farfromgrace | 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...

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

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.

You're all stupid. Don't you understand the power you have?

This isn't a matter of deserving.

The Mother of Monsters isn't here to kill me. That's right, isn't it?

Don't be silly.

[ with a smile, all teeth ]

How will you pour me a drink if you're dead?

I must admit I'm an awful bartender, First Lady.

But if that's what's called for by one of your stature, I couldn't possibly refuse.

[ HE'S BEING DANGLED LIKE A KITTEN BY LOKI, BUT- ]

SHE'S NOT GOING WITH YOU, BUG LADY....!

Miss Suri, don't allow yourself to get involved with her!!!

Levi... it's alright. They've come this far.

[ she lets herself smile faintly, finally ] It seems like you'll be alright, then. Suri.

As for us, I am sorry to say that we will likely continue to be noble fools. To accomplish much, we have to risk much too.

What power is it that we have, in your eyes?

Free will. The power to choose your own destinies. Countless eyes watching you upon the stage, waiting to see what you will do.

[ and then they flick a bug at Levi. ]

Tell me to do what I want and then when I do that, tell me not to? Please be less confusing, callow serpent.

Also, not a "Miss."