[ it'd be far more difficult not to see the ironic parallel of her using a fluffy bird emoji and him with his crow emojis. oddly enough, they match her a little too well, and he can just as readily picture her with such an expression on her face.
when he sees her crop up on the security feed, his lips already draw out into a slow smile. he already begins walking out in the hall to greet her. a sort of indolent cock of his head, as he draws his hand out towards her. it's a gesture that almost mimics the way one would extend their hand out to an injured bird; careful and almost delicate, contrary to how he looks. ]
What's with the look of caution? If I didn't know any better, I'd say this was your first time coming into a predator's den. [ it's a joke. does it sound like one coming from him, though? ]
[ It's a parallel that isn't lost on her either, though she tries to not let herself dwell on it too much. Overthinking is her greatest weakness, and it's already worked against her quite a bit today.
So she pushes back her wondering about the door and her voice, for now at least, and steps further inside as his hand extends towards her. Even how she tilts her head at him is birdlike, and she huffs a little as she steps in fully; letting the door close behind her and officially sealing her fate. Which she doubts is anywhere near as perilous as Sylus is joking it to be. ]
Are you saying I should be worried about you? [ She's already proclaimed her trust in him and, joke or not, there's no taking that back now.
...
... Her mind drifts back to their conversation, about holding hands, and her eyes flicker back to the one extended out towards her. There's a second of hesitation, a quiet gauging of is it okay for me to do this and then her hand reaches for his once she takes one more step closer. It's a cautious touch, still feeling for his reaction, but it's there all the same. ]
I was more curious about how the door responded to my voice.
[ the fact that she isn't worried, despite his prior injunction (or the implication of one), seems to give him more comfort than alarm. he liked the way she didn't display any semblance of fear with him. though, he presumed that may just have been because they were alike in some ways. whether it's the unorthodox lives they both led, or otherwise.
his gaze softens slightly. it's subtle as he studies the way she tilts her head, or stands her ground at his front door.
he wonders what she's thinking of at a time like this.
his fingers flex instinctively, before she actually reaches out. there's a small nod of his chin, as if to confirm that the contact and warmth shared between their fingertips was more than permissible. his thumb brushes over the back of her hand as he pulls her in. ] Shouldn't you know the answer to that?
[ it's not any real answer, at all. ]
You've been quite chatty with Mephisto. [ ... ] So I figured itwas the perfect time for an upgrade.
[ he starts off... don't make him mimic you, lapis. ]
[ Even with how cautious she may act, or how flustered he makes her, there's never truly been any fear. Sylus is familiar in a way very few are, and if he's attempting to close that distance between them - something she had kept up, believing otherwise - then...
Then she can try. It's why she moves easily with him as he pull her in, that tension melting off her more by the second; quiet caution replaced by a soft curiosity, her eyes drifting down to their hands as his thumb brushes over her skin. He says she should know the answer and so, with warmth filling her cheeks again, she hums softly in agreement. ]
... Mm, you're right, I do.
[ Her fingers squeeze around his for a moment, warm and gentle, before there's a huff at his comment on her being chatty. ]
Well, Mephisto is easy to talk to. [ Now her cheeks are burning up even more now, as much as she tries to retain her composure. This is fine, she can handle this. ]
Though why my voice? I didn't think you liked listening to me that much.
[ sylus may not have needed the verbal confirmation, and yet... he finds himself relishing in it, regardless. there's a certain softness to his expression for a moment as his lips curve into a smile, especially as he feels the way she squeezes his hand. a physical reminder to their proximity outside of the warmth.
he finds it easy to draw her hand upwards, almost to his lips before it stops a bit short. just collecting a bit of his breath against her skin, before he answers. ] And is it just him that you've had such an easy time talking to?
[ his brows lifts slightly at her words. ]
Whose voice would I use if not yours? [ it's not a question, it's a statement.
there's a certain firmness and finality to it. ] If anything, I'd say it's you who is less likely to listen to mine, sweetie.
