#᛭ — [IC] happiness evades the longing heart [SERPENT]

[deathfavor]

starter call for @furiaei

If I could bring you to a beautiful dream just once...you would definitely choose me... When will she ever learn her lesson? No one chooses her other than for gain. Serpent's head falls back against the acrobatic hoop hanging from the ceiling, her gaze staring at the blank, grey walls. There's always new sinners showing up these days, rarely a moment she even gets to see much less speak with the chief. Chief promised...but in the end, it was just another empty promise like others who had sold her lies of happiness. Marv wasn't destroying her anymore, but sometimes she almost wished....

Her head turns towards the door as it slides open to grant someone permission. Her eyes widen for a moment, recognition immediate as she spots the other sinner. She's supposed to always be smiling as a performer, but the idea of performing seems exhausting at the moment. But Mya's eyes notice her and Serpent musters up a thin smile in greeting. Mya is one of the few who aren't afraid of her and she understands.

" The Chief didn't catch me. " She speaks up quietly, her head falling backwards again and her eyes lifting to the ceiling. The voice that she uses isn't her entertainer voice, but her real voice. " Before, you mentioned about Chief arresting me. They didn't succeed. I gave myself up. It was tedious hiding. But more importantly I thought..." Her voice falters, wavering.as she reflects on it. " I thought they would help. Finding my happiness...They were so convincing. " Her hands squeeze together, hard enough her knuckles turn white. It feels stupid looking back on it now. How desperately she now claws to do a simple magic show or go out like the other sinners get to. ( She's too dangerous , she's heard the guards talk. ). The real world has always been misery, but this is a cage more akin to the family at the beginning of her life.

The performer intentionally falls with grace like an eagle's death dive before she flips and lands gracefully on her toes. Years of experience make the act seem as effortless as breathing. But her attention is on Mya. " Is it so wrong that I want others to be happy? That I want to be happy? " There's a desperate edge, tucked into her words, a hand trying to grasp for proof she's not so wrong to want to be happy. " All I'm fed are lies. I never learn. " Serpent laughs, the noise a rattle in her throat as she looks to the side. " I'm a monster even here. I guess it wouldn't be a very good story if the monster won, huh? " She turns back with a smile, her voice raising in pitch to an eerily accurate cheerful tone despite the obvious pain in the words.

[deathfavor]

LEVY. It's all that Letta has to say for Serpent's body to tense, vertical pupils constricting into tiny slits. She hates him. Serpent hates him already even before this. So now she hates him EVEN MORE. She'd already been dragged out of the room once, hissing and thrown into confinement because she'd tried to kill him in the recreation room the one time they crossed paths. It takes everything in her to not lash out now. She doesn't want to scare Letta. " His name is ugly and he has terrible fashion. " She agrees, forcing both herself and Vesper to not hiss. It's irritating. She hates him. " He called you creepy? " Her eyes narrow slightly while Letta isn't looking and she can feel the anger stirring in her chest. If she doesn't calm down, the guards will probably show up. Serpent lets out a slow exhale, trying to focus on letting Vesper slither down her arm and flick her tongue at Letta in an attempt to distract the younger sinner and focus her attention elsewhere.

" That's not true. You're not creepy. Besides, you're way prettier than he could ever hope to be. " Serpent replies. " I bet he's jealous. People sometimes do that. They act mean and say mean things because they don't have things, like your cool ability. " She clicks her tongue disdainfully. " He's a bad man anyways. That just shows how good you are. Don't let him take your joy away. That's your precious happiness. "

she did want to talk about it. in fact, she wanted to recruit a bunch of other sinners to help her beat levy up! but that wasn't a very good idea, harming others wasn't something letta thought to ever do. she wasn't a violent person. her pout slowly falls as she thinks it over before allowing herself to answer. ❝ levy, that ugly endura sinner with the ugly belt with his ugly name on it? he was mean to me today, ❞ letta explains, not even swayed to laugh by her description of him. her hands fumble together, fingers fidgeting as she glances over to vesper, deciding to focus on the beautiful reptile as she explains further. ❝ he called me creepy... ❞ which, she understands, she's someone who can phase through walls at will. but it was the way he made a big deal out of it and the looks he cast her. in truth, it hurt her heart in the moment, and it has hurt ever since. ❝ i don't think he likes me very much. he kept making faces at me. chameleon told him to stop, but... ❞ it didn't change the fact he hurt her feelings.

[silvysartfulness]

Writer meta asks: 3, 19, 20

3. What is that one scene that you’ve always wanted to write but can’t be arsed to write all of the set-up and context it would need? (consider this permission to write it and/or share it anyway) 

I already answered this one in another post - there’s no special such scene; if I want to write just a standalone scene I’ll do it as a one-shot and imply context and set-up in-writing. But there are scenes I look forward to writing; for the Roadtrip, a lot will go down and shift perspectives all around in the arc I mentally call the Mountains of Mist arc. That’s definitely a bit I have high hopes for!

... Technically the scene I’m supposed to be writing right now has also long been one of the “oh yeah, I’m really looking forward to this one!” bits, except now that I’m actually about to write it, I’m finding myself a bit frozen. Hopefully I’ll be able to push through this block and make it as good as I previously envisioned it...

Oh, no wait! To be honest - there are a few scenes I haven’t managed to find a good place for in the Roadtrip timeline yet, but have been very entertained by in headcanons, and that’s a fair number of WWX and XY interaction scenes!

I don’t know if I’ll manage to work things out enough in the story to make any of that fit, but I have a vivid image of WWX and XY literally bumping into each other at the market street of a random town while departing a liquor stall and candy stall respectively. XY is delighted by the chance meeting and toothily compliments WWX’s reflexes in catching the falling bottles, WWX is mostly “wtf how are you still not dead??” about things. If I can get the timeline to allow for it, it’s a scene I’d still love to write, but we’ll see.

19. Is there something you always find yourself repeating in your writing? (favourite verb, something you describe ‘too often’, trope you can’t get enough of?) 

Ahaha. I suspect if you do a word count in my writing, you’ll see the word “pain” repeated at somewhat alarming frequency?

I like to describe body language, especially what people are doing with their hands. And eyes, I pay a lot of attention to eyes.

As for tropes, just stamp me with the “redemption arc” stamp and move on. I love, more than anything, characters who have to face their mistakes and go through a painstaking journey of sorting messes out, setting things right. Sometimes willfully, out of a genuine desire to make things better. Sometimes reluctantly or even trying not to, only sullenly agreeing in the end for one well-founded reason or another.

I love to write messy characters, greyscales, heart wrenching situations where both sides are equally wrong and right. Am also absolute sucker for “hard, cold-hearted character, absolutely coming apart at gestures of care and kindness”. That gets me every single time.

