[ And sure enough, Aerith will be waiting for Argenti at the signpost of the farm closest to town, waving to get his attention when she sees him approaching. ]
[ Fortunately the weather isn't exactly dreadful; Argenti himself usually finds that this place seems inclined towards having something relatively pleasant, which helps a little. Much moreso when something is hanging on the back of his mind the entirety of the time.
He doesn't want to mess this up any further than he already has. He shakes his head nonetheless and when he arrives, Argenti passes her a little smile that grows when he sees her waving, creasing his eyes. She's not only strong, but vibrant as always...it feels easy to match. ]
Good day, Lady Aerith.
I am happy to see that you are well! So, shall we?
[ He says, still bright, bringing his hand down, and realizing he also waved back. ]
Admittedly, I am not the best at talking around subject matter for long. So, I hope you can forgive my potential inelegance in the way I may approach this matter.
I do wish to confess that while I had indeed brought you out here on concerns regarding what you said at that time...in relation to that, I wished to offer you something in return. As in, the opportunity to ask anything about me in turn, and I shall answer it honestly, no matter what question it is. After all, I have yet to have the opportunity to tell you much about myself, and even if it was by your own choice, I wished to at least make it potentially more...equal.
[ Or perhaps because also it feels like it is him saying this, rather than forced by a god or goddess. ]
[ That they're here of their own volition, willing to share pieces of themselves without any outside influences says a lot about their desire to get to know one another despite it all, Aerith thinks. It's why she has no trouble smiling, the softness of it still on her lips even as they begin to walk. ]
In that case...
[ Her smile disappears now, but only because she wants to treat this with the seriousness it deserves. ]
What if he could have changed? Would have have made a difference for you at all?
[ There's curiosity rather than judgement in her tone. Aerith knows not everyone is ready to forgive so easily, especially in the face of heinous crimes and an attitude of nonchalance over it. ]
[ Argenti meets her question without judgment, answering swiftly, and decisively. ]
Yes, it would have. He showed no interest in changing...in wishing to tread a different path, or to even treat people differently.
If he said as much, if he even said that he would try, even if he didn't believe he could, it would have changed everything. I would have endeavored to help him.
Though, people like him...they do not change unless they wish to. They will not bend to outside forces; they have to believe that they are the ones who are making the change themselves. True change comes within.
[ One can argue that one day, if given enough time, the man may change on his own. But Argenti remembers starkly that unsettling feeling, the thoughts surrounding what he saw of his previous companions, when they too sunk into darkness.
When he looked into Ushirono's eyes, he saw no different. He could not think of anything else. He remembers feeling he had to do it, and doesn't think he'd choose differently, even now. ]
You're right about that. Guys like him are stubborn and won't do anything for someone else... mostly. He told me a little bit about his sister, so I think there was at least one person he cared about.
[ She glances over at Argenti. ]
But I got the impression that caring about anyone else would've been really hard for him. I thought about trying or pushing him to see if he could find some kind of passion or something, but I knew he wouldn't take it well.
[ And she had a feeling that he could have gotten violent if he didn't take it well, so she abstained. ]
...Perhaps. Even he must have indeed had loved ones, so I do not doubt that he had at least the one.
[ Argenti admittedly puts it more gently than he could have. Is this sibling even alive, considering what Ushirono has done? Perhaps he should just not think about the family angle, because his thoughts go down a rabbithole there.
Though, when she mentions something about passion, he gives pause. Memories flick over the beginning week. Then, the last images he saw of Ushirono Fuyu before the truth week. ]
...Yes, pushing him to do anything he did not wish to would be quite a stretch. [ His recall when they went to the photographer's aid, and how cranky he was then, which was kind of funny. ] I believe he only ever participated in the commission work because it had a beneficial effect on the result of his stay. And the man - well, he...I suppose I can't say I'd know how he'd react exactly. Except, yes, rather negatively.
Perhaps even simply walk away mid-conversation or cut off your attempts.
More judgment for Ushirono following his death, for sure. That is far easier for Argenti to manage, though. The man is a individual who should be judged. ]
I do agree. That is an unfortunate way to meet someone.
[ He follows her gaze to the fields, before back to the woman himself. ]
I do not think it was selfish. It was a noble wish. I believe that, perhaps, I too envisioned him changing for the better. Or rather, thought that there would be a chance to see that light in him that I had in others.
...It is only natural, I believe. Some people have no desire to change for the better, but we wish that it were so. Yet, not even the influence of Idrila may alter their course.