[ ... It's probably dangerous how her first thought when she sees him smile is how she would like to see that more. Yet, she doesn't let herself push it aside to ignore either. If she's able to make Sylus smile like that, then she would like to keep doing so.
Though for now, she finds herself flushing all over again as he brings her hand closer - the warmth of his breath against her skin causing her own to catch. There's an unconscious twitch of her hand, but there's no movement to pull away; only a faint pout as she tries to ignore the burn along her cheeks. ]
He's less likely to make me flustered when we talk. [ She isn't confirming or denying though. ]
I see you aren't worried about me abusing that and walking in anytime. [ It feels like he might encourage that, honestly. ] And if I didn't want to listen to your voice, I wouldn't be here.
[ ...
... ] A-anyway. There was also a spirit problem, right?
Then shouldn't we practice so you won't feel so "flustered"?
[ there's definitely a teasing tone to his voice, especially as he tilts his head slightly, as if placing invisible emphasis to his words. he does notice the slight flush of her skin and draws his other hand to gently tuck a strand of her hair behind her ear. ]
You can abuse it all you want. That's your right. [ there's that same conviction again as he brushes his fingers against her hand, idly as he talks. he seems almost absorbed in the feeling of their joined hands, enough where he almost forgot the reason she was here to begin with.
And here I thought you liked seeing me flustered...
[ Even with her cheeks reddening further, she can still manage a slight tease back. And while she stubbornly tries to ignore the heat along her skin, she still unconsciously leans into his touch as he tucks her hair back. ]
Ah... I guess I should make non-work visits more often then. [ Even if her tone is light, she does mean this. It's still a little daunting but... The warmth of his hand around hers, his fingers brushing against her skin, helps to reassure her.
Before she then huffs, taking a step forward and gently tugging on his hand to follow. ]
Yes, yes, let's go deal with this spirit.
[ If her fingers shift to lace through his, it's only to better allow her to lead him along the hallway. That's totally her reasoning. She's been here enough times to get a good idea of the layout, so lets see if she can detect this wayward spirit. ]
... They have't tried to hurt you, have they?
[ She knows even if they did, he would heal within seconds. But she still worries. ]
[ she's not entirely wrong, and the fact that he has no retort for it is probably clear enough evidence. though, he does seem to hum softly to himself as if he found her statement oddly endearing.
when she begins to take the lead, her fingers drawing them closer, he can't deny enjoying the small bit of warmth shared between them. the contrast of their first meeting to what they've gradually created between them at present seems to straggle on in his mind, before he focuses back to her sudden inquiry. ]
Is this concern I hear? [ of course, he has to tease her about it. but, he steps in closer, letting his forearm brush against hers briefly. ] They're a pain, but that's it. [ aka, he's definitely been injured, but what's new.
still, the air seems to grow a bit more stale as they approach the so-called problem area. between wanderers and ghosts, who really knows the divide between the two. he wonders if ghosts are just as attracted to protocores. is it his fault for housing so many? ]
[ His forearm brushes against hers, and she lets her arm gently bump against his in return - before she wouldn't have dared to get this close, unwilling to let anything breach past the guard she put up, but now she thinks it's okay to be a little... well, greedy. Especially since this seems to be okay, that he seems to want the same as well.
And so she lets her concern seep through a little more than usual; brows furrowing as she fixes a frown in his direction. Ghosts, especially the restless sort, tend to be violent but it has been popping up a bit more recently... It could potentially be the protocores, an abundance of energy like that was sure to attract a few and was sure to agitate them in the process. ]
... Though I have a feeling if I asked you to hang back while I dealt with it, you wouldn't listen to me.
