[ It's some time after their exchange do they work out the details - more than Lottie's noncommittal and extremely vague 'next week' at '10 ish'. It's still in the morning, a more reasonable 10:30 am and on a Friday, and it will go perfectly and she'll just have to celebrate by doing nothing immediately after.
..At least, in a perfect world, it would go like that. The first obstacle she runs into is the fact hydroflasks don't exist and she can't bring her coffee, so she has to use a ye olde water bottle. And then her servants took too long helping her fix this one curl in her hair and - ]
around the corner!
[ Mental messaging is hard when you're speed walking to not look entirely clownish in the court, but Lottie manages to get the message through to Howl relatively well. He might be able to sense her worry if he squints, especially since it's about fifteen minutes past their initial meeting time. ]
i'm usually NOT abt being late.. i brought a muffin as an apology?
[ Oh, worry not, Lottie, because you've got a date with a man who takes two hours to get ready in the morning himself. As it happens, he is also running late, but unlike Lottie, he has not spared a moment to think about letting the other person know, much less apologize for it.
Her messages does help to make him stop lingering in his bathroom, for what it's worth. Howl removes his Shard and keeps it floating in the air as he gives himself an his outfit one last look in the mirror. ]
Oh, don't rush yourself. I'm not there either. [ answering her text with his mental voice. ] I won't be long. And I look forward to that muffin!
[ With that, he's out the door. Meeting with Lottie like this has put him in a wonderful mood, and with the use of magic, he'll be there in no time. Less than ten minutes later, he emerges into the sunlight to the agreed-upon spot, and immediately scans the area for Lottie. A beautiful green-haired woman from what he remembers on the network, and the slight empathic effect between Aions should give him whatever extra help he needs. ]
[ She mumbles something like a cross between, 'typical', and 'what the frick', ]
k!
[ Lottie experiences a massive amount of whiplash from his message alone - he isn't even here? She could've slept in?? Or pretended she actually came early when she found out he wasn't here?! This is the last time she decides to be a good person and come on time to anything!
Which means that, instead of jogging briskly, Lottie decides to just.. Slow herself into a walk and take her time. If they're both late, there's really no rush, she figures. Which means that when she finally arrives at their meeting spot and spies that fresh head of blonde hair - quite literally glimmering in the sun, and gives a little wave. ]
[ In contrast to Lottie's annoyed reaction, Howl looks perfectly content waiting for her. The wizard is dressed in a loose black blouse with billowing elbow-length sleeves and form-fitting black trousers; it would be a simple outfit if not for all the colorful jewelry he's paired with it. Despite the flashy accessories, it's a darker look than what he was wearing in the image he sent to her, but Achamoth's fashion is very skewed towards black.
Spotting her brilliant head of hair, Howl turns towards Lottie and offers her a big smile. Ah, she really is just as beautiful as she put on, and Howl is genuinely delighted at the chance to admire her. ]
Good morning! Madame, if I may be so bold, you are breathtaking today. And every day too, I'd wager.
[ The contrast to his ethereal Lewksβ’ to how heavy he lays on his compliments provides Lottie the wildest of whiplashes. She can at least say, meeting him in person, she can sort of understand why he takes so long to fix himself up to go out. Still, that doesn't mean she's any more prepared to reply to his kind, and extremely - erm, flattering (cheesy?? Corny?? Is he serious???) - words.
So much so that she simply holds up a bag into view after trying, and failing, to come up with something, and blurts out - ]
[ Howl is nothing if not corny in his wispy, dreamlike sense of romance. For what it's worth, the man's compliments are given completely in earnest, and yet, seem self-aware at the same time. He's just got that much self-confidence, apparently.
Howl doesn't react to the fluster in her response. Instead, his hand dives into the bag for one of these promised muffins. As he peels the wrapper away, he glances over her again, smiling. ]
Your name was Lottie, was it? I introduced myself earlier, but I am Howl. [ He takes a big bite of the muffin and looks around the open field of the training grounds as he chews. ] So... you are ready to try out some magic today?
[ Thank god the muffin worked - not that she expected him to devour it straight away, but still, it's distraction enough for her to look out where he does and nod slowly. To both his questions, her name and if she's good to go. ]
Ready as I'll ever be, Howl.
[ It's clear she's a little lost, but less skeptical now that she knows Howl is a real person. She crumbles the now empty bag in her hand, reluctantly shoving it into her jacket pocket for the moment. ]
[ Howl puts his hands on his hips with an air of purpose and looks around the empty field for a moment. Then he turns towards a tree several yards away and holds out his hand, palm up. With a curl of his fingers in a beckoning motion, a dozen dried leaves lift up from the ground and float over. When he turns back to Lottie, the leaves are flitting about above his hand, as if being kept aloft by a perpetually blowing breeze. ]
If what they say about Aions is true, then you ought to be able to do something like this β with effort and practice, naturally. You can't force these things, nor should you.
Try focusing on... this one. [ With a pointed finger on his other hand, he pulls a leaf from the group and holds it in the air separately. This one floats motionlessly. ]
[ What the hell. He can do that?? Even without being an Aion??? Lottie has to hold back the awkward, especially overwhelming, laugh that wants to escape from her lips. Can she even reach the level of competent he's already showing? What did she get herself into?! ]
Okay!
[ She tries to remain positive, focusing on making her heart beat a little slower from her nerves first before looking at the leaf. When her eyes get to it, she stares. Sweats a little, as it doesn't shift from the floating it's already doing. ]
Is there something I should be envisioning? Or do I just stare??
[ Howl grins as he watches her. She's so... plucky! It's the first word that comes to mind, although he wonders if that's the right way to put it. In any event, she's quite charming. ]
What you really need to do is focus all of your mind's power on it. So... staring can help, actually.
Here. [ He lowers the leaf down, gesturing for her to take it. When it hits her open palm, it feels no different from an ordinary leaf β same weight, same texture. ]
Don't worry about what I'm doing. Just focus. [ thoughtful pause. ] Perhaps... if you kept your Shard in mind, too? I wonder if that could help, considering.
[ The leaf in her hold crinkles the tiniest bit, pinched between her thumb and index finger. When she lets it settle onto the palm of her hand, she feels her nerves slowly build. And despite what he says, to not worry about what he's doing, she still does.
