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Dreamspeaker

There's No Hope

Sep 9th, 2018
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  1. "Such a thing as hope exists." That is, perhaps, one of the bigger differences between she and Arthur as a whole. In the strangest way, she clings to these impossible ideas - believing that hope and faith within someone might be able to thrust them into a different standing within life. In the end though, despite knowing how 'asinine' it is to put her faith in someone whom had written her off....She felt as if it were necessary. She felt as if this is something that had needed to be done. Because of Joy didn't believe in herself, then someone would have to.
  2.  
  3. "...It's-...It's different." Her gaze drifts elsewhere for the moment as she turns away, beginning her own studies within the anatomy. She uses pins to carefully locate the major circuits of the body -...Simply, reminding herself of the knowledge that she had once missed out on.
  4.  
  5. "I don't believe that you were wrong for doing such a thing- but I do think that...It's terribly odd for you to set all of these things up in hindsight. I think that you're frightening, Arthur." she says softly. His own ability to plot and move is...More than just admirable. He was able to guess so many things and predict the sway of the world..
  6.  
  7. It is a big blessing, but also a curse.
  8.  
  9. "But do you think that there will be a happy ending to all of this? Do you truly think that this will all be rainbows and wealth?" She cannot imagine it. Not for one bit. "I think that by you all being mistaken and thinking that she was a Lust sin...You might've driven her to 'Envy'. Although- I still don't know if she is...I just think that...That Theodore should be much more careful now than before. Although Joy isn't strong...She definitely isn't weak."
  10. (Bei Bei)
  11.  
  12. The ability to plot the course ahead like this was something that he cherished, a lot. Just like he predicted, the Vampires would be set up against Gehennans, and they would eventually attack them - two sides would slaughter each other, lose their magi, let their numbers dwindle, all while the likes of Valmasia will only improve their defences and their ability to fight back.
  13.  
  14. As for the likes of Gaiar, of Bhaldraithe? Irrelevant. For the most part, they're already out of the picture.
  15.  
  16. "I do not think that you can put hope in anything like that. I prefer to thoroughly plan and run each scenario in my head, and then based on what I assess, build my actions around it."
  17.  
  18. He offered a shrug to her statement. Maybe he was frightening, but that's just the nature of a calculated manipulator that Chaos influenced in him- balancing on the sides of passion and cold lack of empathy, he was, by all means, quite frightening. And the power he wields? It only grows, steadily and surely.
  19.  
  20. "Maybe it won't end that well. Maybe there's no real happy ending to this. There's one thing that I know, however - I did the decision that I sought to be the best at the time, and it preserved Joy's dignity to not fall into arms of a stranger that would take advantage of her."
  21.  
  22. "The two of them will grow closer. Would you prefer Joy if she were sleeping with someone you have no idea about, with a stranger, possibly some Gehennan or minion of Bhaldraithe, or a Vampire, or Azrael-knows-who-else, and turn her back on us?"
  23.  
  24. "She already left us behind once, Bei. I am not so foolish to put my stakes on hope and faith this time."
  25.  
  26. Though, he must proceed with resurrection now, shouldn't he? First preparations were made before, and now, it's time to actually resurrect the body infront of them.
  27.  
  28. The gaze of the Red Prince has fallen onto corpse infront of him, getting ready.
  29. (Arthur Rowan)
  30.  
  31. "I would rather her be happy than anything else." But as of now, she couldn't particularly tell if her friend was miserable or suffering. The only thing that she could see at this moment, is this withering woman that seemed to be terribly, terribly heated and salacious in the face of another. She had learned that Joy did not only crave for love, but also, an impossible power. To those that are capable of communing with spirits to others that are able to teeter upon the line of arcana and so, so much more. It is...
  32.  
  33. Trivial to pinpoint the exact vice that she holds. Only because it's obvious and yet, intermingled within so many different webs. But to digress.. "You're right though...I'd rather her be here and be with someone that we know...So that we could control her moreso than anything else. I think that this-...That this is something that's good for her. Even if it might've done some 'bad'." A shrug of uncertainty and anxiety is given as she continues her work..
