maskormenacelogs | I THOUGHT BY NOW YOU'D REALIZE

Entry tags:

I THOUGHT BY NOW YOU'D REALIZE

WHO: ImPorts!
WHERE: The Jefferson Hotel, Washington D.C.
WHEN: July 17th, 4:00PM - 11:00 PM
WHAT: A Swearing-In gets ruptured.
WARNINGS: Will updated if necessary.

This Swearing-In this July takes place in presidential Washington, D.C. for a highly patriotic evening. The eternally classy Jefferson Hotel, complete with appropriate dining and the presentation hall serves as the evening venue. The dress code requested is fancy, suit-and-tie, but business casual would be acceptable. The evening air is heavy -- the humidity can be unforgiving, even north of the warmer states, but the crisp coastal breeze will bring some Atlantic relief. You are free to walk around the Jefferson Hotel in any room that isn't already being rented out by other patrons -- so yes, you can get up to personal shenanigans! But try to have a little decorum about those amorous impulses, won't you? If you wander in the secondary reception room, you'll be able to engage the totally patriotic informational material decorating the grand and gilded hall. There's a painting covered by a black velvet drape, though you might easily peek beneath it to check it out. Wonder why that's been hidden! Well ignore it, because there's plenty of beautiful art to behold all evening. Get absorbed in the messages, unironically!

Your Swearing-In itinerary is as follows:

4:00 Arrival time. You are free to waltz around the Jefferson Hotel, or explore the national monuments of Washington, D.C. The capital will look exactly as it did during the year 2000.

You cannot meet with President Freemason.

5:30 Cocktail hour. Enjoy! Juice hour for the young'uns. You may also use this time to dance along the designated dance floor in your fancy pants.

6:30 Keynote speaker SENATOR HAIK addresses imPorts in the presentation hall about why you're better dead than red. You might nod off at a point or two, but you'll catch the following:
1) The USSR is moving beyond nuclear power, seeking to match the imPorts in capability.
2) The CIA has lost two undercover agents in Moscow. Haik believes this foreshadows a deep risk.
3) The US will respond if attacked.

6:55 An anti-war protester, a young man with sandy hair who had masqueraded as a newly imPorted man, storms the podium stage. He screams about a conspiracy! A conspiracy!! Between Freemason and Volkov! That this cold war is but a fabrication! Thousands of American lives are put at risk because of their mutual thirst for power!

6:56 Protestor is tackled by security. His arms are broken (snap!) as he's carried away.

7:30 A stately dinner! Have at the options.

8:01 The lights cut out. Any NON-LIFE DEPENDENT tech that you have on yourself dies, meaning communicators and phones are temporarily disabled. Full on blackout, not even wireless is accessible. But don't worry, EVERYTHING IS OKAY! Remain calm. Remain where you are. Please do not make out under the white linen tables.

8:49 All power returns.

9:30 The All-American Agenda Regarding imPort Interaction and Integration Presentation will be showcasing exemplary imPorts who have exhibited their true moral integrity and patriotic glamor to the height of good citizenry! This presentation will be holographically delivered back in the presentation room, and will be moderated by Senator Haik. All images and video will present as a semi-transparent 3D visual and will be complete with fully articulated audio. You won't miss a single detail! Sit back, relax, and congratulate your extraordinary fellow imPorts! Media from domestic AND most Western international outlets are welcomed into this venue for broadcast. You can EXPECT THIS to go VIRAL on the incredibly democratic BLUETUBE (no communists allowed).

PRESENTATION IS AS FOLLOWS:

Unless otherwise specified, as each name is rattled off, a picture of the figure in question is displayed on the screen, an ominous accompaniment to the lies - and truths - being spread. What's a name without a visual, after all?

"NAGACHIKA HIDEYOSHI... an ordinary young man, or a turncoat? From yet another world with bloodthirsty threats waiting to come out of the Porter at any time, Nagachika is the son of a man who strives to fight against the threat: the Ghouls. But Nagachika has turned against the will of his family, the government, and the good of mankind to use these horrific creatures for his own gains! What's stopping him from doing the same here?"

As the dialogue - complete with subtitles for anyone that needs them - runs its course, a picture appears on the screen: Nagachika and Ken Kaneki, the ghoul in question. Ken's claws are out, and contrary to its apparent monstrosity, Nagachika looks perfectly placid.

