dinmaf party time

>It is nighttime. Somehow... the mansion is so silent it's eerie. If someone were to be walking around, however, they would happen upon... a figure, sitting in the garden--- a cup of tea in their hands.

>And accompanying them... is this guy. Supposedly their butler? He's pouring the tea and being silent.

>Oh. They’re…walking around. Tired. Woozy….at least the grass isn’t burned! Yet.

10:52 PM

A yawn escaped them as they looked and stared at the two people in front of them. Blinking. Rubbing their eyes under their glasses. The two people are still there. Is this one of their fever dreams again? Wasn’t the one with the chicken abnormals bad enough?

10:52 PM

Ah well. Maybe…they could. Try to… “U…um…?” Their voice came out a bit raspy, trying to get their attention as they walked closer. Surely this has to be one of their fever dreams right?* Right?

Oh...! Why, hello there. Come, sit sit! Do you want some tea? William here can pour you a cup if you wish.

..... >He stares at his companion, but ultimately shrugs. Guess I can. C'mon, sit. I'll pour ya some.

>They did have tea earlier but…why not? “Um…okay…” >they took a seat across the. Person. The person that’s not William. “…if I may ask…who are you?”

>William brings out a cup from out of nowhere--- placing it down and pouring some tea.

You can call me... Lucy! Or Lucielle, if you wish.

…

11:00 PM

>something tells them that’s not their real name. But okay, they can play along. “…alright. Nice to meet you, Mx. Lucielle. I’m Wayan, it’s—” breaking out into a coughing fit, pulling down their mask and taking a sip of tea. “—I’m sorry.” A sigh came from them, “I’m not…it’s not usually this bad, I promise” then again, were their fever dreams ever normal? Or their fever in general?

... >An eyebrow is raised. >Well.. you think one was raised. Kinda of hard to tell in the limited light of the garden, especially at night. That's perfectly alright. Are ya feelin' alright? Do you got a fever of some sort?

“…” another sigh, another sip of tea. “Its…a long story. But to put it short: yes I have a fever. I cannot remember how I got it other than this ache in my chest and my ex-boss looming over me….” they explained, another sip of their tea, “It also comes with me being able to burn things…and I have that under control…mostly.” Their keris, their sword, isn’t here with them though so that’s a bit of a problem. But that’s fine, they can not burn things. That’s. Fine. Maybe.

>Suddenly... the fever calms down, just from that sip of tea. Their temperature is cooled down just a bit. And...! Wow! Their cough is silent. Ahh..., that's unfortunate to hear, Wayan. I hear about that sort of thing all the time. It's a shame it happened to you. >The more they drink, the more it chills out completely.

11:08 PM

Hopefully the tea helps out with that, at least. It's William's special... tea. But most claim it can help cool things down in an instant!

11:09 PM

>They... seem awfully proud of him.

>William tuts, before making his distance known so he can light up a cigarette.

…huh? Oh…they feel…a lot colder than they usually are.

11:10 PM

“….huh…” they’re. Amazed at this tea. For the first time in ages it felt like their mind was clear and— …oh. Wait. If the both of them are still here and Wayan is in this mansion then… “…This…isn’t a fever dream…is it…?” They just wanted to be sure. Sometimes their mind does…weird things to them. Sorry Mx. Lucielle!!!

Hm? >A pause. The Devil shakes her head, smiling. Nope, not a dream. I'm as real as can be! William on th' other hand...

Stop messin' with 'em.

Right, right, of course. Fine. This isn't a fever dream, we're real. Is the tea helping, by the way?

“A lot…yeah…” they took another sip. “I don’t know how long it’s been, but I feel like I can be awake for once.” That feeling of wakefulness…ah, how sweet. And they can wear their uniform normally, for once! No ice packs!!!

11:17 PM

Though…something feels off. They’re not sure why, maybe years from being a journalist and having to read people’s intentions but…

11:17 PM

“…if…I may ask…” a sigh came from them, trying to word this question. Ah, if this fucks their chances then at least the 15 minutes of calm was nice. “…this tea…was this made specifically for me or…?” They thought back to how Lucielle asked them about their fever. They could’ve asked them about a cold or a flu but…fever. Did they know…?

