Octavia stared down Valkyrie's Call.

Valkyrie's Call stared back.

Her eyes flickered, at least once, to the railing that had swallowed both acolytes whole in tandem. Even now, she could trace their exact path there with her eyes, if she chose. She didn't particularly get to choose, for how instinctive of a motion it was. If she peered over the rail once more, maybe they'd still be down there. Maybe the stains were still there. Under no circumstances could she summon the courage to check.

She was vaguely aware of Allison's eyes on her, and surely Josiah's as well--the latter, granted, was likely a byproduct of her continued security in his arms. Octavia never did figure out exactly who'd discovered their bodies first. It bothered her far more than it should've, as with so many other things.

Of all places she would've expected to hear bells, she found none. It was as much of a relief as it was vehemently unnatural. In her defense, this was the last place she'd ever genuinely heard them. They hadn't stilled in peace. If Allison were to play now, so, so close to her, Octavia couldn't begin to fathom her own reaction. She didn't try. She could hardly stop floating as it was, further above the bell tower than was necessary.

"Octavia."

Where she would've expected to hear Josiah's voice, she found the little acolyte's instead. The wide eyes that challenged the bright sky overhead fixed her with innocent curiosity, and it didn't quite hurt. "Thank you for…coming up here. I know there's lots of stairs."

Octavia nodded so slowly that the motion didn't even register at first. "I-I…it's…okay," she struggled to breathe.

Josiah did everything in his power to balance hoisting her to her feet with efficiency and gentleness. He was largely successful, her small bout of staggering notwithstanding. He still kept himself close, lest she have the same reaction once more. For that, Octavia was grateful. "Thanks for meeting us here," he offered to Allison quietly.

She nodded as well, her hands folded neatly over the skirt of her robes. "I…didn't think you were gonna want to meet Valkyrie so soon. I thought Seraphim would've made you tired."

That was the most powerful understatement Octavia had ever heard. Deep inside, some part of her could've died from laughter. "I wanted to get them both done quickly," she answered instead.

Octavia's eyes were barely for Allison in the first place, continuing to bore holes into the bell as they were. Allison's gaze upon her partner was far softer by comparison. Their size difference was still incredibly striking, even relative to that of the acolyte before her. Even now, the mental image of Allison ringing the bell wasn't something Octavia could wrap her head around, try as she might.

"I'm…I get to meet Valkyrie, so I'm happy," Allison murmured. "Even if it won't be for very long."

She almost felt bad, for how dismissive her urgency was to the child. "I-I…I'm sure Valkyrie's Call is looking forward to meeting you, too."

Allison didn't smile. Never once had Octavia seen her smile, and that hurt in its own way. If this was what it took to make the little acolyte happy, maybe that was worth something, too.

When Allison only eyed her semi-expectantly, she could feel herself sweating. It took far, far more effort than it should've to depart from Josiah's radius in any capacity. He trailed behind her, at least briefly. At the foot of the bell, the space he gave her was as necessary as it was highly unwelcome. Her audience of two wasn't a problem, numerically speaking. They were, perhaps, the two people in the world most in need of her touch upon Valkyrie's Call. How unfortunate, then, that it was the one place of which she'd sooner sear her fingers off than lay her hands upon.

You are afraid of me.

Octavia recoiled. The steps she stumbled backwards were few, yet notable. Whether or not it was an accusation was debatable, the deep and resonant tone in her mind echoing so much like the vessel it claimed. Her heart would surely never return to a normal rhythm again, given how these last few days were treating her.

"Octavia?" she heard Josiah ask with worry.

Am I correct?

She didn't acknowledge Josiah. She could barely acknowledge the voice that pressed her. That's…not true.

You run from me.

Octavia shook her head. It's not you.

You hide from me.

Again, it's not you.

Then for what reason have you sought to evade me?

The degree to which her fingernails were digging into her own palms was painful, slicing their way through the bandages in earnest. It wasn't important. I don't want to be here. Not because of you, but because of something that happened.

