[There's a knock at your door, Set! And a letter slipped underneath, written on nice paper. There's an added vibrant red kiss mark to the corner of it, along with sweeping cursive letters:]
ππΆπΉπΆπ π«ππΎππππ πΎπππΎπππ πππ
ππ πΆ ππππππ πππΎπππ
π΅π πππΆπΉπ π·π π£π’ π«π ππ½πΆππ
[And around 10pm, if Set opens his door, there is a lady with brown hair standing in a glossy red dress and gloves. Hey there, god boy. "She" smiles, with a perfect, flighty voice.]
Are you ready?
ππ πΆ ππππππ πππΎπππ
π΅π πππΆπΉπ π·π π£π’ π«π ππ½πΆππ
[And around 10pm, if Set opens his door, there is a lady with brown hair standing in a glossy red dress and gloves. Hey there, god boy. "She" smiles, with a perfect, flighty voice.]
Are you ready?
[ It delights him, to see someone else thrilling in the game. Identities worn as masks, ruses within ruses to haunt the minds and hearts of others, hunger untethered and straining towards information, power, clout, prestige, and all the other trappings of a vibrant life.
Set's ready by ten, dressed up in an outfit that he would never wear, but Hierax would β that Set has worn in another form, for a masked ball in another life. It's made mostly of material that mimics bent metals, artfully arranged across skin with a little half-jacket over it and low, bohemian pants boasting a replication print of the Great Wave across the bottoms. Laced sandals with a heel, and his hair braided β far longer than it usually is, trailing behind him with gold laced through it.
He grins, upon opening the door to spot Madam Poisson. While he can toy with his appearance via shapeshifting, there is something about someone ( he thinks of as ) human changing their entire appearance with raw skill, talent. Or maybe it's just a Cosmetic filter, for all he knows. He'd like to think more highly of Sampo's ability, both because it'd be safer to, and more fun. ]
Oh. I did not wear my breasts tonight, will that be appropriate for your "soiree"?
[ the THINGS that come out of his mouth sometimes ]
Set's ready by ten, dressed up in an outfit that he would never wear, but Hierax would β that Set has worn in another form, for a masked ball in another life. It's made mostly of material that mimics bent metals, artfully arranged across skin with a little half-jacket over it and low, bohemian pants boasting a replication print of the Great Wave across the bottoms. Laced sandals with a heel, and his hair braided β far longer than it usually is, trailing behind him with gold laced through it.
He grins, upon opening the door to spot Madam Poisson. While he can toy with his appearance via shapeshifting, there is something about someone ( he thinks of as ) human changing their entire appearance with raw skill, talent. Or maybe it's just a Cosmetic filter, for all he knows. He'd like to think more highly of Sampo's ability, both because it'd be safer to, and more fun. ]
Oh. I did not wear my breasts tonight, will that be appropriate for your "soiree"?
[ the THINGS that come out of his mouth sometimes ]
Ah?
[Sampo blinks, a little surprised by such a blatant ask, before breaking into a little amused titter behind a gloved hand.]
No, no, that's alright. If it was lady-only, I would've let you know. [He can't help himself, reaching out to gently pat over the broad shoulders, twirl the end of the braid in his hand before letting go.] You're a handsome fella, bust or not. I didn't even know you had that option. You got me curious for the next time.
[Sampo blinks, a little surprised by such a blatant ask, before breaking into a little amused titter behind a gloved hand.]
No, no, that's alright. If it was lady-only, I would've let you know. [He can't help himself, reaching out to gently pat over the broad shoulders, twirl the end of the braid in his hand before letting go.] You're a handsome fella, bust or not. I didn't even know you had that option. You got me curious for the next time.
What, like it's hard?
[ Set beams, drawing a hand down his throat as if to show off the jewelry-less length of it; a column of pale skin, that he hopes to draw eyes with. Despite that his usual attire means that he's normally just in a skirt ( it's not a skirt ) and jewelry, dressing himself up and leaving the heavy gold off is a bit like going fully nude for someone like him. He laughs, throaty and full, as Sampo goes hands-first for his braid. As long as he's not pulling it, they're fine. ]
Before I fail to recognize: you look beautiful tonight, Miss Poisson! [ Catching that hand to bring the meat of Sampo's thumb to his lips, a chaste and friendly little kiss nuzzled into it. ] I am at your mercy, as my guide and companion.
