CR Chart (Final Update) (Assume Spoilers through 5.3)

[unsundered]

Crystal Exarchexarchal » » » sixth-dimensional chess partner Final Fantasy XIV Witch

INTENSITY | ◆◆◆◆◇ TRUST | ◆◆◇◇◇ FRUSTRATION | ◆◆◆◆◆ FAMILIARITY | ◆◇◇◇◇ ATTRACTION | ◆◇◇◇◇ RESPECT | ◆◆◆◇◇ CAT? | Probably

On their world, mutual caution was imperative. The Exarch, near-silent with him; the Ascian, circling, waiting for a moment of weakness. But here, after the end, with powers gone and plans irrelevant, those limitations are no longer in play. As a result, their already-strained relationship has gradually deteriorated. The Exarch's schemes were triumphant, and while Emet-Selch doesn't yet know of the man's full involvement, he is fully aware that it all ends with the Ascian's defeat and destruction. This knowledge, plus being on a world divorced from consequence has led to a shift of their dynamic to something more openly antagonistic. A conflict that remains entirely verbal, thus far. As from the Ascian's perspective, the Exarch chooses to bait and taunt him, taking advantage of his weakened state, knowing that there's little he can do in retaliation. Knowing that if Emet-Selch tried to harm him, he'd face the wrath of four Warriors of Light, plus nearly everyone else from their world. He'd be torn apart. Emet-Selch began viewing all of their interactions under this lens: the Exarch was taking his revenge on him; every word he spoke, every action he took was a deliberate provocation. And when you're looking to be insulted, it's easy to take offense. It's a pretty self-centered view, honestly. That they have more than a few things in common isn't something he's wholly conscious of, and isn't at all anything he'd ever want to think about. While their views are absolutely in opposition, they both are completely devoted to them. Specifically, towards the saving of someone or something separate from themselves, to their own great detriment. They're both idealistic, manipulative, and sentimental, focused on the resurrection of a lost past. They're both old, tired men, lonely and drowned by history. Unfortunately, their convictions cannot coexist; in the end, one of them had to fall, their ambitions crushed. This last awareness- both in truth and result- has certainly colored things for them. And while Emet-Selch bears little resentment towards the Warriors of Light for their active part in his death, his anger and despair come out much more readily in his actions with the Exarch. He became an acceptable target, something to take out his frustrations on, if only through words- and despite it accomplishing nothing other than frustrating him further. It wasn't even a deliberate choice, but a spiteful consequence that grew ever easier to fall into. And so it might've remained, growing ever tenser until reaching a point of self-destruction- if not for Emet-Selch's capture and subsequent torture at the hands of a particular noble family. A fate horrific enough that once rescued, the Ascian found himself being... healed, by the Crystal Exarch. Beset by delusions, pain, hopelessness, and significant confusion, Emet-Selch had a... completely civil conversation, of sorts, with him. It led to some uncomfortable realizations on his part- both on how and why he was treating the Exarch as he had- and that truly, at least in this place, there were more relevant targets than each other. Concessions were made. And as a result, Emet-Selch decided to try and avoid provoking the Exarch in future. With the Exarch's departure from the world soon after, those beginnings of effort and whispers of tolerance weren't given any chance to be tested- something that the Ascian viewed with a mixture of feelings. Having one potential threat, one aggravation gone was a relief, but there was frustration to him escaping before he'd learned much of anything about who or what he truly was. ...And in some small way Emet-Selch missed having an 'adversary', someone to indulge in verbal fencing matches. After Emet-Selch's own mirror decided to provide him with memories up to and including his death, he wondered again what difference it might make in their dynamic, should he ever meet the Exarch again. The past would remain, and he suspected they would never remotely get on, but- curiosity exists nonetheless.