20. Tell us the meta about your writing that you really want to ramble to people about (symbolism you’ve included, character or relationship development that you love, hidden references, callbacks or clues for future scenes?)

Uh-oh. You've done it now. I'll place the rest under a cut, because I can and will talk about this at length.

I already wrote in a previous post about the layers of meaning in my chapter titles, so I'll leave that aside for now.

I love using symbolism and allegories in my writing. There are some obvious ones at first glance – I often refer to Xiao Xingchen as the moon himself, especially from Xue Yang’s point of view (the moon has been one of the few proxies for Xiao Xingchen he’s had for a long time) His inner light, something with beauty and integrity but also phases of both light and dark and the ability to shift inbetweeen, unreadable. The same way I will often use ice and frost to describe Song Lan - ”he realized with frostbite clarity” is a sentence I remember that I liked writing for him.

Xue Yang isn't as clear cut; his themes shifts depending on the pov character – Song Lan thinks of him as serpent-like, and there's a wolf-theme coming up as well. But my main subtle motif for Xue Yang in this story is the tiger. Drawn partly from the obvious angle of him being able to create a Yin Tiger Amulet of his own, as well as wearing clothing with a leopard-spot like pattern in Yi City, and finally Wei Wuxian's comment of ”releasing the tiger back to the mountain” when learning Xue Yang escaped punishment for the Chang massacre. In Chinese animal symbolism, the tiger is the king of beasts, something very powerful and clever, but also unreliable, prone to lash out.

In one of the first chapters, Xue Yang is described as being ”bound with enough ropes and knots to subdue a tiger” and there are many references to the Yin Tiger Amulet throughout. I drew him and Song Lan as shishi statues in the illustration for chapter 7, feline guardians of the dead that can be interpreted as lions but also tigers. So that's a semi-secret theme. :)

Another layer of symbolism is the Daoist philosophy sprinkled throughout. Sometimes directly, through outright quotes, but often more subtly in how Xiao Xingchen and Song Lan relate to the world and other people.

”Take action by letting things take their course, he reminded himself. The more he hurried, the longer it would take to get where he was going. He could be patient. Would be.”

”He smiled again, grateful for the understanding, for the simplicity, patience, compassion.”

“An empty patch on the ground,” he signed. “We'll make the future a spot where nothing is yet growing.” “An empty spot, where the Universe may plant a seed,” he finished. Song Lan nodded, made the softest hum of agreement.

“Now, now - haven't you heard, Song-daozhang?” he giggled, unsteadily, hauled along in unceremonious jerks. “Treat those who are kind with kindness, but also treat those who are not kind with kindness, only thus is kindness obtaine-... ow.” ← Xue Yang is not above throwing their teachings in their faces for his own benefit, either.

Another thing I enjoy writing is how Xiao Xingchen will very easily fall into familiarity with both Song Lan and Xue Yang when he interacts with them, but they're two very different kinds of familiarity, and he's often not at all aware himself that he's doing it. (They are. Especially the party not currently being interacted with, glaring daggers at the other.) He often just... assumes they'll do a certain thing, and they'll automatically find themselves doing it.

They are both utterly dedicated to him, though they may not realize it themselves, and he certainly doesn't. He doesn't want to take anything for granted with Song Lan, and he doesn't dare trust Xue Yang, but in the little moments of thoughtlessness, they'll just accidentally fall into old familiar roles of attachment, and then blink awake, surprised and disturbed at the ease of it. ♥

I also find it delightful how Xue Yang absolutely despises Song Lan, but is still ready and willing to rope him into herding Xiao Xingchen when necessary - and Song Lan will grudgingly follow his lead, to a point. They may not like it, but they do have a goal in common in keeping their person safe.

There is a certain point to the fact that Xue Yang mostly only mentally refers to a-Qing as ”the girl” in his mind. Nothing quite as strong as actual remorse, but it's a slightly chafing subject he does avoid thinking about. She wasn't supposed to die - hurt, yes, be punished for her perceived part in the destruction of their happy home, but not die - and now that Xiao Xingchen is back, it is odd, at times, that she isn't there as well.

Finally - have some teasers for future written chapters! The apples of the merchant in Tanzhou will make a reappearance, as will the beggar girl by the gate. Xue Yang will write Song Lan a heartfelt poem in an upcoming chapter. Song Lan is made to promise to write a couple of old ladies letters. Xiao Xingchen performs emotional manipulation so badly it offers the other two an unexpected moment of bonding. Xue Yang slips and does an unprompted Good Deed and instantly regrets it. (it does help when Xiao Xingchen smiles at him.)

There are more themes of foreshadowing in there, but I also don't want to spoil things, so I'l leave it at this for now.

As always, if anyone has any specific questions about the Roadtrip, please feel free to ask! I may evade if it's spoilery, but 99.9% of the time, I'll happily flail for hours about this story – and it helps keeping me inspired and writing, too! ♥♥♥

[platonicone]

Devotion - Story of the Oracle and her Shield

Chapter 20 - Choice without a choice

What is more important? Your love or your principles? I wonder…

There seemed no clear path forward, so they looked around. Eventually they across a small opening in the wall. “I think we can crouch through this small hole,” he noted.

She nodded and for the first time, she let go of his hand. Leon ducked through the small hole into another passage with a rare shaft of light streaming from above. Just as they walked towards the light, Imps ambushed them.

This time, with the help of Luna, they cleared out all the Imps with relative ease. Once the battle was over, Luna quickly grabbed his hand as they moved forward.

They kept walking down the new path as it kept getting narrower with each step. Soon, they were attacked by three Thunder Bombs. The space was so narrow that Leon barely had enough space to swing his gunblade.

As if on cue, Luna chimed in, “Leon, there isn’t enough space to swing my trident.”

He delivered a mighty blow to one of the Thunder bombs and created some opening. He quickly bent down and took out his dagger from his boot. “Here, use this.”

She fended off a relentless Thunder bomb with his dagger.

Leon managed to kill them off before they could explode and cause immense damage.

They continued to tread carefully down the long twisting path.

“Hey Leon, it just occurred to me that if I come to your world, then I’ll be a sorceress. And you bring the leader of SeeD, your duty would be to kill me.”

Leon stopped in his track upon hearing that. “I’ll never do anything like that,” he assured her.

“You can’t run away from your duties.”

“I will find another way.”

“If I had to die, I guess, I would be okay if it’s you. Your blade piercing my body,” she said, looking at his dagger.

“Don’t ever think like that. I’ll never do anything to harm you.”

“Relax. We are only talking hypothetically. It’s not like I can visit your world.”

“Still, I’d rather--”

“More incoming,” she notified in time for Leon to evade the attack from Imps.

