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( from here. )
[ this is a digitized mess; one that couldn't make up its mind on what it should project, switching back and forth between pieces of memories that all feel so far away now. sariel is barely affected by what's going on, not even when the spliced remains of the simulated deputy head dematerializes within a blink of an eye. that it seems like he never existed in the first place is probably the only thing that reels a reaction out of sariel, and even then it's still pretty insignificant.
(he breathes, a soft exhale. a quiet rise and fall of his chest.)
when he speaks next, it doesn't address lucilius' question because it's not like he knows how to articulate what he wants to say. there's a danger here that isn't tangible, at least it's nothing like all the things he's buried (exterminated) in the past. however, it's still his duty to be lucilius' shield and blade, and so he lingers close to him just in case something else happens. ]
Yes. I used to visit this place a lot... but that was a long time ago.
[ a thoughtful pause, one that allows him to look around at the broken bits of the place. ]
I wanted to see the soldier ants.
[ this is a digitized mess; one that couldn't make up its mind on what it should project, switching back and forth between pieces of memories that all feel so far away now. sariel is barely affected by what's going on, not even when the spliced remains of the simulated deputy head dematerializes within a blink of an eye. that it seems like he never existed in the first place is probably the only thing that reels a reaction out of sariel, and even then it's still pretty insignificant.
(he breathes, a soft exhale. a quiet rise and fall of his chest.)
when he speaks next, it doesn't address lucilius' question because it's not like he knows how to articulate what he wants to say. there's a danger here that isn't tangible, at least it's nothing like all the things he's buried (exterminated) in the past. however, it's still his duty to be lucilius' shield and blade, and so he lingers close to him just in case something else happens. ]
Yes. I used to visit this place a lot... but that was a long time ago.
[ a thoughtful pause, one that allows him to look around at the broken bits of the place. ]
I wanted to see the soldier ants.
( original here. )
[ sometimes the smallest and most subtle differences in something that never changes are enough to be as obvious as the amusement written all over belial's face. sariel doesn't really know it right now, but this is where it all starts, where the featherline cracks on glass walls add up until it makes a mess of everything he knows. it's funny how the more belial answers his questions, the less he understands in the end.
but maybe that's better than the alternative, and yet before he could stop himself - ]
I don't understand. I don't have any experience with that.
[ it only makes sense; he is the former angel of execution, after all. these hands that were holding onto belial's just a few moments ago were made to destroy and crush anything that stood in his way. he doesn't understand what it's like to be gentle, even if you told him. even if he says he gets it. ]
Maybe there's another way.
[ sometimes the smallest and most subtle differences in something that never changes are enough to be as obvious as the amusement written all over belial's face. sariel doesn't really know it right now, but this is where it all starts, where the featherline cracks on glass walls add up until it makes a mess of everything he knows. it's funny how the more belial answers his questions, the less he understands in the end.
but maybe that's better than the alternative, and yet before he could stop himself - ]
I don't understand. I don't have any experience with that.
[ it only makes sense; he is the former angel of execution, after all. these hands that were holding onto belial's just a few moments ago were made to destroy and crush anything that stood in his way. he doesn't understand what it's like to be gentle, even if you told him. even if he says he gets it. ]
Maybe there's another way.
[ Belial lets the disappointment sit plainly on his face, shaking his head at Sariel's quick surrender to such an experience. ]
You can also generate it by eating, but you're going to need money to buy food in the first place—it's not profitable.
[ He holds his hands up helplessly as he shrugs, confident that he'll be able to sway Sariel's opinion. Fumbling and uncertain as he may be, the angel of execution is still a tenacious beast, and Belial doesn't doubt that he'll adapt to the requirements of moonlacing as he settles into the new world.
It just takes rewiring a few of those instincts. ]
Are you feeling shy, Sari? Have a little more faith in your ability to learn.
You can also generate it by eating, but you're going to need money to buy food in the first place—it's not profitable.
[ He holds his hands up helplessly as he shrugs, confident that he'll be able to sway Sariel's opinion. Fumbling and uncertain as he may be, the angel of execution is still a tenacious beast, and Belial doesn't doubt that he'll adapt to the requirements of moonlacing as he settles into the new world.
