Chapter Text
——επεισόδιο ένα
Idia panted as he and the rest of the students ascended the bell tower’s seemingly endless stairs. Exercise, why did it have to be exercise? Why did stopping the apocalypse and saving the world as they knew it have to involve extensive movement? But nooooo, they just had to climb this huge tower and ring a giant metal bell. Wonderful- not!
He winced as he made another step- these shoes were not made for fighting in! He’s going to have so many blisters! It’s like charging the final boss in the cool cosmetic items that have terrible stats! Maybe they should just let Rollo win, Idia felt it wouldn’t be that bad. Really, no magic couldn’t be worse than blisters.
Unfortunately, he happened to be the only one who held that opinion so climbing it was. Joy.
He stumbled momentarily as his stupidly long coat nearly caught on something on the ridiculously long flight of stairs, before he conceded that he’d just have to hold the hem up like some kind of ball gown. Next to him, he can hear someone snicker, but honestly he has nowhere near enough energy to care about it. This suuuucks.
Involuntarily, he felt his mind go back to the journal entries. He winced in secondhand embarrassment- he’d hate to have anyone see his personal information like that, yikes. He regretted suggesting looking in it hard now that he knew what was written in it- okay sure, it was good info… but if a bunch of strangers had learnt how Ortho had died…. Idia’s shuddering just thinking about it.
Idia was, for his part, doing his best to forget about them. He’s not a nosy guy, okay? It was none of his business. He didn’t want to think about it. Nope, Idia fully intended to never, ever think about that again. Not about how Rollo had to watch his brother burn to death, not how they both felt overrun with guilt from the incident, not about how similar they are, not about how much he sympathizes with the late, sleepless nights in pursuit of a goal so you don’t drown in your grief. He didn’t want his mind to conjure up the moment of Ortho’s death, the first Ortho. The memories of burning flesh and a child’s screams weren’t there- his mind had long since blanked them out- but he knew, logically, what had happened. About doing anything to make things right, no matter the consequences.
Was it a good idea to sympathize with him? Probably not. Was Idia doing it anyways? Tragically yes. Really, the story of his life right there.
Out of sight, out of mind, until you had Rollo himself facing you at the top of the tower, glowing with dark fire and burning tears on his face, backlit by crimson flowers. The autumn wind howled along with him as he cried out in agony. The others faced him with righteous anger, but all Idia could feel was pity, pooling in his chest and settling in the pit of his stomach. He can’t find it within himself to blame Rollo for this, not when he might’ve done the same. He meets his eye during battle, and Idia (the coward that he is) looks away. Rollo looks nigh delirious with desperation, futilely denying his own guilt in the face of his own actions and the others’ accusations as he stands, teetering at the edge of his own pyre.
Idia could’ve been just like him. (Rollo could’ve been just like him.) They’re not the same person- but it’s enough that it scares him. He watches Rollo sling flames in desperate, desolate anger. He wonders if he would’ve done the same, if he was standing where Rollo is.
Because if there was some way, any way, to get rid of blot. To make it so that he and his family could be free, regardless of who it hurt- Idia thinks that if he had that opportunity, he’d be doing exactly what Rollo is doing right now. Maybe, maybe, maybe.
Rollo screams, ear shatteringly loud, full of anger and frustration, as Yuu ascends to the top, as they reach for the bell of salvation, “You don’t understand!” Rollo yells out. But Idia does. He does understand what could drive him to that, what he’d be willing to do in his brother’s name. No sin is too sacrilegious, if it’s for him. After all, it’s not like he’s any better- he made a twisted reflection of his own brother just to fill his own pitiful desire to soothe his own heart. To relieve himself of his guilt. Oh, yes, he understands Rollo perfectly.
The bell sounds, it’s ringing echoing in Idia’s head while the crimson flowers wilt around them and Rollo collapses to his knees. The fury leaves his eyes in an instant and only despair remained. Like a puppet, Idia thinks, with its strings cut. It’s familiar to him. Rollo, lost in grief and despair, is familiar to him. The others are giving some kind of speech, but Idia hears none of it, only Rollo’s soft weeping. Everyone else is so loud, but Rollo’s weeping worms into his mind- hollows it out until nothing remained but his own memories of grief.
