Passing Whispers

[project-daemon]

"You're right," Animosity admitted, then turn to look at Corruption. "I am sorry for making such boastful and bold comments, and for assuming that your power and weapon are inferior. I do hope you excuse my rudeness." He meant what he said, but that didn't mean he was happy about it. Now, he almost wished they had the chance to fight, just to prove himself right, as juvenile as it was.

When Hypocrisy asked if he wanted to ride, he had to think about it. On one hand, he would be getting off his feet, but on the other hand, he was near much for riding, nor was he sure that Corruption wouldn't try to knife him in the side or something. Unless he had a very good reason to, Animosity generally doesn't do anything that he isn't at least fairly certain about.

"Thank you for the offer," he smiled, "but I'll be perfectly fine walking; I've been doing it all my life anyhow. And, there's no need to cause Seghen any discomfort, even if you did calm him down."

[crxunch* ;]

"Okay," Hypocrisy said, shrugging, "suit yourself. Either way, I need to stretch my legs. Corruption," she said, addressing him, "you'll be fine. Just... try to keep your balance."

With this, she slid off the ostrich and onto the hard forest floor. They were nearing Indafell now, and she could smell it. She inspected Seghen's bridle and reins. They looked like they were still in acceptable condition, but if she could get some money, Seghen could have new ones for the first time in years.

Hypocrisy looked at Corruption astride the beast. He looked powerful. She had seen him climb the tree in the clearing, but didn't know the extent of his strength. She thought back to what he had said about powers. Had she made a mistake in showing him hers? She felt that she had done the right thing, no matter what Corruption said to Animosity. It had been defensive. Or was it offensive? She didn't know for sure. All she knew was that she was at a disadvantage.

"The unknown is power," she muttered to herself, then replaced the dark, brooding look on her face with a grin to rival Core's. "Core, how close are we to Indafell?"

[greywalker13]

Animosity’s apology came as a surprise to Corruption, and the only response he could think of was a gracious bow. He noted the sincerity in the tone, but detected underlying frustration. Oh well. The boy’s wounded pride was none of his concern. The refusal to ride was not entirely unexpected. Indeed, he was surprised Hyp has kept her back to him for so long.

Hyp’s remark made Core roll his eyes. Short of anyone telling something hilarious, he wasn’t going to personally greet the ground again anytime soon. Her sudden change in demeanour caught him off guard, and he had to take a minute to get his bearings. A storm had started to roll in, casting an ominous black cloud over the city. Likely rain, not one of Corruption’s favourites, but if there was lightining it’s be worth the soak. Corruption swung a leg over and slid off Seghen on the side opposite Hyp.

“We’re close enough. There’ll be no cover once the trees break, so Summons and obvious weapons stay put away. No full names, and don’t try to attract attention.”

The familiar feeling of Tag coated the city, and it’s distinct aura was clearly visible. Once they were inside, it’d be his game.

Because if you do, your deaths will be neither quick nor painless.

[project-daemon]

Animosity wasn't sure how he felt about being so close to the city again. He wasn't feeling scared, mad, nervous, sad, or anything else on the negative side of emotions... but, he never did like being around humans. He thought for a moment about how amusing it would be for him to, the moment they got into the city, whip out his scythe and slice some people in half, then watch Corruption as he realized that Animosity had blown his whole plan. They would have fought after that, and Animosity could have seen what his power was. Now, it wasn't so much about his pride, but the curiosity he found he had every time he met a new Sin.

But, it wasn't a good plan. Not only could it turn out that Corruptions power and weapon were indeed a force to be reckoned with, but it would likely mean Hypocrisy would be none too pleased with him. Neither of those things seemed very pleasant to even think about. So, he simply decided to stop thinking about them.

When Animosity heard that the were very close to the city, he kept walking, but focused on feeling for the city. He could somehow just sense the presence of all the human not far from them. Despite this, he cheered up and said, "It is a good thing we are close; I'm rather hungry and, of course, I haven't had a really bed to sleep in for who knows how long.