It just takes rewiring a few of those instincts. ]
Are you feeling shy, Sari? Have a little more faith in your ability to learn.
[ As the projection continues to whirl to life, Lucilius reaches out to the nearest NPC, its face oozing between his fingers like puddy when he squeezes down; it's nothing more than a half-formed being that fades away again at the slightest provocation. The greatest threat here might just be that they could lose their corporeal forms too, dissolving just as easily as everything that lives here.
But he glides forward without hesitation, unruffled as ever. He knows these halls too well anyway, ground real enough that his footfalls tap lightly against the stone (except for where it transitions seamlessly to grass and dirt). The rest of the atmosphere is slightly less familiar, but Skydweller territory all started to look the same after a while anyway.
It's a strange roost for an angel, for sure. He raises a brow, slowly, incredulous. ]
You wanted to see ants.
[ He's not sure whether to be fascinated at his absurdity, or disappointed. But even Lucifer had his strange fixations—must be some tick in their wiring, a side effect of having personalities.
In any case, there is indeed an ant trail; Lucilius steps along it carefully, never breaking the line even as his robe trails behind him. ]
...Executioner turned entomologist. I hadn't taken you for a scholar, Sariel.
[ His intelligence was never his brightest feature. He must be out hunting down bugs for some other reason. ]
But he glides forward without hesitation, unruffled as ever. He knows these halls too well anyway, ground real enough that his footfalls tap lightly against the stone (except for where it transitions seamlessly to grass and dirt). The rest of the atmosphere is slightly less familiar, but Skydweller territory all started to look the same after a while anyway.
It's a strange roost for an angel, for sure. He raises a brow, slowly, incredulous. ]
You wanted to see ants.
[ He's not sure whether to be fascinated at his absurdity, or disappointed. But even Lucifer had his strange fixations—must be some tick in their wiring, a side effect of having personalities.
In any case, there is indeed an ant trail; Lucilius steps along it carefully, never breaking the line even as his robe trails behind him. ]
...Executioner turned entomologist. I hadn't taken you for a scholar, Sariel.
[ His intelligence was never his brightest feature. He must be out hunting down bugs for some other reason. ]
( from here. )
[ the captured sprite floats around quietly within the net, making it look like makeshift balloon given the way sariel is holding it. he watches it curiously, head tilted slightly to the side. it's a good thing it didn't explode but... ]
This seems inefficient.
[ if he was meant to catch as many of the sprites, it feels weird to use the net while there's already one trapped inside. ]
Where should this one go now that I've caught it? If I bring one back then this will take more time...
[ the captured sprite floats around quietly within the net, making it look like makeshift balloon given the way sariel is holding it. he watches it curiously, head tilted slightly to the side. it's a good thing it didn't explode but... ]
This seems inefficient.
[ if he was meant to catch as many of the sprites, it feels weird to use the net while there's already one trapped inside. ]
Where should this one go now that I've caught it? If I bring one back then this will take more time...
( from here. )
Okay.
[ even if she blushes, it's not like sariel knows the implications of that and so he'll have no reason to tease her over it. he dutifully follows her directions and heads north.
this is going to be a pretty quiet walk, but hopefully she's comfortable. ]
Okay.
[ even if she blushes, it's not like sariel knows the implications of that and so he'll have no reason to tease her over it. he dutifully follows her directions and heads north.
this is going to be a pretty quiet walk, but hopefully she's comfortable. ]
[ whatever belial is trying to do, it works. the disappointment on belial's face is enough to make sariel start backpedaling and reconsidering his options. then again, it isn't like he had plenty options to begin with so this scenario is no different than cornering him against a wall. ]
I don't... know where to start.
[ it's as honest and plain as this answer can get. the next thing he says, well, it's pretty simple too. it's probably the exact thing belial wants to hear. ]
Will you show me?
[ there are plenty of reasons why this is a terrible idea, but when has sariel ever doubted the man before him? ]
I don't... know where to start.