They quickly dispatched the Imps. “This is getting annoying fast,” Leon complained.

Eventually, they reached a branching path with water up ahead and corridors on its side. Leon edged towards water to see what was further downstream. As soon as he got close to the water, Imps attacked them again.

Leon decimated those annoying Imps with passion.

“Two paths. Should we go right or left?”

“Right,” she suggested.

“Right it is,” he affirmed, leading the way. Shortly that path came to an end with dead-end ledge. “Should we jump down from here?” he asked.

“Let’s try not to be so reckless. Let’s take the left path,” she proposed, dragging Leon by the arm who seems too eager to jump down.

“Are you still scared?” he asked, as she still dragged him by his arm.

“No, with you around, I am not scared anymore.”

“Good.”

“But what if I wasn’t around? You planned to come here alone? Even though you are scared?” he asked, as they passed the area with water where they were a few minutes ago.

“Confined dark places are among my least favorite things. I do get scared of them. But my fears shouldn’t keep me from doing my duty.”

Leon stopped to give her a SeeD salute. “Your dedication towards your duty is commendable.”

“Just doing my small part in the grand scheme of things,” she remarked with a shrug.

They follow the pathway straight down, hand in hand, until they came across another crossroad. The right path had an unnatural glow coming from it. Leon pointed in that direction and led the way.

“Ah, so it was Fire Deposit causing this glow,” he noticed, getting close to it.

As they moved further down that path, they discovered that it was yet another dead-end. Just as they turned back to traverse their way back, Imps dropped from above for another ambush. Leon was all too happy to kill any Imps that came his way.

Once cleared, they continued their journey down the cave. They encountered two paths again with Ice Deposit on the right and a small alcove to the left. Past the deposit, they discovered a narrow crevice. Leon turned sideways and tried to squeeze through the narrow opening in the wall. The opportune Imps attacked him just as he entered the opening. The Imps got few clear shots at Leon, which only served to enrage him further.

“I really, really, hate these damn Imps,” he barked. He quickly backed out and destroyed all the Imps in sight with sadistic joy.

“I think they are cute,” she chuckled, just to annoy him further.

“CUTE???” He shook his head in disbelief and just gave himself a facepalm.

Luna couldn’t help herself but laugh at his reaction.

Leon moved through the narrow opening and Luna followed. Once on the other side, they continued down the twisting path.

“Leon, do you hear that noise?” she tugged at Leon’s hand, prompting him to stop.

“Yes, it sounded like a growl. Although I can’t tell what it is,” he admitted.

“I think I might know,” she gulped. “The legend says that a few years ago a talking serpent absconded here with several small children. The nearby residents were petrified by this daemon. In their despair, the citizens called upon the aid of the Oracle of that time, my mother, Sylva. After luring the snake-like daemon into the hollow, she trapped it inside. While no other kidnappings have happened since the sealing of the cave, one can still hear the hissing wails of the serpent within.”

“So, if the daemon was sealed inside, then it means it should still be here,” Leon cut to the chase.

“Yes, this cave was sealed off until Ramuh opened it for us today.”

“Let’s be extra careful going forward,” he cautioned. Luna instinctively grabbed his hand. Even though she was putting up a brave face, Leon could see that she was still frightened.

They slowly made their way down the winding path. “You Oracles have a lot on your plate. Blessing outposts and havens, healing people of starscourge, communicating Astral’s wishes to the public, being their spiritual leader, awakening Astrals and sealing demons. It almost seems unfair that only one person has to do all that.”

“If my burdens can ease someone’s suffering, then I will carry it gladly,” she said with conviction in her voice.

“Luna, I am glad I got to meet you. I have never seen anyone like you. I have seen people sacrificing themselves for their families or loved ones, but never for strangers. You have a heart of an angel,” he said earnestly.

She playfully punched him in the arm. “You give me too much credit, sir. Come on, we have a date with Ramuh. We shouldn’t keep him waiting for too long.”

Leon nodded, and they marched on to a large chamber with many spikes and pillars of various sizes in surrounding topography.

As they entered the chamber, they were greeted by hordes of monsters: Mindflayers, Hobgoblins, Thunder Bombs, and Imps. Their numbers grew quickly as Leon fended them off. The good thing about having an overwhelming number of enemies is that with one swing you can hit many. Luna used her trident to good effect thanks to its long reach.

Leon took out his favorite Imps first while Luna focused on Thunder bombs. While Leon was busy dealing with Hobgoblins, he missed the Thunder bomb, who was about to explode next to him. Before the explosion could touch Leon, he was surrounded by a familiar golden barrier. He looked at Luna and nodded as if to say thank you. She nodded back with a smile.

Leon protected her every time she needed to concentrate to cast magic. She protected him with barriers every time he charged into the enemy line. He was the offensive sword while she was the protective shield, each complementing other perfectly.

Soon they found themselves fighting back to back, like old times. Each covering for others’ weaknesses. A perfect harmony of offense and defense. Their teamwork was a calibration of brute strength and tactful magic. The reason they worked so well as a team was because they trusted each other completely.

After killing all monsters, they looked at each other and asked simultaneously, “Are you okay?”

Smile from both of them gave them the answer they seek. They stood in the center, trying to figure out where to go next, as pathways extended in multiple directions.

After exploring the surrounding, they eventually took the northern path. They slid under the low rock and into the next chamber.

“I wonder how long is this cave,” she wondered, with a hint of disappointment.

“Who knows? Are you tired? We can take a break,” he proposed.

“No, I am not tired. Just thirsty.”

“Oh, I have water,” he said, removing his backpack on his shoulders.

“I was wondering what you carry in that backpack of yours,” she stated, sitting down on the cold ground.

“Just the essentials. Water, rations, first aid kit, spare clothes, and a few other things,” he listed, as he fished for the water bottle in his backpack.

He offered the water bottle to Luna. “Thanks,” she said.

He kept looking at her backpack. He was curious to find out what she was carrying, considering that she did not even bring water. Curious as he may, he was too shy to ask her.

She followed his gaze and understood the words he wasn’t speaking. “You know, you can ask me what’s in my backpack,” she commented with a smile.

Leon quickly looked away, embarrassed, as if he was caught committing a major crime. “Oh no, I-I was just admiring the artwork on your backpack?”

“Really Leon? You were admiring the rainbow and unicorn on my backpack?” she could barely control her laughter.

“You don’t know me. I could like a unicorn.” He folded his hand and looked away like a child. She just busted into laughter upon seeing his reaction.

“I am carrying my essentials,” she started slowly after regaining her composure.

‘And water is not part of your essentials?’ He so badly wanted to do a facepalm.

“Some spare clothes and my Oracle dress,” she revealed, to sate his curiosity.

