Week 0, Saturday Post-Trial - Ion and Rapunzel

[fragileprophet]

[It's not too long after the trial has ended and everyone's had a bit of time to calm down from the general excitement that he goes to find his counterpart. At this point, there's really no getting around the fact that they're both here, co-existing in the same space, and a lot of people are having trouble coping. He's having some trouble coping, himself, for that matter, but uh...it's the others he's concerned with.]

Can we talk? I think after what happened...

[But what interesting timing it is that just as he's stopped the other Ion in his tracks, Rapunzel happens to walk by. Ion doesn't want to be rude, so he stops himself before he can really start and waves a hand in greeting.]

Oh--hello, Rapunzel. How are you feeling after today?

Comments

[hairbrain]

[ step 2: get adopted by a disney princess. she squeezes them both tightly, her own eyes glassy from tears, then sniffles briefly, and her gaze hardens into determination. not that they can see, but. ]

Consider that fate unset. For both of you. You're both.... you're both alive and well, right now. I'll make sure it stays that way.

[ there's a little edge to her voice, though she's making promises she can't keep......... ]

You don't have to be what they say. You can set yourself free.

[ she has a musical number about it, even!! ]

[fragileprophet]

[Ion waits until he's sure that he's contained his tears before he turns back around to face her, that perfect smile on his face once again. He means it, even if he can't help how sad his eyes are. What she's saying, he wish he could tell her, is just impossible.

Neither of them have a future.]

Thank you.

[He widens his smile.]

How can we possibly feel any other way when you're here to encourage us?

[fonlines]

You truly are kind, aren't you, Rapunzel?

[ Ion smiles at her, unsure of how to do anything else, something quiet and forlorn that doesn't reach his eyes for the briefest of moments before it once again is his usual stained-glass smile-- properly prepared for public reverence, and entirely too blank.

There isn't such a thing as freedom from his future, and he has tried. This is as close as he'll get to it, ensuring that a replica exists to defy the maxim that 'Fon Master Ion will die at the age of 12.' ]

All there is to do is to make the best of the time we have now, of course.

[hairbrain]

It's nothing. Besides, I..... I have some experience with being forced into a role, myself. Not--- Not as bad as you two, obviously, but..... I can understand.

[ that's why she's so adamant about this. she gives them both another squeeze before at last letting go. ] This place is cruel, and awful, but.... maybe, here, there's a chance for all of us. To be free... more free than we were back home.

[ and she wants to ensure it for them, that much is clear. ]