sefirot | Inbox

I've done nothing but tell him that his death is not something that should have happened.

Right. Which is fine. But you're talking to me about a whole lot more than that, which makes me think you're kind of shaky on where the right point is to stop.

I'm not going to tell him what happens in the timeline unless I'm certain he is from a different one. I would not do anything to affect my own existence as I am now.

Though there's certain events which haven't happened for him that I'm sure he'd like to change the outcome of even if he hasn't met those individuals to realize that yet. Some of which Zack would also probably want to change the fate of.

Edited 2022-07-19 06:24 (UTC)

So it's entirely possible none of them are from exactly the same world as you are, you know. Cloud might be from a world where he turned left instead of right... and, hell, if you're right that his death couldn't possibly have happened in your world, I think we might already know that he is.

It's not telling them too much that I'm worrying about here.

Telling him too much is what will break his mind, so if you want to worry about something it should be that.

Technically that is why his mind is broken to begin with.

But do tell me what you're worried about.

I'm worried that you're describing a bunch of interactions with him that mostly involve murder, plus you've told me you don't think he says what he wants so his opinion doesn't matter -- which kind of sounds like 'even if he says he doesn't like the murder, he's wrong.'

I'm worried that you're going to insist on getting close to him and you're going to try to provoke him to violence or act out violently against him or his friends.

He couldn't possibly hope to fight me in his current state and win, there'd be no point in provoking him into a fight. It would mean nothing to me.

Okay. So. Can I ask for a promise, and I'll get off your back about this?

Promise me that if he ever does get to a state where he could fight you and win, you'll let me know before you do anything about it.

Are you afraid of collateral damage? Is that why you want to know?

Just promise.

If it gets to that point I'll allow you to come watch.

Send me the invitation at least twenty-four hours early and I promise I'll RSVP.

Is that twenty-four hours so you can try and find a way to stop it?

Could be. What, you don't think you can stop me from stopping you if it comes to that?

Not at all. But you seem like the type to get in the way and your death would no doubt cause problems.

Well spotted. Look, man, I'm not in favor of this whole death pact fantasy you have going, I'll be up front about that one.

But I'm willing to wait and deal with the problem when it arises, if you're not so much into pushing the issue at the moment while he's having his struggles.

He's of little use if he falls into another coma.

Right. Great to hear we're on the same page with this.

[There may be some sarcasm in that tone.]

Which is likely regardless. He will eventually realize what he believes is wrong, and that is when he will break.

I have to say, I don't know Cloud as well as you probably do... but I think it's going to help him having people around who are used to helping people deal with serious shit. We've all been there once or ten times.