‘What’s wrong with this woman? Why would you need a dress in the middle of a battlefield?’

Before he could say anything, Luna offered him the water bottle. He took a sip from it before capping it.

“I am ready to go,” she announced, dusting herself off.

He kept the water bottle in his backpack and swung it on his shoulders. “Let’s do this.”

They walked down the path and eventually came across Lightning Deposit. Moving up the path from there, they entered a large area. At first glance, the whole area seemed to be devoid of any monsters.

“Not a single monster in this whole area. This is too good to be true,” he cautioned, as he moved forward.

There were two paths, one to the north and another to the northwest of them.

While Leon was pondering which way to go, Luna pointed in the northwest direction and advised, “We should go there. I can feel a divine presence in that direction.”

As they were about to enter the next area, Naga materialized in front of them. It was a colossal creature towering at 62 feet and weighing over 13 tons. This demon had the body of a snake, but the facial features of a woman. The snake circled the two as if gauging them. It stopped in front of them and hissed menacingly. The Naga raises its head and addresses the cave’s visitors, “My baby… Where…”

“I am afraid, we do not know,” spoke Luna.

“You are lying,” it hissed and lunged at Luna only to be blocked by Leon’s gunblade.

“Over 30,000 HP, this is going to be fun,” Leon noted after scanning the monster. He looked at Naga without flinching.

The Naga slithered away, then suddenly turned around and lunged at Leon. He parried the attack and manage to land a few hits on its head. The Naga swung its tail, which Leon dodged in time. All the while Luna attacked it with her magic. The battle picked up at a breathless speed. The Naga lunged and swung its tail a lot, and because of its colossal size, there was no safe spot to rest.

Naga would alter between attacking Leon and Luna. Unexpectedly, it lunged in the air and slammed on the ground, causing shockwaves to knock both Leon and Luna off their feet. Considering this as an opening, it lunged again at Leon, only to be blocked off by a golden barrier. It turned its attention on Luna now and quickly slithered its way towards her. Leon dashed around behind it and impaled his entire gunblade into the Naga’s tail, stopping it dead in its track, just a few inches away from Luna.

The Naga hissed in pain and spew poison all around it. Luna was able to encase herself in a barrier to mitigate the attack, Leon, however, was not so lucky. He was afflicted with poison. Naga had its full attention on Leon now, which gave him no time to use the antidote. His HP was quickly dropping when Luna’s spell healed him of his affliction.

“Luna, you know my weakness is Ice cream. I am so distracted by it. Can you make me some?” Leon yelled in the middle of a fight.

‘What is the heck? I think the poison has gotten to his brain. The man has gone bonkers to think of ice cream in the middle of a fight.’ Luna wondered. ‘No, he is too smart for this. There must be a reason he said that. What was he trying to communicate? Think Luna, think.’

Within a few seconds, her eyes lit up, and she replied, “I make the best ice cream in the world. But it takes time to make it.”

Leon smiled because he knew that she knew what he meant. “Don’t worry, we can wait.”

With Luna on board, it was Leon’s turn to do his part. Just as he was about to attack the Naga, he lost his grip on the gunbalde and it fell to the ground. The Naga reacted quickly and swiped it away with its tail. The Naga hissed at Leon, who was now without a weapon. Leon turned around and made a dash as the Naga chased him. He dodged, ducked, and used every available resource to him to create a separation between him and the Naga.

“I can use ice cream anytime now,” he yelled, running away from Naga.

“It’s almost ready,” she informed. Moments after she said that, the temperature in the area sharply dropped. Leon stopped and turned around to look at the Naga because he knew what was about to happen. The Naga was encased in ice like some prehistoric creature frozen in time. The ice exploded, sending ice particles in all directions. As soon as the ice particles disappeared, the Naga was encased in ice again. It was followed by another icy explosion. Luna had cast duel cast freeze spell putting an end of Naga.

The Naga screamed, “Bring back... my baby...” before disappearing.

Leon retrieved his gunblade and made his way to Luna. “Good job soldier.”

“Thanks,” she said, with a small bow.

“How did you know?”

“At first, I thought you went crazy, but then I remembered once you said that ice-cream would be our code word for help. So, I focused on the keywords you said: Weakness, ice, I, distract, make me some. I figured you were trying to say that the Naga is weak to Ice and you will distract it while I cast ice spell on it.”

“Correct, I couldn’t say it directly because the Naga understood our language. Although, I wasn’t entirely sure if the Naga would be familiar with our language but I didn’t want to take any chance.”

“You losing your gunblade was part of the act?”

“Yes, I had to make sure 100% attention was on me so I had to look vulnerable.”

“Good job to you as well. You even had me fooled. I was genuinely worried.”

“You get worried so easily,” he said with a shrug.

“When you stop being reckless, I’ll stop worrying,” she chided folding her arms.

“Whatever,” he replied. “Shall we go meet Ramuh now?”

“Yes, but I need to change before we go.”

“Wait, what?” he asked, confusion evident in his voice.

“I am not going to see Ramuh wearing this,” she attested, pointing at her clothes.

“You are not going on a date with him. You don’t have to dress up to meet him,” he countered.

She placed her finger on his lips, “Shhh, no more talking. Turn around and watch guard while I get change.”

“But--” he was about to protest when she cut him off, “Hush now. Just do as I say.”

He shook his head and turned around still muttering something incoherent about how stupid this is.

“No peeking,” she warned threateningly.

“Whatever,” he yelled back still looking the other way.

She changed into different clothes. “You can turn around now.”

He turned around and looked at her. She wore a long white dress that framed her body perfectly. His eyes seem to have a will of their own as they refused to move from her. He could swear that every time he looks at her, she looks even more beautiful. He finally snapped back to reality.

“This is the same dress you wore when we first meet,” he noted, unable to peel his eyes from her.

“Ah, so, you remember,” she said with a smile.

“Of course, I do.”

“This is the official Oracle dress of sorts. Since awakening an Astral is an official Oracle business, I have to wear this dress.”

“Is that why you wore this when you were fighting with Titan?”

“Yes.”

“Back then I thought this is such an impractical choice of attire for a battle. It all makes sense now,” he remarked. “What if you don’t? Astrals won’t awaken if you not wearing this dress?”

“Personally, I don’t think it matters, but this is like an Oracle tradition and I'd rather not break it.”

“But, are you allowed to wear something on top of it?” he asked curiously.

“I guess, why do you ask?” she slightly tilted her head, eyeing him curiously.

“Because I want you to wear something I got,” he recommended and proceeded to pull out something from his backpack. “Here, I got this for you.”

“What is this?” she asked, looking at it.

“It’s a rubber hazmat suit.”

“For what?”

“Well, we are about to fight Ramuh, the God of lightning and thunder. Rubber suit would prevent you from getting any damage from electricity.”

