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IC INBOX ( KENOS ).
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█ To Commune with Set is to stand barefoot in an endless, scorching desert. The sun illuminates all, scalding the shadows themselves out from underneath whomever enters his dominion; the arch of gentle, distant, waves of sand mask the precarious chasms, towering dunes akin to mountains. The sense of vastness, timelessness, is of particular notice, lending itself to the alien, eldritch quality of his mind. There is a dark storm in the distance, and you know intimately that this divine being is far from benign. You cannot bargain with a force of nature. You can only survive it. |
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Set’s response makes Sebastian laugh with warm, easy delight. He wasn’t trying to be subtle about digging for information (he imagines that trying to be sly would only make Set suspicious, and thus he wouldn’t get his information at all), but he’s pleased that Set sees it for what it is. When someone wants something from you, it’s an opportunity to squeeze them for more. Considering the very petty, playful reason for this call, Sebastian hardly minds. ]
Oh, that would be fair, yes. However, what sort of “something else” do you have in mind? For I confess, some of them are not very interesting, so I may not have much to give.
[ …Well. Only one of them, really. But still, the specificity will allow him to dance around things he may not want to share. ]
no subject
[ 99% of Zenites are boring, to him. Most of them were given everything they wanted on a silver platter, after all. In his eyes, they have nothing to strive for, and it's only made him more... not resentful ( because he could find his way to their ranks, if he was inclined to ), but — disappointed. There's no infighting, there's no spice. They all just get along, nary an argument or moral quandry between them. To his knowledge. ]
Oh, it's nothing dire. I want to know how you determine the soul's potential, it has everything to do with the relationships you form, does it not? You are a devoted gourmet, after all.
[ Neatly said, even as the mental impression of his mouth begins to open. A slow-building smile with teeth. ]
I will give you names, if you agree. Make it special to me, and I will even be special in return.
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Flatterer.
[ It’s not a complaint, though. Far from it, especially since he can’t help be amused at the way Set chooses to phrase it. Ah, their games are truly fun. ]
Very well. Though in the interest of giving you something truly special, I do feel I should note… If it is a soul’s potential that you wish to understand, then you would not learn too terribly much from those that have my ire. So far as souls go, they are usually dull. Instead, shall I tell you of those who I would form a Covenant with, assuming they were to ask to hold my leash?
no subject
[ And he's so curious and hungry, young and fresh and new to the whole situation. Practically starving for Sebastian's instruction, to learn why and how, as if it will help Set make sense of his own inclinations, the people he fixates on. The ones he does not find interesting at all. The strange rank-and-file within his mind that did not ever exist before, when he was a god and looked upon everyone with equal disdain.
He pretends to fan himself a little, as if heated by the exchange. ] How do you see it? People can be different from one another even if they are all cockroaches, so how do you discriminate?
[ Is it innate to Sebastian? Does he have some unique biological trick? Is it just a careful study, the result of his meticulous nature and knowledge of what type of individual might make the best meal for him? ]
You want Shardbearers who pique my ire, though? Goodness, I can think of one immediately!
no subject
[ A polite one, though! There’s no particularly strict or stringent feeling behind Sebastian saying it as there had been with previous times that they’ve played at bargains. It at least makes it clear that whatever Sebastian is up to, it’s more fanciful in nature. Though whether that’s better or worse remains to be seen…
(answer: neither, it’s stupid) ]
In part, it is just a matter of taste. If you were to ask a different demon, they would be likely to tell you something else that helps them pick out a soul worth harvesting or cultivating further. There is the stereotype about demons particularly loving souls of virgins, and it is because many have a taste for an unblemished, “fresh” soul. They are not bad, I admit. But I prefer complexity. I wish for those who are thoroughly blemished, who know all the evils of the world… And yet, they strive for something more than the darkness in which they are mired. Will they overcome and grasp at that flicker of light, or will they pulled into the undertow? It is always an exquisite struggle either way.
[ It’s a bit of a preamble, but he thinks it’s useful context. There is a certain part of it that he has trouble explaining concretely, since it’s based on a sense that Set simply doesn’t have. He had gotten a taste of it when stepping into Sebastian’s mind as he goaded Ciel into abject cruelty, but it was still a momentary experience. But before he gets into more of those specifics, he does want to give his answers back to Rin. ]
So, with all that said. Please, do tell.
i actually feel the need to apologize to sebastian
Set gives him the full of his attention. To most, it might be oppressive. The way that the war god leans into Sebastian's words, sifting through them with his fingers and eyes and ears and mind, stowing them into parts of his memories and broad, expansive intellect like the eternal night sky, speckled with stars that wax and wane. It's a good start, and he happily grants Sebastian the information he desires, as well. Why not? He's excited to see what will come of it. A hit squad, maybe? ]
Amos Burton holds a unique place, but if you want to know who else I could hold up alongside him — the Archangel and Vander are two individuals I find deeply disagreeable.