[ Set beams, drawing a hand down his throat as if to show off the jewelry-less length of it; a column of pale skin, that he hopes to draw eyes with. Despite that his usual attire means that he's normally just in a skirt ( it's not a skirt ) and jewelry, dressing himself up and leaving the heavy gold off is a bit like going fully nude for someone like him. He laughs, throaty and full, as Sampo goes hands-first for his braid. As long as he's not pulling it, they're fine. ]
Before I fail to recognize: you look beautiful tonight, Miss Poisson! [ Catching that hand to bring the meat of Sampo's thumb to his lips, a chaste and friendly little kiss nuzzled into it. ] I am at your mercy, as my guide and companion.
Well, you are a god...I shouldn't put anything past you.
[Almighty, all powerful...]
[Haha, it makes the Masked Fool of him want to make fun of that kind of thing all night long. His turquoise eyes dance over the lines that Set show off, appreciative.]
Aw. [He's acting bashful, with his free hand going to his cheek in an "oh, you!" expression.] Well, I won't lead you astray. [And with a voice that's a lighter, feminine tone, as he pulls to Set's side, settling his arm to nestle in the crook of his.] Let's go, then. Are you the kind of man who likes parties like this? Both of "you".
[Almighty, all powerful...]
[Haha, it makes the Masked Fool of him want to make fun of that kind of thing all night long. His turquoise eyes dance over the lines that Set show off, appreciative.]
Aw. [He's acting bashful, with his free hand going to his cheek in an "oh, you!" expression.] Well, I won't lead you astray. [And with a voice that's a lighter, feminine tone, as he pulls to Set's side, settling his arm to nestle in the crook of his.] Let's go, then. Are you the kind of man who likes parties like this? Both of "you".
so was gonna hit you up about this earlier but then surprise it was time to get to work
but anyways, once we get back, I'm thinking you and me should start a training regiment for any of the outsiders worth that kind of attention. already met a guy that's interested in training with both of us (I namedropped you in the conversation too), and sure there's more.
this group's a lot happier to fight! so let's really put them through it, yeah? would be lame for them to go fight kaiju and then just got smeared when it gets hard
but anyways, once we get back, I'm thinking you and me should start a training regiment for any of the outsiders worth that kind of attention. already met a guy that's interested in training with both of us (I namedropped you in the conversation too), and sure there's more.
this group's a lot happier to fight! so let's really put them through it, yeah? would be lame for them to go fight kaiju and then just got smeared when it gets hard
[ ur not the only one with a mask to wear, goofy!!!!
Anyways.
Set falls into step with his "date" for the evening, shutting his door behind him before fetching up nicely to that locked-arm gait. He's not unfamiliar with dates, though USUALLY he's the one doing the leading and pursuing, not the one submitting himself to the "mercies" of another. All the same. ]
Not really. [ WHAAAT ] I was away to battle more often than I was home, and celebrations were more for my siblings than me. Nobody likes to celebrate war when it is being waged, and when concluded, they really only celebrate victory and the peace that follows. Neither of which are my domains.
[ That would be him, as "Set". As Hierax? ] As for "me", I find them an arduous necessity. The party itself is an opportunity to network, drink, indulge, but my attentions are difficult to capture, and worse yet, to hold onto.
Anyways.
Set falls into step with his "date" for the evening, shutting his door behind him before fetching up nicely to that locked-arm gait. He's not unfamiliar with dates, though USUALLY he's the one doing the leading and pursuing, not the one submitting himself to the "mercies" of another. All the same. ]
Not really. [ WHAAAT ] I was away to battle more often than I was home, and celebrations were more for my siblings than me. Nobody likes to celebrate war when it is being waged, and when concluded, they really only celebrate victory and the peace that follows. Neither of which are my domains.
[ That would be him, as "Set". As Hierax? ] As for "me", I find them an arduous necessity. The party itself is an opportunity to network, drink, indulge, but my attentions are difficult to capture, and worse yet, to hold onto.
Our teams back in that other place sure could learn from these guys! I guess it is easier for modern mortals to fight enemies that are not like them, the xenophobic wretches that they are.
I would enjoy collaborating with you on this, Tezcatlipoca. Ensuring our comrades are the best that they can be in the face of a deadly foe is our duty as gods, after all. I think that what rewards we receive from LILITH [ the ac points ] could be pooled for this purpose, as well? What do you think?