What is it from which you run?

Octavia gritted her teeth. This wasn't their business. I made a mistake. I don't like to think about it. That's all.

You blame yourself.

Under no circumstances was she going to tear up in front of Valkyrie's Call. It was the poorest possible first impression she could think of making, even if it wasn't quite her first. And if I do?

Then such blame is misplaced.

You don't know that.

I say so with certainty.

How?

I was there.

Her blood froze in her veins. To be fair, the puzzle pieces were there, spilled and well-worn as they were. It wouldn't have taken a miracle to smash them together.

The blame lies not with you.

Had she not been the Ambassador, Octavia was certain her voice aloud would've cracked instead. This was the only blessing she could count. It wasn't Selena's fault, either, or Sonata's. They needed help. I couldn't give it to them. Who else's fault could it be?

My own.

Octavia's breath hitched in her throat. What?

And that of Seraphe, as well.

Again, she couldn't help but shake her head. I don't understand.

It is our presence that has led to such tragedy and suffering. The blame lies not with our own, but with those amongst this world who would walk a path of corruption and depravity. In some ways, it should have been anticipated.

Octavia did what she could to meet the instrument with eyes as soft as their partner's own. But you didn't do anything wrong, either. Neither of you. You didn't ask for this.

How ironic it is, that such which was so reprehensible became unavoidable. It was not by our own volition. It was loathsome. It was, and is, a torture. This is far from a path we had ever wished to tread. Please understand, Ambassador, that this was not our choice. This is not what we hoped to become.

Her fists trembled more fiercely than she would've liked. I know you didn't want this.

We did not wish to be deified.

I…get it.

We did not wish to interfere.

I know.

We would not walk the same path as she.

Octavia paused. It took a moment for her fingers to uncurl, for her eyes to widen. Where she'd battled shaky breaths out of fear, she found only uneven rattles of confusion in their place. She didn't have the heart to press her bandaged fingertips to the bronze. The words she found were aloud, instead, untethered to the privacy gifted to the Ambassador alone. It wasn't a dismissal so much as an invitation.

"Show me what you look like," she whispered. "I want to see you."

Where Sonata had once compared Seraphim's Call and Valkyrie's Call, a picture of parallel identities had been painted. Several times over, she'd heard them decreed as "twins", or another variant of the same. Octavia understood now. He was the splitting image of Seraphe in every way.

The Muse that met her eyes could, quite literally, pass as his twin. He was breathtakingly beautiful, much the same visage of radiant masculinity as his counterpart so far below. Angelic in equal measure, the milky brilliance that wrapped him up and speckled the air he claimed was far more divine beneath the shimmering rays of the sun.

Upon the backdrop of the bell, glistening gorgeously under a shining day, he may have even been more resplendent than Seraphe altogether. Octavia's mouth felt dry. Once more, she patiently awaited the moment when angel wings would surely unfurl and the divinity he so rejected would bless her in full. She consciously resisted the urge to bow her head in his presence, uncomfortable as the reflex was. She could hardly tear her eyes from him in the first place.

Octavia's first attempts at an introduction made it absolutely nowhere. "You're…"

He filled in where she left off effortlessly. When he bowed to her instead, her breath fled her body altogether. It felt undeserved and surreal. She had half a mind to beg him to stop, to straighten up and leave the humble gesturing to someone far less regal.

"I am Valkyria," he spoke softly, "the Apex of Strength."

Whatever introduction she'd cobbled together on her lips fizzled out instantly.

Josiah, behind her, was apparently equally as baffled. The space he'd respectfully given her was dashed in an instant, and his own wide eyes were hers to observe in full. "Did…you say Apex of Strength?"

He nodded. "That is correct."

Every word that left him was one Octavia couldn't think straight enough to say herself. Even if the sentiments were there, they surely never would've found any coherent form of expression. Josiah was the translator she didn't know she needed. "This…whole time?" he continued in disbelief.

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Again did the Muse nod. "Long have I languished atop this place. To be in the presence of the Ambassador at last is a miracle of which words will do no justice."

