[Terra doesn't know how to help. She only knows what she's experienced and her time in Genessia has been unexpected. At first it'd been with Kefka pulling her puppet strings and then later alone. She doesn't know if it's better without him here, except that he won't hurt anyone else.
She doesn't want Battler to hurt anyone but she understands. It's taken her a long time to learn that Genessia is different.]
I will.
[Her voice is soft and she watches as he brings her hand to his lips. It feels warm and she feels her feet slowly stepping forward until she's standing a foot away.]
[he doesn't even know where to start with himself. battler lowers their hands, but he does squeeze her hand as he stared down at her. terra was one of the only things grounding him right now- and he hated the fact that he even had doubts.]
What.... did you do? After gaining your freedom....?
[so she really was a destructive tool as well, she had been forced to kill and to burn. the thought excited battler, and he would have rather seen that side of her..... it probably looked so beautiful.
however her innocence and warmth was still something he very much desired.]
That.... will never happen for me. I will always be hunted... I will eventually be imprisoned for being this Fragment's culprit... aahh... what an idiotic ending for me...
[battler brought his free hand up to his face, now covering it as he closed his eyes. he was supposed to just be a piece and to be protected by his master- but with a cruel master like lady bernkastel.... he knows that eventually he will have to simply rot in jail.]
[Terra take a small step forward and once again reaches for his hand. She gently takes it from his face, her bright almost glowing blue eyes staring up at him.]
Who says it has to end that way?
[She knows that people are hurt, that they want him to be punished but Terra doesn't see how that might help anyone.
She understands it if it's to stop him from doing it again but if he doesn't. If his master doesn't want him too...]
[battler blinked down at her, his eyes were focused on hers and he could tell that she didn't want him to end up that way. it was foolish of her- he had hurt her and others so badly, and he loved it all. he still loved it, and thinking back to it still brought him such joy.
a bitter smile spread across his features at her words.]
Humans will never understand, Terra, they will want revenge against me no matter what. I have seen it before, back when I was the previous culprit. They cried and demanded vengeance for what I had done.... this will never end until they all see me imprisoned.
I would do it again, you know that. I would easily commit more crimes, kill others, watch them bleed.... it excites me in ways I cannot describe.... [he paused for a moment before continuing.]
...But I cannot, because my master here will not allow it. I will not harm anyone else.
[Her voice is soft when she replies, her eyes betraying the innocence of her heart. She has seen darkness, it’s been her past and she knows vengeance brings hallow beginnings. Battler will have something left because he’ll have someone who understands.]
Can they keep you imprisoned here? The only person who can stop you is yourself and… [He’s made it clear that he doesn’t want to stop.]
If you won’t harm them… there is no reason to keep you locked away.
[It’s a foolish thought and Terra knows that but it seems plausible when she says it aloud.]
No, it doesn't. But revenge does provide humans with a... better feeling.... like they've accomplished something. Justice..... it does not exist where I'm from-... so I cannot understand such vengeance.
[at the mention of the prison battler smiles a little. as he speaks he moves his thumb over his while as he holds it, yet another oddly comforting gesture.]
Of course not- nothing can hold me. Not unless.... they make something with enough anti-magic toxin that I am unable to move. Or... if my master tells me to remain imprisoned, then I must.
Hoh.... do you... not want me locked up? Do you want me here with you... Terra? [he was honestly curious, and he hoped she would want him around.]
[She should have expected his question but once again Battler catches her by surprise. Her arms fall to her sides and she takes a small step away from him. Her thoughts and her chest contradicted each other. She has no idea how to answer.]
I don't know.
[She turns away, her voice echoing in a whisper.]
I enjoy when you visit me here.
[Terra can't completely forget what he's done, how he made her feel and yet he'd also brought her back. She doesn't know anyone else who has done that.]
[and yet here was terra, full of surprises as well. battler had thought he was a nuisance to her, someone to make her uncomfortable, and he had found that amusing. however, to hear that she truly enjoyed his visits.... it conflicted him even more.
instead of saying anything else he simply walked over to her, now moving around to her back, he wrapped his arms around her slim torso. he held her against him, simply hugging her from behind, and he leaned down to talk into her ear.]
If I'm imprisoned I'll never be able to touch you ever again.... [and truthfully? that's the real tragedy here.]