But to her credit, she tries not to!! It means that she has minimal success in really moving the leaf in her palm (at the most, she feels a slight [possibly delusional] shimmy, but even she can't tell if it was her own doing), and she pouts quietly. ]
What, like just the Shard? The image of it? [ She questions, feeling sillier the longer the leaf sits there. ] Do you imagine your Shard when you do stuff?
[ Yes, that was a deflection. But Howl's using the magic he's always used; Lottie has to tap into the new powers she must have now, as a consequence of having a Shard. Howl knew going into this that he wouldn't be the most ideal teacher for that reason, but what he lacks in knowledge he'll make up for in encouragement. ]
Focus. You can do this. No matter how long it may take, we know that you can, so it's simply a matter of trying until you get it.
[ She refrains from huffing and commenting, instead trying to do as he asks and focus. It's embarrassing for her to think about just how long this endeavor might take, but Howl's encouragement at least prevents her from overthinking on that too much and prompts her to stare dead at the leaf with some determination.
It's a minute of so of painfully awkward (on her end) silence, of her subtly flexing her fingers and hand so that she doesn't start cramping up.
But it's when a gust of wind hits then does something actually happen. Instead of the leaf flying off her hand and into the wild, it stays on her palm. It stutters off her hand every so often, as if it's gaining traction to levitate upwards, but more importantly it stays right stuck to her hand despite the wind urging it otherwise - the other leaves falling from the trees around them reinforce this, as they dance up into the sky. ]
[ During the minute of Lottie's concentrated efforts, Howl's gaze wanders away from her and out towards the training grounds. He doesn't want to pile pressure on her by staring, but also, the guy is easily distracted anyway.
The gust of wind is what interrupts his wandering mind. His own focus had lapsed, and the leaves fluttering above his hand are easily swept up in the wind and blown away. He probably could have caught them mid-air if he really wanted, but something much more interesting is happening in Lottie's hand and it halts any desire he might have had to do so. ]
Hah...! Look! You're doing it! [ A wide grin spreads across his face. ] Not exactly the assignment, granted, but I'd call that progress!
[ She swings her head up to look at him, the leaf staying exactly as it is despite the varying volleys of wind hitting them (sometimes the wind goes still, and sometimes it's a soft caress on their skin, other times the leaves rustle and dance along the ground). ]
[ Howl spreads his arms wide, gesturing to the uneven breeze around them and, more importantly, the leaves being swept around by its force. Then, he looks down at the motionless leaf in Lottie's hand, and back to her again, grinning. Well? ]
[ He spreads his arms wide and gives her a bright smile, but it is not enough to combat the fact that she is looking now. And boy, is she just now realizing that there might be pollen in this wind, pollen that'll make her allergies act up. Her eyes swing down to the leaf, catching it wavering in her palm - almost like it's fighting to stay still.
And then, it flies off into the wind. ]
I-I do..
[ Luckily her nose isn't tingly, but boy did it throw off her concentration. Lottie battles a mix of disappointment and excitement - also, faint terror because.. Magic? So her immediate reaction is very hard to gauge, but it isn't bad. Just.. Overwhelmed. ]
I did look. [ She flexes her open palm. ] That was it? I did it?
You surely did something, and that's a start. Especially for someone like yourself, completely new to magic. Simply tapping into it for the first time is huge!
[ Howl is beaming, feeling quite proud of her right now. ] Well, what are you thinking? Talk to me.
[Without flourish or warning, Howl will hear the Regent's voice in his head. It's somehow louder than the other communion voices he's heard, overwhelming and forceful in a way that dwarfs the Aions in comparison.]
[ Howl is out on the streets of Achamoth when the unmistakable voice cuts through the entirety of his thoughts and commands his full attention. He stops in his tracks as a tidal wave of dread fills his body. This... was inevitable. And here it is. ]
...Yes. Stolen from me.
[ Not a lie... but it's not like Howl fought very hard over it. ]
[ Howl doesn't know if the Regent can feel it, but the fear rising in him is even deeper than what he felt on the night of the dinner. But today, there's something else there: a concrete sense of defensiveness. Not defiance, exactly, but the feeling of grasping for an excuse. If Howl could avoid this conversation by stepping through a portal or lifting off into the sky, he would. ]
...Is it so serious for them to have it, sir?
[ or ma'am, or whatever... ]
I have been recovering from severe injuries that nearly killed me... You must have heard of that, considering how many people saw it and know it by now?
And it would have been simple to deliver the message through one of your kindred, but still, you did not.
[There is a pause as they make no comment on how serious it is or isn't. They don't sound as if they are speaking urgently, but it can be hard to tell.]
That's why I pursued him. To remove him as a player.
[ Again, another half-truth β Howl had separate, more personal reasons for doing so, but not even the wizard as fully confronted that fact. The kneejerk anxiety he feels when ordered to recount what transpired is good proof of that.
By now, Howl has ducked into the shadow of a large building, where he hopes he won't be seen or overheard. Holding one's Shard out of one's body tends to attract a lot of unwanted attention when out in the city. ]
...I stayed by the lodestone for the first day. Talking to the first of the new arrivals. But I knew that Estinien would have to be dealt with. I do not know if he is the most formidable of the Pleroma in terms of strength, but I know him to be one of the few who does not hesitate when it comes to violence.
[ As much as Howl says, his words come slowly. The wizard is being careful as to what to say and which details to include. This becomes even more obvious in the pause that precedes his explanation of the events proper. ]
In my search for him, I reached out to his mind. I was trying to find him. [ a half-truth. ] This was my first mistake. He knew I was on my way as a result. [ And yet, Howl does not regret doing so, despite admitting it was a mistake. Another detail he keeps to himself. ]
Neither did I know that he has, somehow, gained new abilities since I last saw him during the ritual. He was able to spring a surprise attack on me. In hindsight, this doomed our bout before it had even started.
[ He goes quiet. That is all he offers for now, hoping it will be enough. There's much more that happened between them β conversations, pulled punches β but he hopes the Regent might accept such a vague recounting. ]
[Thought it does not come through as a sound, there is an soft release of annoyance, like a sigh.]
And what did I tell you all of the nature of Aions? Did I not speak clearly enough of their ability to constantly change and grow? That it is never safe to assume you know what they are capable of?
No, I suppose not. I have never been very good at listening, sir.
