farfromgrace | post-impocalypse: a field trip

post-impocalypse: a field trip

Vengeance is a Hell that cannot forget the past. Places of violence sometimes waver and reveal their old scars, bullet holes reappearing in fixed tables. It hasn't even forgotten the fall-- white chalk outlines in some of the alleys show bodies bent and crumpled at fatal angles, bodies that if stared at long enough show the pale shadow of wings at their backs. Some of the damned have claimed these angel bodies, hoping for a patron in hell or a weapon against it should they ever stir-- or a favor from Asmodeus, if they bring a waking one to him.

Beyond that, the cramped jumble of a city has the look of a place that belongs in a film noir, the light that's cast from the sky here washes out colors, and at night the fog comes in across the dark water and envelopes the city. So, in opposition to that, the occupied buildings are garish and loud on the inside and with their neon advertisements on the outside, demanding attention and refusing to bow to an environment that seems to want them silenced.

Space suddenly shifts, in a jarring, nauseating way, and you're falling into a landscape that's definitely a city, but not your Tokyo-F.

And land, unceremoniously, in an alley, the portal closing behind you. Nothing special about it, covered in peeling advertisements, full of shadows, littered with broken bottles and crushed cans and other kinds of garbage.

No one seems to have noticed you yet...

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[ He doesn't, exactly, have the Spoons to express the gratitude he has towards Levi, right now. His body is fixed, and the --- ... Feelings of it all still linger, but. That's fine! It's fine. He'll just. Pretend they don't! Because he's already said that he intends to protect everyone here.

The largest of the group, he steps forward and ahead of them, as if shielding them -- as if he wasn't just completely made an example of only moments ago. ]

...Excuse us. We're in enemy territory, and saw it fit to attack when met with someone of obvious strength and uncertainty to our goals.

What do you want from us?

[ Fortunately the insects don't seem to do much beyond this, though there is in fact another layer of bugs for Hiryuu to contend with. She turns an eye to Amaranth, hand lifting to press the back of her palm to her own cheek—incidentally, she seems to be completely ignoring everyone else, and also incidentally the insects only seem to crawl more heavily onto Amaranth and Hiryuu. ]

Attack a mother and her children will defend her, dear. These streets are mine and my children's to walk—and no one does not know the sound of the Mother of Monsters' gait.

[ Except for angels who have been on the ground for literal centuries and only got up, like, yesterday.

Still addressing exclusively Amaranth: ]

I answer to none but those I please, dear—if you want to have a chat, you ought to buy me a drink first.

[ To Suri: ]

It's okay. They're just--bugs.

[ Which is to say--they haven't hurt her, yet, even though they're swarming even more heavily on her than before. Actually-- ]

If they're bothering me, then--that means they're not bothering Levi, or you. And I'm okay with that.

[ Honestly--how can this even compare to the things that have terrified her back home or even here? It... simply can't. As long as she keeps her head and takes it one step and even breath at a time. Even though she is shaking with his fear pouring through the bond, she keeps moving--carefully--recasting charm as many times as needed to make them keep moving back. ]

As long as I can get you out of here, it's okay. I'm sorry we got you into this mess. But I promise, I'll get you out.

[ It's okay. It's okay. It's okay.... ]

If they are your children, then I can no more blame them than you can these children here.

[ So, you know. Take that as you will, given the current context. ]

But I will gladly keep your company, Lady Lilith, if you do not mind allowing those I am protecting to make their journey home.

[ then, aside— ] Levi, if you'd like to call on your elder brother after all, this may be a good time.

[ This could be going better. It could be going better!

Even if Lilith doesn't acknowledge him at all, he doesn't move from his place on the frontline. ...It's a battle he knows he has no chance at winning, and so- He isn't taking it as a battle. ]

Allow me to join the two of you, then. The more the merrier, isn't it?

[ To be honest he's been internally screaming and teary-eyed for a while now while Amaranth is talking. But through that, he's pulled out his phone to try, at the very least, to get a picture of the woman.

He's almost to Duality, intent on numbing his body should anything else happen again, when Amaranth's words register.

!!!]

Right--

[ Finally. Teeth grit he nods, pulling the paper out with the strange symbols meant to call, frankly, their best chance right now, to their side. Claw biting into his palm, he allows the blood in his hand to pool, before holding it over the paper and invoking the true name of his once unitmate. ]

Then...! With the honorable blood of the White Dragon that runs through my veins, I, Leviathan, summon you, Dantalion...!

[ This is how you summon a demon...!1! ]

Edited 2020-08-01 08:28 (UTC)

[ THIS IS PROBABLY HOW YOU SUMMON A DEMON

a blinding burst of light and a violent rush of dark energy erupts from the seal, whirling itself into a vortex. a figure appears in the center of the chaos...

it's DANTALION LOKI KALERVO SVANTOVIT REBEL REBEL

who is currently in the middle of removing a wine-stained white button up shirt ]

............. you didn't go to the safe house did you-- is that your blood? [ why are there BUGS ]

[ why are there BUGS INDEED. He is trying not to die of a panic attack right now Loki, show mercy. ]

What better blood is there than-- [ WAIT NO. ] We... We can talk about all of this later!!