Hm? Oh, yes. Or rather... it's a tea that fits tailor made to whoever drinks it. Will here is a good barista--- and knows some magic tricks or two to help those who are sick and injured. >You are stretching the truth. I'm usually sickly, so I figured since you seemed like you were having a fever, well... it wouldn't hurt to try.

“I…see.” Nodding, but that feeling of something being off lingered at the back of their mind. The explanation is plausible, at least to them (for now). “…So, would I have to drink this tea on a daily basis to…not feel as bad?” Something tells them they would need a steady supply of it to keep going, but they wanted to be sure. Cross their Ts and dot their i’s so to speak.

Yep! A constant supply. It's why I got William here. He's my body guard but I mainly keep him around for th' tea.

>He's rolling his eyes.

With that said... did you want more?

“…if that’s alright with you, though…” there’s some wariness behind their eyes, “What’s the catch? There…has to be something for me to get more don’t I?”

>Blink, blink, blink. Eh, not really.

11:29 PM

>They shrug, as she snaps her fingers--- William is there pouring another cup once it's finished. I'm just a bored being who sees another sickly fellow. Sure, I could give ya a catch, but what's th'point? Ain't yer life already fucked as is?

“…” they looked down at the tea. It’s suspicious, it feels off but they feel cornered. They don’t want to piss them off but… “That…is true…” another sip, “How would I get more though? Would I be able to ask the staff here for it…?”

Just come back to the garden at night an' William can just fix one or two right up fer ya. It's a nightly tea, so the effects will be present during the day..., then ya gotta have more at night.

Helps with sleep, is why. Y'don't wanna be all.. >William pauses, gesturing. Sleepy durin' the day. Ya wanna be refreshed. Once ya finish yer fill we're sendin' ya right off t'bed.

“…Alright.” Nightly tea…they have never heard of such things but. Maybe some research if they ever get back? Asking around too would be nice… “I’m quite used to being drowsy during the day, it came with the fever that I was given…” “…one more question, if you don’t mind.” Wayan looked back up, “…is there anything else I need to know about the tea? Anything that might…affect me? Positive or negative effects.” They’re not aware of any allergies they have or any sensitivities, but just to be sure…

>He looks at William.

.....

11:36 PM

Well, do ya normally drink tea?

11:36 PM

Because it's floral, generally. So if yer allergic to flowers, I'd like fer ya to cut that shit out an' gimme the tea back.

“…Not usually…? I know Kakak Hong Lu does and he has served some. The few times I remember, I don’t recall having any adverse reactions to them.” A shrug, “It’s water for me, most of the time. To try to keep my body temperate down, as weak as those attempts were…” “Though I don’t feel like I’m having an allergic reaction, so.”

Mmm..., then ya oughta be fine, but keep an eye out for the next hour or two, 'kay? I don't wanna be th'cause of an allergic reaction or nothin' like that.

A nod from them. “Alright…” and they move to stand up, “Thank you for the tea, Mx. Lucielle and Mx. William.” They bow in thanks, “I…feel a lot better than I have for ages…so terimah kaish.”

Ah-- Mister William. Unlike Lucy 'ere, I got pronouns.

Hey I have pronouns!

Uh huh, you collect 'em like baseball cards.

11:43 PM

>With a huff from The Devil, William shakes his head before smilin' at Wayan. Glad t'be of help. Take it easy, 'kay? We'll back 'ere at night. G'night, Wayan.

G'night~

“*Selemat Malam…” and they waved before they walked off, going to bed. (And they’ll be sure to remember William’s preferred honorific. They’re unsure about Lucielle’s though.)

# = NIGHT ONE... END. =

# = NIGHT TWO.... START! =

….It was a quiet night for once. No looking over their shoulder, their mind was clear for once… …although, oddly enough they feel thirsty. For that tea William made them. It was so good and their head felt so clear now… Though. Hm. Odd. They’re not usually violent, despite their Sinner occupation. Violence came naturally with the job. Doesn’t mean they’re not immune to it. But tonight…huh. William wasn’t there. Maybe the wrong time? But…ugh the tea. If only they could get their hands on it. Some grumbling could be heard if one was in the gardens. Very cranky grumbling. Very…they’re very fucking cranky. Crabby. At least they don’t have their sword.