[ Like their exchange at the dinner, Howl has no excuses he can plausibly offer and he knows it. He goes quiet again, praying he is not asked for more details. ]
[There is a sense of firm refusal in the psychic connection between them; they clearly don't think this is a valid excuse at all, and finds it weak that he defaults to self-deprecation. Instead of putting that sense into words, though...]
[ in terms of concrete thoughts, Howl is silent. But the anxiety that rises in him when he hears the Regent state the truth so plainly β not even phrased as a question β is so genuine and immediate that it's all the confirmation they need. ]
What you might consider is how you can use that compassion to your advantage.
From all I've seen and heard, this is not simply a case of yet another undiscriminating, bleeding heart Pleroma. He is clearly willing to dispense violence upon your kind... so what was it about you that made him hesitate?
[ The demand is met with more silence. Again, Howl does not know what to say for himself, but it's because he does not know what to think, especially with how rapidly the Regent's words are escalating past mere annoyance.
What was it about Howl that made Estinien hesitate? Howl truly does not know himself, and being asked to explain the thoughts and actions of another β their enemy no less β makes him not only defensive but indignant. Howl's best guess is exact what he told Emet-Selch: that for some reason, Estinien pitied him. Of course, Howl is not entirely clueless as to why; he remembers very well how much of himself he recognized in Estinien's sorrow and how much it prompted him to try to help him accept the Kenoma. But he nevertheless feels wholly unqualified and unfit for the dragoon's sympathy, and thus does not understand it. So what is there to say in response such a question?
But that's not it. As Howl starts to feel like he's being backed into a corner, something starts to rustle within his soul. The Regent is telling him to exploit someone else's sympathy and compassion β sympathy and compassion that had been shown to him. It was his incredible despair and grief and loneliness that made him so vulnerable to the Kenoma's influence, but the more he's being asked to talk about his defeat, the more he's forced to contemplate the distinct and concrete showing of sympathy that was shown to him. And to be told that he ought to not only betray that fledgling camaraderie, but to condone it in others and abandon it within himself as well...
In the wake of the Regent's question, a seed of doubt towards the Kenoma suddenly sprouts within his soul. Although he isn't capable of acknowledging it in such concrete terms, he seems to realize that what had been a nebulous inkling in the back of his mind has turned into something distinct. And he panics.
Haphazardly shoving his shard back into his chest, Howl's feet begin to move. Within a few paces, his black wings start to emerge from his back. He has no idea what he's doing (running? from the omnipotent voice in his head?), but his actions are not the product of a clear rational thought. He knows he cannot hide from the Regent. But, in his panic, perhaps the only thing he can do is go through the motions of what he's always done in these situations and try to flee. ]
[Strangely enough, the Regent doesn't make a second demand. When Howl initially chooses to tuck his shard away and flee, it may even seem like he's having some success. Maybe the Regent won't be able to follow him so easily.
That is, until about fifteen minutes later, with he is joined by another winged figure following him through the air with ease. She moves to cut him off, landing with enough force to kick up dust, her long tail snapping and whip-like as its many forking tendrils twist and curl independently.
He'll feel the weight of her presence almost as strongly as the Regent's. After all, he is being faced down by a fellow Celebrant.]
Hey, baby.
[Gone is the casual wear she was adorned with when they first met. Now, she is dressed as she would for a day on the down, all leather and sharp edges. Her smile is full of fangs.]
This better be good. The Regent had to interrupt my day for this, y'know.
[ Howl is nearing the outskirts of Achamoth by the time a familiar presence trespasses into his head. By now, his arms are covered in the same black feathers that make up the wings on his back, but he is otherwise himself. This is nothing like the combat-focused form he'd taken last week β this transformation is awkward and incomplete, evoked by a wizard with no time to waste.
He spots Dionys out of the corner of his eye just as she dives at him, successfully forcing him to swoop to the ground to avoid a painful crash. The suburban rooftop under his feet creaks as his weight thunks to a stop.
Howl twists his head to look, brow furrowed, to confirm the identity of whoever forced him out of the sky. His heart sinks. ]
...I'd say it's good to see you again, but I don't lie to beautiful women. [ Howl musters a humorless smile, but his fear will be glaringly obvious to the other Celebrant. This is going from bad to worse and he knows it. He's in no condition to fight again, in terms of both physical condition and magic reserves, and what else could she be here for than to drag him back to answer to the Regent? ]
What do you think? Apparently you had the gall to run from a direct order.
[Her high heels clack against roof tiles as she comes closer, a natural swing in her hips.]
The Regent doesn't ask for much, you know. They'll give you anything, just as long as you do right by them in return.
[She holds out a hand before her, and with a viscosity similar to a familiar void-like sludge, a long whip manifests out of think air. It's almost like the ones that were used to bind them when they first arrived, though distinct in its purity.]
So, are you going to come back with me as a man or a corpse?
[ Howl does not move as she steps closer. His wings remain half-raised, poised to take off again at any second. But with Dionys here, Howl is forced to consider what the actual hell he is doing right now. Running away, he supposes... although again, he never had such a concrete intent to do so. More than anything, he just wanted out of that uncomfortable conversation, like so many others he'd run from over the years.
He watches warily as the whip appears in her hand. Its resemblance to the Hylician whips is evident. And yet, he doubts that this is going to be so simple. ]
Would it make a difference? [ His tone is obstinate, but the question is posed in earnest. Howl doubts that the Regent will let this slide, but he has no idea what they're going to do to him. Will it matter whether she brings back only his Shard? ]
[She rolls her eyes, a clear flutter of contempt channeling through their Celebrant connection. She flourishes her whip, her tail mirroring the motion on the other side of her body.]
Only to you.
[With no further deliberation she charges him, seamlessly wielding forth her tail and the whip in a two pronged assault. If the void whip lashes against his skin, he'll find that the Kenoma already inside of him surges in turn, momentarily robbing him of the will to fight. One way or another, she intends to get one of the unseen barbs in her tail into him, which will then inject one of her most famous poisons.
As it creeps through him, he'll feel himself losing his will in a different way entirely. With a sensation not entirely like pleasure and not entirely like pain, but something like both, he will feel himself growing increasingly confused about what he's doing and why he was resisting in the first place.
Mostly importantly he'll realize that Dionys, the source of this, is now the center of his attention as if he's been hypnotized.]
[ Having been at at the ready, Howl immediately jumps back into the air with a powerful flap of his wings, but he isn't fast enough to avoid that whip. It catches around his right ankle, and although it touches only a tiny patch of exposed skin near his heel, a thick blackness overtakes him. It paralyzes his wings and makes him fall face first back onto the rooftop, where Dionys' tail finds its way between the feathers on his arm.