Even if she couldn't acknowledge his incredible status, Octavia could at least acknowledge her title. The stammering wasn't intentional, nor was the way the depth of her own bow nearly dragged her braids against the stones at her feet. "I-I'm Octavia, the Ambassador. I-It's wonderful to finally meet you."

She bit her lip immediately. For how long she'd dreaded facing him, she wondered if he could tell exactly how much of that was a lie. She wondered how much of it was a lie, herself. He didn't press her on it.

"You're…they've been looking for you," Josiah explained breathlessly. "I just…how? I never thought it'd be…you."

"Did…you know?" Octavia asked, her gaze flickering to the starry-eyed acolyte instead.

It was amazing that she could get Allison's attention at all, given how wonderfully fixated she was on her partner's divine image. "I don't know what we're talking about. I'm sorry."

She should've expected as much. "That's…okay."

For how little the newest Velrose Acolyte was by comparison to the Muse, it was no surprise when he lowered himself to her level. The sight was almost endearing, even as their notable size difference continued to endure. She gazed upon him with only curiosity in place of fear. His bow of respect wasn't offered to the Ambassador alone.

"And you, my child, we finally meet," he spoke gently. "It is a pleasure."

Allison hesitated for a moment before returning his bow, although not quite as deep as Octavia's own. "My name is Allison. It's nice to meet you, Valkyria. I like your name."

"I like your name, as well."

It was the first smile Octavia had ever seen grace the young acolyte's face, beaming and beautiful in the face of his praise. It was the first warmth she'd felt in her heart in what felt like far too long. It was one of the only things she'd hoped for, and it was a single prayer she'd finally had answered. Octavia could've cried. She almost did.

"Thank you for being my friend."

"And of you, I say the same. I feel your love."

"I do love you."

"I know it to be true."

Octavia didn't have the heart to interrupt them. For as long as Allison had longed for this, and for as much as she'd lost, she deserved at least one moment of happiness. Josiah didn't push.

"Was I a good acolyte?"

"You were, and you are. You are a wonderful partner, above all else. You bring grace and beauty to your legacy in abundance, and your strength is to be admired."

"You're so nice. I knew you'd be nice."

"How could you be so certain, my child?"

"I just knew."

It took Octavia a moment to realize she was smiling, too. It felt unusual. It felt good.

"Does it hurt when I play you?"

"Not at all. Does it pain you?"

"It doesn't hurt. I get sore, sometimes. They make me do it a lot. If it's for you, though, it's okay."

"I…apologize that my presence has caused you such grief."

Allison shook her head. "I'm happy I got to be with you. That makes it worth it."

"For every manner by which I have brought suffering unto you, you would still say so?"

"I like you. I like being with you. I like knowing that you're there. It makes me less lonely."

"I would not have faulted you for your hatred, for what agony you have surely endured."

"I would never hate you. Mommy loved you, and Sonata loved you, so I love you, too."

It was apparently obvious that Octavia was about to become emotional, for the way Josiah gently rested one hand upon her shoulder. She rested her bandaged fingertips atop his own quietly, grateful for his presence alone.

"You're gonna have to go home soon, right?"

"I will not forget you."

"Will you get to see Seraphim's Call again?"

"I believe I will."

"Are you excited?"

"I am."

"Can you say hi for me? I never got to meet Seraphim. I wanted to do that, too."

"I shall. Will you be alright in my absence?"

"I'll be lonely."

Valkyria chuckled softly. It was a sound Octavia enjoyed, somewhat. "You are honest."

"It's true. I'll miss you a lot. I don't have anyone left."

"I will be in your heart, as will you be in my own."

"Promise?"

"I do."

It wasn't at all that Octavia had any fleeting desire to return to Velrose after this. Still, she could at least write to the little acolyte. Someday, maybe she'd find the strength to do more. It was a bridge she'd cross once her heart stopped stinging.

"I'm…okay now," Allison offered softly.

