[ text ] ☠ fourth

[deathsought]

I've heard the word 'Christmas' used several times this week on the network already. It sounds like a holiday of sorts. Do we really have the luxury of such a distraction, right now?

- Zeref

[ He already knows full well what kind of reaction he's liable to get from certain people from his world (and others) for even suggesting skipping an opportunity for some kind of happy celebration, but he's asking anyway. ]

Comments

audio;

[speakveryclearly]

Speaking as someone who initially lacked cultural context for the holiday but has since become a consistent celebrant: Yes, Christmas is a holiday. It occurs on December 25th of the human calendar annually. The primary activity is an exchange of gifts with peers. There may also be a party with various arbitrary accessories that are considered appropriate for the season.

As to whether a distraction of such a nature can be afforded? That depends on your point of view. We would all appreciate it if, instead of rejoicing on this day, you instead embarked upon a mission that returned us to Earth with one trillion marques as our new military budget, and I would love to hear about it so I could assist you in any way possible. If, however, as is astronomically more likely, you have not been particularly productive, especially beyond procuring supplies for persistent sustenance, observing Christmas is not going to dramatically alter your operation. And on the warfront, we have at least recently made the progress of reversing the radioactive effects of the nuclear bombing, which is certainly worth celebrating if you ask me.

perma-text

[deathsought]

[ Well, that's an extremely convoluted answer. But he'll humor Kanaya anyway. ]

I have gone on missions. I'm hesitant to take part in combat missions, however. I would hate to be forced to use my magic. Nothing good ever happens as a result.

[ Gifts, huh... he wonders whatever happened to the imp he gave Lucy as a pet. He's Zeref, he isn't sure what to give someone as a gift, even if they're someone like Lucy who has been needlessly and uncharacteristically kind to him, despite knowing full well who he is and what he's responsible for. ]

text; just did not want to format the opening rant tbh

[speakveryclearly]

There Is A Distinction Between Nonviolent And Nonsupply
If Anything Means Other Than The Mundane Are More Risky As They Are Harder To Conceal

text; oh I totally understand that xD;;

[deathsought]

The United Earth are undeniably evil. They deserve to be punished. And yet, all I am capable of is destruction and death. People like the United Earth, are what have lead to the existence of people like me.

But, I've already ruined one world. If I were to take action in this world, the result would almost certainly be the same.

[celestial_wizard]

[ She's a little bit uneasy given what she's heard about going on back home, but she isn't going to hold that against this Zeref. ]

Everything has been so serious and gloomy lately, [ What with the mutiny and people being completely idiotic, not to mention the whole...reason they were on the moonbase. ] we need something to lift everyone's spirits and boost morale now more than ever. Even though there are some who might not want to be particularly festive, we should stlil keep things to find joy in close to our heart and live each day to its fullest.

[ voice ] - since it's someone he knows

[deathsought]

I take it that means you want me to come, if there is a party.

[ He still remembers the sheer awkwardness of her birthday party. ]

[ voice ]

[celestial_wizard]

[ A pause. ]

I'm not going to force you to go to a party that you're not comfortable being at - [ because of that magic of yours. ] But I do think you should socialize more. Although... I'm not sure if there's going to be a party really.

[ She sighs faintly. ]

Juvia seems to have gone back home, too. [ Judging from what Natsu told her she was worried about what her guildmate might be experiencing. That and she's not sure how to ask about ..recent events. He might not know anything. ]

[ voice ]

[deathsought]

You've said that before, yes. [ It's just not something he's really that keen on doing. Or, well, even really good at doing. Even with the pin the Initiative gave him to help control the Death Predation, it still doesn't make him any less cautious about being near others. Especially since one particular thought has been haunting him ever since he killed Hades, and came very close to just pushing Erza, Juvia, and Natsu aside during the bombing of Exsilium and summoning a few demons to swat those planes right out of the sky, since he wasn't sure if Death Magic would be practical against fast-moving, airborne targets; at least, not without causing a TON of friendly fire and collateral damage in the process. ]

I thought it seemed quieter around here... [ An unintentionally mean thing to say, probably. ] I do wonder what's going on in our own world. I saw those dragons. And that man from the future, for that matter. It shouldn't surprise me that Acnologia would cause so much strife in the future.

text

[patriotsprodigy]

I'm new here but I think that it's exactly what people need when there's a war going on. Something pleasant and enjoyable to take the mind off more depressing things. You don't want to spend each day just thinking about "Who will get hurt or die today? What kind of attack will be made?" or something like that, do you?

And yes, it's a holiday.

text

[deathsought]

Of course they would enjoy it. That's why I chose the word 'luxury.'

And to answer your question, I'm haunted by similar thoughts every day. I have been for the last several centuries, even if I am no longer in my own world.

text

[patriotsprodigy]

I wouldn't call it a luxury unless people are spending a lot or using supplies needlessly.

I didn't ask if you already were but I am sorry that you've had to endure that. I asked if you want to be stuck thinking about that all the time. It's not very enjoyable, is it? Kind of depressing instead, right?

text

[imusntrunaway]

We can't be afraid all the time. It's exhausting.

text;; wish I could do audio because lol Akira Ishida

[deathsought]

I don't have the luxury of choosing otherwise.

text; oh my god that'd be the weirdest thing

[imusntrunaway]

Why?

voice;

[payback]

I think people just want a chance to have a nice time. Things have been hard on people.

voice;

[deathsought]

They won't get easier, regardless.

[payback]

Yeah, but I guess it might bolster some spirits. It seems harmless enough for that.

audio

[firstgoldson]

I doubt the presents of a human holiday will be luxurious by any means.

[ seriously if you want a present, hope you'll get one from a dragon, they give the best kinds. ]

text

[deathsought]

I don't need anything like that.

audio forever

[firstgoldson]

Holidays or presents?

video;

[worldswillburn]

I'd say no, but that's not going to stop them.

text

[deathsought]

I'm not going to stop them. It's their prerogative.

Voice;

[maipokerface]

Not really but idiots will take any excuse they can to ignore the reality around them.

text

[deathsought]

Humans often do.

permavoice;

[maipokerface]

Maybe. I don't know enough spirits to compare them to.