@DEMONIC GAP MOE

This fool of a nasod managed to lock himself out of his room and for once, accepts this defeat-- but not without a few mumbled curses and a kick to the pebbles at his feet. Strange. His keenly modified senses pick up on a few whispers not yet belonging to anyone he can remember...? He squints, ghosting a hand over one of two empty pommels and groans when he realizes his blades have gone missing. Guess he'll need to resort to the old-fashioned fist-to-fist solution if this 'being' proves to be hostile. Crimson nears the source without a care in silencing his footsteps. "You there. Think I've seen you once before."

A voice made them up and they turned around, ready to— “…have…we…?” They furrowed their eyebrows. Now that this man mentioned it, he does look a bit familiar…maybe… “…from that…” a sigh, rubbing their head trying to remember. “…place? That college…?” The last time they were kidnapped…oh. And they were killed first. Oh. The mere memory of that already ignited a rage beyond understanding. But now’s not the time for that. “…so you’re here too…?”

College? What were they talking about? "No, no! From earlier! You were there sulking away or-- Bahhh it doesn't matter!" Curiously, he cranes his head. He's wondering to himself: could they be confusing him for another person who shares his prowess? Or even appearance? He shudders at the possibility. Could it have been that cowardice Dread they met? "Yeah. My guess: you were out here talking to yourself. Nonsense I say. What gives? Are you troubled by this predicament?" His butterflies are poised. Calm.

…Well. Fuck. Their memories are mixed up, stupid— ANYWAY. “…” a sigh, “I…was supposed to have my nightly tea with someone, but they haven’t shown up.” They explained. No harm in telling this guy, right? Maybe they’re not after the same thing…? “The yea he makes…I’ve been I’ll for a while and his tea makes me feel better. But I have to keep drinking it so I feel a bit better than usual.” “I know I shouldn’t sound impatient but it felt like hours…! My sense of time should be coming back but…argh….”

"So you're waiting for tea too? Why not demand they hurry it up then? Demands are the only way to get what you desire in this world!" He puffs his chest out for a moment, though his eye quickly glances over to the empty seat across from them. "If they do not appear on the count of 50 seconds, I will steal their spot! I too, am parched."

“If I knew where he was, I would have gotten him in the Mansion but—” another grumble in their home tongue. And then a pause. …Parched…? ‘Waiting for tea too?’ ….Perhaps….Maybe… “…If I may ask, who brews your tea…?” They cautiously ask. Maybe they already exposed themselves by phrasing it that way. But… If Wayan has to fight, then so be it. Besides, it wouldn’t be the first time they had to kill someone. Now, with a clear head, however—

"Uhhhh dunno. There was this diner my dearest-- erm, my detested nemesis and I attended once so long ago. But I'm afraid I know no one with the skill to brew us an impresive cup. FOR SHAME! I am growing impatient." He glances down at his wrist as a few analog numbers appear before his eye...except they continue to rewind and glitch out of existence. Damn it. What was this place exactly?

>Oh you know... just a mansion!

2

…So not the same brewer…? On one hand, Wayan felt relieved that it wasn’t the same person they both were thinking of. On the other hand: what if. What if this person was fibbing? What if—(repetitive text) what if what if what if whatifwhatifwhatifwh. They may seem calm on the outside but their mind is whirring a bit. The tea should make them calm. Think straight (despite not being straight). A cool head. And yet… They really want that fucking tea. So badly. Something itches underneath their skin. Hm. Glancing at the man in front of them. (Body gore.) Wouldn’t it be funny if they could just. Reach in. Grab his bones. Maybe that can summon Mx. Lucielle and Mr. Williams?. intent to kill, maybe?

>Wouldn't it be funny?

2

>It would be funny.

2

Meanwhile, the silence is starting to creep into Crimson's mind- It unsettles him enough to stir the cyber projections that now begin to rapidly flock around him in disorienting patterns. "Er... Hello? Helloooooo? You! Wake up?" He snaps his fingers before their eyes, half-expecting them to jolt from the sudden approach, but he continues nonetheless. What gives?

