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lunaecalamitas2024-05-29 07:43 pm
dyingtohealyou) wrote in lunaecalamitas2024-05-29 07:43 pm
Teenagers Scare the Living Shit Out Of Me etc. etc.
[Characters passing by the bulletin board may notice a new message tacked to it!]
Drinking party at the bar at 8pm. Under 21 only. Adults will be persecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Fun and games included, party hats optional. Don’t be late!
[Sure enough, there’s a gathering of teens (and maybe some not-so-teens?) to be found in the bar! While the posting mentions this is a teen only event, adults are in fact allowed as long as they are cool. OOCLY please be aware there are going to be teens drinking alcohol and possibly smoking! Also additionally, please let the teens/players have fun; again, adults are allowed but only if they’re cool enough to play along without snitching them out!
All party game top levels are going to be made under Ahito’s account but please assume ICly that Akira instigated/explained them! Once the game toplevels are up you can also post your own toplevels to mingle freely if you like IDK IT’S A PARTY HAVE FUN]
[Sure enough, there’s a gathering of teens (and maybe some not-so-teens?) to be found in the bar! While the posting mentions this is a teen only event, adults are in fact allowed as long as they are cool. OOCLY please be aware there are going to be teens drinking alcohol and possibly smoking! Also additionally, please let the teens/players have fun; again, adults are allowed but only if they’re cool enough to play along without snitching them out!
All party game top levels are going to be made under Ahito’s account but please assume ICly that Akira instigated/explained them! Once the game toplevels are up you can also post your own toplevels to mingle freely if you like IDK IT’S A PARTY HAVE FUN]
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There's a moment of silence because he remembers just how many symbols were drawn all over Solomon when he was practically exposed at the beach. Which is definitely, indeed, not a non-insignificant number. ]
...You've made quite a great deal of pacts, then.
Yet, even so, you've managed to persist as you are despite that. I imagine making agreements with dark powers usually takes quite the toll on an individual, does it not?
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[The beach saw probably half of that, because his body only has so much space.]
It can be. Holding a pact is pretty mild in itself. It's the conditions of those pacts, the willpower needed, and the effort required to use them that make them a dangerous form of magic. A human would normally perish under the effort of using more than one.
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...The key word is normally.
How is it you have been able to sustain yourself with holding so many pacts without crumbling underneath the entirety of such a burden? It is clearly beyond just having willpower when you have reached quite a number.
I dare say even efforts, but this is not an area in which I hold expertise in.
[ Jing Yuan is not intimately familiar with the idea of demon summoning, and quite frankly, those at the Xianzhou Alliance would probably balk at their General getting along with someone who is. But, he is built different than them. ]
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[He won't explain any further than that. That isn't something he wishes to explore in a public setting for his own safety. Instead, his smile thins, eyes sharp.]
You are asking me far more than one question, Jing Yuan. Maybe I should reconsider what to ask you next round to keep it fair.
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Hmm, to be quite honest...I was wondering when you would point that out.
[ Wow, the nerve of him. Though, Jing Yuan is totally sporting an innocent smile all the same. Not that it really is all that innocent, really... ]
If you wish to reconsider whatever you wish to inquire of me in kind, though, who am I to stop you?
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Who am I to stop you?]
You can't. [It's like the placement of chess pieces, watching the setup for a seemingly lazy defensive.
The chuckle he lets loose tinges with an edge to it.]
Perhaps you saying that much changed it even further?
[His chin lifts slightly. He can't leave his chair, but he will look as authoritative in it as possible despite how one leg crosses over the other. Like a runaway bishop mocking the throne of the king.]
Truth or dare, General.
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Oh? Has it?
[ He wonders about the ask, then. Or is it simply just that now?
His curiosity lies deep, the burning interest in his eyes evident, turning that heat onto the cool appearance of the other man. ]
How about this? You can ask whatever Truth you wish to learn from me, or send a Dare my way. I have witnessed others do the same tonight, so why not I do similar, and allow for once no limitations? Such that I can see what colors your reaction as it does now. If it does even measure up to it in the first place.