[Terra doesn't see him as he moves but she feels the currents of the air shift around her as he steps close. His arms and body are warm as he pulls her into an affectionate embrace.]
battler?
[She turns her head to look up at him, her bright sky blue eyes reflecting the dim light that filters through the foggy glass of the green house. It's a comfortable embrace and once again turmoil grips her core as the soft touch fights the memory of the pain he'd inflicted over a month before.]
I...
[Terra doesn't want him caught and yet she feels as if she's breaking some sort of rule, committing some sort of sin if she were to admit these words aloud. She should be broken and angry but something along the way changed.]
[she didn't have to say anything, he could already see it written all over her features. he had been causing her discomfort since the moment he revealed himself to her, since he killed her. now he knew that he was giving her such conflicting emotions, and that was because he also felt them as well. he should be tormenting her, he should be antagonizing her and causing her even more pain- but he wasn't. he was being gentle, he was being caring, and he was talking with her like she were an equal.
battler stared into her eyes, a moment passed between the two of them before he spoke.]
...I feel the same. I don't want to be away from you.
[Terra can't shake his gaze. She turns in his embrace so that her shoulders are facing him, her head tilted up to stare into his eyes. They were deep and yet startling in hue and once again her words slipped away as if she grasped desperately at sand.]
...
[Her eyes swirl with the pressing turmoil like the sea before a storm.]
Is it bad? I don't know...
[Terra's voice trails away and yet she can't pull her gaze away.]
[her question was simple but it was so heavy. he wanted to tell her to stop thinking about everything else and to simply be with him. he wanted her already, he could feel that as he held her in his arms. he felt as though the throbbing and desire to cause pain had begun to disappear and he soon felt a craving for her. he couldn't kill, that much was certain, but now.... it wasn't as much of a necessity. terra had begun to replace that hollow hole in his chest.
held her a little tighter against him, his embrace feeling much more desperate- but also an attempt at being reassuring. he could manipulate her easily, tell her that he was all she needed- but instead he just nodded.]
Allow me.... to put it this way. The others will see it as awful, they will see you as a traitor if you wish to be with me also, however.... I'll tell you something I know from back in my world.
"Without love it cannot be seen" ..... this phrase is a constant where I am from. While I cannot understand it... I think.... I am starting to see it. [his adoration for terra is turning into something else.] ....I believe it means... that if you do not have love, then you will only see someone a certain way. Just another person, a friend, a monster.... that's all they will ever be. With love... you will be able to understand them further.... you will be able to see why they are the way they are... what their motives are....
I am.... the only one that can truly understand you, and I know you understand me as well.... and that is not bad at all.
[Terra listens eagerly, her ears drinking up the sincerity and truth to his words. She feels her hands rise to his sides and her arms wrapping around him to return his embrace. She doesn't want to pull away and with each spoken word that desire to stay close grows.
She's asked about love before and has received no answer that truly explains it. All of them had appears shallow or foolish, affection on a surface but nothing more. His words reach into her as if sinking into her chest and piercing her heart. Her heart beat thunders in her chest and she hears nothing but their breaths, her heart and his words.]
With love?
[The words feels awkward on her tongue and yet more clear than ever before.]
It doesn't sound bad.
[Terra breaths out the words feeling her pulse begin to race. She doesn't understand what's happening and yet she's more reluctant than before to pull away.]
[he knew that his words would reach her but her reaction was even better than he had even imagined. when she turned and wrapped his own arms around him, now holding him close, he smiled. it was one of the first times he had genuinely smiled this evening, and it was because his craving for terra was beginning to be satisfied.
he didn't understand love, he couldn't understand it, but he did understand terra and for him that was close enough. is this the feeling that all the humans talk about....? it was so strange, and yet he could see why others act so insanely when this powerful of a feeling takes over.]
So I'll ask you... will you.... stay by my side....? Will you stay... with me...?
[In truth, Terra doesn’t realize the true meaning of his words. Yet her answer rises to her lips without fear or hesitation.]
Yes.
[She understands him and while he’s done horrible things, had been made for a horrible purpose, she can’t blame him. Their natures are similar in some regards and yet opposites in others. It’s complicated and confusing but she knows that she wants to learn more about him; to stay near him. This isn’t the sort of thing she expected but his words are so clear and strong. They resonate within her as if matching the frequency of her heartbeat.
