Work Text:
[The first wakes with a start. His head hurts and he can’t seem to think clearly. He is lying on a children’s bed. The second sits on a small stool near the bed. He has been waiting for the first to wake.]
You— you’re not him.
You’re quite unsociable for someone who just woke up, aren’t you? Glad to see it’s not just your appearance.
Who are you?
Let’s take this step by step.
…
What is your most recent memory?
I was at the Akademiya. It was nearing the end of the workday and I was preparing to head home. So I went to Azar’s office… and I attacked him. No…that’s not right. I was at Azar’s office to drop off the completed documents for the day.
Have you noticed the discrepancy?
…Yes.
Why did you attack Azar?
Because I used a forbidden knowledge capsule.
Why did you use a forbidden knowledge capsule?
I needed its energy signature to deceive Azar’s Akasha terminal.
And why did you need to deceive Azar’s Akasha terminal?
…I don’t remember.
Forbidden knowledge is dangerous, you know? You’re always like that, acting on your own without ever consulting or even telling anyone. I would have been furious.
Then the risk must have been worth it. There must have been no other choice.
Yes, yes, I know. It’s all in the past now. Crying about it won’t change what has happened.
If you know that already, then you shouldn’t be complaining.
It’s the principle of the matter, the principle. Not that I expect you to understand. Anyways, as far as I’m aware, your grand plan was successful. You’ve saved ■■■■.
I see.
Congratulations. You lost your other bet, though. It was already fortunate enough that you were able to save her. The chances of you making it out unscathed were next to nil.
When she finally met you, she immediately sensed something was wrong. To prevent the corruption from spreading, she split you into many branches to protect the main body. As far as I know, you are one such leaf on a branch, a vestigial clone of sorts.
That’s all. So? How’s your head? The you who was valiantly trying to play the hero. Does it hurt from cramming too much information into your head?
It doesn’t hurt. But my memory is certainly fragmented. I don’t recall ■■■■, and neither do I recall the plan I supposedly created.
Sometimes, it’s easier to remember emotions.
…I was angry when I attacked Azar. Then I felt relieved… because there was a general, a mercenary, and… a blond-haired outlander.
The ‘traveler’, probably.
…Do you remember anything about me?
I can’t say I recall very much.
…Is that so…
Just kidding. I remember that you are noisy. That you smell of alcohol. And that you are heavy to carry.
You—! You really do hate him, don’t you! Ack, I knew it all along!
You assume too much. I didn’t say that.
And here I was taking the trouble to take care of you until you woke up!
But there’s something that has been bothering me. And just now, you spoke in third person again.
Ah, um. Sorry, I must have misspoken. But you’re correct. I guess I’m kind of like a copy, like you.
Why would Kaveh need a copy? …Surely you weren’t trying to save ■■■■, too?
Don’t worry, saving a god requires a unique kind of foolishness only someone like you possesses. As for me, well. How should I put it? At one point, Kaveh doubted himself. I imagine it was something along the lines of, “For someone like me, who is only ever full of contradictions and unrealized dreams, what use do I have?” Maybe he thought he had no place in his world. I don’t know. In any case, when he happened upon this illusory world, a part of him must have wished to stay here, to recreate himself anew. I was born from that wish.
So you don’t have his memories.
It’s odd. I know the mannerisms and stories and memories from others of him when he was here. But it’s like I’m looking from out to in.
I see.
Of course, my existence didn’t heal his troubles. Eventually, he went back to his world.
I don’t understand. Why are you still here, then?
What do you mean?
Your purpose was fulfilled, wasn’t it?
On the contrary, why would I disappear?
The genie in the lamp disappears after it has granted its three wishes. The children of Sumeru cease to dream of Aranara when they grow up. Once the purpose is fulfilled, the vessel will also disappear.
You’re not wrong. But why are you here, then? Does your current existence affect the original you?
I’m asking because I don’t know.
Unfortunately, I don’t know either.
Well. That’s very useful.
Hahhh. To be honest, I agree with you. I want to know too, why am I here? Maybe there’s no reason at all. I am not human, after all.
That sounds like something Kaveh would say. Even though he’s human.
Really? Maybe you’re right. I’m supposed to be a replica of him, after all. At least on the outside.
It matches my memory of him, even if my memories are unreliable.
I see! Thank you, that makes me happy.
…
Can I call you Kaveh?
Sure.
…To be completely transparent, I have a small confession to make.
I have a bad feeling about this, but go ahead.
I’ve been calling you ‘Pseudo-haitham’ in my head this whole time.
…
Hehe, it’s not bad, right?
You always complained about my taste, but it seems like yours is even worse.
What?! Ah! Do you want to become ‘Mal-haitham’??
No idea who that is.
Liar. It suits you.
Hmph.
Haha! Don’t look so grumpy!
…I’m glad that you came here, even if we’re both fakes. Nice to meet you, Alhaitham!