Ky looked over to him for confirmation, and was even further gutted that he didn’t seem to agree. He didn’t even want to look at her he was so ashamed with her. She started crying harder.
"u and rina are systematically watering down the grammar of yws" - Atticus "From the fish mother to the fish death god." - lehmanf "A fish stole my identity. I blame shady" - Omni [they/he]
He glanced up. "Oh, Ky..." He took a deep breath. "You...there are so many better people out there..." "But she has you," Gaius piped up. "Whatever your past mistakes were, you're working on it now, Tomhas. She wants you." Tomhas had tears in his eyes; he wiped at his face, trembling slightly as he nodded. "I...I know."
"The Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear. Remember that." -Karis Nemik
“Do… you… not want me anymore?” Her worst fear. Coming true before her eyes.
"u and rina are systematically watering down the grammar of yws" - Atticus "From the fish mother to the fish death god." - lehmanf "A fish stole my identity. I blame shady" - Omni [they/he]
"Of course I want you!" Tomhas sat up straighter, looking at her now. "Gods, of course I do." He reached over to hug her. "You understand why we hesitated to tell you?" Gaius asked her.
"The Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear. Remember that." -Karis Nemik
Ky fell into his arms sobbing and hugging him tightly. At least he didn’t hate her. If he was telling the truth. Apparently the people she thought she could trust didn’t do much of that these days.
Or ever.
Apparently Zander had been lying to her her whole life.
“I don’t,” Jerica spat. She felt wounded, and was having to focus on her anger to keep all other emotions at bay. “You just thought it was okay to lie to us for fifteen fucking years for funsies?”
“It wasn’t for fun—“
“Were you ever planning to tell us?”
“Once you—“
“Or was it just a teehee Jer and Ky are stupid let’s lie to them?” She continued angrily.
“Neither of you are stupid—“ Zander started.
“No. Apparently we fucking are for trusting you.”
He grimaced.
“I’d say you’re the world's worst uncle, but seems you’ve got competition for that title.” She glared at Derik, who winced as well. “Assholes.”
"u and rina are systematically watering down the grammar of yws" - Atticus "From the fish mother to the fish death god." - lehmanf "A fish stole my identity. I blame shady" - Omni [they/he]
"That's not fair," Gaius told her. "They did what they did to protect you. If there was another option I'm sure they'd have taken it." Tomhas held Ky tightly, rubbing tight circles into her back and rocking her a little.
"The Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear. Remember that." -Karis Nemik
Ky was trembling and sobbing in his arms, making no effort to be part of the conversation.
“Protect me from what?” She snarled, not appreciating Ash getting his nose in the middle of a family affair.
“Certain death,” Zander said grimly.
“Ah. Right. By just putting me in harm’s way constantly. Downgrade to probable death. Much better.”
“Jer—“
“Why don’t our parents want us?” Jerica asked, more pain creeping into her voice than she meant. “What did we ever do so wrong?”
Ky cried harder.
"u and rina are systematically watering down the grammar of yws" - Atticus "From the fish mother to the fish death god." - lehmanf "A fish stole my identity. I blame shady" - Omni [they/he]
"It wasn't in their hands," Gaius said. "Zander or Derik can explain better than I can." "Does Ky have to be here for this?" Tomhas asked miserably.
"The Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear. Remember that." -Karis Nemik
Ky was a disaster. On one hand, she wanted to know more. Jerica was asking good questions. Making good points. On the other, she was absolutely humiliated to be sobbing in front of so many people — especially ones she barely knew. And… Septimus. She refused to look at him.
“…up to her,” Zander said after a moment. “I know this is a lot to process.”
Her breathing was sharp and ragged. “Why do I always get sent away? Always.” Her words were muffled against Tomhas’s chest.
"u and rina are systematically watering down the grammar of yws" - Atticus "From the fish mother to the fish death god." - lehmanf "A fish stole my identity. I blame shady" - Omni [they/he]
"It's up to you whether you stay or go," Gaius said. "This concerns you as much as it does Jerica."
"The Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear. Remember that." -Karis Nemik
“Will… you… tell me the truth later if I go now?” She managed.
"u and rina are systematically watering down the grammar of yws" - Atticus "From the fish mother to the fish death god." - lehmanf "A fish stole my identity. I blame shady" - Omni [they/he]
"Absolutely." Tomhas nodded. "Ask any of us and we'll fill you in."
"The Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear. Remember that." -Karis Nemik
“…you’re gonna stay here?” That was a deterrent. She didn’t want to be alone. She just didn’t want to be here. With all of these people.
"u and rina are systematically watering down the grammar of yws" - Atticus "From the fish mother to the fish death god." - lehmanf "A fish stole my identity. I blame shady" - Omni [they/he]
"...I can come with you if you want. Do you guys need me at all?" "I shouldn't think so." Gaius shook his head.
"The Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear. Remember that." -Karis Nemik
Zander and Derik both shook their heads, giving their blessings for him to go with Ky. Gods knew the poor girl needed him right now.
"u and rina are systematically watering down the grammar of yws" - Atticus "From the fish mother to the fish death god." - lehmanf "A fish stole my identity. I blame shady" - Omni [they/he]
