Belial, my new best friend

[20:39] Aku enters, looking around the building.
(Aku)
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[20:39] Aku asks, "What's that place?"
[20:39] Etrix says, "I hope to be able to stand as a pillar of Dawn when i grow up"
[20:41] Dogslayer says, "A church."
[20:42] Took a breath, he'd simply walk up to the podium. A small hitch in his breath as he dealt with the injuries from the war.

Wearily he took a seat upon the edge of the stand. His scarlet hues looked up towards those few who'd chosen to seek refuge from the suffering within the church.

"This is the Grey Church, home of Azreal. Home of Belial. Home of the Dreamer. The heart of Dawn and it's Soul."

He'd turn his gaze to Dogslayer, scarlet hues lighting in the dimly lit church. Beacons to those who'd look to them.

"Dogslayer, faithful. You have spoken to me about something you saw in the battle. Tell me what you saw."
(Syracuse Fengari)
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[20:42] Dogslayer says, "God spoke to me, Prophet."
[20:43] Seemed to glance over to Dog at his claim. Somewhat in disbelief, but held her tongue none the less. SHe's been awfully quiet lately, other than asking of Orlane in the Square. She stood there, lowering her head a bit, listening to the conversation at hand.
(Affetta Maloharte)
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[20:43] Syracuse Fengari says, "Which god? There are many Dogslayer, to be able to hear them is a great gift."
[20:45] Dogslayer says, "Azrael, of course."
[20:45] Dogslayer says, "THE God. The only one that really matters."
[20:46] Aku took in the words that were being said. Azreal? Belial? The Dreamer? There were plenty of different names that seemed to lay claim upon that place - which one of them actually owned it? The young lad decided to walk around the place a bit, looking at the decoration before he turned to Syracuse.

".. What do each of them do? Like- Their ideas!"
(Aku)
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[20:47] He bows his head, not finding it within him to question the claim made by the so-called Dogslayer.
(Etrix)
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[20:50] Syracuse tilted his head as he looked at Dogslayer, hoping he wasn't about to pull an Eniel.
(Syracuse Fengari)
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[20:53] There had been rivers of blood; mountains of bodies hacked to pieces by some cruel, stern hand. Men dying, calling out for help, calling for the idols that they worshipped. Huangese. He had seen people on his own side, dead. The finest collection of men and women he had ever seen, dead. God bless them all. Their corpses littered the fields outside of Huangzhou.

"God spoke to me, Prophet. He told me to kill. I heard his voice shout to me from the heavens and he spoke to me, Prophet. He said: I AM THE LORD THY GOD. The god of Sakete, Kyros, and Lasswell."

He was shaking. Shaking, yes, how strange. Where was Florence? Dead, no doubt.

"He told me to strike off their heads and the very tips of their fingers, Prophets. And I failed Him, Prophet. I lost."

It was a massacre. More dead on their side than the other, more men calling out for Azrael than whatever demonic, foreign gods that the Huangese filth prayed to.

"I had to flee. And when I looked up to the sky, I saw a flaming sword, Prophet... and below it, there was writing. It said in this sign, conquer."

He looks away from the Prophet.

"Prophet, I can't read. How did I know what it said?"
(Dogslayer)
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[20:54] Etrix asks, "The tips of their fingers?"
[20:54] Dogslayer says, "Yes. I don't know what that means."
[20:55] Etrix says, "I think I'm going to check on the others, see how they are holding up."
[20:58] He'd shift his focus to Aku, his scarlet hues focusing upon that youth. A smile touched his lips as he answered, briefly but he wasn't up for a sermon with the massive burn upon his chest.

"Azreal, the great Angel wishes Humanity to live free of suffering and death. The Dreamer seeks to bring about this dream as peacefully as possible. Belial wishes for Humanity to live attuned to who they truly are.

Short, to the point. He'd then turn to Dogslayer. A zealot of Azreal? Interesting, he'd nod as they spoke.

"Azreal, he is a wrathful deity. I can understand his desire for their deaths. For their humiliation through lose of their finger tips."

His lips quirked into a slightly manic grin as he heard Dogslayer ask how he could read. When he could not normally.

"What are mundane letters to a god, Dogslayer? You could read because it was spoken to your soul."
(Syracuse Fengari)
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[20:59] Dogslayer says, "I see."
[21:00] Dogslayer says, "Syracuse, we're going to kill them all."
[21:00] Dogslayer says, "Every last man, woman, and child."
[21:00] Dogslayer says, "Their streets are going to be painted black with their blood."
[21:01] Dogslayer says, "By God, we'll kill every last one of them. We'll commit such an atrocity that a thousand years from now, people will still be talking about it."
[21:02] Aku listened to the short description that came with the names given. If there was any chance to hook him in it would be to make it as simple and attractive as possible. A few approving nods were given before he spoke up, grey eyes lighting up with curiosity.