Elidibusnotbert » » » heart of darkness Final Fantasy XIV Witch

INTENSITY | ◆◆◇◇◇ TRUST | ◆◆◆◆◇ FRUSTRATION | ◆◆◆◇◇ FAMILIARITY | ◆◆◆◆◇ ATTRACTION | ◆◇◇◇◇ RESPECT | ◆◆◆◆◇ ROLE | Emissary

A fellow unbroken Ascian and member of the Convocation of Fourteen. That he has genuinely 'sided' with humanity and would no longer persist in the Rejoinings even if he could- these are things that Emet-Selch intends to keep to himself, for as long as possible, while maintaining cordial (relatively speaking) ties with his fellow Ascians. Though even if he were to make his thoughts explicitly known- he wonders, at least with Elidibus- whether the response would be more one of pity and regret, rather than particular rage. That his new position would be taken as a sort of crisis of faith, a reaction to the difficulty of their task- but something that he could, with patience, be brought back from. Which is a thought to irk. But he's fine with putting off that potential problem for as long as possible, and otherwise doesn't... entirely mind having more contact with his compatriots, difficult as they are in their own ways, and the complications they added to his life. With Elidibus, there's always the issue of him not being the person that he'd once been, back in Amaurot, and sometimes Emet-Selch questions his own nostalgia, and the point of wanting to maintain ties to a shell of a person. But he does, because he can't forget who he had once been, and so long as one of them remembered, how could he not? That this world was the only place he'd ever see him again- it provides a motivation that he'd lacked at home, a reason to tolerate more Ascian-company than he otherwise ever would have. That there have been hints of Elidibus possibly recalling a memory or two... doesn't hurt either. As of yet, he's not optimistic, but- what if the physical distance from Zodiark, in addition to the man's Bonds with Lahabrea and himself, could bring something back that he'd long assumed to be lost? In any case, what could he do but wait and see, and hope that he successfully puzzled out how to maintain a mortal shell in the meantime. Emet-Selch also woke up to Elidibus giving him a sponge bath in the hospital once, and for good or ill, that's not something he'll ever be able to forget.

Irhya Pendhulaomnicrafter » » » bat who cleaves Final Fantasy XIV Monster (Vampire)

INTENSITY | ◆◆◆◇◇ TRUST | ◆◆◆◆◇ FRUSTRATION | ◆◆◆◇◇ FAMILIARITY | ◆◆◆◆◇ ATTRACTION | ◆◆◇◇◇ RESPECT | ◆◆◆◆◇ CAT? | Yes

A playful and teasing miqo'te whom he occasionally shares a residence with, and after her undeath, occasionally provides blood to. A Warrior of Light from another version of his star, their relationship has not been without its conflicts. It was a combination of elements: his bitterness towards his fate, her lack of confidence with him (despite her confidence in other arenas). At the time, Emet-Selch had only known of his death, but had not experienced it- which led to a certain difference in attitude towards it. Communication in general was the source of any number of issues between Irhya and Emet-Selch, as many of her words or claims were taken poorly by him, her intention either misunderstood or deliberately twisted. It felt a common problem to him, that these heroes never truly understood his position, or what they asked of him in maintaining friendly ties with someone who had murdered him, had destroyed all chance of reviving his beloved people. And while he had initially believed that he had a handle on his own response, as time went on and he could find no means of avoiding his eventual fate should he return home- his resentfulness only grew. And while they had Bonded fairly soon after his arrival in Aefenglom, the Ascian drove Irhya to annul it some months later, after a particularly vicious argument. Even if their relationship somewhat recovered afterward, there was no solving his fear or bitterness over his future demise. And throughout, Emet-Selch never truly had respect for her as a mortal (something he extended to all of humanity). No matter any attachment or interest in her- or recognizing that she is, somehow, another version of his long-shattered friend- it couldn't overcome his existing prejudices. Until he returned to his mirror... and everything was over. Gaining both memory and experience of the future, including that of his death and a brief moment afterward- he finally understood some of the things she had said, and the intention behind them, rather than being blinded by resentment and spite. Accepting her right, and the right of the younger races to be alive, that his own time has passed- it wasn't a simple thing, it was something that took his own death to achieve, and he's not without immense feelings of grief and loss. But it's not bitter, and he no longer blames her for his sorrow, or has reason to lash out at her over it. For all that he believed that she didn't understand him- he came to realize that he'd failed to understand her. With Irhya also having reached the same point of memory, it provided both of them an improved perspective, and their relationship has stabilized. While he's certain there will be some bickering and disagreements (there certainly were with Azem), he thinks it might be easier for them to avoid becoming too personal, too heated. A year after agreeing to their their initial Bond, and over half a year since it ended in disillusion and grief, Irhya asked him to Bond with her again. After giving further thought to it, he accepted, knowing that they both knew more of what they were getting into. More of what they could expect from one another, and beyond all that... a greater understanding of each other. She has also since admitted her feelings for him, something that he would have once viewed with contempt and anger- but now, though he doesn't love her in any way other than as a close and dear friend (even if he's the only one to remember the earliest days of their friendship, thousands of years past), he has no intention of pulling away from her. So long as she still seeks out his company... he is willing to provide it. To get to know Irhya, as the woman that she is now.

