#wicked necrosis | azrael |--;

[ekleipsi]

what’s holding you back?

the inability to be satisfied with the present

you're unhappy with the life you're living right now, so you're always looking ahead or behind of you. the past seems so much sweeter after years of nostalgia has eroded your brain. you long for it back, even if it was full of awful experiences, because you feel like anything is better than this. and to you, the future is something you hold onto with great desperation. it's what drives you to get up and get through the day. but you've done this for so long, and now you've settled into a pattern. you wake up and already wish for another day. then, when the day is over, you wish for it back. there's nothing inherently wrong with looking towards the future or reflecting on the past. however, it's now preventing you from even seeing the point in existing today. let yourself live and experience things firsthand. let go of those memories and desires, even if it's just for a small minute or two. with time, you might start to see the beauty in the present. don't you want to live in the moment for a change? wouldn't it be nice to feel like you have enough where you are, right now?

tagged by: @devourmist​​ (gives u death dad)! tagging:  @sweethurtss @ovilis @bclasaeg @mangher @distopea​ (also even if i didn’t tag u, feel free to steal i’m rly bad at this!!)

[ekleipsi]

Teeth nip upon the finger lingering nearest maw, mandibles twitch and flex to hold Azzy's hand in place as the spider on reflex struck the wiggling thing near his mouth. Alarm though took over the instinctive haze, and with ease did he release the other's hand from his grip to hold instead with tears wetting his lashes. "Sorry! Sorry, did it hurt? I didn't mean to! Are you okay, Azzy-san?"

--- Human tongue was grasped within fingers, freshly taken while having left the human alive for now. Blood stained tanned fingers as he clutched the muscle, swiftly going limp in his hand- a little magick had it spasming and wriggling though before he held it out to the spider before him. Perhaps too close to razored mandibles, though they hardly bothered the Horseman, so fond of arachnids as he was. An offering to feed, before he felt teeth and mandibles quickly clasp over his hand to pull the tongue into mouth.

--- A brow lofted first in amusement, the sting from the bite causing a well of tar-like ichor to spawn from newfound wound. He simply stared at it for a moment before Hachirou abruptly pulled away with tears in eyes, reaching out the opposite palm and settling it upon the top of head with a small rub. ' Hachi, it's fine- ' he'd begun, lips quirking in a faint smile at the others immediate panick.

--- He gave a pause, waiting for the youth to get it out before ruffling at his hair. ' It's quite alright, it didn't hurt Hachirou- no need to panick. Of course I know you didn't mean it, it was my intention to feed you~. ' he explained passively, a small drop of the thick liquid hitting the ground and causing rot and withering within a few inches of its impact. It sealed up rather quickly though, placid abyss orbs settling upon company. ' Was it good? Would you like the rest? '

[ekleipsi]

Hachirou sneaking into Death's home because it's snowing, and his nose is red! Sneeze! Huddles himself under the hanging coats and stays still in the middle of the night.

--- Azrael jerked away after having dozed upon the sofa, the moment the door to home closed abruptly. As quiet as the intruder had been, flesh pricked with the presence of another life form and the arachnid brethren scurried about, the most silent of squeaks escaping them to inform the Horseman of just who had intruded. It was snowing out...so it was to be expected, though as he stood up and made way to the closet, he squatted down beneath coats and tilted head.

--- ' Hachirou...you know you don't need to sneak in, right? You can stay here as long and as often as you. You may even live here if you like. ' he murmured softly, reaching out a hand to caress at the spider's jaw and along his mandibles with a small hum of fondness. He felt protective over the arachnid, and immediately he was stepping away. ' Would you like to come sit by the fire? It's much warmer, and I will keep you safe. ' he asked gently, beckoning the younger closer with a waved palm.

--- Aside from his offer, he was quick to wrap a blanket around the others shoulders and put a kettle on so they could have something warm to drink. ' Do you have a preference for tea? '

[ekleipsi]

Soft where her legs as she moved with ease through death-scented air, her hands lowering to earth to gather lingering creatures of a long-due by date but forever loved by herself and that of their keeper. A visit that took months in the making, it was a long trip from her lair, from her safe zone to this lonesome settlement but she didn't dare stay away for a second more as she kissed upon brethren legs and nuzzled sisters before placing them upon her back and heading further in.