"I like that one! Living attuned to who I am is what I do— adults keep trying to tell me that I'll die or that I'm not special or whatever, but... they shouldn't get to decide. I should!"
(Aku)
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[21:02] Dogslayer says, "That's the spirit, man."
[21:02] Dogslayer asks, "What's your name?"
[21:03] Syracuse Fengari says, "Aye, freedom is Belial's gift to mankind. If you wish to grasp it fully then do so. Simply be prepared for the outcome."
[21:03] Softly shook her head a bit, still keeping silent and going to seat herself upon the pew.
(Affetta Maloharte)
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[21:03] Dogslayer says, "It's the Valmasian people's destiny to conquer this continent."
[21:04] Dogslayer asks, "Something wrong, Affetta?"
[21:05] Aku asks, "How do I grasp freedom?"
[21:06] Dogslayer says, "Do what you want."
[21:06] Affetta Maloharte says, "The child's enthusiasm and spirit is admirable, but naive and wreckless. I am relieved that the Prophet has spoken wisdom to him. Knowing consequences and weighing the possible outcomes of your choices is a valuable thing to grasp when trying to achieve freedom. To choose is to be free... "
[21:06] Dogslayer says, "I need to get going. Prophet, it's been a pleasure talking to you."
[21:08] Affetta Maloharte says, "No, apologies... That last piece is not particularly true. A prisonor may choose his words, but he is still only that. But do not dismiss the advice, young Aku."
[21:08] Aku says, "I won't-"
[21:08] Aku exclaims, "I just thought freedom and all sounds perfect!"
[21:09] Affetta Maloharte says, "Freedom is not perfect. "
[21:09] Affetta Maloharte says, "That is the point of Freedom."
[21:10] Syracuse Fengari says, "She understands a good deal."
[21:10] Affetta Maloharte says, "Chaos, dear child... The rawness of will."
[21:10] Syracuse Fengari says, "It will bring you to unbelivable hieghts. . ."
[21:10] Syracuse Fengari says, "Or you will be crushed beneaht the flaws of this world."
[21:11] Affetta Maloharte says, "The best ways to picture it... Is fire."
[21:11] Affetta Maloharte says, "Entropy even."
[21:11] Aku says, "So it's like..."
[21:11] Aku asks, "Live big or die trying?"
[21:11] Affetta Maloharte says, "If that is what you wish... Be it so."
[21:12] Syracuse Fengari says, "Live big was my goal."
[21:12] Syracuse Fengari says, "It's worked so far, but I've the wisdom of Azreal and Sareen to support my will for freedom."
[21:12] Syracuse Fengari says, "Many others who follow Belial, crash and burn more often than not."
[21:12] Affetta Maloharte says, "What you seek, seek with knowing the impact you will leave."
[21:12] Affetta Maloharte says, "And whether or not... You want that for yourself."
[21:13] Aku held a wide smile at the idea.

"Yeah. I want in! How do I start?" He asked, looking between the two.
(Aku)
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[21:13] Syracuse cast a side-long glance at the woman. He didn't recognize them. Yet, they spoke with a great deal of understanding. As he looked upon them he'd tap his chin idly. His focus broke as he shifted to Aku.
(Syracuse Fengari)
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[21:13] Syracuse Fengari asks, "You wish to join the Church or simple to learn of the gods wisdom?"
[21:15] Aku says, "I wanna know everything there is to know about Belial."
[21:16] Affetta Maloharte says, "Mnn... You do should learn the wisdom of the three..."
[21:16] Affetta Maloharte says, "They play important parts with eachother. "
[21:17] Syracuse that was a. . . First actually. His scarlet hues shifted from Aku to the pear shaped woman.
(Syracuse Fengari)
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[21:17] Syracuse Fengari says, "I'm sorry, have we met before? I don't recall your name."
[21:18] Affetta Maloharte says, "Apologies, Prophet... No... I am but a faithful lost to the eyes of the community until recently. Initiate Maloharte of the Legion of Dawn. It is a pleasure and an honor."
[21:18] She would bow her head deeply out of respect and shift her ember irises to meet his gaze.
(Affetta Maloharte)
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[21:26] The prophet's head tilted slightly as his scarlet hues met the woman's gaze. The jingle of golden jewelry could be heard, the small tinkling of a orichalcum bell tied to his only remaining horn.