[ her words aren't a lie. he's able to discern that much, not just from her tone, but everything else he gathers from her too. it's enough where whatever quirk of his lips remain even as the warmth dissipates as their arms naturally draw close and then apart with each of their steps. it's true she wasn't the only one feeling greedy, but he supposed since he's been this patient already, another minute or two wouldn't hurt.
the thought makes him chuckle softly. though, out of context it could seem like it's in regards to her words. no one said it couldn't be both, however. ] Since you seem to know me so well, we don't need words anymore, do we?
[ just like that, a red-black mist appears and the door to the armory opens as if prompted on command. his eyes flicker back to her face. ] Can you fight even while holding my hand? [ he draws her hand up, placing it against his chest for a second, before he peels away. giving them both the space to face the spirit head-on. ]
[ The chuckle gets a little tilt of her head, very much a bird hearing something curious, yet she doesn't question further once her attention is drawn to the mist. She has always been a little curious about his powers, but more things for later - the path forward is open, and she regards the inside of the armory with a cursory glance. ]
I think I could. Maybe we should try sometime.
[ "Sometime", she says, as if there wasn't the immediate urge to reach out after her brought her hand to his chest for that brief moment. But there's work to do, and she's nothing but diligent. Hand holding and chest touching can come later -
The first thing she notices is that it's dark, unnaturally so. This goes beyond lights simply not working, but all that does is have her blink for a few moments as her vision adjusts itself. Luckily her night vision is far above average, but she still navigates carefully lest she bump into anything - she's loathed to think of the price tag of whatever is in here. ]
Has the spirit tried to leave this room at all?
[ Lapis wouldn't be surprised if that answer was a no; it does seem to be drawn to the protocores after all. ]
[ damn, lapis adding the chest touching to the agenda.
maybe it's fortunate for now that sylus doesn't push the matter any further, the imminent danger still palpable in the air around them. while his general demeanor remains unchanged, his eyes do shift to peer around in the dark, as if feeling for something entirely invisible to the eye.
it's brief, before he turns back to her. ] Not that I know of. Luke and Kieran seem to believe our ghost friend here likes shiny gems and accessories. [ is that what the twins really think, or what he's surmised as a joke. ]
Considering the shiniest one is right next to me, I would say they should join us soon.
But first: ghost busting. His answer gets a tilt of her head, the faint glow of her eyes in the dark making it clear that her attention is back on him. Even then, there's still a wariness to her; a guard that doesn't falter even when her focus shifts. ]
I hope that's not me you're talking about - [ There's a shriek, sharp and piercing, as a blur of something tries to aim itself towards Lapis. Tries to, as it's rebuffed by a wash of dark sky and stars - as if a piece of the nightsky was plucked out and placed between her and the spirit. The rebuff pulls another echoing cry as it's stunned, and now she can get a good look at it; it moves and twitches in ways that don't make sense, jagged in ways that makes it hard to pinpoint what shape it should be.
It's more than a little concerning, and the starry barrier between them diffuses into nothing as she reaches out. The jagged edges catch the fabric of her jacket, leaving cuts along her hand before it flinches back - scattered cries filling the air again. ]
[ her eyes on him doesn't necessarily detract his ability to focus on the task at hand, but it certainly does add another element to it. he can't deny enjoying capturing her attention, no matter how transitory it is in the context of them... being here to get rid of pesky spirit.
instantly, there's a fluctuation of energy and his fingertips curve slightly, allowing his own red-black mist of energy gather around it in wait. except, it looks like lapis' abilities beat him to the bunch. he turns and gives her an impressed cock of his head. ] Oh? Is that what you've gathered?
[ still, he reaches out for her hand, holding it in his to hold her back. they may not have been severe injuries, but he'd like to consider the frontlines more his position than hers. listen, he's the only one who can show up with random injuries. ]
I would be more surprised to see something that doesn't end up corrupted in the N109 zone. [ but he seems to look to lapis as if to wait on her instruction. otherwise, he would have just tried to face it head on with his abilities. ]
[ There's a blink when her hand is taken into his, brows raising in question as she peers back up at him. Considering she's usually on her own, the frontlines is always what she defaulted to - especially since Sylus isn't the only one here with a speedy recovery time, the cuts on her hands already knitting themselves together. But she doesn't cause a fuss; seemingly placated by the warmth of his hand around hers. ]
Considering they're human, or supposed to be, the extent of this corruption is concerning.