It was her turn to do a facepalm. “And here I thought it would be something romantic.”

“I think what you meant to say is thank you, Leon. This is the most practical gift anyone has ever given to me.”

“Who gift’s a hazmat suit to a girl? This is ugly.”

“Maybe, but it’s practical,” he countered, trying to convince her to wear it. “Look, if you are concerned about looking ugly, then I’ll look ugly with you. I got one for myself too,” he triumphantly pulled out another suite from his backpack.

“You are hopeless,” she remarked, shaking her head. “Where did you even get this?”

“You have no idea how many favors I had to do to Holly to let me get these.”

“Holly from EXINERIS?”

“Yup.”

“Leon, each Astral is different. They have different personalities and different goals. Ramuh is a peaceful Astral, I am certain he would not fight us.” She tried to talk him out of it.

“We can’t take a chance. If he comes in peace, then just remove the suite.”

After putting the rubber suit on, he somehow managed to convince her to put it on as well.

“Leon, we look like overdressed cartoons.”

“Now, now. Stop bickering and let’s get this over with.”

They finally entered the Ramuh’s chamber. This area was lush green compared to the mostly barren cave. There was a puddle of water on the ground. The light shined from above illuminated the tree and the runestone.

“There it is. The final runestone,” Leon pointed out.

The hazmat suit Leon got for her was too big for her. She feared that she would trip and fall even before she could get to the runestone. She tried to convince Leon that she does not need a rubber hazmat suit to talk with Ramuh but he insisted that it was for her own safety. It was his way of caring for her and she understood that.

“Leon, we won’t be able to fight in this suit.”

“Why do you want to bite?”

“I said fight, not bite.”

“Sorry, can’t hear much in this helmet.”

She just shook her head and made her way to the runestone. She took baby steps and slowly made her way to the last runestone. She looked at Leon and he nodded in acknowledgment, gunblade ready in his hand. Leon respected her duty, so he stood by the entrance and let Luna do her thing.

She touched the runestone and pink bolts of lightning swarms around her. A deafening thunder echoed through the sky. The sky radiated in an unmatched brilliance. The God of thunder and lightning made his grand descended from the sky. He appeared as a gigantic wizard with a long white beard and small horn-like protrusions on his forehead. He had red eyes and wore flowing green robes with a high collar and his lower half being the billowing coat. The Fulgurian was over 200 feet tall and looked menacing with staff, radiating electricity, in his hand.

“Who dares to step into my sanctuary?” asked an ethereal voice.

“It is I, Lunafreya, the blood of the Oracle! God of Thunder, I beseech you: enter into this covenant that the King might reclaim the Stone!”

“I hear your plea, the Oracle. Should your king pass the ordeal of runestone and make it here like you then I shall consider aiding him.”

“I am certain he will succeed any ordeal that the Gods might put in his way, for he is the chosen King and is determined to see our Star deliver to the light.”

“If your words bear the truth, then your King shall receive my blessings should he pass my trial.”

“Thank you, kind Fulgurian, your tale of compassion will not be forgotten,” she said with a bow. “Do you not wish to put me through a trial to test if I am worthy of your strength?”

“I do not wish to see your strength as I have seen the strength of your resolve and conviction. Your devotion to your king is evident in the perilous journey you have undertaken to have an audience with me. I shall hereby enter in a covenant with you.”

“Oh good, it looks like we won’t be needing these smelly suits after all,” said Leon, coming into the view with his helmet already removed.

“Told you,” she said, fighting her way out of the hazmat suit.

Suddenly, a huge bolt of lightning struck by the feet of Leon. “The Fallen! You dare defile this land with your presence!” The calm and merciful Astral was enraged now.

“What’s going on?” he questioned, eyeing Luna.

She instinctively stepped in front of him. “Ramuh, he has been my sword and shield on this perilous journey. It is by his protection that I stand here today. His heart desires the protection of the Star just as I.”

“Tarradiddle. His heart desires not for the protection of the Star but for only one. His aid in your journey does not redeem him from his sins, for his sins are beyond redeemable.”

‘My sins? What the hell is he talking about?’

“This could not be more untrue for I have seen his sacrifice,” Luna defended him.

“How could an Oracle such as yours still be in cahoots with him? Tell me Fallen, how did you escape Bahamut’s exile?”

‘Bahamut’s exile?’

“No one had ever escaped from the dimension devoid of time. Tell me, who aided you?”

‘Dimension devoid of time? Does he mean time compression? What does Bahamut have to do with all this? It was Ultimecia who put me there, so why does he think it was Bahamut? What does he know that I don’t?’

“Your silence does not prove your innocence. I am Ramuh, it is my divine duty to pass judgment and smite any unrepentant sinners with a bolt of lightning.” Ramuh lifted his staff and prepared to attack Leon.

Luna came in front of Leon with arms outstretched. “Please stop. You must listen to me. He is not the enemy.”

“One Oracle cannot serve two. Make your choice young Oracle. If you stand to protect him, then I will forgo our covenant.”

“No, you mustn't do that,” she pleaded.

“That is my offer, choose either covenant or him. Should you raise your weapon to defend him, there will be no covenant.”

“Please, I beseech you to hear my plea and reconsider your stance,” she pleaded with the Astral.

“Is it not your duty to forge a covenant with Astrals for the king of kings? Are you going to abandon your duty and destiny for a traitor? Choose wisely my Oracle for the fate of this star is in your hands now. It’s a covenant or him. Your choice.”

Author's notes:

What would you choose if you were in her shoes?

Please leave a comment if you have enjoyed the story so far. Would love to chat with some of my readers. Or at least say 'Hi' so I know someone is readying this. Thanks :)

[deathfavor]

@starspurn said: ‘ i’ve got you. just stay awake. can you do that for me? ’ hamel for serpent. she protec.

hurt prompts

Why? The question cuts through the pain and darkness as Serpent lays somewhere, broken and battered. Why is she destined to never be happy? Why does she always have to be in pain? Serpent thinks of that man when she was first brought to Eastside, where he kept her like an animal in the yard. 'Some people are meant to be the downtrodden; that's their fate. ' Maybe he was right. Maybe that was her fate, no matter how much she reached for the sunlit warmth of happiness, it wasn't in her fate. And now she's going to die buried in the rubble with pain so intense she wants to give up and close her eyes. Serpent doesn't have a sweet dream she can escape to, but maybe oblivion is better.

A hand touches her. She wants to curl away from it but she can't. Her body is too exhausted, and being trapped under the rubble has made her COLD. She can't regulate her body temperature like others - it's one of her biggest weaknesses. And it doesn't matter. Whoever has her is already pulling her free, pushing away rubble that's kept her trapped. Serpent reluctantly forces her eyes open, turning her head towards the person holding her.

