smk_network | Old Regrets, New Beginnings

[The last few weeks were primarily filled with restoration tasks, intermixed with a return to normalcy. For his part in the destruction, Atem had thrown himself into aiding in those efforts. When he wasn't doing that, he was working on honing his skills since in theory the stronger he became the easier it might become to resist outside influences in the future.

That being said he was long overdue for addressing his fellow apprentices over the mirror network. Despite the serious nature of the subject he didn't sound despondent like he had at the infirmary or in conversations directly after the witch encounter. The support of his friends had seen him through his self-loathing period.... well... that ... and something else. Something that was still uncertain and new but but also promising and exciting.]

Now that things have settled down, I feel I owe you all a formal apology.

[Atem was standing outside, the air cool enough that puffs of air were visible when he spoke]

As many of you are likely already well aware of, I was placed under a spell by Winifred Sanderson that reduced me to little more than a puppet. Under her influence I was compelled to deface the apartments, instill unease among you, and also engage in combat on her behalf. What may not be common knowledge was the fact that I also aided in finding the magical artifacts that were used in summoning the witch's in the first place. If I had known that was their purpose I would have taken a different course for my actions- my ignorance was my folly.

I am genuinely sorry for any of the pain- physical or otherwise that I may have caused you; directly or indirectly. I was naive and didn't think of the potential consequences for my decisions.

[This had been going on for a bit longer than he intended but there was still more to say..]

We should use this as a cautionary tale for the future and learn what we can from it. The magic found here is powerful, and should not be taken lightly. Also- if you feel any sort of uneasiness about accepting a mission then you should let better judgement prevail. [He wanted to warn everyone about Hades directly but there was still this uneasy alliance involving the God so he would need to employ some tact.] I have reason to doubt Hades motivations in all this since it was he who desired the collection of the aforementioned book and candle. So I would caution your involvement with him specifically.

[Then to end on something more positive] I was impressed to witness firsthand the compassion and the tenacity of my fellow apprentices. For those of you who tried to help restrain me or pick up the pieces afterword I thank you from the bottom of my heart. If we can defeat powerful enemies such as the Sandersons when everything is chaotic and in disarray imagine what we can accomplish on a more unified front. I have hope for the future and what we all will accomplish together.

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Eating crow?

[ His nose scrunched as he swayed casually in front of the mirror. ]

Doesn't taste very good, does it? I might be able to help you with that whole... not being so easily controlled thing.

[ For a price cause really altruism is something one pays for. ]

I've come to terms with everything now, and while I can't say I'm thrilled about what happened it is no longer burdening my mind to the same degree.

[Or in other words, "no, crow doesn't taste all that well but he can tolerate it"]

Yes! [He nodded as he recalled that out of all the people who had been in that throne room, Crowley had managed to resist the witch's hex. If anyone would know what to do- it would be him] I did wonder how you managed to prevent being taking over yourself.

I had a plan.

[ He'd gotten lucky that it had actually worked. ]

I have taken up a sort of side business. I could tutor you... for a small fee of course. You just need to bring along something glass and 20 munny for an hour's lesson.

[Michael applauds heartily, though he drops the mirror in the process, then picks it back up]

Now, that's a speech. I mean, it was utterly unnecessary, because we all knew you wouldn't do that on your own, but it was a really great speech, buddy.

[The loud thunk that follows the start of the applause doesn't detract from the sentiment]

[There's a smile on his features after listening to what Michael has to say. He always has such a way with words himself]

That may be, but I still feel that it's important to take responsibility for my actions publicly. [Unlike some Lord of the Underworld] You all have been very supportive.

[Then he can't help but add the following:] It's good to see you Michael. How have things been going with you?

Me? Oh, just fine. I was a little worried about Eleanor, but she seems like she's starting to come around. Which is good. I ... sometimes she needs help and I"m not really sure what to do, because of the whole not ever actually having been human with all the emotions before ... thing.