At first, Octavia believed her words to be for Valkyria yet again. When those round eyes fell upon herself, instead, it took her a moment to recognize their intent.

"I'm ready to say goodbye," Allison clarified. "I'm…ready for Valkyria to go home and get to see his family. What do I have to do, Ambassador?"

Octavia shook her head. "You don't have to do anything. I'm gonna take care of everything else. It's alright."

Allison nodded quietly. "Okay."

Octavia raised her eyes to the Muse, who reciprocated her gaze. "You…said you didn't want to be deified. I get that, but…you said something else, too."

Valkyria hesitated. "This city is a farce, as is that which rests below it. I am to blame for my misplaced trust, for the way I had once spoken of Above to one of my own from so long ago. So, too, came forth such an imitation, a blasphemous perversion of a realm so sacred in a world so impure. It was, and is, a sickening display. I will admit to dreams of casting judgment upon them as the deity they chose me to be, and yet I could not dare to interfere. This is no Above."

"Above," Josiah breathed slowly, "and below."

He nodded. "Indeed."

Josiah's breathing quickened. "That's…sick. That's disgusting! Is that really why?"

"I do not disagree with you, child," Valkyria said sadly.

"What about the blossom and the flame? What the hell is that about? The acolytes? The…all the restrictions? Where'd that come from?" he practically cried.

Valkyria shook his head. "As to those, I know not. Representations of purity and sin, I have come to presume. Their origins are not of my own words, nor those of Seraphe. Of this, I am certain. It is…unsettling."

Josiah exhaled sharply, squeezing his eyes shut as he battled for his composure. "They don't deserve you. If nothing else, I'll…feel better when you're back where you're supposed to be. I'm sure you will, too, and I hope Seraphe does, as well. No amount of me apologizing is going to do a thing."

"I am appreciative of your sentiments, regardless. I am aware of Seraphe's prior predicament, from what my own has told me. If it would not trouble you to answer, might I know who he chose to call his own in his final moments upon this world?"

Octavia froze. She almost didn't have the heart to look at Josiah's face. To her immense surprise, he seemed far, far calmer than she'd expected him to be. For a brief moment, he threw his eyes at the floor of the bell tower.

"Celestina Ebony. Former acolyte of the Ebony family. She was his partner, once. She…ran away," he explained quietly.

"Yet she chose to return?"

Octavia wouldn't dare say why. Josiah shirked the exact same admission. "Without her, he wouldn't have been able to get home. You guys didn't exactly make it easy to find a solid partner. We didn't even know if she could reforge her bond with him at all. We…didn't have a choice but to try."

Valkyria fell silent for a moment. "It was…only in the blood of our own legacies that we could trust. In these false sanctuaries, we carried little faith in those whose strength was not of pure intent. I assure you, we never intended to bring them suffering. It seems that is what became of our actions, nonetheless. He surely had never left her blood in full, even long after he had been shunned by her hands. To know that they were reunited at last is a comfort of sorts."

"Did she…know?" Octavia tried. "That he didn't forget about her?"

"I would like to imagine," Valkyria offered. "Even should we part with our own, we will always be bound by blood from afar. It matters not with whom we next stand alongside. Only in our departure from this realm would that be lost."

Octavia fidgeted slightly. "I…like to imagine she knew, too. I know why she left, but she…seemed good to him. I wonder if he missed that."

"I am grateful he found his peace," Valkyria said gently, "and I pray that she did, as well."

Octavia inhaled. She exhaled. Neither breath was calm, let alone steady. "I…want to grant you your peace, too. You deserve it. You deserve better."

"I will not impede your efforts, Ambassador, nor will I seek to stifle my relief. I will not offer platitudes you have surely heard time and time again from my brethren. I will simply give my gratitude, once and once alone. I hope it will suffice."

She nodded. "I don't need praise. I just want you to be safe. I want you to be happy."

"And I wish the same unto you, for all you have surely been through."