RIN ISN'T GOING TO GET ANY C*M THIS WAY >:/
Sebastian laughs, and there’s the clear twang of frustration and pleased amusement both, because it’s the perfect answer and a useless one. It’s his fault for being imprecise, perhaps for not giving Set his full consideration because this was a bargain with low stakes. But it’s not uninteresting, which would be the worst crime of all. ]
Well, Mr. Burton I had assumed, but the other two are a surprise. I found them wholly inoffensive. Dull, even. Was my impression incorrect and they were more interesting folk than I thought?
[ Though it’s partially a lie. He knows Vander holds interest, but he also is forbidden from giving too much of that away even with the terms of his contract with Silco having changed. He may have a guess that Set’s interest in Vander relates to Silco, but he wouldn’t be backed into a corner by pointing that out. ]
First, I give you Lord Voryn Dagoth.
[ two can play at this game BITCH!! ]
He very well could have been my master, had he only shown up just a bit earlier and beat Mr. Silco to offering himself. He was confident, self-righteous, and so very willing to take a demon’s hand, even though he was not as ignorant as some to what that could mean. For him, demons were no abstract concept, and his soul was the fair price for what he wished even so. He was a man with ambition who wished for revenge, but also for a future that would outlive him.
[ This is the practical part of the answer, and also things that Set likely already knows. But as Sebastian continues, his voice shifts from the calm, pleasant cadence of a lecture to the dark, indulgent purr of the more personal. ]
But these practical sorts do not truly know as much as they think they do. I saw weakness in Lord Dagoth—An ambition so fervent that it would blind him to all the ills it caused. For who could praise revenge taken in the name of someone already dead? Whatever noble intention he had, I saw chance to rot it. To be the dark mirror of his dearly loved king and to gently lead him to his heart’s desire… Where he would realize that it did not free him from the crushing weight of loneliness and loss. I would have wanted his love and his loathing, and I would drink of both until there was nothing left of him— When ending his existence would be a kindness.
[ And just as easily, he switches back to the smooth calm. He’s given an answer that he’s sure that Set will find rich and intoxicating, and he hopes that’s incentive enough to get him back to what Sebastian is actually looking for. ]
But, speaking of the departed is only a curiosity, is it not?
1/2 maybe rin should have picked a better ingredient
[ J'accuse, but all in good faith. He's not going to pretend with the demon like he's not beholden to the knowledge of who Silco hates. Or that Set could be swayed into agreeing with the man he was most charmed by ( his nasty little ratman soulmate <3 ), and would miss a little, when he was gone. Gobbled up by the demon he speaks to, and will not lift a finger to thwart. ]
The Archangel was an annoying, presumptuous creature who thought himself capable of wielding me to bolster whatever delusional right he had over gods and mortals. He was of my Aspect, so I could not simply ignore him. He was an affliction. Liked to touch my mind as if he had the right to. As you might say — his manners were atrocious.
[ Innocently, or. As innocently as it was for Archangel, but he was unwanted enough that Set's dreams after the Scorching Isles had shivered and deluded him into thinking the Archangel was Osiris, briefly. Gross. Not his favorite person. Couldn't even purge himself of Discord with the guy! ]
Ah, Voryn. He would have been an incredible match with you, I dare say. We were always at one another's throat, seething and challenging, but I would have adored seeing what might become of him. A cross-faction Covenant, though — is that even possible? If he was of a compatible Aspect, I could have seen it. But, you and I are not, and he was of my little collection.
2/2
He gets what he gives, in the end. ] Dark Schneider is a boor. Did you know he spent what could have been a fine conversation during our time under the roots stroking himself off? I am glad he is with Zenith. If your Shardbearers were not already the most easily-satisfied lot, he alone brings down the dignity you, Sebastian, brought to the faction.
[ HMPH. ]
Many of the individuals who bring me ire are no longer here. I do not hold waste my time holding strong emotions for creatures I will long outlast, and what grievances I have, I seek and acquire restitution for. It is logical to. [ Although he does upscale his demands, because true balance from a god of chaos is Impossible. For once, he will not name Hayame — for she does drive him to extremes in many ways he feels are undeserved and senseless. ]
Silco, I suppose.