The full effect is not immediate, and the piercing of the barb itself is painful, but within seconds Howl can tell something very different is happening to him, distinct from both the whip and the wound. His fingers curl against the roof tiles as he pushes himself up, but it's the final echoes of his will to resist. That and everything else in his head is becoming... cloudy, and muddy, and not at all like panic and fear.
The whiplash of emotion makes Howl shudder and slump on his hands and knees. What's going on? Where is he? Slowly, he looks up at Dionys with squinted, unfocused eyes. Ah, right... the demoness. The immeasurably beautiful demoness. ]
[Dionys puts a hand on her hip, sneering with distaste at the sight of him. Yep, her venom is definitely taking effect... which means that it's time to get out of here. With a flick of her wrist she winds her tail around his neck, letting the void whip return back to the nothingness from which it came.]
Come on.
[It's said with a sigh, as if this is a routine she's been through enough times that all the novelty has worn off. She'll drag him up to his feet with a surprisingly strong movement of her tail. After a moment of looking him over skeptically, she spreads her wings, putting a bit more sugar in her tone.]
I've got a treat for you back home, okay?
[And with that she'll leap from the rooftop, dragging him along with by her the neck. He better hope that he remembers how to fly, or else hitting the street is going to hurt. From there, she'll drag him the least of the way to her brothel on that makeshift leash. Though some of the Achamite civilians are in awe to see her on the prowl, none of them seem surprised surprised to see her walking a handsome young man like a dog.]
( the vague pressure of someone reaching out to him will reach howl some time earlier in the month of firaseri, after the new Aions had been gathered from their shrines and collected in achamoth to be told that they should expect an assault from their enemies.
upon accepting the message, it resolves into the impression of the presence of the demon known as M β a carefully-maintained veneer of smooth and measured amicability. )
Howl, my friend. I hope I find you well.
I will admit that I have been remiss in keeping up with you, especially given the events of last month. How did you fare in Godsblood, and how do you fare now?
[ Howl does not immediately recognize the presence pushing against his mind, vying for a word with him, but it clicks once he opens himself to the communion. This careful, practiced cordiality can only belong to one person.
But while it's somewhat unexpected for M to be contacting him out of the blue, the wizard certainly doesn't mind it. ]
Why, if it isn't my favorite demon. No need to apologize β if I had the option of not keeping up with myself, I'd take it. [ Howl's tone is light and playful. It's easier to state the painful truth if you just pretend it isn't painful. ]
I am doing about as well as any of us are doing, which is to say, quite horrible. Thankfully, Achamoth is full of every distraction one could want, and I am making use of them before this place descends into madness. How are you?
( there is the faint, polite indication of pleasure. ah, his favorite now, is he? considering the Kenoma now counted a few more demons among their ranks, he actually does have competition at this point, so it's a nice pleasantry to hear, even if it was mostly just a pleasantry.
his tone might be jovial, but makoto understands the sentiment. soviseri had not been easy on any of them, either by way of what they were called to do or what had occurred when they had gone to perform it. his honesty is appreciated; the frankness of his words feels evident enough. )
Likely much the same, though I fear I have thrown myself back onto the grindstone just as soon as my wounds had healed well enough. There is much to do. There are always gears turning in Achamoth, but I believe some of the larger ones have recently been pushed into motion.
( by this point their prisoners are no secret, either to the people of achamoth or the Aions that lived there. )
[ This answer is honest too, but to a certain degree Howl is mulling over just how concerned he really is. The full truth is that he expects the worst, for both himself and his friends and even the Pleroma Aions, upon whom he has never wished unnecessary harm β not even now.
M, too, is someone he worries for. Howl knows that his talents lie in words and convictions, not in combat. Is he not worried himself? Or is he trying to... allude to something, with that talk of gears moving? ]
Last we had a chance to chat, you were still coping with the Innocence's curse. I've heard mutterings that you made headway on that front...
( his reply is an understanding feeling of assent. he appreciates the honesty. there's not really any benefit to lying, and that sort of apprehension for such obvious storm clouds on the horizon seems natural and healthy enough. makoto couldn't claim that he doesn't feel the same; it's a tangled interweaving of anxiety and excitement that forms in his chest when he thinks about the near future. very little is certain, and a lot seems to ride on this. the Aions of the Pleroma, seemingly attacking the seat of the Regent's power for the first time in the memory of most of the people of this world... it's a lot that rests on their shoulders. as much as they can't afford losses normally, it will only harm them further in the long run to suffer the loss of people's fear and obedience.
but those are concerns that come to mind when he lifts his gaze even further towards the horizon. )
Ah. Yes.
( the resolution of that affair had been interesting, considering no one from the Kenoma had been present to witness what occurred as makoto had been left in the grasp of the Innocent entity. when he had come out the other side, back in achamoth, he had ended up being one of the first back as well. )
Truth be told, I very nearly ended up in a far worse situation when in Venera last. ( it seems as though he has a habit for being in the right place at the right time (or the wrong place at the wrong time?) for such things. ) I shudder to think what sort of state I might be in now had the Regent not reached out to deliver me from such a fate.
Since then, yes, they have removed the creature's curse from my shard, so I am free from its influence.
( though one could argue he had simply been placed under a different one. )
[ The somber pivot piques Howl's interest at first, not having expected such humility and honest apprehension from M. But then, the demon drops the most tantalizing and unheard of hints about how his affliction was ultimately resolved, and Howl feels his non-existent heart flutter. ]
The Regent, removing the curse themselves? [ incredible. but, no β why wouldn't the Regent have that sort of power? of course they do. ] It must have been very serious indeed, if they intervened to cure you. I'd have probably been too terrified to be in their presence to even say thank you.
[ Another conversational quip, but one that is probably more true than the average quip. ]
...hmm. A part of me wishes I could ask them for assistance myself, but my recent problems are too minor in comparison.
