05 | voice

[oceanthief]

When Homeworld started investigating this system, we checked all the stars near potential colonies for stability. Everyone was really excited about this planet because its sun had a pretty decent lifespan, so we wouldn't have to do any shielding for a while.

[or. something. Lapis never really paid any particular attention to the reports that came in about earth, because why would she? it was just a little mudball in some podunk galaxy.]

Is that not how it works on this earth? I can't really think of why else you'd be trying to ration sunlight, but...it's kind of stupid. Unless you're storing it somewhere to use later it's not going to make any difference, and I really don't think humans have that kind of technology yet.

[at least not on this version of the planet, anyway. she really has no idea what 'daylight savings time' could mean aside from this, and it's got her completely mystified. that at least is a familiar feeling when it comes to humanity, even if it's not all that pleasant.]

You guys don't even have that much time to start with. Do you really need to complicate it this much?

[and if the sun is dying...why bother squabbling between insubstantial nationstates when there was such a big problem looming over them all? it was all so dumb.]

Comments

[oceanthief]

It's fine, I'd have just left if you took too long.

[fucking brutal, but completely true. Lapis is still a little fizzy on the intricacies of human time, but she knows the limits of her own patience. she'd never wait for something longer than she wanted to, not when she had the freedom and go where she pleased now.]

Do you want to start now?

[starlinings]

Understandable.

[He doesn't mind, really. Her comment bounces off him like rain on a raincoat, and his face remains unchanged. In fact, her honesty is appreciated.

If there's anything that Lapis isn't, it's deceiving.]

If you're ready. Should I step back?

[oceanthief]

If you feel like it. I don't hit anything unless I mean to.

[there's a soft air of confidence accompanying her reply, something uncommon with Lapis. she doesn't have much to be proud of, but her hydrokinsesis is one of the few that have remained - it was a common power among Lapises, but it was still hers. without this power she wouldn't be herself.

her gaze drifts just slightly back to the water as she raises her arm again, fingers curled this time like she's trying to pull something up. and something does rise up - a pillar of water, several times taller than its mistress, the peak morphing into a perfect facsimile of a hand.

the hand isn't necessary, but it looks nicer than a simple pillar. it was fine to show off a little, since she'd been asked.]

[starlinings]

[Gran's eyes widen at the display, the water forming so naturally as if it were molding clay or a creature in itself...following her command as easily as the stars followed his. It was truly amazing to be on the other end of it--to watch something like this.

And those green eyes extend as wide as they'll go, watching her control it so easily.

Before a smile spreads across his face.]

Lapis-san...it's beautiful!

[Hands aren't exactly the embodiment of human beauty, but her power...that was what was truly amazing here. The fact that it was her doing this fantastic feat.]

[oceanthief]

[she watches him more than the water she's commanding, completely sure of its presence - moving the waves is like breathing for her, without the need to think about it. what's of more interest is the way that Gran watches as if she'd just pulled a rabbit out of a hat; it's a little bittersweet with the memories his expression stirs up, but she wipes that away. the time for brooding isn't now.

instead Lapis gives a tiny 'pffft' as she shrugs gently. the compliment is appreciated, but she can't help waving it away with intentionally false modesty.]

It's just a hand. There's a lot that's prettier than this.

[as if on cue, the watery hand gives a thumbs up - right before crashing down as if it means to smack the pair into oblivion. instead it suddenly splits into dozes of smaller rivulets above them, streaming down to the ground as if it had slammed right into an invisible dome. they rush and run through the sand of their own accord, hurrying to form a pattern that Lapis knows well.

the water sits, just for a moment, long enough for any spectators to see and appreciate the delicate lines. and then it rises, moving up to build a latticed structure with that same pattern. it shimmers and sparkles in the sunlight, almost moving past itself to appear like something other than water.

she may still be feeling her way through the world again, but Lapis knows what beauty is.]