"KANG is a living embodiment of monsters living in our midst, among our families and children as the government stands idly by! Don't be fooled by the imPorts' ability to blend in with the rest of us -- monsters are monsters, no matter what form they take. Kang is a childslayer, and viciously killed and devoured his brothers and cousins in a bid for power and dominance! If that wasn't enough, he ate his parents too! It's only a matter of time before he decides to make a bid for power here, and like all creatures of his race, the only way to establish dominance is through feeding on the children. Want to keep your babies safe? Keep them away from Kang!"

Next, a poster appears on the screen, though in the interest of accessibility and good old fashioned theatricality, a voice-over booms throughout the room.

"TOUKA KIRISHIMA and KEN KANEKI are a duo of criminals, preying on the innocent citizens of De Chima. While Touka Kirishima uses her beguiling charms to seduce unsuspecting victims in her homes, Ken Kaneki lies in wait to devour them. Their home is one of depravity of the highest kind; though Touka may not have any interest in those she preys upon, she'll do anything for Ken. Even sociopaths can fall in love, and this twisted figure will kill for it."

"Self-hatred is an ugly thing, and none are as ugly as ABIGAIL HOBBS, a witch so disgusted with the beastliness inside that she has lashed out against the public! She may be lovely enough aside from that aberration of a missing ear, but beware! There's nothing but rot inside. She preys only on young women who look like her, hiding them away to perform black magic. And who has been able to get close enough to her to hack away her ear? She did that herself... a true product of a twisted mind!"

"KANAYA MARYAM... this alien menace walks among us, sowing the seeds of her sinister kingdom in our own innocent citizens! Within our very own cities, where good people should be able to sleep safe and sound, Kanaya has begun feeding and harboring a vampire army of her own creation. How many has she already turned? How many more will she turn? Could your family be the next to join their ranks? The only certain thing is that this mother of monsters won't stop until she's shrouded our planet in darkness!"

"VERITY WILLIS is a walking polygraph, and while she's free to lie through her teeth about her own decency, she wants to know all of your secrets for her to twist at her command, knowing that none dare cross her! She's a cheater and a blackmailer, willing to blackmail unsuspecting men into dating her lest she give away their deepest, darkest secrets. Even if her power could be a boon to the public in helping save the city from criminals, she is a slave to her own greed. All she wants is money, sex and power, and she might just use your secrets to get them! Think you can still trust her? Then what kind of truthteller spends her time with the God of Lies?"

"OWEN BURNETT'S life is built upon lies after lies after lies! He may seem to be a harmless bureaucrat on the surface, but don't be fooled! His apparent dullness is nothing but a front for his sinister intentions: to get into the imPort government and dismantle society from within! A mere proficiency in lies may seem impotent next to the monsters and beasts he works with, but just consider: what kind of mind does it take to keep up a constant facade?"

"JONATHAN CRANE has been moonlighting as an upstanding citizen, psychiatrist to all who need his help, but he is the one that needs help -- in a mental asylum! Unbeknownst to everyone he claims to be helping, he is a cold-blooded murderer. After he was abandoned by his parents, his grandmother kindly took him in, but in a cruel twist of fate, her empathy and selflessness was repaid by Crane murdering her in cold blood! Unsatisfied with killing one person who showed him kindness, Crane moved on to kill a second... his mentor at the university, Avran Bramowitz, was killed by him, and Crane took his position. If that wasn't enough, he was fired from his position for unethical experiments on his students, scarring them to this very day. Is this the man you want dealing with our volatile imPorts? We think not!"

"TRACI THIRTEEN is another witch in our midst, but she doesn't stoop to the likes of Abigail Hobbs! No, mere cruelty to those around her isn't enough to quench her bloodlust. She has made deals with demons for her magic in a never-ending quest to become powerful enough to rule over all who would oppose her! She may be doomed to Hell, but until then, she plans on creating Hell on Earth -- one look at what she's capable of is proof enough of the devastation she's plotting to wreak! Would you let her go any further?"

Accompanying this voice-over is a rare image of one of the imPorts in motion; Traci is seen in the middle of the street, the black shadows around her echoing the pure black of her eyes as a giant snake bursts out from underneath the ground.

"Don't be fooled by his diminutive stature! EDWARD ELRIC is a menace to those around him, willing to tie human lives into his sick experiments! His powers of transmutation is not limited to the destruction of property around him. No, he has committed human transmutation, satisfying a dark curiosity for what happens when he uses his powers to corrupt a human form. Stay away from this boy at all costs! Death would be a kinder option than the suffering he puts his subjects through."