( it's an odd after-effect of the Kenoma, some four or five months into its slow infection of his soul. makoto has always been strictly individual in his thinking, a lone wolf by nature when mortal and far too wary of the politicking scheming of other demons to truly trust anyone in hell (least of all J). the odd sort of camaraderie that the Kenoma influences him to feel towards others who wholeheartedly embrace it and its aims is perhaps the first time makoto has felt a sense of togetherness and unity with others, with any given group. if he and howl had been having this conversation in the encampment outside of the throne room, fresh from their acceptance of the Kenoma into their souls, he likely would have kept much of this to himself.
but now? what does he have to hide? he would like to believe they are together, in this. )
Soon after being cursed, when I presented myself to their inspection, they offered to remove the curse, though at a personal and ambiguous cost. I - did hesitate to commit to that decision then. But now that it's done, I am grateful.
( it is the truth. that having been said, there's a sort of tremulousness to the words, a sort of brittle surface that belied a capricious depth. the manner by which the curse had been removed had been harrowing β perhaps one of the most excruciating few hours of his life, and his life has been nothing but one long chain of humiliations and torments from end to end. but the fact that he has weathered it... it makes him feel proud, to feel strong, for having come out the other side of the experience. )
[ If he hadn't wanted M to ask, he wouldn't and shouldn't have made such a comment. But for Howl, it's much the same as it is for the demon: their shared mission as Kenoma Aions, and the sense camaraderie it naturally imparts, makes him more inclined to speak on his woes than the wizard otherwise would. He's already told several others about this, and several beyond that have witnessed it for themselves, so it isn't so burdensome to tell another. ]
...Like many of us, I lost much of my power when I came to find myself in this world. So far, I've relied on what magic I did retain, but the spell is not without side effects.
[ Has M seen his transformation magic yet? Howl is not sure. Way, way back in the Throne Room, Howl invoked some measure of it in his attempt to stop Childe from inflicting too much violence on the escaping Pleroma β how long ago that feels, and how stupid that was in hindsight β so, M might remember, if he saw it then. But having been part of the team sent back to Venera, he would not have seen the full force of it in Godsblood. ]
To spare you the details, I've been unable to completely dispel my own magic since we returned. It's perplexing... I've never had this problem in the past.
( of course. makoto would have been a fool not to take such apparent bait.
much of howl's capabilities are beyond his ken; he has a shadowy understanding of the man as a sorcerer, a wizard, some sort of magic-user, but to tell the truth he hasn't seen much of it first-hand. the Pleroma's escape from the Throne Room had been a hectic scene of chaos, and he had been so concerned with appearing to be helpful but not actually risking his own skin that he hadn't seen much of what howl had done. the demon has great interest in the abilities that the other Aions had, both the ones they carried with them into horos and the ones that they developed once there. a sort of spell with powerful side-effects...? oh, he would be fascinated to know what kind they were...
he is thoughtful for a moment, a vague and misty sense of pensiveness filling the Communion. )
I'm uncertain I can realistically offer you much aid or advice, given that my own knowledge on magic is shaky at best. But what sort of side-effects are you experiencing? Perhaps my outside perspective might offer some insight you haven't considered.
( or he'll have no idea. but it's at least worth a shot? )
[ Howl makes the communion equivalent of a sigh. He doubts that M can help with this too, but... he's got nothing to lose. And he, too, remembers offering to help M with the Innocence curse, despite not having any idea how he might actually help. While the demon probably doesn't feel indebted to him for saying that back then, the similarity of the two conversations isn't lost on Howl. ]
My magic allows me to transform my body. Not to any one specific, set form... it's more akin to evoking particular changes, as I may need them in the situation. In my own world, I favored a version of this spell that made myself bird-like, and it seems my attachment to said version has allowed the magic to stay with me in Horos, where other spells did not.
The more of the spell I layer upon myself, you could say, the more arduous it is to dispel once I no longer need it. But this time, I can't seem to make it all go away. It's... it doesn't make any sense. There are times where returning to my true form can be more painful and burdensome than usual, but I've never had it stuck like this before.
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..At least, in a perfect world, it would go like that. The first obstacle she runs into is the fact hydroflasks don't exist and she can't bring her coffee, so she has to use a ye olde water bottle. And then her servants took too long helping her fix this one curl in her hair and - ]
around the corner!
[ Mental messaging is hard when you're speed walking to not look entirely clownish in the court, but Lottie manages to get the message through to Howl relatively well. He might be able to sense her worry if he squints, especially since it's about fifteen minutes past their initial meeting time. ]
i'm usually NOT abt being late..
i brought a muffin as an apology?
Re: text
Her messages does help to make him stop lingering in his bathroom, for what it's worth. Howl removes his Shard and keeps it floating in the air as he gives himself an his outfit one last look in the mirror. ]
Oh, don't rush yourself. I'm not there either. [ answering her text with his mental voice. ] I won't be long. And I look forward to that muffin!
[ With that, he's out the door. Meeting with Lottie like this has put him in a wonderful mood, and with the use of magic, he'll be there in no time. Less than ten minutes later, he emerges into the sunlight to the agreed-upon spot, and immediately scans the area for Lottie. A beautiful green-haired woman from what he remembers on the network, and the slight empathic effect between Aions should give him whatever extra help he needs. ]
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k!
[ Lottie experiences a massive amount of whiplash from his message alone - he isn't even here? She could've slept in?? Or pretended she actually came early when she found out he wasn't here?! This is the last time she decides to be a good person and come on time to anything!
Which means that, instead of jogging briskly, Lottie decides to just.. Slow herself into a walk and take her time. If they're both late, there's really no rush, she figures. Which means that when she finally arrives at their meeting spot and spies that fresh head of blonde hair - quite literally glimmering in the sun, and gives a little wave. ]
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Spotting her brilliant head of hair, Howl turns towards Lottie and offers her a big smile. Ah, she really is just as beautiful as she put on, and Howl is genuinely delighted at the chance to admire her. ]
Good morning! Madame, if I may be so bold, you are breathtaking today. And every day too, I'd wager.
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[ The contrast to his ethereal Lewksβ’ to how heavy he lays on his compliments provides Lottie the wildest of whiplashes. She can at least say, meeting him in person, she can sort of understand why he takes so long to fix himself up to go out. Still, that doesn't mean she's any more prepared to reply to his kind, and extremely - erm, flattering (cheesy?? Corny?? Is he serious???) - words.
So much so that she simply holds up a bag into view after trying, and failing, to come up with something, and blurts out - ]
..Muffin??
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Howl doesn't react to the fluster in her response. Instead, his hand dives into the bag for one of these promised muffins. As he peels the wrapper away, he glances over her again, smiling. ]
Your name was Lottie, was it? I introduced myself earlier, but I am Howl. [ He takes a big bite of the muffin and looks around the open field of the training grounds as he chews. ] So... you are ready to try out some magic today?