Please pay attention to the bug monster woman behind you...!

Sorry to be inconveniencing you after all, Loki.

But it seems we've been trespassing in territory that belongs to more than just Clemency, so if you're able to help them home after all, I will consider myself in your debt.

[ oh boy loki's here he's gonna be
real mad
or at least Real Disappointed... ]

We can't just leave you! And what about--

[ ~~our luggage~~ our uninitiated fallen angel possible rebel ]

--our friend!?

[ she tightens her grip on suri's hand ]

[ this is the “friend”

who seems vaguely bewildered at all the reassurances they’re getting. a little put-upon, maybe. they should be on a bartending shift right now. ]

another demon...?

this is really... a lot.

do not suffer on my account, nor compromise your souls. i am in no danger, and if i were, there is nothing I can do that no other could.

[wow this is a lot, you're right, Suri.

but also he's with Hiryuu on this one, speaking almost at the same time as her]

Wait, we can't just leave you down here—

[even if they definitely messed this up and this is the outcome and is he feeling a little guilty and reckless? yes]

[ Whom is this?

Why did Levi summon a demon?

But he seems to be a friend?

So it's fine? ]

...If you'll guide them to safety. It seems we've run into some issues, and require some help.

I can blame them as I like. These streets are mine to cross; you would trespass and then attack the Mistress as she moves.

[ with a sweep of her hand—at the very least the insects pull themselves away, re-gathering around and on her to recreate her dress. there's a dedicated swarm clinging to Suri, though. ]

The mother and children may go. You—pitiful fallen angel—you shall stay.

[ to loki: ]

Take them to the station. Security will take them back to their cage.

[ SHRUG???

can't argue with that. pitiful, check, fallen angel, check ]

A chat doesn't interest you after all, then? I think it would have been interesting—and the offer stands.

[ There is is a carefully controlled tension in her voice. ]

But if nothing else, do not call our companion pitiful, after they found the strength to face this world once more.

No.

[ The bugs are off of him finally and he can stop feeling like he's about to hyperventilate all over again. ]

They are not pitiful.

[ It is as Amaranth has stated. ]

Release the insects from Miss Suri. She is only wrapped up with us right now because we found someone and demanded answers regarding this place. Allow her to at least leave this alley freely and promise that she will not be harmed due to our dragging an innocent individual into our mess.

Edited 2020-08-01 22:46 (UTC)

[ on one hand he does not take very kindly to being ordered around-- either by Amaranth, or by Lilith. his displeasure shows plainly on his face.

but this situation is fraught. and Levi sure just opened his mouth. ]

.... you're Lilith, aren't you? [ with less respect and more a guarded wariness. he's striding over towards Levi, and grabbing him by the back of his shirt collar. picking him up like a kitten. ]

Just know, as far as I'm concered I don't answer to you. But I was called here, and old habits die hard. [ translation: I'll do what you say but just because I want to keep my people safe and not because YOU said it. ]

[ Hiryuu at least is... more adept at being slightly more politically savvy than Levi. They're clearly outclassed here--Loki might be their only shot at more even footing, but he seems more of a mind to remove them from the situation than challenge it.

It feels--distasteful, but--if they all die here, or are removed with securing Suri's safety, then--it's all been for nothing. ]

Our friend had no knowledge we were coming--and they haven't done anything wrong. They've been working hard at their job here. If you do something to them, then you'll be in debt to that establishment, won't you? And... how would it look if the Mother of Monsters wasted her time on someone she views as so pathetic? ... If you'll agree to let them go back to work and not harm them because of our transgressions--I'll go willingly.

[ AS IF SHE REALLY HAS A CHOICE IF DANDY SCRUFFS HER. but she's trying to bargain with her limited options... ]

Edited 2020-08-01 23:48 (UTC)

Do not.

[ hey what

since when can they talk that loud, but

it seems directed at all of you fighty idols. ]

[ Amaranth turns to look at them, brows very slightly raised. She looks, if anything, impressed. ]

What do you [ a subtle emphasis ] want in this, Suri?

[ hey you're getting better at expressing yourself MAYBE BEING AROUND LOUD AND FIGHTY PEOPLE IS GOOD FOR YOU!! ]

Suri... you expressed yourself.

[ SHE'S PROUD. and surprised.

probably not at all the reaction suri was hoping for ]

Edited 2020-08-02 00:07 (UTC)

[ ah BUT WAIT ]

But you didn't do anything wrong! It's not right for you to be punished because of us!

[ also almost definitely not the reaction suri wanted... ]

I agree with Hiryuu. You didn't do anything. We were the impulsive ones.

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