Sai and Aerik finally have it out

*A door upstairs cracks open, slowly revealing the occupant within...a very tall, graceful and lithe figure, long, ebon hair with a lacquered sheen, ebongold eyes, large and sultry, delicately pointed ears. Simple, yet tasteful clothing, a slightly oversized smoke-grey tunic tucked into darker snug breeches that emphasize his long legs, grace the Eshvan frame. His beautiful face framed by an assortment of jewels and jewelry, somehow managing to not be ostentatious, but complimentary, matching his stunning appearance. Human? Hardly...demonic? Perhaps at one time…now he's unsure what he is, the chemibonding process completed....magic inherent in the Eshvan body bound to psionics. Mental shields and telepathic power equivalent to three tac-nukes held tightly in an astral fist, in check, ready to unleash at any time. He steps from the room, making no noise…or if he does, he doesn't let others hear it, perhaps shutting the sound from any mind open to receive it. He closes the portal to his room, establishing the psionic wards, traps, and triggers...slowly turns and languidly strolls to the stairs, mind proceeding the strides, scanning and alert. He pauses at the banister, leans forward slightly, and searches with eyes as well as thoughts, bracing for.../something/... and the wall of emotions, sounds, scents, memories, and many other things is swiftly muted, pushed and stored away...after only a brief pause, Aerik starts down the stairs and into the tavern proper, shields up and extremely tight. Amberblack eyes narrow as Aerik descends the stairway... he draws up short, those lovely orbs shining as he feels, and seeks out... ah. Another psionicist. Well then. A faint smile, and Aerik continues on his way, shields layered and tight*

*Sai settles down in the branches of one of the many trees by the lake, staring up at the sky. Why the hell did he even bother coming back here? He should be interrogating Zakai or talking to Lyeth, or, more importantly, resting.*

*The scan that produced the other telepath's signature just brushes by the boy, by accident, really, and Aerik stops in his tracks. /This/ was Sai, not that too-young look alike. Sai. Aerik's chin lifts and he takes a small breath. Sai hates him now, he knows that, and truth be told, with the battles Aerik's been waging, Sai would have hated him anyway had they remained together. Still... things should at least be said. Aerik feels that much is in order. He starts downward again, ignoring anything and anyone else as he slips out of the tavern and into the night... he knows Sai will scent him long before he arrives, so he makes sure he's downwind, and secures a TK shield first. He won't enter Sai's mind unless he absolutely has to....*

*his eyes remain on the sky- and with him coming downwind at him, Sai would hear him long before he scented him. Silvered blue eyes continue to scan the stars, staff balanced lightly across his lap, blades gleaming in the moonlight. The air is sharp and clean...he'd gotten used to it. He couldn't go home now without choking to death- and the air of Lyeth's world-even if it was cleaner than his native world's- was still foul. That's probably why he came here....*

*Aerik's hearing, sense of smell, taste, touch.. all of it, was as acute as Sai's now, perhaps more so. He remembers that before he takes his first step towards the boy and frowns, biting his lip. Oh, he was muting everything now, he -has- to... and even at the moment it was all being shoved inside, set apart for later. He's not sure what to do... sneaking up could have... bad effects. On the other hand, letting Sai know he was coming could send the boy running off, not wanting to talk. Aerik makes his decision. TK field to float over, not touching the ground, carefully and precisely crafted to disallow any kind of air disturbance to be recorded... Aerik is careful with this. No scent escapes the pocket, no sound, no displacement. He hopes it works..*

*if he's hearing or detecting any of this, there's no sign of it. He simply remains still, statue-esque, beyond the occasional light breeze playing along stray bits of hair and loose clothing. He had a lot to think about- some thoughts involving what happened those weeks ago, some about Zakai's sudden appearance- others more personal...*