" You- " Serpent's voice has lost its usual cheerfulness ; it's as tired and broken as she feels. " You shouldn't. My blood is dangerous. You could get hurt. " Serpent rasps, her throat aching as she speaks. She's scared. She's so scared for the beautiful dancer, afraid that her own monstrous body is going to hurt someone trying to help her. Tears form at the corner of the snake's eyes, cutting through the dirt on her face as they fall. Just leave her here in the dirt and mud. She doesn't care anymore.

Her eyes squeeze shut and she wants to give up. She wants to fall into the dark. But a greater fear curls in her chest. What if she makes Hamel sad? The image comes to mind of Hamel crying and Serpent doesn't want that. She doesn't want Hamel to cry, or to feel like its her fault. Slowly she forces her eyes open again to look at the dancer, lips trembling in pain. " Okay. " She whispers, wide-eyed as she tries to cling onto consciousness. If not for her, then for Hamel. " You'll stay? Right? You won't leave me alone? " Serpent croaks, her hand weakly seeking out the other's touch for comfort in the pain.

[deathfavor]

The innocent happiness of the youth was such a sweet thing to be a witness to. Unbridled, untarnished by the cold reality of the world. If only everyone could naturally have such joy with them! Surely the world would be a sweeter, brighter place if that was the case. It wasn't though. That was okay though, Serpent would help guide the lost to such happiness again. And protect this sinner's happiness while she could so that the world would not feast its ever hungry jaws on her any longer.

" Very well! " Serpent smiles, watching how the light from the lantern dances in the room. " You were? " It is a rather surprising fact to get to hear from her. Many of the other sinners seemed to avoid her - they either liked or feared her with little room inbetween. But that doesn't matter in the face of the moment as Letta speaks of her past.

She wasn't allowed outside? And yet she seems to radiantly happy that Serpent is certain that Ambrosia likely would do nothing at all besides taste sweet. " You never went outside? " She offers a slightly playful smile. " Or you weren't allowed but snuck out anyways? New toys sounds nice at least. " Serpent offers a quiet chuckle - what a vastly different world it was from her own youth. She reaches her hand out to gently take Letta's free hand. " She's actually already here. "

Serpent and the snake were never separated other than her own choice after the staff had tried to take them apart. The iridescent snake slithers up from here it was hidden, head peeking over Serpent''s shoulder before slowly slithering down over hr shoulder an flicking a tongue out at Letta. Serpent gives Letta's hand a gentle squeeze before letting go so one hand can rest under the snake's chin. " You can pet her if you want. She's well behaved. " When Serpent said to, like now.

this lady doesn't seem scary! in fact, she seems like the type of person letta would love to spend time with. the way her voice is high pitched and fun makes her smile widen, her clothes are pretty and quirky too! serpent is a sight to behold, letta feels like she's stepped foot into a carnival! and letta has never been to a carnival before, her parents would never allow her to do anything remotely fun. which, unfortunately, meant watching serpents shows. but truth be told, given where she lived, she had never heard of the performer before arriving at the mbcc, but perhaps now she can get her shows on recording to watch... oh, that would be fun!

at the offering to meet her snake, letta perks up, her already wide smile stretching wider into a toothy grin. she can't quite help the way she excitedly bounces between each foot, like a baby penguin attempting to walk for the first time. ❝ oh, please! please! please! i would love to, miss serpent! ❞ the light within her lantern sways from side to side due to her actions, but she settles down a moment later, keeping a firm hold on her beacon of light.

❝ i was so excited to hear the stories about you from the other sinners, you know! my parents never let me do anything fun... i wasn't even allowed outside - i was only allowed new toys when i finished my work. but now i'm in here! everything i do is fun! ❞ from the moment she gets up letta gets to plan her own day ( unless she's required for missions, of course, ) and her parents aren't here to stop her. without thinking twice, the young girl outstretches her free hand towards the brightly coloured lady, her smile still prominent across her pale features. ❝ i've always wanted to meet a real life snake! ❞

[deathfavor]

@sortilegii said: could you do me a favor? could you pretend you’re my girlfriend for a moment? ( from Levy for Serpent because further shenanigans )

party sentence starters

The look that Serpent gives is nothing short of scathing an spiked with disdain upon the request of her. For many she would be happy to oblige such a request. For him? Not a chance. And she purposefully ensures there is enough space that should he try to lay hand on her, she can avoid it.

" Absolutely not. Why would I do any favors for you? " Serpent replies while the shackles hum under her skin. It is the first time that they truly feel like a leash to demand obedience

. She could poison him. The thought suddenly flickers to life in her mind, her tongue moving over the back of her fangs. Her venom could likely paralyze all his organs - lung and heart included - if she concentrated it enough. Or maybe just enough to make him woozy and she could throw him to the wolves at this party. It would be better for the collective happiness of people. He deserves it.

But what would she tell Chief? Then again, she has half a mind to raise hell and demand compensation in some form for having to be the one to go on this mission with Levy anyways. Being allowed to perform for a few minutes at this party was becoming less and less worth it.

" Why, exactly, do you need someone to pretend to be your girlfriend? I don't see why this is relevant to the mission. And what do I get out of it? "

[deathfavor]

@shackld said: ❛ do you mind if i smoke? ❜ - serpent!

random assortment of sentence starters

Serpent's lips part and then hesitate ; UNCERTAIN how she should be answering. Instead pink lips seem frozen and no words leave her as she stares at Chief in concern.

Yes, actually. That's not good for you! That is what Serpent's instincts scream at her to say. Chief already has enough injuries, her body has already endured enough pain and recovery and damage as it is. The last thing her body needs is to deal with weak lungs on top of everything else that she is recovering from. But what alternative can Serpent offer? Her Ambrosia won't give her dreamless one any sweet escape. It's simply a sweet drink to the both of them. It will fill no void and soothe no pain that they endure.

If it makes you happy. Isn't that her priority? Everyone's happiness? It isn't as if Chief is chainsmoking the cigarettes after all. She's never even seen Chief smoke although her heightened senses have caught the lingering ashy taste in the air around her before. ONE cigarette now shouldn't be bad. After the last two weeks, it was understandable Chief would want something to offer at least a bit of relaxation. Serpent saw how hard the higher ups were on her. If it makes Chief happy, that's all that should matter.

