Voice

[comingorgoing]

Ho, fellow travelers of the Voidtrecker Express. I hope you are all enjoying some apparently well earned rest. I am 10 Vigilant Gaze Purges The Horizon, or if you'd rather, just Vigilant Gaze. I am an angel.

My time here has shown me things I did not think were possible, and that the world is far more vast and incomprehensible than I imagined. It has been a humbling experience. The biggest thing I have learned, is that the word "angel" does not always mean the same thing. I had thought my kind were a universal constant.

And so, I find myself compelled to ask about angels. What do you think of, when you hear that word? Does it even mean anything to you?

Comments

[blitzcheer]

Oh, um... a human?

[comingorgoing]

No, I meant what is your name?

[blitzcheer]

Oh! Right. [ Right!! ] Tidus -- just Tidus!

[comingorgoing]

Well met, Preem Tidus. You have my word: As a guardian of the Law, I shall do my best to see to it that no one on this train comes to harm.

[blitzcheer]

[ Preem...? ]

Sure! Hey, we'll have your back too. Which team are you?

[comingorgoing]

[It's short for "Supreme" and is basically like "Mr."]

I have been placed on the Red team, which I understand is some kind of assault force that focuses on direct, violent action.

[blitzcheer]

Oh yeah, you're the 'fight the big thing' guys! Well, last mission they wanted us to investigate these floating orbs... which turned out to turn into fiends, so, we were fighting most of the time.

That sound like a fit for you?

[comingorgoing]

Oh yes. I have been training in martial arts for over seventy thousand years. On and off.

I think I should be able to contribute in that particular area.

[blitzcheer]

[ There's a whistle that comes through. ]

Think that makes you the oldest one on the train!

[ Actually... ] What's it like being alive for that long?

[comingorgoing]

That is a broad question. What is it like, being mortal?

[blitzcheer]

Uhhh... [ Hmm. He's thinking about it! ]

More complicated than it needs to be?

[comingorgoing]

Such is life for all who live, mortal or immortal.

But in less general terms, I have a fairly peaceful life by Angelic standards. When I was younger, I was much more of a firebrand. There was always another cause to march for, another people who needed protection.

Now I am old, and spend much of my time in contemplation and meditation, when I am not keeping an eye on my brothers, [tiny hesitation.] and sisters.

[blitzcheer]

That sounds peaceful. [ A simple observation, but sincere. ]

How long have you been doing that for? I guess, you know, for me--when I think about a thousand years, that's how long ago it was when the world I'm from went to having all kinds to technology, to losing it all.

But you've been alive for seventy of those! That's a lot to live through.

[comingorgoing]

That's only this incarnation. This is my tenth life. My memories of the past lives grow blurry very quickly, though. I don't remember my time when the gods still lived at all.

But honestly, even the early parts of this time are pretty blurry. After a while, the centuries kind of blend together in my mind.

[blitzcheer]

Oh... wow. I mean, I bet it does.

[ Living for that long. There's a pause, and... ]

Personally, I think I'm okay with the living maybe around a hundred years thing. I have hobbies, but I don't think I could keep them up for as long you and your family!

Maybe that's part of being mortal.

[ Knowing you're not meant for an incredibly long life. ]

[comingorgoing]

Many mortals dedicate their whole lives to trying to extend them. Which feels like a self defeating quest to me. If you spend all your time trying to extend your life, you do not leave much time for living.

[And mortals can't afford to waste time like that, in Vigilant Gaze's eyes.]

Still, occasionally some of the manage to wrangle out a few extra centuries. They rarely seem any happier for it.