of the group.
“David…” Qrow says, now in the tone of voice that Lapis originally had.
The man in question rolls his eyes before Qrow continues.
“You know I will always have your back…but is this really the best idea? You’re already a wanted fugitive. You’ve already pissed off the other groups—”
David chimes in with a, “Actually, I still have a few favors left with the Others.”
Qrow looks down, letting a groan release from his mouth.
Lapis intercedes on his behalf.
“Nevertheless, you’re damaged goods. All of the benefits of you being in the Game, all your coveted connections, and most of your other relationships…all of that is dead after you pissed off the only G-level Big Bad in existence,” she says.
“But isn’t that the beauty of it?" David retorts. "Imagine how many villains Noxorus has who realize they’re in over their head? Imagine how many people the other three groups have in their ranks who’d prefer the freedom to do what they want to do while still gaining the benefits of said groups? Look, Lapis, I know asking you was a longshot, but I figured it was worth it, but Qrow…dude…my man, come on. Think of what we went through together. Imagine how great it’d be if it was official?”
Once David’s speech is done, Qrow takes a few moments to really think about the offer.
Lapis rolls her eyes. She stands up, her water wings forming on her back, allowing her to float a bit off the ground.
“Next time you pop around my dimension, hit me up, we’ll have a drink, but if you come in with this offer ever again, I’ll throw you into the ocean and let you swim back on your own,” she says.
With that, she flies away, leaving Qrow and David by themselves.
The former takes a few more moments before answering.
“I can’t accept this offer right now,” he says.
David looks down, his eyes narrowing as he stares at the table in front of him.
“I’m sorry David…but with all the shit I’m having to deal with in my current timeline and that Arc kid yet to make any drastic changes in this lifetime…this just isn’t the best time for me to dedicate my time to something like this,” Qrow says.
David stands up, throwing a few dollar bills on the table.
“Nah, I get it. I understand,” he says.
“David,” is all that Qrow says.
Davis looks forward, locking eyes with his former mentor.
“Give me a bit of time. That’s all I’m asking,” Qrow says.
“I comprehend what you’re saying…Mr. Branwen.”
David turns around, leaving Qrow sitting on his table. Heather takes a bit of time to stare at him, mostly just trying to discern what he’s thinking.
Something which even I can’t decipher.
“Can’t…or won’t?” Heather asks.
…………………
Heather nods once before floating off to follow David.
-----------------------------------------------------
“Hey, you know that John Cusack voiced Dimitri in the animated Anastasia film?” David asks.
Raimundo turns his head to look at David, an eyebrow raised.
David sighs, deflating to the floor so he’s lying on the pile of cushions. They’re all located in the Xiaolin Temple in China, specifically the meeting room where David originally met Rai a while back.
“For the record, I was aware of this,” the bald-headed boy wonder says, leaning against a wall.
“Thank you Omi,” David says, raising a finger.
He drops it onto the cushion, with Omi only shrugging.
“So…what’s your plan? I know Qrow was gonna be a core member. With him out, that just leaves Argit, Mercury, and Ace as the guarantees. You already know where we stand on it. Including your two stalkers…” Rai says.
“Hey!” Heathers calls out.
Hey!
“That’s…what, eight members so far?” Rai finishes.
“Not to piss on your festival—” Omi begins before he is interrupted.
“Poop on your parade, but you know what? You get a pass on that one,” Rai interrupts.
“Right, thank you. My idioms still need improvement I see. Anywho, as I was saying. Not to poop on your parade, young David, but eight members does not an army make,” Omi finishes.
“It’s not an army it’s a…” David starts to say, leaning up and resting his ass firmly on one of the cushions.
…………
“Group?” Heather asks.
Idiotic idea?
“Shut up Heather,” Heather whispers for some unknown reason.
“…group?” David utters.
Rai and Omi share a look before both looking at David.
He shrugs.
“It’s a work in progress. I’m not expecting a league right out the gate,” he says.
“Yeah, well, given the rate at which you’ve made and are making enemies, a league wouldn’t be a bad idea,” Rai says.
David releases a sigh.
“So…any other ideas?” Omi asks nobody in particular.
David leans his head against his hand with his elbow planted on his knee.
“Wuya would probably be a guarantee if we can find her. Miss Poppins might be into it, but I can’t say for sure. There’s a few guys in Noxorus’ group I wanna try, but getting them alone will be the biggest issue. Otherwise, I have a few wild cards that’d be a good start,” he says.
“Name ‘em,” Rai commands.
“Daemon is a longshot,” David says.
“Daemon? What, that edgy fuck that got you arrested the first time? How would that be a good idea?” Rai asks.
David shrugs, admittingly not fully committed to it.
“The guy is just insane enough and chaotic enough to do it. Like I said, a longshot.”
“Let’s put Mr. Daemon at the bottom. The waaaay bottom,” Omi says.
He turns towards the computer next to them, typing a few things into it.
“What else ya got?” Rai asks.
“Nio and his wife might be into it. More so the former, but the latter might be curious given my association with Attea and Argit. Plus I reminded her of her cousin last time I saw her. Don’t know if it was a compliment, but hey, I wasn’t there long enough to test her limits…again,” David says.
Rai thinks a bit to himself while Omi stares at his leader.
“We’ll put Nio near the top as a potential. His wife is an unknown element, so let’s leave her off for now. Anybody else?” Rai asks.
David shrugs.
“I dunno. The last two are kinda stupid,” he says.
“David, we’re dealing with a stupid idea. What’s the harm in adding more of it to the pile?” Rai asks rhetorically.
“Okay then. There’s this blonde kid from Remnant. He’s got a semblance that allows him to live infinite lives with seemingly no stop. He’s reaching the end, but not enough to justify keeping the course. If we can get him in it might work to our advantage. The only downside is that he needs some work to get back to his best and he’s jaded as fuck. Like…more so than me, and that’s saying something. We got along well enough when I went to Beacon, but that was thirty of his lifetimes ago.”
Omi continues typing on the computer.
“Let’s mark him after Nio,” he says.
“Come on, give me someone else,” Rai says.
“If you say so. I…met this one girl near Phoenix a while back. She’s an unknown, but she’s powerful. Smart, too. I never saw her afterwards, but she’s done some big things. Plus, with the lack of recorded material detailing her life, there’s not a lot of harm that will come if she’s absentee from her dimension…” David says, albeit with a pause at the end.