K'rihnn Tiakrihnnges » » » safety cat Final Fantasy XIV Monster (Dragon)

INTENSITY | ◆◇◇◇◇ TRUST | ◆◆◆◆◇ FRUSTRATION | ◆◇◇◇◇ FAMILIARITY | ◆◆◆◇◇ ATTRACTION | ◆◆◆◇◇ RESPECT | ◆◆◆◇◇ CAT? | Yes

Thoughtful, brave, and exceptionally kind, K'rihnn is the Warrior of Light that Emet-Selch feels the most comfortable with. He was the first to volunteer details of the Ascian's future, on realizing that they belonged to slightly different timelines, and that's something that he remains grateful for. Doing so was inherently something of a risk, but K'rihnn had trusted and respected him enough to do so, which he won't forget. (Even if K'rihnn did leave out a few important details, some of which Emet-Selch has since learned. This is a point of annoyance, though he can understand why he did it.) And though he views K'rihnn as brave, Emet-Selch knows that he's not always this way, and that it's not a trait that he bears naturally. That he had to work for it, that he still remains skittish and frequently timid- it's something that the Ascian both admires and finds somewhat amusing. Teasing or startling him tends to happen on occasion, and Emet-Selch feels not the slightest bit of guilt nor regret at provoking him in such ways. Even when it did lead him to get bitten once, when the dragon-cat was facing a bit of semi-ferality (which startled him too much to even be particularly offended at). But if he actually had some sort of problem- specifically anything emotionally based, that for some reason he was willing to speak on- K'rihnn would easily be the first person Emet-Selch would approach. He trusts him to give both an honest and considered answer, and that anything private he told him, would be kept between them. He feels as though they could probably discuss most things in a civil manner, K'rihnn's politeness holding his own emotions in check. He's just a very soothing sort of man; even being told that he was cared for, in such a straightforward, matter-of-fact way, provoked only a cursory amount of alarm in the Ascian. And K'rihnn was the first Warrior of Light that Emet-Selch realized that he cared for in turn. Despite the absurdity of such a thing. During the week of captivity and torture, the two were held together for a time. As it occurred near the end of their stay, neither was in a particularly good condition. Frequently falling into delusions, Emet-Selch sometimes mistook K'rihnn for the wrong person, as part of not being entirely... present, in the current day. It wasn't a very good experience for anyone, and they've yet to discuss anything of what they went through. They probably should, for all that the Ascian doesn't particularly want to. But if he were to ever discuss that experience with anyone- K'rihnn would be the most likely candidate. And though he wouldn't necessarily think to volunteer himself for it, if K'rihnn ever needed to talk to him about anything personal or important, he would listen and take it seriously. After K'rihnn's disappearance from the world, Emet-Selch initially viewed it both with bitterness and resentment. How dare the miqo'te disappear, never, presumably, to remember anything about their meeting here, on this foreign star; once more, he would be forgotten. Over time, the resentment mellowed, though the Ascian still misses him, time and again. After experiencing his future and gaining the personal knowledge of his own death, Emet-Selch regretted again that he couldn't speak with K'rihnn about it- or any number of other things that had happened as months continued to pass. Even so... he knows that the version of their star where K'rihnn walks is safely left in his hands.