[ it's as honest and plain as this answer can get. the next thing he says, well, it's pretty simple too. it's probably the exact thing belial wants to hear. ]
Will you show me?
[ there are plenty of reasons why this is a terrible idea, but when has sariel ever doubted the man before him? ]
[ As expected, Belial smiles, a slow certain thing as he takes Sariel's hand to lace their fingers together again. His hands are cold, but he doubts that Sariel will mind, holding on tight as he starts to lead them back toward the residential area again, something warm and pleased settling in his chest. ]
Of course. I'll be gentle too.
[ It is worth celebrating in his view—primal beasts existing as nothing but machines, void of their own pleasures and pursuits living in a world that relies on indulgence and physical intimacy. Under the rule of gods who necessitate such revelry? It directly opposes the order and logic of the Sky Realm, and it fascinates him that the natives in this world would so peacefully accept such unruly laws of nature.
Even if it's only a pit stop, at least it's entertaining. ]
But where are you going to put all those ant colonies? Maybe you should find a burrow first.
Of course. I'll be gentle too.
[ It is worth celebrating in his view—primal beasts existing as nothing but machines, void of their own pleasures and pursuits living in a world that relies on indulgence and physical intimacy. Under the rule of gods who necessitate such revelry? It directly opposes the order and logic of the Sky Realm, and it fascinates him that the natives in this world would so peacefully accept such unruly laws of nature.
Even if it's only a pit stop, at least it's entertaining. ]
But where are you going to put all those ant colonies? Maybe you should find a burrow first.
[ She's had worse rides, and one of them involved a mythical creature, so really, she won't complain. She'll really only speak up to guide him until they reach the park, with its lush and verdant greenery and the natives out picnicking. ]
Here. It may be hard to find them in the grass, but if you look for dirt...
Here. It may be hard to find them in the grass, but if you look for dirt...
[Ren hasn't talked to the person who started this whole mission, but he figures someone must have handed out the net, so he taps his chin.] I guess the person who told you to catch them...? Though I think you should be able to catch more than one at a time if you're careful.
[Assuming the creature doesn't fly out at the first chance it gets, which seems like a potential concern.] It'd be nice if they gave you something other than the net to keep them in while you catch more...
[If physical contact with them is such an issue, it seems like a much safer option.]
[Assuming the creature doesn't fly out at the first chance it gets, which seems like a potential concern.] It'd be nice if they gave you something other than the net to keep them in while you catch more...
[If physical contact with them is such an issue, it seems like a much safer option.]
[ belial's hands are cold, and yet they feel like the warmest and gentlest hands sariel has ever held onto. (no one talks about how this is only the second time someone's even reached out to him like this.) the spark that comes with chroma generation is a faint and pleasant feeling, one that he doesn't know if he likes it or not just yet. he isn't withdrawing away from it at least, so there's a step forward regardless. ]
A burrow... Yes, that is a good idea.
[ among the primal beasts, sariel is probably the simplest out of them all. it doesn't take a whole lot to draw him into situations that are out of his control, but maybe that's part of what makes it fun - like he's a toy for an unruly cat to play with. not that he'd ever mind. if that's what is needed of him, then that's what he'll be.
the two of them make their way to the residential area; belial leads the way and sariel follows obediently. he has nothing to say the entire time, but it's not like he's ever been the type for idle chatter. it's really only when he's looking at the apartment belial has chosen for him that he offers a quiet remark. ]
There is so much space.
[ as if no one can see the obvious. ]
I don't need this much space. We should pick another one.
A burrow... Yes, that is a good idea.
[ among the primal beasts, sariel is probably the simplest out of them all. it doesn't take a whole lot to draw him into situations that are out of his control, but maybe that's part of what makes it fun - like he's a toy for an unruly cat to play with. not that he'd ever mind. if that's what is needed of him, then that's what he'll be.
the two of them make their way to the residential area; belial leads the way and sariel follows obediently. he has nothing to say the entire time, but it's not like he's ever been the type for idle chatter. it's really only when he's looking at the apartment belial has chosen for him that he offers a quiet remark. ]
There is so much space.