A pause that causes Rai to raise his eyebrow and Omi to stop typing and turn around.
“What’s the catch?” Rai eventually asks.
“She’s from the forbidden Wizarding Dimension,” David whispers, anticipating the worst.
And the worst he gets.
Omi just simply stands up and exits the room while Rai spends his time shouting.
And shouting is definitely something he does. Enough so that it actually causes Heather to perk up in shock.
“…and of all the stupid things you’ve done, this is probably the stupidest!” Rai finishes.
“So…” David begins. “…you’re saying there’s a chance?”
Rai just stares at David.
He then points towards the exit.
“Get out of my sight. Come back when you’ve got some tangible bodies,” he says.
----------------------------------------------------------
“Hey, you know that Shia LaBeouf starred as a penguin in Surf’s Up?” a female voice asks out of the blue, right into his ear.
David perks up, his hand going for the pistol in his pocket.
The woman behind him places a hand on top of his, shoving the pistol back into the pocket.
“Shhh…shhh, it’s okay,” she says.
She then licks David’s cheek.
With a shudder, David stands up off the bench in the small Beijing park he’s found himself in. He turns around, pointing the pistol at the mysterious woman…
…whose face is scarred to shit, holy fuck in the god damn.
“Wanna know how I got these scars?” she asks, clearly sarcastically.
David doesn’t lower the pistol, although his eyes do widen a smidge.
“The thought did cross my mind,” he says.
She rolls her eyes, leaping over the bench and laying down in it. Her arms rest behind her head, her eyes closing as she hums a tune.
“Well, it all started when I pissed off the wrong guy. You see, it turns out that fighting someone in a bathroom can lead to a face into the mirror and about seven years of bad luck. Give or take one or two if you’re me. Later on, if you’re fighting a guy in a hotel room, well…let’s just say some kinks went too far. One moment you’re having the fuck of your life, the next moment he pierces your heart…not with love or anything, but with a dagger that he stole from you.”
This doesn’t help David’s predicament, whose pistol remains locked onto his guest, albeit with a hand that’s shaking.
“Fucked up part is that he confessed his love while doing it…and then kissed me. Can’t tell you if us snowballing my blood was romantic or disgusting though,” she says.
Yeah, that does it. David lowers his arm, sticking the pistol back in his pocket.
“So who the fuck are you?” he asks.
“Who? Me? Why, I’m the girl who survived a dagger through the heart. I’m the girl who was once the most feared soldier in all of existence. I killed so many shit-for-brains it was almost a genocide. But, much like my fellow comrades, we came to this failure of an experiment. That just kind of started the downfall. Now there’s only three of us left. Well…four if we count whatever the hell’s inside of you,” she says.
David rolls his eyes.
“So you’re a Creator. Fantastic. Wish you just led with that. Any chance you’re the one that Miss Poppins was close with?” he asks.
“The very same!” she screeches, hopping off the bench to stand in front of David.
She takes his hand and shakes his excitingly.
“Lillith, at your service!”
“Oh peachy, we’re dealing with bible iconography,” Heather says, floating over David’s shoulder.
Iconography, nice.
“Shut up Heather…” she mutters, a blush forming on her cheeks despite her lack of blood and vital organs.
“Lillith huh? So then…any idea who decided to call me a host? Or how? Or why?” David asks in quick succession.
Lillith lets David’s hand fall. She takes a step back and taps her chin in exaggerated thought.
“Hmm…I have a hunch, but for the sake of my Mar-Bear, I’ll let you figure it out,” she says.
Did she just call Miss Poppins ‘Mar-Bear’?
“Wait, are you guys actually talking about Mary fucking Poppins?” Heather asks to the air because neither I nor David are focused on her.
“Oh goody. So then tell me, Scarface, how and why did this happen to me?” David asks.
Mar-Bear? Honestly? Really?
“Y’all are a bunch of dorks,” Heather states.
Lillith smirks, allowing her perfect white teeth to shine.
“What happened to you was a once-in-a-universe happening. Something that not even we as the Creators planned or expect to happen. If anybody would know what happened to you, it’d be those two,” she says.
She then boops David’s nose before skipping away down the path.
“Good luck, Davey!” she calls over her shoulder.
Once she is out of sight, David is left to stand alone.
Eventually, he sighs.
“Guess I don’t have much of a choice, now do I?” he asks, rhetorically.
“Ooh, do we get to see the wonder twins in action?” Heather asks.
Or…not rhetorically?
-----------------------------------------------------
A cell phone camera turns on. It’s just grainy enough to be somewhat difficult to see, but with good enough quality to decipher that it’s David Hunter with his North American Title over his shoulder.
Where is he at?
A warehouse in a dimension the likes of which no human being could ever begin to decipher.
David walks back from the phone, his feet crunching on the dirt floor. David grabs a simple wooden chair, bringing it closer and taking a seat right in front of the camera. There’s enough of an angle to see his face and his championship.
“Unlike most of the people in this Rumble, I am walking in as a champion. The only other competitor to also do so is my tag-team partner, Holden Ross. So where does that leave me?
That leaves me as a target.
It’s no secret I’m a selfish bastard, and an arrogant one too, so the fact that I want to go on and claim the World Championship by winning this Rumble paints a bullseye on me. A lot of people want me out just as quickly as they want to win. The only problem…are my opponents.
You see, one year ago, I debuted by entering the Deadly Rumble. I lasted farther than most competitors, and considering it was my debut…yeah I’d say that’s a pretty impressive outcome on my end.
One year passes. I become a three-time King of the Underground. I win numerous Icey awards. I piss of the President, I piss off the company, and I take out Kyle Shane and Sicko.
Oh…and I become North American Champion.
So here we are, one year later, entering yet another Deadly Rumble. I’m not a rookie anymore. I’ve proven my worth over almost everybody on this roster. Name ‘em, I’ve probably beaten ‘em, with the exception of a few, one of whom I’m going to be meeting at Collision Course.
But other than those folks…who do we have this year?
Rick Majors? I’m sorry, but he hasn’t had power since I kicked his ass a while back.
Brenna Gordon? The new girl on the block who needs to be reminded what Holden and I did to Alexa Black. For the record, that wasn’t a punishment, that was a massacre…and I, personally, had no ill will towards Miss Black.
