[Prologue, Sunday: Ion the original]

[doublecrows]

[now that the existence of two Ions has come to light, and now that Akechi can kind of tell the difference between them, thanks to their age difference. . . it's time to seek the other Ion out! to ask a very important question]

Excuse me. Can I take a moment of your time? This question may sound strange, but-- have we spoken before?

[JUST. TO MAKE SURE]

Comments

[fonlines]

We have, as a matter of fact.

Are you feeling quite all right?

[ He,

probably knows what this is about, actually. also, he never did get his name last time, and though Ion's pretty sure he can place him from the tapestries would. would that be strange. would that be too forward, too presumptuous, if you haven't properly been introduced. ]

[doublecrows]

Did we? When. . . was that?

[it might be too forward and too presumptuous, but like, Akechi has been talking to people about tapestry information since they were revealed, because he's like that]

And, yes. I'm all right. I've spoken a lot to your. . . other? [REPLICA] And I thought it was time I speak to you, now that I know you two are different.

[fonlines]

Ah, I see. [ Ion's expression gentles a little, turning almost vaguely sheepish. ] Please don't worry too much about methods of address, we... haven't quite figured that out ourselves, yet. But in any case.

It was discussion on the physics of my world, I believe. You'd seemed quite absorbed in attempting to puzzle out how we were transported here, given that there were...

[ pause. ]

And still are, no true exits to this place.

[doublecrows]

I'm happy to refer to you two in whatever manner you prefer, of course. Ion-san and Ion-san is just. . . [AWKWARD. but anyway]

[he does perk up, remembering that conversation]

Ah, yes. I remember. I was standing in the foyer looking for a door. Though I long since think my question as to how we were transported here has been answered.

[MAGICAL APPEARING DOORS and all that]

[fonlines]

Yes, I do think it has.

[ thanks, magical appearing doors that still aren't remotely consistent or count as true exits for all the good they do ]

I must admit I am a little unfamiliar with being addressed by name alone? [ he laughs a little, into his free hand, close-eyed and gentle-aired. ] Still, Ion...-san? will be perfectly fine. We've been trying to discuss this amongst ourselves, and I believe he was considering a slightly different pronunciation... but, then again, that is up to him. Even if we look alike, I cannot speak for him, after all.

[ ha fucking ha i hate this ]

[doublecrows]

[it's fine on Monday they get to leave!!]

Oh? What did people address you as if not Ion?

[sorry about the -san, Ion, he's Japanese]

[fonlines]

Fon Master Ion. [ there's strength in the intonation of the title, but he immediately starts downplaying it demurely. ] It's ah, a bit of a grand title, but all it really amounts to is that I head the Order of Lorelei, back on Auldrant.

[ exhibit a: his fairly proper and vaguely religious looking raiments. ]

People looked to me for guidance and instruction on how to live their lives properly, so while I am used to addressing large groups of unfamiliar people...

Well, it certainly was never in quite as personal a manner as it is here. It's quite novel, in all actuality.

[doublecrows]

Ion-san-- the other one-- told me a bit about the organization he was in charge of. So it's called the Order of Lorelei?

[interesting!]

It must be somewhat refreshing to get away from all of that attention. Here, you're allowed to be a little more normal.

[fonlines]

It is. [ the order of lorelei, or that it's refreshing? either way, he lets out another soft laugh, smiling brightly. ] Perhaps that might be the case after all, and that this is an opportunity I should take advantage of while I can. Though I must confess... I am a little unsure what normal entails, in this case.

What else has he told you about it?

[doublecrows]

He's told me that the position he holds is of utmost importance.

[. . . among some. . . other things, and for a moment, Akechi's gaze narrows]

He told me that he is your seventh replica.

[that's all he says, but there were more implications to what the other Ion told him than that. he just. is waiting to get into them, for now]

[fonlines]

[ --ah, so they're tackling that, are they? Ion doesn't miss the narrowed gaze. the over-bright smile and laughter fall away, leaving a more placid, sober smile in their place.

Ion nods in a slow, deliberate movement, eyes closing briefly as he does. ]

That's correct.

He is the last of the living precautions prepared for the eventuality that I would not be able to fulfill my duties as Fon Master.

[doublecrows]

[it's as he told the other Ion: a fail-safe like that is wise, if the death of such an important figurehead were to plunge the country into chaos. but even so. . .]

And how do you feel about having seven replicas? Each meant to take over your responsibilities in the event that you can't?

[fonlines]

A fair number of them were deemed unsuitable for the responsibility. I don't have seven replicas meant to replace me, only the one.

[ though regarding the question itself, he smiles a little awkwardly, a little apologetically ]

As for me... ha ha. What should it matter, how I feel, if the future of the world should depend on it?

[doublecrows]

[oh]

[there's a pause, because something about that just doesn't sit right with Akechi. even though his response says otherwise]

. . . an admirable mindset. To be willing to put your duty over yourself.

[fonlines]

[ softly: ] It is my purpose. It is the only role I know. You may call me admirable for it, but is it really when all I am doing is fulfilling what others ask of me?

[ hum...ility? ]

Thank you, though. Your words are heartening.

[doublecrows]

[. . .]

[honestly? as someone who also fulfilled whatever role people asked of him, regardless of personal feelings. . . Akechi can't answer that question]

You're welcome. I'm glad they could at least be that much.

[fonlines]

... Well then.

[ ... he smiles again, as if that could push away the apology and solemn atmosphere that had coloured his tone just a moment ago ]

I apologize, I didn't mean to lecture at you. Was there anything else I could assist you with?

[doublecrows]

No, that's all. I merely thought it would be wise to speak with the two of you, instead of just one.

Thank you for your time, Ion-san.