Honestly, I miss the Coliseum. Maybe establishing a variation would be fun!
I would enjoy collaborating with you on this, Tezcatlipoca. Ensuring our comrades are the best that they can be in the face of a deadly foe is our duty as gods, after all. I think that what rewards we receive from LILITH [ the ac points ] could be pooled for this purpose, as well? What do you think?
Honestly, I miss the Coliseum. Maybe establishing a variation would be fun!
Edited 2024-08-14 19:44 (UTC)
no kidding. like if things are too one-sided, I might have to go join the kaiju! (kidding, they don't seem that fun to fight alongside from what I've heard/read)
but a coliseum sounds fun. they got those training things back at the base, but that ain't the real shit. hell, you can't even properly fight! got zapped for trying haha
[ because he DESERVED IT ]
but if we pinky promised with LILITH to not let anyone ACTUALLY die maybe they'd be more down for it. like if someone isn't actually threatened in their training what's the point. don't learn anything about being in a real life or death situation if all your practice was in your head
either that or we start an underground fight club. that wouldn't actually work for the same reasons but. sounds fun right?
but a coliseum sounds fun. they got those training things back at the base, but that ain't the real shit. hell, you can't even properly fight! got zapped for trying haha
[ because he DESERVED IT ]
but if we pinky promised with LILITH to not let anyone ACTUALLY die maybe they'd be more down for it. like if someone isn't actually threatened in their training what's the point. don't learn anything about being in a real life or death situation if all your practice was in your head
either that or we start an underground fight club. that wouldn't actually work for the same reasons but. sounds fun right?
Edited 2024-08-14 19:56 (UTC)
@goddess of death (a week after they're back to Neo Tokyo)
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
queenofkur
2024-08-23 12:57 pm (UTC)(link)
Greetings;
I would like to talk with you in person. Would it be possible for us to meet? I am currently at a flower shop, the location should be accessible through your implants. If this is inconvenient, please let me know of a time and place that would work for you.
I would like to talk with you in person. Would it be possible for us to meet? I am currently at a flower shop, the location should be accessible through your implants. If this is inconvenient, please let me know of a time and place that would work for you.
I will make it possible. Give me two hours, and let me know if your location changes in that time.
[ The reply from him is succinct, because he needs to get himself together. The time allotted is for him to use, to haul himself on an injured leg to the place where Ereshkigal wants to meet. No matter their disagreement, it seems he's not hesitant to speak with her further.
Hopefully, she stays at the flower shop, as he'll trail in within an hour and a half. Limping a little, dressed in a comfortable burgundy cardigan and high-waisted khaki pants β a little university-professor-esque, with large sunglasses over his eyes. Hair in a low, twisted bun. He stands in the doorway, hands crammed into his pockets and scowls slightly before he relaxes into a more solemn expression. A formal stance. ]
β what part would you like to talk about?
[ The reply from him is succinct, because he needs to get himself together. The time allotted is for him to use, to haul himself on an injured leg to the place where Ereshkigal wants to meet. No matter their disagreement, it seems he's not hesitant to speak with her further.
Hopefully, she stays at the flower shop, as he'll trail in within an hour and a half. Limping a little, dressed in a comfortable burgundy cardigan and high-waisted khaki pants β a little university-professor-esque, with large sunglasses over his eyes. Hair in a low, twisted bun. He stands in the doorway, hands crammed into his pockets and scowls slightly before he relaxes into a more solemn expression. A formal stance. ]
β what part would you like to talk about?
[ Upon entering the flower store, it becomes evident Ereshkigal isn't shopping here β not when she's wearing a black and red overall with flower patterns, a big floppy sun hat and garden gloves. Mind you, she will never be seen looking unfashionable! So the attire is fashioned to somewhat resemble her usual dress, just a lot more flowery and practical for this purpose.
She smiles brightly when he announces himself and turns around. The name on her worker ID reads "Ninkigal." Probably her civilian identity. ]
I'm glad you decided to come. [Her smile falters some though as she looks down at his leg.] But I would have found you, had I known of this.
[ Is it her or does he look... Stiff? Formal? Obviously she is forcing herself to smile because a responsible goddess shouldn't be depressed for more than a few days, but did the recent events affect him that much? Or... ]
... I'm not going to attack you, you know? [A pause.] Nor am I going to speak of her.
