genessia | ♕I. sᴏᴍɴᴜs [voice]

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♕I. sᴏᴍɴᴜs [voice]

Genessia City - Midnight

[It's late in the evening when this arrival makes his weary debut.

If it wasn't for the bone chilling cold, Regis would've doubted that he was still alive. He stands out here by the Bay retracing his steps as he tightly clutches the cane within his hand. He's freezing, utterly freezing but despite the dull ache of the cold he wears a slight smile upon his face.

How many times has he washed up upon this shore and seen this starlit horizon? One too many times now. It seems that the gods have no idea what to do with the fallen king but Regis isn't complaining. He knows a blessing when he sees one and despite how often he awakens within this odd world, he's always grateful. And so, he makes his way towards the city ahead with relative ease but not before glancing at the lonely hologram upon the pier.

He gives her a thoughtful glance as he searches for his phone. Once he finds it, Regis hesitates briefly before finally logging into the Network. Uncertainty grips him as he finally records this message.]

...Is it safe to assume that I'm here to stay? I certainly hope so.

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Phoenix Ikki? [Well, Regis certainly heard stranger aliases than that but still, he's metaphorically raising his brow some.] Your assistance is much appreciated, Ikki. As I stated before, Genessia has always been kind towards me.

[There's true sincere gratitude in his tone as he speaks. It's almost as if he's relieved to know nothing has changed.]

Fear not. I'm quite used to all things supernatural and wondrous by nature.

[He's not even joking at this point.]

---

[By the time the phoenix makes his arrival, Regis actually strayed a little further from the piers. While some would assume this old man to utterly helpless, the truth is that he isn't. The flickering red flames within his right hand proves otherwise. The King of Lucis may wield a sword but he possesses an extensive knowledge regarding magic. He's quite a powerful sorcerer, almost too powerful without the burden of the Crystal upon his shoulders. He managed to chase the bitter chill of the wind away but he much rather be indoors.

Ikki is greeted with a courteous bow and a relieved smile. The coat is certainly a thoughtful touch. It sort of reminds him of the other time he arrived here. The kindness of strangers almost balms the cruelty he witnessed prior to his death.

It almost makes him retain his faith in humanity.]

My apologies for forcing you to brave the cold, Ikki. [Regis says as he graciously takes the coat. He first unbuckles the lukewarm cloak upon his shoulder along with the cermonial golden armaments he wears. While he hasn't stated either his title or name yet, Ikki might think of this old mage to be some kind of knight. He almost dresses like one.]

You're quite kind but feel no need to go through such troubles. [Now that he's warm and has a hot cup of coffee, Regis truly feels alive now,]

I do not believe I've introduced myself. [He says after a sip.] My true name might be a tad lengthy. Therefore, simply call me "Regis".

It's the closest thing to a full name that I have.

[He's not going to bore the man with details. He's not sure about the "kindness" part, he doesn't consider himself so, but he won't argue about that either. Feels a bit pointless when he's actually trying to help.]

[Despite the age shown in the voice, nothing in his speech had indicated that the man was helpless, so Ikki wasn't worried. It still is a small relief to see that the man, despite the age and cane, isn't in bad shape.]

No apologies are needed, phoenixes aren't certainly made for the cold, but it takes a lot of it to start to bother us.

[He offers to take the cloak to allow the man to have his hands free for his cane and tea. His thoughts aren't so much on the man's possible status but on old memories of another man, one Ikki would have treated with far less kindness and tons more cruelty, who wore a similar beard and used to wear expensive clothes. There had been a time when Ikki wouldn't even have bothered to reply to the message just by hearing it belonging to an older man.

Ikki offers a small smile, barely noticeable due his eternal frown, but still there nonetheless.]

It would be no trouble, I was taught by a man whose policy was to never allow someone to go hungry, no matter the situation. So if you want to, don't hesitate to ask. Unfortunately I can't offer much more, the house where I live is not my own, but I can still offer you a room for the night and a few days unless you have better arrangements from your previous stay.

[Even if the man had those, though, Ikki supposes that the middle of the night makes it difficult for him to be able to get ahold of them.]