With soft chitters from her lips, her arms open with delight upon his appearance. "Sir Azzy!" Widow stepped faster, eager to wrap her arounds around his crown and smother him as always within her chest with a delightful laugh. "It has been far too long! You haven't aged a day!" Oh and how she needed him, a sturdy remembrance that she wasn't alone in this strange world and that there were those that enjoyed her species company.

"I bring gifts from across the way." She spoke with ease, retreating to an arms length so she could summon her inventory box to pluck from the air several bags of monster parts that were just easy money makers, but also because her crafting skill allowed her to make things on the spot. Thus - like any parent of any race, she plucked forth blankets and wolf-skin shawls that could make winter think twice of causing cold here. Bones with jewels, some armour of some kind of metal that could be smelted for use elsewhere - some mana crystals weak ones that wouldn't do much for herself but mostly foods for her precious family.

Though for Azzy alone, she pried out an old tome. "Here, this one seems more like for you than for me." Fingers pinch the death-keepers cheek as she rests the grimoire of the dead in his hands with a wink.

--- He was not a deity by any means, though his existence predated all, a primordial entity in all respects, Azrael had walked this earth and many others lifetimes over. To that end, he knew just how long it took the spidren to make her travels to this designated location and he was at all disappointed when she finally arrived and all but smothered him into ample bosom. Unbothered by the gesture as he knew it only as affectionate, he offered a respectful smile in turned as abyssal orbs met those of his companions upon her own back.

--- ' I see they've greeted you once again, the eager things... ' he chuckled, her compliments of his appearance making his smile widen just a bit as fingers lifted to trail along her jaw and then slip fondly through her hair. ' And I never will, of course. You've not aged either, my dear, ever beautiful. ' he purred his own compliments in turn before blinking in surprise at the offer of gifts from her own lair and realm.

--- A small clap of hands as she offered a myriad of things, his eyes glossing over the collection of jewels and armor alike. Some older and ancient in nature, others from more recent times; this was one of his favorite exchanges with her, as a being that loved history and all it had to offer. A remembrance of humanity past, and the nature of life as it were- a constant circle that always resulted in death. ' You've accumulated quite the collection! Many adventurers must have been caught in your webs to have such marvelous treasures, Widow. ' he smiled fondly.

--- When she finally produced the tome though, his mouth opened in surprise. A long, long lost treasure that had once belonged to one of his more ancient cults- he could hardly remember what was kept in the pages, but fingers were gentle as they passed along it. A small flinch as she pinched his cheek, before tenderly cradling the tome with a hum of approval. Though typically someone who maintained the same expression constantly, it was apparent that he was glowing in his own way as he held it.

--- ' This is a treasure indeed, where did you happen upon this one? It's very rare- one of a kind even, I remember it from ages past. Vaguely. ' he scoffed the last word out as a jab at his own age. A pause, before he was pressing a kiss to her cheek. ' A wonderful gift- tell me how I may repay you for such a kindness? Ask of me a favor and I will be more than willing to oblige. '

[ekleipsi]

Hachi here to peek over the edge of Azzy's armchair and stare with wide, sparkling eyes. What doing? He's had the zoomies all morning now that he lives indoors - so much to explore and watch and taste sometimes. Now he was settling down cause it was nice and cozy but still ever curious on Azzy's everything. For a being of Death - Hachirou was thriving with life at his side.

--- Horseman had a tilt of head, currently wrapped up in the archaeological find he'd recently acquired- an old scroll set upon papyrus and inscribed with the Vedic dialect of Sanskrit. It was...quite old, but impossibly well preserved; found clutched in the hands of a rather tastefully preserved priest. Only when arachnid bent over armchair with lean form, did Azrael blink his surprise at the sudden shadow.

--- ' Oh, Hachirou- have you been enjoying the indoors? If it's too cramped, we can go outside...talk a walk... ' he hummed the words out casually, though digits remained tight upon the scroll as if to indicate he'd not be parted with it for the moment. ' Are you, perhaps, hungry? ' Ever doting and protective of those he adopted, he cared deeply to ensure that companion was happy in his environment. ' Or are you simply curious about what I'm reading? ' an amused chuckle slipped free, abyssal orbs crinkling in mirth.