[ That would just block everything if she did. And she's hopeful - perhaps - that he isn't as bad as Tezca and Silco. Quetzalcoatl believed so. ]
She smiles brightly when he announces himself and turns around. The name on her worker ID reads "Ninkigal." Probably her civilian identity. ]
I'm glad you decided to come. [Her smile falters some though as she looks down at his leg.] But I would have found you, had I known of this.
[ Is it her or does he look... Stiff? Formal? Obviously she is forcing herself to smile because a responsible goddess shouldn't be depressed for more than a few days, but did the recent events affect him that much? Or... ]
... I'm not going to attack you, you know? [A pause.] Nor am I going to speak of her.
[ That would just block everything if she did. And she's hopeful - perhaps - that he isn't as bad as Tezca and Silco. Quetzalcoatl believed so. ]
[ please save him, this might actually be the first time he's ever actually met ereshkigal in person. certainly, he'd seen her in the Dataverse, but as data can be manipulated....... ]
We made our stances quite clear, about humanity. Being told that we all "betrayed" it must have impacted you deeply, so you must understand that being called on to visit, to me, seems an opportunity for an upset goddess to enact her vengeance.
[ He doesn't want to be called out as being on the defensive, but she nails him right from the moment he walks in the door. Limping on injured limb, which will heal quicker than any mortals' injury, but still must be given time and grace. Set presses his sunglasses up once inside, taking a long and arduous look around at the flower store β his brow creasing, mouth tugging into...
perhaps it is a mildly pained expression?
Before he steadies again, and cocks his hips to take his weight off the injured knee. ]
β I used to grow things. In the life I had before this, in Kenos. It was an ability I never had before that, and now... it is gone again.
We made our stances quite clear, about humanity. Being told that we all "betrayed" it must have impacted you deeply, so you must understand that being called on to visit, to me, seems an opportunity for an upset goddess to enact her vengeance.
[ He doesn't want to be called out as being on the defensive, but she nails him right from the moment he walks in the door. Limping on injured limb, which will heal quicker than any mortals' injury, but still must be given time and grace. Set presses his sunglasses up once inside, taking a long and arduous look around at the flower store β his brow creasing, mouth tugging into...
perhaps it is a mildly pained expression?
Before he steadies again, and cocks his hips to take his weight off the injured knee. ]
β I used to grow things. In the life I had before this, in Kenos. It was an ability I never had before that, and now... it is gone again.
[ She would say that she would have called him to the graveyard and not her flower shop, had she wanted to kill him. But she really doesn't want to even imply the possibility of a conflict. That's not why she called him.
Instead she listens to him. Ah... The power to grow thing. The very opposite of the power she rules over. ]
You still can. Perhaps not to the extent you used to... But all flowers need are care and love. [She smiles a bit sadly.] Most people don't see the point when flowers have such a short life, but I think that's exactly what makes them beautiful.
[ She moves around the small shop and approach a pot with yellow flowers. They are noticeably isolated from the rest. ]
Daffodils. It's one of the most beautiful genus. [A pause.] It doesn't like other flowers though. It kills them when you try putting them together in a bouquet. I've been trying to find a way to make it work with other flowers, but I don't even know why it's doing that in the first place.
[ Kind of hard to find a solution when you don't know the whole story, huh? And so she turns back to him. That's what she wants. The whole story, but not that of a flower poisonous to other flowers. That of a god who hates those he should love. ]
That's why I called you. Not to judge, but to understand. I'd like to know where you anger towards human comes from, if you would have me know.
Instead she listens to him. Ah... The power to grow thing. The very opposite of the power she rules over. ]
You still can. Perhaps not to the extent you used to... But all flowers need are care and love. [She smiles a bit sadly.] Most people don't see the point when flowers have such a short life, but I think that's exactly what makes them beautiful.
[ She moves around the small shop and approach a pot with yellow flowers. They are noticeably isolated from the rest. ]
Daffodils. It's one of the most beautiful genus. [A pause.] It doesn't like other flowers though. It kills them when you try putting them together in a bouquet. I've been trying to find a way to make it work with other flowers, but I don't even know why it's doing that in the first place.