[ ...Perhaps indeed it is natural for people like themselves to believe others can change to the point of delusion, comes a darker thought. Though that dispels soon enough; there is nothing that can be helped about it, is all. ]
But, regardless, you kept believing in him. Even when I had lost it in him entirely. While keeping that strong of a faith in other people can feel detrimental, I cannot help that it is a trait that shows an element of Beauty. I hope you never lose the ability to believe in others so strongly. Perhaps it may be crucial not just for yourself...but for others you would endeavor to hold such faith in.
[ She clasps her hands in front of her, her thoughts straying to the orb of materia wrapped up in her bow even now, as his words sink in. ]
...I try my best to. It may sound kinda silly, but back home we're trying to save the planet. We don't have much of a lead or much time, but we all know that the planet is dying. If we don't stop the threats to it, who knows what'll happen?
[ Aerith glances over at Argenti. She knows this is straying off topic a bit, but it's relevant, she swears. ]
I think if I let my faith in others slip even a little bit while I'm here, I won't be able to keep it up as easily when we all go back. I've gotta be able to look my friends in the eyes and tell them we can do what we've set out to do with no hesitation.
Maybe this kind of faith will be a weakness here, but even if it is... I don't plan on letting go of it.
[ Argenti ends up shaking his head at that - he doesn't see those sentiments as silly either, especially in the face of a planet that's dying. Though it sounds like a fierce threat, one of the greatest he's ever heard of anyone facing in quite a long while, he ultimately believes himself that such faith is, ultimately, necessary.
Otherwise...even despite everything that has happened here, whatever they have said, whatever he has thought, he says the following with relative ease: ]
I don't believe it's silly at all. Being able to hold fast to your faith in the midst of such crisis is quite admirable. At times, I feel that those who are able to in difficult times may be able to weather them well.
And, well...I believe you put the rest of that rather aptly yourself. Perhaps that is why I cannot ever call it a quality that is a weakness, and why I am glad to hear you shall hang onto it no matter the circumstances.
[ So, even if this veered perhaps, off-topic just a bit, Argenti doesn't mind. He thinks it's all certainly related anyhow, even without the follow-up she has added. ]
I'm also certain that you and your friends shall also succeed in your endeavors, and save your world from peril. I know little about why it's dying, though I believe you have the strength and support to see it through to the end.
It's... a long story. Maybe I'll tell you why sometime.
[ But there are so many layers and she doesn't know how much he'd like a whole history lesson, honestly. ]
Still... thank you. Your words mean a lot, you know, and I can tell that you mean them. You're really not the kind of guy that shies away from how he feels, are you?
[ He did, after all, confess to a murder. Argenti isn't the type to hide anything, in Aerith's view. ]
That is alright...while I am curious, I will certainly be just fine if you do not.
[ Argenti smiles a little over at her. It is true, because he's thinking it'd be quite a potential burden on her to recite all of that.
But if she does feel free to truly speak it to him someday, he will listen. ]
I am not. I suppose I am used to being that way in general. Though to be honest, a Knight of Beauty is meant to be true; engaging in deception would most assuredly not be forgiven by Idrila, and it would certainly result in breaking at least one oath.
[ What is hiding things? While obviously Argenti does not air out private things unnecessarily, he certainly sees no reason not to ever obscure what he's thinking or what he's done when he thinks it should be revealed. Though there are times where he may hold his tongue for reasons according to tact, artifice does not become him. ]
[ Ah, there's that kindness again—the sort that really puts a light on the shadows of doubt about him that had creeped up during the meeting. While it only adds to the complicated mixture of her thoughts toward him, she wonders if it can't eventually overpower those mixed up feelings and blossom into friendship instead.
It's certainly possible. ]
An oath, huh? I guess knights really do have those...
[ Said more to herself than anything else, but his being a knight still happens to be a little bit novel for her. ]
You've mentioned Idrila a few times. Is she your ruler?
[ Argenti may have high hopes himself, which might honestly be selfish, but their beginning conversation went so well, and she didn't like say he was demonspawn or anything like that so he doesn't think it's impossible, even in the worst case.
Which may be delusional in some instances, he recognizes, yet all the same he doesn't know if he doesn't try to just continue to be himself.
Even if it is hopeless. Ironically enough, though her comment about the oaths make him nod. ]
We swear ourselves to chivalry - those of the Knights of Beauty, and various oaths. Such as to exterminate evil, to the idea of mercy, to honesty, as well as an oath to keep ourselves in poverty, and various other ones.