Octavia tensed. It took effort to relax her fingers, clenching and unclenching a fist she hadn't even realized she was holding. She met his gaze with every ounce of false calm she could scrounge up.

"I'm ready," she lied, "whenever you are."

The Muse paused. Octavia closed her eyes. The trembling was involuntary. Logically, there was no possible way for Valkyrie's Call to come even remotely close to the toll count of its partner so far below. It still didn't stop her heart from pounding, her blood from rushing, her knees from shaking. She didn't watch Allison's face as Valkyria borrowed her name. She couldn't bear to watch anything, lost only in prayer after prayer as she was.

"Allison Ivory," he spoke, "your toll has been paid once over."

Once.

"Now, Ambassador, see through the eyes of the one who paid the toll."

And she was all but confident.

And when she turned her head, cracking her eyes open slowly, Josiah, too, had concluded the same. She wasn't sure what to expect--anger, hurt, fear, any other myriad of distressed emotions. The faint smile that had crossed his lips was incredibly jarring. He offered it to her, and she accepted it with immense disorientation.

"I knew it," he murmured.

Octavia wasn't sure what led her to call his name. "Josiah?"

"That's her," he continued softly. "She's in there."

Octavia gulped. "Does that…bother you?"

He shook his head, stuffing his hands into his pockets. "On the contrary. I know where she is now. It takes a weight off my shoulders."

She didn't get to respond. His words were as gentle as his eyes. "You said you wished you got to know her better, right? This is the best possible way you could get to know her. Hope there's nothing too embarrassing in there. Now I'm kind of nervous, actually. I'm sure I'll…be in there quite a bit. If you get lonely, look for me, okay?"

Octavia nodded. "I…okay."

"I know how it ends," Josiah continued, somewhat more serious. "I know you know, too. I don't…want to dismiss a lot of what you're gonna see. Her life wasn't pretty. She went through a lot, and I wouldn't wish the things she dealt with on anyone. I'm sorry you have to do this at all. I'll be here for you when you're done, no matter what happens or what you see in there. I lived to see a lot of it. I know how much it sucked, even from the outside looking in."

Again, she nodded, stretching her fingers experimentally. "O-Okay."

She didn't get to lift her other hand, even if she would've wanted to. Josiah squeezed it ever so gently, the smile on his face matching beautifully. "You…don't have to tell me everything. You barely have to tell me anything. Don't get me wrong, I'm curious to hear about all the ridiculous things she did that I don't know about. I'd love to find out where she hid all the stuff she used to steal from me, too. That's…not that important. Just whatever you're willing to spare. I'll take the highlights, if you're willing. Okay? The…nice stuff. I know she's got nice stuff in there. I know her."

Octavia couldn't return his smile. She nodded again anyway. "Okay."

He squeezed her hand once more. She squeezed back. "I'll…wait for you," he said softly.

She was immediately lonely the second she was freed from his grip, only glimmering bronze awaiting her touch instead. She hoped her bandages wouldn't get in the way, frankly, a problem she'd never had to deal with before. Her fingers trembled on the way up, as she'd more or less expected. It was involuntary.

Octavia offered her eyes only to the surface of Valkyrie's Call, struggling to ignore her own reflection just barely visible upon the metal. It was the second-least welcome sight she could hope for at the moment. She dreaded engaging with the first.

She wondered if she would've been panicking more, had Josiah not painted for her such a soft picture of what would surely be one of the most brutal tolls imaginable. It was by no means Selena's fault. If she really, truly hoped to understand the acolyte, then his words definitely held water, at least logically. Still, the idea of suffering what Octavia knew her to have suffered was not a pleasant image.

At the very least, Josiah would be down there with her. If his words were to be believed, he would be down there with her quite a bit. That alone was a comfort. She wondered if that, too, was how Selena had felt.

Octavia couldn't bear to look at her own reflection a moment longer, nor could she physically witness the moment it happened. She squeezed her eyes shut, battling the way her body rejected oxygen as her palm came to rest flat against the warm bronze. Diving into the dark was much easier when she was already there.

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