Chaos-Two didn't storm up to Vargas. Nor did he build himself up to what they would think was death's row. No. They were calm, eyes forward, the end of their spear hitting the ground with every other step.

They'd sought out Vargas and had prepared what they wanted to say long before this. It was days in the making, definitely. Word's they'd planned out by talking to birds in the trees or things they'd thought over in their dreams. This wasn't something they were winging.

"Greetings, Master Vargas," they said evenly, not a touch of fear in their voice. They were stoic, confident but not arrogant. They would meet Vargas' eyes but not in defiance or in any sort of 'I am better than you' way.

"If you would allow me, I would like to state what I wish to say now," they said, "If only so I don't forget."

They stood tall, their breathing even and their heart beating only slightly faster. Their grip was tight but they refused to show fear on their face. They weren't scared. They weren't scared.

@Vargas

- THE LEVIATHAN -

Vargas had been busy. He was designing the next creation for Dhracia: the next monster for her to take away. She'd made no specific requests of him, seeming generally pleased with his work--or at least satisfied. While he approved of the general draconic nature of Chaos-Four, he'd decided he wanted something a little different, this time. Not wholly different, but something hard and bony and rough instead of soft; he would abandon stealth for power. Something armored, and ferocious; something-

The clicking of the spear was audible behind him, and he turned, setting down the hunk of gleaming Oilstone. For a moment, he assumed it was the Sentinel with its halberd, but it was Chaos-Two approaching him. 'Greetings, Master Vargas.'

It hadn't reported to him in the allotted time limit, but he would hear what it had to say before he decided what he would do with it. His eyes narrowed just a touch.

"Speak, then," he said shortly, and turned to fully face it.

@V-Chaos-Two

Relief, then, that Vargas not only let him speak, but also didn't just straight up start yelling at them. So far so good.

"... Do you remember the day I hatched?", they asked softly, "I'm fairly certain you do at least a little bit. Small, pathetic, weak. If you didn't think of killing me I'd be very surprised, sir. I was crippled. I would never make it."

Chaos-Two remembered the agony of damp nights, of laying curled up and struggling not to cry as the pain threatened to overwhelm them, their malformed bones and joints swollen and stiff, so painful they couldn't move. Sometimes it took days for it to pass before they were alright again.

"But somehow I managed to catch your eye. Despite you having intended for me to be like the others, big and strong and not... this," they said, pointing at their more lithe, runner-like body, with wiry muscle underneath soft fur. "But even so, I fought with the idea of my death. I fought, I resisted, and then I accepted it. One of those days you'd grow tired of me, of my lack of progress. One of those days you'd decide I wasn't worth the resources, that you may as well try to reuse my stone even if it had a chance of creating another failure."

They rubbed their face and gripped their staff tighter with their other hand, trying not to become emotional.

"But... I pushed on. I trained as hard as I could, pushed past my sightlessness and directed my talents into other places. Healing, training with the Doctor and Kethri, learning that knowledge. I became a babysitter for your Chaos Forge, raising up your creations as best I could. I learned on the side as well, learning to craft a spear, honing my magic as best I could, pushing myself further and further!", they said, "I don't want to seem like I am boasting, Master Vargas, but I have worked harder than... than most here. I spent so much time before now while I thought of what to say to you practicing my magic. I am stronger now and I am more proficient with my spear and my claws- I am not weak!"

And Chaos-Two quieted for a moment, lowering his eyes, "... But I was scared. Terrified. I'd accepted that my flaws would end with my death by your hand, but I never ever thought that my efforts, that my desperate attempts to live for one more day would end in your mercy. My wholeness. And I was useful. Possibly even valued. But I felt like Draconua threatened that. Like in that moment I valued my usefulness and my contribution to the Forge more than I valued a name. I didn't want to feel like my life was threatened a moment longer because I have something to live for now."

They looked up again at Vargas, determined to make him understand.

"I am sorry I did not come before," they said, "But I wanted to think and not make a fool of myself, and most importantly I did not want to... to..."

