audience: ashlyn

[mygod]

Comments

[killies]

No.

[egodist]

You don't even know what for.

[killies]

I have a guess.

[egodist]

[ makes an open-handed gesture for her to state her guess ]

[killies]

... Partnering with Mathis so he wouldn't die, too.

[egodist]

[ she's right but ]

For what reason do you refuse my gratitude?

[killies]

[ because gratitude feels weird and she doesn't know how to handle it. ]

Because anyone would do the same thing. It's like being thanked for doing the only thing that makes sense to do.

[egodist]

[ frowns in thought ]

Perhaps.

But that does not mean it is undeserving of thanks, given how your life is also now tied into it.

[killies]

No team survives if everyone only acts in their own interests.

[egodist]

Is that the mentality you've taken on in your own situation?

[killies]

Yeah.

[egodist]

Then consider this me seeing past my own interest.

I am not often in a position where people can accomplish something that I can't do myself. So as my show of gratitude, I do intend to help you in every way that I can. Both here, and after you leave, if you find yourself in need of assistance.

[killies]

But now that I've got this wish, it's not like I'll need more help.

[egodist]

[ shrugs ]

The wish is powerful, but it won't solve all your problems. And you're young, so it's not to say that you won't have new problems in the future.

My offer has no expiration date, nor limit. You can also ignore it. It doesn't matter to me. [ it's not really an ego or savior complex thing, but more like - ] I simply seek to follow through on my debts, regardless of whether you agree I owe you or not.

Simply consider me another resource for you.

[killies]

It's not a debt.

... But I'll keep it in mind anyway. You're right that I probably won't always be in a position to be turning down resources.

[egodist]

You're only a teenager. Children, even those as bright as you, will often need all the help they can get.

[killies]

You can do my science homework for me.

[egodist]

[ shrugs ]

You'll be renowned as a genius in no time.

[killies]

That sounds like a pain, actually.

[egodist]

[ nods ]

It is. Mundanity sounds simpler.

[killies]

Some people can't stand being bored, but personally I would love to go back to it.

[egodist]

Given your circumstances, that's hardly a surprise. Obviously you don't want to fear for your life and well-being constantly.

[killies]

Yeah, I'm worried about some of us readjusting to life without all that, though.

[egodist]

Well.

You're not wrong that trauma lingers. However, healing is also a natural process. It is more common than staying completely the same.

[killies]

Oh. I don't know about all that. I just mean one of my friends is a psycho.