[they already had the post-possession talk a little while ago, but she still has something to add, because he's her friend, and deserves her feedback]

I can't wait to see what we're all capable of together, now. I'm sure all of this has made us even stronger Apprentices.

[They did, but it's always a pleasure to talk with Lydia anyway. Plus Atem was in much better spirits this time.]

Mm, I'm sure it must have. [Agreeing with her easily] I didn't get a chance to say so, but I am impressed that you still managed to open your gallery soon after the witches were neutralized. It shows real drive and passion for your work and I'm sure it will serve as an inspiration to many of us.

Edited 2019-11-13 23:31 (UTC)

[she's not blushing. right? no, she's totally blushing] Thank you. I wanted it ready for the week before Halloween ... so I had a lot of it done already, beforehand. I just had to wait to open it... We hid a lot of the Kingdom people in there while the fighting was going on ... the ones who would have been in more danger trying to get to the Emporium or the Fire Station.

There was someone who helped me out a lot, but I never saw his face, just heard his voice ... he made these ladies out of smoke, and they fought with me like real people. He was pretty powerful, but I never got his name. He said he was staying in the bar because it was where his power came from. Do you know anyone like that?

I mean, I know a lot of the people here, so it's almost a process of elimination, but. If I can find someone who knows him, I figure, maybe they can help me figure out how to thank him.

So it was a spell. I didn't think ripping up the apartments was really something you would have thought to do on your own.

Are you feeling more yourself again?

[Had he not gone on at such length he certainly would have included a message specifically for Mrs. Brisby. Perhaps he should have anyway.]

Yes it was- but still I feel I owe you a personal apology Mrs. Brisby. Someone of your kind and gentle nature didn't deserve to have their home submerged under water. The one consolation is that you were not inside it at the time... I am truly sorry.

[He nodded meekly to that]

Yes, quite. Thank you for asking.

No, but then some one of your compassionate and thoughtful nature didn't deserve to be used as a pawn against his friends.

[ The same thing had happened to her poor Eleanor... ]

I do understand it wasn't your fault.

[ The mirror was upside down... or the Doctor was, difficult to tell. ]

I have to second what Micheal up there said that really was an amazing speech but then I wouldn't have expected any less from you.

Uhm... did you mean what you said about all coming together to help one another because...

[ He squirmed a little as the wires he was tangled in gave way enough to drop him a foot close to the ground. ]

Ahh! Oh... that was close. You see I've gotten myself into something of a pickle.

[The image he saw before him was a source for some confusion. Tilting his head to one side he tried to correct the angle in some way but abandoned the attempt swiftly enough]

Doctor...? [What was he even looking at?] Thank you. [He replied graciously] I only hope that it reaches the people who may need to hear it most.

Yes... [He spoke resolutely but his tone ended on a higher questioning pitch. When the wire shifted Atem tensed as if he would be able to do anything from here] Careful!

I can see that. [Mostly] Just what exactly have you gotten yourself into? You might want to be concise ... it looks rather precarious.

It is rather precarious... I wish it weren't.

[ He pouted and looked skyward at the wires that seemed to be holding him steady, for now. ]

I was trying to help the repair efforts by using a spell to help them restring these power cables but things have come out a bit sideways, or upside down as it were... What I really could use is something soft to land in or some way not to fall at all! Yami. I'm hanging over Main Street right in front of the sweet shop, oh! You know I think they have lemon tarts on sale!

Remind me again why I chose to throw my lot in with a complete sap?

[ They're words Kaiba would have said before, but there's a teasing note in them now. Given what's happening between them right now, he finds himself endeared to this nonsense. Maybe he always was. At any rate, that's a clear smile in his eyes. ]

[Not missing a beat]

It would be easier to remind you in person.

[Letting Kaiba glean what he may from that as his lips curled upward. A sudden feeling of elation washed over him at the sight of the other man. What a relief it was not having to question these sensations anymore]

[ Well, there's only one thing that can damper his happiness at the moment. ]

Maybe later. I'm not dragging myself downstairs with this hangover.

Old Regrets, New Beginnings

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