[ekleipsi]

" az! i'm hungry. when can we go out t' hunt? " the akhlut complained loudly, kicking his feet absentmindedly as he sat on the back of the couch, rather than on the cushions like a normal person.

--- He turns from position near the shelf he was leveling out, placing a couple new bleached bones upon it while spider companions crawled across his shoulders and over his neck. ' Mm? Noah, didn't you eat recently? ' he inquired, though tone was curious and not accusatory- time tended to slip away from him, so he often lost days at a time.

--- Eventually he turned abyssal gaze upon the shorter and tapped at his chin in thought. ' Well if you're hungry again, we can go out now. I can guide you towards those that are closer to death- wantonly taking life that has many years left will upset the delicate balance. ' he insisted, words instructional as he brushed his hands. ' What are you in the mood for? ' a thoughtful tilt, having taken quite quickly to the akhlut, death touched as he was and without any parental figure.

[ekleipsi]

" whaaa'? no way! 's been almost a week since i last ate! " it was lying. again. but the grin he put on was far too convincing not to believe him. and he'd also learned that the old man was... rather gullible at times. eagerly, he pushed himself off the couch, already aiming for the door. " pfft, " he rolled his eyes at the constant reminder of the horseman's precious balance. noah certainly had its own opinions on it, but caused ruckus about it no more. " somethin' fresh. i don't wanna eat old, stale meat again. "

--- ' Almost a week? Truly? I've been so negligent... ' he hummed out, tipping his head back with a small sigh as if the lament his forgetfulness. Truthfully, he remembered quite a bit- sometimes at least, and he knew he'd made sure Noah was fed within the last 48 hours. That said, he wouldn't try to stand in the beast's way of sating his hunger.

--- Death was simply a harbinger, a keeper, someone who minded the scales and the balance and tended the garden of souls. He quirked a faint smirk at the way he pushed away from the couch, so quick to jump to action. Noah had been quite eager and high maintenance, he'd learned, in his near adoption of the wild youth...but he didn't seem to mind it. His growing collection of lost souls was precious to him in its own way.

--- A thoughtful look, dragging the pad of index finger along his jaw in consideration. ' Fresh and not stale...surely you don't mean Mrs. Newick? She was on her last leg Noah, quite literally, it'd be silly to waste. ' another sigh, before shrugging his shoulders to give in. ' Alright, alright. Fresh meat, then. There's a young cyclist that's about to be hit by a car in the next 17 minutes, two blocks over...he'll be pronounced dead before an ambulance even arrives. You may have him. ' he nodded, looking proud of himself.

[ekleipsi]

Sad Hachi noises as he refuses to exit from under the bed. He hurt, he ugly, he huff and sniff and chitters ( depressingly ).

--- The Horseman is crouched before the bed, duvet gently lifted from over its side so he could peer beneath with a tilt of his head. A small and quiet sigh slipped free, expression only slightly like an exasperated father caring for a child. ' Come now, Hachirou, it will heal... ' he spoke gently enough, offering a hand to the arachnid.

--- ' There's no reason hide, I still find you quite dashing and so will others. Come along, now. I'll find a snack? ' he offered, hoping to bargain the other free of his self made prison.

[ekleipsi]

Hachirou saw it, though he wasn't sure why the man of death was holding out his palm. But, Hachirou's been trained! He easily sneaks up to rest his chin in the others palm - like his best friend told him to do whenever they hold it out. "LIke this?" Thus - with stars in his eyes, the spider smiles at Azzy with a curious chitter, as he holds flora and weeds in his grip from making it ran on the undead kin in play.

--- He'd seen videos of creatures doing this with others. Settling jaws in open palms for attention; Azrael didn't have a larger companion other than Hachirou for such an act though he'd grown curious as to whether or not the arachnid would do it. ' Hachirou- ' he'd called out to the other thoughtfully, tone deep and faintly quiet as abyss holding gaze lifted towards current company.

--- A palm was lifted and outstretched, open and awaiting in such a manner that even his own three undead creatures had begun scurrying towards him as a measure of being called. However, the larger and more livelier of kin was far quicker in movements, putting chin in large palm until the Horseman was chuckling to himself, smile pulling at his lips.