…. … bones…maybe Mx. Lucielle and Mr. Williams…maybe…

12:44 AM

And all of a sudden, Wayan grabs at the man’s wrists, willing themselves to turn up their heat in their hands as high as they could. High, high, high. They’re trying to not scream. But man is it hard without their sword with them—

Threat detected. Activating Combat Mode. "Ehehe. So. If it is a fight you want, why didn't you demand as much from the start?!" But this awful heat emanating from their fingertips begins to singe through his artificial skin, enough to expose the metallic 'flesh' that lingers beneath the surface. Crimson reels himself back and bares his teeth, and so.. the game begins. "Have at me then! GIVE TO ME YOUR ALL!" But the pain intensifies enough to cause two warning messages to flash before his eye. SYSTEM ERROR: CRITICAL TEMPERATURES. TAKE PRECAUTION. NONSENSE. He flicks his wrists in a hurry and lunges for the others throat with his hands.

Panting. While they do have the advantage of being a Sinner and not being able to stay dead, they’re physically weak. Out of the Sinners…they’re the weakest and without their sword— They’re done for. Maybe, they can still burn the man—android? Mandroid. Okay. Maybe a behind attack— They start running around, a bit sluggish, and trying to punch the mandroid from behind. Behind attacks are always a start, right?

SHIT! A miss it is! But it seems they're quick enough to evade his attack and with a honed eye, he's able to detect their next course of action from behind and braces himself for impact. "Not so fast, masked one! URGH!" He swings his leg in attempts to block the blow, and what should be typically seen as a 'moment of betrayal'-- to Crimson, THIS was the moment he'd been waiting for since the instant he arrived in this unfamiliar place. But would his hubris cost him his life?

The leg caught them by surprise—but they’re gripping his leg. Turning up the heat…more and more and more. Come on, the fever is gone but surely they can will themselves to be hot enough to melt metal, right? the stones are still in them. They aren’t tempered. Are they?? A grunt, panting. Maybe…if they can melt it off…use it as a temporary sword…

He's grunting once they've managed to catch him in a tight grip, but with enough resilience and willpower, he manages to shake them off and dashes forward again. This time utilizing his specially sharpened fangs to penetrate the other's arm, leaving behind a bloodied bite-mark in its wake. The taste of iron is at the tip of his tongue, to which he savors with a mocking laugh. "Surely you could do better than that, no? Ahahaha!" He is completely unaware of their future plans. He may as well count his blessings now.

A yelp came out of them as the bite happened—pushing their hands to heat up, gripping the mandroid’s arm with their only free arm. “M-maybe…at least I have fire by my side.” A sadistic grin appeared on their face as they managed to melt Crimson’s arm and snap it off. Panting, “….at least I have a sword now.” Something frantic swirled in their eyes as they charged forward, holding Crimson’s arm like they’re wielding a sword. kill. Kill. Kill!!!

Kill.

Ah yes. Yes. Nothing had ever been as satisfying than the familiar sounds of metal breaking off his sockets, or the ache of yet another missing limb as his vitals begged to recuperate. Such were the pangs that made his life invigorating. Afterall, he was nothing more than a junkyard Nasod built to destroy or BE destroyed, wasn't he? If only he had his twin blades to whack the other's head clean off their shoulders. That would show them. Something peculiar gleams at his forehead now, emulating sweat in the form of oil as it seeps down his missing limb and cascades down his twisted features. His butterflies begin to flicker and dim. "Heh. Not...not bad, small fry." Should he stand his ground, or simply accept his defeat? Sorry, Moros. You owe me that rematch. He shuts his eyes and awaits the final blow.

Something in them paused for a bit. The first time being clearheaded…violence and killing intent in their veins. For some reason, it should make them feel scared. scared that they’re changing into something unfamilar. But it’s for the better! Right? For the better…! They can think clearly, they’re more awake, their worries are gone. And now… “…Terimah Kaish…” that sadistic smile turned into a grin as they slammed the arm into the mandroid. One blow. Two blows. Many blows. So many that they lost count. They could laugh. But they didn’t. They could cry. But they didn’t. All they could do is K I L L

I̵͆͠'̵̑̕m̸͋͌ ̸̇͗s̶̛̑ỏ̸̓r̵̛ry Moros . Pain. Familiarity. Pain. ERROR: CRITICAL CONDITI- Crimson Monarch is Offline.