It's nice to meet you, Regis. That's quite a powerful name you have, if you don't mind me saying it.

[He bows politely even if clearly stiff, he's just not a polite person by nature, though it seems the habit to try to be so has been beaten into him somehow.]

Then you was taught well. [Regis says with a hint of a smile upon his face.] Better than most, I wager.

[While he's quite grateful of Ikki's aid, he cannot help but be somewhat suspicious. This young man must be some kind of sorcerer, no? He arrived upon the wings of a phoenix like some sort of deity. It's almost as if the Astrals lent him their power.]

Worry not regarding shelter. [He honestly means to see if his old lodging in Fayren still exist. If not, he'll simply start from scratch again. Regis is a hard worker.] There's...several people I mean to meet soon. One who shared her likeness to create that hologram and the other would be my son, Noctis.

[A sigh ebbs off his lips once he thinks of his son.]

It be foolish to think he's still here but I'm hopeful. He was present last time but----[He trails off briefly as he eyes Ikki.] Excuse me. I didn't mean to ramble.

[Arriving in the late hours of the night is quite detrimental but Regis can start up on his search for Noctis when the morning arrives. If anyone here hails from Lucis, then they must know what befell his son. The prophecy must be fulfilled and their Star saved.]

Ah, thank you. [He laughs some.] The name hails from old Lucian but in this world, many deemed it Latin in origins. I learned that from youth named "Theodore" or rather known as "Ted".

My full name is Regis Lucis Caelum, I'm the 113th in the Caelum line.

I agree, I wasn't lucky enough to meet him when I was young but actually a year ago or so. Maybe more, time gets weird like that here.

[But it also proves that it's never too late to learn new things.

Ikki listens calmly as Regis speaks, his face one of surprise as the man speaks of his son, as if that's an alien concept for him.]

Ah, it's okay... You... Seem to care a lot about your son.

[He has heard about good parents, and even men who weren't fathers but were so good and loved that those who followed them truly saw them as fathers. But it's his first time actually meeting a man who is a father and... Actually shows care for his child's situation.]

And yes, I recognized it as Latin, one of the few good things of my education was making me versed in languages, specially old ones.

[Ikki smiles in amusement as the other gives him his full name.]

It's not as lengthy as you claimed, or at least it doesn't sound like so to me. I take, my the care of position in line, that you're some sort of nobility in your world?

[Pause.]

Ah, but if you would rather not talk about it just ignore what I said. I know sometimes people may prefer to hide their status, specially if it may not hold any meaning in the new world. My wife did the same before, though now she doesn't hesitate to tell people.

[A simple shrug. Ikki's unfortunately not one to really care about nobility and positions, he judges and treats people based on themselves, not on some supposed birth right. So he's not one to change the way he treats someone just for learning their status.]

Of course I do. [The old king arches his brow some.] No matter how old he becomes, he'll always be my son.

[He relaxes some as his thoughts drift away towards happier days.]

I raised him since youth. Aulea, my dearest, she passed shortly after bravely bringing him into the world. [Regis smiles at Ikki with such pride.] She named him, you know. She said that out of all the past Lucian Kings, he will bear his own name. It was a controversial thought but a thought I approved of nonetheless.

My father, well...Morus was always rather critical but I believe he would've approved---

[He trails off yet again once he realizes he said too much. Poor Regis almost looks a tad embarrassed,]

Flee now before I tell you more needless stories. I can go on for days, I fear. [He jokes.]

Yes, I hail from the Caelum line. I'm the King of Lucis, Guardian of the Crystal...or much rather I was. My reign as king has ended on quite a somber note.

[Regis let's out a tense sigh. It's too soon for him to think about this. Far too soon. His heart can't bear it right now.]

Please, let me not ramble too much unless we mean to witness morning's first light. Tell me about yourself, you are married? You look quite young, almost as young as I was when I took a wife,

[Needless stories or not, Ikki actually looks far more amused and interested than anything. It's an open and honest interest, as if what Regis speaks of is more a tale than something real.]

