[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]

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.