# = NIGHT TWO... END. =

# = DAY ... THREE. =

>Whistling. >They really did a number on that Nasod.

.... Poor bastard.

# = NIGHT THREE.... START! =

>Another day, another dollar. >Will is in the library this time, mixing some tea for Wayan, as per usual. Th' things I do in my servitude.

10:24 PM

>The table is decorated, with cakes and a tea set.

He didn't even get to speak with Anular. Now that dying is a real possibility... Even if there was hardly a chance the guy *knew* Noah... He still wanted to take it. He had to make sure the kid was ok.

10:28 PM

...Now he's blindly and restlessly walking around... He often felt isolated. Due to his family, due to his race, honestly due to his snarkiness.

10:28 PM

The library was always a small comfort. Maybe that's why he finds himself there, yet again.

10:28 PM

...Huh? Is this guy another servant or? ..Sorry, I didn't realize someone else was in here.

>Blink, blink, blink. >Well... looks like it wasn't his prized guest. Will shakes his head, before taking a piece of cake and eating some. Ah, yer fine. I was waitin' fer someone to enjoy my tea, but I guess they're runnin' late or somethin'.

10:30 PM

What brings ya here?

... He seems pleasant. Honestly? ...Just wandered in here. Do... You work here? Why would anyone be having tea in the library?

I work 'ere. >A simple fact. >The young man takes off his coat before placing it onto the back of a chair--- and sits down to enjoy some tea. But it's my lunch break, so I figured I'd have a party.

...Maybe he should stop worrying so much. He's... Way too high strung.

10:38 PM

Right... Most librarians just have lunch in their work place. It's really not all that weird. ...Some party it is if there's hardly any guests... When was that person supposed to arrive?

Just a few minutes ago, actually...

10:41 PM

But, i don't really mind, they can come by whenever they want. Y'want some before my break's over?

'I haven't felt hungry at all the entire time I've been here.' He said something like that to Corry. He's been purposfully avoiding eating and drinking... But even if he doesn't feel it... Not eating or drinking, that's not healthy at all.

10:45 PM

He always scolded Noah whenever he tried skipping out on meals.

10:45 PM

He sighs. Maybe it's out of some weird obligation to prove to himself that he really *is* here. Maybe it's just because he needs some small comfort after what he had just seen. He's not sure.

I don't see why not. He says with a slight smile that's a bit more tired than he intended.

>...He knows that look. With a nod, he'll reach over to pour a cup of tea for Clamor. Go on, sit sit. Have whatever ya want, just be sure to leave some leftover for my guest, 'kay?

He nods. ...Of course. It'd be rude to just barge in here and eat everything. He takes a seat. Honestly... It's a lovely display. Everything looks pretty delicious.

10:48 PM

He takes a sip of tea. ...Hm. This is pretty good, actually. What flavor is it?

>Bingo. >The ... "librarian" takes a sip of his own cup of tea. Haha, right? My boss is always praisin' my teas. I oughta just be a bartender at this point... >A beat passes. Oh, right. White grape tea with some prickly pear cactus juice.

His eyebrows shoot up in surprise. Really? I didn't think those two things would work so well together... She's definitely right, this is really good. (edited)

You can also substitute it for White peach tea as well, you'd be surprised just how well prickly pear goes with tea.

10:53 PM

Y'think so? I'm glad. >He smiles at the other, geniune at the praise. Thank ya kindly. Now... what d'ya wanna talk 'bout? We've got some time before I gotta go back to work.

# = NIGHT THREE... END! =

# = NIGHT FOUR.... START! =

Something. Was. Wrong.

11:50 PM

He felt as though he was inside the weapon again. His entire body was numb. Every so often a hot flash would sear his entire mind. what... The hell was happening to him? He hadn't been feeling this way the prior two days. Did something change? It wasn't as though he did anything different.

11:50 PM

GH-! Another one shoots through him.