Lahabreafuelingfire » » » voice of unreason Final Fantasy XIV Monster (Aeternae)

INTENSITY | ◆◆◇◇◇ TRUST | ◆◆◆◇◇ FRUSTRATION | ◆◆◆◇◇ FAMILIARITY | ◆◆◆◆◇ ATTRACTION | ◆◇◇◇◇ RESPECT | ◆◆◆◇◇ ROLE | Speaker

A fellow unbroken Ascian and member of the Convocation of Fourteen. While he is less than pleased both with Lahabrea's attempt to disembowel him, as well as his regard for his Bondeds, he's also not someone he's willing to give up on. Unpleasant as he often as (as they both are, if Emet-Selch is in a mood to be fair), he was still an Ascian, he was still Amaurotine, and one of the only ones who understands at all where he's coming from. Even if they both dealt with the trauma of the end of their world differently, were affected by different aspects of it, and even if Emet-Selch questions the other man's sanity- that doesn't erase that Lahabrea had been there, that he remembered it. Their old world was perfection; the new is a shattered wreck, populated by broken souls motivated by pettiness and spite. On this much, at least, they seem to be in agreement. Lahabrea's suggestion that he might have been corrupted by Hydaelyn, due to his Bond with Irhya- was an absurdity, something not even worth considering. That Lahabrea has quietly persisted in this line of thinking, even taking measures to try and kindly rid Emet-Selch of such influence- is something that he never became aware of, but something that he'd likely be no less offended about should he discover it. On the other hand, Lahabrea did gift him with a collection of expertly hand-carved rabbit statuettes (along with one of Zodiark). He has no idea why, but he did appreciate the strange thoughtfulness of the gesture. Broken mind aside, the other Ascian was capable of great beauty when he was inclined to it.

Mettatonglitzandglamour » » » attractive menace Undertale Monster (Puca)

INTENSITY | ◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆ TRUST | ◆◆◆◆◆ FRUSTRATION | ◆◆◆◇◇ FAMILIARITY | ◆◆◆◆◆ ATTRACTION | Yes RESPECT | ◆◆◆◆◆ MARRIED? | Finally