Part of him wants to go console him, to do something, lend a shoulder to cry on. But Idia remains rooted to the spot. Once again, in the face of despair, he falls into apathy once more. Cruelly, he wonders why Rollo thought his plan could ever succeed; doesn’t he know you can’t fight fate?
What a pity. How tragic. Idia looks down at him and it’s like looking in a funhouse mirror. He looks at Rollo and his own guilt, his own failure, stares right back. In the end- Idia is the one to break eye contact, faltering under the weight of his own sins.
——επεισόδιο δύο
It’s late, even for Idia. The party (masquerade) is loud, everyone is chattering and worst of all, Idia had to sing and dance. On a stage. In front of what is practically the entire city. Without Ortho. No matter how many times people had came up to him to compliment him, Idia knew that he totally bombed it. He wants to keel over, or hide in his room, but no- he’s stuck here. With tons of extremely extroverted NPCs. He’s way too underleved for this! But here he is, doing his best to hug the wall and not talk to people. Everything is all bright golds and laughter and Idia sticks out like a sore thumb. Everyone’s totally mocking him, asking why such a gloomy guy came to this party. This really, really sucks.
From his position near the far wall, he can see Rollo imitating a limpet, clinging to the side just as Idia is doing, glaring at anyone who got close as he tried his best to be a wallflower. He had been there the entire time since he managed to shake Malleus off of his tail, which Idia totally gets; the dude’s a bit much. At least, Idia muses, he isn’t the only one here suffering. (-and yet they share more than this single moment, don’t they-)
He’s not really sure what compels him to seek Rollo out. Maybe it’s sympathy, to make up for his earlier inaction. Maybe because he seems to be a people deterrent, which Idia desperately needs. The likely answer is that he’s the farthest from all of the noise and dancing you can get without leaving said ballroom, which is loud enough that Idia think he’s going to go insane if he doesn’t get someplace quieter soon.
Thankfully, all the work he put into getting his hair under control and under the cap seems to have paid off in the form of a buff to his stealth. He weaves in and out of the crowd, his ungainly height finally a boon for once, sticking to the sides until he makes it to Rollo, who shoots him a truly impressive glare. This is also, unfortunately, the moment when he realizes that just hanging around someone without talking is really, really rude. As though he wasn’t enough of a creepy weirdo already. Wonderful, great going Idia. This is why everyone hates you.
There’s a moment of truly awkward silence before Rollo speaks up, a scowl on his face.
“Here to gloat? Or do you simply wish to be a nuisance?” He sounds less like he’s angry for anger’s sake, and more like a cat trying to hide its wounds by pretending to be bigger than it is. All bluffs and hissing, if only to hide the hurt.
“Oh, no-no-no- I just wanted to get out of the party! You, uh… don’t seem super fond of it either?” Replies Idia, in a parody of typical normie small talk.
Rollo gives a huff in return, rolling his jade eyes. “I am the president of the student council; I must go. But I don't enjoy a moment! Thieves and cutpurses, the dregs of humankind, all mixed together in a shallow, drunken stupor. Being forced to dance with that wretched man… make no mistake, I do not attend this party by my own will. Now, is that inane commentary all you wished to say?”
Panicking slightly, Idia wrung his hands as he tried to recall what he wanted to say in the first place. This is why he doesn’t talk to people! Why did he think he could do this? “I-I-I just wanted to say I get it, y’know?”
He looks at the ground, hoping in some desperate corner of his heart for it to swallow him up, but- too late- he’s already committed to this conversation. Visual novels, don’t fail him now!
“I, if it was my brother, if I could do something to change the world so no one died like he did, I would do it in a second. So- so I get it. Why you did what you did. I get what losing someone, what losing your brother, does to you. And-and it’s like everything is just meaningless, y’know? Cause they’re your everything.”
There, he actually managed to say it. His hair is bright pink and his face is just as red and he’s shaking like a leaf but he did it!
