(Untitled)

[fallforthesky]

[There is an open door leading into a nicely-furnished bedroom in this neutral hallway. The bed is made, bay window open to let in the interdimensional summer breeze; shafts of afternoon sunlight filtering in and playing off the specks of dust, making the hardwood flooring gleam

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[1year_wakened]

[Ignoring all everything ever and just strolling in.]

[1year_wakened]

[:| And just think, this one has only killed two people (that he remembers).]

[Not bothering to looking at her.] So? Everything's cheap. War is just part of the whole damn cheapness of the world, Lady Exorcist.

[fallforthesky]

[She has the gall to quirk a not-quite-smirk at that as she leans over the toilet again, laughing once short and low and in a manner that sounds closer to a scoff. Guttural:] 's that part of why you're trying to destroy it?

[1year_wakened]

Call me a careless bastard, but I'm just along for the show.

[His expression is oddly intent.]

Here was my choice-- me and Cyril could starve on the streets, or we could go with the Earl, to a family, and to power. No more losing fights.

[Measured tone.] The last year's been a joyride, see, and I'd rather it be this way, remaking the stupid world or not.

[fallforthesky]

[She'll oblige to that.] You're a careless bastard.

[But beyond forcing that hint of bitterness to her words, she doesn't really feel any anger over it. It isn't as if she had been expecting a better answer. And... Cyril. She blinks slowly, glancing over at him only to find herself staring down that intent expression. It startles her. That's his brother, isn't it...]

[Taking the simplest route, regardless of how cruel or harsh it was, for the sake of family. Now doesn't that sound familiar.] What happens at the end, then?

[She hates talking about the end.]

[1year_wakened]

Yeah, I guess. It's a learned art, right? [Another deep drag, and he thinks for a bit.]

...Damned if I know. Stuff happens. [He sighs.] I really got to ask the Earl about that one... nah, don't want to. Ignorance is bliss, or something.

And you? Do you know what happens? Bet your silly Vatican has some notions...

[fallforthesky]

[She goes still, dropping her gaze. The details seem to constantly shift for the worse the closer the end gets-- and Lenalee knows it's coming up fast, things are just moving too quickly now for it not to be-- but the general scheme remains the same terrifying conception it's always been. Quietly:] ...there will be darkness. A Great Flood that will destroy all of humanity, just like... the first time. The world will be ravaged. [Curling her hands into loose fists.] But I don't care. It won't happen.

I won't let it.

[1year_wakened]

Now that's elaborate. [Not quite as cavalier as usual, though.]

Can you, all by yourself? Even with the rest of you, the whole world is still pretty hard to babysit.

[fallforthesky]

...would you expect anything less of the destruction of the world? [And that's all she says for a long few moments. It isn't the whole world she wants to look out for, after all; just hers. But in order for that to happen, the real world has to remain intact for them all to live on in.]

I'm not on my own. I have my friends. And besides, if the Earl can strive to end the world on his own or otherwise, why can't I strive to save it?

[1year_wakened]

[Considers.]

Never said you couldn't. Why bother here, though? This isn't any world.

[fallforthesky]

[That's a loaded question if she's ever heard one. She clenches her fists tighter on her knees and shoots Tyki a very venomous look.] Maybe you should wait until I haven't just come back from being exorcised to ask me that.

...That's reason enough to continue fighting, even here.

1/2

[1year_wakened]

...[He blinks and then nods, possibly a little sheepishly.] Ah... good point.

But even before that, I mean. Why turn you into an Akuma in the first place? No reason. It works both ways for everyone.

[1year_wakened]

Also? By your logic, if I... get Exorcised, then that also gives me a reason to fight too, yeah?

OH NO, TEAL DEER

[fallforthesky]

The Countess had Akuma ambush people and overwhelm them. They used weapons they never should have had and attacked everyone for the mere purpose of making us subjects for her to experiment on.

During that attack... [She thins her lips into a bloodless line.] ...That was first time I killed an Akuma here.

[There is so much bitterness in her voice that she can practically taste it.] So don't preach to me about the pointlessness of fighting who I know to be my enemies when you were the ones to attack me first. I won't stand by and ignore it, even if all I can achieve here is the knowledge that I at least tried.

[And a part of her wants so desperately to tell him how likely it is that his 'if' will one day be a 'when', if for no other reason than to pry that jaunty look from his face. She bites her tongue instead. Mutters:] The point of an Exorcism is so you Noah can't fight.

/EMBRACES THE DEER AND NAMES IT JASPER. And I cannot judge when I use another "1/2"!

[1year_wakened]

...[Cue several moments of confused silence.] ...Seriously? Well.

[1year_wakened]

[Listening to her talk, and finding that he can't dispute anything. So here's another moment of oddness and proof of difference between versions for you.]

Alright, I didn't know about that. And I'm sorry.

[His gaze hardens just a little at that, though, but not exactly at her.] Maybe a little more. That favor you owe me, I've got an idea of what it could be, now. If I lose my Noah, kill me and that'll probably fix it.