[ When she arrives, he'll be seated at the table with a pot of tea brewing. Makoto taught him how to use the electric pot and it's been useful. ]
Hello, Hotaru. I hope I'm not inconveniencing you. [ He looks calm, but also a little uplifted - less serious than usual, of course. And now, cutting straight to the point: ] I wish to ask you something, if that's alright. I am a little curious about your powers... if you are willing to tell me about them, I would very much like to listen.
[ He's also been giving kids here Servant titles based on their abilities, so that's that. ]
You're not inconveniencing me... [ But that topic isn't in the top 5 list of things she thought Sanson wanted to talk about. She's a little hesitant as she seats herself next to him. It's not that she doesn't want to tell him about what she can do, but she is still grappling with her new identity and the weight of all her new powers, some she's not even sure how to use yet. ]
Before... all I could do was heal minor wounds, cuts and scrapes, bruises, small things like that.... Lately, I can do a lot more. I get visions of the future that I can't control and don't always know what they mean. I can also do... this.
[ Hotaru holds her hands in front of her and a small hologram of space appears. It disappears after a few seconds. ]
But... [ Hotaru takes a deep breath. She doesn't feel like it needs to be a secret, but revealing her magical girl status feels heavy. ] The big thing is I'm Sailor Saturn, Guardian of Death and Rebirth.
[ Sanson listens with patience and attentiveness, his expression not wavering in the slightest until she speaks her title. He doesn't understand why Sailor, but it's probably not something he should be wondering about. What matters more are the words that come after the title - death and rebirth, two things that manage to change his countenance to one of mild surprise.
Death is seared into his very being, Rebirth something impossible in his world. Was it then fate that he was able to meet her?
He's quiet for a moment, looking down a little, before he speaks. ]
I see. Thank you. I have another question... how much do you know of France, when it was ruled by a monarchy?
I wish to tell you something about myself. In my world, for people like me to give out details about ourselves, it can have serious consequences. I hope you will forgive me for being secretive.
[ Now... ]
France had a monarchy, but the monarchy fell in revolution. [ She probably already knows this, but. ] The leaders of the revolution demanded that the king and queen be executed. The person who put them to the guillotine... was me.
[ He's surprised she doesn't already know his identity, given how he already said his name. ]
I served the monarchy as an overseer of justice, and then the republic after that. I am Charles-Henri Sanson, Royal Executioner of France.
[ Hotaru gives him her full attention, and her back straightens when he says serious consequences. That he would trust her to that extent, that he would let her in on his secret is substantial.
Her eyes widen, and then they spark with interest, perhaps inappropriately, not unlike a toddler who saw their favorite toy. She had wondered when he first his name, first saw the style of his clothes, but she thought maybe his parents had been atypical or it had been a very huge coincidence. She never thought she'd meet a true and real historical figure like this. ]
Really? You're really him? You really lived during the French Revolution? You're his—You're a spirit. [ It sinks in for her, and her brightness dims. Her eyes are downcast, somber and serious. ] Dr. Sanson, are you...
[ He's not afraid of death, but that in turn makes people afraid of him. ]
In my world, those who have fame that endure after their passing will ascend to a higher plane - the Throne of Heroes, to become spirits. We are immortalized in a place that exists outside of time and space, where our essence, our fame will endure as long as humanity remembers us. But this immortality comes with a price. We become immutable, our reputation unchanging, to be carried with us for eternity.
[ A nod, and then he looks a shade more resigned than before. ]
I am an executioner. I have brought many to justice in the arms of the Grim Reaper. For that, I will wear the shroud of death forever more. In life and in death, I have been shunned. But, this is not the end.
[ Because the people here have changed him for the better. ]
La Mort Espoir. Death is hope for tomorrow. Do not fear your powers; for they can be sacred in the right hands. Even for someone as tainted as I am, I have been accepted here - and so will you. The people here will help develop your ability for good.
[ That comes out immediate, sincere, fierce. There's nothing that she can see that could be considered tainted about Sanson. She knows about how reputations can taint, but the misunderstanding surrounding death... Sanson outlines it perfectly.
