[From the moment they come face to face Zenyatta knows something has changed in his young student: a strangeness caused by the lack of his being strange. His aura is- not empty, as such, but there is something subtly lacking. Is this what Arden might have been like as a human, he wonders, or is it something more fundamentally wrong?
Regardless, it is a relief to see his face, even moreso that warm, open smile. Zenyatta's hands reach out of their own accord and clap onto his shoulders, a temporary concession to the urge he has to throw his arms around Arden instead.
Soon.]
Your self-control is impressive.
[His tone is droll, yes, but sincere. Arden's heart had been raw and ruined by conflict and resentment when they first met; Zenyatta had been there for his first real setback, that day by the Tree of Memories, but this time...]
There is nothing more rewarding than the knowledge that one of my students has been able to use what they have learned to save themselves, or others. The loss of your powers is troubling, yes- but, if I am allowed to be selfish for a moment, it is good to simply see you here at all, Arden.
[The dam breaks. With that, Zenyatta pulls the young man forward into a heartfelt embrace. Arden might well notice that his frame- indeed, the very air around them- is several degrees warmer than it should be.]
no subject
Regardless, it is a relief to see his face, even moreso that warm, open smile. Zenyatta's hands reach out of their own accord and clap onto his shoulders, a temporary concession to the urge he has to throw his arms around Arden instead.
Soon.]
Your self-control is impressive.
[His tone is droll, yes, but sincere. Arden's heart had been raw and ruined by conflict and resentment when they first met; Zenyatta had been there for his first real setback, that day by the Tree of Memories, but this time...]
There is nothing more rewarding than the knowledge that one of my students has been able to use what they have learned to save themselves, or others. The loss of your powers is troubling, yes- but, if I am allowed to be selfish for a moment, it is good to simply see you here at all, Arden.
[The dam breaks. With that, Zenyatta pulls the young man forward into a heartfelt embrace. Arden might well notice that his frame- indeed, the very air around them- is several degrees warmer than it should be.]