[ Still this, in turn, looks quite attractive on Solomon as well. He has the urge to reach on over, to even...but no, he restrains himself; perhaps that in of itself is exciting as well.
Because honestly, can this mocking Bishop ever hope to measure up to the King? ]
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A beat, and he chuckles again, gesturing very calmly to another Northern Wizard.]
That one, then. [Robin.] Throw yourself prostrate before his feet and grovel for permission to take a glass of alcohol of his choosing.
Down it somewhere where I can see, and then you can come back. How does that sound?
[Enjoy your dare.]
1/2 for when he gets backsies, plz hold for a bit
Jing Yuan gives him a little LOOK at that. There are way too many people to be watching this go down so he conceals whatever else he is feeling about it for now, but fortunately he can work some illusion magic so not everyone gets to see it. ]
It sounds like you would have had far too much liquor that has gone straight to your head, if I were not certain you were sober.
[ Solomon is fortunate he is still in recovery or he'd teach him a lesson because this is not actually helping in keeping from riling him up. But, anyway, now's not the time for that, he will go ahead and leave to where Robin is... ]
2/2
Did things really have to end up that way? ]
I have completed your request, dear Solomon.
I trust that you have enjoyed that sight, no? It must have pleased you immensely in a variety of respects. Have you had the opportunity, however, to ponder the potential ramifications of your actions?
Are you sated, Solomon? I suppose, in the end, I ended up being used as a piece for your argument.
To that I ask:
Why did you think that was necessary?
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It wasn't necessary. Had I know he was going to react quite like that, I would not have sent you to begin with.
[He genuinely meant for a rise, nothing more. Oh well. He can't take it back now.]
Your points to him echo my own, Jing Yuan. But you really were meant to be a participant in a simple game, not an unwilling spokesman to our greviances beyond it... and I wasn't expecting you to use my name so brashly.
I'm sorry. I have no desire to use you as a pawn. [...] I'll handle his poison. For now... just do not ask me to choose for you again.
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Then, Solomon says he will endure his poison and his gaze turns concerned. Following that, he hears the ask. Though he had no intentions in leaving the options so open once again...he nods at that; it is an acknowledgment of the apology as well, and its acceptance. ]
I believe you.
I will also have no trouble narrowing down the options as is traditionally played, should we continue to to the game along once more.
...That said, if my points echo your own, please make amends.
I wish that everyone is able to get along with one another to the best of their ability. No matter their differing points of views, or their differing origins. I understand it is not always possible, however...
I ask you can do your best to manage it. That is not so unreasonable, is it?
[ The words are spoken gently, but firm. ]
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Most of what Jing Yuan pleads over quiet tones isn't anything that he hasn't already heard a million times before. Something to be waved off without thought beyond leaving it as something mysterious and complicated, to let appearances fall however they pleased when it came to himself rather than extend an argument beyond his reaches. Those that needed to know would get his reasonings, after all, and those that didn't had to often be left in the dark. Playing the villain, playing the scoundrel, playing it up so that intentions stayed as clouded as possible, for that was how one kept their head and kept their power in the realm of hell.
And yet...
...
The expression that passes over Jing Yuan's face twists at him. It's one he's been able to gently wave off before, but...
No matter their differing points of views, or their differing origins.
...
He would say it sounds like Diavolo. But Diavolo never presented it with hurt, with compassion, with genuine emotion. He presented as a leader. He presented as the king. They discussed not as equals, but as political relations who tied together only so much. Not mutually respected, but acknowledged as both good and bad in moments. Audible strokes of desires and ideals, but only so far - never pushing, never demanding, never quite making an agreement.
To paint it so simply, and to ask him in such a way to not feel like claws being dug in to redirect him...
...
How strange, to remind him of Ibuki at a time like this. It leaves him at an uncharacteristic loss for words, a dumbfounded openness to his eyes.
...]
...What? Oh, I...