Rollo, for his part, had gone from glaring at him, to a softer, more forlorn expression. Destitute, despairing, disappointed and disgusted all at once, topped with a splash of pity. “If you understand, truly understand, why did you stop me?”
It’s true, Idia did stop him. Hell, he’s the guy who suggested the solution in the first place. It’s not like Rollo was totally wrong either, because Idia wasn’t lying when he said that he got it; the legislations and lax rules surrounding the use of magic is part of why S.T.Y.X. exists at all. It’s why Idia is cursed, why he’ll live and die in the same deep, dark hell as the rest of his family. (Why Ortho never got to see the sun-)
In retrospect, Idia thinks he might hate magic. Just a little bit. What a wonderful belated realization to have after stopping the guy who wanted to get rid of it.
“Um, I just think that maybe the way you went about it is wrong? Like, magic is the basis of most of our economy and world, so wouldn’t it be better to restrict its use instead of, like, totally deleting it? Y’know, put new laws in place and stuff?” Idia would not have come over here if he knew he’d have to talk even more, but now he’s locked into this route, so he might as-well see it through to the end. At least Ortho will be proud of him. (At least he can finally do something to make him proud, for once, after all his failures.)
Rollo’s expression turns pensive at that statement. “Laws… yes, I think I’ll try that next time. Thank you, for the suggestion.”
Next time? Next time!?!? Oh gods, Idia did not mean to do that. Abort route, abort route! Crap, there’s an awkward pause, Rollo’s expecting Idia to say something!
“If-if you really want to change the world’s use of magic, t-then you need something to, um, replace it. L-like technology! It’s accessible by everyone and much more reliable! And unlike magic, you can build safety features like an automatic shutoff into it!” Oh gods Idia just rambled a ton, why must he be such a weirdo! Rollo probably thinks he’s creepy, oh gods, why did he say that?!?!
Rollo, unexpectedly, actually looks intrigued. Like he’s genuinely interested in what a creep like Idia (who just helped to foil his several years long plan) has to say. “So you’re suggesting the widespread implementation of technology to take over for tasks previously done with magic?”
“Yeah, essentially.”
Rollo’s green eyes gleamed and a smile appeared on his face. “Tell me more.”
Idia, for all that he was wary of Rollo, couldn’t pass up an opportunity to gush about technology. So sue him, he has his passions! At some point throughout their conversation, Rollo had procured his phone (which Idia did not know he had nor was he sure as to where Rollo was hiding it since his outfit has, like, zero visible pockets) and began taking notes. The two ended up so wrapped up in their conversation that they scarcely noticed the volume dimming and people filing out as the evening progressed. Before either of them had knew it, they were so wrapped up in their conversation that Yuu (who looked thoroughly jostled at the sight of Idia and Rollo acting all buddy-buddy) had to come over to remind them that it was over.
When the time came for everyone to go back to their hotels for the night and depart in the morning, Rollo offered Idia his contact info, so that they could continue their discussion.
As he stood in front of the hotel with the rest of his classmates, Idia watched as Rollo walked into the distant night after giving him his phone number.
Did- did he just talk to someone IRL?!?! Ortho is going to be sooo proud of him!
——acte trois
The sun shown down onto the courtyard where Rollo was taking his lunch, alone, just like he liked it. It gave him ample time to think, to ponder away from others.
The masquerade, Rollo mused as he methodically took a bite of his croissant, had truly been full of surprises. His plan, meticulously plotted for years upon years, toiled over in sleepless nights, had failed. But in its place, a new one was formed. One that he had made more progress on in a single evening than in several years. Indeed, Idia had offered quite the elegant solution, one that surely even the Righteous Judge would have appreciated. One that, this time, would succeed. With Idia’s help, he can make it so that no more children die like his brother did, consumed by their own magic. They would make it so.