[crxunch* ;]

Hypocrisy sighed. She hadn't been to a real city for a long time. She led Seghen over to a tree and tethered him there. "We'll be walking the rest of the way, then. How... exciting."

She looked over at Corruption, and saw a smile creep across his face. It looked instictual, and not conscious. Something devilish. It almost made her sick. It wasn't something that should have been there. But in a moment his face cleared and he looked normal again.

She looked at Animosity. His eyes were certainly going to attract attention in the city. "Ani, do you have... I don't know, a hood or something? I'm worried about those eyes. They'll creep out the general populace."

Hypocrisy walked forward a few paces, then stopped and turned around. "Coming?"

[greywalker13]

Corruption nodded and followed Hypocrisy towards the city. His mood lightened as he approached it. It felt safe.

“There’s a good bar not too far from this entrance. It’s down a few alleys, but the occupants are either too drunk or shady to make any commotion. Food’s not bad, but don’t try the whiskey unless you want to wake up missing your wallet or worse. I can also get you a place to stay, if need be.”

He took a silent joy in their discomfort. Well, if they were going to live anywhere, it might as well be here. Humans made better neighbours than Virtues, and he wasn’t about to run off looking for the Sins. When those idiots wanted to take back what was theirs, they would. Until then, why bother looking for them? Both groups would have to pass through Infadell anyways.

[project-daemon]

Animosity was pretty much ignoring Corruption at this point. Maybe Hypocrisy was right; his eyes always seemed to draw attention. After some pondering, an idea came to him.

"I think I've got it," he muttered aloud. Placing a hand over his eyes, he concentrated for a moment, and then lifted his hand. His eyes, whites and all, had been darken. The whites were fairly grey, but at least his iris looked more like a slightly reddish-brown, and stood out much less.

"This is small enough I can keep it up for a while," he said, addressing Hypocrisy. "We should have no trouble now... well, no trouble that isn't caused specifically by my eyes. But, on that note: Core, why is it that you seem to like people-" He made sure not to say human. "-so much?"

[crxunch* ;]

Hypocrisy was pleased. She hadn't been to a good bar in such a long time. And she was in the mood for some good food. Animosity started to say something, and she didn't pay much attention until she heard him say "...we should have no trouble now." She wasn't sure what he was talking about until she turned to look at him and saw that his eyes had darkened. She gasped.

"How did you do that?" she asked him, amazed. She stopped his walking and grabbed his shoulders, pulling him down to her level. She looked at his eyes and whistled. "That's a pretty neat trick, Ani."

While she stopped Animosity, Corruption managed to get ahead of her. She let go of Animosity and caught up with Corruption without waiting for a reply. It was probably something else he could do with his fantastic power. Once she caught up with Corruption, she started talking. "That bar sounds perfect. Also, I do need a place to stay. Where do you normally stay when you're in the city?" she said, talking about anything she could think of. They were near the city, and that excited her. It also made her a tad nervous about things to come. She couldn't wait to see what this city could throw at her.

[greywalker13]

Corruption looked back at Animosity to see what he’d done, and was impressed by the change that had come over his eyes. Basic transformation belonged to the Body Element, but there should have been no problem if that was his power. Darker eyes meant... Shade? Perhaps a power that reduced visibility. Corruption noted this in the back of his mind for later.

“As far as liking people, Ani, I believe you’re confused. It’s because of people that I have coin in my pocket, food in my stomach, a roof over my head, and entertainment at night. If that means I like them, then there’s your explanation. I do not despise people, I despise the person.”

Turning to Hypocrisy, he continued.

“As for accommodations, I have my own place in the city. It’s not the largest, but it’s big enough for 3 people. I’m going to assume neither you nor Ani has enough cash to afford a room.”