[ Kind of hard to find a solution when you don't know the whole story, huh? And so she turns back to him. That's what she wants. The whole story, but not that of a flower poisonous to other flowers. That of a god who hates those he should love. ]
That's why I called you. Not to judge, but to understand. I'd like to know where you anger towards human comes from, if you would have me know.
I am a desert god. Flowers are not something that flourish under me, save for by the tireless grace of my brother. I still appreciate them.
[ In the last world he was in, he'd had a balcony overflowing in green β a veritable hot box of ferns and fruit-bearing trees, herbs and spices and vines draping over the trellis he rested nearby. Green things, grown by the hands of a god who was not the god of life β but the god of arid sands, inhospitable dunes. Now, his quarters under LILITH are is utilitarian and sparse, with only the personal item he'd arrived with tucked safely away within.
Her story of the daffodils is a pointed one, he assumes. Though he tries to take responsibility for his own sins, he still has a simmering sense of persecution β as if the world made him to be its redheaded stepchild, its whipping boy. He imagines he is the daffodil in her allusion, a thing that needs to be kept apart from others lest he poison them.
It's not as if he hasn't said the same of himself, ironically. ]
β does it really matter why I hate humans? I am still here to save this world they inhabit.
[ Even as he asks it, he sighs. Rubbing his brow as if her question is annoying. ]
All right, fine. Well. You are aware I am an evil god, yes?
[ In the last world he was in, he'd had a balcony overflowing in green β a veritable hot box of ferns and fruit-bearing trees, herbs and spices and vines draping over the trellis he rested nearby. Green things, grown by the hands of a god who was not the god of life β but the god of arid sands, inhospitable dunes. Now, his quarters under LILITH are is utilitarian and sparse, with only the personal item he'd arrived with tucked safely away within.
Her story of the daffodils is a pointed one, he assumes. Though he tries to take responsibility for his own sins, he still has a simmering sense of persecution β as if the world made him to be its redheaded stepchild, its whipping boy. He imagines he is the daffodil in her allusion, a thing that needs to be kept apart from others lest he poison them.
It's not as if he hasn't said the same of himself, ironically. ]
β does it really matter why I hate humans? I am still here to save this world they inhabit.
[ Even as he asks it, he sighs. Rubbing his brow as if her question is annoying. ]
All right, fine. Well. You are aware I am an evil god, yes?
[ He still appreciates them... Absently she starts moving around the shop, picking flowers here and there. Even if they end up in disagreement once again, at least he can leave with a bouquet in hand. Flowers help everyone feel better!
... They help her, at least. ]
As I saidβ My only wish is to understand you, not judge nor chastise. [A tired smile.] How else am I to find a way to free you from this hatred?
[ The daffodils shouldn't stay separated forever. There has to be a way so their presence can become one that co-exists with other flowers. An existence in harmony, and not a destructive one.
But first, an understanding of why they're dangerous must come. Only then, can a way be found to help them co-exist with the other flowers. ]
Yes. I am an evil goddess as well.
[ Please don't question it. That's just the way things are. Humanity has decided she is "chaotic evil," and her opinion of herself is so low she's never tried to contest it, so clearly she is an evil goddess. ]
... They help her, at least. ]
As I saidβ My only wish is to understand you, not judge nor chastise. [A tired smile.] How else am I to find a way to free you from this hatred?
[ The daffodils shouldn't stay separated forever. There has to be a way so their presence can become one that co-exists with other flowers. An existence in harmony, and not a destructive one.
But first, an understanding of why they're dangerous must come. Only then, can a way be found to help them co-exist with the other flowers. ]
Yes. I am an evil goddess as well.
[ Please don't question it. That's just the way things are. Humanity has decided she is "chaotic evil," and her opinion of herself is so low she's never tried to contest it, so clearly she is an evil goddess. ]
[ oh my god melodie how are they both the same alignment
Refusing to sit down, despite the good it would do for his injured leg, Set buries his hands in the petals of some of the hardier flowers, automatically looking for broken stems and β well, for a god that has nothing to do with growth or life, he certainly knows how to prune a plant!
He's not the type to give a straightforward answer, especially because his reasons are β well, he guards them ferociously. It's not just a habit he picked up in Egypt, but one that had been essential in Kenos, where any vulnerability could be exploited and utilized in a war with cosmic consequences. It's why he keeps his eyes upon the plant he works on, and continues to speak. ]
I was made this way.