*Aerik pauses, just above the ground, when Sai comes in view... his back to Aerik. Faintly, to himself, Aerik smiles as he looks on the youth. Still and musing, Sai was as lovely as ever. Something jerks a bit in Aerik's chest, and he frowns at it. After all this time... when he'd normally forget or lose all emotions involved as he normally did, there was still.../something/... there. Something for Sai. It catches Aerik off guard for the tiniest second. Finally, he lowers the shield, stands on the grass itself, and knows Sai will know before the Send even fully completes itself in the syntant's mind...* MS*()....Sai...()

*stiffens slightly- the scent and sound of the grass most certainly reaching his attention before the send. Claws click on the staff's metal as he shifts, though he doesn't bother to turn and look at him- why bother? He knows what he'll see. Aerik, impassive as usual, standing like he owns the whole damned world and it better know it.* Hello, Aerik. *tone severely neutral*

*Aerik hears the click of Sai's nails on the shaft of the staff he carries, even hears the shift of weight and cloth... but Sai doesn't turn. And his voice is... flat. While Aerik still carries some empathy, he doesn't pry into Sai's mind, for some obscure reason. He's not sure what to say, why he even really came here to see the youth, what -could- be said anymore. Sai hates him. Aerik's brows raise as he pulls together some kind of response* MS*() I am... pleased... to see you so well...() *Sai was his own again, as his own as he could be.. free from the GUARD at least, his mind back as it was. Nicky had said something, before the battle, about Sai being a mind toy of Aerik's. Oh yes, Nicky knew about Sai, and just from -looking- at Aerik, as he'd discovered recently. But Aerik.. he doesn't remember what he'd done to Sai, so he doesn't count that against Sai having his mind his own. As far as Aerik knew, he'd only helped, and never manipulated the boy. Offended at what Nicky had said... surely just a barb in their heated fight... surely just that...*

......*what should he say? That he's amazed Aerik even noticed? true- he is. He had his own concerns, right? Like that new boyfriend of his....oh, whatever..* ...you aren't doing so badly yourself from the look of it. *can mean any number of things..* tavern getting to stuffy for you, Aerik? *Not sure what to say- or if he should say anything.*

*Aerik smiles, looking downward a moment... Sai says he looks alright.. but still hasn't shifted to look at him. It was awkward, this... Aerik had half expected Sai to simply attack him. He was pleased he hadn't done that, tho he could have handled it. Neither knew what to say, that much was obvious, and Aerik, who's even more inexperienced at inter-personal relationships than Sai, with a cracked mind to boot, is at a total loss* MS*()........ thank you. *a pause* Something like that. It is.. difficult... these days to be around people. I... I prefer solitude anymore() *he shifts his weight, eyes on Sai still, on that long, beautiful silver hair...* ()Are you here for a similar reason..?()

..I'm here because I can't hardly stand to breath back there...I got used to this place's clean air.. *when back with the GUARD-he'd spent nearly all his time in his room, just trying to breath without being ill* that, and I haven't been ''social'' for a long time now. no reason to be. and every reason /not/ to be. *he finally shifts, so he can see Aerik out of the corner of his eye- the silver-blue iris cat-like in the moonlight.* I suppose I should thank you for setting my head as straight as it's been since I got caught.

*MS*()No need to thank me... *its quiet, like a whisper, Aerik's eyes fixed solidly on the now turned Sai* I wanted to do it. *then, to cover, he smiles wryly and almost flippantly adds..* Besides, Chalyss would have skinned me if I had not...() *Aerik lowers his head again, hands clasped before him, almost child-like in pose, almost... nervous. He looks up through his long, midnight lashes, and smiles slightly* *MS() It seems we both have reasons for keeping to ourselves. *he scowls deeply, glancing away again, then back* Sai, I... wanted to... ()*he trails off, not sure what to say.. or /how/*

*shifts to actually look at him, one leg tucked under the other that dangles off the branch, staff still across his lap.* I've always had reason to keep to myself now. *watching him a moment.* .....wanted to what, Aerik?