Though it didn't take him long to simply smile, he knew other would come to understand the importance of the pantheon, he'd been sure of it.

And now? It was showing fruit.

"The pleasure is all mine, as is the honor. Rarely do I meet another who understands the dieties. Tell me, Maloharte, you are newly inducted into the legion?"

His gaze shifted to Aku for a moment. Not forgetting of the boy in his interested. That same smile extended to him.

"If you desire to learn the wisdoms of the gods I can teach you. If in your devotions you find yourself drawn to Belial spefically I will not judge you. I only ask you do not in turn judge the other faithful's own freedoms. Freedoms of choice"

He'd look to both of them for a moment.

"Would either of you wish to join the Grey Church? To be inducted into the service of the divine."
(Syracuse Fengari)
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[21:30] Aku nods once more towards the tall Neries, offering a grin that could cure sick puppies. Words followed the expression that was given.

"That sounds like it makes sense. They can believe in whatever they want, they'll never be as cool as Belial, right?!"

Hooked in, for sure. The Grey Church didn't seem all that appealing, however. It wasn't event worth a bit of consideration. Grey? Such a boring color.
(Aku)
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[21:31] Syracuse it was a boring color, but alas the building had history.
(Syracuse Fengari)
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[21:34] Her coat draped over her figure, with small and sharp angles around the shoulders. Seems she wore a chest piece beneathe, the belt clasp dangled loosely and unfastened, her grieves accomodating her physique below and the trinkt around her wrist would end with a pendant in her palm, fingers cradling and caressing it with tender care and massages.

"I was brought into the Legion only but recently... And only awoken a week prior to that. It is an unrelated, but short story."
(Affetta Maloharte)
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[21:36] Syracuse Fengari says, "Then tell it."
[21:36] Syracuse Fengari says, "Stories make the world go 'round."
[21:36] Aku exclaims, "Yeah!"
[21:36] Dogslayer says, "I'm back."
[21:36] Dogslayer says, "I know what to do now."
[21:36] Affetta Maloharte says, "Simply put... I fell from a cliffside, so I have been told. Awoke a month later in care from a local of the mountains. I return with patches of my past blurred among the lines of my memory."
[21:37] Turned her hand a bit to glance behind and over her shoulder to Dogslayer. That familiar ruffle of brown hair showing itself again. She feels pleasant seeing this.
(Affetta Maloharte)
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[21:38] Syracuse Fengari says, "Well, that's an interesting way to awaken."
[21:38] Syracuse Fengari asks, "What do you wish to do Dogslayer?"
[21:39] Aku asks, "How'd you fall?"
[21:39] Aku asks, "Did you trip?"
[21:40] Turned her gaze towards young Aku and simply spoke.


(Affetta Maloharte)
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[21:40] Dogslayer says, "I need to get Florence's body back."
[21:40] Affetta Maloharte says, "Who knows? Not I."
[21:41] Dogslayer says, "I need someone inconspicuous to go, find out who killed him, and hopefully, convince them to get his corpse back."
[21:41] Aku says, "... I hope it's not over tripping. That'd be embarassing."
[21:41] Dogslayer says, "After that, me and John are going to figure out a way to lure the bastard out of Huangzhou and bring him back here."
[21:41] Syracuse Fengari says, "If you did that he could be revived."
[21:41] Dogslayer says, "Exactly."
[21:41] Syracuse Fengari asks, "Who did Chaos fight?"
[21:41] Dogslayer says, "I don't know."
[21:41] Dogslayer asks, "How could I know?"
[21:41] Syracuse Fengari says, "I was to far away to see. . ."
[21:41] Dogslayer says, "There were thousands of people on that battlefield."
[21:41] Syracuse Fengari says, "Magi stand out."
[21:41] Syracuse Fengari says, "Trust me."
[21:41] Affetta Maloharte says, "I have a suggestion."
[21:41] Dogslayer says, "Let's hear it, Affetta."
[21:41] Affetta Maloharte says, "Tiz."
[21:41] Affetta Maloharte says, "He is the fastes."
[21:41] Dogslayer says, "He is, but he's a little high profile..."
[21:41] Dogslayer says, "They know who he is."
[21:42] Dogslayer says, "I need someone they've never seen before, someone they don't know is from Dawn..."
[21:42] Affetta Maloharte says, "Orlane? She is the Knight of Silence after all..."
[21:42] Dogslayer asks, ".. hey, red-haired guy, what's your name?"
[21:42] Affetta Maloharte asks, "Wait... You want to send a child?"
[21:42] Dogslayer says, "Of course."
[21:42] Dogslayer exclaims, "They'd never expect THAT!"
[21:43] Aku asks, "Huh?"
[21:43] Aku exclaims, "I'm Aku!"
[21:43] Dogslayer asks, "Aku, do you love your country?"
[21:43] Affetta Maloharte asks, "And what if he falters? Do you expect them to go easy upon a child from The Dawn?"
[21:43] Dogslayer says, "I expect them to have some modicum of mercy, yes."
[21:43] Aku exclaims, "I love living!"
[21:43] Dogslayer says, "They're animals, but they're still human."
[21:43] Dogslayer says, "Just barely."
[21:43] Dogslayer says, "Aku, listen.."
[21:43] Affetta Maloharte says, "I am reluctant of this idea..."
[21:44] Dogslayer says, "A friend of mine was killed in the siege."
[21:44] Dogslayer says, "Chaos Florence."
[21:44] Aku says, "I don't know who that is."
[21:44] Dogslayer asks, "It doesn't matter. Can you do me a huge favor?"
[21:44] Aku tilted his head.