[ as if no one can see the obvious. ]
I don't need this much space. We should pick another one.
[ It's a normal apartment, perhaps big in comparison to the humble homes that the mortals had back in the Skydom, but not particularly spacious in comparison with the vast estate they'd occupied prior to the rebellion. But he understands the meaning behind Sariel's words. Unlike mortals, beasts like themselves had never had need nor attachment to physical possessions. With no need for food or sleep, Belial, like many of the angels, had no need for personal quarters. The only possession that he'd had for most of his existence were the clothes on his back, which he would change as they became dirty or torn.
They were largely objects themselves, so it made little sense for them to have belongings of their own.
Even now, his behaviour is hypocritical. He hadn't bothered commandeering an apartment for himself in Prismatica, spending most of his time in Lucilius' while remaining acutely aware that nothing there was his own—though he doubts that Lucilius would notice or care, as long as none of his organized chaos was disrupted.
But perhaps now that Sariel is here, he should lead by example and pretend to care about trinkets and material goods. ]
Are you sure about that? It's a miracle we were able to find a place where you didn't hit your head on the doorway.
[ Slanting a smile in Sariel's direction, Belial reaches up to ruffle the very top of his head with both hands. ]
You're a growing boy, Sari. You'll grow into this place in no time. Besides, you'll need the extra space for your ants and other friends, won't you?
[ It's so, so hilarious to stand here as though Sariel is some normal youth finding independence for the first time, and not a former mindless killing machine that he'd relentlessly tortured. The shift in paradigm is so radical that it almost makes Belial giddy from just how nonsensical it all is. ]
They were largely objects themselves, so it made little sense for them to have belongings of their own.
Even now, his behaviour is hypocritical. He hadn't bothered commandeering an apartment for himself in Prismatica, spending most of his time in Lucilius' while remaining acutely aware that nothing there was his own—though he doubts that Lucilius would notice or care, as long as none of his organized chaos was disrupted.
But perhaps now that Sariel is here, he should lead by example and pretend to care about trinkets and material goods. ]
Are you sure about that? It's a miracle we were able to find a place where you didn't hit your head on the doorway.
[ Slanting a smile in Sariel's direction, Belial reaches up to ruffle the very top of his head with both hands. ]
You're a growing boy, Sari. You'll grow into this place in no time. Besides, you'll need the extra space for your ants and other friends, won't you?
[ It's so, so hilarious to stand here as though Sariel is some normal youth finding independence for the first time, and not a former mindless killing machine that he'd relentlessly tortured. The shift in paradigm is so radical that it almost makes Belial giddy from just how nonsensical it all is. ]
[ the idea of having something to call his own is such a foreign concept to sariel. he thinks about what that means for the longest time, blue eyes gazing over the space in front of him as though it could disappear at any moment. much like the simulated park from his memories, the way it fell apart into bits of pixels and data near the end.
when he looks back at belial, there's a part of him that wonders if this exchange is just as fleeting too. he closes his eyes when those fingers ruffle through his hair, when belial smiles like he always does while he carries the conversation with ease.
it's a nice feeling, he thinks, even if it won't last forever. ]
I don't need this much space. [ he says again, quiet and steady. ] Not even for the ants or other friends.
[ does he even have other friends to begin with? as far as he knows (given what little he understands about friendship), there is only one who matters and they're already here -
and then something dawns on him. ]
But if you would like to share it, then maybe...
[ maybe it might seem less daunting. ]
when he looks back at belial, there's a part of him that wonders if this exchange is just as fleeting too. he closes his eyes when those fingers ruffle through his hair, when belial smiles like he always does while he carries the conversation with ease.
it's a nice feeling, he thinks, even if it won't last forever. ]
I don't need this much space. [ he says again, quiet and steady. ] Not even for the ants or other friends.
[ does he even have other friends to begin with? as far as he knows (given what little he understands about friendship), there is only one who matters and they're already here -
and then something dawns on him. ]
But if you would like to share it, then maybe...