Ah, no... I'm sorry for making you tell me those, it's just... The man who fathered me was never really there except for when it was needed for me to come to exist, too busy roaming the world seducing countless of women and throwing them away. I only met him twice, and the last time I did shortly after he sent me and my brothers to... Die, to make a long story short. I guess his goal wasn't really our deaths but it was a risk he was more than fine with.

Ever since I've seen parents who would sell their kids to slavery for three sacks of rice, who used them as weapons or downright abandoned them. I've come to know of good father figures and I know my wife's father is a good man and a loving father but... I guess there's a difference between knowing that fathers that care about their kids exist and actually meeting one. I apologize for my pointless curiosity.

[He feels slightly guilty for distracting Regis like this, but he really couldn't help to hide his curiosity and fascination as strange as it may seem to have one for such a thing. When Regis reveals his lineage furthermore, the guilt increases as he realizes that he was right in his previous assumption.]

I see, I really apologize for bringing to your mind such thoughts. It wasn't my intention, but I understand that probably means little.

[Ikki's glad for the night when Regis inquires about his marriage, because it helps to hide the slight heat he can feel on his cheeks.]

I guess I'm pretty young, I think I'm around twenty-four or twenty-five years old. I'm honestly not sure because, as I said, time gets hard to track when you're thrown between worlds. My wife, her name's Leanne, she's a wonderful woman and a really gentle soul, she's always looking out for others and her kingdom, though I suppose that's natural since she's the queen. She's not from my world, not even the same species... She's a Heron, I suppose the easiest way to explain would be that she's a shifter? She has human form with beautiful wings and can shift into a bird form. We met in a world similar to this one that pulls people in, and were lucky enough to be brought here together as well.

To be honest I still wonder what I did to deserve being loved by her. I'm hardly a good match for someone like her. Someone so pure and kind.

Your father placed you and your brother in harms way? [Just the very idea of a father betraying his son's trust like that strikes an ill chord with Regis. He stands there in complete silence as Ikki speaks, easily captivated by the young man's somber tale.] My deepest sympathies. Men like your father are all too plentiful, even in Eos. I suppose one could say that fatherhood is something that cannot be taught. Some are mature enough to become fathers and others are not but assume the role regardless.

King Morus was a good man but he fell prey to his whims and also fell prey to the false expectations of manhood.

This how I came to forgive him in time. The world from which I hail from suffers from many maladies, most of which are crafted by men.

[He shakes his head at the apologies since they're not necessary. Regis doesn't mind sharing but he will omit all mentions of his demise for now. The old king just doesn't want to think of it.]

Your wife must be worried about you, Ikki. I fear I may owe hwr an apology. [He most certainly will apologize too.] You fell in love upon another world? How fortunate! Your Leanne sounds like quite a lovely woman, almost magical.

Though, I do believe all husbands who love their wives think them all as angels. [He smiles gently.] I know Aulea is my angel even after all these years. I have not forgotten her face.

[He still wears his wedding band too.]

Do not question your good fortunes, Ikki. Merely give thanks and a prayer. Cherish the days you have with her.

More like he sent us to places around the world were we would either die or recover what he wanted us to recover. [It was more than just placing them in harms way as far as Ikki's concerned, though maybe there's not really much difference.] Well, I suppose that if I were to defend him somehow, I would say that he was never really a father. Only in the technical way. I think he only realized that all the women he had slept with could have had children was when he met me, and even then he didn't care until needed a huge amount of cannon fodder.

[Ikki frowns a bit as Regis speaks of his father, even if he has forgiven him, and it may not have been as bad as it was for Ikki... It certainly makes the man in front of him seem even more rare and special.]

Sometimes I wonder if manhood is really capable of ever existing in a world without bringing to it as many maladies as blessings. Though to be honest, I think that not having a father and thus no expectations to fulfill may be better than the opposite.

Then again, that may be why you seem so formidable as a father.

[Maybe he learned to just not do what his father had done, or was able to tell when something would be too much. Ikki, however, has really nothing to compare, good or bad, because the "don't sent them to become Saints" is barely a lesson to take.

Still he smiles as Regis mentions Leanne's worry.]

I left her asleep, though maybe she will wake up without me there. Still, she knows me and has her magic and ways to know how I am, so I don't think she will be worried. Maybe a bit pouty because her personal heater is gone.

