maskormenace | [03] Video

[ The video feed starts with Walt in a room in his Heropa home, an open box on the bed filled with Kaylee's things -- coveralls neatly folded and tucked inside, wrenches and other tools laid delicately on top...the whole process seems exceedingly painful for him as with each item he pulls out of the closet, the efforts become slow and labored. ]

I don't know who knew Kaylee Frye. If you didn't, you should have. I've never met anyone so genuinely cheerful and kind. She was the sunshine in this dark, cloudy world.

[ There's a very sad, forlorn smile. This feels more like a funeral, like saying goodbye to someone who passed away. And in some cases it's worse -- them vanishing to another universe, never to remember their time here, never to be seen again. ]

She helped me when she didn't have to. She cared when she shouldn't have. She took care of me when I couldn't take care of myself. And what did she expect in return? Nothing.

[ With a long pause, it's very clear Walt is trying to maintain his composure. A breath in and a breath out. ]

I hoped I was wrong. I hoped to god I was wrong. That her disappearance was only temporary. But it's been a few weeks, and there's been no sign of her returning. I will miss her. Every day I will miss her. I already do.

This world -- it's done nothing but take things away. From me. From everyone else. Can you honestly say you've gained anything from being here?

[ Walt goes to reach into the closet for one of the final items and his hand twitches back. The sadness in the lines of his face increases as he pulls out a wrapped present -- a card reading: To Mr. White.

That's when Walt can't hold it back anymore. He sits on the edge of the bed, pulls the square-shaped present to his chest and cries. ]

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[ Walt is left surprised and confused. ]

I guess that's a more productive use for your time. Have you found anyone, then? Anyone worth your attention?

[ Besides him because obviously Walt and Crane weren't destined to be buddies. ]

No.

[There was nobody like his Batman. Considering his existance in other universes was an unproductive use of his time; now he knew he was a simple man like any other. He could theorize about his own existence in these worlds. It was fascinating but irrelevent to the here and now.

But there was one being he could learn from.]

Have you a reason to be asking these questions?

[Don't say friendship.]

Curiosity, I suppose. Funny thing, that.

[ Walt smirks. His and Chilton's alliance is completely done, and so, too, was the respect and loyalty Walt housed toward the man. ]

Chilton and I had planned to attack you through Batman. Ironic that from the sounds of it, it probably wouldn't have worked.

[Crane tilts his head back. Considering Walt's part in moving against him like this, others would have been afraid. Of speaking to the man, or even of entertaining the thought of working for mutual benefit.]

I have endured worse.

[His tone is controlled and dismissive. The threat wasn't there. Walt and Chilton. They weren't relevant at this moment. Topic over.

But there's one huge message, hidden underneath his remarkable composure. To Walt, Chilton and everyone else. Bruce would know it; he's always survived. Batman had been what he'd been afraid of. But the man wasn't his own personal demon, waiting for him on the inside.]

But I have the feeling that level of terror is still to come, for you.

[Not by his hand, at least?]

{ Walt manages a laugh, but it isn't one of humor. More like irony. ]

Crane, I've been afraid my whole life. And that fear has held me back. But I've come to embrace it -- the fear, the terror. My whole life is full of it. But at the same time, I've never felt more alive than I do because of it.

[That catches his attention. His head tilts to his left, and he looks at Walt as though he's just spotted another bird instead of an earthworm. And he begins to question Walt's various uses.]

And isn't it better to realize the truth? That it's better to embrace this way of life then to turn tail and run like a coward: like Chilton? This plan you have in store for him must give you a lovely, sharp thrill.

Edited 2015-07-19 13:57 (UTC)

Chilton is a coward. But I wouldn't downplay his resilience either. For everything that's done to him, he gets back up and fights harder. I imagine it would be much the same, even were I to kill him.

[If there's something Crane can appreciate, in his own twisted way, it's endurance. He had endured all of those punishments in Georgia; the place itself had been a jail sentence. He hadn't fallen to pieces and begged for his life to end when sprayed with his own toxin.

Everything he does, and all the consequences that would unfold, he would endure.]

It is difficult for that man to roll onto his stomach and die, yes. Do you enjoy it, then? This curious cycle...

[ After a week away and when he and Chilton finally come back face to face, Walt will realize -- that yes. Yes he does enjoy the back and forth. The fight for control and dominion over Frederick Chilton.

But at the moment, he's exasperated. ]

I find it draining. All I care about is getting the chance to breathe. Chilton got in my head and messed with my thoughts. I need time away from him to undo the damage.

Edited 2015-07-28 23:23 (UTC)

[Oh God, Walt. You let him in like that? How pathetic.]

You'll be spending time with Jesse, I take it?

No. I will be completely on my own.

[ He needed Jesse here to watch Chilton, after all. ]

But it won't be so bad. It might even be peaceful. You are a man who enjoys his solitude, after all. Surely you understand.

I suppose so.

[He doesn't want to draw this conversation out any more. He has more important matters to organize. But his parting words might seem to demonstrate that, yes, he understands solitude.]

Enjoy your work, Mr. White.

[03] Video

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