[ Have they become similar to Wanderers, now? Maybe this is a result of too much exposure to the Protocores... All theories she can't really investigate further at the moment.
But there is one idea and, while there is a moment of hesitation, it's wiped away when she notices how he looks at her. If he's looking to her, then she can let herself rely on him - her fingers squeezing around his hand as she motions her head towards the spirit, which is starting to regain its wits. ]
Are you able to... contain it, or at least grab onto it somehow? I need it to stay still so I can take a closer look.
[ human. corruption. he doesnāt argue against either concept, even if he has his own thoughts and considerations on the matter. no, itād be more difficult for him not to, but he approaches it with the same sense of nonchalance he often does, almost as if it were simple clockwork, or that is was as naturalā¦
as them holding hands. (debatable) still, he does give her a small nod and a shrug of his shoulders. itās not disagreement in the slightest, and just like that the mist of his evol travels across his arm and fingertips before they end up latching onto the said spirit. the spirit clearly has all the intention to slip out of its grasp, but ultimately (and fortunately for them), it seems to be working. it seems his powers do serve to be useful. ]
Do you really have to ask? You should already know everything about me.
[ thereās something relaxed in his tone, even as they size up against the creature. but, that was also typical of sylus, wasnāt it? then again, for two people who were so entertained with danger, it was probably just as expected. ]
[ They are concepts Lapis has her own mixed feelings on - especially considering her views on her own humanity - but this certainly isn't the time to think about it, especially since she tends to avoid thinking about it in general. Right now there's a troublesome guest to deal with, though Sylus seems to have them under control; she's almost a little surprise at how readily he listens to her. ]
I don't know when your birthday is, or the kind of desserts you like.
[ Important things to know, in her opinion. There's a squeeze of her hand around his, still quietly basking in the warmth, though her eyes stay focused on the spirit. Now that it's still, though making attempts to struggle, she can get a better sense of it; though it's... strange, like a Wanderer but not exactly. Maybe they have been changed due to exposure to protocores? It's difficult to discern, but what she does know is that she can't reverse this. ]
... I may need to ward your place so you don't get more visitors. [ Which would take some time, but she has a feeling he wouldn't mind her being here so often. ]
But whatever has changed them isn't something I can change, not right now. [ One of these jagged edges that makes up the writhing mass of its body strikes out, aiming towards the pair yet just stopping short. Even now, contained like this, it still seems to be changing. ]
[ her admittance may not have been particularly sudden, and yet it has a similar impact on him. his fingers pause briefly, while it doesn't diminish the output of his power, the way his expression shifts just slightly should show it well enough.
while his usual nonchalance remains, his words come out a bit softer. just a bit quieter, as if in this room there was anybody else but them and this wanderer-esque apparition. ] April 18th [ he reveals it easily to her, as if it wasn't a huge debate in the n109 zone for those who wished to curry favor with onychinus. ], and as for the desserts... [ his peripherals focus back on her, his expression largely unreadable, save for the smallest hint of a smile. ]
Well, I think there's something else I'd much rather taste. [ sylus says these words as if he's actually employing any real amount of subtlety (he's definitely not). but, he does continue holding her hand tightly, almost as if letting her know he was also increasing his squeeze over the ghost in question. ]
"We" has a good sound to it. Next time we should work together for a longer time.
[ normally, this is where sylus would go to the front to deal an actual blow, but somehow it's a positioning he doesn't entirely want to leave. or so the way he looks at her seems to suggest, before he releases hold of her hand again.
why does he punch wanderers, we may never know... ]
[ There's a visible perk up when he answers her, and so easily at that, with the date now mentally filed away for later use. Let's see if she can plot something for when his birthday rolls around... Though the answer to her second query gets her to blink, head tilting as she peers at him with clear confusion. Confusion that only lasts for a second, before it's followed by a gentle huff - yes, he's very much (not) subtle. ]
Well... If it's something I can provide, I'll see what I can do.