They were faltering and they struggled to maintain the rhythm they'd kept, taking a moment to breathe and try to calm their racing heart.

"I was afraid my failure would be my undoing. That you would get rid of me," they said softly, "It is pathetic, but all I've ever wanted is your approval. The knowledge that you value me, that I'm not just a babysitter, but a valuable member to the Forge and someone you don't think is simply a waste of resources, of time and energy. Master Vargas... I ask you to give me a second chance. To let me prove to you once again that I am more than what I seem at first glance. And I will not show such weakness as I did in front of Draconua again."

Chaos-Two dipped their head in some semblance of a bow, hoping their words appealed to Vargas, that he would understand and maybe even acknowledge their fear. But that was just hope.

@Vargas

- THE LEVIATHAN -

Chaos-Two spoke.

...And spoke.

...And spoke.

Vargas listened, and made his mental notes. For the most part, he was not touched by its words: he simply gauged its intent, its honesty, noted where it was right or wrong, remembered what to comment on once it was done. But there were sparks of faint pity and annoyance, here and there, as this remark or that touched on his sympathies or his sense of disgust.

None of those feelings were particularly strong.

Logically, its words were good; well thought-out, reasonable, unlike its tantrum the last time he'd truly seen it. But the fact it had waited this long to come to him tempered his respect greatly, so that rather than respectful in turn, he felt indifferent toward it.

When it was done, he began with a short and simple note: "Next time you need time to think, rather than reporting to me in your allowed time frame, inform me. Or have me informed. I assumed you were no longer interested in serving your role." There was no sympathy in his words, but they were not rushed, either; he would see if it would listen to what he had to say, this time, rather than rushing off in an emotional torrent as it had done from its trial.

Vargas studied Chaos-Two, and then began to speak; he sat quite still as he addressed them.

"Let me correct your second assumption. You are right in assuming I considered killing you. You are wrong in thinking I saw something that caught my eye." It was said coldly. It sounded cold. Vargas's eyes narrowed a fraction. "I did not stay my hand because I saw something worthwhile." If one was insult, the second was injury. Would it continue to listen-? Or would it view this only as a cruelty? Ah, but everything was a test, with Vargas. Truth--but a test, as well. "I stayed my hand," he continued, shifting his weight slightly, "because I believe that strength comes in many forms! Because I do not believe in killing a newly-hatched creature before it has been given the chance to prove it bears some of that strength--in whichever form it may. Of all the creatures I have killed," he went on, and now he leaned in, staring--this was important--"I do not kill children. They have not been given a chance."

Fairness, survival of the fittest, toughness--all that was thrown out the window with a mewling spawn still wet from its stone egg. This had not often factored in, in Vargas's era--sometimes, but rarely. But it was not fair to judge, to kill, a new thing just tumbled from its rock; not fair to kill a half-formed creation that hadn't had the chance to prove itself.

This point made, (he hoped) clearly, Vargas studied Chaos-Two a moment longer. It wasn't clear at first why he was making such a solemn point on this. But it seemed to be his starting point, and after a moment, he moved to build on it.

"I am well aware that you struggled more than most. Do you not think that I watched you-? You tell me of your determination as if I did not see it. As if it was not the strength that I saw in you, as you grew. Of course it was." This was spat bluntly, matter-of-fact. Why did it think it was still alive, if not for that iron core-? "Your value to me was in that will. What do you think strength is-?" There was faint... outrage, in this? Or was it astonishment? "Do you think that I look at Cain and see a small, weak creature-? It has earned its Overseer title for good reason--and it has done that itself. As I told Khavur, you have always shown inner strength--no matter the odds. It is why your trial tested precisely that. I did not think that you would fail it." He fell silent, pondering for a moment, his previous disgust welling up again; he forced it down. "As I told you, the only way to fail would have been to give up; and given your prior determination it was the one thing I did not expect for you to do. As you say, despite all of your handicaps prior, you had never given up. Not once. That-? It was the shattering of carefully-molded metal when the fire at last grew hot. A metal I thought stronger." He did not bother to hide his disappointment, but once again, it was faint. He was not speaking to break Chaos-Two all over again. To lash out and hurt whatever weak feelings it might possess. He was speaking facts; it had come to him with them, and he would respond in kind.

