#♚ ` ʜᴇᴀᴠᴇɴ & ʜᴇʟʟ ʀᴇsɪᴅᴇ ᴏɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴛɪɴᴇs ᴏғ ʜɪs ᴄʀᴏᴡɴ ｡ﾟﾟ v. Emperor

[fractempyreal]

@azarathian continued from X.

𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄 𝐈𝐒 𝐍𝐎 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐆𝐄 𝐓𝐎 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐀𝐈𝐑 ,        no weight of bloodthirsty desire or desperate hungering for something far beyond reach .   No ,   what is felt here is nothing more than a cooling intent that holds no threat nor desire for harm .   Peculiar for the Devil ,   to find themselves crossing paths with one that lacked the usual SPITE that often permeated a demon's very being  (  oft viewing him as nothing more than   another target to take down in hopes of gaining more power ,   only to find themselves painfully outmatched  ) .   Colourless gaze drifts aside ,   meeting the starry light eyes of the other , the sight of her instilling nothing within them other than the usual familiarity of recognizing another being NOT OF THE MORTAL WORLD .   Still ,   even with the quiet demeanor of the woman ,   there's something almost INSIDIOUS that lurks still further underneath .   What might it be ,   wonders the Devil .

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ❛    —   Surely you don't expect me to assist out of the kindness of my heart .     ❜        𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐫𝐲 𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐞 ,  𝐚 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐤 𝐟𝐥𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 ,        before boot gently scrapes over gravel upon their facing the form that detaches itself from shadow .   A brief moment ,   eyes barely narrowing at what comes as a form of PLEA .   To seek assistance from a Son of Sparda ,   much less the one that had once brought the world to its knees ,   bordered on foolishness ,   but they further indulge as arms lift to fold over chest ,   Yamato's scabbard lightly resting against the Devil's shoulder with singular brow arch .        ❛    Perhaps you have confused me with my younger brother ,    ❜        a pause ,   before tongue clicks agaisnt teeth  &  features twist in mild inconvenience  (  already hearing the aggravating berating Dante usually gives at rebuffing those in dire need ��)  as he finally relents with a short sigh .        ❛    What help can I offer you that he cannot ?    ❜

[fractempyreal]

𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐆𝐀𝐙𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐌𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐒 𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐌𝐋𝐘 𝐅𝐈𝐗𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐄𝐋 ,        thumb rubbing against the side of pointer finger as Adrian speaks further .   Humanity still remains something that they struggle to grow accustomed to ,   to be brought back to the human world  &  exposed to a reality that they knew nothing of  (  time had changed all that they had once knew ,   memories of the human world a faint memory after memories had been wiped clean  ) .   They do not deserve the Devil's ire ,   yet still the instinctual bristling at what another would have considered a gentle poke ,   felt moreso like HOT IRON PROD against skin .   He remains as a statue ,   though the pointed look eventually lets up with a harsh  'TSK' that clicks through the air of the room they stand in ,   shoulders falling if only a faint acknowledgement that they believe the angel's promise  (  it was not wont of them to lie ,   at least not from what he's been able to tell  ) . 

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐃 𝐎𝐅 𝐂𝐋𝐀𝐖𝐒 𝐃𝐈𝐆𝐆𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐎 𝐂𝐔𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐇𝐔𝐒𝐇𝐄𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐃𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐋 ,        gaze dragging from Adrian ,   back down to the ever persistent feline as paws tuck beneath her .   Vibrant blue eyes stare back up at the devil ,   before slowly closing  &  a purr once again filling the air as she makes herself at home at the now abandoned seat .   How a creature could be so unabashadly TRUSTING is beyond the devil  (  for wariness  &  suspicion had been a constant in their life ,   how strange it was to see it absent in the face of the inhuman  ) .   He still harbored suspicion ,   the belief that there were those that innately sought something from him rather than displaying any form of kindness out of the goodness of their heart .   Even now ,   as the Angel rises to their feet  &  approaches the Devil ,   the suspicion continues to lurk within that newfound heart  (  yet how powerfully it batters within caged breast ,   a reminder that it still was  ) . 

𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐘 𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐎𝐖 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐓𝐎𝐔𝐂𝐇 ,   𝐈𝐅 𝐎𝐍𝐋𝐘 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐀 𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐃 .        Jaw clenching as lowered gaze now snaps back towards Adrian ,   looking over their expression in an attempt to discern what it was that they truly sought in following through such an act .   A breath .   Gloved hand now wrapping around the wrist of the angel to gently tug it away  (  firm ,   though their grip allowed enough leeway for Adrian to pull away should the desire be there  ) .

                    ❛    You forget that I have spent my time far longer shunting my humanity than I have accepting it .    ❜        𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐚 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐫 ,        finally relenquishing hold on the angel's wrist with a sharp exhale as their hand drops to their side once more .   Walls around heart have long yet to be torn down ,   rather still holding strong  (  though whether it was to keep others out or to protect that which was still being nurtured within was anyone's guess  )  against the angel's gentle prying .   Even so ,   the brick  &  mortar had begun to show beginnings of potential wear as the Devil lowers gaze towards the now calming feline that patiently awaits for them to smooth over rustled feathers ,   eyes still closed .   Frown still tugs at the outer corners of Vergil's lips ,   now considering the responsibility that it was to take care of that which was another life .   A scoff puffs past Vergil's lips at the promise given by the angel ,   arms folding over his chest as he rightens somewhat to look down at Adrian .

         ❛    – I suppose I have nothing better to do .   I know not what it is that cats of the human world require .   I assume they can hunt for themselves at the very least .    ❜

     Mock ? As if Adrian of all people could look down on anyone so easily , let alone for something as harmless as being human . It's obvious the shift in the other's demeanor catches them off guard , though Adrian is still mindful to handle the cat with care when she's pushed back into their arms . Lowering her into their lap , a gentle hand smooths across her fur , attempting to soothe nerves ruffled by the sudden readjustment .

     " You do realize who you're talking to ? " Fiery gold rises to meet those of icy steel . Unflinching , although their words are absent of any harshness . " Having a heart is something to be proud of , not an insult . I just assumed it was something you haven't fully accepted about yourself just yet . " And judging by that reaction , maybe they weren't wrong .

     " So until then , it will remain between us . . . and the cat , of course . " The poor creature who seems to have grown restless as she moves from their lap to instead find comfort in the warmth of the now empty seat cushion . Looks like the hunter won't be getting that back anytime soon . With amusement in their eyes they turn back to Vergil , finally rising from their spot on the sofa .

     A hand reaches out , slow and steady , to smooth against the fabric of their vest where the heart of a devil lies ⸺ not unlike their attempt to soothe an agitated cat .

     " Cats are easy , if you're willing to learn . Take her and I promise not to make anymore jokes . " Apparently , those can very easily be taken the wrong way and the last thing Vergil needs is to put up more walls Adrian is so carefully trying to dismantle .

[fractempyreal]

@destructivour echoed: damn. you're lookin rough.

𝐁𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐃 𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐈𝐋𝐘 𝐃𝐑𝐈𝐏𝐒 𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐌 𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐄𝐑𝐓𝐈𝐏𝐒  &  𝐃𝐎𝐓𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐃𝐀𝐌𝐏 𝐒𝐎𝐈𝐋 𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐅𝐎𝐎𝐓 ,        gait uneven if only the slightest bit as they step past Grimmjow ,   effectively ignoring him .   Blue ,   now stained a deep red .   Whether it was the Devil's blood or another's was unknown ,   even to Vergil himself .   It does not slow him .   They march steadily onwards with a white-knuckled grip on Yamato  (  he had been careless .   allowing such low class demons manage to land a blow on his person  ) .   What it was that the arrancar was doing lingering on these summoning grounds was anyone's guess ,   but Vergil wasn't about to make any ,   managing through clenched teeth a biting ,

                        ❛    How very astute of you .   I must thank you for your ABSOLUTELY POINTLESS commentary .    ❜

[fractempyreal]