[ Said with a squeeze of her fingers around his hand. Should she have offered that? Well, if she's gonna have regrets those can all come later. ]
And next time may be sooner than you think. I'll need to make sure you don't get anymore visitors like this.
[ Which means she'll need to hang around more than usual, and will need his help to deal with anything else that tries to sneak in between warding attempts. Though she does wonder if he'll hold her hand through those encounters too...
Not that she can judge, since there's that pang of disappointment when he lets go. But she lets herself shift back, letting him take the frontlines even if she's usually loathed to do so - but she doesn't just stand idle either. If he's gonna go punch the ghost, she'll make sure there's no risk of the spirit deciding to no longer be corporeal. Wisps of starlight envelop the mist constricting the spirit, empowering both that and any future hits that little bit more, letting everything land a little more solidly.
She doesn't play the support role often, but every once in a while doesn't hurt... ]
[ should he be as proud as he is for that brief moment it takes for her confusion to naturally unwind itself? while some may have taken a sliver of unpredictability as a good thing, sylus was of a slightly separate thought. the less there was in the way of misunderstanding meant that there existed that line of cohesion between their thoughts and of their hearts. he feels it made them rightfully kindred spirits— enough where she comprehends his intentions. ā¦ even if theyāre a little thirsty. ( everyone on plurk voice ) we know what lads is about ]
Itās definitely something only you can pay the price for, actually. [ he clarifies even when thereās little reason to.
he can feel the impact of her support, whether in her physical presence or in the way her power works in symbiotic relation to his; almost as if they amplified his own skill, or weakened their enemies. his hits are surprisingly effective in that case, and his own evol trails after each connection of his fist. ] Then letās finish this, so we can enjoy the rest of the night.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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when he sees her crop up on the security feed, his lips already draw out into a slow smile. he already begins walking out in the hall to greet her. a sort of indolent cock of his head, as he draws his hand out towards her. it's a gesture that almost mimics the way one would extend their hand out to an injured bird; careful and almost delicate, contrary to how he looks. ]
What's with the look of caution? If I didn't know any better, I'd say this was your first time coming into a predator's den. [ it's a joke. does it sound like one coming from him, though? ]
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So she pushes back her wondering about the door and her voice, for now at least, and steps further inside as his hand extends towards her. Even how she tilts her head at him is birdlike, and she huffs a little as she steps in fully; letting the door close behind her and officially sealing her fate. Which she doubts is anywhere near as perilous as Sylus is joking it to be. ]
Are you saying I should be worried about you? [ She's already proclaimed her trust in him and, joke or not, there's no taking that back now.
...
... Her mind drifts back to their conversation, about holding hands, and her eyes flicker back to the one extended out towards her. There's a second of hesitation, a quiet gauging of is it okay for me to do this and then her hand reaches for his once she takes one more step closer. It's a cautious touch, still feeling for his reaction, but it's there all the same. ]
I was more curious about how the door responded to my voice.
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his gaze softens slightly. it's subtle as he studies the way she tilts her head, or stands her ground at his front door.
he wonders what she's thinking of at a time like this.
his fingers flex instinctively, before she actually reaches out. there's a small nod of his chin, as if to confirm that the contact and warmth shared between their fingertips was more than permissible. his thumb brushes over the back of her hand as he pulls her in. ] Shouldn't you know the answer to that?
[ it's not any real answer, at all. ]
You've been quite chatty with Mephisto. [ ... ] So I figured itwas the perfect time for an upgrade.