"MILES EDGEWORTH is a lawyer more corrupt and twisted than the supposed criminals he's put behind bars! Yes, supposed — known in his own world as the Demon Prosecutor, this amoral attorney has made a mockery of the justice system time and time again! Nothing is below him — bribery, forgery, blackmail, and lies are all fair game! His obsession with winning at any cost has led to the death of at least one innocent man, Terry Fawles — and how many more skeletons does he have in his closet? How many murderers has he allowed to walk the streets while innocent citizens suffer behind bars because of his tactics? And if innocent until proven guilty no longer has any meaning, why harbor a criminal prosecutor?"

"ANDREW WARNER is a college drop-out. That may be a typical fate among listless and misguided youth, but each man has his reason, and his speaks to the moral bankruptcy of imPort youth! After gambling away his student loans, Andrew Warner desperately tried to have an affair with his married professor to stay in school. When that foray into the dark side didn't work, he dug deeper, turning to gang activity to drum up funds until he dropped out of school entirely, too addled by drugs and violence to string together a sentence, let alone be able to write a single word!"

"HARRY HART is but another example of the secrecy imPorts keep about their true talents, all the while making their way into the people's good books! He secretly makes regular trips to the local shooting range, but what nobody knows is the pictures he puts on the targets. From everyone from his neighbours to the teachers from the local schools, Harry harbours a deep resentment towards those around him. What will he use this anger for? To rob the honest businesses around him? To start a public shooting? The real question is: do you really want to be around to find out?"

Attached to this particular voiceover is a clip of a man, indistinct in face and demeanor, viciously unloading a clip at the shooting range. Is it actually Harry Hart? That much is debatable.

"KAITO KUROBA may not have any dark secrets to divulge, nor is he a danger to society. No, he is an example of something much worse -- the true nature of the people asked to protect the people around them, the true nature of what sort of people are being given homes and jobs free of charge and effort! He is a lily-livered coward, the sort that has never had to fend on his own; by accepting government hand-outs, the government is merely prolonging his pathetic life. He even screams like a child at the mere sight of something as innocuous as fish. Is this what you want your tax dollars going towards? Is this what you want protecting your homes?"

"MILES MORALES may appear to be nothing more than a child, as sweet and innocent as children come, but even the youth among us may be corrupted. Perhaps it is not his fault that his uncle had ensnared him from such a long age, but once the rot is set in, it's not so easy to get it out again. Miles assisted his uncle in all sorts of crimes, each escalating so quickly that it eventually culminated in murder. If you think you're safe from imPorts just because they're children, remember what they're truly capable of...!"

"ANYA BORZAKOVSKAYA is a necromancer. Not only are imPorts hellbent on killing and destroying the innocent people of this nation, but they won't even let them rest peacefully in their graves. After the tragic deaths of so many at the hands of the imPorts, Anya digs up their bodies and raises their ghosts, adding them to her morbid collection so that they may never find peace again!"

Accompanying this voice-over is an image of Anya with ghosts on leashes being dragged behind her. It also looks suspiciously photoshopped. Are those really ghosts...? Well, it's not as if any natives have ever seen any to say for sure!

"Is there any youth among the imPorts that haven't engaged in a life of debauchery and crime? If there is, GOGO TOMAGO isn't among their ranks. At the ripe age of only eleven, this woman was a lawbreaker to her very bones; she was an irresponsible speed racer, a speed demon whose hunt for a simple adrenaline rush outweighed the importance of all the lives that hung in the balance. Do you trust imPorts like these to stay in control? When someone like this is given something like superpowers, watch your back! While she searches for her next big rush, your life may be on the line!"

10:50 Senator Haik speaks to ANY reporter who will listen WITH ONE solid soundbyte: THE US DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION AND TECHNOLOGIES HAS BEEN HACKED BY SOVIET SPIES. This is clearly an aggressive tactic that WILL be appropriately responded to!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ D'Artagnan hadn't been to that many Swear-Ins so far, but even he knows that this is far from normal. His hands clench, while he wishes he still had his sword at his side. Once protestor had already broken through. How many more might be waiting in the wings? Especially after that little display.