Razor Blade?
I mean shit, if Holden or I aren’t going to win, it’s gotta be him.
Speaking of Holden…I think he said it best. If I don’t win…if somehow, the planets align and all the deities in the world team-up…and decided to screw me out of a victory…than my goal is to make sure my partner wins. It deserves to be champion vs. champion at Collision Course.
Who else is going to be appearing? Loki? Seromine? Bring in that referee who screwed over Kyle and I?
Fuck it, bring back Lee Rumbles, let’s have another rise from the grave!
Because it doesn’t matter who’s going to walk out into that ring, the only thing that matters is that the last man standing is going to be me.
And if I have to deal with a Gerard Angelo victory…for the second year in a row…than shit…I guess Dominator can wait…because I will know exactly who my target is.
That isn’t a proclamation from the warrior king…that’s a goddamn promise.
You don’t wanna be in anybody’s sights…especially…a Hunter’s.”
David reaches forth, turning off the cell phone.
--------------------------------------------------
With his promo done and locked in, David puts his cell phone in his pocket.
He stands up, grabbing the chair and tossing it to the side. He takes his North American Championship off his shoulder, setting it on the small table that his phone was on.
David steps back, planting his feet in the dirt right in the center of the room.
“Alright…so I guess I don’t really know how to call upon you, but…I guess I call upon the Luteces.”
David’s arms are spread, and his hands are open, as if he is laying on a cross.
Nothing happens.
Nobody shows up.
And just as David drops his arms and huffs, he hears the sounds of people digging into the dirt. He looks around the room, but doesn’t see anybody.
With a frown, David approaches the only door in the room. He opens it, exiting out onto the path in which he entered. The road that lies ahead is littered with a dark red sky, and the dirt all around the singular and hollow warehouse is damn near pitch black.
David hears the shoveling again. He turns around and sees two refined people, one man, one woman, both digging holes in the ground. On some tombstones lying to the side, David can see one with his name, including his birth date, a hyphen, but no end date.
The other one reads ‘Leo’, with three question marks as a birth date, a hyphen, and an end date of August 4, 2016.
Unfortunately, David glances to the graves and sees a singular tombstone, centered at the head between the two plots. It reads David Hunter/Leo, August 4, 2016 with no end date.
“Huh,” David says.
“For a man who regards himself as a wordsmith, that is a rather disappointing start,” the man says, dressed in a nice brown suit with a green tie.
“Such reaction is generally expected when meeting us, dear brother,” the woman says, in a female equivalent of the man’s brown suit, also in a green tie.
The main distinguishing feature is their hair and clothing. The least of which to mention is their gender, but given their situation, such constructs are essentially bullshit.
That’s not a social justice stance (I would literally never), that’s just a matter of their existence.
“Ah, it appears that omnipotent being knows more about us than dear ol’ David,” the woman says.
“Unsurprising, dear sister. He is often the voice of reason in an otherwise confusing collection of creations,” the man says.
“So you are the Luteces?” David asks, regaining himself long enough to actually ask a question.
The woman scoffs, shaking her head in disappointment while the man smiles, chuckling a bit to himself.
“That’s another for me, dear sister,” he says.
The woman merely rolls her eyes before continuing to dig the grave.
“For the sake of convenience, yes, Mr. Hunter, we are the Luteces. My name is Robert—” the man starts.
“—and my name is Rosalind,” she finishes.
“As your narrator already explained in some detail, we are brother and sister through time and space—” Robert.
“—or as you so easily put it, dimensions. Dimensions upon dimensions of various timelines—” Rosalind.
“—all fighting for a spot on top, but only one coming out as the official winner. This changes through the various dimensions present, and could very well be infinite,” Robert.
“Theoretically, anyway. Since our escape from the single dimension we were imprisoned in, we’ve yet to fully test the theory. What dimension are we at again, dear brother?” Rosalind.
“Dear sister, we both know numbers are more your forte,” Robert, who continues to dig the grave he is standing in.
Rosalind stops, answering her own question.
“This is our 27 quintillion, five-hundred and 87 quadrillion, three-hundred and 24 trillion, one-hundred and 64 billion, nine-hundred and 78 million, three-hundred and twelve thousand, and 42nd dimension.”
David can only stare on, his own decision to invoke their name seemingly coming to bite him in the ass.
“On the contrary, Josh, I actually find his invocation of our names to be…a nice touch,” Rosalind.
“It’s not very often we’re called anymore, let alone remembered. Even if it was our hill to, pardon the phrase, die on, it is still nice to have somebody call upon us,” Robert, who stops digging.
“So…tell me, Mr. Hunter, what brings us to your person?” Rosalind asks.
David takes a few moments to shake his head and get himself back into things.
“What do you know about the Creators?” he asks.
“Ah yes, the Creators,” Rosalind.
“An unspecified number of extraterrestrials who honestly believe they created everything on Earth,” Robert.
“Such is of no fault of their own. They learned very young about a falsehood that they kept holding on to,” Rosalind.
“A falsehood perpetrated and exasperated by a young man looking for acceptance,” Robert.
“But a falsehood that remains to this day,” Rosalind.
“Ah yes, sins of the father and all that. Regrettably understandable if not unavoidable,” Robert.
“Alas, said ‘Creators’ are nothing more than aliens who learned said falsehoods. They’re only chance of the truth died with their home base—” Rosalind.
“—and any remnants of said home base remain only in the four presently alive,” Robert.
David perks up, crossing his arms over his chest.
“So…the guy inside of me is a Creator,” he says.
“An interesting conundrum you find yourself in, Mr. Hunter,” Robert.
“One that was avoidable if not for the company you keep,” Rosalind.
“Very unfortunate that you would find yourself a victim of your own failure yet again, and on that date of all days,” Robert.
“The anniversary of an unfortunate incident caused by the innocence of youth. As poetic as it is predictable,” Rosalind.
David narrows his eyes, letting a huff release.
“Yeah…August 4th. The day Mom died,” he says.
“But a date that will live in infamy,” Robert.
“Not only for you, but for all those who know of beings such as ourselves,” Rosalind.
“Yes, what did occur on that specific day in that specific year?” Robert
David takes a few moments to think, which are all the few moments he needs.