...
I can't make any agreements, Jing Yuan, but... I'll speak with him. Outside of all the drink and tensions.
It's not my goal to start such a pointless fight.
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...I know you cannot make any guarantees.
Especially with the state he is currently in; you could see it too, I imagine. How livid and undoubtedly even hurt he was.
As long as you are able to speak with him, and do what you can, I believe knowing you will try to resolve matters with him is better instead of doing nothing at all, and leaving things as they are. So, let it be known that I am grateful you will go ahead and do so.
[ Jing Yuan thinks he can't exactly have this sort of aspect of Solomon change overnight, though the words Robin spoke ring in his ear, clear as ever. He hopes to the Aeons that he treats that interaction respectfully and does apologize, because he does need to. But, it isn't like he can be a fly on the wall to listen to what is said or conduct the conversation. Only support him, yet also be there to say something when necessary. ]
...I've been made aware you are used to coming into clashes with others as well, while we have been here. I know that too can be fact a life, but I hope those can lessen over time as well.
[ Still, at the end of the day, Solomon is a man he cares deeply about, and even if they're not extremely about PDA, he will step closer, tilting his head, wordlessly extending a hand to the other male's. In an obvious and silent ask. Hold hands as they talk?
It's now pride month.]no subject
It will be a little awkwardly positioned, with Solomon still seated bonelessly in his chair. But he does resign to the offer, letting his fingers gently wrap against the heat of Jing Yuan's palm.
His voice stays quiet.]
"Here" is not an exception. Plenty of beings, human or otherwise, think I'm... mm. What's the word Barbatos used the last time...
Abhorrent?
[He chuckles, but it's mirthless.]
I can't give anything but diplomacy. He does not care for what I stand for, and I am too used to having to square my shoulders against the wills of being like him. I have no urge to dominate him or his position - it is only what he may choose to do to humans in his resignment and anger that worries me. Just as he may have his priority to keep his own kind, or even himself, protected from further harm against the atrocities of another... so do I as well.
[Empathy does not beget mercy.]
Hurt or otherwise... those of us with the power to act can't blindly bend a knee. Perhaps that's cruel. But I've been called worse.
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So, pardon his french, even in this internal monologue, but...
Barbatos can kindly eat shit. ]
Mm. I suppose that certain kind of outlook is very much Barbatos' problem, then, if he must use such a term at all. He may disagree with you, and so may others, though there is no reason to be incendiary about it.
[ It goes both ways, he knows, though he doesn't know the contents of those disagreements, so this comment still applies. Instead, Jing Yuan simply squeezes Solomon's hand lightly; the grip soft and a bit grounding. Warm. ]
...Essentially, it seems you believe Robin will hurt the humans here, no? Due to his perspectives. We all know we cannot prevent what happens in each other's worlds, but the possibilities here are more immediate.
I understand your concerns. Though, I also would not want whatever happened between the both of you to become kindling for making them real either.
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[He really does owe quite a lot to Barbatos, though. So he doesn't see much point in defending himself when he believes it will work out eventually. It always had.
As far as Robin... he winces slightly at how Jing Yuan words that. "Will"? What a firm word for such an accusation.]
No, no. Nothing so immediate, Jing Yuan, please. I know better than to throw blame.
I just don't trust our motivations will match if things come to blows. Robin is more than aware what I will prioritize, and if he has to view me as an inconsiderate monster for keeping that clear, then I can't stop him. Rather, I welcome it, if it means he considers me an actual threat.
[Right now he thinks Robin would call him an obnoxious bastard rather than a threat, but even that is at least something - being the thorn in one's side, the cockroach, the evidence of what human will can accomplish.]
However... he is far from a ticking time bomb just because of our differences. Our mission was enough to show we can put things aside with one another for a common goal. So I'm aware my concerns, so far, are only that and nothing more. You could even call it habit on my part, if you want.
[His hand tightens against that squeezing grip with a resigned sigh.]
If he would like to take action on an offense I've made against him, then that's something the two of us will have to work out.