[ He has to have been, in his opinion. The foundations of existence required something of all gods, and it is to what they answer to, in his experience. ]
Honestly, I must have fought my fate for years, but I have found that my loathing of humanity is integral to the order of all things. I exist as an antagonist and enemy to be triumphed against, so that others have due cause to rise up as heroes. I know the worst of humanity. I inspire the worst in humanity, and the good in them can only be recognized because there is wickedness and evil to rally against.
[ His tone is light, but matter-of-fact. What he says it more like a recitation of factual evidence, then a heartfelt story. ]
Refusing to sit down, despite the good it would do for his injured leg, Set buries his hands in the petals of some of the hardier flowers, automatically looking for broken stems and β well, for a god that has nothing to do with growth or life, he certainly knows how to prune a plant!
He's not the type to give a straightforward answer, especially because his reasons are β well, he guards them ferociously. It's not just a habit he picked up in Egypt, but one that had been essential in Kenos, where any vulnerability could be exploited and utilized in a war with cosmic consequences. It's why he keeps his eyes upon the plant he works on, and continues to speak. ]
I was made this way.
[ He has to have been, in his opinion. The foundations of existence required something of all gods, and it is to what they answer to, in his experience. ]
Honestly, I must have fought my fate for years, but I have found that my loathing of humanity is integral to the order of all things. I exist as an antagonist and enemy to be triumphed against, so that others have due cause to rise up as heroes. I know the worst of humanity. I inspire the worst in humanity, and the good in them can only be recognized because there is wickedness and evil to rally against.
[ His tone is light, but matter-of-fact. What he says it more like a recitation of factual evidence, then a heartfelt story. ]
[ It's tragic. Yet makes total sense. She's going to become an evil of humanity, too, in her future! Makes you wonder if he sparkles too whenever he's really happy.
Regardless, she thinks she understands. He is akin to a Beast, even if he isn't one per se. An Evil of Humanity for them to overcome. Once she has enough flowers in hand, she goes back behind the counter and starts putting them together in a bouquet. She's put a lot of care into her work, so she's no longer looking at him. But she's smiling. ]
And yet you were summoned here, as an ally of humanity. [For all the good it means when Silco's also been summoned, but details.] Perhaps your efforts to fight your fate have been more fruitful than you realize.
[ At the very least, he appears to dislike his own nature. Heh. Another common trait all beasts have. None of them are devoid of love for humanity, quite the contrary. ]
Evils of Humanity all have something in common. They love humanity. In strange and incomprehensible ways, perhaps. [A pause.] But this love is the very source of their hatred.
[ Finally she looks back up at him, her smile wider and happier than ever. She knew it! He's not a lost cause. That's why Quetzalcoatl tried so hard! And she will finish her work, somehow. ]
Regardless, she thinks she understands. He is akin to a Beast, even if he isn't one per se. An Evil of Humanity for them to overcome. Once she has enough flowers in hand, she goes back behind the counter and starts putting them together in a bouquet. She's put a lot of care into her work, so she's no longer looking at him. But she's smiling. ]
And yet you were summoned here, as an ally of humanity. [For all the good it means when Silco's also been summoned, but details.] Perhaps your efforts to fight your fate have been more fruitful than you realize.
[ At the very least, he appears to dislike his own nature. Heh. Another common trait all beasts have. None of them are devoid of love for humanity, quite the contrary. ]
Evils of Humanity all have something in common. They love humanity. In strange and incomprehensible ways, perhaps. [A pause.] But this love is the very source of their hatred.
[ Finally she looks back up at him, her smile wider and happier than ever. She knew it! He's not a lost cause. That's why Quetzalcoatl tried so hard! And she will finish her work, somehow. ]
[ Honestly, he doesn't have it in him to be cruel to Ereshkigal. Not to her, as she reaches out and tries to make sense of something; his cruelties and hostilities are rooted in her desire to "help him", and more than that, in the way he does not want to come to love humans. The smile on her face is a sweet thing, and it embarrasses him a little to think that whatever she's taking from the conversation, it's making her happy. Maybe she is an evil goddess, she's kinda' twisted in her own way!
He takes the potted flower he's been messing around with to the counter, setting it to the side so that he can watch her work. ]
And in the last world I was in, we were presented with two choices while staring at the destruction of all existence: we could fight on the side of those who wanted to restore it, or we could accept the natural order of things and create something new. I fought to restore.