11:50 PM

..There was something familiar about this. Something *so* very familiar. What did he say to him back then? Honestly the kid was listless. He'd burnt himself out. He was trying desperately to ground him, to try and get him to do something anything else. Stubbornly, he went into that lab. Stubbornly he went into that manor.

11:50 PM

And the ceiling gave out from above.

He lets out a scream of pain as a crack runs through his entire face, it having crystallized at some point prior. (tw eye horror) ..So. That's it huh? He clicks his tongue together. Damn bastards couldn't have let me pretend for much longer. (edited)

2

11:51 PM

With that, he's off. Running towards the library furiously. Slamming open the door. YOU!!!

>He doesn't so much as jump--- not when he's sitting across from his Boss. The young man's face is neutral, even though he hates loud noises, and even worse, louder people.

>The Devil, on the other hand, goes on as usual, drinking some tea, unbothered.

Who the-?

Another hot flash courses through him, although his outburst would imply some amount of energy... Really he's running on fumes. Once more he's on his knees.

GH-!! ...The hell did you... Put in that tea-?

I told'cha. Grape white tea an' prickly pear cactus.

>A chuckle, as The Devil takes another sip. Did'cha know that prickly pear fruit can be poisonous? Real handy in situation like these~!

>He's silent, as he's looking behind Clamor.... any minute now...

You...

What the hell could they possibly gain from this? No who cares! He'll never understand. At least Noah has a reason for wanting the order dead! At least the order betrayed him with some ounce of reasoning! Why him right now in this moment!

Just. Tell me. Why me? He says with a glare, his vision growing ever more blurry.

Your soul, mostly.

... My soul?

Now he'll. Never make it back to Noah. That poor kid. Alone in a broken down manor, no one else there for him, using healing magic that only serves to hurt him more. He looks towards the 'librarian' venom in his eyes.

Are you really satisfied with this?

.......

12:04 AM

>No. He's not.

12:04 AM

>Serpentine eyes stare back, tired. Unable to fight back, really.

12:05 AM

>He closes his eyes. No, but it's not like I have a choice in th'matter, do I?

You don't~ I have your soul forever, after all.

....Hmph.

12:05 AM

Anyways, it's just 'bout time fer our guest t'come in.

With that, he collapses. The glass shard in his pocket finally falling out, now a dull gray color rather than the bright blue it used to be.

Oh Wayan~ Are you nearby? We got some tea fer ya!

Running. They’re. Running. They already missed one night, they can’t miss another (and then that’s when it goes downhill)— Running towards the library and— Bursts in. “H…h…I-I’m not late…am I?” Glasses askew, mask rumpled. Confused at the scene before them. “…h-huh…?” They stand up straight, adjusting their glasses first then their mask. “What’s…going on..?”

Tea time, mostly.

12:10 AM

Yer just in time, come on, have a seat.

You really outdid yerself this time, Will!

.......

“um…okay…?” They walked past Clamor and…takes a seat. Confusion visible on their face. “…wait…are you sure it’s only tea time..? Why is…” they’re looking at Clamor in concern, gesturing to them(? Him?), “What…?” Sorry. Lost for words, unsurprisingly. Help?

>The Devil offers a cup of tea to Wayan!

He's just takin' a nap, go ahead an' take a sip. Sorry we weren't able t'get you a cup yesterday.

Attention snaps back to the pair, “I-it’s fine..! It’s my fault, I just felt…off for some reason…” they mumbled, pulling down their mask and taking a sip. Ah…bliss. They feel much clearer right now, “Um…thank you. And sorry that I missed the tea yesterday…” they’re occasionally eyeing Clamor. For some reason, despite the want for tea they don’t believe William’s word.

# >Continue drinking the tea.

It's alright! Really, it's no problem. I think it was my fault, really. I was a li'l preoccupied...

“Okay…” Looks back at Lucille and continues drinking the tea.

> Another night of wandering the manor, but this time he's actually noticed a bit more happening- from a glimpse of Clamor earlier, looking.. unwell, it seems like there's some activity toward the library. Somewhere he actually hasn't checked out yet. > Cory heads over, pausing when he sees the doors open and lights on within, and he sneaks a little closer to the entrance, staying close to the wall to try and stay out of sight from whoever's inside.