  34.  
  35. It is here, where she begins to mark runes upon the body to make 'attuning' to the cosm easier. The dummy that she focused on had glowed steadily, glimmering with magics from the celestial bodies as she continues her own deft works..
  36.  
  37. "But to-...Change the subject. What of Shiva and her Nethradin?- Do you really plan on allowing that to happen?"
  38. (Bei Bei)
  39.  
  40. It's always about keeping things close and in reach. If Joy left Valmasia for good, who knows what would happen to her? Would she even survive, be happy, or be even more miserable than she is now? At least there's a chance to improve things from here on, but if she left, there's nothing to be done.
  41.  
  42. She would be lost, forever.
  43.  
  44. "Now you finally understand. I couldn't simply let her go like this. Theodore does find her to be a good person and quite attractive at that, and he has genuine affection for her. He's not, ah-- brave enough."
  45.  
  46. It's a similar line between him and his brother. Looking back at it, when him and Bei were younger... weren't they exactly the same? Wasn't he afraid of making the move the two of them desired so much, and it took him to be influenced by something otherworldly before it came to be?
  47.  
  48. No point on focusing about that. Instead, Arthur's gaze fluttered over at the body- he began to channel his mana, feeding and fuelling the main points of mana circuitry around the body - the brain, the heart, the spinal cord and stomach. It's a steady, even fairly slow process, but--
  49.  
  50. -- there's something about this undead. When Arthur began to channel his mana, there was a blue, faint glow around the corpse, much like the star of Eidolon.
  51.  
  52. "Thanks for your help, by the way. I appreciate it."
  53. (Arthur Rowan)
  54.  
  55. "..." The thought of being 'brave' enough for things of that nature is different than what she could imagine. "As much as he makes fun of you for things like that-...He's not 'brave' enough?" she murmurs softly underneath her breath. But in the end, this just goes to show that sometimes, words are not as brilliant as actions. Sure, Theodore can do a lot of talking - but when it came to dealing with Joy, he seemed terribly, terribly lost for words. Intimacy, however, is not something that she is frightened of... No, when it came to Arthur, it was more about 'rejection'.
  56.  
  57. She was afraid of him not wanting her in the way that she had. She was afraid that he would turn away from her - that perhaps, the feelings that the she had for him were unrequited. But on that day, when he had changed, it was much - much more than what she had expected. In the end though, with a clear of her own throat, she pulls herselfaway from her thoughts and simply focuses upon the task at hand.
  58.  
  59. "I understand, yes...Also, there's no need to thank me for anything." she states with a simple nod before looking towards the corpse. "I'm curious though - how exactly will you be able to tell the error within the body?-...Will you simply 'map' out the mana circuits with your own mana or...Are you simply looking for impurities and instability?"
  60. (Bei Bei)
  61.  
  62. Perhaps for her, but in Arthur's case? It was a lot about the said bravery. He didn't feel as if he was ready for many things that they shared with each other by now, although, he's quite happy that he finally decided to step into what they have now. In the end, it was worth it, wasn't it?
  63.  
  64. A simple smirk was offered to her statement about Theodore's bravery, and how he often talks rather than doing anything. She wasn't wrong, you know - that's exactly what his brother was, a talker. Probably part of the reason as to why he was assigned to Joy this way.
  65.  
  66. "Assistance is assistance. You didn't have to help me, and yet you did. Thanks."
  67.  
  68. The important points of circuitry were being filled, one after another. Steadily, the brain, the heart, the spinal cord and stomach were all fulfilled enough to bear the mark of Arthur's mana and provide support- the glow became brighter, and he narrowed his eyes at that. Was the wretched soul slowly returning to the body? It seemed so.
  69.  
  70. "All souls have their own... signature about them. I believe I would be able to sense just what sort of soul I'm bringing back - moreover, the moment this undead is risen, we'll likely be met with Abomination from Eidolon, because it was already corrupted."
  71.  
  72. "That way, I'll know what I should avoid in the future."
  73.  