Terra swallows while continuing to stare up at Battler, her fingers curling at his sides.]
[her answer was very much appreciated. if she would have denied him then he didn't know what even he would do. that thought was far from his mind right now, he was much more focused on what he was about to do.
battler's hands moved from around her body to her face, now cupping her head and holding her in place. he still smiled down at her, his amusement clear in his features. there was a moment where a small laugh escaped him, but he soon cut that off so he could lean in towards her. he closed the distance and kissed her, and it was different than the teasing kisses he had given her before. it was one of understanding, of mutual agreement to stay by one another, and he hummed against her in approval.]
[Terra feels her shoulders tense as he leans forward to kiss her. It feels so strange compared to before but in a way that she'd describe as better. Her eyes slip closed and she focuses on that heat, the gentle touch and the odd sense of comfort from it.
She'll never forget what he had done and yet she feels the lines blur as her thoughts slowly slip between her fingertips.]
[battler's hands trail down from her face to her shoulders. he keeps her there, his thumbs moving over her skin in order to further comfort her. he can feel her tense up, which is understandable, but he wants her to see that they're together now and he won't leave her so easily. he continues to kiss her, his lips pressed firmly to hers and he adores the feeling of her precious lips.
he won't forget what he had done either, it was such a sweet memory to him, but he will always remember the intense feeling of loneliness after she had died. he doesn't want to experience that ever again.]
[Bit by bit Terra begins to relax. She matches the force of his kiss and begins to fall into the intensity of the affection as his thumbs slowly glide over his shoulders. Her fingers curl around his sides, gripping his shirt.
Their lips part as she gasps for air, her bright eyes looking up at Battler. Her thoughts haven't completely caught up with what's happening.]
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She doesn't want Battler to hurt anyone but she understands. It's taken her a long time to learn that Genessia is different.]
I will.
[Her voice is soft and she watches as he brings her hand to his lips. It feels warm and she feels her feet slowly stepping forward until she's standing a foot away.]
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What.... did you do? After gaining your freedom....?
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I decided I want to make things grow instead of burning them... I opened my flower shop.
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however her innocence and warmth was still something he very much desired.]
That.... will never happen for me. I will always be hunted... I will eventually be imprisoned for being this Fragment's culprit... aahh... what an idiotic ending for me...
[battler brought his free hand up to his face, now covering it as he closed his eyes. he was supposed to just be a piece and to be protected by his master- but with a cruel master like lady bernkastel.... he knows that eventually he will have to simply rot in jail.]
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Who says it has to end that way?
[She knows that people are hurt, that they want him to be punished but Terra doesn't see how that might help anyone.
She understands it if it's to stop him from doing it again but if he doesn't. If his master doesn't want him too...]
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a bitter smile spread across his features at her words.]
Humans will never understand, Terra, they will want revenge against me no matter what. I have seen it before, back when I was the previous culprit. They cried and demanded vengeance for what I had done.... this will never end until they all see me imprisoned.
I would do it again, you know that. I would easily commit more crimes, kill others, watch them bleed.... it excites me in ways I cannot describe.... [he paused for a moment before continuing.]
...But I cannot, because my master here will not allow it. I will not harm anyone else.
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[Her voice is soft when she replies, her eyes betraying the innocence of her heart. She has seen darkness, it’s been her past and she knows vengeance brings hallow beginnings. Battler will have something left because he’ll have someone who understands.]
Can they keep you imprisoned here? The only person who can stop you is yourself and… [He’s made it clear that he doesn’t want to stop.]
If you won’t harm them… there is no reason to keep you locked away.
[It’s a foolish thought and Terra knows that but it seems plausible when she says it aloud.]
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[at the mention of the prison battler smiles a little. as he speaks he moves his thumb over his while as he holds it, yet another oddly comforting gesture.]
Of course not- nothing can hold me. Not unless.... they make something with enough anti-magic toxin that I am unable to move. Or... if my master tells me to remain imprisoned, then I must.
Hoh.... do you... not want me locked up? Do you want me here with you... Terra? [he was honestly curious, and he hoped she would want him around.]
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I don't know.
[She turns away, her voice echoing in a whisper.]