Death isn't foreign to her anymore. She is dead. She has been dead. Her past life's memories are still heavy in the back of her mind. It's a weight she still can't fully hold and lift on her own, but she's slowly training to. ]
Thank you for telling me. I'm glad you trust me this much. If you can reach a plane called the Throne of Heroes, you can't be bad. I... I have been talking to others, and I have been told that it's how I use my powers that matters, not what my powers are. I don't think the shroud of death is evil or wrong. It's necessary, but sacred is... too nice to describe what my duty is. But... your words... are familiar. [ Her voice becomes more faraway, older, like she's quoting someone. ] —Do not despair for with death, comes hope and rebirth.
[ She shuts her eyes, and when she opens them again, she'll sound her age again and uncertain. ]
I don't fear being shunned here, but my power... is also that of destruction. I am to use it only as an absolutely last resort. The destruction I bring levels the ground so others can sow seeds of hope in the wreckage. The power I hope to use for the time being is my ability to create a force field to protect, and that's it, but if it does become necessary, I'll use my other powers.
[ She will be afraid of the extent of her powers for a while. ]
[ She's kind, a lot kinder than many people have been, and it brings a smile to his face. ]
We bear this curse so others can remain untouched by its shadow. [ He speaks after a pause, gentleness in his voice for his face cannot do the same. ] It is a heavy responsibility, but I have faith in you.
[ Now... ]
There are deaths that are deserving, and deaths that are not. Keeping your powers chained is good if you do so to prevent it from hurting your friends, but there are also things on this world that may not deserve to continue living. Those that hurt and harm others, souls malicious and selfish - the guilty.
[ He waves his hands and a guillotine appears on the ground beside them, metal gleaming dark in the indoor lighting. ]
I was tasked to bring death to avenge those who are wronged. In these instances, you need not fear to destroy. When you learn to control those abilities, you can use them to protect as well.
[ Hotaru smiles up at him, but it's solemn. His words resonate within her: she would bear the mantle of death so others didn't have to without hesitation.
There is no joy in bringing the end to a life, but she knows her past life has long accepted the necessity of it. Where Sanson speaks of justice, of the guilty, of vengeance, Hotaru takes a long moment to think. Wielding death is wielding judgment, but should that be where Sailor Saturn's scales measure?
Her eyes lock onto the guillotine. ]
I agree that based on their actions, some people should meet with death for a better world. I do not think I'm experienced enough to make that judgment alone. In old memories, I'm summoned if I'm needed, but here... it's a different situation here.
[ Indeed it is. The enemy here, if any, is an insidious one - without a soul that even he cannot grasp, cannot judge. ]
You are right. Experience will come with time. [ Which he has, but she doesn't, so he vanishes the guillotine with another wave of his hand. ] Perhaps I spoke too early. Still, I wish to help you be accustomed with your powers.
As I have said before, I will be your ally. That will not change.
[ Hotaru opens her mouth, closes it. She trusts Sanson, but admitting the expanse of her powers is scary within her own mind. As Sailor Saturn, her past life's memories come rushing to the surface and she thinks more like her previous incarnation than herself. Sailor Saturn can destroy planets, and that is too much power for her. She doesn't think she'll ever get enough experience for that, not in her current life. ]
Thank you, Dr. Sanson. To have you as an ally, as a guide... is a blessing. I don't want to say you spoke too soon exactly because Saturn's spirit... has that kind of time even if I don't.
[ So, a human as a host to something many times her lifespan... well, it's not always turned out for the better in his world, but perhaps this is an exception. ]
If you feel discomfort, or have any questions, come and ask me. I will do my best to help you.
[ It's something most people struggle with. He had been alleviated from it a little by virtue of his circumstance, but that's hardly something to expect of a child. ]
[ Hers is a weird and odd kind of growing pain, but she'll find the strength within to get past it someday. ]
No, you can eat it whenever, but it's nice to have a holiday where you can eat it especially. I could only find some on the last ship that crashed down, so I don't know what I'm going to do when that supply runs out.
Yes, it's buckwheat. [ Hotaru lights up. ] And yes! I'd like that a lot. I've been trying to find the right occasion to make some, and this is more than the right occasion!
[ She's delighted at the prospect and looks giddy at the thought. Soba!! ]
The problem is that I don't know if that kind of wheat is natural here, and I only have the processed stuff. But... I'm okay with a substitute. It doesn't have to be soba, and we do have flour to make other kinds of noodles.
[ She will consider flour's existence for Sanson. For the both of them, really. ]
I think it'd be fun to make something in general. I'd be happy making anything with you, Doctor.