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ❛    You look to be . . .   doing well .    ❜        𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐜𝐡 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐤 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 ,        watching as he toils at the mobile agency that precariously perches atop a set of car jacks .   Tongue presses against the roof of his mouth ,   lips pursing as mind races to find a coheisive string of words to grasp to  (  a herculean task in of itself ,   The Devil never having excelled in the art of casual conversation  ) .   Eyes slip aside ,   foregoing the attempt of holding conversation all together before they rest on the book on the workbench not too far from them .   Gaze lingers a little too long on its worn cover ,   before flicking aside towards the occupied hunter .   Arms once folded across chest now fall away ,   Yamato humming comfortably in their hand as they approach the workbench  &  push aside the wrench that sat a little too near the book  &  taking it into their hand . 

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ❛    — Have you caught up on your reading ?    ❜ / @tidefell

[fractempyreal]

there's a cat nestled in the comfort of their arms, purring and content with the attention adrian gives freely. though it doesn't go unnoticed the way furry ears perk with interest and beady eyes peer frequently in the hunter's direction. so, they move closer. " i can't believe i'm saying this but i think someone likes you. and she could use a nice home, you know … " // :')

𝐈𝐓'𝐒 𝐀 𝐒𝐎𝐅𝐓 𝐒𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐅𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐑𝐎𝐎𝐌 , the purring emanating from the ball of fur gently gathered in Adrian's arms . There's a soft 'clink' when porcelain rests within its saucer as opalescent gaze flicks towards the angel when they move closer . Eventually , he looks down to meet the curious eyes of the feline that peers at him intently , watching as its paws begin to gently KNEAD at the fabric of Adrian's clothes . While they are not necessarily one that kept pets , the concept of it was not unfamiliar to the devil . So much so that the comment elicits the faint downward TICK of lip's corner , but an absent disdain which usually would follow at such a suggestion .

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ❛ — Is it not your cat to begin with ? ❜ 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐫𝐲 , singular pale brow arching ever so slightly as gaze shoots up towards Adrian's expression upon pointing out the implication that the feline had no place to call HOME . Even so , the cat seemingly remains oblivious to the conversation , now seemingly beginning to tilt towards the devil as if asking for some kind of affection from them ( they are wont to deny the creature , but not without a considerable amount of deliberation ) . Gaze remains steady on the angel before them . ❛ Are you now looking to rehome her ? ❜ / @sungracd

[fractempyreal]

𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐆𝐈𝐋 𝐑𝐄𝐆𝐀𝐑𝐃𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐃𝐄𝐌𝐎𝐍 𝐂𝐎𝐎𝐋𝐘 ,        with the barest incline of crown at the display of respect and deference  (  at least from what it initlally seems ,   for one would be a fool to believe that demons would so willingly defer to the son of the betrayer   ) .   While the suspicion isn't necessarily HIDDEN from him ,   there lies a rope tightly bound around it to keep it at bay .   Displaying any kind of uncertainty or wariness in the face of new subjects would do little in the Devil's favor .   So they merely turn themselves to face the demon more fully ,   taking note of his demeanor as he presents himself with title .   A moment taken ,   the name briefly igniting some recognition from the Devil ,   if at least in passing from all the books they had scoured through in the past .

                    ❛    It is not commonplace for ruling factions to so easily accept a Son of Sparda as their new ruler .   ❜        𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐥 ,        watching as Phorus rises once again to meet their gaze .   Features remain impassive ,   the only motion made being the shift of blade at their side if only to allow her to be more at ease than usual   (   whether it be in growing comfort ,   or preparation of any wrong move is uncertain  ) .

                        ❛    —   Or perhaps there is an ulterior motive that you wish to employ through acts of formalities .    ❜

SON OF SPARDA. // @fractempyreal

to claim to not heard of the sparda brothers would be to openly admit one did not keep their eyes and ears open to the surrounding world as a supernatural being. demon, angel, monster, divine--the twins had lived an infamous life. phorus did not neglect to notice this in his own life.

it was difficult to ignore, after all, an emperor of one of the many rings of the underworld. it was good to not only keep track of these shifts of power, but to prepare oneself for what that shift may bring.

