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[ He's letting him do just that instead of calling him out on it, but only because he doesn't particularly like thinking about it either ]

Thought you might understand that much at least. Obviously I have an easier time than most in looking at the situation through logical lens, and not emotional ones. So even before I found myself attached to him, the idea you'd have to undo the existence of several billions of people across multiple reflections didn't bother me.

[They're never talking about that possibility because it makes him uncomfortable beyond belief okay.]

Hmm. Why is that. Because of your time correcting history, the view we take on the worlds, or some other reason?

Logically speaking bringing a world to a state it was in before it was destroyed is the most obvious and sound choice. If people have been diluted into 13 different reflections of themselves, each which significantly reduced abilities, intellect and lifespan, it only stands to reason that it's hardly an ideal state of being. I certainly wouldn't want that to happen to myself.

Besides. Favoring the shards' existence means inevitably denying that countless lives already have been lost, being divided into several pieces doesn't change that. Saying that you should keep the world as it is simply because that's how things are now, so you should just accept it, is ridiculous - not to mention insensitive, and that's coming from me.

It sounds to me that if anyone has a claim over your world, well. It should be those who came first, not those who were only created as a result of a tragedy on a massive scale. Though it's easy for me to say, since I'm not living in one of the shards.

That is logical yes, from our perspective.

[He doesn't say anything else about it. Why play devil's advocate against something he believes in? So few see his perspective. Though because of that it is hard to trust that Five really does see it that way, even if he's hearing it himself.]

If that's how you feel, then I'll accept that for now.

Not just from yours. Like I said. Anyone who isn't blinded by emotions would be able to see that much. And since I'm not typically, it doesn't bother me.

But there you have it. I believe that does cover everything.

[He snorts. It does not cover everything but he won't bother about what's been left out.]

Do you? Well. It is currently sufficient.

Is there anything else you needed here?

If you have anything else to ask you can just ask, I'd rather get it done now rather than later, you know.

But no, I don't have anything else I need from you currently.

And I would rather wait to judge things with my own eyes. You've told me everything you believe relevant to me, that should suffice for now. If I believe you fully, you are indeed an ally. A rather precious commodity.

You education will proceed, and i expect further additions to these journals before I finish what you've brought.

Unfortunately, on that I'll have to have you adjust expectations - somewhat. As I'm sure you've no doubt noticed, our common friend is quite intent on making sure I don't overwork myself in my eagerness to push my way forward.

[ gesturing toward him ]

He's used you as an example of what not to turn into a couple of times, I might add. I will need to take the rest of today off, and while I'll start on compiling more material as early as possible, I'll have to at least put some effort into pacing myself out.

The same goes to you. He's already worried. Don't make it worse.

Nngh.

[He pinches the bridge of his nose, expression truly pained.]

Yes he's made me aware of his concerns. And I have agreed to accomodate them--

Pardon. He used me as a negative example? That brat.

As I said. A number of times.

Though rest assured he spoke of you fondly as well.

[I am being BULLIED]

Hmph. He talks too much. Fine. You certainly do not want to be like me.

[Sourly!! Grumpy!!]

[ So much bully ]

Certainly not when it comes to dashing your way forward to an early grave — though given how old you are I'm not certain "early" truly applies.

But I think I can take other similarities just fine. Rest assured I have no intention to waste any time if not necessary, so. I'll still provide you more material - at a reasonable pace.

I'm glad to hear you're taking his concerns seriously.

Good. Rest is fine but I cannot abide dawdling.

As for his concerns you've experienced them yourself. You know how he can be. It's easier this way.

[No having to face Emet being all emotional.]

Fair enough.

Well. I'll leave you to your own studies, and we can start on the practical side of mine tonight.

Tonight then. I go to bed fairly late so if you sleep early don't expect me immediately.

That shouldn't be a problem, I don't exactly keep a healthy sleeping schedule either.

[ and he just finished talking about resting and all that ]

I mean, I'll sleep at some point, so I shouldn't keep you waiting for long either.

Very well, some time before dawn then at least.

I know the way out so, don't bother escorting me.

... My thanks for your lesson and time, Lahabrea.

Oh, so you do social niceties. See yourself out, we'll talk later.

When the mood strikes me and my conversation partner is oh so charming. See you later.

[ but that's it, he's going to just leave ]

[He waves, already picking up a journal.

LATER THOUGH, depending on when they both get to bed, someone will be stepping into Five's dreams.]

[ surprise they're just as terrible as last time so once more enjoy BUILDINGS ON FIRE and dead bodies ]

I don't suppose you'd like a better background.

Yes, this is hardly conducive to study.

[He waves a hand, opening a probably familiar darkness portal.]

Come along.

[He's stepping through it without waiting for Five. This time the dream is... Quite plain. Just a huge stone room, with a large circular pit in the middle, stone steps leading down to it, where a row of target dummies wait. The "pit" is really an indent, just a little over five feet deep, and bordered by railing so those above can watch those below. There's a comfortable couch next to one rail, with a table and books.

Lahabrea holds out a hand and one of the books on the table vanishes and reappears in his grip.]

[ he follows with no real hesitation, though he does take some time to study the place once they're there. ]

I suppose it does work better than a platform.

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