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Ready as I'll ever be, Howl.
[ It's clear she's a little lost, but less skeptical now that she knows Howl is a real person. She crumbles the now empty bag in her hand, reluctantly shoving it into her jacket pocket for the moment. ]
Sooo, how do we do this?
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[ Howl puts his hands on his hips with an air of purpose and looks around the empty field for a moment. Then he turns towards a tree several yards away and holds out his hand, palm up. With a curl of his fingers in a beckoning motion, a dozen dried leaves lift up from the ground and float over. When he turns back to Lottie, the leaves are flitting about above his hand, as if being kept aloft by a perpetually blowing breeze. ]
If what they say about Aions is true, then you ought to be able to do something like this β with effort and practice, naturally. You can't force these things, nor should you.
Try focusing on... this one. [ With a pointed finger on his other hand, he pulls a leaf from the group and holds it in the air separately. This one floats motionlessly. ]
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Okay!
[ She tries to remain positive, focusing on making her heart beat a little slower from her nerves first before looking at the leaf. When her eyes get to it, she stares. Sweats a little, as it doesn't shift from the floating it's already doing. ]
Is there something I should be envisioning? Or do I just stare??
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What you really need to do is focus all of your mind's power on it. So... staring can help, actually.
Here. [ He lowers the leaf down, gesturing for her to take it. When it hits her open palm, it feels no different from an ordinary leaf β same weight, same texture. ]
Don't worry about what I'm doing. Just focus. [ thoughtful pause. ] Perhaps... if you kept your Shard in mind, too? I wonder if that could help, considering.
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But to her credit, she tries not to!! It means that she has minimal success in really moving the leaf in her palm (at the most, she feels a slight [possibly delusional] shimmy, but even she can't tell if it was her own doing), and she pouts quietly. ]
What, like just the Shard? The image of it? [ She questions, feeling sillier the longer the leaf sits there. ] Do you imagine your Shard when you do stuff?
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[ Yes, that was a deflection. But Howl's using the magic he's always used; Lottie has to tap into the new powers she must have now, as a consequence of having a Shard. Howl knew going into this that he wouldn't be the most ideal teacher for that reason, but what he lacks in knowledge he'll make up for in encouragement. ]
Focus. You can do this. No matter how long it may take, we know that you can, so it's simply a matter of trying until you get it.
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It's a minute of so of painfully awkward (on her end) silence, of her subtly flexing her fingers and hand so that she doesn't start cramping up.
But it's when a gust of wind hits then does something actually happen. Instead of the leaf flying off her hand and into the wild, it stays on her palm. It stutters off her hand every so often, as if it's gaining traction to levitate upwards, but more importantly it stays right stuck to her hand despite the wind urging it otherwise - the other leaves falling from the trees around them reinforce this, as they dance up into the sky. ]
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The gust of wind is what interrupts his wandering mind. His own focus had lapsed, and the leaves fluttering above his hand are easily swept up in the wind and blown away. He probably could have caught them mid-air if he really wanted, but something much more interesting is happening in Lottie's hand and it halts any desire he might have had to do so. ]
Hah...! Look! You're doing it! [ A wide grin spreads across his face. ] Not exactly the assignment, granted, but I'd call that progress!
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[ She swings her head up to look at him, the leaf staying exactly as it is despite the varying volleys of wind hitting them (sometimes the wind goes still, and sometimes it's a soft caress on their skin, other times the leaves rustle and dance along the ground). ]
What did I do?
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[ Howl spreads his arms wide, gesturing to the uneven breeze around them and, more importantly, the leaves being swept around by its force. Then, he looks down at the motionless leaf in Lottie's hand, and back to her again, grinning. Well? ]
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And then, it flies off into the wind. ]
I-I do..
[ Luckily her nose isn't tingly, but boy did it throw off her concentration. Lottie battles a mix of disappointment and excitement - also, faint terror because.. Magic? So her immediate reaction is very hard to gauge, but it isn't bad. Just.. Overwhelmed. ]
I did look. [ She flexes her open palm. ] That was it? I did it?
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[ Howl is beaming, feeling quite proud of her right now. ] Well, what are you thinking? Talk to me.
SOMETIME AFTER THE SHRINE MISSION:
A vial was lost to the Pleroma, I hear?
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...Yes. Stolen from me.
[ Not a lie... but it's not like Howl fought very hard over it. ]
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[Their tone is cold more than it's angry. Deep, dark, and empty, just like the Kenoma.]
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...Is it so serious for them to have it, sir?
[ or ma'am, or whatever... ]
I have been recovering from severe injuries that nearly killed me... You must have heard of that, considering how many people saw it and know it by now?
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[There is a pause as they make no comment on how serious it is or isn't. They don't sound as if they are speaking urgently, but it can be hard to tell.]
Who is the Pleroma that took it from you?
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Estinien, one of the Firebrands.
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[There's a pause, and it almost seems like they might be finished, before they suddenly continue:]
Tell me what happened, in your own words.
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[ Again, another half-truth β Howl had separate, more personal reasons for doing so, but not even the wizard as fully confronted that fact. The kneejerk anxiety he feels when ordered to recount what transpired is good proof of that.
By now, Howl has ducked into the shadow of a large building, where he hopes he won't be seen or overheard. Holding one's Shard out of one's body tends to attract a lot of unwanted attention when out in the city. ]
...I stayed by the lodestone for the first day. Talking to the first of the new arrivals. But I knew that Estinien would have to be dealt with. I do not know if he is the most formidable of the Pleroma in terms of strength, but I know him to be one of the few who does not hesitate when it comes to violence.
[ As much as Howl says, his words come slowly. The wizard is being careful as to what to say and which details to include. This becomes even more obvious in the pause that precedes his explanation of the events proper. ]
In my search for him, I reached out to his mind. I was trying to find him. [ a half-truth. ] This was my first mistake. He knew I was on my way as a result. [ And yet, Howl does not regret doing so, despite admitting it was a mistake. Another detail he keeps to himself. ]
Neither did I know that he has, somehow, gained new abilities since I last saw him during the ritual. He was able to spring a surprise attack on me. In hindsight, this doomed our bout before it had even started.