[ He's keeping it short because she mentioned Idrila and so he immediately turns his attention to that. He thrusts outwards to the sky and suddenly petals are swirling around him alongside sparkles. ]
...To phrase it more accurately, she is my goddess, and the one to all of those who follow the Path of Beauty. She is the Aeon of Beauty, and represents it in every sense of the word. All those who follow her Path are Blessed by her power, and her grace.
As a Knight of Beauty and as her ardent follow, I endeavor to spread her name as well as protect the nature of Beauty across the universe. This means upholding that code of chivalry I have spoken to you, to never stray from my Path, to always raise up others whenever I can, to save those who need a helping hand, and to ultimately make sure that beautiful light that exists in the many wonderful, yet radiant aspects of life that we witness never goes out!
It certainly is! It is not for everyone - or rather, being a Knight of Beauty isn't.
...Even if I would like very much for those to consider following the Path of Beauty.
[ There are reasons for that! Argenti thinks, perhaps, it takes a certain kind of dedication at times, even if it isn't always necessarily needed for someone to be as intense as himself about it. ]
I once heard about the Knights of Beauty while I was residing on my home planet and became enamored with the stories, as well as their deeds. Even if the group originated from an entirely different planet, they were like radiant stars to myself back then! I had wondered if I could achieve what they could. Helping people, without selfishly turning their backs on them, and devoting themselves single-mindedly as well as blindly to a goddess that pleasantly showed them on a righteous, yet beautiful path...
[ So he's from a world that's perfected space travel, isn't he? As far as Aerith knows, that hasn't been accomplished by Shinra just yet (and also because Cid's space backstory wasn't in Rebirth). ]
How'd you hear about them? Do they travel from planet to planet?
[ Argenti confirms right away, because he has no issues doing so. He kind of forgets from time to time other people do not do space travel, but he is always happy to talk about it.
Exhibit A: ]
You would also be correct that they do travel from planet to planet. That is indeed how I heard of them. I suppose it became like that due to the fact that Idrila went missing one day, and so in order to find her, as well as protect and spread Beauty across the universe, those of the Knights of Beauty must have started to travel throughout space itself. The same goes for the Mirror Holders, as well.
Oh, and I am not entirely sure if space travel is common where you're from, however it certainly is in my universe!
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I am not certain as of yet.
How about somewhere quiet? I believe that there are farms on the outskirts.
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So, why not? It’ll be a little adventure.
When do you wanna meet?
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But, yes. We shall be like adventurers roaming through the farmland to examine Beauty in our wake!
We can meet up at noon. How does that sound?
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[ And sure enough, Aerith will be waiting for Argenti at the signpost of the farm closest to town, waving to get his attention when she sees him approaching. ]
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He doesn't want to mess this up any further than he already has. He shakes his head nonetheless and when he arrives, Argenti passes her a little smile that grows when he sees her waving, creasing his eyes. She's not only strong, but vibrant as always...it feels easy to match. ]
Good day, Lady Aerith.
I am happy to see that you are well! So, shall we?
[ He says, still bright, bringing his hand down, and realizing he also waved back. ]
Admittedly, I am not the best at talking around subject matter for long. So, I hope you can forgive my potential inelegance in the way I may approach this matter.
I do wish to confess that while I had indeed brought you out here on concerns regarding what you said at that time...in relation to that, I wished to offer you something in return. As in, the opportunity to ask anything about me in turn, and I shall answer it honestly, no matter what question it is. After all, I have yet to have the opportunity to tell you much about myself, and even if it was by your own choice, I wished to at least make it potentially more...equal.
[ Or perhaps because also it feels like it is him saying this, rather than forced by a god or goddess. ]
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In that case...
[ Her smile disappears now, but only because she wants to treat this with the seriousness it deserves. ]
What if he could have changed? Would have have made a difference for you at all?
[ There's curiosity rather than judgement in her tone. Aerith knows not everyone is ready to forgive so easily, especially in the face of heinous crimes and an attitude of nonchalance over it. ]
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Yes, it would have. He showed no interest in changing...in wishing to tread a different path, or to even treat people differently.
If he said as much, if he even said that he would try, even if he didn't believe he could, it would have changed everything. I would have endeavored to help him.
Though, people like him...they do not change unless they wish to. They will not bend to outside forces; they have to believe that they are the ones who are making the change themselves. True change comes within.
[ One can argue that one day, if given enough time, the man may change on his own. But Argenti remembers starkly that unsettling feeling, the thoughts surrounding what he saw of his previous companions, when they too sunk into darkness.