"In regards to your fear of me," he went on, and now he was leaning back--less personal, more informative--"the Overseer has come to me with its concerns on this topic and has provided an alternative. Not only yours, but those of the rest of the Forge. It has pointed out that you all seem to expect the worst." Forelimbs settled back into place, their massive blades glinting in the Voidlight. "I will call a meeting soon and address this. It has explained that many of you fear I will simply kill you for your first transgression. And that others see the lack of punishment for these failures," and here he gestured to Chaos-Two, "and are disheartened: for why perform one's duties when others are not punished for failing to do so? I will be instating specific punishments for specific failures, so this will not continue to happen."

Vargas studied Chaos-Two. This part was only important to it peripherally, but it was an important section of this conversation--a bridge between the previous, and the next. "A failure to perform one's duties will not result in death, but it will also not be ignored: additional duties will be assigned. Disobedience will not result in death, but it will not be ignored: it will result in the revocation of a benefit, to be re-earned. Defiance will earn demotion. Rebellion alone will earn death." Vargas's eyes narrowed, and he leaned forward a little, studying Chaos-Two.

"The last time we spoke, I addressed you with the same respect I have always afforded you. I explained why you had failed. I explained what your next step would be. Your response was to fling insults, accusations, and flee the cave. You have then failed to report in, nearly three cycles after the required date."

Vargas studied Chaos-Two imperiously, indifferently.

"So tell me: what punishment would you inflict on one who has behaved like this?"

@V-Chaos-Two

They felt numb. They'd so foolishly come to Vargas hoping for what, acceptance? Understanding? Vargas hadn't given them a chance because of anything worthwhile, but because of his own flawed sense of mercy.

They just wanted to feel a comforting hand on their head, to hear the words, 'I'm proud of you.' But they would never come.

"Your value to me was in that will. What do you think strength is-?"

They didn't know anymore. Chaos-Two had once thought that strength was Khavur when they'd been smaller than their sibling's hand. When they'd looked up at Khavur and saw them holding such a delicate little creature, a butterfly, and seen how they'd been so gentle, they'd seen that as strength. The strength to know when to stay your hand. Was that not what Vargas meant?

Their stare became sullen, hopeless, their gaze slowly moving downward until they were staring at the floor, their grip loosening. They weren't strong enough to earn Vargas's pride.

"... I would take away something they enjoyed," Chaos-Two said plainly, their voice even, monotone, "If they wanted to explore, ban them to the confines of Draco. Take away something they enjoyed, or make them attend to a task they particularly loathe."

'... I am a fool,' they thought, chest tight, throat tighter, 'I sought your acceptance, Master Vargas. Your pride in me, a scrap of anything to prove that perhaps you thought me more than nothing. But my first failure and I see the truth. I will never earn your pride.'

Was Chaos-Two even seen as a person to Vargas? Did they deserve to be a person, to be worth of anything more than a number and a disappointed glance? Definitely not, not to Vargas.

"... I politely request a new trial," they said, feeling fake, like they didn't deserve to speak, "If you'll allow it, Master Vargas."

But how could they succeed in another trial if they'd failed the first? They would only fail Vargas again and then they'd be punished properly. Perhaps violently, perhaps by isolation, or worked to the bone.

Their ears dropped and their quills fell flat, their silhouette slimming into a small, weak little shape. Smaller than Vargas, than Khavur, than most in the Forge. They were weak. Lesser.

Unlike before, when they'd approached Vargas, they barely spoke at all. They just thought and listened, their demeanor growing more and more drawn in, pulling away from Vargas despite their feet remaining firmly planted where they'd been put since they stepped in front of the Master.