Idia himself was also a surprise. At first, he had seemed awkward and fumbling, unable to go even a sentence without stuttering. He stood off to the side, and rarely if ever interacted with those around him. A loner through and through. A kindred spirit yes, but not terribly interesting outside of that (though Rollo would be lying if he said that he wasn’t glad to have someone else who understood how he felt). But when the topic of technology had come up, he had truly blossomed into an expert in his field. Not only was he swift in his speech (though he could stand to improve his pronunciation), a welcome reprieve from the lengthy and slow speeches of his peers once he stopped mumbling, but he was rather compelling. Once Idia became comfortable with their conversation, he had transformed into a seasoned salesman, recommending and convincing Rollo of new ideas as fast as they came up in conversation. Rollo had nearly become overwhelmed by his enthusiasm and zeal for the topic, Idia’s quick explanations the only reason he hadn’t become totally lost.
He swallowed, paused, and proceeded to take another bite of his lunch while waiting for Idia’s reply. The sun warmed him just so, while the granite he sat upon was cold, making for a curious contrast between the two.
Rollo had initially dismissed the skeletal man as another arrogant magic user, but it turns out that, upon further investigation, Idia wasn’t quite as fond of it as his peers. He had even described it as “a waste of time” during their conversations. He avoided using magic when he could readily use technology instead and was always exceedingly careful surrounding the testing of his new inventions. And for all that Rollo vastly preferred the gallant history of Fleur City, Idia had managed to convince him that it might be time for some upgrades. (If it could’ve saved his brother, Rollo would tear his beloved Fleur City to ashes. A few changes here and there were nothing, absolutely nothing, in comparison.)
Rollo raised his handkerchief to disguise his grin as he read Idia’s latest text, this one detailing the merits of wind based energy verses solar energy. There were five citations within the first paragraph alone. Perfect.
Yes, he was quite the pleasant surprise indeed. If Rollo had thought that Idia was in his element when discussing technology, it paled in comparison to his efficiency with communicating online. While he himself was still far more fond of letters, he did have to admit it simply wasn’t practical to use mail to communicate with anyone in a different nation. (He had brought up the subject to Idia only once, and promptly gotten laughed at. He had replied that “snail mail” was never practical. It didn’t sting nearly as much as he thought it would.)
Anytime Rollo asked his opinion on a subject, he would receive a thought out and well researched essay in minutes (albeit also riddled with insults and sharp tongued witticisms, but for whatever reason, it came across more as charming than insolent) complete with links to scientific articles, and formatted properly. What Rollo wouldn’t do it have him on the student council; if Idia was there, they could actually make progress within the school! Or at least it would be far easier to persuade the various documents!
Not only were their discussions fruitful, but it soothed an ache that Rollo hadn’t even realized he had. Ever since his brother’s passing, Rollo had lived alone, interacting with others only out of necessity. The ignorant masses were, well, ignorant to the dangers of magic and talking with others was… grating, for Rollo. The voices of others annoyed him and he didn’t care to listen to whatever inane gossip spewed from their lips. He didn’t mind the company of his esteemed, storied elders, or of innocent children, but his fellow teens were revolting. They lacked in tact, in intellect, in wisdom, in humility- the list went on. In truth, Idia was the first person of his own age whom he had genuinely enjoyed talking to in years.
And talked they most certainly did! Over the last few months since the disastrous masquerade, they had been in nigh constant contact, a consistent back and forth of debate. From mere idle musings to deeper discussions, Idia seemingly never ran out of words nor topics. It was never a quiet moment with him, not with his continuous need to be right and somewhat abrasive personality- and yet, Rollo had enjoyed every moment.
Hesitantly, after several months of their new partnership, Rollo thought of Idia as not only a partner in his plan, but perhaps his first friend since his youth. Yes, what a surprise indeed.
——επεισόδιο τέσσερα
Okay, Idia’s willing to admit it; he got attached to Rollo really quickly. Not his finest moment (though he’s certainly done worse, so who cares). It wasn’t intentional either; Rollo texted him with questions about tech, he messaged him back with answers- one thing just led to another! It didn’t help that Rollo was generally courteous, sharp witted and a great conversational partner. Was he a bit of a normie and waaaay too prone to getting stuck in the past? Sure, but everyone has their flaws.