I enjoy when you visit me here.
[Terra can't completely forget what he's done, how he made her feel and yet he'd also brought her back. She doesn't know anyone else who has done that.]
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instead of saying anything else he simply walked over to her, now moving around to her back, he wrapped his arms around her slim torso. he held her against him, simply hugging her from behind, and he leaned down to talk into her ear.]
If I'm imprisoned I'll never be able to touch you ever again.... [and truthfully? that's the real tragedy here.]
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battler?
[She turns her head to look up at him, her bright sky blue eyes reflecting the dim light that filters through the foggy glass of the green house. It's a comfortable embrace and once again turmoil grips her core as the soft touch fights the memory of the pain he'd inflicted over a month before.]
I...
[Terra doesn't want him caught and yet she feels as if she's breaking some sort of rule, committing some sort of sin if she were to admit these words aloud. She should be broken and angry but something along the way changed.]
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battler stared into her eyes, a moment passed between the two of them before he spoke.]
...I feel the same. I don't want to be away from you.
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[Terra can't shake his gaze. She turns in his embrace so that her shoulders are facing him, her head tilted up to stare into his eyes. They were deep and yet startling in hue and once again her words slipped away as if she grasped desperately at sand.]
...
[Her eyes swirl with the pressing turmoil like the sea before a storm.]
Is it bad? I don't know...
[Terra's voice trails away and yet she can't pull her gaze away.]
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held her a little tighter against him, his embrace feeling much more desperate- but also an attempt at being reassuring. he could manipulate her easily, tell her that he was all she needed- but instead he just nodded.]
Allow me.... to put it this way. The others will see it as awful, they will see you as a traitor if you wish to be with me also, however.... I'll tell you something I know from back in my world.
"Without love it cannot be seen" ..... this phrase is a constant where I am from. While I cannot understand it... I think.... I am starting to see it. [his adoration for terra is turning into something else.] ....I believe it means... that if you do not have love, then you will only see someone a certain way. Just another person, a friend, a monster.... that's all they will ever be. With love... you will be able to understand them further.... you will be able to see why they are the way they are... what their motives are....
I am.... the only one that can truly understand you, and I know you understand me as well.... and that is not bad at all.
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She's asked about love before and has received no answer that truly explains it. All of them had appears shallow or foolish, affection on a surface but nothing more. His words reach into her as if sinking into her chest and piercing her heart. Her heart beat thunders in her chest and she hears nothing but their breaths, her heart and his words.]
With love?
[The words feels awkward on her tongue and yet more clear than ever before.]
It doesn't sound bad.
[Terra breaths out the words feeling her pulse begin to race. She doesn't understand what's happening and yet she's more reluctant than before to pull away.]
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he didn't understand love, he couldn't understand it, but he did understand terra and for him that was close enough. is this the feeling that all the humans talk about....? it was so strange, and yet he could see why others act so insanely when this powerful of a feeling takes over.]
So I'll ask you... will you.... stay by my side....? Will you stay... with me...?
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Yes.
[She understands him and while he’s done horrible things, had been made for a horrible purpose, she can’t blame him. Their natures are similar in some regards and yet opposites in others. It’s complicated and confusing but she knows that she wants to learn more about him; to stay near him. This isn’t the sort of thing she expected but his words are so clear and strong. They resonate within her as if matching the frequency of her heartbeat.
Terra swallows while continuing to stare up at Battler, her fingers curling at his sides.]
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battler's hands moved from around her body to her face, now cupping her head and holding her in place. he still smiled down at her, his amusement clear in his features. there was a moment where a small laugh escaped him, but he soon cut that off so he could lean in towards her. he closed the distance and kissed her, and it was different than the teasing kisses he had given her before. it was one of understanding, of mutual agreement to stay by one another, and he hummed against her in approval.]
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She'll never forget what he had done and yet she feels the lines blur as her thoughts slowly slip between her fingertips.]
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he won't forget what he had done either, it was such a sweet memory to him, but he will always remember the intense feeling of loneliness after she had died. he doesn't want to experience that ever again.]
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Their lips part as she gasps for air, her bright eyes looking up at Battler. Her thoughts haven't completely caught up with what's happening.]
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You kissed me back that time... hehhh.... [he is absolutely thrilled.]