“Three years ago…I broke away from Wuya and joined Beacon at Jack’s orders,” he says.
“Astounding how the sins of the father repeat,” Robert.
“Yes, such an innocuous decision, but one that impacted too many lives to mention,” Rosalind.
“The witch who found herself lost,” Robert.
“The criminal that found a friend,” Rosalind.
“The alien who found a family,” Robert.
“The solider who found peace,” Rosalind.
“The father who found sin,” Robert.
“And the son who found the father’s sin,” Rosalind.
“And that is only the immediate affected,” Robert.
“A simple date in a simple year—” Rosalind.
“—to us, anyway. Yet a date that impacts almost every dimension and its proceeding timelines,” Robert.
“It’s almost like the butterfly flew too far from its home and became a pigeon,” Rosalind.
“And yet at the same time, the death of someone whose race is on the verge of extinction,” Robert.
David looks down at the ground. He starts to pace, connecting the dots for himself.
“This…'Leo'. This…other Creator. That’s when he died,” he says.
“Two major impacts on the universe at the exact same time,” Robert.
“Two precise intersecting moments of the same magnitude,” Rosalind.
“For most it leads to death,” Robert.
“For others it leads to infinity,” Rosalind.
“For two it lead to an immortality of companionship,” Robert.
“For two others it lead to a fusion of spirit,” Rosalind.
David stops, glancing over the duo. He breathes in for a bit…
…before cracking his neck.
“Oh dear it appears the information was too much for the poor lad,” Robert.
“Unsurprising, really. As much of a brave-face as he puts on he is still merely a child,” Rosalind.
“Comparatively? Yes, even to our new guest, but even still, one cannot question his experience,” Robert.
“Experience is all well and good until you experience a moment,” Rosalind.
“I couldn’t agree more,” David says, gaining a half-smile.
Rosalind herself can’t help but full-on-smile.
Robert, unfortunately, grimaces.
“It has been an indescribable amount of time since I’ve heard a second opinion,” Rosalind.
David’s smile evolves into a cheeky smirk.
“I feel honored to have broken your conversation. However, I do need some clarification. As much as I understood beyond my veil, my companion still finds himself grasping the finer details. Would one of you be a dear and explain them to him? Rosalind, perhaps? Or maybe Robert would like a crack at it?”
Rosalind looks to Robert. Both of them are the face of calm, beyond the former’s genuine smile.
Oh, and the gentle tapping of her foot in mute excitement.
Robert rolls his eyes.
“Go ahead, dear sister,” he says.
Rosalind turns back around, a giggle damn near breaking out of her mouth as her arms rest on the shovel.
“Apologies for my sister’s behavior. It’s not every visit we get somebody as open as you,” Robert.
“Silence, brother,” she says.
To the view of only those reading (and later on, her male counterpart), a small and unseen blush forms on her cheeks.
Hey, I’m rarely able to get one up on somebody from where I am. I have to take it when I can.
Rosalind clears her throat to hide any further embarrassment I might’ve caused.
“Much in the same capacity that the tampering with our interdimensional device cause the two of us to be allowed travel to any dimension at any time frame throughout the entire universe, so too did the time lapse created by David’s exit from Wuya’s mentorship and the impact of your body’s death. In layman’s terms—”
“—the universal impact both events caused when they happened at the same time allowed the universe to do what it wanted,” Robert intercedes, much to his sister’s annoyance. “Very rarely is the universe—as often inanimate as it might appear to be—allowed an action. Such as with us, it allowed a merger of two of its most interesting creations.”
Rosalind tosses her shovel at Robert, who slowly begins to fade away into static. This allows the shovel to phase right through him, disappearing in a shower of sparks on the other side.
“I’ll leave you to it, sister. You know where to find me,” he says.
Rosalind turns back towards David, who merely waits in anticipation.
“Apologies for that outburst. As my brother explained, when the time convergence created by David leaving Wuya happened at the same time as your death, Leo, the universe allowed itself to fuse your two spirits together. In essence, you are two hosts in one body. And to your final inquiry, David, well…”
Rosalind began to disappear in the same static that her brother did.
“Let’s just say we’ll talk further when we meet again.”
And with that, David is left alone
No.
Leo is left alone, but for the sake of convenience I’ll just say David because it’s his body, but I’ll specify who is in control when the time dictates it.
Fuckin a this is confusing.
“Indeed,” David says.
……………………………
WAIT YOU CAN UNDERSTAND M—
“David…” Lapis utters, more so in curiosity than discontent or annoyance.
“Yeah, it’s so weird hearing that man’s voice as some noble prince trying to woo a princess,” David says.
“We have no idea what either of those things are,” Qrow says.
“That’s cause you don’t know culture,” David says.
“Seconded,” Heather says, floating aimlessly above David.
Thirdeded.
“David,” Lapis says, with much more urgency.
“Yes?” the man asks.
“Why are you here?” she asks.
“Because I want to talk to you two? Duh, why else would I come to this dimension?” David asks rhetorically and sarcastically.
A stream of water comes out of nowhere and sprays David in the face. It splashes down on his t-shirt and jeans.
“David, I think she means, why are you here in New Homeworld to talk to us?” Qrow asks. “Especially when you are still technically a prisoner of the Council…and are technically now a fugitive.”
“Oh…that…” David mutters.
There’s a good few seconds with none of them actually responding or uttering a sentence about the whole situation.
“David!” Lapis actually yells.
“Okay, so…look. There’s this…entity, let’s say…that’s become a part of my spirit. Nobody knows who it is, but they’ve traced its source back as one of the Creators. Given this recent update, it brings to light a few things I’ve left unresolved. First off, I was arrested by the Council to avoid Noxorus’ wrath, as the point of pissing him off by stealing the Cyclonian Crystal that he stole from Master Cyclonis was to focus all his efforts on me…”
There’s a brief pause for David to recollect is thoughts.
“…that seems to have worked for the moment, but jury’s still out on any final results. Secondly, this thing that’s inside me kind of likes to takes over at times, which is fine, but very inconsistent. It’s a two sides of the same coin. Kind of like the Lute—”
Both Qrow and Lapis’ hands cover David’s mouth before he can finish.
Oh, yeah.
So I’m not sure if I can actually say their name(s), but the duo that Lapis and Qrow just tried to stop David was speaking of are some of the complex creations that the universe has ever deigned to create, and I don’t mean by the Creators, just by the universe itself doing a yolo.