*Aerik takes in a breath, brows raising, trying to formulate something... tactful. Its rare that he cares, really, but he does now. He whets his lips, searching for words* MS*() We both have.. always had reason, Sai... () *Another, longer pause, and he shakes his head, getting frustrated with himself* () I wanted to.. I do not know. Say something... I suppose... but I do not know what...() *small, apologetic smile.. this really is very difficult for him, never good with handling emotions of his own... indeed, still an infant with them*

Oh. *turns so he's back in his original position.* You know- I never really thought about it. I mean- why bother coming back? Not like there's anything here for me. that was different a while back- but that changed a long time ago.

*Aerik gets the idea... but he isn't sure... that Sai is possibly speaking about -him-. That he'd been a reason. Or.. was Sai trying to say something as well? Aerik wrings his hands. He knows what he wants to say.. he's just not used to candor, to revealing things, /explaining/, for god's sake. His brows furrow once more as Sai again turns away. Aerik sighs and firms the edge on his tone, without thinking* MS*() Would you at least do me the courtesy of -looking- at me? () *he almost instantly wishes he hadn't sent that, and rubs his face with his hand* Sai... this is... difficult for me... *again, without thinking... his voice is used. Illusion, yes, but his, nonetheless. That sultry, dark spill of velvet sound, soft, a caress..*

*his ear twitches slightly at the ''spoken'' comment.* ...I see you found a way to talk. *flatly* and why should I? I know what you look like. It's not like I’m going to forget any time soon. *eyes on the stars again, but not really seeing them*

*Aerik blinks... and curses softly. He was being sloppy... he takes a moment to gather calm, and then answers softly, still with his voice* Illusion. A link to Gild. I am... still mute. *he sighs and steps forward, around, to be in front of Sai, who is on the branch. For a moment, he just watches, silent as always* That was not the point... I... Sai. Lyeth let me know... what you... think of me. I understand. I simply wanted to let you know that I... I had my reasons... for doing what I did. You were in a cocoon...

she let you know or you just ''happened'' across that bit of knowledge? *slides a look back down at him, eyes narrowing sharply* and I had no say in that. You think I know how this fricken messed up body works? *a near literal growl* you could have at least left a note. *In truth- he never really expected Aerik to stick around with him during that...it was just too strange, even for Sai ,and the time spans too long- but was it too much just to ask for a good bye /letter/? did it really take that much effort?*

She. let. me. know. *he says it slowly, stating it as a fact... it was one of the things she'd -pushed- into him so he wouldn't kill Kelsin when she attacked the recourser shield to get his attention. Then Aerik waves a hand, frowning again, up at Sai, his dark eyes bright* As I had no say in mine. As I did not know how -my- 'fricken messed up body' worked. I, perhaps, could have left a note.. but what was I to say? "Dear Sai... I am in another room, sleeping with another man, because otherwise I will be a whore, or simply die"? *He freezes... he hadn't meant to say that... it wasn't -quite- an admission... which was verrry difficult for Aerik to give, but it was close, extremely close. Waiting for Sai would have killed him, it was that simple. Aerik had -needed-... and Nicky had offered. Sex for power. Sai wasn't ready to handle such a thing anyway... and as maniacally obsessive about control as Aerik -is-... its doubtful -Sai- would have stuck around long...*

*for a long moment, silence is the only answer. Then-* and you think I wouldn't have understood? I'm not as naive as you apparently thought I was...*looks down at him again* a simple good bye would have sufficed. *it would have hurt- but Sai would have understood at least in part. certainly would have never bothered Aerik again.* you know...that's the one thing I /didn't/ like about you, Aerik...you assume...you /always/ assume that you /always/ know what's better for someone else. I can understand not wanting to admit that last part- *taking it without anything much like shock- mild surprise, yes, but not shock* hell- I would have been surprised if you had admitted it. I guess it's better you did that then. *standing, perfectly balanced on the branch still.*