  74. A single push forward. Now, onto mana circuits of the body itself. The main points were important, true, but there was no reason in trying to complete resurrection without the rest of the body being thoroughly supported.
  75. (Arthur Rowan)
  76.  
  77. "To some degree." she states while waving nothing more than a mere hand. "Unless you're talking about a deeper thing then, I suppose, although...I never imagined that you would be one to express your gratitude." It was a mere joke, for the most part. To make fun of his chilled exterior in times that called for 'more'. In the end, it was something that she was beginning to enjoy. His regal attitude, his composed being within the face of so many adversaries. It is...Something that she wishes that she could do. But thanks to her own nature, she will always remain like a dimly let fire. Constantly wavering and flickering with an intense heat...Unpredictable. Capable of starting the worst of infernos.
  78.  
  79. "So you're getting yourself used to it. I see.." she says while beginning to nod. "I suppose that if you were able to funnel things in that way, then it might be best to look at demons, yes?" she questions,quirking an eyebrow. "I'm not sure which one of it was- between yokai and demons themselves, but I believe that they are 'flawed'. They were supposed to eat the chaos of the world and recycle it into a pure energy...Although, I don't know how that is now. I just...Believe that these current ones come from other's dreams or nightmares or something. It is all strange.."
  80.  
  81. It makes her wonder, really..
  82. Are these demons truly the first one here?
  83. Or did they lack the claim since they've come from 'humanity'?
  84.  
  85. It's clear though, that she should read up on her history and lore when it comes to these beings. However.. "But ah- well...Are you still looking to meet with Alice or whomever?- I believe that she went to Bhaldraithe so....That might be rather difficult since they don't like us."
  86. (Bei Bei)
  87.  
  88. It's something that he's been getting used to, indeed.
  89.  
  90. The feeling of mana, the regal sensation of corruption that seeped into him... it's the mask that he embraced by now, that he was fully ready to act on and perhaps even wear for the rest of his life. It doesn't mean that he's not capable of passion, that he's not capable of emotion, mind you - it's just the fact that very few people had ever seen him express such things, really.
  91.  
  92. Such as Bei Bei.
  93.  
  94. "Demons are not exactly... the same. I believe that corruption unto environment that stems from their Arts, or in fact, our Arts, is quite insignificant. It's the corruption that comes from within the undead when they awaken that hurts the most."
  95.  
  96. "And I need to see for myself what are the worst aspects of corruption by raising this undead."
  97.  
  98. The soul is finally drawn. Ah... it almost feels likea tiny, beating heart in his hands. The body was prepared, its circuits are full of mana, and the body in the proper condition for resurrection. The only thing that remains would be attaching the soul back to its body- held like a tiny candle of sickly-blue color in his hands, upon being summoned to this world, it almost begs to get back inside the body.
  99.  
  100. "Are you prepared, Bei?"
  101.  
  102. He slowly began to channel, guiding the lost soul back to its body. A steady flow of sickly green-blue colors established itself, and the room became oddly cold.
  103.  
  104. "Whatever we face, it won't be friendly."
  105. (Arthur Rowan)
  106.  
  107. She would never get used to the feeling of chaos. There is something about it that causes uncertainty to appear. There's something about his stare that makes her feel terribly anxious - even when he seemed to be looking elsewhere. And on the occasion where he does express true emotion, she finds that it, too, is enhanced by the magics that he possesses. A gentle thrum of lightning upon fingertips, a gentle current of wave, along with intensity. She believes that chaos causes his emotions to heighten....And although it is a rare occasion.
  108.  
  109. It is one that is savored.
  110.  
  111. "So our aim is to stifle the intense corruption that comes from the waking of the undead?" she murmurs. "I often hear that there are rumors to perfect necromancy...That people are still trying to do such a thing, but...Do you really believe that a star might be able to do such a thing?" she questions, her gaze fluttering in thought. "...I know that they bring a cycle, often give rebirth into children and little babes after cleansing the mind of memories and more. I just figure that...It might not work if the bodies aren't...Truly pure and whole. Or atleast, well enough." It would cause for the development of homunculus too.