These two have the ability to travel wherever and whenever they desire. Those attuned to the game have reduced to just calling them Reality Walkers.
Their creation has been documented as a once-in-an-existence anomaly, and just uttering their names can lead to them showing up.
You don’t want them showing up.
“Thank you for the running commentary,” Heather says.
Less so for you, but whatever makes you happy, I guess.
Qrow and Lapis remove their hands from David’s mouth, allowing the man to continue speaking.
“Right, sorry, but you get what I’m going for. Anyway, the main goal of this guy is to figure out who it is and see what we can do about it. On one hand I like my body to not be possessed. On the other, it gives me an excuse to drink copious amounts of alcohol and never have a hangover,” he says.
“Lucky…” Qrow mutters.
“Funny, I’d assume you’d be okay with this whole thing given your usual affection towards Grand Wizards,” David says.
“He’s part of the KKK?!” Heather shrieks out.
Which, okay, has me and David laughing.
This is something that I can do freely, but David? Well, given they have no knowledge that David can communicate with that which is unheard and unseen, they just kinda jot it down as one of his proclivities.
David has a lot of proclivities.
“Proclivities, nice,” Heather says.
“And finally, there’s this other thing I’ve been throwing around. Mostly just an idea, but one that I think has some level of merit. So, you know how there’s the Council, the Others, and Peacekeepers? Well—”
“No,” Lapis says, her eyes narrowed.
“I haven’t even finished the pitch,” David whines.
“I know where this is going, and no,” she says.
“Right, ignoring water wings over here. Qrow, we’re starting a fourth group.”
Qrow raises an eyebrow.
Given his recent fallout with his former employer and his own ‘group’, I could’ve theorized this was a bad idea.
And I did.
“Shut-up Heather, you say this enough we’ll start to think you’re against the creation of the group,” Heather mutters.
That’s because I AM against the creation of the group.
“David…” Qrow says, now in the tone of voice that Lapis originally had.
The man in question rolls his eyes before Qrow continues.
“You know I will always have your back…but is this really the best idea? You’re already a wanted fugitive. You’ve already pissed off the other groups—”
David chimes in with a, “Actually, I still have a few favors left with the Others.”
Qrow looks down, letting a groan release from his mouth.
Lapis intercedes on his behalf.
“Nevertheless, you’re damaged goods. All of the benefits of you being in the Game, all your coveted connections, and most of your other relationships…all of that is dead after you pissed off the only G-level Big Bad in existence,” she says.
“But isn’t that the beauty of it?" David retorts. "Imagine how many villains Noxorus has who realize they’re in over their head? Imagine how many people the other three groups have in their ranks who’d prefer the freedom to do what they want to do while still gaining the benefits of said groups? Look, Lapis, I know asking you was a longshot, but I figured it was worth it, but Qrow…dude…my man, come on. Think of what we went through together. Imagine how great it’d be if it was official?”
Once David’s speech is done, Qrow takes a few moments to really think about the offer.
Lapis rolls her eyes. She stands up, her water wings forming on her back, allowing her to float a bit off the ground.
“Next time you pop around my dimension, hit me up, we’ll have a drink, but if you come in with this offer ever again, I’ll throw you into the ocean and let you swim back on your own,” she says.
With that, she flies away, leaving Qrow and David by themselves.
The former takes a few more moments before answering.
“I can’t accept this offer right now,” he says.
David looks down, his eyes narrowing as he stares at the table in front of him.
“I’m sorry David…but with all the shit I’m having to deal with in my current timeline and that Arc kid yet to make any drastic changes in this lifetime…this just isn’t the best time for me to dedicate my time to something like this,” Qrow says.
David stands up, throwing a few dollar bills on the table.
“Nah, I get it. I understand,” he says.
“David,” is all that Qrow says.
Davis looks forward, locking eyes with his former mentor.
“Give me a bit of time. That’s all I’m asking,” Qrow says.
“I comprehend what you’re saying…Mr. Branwen.”
David turns around, leaving Qrow sitting on his table. Heather takes a bit of time to stare at him, mostly just trying to discern what he’s thinking.
Something which even I can’t decipher.
“Can’t…or won’t?” Heather asks.
…………………
Heather nods once before floating off to follow David.
-----------------------------------------------------
“Hey, you know that John Cusack voiced Dimitri in the animated Anastasia film?” David asks.
Raimundo turns his head to look at David, an eyebrow raised.
David sighs, deflating to the floor so he’s lying on the pile of cushions. They’re all located in the Xiaolin Temple in China, specifically the meeting room where David originally met Rai a while back.
“For the record, I was aware of this,” the bald-headed boy wonder says, leaning against a wall.
“Thank you Omi,” David says, raising a finger.
He drops it onto the cushion, with Omi only shrugging.
“So…what’s your plan? I know Qrow was gonna be a core member. With him out, that just leaves Argit, Mercury, and Ace as the guarantees. You already know where we stand on it. Including your two stalkers…” Rai says.
“Hey!” Heathers calls out.
Hey!
“That’s…what, eight members so far?” Rai finishes.
“Not to piss on your festival—” Omi begins before he is interrupted.
“Poop on your parade, but you know what? You get a pass on that one,” Rai interrupts.
“Right, thank you. My idioms still need improvement I see. Anywho, as I was saying. Not to poop on your parade, young David, but eight members does not an army make,” Omi finishes.
“It’s not an army it’s a…” David starts to say, leaning up and resting his ass firmly on one of the cushions.
…………
“Group?” Heather asks.
Idiotic idea?
“Shut up Heather,” Heather whispers for some unknown reason.
“…group?” David utters.
Rai and Omi share a look before both looking at David.
He shrugs.
“It’s a work in progress. I’m not expecting a league right out the gate,” he says.
“Yeah, well, given the rate at which you’ve made and are making enemies, a league wouldn’t be a bad idea,” Rai says.
David releases a sigh.
“So…any other ideas?” Omi asks nobody in particular.
David leans his head against his hand with his elbow planted on his knee.
“Wuya would probably be a guarantee if we can find her. Miss Poppins might be into it, but I can’t say for sure. There’s a few guys in Noxorus’ group I wanna try, but getting them alone will be the biggest issue. Otherwise, I have a few wild cards that’d be a good start,” he says.