*It, of course, had -nothing- to do with Sai understanding or not... it was Aerik's own pride that had gotten in the way. Admission. He'd admitted once... /once/... to Nicky, who'd already understood. Aerik's little tryst with Jesse. The telepath had blushed furiously then, for perhaps the first time in his life, certainly the first time in the new body, totally debased and mortified. Part of his battle for control. How could he possibly tell -any-one he didn't have control any more?* No... you would not have understood. You do not even understand -now-, Sai.... *his voice is low, dangerously edged* I did not say goodbye because I did not... know... what was going on. I did not expect to be gone. *he makes a little snarling sound, turns away heatedly, angered, and then whirls back around, glaring up at Sai, eyes narrowed* I -know- because I know. You hardly have the capability to even begin to understand what it is to be me, Simon... or even a telepath. Do -not- cast judgments on my methods.

*an odd little smile* given what I've found out- it's /damned/ hard to NOT cast judgment on your methods. Mystic is a total bastard- but at least when it comes down to it, when you get him to give you a straight answer, he tells the truth. *Knows right damned well what Aerik did to him...but he /had/ been willing to go past that. The furthering of that emotion to love had been Sai's own doing. Mystic made that clear. he hated Aerik’s methods, but wouldn't have Sai hating him for things that /weren't/ his fault.* and, of course, a few months later, it was still too difficult to send even a small goodbye. no- I don't know what it is to be you, you don't know what it is to be me, we don't know what it is to be anyone else- despite what you've done in the past. our own thoughts and judgments always color things, no matter what we try to see them unbiased. *two steps, a small jump- a tidy little landing on another branch not too far off. Aerik's getting too close for Sai’s comfort.* and /don't/ call me Simon. I was never really him. Just a few of his memories in a brain not meant to hold them.

*Now... Sai is speaking of morals, of scruples and rules... of things most people follow but Aerik still doesn't understand, or comprehend. Why follow such ethics? they only got in the way of what he wanted... stopped him from doing things, and he hated that. Oh, he has a few now, perhaps the reason he's not in Sai's head right now... but they were his own, of his own making, and didn't necessarily follow any one else's. And as for what Aerik had done... even -he- didn't remember anymore. What he'd done to Sai, and oh, he'd done much.. so cruelly manipulated him. But he can't recall it. In his mind, he's done Sai no wrong* Do -not- Sai. I know what it is to be you... I rebuilt your mind. I know every last piece of you. I put it back together, when.. *he waves a hand* -Mystic- would have left you a vegetable. *he ignores what Sai says about that. Then Aerik's eyes narrow at Sai's jump away. He snorts a delicate laugh* Uncomfortable, Mr. Canaan? Is my presence really that... taxing?

*Looks down at him from his perch* the mind /you/ rebuilt doesn't exist anymore, /Mr./ Winters. Or would you prefer Eclipse? and as I recall- Mystic had turned me over to you in hopes you would try to rebuild my mind- something you evidently blundered somewhere along the line as it only broke again not too much later. Mystic had to put me back together that time. Something he evidently regrets- but at least he's honest about it. *doesn't respond to what his presence is- Sai is still making up his mind about that.*

*Aerik's brows raise... now -that- was insulting, and his eyes again narrow, deadly, bright little slits* I do not blunder... *he speaks softly, calmly, like a purr* When it comes to the mind, dear Sai, I do not make mistakes. *true enough... Aerik is far too skilled to make mistakes, and far too powerful to make something weak* -Mystic- was only interested in his damn precious ... whatever she was... I consumed her. The new syntant unit. The plague. He got his piece of you, and would have left you, not having enough to spread himself out and save you. Of course he looked to me.. he could not do it himself. And I distinctly remember he did not care if I succeeded or not as long as he had what he wanted. *Aerik's mouth twists slightly... TK is linked to.... and on a platform of solid air, he rises upward, to stand at eye level to Sai*

the first attempt at a beta syntant- yes, I remember her. *simply* and I completely understand he was too thinly spread to worry about putting one mind back together. and everyone makes mistakes Aerik- particularly those who think they /don't/. and I don't recall having ever said mystic /wasn't/ a bastard. I know fully well he was willing to sacrifice me to get what he wanted. bringing you there to get me was an unusual act of generosity for him. I'm surprised he even remembers how to think about others individually. I'm guessing he shouldn't have bothered. then I wouldn't have been in your way at all. *And Lyeth would haven't been in danger because of his carelessness that time.* *Silver-blue eyes flick to Aerik's amber-black ones- cold as the ice they vaguely resemble, not commenting on the sudden proximity*