They met in the midst of captivity and torture, and a bet was made on the likelihood of survival, with a promise to Bond being the penalty for failing to die. Lives were saved, Bonds were made- and then it started to get serious. And then they discovered that they were very, very different people. And while this was obvious from the outset- Mettaton's cheer and exuberance contrasting with the Ascian's dour and prickly demeanor- they differed quite severely in more important ways. Especially in their regard for mortals, for humanity: a blind idolization of them, versus considering the lot as vermin who aren't even alive. That the Ascian had been responsible for the deaths of literally millions of them, without even the suggestion of a moral quandary wouldn't go over well with most people, but certainly not someone who loves humanity as a concept. But despite their more stark contrasts, it's not as though they don't have things in common. Immortality. A sense that rules don't apply to them. Confidence to the point of arrogance, selfishness, and a general self-focus. Yet still capable of intense attachment and love, when presented with an appropriate target. Intensity is a running theme, even if it presents itself differently between them. Both are very much tied to their past- with Mettaton specifically avoiding it to live wholly in the present, while Emet-Selch has discarded the present entirely to live solely in his history. The future becomes a strange thing in either case- something to view with anticipation, dread... or as an impossibility. In a way, Mettaton reminds him of Hythlodaeus, a close friend of his from Amaurot. While they're very different people, they have something of a similar dynamic with the Ascian, and he thinks that this may have been why Mettaton struck him as strangely familiar, almost from the start. Due to a terrible quirk of fate, Hythlodaeus was briefly present in the city, and the meeting of the two certainly justified all of Emet-Selch's fears regarding their combination. But it's a dynamic that he finds congenial, for all that it's also simultaneously irritating. And while in casual conversation, that annoyance is likely to be more evident, whenever they turn to more serious topics (which is with surprising frequency), the Ascian finds him actually quite easy to speak to. That despite (or rather, alongside) Mettaton's frivolous-seeming attitudes and general narcissism, he's clever, observant, and interesting. Even when he disagrees with him, he's never bored, and whenever he's around, the puca gets his full attention. And they have quite a few disagreements. While he first thought of Mettaton's love of humanity to be simple delusion, a common mistake, and that- with any luck- he'd grow out of it in time... Emet-Selch has modified his opinion slightly. He considers Mettaton to be very naive in that regard, almost innocent- which has a tinge more of a sympathetic inflection than mere delusion. And while he'd certainly do nothing to dissuade Mettaton from changing his opinion on humanity to reflect more experience with its darker side- the Ascian would also find it regretful. That if he ever lost that unwarranted faith in humanity, that he'd end up a much unhappier person for it- and that's something that, for some reason, Emet-Selch would not want to see. That reason is because he grew to care about him. And then to love him. It wasn't an acceptance that came at all easily- as becoming attached to a love so temporary as to be found in a world neither could choose to remain in- was the same as accepting another loss, a deepened loneliness the price for meager solace. Yet where acceptance was hard to find, love yet remained, and continued to deepen as months turned into years. At some points tender, at other times tragic, their feelings for one another were never anything other than intense; what they offered each other was nothing less than the whole of themselves. At first the openness of their Bond had been a thing of mutual spite, a desire to force the other to give in, unable to deal with the excessiveness of one another's personalities- but became an important, crucial part of their connection. Nothing could be hidden, no matter how bleak and no matter how affected; openness begat openness, and in the end they found more companionship than either of them had bargained for. A side of possessiveness came with it, though not with any intention or desire towards actually controlling Mettaton, and Emet-Selch's confidence is such that he's not at all threatened at the idea of the robot having attachments to others- but he considers the puca to be his, nonetheless. And that it's a mutual thing is an important part of it- though he never would've considered the feeling of someone being possessive of him to be at all an appealing one. But that they're both ultimately excessive, emotional people is a major draw to him. And though it wasn't a conscious decision, that he's able to show ever more of himself, with ever fewer reservations- it was a compelling thing. Their feelings, their actions and personalities- they all fed on one another in an ever-increasing loop. From curiosity and interest- even accompanied by intense disapproval- to increasingly more profound emotional vulnerability. A tolerance for physical closeness became actively seeking it out. By now they cannot even remotely keep their hands off each other. Good lord they are insatiable and nothing will stop them. But there's a lot of pain involved in emotional closeness. And fear. Of it all being lost, of being forgotten, to being left alone once again. These aren't things Emet-Selch can forget or overcome, and his despair of it will likely always tinge his attachment for the puca. But with his emotional honesty and directness- Mettaton forced the Ascian into some measure of acknowledgement of what had developed between them, rather than allow it to be ignored and never approached. From denial, to protest, to miserable acceptance, and onward into honesty. Though Emet-Selch has never considered going back (or wanting to) an option, some facets of their relationship never did get any easier. One at a time, they each returned to their mirrors- not to depart, as it turned out, but to see a glimpse of their future. Each time it broke their hearts a little more, erased another impossible hope that they might be the exception- that they might remember, that they could force their Bonded to stay if they were persistent. But there was nothing either of them could do to fix things, and with a shattered hand incidentally trod on by Mettaton's trip to his mirror, Emet-Selch lingered in the mire of that awareness, unable to move on from it. Even when Mettaton proposed to him, even when they had days and dates where he could feel something like alive, in this strange, foreign world, the core of all his fears remained. Aware that he could lose his lover at any moment, and that there was nothing that he could do about it- led Emet-Selch to accept a mind-controlled, cwyld-infected Mettaton as something that he could... live with. The increasingly paranoid, distressed puca stopped leaving home, never left his side, and there was a sick solace in company that never ceased. Even when Mettaton infected him with the cwyld, while refusing all suggestion that they should have it cured, Emet-Selch found reason after reason to delay forcing him to a healer, with the underlying truth being that... he liked him like this, needy and reliant. Eventually he would have to fix things, but just for a while more, even if it meant they were slowly dying-- Eventually reaching a point where even in his own madness he couldn't ignore it- it was too late, with his cwyld-infested lover having reached a stage of infection where he could no longer be cured. Refusing to turn him over to be murdered, he permitted himself 'kidnapped' by the insane, starving puca, who carried him out to the Wilde. By puca teeth, the witch perished (And passing Mirrorbound put the near-cwyldtid Mettaton out of his own misery.). Being revived was a matter of great distress (especially with the Ascian having to fight to get Mettaton resurrected at all, and the sight of him broken and rotted, left as so much trash in a corner, is something that continues to haunt him), but by some miracle their Bond endured. But from that came more awareness of all that had gone unaddressed between them, that had been treated with blood and distracted from by ardor. There remained no easy answer to their fate, but the path they were on led to deaths that should have been avoidable. Trauma from the event persists, and it likely always will. Learning to live with distressing experiences though- that's something that Emet-Selch has great practice in. One thing that could no longer be put off until the perfect moment, or planned out to the degree that Mettaton would have liked- was their wedding. And during the Lunasa holiday, they finally were married. A more simple arrangement than what Mettaton had wanted (threatened), being able to regard one another as husbands along with all else before the end- that took precedence over an expensive party. More than indulging in a legal ritual, it was a confirmation of their love, their dedication- and as close to an acknowledgement of the inevitability of their separation as they might ever manage. For all that they might forget, this was real, and it ever would be.