  112.  
  113. "Does rot set in as soon as the spirit leaves the body?-...If you are quick enough, can you, perhaps...Stave death away?" There is a brief moment where she frowns - her gaze drifting elsewhere as she pauses her own thoughts..Nodding. "A-Ahh...Sorry for ranting. I'm ready. I'm ready for everything."
  114. (Bei Bei)
  115.  
  116. "Yes. Our aim is to cleanse the souls of the dead and undo the corruption done to them by forcing their souls through the star. The stars are able to cleanse the souls very well - the reason it works is, in fact, souls remain in purgatory for a long time."
  117.  
  118. "Now, we only have to find out the right amount of time to undo the corruption, and yet save the individuality. We'll forge our own star that would do just that."
  119.  
  120. "That causes magical rot too. The physical rot? Easily undone through biological means."
  121.  
  122. A tempting proposition, really. Eternal life, combined with the fact that there would be no more suffering, no more corruption plaguing the hearts, minds and souls of those that came back, it's... it's all too sweet to take in at once. It's something that he strives for, something that does not let him sleep at nights.
  123.  
  124. "Good."
  125.  
  126. At last, the soul is guided back into the body, its heavily corrupted essence sending the shivers down Arthur's spine; there's a moment of pause, of revelation once the corpse moves once, twice, thrice...
  127.  
  128. And suddenly, the hand of undead grasps at Arthur's throat, the eyes of the corpse widening.
  129.  
  130. 'I HAVE LIVED THROUGH MY DEATH A THOUSAND TIMES, AND YOU SHALL TOO.'
  131.  
  132. It became quickly evident just how corrupted beyond saving this soul is- by no means it was even up to conversation, to any discoveries to be made. It was tormented for what seemed to be eternity, forced to live through the moments of its death again and again. It is obvious as to why the undead attacked him right away.
  133.  
  134. At least, it's obvious to Arthur.
  135.  
  136. He gasps, his hand instinctively grasping the wrist of a much stronger physically undead, the sound of squeezed air leaving his lips; his teeth grit, and the crackles of lightning forms in his other hand, half decisive on blasting the undead, since he's in his grip. The lightning would shock him too.
  137.  
  138. As for water or wind? Almost useless... the grip over Arthur's throat is firm, the sheer force with which the undead digs in causing him to bleed, his skin rupturing. He can only mutter.
  139.  
  140. "B-bei-- get his hands... off me!"
  141. (Arthur Rowan)
  142.  
  143. She believes that these things might be irreversible. A part of bringing someone back is rather strange - because inherently, it is humans attempting to mimic the gods themselves. They need to find a way to use the divinity to cleanse themselves. They need to find a way to not just focus on the body at hand - but the entirety of the ritual itself. In the strangest way, this 'eureka' moment had been captured. As if a lightbulb had popped into her mind. But how could he possibly use the directive of a star to do all of this for him? Would he attune himself to such?- would he find himself being able to take the corruption and have the star recycle it or...Will there be some other way? In the end, the woman just nods briefly.. "I suppose...I guess there's another thing that I've been thinking of- but it'll take some time. A lot of time, actually." she says, nodding once, twice..
  144.  
  145. In the end though, when the soul is guided back to the body, there is a gentle pause. A simple sigh as she leans forward intently, as if awaiting to see what would happen bef-...!
  146.  
  147.  
  148. "I have it..!"
  149.  
  150. Everything suddenly moves terribly, terribly fast. Embraced by the cosm itself, a single blade would have lashed forward upward - amethyst and golden glitz trailing within it's wake as the undead's arms are sliced right off of his body. And with yet another quick stroke, perhaps, giving from ifrit...The legs are quickly severed as well...Vermillion afterimages of her frame could be seen bursting into reality...Wings unfurling from her back from the sudden burst of power....As if she had put her all into the swings..
  151.  
  152. Quick....Difficult. But still, the undead could always dodge...It's also clear that she wouldn't be able to hold the form for very long, still, due to her own thinned out draconic blood.