--- ' There, there- just like that. ' another chuckle, his smile widening in amusement as free hand lifted to idly scritch and rub at company's mandibles, welcoming their monstrous stretching as he did so. ' I saw a video on the internet- it was charming. You haven't disappointed. ' he hummed fondly.

[ekleipsi]

Ever so soft, was the palm that greeted his mandibles. A mannerism so slow with the touch of death and yet nothing of the sort put the Tsuchigumo out of place, in fact the caress was rather tender, firm enough to make them shift and flex outwards, stretching down the length of Azzy's forearm to rest with a chitter akin to a purr of a feline. Even Hachirou's shoulders relaxed, his rear sat and knees flopped either side as arms laxed all the same, one set of hands held onto sleeve though with a desire to keep the petting continue, where he was eager almost to push his stretched jowls onto smooth digits with a flutter of lashes and chitter-roos of pure happiness.

--- The fondness that Death itself found in spiders was reflected in the company he kept of his own. The three tarantulas who were constant companions by his side, sustained through centuries by his own reanimation techniques. He'd known several spider-like creatures and spirits before as well, but having met Hachirou was truly a treat.

--- Tsuchigumo was precious and pure, not marred by the ugly aspects of life and living as nature intended him to do so. Naive to the ways of humanity in all the proper senses, Azrael had taken to protecting him from its worst as a guardian of sorts. To show him life while guarding such cherished innocence. ' You're so fond of this. ' he chuckled absently, head tilting as abyss filled gaze rested upon languidly splayed creature.

--- His digits were rested against mandibles, scratching and rubbing at them to relax the spider; like a young puppy in his placement, with limbs akimbo. He imagined many might have feared Hachirou's mouth in such a state as to most it looked rather intimidating, but not him. He put complete trust into the gesture as he rubbed at unique texture and appendages, smirking at the sweet chittering and pleasant sounds that escaped the other. Endearing in the cutest of ways, he chuckled quietly while squatted in front of companion. ' Are you hungry? '

[ekleipsi]

Hachirou giving Azzy soft chitters from under bushes and in shadows, makes sure to toss little sugar petals for the multi-leg clan.

--- Multi-leg clan is immediately and carefully making their way down the Horseman's frame, as abyssal gaze shifts from the book he's reading to the chittering from grown companion. He knew of the nature of arachnids intimately given the many years he'd spent in the company of his tarantulas; like family to him in their own right. While unheard to human ears, chittering was such a natural thing that it brought an idle tug to the corners of mouth.

--- Not quite a full fledged smile, but he paused in his reading to uncross legs and lean forward. ' Hachirou, you can come out if you want. I will ensure it's safe- are you hungry? ' he asks smoothly, thinking about a rabbit for the youth...or perhaps something bigger, if he was even more hungry? Fingers are outstretched, beckoning lean figure close so that he might pet over exposed mandible with a hum.

[ekleipsi]

💝 Hachirou & Azzy

--- ' Hachirou...is naive in many senses. I feel a sense of responsibility towards him in a lot of ways, not the least of which is to protect him from how cruel and without understanding others can be. Humans. Other creatures. He is unique, but his wonder and enthusiasm are childlike and pure- I think such a thing is precious and should be nurtured.

--- ...to such an extent, he is my charge. Spiders are often solitary creatures, but it is not terrible uncommon for them to find comfort among small packs. Besides, my own tend to enjoy his company and I think he likes the conversation of kindred spirits. He is rather sweet...it makes me feel like a father. A proud father. '

[ekleipsi]

" azrael, where the fuck is tiamat because if she breaks something again-- " (luce)

--- A loud sigh vents from the eldest Horseman’s mouth, his position on the chaise lounge undisturbed even by the sharp words. There’s a newspaper over his face, as if he had been trying to sleep before the others anger drew his attention. ‘ She’s playing with Bloodscale... ‘ he drawls, voice low and bored. 

--- ....at least, that’s where she’d been the last he heard. Who knew where they were now. If she were still with him. What exactly they were doing. 

[ekleipsi]

Azzy ♥

@nvrcmplt​ submitted:  Hachirou was watching him, across the way, from high in a tree that was prior tended too with clippers… It was a nice shape, hid him well but Hachirou was still wary. That being smelt off, different, looked different to anything else Hachirou’s met and he’s met a lot of different things out in the world! This one though, was ontop of his confusion, though he saw them being very nice to spiders in his possession… Even if they too smelt and seem weird to his own kin. Hachirou didn’t really know what to do or say to ask his thoughts, so instead, he’ll remain and watch from afar in wonder. 