>.... >He feels another presence. Anyways, I'm just glad I got to get ya another cup. Who knows what would've happened if we went on for another day...

Hm~ Who knows. >He knows.

.....

12:24 AM

Alright.

12:25 AM

Hey. I know yer there.

> Fuck. > ..... > He can pretend that's not directed at him, right?

Like I can't feel th'presence of another Master, get yer ass in here.

> He sure doesn't recognize either of those voices, so why would they know he's here either--

12:26 AM

# > Fuck. (edited)

>Meanwhile, Lucielle continues to sip, encouraging Wayan to do the same.

They’re…gonna sip their tea. Sorry to whatever is going on in the background.

Okay, okay--

12:31 AM

> He holds his hands up in surrender and steps in front of the entry to show himself, and. Freezes. > He's been guessing so far this whole time, but his eyes are glued to the Servant inside the library. ...........Billy the Kid?

>A whistle~

>Serpentine eyes stare at Cory, nonchalant... you swear there's scales on his face the more you look. >Ahhh, it's probably just... a trick of the eyes.

12:31 AM

That's me.

>Thinking....

12:33 AM

>If that's a fellow Master... >They look at Will.

>Who raises an eyebrow. >A silent exchange....

12:33 AM

.....Lemme guess, you followed that guy, huh?

> Blinks. He definitely recognizes such a famous Heroic Spirit, but this manifestation is... off. Dangerous. Ah, I did, but you've got me wrong! I'm not a Master or anything, just a candidate- I don't have a contracted Servant, so I'm not a danger or anything, really!

Hmmm.

12:38 AM

>A look at The Devil and... >Ah, right. He still wants souls, even if she's doing this for fun, mostly.

12:38 AM

'Fraid that can't be done. Sure y'don't got a contracted servant but...

I won't let a ripe one like you get away~ I don't really care if yer a fellow Master or not, I still want souls. So I'm going get them, no matter what.

# > Fuck!

>They look back at Wayan. A smile.

>For a brief second, Cory can see William mouth the words "I'm sorry."

> Oh no.

Wayan? How do ya feel? Do ya want more tea?

“um…” they fidgeted a bit, “Yeah…” they aren’t in the clear yet. But maybe with more tea….!

>A sigh, as William shakes his head.

Alright then..., how's 'bout a deal. We'll get ya more tea... and all ya gotta do... is take care of a pest.

12:44 AM

>Their voice is silky smooth, smile wide.

> Well he's not gonna wait around for this terrifying Master to take his soul (and what the fuck is that even about??) so Cory's gonna turn and run for it.

Y'see that guy who's runnin'? He's what's keepin' ya from yer next cup of tea.

Take care of him.

“I…” it almost felt like there was a chain on them, binding them to Lucille. Their voice…reminds them of Dante, a bit. Different but… …if they both wanted them to…and they really like being clear headed. “…Okay…” And they made a run for it, towards the person keeping them from feeling better feeling C L E A R.

12:48 AM

They grip the back of the person’s shoulder and with all their might, turned up the heat and attempted to burn them.

> How did they catch up so quickly- He doesn't even have time to wonder before all thoughts are replaced by pain from the burning of his shoulder. He twists back to face the attacker - not the Servant? - and tries to tear himself out of their grip.

They’re dragging Cory back into the library, grunting at the strain of dragging someone— “You’re…not going…anywhere” they growled out, putting both hands on the man’s shoulder and turning up the heat even more, hoping to bring him to his knees.

>All the meanwhile.... William is pouring another cup of tea. Preparing it just the way Wayan likes it for their victory.

> He's not the strongest physically, so it's all too easy for Wayan to drag him back to the library, as much as he tries to kick and writhe out of their burning grip. Fuck, shit- fuck--

Some part of them feels so bad, screaming at them to please fucking stop—is the feeling of no brain fog worth it?. At the same time…. “…” they let go of one of Cory’s shoulders and placed a hand on the candidate’s chest. And turned up the heat, as much as they can—as much as they can handle. Pushing the limit as they can feel the material disintegrating under their palm until they can feel skin. From then out, their memory feels a bit blurry. Huh.