//I// do /not/, Sai. *he refuses to concede to this... he simply does not make mistakes. He will never say otherwise. Oh he may say things wrong, or guess wrong, but when it comes to anything truly cerebral, he knows it -all-... its one of the many reasons he forgets about so much of himself. What is important is kept.. what is unimportant, his past, except for lessons learned, is left behind. He has taken knowledge from so many... he knows -so very- much... he may not have earned it for himself, and therein lies his difficulty sympathizing with others... or empathizing... or even relating in any way... but he knows it. Not everything, but not far from everything the minds of Earth have to offer. Or any other unshielded mind he can find. Or weaker mind, for that matter. Aerik is a sponge, absorbing such things* You have not yet gotten -in- my way, Sai. What makes you think you have? *his eyes, his posture, his voice.. never lose their edge*

Common sense is what. *flat tone* and tone the ego down a bit. You've never messed with a purely synthetic brain- there's no way in hell you could be sure how different things are affected. You treated my mind as you would a human's- perhaps a man-made brain works a bit differently, did you think of that? Unless you managed to come across the original maker of the syntants and poked around in his head a bit, I don't think you /could/ know exactly how to do it right. *starting to turn to move off again- this argument was threatening to turn nasty. best he wasn't in striking distance. if he has to think about planning his attack, at least then he'll actually have time to think /twice/ about trying it.*

Then your common sense is lacking in the extreme, Sai. *this wasn't going how he wanted it to... he hadn't wanted to start a fight, or anger, or insult... he'd merely wanted to.. what? Apologize, perhaps. In his own, inimitable way. But Sai has gone too far... he has no idea what kinds of minds Aerik's been in. Syntant, maybe not, but maybe not things too differently either, and he has the base knowledge to compare* Is that what you think. Well, then... be erroneous. I hardly care. I do not think you could possibly accentuate your ignorance anymore than you already -have-, so feel free. *Aerik's arms fold across his chest, his glare small, but almost tangible, a press of eyes. He keeps his position... standing on the disc of air* Do not bother... you cannot hurt me. *as Sai moves off*

oh, I'm well aware you don't care, Aerik. and if I can't- *meaning the attack-* then I see no reason to stay. *honestly wishing now that Zakai hadn’t held back. The Bastard had programmed his little assassin well- Zakai could have killed him if he had wanted.* *He turns to leave, seeing no point in staying. They're only making each other angry, both insisting the other was wrong- who cared anymore? if Aerik had been with that other this long- then he had to have some feeling for the one, not just as something to alleviate his needs. Common sense lacking? not quite...on some things it was all too clear*

Sai... *Aerik's eyes close a moment, he forces calm... control, control, control... he finds it, or perhaps makes it. Either way, calm is restored... mostly* I -do- care. Why else do you think I am here now? *just a breath, a murmur, anyone -but- Sai may have missed it. Despite remaining outside Sai's mind, Aerik still picks up a few things.. a few thoughts, loudly desired* ...Zakai was warned. He was not to harm you more than what was needed to subdue you. By myself, and then by Chalyss. Zakai would have been killed if he'd killed you. *no remorse, and no regret. Venin would have tried to kill Aerik for it, but that's all it would have been... trying. She was no threat to Aerik* I care. But it is not… quite in the way I once did. You do -not- understand, Sai. *his voice drops even lower, along with his eyes* I gave all. I made my choice. I had ... nothing... anymore. The one I am with now, I can no longer exist apart from... he is life and death for me. There was no other way....