At Raina's question, he turns to her with the kind of irritation that reminds him he doesn't need to have a sword with him to be armed. He just needs to be angry enough. And so he holds that feeling back, for now, and answers her through clenched teeth. ]

Of course not. They're trying to hurt people, and discredit all of us. I didn't hear proof in any of that, and until I do, I say they're innocent.

Tell me you didn't actually believe any of that.

[ Oh, his anger. His outrage. Raina feeds on that kind of emotion. She looks up at him, doe-eyed and innocent -- shaking her head unknowingly. ]

I don't know what to think. I can't say I know many of the listed personally. But we simply don't know, do we? What sorts of pasts everyone comes from -- the things hidden in each of our files.

It doesn't seem as though they look for any certain criteria when choosing their heroes. Isn't having the devil among us proof of that?

[ She's right about one thing. They're not tight on their criteria.

That doesn't mean everyone here is evil. Abigail Hobbs? He's talked to her. She's a little girl, not a monster. And notably, Lucifer - someone who actually is a criminal - wasn't even mentioned.

He shakes his head firmly, his lips stretching into a grimace. ]

You mean a madman who thinks he's the devil. That's not proof of anything. And they don't care about him, clearly.

I'm not going to believe spiteful gossip that comes without a shred of proof, and neither should you. They could have replaced their names with any of ours, including yours. Don't forget that.

And how would you fight, then? How would you battle these insidious words?

[ Raina's interest is all on him -- eyeing him from head to toe. The irritation, she could hear it in his voice from the moment he started talking. And she wondered if he fought on behalf of a certain imPort or if his anger was more related to justice than anything -- defending the honor of these innocent until proven guilty imPorts. ]

You don't seem to be a man who stands idly by...

[ D’Artagnan glances at her, letting out an irritable sigh, and smiling tightly. If there was someone to fight, he’d be doing it right now. That’s the problem with this sort of attack. It’s all done in shadow.

He doubts they’d even be punished if they were found. After all, Lucifer wasn’t. ]

By telling the truth. By telling people that this is not who we are. The people they named are not our enemies, they’re not anyone’s enemies. They’re the victims.

What do you think will happen to them now? If people out there hear of this, and truly believe they’re dangerous? This won’t end here, I can tell you that for nothing.

You're wrong.

[ Raina says, and it isn't antagonistic. It's a soft and quiet protect. ]

They aren't the victims. Not all of them. One of the men listed attacked me. Tried to murder me. And knowing what I know about him, who's to say there isn't truth in the others? Of course, not all of them. I'm familiar with Abigail Hobbs and hardly believe what was said about her.

But to claim the innocence of all of those people -- you simply don't know.

[ That brings him up short. She was attacked. Raina has done nothing that would make d'Artagnan think it could be justified. It startles him out of his righteousness, and he lowers his tone as a result. ]

All right. Fine. You're right. I don't know.

That doesn't mean they're all guilty, either. And not of the things they said. If someone hurt you, they should be arrested. Not have their name thrown out here in a list of accusations.

[ A pause, then. He looks at her for a moment, debating with himself, and he folds his arms. ]

Who? Who hurt you?

[ Oh. What a perfect opportunity has just presented itself. Raina looks up at d'Artagnan in fear and hesitation. And then she glances away, reaches up to rub at her shoulder before her expression crumbles to despair. Such a damsel in distress. ]

I can't say. I can't. He's under protection from Lucifer.

[ And it isn't exactly a lie. Jonathan Crane does house a contract with Lucifer. Though the exaggerated truth comes in that Lucifer would hardly care about what happens to Crane were things to go south. But d/Artagnan had already expressed a dislike for the archangel, albeit subtle. And considering what is going on with Lucifer, she and Frederick need to rally their forces and start gathering allies to prepare for the oncoming storm. ]

And that is the real threat. Lucifer. He's come to encircle me like a shark in the water, threatening me and my beloved. If I make one move against him, he will ruin me. He will torture my Frederick. Much though I wish I could warn you of the dangerous imPort, the truth is he isn't the most dangerous.

[ Lucifer. D'Artagnan looks away, irritated, because this is exactly the right button to push. He doesn't believe that the supposed 'archangel' is all that he claims to be, but he knows that he's dangerous. He knows that he has access to powerful weapons, and that he's already admitted he was behind that business with the rings.

If he's the one threatening this woman, it's no wonder she's afraid.

Even if she was putting the blame on the wrong people. ]

If that's what he's threatened then you can't just leave it at that. Lucifer isn't just dangerous, he's mad.