[He chuckles softly at his own terrible joke.]

Magical describes her well, even if I admit I'm biased. If you have the chance you should request her to sing something, I'm sure then you'll understand that it's not just love speaking.

[Ikki looks at Regis with nothing but amazement when he speaks of his own wife. If the man is really how he seems to be, this is a model Ikki could imagine himself aspiring to be like.]

I hope that my love for my wife proves to be as strong as yours for your Aulea. Not that I doubt of it's strength, but when there are worlds that keep us appart involved, I admit I'm not sure how long it will be allowed to last. Though I've long since decided that if given the chance, once I'm done with the urgent matters in my own world, I'll go to hers and help her as she rules over her people.

[So at least the intention to last it's there. Still he nods, knowing that Regis is definitively right in that he shouldn't question his fortune too much.]

You're right. But until her it didn't seem as if I would ever have much of good fortune, so it's a bit hard to not feel wariness due it.

A pity. [Regis couldn't imagine doing the same to his dear son. Even sending him off to Altissia on the day of the treaty signing worried him terribly but he had to see him off. He knew Niflhiem would pull something behind his back and he couldn't risk losing Noctis and Lunafreya both. The Oracle needed to be rescued and be damned if he would let go of her hand a second time.

He never forgave himself for failing her the first time.]

Some men truly aren't meant to be fathers but I sense you shall surpass your father's shortcomings and be a man of true valor. [He looks into Ikki's eyes momentarily, obviously studying him.] There's strength within your gaze. You have the eyes of a warrior. I do not doubt you'll become what your father should've been in life.

Stay as chivalrous and honorable as you are today. [A pause.] Or rather this evening.

It's night after all.

[That "personal heater" bit wins a chuckle.] Aulea used to do the same. She had the coldest toes! Almost like ice cubes, I swear. We had so many comforters and blankets during the winter months and she would still be cold.

[Now he truly feels guilty for snatching poor Ikki away. Regis needs to get this fellow home.] Come, let us walk and talk. I mean to seek out lodgings at the Commons.

[So Leanne is a queen of some kind? A singing queen at that! How interesting. Ikki and Leanne are almost the opposites of Aulea and him minus some minor differences. This makes him smile.]

I hope your wish comes true, Ikki. Leanne will need a strong husband to support her during her rule and you seem strong enough. Just make certain to return to her alive.

[He has never particularly cared about surpassing his father's shortcomings or whatsoever, he had tried his best to not even think about the man and everything else, focusing solely on his live as a Saint. It wasn't until he met Leanne, that he began to really worry, to dread that somehow he would end being like his father. That the lacking of his father had passed on to him and thus he would do nothing but hurt Leanne and fail her. Even now, married to her, the fear for being like his father, for having the same flaws, haunts him, specially knowing as he knows that, one day, Leanne would wish for a child.

Still, aside from Leanne herself, he hasn't really talked at length about that fear and worry. So when Regis speaks like that, almost as if addressing to that fear despite it not been voiced, Ikki is honestly shocked and taken aback. Once more he feels his face heatening in embarrassment, feeling very self-conscious under Regis' look though he doesn't avert his eyes.]

That's... You honour me, Regis. But I'm afraid I don't deserve such words. I have the eyes of a warrior, that may be so, but only because that's what I am. I'm nothing more than a soldier who knows about war and battle, chivalry and honour are words that fall far from one such as myself.

Anything I may know or learn besides fighting and killing my enemies comes from my wife, my brothers and friends. And I do nothing but attempt poor imitations of what they have taught me.

[But the inside doesn't change, he is still the same way he has always been since he was a kid. Regis's words really surprise him and bring him an ounce of hope and pride, but Ikki knows himself, knows the blood that covers his hands, the multiple times he has ignored his brothers' calls unless they were in the battlefield. A man of true valor? Maybe if it was Seiya or one of the others, they are the ones who are such, the ones who are truly strong and don't hide from the world inside a volcano, waiting for the next time he may be needed and only showing his face then.]