[ he starts off... don't make him mimic you, lapis. ]
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Then she can try. It's why she moves easily with him as he pull her in, that tension melting off her more by the second; quiet caution replaced by a soft curiosity, her eyes drifting down to their hands as his thumb brushes over her skin. He says she should know the answer and so, with warmth filling her cheeks again, she hums softly in agreement. ]
... Mm, you're right, I do.
[ Her fingers squeeze around his for a moment, warm and gentle, before there's a huff at his comment on her being chatty. ]
Well, Mephisto is easy to talk to. [ Now her cheeks are burning up even more now, as much as she tries to retain her composure. This is fine, she can handle this. ]
Though why my voice? I didn't think you liked listening to me that much.
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he finds it easy to draw her hand upwards, almost to his lips before it stops a bit short. just collecting a bit of his breath against her skin, before he answers. ] And is it just him that you've had such an easy time talking to?
[ his brows lifts slightly at her words. ]
Whose voice would I use if not yours? [ it's not a question, it's a statement.
there's a certain firmness and finality to it. ] If anything, I'd say it's you who is less likely to listen to mine, sweetie.
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Though for now, she finds herself flushing all over again as he brings her hand closer - the warmth of his breath against her skin causing her own to catch. There's an unconscious twitch of her hand, but there's no movement to pull away; only a faint pout as she tries to ignore the burn along her cheeks. ]
He's less likely to make me flustered when we talk. [ She isn't confirming or denying though. ]
I see you aren't worried about me abusing that and walking in anytime. [ It feels like he might encourage that, honestly. ] And if I didn't want to listen to your voice, I wouldn't be here.
[ ...
... ] A-anyway. There was also a spirit problem, right?
1/2
[ there's definitely a teasing tone to his voice, especially as he tilts his head slightly, as if placing invisible emphasis to his words. he does notice the slight flush of her skin and draws his other hand to gently tuck a strand of her hair behind her ear. ]
You can abuse it all you want. That's your right. [ there's that same conviction again as he brushes his fingers against her hand, idly as he talks. he seems almost absorbed in the feeling of their joined hands, enough where he almost forgot the reason she was here to begin with.
oh, right. ]
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Shouldn't you lead the way?
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[ Even with her cheeks reddening further, she can still manage a slight tease back. And while she stubbornly tries to ignore the heat along her skin, she still unconsciously leans into his touch as he tucks her hair back. ]
Ah... I guess I should make non-work visits more often then. [ Even if her tone is light, she does mean this. It's still a little daunting but... The warmth of his hand around hers, his fingers brushing against her skin, helps to reassure her.
Before she then huffs, taking a step forward and gently tugging on his hand to follow. ]
Yes, yes, let's go deal with this spirit.
[ If her fingers shift to lace through his, it's only to better allow her to lead him along the hallway. That's totally her reasoning. She's been here enough times to get a good idea of the layout, so lets see if she can detect this wayward spirit. ]
... They have't tried to hurt you, have they?
[ She knows even if they did, he would heal within seconds. But she still worries. ]
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when she begins to take the lead, her fingers drawing them closer, he can't deny enjoying the small bit of warmth shared between them. the contrast of their first meeting to what they've gradually created between them at present seems to straggle on in his mind, before he focuses back to her sudden inquiry. ]
Is this concern I hear? [ of course, he has to tease her about it. but, he steps in closer, letting his forearm brush against hers briefly. ] They're a pain, but that's it. [ aka, he's definitely been injured, but what's new.
still, the air seems to grow a bit more stale as they approach the so-called problem area. between wanderers and ghosts, who really knows the divide between the two. he wonders if ghosts are just as attracted to protocores. is it his fault for housing so many? ]
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[ His forearm brushes against hers, and she lets her arm gently bump against his in return - before she wouldn't have dared to get this close, unwilling to let anything breach past the guard she put up, but now she thinks it's okay to be a little... well, greedy. Especially since this seems to be okay, that he seems to want the same as well.