[ maybe it might seem less daunting. ]
Oh? [ Belial cocks his head as he observes Sariel, eyes warm with amusement. It's interesting for him to make a request, and maybe Belial should be proud of him for it.
He's not, of course. Sariel's development in an environment free of his limiter and the chains of his assigned role has him curious about the possibilities, but he has no personal investment in such things beyond how they might be useful or entertaining.
Still, he lets one hand drop to around Sariel's neck, cupping his jaw as he guides him to meet his gaze, the other hand resting lightly on Sariel's chest. ]
Why's that? Do you have some nefarious intentions for me?
He's not, of course. Sariel's development in an environment free of his limiter and the chains of his assigned role has him curious about the possibilities, but he has no personal investment in such things beyond how they might be useful or entertaining.
Still, he lets one hand drop to around Sariel's neck, cupping his jaw as he guides him to meet his gaze, the other hand resting lightly on Sariel's chest. ]
Why's that? Do you have some nefarious intentions for me?
( from here. )
[ the life of a primal can be cruel, but sariel has no concept of cruelty; at the very least, he'll never understand why the Singularity and his crew fought so hard to convince him that belial isn't worth it. that he's just being used. isn't that his purpose? to be used by his superiors however they deemed appropriate. it's just how things are; there's no reason for it to be any different.
he thinks about what to say in response and ends up defaulting to one of his simplest answers. ]
I want to go see the ants.
[ if it were possible to go back to that residential park, that's where he'd be right away - but something tells him that can't be done. not anymore, not so easily. ]
They help me think sometimes.
[ or they help him stop thinking altogether, when things get really bad (as they usually do). ]
[ the life of a primal can be cruel, but sariel has no concept of cruelty; at the very least, he'll never understand why the Singularity and his crew fought so hard to convince him that belial isn't worth it. that he's just being used. isn't that his purpose? to be used by his superiors however they deemed appropriate. it's just how things are; there's no reason for it to be any different.
he thinks about what to say in response and ends up defaulting to one of his simplest answers. ]
I want to go see the ants.
[ if it were possible to go back to that residential park, that's where he'd be right away - but something tells him that can't be done. not anymore, not so easily. ]
They help me think sometimes.
[ or they help him stop thinking altogether, when things get really bad (as they usually do). ]
[ it makes no difference to sariel whether belial agrees to his request or not. disappointment is something that only happens when you have expectations, and sariel doesn't have many to begin with - if he had any at all. ]
I thought it would be easier... but you must have something arranged for yourself already.
[ with the head researcher, most likely.
when blue eyes meet red, there's only curiousity and mild confusion to be seen. this is the most contact he's had with belial for as long as they knew each other. ]
I don't have any nefarious intentions...?
[ as if he's even capable of that. ]
I thought it would be easier... but you must have something arranged for yourself already.
[ with the head researcher, most likely.
when blue eyes meet red, there's only curiousity and mild confusion to be seen. this is the most contact he's had with belial for as long as they knew each other. ]
I don't have any nefarious intentions...?
[ as if he's even capable of that. ]
( from here. )
[ that's a dangerous path to start following after - the way angels worked in the Sky Realm - it's too much for the first meeting.
but it's true; sariel is as clueless as they come, mostly because the more mundane things when it comes to what it's like to live as a skydweller (land dweller now...) are things he never really encountered. never really had the time to, given how busy he was with burying the Sky Realm's foes.
did he lose his way? ]
... Yes. I think so. I will choose another door.
[ it seems the easiest way to fix this, probably. ]
I apologize for the intrusion.
[ that's a dangerous path to start following after - the way angels worked in the Sky Realm - it's too much for the first meeting.
but it's true; sariel is as clueless as they come, mostly because the more mundane things when it comes to what it's like to live as a skydweller (land dweller now...) are things he never really encountered. never really had the time to, given how busy he was with burying the Sky Realm's foes.
did he lose his way? ]
... Yes. I think so. I will choose another door.
[ it seems the easiest way to fix this, probably. ]
I apologize for the intrusion.