So of course they ended up being… well, not quite friends, but at least pals, given that they chatted everyday with each other. Not just the plan (which Idia had reluctantly gotten involved in, since it no longer involved invoking the apocalypse and might, just might, make it so that they’ll be less Overblots for S.T.Y.X. to deal with) but regular stuff too, like his day or what he was interested in. If you had asked Idia if he’d ever end up being buddy-buddy with Rollo normally, of course the answer would be no. No way would Idia have extended conversations wth a normie of all people, but here they were. (Hell, there’s no way he’s make a pal IRL at all-)
And more importantly, here Idia was, trying to come up with a response for Rollo’s latest offer.
Idia paused his typing, resting his wrists as he tapped his foot against his desk, and began to consider his options for winter break. Not that there was much of a break for him- everyone else got a full three weeks, but Idia was stuck at the Isle of Wow for half of it, so he only really had ten days of break, if that. He just loooovvvveees his job, thanks gods. Not!
Option 1- stay at school. It wasn’t a bad idea, (and hey, he didn’t have to leave his room!) but they’d already done that last year so it would probably be pretty boring. Also it gets really cold on the island, waaaay colder than what he normally deals with, and the heating in Ignihyde is good, but not great. Not ideal, but he’ll gladly take it.
Option 2- stay with Rollo in the City of Flowers. Now this was new, and extremely unexpected. Once he had mentioned his predicament to Rollo, and how Ortho had missed out on seeing the city and how they planned to make the trip there together someday, Rollo had immediately offered to host them for the winter. Should Idia be more suspicious about the offer, given the result of the last visit on Rollo’s invitation? Probably yes. Idia’s, like, ninety percent sure that he’s changed tactics in favour of legal reform though? So it’s probably fine. (Hopefully.)
Pros: The City of Flowers is pretty cool, all thing considered so long as there’s no socialization involved, and Ortho had mentioned going enough times that Idia knew that his brother really, really wanted to go. The food there was great, and Ortho was sure to have a great time. It didn’t get nearly as cold there as Night Raven college did. He wouldn’t have to do any work while there. He could hang out with Rollo IRL.
Cons: The City of Flowers was relatively old school, so the wifi was crap and there’s little to no tech. He’d have to talk with people he didn’t know, IRL, which was the bane of Idia’s existence.
Idia tapped his fingers against his desk idly. What a conundrum. Honestly, he really didn’t want to stay at another person’s house for ten whole days (he’ll stick to his very familiar room, thank you very much!And don’t even get him started on hotels, those were even worse!) but Ortho had looked so disappointed when he found out that he couldn’t go with Idia when he had “won” the raffle for the festival. Plus, there was some stuff that he’d have to see in the City of Flowers IRL in order to give Rollo recommendations for technological improvements in the city.
“Hey, Nii-san! Apparently, the entire Sacrabia dorm is going to stay over winter break!” Ortho exclaimed cheerfully as he poked his head into their shared room. His yellow eyes were sparkling, as though that was good news and not a total death sentence. “If we stay, maybe we could hang out with them?”
WUT. Scarabia? The dorm full of extroverts, including sunshine and parties incarnate Kalim? No way, not going to happen. Idia would unironically rather die than go to all of the parties that Kalim was sure to be hosting. Decision made, City of Flowers it is! No house visit could possibly be worse than having to socialize with Kalim. (No offence to Kalim, of course, he seems nice; he just couldn’t seem to get it in his head that Idia DOESN’T LIKE PEOPLE, OKAY? Deal with it!)
“Hey Ortho, how do you feel about spending winter break in the City of Flowers with a pal of mine? You mentioned you wanted to go as a pair, right?” Idia said, hoping he sounded less nervous than he was (because if Ortho said no, and he was stuck with Kalim for 10 days, Idia would actually go insane).
Now sufficiently distracted by the prospect of an even cooler idea, Ortho’s eyes lit up with joy, beaming. “Oooh! That sounds amazing! I can’t believe you remembered!”
Hook, line and sinker!
“Of course I remembered- I only went the first time as a practice run after all! Just leave it to Nii-chan!”
Idia grins. Thank you, Rollo! He’s totally going to get the guy a gift basket or something. An expensive one, with the nice soaps and everything. He turns back to the screen, fingers tapping out a reply. Winter break with Rollo it is.