And so she lets her concern seep through a little more than usual; brows furrowing as she fixes a frown in his direction. Ghosts, especially the restless sort, tend to be violent but it has been popping up a bit more recently... It could potentially be the protocores, an abundance of energy like that was sure to attract a few and was sure to agitate them in the process. ]
... Though I have a feeling if I asked you to hang back while I dealt with it, you wouldn't listen to me.
why did dw eat my tag
the thought makes him chuckle softly. though, out of context it could seem like it's in regards to her words. no one said it couldn't be both, however. ] Since you seem to know me so well, we don't need words anymore, do we?
[ just like that, a red-black mist appears and the door to the armory opens as if prompted on command. his eyes flicker back to her face. ] Can you fight even while holding my hand? [ he draws her hand up, placing it against his chest for a second, before he peels away. giving them both the space to face the spirit head-on. ]
dw said chest touch too scandalous
I think I could. Maybe we should try sometime.
[ "Sometime", she says, as if there wasn't the immediate urge to reach out after her brought her hand to his chest for that brief moment. But there's work to do, and she's nothing but diligent. Hand holding and chest touching can come later -
The first thing she notices is that it's dark, unnaturally so. This goes beyond lights simply not working, but all that does is have her blink for a few moments as her vision adjusts itself. Luckily her night vision is far above average, but she still navigates carefully lest she bump into anything - she's loathed to think of the price tag of whatever is in here. ]
Has the spirit tried to leave this room at all?
[ Lapis wouldn't be surprised if that answer was a no; it does seem to be drawn to the protocores after all. ]
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maybe it's fortunate for now that sylus doesn't push the matter any further, the imminent danger still palpable in the air around them. while his general demeanor remains unchanged, his eyes do shift to peer around in the dark, as if feeling for something entirely invisible to the eye.
it's brief, before he turns back to her. ] Not that I know of. Luke and Kieran seem to believe our ghost friend here likes shiny gems and accessories. [ is that what the twins really think, or what he's surmised as a joke. ]
Considering the shiniest one is right next to me, I would say they should join us soon.
[ when they say you speak of the devil... ]
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But first: ghost busting. His answer gets a tilt of her head, the faint glow of her eyes in the dark making it clear that her attention is back on him. Even then, there's still a wariness to her; a guard that doesn't falter even when her focus shifts. ]
I hope that's not me you're talking about - [ There's a shriek, sharp and piercing, as a blur of something tries to aim itself towards Lapis. Tries to, as it's rebuffed by a wash of dark sky and stars - as if a piece of the nightsky was plucked out and placed between her and the spirit. The rebuff pulls another echoing cry as it's stunned, and now she can get a good look at it; it moves and twitches in ways that don't make sense, jagged in ways that makes it hard to pinpoint what shape it should be.
It's more than a little concerning, and the starry barrier between them diffuses into nothing as she reaches out. The jagged edges catch the fabric of her jacket, leaving cuts along her hand before it flinches back - scattered cries filling the air again. ]
... It seems like it's been corrupted.
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instantly, there's a fluctuation of energy and his fingertips curve slightly, allowing his own red-black mist of energy gather around it in wait. except, it looks like lapis' abilities beat him to the bunch. he turns and gives her an impressed cock of his head. ] Oh? Is that what you've gathered?
[ still, he reaches out for her hand, holding it in his to hold her back. they may not have been severe injuries, but he'd like to consider the frontlines more his position than hers. listen, he's the only one who can show up with random injuries. ]
I would be more surprised to see something that doesn't end up corrupted in the N109 zone. [ but he seems to look to lapis as if to wait on her instruction. otherwise, he would have just tried to face it head on with his abilities. ]
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Considering they're human, or supposed to be, the extent of this corruption is concerning.
[ Have they become similar to Wanderers, now? Maybe this is a result of too much exposure to the Protocores... All theories she can't really investigate further at the moment.