[ Carefully, he reaches out and rests a hand on hers. As if to slow her thoughts, and encourage her not to leap to conclusions so quickly. She's not wrong, per se. His hatred is, in a way, love that has been corrupted by pain β but he's not about to tell her, not yet. ]
I never said I "hated humanity". Just humans. Before I was ever an evil god, or even a god of war, I was their guardian. And I lost my way, and abused the people I was sworn to protect. I'm not a forgiving man, and when I look upon the way humans have tortured the world to the point where it is dying around them... I want them to prove they can and will make up for their own crimes.
[ If he has to, they have to: ] Suffering is passive, Ereshkigal. It means nothing to me. Atonement is what I want for them.
He takes the potted flower he's been messing around with to the counter, setting it to the side so that he can watch her work. ]
And in the last world I was in, we were presented with two choices while staring at the destruction of all existence: we could fight on the side of those who wanted to restore it, or we could accept the natural order of things and create something new. I fought to restore.
[ Carefully, he reaches out and rests a hand on hers. As if to slow her thoughts, and encourage her not to leap to conclusions so quickly. She's not wrong, per se. His hatred is, in a way, love that has been corrupted by pain β but he's not about to tell her, not yet. ]
I never said I "hated humanity". Just humans. Before I was ever an evil god, or even a god of war, I was their guardian. And I lost my way, and abused the people I was sworn to protect. I'm not a forgiving man, and when I look upon the way humans have tortured the world to the point where it is dying around them... I want them to prove they can and will make up for their own crimes.
[ If he has to, they have to: ] Suffering is passive, Ereshkigal. It means nothing to me. Atonement is what I want for them.
[ That sounds like the most difficult choice one could be tasked with. It's cruel to force one to take it - even if they're a god. She doesn't want to imagine what state of panic she would have been in, should she have been there in his stead. If the death of their worlds had come naturally... Then she would have probably sided with those accepting the natural order of things to create the next step in life. It would have required lots of thinking for her, to be sure.
She looks down at their hands when he put his over hers, and listens. Atonement... Is this even possible, when the sins accumulated by their kind keep growing, generation after generation, era after era?
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ]
... There is too much to atone for.
[ She withdraws her hand so she can finish the bouquet. Perhaps she is too lenient on human. But if so, then he is too harsh. There must be a just middle-ground between their approaches, she supposes. ]
Besides... One can't truly atone when they believe themselves to be irredeemable.
[ It's a sentiment shared by many humans... And by Set about himself, if she's right. Maybe not. She's better at reading the dead than she is at reading the humans. ]
I once so thought of myself... I still do, when I am alone with nothing but my thoughts and eternity as company. It is only when the voices of others reach my ears that I am reminded that mine needs not be an irredeemable existence. [She looks up at him and smile - bit sadly - before handing him over the finished bouquet.] Hopefully I will not be the only voice here to remind you.
She looks down at their hands when he put his over hers, and listens. Atonement... Is this even possible, when the sins accumulated by their kind keep growing, generation after generation, era after era?
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ]
... There is too much to atone for.
[ She withdraws her hand so she can finish the bouquet. Perhaps she is too lenient on human. But if so, then he is too harsh. There must be a just middle-ground between their approaches, she supposes. ]
Besides... One can't truly atone when they believe themselves to be irredeemable.
[ It's a sentiment shared by many humans... And by Set about himself, if she's right. Maybe not. She's better at reading the dead than she is at reading the humans. ]
I once so thought of myself... I still do, when I am alone with nothing but my thoughts and eternity as company. It is only when the voices of others reach my ears that I am reminded that mine needs not be an irredeemable existence. [She looks up at him and smile - bit sadly - before handing him over the finished bouquet.] Hopefully I will not be the only voice here to remind you.
[ A sequence of attempts to make audio contact.
Each one rings once, twice β disconnects.
Then again.
A long pause.
Again.
Man what the fuck is going on with the stinky guy? Silco is generally not this frantic, as Set well knows. Except around one subject alone. ]
Each one rings once, twice β disconnects.
Then again.
A long pause.
Again.