— Death was vividly aware of all life around him. How could he not be with every single thing, from the birds, to the humans, to even the very grass beneath his feet, possessing a heartbeat. Even his spiders, brought back from death as many times as he had, possessed little heartbeats of their own and likely the uncanny scent of decay around them as well, for the more acute supernaturals. Void-like black gaze lifted up and towards the tree where large creature waited patiently and observed. 

— Eventually his gaze fell away from the spot and returned to the tarantulas that clung to his body at various positions. The largest, the female, was always settled upon shoulder and neck, near his cheek. ‘ Her name is Antimony. You’ve put her a bit on edge… ‘ he chuckled aloud, though Boron and Arsenic were more lively in their curiosity towards the entity. His approach to tree was slow, cautious to show he meant no harm, before the male Gold-Knees scurried up the bark, scuttling with bold intent as they had no fear of Death. 

— ‘ I won’t harm you, so you can come down. I’m Azrael. ‘ he introduced himself, tone low and polite, the cadence of his speech slow. As if he wasn’t in a rush, not for anything, before he took a few steps back to allow for a proper and safe distance. Something comfortable.

[ekleipsi]

" what's this place? are we... still in greece? " a frown found the demon's features, before he yelped as sid abruptly pulled him forward-- leashes were so, so stupid, but he'd gotten into quarrels with the police about them way too much in the past two hours. " the architecture is similiar but... not? " (cal/azzy)

--- Despite being taller, the Horseman’s gait was slow and languid- he was never in any rush to get anywhere. After all, he had all the time in the world even if those around him did not- demon at his side not counted among that, of course. He was here on business, but with the Houndmaster temporarily in the employ of Lucius, naturally babysitting tasks tended to fall to Azrael. Brow quirked, pitch gaze dropping to the other in an inconspicuous manner as the hound yanked him forward. 

--- ‘ It’s Italy, and no...it isn’t quite Greece, though historically speaking they are similar. Romans actually plagiarized much of the Greek culture, taking the good things and then improving upon them. ‘ he explained smoothly, lips quirking upwards as he gestured towards the dog the other walked with. ‘ He’s not used to being on a leash... ‘ It was such an obvious, straightforward statement before expression fell. ‘ It’s a shame he has to be. He’d be happier without it. ‘ Not that the Lykaios needed to be told as much, with such a connection to his partner.

--- When architecture was pointed out, he couldn’t help but glance around to take it in and nod slowly. ‘ Roman architecture initially borrowed many of its principle qualities from Greek architecture- classical and Hellenistic influences are present in much of the decor. The column is the most notable traditional Greek contribution as it was used as support...but once Roman concrete was discovered as an alternative building material to brick and stone...new avenues opened for them and they developed the dome, and the archway. Still...it reflects. ‘ he chuckled, gesturing towards particular buildings which still heeded the use of columns- those these were merely for decoration and not from a foundation standpoint. 

[ekleipsi]

" ah, well. good to know. that even death itself was at least once foolish enough to fall for a mortal. " he knew well enough at this point that azrael would never look at it the same as he, but even then, it was a somewhat comforting notion. a sigh, downing the whiskey in one swig.

--- Whiskey. Azrael had never enjoyed it much, despite drinking it when offered, or even as necessary. Still, he nursed his margarita and even ordered another after the first while companion took his shots. A low chuckle built in his throat, brows lofted at the others comment...he didn’t expect him to know about the Horseman’s love life of course, but somehow hearing it like that was amusing. Smile tugged at the corners of his mouth before he leaned back in his seat. 

--- ‘ I have been foolish since my existence came to be, if that’s how you see it. ‘ he hummed out, black orbs catching light and dipping into abyssal glass. 

--- ‘ I have only ever taken mortals as lovers; since even before your time I have only loved those whose lives will end. ‘ he confessed, head tilting. There was no sadness in his words though, rather fondness as he thought back to his many lovers throughout the course of time. Men and women that he’d come to cherish and stay with for the entirety of their lives and while he had many disciples that shepherded souls, when his lovers died? He took those, himself.