When he looked into Ushirono's eyes, he saw no different. He could not think of anything else. He remembers feeling he had to do it, and doesn't think he'd choose differently, even now. ]
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[ She glances over at Argenti. ]
But I got the impression that caring about anyone else would've been really hard for him. I thought about trying or pushing him to see if he could find some kind of passion or something, but I knew he wouldn't take it well.
[ And she had a feeling that he could have gotten violent if he didn't take it well, so she abstained. ]
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[ Argenti admittedly puts it more gently than he could have. Is this sibling even alive, considering what Ushirono has done? Perhaps he should just not think about the family angle, because his thoughts go down a rabbithole there.
Though, when she mentions something about passion, he gives pause. Memories flick over the beginning week. Then, the last images he saw of Ushirono Fuyu before the truth week. ]
...Yes, pushing him to do anything he did not wish to would be quite a stretch. [ His recall when they went to the photographer's aid, and how cranky he was then, which was kind of funny. ] I believe he only ever participated in the commission work because it had a beneficial effect on the result of his stay. And the man - well, he...I suppose I can't say I'd know how he'd react exactly. Except, yes, rather negatively.
Perhaps even simply walk away mid-conversation or cut off your attempts.
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[ Which wouldn't be all that surprising either, really. ]
Y'know, I saw him slide a knife into his pocket right when I walked into our room. Not the best way to meet your roommate, if you ask me.
[ It's why she never felt fully safe sleeping in that room, though she didn't think she was in any real danger either.
She sighs, looking out over the fields as they stroll by. ]
So... maybe wishing for him to be better was pretty hopeless after all. Or selfish. I wanted him to be better, but that's not what he wanted.
[ She was putting her desires to see someone become better onto him, which wasn't exactly fair of her, now that she thinks about it. ]
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More judgment for Ushirono following his death, for sure. That is far easier for Argenti to manage, though. The man is a individual who should be judged. ]
I do agree. That is an unfortunate way to meet someone.
[ He follows her gaze to the fields, before back to the woman himself. ]
I do not think it was selfish. It was a noble wish. I believe that, perhaps, I too envisioned him changing for the better. Or rather, thought that there would be a chance to see that light in him that I had in others.
...It is only natural, I believe. Some people have no desire to change for the better, but we wish that it were so. Yet, not even the influence of Idrila may alter their course.
[ ...Perhaps indeed it is natural for people like themselves to believe others can change to the point of delusion, comes a darker thought. Though that dispels soon enough; there is nothing that can be helped about it, is all. ]
But, regardless, you kept believing in him. Even when I had lost it in him entirely. While keeping that strong of a faith in other people can feel detrimental, I cannot help that it is a trait that shows an element of Beauty. I hope you never lose the ability to believe in others so strongly. Perhaps it may be crucial not just for yourself...but for others you would endeavor to hold such faith in.
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...I try my best to. It may sound kinda silly, but back home we're trying to save the planet. We don't have much of a lead or much time, but we all know that the planet is dying. If we don't stop the threats to it, who knows what'll happen?
[ Aerith glances over at Argenti. She knows this is straying off topic a bit, but it's relevant, she swears. ]
I think if I let my faith in others slip even a little bit while I'm here, I won't be able to keep it up as easily when we all go back. I've gotta be able to look my friends in the eyes and tell them we can do what we've set out to do with no hesitation.
Maybe this kind of faith will be a weakness here, but even if it is... I don't plan on letting go of it.
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Otherwise...even despite everything that has happened here, whatever they have said, whatever he has thought, he says the following with relative ease: ]
I don't believe it's silly at all. Being able to hold fast to your faith in the midst of such crisis is quite admirable. At times, I feel that those who are able to in difficult times may be able to weather them well.
And, well...I believe you put the rest of that rather aptly yourself. Perhaps that is why I cannot ever call it a quality that is a weakness, and why I am glad to hear you shall hang onto it no matter the circumstances.
[ So, even if this veered perhaps, off-topic just a bit, Argenti doesn't mind. He thinks it's all certainly related anyhow, even without the follow-up she has added. ]
I'm also certain that you and your friends shall also succeed in your endeavors, and save your world from peril. I know little about why it's dying, though I believe you have the strength and support to see it through to the end.
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[ But there are so many layers and she doesn't know how much he'd like a whole history lesson, honestly. ]
Still... thank you. Your words mean a lot, you know, and I can tell that you mean them. You're really not the kind of guy that shies away from how he feels, are you?
[ He did, after all, confess to a murder. Argenti isn't the type to hide anything, in Aerith's view. ]
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[ Argenti smiles a little over at her. It is true, because he's thinking it'd be quite a potential burden on her to recite all of that.