The truth is this. Serpent hates smoking. It leaves her feeling nauseous and weak, it causes a nasty cough to build up in her throat. Fire smoke was different than cigarette smoke ; she could handle that smoke for a while. But Serpent is also familiar with cigarette smoke. Clients have smoked despite her dislike of it, and back when she was on the dark web as a show, the underground sets for her livestreams often had the faintest traces of it. She's built something of a tolerance to it these days, but she still dislikes it. But she doesn't want to disappoint Chief, doesn't want to give Chief another reason to be off by herself, or be another source of stress. ( Except she is, isn't she? Even now she's still regarded as one of the most dangerous - the staff and most sinners don't like her. ) At least she's UPWIND from Chief, so the smoke should be blown away from her.

" I won't tell anyone. " Serpent finally answers, her voice shifting to her high-pitched performance voice when she offers a smile.

It's not the answer to the question Chief asked.

[deathfavor]

@ofcrossroads said: ❛ how about a kiss goodnight? ❜ (Weisz to Serpent)

random assortment of sentence starters

The curtains have closed with the final show of the evening. Serpent had disappeared backstage to return Vesper into her enclosure tank for the time being, leaving her beloved snake with a promise to be back later. There's something else she needs to do first. There's a lone guest outside the fancy front doors that might have gone unnoticed by others, but not her. She could track heat signatures after all. It was as obvious as someone dressed in neon in a grey world. She slips out silently to join him for a brief evening walk.

She doesn't mind his company , prefers it in fact. He doesn't look at her like she's a monster. ( She is. Normal humans don't have fangs or scales or venom. ) The way he looks and treats her is different than others who like her for entertainment, to admire from a distance. Not when she's so close that she could reach out and touch him with little effort. They look in fear or disgust. Not him. She's a little SAD when they make it back to the front of the closed club ; it had gone by far too fast for her liking.

His remark earns a soft laugh from the performer as Serpent tilts her head with a smile. It's not mocking, not cruel, only gently amused. He certainly is forward. She lifts a hand, placing a finger gently beneath the soft skin of his chin to hold his attention. She suspects it wouldn't have turned away even if she hadn't done it, but there's no harm in a little extra flair to the moment.

" How about you take me to dinner first, pretty boy? " She counters with a playful glint in her eyes. " Or maybe a midnight dessert. Then perhaps I'll give you a proper kiss goodnight. " Her finger trails over his skin before dropping to her side with a lingering smile. Does she actually expect it? No. But it's nice to imagine. A girl can have dreams, right? If she can't have happiness, if she can't have a sweet dream, she can at least pretend for this, right?

[deathfavor]

That was just rude. Serpent was, however, use to people being rude. They could be loud, aggressive beasts. It wouldn't matter. No matter who said what, Serpent refuse to let go of her dream of bringing eternal happiness to the people. She could do it. She would do it. People needed it, even if they didn't always know it.

" Pain does nothing but make people sad and crush them under a boot. I don't like to see people sad. " I want to be happy. Why can I make others happy, but never taste it myself? The closest she could get was that warmth from the happiness of others that she brought it too, hidden inside another location no one could breach. " You're welcome. "

"Hm...." He hums for a moment, considering his options before eventually settling with. "No. I won't try it."

He finishes the last of the chocolates before explaining. "No one needs pain? Eternal joy? What a scam." He licked his fingers clean of any extra chocolate. He didn't seem to be aggressive about the statements, but it was hard to be aggressive about anything when you spoke in a low monotone. "Thanks for the chocolate though, it was good."

[deathfavor]

" I know a lot of people are afraid of snakes, but I promise I want nothing but your happiness! That's what my shows are for after all. "

[deathfavor]

@shackld said: ❛ it’s my fault. you tried to tell me. but i didn’t believe you. ❜ serpent!

the evil within ch. 12-13

Serpent hesitates as she lingers behind the chief, uncertain to how she might be able to help the woman in front of her. There is nothing Serpent can do in the face of the destruction ; she cannot rebuild or undo what has been done. Serpent steps forward until she's close enough to rest a hand gently on Chief's shoulder. It is not much, but she doesn't want to overstep.

She's not the most well liked sinner, after all.

" Stop blaming yourself, Chief. " The voice that leaves the performer is not that of her usual cheery, high pitched voice. This voice is low and calm, a glide of scales over satin. She steps in front of Chief and then turns around, crouching so they're eye to eye on the dirt and rubble. She's still disoriented and confused from the explosion, the violent trembles of the earth and her own serpentine senses amplifying the effects. But that doesn't matter. What matters is that she swallows down the nausea and steadies her limbs so she can be some sort of strength for the chief. Her hands reach out, gently grasping Chief's hands in hers and giving a squeeze.

" It's not your fault. So don't blame yourself. You want to save everyone... " Her voice hesitates, and she looks to their hands before looking up to Chief again. As much pain as she might be in, the philosophy might hurt Serpent more than it does her. " ...But not everyone wants to be saved. " She continues, her voice wavering - a painful statement for someone who yearns so desperately to give happiness to everyone. " No... It's not even that. It's... "

Her eyes close for a moment before she opens them again and a pained smile rests on her face. " You've only ever seen a fraction of my memories, the performance I shared with you. I've been into the deepest pits. When I was younger, I was surrouned with people who had the look that they did. It's not that people don't want to be saved. But some genuinely have no hope left. No matter what sweet dreams we promise them, no matter the hands we reach out. This isn't your fault. "

Serpent lets go of one of Chief's hands to lifter her cool fingers to brush across her cheek. An offer of refuge in the snake's arms, if she should so risk it. " You tried your best. That's all anyone can ask of you. You're sent on these missions with people expecting you to fail. But you saved so many lives today. Even if one was lost, that's not your fault. It's not your fault for being kind. You should never regret that. "

[deathfavor]

@starspurn said: [ lean ] / hamel @ serpent, perhaps gently settling there simply to be close. (late inbox call!)

prompts for ordinary things that feel intimate [ lean ] sender rests their head on receiver's shoulder

It's another mission completed and it will take some time for the scene to clear and the chief to be done chatting and giving the reports or whatever else it is they do. Serpent doesn't particularly care. It's why she had wandered a bit to sit on the park bench and makes room to welcome Hamel to sit beside her while they wait. She's careful to give the other sinner plenty of room as well ; never does the performer dare to invade the dancer's space or touch without permission despite how she usually is in close proximity to others.

It comes as a bit of a surprise when Hamel lays her head upon Serpent's shoulder. Serpentine eyes flick towards her, quick to ensure that Hamel is physically okay. Yet her quick glance over reveals that she seems to be just fine. Alarm ceases and Serpent relaxes, and after a moment, she gently tilts her head to rest against Hamel's in a subtle display of welcoming and accepting the gesture.

To know Hamel felt comfortable enough to allow herself to draw close despite how many sinners reject and scorned the snake-like sinner made something warm blossom in Serpent's chest. A warmth she usually associated with being able to observe others happiness. This time it was her own, as small and weak as it may be. She can't quite fathom it. To many she seemed like a monster, and yet, beautiful and sweet Hamel never seemed afraid of her despite the scales and fangs, or her often cooler temperature.