[ He goes quiet. That is all he offers for now, hoping it will be enough. There's much more that happened between them β conversations, pulled punches β but he hopes the Regent might accept such a vague recounting. ]
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And what did I tell you all of the nature of Aions? Did I not speak clearly enough of their ability to constantly change and grow? That it is never safe to assume you know what they are capable of?
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[ Like their exchange at the dinner, Howl has no excuses he can plausibly offer and he knows it. He goes quiet again, praying he is not asked for more details. ]
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You were surprised by his compassion.
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[ in terms of concrete thoughts, Howl is silent. But the anxiety that rises in him when he hears the Regent state the truth so plainly β not even phrased as a question β is so genuine and immediate that it's all the confirmation they need. ]
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From all I've seen and heard, this is not simply a case of yet another undiscriminating, bleeding heart Pleroma. He is clearly willing to dispense violence upon your kind... so what was it about you that made him hesitate?
[There's another pause, before they add:]
Answer me, Howl, before I force your hand.
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What was it about Howl that made Estinien hesitate? Howl truly does not know himself, and being asked to explain the thoughts and actions of another β their enemy no less β makes him not only defensive but indignant. Howl's best guess is exact what he told Emet-Selch: that for some reason, Estinien pitied him. Of course, Howl is not entirely clueless as to why; he remembers very well how much of himself he recognized in Estinien's sorrow and how much it prompted him to try to help him accept the Kenoma. But he nevertheless feels wholly unqualified and unfit for the dragoon's sympathy, and thus does not understand it. So what is there to say in response such a question?
But that's not it. As Howl starts to feel like he's being backed into a corner, something starts to rustle within his soul. The Regent is telling him to exploit someone else's sympathy and compassion β sympathy and compassion that had been shown to him. It was his incredible despair and grief and loneliness that made him so vulnerable to the Kenoma's influence, but the more he's being asked to talk about his defeat, the more he's forced to contemplate the distinct and concrete showing of sympathy that was shown to him. And to be told that he ought to not only betray that fledgling camaraderie, but to condone it in others and abandon it within himself as well...
In the wake of the Regent's question, a seed of doubt towards the Kenoma suddenly sprouts within his soul. Although he isn't capable of acknowledging it in such concrete terms, he seems to realize that what had been a nebulous inkling in the back of his mind has turned into something distinct. And he panics.
Haphazardly shoving his shard back into his chest, Howl's feet begin to move. Within a few paces, his black wings start to emerge from his back. He has no idea what he's doing (running? from the omnipotent voice in his head?), but his actions are not the product of a clear rational thought. He knows he cannot hide from the Regent. But, in his panic, perhaps the only thing he can do is go through the motions of what he's always done in these situations and try to flee. ]
ACTION
That is, until about fifteen minutes later, with he is joined by another winged figure following him through the air with ease. She moves to cut him off, landing with enough force to kick up dust, her long tail snapping and whip-like as its many forking tendrils twist and curl independently.
He'll feel the weight of her presence almost as strongly as the Regent's. After all, he is being faced down by a fellow Celebrant.]
Hey, baby.
[Gone is the casual wear she was adorned with when they first met. Now, she is dressed as she would for a day on the down, all leather and sharp edges. Her smile is full of fangs.]
This better be good. The Regent had to interrupt my day for this, y'know.
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He spots Dionys out of the corner of his eye just as she dives at him, successfully forcing him to swoop to the ground to avoid a painful crash. The suburban rooftop under his feet creaks as his weight thunks to a stop.
Howl twists his head to look, brow furrowed, to confirm the identity of whoever forced him out of the sky. His heart sinks. ]
...I'd say it's good to see you again, but I don't lie to beautiful women. [ Howl musters a humorless smile, but his fear will be glaringly obvious to the other Celebrant. This is going from bad to worse and he knows it. He's in no condition to fight again, in terms of both physical condition and magic reserves, and what else could she be here for than to drag him back to answer to the Regent? ]
What do you want?
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What do you think? Apparently you had the gall to run from a direct order.
[Her high heels clack against roof tiles as she comes closer, a natural swing in her hips.]
The Regent doesn't ask for much, you know. They'll give you anything, just as long as you do right by them in return.
[She holds out a hand before her, and with a viscosity similar to a familiar void-like sludge, a long whip manifests out of think air. It's almost like the ones that were used to bind them when they first arrived, though distinct in its purity.]
So, are you going to come back with me as a man or a corpse?
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He watches warily as the whip appears in her hand. Its resemblance to the Hylician whips is evident. And yet, he doubts that this is going to be so simple. ]
Would it make a difference? [ His tone is obstinate, but the question is posed in earnest. Howl doubts that the Regent will let this slide, but he has no idea what they're going to do to him. Will it matter whether she brings back only his Shard? ]
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Only to you.
[With no further deliberation she charges him, seamlessly wielding forth her tail and the whip in a two pronged assault. If the void whip lashes against his skin, he'll find that the Kenoma already inside of him surges in turn, momentarily robbing him of the will to fight. One way or another, she intends to get one of the unseen barbs in her tail into him, which will then inject one of her most famous poisons.
As it creeps through him, he'll feel himself losing his will in a different way entirely. With a sensation not entirely like pleasure and not entirely like pain, but something like both, he will feel himself growing increasingly confused about what he's doing and why he was resisting in the first place.
Mostly importantly he'll realize that Dionys, the source of this, is now the center of his attention as if he's been hypnotized.]
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The full effect is not immediate, and the piercing of the barb itself is painful, but within seconds Howl can tell something very different is happening to him, distinct from both the whip and the wound. His fingers curl against the roof tiles as he pushes himself up, but it's the final echoes of his will to resist. That and everything else in his head is becoming... cloudy, and muddy, and not at all like panic and fear.
The whiplash of emotion makes Howl shudder and slump on his hands and knees. What's going on? Where is he? Slowly, he looks up at Dionys with squinted, unfocused eyes. Ah, right... the demoness. The immeasurably beautiful demoness. ]
...
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Come on.
[It's said with a sigh, as if this is a routine she's been through enough times that all the novelty has worn off. She'll drag him up to his feet with a surprisingly strong movement of her tail. After a moment of looking him over skeptically, she spreads her wings, putting a bit more sugar in her tone.]
I've got a treat for you back home, okay?