I remember, quite some time ago, Saber of Red found seeds from salvaging. There could be some there. [ BUT ANYWAYS. ] The important thing is to preserve the texture, I believe. I will have to do research on it.
[ #science. ]
As they say, two heads are better than one. Thank you.
[ Hotaru laughs a little, and then she ducks her head. ]
I'm happy you're willing to try so hard, but it's not something I have to have. I think... the journey here will be more important than whatever result we get.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
superseding) wrote2017-06-17 11:38 pm
no subject
Hello, Hotaru. I hope I'm not inconveniencing you. [ He looks calm, but also a little uplifted - less serious than usual, of course. And now, cutting straight to the point: ] I wish to ask you something, if that's alright. I am a little curious about your powers... if you are willing to tell me about them, I would very much like to listen.
[ He's also been giving kids here Servant titles based on their abilities, so that's that. ]
no subject
Before... all I could do was heal minor wounds, cuts and scrapes, bruises, small things like that.... Lately, I can do a lot more. I get visions of the future that I can't control and don't always know what they mean. I can also do... this.
[ Hotaru holds her hands in front of her and a small hologram of space appears. It disappears after a few seconds. ]
But... [ Hotaru takes a deep breath. She doesn't feel like it needs to be a secret, but revealing her magical girl status feels heavy. ] The big thing is I'm Sailor Saturn, Guardian of Death and Rebirth.
no subject
Death is seared into his very being, Rebirth something impossible in his world. Was it then fate that he was able to meet her?
He's quiet for a moment, looking down a little, before he speaks. ]
I see. Thank you. I have another question... how much do you know of France, when it was ruled by a monarchy?
[ It'll make sense soon enough. ]
no subject
Some. I'm not an expert, but World History is one of my favorite subjects, so I've read a couple books on it.
no subject
I wish to tell you something about myself. In my world, for people like me to give out details about ourselves, it can have serious consequences. I hope you will forgive me for being secretive.
[ Now... ]
France had a monarchy, but the monarchy fell in revolution. [ She probably already knows this, but. ] The leaders of the revolution demanded that the king and queen be executed. The person who put them to the guillotine... was me.
[ He's surprised she doesn't already know his identity, given how he already said his name. ]
I served the monarchy as an overseer of justice, and then the republic after that. I am Charles-Henri Sanson, Royal Executioner of France.
no subject
Her eyes widen, and then they spark with interest, perhaps inappropriately, not unlike a toddler who saw their favorite toy. She had wondered when he first his name, first saw the style of his clothes, but she thought maybe his parents had been atypical or it had been a very huge coincidence. She never thought she'd meet a true and real historical figure like this. ]
Really? You're really him? You really lived during the French Revolution? You're his—You're a spirit. [ It sinks in for her, and her brightness dims. Her eyes are downcast, somber and serious. ] Dr. Sanson, are you...
[ Is he dead? ]
no subject
[ He's not afraid of death, but that in turn makes people afraid of him. ]
In my world, those who have fame that endure after their passing will ascend to a higher plane - the Throne of Heroes, to become spirits. We are immortalized in a place that exists outside of time and space, where our essence, our fame will endure as long as humanity remembers us. But this immortality comes with a price. We become immutable, our reputation unchanging, to be carried with us for eternity.
[ A nod, and then he looks a shade more resigned than before. ]
I am an executioner. I have brought many to justice in the arms of the Grim Reaper. For that, I will wear the shroud of death forever more. In life and in death, I have been shunned. But, this is not the end.
[ Because the people here have changed him for the better. ]
La Mort Espoir. Death is hope for tomorrow. Do not fear your powers; for they can be sacred in the right hands. Even for someone as tainted as I am, I have been accepted here - and so will you. The people here will help develop your ability for good.
no subject
[ That comes out immediate, sincere, fierce. There's nothing that she can see that could be considered tainted about Sanson. She knows about how reputations can taint, but the misunderstanding surrounding death... Sanson outlines it perfectly.
Death isn't foreign to her anymore. She is dead. She has been dead. Her past life's memories are still heavy in the back of her mind. It's a weight she still can't fully hold and lift on her own, but she's slowly training to. ]
Thank you for telling me. I'm glad you trust me this much. If you can reach a plane called the Throne of Heroes, you can't be bad. I... I have been talking to others, and I have been told that it's how I use my powers that matters, not what my powers are. I don't think the shroud of death is evil or wrong. It's necessary, but sacred is... too nice to describe what my duty is. But... your words... are familiar. [ Her voice becomes more faraway, older, like she's quoting someone. ] —Do not despair for with death, comes hope and rebirth.
