Chapter Text
“What makes you think I’ll want you when this is over?”
The Warrior of Darkness didn’t look up from her journal, her nose buried deep in the pages. She moved her quill pen in hurried gestures, as if her thoughts would escape before she committed them to paper. This was how she preferred to make her notes — in the field, beneath the shade of a tree. It would usually be a solo endeavor. Today, Emet-Selch kept her company.
“If the scratches across my back are any sign, you’ll never want me to leave,” came his cool reply. Sprawled out next to her in the grass, he seemed perfectly content to lie in wait while she worked. In an hour’s time she hadn’t once asked him to leave. “What are you writing?”
“Some notes about the flora. I’m sure they’re well documented in the Cabinet of Curiosity, but compared to species native to the Source — why are you looking at me like that?”
He couldn't see his own face, but he imagined he'd let nostalgia — perhaps it was longing — creep into his expression. "I thought I might entice you with a tumble in the grass." She merely snorted, and he huffed. It had been worth a try.
"Thancred is eyeing us again," she murmured after a moment. Across the way he could see the gunbreaker passing through, casting a wary grimace their way. Her companions, while out of earshot, were still close at hand — a fact he was painfully aware of.
"He might try smiling before that look becomes permanent." He gave a casual wave, grinning when the other man scowled and stalked off.
"Can you blame him? The Warrior of Darkness is fraternizing with the enemy."
"Not nearly enough, in my opinion."
"It comes with the job," she shrugged, at last laying her pen to rest. "Too much time saving the world, not enough to spend on my own affairs. I wonder who's to blame for that?"
He only then noticed the way she regarded him from the corner of her vision. "None of that. I've been forthcoming with you about my agenda." Despite wearing gloves, he held a hand up before his face and flexed his fingers, as if he were examining his nails. "What I'm hearing is a desire to be free of these grand responsibilities. What say you, my dear? Shall I displace you from the role of 'hero', before further misfortunes befall you?"
"As if you could." Much to his pleasure, she now gave him her full attention. "At the end of this journey I'll be forced to bear arms against you. As long as you act on Zodiark's will, I have no choice."
The look in her eyes then was one he'd seen before, and one he never wished to see again. It was the same sadness that she, as Azem, had shown on the day she left. He hastily clamped down upon the stirrings of that ancient agony.
"You look so serious now," she commented. He'd been too slow to hide behind his mask after all. No point in hiding it then.
"I've reached a decision," he replied. His tone had taken on an icy edge. "I would rather it not come to blows between us. Still, I won't allow you to end all that I have labored for."
"Then there's no helping it," she sighed.
"No. I will end your path as Hydaelyn’s chosen," he vowed, "and then you will be mine, and mine alone."
His words were humorless, and the color drained from her face. "I suppose you still won't tell me about the past." Between the traces of Amaurot she'd witnessed, and whatever she felt towards Emet-Selch, she knew well enough that they had once been acquainted. The details of their relationship were a carrot on a stick that he continued to wave in front of her.
When he didn't respond, she continued. "Fine then. I'll pry the answers from you when you lay defeated."
"Give up your foolish cause," he grumbled. "Accept your place by my side and I will provide the knowledge you so desperately seek." He knew that this would fail to sway her, but he still frowned as she rose to her feet.
"You know I can't." Whatever turmoil she felt within, she did well to hide it behind a brave face. Half-souled as she was, he couldn't help the pride that swelled in his heart. She turned away, but walked no more than a few steps before calling over her shoulder. "We've played this game long enough. If you want me, then come after me."
"Very well then." He rolled onto his side with the barest amount of effort, letting his eyes drift shut in contemplation. "But know this — once you walk away, pleas for mercy will fall upon deaf ears."
She lingered a moment. He almost believed there was hesitation in her heart — but then he heard the soft crunch of grass beneath her feet. He belatedly opened his eyes to watch her disappear amongst the trees. The corners of his mouth twitched, his lips spreading in a Cheshire grin.
"Have it your way, Persephone."