[project-daemon]

Animosity couldn't deny it; it felt good to be complemented. He was quite proud of his little trick he just thought up, put he wondered what Corruption thought of it. Would you try to figure out what his power was from it? He surely couldn't figure it out, but he might get the element right. It didn't really matter to Animosity either way.

"It would appear that we have different opinions on how much it takes to like a person," Animosity said to Corruption. "You see, to me, the fact that you even let them be near you, out of your own freewill, even with the money, food, and whatnot, is beyond me; I detest people until I have a reason not to. Thus, the people I do wish to be around must be of great interest to me; to make me want to be around someone is generally a difficult task.

"Though, I suppose that I can respect that you only have these people around for your own egocentric purposes; it makes you a fair amount more intelligent and useful then the people you keep around you." He paused, brushing some his hair to the side and breathing out a sigh.

"And you are correct," he said, "I do not currently have the money to afford a room somewhere. Even though I could attain my own money, I will graciously accept your offer."

[crxunch* ;]

Hypocrisy was grateful that Corruption had offered his own home for her (and Ani's) use. She told him so. "Thank you very much, Core. I'd be delighted to stay with you if you wouldn't mind too much. I have no money, so until I can make my own I'd be highly appreciative if you'd supply me with room and board. I'd be honoured to pay you for a renter's fee, but can't at the moment. If I stay with you long-term with your permission, I'd like to pay you for the use of your rooms." Hypocrisy suddenly became aware that she way rambling and fell silent.

Animosity was talking about his dislike for humans again. She carefully tuned him out and talked to Seghen instead. Seghen, I'm hoping you're still okay. I know you don't talk much, but can you let me know you're alright? It would break my heart if you were stolen. Almost instantly, she heard a deep voice in her head say, Don't be alarmed, Hypocrisy. I'm quite alright, although I wish you hadn't tethered me here. I'd much prefer walking on my own. Hypocrisy had to suppress a laugh. Seghen was talking to her! She couldn't believe it. She couldn't remember the last time he had talked.

Seghen, I can see the city gates. I'll have to really focus on appearing human from now on. I'll talk to you before I go to sleep, she told the ostrich. Alright, Hypocrisy. Stay safe.

Hypocrisy snorted a little. She wouldn't make any promises about safety.

[greywalker13]

Animosity seemed to be further out of touch than Corruption had originally anticipated. He felt a sudden regret that he hadn’t been able to Tag him earlier. Let loose, this kid could blow his cover. Not desirable in the least, but at least Corruption would have the satisfaction of roasting him along with the city. If it came down to it, he could probably get Et’Zel to bite Animosity, and the problem would be more or less fixed. Then again, using Tag on someone like this could be... problematic. Corruption shoved these thoughts to the back of his mind. No use worrying about what might not even happen.

Hyp, on the other hand, seemed grateful for the offered hospitality. Corruption wasn’t unduly surprised, as a clean room was preferable to a night outside. Her eagerness to contribute was both welcome and at the same time, somewhat disturbing. She was proving herself to be valuable, thus reducing his desire to Tag her. Clever. She’d be worth keeping an eye on.

As the trio passed through the main gate, Corruption felt the eyes of the guards on his back. They seemed edgier than before. Had something happened while he’d been out? The streets were more crowded as well, and the noise level was louder. Glancing into a nearby culvert, Corruption noticed the twin red dots that were Et’Zels eyes. Corruption tilted his head in the direction of the crowd, signalling reconnaissance, and the eyes vanished. With a wave of his hand to Ani and Hyp, he turned down an alley leading to his favourite bar. Best learn exactly what the hell was going on. Change was rarely, if ever, a welcome sign in Infadell.


OOC: Sorry for the delay. Between writer's block, exams, and Firewind, I've been tied up. I'm thinking we should move on to a new thread, if either of you wants to make the opener.

[crxunch* ;]

ooc:\\ I'll do it. Thread closed.