@Vargas

- THE LEVIATHAN -

Vargas was watching Chaos-Two closely as he spoke.

As he'd half-expected, it misunderstood his words completely; he could see that in the shrink of its quills and the aversion of its gaze. While he made no move to clarify his meaning, he did make a verbal note before answering Chaos-Two's request.

"I can see that you have completely misunderstood my words, and their meaning." His tone, now, was patient. "But I will not lay them out for you. Think on what I have said to you now, Chaos-Two--take my words with you and consider them, and reconsider them, until you understand what they mean and are not shrinking when you hear them in your mind." Because they were not dismissal, nor belittlement--but this would be its own to figure out.

Or not to.

"As for your trial: request granted. But you never answered the question I asked after your last trial: do you still wish to serve as a guardian and guide to the children? I would suggest," he went on, with a minor gesture of one hand, "something more. I would suggest that you spend a few days with each of our other Forge members. With the Sentinel, with Overseer Cain. You may find that with your new form, if you find the task of 'babysitter' somehow beneath you," (and there was no judgment in this) "that there is something else you would prefer. Or do you wish to continue as you were-?" he asked.

"As for a punishment, then, your words are noted. I will consider them and announce my decision at the Forge's meeting."

@V-Chaos-Two

"I understand your words perfectly," they said, "There is no misunderstanding except your own, sir. I do not mean this to be rude but I don't think you can understand what turmoil I am going through and I kindly ask that you leave me to deal with it until I find that I cannot do so on my own. I understand your words just fine, it is an... underlying issue that is simply resurfacing."

Chaos-Two didn't want to argue but then again, they didn't want Vargas to misunderstand that they, well, didn't understand. Because they did, and like they said, it was their turmoil, their problem.

However, watching Vargas loom over them made them think that perhaps they ought to have added a few more nice words in with the mix.

@Vargas

- THE LEVIATHAN -

Vargas interrupted--voice harsh--after Chaos-Two's first address. "No," he snapped, and drew himself up to his full height, "you do not. Do not argue with me, Chaos-Two. Do not assume that my tolerance extends to disobedience. You are not my equal, no matter what you might think. Go, remain here in Draco and Pegasus--when you must eat--until the meeting, and then we will speak again." He didn't wait for Chaos-Two's other words.

If it was going to be outright argumentative with him, then he was done dealing with it. There were certain lines that would not be crossed--be he boss, parent, or Master--and it had tested his patience long enough.

@V-Chaos-Two

"In what way am I disobeying you, Master Vargas?", Chaos-Two asked genuinely, stomping down their anger, "I have stated that my current mood is for reasons not because of what you said! I am not your equal and I never said as such. My eyes have been averted and my behavior submissive! However, was it not you who told us that you value our thoughts? Why punish me for something you approved?"

They were furious, raging, but they refused to let Vargas rile them up. No, they were not Vargas' equal but they would not let him bully them either.

"I did not argue, I elaborated," they said, "Master Vargas, you are being unfair. You asked Khavur of their mood, of their mental state, but why does my own not matter?"

Chaos-Two was calm, eerily calm, their anger simmering behind toxic eyes. But they would not cower, not this time. Perhaps a lesson learned too late and at the wrong moment, but whatever.

@Vargas

- THE LEVIATHAN -

His patience was thinning.

"You are disobeying because I told you to consider my words, remember them, think on them. You have refused and refuted. It was not a request." His pause was brief. "And now again, when I have told you to go and remain in Draco, and yet," (a slow gesture toward Chaos-Two with one clawed hand) "-here you remain. I do not care where your eyes are looking." What did that even mean-? What a stupid thing to say.
"You do not know fair, child. Khavur is given what it has earned. You, on the other hand, are rapidly giving up your own rights. Go. If you wish to speak further on this find me tomorrow, or the next day, but you will obey what I have said now. Do not speak further now. Unless you would like to add to your list of punishments," he added, quiet venom in his tone.

He was being too soft on them. That much now was clear.

@V-Chaos-Two