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[ Jing Yuan thinks he can at least say that much; he doesn't know Barbatos all that much, but the term 'abhorrent' still bothers him. Whatever their relation, he does not see a reason to mince words.
He does not think he'd get along with whoever this is, even with that long history.
As for the other matter...he pauses in listening to Solomon's elaboration. Which is entirely different from what he presumed for at least part of it; the conclusion in of itself he made harsh, though borne from what he witnessed. ]
Mm...I see.
Given the state of everything, I seem to have came to the incorrect conclusion about your perspective on the matter, at the least. I am ever grateful that you have amended that.
[ Feeling that tightening grip in return, he takes pause himself, grip still firm, though certainly not uncomfortable. ]
...And I suppose in the end the fallout will mostly seem to circle around in being dependable on whatever you two manage to discuss.
I recognize there is only so much that can be done, and that neither one of you are necessarily eager for conflict. Though, for now, I will simply hope for the best.
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[Just gonna pat pat those intertwined fingers with his free hand. There, there.]
Thank you for putting your trust in me for the time being.
Should we put a pause on this game for now? I'd rather not upset you like that again.
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[ He is...so it is up to Solomon to prove that he is making the right choice; distantly, he does feel the gentle tap against his hand.
Which reminds Jing Yuan how tense and worried he is still from that.
Which is a shame. He isn't fond of parties, but he enjoys games like this. So, he sighs, and there is a pause, before reluctantly, he says: ]
As much as it pains me, I am not quite feeling up to playing any longer. Still, it would benefit the both of us to take a break, at any rate.
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If you haven't gotten too tired of my troublemaking just yet, would you pull up a chair and sit with me?
[Eventually, Bruno will confiscate him, and Solomon will wave Jing Yuan to stay with the young so that he can have some time alone with his nurse equivalent. But it will be nice, to have a little company until then.]
Maybe you could take time to enjoy your drink a little more at your own pace.
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You could always tell me a good story or two as compensation, however.
[ Jing Yuan passes Solomon a little tired smile as he does aim to lighten the mood for a bit with a joke, and then just simply has a chair pulled up via some magic persuasion (beginning level levitation), settled right beside Solomon, only to seat himself down. ]
Mm. I could also certainly drink at a quicker or slower pace as accordingly, yes. Though, it will not quite matter much to me, as it takes quite awhile before I typically feel the affects of alcohol.
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[He is, at the moment, noticeably sober. Almost as though he's not drinking alcohol at all! Fascinating.
A story, though.... If Robin has dismissed himself... there is one that definitely comes to mind, that Robin himself has already heard.]
Mm. I have a tale I could share, though it may be bittersweet and without my usual flairs. [From how he adjusts in his seat to straighten himself up and breathe in deep, though, he will try his best. Dramatic ass bitch that he is.]
Could you lend the Witty Sorcerer your ear?
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[ Enjoying your lil' juice drink, aren't you, Solomon... ]
I think that would be the perfect story for these old ears of mine.
[ Be dramatic. Be free, Solomon.
Jing Yuan is a person who can stand to hear things that are sad; perhaps better than most. A certain thought does occur to him that even if Solomon does say it is without his usual flairs, that he might see a little bit. Perhaps in tone? ]
...So, yes, I certainly would enjoy doing so.
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Setting me up with a high expectation? I see, I see.
[Where he lacks in his magical flair and energy for the time being, he makes up for in the deliberate play of his tone, of volume and cadence, a shaping and twisting like an artisan.]
Then, my dear Jing Yuan. My old and young alike. Draw in and listen close to Solomon the Wise.
"There is only one way to stop an ouroboros."
[
--
Once upon a time, there was a child.
Born of man, the child knew not of how strong their fate intertwined, and their life stayed simple and happy.
One day, the child was taken. Brought to the realm of demons, against their will, to test their power and the strength of their resolve. Though frightened, the child was brave. They would not be devoured. They would not show weakness.