" my apologies for not introducing myself. "

phorus bent at the waist--a courteous bow and acknowledgement of the power vergil wielded, and the respect that inherently was commanded by it.

" i am phorus caelestis, head of one of the demon clans here in the underworld. "

it was a touch bitter to state it, however. the fact that they remained demons, unacknowledged by the divine powers that had cast them down, was a blow to phorus's ego. while he had strived to change this for his clan and be brought back into their holy status as planetary guardians... his efforts had not been enough. not so far.

[fractempyreal]

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐈𝐒 𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐑𝐔𝐍 ,  𝐀 𝐋𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐂𝐀𝐔𝐒𝐄 .        Whatever kind of life that once lived in it now having long vacated the vicinity .   The Devil hadn't thought to take up any kind of mission dealing with saving an entire CITY ,   yet here they were ,   doing just that .   A disdainful scowl ripples across stoic features as they ruminate on the thought ,   but quickly disappates as they approach the wrecked comms panel .   Gaze sweeps over the surface as they search for something ,   ANYTHING ,   that might allude to the cause of the outburst .   

𝐀 𝐅𝐈𝐋𝐄 𝐏𝐄𝐄𝐊𝐒 𝐎𝐔𝐓 𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐌 𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑 𝐀 𝐁𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐃𝐈𝐄𝐃 𝐋𝐈𝐌𝐁 ,        Vergil reaching out so as to knock it off towards the ground with a muted THUMP .   The blood has dried by this point ,   leaving the file warped but not unopenable .   There's a gentle rustle ,   before the pause in motion  &  a putrid scent that keen nose picks up   (  something ,   someone ,   is present nearby ,   &  they were not human  ) .   Head turns ,   &  pale gaze narrows towards the entrance as they see a form standing there .   Hand once at the opening of the folder ,   now slowly resting on hilt of weapon .   

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ❛    —   I believed this facility abandoned ,    ❜         𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞 ,   𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝 .       Moreso a WARNING than an unbridled threat .   Whether ally or foe was yet to be determined ,   &   The Devil was not the type to pretend amicability towards a stranger .        ❛    I suggest you continue on .    ❜ / @insurged

[fractempyreal]

                         ❛    Is there nothing better for you to do that DOESN’T include following me around ?    ❜               @gracifleur​

[fractempyreal]

@sungracd echoed: sender cradles receiver's face. "...has anyone ever told you you have very intense eyes?"

𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐈𝐑 𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐀𝐂𝐇 𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐎𝐖𝐄𝐃 ,  𝐁𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐓 𝐓𝐖𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐄 𝐀𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐑𝐍𝐄𝐑 𝐎𝐅 𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐋𝐈𝐏𝐒 .        Most often there would be no reaction ,   not even the barest hint of an emotion at the attempt to close the space between them ,   &   such would have been the case were it not paired with the brazenness of the angel now holding the Devil's face within their palms .   Instead ,   there is the shift of their weight ,   the rigidness that washes over them like a cold river  &  sends currents that sear throughout every fibre of their being .   Gaze narrows at the angel as they immediately FALL STILL ,   breath ceases   &   heart siezes in their chest  (  how unnatural it is ,   to be touched ,   to be held in such a manner by another  ) .    

𝐈𝐓'𝐃 𝐁𝐄 𝐈𝐌𝐏𝐎𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐁𝐋𝐄 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐄𝐋 𝐓𝐎 𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐇 𝐎𝐅 𝐉𝐀𝐖 ,        the growing pressure between fanged teeth in those moments where face is held HOSTAGE by the angel ,   nearly puncturing the inside of his lip as golden gaze peers up at him .   What are they looking at ?   Why do they look so INTENT ?

                        ❛    What are you —    ❜        𝐢𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐝𝐨 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐬 ,        a beat between them at the comment that leaves Adrian's lips ,   before lids slip over colourless gaze  &  they step away  (  but what had the angel seen ?   the kalideoscope of colors that flickers with the ever shifting light ,   perhaps ?  ) .   The Devil scoffs .