In my Leanne's case, I think the coldest part of her are her hands, though the biggest problem comes due Spring almost being upon us. It causes her quite discomfort during several days and warmth and heat are the only things that help reduce it. Fortunately, with me being a phoenix we don't need of many comforters and blankets, all I have to do is raise my body temperature for her to be comfortable.

Though I confess that I'm still not used to her sneaking her cold hands under my shirt without warning to hold while sleeping. She always wakes me up while she keeps sleeping oblivious to everything.

[He laughs softly as he starts to walk accompanying Regis, then again, he has always been a light sleeper so it doesn't take much to wake him up.]

I have to say, compared to the world my wife and I were before, this one is a bit more welcoming. I mean, at the very least there's the hologram that explains the situation, maps and they provide you a key for a place to stay while you settle in. Back in Nautilus there was nothing, only you and the new world you were thrown into, though finding lodging wasn't too hard, there was no currency so all it took was to find an empty place and claim it for yourself.

[Ikki himself smiles, albeit faintly, at the next part.]

Returning to her alive won't be a problem... Experience tells me that I don't have the gift of mortality.

[Though many wouldn't call that a gift.]

The hardest part will be to be able to make my way to her world, but doing the impossible is part of my job back home so I'm not too troubled. I just hope to be able to be of help to her and her people, at the very least I should be strong enough to protect them all. They have suffered enough as it is.

In time you will realize your worth and so much more. [Regis promises with such a knowing grin. As much as he tries not to draw the comparisons between Ikki and his son, Regis does. He cannot help but notice some similarities between the two even if Ikki honestly seems more mature than Noct.]

So, you are indeed blessed by an eternal fire. [He asks looking a tad curious about this lad and his odd abilities.] It's as if you're Ifrit's reincarnate.

[That is mumbled almost too quietly.]

The hologram was an invention of a bright young woman by the name of Weiss Schnee. She thought to use her likeness to assist the newcomers who arrive from the pier. The people of this strange world seem to welcome us with great vigor but sometimes I question their motives.

[The old king admits with a slight sigh. Despite being overjoyed to be returned here, Regis is quite hesitant to count his blessings yet. It's as if he's waiting for something dreadful to occur.]

Nautilus? Interesting name. It makes me wonder just how many realms truly exist among the stars. [A wistful smile settles upon his lips.] Your dedication to your beloved reminds me too much of myself.

I would tear down the heavens itself to be with Aulea again. I know you'll be able to reach Leanne's world somehow. Just hold faith. I'm certain you will be strong enough to shoulder their burdens.

... Then I will just hope to be able to live up to your praise.

[Ikki's not so sure, that such a day would come, but Regis says it in a way that makes it difficult to argue without feeling that it's just his own insecurities and fears gnawing on him.]

Yes, the phoenix's flames burn constantly and eternally. And even if something manages to put them down, it's not long before the phoenix raises again from its own ashes. In my world the phoenix is a legendary creature, unique, which represents both death and rebirth. I take your world doesn't have legends about such a bird? My wife's world didn't have them either.

[Ikki tilts his head curiously at the mumbled words, not hearing them quite well but he chooses to not ask, if Regis was so quiet then maybe they weren't meant for his ears. And while Ikki normally isn't one of politeness, being with Leanne is making him be more prudent, if one day he may end going to her world with her he may have to be able to speak with royalty.]

I question them as well, though to be honest I almost even question their entire existence. I can't tell what it is but when I try to sense their Cosmo, their spirit, there's something... Off compared to all of us who come through the Bay. But it may as well just be because the weird ones are us for coming from other worlds.

[Ikki scratches his head with his free hand.]

I'm not really a thinker, I'm more of a man of action, and I'm used to having to work in situations were I have the short end of the stick. So I'll leave worrying about the natives and whoever is responsible of our presence here to those who can discover the mystery. And limit myself to punch whoever I have to when the mysteries are revealed.

[A blunt and simple approach but he knows better than to try to do something that's just not his style.]

Maybe the threads of destiny will be kind enough to haver your Aulea join us. Or for you to find a way to be with her and enjoy the complete life together that was denied to you.

With as many worlds like this that seem to exist I'm sure there must be one like that.

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♕I. sᴏᴍɴᴜs [voice]

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