“Name ‘em,” Rai commands.
“Daemon is a longshot,” David says.
“Daemon? What, that edgy fuck that got you arrested the first time? How would that be a good idea?” Rai asks.
David shrugs, admittingly not fully committed to it.
“The guy is just insane enough and chaotic enough to do it. Like I said, a longshot.”
“Let’s put Mr. Daemon at the bottom. The waaaay bottom,” Omi says.
He turns towards the computer next to them, typing a few things into it.
“What else ya got?” Rai asks.
“Nio and his wife might be into it. More so the former, but the latter might be curious given my association with Attea and Argit. Plus I reminded her of her cousin last time I saw her. Don’t know if it was a compliment, but hey, I wasn’t there long enough to test her limits…again,” David says.
Rai thinks a bit to himself while Omi stares at his leader.
“We’ll put Nio near the top as a potential. His wife is an unknown element, so let’s leave her off for now. Anybody else?” Rai asks.
David shrugs.
“I dunno. The last two are kinda stupid,” he says.
“David, we’re dealing with a stupid idea. What’s the harm in adding more of it to the pile?” Rai asks rhetorically.
“Okay then. There’s this blonde kid from Remnant. He’s got a semblance that allows him to live infinite lives with seemingly no stop. He’s reaching the end, but not enough to justify keeping the course. If we can get him in it might work to our advantage. The only downside is that he needs some work to get back to his best and he’s jaded as fuck. Like…more so than me, and that’s saying something. We got along well enough when I went to Beacon, but that was thirty of his lifetimes ago.”
Omi continues typing on the computer.
“Let’s mark him after Nio,” he says.
“Come on, give me someone else,” Rai says.
“If you say so. I…met this one girl near Phoenix a while back. She’s an unknown, but she’s powerful. Smart, too. I never saw her afterwards, but she’s done some big things. Plus, with the lack of recorded material detailing her life, there’s not a lot of harm that will come if she’s absentee from her dimension…” David says, albeit with a pause at the end.
A pause that causes Rai to raise his eyebrow and Omi to stop typing and turn around.
“What’s the catch?” Rai eventually asks.
“She’s from the forbidden Wizarding Dimension,” David whispers, anticipating the worst.
And the worst he gets.
Omi just simply stands up and exits the room while Rai spends his time shouting.
And shouting is definitely something he does. Enough so that it actually causes Heather to perk up in shock.
“…and of all the stupid things you’ve done, this is probably the stupidest!” Rai finishes.
“So…” David begins. “…you’re saying there’s a chance?”
Rai just stares at David.
He then points towards the exit.
“Get out of my sight. Come back when you’ve got some tangible bodies,” he says.
----------------------------------------------------------
“Hey, you know that Shia LaBeouf starred as a penguin in Surf’s Up?” a female voice asks out of the blue, right into his ear.
David perks up, his hand going for the pistol in his pocket.
The woman behind him places a hand on top of his, shoving the pistol back into the pocket.
“Shhh…shhh, it’s okay,” she says.
She then licks David’s cheek.
With a shudder, David stands up off the bench in the small Beijing park he’s found himself in. He turns around, pointing the pistol at the mysterious woman…
…whose face is scarred to shit, holy fuck in the god damn.
“Wanna know how I got these scars?” she asks, clearly sarcastically.
David doesn’t lower the pistol, although his eyes do widen a smidge.
“The thought did cross my mind,” he says.
She rolls her eyes, leaping over the bench and laying down in it. Her arms rest behind her head, her eyes closing as she hums a tune.
“Well, it all started when I pissed off the wrong guy. You see, it turns out that fighting someone in a bathroom can lead to a face into the mirror and about seven years of bad luck. Give or take one or two if you’re me. Later on, if you’re fighting a guy in a hotel room, well…let’s just say some kinks went too far. One moment you’re having the fuck of your life, the next moment he pierces your heart…not with love or anything, but with a dagger that he stole from you.”
This doesn’t help David’s predicament, whose pistol remains locked onto his guest, albeit with a hand that’s shaking.
“Fucked up part is that he confessed his love while doing it…and then kissed me. Can’t tell you if us snowballing my blood was romantic or disgusting though,” she says.
Yeah, that does it. David lowers his arm, sticking the pistol back in his pocket.
“So who the fuck are you?” he asks.
“Who? Me? Why, I’m the girl who survived a dagger through the heart. I’m the girl who was once the most feared soldier in all of existence. I killed so many shit-for-brains it was almost a genocide. But, much like my fellow comrades, we came to this failure of an experiment. That just kind of started the downfall. Now there’s only three of us left. Well…four if we count whatever the hell’s inside of you,” she says.
David rolls his eyes.
“So you’re a Creator. Fantastic. Wish you just led with that. Any chance you’re the one that Miss Poppins was close with?” he asks.
“The very same!” she screeches, hopping off the bench to stand in front of David.
She takes his hand and shakes his excitingly.
“Lillith, at your service!”
“Oh peachy, we’re dealing with bible iconography,” Heather says, floating over David’s shoulder.
Iconography, nice.
“Shut up Heather…” she mutters, a blush forming on her cheeks despite her lack of blood and vital organs.
“Lillith huh? So then…any idea who decided to call me a host? Or how? Or why?” David asks in quick succession.
Lillith lets David’s hand fall. She takes a step back and taps her chin in exaggerated thought.
“Hmm…I have a hunch, but for the sake of my Mar-Bear, I’ll let you figure it out,” she says.
Did she just call Miss Poppins ‘Mar-Bear’?
“Wait, are you guys actually talking about Mary fucking Poppins?” Heather asks to the air because neither I nor David are focused on her.
“Oh goody. So then tell me, Scarface, how and why did this happen to me?” David asks.
Mar-Bear? Honestly? Really?
“Y’all are a bunch of dorks,” Heather states.
Lillith smirks, allowing her perfect white teeth to shine.
“What happened to you was a once-in-a-universe happening. Something that not even we as the Creators planned or expect to happen. If anybody would know what happened to you, it’d be those two,” she says.
She then boops David’s nose before skipping away down the path.
“Good luck, Davey!” she calls over her shoulder.
Once she is out of sight, David is left to stand alone.
Eventually, he sighs.