Mikasa Ackermanstopfen » » » would-be farmer Attack on Titan Monster (Fae)

INTENSITY | ◆◇◇◇◇ TRUST | ◆◆◇◇◇ FRUSTRATION | ◆◇◇◇◇ FAMILIARITY | ◆◆◇◇◇ ATTRACTION | ◆◇◇◇◇ RESPECT | ◆◆◇◇◇ INSECT? | Somewhat

A sober and direct woman. Mikasa's first introduction to the Ascian was seeing him indisposed and bleeding out from slightly too deep of a bite left by his Bonded puca. The medical advice she'd given Mettaton possibly helped save his life (or at the very least, did nothing to harm his condition), and it is something he's minorly grateful for. As a result (and because she slotted in nicely in what he's looking for in additional Bondmates: business-like cooperation), on finding out that she lacked a witch to Bond with, he offered himself as a practical, neutral choice. After some time with no better witches in sight, she accepted. Overall, his general impression of her is favorable enough, for a human; the blunt stoicism doesn't bother him, and she strikes him as both competent and practical. And while he'd first thought her a touch oblivious, he's since amended his opinion slightly to decide that she's likely just inexperienced outside of a particularly narrow worldview. He knows extremely little about it, apart from her being some manner of soldier, and at the moment he doesn't particularly care- though there are some glimmers of curiosity now and again. And after Mikasa being injured several times, he has some minor concerns about her fragility... as since they are Bonded, he figures it's in his best interest that she remains healthy. Still, she doesn't irritate him, which already places her above many other mortals. He also watched her wings pop out, and had to explain the concept of sex toys (these two events were unrelated). Just starting to get to know one another beyond the most casual level, the fae disappeared. Emet-Selch didn't notice immediately, despite their Bond, because it occurred while he was dead and busy being revived. Relatively neutral about it himself, for all that he viewed Mikasa amiably enough for a human, he knew Mettaton had been close to her, and regretted her departure mostly for his sake.

Rose Qeidopoisontippedcure » » » co-worker complaint corner Final Fantasy XIV Monster (Fae)