[ Not because he doesn't like Silco, but because the man is, as he said, infectious in his loathing. It's fun! ]
she's an overachiever
…Which is why as Set does turn towards present day irritants, the mood on Sebastian’s end absolutely drops like a stone. It’s a sign of deep agreement. ]
Ah. I did not, but I am hardly surprised. He is a boor, and like you and Mr. Archangel, I am cursed to share an Aspect with him. I have considered three separate plans to murder him for that alone. [ It’s said completely flatly and from some people, this might be a joke, but. Not Sebastian. He’s completely serious. As such, he gives a very tired sigh as if put-upon by Dark’s mere existence. ] But I cannot… Even though I would be doing a service to every resident of Kenos, it is not actually worth the risk or trouble to assassinate someone who is very technically one of my own. Pity. Please kill him.
[ HMPH INDEED ]
Otherwise, we hold a similar position, as usual. Save for Mr. Schneider whose offenses are more… nebulous, those who provoke my ire do not provoke it for very long. When restitution is paid, the matter is settled, so far as I am concerned. Whether that is mutual or not matters little to me.
[ hm, wonder who that could refer to! Anyways! ]
So, thank you very much for your answers. I had admittedly hoped for those who truly vexed you, but I understand what you mean perfectly… So, for my end of the bargain.
[ He hums a thoughtful note, but decides he’ll leave the decision to Set
because this tag is TOO LONG ALREADY]I would name Ms. Sahelian and Hayame most prominently. I would argue that Lord Dagoth demonstrates one of my “types” well, and there is no one that matches him yet. Save for Mr. Silco, of course. Who would you like to hear of first?
hilarious that voryn is back now
Set thinks quite highly of Sebastian's hidden qualities, knowing that the demon is passionate about perfection and precision. He supposes there could be more than three, but the three mentioned would be the most developed and effective. That Sebastian's hands are tied because of Dark's allegiance with Zenith is even more wonderful; it's a friction that Set looks for, among their Shard-bearers.
Zenith doesn't test one another enough, he thinks. They are blind to so many things about their own, wishing to overlook what could ruin them. ]
None of them, just yet. I would like to ask more about you — you said you have a particular type that draws you. You even defined it. As I can smell out divinity and — well, you — is it a sense like that? You are a predator. I wanted to know how you were made for hunting down this form of prey. It is — of unique interest to me, after all, as your mentee.
i'm pretending they manifested him
[ Sebastian corrects and confirms Set’s assumption. There’s another sigh, though this one is more… longing. It could be to kill Dark (maybe partially it is), but it’s mostly the mildest of disappointments that he cannot share. Alas, Set is very technically an enemy. Even if Sebastian can’t use his plans against Dark, that’s not the case for Meridian. He can’t give Set any idea of that kind of clever scheming, at least not yet. It’s a shame, though. He’d certainly be the most fun to discuss the finer points of each.
He's a little surprised that Set doesn’t ask for more elaboration as promised, but not displeased. This is technically a better question to ask rather than getting into the specifics of each person. So, he laughs with a little note of approval. This isn’t an ability of his he exactly hides as is the case with others… But no one has asked. ]
It is a sense, yes. Just as we have a sense of taste and touch, most demons have an additional one to sense a soul. It is difficult to describe accurately, but to call it an amalgamation of sight and smell is close enough. I must use my real eyes—
[ The bright, blood red ones, naturally. He doesn’t elaborate because he figures that it’s easy enough for Set to know what he means. ]
But I can see souls very plainly. They are all as unique as a face is.
[ There’s a moment’s consideration, a thoughtful hum, but he decides to give a little more. It’s less out of a sense of duty in the “payment” aspect of this and more that he thinks it might be fun to give Set this information. It’s incredibly minor, in the grand scheme of things. But it’s not insignificant, especially when they’re on opposing sides. ]
Once I set my eyes on someone’s soul, they cannot escape me. If that quality is needed. Of course.
[ It’s not an analogy he’d use because of his distaste for it (thanks Ciel), but he’s a viciously effective hunting dog. Even somewhere as dense as Kowloon, he can track down anyone he’s seen before, and easily. Hiding from Sebastian is something very, very hard to do. And that little terror is why he shares it. If it might give a Meri anxiety one day, then it’s well worth it. ]