"Why should I?"
(Aku)
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[21:44] Affetta Maloharte says, "He has a point."
[21:45] Dogslayer says, "Bringing back a soldier's corpse so he can be brought back is a sure-fire way to get on everyone's good side."
[21:45] Dogslayer says, "You'd have everyone's undying gratitude."
[21:45] Dogslayer says, "Of course, I'd also be willing to do a favor for you... whatever it is."
[21:45] Affetta Maloharte says, "Or..."
[21:45] Affetta Maloharte says, "It can be a test of your freedom, Young Aku."
[21:46] Syracuse Fengari says, "I hate to say this."
[21:46] May be feeling guilty for saying such a thing to a child... Hypocritical even.

(Affetta Maloharte)
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[21:46] Syracuse Fengari says, "But the number of people who will care about Chaos' bodies return. "
[21:46] Syracuse Fengari says, "Are minimal, most of Dawn are heartless monsters."
[21:47] Dogslayer says, "There are a few bad apples, yeeees, but MOST of them are good people at heart."
[21:47] Syracuse shrugged, it was the cruel truth of things. He'd not let a child be sent off believing they where going to be given a heroes return.
(Syracuse Fengari)
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[21:47] Dogslayer says, "Listen, we're hurting real bad after this war. We need whoever we can get."
[21:47] Syracuse Fengari says, "They're good at heart to those they immediatly care about."
[21:47] Dogslayer asks, "Isn't everyone?"
[21:47] Aku nodded towards the woman who spoke up. She had a point, after all. His gaze shifted towards Dogslayer.

"She's right. It's a good test of freedom!"
(Aku)
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[21:47] Dogslayer says, "Alright, listen to me..."
[21:47] Aku says, "So I'll choose not to do it."
[21:47] Dogslayer says, "Son of a biiitch."
[21:47] Syracuse Fengari says, "No, suprisingly."
[21:47] Syracuse Fengari says, "Not everyone is."
[21:47] Dogslayer says, "Whatever, I'll find someone else to do it. You'd probably love it in Huangzhou and never come back, anyways."
[21:47] Syracuse Fengari says, "Regardless the boys spoken. I suggest speaking to Commander Artaghh. He would be the one capable of organizing a raid for the body."
[21:48] Syracuse Fengari says, "D-"
[21:48] Syracuse Fengari says, "Yeap, chosen of Azreal alright. You can tell by the lack of patience."
[21:49] Aku says, "... Whew."
[21:49] Aku says, "So-"
[21:49] Affetta Maloharte says, "He is quite... Mnn... Salted over the loss of his friend. A reasonable response for when someone decides to not aid him in the retrieval."
[21:49] Aku asks, "What's there to learn, old man?"
[21:49] Affetta Maloharte says, "I would go... If not for my poor social skills. They would find me out, quite easily. "
[21:52] Syracuse Fengari says, "I'm seven foot tall and black. I can't sneak."
[21:53] Syracuse Fengari says, "I'm weary from the battle. . . I'll host a mass soon. That will be the best time to learn Aku."
[21:53] Affetta Maloharte asks, "At least devotion does not deprive us of our senses of humor... Now that the matter has passed, shall we resume our conversation ?"
[21:53] Syracuse Fengari says, "What we're we talking about. . . My minds wandered."
[21:53] Aku says, "Alright."
[21:53] Aku exclaims, "I'll make sure to show up for mass, then!"