“Guess I don’t have much of a choice, now do I?” he asks, rhetorically.
“Ooh, do we get to see the wonder twins in action?” Heather asks.
Or…not rhetorically?
-----------------------------------------------------
A cell phone camera turns on. It’s just grainy enough to be somewhat difficult to see, but with good enough quality to decipher that it’s David Hunter with his North American Title over his shoulder.
Where is he at?
A warehouse in a dimension the likes of which no human being could ever begin to decipher.
David walks back from the phone, his feet crunching on the dirt floor. David grabs a simple wooden chair, bringing it closer and taking a seat right in front of the camera. There’s enough of an angle to see his face and his championship.
“Unlike most of the people in this Rumble, I am walking in as a champion. The only other competitor to also do so is my tag-team partner, Holden Ross. So where does that leave me?
That leaves me as a target.
It’s no secret I’m a selfish bastard, and an arrogant one too, so the fact that I want to go on and claim the World Championship by winning this Rumble paints a bullseye on me. A lot of people want me out just as quickly as they want to win. The only problem…are my opponents.
You see, one year ago, I debuted by entering the Deadly Rumble. I lasted farther than most competitors, and considering it was my debut…yeah I’d say that’s a pretty impressive outcome on my end.
One year passes. I become a three-time King of the Underground. I win numerous Icey awards. I piss of the President, I piss off the company, and I take out Kyle Shane and Sicko.
Oh…and I become North American Champion.
So here we are, one year later, entering yet another Deadly Rumble. I’m not a rookie anymore. I’ve proven my worth over almost everybody on this roster. Name ‘em, I’ve probably beaten ‘em, with the exception of a few, one of whom I’m going to be meeting at Collision Course.
But other than those folks…who do we have this year?
Rick Majors? I’m sorry, but he hasn’t had power since I kicked his ass a while back.
Brenna Gordon? The new girl on the block who needs to be reminded what Holden and I did to Alexa Black. For the record, that wasn’t a punishment, that was a massacre…and I, personally, had no ill will towards Miss Black.
Razor Blade?
I mean shit, if Holden or I aren’t going to win, it’s gotta be him.
Speaking of Holden…I think he said it best. If I don’t win…if somehow, the planets align and all the deities in the world team-up…and decided to screw me out of a victory…than my goal is to make sure my partner wins. It deserves to be champion vs. champion at Collision Course.
Who else is going to be appearing? Loki? Seromine? Bring in that referee who screwed over Kyle and I?
Fuck it, bring back Lee Rumbles, let’s have another rise from the grave!
Because it doesn’t matter who’s going to walk out into that ring, the only thing that matters is that the last man standing is going to be me.
And if I have to deal with a Gerard Angelo victory…for the second year in a row…than shit…I guess Dominator can wait…because I will know exactly who my target is.
That isn’t a proclamation from the warrior king…that’s a goddamn promise.
You don’t wanna be in anybody’s sights…especially…a Hunter’s.”
David reaches forth, turning off the cell phone.
--------------------------------------------------
With his promo done and locked in, David puts his cell phone in his pocket.
He stands up, grabbing the chair and tossing it to the side. He takes his North American Championship off his shoulder, setting it on the small table that his phone was on.
David steps back, planting his feet in the dirt right in the center of the room.
“Alright…so I guess I don’t really know how to call upon you, but…I guess I call upon the Luteces.”
David’s arms are spread, and his hands are open, as if he is laying on a cross.
Nothing happens.
Nobody shows up.
And just as David drops his arms and huffs, he hears the sounds of people digging into the dirt. He looks around the room, but doesn’t see anybody.
With a frown, David approaches the only door in the room. He opens it, exiting out onto the path in which he entered. The road that lies ahead is littered with a dark red sky, and the dirt all around the singular and hollow warehouse is damn near pitch black.
David hears the shoveling again. He turns around and sees two refined people, one man, one woman, both digging holes in the ground. On some tombstones lying to the side, David can see one with his name, including his birth date, a hyphen, but no end date.
The other one reads ‘Leo’, with three question marks as a birth date, a hyphen, and an end date of August 4, 2016.
Unfortunately, David glances to the graves and sees a singular tombstone, centered at the head between the two plots. It reads David Hunter/Leo, August 4, 2016 with no end date.
“Huh,” David says.
“For a man who regards himself as a wordsmith, that is a rather disappointing start,” the man says, dressed in a nice brown suit with a green tie.
“Such reaction is generally expected when meeting us, dear brother,” the woman says, in a female equivalent of the man’s brown suit, also in a green tie.
The main distinguishing feature is their hair and clothing. The least of which to mention is their gender, but given their situation, such constructs are essentially bullshit.
That’s not a social justice stance (I would literally never), that’s just a matter of their existence.
“Ah, it appears that omnipotent being knows more about us than dear ol’ David,” the woman says.
“Unsurprising, dear sister. He is often the voice of reason in an otherwise confusing collection of creations,” the man says.
“So you are the Luteces?” David asks, regaining himself long enough to actually ask a question.
The woman scoffs, shaking her head in disappointment while the man smiles, chuckling a bit to himself.
“That’s another for me, dear sister,” he says.
The woman merely rolls her eyes before continuing to dig the grave.
“For the sake of convenience, yes, Mr. Hunter, we are the Luteces. My name is Robert—” the man starts.
“—and my name is Rosalind,” she finishes.
“As your narrator already explained in some detail, we are brother and sister through time and space—” Robert.
“—or as you so easily put it, dimensions. Dimensions upon dimensions of various timelines—” Rosalind.
“—all fighting for a spot on top, but only one coming out as the official winner. This changes through the various dimensions present, and could very well be infinite,” Robert.
“Theoretically, anyway. Since our escape from the single dimension we were imprisoned in, we’ve yet to fully test the theory. What dimension are we at again, dear brother?” Rosalind.
“Dear sister, we both know numbers are more your forte,” Robert, who continues to dig the grave he is standing in.
Rosalind stops, answering her own question.
“This is our 27 quintillion, five-hundred and 87 quadrillion, three-hundred and 24 trillion, one-hundred and 64 billion, nine-hundred and 78 million, three-hundred and twelve thousand, and 42nd dimension.”
David can only stare on, his own decision to invoke their name seemingly coming to bite him in the ass.