[ He thinks he's the actual devil. Sanity is not his strong point. ]

What is it that he wants from you, and your Frederick? Why did he threaten you?

You can tell me. I'm not going to let you get hurt, you or the man you love.

[ She lets out a soft sob, partially genuine. There is a very real fear that Lucifer will take Chilton away from her. And so, she reaches out for this sudden savior's hands -- to clutch them in her desperation, looking up at him with tear-filled eyes. D'Artagnan is righteous. D'Artagnan seems good and just. This is just the type of hero she and Frederick need. ]

If you're familiar with the devil, then surely you know how he lures, how he entices, and how he makes promises he never intends to keep. My Frederick was lured in by those promises -- offered a deal to make all of his problems go away. I convinced him not to take it. I knew deep down that nothing good would come of it.

And when Frederick stalled on his decision, Lucifer came to me. He threatened me. He said he would destroy our relationship. He would make it so we couldn't stand to look at one another. He would ruin us unless I signed in Frederick's place. He gave me some time to consider, and I don't plan on accepting. But that means...that means I'm about to lose the love of my life. And I--

[ She trails off and pulls her hands away from his in order to cover her face. ]

[ Unless they signed? This is about a contract?

Dear God. The way Raina’s talking, it sounds as though she really believes Lucifer is what he claims. So many people do. That’s chilling. There’s a part of him that wonders what it could mean if they’re right, and then he stifles that with scorn. They can’t be right. If there really are angels and demons among them, they’re all in far greater trouble here.

No, he can’t believe that. He does believe Lucifer is dangerous, though, and that he’s threatening and pressurising this woman and her lover. He holds her hands and tries to be comforting, his demeanour entirely changed from when he was telling her off. He’s gentle now, and warm. ]

No. Listen to me. You aren’t going to lose anyone. Don’t sign anything. He has no power over you, none, unless you give it to him, and neither of you should do that. He’s a criminal. I’m d’Artagnan, of the King’s Musketeers. I’ll protect you both myself, I won’t let him touch you. I promise.

[ Raina bows her head, fending off the threat of tears -- though they glisten in her eyes as she looks up at him vulnerably. ]

You could do that? You would do that?

[ She tries to laugh off her sorrow, freeing one of her hands to brush at the corner of her eyes. ]

That's a very noble offer of you. But it would put you in danger. He has followers. He has...

[ Raina steps in closer, brushing her hand into his hair to clear it from his ear so she could whisper the name of the man who attacked her: ]

Jonathan Crane. [ And then she instantly looks paranoid, sweeping her gaze around the room. ]

And more than simply him. So much more. And if we're not careful, he will have my Frederick, too.

[ D'Artagnan glances at her when she moves forward like that. This is all very intimate, considering they've only just met, but he leans in to hear what she's saying, anyway.

Then, abruptly, he leans back to stare at her. ]

You mean to tell me that he's recruiting - what? Followers, workers? And that's what he wants from your man.

[ That's worrying, to say the least. Lucifer is enough of a problem on his own. He certainly doesn't need any help. ]

Who else have you told, Mademoiselle? Has this been raised with the police here?

He's recruiting so much more than just followers. He's seeking to establish himself as something divine. He's seeking to be worshiped. And what greater power is there than influence? Through Frederick, he hopes to spread his word. His gospel. Frederick is a psychiatrist after all, and what Lucifer wants is to poison the minds of people and make them believers. He has threatened me before, claiming he would destroy me if I turn people away from his light.

[ She rubs at her shoulder idly, frowning after his question. ]

I haven't told much of anyone. A few imPorts. But what can the police do against someone of immeasurable power? He can find me. He can teleport to me. And it would be a very simple matter for him to kill me. Even this conversation right now is a risk.

[ D'Artagnan puts some force behind his words. ]

He is not a god. He's not anything, not any more than any of us make him to be. He's powerful, of course he is. So are many people here, but it doesn't make them worthy of worship.

[ He gestures at the room at large, not picking out anyone in particular. ]

For God's sake, even if what he claims about himself is true, that's still no reason to worship him! If he aspires to be the Devil, then he aspires to bring out the very worst in everyone that he touches. There's nothing good, or honourable, or just, in any of that. So he deserves neither worship nor followers.