But if she does feel free to truly speak it to him someday, he will listen. ]
I am not. I suppose I am used to being that way in general. Though to be honest, a Knight of Beauty is meant to be true; engaging in deception would most assuredly not be forgiven by Idrila, and it would certainly result in breaking at least one oath.
[ What is hiding things? While obviously Argenti does not air out private things unnecessarily, he certainly sees no reason not to ever obscure what he's thinking or what he's done when he thinks it should be revealed. Though there are times where he may hold his tongue for reasons according to tact, artifice does not become him. ]
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It's certainly possible. ]
An oath, huh? I guess knights really do have those...
[ Said more to herself than anything else, but his being a knight still happens to be a little bit novel for her. ]
You've mentioned Idrila a few times. Is she your ruler?
[ here she goes, opening a can of worms— ]
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Which may be delusional in some instances, he recognizes, yet all the same he doesn't know if he doesn't try to just continue to be himself.
Even if it is hopeless. Ironically enough, though her comment about the oaths make him nod. ]
We swear ourselves to chivalry - those of the Knights of Beauty, and various oaths. Such as to exterminate evil, to the idea of mercy, to honesty, as well as an oath to keep ourselves in poverty, and various other ones.
[ He's keeping it short because she mentioned Idrila and so he immediately turns his attention to that. He thrusts outwards to the sky and suddenly petals are swirling around him alongside sparkles. ]
...To phrase it more accurately, she is my goddess, and the one to all of those who follow the Path of Beauty. She is the Aeon of Beauty, and represents it in every sense of the word. All those who follow her Path are Blessed by her power, and her grace.
As a Knight of Beauty and as her ardent follow, I endeavor to spread her name as well as protect the nature of Beauty across the universe. This means upholding that code of chivalry I have spoken to you, to never stray from my Path, to always raise up others whenever I can, to save those who need a helping hand, and to ultimately make sure that beautiful light that exists in the many wonderful, yet radiant aspects of life that we witness never goes out!
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Petals? Sparkles? She takes a half-step back. Huh. So this Idrila lady is serious business, isn't she? ]
Wow, sounds like following her is intense.
[ Not a bad thing at all! But now it has her curious. ]
What made you decide to devote yourself to her?
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...Even if I would like very much for those to consider following the Path of Beauty.
[ There are reasons for that! Argenti thinks, perhaps, it takes a certain kind of dedication at times, even if it isn't always necessarily needed for someone to be as intense as himself about it. ]
I once heard about the Knights of Beauty while I was residing on my home planet and became enamored with the stories, as well as their deeds. Even if the group originated from an entirely different planet, they were like radiant stars to myself back then! I had wondered if I could achieve what they could. Helping people, without selfishly turning their backs on them, and devoting themselves single-mindedly as well as blindly to a goddess that pleasantly showed them on a righteous, yet beautiful path...
[ ...
...And, it gave him hope, when he needed it. ]
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[ So he's from a world that's perfected space travel, isn't he? As far as Aerith knows, that hasn't been accomplished by Shinra just yet (and also because Cid's space backstory wasn't in Rebirth). ]
How'd you hear about them? Do they travel from planet to planet?
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[ Argenti confirms right away, because he has no issues doing so. He kind of forgets from time to time other people do not do space travel, but he is always happy to talk about it.
Exhibit A: ]
You would also be correct that they do travel from planet to planet. That is indeed how I heard of them. I suppose it became like that due to the fact that Idrila went missing one day, and so in order to find her, as well as protect and spread Beauty across the universe, those of the Knights of Beauty must have started to travel throughout space itself. The same goes for the Mirror Holders, as well.
Oh, and I am not entirely sure if space travel is common where you're from, however it certainly is in my universe!
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It's not, but I won't be surprised if Shinra tries it sometime. They're doing just about everything else anyway.
[ That said, however! ]
Did they ever find Idrila?
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Quite ambitious, aren't they?
[ At the answer, Argenti gives pause, even if he's still smiling ever-so-slightly. ]
No, not a single one of us has not as of yet. But to be certain, Idrila must be out there.
Until I see that light once more, I shall not stop not even for a single moment. I'm sure you understand.
[ He says 'I'm sure you understand' like that's a normal thing... ]
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[ She wants to say that she does, but honestly? ]
I don't know. What about your loved ones, Argenti? I bet they miss you.
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...I'm sorry?
[ His friends, perhaps? Not that he's exactly all that close to them as of yet. Or...well... ]
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