INTENSITY | ◆◆◇◇◇ TRUST | ◆◆◇◇◇ FRUSTRATION | ◆◆◆◇◇ FAMILIARITY | ◆◆◇◇◇ ATTRACTION | ◆◇◇◇◇ RESPECT | ◆◆◇◇◇ CAT? | Yes

Their relationship did not start on the best of foots. A mutual rudeness, a mutual derision. The Ascian accidentally destroying half her garden and then fleeing rather than make any attempt to fix things. Rose's incredibly judgemental and completely incorrect views on Zodiark. What words they spoke to one another consisted of insults, and the very occasional, extremely grudging tolerance. Oh, Rose was still important to him, by virtue of who she was. But that was it. He had little desire to spend any time around her, and apart from keeping a distant eye on the miqo'te to make sure she was still alive, Emet-Selch didn't seek much in the way of getting to know her any better. She was just another Warrior of Light, and a more unpleasant one than most. Even so, even then- he could recognize they had a few annoying things in common. That they were both competent and dutiful because the world around them was neither; they cared very deeply for those close to them, and gave not a single damn for anyone else. They were both sharp-tongued and prickly, with limited kindness to spare for the undeserving (which was almost everyone). And then they were both captured and tortured. Somehow, this... helped. During the time they were kept together, they ended up commiserating about terrible coworkers and the unreliability of others. That they were most likely to die in a completely futile and unpleasant fashion, a pointless demise far separated from anything either of them cared to protect. The smallest bit of vulnerability, but it allowed them to thaw out a little towards one another, something that they've since maintained after their captivity was concluded. There's still snark and teasing, of course, a desire to irritate if not actually hurt. But Emet-Selch considers Rose as both an ally and a friend. Viewing her disappearance with a modicum of regret, he wondered where their burgeoning tolerance might have led, for all that it would likely have been a path strewn with thorns.

Soraoathkeeper » » » enlarged heart Kingdom Hearts Monster (Puca)

INTENSITY | ◆◇◇◇◇ TRUST | ◆◇◇◇◇ FRUSTRATION | ◆◆◇◇◇ FAMILIARITY | ◇◇◇◇◇ ATTRACTION | ◇◇◇◇◇ RESPECT | ◇◇◇◇◇ ASPECT | Light

How many people in this city look like Vanitas? Emet-Selch has a mixed regard for this one. Sora's claim that Light and Darkness could work together is something that the Ascian both finds hopelessly naive, and the smallest bit wistful towards. The Light finding a path that doesn't involve sacrificing their shadowy opposites? Absolute nonsense. That Sora seems convinced of it doesn't change anything. Another hero who thinks they know better than everyone else, that determination was enough to counter reality. One could be as friendly and good-intentioned as they like, but when it came down to it... Light and Dark would always be in opposition. Still, that Vanitas has maintained a Bond with him is a point in Sora's favor. If someone like Vanitas could put up with him, and possibly believe him- then it's possible Sora isn't entirely talk, that he has the will to carry out his absurd notions. Not very possible, but he won't write him off entirely. Only mostly.

Tataru Taruseemstressed » » » weaver of darkness Final Fantasy XIV Witch

INTENSITY | ◆◆◇◇◇ TRUST | ◆◆◆◇◇ FRUSTRATION | ◆◆◇◇◇ FAMILIARITY | ◆◆◇◇◇ ATTRACTION | ◆◇◇◇◇ RESPECT | ◆◆◇◇◇ SIZE | Small

They met during a speed dating event, and asked one another if they were a Warrior of Light. To their mutual relief, they were not, but did share a mutual friendship with said Warrior(s). Against all odds, they've gotten along surprisingly well. While Tataru seems to consider him a bit of a mooch (which he is), and the Ascian alternates between being annoyed and amused at her bossiness in some regards, he doesn't actually dislike her. She's pragmatic without being cold, tries to look after her friends without being a natural fighter. Despite his appearance as an obvious Garlean, she still treated him with an open-mind and kindness. These are all traits he can have respect for, and he thinks the scions should take slightly better care of their poor receptionist and accountant. He's willing to do small pseudo-favors for her, in the interest of goodwill, and is mildly entertained at the thought of helping her to learn Ascian-esque magics. They have since had several, occasionally heated, discussions. Somewhat philosophical in nature, Emet-Selch is sometimes annoyed, and more frequently depressed by the topics, but his overall impression of Tataru has only improved by them. Her realistic view of herself and her place in the world remains agreeable to him, and much to his dismay, occasionally feels even the smallest bit of empathy towards it. In any case, for a mortal, she's not a bad one. She seems to be collecting a bit of a harem, or at least, a strange circle of friends and associates (Emet-Selch does not consider himself part of this, as he is not strange). But her odd taste does speak well of her- that she's willing to forgive incidental attempted eatings, and to coexist amiably with those whose natures and personalities might be considered unusual or difficult. It's a difficult balance to strike, caring for others while maintaining a healthy degree of self-respect (and without dipping into selfishness), but she seems to manage it. And the Ascian finds it not... terrible to gossip with her about the various people they know while she provides him snacks. As of yet, no one has thought to inform Tataru of Emet-Selch's true nature- neither as the first emperor of Garlemald, nor as an Ascian. Emet-Selch assumes he can probably use this to his advantage whenever the truth does come out- that surely someone would've warned her if there had been any cause for alarm. And that any conflict she might feel is entirely due to irrational prejudices, and she should really examine those, shouldn't she? After he died and informed her he was in hospital recovering, she popped right in (literally, right over his bed), bringing food he very reluctantly tried to eat. But he appreciated her effort and her concern, awkward as it was to be receiving of it. Never having the chance to return the favor at all, Tataru disappeared soon after. She never did learn who or what he was, and he regrets that just a little. Perhaps knowing would have ruined things- or perhaps he should have trusted her with the truth, and they might have had something like a more genuine sort of friendship. In the end, he'll never know.

