[closed] show me your inner workings; i trust you implicitly.

[redeify]

Who: purpletaint & redeify
What: Albedo and Dai meet up, at Dai's behest, because he has something to give him. A few somethings, actually.
Where: Cathedral.
When: Right now. :)

Comments

...so I tl;dr too much. >_>;

[purpletaint]

Lips slid back from his teeth in delight. Wasn't the other simply charming in his ways? The weapon's head tilted, shoulders rolling in a half-shrug. "Mm, depends on your validation of existence really. Define yours and I'll give you mine. Most that keep ambitions consider themselves the predator for prey's sake." As given in petty example over the network, and how had that went but to prove Albedo's point? One alone had replied in kind, another in interest, and here it was, the consideration of others as wolves or sheep. Yet, again, there called only patterns. What played out would, shifted as it may be.

An iota wondered, then, if that was how the other worked. He had asked fears, desires, wants--to which only Albedo himself would keep, underneath even his own ken. And if the other had knew--had probably known others? Was it a sort of bait and switch, or a deal in actuality? Giving one what they wanted for loyalty seemed simple enough in prospect, but led to a thin and faltering bond. It was nothing something Albedo could have held to. Give him this instead; interest and another outside of the coil, and he'll happily skip along for a time.

The grin slid smaller into a smile. "I'm glad," he replied. "You're very interesting to me." Something the other had likely already gathered; Albedo had done nothing to mask his intrigue and attraction. He glanced to the building as the other gestured, looking the structure over fondly. Wolves and sheep indeed. It was not as big as the mechanical Song, but it was a more perfect representation of a faulty race scrambling after an apathetic god.

There were too many memories in that, and instead of reacting, Albedo only smiled again. Tea, was it? He could dredge up pleasantries if needed--weren't the best laid murders of men discussed politely over tea, after all?--it was not as if the boy would think to speak in negative. He rotated a wrist in an 'after you' gesture, head inclining slightly over it. "Whatever you wish. You are the host here; I am only a guest."

He glanced up through his bangs, darkly mischievous. "Are all your admirers here as well?"

I love your tl;dr. :)

[redeify]

You're very interesting to me.

Oh, Dai had certainly gathered as much as Albedo thought he had, in that regard, and thus he was very much aware. It was hard not to be, with how thoroughly open the boy had been about both his intentions and his curiosity, right from the start; always with his eyes lit up with interest, some wicked anticipation, some idea or hope. Still, wasn't it always nice to hear it said so bluntly? To be called 'interesting' as though it was very matter-of-fact and natural, and not particularly shameful at all. As though it was to be expected, even. It was almost an affirmation of the obvious, the same kind of thing that led people to say 'I love you' when it should have been clear. And filled with the same warm, pleasant comforts, in a way, the same thing that other such trite declarations had long since lost their use for.

To be interesting was the only compliment he desired, these days.

And of course Albedo was interested. Of course they would get along like this, of course he would be here, seeking more of the same, seeking more answers. Of course. And Dai just smiled in response, that knowing look lighting up his eyes as he rested his palm on the broad of the boy's back, steering him up the steps with a leisurely ease - though he did somewhat keep to the front, in line with Albedo's request.

Well... Let him be interested. Dai enjoyed it too much, in a way, basked in that attention, such as it was. They both still had so much to learn about each other, after all, before they were even close to bared, and Dai was in no particular rush to hurry things along and end the game too quickly. The less they knew now, the more they could savour later.

Admirers? He had to laugh at that. Really, it was rather cute, but he supposed that must be how it seemed to him... to anyone, really. And perhaps it wasn't entirely inaccurate, in itself - though it was rather more symbiotic than that.

Nothing Albedo needed to know, yet.

"No, no. It's just you, today." Associating him with his admirers was no mistake. It's just you. Not the rest. "I thought you might appreciate the privacy for our first meeting, at least. I trust I wasn't in error?"