  153. (Bei Bei)
  154.  
  155. In truth, he almost finds himself losing his life, momentarily the breath from his lungs slipping away entirely- the fingernails, no, claws of undead dig unto the tender flesh of his throat, almost enough to rupture his windpipe as it's crushed beneath the overwhelming strength of his grip.
  156.  
  157. Arthur lacks breath, and for a moment, he almost blacks out. Gladly, Bei flashes the hands of undead in time, and consequently, his legs too- it holds the spiteful visage, the glowing gaze of the Abomination turned towards Bei Bei. It screams, roars, spits and wriggles as much as it can, trying desperately to reach her just as it reached Arthur, but to no avail.
  158.  
  159. The fight was done.
  160.  
  161. He collapses. Slowly, his hands grasp at the hands that almost snuffed him out, removing them from his throat- there's a visible marking of bruise, of blood that flows from the injury on his neck, and his mouth goes agape. The stream of blood goes on, pooling underneath him and staining his clothes, and yet...
  162.  
  163. It seems he stays focused. Slowly, with the knowledge of bloodbending, the flow of blood is stopped, cleansed, and forced back where it belongs. Clearly it takes him some time to recover, to mend his own flesh, but he glances up - a single stare at what he's done, to contemplate and reflect on the soul he just brought back.
  164.  
  165. There's a pause as the hand covered in crimson assists him with a cough while he's on the floor.
  166.  
  167. "Kill him..."
  168.  
  169. "Kill him now."
  170. (Arthur Rowan)
  171.  
  172. There is something about the undead that makes her study it for quite some time. Even as it wriggles upon the table, limbless, with words of incoherent babble spilling past it's lips, she couldn't help but to look at the way it had moved. How the undead would still fight despite being robbed of limb. In a way, she finds that this is why the Valmasians are feared. Because those who die in mid-battle can become this virulent, violent creatures. If only briefly, does she find herself beginning to drift forward - the sword twirling within her hand...
  173.  
  174. Thunk!
  175.  
  176. The decorated blade lands directly between the eyes of the undead - stopping the 'attempted' assaults as she speaks. "I...Suppose that the next time you aim to get a body from there, it'll be best to restrain it. I know that undeath corrupts people but-...I suppose that the explosion caused this instability. Maybe." She murmurs as she drifts carefully, a gentle hand raising towards the chin of her lover...
  177.  
  178. Carefully, would the presence of occultism swim into fruition. If allowed, the wounds upon his frame would steadily begin to disappear...And instead, it seems that she would be the one with claw marks upon her own throat - flesh bruised...But at the very least, not open like his own. "...You've got what you want. Do you think it's time for some theory crafting now or...-nhh..Would you prefer to do later?" She winces at the feeling, but, it's not that bad. Nor is it the worst wound that she has received.
  179. (Bei Bei)
  180.  
  181. The entire time he stared at the undead, reflecting at his creature- even though it was not entirely his, per say, since it was heavily affected by Eidolon's star, there's still something that he must acknowledge about undead monsters like this. It's a pity that their souls had to go through such suffering.
  182.  
  183. And despite the suffering that he feels now, he does not blame them. He knows what exactly they had to go through.
  184.  
  185. "I... do not think that theory crafting is necessary anymore. I know how these undead came to be, I just... wanted a better look at them, to look for symptoms that I would need to avoid."
  186.  
  187. "Although, I suppose I overestimated the symptoms. Seems that them being hyper-aggressive is quite the obvious thing."
  188.  
  189. A pause. The moment he feels a healing on his neck, he gently grasps her hand away before she can do much- instead, it's evident that the healing waters from water magic andthe stitches of blood magic were coming to work on healing him.
  190.  
  191. "Thanks... but no need."
  192.  
  193. He heaves a sigh, and slowly does he stand up, the water spreading to his clothing to cleanse the filth of his own blood that dripped all over him. As for the crimson on ground? Certainly the undead that maintain this building will clean it.
  194.  
  195. "I think I'd rather rest right now."
  196. (Arthur Rowan)
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