Same result either way, Aerik...and I /don't/ assume to think I understand how /you/ think. I don't think even /you/ know half the time. I wish you luck with your bondmate. *suddenly turns to look at him- eyes cold, lacking all emotion.* .... *makes no comment on Zakai any further. He has a few plans...best kept to himself and Kai.*

*Aerik sighs, shaking his head... he should never have expected Sai to understand. Aerik doesn't believe that even Nicky, with his Sight and Truth... understands. Knows, yes, accepts, yes... but understands? No... not that. If he had understood.. or if he'd cared, maybe that was it.... he'd have realized the -massive- confession Aerik had given, and what it all meant. Or perhaps Aerik was expecting too much of anyone. They understood.. it just didn't matter. His brows raise elegantly over his eyes, fixed on Sai* Luck. yes, well... my thanks. As I wish you luck in your own endeavors. Just... try not to shatter Lyeth too badly, would you? She /does/ have her uses... *and his disc begins to lower*

*that's the problem- Sai /does/ care. But it's easier to hate…it doesn't hurt as much. Or at least lets him hide the hurt- even from himself.* *stiffly* if that is all she means to you, Aerik, then you are most certainly a sorry bastard to have for a relative. *Mystic's attitude- he can forgive. Mystic was struggling for a greater good. Aerik? Aerik's main concern seemed only Aerik now....* *flatly* and if you're referring to what I plan with Zakai- keep your thoughts clear of mine.

It is better to hate me... *he offers this in a whisper, a tiny breath as he doesn't look up, but continues downward yet... and Aerik's main concern... was Nicholas now* My thoughts were not the intruder... you have even yet to learn how to simply keep your thoughts to yourself. All minds can do as such. Easy enough to teach and learn. Ask my cousin. *here, he looks up, grins faintly* Tell her the bastard said hello. *a pause, a bigger grin, malicious* On second thought.. do not. She would never believe you and I have to uphold my image. *small, single chuckle, and he's slowly moving to the ground once more, but his voice floats upward* ...And stop accusing me of self pity and selfishness. It seems to me you need a reminder that you are not the center of the universe more than -I-....

I'm very well aware of that, thank you oh so much Mr. observance. *jumps from the tree again, landing this time on the forest floor, then walking into the shadows- his pale hide standing out starkly for a moment before abruptly seeming to vanish. he's still there- just hiding better as he moves off.*

Then prove it... *comes the following soft snarl. Aerik's feet touch the grass and he turns, walking again for the tavern, and seeming at total ease* So you were hurt.. so you are hurting. Life goes on. Get over it. *and, oh.. Aerik should know. At least there is one thing Aerik can't be accused of... he never -doesn't- practice what he preaches. His dark clothing and demonic body begin to fade into the night* As of right now, you are hardly acting as if you are aware of it....

*just shakes his head as he goes.* whatever Aerik....*wondering how Lyeth and him could in ANY way be related.*

*Aerik ghosts back into the side of his room, walking on air, literally, to reach his suite on the upper floor. And he solidifies, leaning his shoulders back against the wall , gazing a bit numbly at the furniture inside the place... at the brightly lit rooms... the heat that lays thick, like a covering, in the air. Not immediately seeing Nicky, he simply sighs softly... and lets his head tip back to rest on the pane with a small, dull, -thump-. Damn Sai... that was not what he'd wanted to say... well, yes, all that he'd wanted to say, just not in -that- way... things were no better, and perhaps worse now. And Sai... Sai was thinking about... a soft curse, he'd tell Lyeth later, make her aware. For now... for now he wants to push it aside, not think about it and certainly not think about that little pain inside himself, the tight knot in his chest, the strain in his throat.... not at all. Better to hate him, he'd said. Better to hate him and not care. He's a god at meeting those ends, and he knows it... /hate me.. I can make you hate me/... and he can. And he has. Its still better than indifference...*