In their studies, they found power they did not know that a human could possess. In the grasp of their new experience, they were challenged to the source of their heritage - not just from a human, but from an angel as well.
And, over their time under the watch of the demonic, their heart softened, for they had found connection, and affection, with both the angels they had come to meet, and to the demons they were meant to control.
In this, with the birthright of a human, the bloodline of an angel, and the heart of powerful demons, they blossomed. And once again, they returned, to that life of simple happiness, now stretched across realms they never knew possible.
However--
As they continued in their growth, like the roots of a tree, their power stretched beyond the space of its anchoring. As they reveled in their happiness, the world around them started to shudder under their inexperience. Like a pot boiling to overflow, their body could not stand as a vessel for the many avenues they'd opened... and it was the world that was quickly paying the price.
Like the maw of a great beast, the ground started to open under the roots of their power. Forests of humanity started to collapse. Ancient tombs in the firey pits of hell crumbled. Even heaven itself was not left untouched, the rivers of its bounty drying and falling away.
For the three realms are a ring. An ouroboros of balance, of death and rebirth. And as one child grew so quickly, so erratically, across the stretch of all worlds, the ouroboros strengthened beyond itself.
The worlds began to devour each other. Those demons the child had once considered so dear began to forget them as the beast of their power devoured their memories as well. The angels that loved them so watched and waited from a distance.
And, as the kingdoms of heaven and hell moved to intercept, a man appeared from the depths of candlelight. He wore the cloak of the reaper, and carried in his hand a book. And on that book was a label. The Prison of the Soul.
"I have brought you salvation, my dear Ouroborus", said the man to the child. "For I come from the depths of that which controls life, of every angel and devil and human that exists. I see the light of their candles fading under the great storm that is your presence."
The child begged the man for help. "These are my loved ones! This is my home! These are worlds I do not want to see devoured! Please, what must I do?"
The man looked at their plight, and nodded in understanding, opening the pages of his tome. From it emerged a blade as black as night, whose presence chilled the air even as the man continued to speak.
"There is only one way to stop the cycle of an ouroboros. For you can never stop it from eating, nor can you take away its meal. So you must sever it completely, from head to tail.
This is the power of death itself, my child. A dagger which can sever anything. But I warn you that it does not come without a price."
"What is your price?" cried the child. "Please, I must know!"
The man took the dagger, and pointed it towards the demons the child had loved so deeply.
"There is your price. Drive your blade through those powerful beings so close to you. Their deaths will grant you pause, and you will be able to sever the power that roots you to the world's destruction."
The child grew hateful of the man. They spat and cursed. They wept and pleaded. And their loved ones grew further, their worlds grew emptier, and their heart ached more and more.
So they took up the knife. They found their most beloved, the most powerful under their control, who barely remembered their name. And though they warned him of their actions, he only looked on them with love, and bowed his head in allowance.
As they raised the blade to drive it forward, the light of heaven shot down, through earth and hell alike. For the demons' hearts were not the only ones the child held so tightly in their hands. And as an angel fell from the heavens, a sin against his Father tearing his wings, he used what love he kept for those below to pass along a blessing of his own. An artifact, stolen straight from the thrones of the archangels, whose power alone shattered the motion of their magic.
In stasis, the worlds shifted. Their balance rippled. And the roots so deeply ingrained began to withdraw, for the sacrifice of the angel had turned their boiling pot into a lake, hungry to be filled, eager to accept the flow in and out of the world.
The former angel hid his scars, hiding his intent so that the child might keep their happiness. The beloved demon embraced the child, keeping their anger at bay so that the child might keep their happiness. And the man cloaked like the reaper withdrew, dissatisfied and biding his time to return, but refusing further intervention, so that the child might keep their happiness.
And from the bottom of its new lake, with all the time in the world, the cycle still continues to spin. Between human and angel and demon alike, in a delicate balance, devouring and growing. Potential and disaster in every gulp, masked with love and companionship.
For, truly, there is only one way to stop an ouroboros.]
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