Ishmael: Parhelion

Now that we have finally met face to face, this is also the time for us to part... but it's going to be a little different this time...

Ingenious... Looks like you know a lot about my situation.

An identity is a great anchor point because it helps you adopt new values and sets of logics as you climb the career ladder in the group.

There is more than one way to evolve, and some are more... exciting... than others.

As you wish.

We'll need to be more than just physically armed.

Ingenious... Looks like you know a lot about my situation.

An identity is a great anchor point because it helps you adopt new values and sets of logics as you climb the career ladder in the group.

There is more than one way to evolve, and some are more... exciting... than others.

As you wish.

We'll need to be more than just physically armed.

I'm excited to see how things are going to unfold.

Let's play it by ear. Our fate may have been sealed, but let's enjoy it while it lasts.

Mission complete, as always.

Everything comes with a cost. I don't care for the rewards, but fate will exact its price with every encounter.

I've read a lot of amazing stories, and they all end in familiar ways, every single one of them...

Miracles don't exist in this universe. Everything is the inevitable result of interconnected causes.

Life... is as brittle as a frozen bubble. One small touch and it bursts, but that's why... it outshines everything there is in its final moments.

Not every action needs to be meaningful. Sometimes, it's okay to do things for no reason... right?

No need to rush. Humans just communicate in a different way and at different speeds, but I've gotten used to it.

I've tried my hand at creating, but I can never come up with anything "new," so I passed my pen on to you, and you did not disappoint me...

The faint candle lights up the dark corner and turns the endless night into a new dawn... Is this the miracle that "civilization" has brought about?

I've always wondered what kept that person going in the endless spiral of life and death... I'm referring to the guest who first arrived at the gate. By observing you, I think I've found part of the answer.

What nice weather. Let's do... an unplanned check on Gray Raven's Commandant in the name of the Control Court... As for the reason... I'll make one up when we get back.

I once believed there's no need to dive deep into human civilization. I've changed my mind... and you're one of the most important factors.

I did not bring you the opportunities. All I did was unveil the possibilities in front of you. Rescuing is the same as self-salvation, and I am simply a lucky witness.

I was searching for a solution to a question I knew nothing about. I could only wait... but when I met you, I had this feeling that the answer I was seeking... was right here.

Gray Raven Commandant, whatever your future holds, I shall be there to bear witness, through thick and thin.

Because of our visions... we see the world differently. You and I, we have our differences, but it's enough that you understand my existence, and that I understand how you feel. That's all that I can ever ask for.

Greetings. How may I help you?

Call me Ishmael, or The Merciful One, or whatever you will.

You and I both know what you are doing, and I am okay with it, so please continue.

There's no need to give you my contact information. You'll see me anytime you wish to see me.

Let me tell you a story, and you just might find what you have been looking for. Are you sure you don't want to come closer? I'm only going to tell it once.

My goal? I don't intend to hide it, but you are not going to understand it even if I explain it to you now... Try asking a few more times, and maybe one day I'll tell you what my goal is.

Why Babylonia? I did it on a whim, but now... there may be other reasons.

I've told you so many stories about these other people already. This time... let me tell you about mine.

This is for me? I don't usually take gifts from humans, but thank you.

Thank you for the gift. In return, I'll grant you a wish.

Don't leave just yet. Sit and have a cup of coffee.

Looks like you aren't going to ask for something in return for these gifts, so they really are just gifts... Well, thank you, then.

There's only black coffee at the Control Court, and I can't stand bitter drinks... If you ever happen to swing by and need a drink with some sugar, I always keep some in the third drawer on the right side of my desk. Help yourself anytime.

How was your day? Anything interesting happen? Oh, I don't calculate all the details. Stories need to be told to be interesting.

What should I give in return... It's been a while since I had to worry about something like this...

I was thinking about giving you something from an ancient civilization, but most of those have been lost to time. I am basically the only thing left of use to you... Are you okay with this "gift"?

You look distracted. Is anything bothering you?

Still not back yet? Hmm... I might need to go look for you.

Take a break if you're tired. There's no need to strain yourself.

...Already asleep. Repetitive work does make people tired. Let me send you a good dream then.

...Did I wake you? Don't worry. I just wanted to watch you sleep... Shh. You can keep sleeping.

Go get some rest. Humans won't go extinct while you are sleeping, I promise.

Something special is going to happen tomorrow, and you'll see what it is then. Now, get some sleep and look forward to it...

I have hidden the answer to the universe in your dream... But you'll have to decide for yourself whether or not it's real.

You're already at your limit and you're still not resting? Mmm... Why don't we... try to push this human shell of yours as far as we can, then? Look, I even have coffee ready for you. Don't worry. I'm here, so nothing is going to happen to you. Are you ready?

Here's your drink. Drink up and go get some rest. Shush, this is an order.

I knew you would show up at this time.

...Today is going to be an interesting day.

Once we're done with this, go take a walk with me on Earth, yeah? Where? I'll tell you where when we get there.

These are the documents you wanted, and these are what you will need. Wondering how I knew? Just a simple trick. Want to know how I did it? I can show you how it's done.

I finished some work for you... No need to thank me. But who knows what's going to happen now that you've got time to spare?

I cleaned up your desk for you. I put away some files. If there's anything you need... come get it from me.

Didn't think you'd show up so early... Is it because I'm here?

It's been a while since I last wanted anything... You want to take a guess? I'll give you a prize if you get it right.

...I guess while you were away... you've probably experienced a lot of things that I never have? I can't wait to hear what happened... but before that, welcome back.

That is only a tiny bit impressive. Keep working on it.

Go check on the stabilizer at Babylonia... I know it was you, and the device also malfunctioned at the same time.

It looks like you enjoyed the process more than seeing my reactions to getting shaken... Was doing the shaking that much fun? Hmm. I guess it was.

Hmm, you're definitely someone who would do that.

No, I'm not mad at all. I just wanted to see how you would react if I kept staring at you quietly.

You can drop the formalities. I don't mind having physical contact with you. Do as you please.

We're done with today's missions. Don't tire yourself out. I have something else to show you.

This is your final act. Make it count.

Do not resist fate.

Your destiny is sealed.

The story is nearing its end.

I will go first like always.

Don't blink.

Embrace it. This is the miracle you have been waiting for.

It's just a small gift.

Would you like to see something beyond your scope of knowledge?

We gave it another try, and it seems like nothing has changed.

Not bad.

I look forward to it.

I did not see that coming...

Don't worry. I'll be here.

Your story ends here...

Let's go. Come with me on a whole new path.