[And with that she'll leap from the rooftop, dragging him along with by her the neck. He better hope that he remembers how to fly, or else hitting the street is going to hurt. From there, she'll drag him the least of the way to her brothel on that makeshift leash. Though some of the Achamite civilians are in awe to see her on the prowl, none of them seem surprised surprised to see her walking a handsome young man like a dog.]
voice | earlier in firaseri
upon accepting the message, it resolves into the impression of the presence of the demon known as M β a carefully-maintained veneer of smooth and measured amicability. )
Howl, my friend. I hope I find you well.
I will admit that I have been remiss in keeping up with you, especially given the events of last month. How did you fare in Godsblood, and how do you fare now?
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But while it's somewhat unexpected for M to be contacting him out of the blue, the wizard certainly doesn't mind it. ]
Why, if it isn't my favorite demon. No need to apologize β if I had the option of not keeping up with myself, I'd take it. [ Howl's tone is light and playful. It's easier to state the painful truth if you just pretend it isn't painful. ]
I am doing about as well as any of us are doing, which is to say, quite horrible. Thankfully, Achamoth is full of every distraction one could want, and I am making use of them before this place descends into madness. How are you?
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his tone might be jovial, but makoto understands the sentiment. soviseri had not been easy on any of them, either by way of what they were called to do or what had occurred when they had gone to perform it. his honesty is appreciated; the frankness of his words feels evident enough. )
Likely much the same, though I fear I have thrown myself back onto the grindstone just as soon as my wounds had healed well enough. There is much to do. There are always gears turning in Achamoth, but I believe some of the larger ones have recently been pushed into motion.
( by this point their prisoners are no secret, either to the people of achamoth or the Aions that lived there. )
Are you concerned for what's to come?
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[ This answer is honest too, but to a certain degree Howl is mulling over just how concerned he really is. The full truth is that he expects the worst, for both himself and his friends and even the Pleroma Aions, upon whom he has never wished unnecessary harm β not even now.
M, too, is someone he worries for. Howl knows that his talents lie in words and convictions, not in combat. Is he not worried himself? Or is he trying to... allude to something, with that talk of gears moving? ]
Last we had a chance to chat, you were still coping with the Innocence's curse. I've heard mutterings that you made headway on that front...
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but those are concerns that come to mind when he lifts his gaze even further towards the horizon. )
Ah. Yes.
( the resolution of that affair had been interesting, considering no one from the Kenoma had been present to witness what occurred as makoto had been left in the grasp of the Innocent entity. when he had come out the other side, back in achamoth, he had ended up being one of the first back as well. )
Truth be told, I very nearly ended up in a far worse situation when in Venera last. ( it seems as though he has a habit for being in the right place at the right time (or the wrong place at the wrong time?) for such things. ) I shudder to think what sort of state I might be in now had the Regent not reached out to deliver me from such a fate.
Since then, yes, they have removed the creature's curse from my shard, so I am free from its influence.
( though one could argue he had simply been placed under a different one. )
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The Regent, removing the curse themselves? [ incredible. but, no β why wouldn't the Regent have that sort of power? of course they do. ] It must have been very serious indeed, if they intervened to cure you. I'd have probably been too terrified to be in their presence to even say thank you.
[ Another conversational quip, but one that is probably more true than the average quip. ]
...hmm. A part of me wishes I could ask them for assistance myself, but my recent problems are too minor in comparison.
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but now? what does he have to hide? he would like to believe they are together, in this. )
Soon after being cursed, when I presented myself to their inspection, they offered to remove the curse, though at a personal and ambiguous cost. I - did hesitate to commit to that decision then. But now that it's done, I am grateful.
( it is the truth. that having been said, there's a sort of tremulousness to the words, a sort of brittle surface that belied a capricious depth. the manner by which the curse had been removed had been harrowing β perhaps one of the most excruciating few hours of his life, and his life has been nothing but one long chain of humiliations and torments from end to end. but the fact that he has weathered it... it makes him feel proud, to feel strong, for having come out the other side of the experience. )
Oh? What's been troubling you of late?
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[ If he hadn't wanted M to ask, he wouldn't and shouldn't have made such a comment. But for Howl, it's much the same as it is for the demon: their shared mission as Kenoma Aions, and the sense camaraderie it naturally imparts, makes him more inclined to speak on his woes than the wizard otherwise would. He's already told several others about this, and several beyond that have witnessed it for themselves, so it isn't so burdensome to tell another. ]
...Like many of us, I lost much of my power when I came to find myself in this world. So far, I've relied on what magic I did retain, but the spell is not without side effects.
[ Has M seen his transformation magic yet? Howl is not sure. Way, way back in the Throne Room, Howl invoked some measure of it in his attempt to stop Childe from inflicting too much violence on the escaping Pleroma β how long ago that feels, and how stupid that was in hindsight β so, M might remember, if he saw it then. But having been part of the team sent back to Venera, he would not have seen the full force of it in Godsblood. ]
To spare you the details, I've been unable to completely dispel my own magic since we returned. It's perplexing... I've never had this problem in the past.
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much of howl's capabilities are beyond his ken; he has a shadowy understanding of the man as a sorcerer, a wizard, some sort of magic-user, but to tell the truth he hasn't seen much of it first-hand. the Pleroma's escape from the Throne Room had been a hectic scene of chaos, and he had been so concerned with appearing to be helpful but not actually risking his own skin that he hadn't seen much of what howl had done. the demon has great interest in the abilities that the other Aions had, both the ones they carried with them into horos and the ones that they developed once there. a sort of spell with powerful side-effects...? oh, he would be fascinated to know what kind they were...
he is thoughtful for a moment, a vague and misty sense of pensiveness filling the Communion. )
I'm uncertain I can realistically offer you much aid or advice, given that my own knowledge on magic is shaky at best. But what sort of side-effects are you experiencing? Perhaps my outside perspective might offer some insight you haven't considered.
( or he'll have no idea. but it's at least worth a shot? )
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My magic allows me to transform my body. Not to any one specific, set form... it's more akin to evoking particular changes, as I may need them in the situation. In my own world, I favored a version of this spell that made myself bird-like, and it seems my attachment to said version has allowed the magic to stay with me in Horos, where other spells did not.
The more of the spell I layer upon myself, you could say, the more arduous it is to dispel once I no longer need it. But this time, I can't seem to make it all go away. It's... it doesn't make any sense. There are times where returning to my true form can be more painful and burdensome than usual, but I've never had it stuck like this before.