A little shove of the door, and they were out of one imposing atmosphere and into another. Certainly, the heavy, oppressive breaths of the red zones didn't tread a foot here, and throughout, from one wall to another, it was clearly a green, safe space, a space that felt light and airy and easy to breathe and move and think in. But it was by no means less unsettling, with the assortment of trash that Dai had haphazardly deposited throughout. The Cathedral was less a place of worship than it was a junkyard, a pile of steel and marble and twisted, old signs of worship for a religion long dead, jutted raw shapes like skeletons of old lives that Dai had simply thrown together. And at the end of it, that throne he'd been sitting in before, and a seemingly 'sleeping' Lilith draped across it like some broken little angel.

In front of it, a table had been set up for two. Long and tall and carved with ornate curves from dark wood, it had certainly seen some years without use or care - but the varnish remained, and the chairs on either side were part of the same matching set, equally tall and sharing in its ornamental design, enduring still. The tea set on it was plain, riddled with hairline damage in the porcelain like little golden hairs criss-crossed all along it, but there wasn't a spot of leakage; it had some life in it yet, it seemed.

"Please," Dai muttered, and even with a low voice, it carried well in the great expanse of the hall. "Make yourself comfortable."

As though any person could be comfortable in such a place. But he knew Albedo didn't have those kinds of qualms.

I could say the same.~

[purpletaint]

Speak of touch of those not of blood and there was little gain--more inconsistencies and things far too unwanted. Despite this, there existed a difference in nature--say many things, but this one could not be considered as human. He existed as something wanted, if only to gain knowledge for and about. So in that, a shudder could be mistaken as a shiver, and it passed quickly, thought slipping away with the reaction.

Such a pleasant and polite host. A bit more charming than the last place he had found himself in.

"Mm, not in error," he replied languidly. It was a bit like 'home', if he had to say. Bodies draping and stumbling about. His Kirschwassers had been quite similar, the pretty little dolls that adored him despite his efforts for the contrary. Such pleasant little pets, quaint and simple, and a part of him missed them, if only for the doting that they gave.

...As if he would complain right now. His other heart resided in the reality those dolls were in. Eventually, Albedo would return, for this or that, murder or mayhem, a consuming love or an everlasting hate, and then all would balance in a nice show of sibling affection and violence. Later, though.~ He was enjoying himself right now, enough to keep to, allow to distract him from what ailed.

And a distraction was given, in such a pleasant way. Whether this was where the other resided or merely a lay-point for a temporary quarters, it spoke of interest, moved Albedo's mind to the past, of rubble and ruin, six wings and seven seals, and wasn't it just perfect? A little corner of the universe that just called to him as something close to familiar. Pull religion to pieces and take the followers with. A quiet sigh and an empty betrayal to mirror the cries of a thousand voices raised in prayer. It was a bit enthralling to think of, and he gave into it, walked further in for a moment to glance around.

The creature on his shoulder jumped down three steps in, moving cautiously as Albedo strolled about. He restrained himself from touching at the least, and instead hummed a bit, glancing once at the female on the dais. Such a flawed little construct, a bit as he suspected. However.

He turned and faced the other, moving back with a pleasant smile to rest a hand against one chair. "Isn't it that one cannot sit until the host himself rests?" he wondered teasingly. "A bit old-fashioned, but if you've gone to all of this..."

[redeify]

Albedo looked rather at home in it. It didn't go amiss, how he looked at everything with that odd sort of familiarity, so casual and relaxed and not at all uneasy, as though he were as much a part of it as any Child that came before. Dai smirked at that, traced his dark fingertips along the edge of his own chair and drew it out slowly, watching him all the while. A sudden, hot draught picked up and moved through the length of the room; it sucked the main door in, slammed it shut with an almighty bang that travelled and trembled through the air for some time, before all was finally still again, and the air as cold as it always was.

"... What a thoughtful guest I've acquired."

He sat down, picked up the teapot with one hand, and gestured with the other for Albedo to take his seat. While he poured into each cup, he finally began to explain:

"The red zones are consuming the city, as you're no doubt aware. Something destructive is likely to strike, and it'll be sooner rather than later; it's going to cause citywide disturbance. The living here will be disorientated, threatened, perhaps made sick, perhaps killed. The details aren't mine to disclose, I'm afraid." He set the pot down and passed one cup to Albedo, dragging the remaining one towards him. "I would like to say something like 'it won't be a concern for you', but... naturally, as is typical when one wants things to go a certain way, I'm afraid I can't. It's likely that this will affect even elements belonging to a city-based, fully-established power, such as my own."

He paused, looked up at the ceiling. The tea made thick steam plumes in the air, swirling and highly visible in the cold chill of the hall, but it felt, somehow, as though the temperature had changed since they first came through the door. As though the temperature was slowly, little by little, beginning to rise, and the visible breaths of the Fire Magister were beginning to fade from view.

"I'm sure you're cognizant of what an inconvenience that is. But... well. I wouldn't have you here if I hadn't managed something for the matter."

...so horrifically late. >_<;

[purpletaint]

He glanced to the man, quietly amused. Not so much thoughtful as playing his part, but in that Albedo was sure that this one was as well--neither of them likely cared enough for pleasantries but this was the game, set and match, and they would continue in stride. Albedo sat, the small creature jumping up into his lap and he absentmindly dropped a hand to it.

The other spoke, and Albedo only listened, something a bit less human taking the place behind his eyes as he thought. More of the shifts and less of the effects were the thoughts in motion--the questions were pressed into existence by way of reasons; whys and hows more than whats. It was faulty, to be sure--but Albedo had never held much thought for the effects upon his person. Such was the case when one did not have to concern themselves with their own survival. Yes, faulty, but it allowed exploration into other areas.

He nodded his understanding to the point being made. The other had some form of canceling for him, to at least nullify some of the affects. The prelude made as much clear. Nothing was ever given freely however--Albedo would likely have to work for his prize, wanted or not, and it wasn't something he would say no to. He'd bow his head to this one for now--he was ever-so-interested in seeing where things went.

The boy smiled sharply, ignoring the tea for the time being and leaning forward, resting chin in his palm. "I understand," he said sweetly. "And I'd ask what you wish me to do for the honor of that."

He was silent a moment, then spoke again, eyes watchful. "Though I'd question a part. Not the whats, I'm afraid. I'll soon see for myself, for any matter. I'm more for the whys." He raised his head, hand dropping to tap nails once on the table. "What's causing this new development? Something planned or an anomaly in itself?"

Same!! No worries! ;0;

[redeify]

... Ah, but naturally. Not only a matter of survival, but a curiosity about the mechanics of the world itself; could he expect anything less from these people? Particularly Albedo, who seemed as inquisitive as any cat he'd ever known. He smiled back thinly with pale lips, chewed on a nail for a bit before he answered:

"A little of both, perhaps. An inevitable development for which no planning was devised - not my decision, I assure you. I did what I could, where other Magisters deigned to do nothing at all." He spoke very casually, and it was relatively plain that there was no part of it that he deemed a secret, in particular - all the same, it was also likely that Albedo was the only outsider to have yet heard it discussed in such terms. "The very nature of this city allots for all sorts of peculiarities. When it broke, and when it was reformed, the seal endured further damage; it's the one thing that cannot simply be 're-stitched', being, as it is, of different fundamental construction from all other existent materials. It's a tale as old as the city's entropy, itself: a beast is leaking free of it, although it'll seem more akin to a poisonous fume. It's formed of the same noxious fog that descended on the city for the first time many years ago."

His eyes seemed to shine with some degree of pleasure.

"It's the reason everyone died."

And then there was a low, dramatic sigh, and he sat back casually, bringing up one leg to rest the ankle at his knee. He raised his hands in a helpless shrug. "I fear the only choice you have is to endure, to survive, and to wait - but all of those little petty details will come in due time, I assure you. It's my hope that I can inform all those whose lives are in my hands, before it's too late for them to understand.

"But I thought it best to begin with you. I'd like it rather much if you survived, so as not to burden me with owing the Ice Magister a favour; you're something rather precious, and losing you in limbo would be a monstrous hassle. And with that in mind..."

He stood again, and made his way up to the dais, bending at the waist to lean over the machine lying neglected there. He slipped two fingers into her mouth then, feeling about along the roof; after a moment, he pulled something free and turned to Albedo, presenting it in forefinger and thumb.

"... Why I called you here." He shook the pretty little vial, and the fluid within it stained the clear glass walls like a viscous ink. "I promised you a gift, after all. A little something to spare you from the worst effects of its coming - but it won't protect you from those that are affected, I'm afraid. You'll have to be clever."

[purpletaint]

...And what was this now? The tale told rang as familiar, and Albedo likely knew the theme before it was said. Come now. Speak of beasts, of fumes and fog, of poison and creation, and Albedo knew the tale indeed. It rang the same on other worlds, and where he had come from, he had faced it--had it tear into his soul and reform him. The emotion crossed his face despite himself--understanding and something clicking into place. He found himself grinning, and he echoed quietly, "The reason why everyone died."

U-DO, indeed, but by a different name, and likely different motivation. What was known as god to some was the devil to others, after all.

"I follow you more than you likely know," he gave, expression slipping a bit more serious. "You're describing something that happened to my reality a bit before I found myself here. The world cracking open and a... taint tearing all who encountered it to shreds--resulting in death or insanity." The word was given with a subtle grin. "In the end, none live who had come into contact with it. But one." Perhaps two, if his theory was proven. But that was yet for another time.

Albedo leaned back in the chair, sighing. "The universe marching on. It's a tale known to me. Anything that evolves will fall apart with time; a flame rising to die out. And in the breaks left between, there exists a reality others cannot ascertain." He was digressing, wasn't he? Ah, but this one was too tempting to do so with. Who would have thought, after all? That he'd leave that world to encounter something familiar. Perhaps there was a rhyme and reason to his being here.

He dropped into polite silence as the other moved and spoke, tilted his head at the small vial in Dai's grasp. Despite the relative apathy he had towards the outcome, there existed something of a hunger in Albedo's eyes. Here was something that was not yet known. What effects could be gained, what changes would occur? And yet-- "Let me reassure you at the least. Of my demise, natural or antagonized, you needn't worry." His eyes slipped up from the bottle, to Dai's face. "I'll speak clearly." Words set in placement and motion, trodding carefully onward as time slipped around him. "There exists nothing that can kill me here." Give him a beast of destruction, a dragon of red, a twin of shared hearts if Albedo's death was desired. Otherwise--

"Madness in its tastes are intriguing, and I've been torn apart to nothing time and time again. I'll be clever." As he always was. "But either way, dear; I'll be fine."

[redeify]

'Dear'. Oh, but everything he said was entirely too perfect, that cute dismissive wave of his hand, the pride there - entirely earned in his own world, but oh, it was just quaint to Dai. Everything about him was utterly ideal, just like he would want in someone beneath him. Resilient, powerful, and incredibly eager to prove it. Like a stubborn, brave puppy.

Dai laughed openly, but he pressed the vial into Albedo's hand all the same, used the other large hand to close his white fingers around it. He held him there, stood over him in full armour, the dark metal wings extending back behind him, the gauntlets trapping his fingers, closing them into the thick glass. He met his eyes firmly, smiling with more gentleness than the rest of him was showing.

"Oh, but I have no doubts of that. You'll be fine, to be sure. You're resourceful enough alone." He released him when he was sure he had a grip on it, and knelt at the side of his chair instead, levelling his gaze with him. "... But simply being alive isn't all I'm demanding of you. If that were all you were good for, I'd keep you here as I keep the others, no more than a pet or a pastime. A cute living shell, aspiring to be so much more. Like they all are. On something like that... you'd be wasted, with all your potential.

"But time you spend torn apart is time spent in disobedience." He captured Albedo's chin, then, tilting his head, pulling him closer.

"You understand, Albedo. If you're driven to something by this taint that spreads through the city, you won't be the one who made such pleasant company for me today. I would so hate to lose that, even for a moment." He smiled pleasantly, regardless, his eyes flicking down to the vial. "... I won't force your hand, of course. What measures you take, what your pride in yourself allows you to accept... that would be interesting for me to see, as well. That's only more proof of your nature. But should you be unable to stave off that sickness... I think I'd be quite sad about it."

But not disappointed. Their alliance is still young enough that there's plenty for him to learn from observing - particularly if Albedo should choose not to take his gift.

[purpletaint]

Speak words and know treason. It existed only as amusement. Being kept like a pet, a bird in a cage, was quaint enough for the boy to cock a small grin in response, as he was only and always reminded of his dear Kirschwassers, left behind for another to play with. And those little dolls? What would they do without him to speak to them, show them affection, and press them into submission? They would wait for him, of this he understood quite well. They would wait in the cold damp of that place as long as they ran, insides bound by love, a kind that their Realian hearts should not be able to posses. Like birds in cages, trapped by their own petty emotions, programmed into them by a man who wished to keep a girl forever.

A story for another time, maybe.

Albedo closed his fingers around glass without looking at it closely, eyes on the one speaking, the one dark and imposing, a perfect contrast to Albedo as he was. Dark to light, large to small, and in the end, there were likely other things of note Albedo could say. Speak disobedience? Why, how enchanting, really.~ Should Albedo raise arms and be cast down, burning brightly as he fell? He was labeled, purification, was he not? And so a light-bringer would not be that far of a stretch.

Still, when the being grasped his chin, Albedo did not fight him, allowed the movement with something in-between curiosity and amusement, and wondered how far this game would go. They were amused by each other, no doubt, amused and interested, and he would wonder which party's attention would falter first. The words used were far too perfect, and the boy giggled gladly, smiling near intimately. "I'm not fighting your offer. The only... taint..." Another giggle at the word. "Affecting me will be my own, of my own want. Pride isn't something too closely held." Not as closely as a Dragon, bursting at the seams of anger and missteps. "Especially if you speak as such. Why would I ever want to make you sad, mm?"

Unless something interesting could be shown from it. But at this point, there was no real kind of attachment. Both could wash their hands of each other without much effort, but still, it was a dance, steps in motion, and Albedo would play it just the same.

[redeify]

Dai's shoulders visibly relaxed from that, a little sigh escaping past his lips. Why, indeed? And in that respect, for as much as this was a game for them, as much as they play - Albedo's present trustworthiness was, at least, no pretense, because his enjoyment of the whole process was no pretense.

... It would likely remain no pretense until Albedo had far stronger incentive to make it one. And, well. He didn't have a lot of competition from the other magisters, did he?

"Then you've done me a great service, and you've flattered me with your affection. With such conviction, how can I not trust you to the fullest?" He finally released the vial into Albedo's slim hand, his long fingers giving the knuckles an affectionate, reassuring little pat. His free hand turned from gripping his chin, smoothing the back of his knuckles against his cheek in a gesture somewhere between paternal and possessive, and he finally dropped both hands, getting to his feet.

"... Well. We'll see how much it helps, then, and I'll wish for only the best for you. I suppose I ought to tell you bluntly that I've never tried this serum in a scenario like this, before... though I assure you that it has no unpleasant side-effects, regardless of the outcome. I've given it a few tests, and feel assured of its usefulness. But..." He gives Albedo a reassuring sort of smile, his white eyelashes dipping lower coyly. "... Perhaps it might reveal the nature of this imbalance itself a little more thoroughly. In that respect, you'll also be of great help to me."

He moved at last, took his seat at the opposite end of the table again, crossing his legs smoothly.

"There's no way to say how long it will take for these disturbances to settle, unfortunately. It's regrettable; it may sound trite to say it, but however entertaining it may be in the short-term, I prefer you all when you're lucid and sweet.

"But there'll be ways for you and I to make the most of it, I'm certain. As time goes on."