But there is one idea and, while there is a moment of hesitation, it's wiped away when she notices how he looks at her. If he's looking to her, then she can let herself rely on him - her fingers squeezing around his hand as she motions her head towards the spirit, which is starting to regain its wits. ]
Are you able to... contain it, or at least grab onto it somehow? I need it to stay still so I can take a closer look.
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as them holding hands. (debatable) still, he does give her a small nod and a shrug of his shoulders. itās not disagreement in the slightest, and just like that the mist of his evol travels across his arm and fingertips before they end up latching onto the said spirit. the spirit clearly has all the intention to slip out of its grasp, but ultimately (and fortunately for them), it seems to be working. it seems his powers do serve to be useful. ]
Do you really have to ask? You should already know everything about me.
[ thereās something relaxed in his tone, even as they size up against the creature. but, that was also typical of sylus, wasnāt it? then again, for two people who were so entertained with danger, it was probably just as expected. ]
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I don't know when your birthday is, or the kind of desserts you like.
[ Important things to know, in her opinion. There's a squeeze of her hand around his, still quietly basking in the warmth, though her eyes stay focused on the spirit. Now that it's still, though making attempts to struggle, she can get a better sense of it; though it's... strange, like a Wanderer but not exactly. Maybe they have been changed due to exposure to protocores? It's difficult to discern, but what she does know is that she can't reverse this. ]
... I may need to ward your place so you don't get more visitors. [ Which would take some time, but she has a feeling he wouldn't mind her being here so often. ]
But whatever has changed them isn't something I can change, not right now. [ One of these jagged edges that makes up the writhing mass of its body strikes out, aiming towards the pair yet just stopping short. Even now, contained like this, it still seems to be changing. ]
We'll need to destroy them.
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while his usual nonchalance remains, his words come out a bit softer. just a bit quieter, as if in this room there was anybody else but them and this wanderer-esque apparition. ] April 18th [ he reveals it easily to her, as if it wasn't a huge debate in the n109 zone for those who wished to curry favor with onychinus. ], and as for the desserts... [ his peripherals focus back on her, his expression largely unreadable, save for the smallest hint of a smile. ]
Well, I think there's something else I'd much rather taste. [ sylus says these words as if he's actually employing any real amount of subtlety (he's definitely not). but, he does continue holding her hand tightly, almost as if letting her know he was also increasing his squeeze over the ghost in question. ]
"We" has a good sound to it. Next time we should work together for a longer time.
[ normally, this is where sylus would go to the front to deal an actual blow, but somehow it's a positioning he doesn't entirely want to leave. or so the way he looks at her seems to suggest, before he releases hold of her hand again.
why does he punch wanderers, we may never know... ]
slowly drags myself back in......
Well... If it's something I can provide, I'll see what I can do.
[ Said with a squeeze of her fingers around his hand. Should she have offered that? Well, if she's gonna have regrets those can all come later. ]
And next time may be sooner than you think. I'll need to make sure you don't get anymore visitors like this.
[ Which means she'll need to hang around more than usual, and will need his help to deal with anything else that tries to sneak in between warding attempts. Though she does wonder if he'll hold her hand through those encounters too...
Not that she can judge, since there's that pang of disappointment when he lets go. But she lets herself shift back, letting him take the frontlines even if she's usually loathed to do so - but she doesn't just stand idle either. If he's gonna go punch the ghost, she'll make sure there's no risk of the spirit deciding to no longer be corporeal. Wisps of starlight envelop the mist constricting the spirit, empowering both that and any future hits that little bit more, letting everything land a little more solidly.
She doesn't play the support role often, but every once in a while doesn't hurt... ]
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Itās definitely something only you can pay the price for, actually. [ he clarifies even when thereās little reason to.
he can feel the impact of her support, whether in her physical presence or in the way her power works in symbiotic relation to his; almost as if they amplified his own skill, or weakened their enemies. his hits are surprisingly effective in that case, and his own evol trails after each connection of his fist. ] Then letās finish this, so we can enjoy the rest of the night.
I also bought a record I thought youād like.