Serpent smiles to herself lifting her gaze to look at the stars above them. Despite the buzz of police activity, there was a sense of unusual calm in the air. " I've heard people have a tradition of wishing on shooting stars. " Serpent quietly mentions ; it was not something she'd been taught. ( Not when she was cast out in the cold with her snakes, seen only as something to make money. ) " Have you ever wished on shooting stars? " It's a quiet, curious question that settles in the still air.

[deathfavor]

Contradiction runs rampant in East Side. It is both easy and hard to find people crying and despairing. It is hard when one stands on the main streets, full of inviting signs to cafes and shops and crowds of people. It is less difficult the moment you step into shadowed alleyways. There despair and sorrow ooze from the shadows and threaten to drown all who find themselves there. It is this that makes the performer pause and notice the girl shedding tears, unnoticed by the crowd.

" Sorry, did my appearance startle you? " Serpent tilts her head with a performative smile. Monster. People liked her on the stage, not among them.

She pulls out a silk handkerchief, offering it to the sobbing girl with a gentle smile. " You're crying. " Obvious, but the gentle tone indicates the fact that Serpent means her comment as an explanation to what she's looking at. " You seem quite panicked as well. Are you lost? Do you need help? "

Everyone needed help, there was so much sorrow in reality. But that would be fixed in due time. It wasn't time yet to put the plan into motion on the grand scheme of things. For now, she could help one thing at a time. Like now.

"Oh my god... this can't be happening!"

Saki mutters to herself; her face unnaturally pale as her eyes dart around, surveying her surroundings. No matter how many times she looks, nothing changes - she doesn't know where she is or how she got here at all. The last thing she recalls is falling asleep in her bed, so there's only one explanation... this has to be that girl, Kat's fault. They never should have messed around with that ritual! Honestly, she never should've gone along with Juli's plan that night... ahhh, what is she supposed to do...?

All she can do for now is look around, but her heart is beating so fast it feels impossible to concentrate on even that. All her mind is telling her is that she's going to die, or something even worse... As tears well up in her eyes, she furiously wipes them away, angry even as her body shakes. She's sure that everyone's staring at her, but it's not until she notices one person closer than the rest that she finally reacts.

"Eeek! W-what are you looking at? There's nothing to see here!"

@deathfavor ( starter for serpent! )

[deathfavor]

@soulsballad said: she's been vaguely told about some of the animals that lurk around the mbcc, animals which came in with their respective sinners. there was a skunk, a snake, and some cats. to her knowledge. pacassi hasn't been around animals, there weren't many animals in mayek. the weather was far too cold for anything to survive comfortably. it's why when a slick black snake slithers its way towards her in the yard, pacassi tenses, watching it with a careful eye as it approaches her, seemingly harmless as it sniffs at her, maintaining relaxed body language. even as it comes up to her side, she lifts her arms away from the reptile, not out of fear or disgust, but consideration. it's only now she notices the lingering figure of a woman, quite eccentric looking. her stripped socks remind her of a carnival clown, as does her chesire smile. ❝ i'm sorry, i don't wish to harm your pet. it's just... my blood runs quite cold and i've heard reptiles dislike that. ❞ and, once again, there was the problem with her body's unnatural amount of radiation. radiation she keeps locked up and safely within her body, but pacassi remains paranoid.

Serpentine eyes watch with predacious intensity as her beloved snake ventures to meet a sinner she's yet to interact with. When the girl tenses, Serpent's muscles tense in response, ready to intervene though her snake is plenty capable of taking care of itself, its beautiful iridescent scales offering rainbows when its mouth carries death. For now her snake is calm and she remains the idle observer rather than the star in the spotlight.

" You're not afraid? " Curiosity tinges Serpent's voice when the girl announces her desire to not cause harm. Many people could enjoy her snakes when a performance was being watched, but not when the curtains were down and the music had stopped. More recoiled with fear and wariness; it would give one the impression that humans were somehow prey to them. ( Ironic - she knew all too well that some snakes did and some people were. Her own fate had once been among them. )

Serpent approaches with a smile and scoops her snake up despite the fact that it seems to offer a tongue flick of disappointment. " It is rather true. Except for on hot days, then such blood would be rather nice since it would offer coolness from the sun's harsh rays. " Serpent agrees, though Vesper seems no less interested in Pacassi despite the information that has been shared. " But curiosity is a powerful thing even in such creatures. I hope she didn't scare you. She just seems to be rather interested in you. I promise she can be very well behaved. " As long as someone didn't try to steal her away from Serpent that was. The MBCC had learned that lesson very quickly when snake and sinner and both become angry when separated.

[deathfavor]

continued from here with @starspurn

  Snakes are particularly skilled at seeing heat. And no matter how small and how hidden Hamel lays within the garden, she does not go unnoticed. That is one explanation. Or perhaps the stronger explanation is that Serpent can taste the sorrow and despair in the air the same way a shark senses blood or a spider feels the strings of the web vibrate with motion. It draws her to stand before the sorrowful dancer and then to kneel. 

  Stop. Don’t be sad. Serpent yearns to say these words, as if her own wish for the other’s happiness would be enough. Give me your sorrow, you don’t need it. Though Serpent has spent months here, she has still not found the happiness her Ambrosia brought other people. She would take Hamel’s pain, or at least remove it…but she cannot. All she can do is reach forwards and wipe away the crystal tears from fair cheeks like dewdrops from rose petals. 

   If only she were warm, perhaps that would comfort Hamel. It is one of many things people fear of the serpentine sinner. She is almost solely coldblooded, and her skin is almost always cooler than others. But Hamel doesn’t seem to mind as she gentle wipes tears and stokes her cheeks through the sobs. It brings back painful memories of her own attempt to break into the Carnival in hopes of feeling happiness. Instead, she’d spent the night bleeding on the dirt ground and staring at the storming clouds once the Corrupters too had rejected her. Rejected by humans AND monsters. 

   “  I will stay.  “  When Serpent speaks, it is not the cheerful, higher-pitched, performative voice that she typically uses when speaking with others. It’s lower, smoother, calmer. The sinner shuffles closer, seeming unbothered by the dirt and grass that stains her white outfit but she does not touch the dancer beyond the gentle wipe of tears. ( A snake’s hug might be seen too much like a constrictor’s death grip. ) 

   “ I know. “ She does. This world is cruel and unkind, and Serpent is not very fond of it. “ Sorrow and despair are everywhere and in every shadow.” Her own is an abyss. She sits beside the dancer, a sad smile on her lips. “ I wish I could give you some of Ambrosia’s happiness. But at least I can stay with you as long as you would like. “