                        ❛    —   You have a peculiar way of wanting to get a closer look at people .    ❜

[fractempyreal]

" so, one of the sons of sparda still lives, and is thriving, even. "

( government assigned phorus, also blue/silver coded demon that is also a giant space angel cat )

𝐈𝐓'𝐒 𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐘 𝐇𝐀𝐕𝐄𝐍'𝐓 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐃 𝐁𝐄𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐄 ,        though the typical drawl of disdain from demons  (  usually paired with a threat of some sort  )  implied that they sought to relieve the Devil from their life ,   though this stranger was no demon that the Devil had ever taken note of .   Shocking pale gaze shifts over towards the man ,   bridge of nose barely crinkling in moment of consideration as to whether or not to deem them worthy of a response .   They don't deliberate for very long ,   considering that it seems no more than a statement rather than a derisive threat upon his life .  

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ❛    . . .   & you are ?    ❜       𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞 ,        slowly turning to face the other  &  allowing head to incline ever so slightly as they carefully regard them .   The aura of grandeur is plain enough ,   posture held straight as a rail with lavish clothes .   Though not ostentatious ,   it was evident that he held himself in enough high regard to approach the Devil with a demeanor that led Vergil to believe he had no need to fear for his life .   Uncommon ,   though not unheard of .

@pnthra

[fractempyreal]

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ❛    Do you make it a habit to stare at strangers for such an inordinate amount of time ?    ❜        𝐢𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐞 ,  𝐚 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐧 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐮𝐩𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐦𝐧 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐳𝐞 .        Their eyes remain shut ,   Yamato carefully laid across their lap as they take in the sounds of the world around them .   In the distance ,   there is the hum of vehicles ,   the cry of children's laughter  &  a dog's echoing bark as their tags rattle against their collar upon chasing a thrown toy .   There is no true amount of PEACE where he sits ,   but he finds it more calming than the blaring music within the Devil May Cry  &  the incessant chatter of younger twin  (  while they have most definitely taken comfort in reunion ,   Vergil still found themselves needing time away from the twin as they did when they were younger  ) .   He had not anticipated the pinprick of energy to course down his spine ,   the spike of his own energy responding in kind .   A pale sliver reveals itself ,   dark lashes still lowered over gaze as it sweeps aside towards the woman . 

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ❛    I am not my brother .   I don't take kindly to strangers encroaching upon my meditations .    ❜ / @godstate

[fractempyreal]

𝐀 𝐅𝐀𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐀𝐑 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 , 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐃𝐄𝐌𝐎𝐍 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐃𝐄𝐏𝐓𝐇𝐒 that now comes to intrude upon a sought after PEACEFUL SILENCE . What once was , now quickly dissipates in lieu of the wyvern that slinks into their home . Pale crown turns , bridge of their nose crinkling ever so slightly with purveying annoyance as they regard the demon that slinks into their presence .

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ❛ . . . I could have gone another few millennia without seeing you here . I imagine you have no other reason to be here other than antagonizing me for your own amusement ? ❜ / @proditorious

[fractempyreal]

❛ You think you stand a chance against me ? ❜ 𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐥𝐲 𝐝𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 , gaze sweeping aside towards the human ( human— but not quite ) . Thumb grazes over the hilt of his sword , before it swipes upwards in one fluid motion , cold steel catching the pale light of the moon before blade slips into the scabbard . A soft 'click' filling the air to announce that it's been housed . ❛ Return to the safety of your kind , lest they find you here in pieces . ❜ @biskael sought out the devil

[fractempyreal]

                         ❛    I don’t imagine you to have come to this planet for the sole desire of SATING some unspoken curiosity .    ❜             @serpentongue​

[fractempyreal]

-- ' ' Why don't you just keep him , take him with you ?-- ' ' In a what could be called a lightly somber tone - she offers . Gaze turns first , then a hand that gestures to the familiar lesser demon sprawled out afoot , it's nose nudging the side of his heel stubbornly , its body hidden neatly under the carpet pelt . It's bittersweet , in some parts , but offers the hint of a smile in passing , not at him - any more than at the idea of it all . -- ' ' It seems to enjoy your company more than anyone else would , probably . . . ' ' By now it's a habit , an almost instinctual jab - but it goes on without any more 'bite' to it : -- ' ' It really likes you , is what I'm sayin'-- ' '