Vanitasdarkcharge » » » darkness brat Kingdom Hearts Witch

INTENSITY | ◆◆◇◇◇ TRUST | ◆◆◆◇◇ FRUSTRATION | ◆◆◆◇◇ FAMILIARITY | ◆◆◆◇◇ ATTRACTION | ◇◇◇◇◇ RESPECT | ◆◆◇◇◇ NUISANCE? | Yes

Even early on, Emet-Selch felt- if not exactly empathy for Vanitas' condition and situation- a general sort of good will towards him. Vanitas' soul had been split in half, and he had been working towards being whole again. What a sensible thing to do, and something that the Ascian wished the sundered peoples on his own star understood. On the basis of that fact alone, Emet-Selch wants him to succeed in his goals, which is more of an opinion than he'd normally spare for anyone wholly unrelated to himself. And this dynamic of general agreement, sarcasm, and commiseration on the cruelties of the Light, held steady for some time. This, even despite a moment where they absolutely tore into one another verbally, using whatever personal information they possessed to be as cruel as possible. Because what was the point of being miserable if you weren't sharing it? Yet despite the personal nature of the attacks, it was a very impersonal experience: they were both a convenient target, taking out their frustrations because they could. There was no actual anger towards one another. Because of this, Emet-Selch was mostly able to ignore what had happened; it wasn't a matter of forgiving Vanitas, so much as recognizing that it hadn't mattered to either of them. (Though he recognizes that if it ever happened again, considering how much more they know of each other's weak points- it would go much, much worse. And it did occur once more, to a small degree, though they both managed to pull up in time before things got too out of hand.) And though Emet-Selch would resist the idea of having much in common with a broken soul... they do have a number of things in common. A dark affinity, rude personality, unrelenting negativity (if prioritizing different parts of the spectrum of misery), and generally poor emotional coping methods. All of these things made it relatively easy to coexist with him, and he did appreciate his practical and tidy side. He's irritating, of course, and their relationship included a fair amount of taunting, and while it's not exactly good-natured, there's no real desire to be cruel in it either. It's just the way they express their... lack of indifference in each other? Over time and circumstance, living in separate places and moving in separate directions, they drifted apart from one another. Even so, he wishes the boy no particular ill will, troublesome as he could be.

Yonadarkestbefore » » » dawn of sensibility Akatsuki no Yona Witch

INTENSITY | ◆◇◇◇◇ TRUST | ◆◆◇◇◇ FRUSTRATION | ◇◇◇◇◇ FAMILIARITY | ◆◇◇◇◇ ATTRACTION | ◇◇◇◇◇ RESPECT | ◆◇◇◇◇ MANNERS? | Yes

A polite and optimistic young woman. Emet-Selch favors one of those two traits, and tolerates the other. Particularly because Yona's reactions to his more pessimistic interpretation of affairs amuses him slightly, because she's either realistic enough or polite enough to not be able to refute him entirely. But he finds her congenial enough for a human, and she gives the impression of someone reliable and thoughtful, who considers both her words and her actions. He doesn't give the slightest damn about her, of course, but were he forced into conversation with her again, he would not particularly dread the affair.