[ there are weird phrases here and there; free us seems to be the loudest and most common one, but it all falls on deaf ears. whatever reaction sariel might have given the broken NPCs earlier on is now replaced with a single-minded focus that has him following dutifully after his creator. his steps are quiet, almost unnervingly so, like he's a shadow that can easily blend in with the darkness.
when stone blends into grass, the structures all around them become less familiar. there are tall trees amongst tall pillars, dense underbrush along broken rocks. there's a quaint cottage off to the side that sariel thinks he's seen somewhere before, but it's not important. the trail of ants on the ground are what matters most, a part of him relieved when lucilius doesn't step all over them. ]
Yes. I wanted to see the soldier ants.
[ that's the simplest answer he can give, even if it's a repeat. having conversation has never been his strongest suit either. ]
It was always quiet when I came to see them. [ there are no screams. there's no one pleading to be spared. ] However... it's not so quiet right now.
[ and he has no idea how to fix that, short of burying everyone around them. ]
when stone blends into grass, the structures all around them become less familiar. there are tall trees amongst tall pillars, dense underbrush along broken rocks. there's a quaint cottage off to the side that sariel thinks he's seen somewhere before, but it's not important. the trail of ants on the ground are what matters most, a part of him relieved when lucilius doesn't step all over them. ]
Yes. I wanted to see the soldier ants.
[ that's the simplest answer he can give, even if it's a repeat. having conversation has never been his strongest suit either. ]
It was always quiet when I came to see them. [ there are no screams. there's no one pleading to be spared. ] However... it's not so quiet right now.
[ and he has no idea how to fix that, short of burying everyone around them. ]
[ Back when Belial and Sariel had first worked together, and even before, Belial had grown accustomed to the reality that any of his suggestions, especially those in the past that had been particularly veiled, would always fly over Sariel's head. He had no interest in or knowledge of the intimacies that could blossom between people, and that had been fine by him, even though he always found the possibility of corrupting angels fascinating.
In the past, Belial would step back, lighthearted and at ease as ever, with no persona to maintain. They'd been in the thick of Lucilius' plan back then, and he had been less liable to take risks or push boundaries.
That's no longer the case. ]
Is that so?
[ He looks very much like a cat about to close in on his prey, holding Sariel's gaze steady. ]
So you don't want to... hold hands?
In the past, Belial would step back, lighthearted and at ease as ever, with no persona to maintain. They'd been in the thick of Lucilius' plan back then, and he had been less liable to take risks or push boundaries.
That's no longer the case. ]
Is that so?
[ He looks very much like a cat about to close in on his prey, holding Sariel's gaze steady. ]
So you don't want to... hold hands?
( from here. )
[ there are a lot of things that don't make sense to sariel either. after uriel sat him down and explained the past two millennia, he came out of that conversation with only more questions by the end of it. some things are just beyond the scope of his own understanding, but even if he doesn't get it, he sees no reason to withhold information like that from allies.
if olivia asks, he'll do his best to relay things as they are, but for now - ]
Yes. It has also been a while since I was last here. [ a whole lot has happened in between too. ] But I would like that, if it's not too much trouble.
[ he almost looks delighted (?) by the offer, even if it's way more subdued on his face. maybe the correct term is something closer to hopeful. ]
I want to see what kind of ants they have here.
[ will they be just as prismatic as the pegasus he saw on the moon? only time will tell. ]
[ there are a lot of things that don't make sense to sariel either. after uriel sat him down and explained the past two millennia, he came out of that conversation with only more questions by the end of it. some things are just beyond the scope of his own understanding, but even if he doesn't get it, he sees no reason to withhold information like that from allies.
if olivia asks, he'll do his best to relay things as they are, but for now - ]
Yes. It has also been a while since I was last here. [ a whole lot has happened in between too. ] But I would like that, if it's not too much trouble.
[ he almost looks delighted (?) by the offer, even if it's way more subdued on his face. maybe the correct term is something closer to hopeful. ]
I want to see what kind of ants they have here.
[ will they be just as prismatic as the pegasus he saw on the moon? only time will tell. ]
[ An expected answer, but Lucio still pretends to be a little surprised by it, tapping his chin contemplatively as he had seen the other moonblessed do on occasion while thinking. ]
...Ants? I believe I saw an anthill on the way here in the park.