𝐈𝐓 𝐓𝐀𝐊𝐄𝐒 𝐀 𝐋𝐎𝐍𝐆 𝐖𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐄 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐈𝐓 𝐓𝐎 𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐊 𝐈𝐍 ,        the gravity of the suggestion she poses .   The lack of bite in her tone in of itself feels uncharacteristic of the half-demon ,   not to mention the warmth of expression that settles over the other's features  (  the devil hardly ever having borne witness to such a shift in her demeanor  ) .   Vergil regards her carefully as she gazes down at the lesser demon ,   &  they feel the insistent NUDGE against their boot .   Own gaze follows down towards the source of the snuffling ,   seeing it inch its mass ever so slightly CLOSER towards them .   Towards him .

𝐎𝐖𝐍 𝐄𝐗𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐓��𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐒 𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐎 𝐀 𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐒𝐂𝐎𝐖𝐋 ,        glancing over towards Annie once again at the light jab of her words ,   though it doesn't go unnoticed that there's no combativeness in it ,   &  instead feels painfully GENUINE .   What would have brought her to such a conclusion ?   To settle on such a decision such as to allow the Devil to lay claim to the creature Annie had raised ?   It makes no logical sense to them ,   &  it shows in the shifting of his weight  &  folding of arms over his chest .   For a moment ,   expression grows thoughtful ,   creases between brows smoothing out  &  usual downward turn of lips slowly evening out . 

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ❛    You truly would be able to part with them so easily ?     ❜        𝐩𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐠𝐚𝐳𝐞 𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐬 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐞 ,        shoulders dipping a fraction as he reads her expression .   Their voice is barely above that of a whisper ,   but that she would acknowledge that the lesser demon actually ENJOYS his company seemingly stuns the Devil into silence ,   lowering their gaze towards the creature that now rests its head atop his foot .   Sigh leaves them ,   the act of crouching down bringing the demon to lifts its head ,   beady black eyes glittering up at the Darkslayer with no small amount of excitement .   A gloved hand extends to rest on its lightly bobbing head ,   &  begins the unfamiliar act of petting the beast .   At this angle ,   they allow a faint smile to spread across their lips ,   obscured from the Annie as he muses to himself .

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ❛    . . .   It certainly seems that way ,   doesn't it ?    ❜

@lasraichean

[fractempyreal]

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐄 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐓𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐔𝐒𝐄 , 𝐒𝐔𝐑𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐄𝐍𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇 𝐀𝐒 𝐈𝐒 that it even bothered to open to their touch . Gaze scans over the lettering within , the scrawling indiscernible to most others , but ones that they've often read through through their ventures . As eager as he was to soak in its contents , there is a certain amount of CARE put into the handling of the tome ( too quick of a page turn would surely cause it to tear , & they had no intention of causing it further ruin ) .

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ❛ I assume you are desiring to make an attempt to take it for yourself . ❜ 𝐚 𝐟𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐠𝐚𝐳𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧 , corners of lips dragging into that well-known FROWN as they regard her coldly for the first time . Crown dips , that familiar essence dripping from her being causing expression to further darken into something far more frightening than annoyance . ❛ — Or perhaps you are here for retribution . ❜

SHE MATERIALIZES FROM THE SHADOWS, silent as the dust motes suspended in the stuffy library air. there is a casualness in her demeanor that offsets the other's not quite threat. she has been tracing his footsteps from a distance for some time now, the shadows whispering of movement. movement towards a goal she had keen interest on seeing to its end should rumor be true. . . with arms crossed she leans back against the opposing bookshelf, assessing the son of sparda with all the attentiveness of a cat sizing up a bird.

' bedtime story ? ' she intones lightly, peering at the grisly book in his hands with narrowed eyes. the creak of old flesh could be laughter at her poor joke as the devil ignores her in favor of the tome. ' i've heard you've recently received your inheritance, vergil sparda. '