[ She shuts her eyes, and when she opens them again, she'll sound her age again and uncertain. ]
I don't fear being shunned here, but my power... is also that of destruction. I am to use it only as an absolutely last resort. The destruction I bring levels the ground so others can sow seeds of hope in the wreckage. The power I hope to use for the time being is my ability to create a force field to protect, and that's it, but if it does become necessary, I'll use my other powers.
[ She will be afraid of the extent of her powers for a while. ]
no subject
We bear this curse so others can remain untouched by its shadow. [ He speaks after a pause, gentleness in his voice for his face cannot do the same. ] It is a heavy responsibility, but I have faith in you.
[ Now... ]
There are deaths that are deserving, and deaths that are not. Keeping your powers chained is good if you do so to prevent it from hurting your friends, but there are also things on this world that may not deserve to continue living. Those that hurt and harm others, souls malicious and selfish - the guilty.
[ He waves his hands and a guillotine appears on the ground beside them, metal gleaming dark in the indoor lighting. ]
I was tasked to bring death to avenge those who are wronged. In these instances, you need not fear to destroy. When you learn to control those abilities, you can use them to protect as well.
no subject
There is no joy in bringing the end to a life, but she knows her past life has long accepted the necessity of it. Where Sanson speaks of justice, of the guilty, of vengeance, Hotaru takes a long moment to think. Wielding death is wielding judgment, but should that be where Sailor Saturn's scales measure?
Her eyes lock onto the guillotine. ]
I agree that based on their actions, some people should meet with death for a better world. I do not think I'm experienced enough to make that judgment alone. In old memories, I'm summoned if I'm needed, but here... it's a different situation here.
no subject
You are right. Experience will come with time. [ Which he has, but she doesn't, so he vanishes the guillotine with another wave of his hand. ] Perhaps I spoke too early. Still, I wish to help you be accustomed with your powers.
As I have said before, I will be your ally. That will not change.
no subject
Thank you, Dr. Sanson. To have you as an ally, as a guide... is a blessing. I don't want to say you spoke too soon exactly because Saturn's spirit... has that kind of time even if I don't.
no subject
If you feel discomfort, or have any questions, come and ask me. I will do my best to help you.
no subject
[ It's all she can do, really. ]
I can only take it day by day at this point.
no subject
Day by day is plenty sufficient. Each day brings new experiences, you need not push yourself.
[ A pause. ]
What is your favourite food, Hotaru?
no subject
[ Hotaru tilts her head to side. ]
It's soba. It's one of the reasons why I like the New Year so much.
no subject
I see. Is it only eaten on special occasions?
no subject
No, you can eat it whenever, but it's nice to have a holiday where you can eat it especially. I could only find some on the last ship that crashed down, so I don't know what I'm going to do when that supply runs out.
no subject
[ A three second pause while he considers... ]
Do you think we can make it? It is a sort of wheat dish, is it not?
no subject
[ She's delighted at the prospect and looks giddy at the thought. Soba!! ]
no subject
[ Now he looks serious. Very serious indeed. ]
After that, we can make soba. What do you think?
[ sanson, have you considered that maybe flour exists here ]
no subject
The problem is that I don't know if that kind of wheat is natural here, and I only have the processed stuff. But... I'm okay with a substitute. It doesn't have to be soba, and we do have flour to make other kinds of noodles.
[ She will consider flour's existence for Sanson. For the both of them, really. ]
I think it'd be fun to make something in general. I'd be happy making anything with you, Doctor.
no subject
I remember, quite some time ago, Saber of Red found seeds from salvaging. There could be some there. [ BUT ANYWAYS. ] The important thing is to preserve the texture, I believe. I will have to do research on it.
[ #science. ]
As they say, two heads are better than one. Thank you.
no subject
I'm happy you're willing to try so hard, but it's not something I have to have. I think... the journey here will be more important than whatever result we get.
[ A pause. ]
Who's Saber of Red?
no subject
Ah, the Strider sibling named Dave. It is a title that I used for him with a mistaken belief. But he has earned it, I believe.
[ Being cryptic again... ]
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