[ It's interesting to see what primals marvel over other and what aspects of the Skydwellers and their lives appeal most to them. To Belial, it may be something as complicated as desire and intimacy, and to Sariel, it's the most inane of creatures, often ignored or forgotten until they start to become too invasive. But even simple things can become dangerous. A whole army of bullet ants will render any mortal numb with pain.
He holds out a hand invitingly towards Sariel after a moment. ]
Would you like me to take you to them? Perhaps, there is something we can observe together that went unnoticed before.
[ Which isn't untrue. The creatures of this land are different than those created by the Omnipotent. Who's to say they don't drastically differ from memory? ]
...Ants? I believe I saw an anthill on the way here in the park.
[ It's interesting to see what primals marvel over other and what aspects of the Skydwellers and their lives appeal most to them. To Belial, it may be something as complicated as desire and intimacy, and to Sariel, it's the most inane of creatures, often ignored or forgotten until they start to become too invasive. But even simple things can become dangerous. A whole army of bullet ants will render any mortal numb with pain.
He holds out a hand invitingly towards Sariel after a moment. ]
Would you like me to take you to them? Perhaps, there is something we can observe together that went unnoticed before.
[ Which isn't untrue. The creatures of this land are different than those created by the Omnipotent. Who's to say they don't drastically differ from memory? ]
[ sariel follows her instructions without questioning them, and soon enough, they'll be at the park she told him about. neither the vibrant greenery nor the prismals mulling about are what he focuses on; rather, his eyes scan the area for any small peaks from the ground.
when he finds one, he wastes no time in heading over there, not too fast so as not to jostle the one he's carrying. he stops just a few steps away from crystal-like ants going about their day. ]
... We found them.
[ despite the lack of enthusiasm, he is pretty pleased right now. ]
when he finds one, he wastes no time in heading over there, not too fast so as not to jostle the one he's carrying. he stops just a few steps away from crystal-like ants going about their day. ]
... We found them.
[ despite the lack of enthusiasm, he is pretty pleased right now. ]
[ sariel doesn't look convinced. if he uses the same net to capture another sprite, who's to say it won't just float away before he succeeds? maybe if he acquires more nets... ]
They only gave me this. [ the whistle. he blows on it, just because he can. what happens next is something he didn't expect: there's a flurry of sprites surrounding them at this point. ]
—Oh. I'm not sure... how I'll be able to take all of them back, without doing it one at a time.
[ at least he doesn't have to hunt them down anymore. ]{
They only gave me this. [ the whistle. he blows on it, just because he can. what happens next is something he didn't expect: there's a flurry of sprites surrounding them at this point. ]
—Oh. I'm not sure... how I'll be able to take all of them back, without doing it one at a time.
[ at least he doesn't have to hunt them down anymore. ]{
[ sariel doesn't have much of an inclination to things like intimacy or anything related to it. whenever someone brings it up, they'll find themselves face to face with a pensive look on the angel's face and not much more. it happens right here and now too; the most he does is just blink at belial's question but he neither pulls back or shies away from how close he is. ]
Deputy Head... I don't understand how that is related to sharing this space with me.
[ what? it's an honest and logical conclusion.
maybe one of these days he'll grow used to the kinds of things belial says around him and everyone else. maybe he'll even react appropriately beyond just settling for confusion. all these maybe's and nothing really definitive, but maybe (once again) it's only a matter of time.
if belial keeps pushing his boundaries, surely there will come a time where something finally breaks. ]
But we can hold hands, if that's what you want.
Deputy Head... I don't understand how that is related to sharing this space with me.
[ what? it's an honest and logical conclusion.
maybe one of these days he'll grow used to the kinds of things belial says around him and everyone else. maybe he'll even react appropriately beyond just settling for confusion. all these maybe's and nothing really definitive, but maybe (once again) it's only a matter of time.
if belial keeps pushing his boundaries, surely there will come a time where something finally breaks. ]
But we can hold hands, if that's what you want.
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