Man what the fuck is going on with the stinky guy? Silco is generally not this frantic, as Set well knows. Except around one subject alone. ]
[ Silco is only this unhinged on particular occasions. The rapid attempts at contacting him make him wonder first if Silco is in trouble ( there is no Sebastian to guard him now; no Zenith to imbue him; no fledgling divinity within, changing him ), and second, if this pertains to her.
He calls back, and lets his line ring. It'll ring forever if it needs to. ]
Silco. Talk to me, [ he mutters, urging it into existence. ]
He calls back, and lets his line ring. It'll ring forever if it needs to. ]
Silco. Talk to me, [ he mutters, urging it into existence. ]
[ It rings for a bit.
Meanwhile, Silco is throwing something. It breaks.
As if on cue though, after several rings through, he picks up. Though he doesn't say anything, there's just heavy breaths, a grunt, and another shatter of something in his room, before Silco finally answers.
There's enough of a pause that Set can imagine it. The way Silco does that thing that he does, like he is compartmentalizing that rabid monster beneath the cheap veneer he uses. Running a hand through his hair, like that is enough to tuck it back underneath the layers of skin and makeup to make him look more a man. ]
Set.
[ His voice is rough. He considers playing it off, but. He's already made the fool of himself. ]
I β
Do you think it was all a lie?
[ What, he doesn't say. He remembered holding her body in his arms, how limp it was. Could it have been that he was Wrong? He'd been so willing to burn the world because he couldn't bear to revive a world without her in it. But... if she had been there...
Would he have been giving her up in the end? Had he been so foolish? He doesn't give him a chance to answer, though, he instead admits: ]
I finally asked LILITH about what comes next.
[ He assumed he would go back and rain death and destruction on Piltover and probably die exacting his revenge, but β but β
She wasn't even dead. ]
Meanwhile, Silco is throwing something. It breaks.
As if on cue though, after several rings through, he picks up. Though he doesn't say anything, there's just heavy breaths, a grunt, and another shatter of something in his room, before Silco finally answers.
There's enough of a pause that Set can imagine it. The way Silco does that thing that he does, like he is compartmentalizing that rabid monster beneath the cheap veneer he uses. Running a hand through his hair, like that is enough to tuck it back underneath the layers of skin and makeup to make him look more a man. ]
Set.
[ His voice is rough. He considers playing it off, but. He's already made the fool of himself. ]
I β
Do you think it was all a lie?
[ What, he doesn't say. He remembered holding her body in his arms, how limp it was. Could it have been that he was Wrong? He'd been so willing to burn the world because he couldn't bear to revive a world without her in it. But... if she had been there...
Would he have been giving her up in the end? Had he been so foolish? He doesn't give him a chance to answer, though, he instead admits: ]
I finally asked LILITH about what comes next.
[ He assumed he would go back and rain death and destruction on Piltover and probably die exacting his revenge, but β but β
She wasn't even dead. ]
[ There is a lot, in those eight words. In the epiphany that has grasped Silco, just by asking a single thing about his circumstances instead of blasting through life toward his inevitable end. Something dark, hungry coils inside of his belly β smug, satisfied, gloating, rich with laughter unshared between the two of them because isn't that just right? Hadn't he warned as much? Hadn't he known? Coveted information, sold himself off little by little to a cosmic war in order to lay claim to others in a more primal, vicious way?
Hadn't he been his mothers child? ]
Hadn't he been his mothers child? ]
β I think it was rooted in truth. It had to have been, to be an effective lure. If you are not hungry for it, you will not bite.
[ "What comes next" for Set was a linear thing in a nonlinear existence. No matter what, it was going to be reuniting with his child. It was the only price worth what he had done, how far he was willing to go. What the factions had promised had to be true, but the price was likely too steep for some to pay. What was to come next was not to be, in Kenos. Worlds were destroyed on that cusp, after all.
But here? In this past-future existence, unknown and inconsiderate of their struggles? What did any of it matter? ]
What did they show you, Silco?
[ "What comes next" for Set was a linear thing in a nonlinear existence. No matter what, it was going to be reuniting with his child. It was the only price worth what he had done, how far he was willing to go. What the factions had promised had to be true, but the price was likely too steep for some to pay. What was to come next was not to be, in Kenos. Worlds were destroyed on that cusp, after all.
But here? In this past-future existence, unknown and inconsiderate of their struggles? What did any of it matter? ]
What did they show you, Silco?
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