IC

[tearsofademon]

[so this happened

and as Ryner's body lies there, barely alive such that if you're not looking hard you might miss it and think he's dead, his consciousness awakens elswhere

in a squishy crimson corridor that he's seen before]

Comments

[reasonforbirth]

Then let's awaken, and you'll see. You'll understand, too. Not everything at first, though, because there's a lot. It'll take time. But you will.

[tearsofademon]

Awaken. What exactly do you mean by that?

[because after what he's seen of what Sion's gone through, he has to ask]

[reasonforbirth]

It's as I told you. Your consciousness devours mine, and you gain my power and can call upon my memories if you want to.

[tearsofademon]

And what do you get out of this?

[reasonforbirth]

We both want to save Sion, don't we? That's what we've decided. We want to save Sion, and protect those who are important.

[tearsofademon]

...You have a point.

[reasonforbirth]

[Reed holds out his hand.]

So, shall we?

[tearsofademon]

All right.

[Ryner doesn't even hesitate, nodding and taking Reed's hand.]

[reasonforbirth]

[Reed's smile widens, and his consciousness vanishes. But his voice briefly lingers.]

I'm looking forward to seeing what you do, Ryner Lute.

[tearsofademon]

[And as Reed's consciousness fades into Ryner's, he suddenly feels several things.

Like there's a lot of memories that weren't there before. But he'll sort through those later.

Like surprisingly little has changed. It's almost as though most of the integration had already happened over time. Maybe it even had.

And also, a feeling of exhaustion. Because the Demon was tired too. So, so tired. He bore it with a smile for Sion's sake, but if this time, it could end...

Well, as long as it ends with Sion being saved, that's what's important.]