And all power can be measured. Even his. We will find a way. [ He reaches for her, putting his hand on her arm and moving closer. D'Artagnan's dark eyes are nothing but sincere. He entirely believes that Raina is the victim here, and he wants to do everything he can to reassure her. ] Everyone has a weakness. Even him. I'll find it, and I'll protect you, Mademoiselle. I promise you.

[ Her eyes are wide, round with surprise at his conviction, his beliefs, his honor and his willingness to protect. It's nothing short of perfect -- this is the exact type of ally she needed in her battle with Lucifer. The devil had gone too far in threatening what was hers. Raina might not have been perfectly pure. She might have teased and flirted with the darkness Lucifer spread. But her intentions, at least when it came to Frederick, were good.

She was gathering people like d'Artagnan for good reasons.

It was just that she'd also sooner throw them to sacrifice themselves if it meant Chilton would be safe.

But as he promises to help her, relief and tears that aren't entirely feigned spill forth freely. ]

The way you say that makes me believe you have the power to do as you promise. Thank you. I don't know how I'll ever repay you. [ She looks down, smiling faintly at her hands. ] You really are brave and noble. Athos certainly is lucky to have you.

[ Implying that they're on a date together. To the Swear In. D'Artagnan and Athos. Dating. ]

[ D'Artagnan doesn't much care about power. He's fought powerful men before, and won. The stakes are higher here, but to his mind, that's the only difference. He will find a way to protect those who need it, even against creatures like Lucifer. He nods, his expression all full of earnestness -

Until she mentions Athos, and it turns curious instead. ]

Athos.

[ ...strange turn of phrase. He lifts his shoulders. ]

I'm lucky to have him too. He's a good friend. I didn't realise you were familiar.

[ There's an unspoken question in that. How does she know him? But he'll likely mention her name to Athos after this. ]

I've only just met him a few hours ago. We shared a dance.

[ She waves her hand to indicate no harm. This was her first time meeting these two, and she can certainly see the appeal of D'Artagnan. He was attractive enough to turn most men gay, she imagines. It must break the heart of many young ladies. ]

I imagine any battles you fight will be with him by your side?

[ All for one and two for all, right? ]

[ There's a thought: Athos, dancing. D'Artagnan can't visualise it. The recalls an Athos of old, an Athos d'Artagnan had never known. He wishes he'd seen this.

His expression settles into something relaxed, and he nods. ]

Of course, I cannot speak for him. But Athos is my brother, and it is usual that we fight together. I will speak to him of this, if that would not trouble you. I assure you, Mademoiselle, there is no man more trustworthy than Athos. Your secrets would be as safe with him as they are with me.

[ And Athos has no more love for Lucifer, either. He'd want to know about this, d'Artagnan is sure. ]

[ The more the merrier. There's a part of her that still believes it's hopeless. D'Artagnan is offering a valiant thing and with the addition of Athos, she's certain they're quite the team -- in more ways than one. But this is Lucifer. And Lucifer is an entity of great power. No matter how adept at fighting the pair of them are, they would very likely fall before Lucifer.

But this is also a foundation. If she can lead more to join their ranks and fight, then perhaps they stood a chance at winning. On their own, it was hopeless. But with the help of others...? Yes. They could do this.

Her smile becomes renewed, and she nods -- appreciative and grateful. ]

You are most kind, d'Artagnan. And I don't mind if you share this with Athos. As a matter of fact, I welcome it. But do exercise caution. The type of magic Lucifer houses is not to be taken lightly.

[ Raina steps closer and brushes a kiss to his cheek -- chaste and soft. ]

I thank you.

[ And to fit with what he's most likely familiar with in terms of women, she gives him the slightest of courtsies. ]

[ She’s good at this, very good at this. The way she speaks and acts is as familiar as breathing to him, and he senses no ploy in it. If he thought about it, he would wonder why her manners were so much better than everyone else’s, why she’s polite in the way that he’s used to being polite but never sees here because that’s not the culture of this place. But he doesn’t think about that. He accepts it, and his sympathy for her situation increases. He doesn’t even blame her for her outburst, which had angered him at first; of course her temper has been on edge. She’s worried about Lucifer, and about her lover. It makes complete sense.

He inclines his head, and gently presses her hand. ]

I do not underestimate him. I have felt his power, and seen his delusions for myself. But that will change nothing. He can still be fought, and I will help you as much as I can.

You’ve already been brave. I can be, too.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I THOUGHT BY NOW YOU'D REALIZE

9.30

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject