[Aion looked up from his desk as he heard a familiar voice in the distance. Damn. He forgot that Joshua was capable of coming in and out of the cathedral though this played in his favor. A grin across his lips, the sinner left his room to slip down the hall to where the boy was. Appearing behind him, he spoke calmly yet with a eerie tone.]
Yo, Joshua Christopher. To think I'd find you back here of all places.
That was pretty sneaky of you, actually using a curse to your advantage like that. But I guess I'm not surprised.
She's useless to you, you know. Azmaria doesn't have her powers anymore. She...doesn't even have her voice. It's not like you can get her some devil's horns and have her replace me.
I'll take that as a compliment. I might as well use what I can if those fucking bastards are insistent on coming up with those damn curses.
[Aion shrugged with arms open wide. A confident smile said it all.]
Is that so? Ha ha ha, what makes you think so? Besides, you can't be replaced. I'll have your cooperation once again at some point.
[He slowly began to circle him.]
Joshua, have you forgotten? I granted you your wish and answered your prayers when you were in desperate need. You desired power and I gave you the ultimate gift. In essence, I freed you from those bound expectations the others had placed on you and you soared. Wasn't that what you wanted?
I wanted to be strong. But I was a stupid little kid, and you took advantage of that. That wasn't real power. I wasn't in control of myself. I didn't even know who I was, anymore! It wasn't worth it.
You'll never have my cooperation, Aion. Not like that.
[He ran his fingers through his bangs.] On the contrary, I consider it a fair exchange. I received your cooperation for giving you something in return. What more could you ask for than the power you possessed while under its influence? You can't deny its powers, his powers.
[He sighs.]What, are you longing for your dear comrade? [He slyly grins.] Why not? I see no harm especially at this point. [He made sure no one else was around before leading him.] This way.
[ He sounds even more bitter than usual over Chrono being brought up. ]
I prefer the way I am now over the monster I was. And even if they didn't come with any side effects, there's no way I'd ever want anything that belonged to him.
[ He stares at him warily, then moves to follow him. ]
She gave me my life back. The least I can do is make sure you can't sweet talk her into doing anything she'll regret.
[He lightly cackled to his response. He despises him that much, huh. Interesting. He lead Joshua through a narrow hall and up a set of stairs.]
So it was the Apostle of Benevolence, who revived you. This is turning out to be quite interesting. [Pulling his keys out, he unlocked the door once they were there and entered as he greeted the girl.]
[Azmaria had been standing by the window watching life down below from the tower when the door opened. Hearing Aion's words her eyes widened and she turned to fully face the entrance. She raised a hand to her mouth when she saw Joshua an d took a step forward but stopped.]
[Aion watched her reaction and glanced towards Joshua as he lightly closed the door and purposely positioned himself in front of it to block it.] Quite a shock, I take it. He came here on his own will, just to see you. Though...
[He slipped his arm over Joshua's one shoulder from behind as the other hand explored the inside of the boy's inner coat pocket. If his old habits were still there, then. Grabbing the device, he forcefully pulled it out with a satisfied grin.]
I think I'll have him stay a little while longer. You'd like that as well, wouldn't you, Apostle Maiden?
[ He was relieved to see Azmaria wasn't harmed, but hadn't really thought she would be. Aion didn't have any reason to hurt them. He started when he felt Aion reach around him, but before he could do anything, the PDA was gone. Quickly turning, he glared up at Aion, but didn't say anything. He'd already prepared for this possibility. ]
... [She looked from Aion to Joshua with a worried look. Why had he come? Surely it wasn't to rescue her...Was it? Azmaria bit her lower lip, almost wishing she could ask him why he was here. She only took a few more steps towards the other boy and stopped, looking at Aion.
What was Aion up to? Was he trying to continue the work he left behind back home? If that was the case, wouldn't he need the rest of the Apostles and not just them?]
[He solemnly glared back.] Such determined eyes. I see you came here knowing the consequences. Then let's get down to the point. Make a sound and I won't promise anyone's safety including those at the Opera House. Follow my orders and we're golden. Simple as that.
[He turned towards the door and spoke with a gesture.] Don't worry, it's not like I'm going to take and eat you. Relax. I'll be back in a while.
[ He stayed quiet at first, then scowled and folded his arms across the chest. There was an unstable glint in his eye, but his voice was steady. ]
Why should I care what happens to the people at the Opera House? I don't have any friends there.
I'm not Chrono. And I'm not a kid. You can't manipulate me like you used to. I'll stay here because I'm choosing to. I don't have anywhere better to be, and you're sorry company for Azmaria to have.
Yo, Joshua Christopher. To think I'd find you back here of all places.
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I practically ran this place before you got here. I can come here whenever I want.
[ He's tempted to back up a bit, but he keeps his feet planted. ]
That was you, wasn't it? When I was cursed. You were wearing her body.
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And if I was?
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She's useless to you, you know. Azmaria doesn't have her powers anymore. She...doesn't even have her voice. It's not like you can get her some devil's horns and have her replace me.
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[Aion shrugged with arms open wide. A confident smile said it all.]
Is that so? Ha ha ha, what makes you think so? Besides, you can't be replaced. I'll have your cooperation once again at some point.
[He slowly began to circle him.]
Joshua, have you forgotten? I granted you your wish and answered your prayers when you were in desperate need. You desired power and I gave you the ultimate gift. In essence, I freed you from those bound expectations the others had placed on you and you soared. Wasn't that what you wanted?
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I wanted to be strong. But I was a stupid little kid, and you took advantage of that. That wasn't real power. I wasn't in control of myself. I didn't even know who I was, anymore! It wasn't worth it.
You'll never have my cooperation, Aion. Not like that.
Let me see her.
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[He sighs.]What, are you longing for your dear comrade? [He slyly grins.] Why not? I see no harm especially at this point. [He made sure no one else was around before leading him.] This way.
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I prefer the way I am now over the monster I was. And even if they didn't come with any side effects, there's no way I'd ever want anything that belonged to him.
[ He stares at him warily, then moves to follow him. ]
She gave me my life back. The least I can do is make sure you can't sweet talk her into doing anything she'll regret.
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So it was the Apostle of Benevolence, who revived you. This is turning out to be quite interesting. [Pulling his keys out, he unlocked the door once they were there and entered as he greeted the girl.]
You have a visitor, Azmaria Hendric.
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[He slipped his arm over Joshua's one shoulder from behind as the other hand explored the inside of the boy's inner coat pocket. If his old habits were still there, then. Grabbing the device, he forcefully pulled it out with a satisfied grin.]
I think I'll have him stay a little while longer. You'd like that as well, wouldn't you, Apostle Maiden?
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What was Aion up to? Was he trying to continue the work he left behind back home? If that was the case, wouldn't he need the rest of the Apostles and not just them?]
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[He turned towards the door and spoke with a gesture.] Don't worry, it's not like I'm going to take and eat you. Relax. I'll be back in a while.
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Why should I care what happens to the people at the Opera House? I don't have any friends there.
I'm not Chrono. And I'm not a kid. You can't manipulate me like you used to. I'll stay here because I'm choosing to. I don't have anywhere better to be, and you're sorry company for Azmaria to have.
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