“On the contrary, Josh, I actually find his invocation of our names to be…a nice touch,” Rosalind.
“It’s not very often we’re called anymore, let alone remembered. Even if it was our hill to, pardon the phrase, die on, it is still nice to have somebody call upon us,” Robert, who stops digging.
“So…tell me, Mr. Hunter, what brings us to your person?” Rosalind asks.
David takes a few moments to shake his head and get himself back into things.
“What do you know about the Creators?” he asks.
“Ah yes, the Creators,” Rosalind.
“An unspecified number of extraterrestrials who honestly believe they created everything on Earth,” Robert.
“Such is of no fault of their own. They learned very young about a falsehood that they kept holding on to,” Rosalind.
“A falsehood perpetrated and exasperated by a young man looking for acceptance,” Robert.
“But a falsehood that remains to this day,” Rosalind.
“Ah yes, sins of the father and all that. Regrettably understandable if not unavoidable,” Robert.
“Alas, said ‘Creators’ are nothing more than aliens who learned said falsehoods. They’re only chance of the truth died with their home base—” Rosalind.
“—and any remnants of said home base remain only in the four presently alive,” Robert.
David perks up, crossing his arms over his chest.
“So…the guy inside of me is a Creator,” he says.
“An interesting conundrum you find yourself in, Mr. Hunter,” Robert.
“One that was avoidable if not for the company you keep,” Rosalind.
“Very unfortunate that you would find yourself a victim of your own failure yet again, and on that date of all days,” Robert.
“The anniversary of an unfortunate incident caused by the innocence of youth. As poetic as it is predictable,” Rosalind.
David narrows his eyes, letting a huff release.
“Yeah…August 4th. The day Mom died,” he says.
“But a date that will live in infamy,” Robert.
“Not only for you, but for all those who know of beings such as ourselves,” Rosalind.
“Yes, what did occur on that specific day in that specific year?” Robert
David takes a few moments to think, which are all the few moments he needs.
“Three years ago…I broke away from Wuya and joined Beacon at Jack’s orders,” he says.
“Astounding how the sins of the father repeat,” Robert.
“Yes, such an innocuous decision, but one that impacted too many lives to mention,” Rosalind.
“The witch who found herself lost,” Robert.
“The criminal that found a friend,” Rosalind.
“The alien who found a family,” Robert.
“The solider who found peace,” Rosalind.
“The father who found sin,” Robert.
“And the son who found the father’s sin,” Rosalind.
“And that is only the immediate affected,” Robert.
“A simple date in a simple year—” Rosalind.
“—to us, anyway. Yet a date that impacts almost every dimension and its proceeding timelines,” Robert.
“It’s almost like the butterfly flew too far from its home and became a pigeon,” Rosalind.
“And yet at the same time, the death of someone whose race is on the verge of extinction,” Robert.
David looks down at the ground. He starts to pace, connecting the dots for himself.
“This…'Leo'. This…other Creator. That’s when he died,” he says.
“Two major impacts on the universe at the exact same time,” Robert.
“Two precise intersecting moments of the same magnitude,” Rosalind.
“For most it leads to death,” Robert.
“For others it leads to infinity,” Rosalind.
“For two it lead to an immortality of companionship,” Robert.
“For two others it lead to a fusion of spirit,” Rosalind.
David stops, glancing over the duo. He breathes in for a bit…
…before cracking his neck.
“Oh dear it appears the information was too much for the poor lad,” Robert.
“Unsurprising, really. As much of a brave-face as he puts on he is still merely a child,” Rosalind.
“Comparatively? Yes, even to our new guest, but even still, one cannot question his experience,” Robert.
“Experience is all well and good until you experience a moment,” Rosalind.
“I couldn’t agree more,” David says, gaining a half-smile.
Rosalind herself can’t help but full-on-smile.
Robert, unfortunately, grimaces.
“It has been an indescribable amount of time since I’ve heard a second opinion,” Rosalind.
David’s smile evolves into a cheeky smirk.
“I feel honored to have broken your conversation. However, I do need some clarification. As much as I understood beyond my veil, my companion still finds himself grasping the finer details. Would one of you be a dear and explain them to him? Rosalind, perhaps? Or maybe Robert would like a crack at it?”
Rosalind looks to Robert. Both of them are the face of calm, beyond the former’s genuine smile.
Oh, and the gentle tapping of her foot in mute excitement.
Robert rolls his eyes.
“Go ahead, dear sister,” he says.
Rosalind turns back around, a giggle damn near breaking out of her mouth as her arms rest on the shovel.
“Apologies for my sister’s behavior. It’s not every visit we get somebody as open as you,” Robert.
“Silence, brother,” she says.
To the view of only those reading (and later on, her male counterpart), a small and unseen blush forms on her cheeks.
Hey, I’m rarely able to get one up on somebody from where I am. I have to take it when I can.
Rosalind clears her throat to hide any further embarrassment I might’ve caused.
“Much in the same capacity that the tampering with our interdimensional device cause the two of us to be allowed travel to any dimension at any time frame throughout the entire universe, so too did the time lapse created by David’s exit from Wuya’s mentorship and the impact of your body’s death. In layman’s terms—”
“—the universal impact both events caused when they happened at the same time allowed the universe to do what it wanted,” Robert intercedes, much to his sister’s annoyance. “Very rarely is the universe—as often inanimate as it might appear to be—allowed an action. Such as with us, it allowed a merger of two of its most interesting creations.”
Rosalind tosses her shovel at Robert, who slowly begins to fade away into static. This allows the shovel to phase right through him, disappearing in a shower of sparks on the other side.
“I’ll leave you to it, sister. You know where to find me,” he says.
Rosalind turns back towards David, who merely waits in anticipation.
“Apologies for that outburst. As my brother explained, when the time convergence created by David leaving Wuya happened at the same time as your death, Leo, the universe allowed itself to fuse your two spirits together. In essence, you are two hosts in one body. And to your final inquiry, David, well…”
Rosalind began to disappear in the same static that her brother did.
“Let’s just say we’ll talk further when we meet again.”
And with that, David is left alone
No.
Leo is left alone, but for the sake of convenience I’ll just say David because it’s his body, but I’ll specify who is in control when the time dictates it.
Fuckin a this is confusing.
“Indeed,” David says.
……………………………
WAIT YOU CAN UNDERSTAND M—
