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{EEpilogue} Prelude Rebellion; -α-
Topic Started: Apr 23 2014, 10:25 PM (885 Views)
Fallen_shinku
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(இ﹏இ`。)*
Evray turned, his passive eyes meeting Sophia's. He shrugged his shoulders, though the motion came off as crooked and lopsided due to the bandage about his arm. Though, the fact that the boy could still move it meant that the injury was light enough to not cause him pain. Or maybe he just couldn't feel it.

"The doctor told me a blood drenched gorilla carried me here," Evray replied in a flat voice. Obviously, Sophia was the furthest thing from a gorilla. It seemed the boy had no desire to entertain the girl. But why? Could he know? Be aware of the events that had occurred? His demeanor would suggest so, despite not having once seen him in that place.

Evray opened his mouth, claiming "A nightmare. That's what happened." He glanced at his wounded arm, the boy's emotion, as always, unreadable. After a moment, he spoke again, relenting.

"Je ne sais pas. I have not a clue how it happened. Only that it did." Evray leaned back in his bed, releasing a soft, long breath.

"I do not know how to explain it but, I've always had this dream. No, nightmare. Things happen in them, people that I have never seen before... they speak words that I cannot hear. Do things I cannot understand." As he continued to speak, his voice seemed to drift further and further away.

"Except, this time, I saw you." Immediately, Evray snapped back, his gaze as sharp as a razor. "I saw where you were. And I saw what you did." The black haired boy clenched his free hand, his knuckle going bare white.

"I'm... conflicted. I'm not sure what to think." Evray tilted his head to the side, an uncharacteristic action. "Soso tell me, Sophia," Evray muttered calmly. It remained ambiguous just how much Evray did see in his nightmare, but it would seem that he was aware of Lorelei's fate. And Sophia's role in it.

"Would you like me to thank you? Or should I hate you?"
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Sophia Antistita
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( / A \ )
So he knew already… Sophia supposed she shouldn’t be surprised, it was his body after all, but it does make things more complicated… “…You do what you think is best Evray, I have no regrets.” The Valkyrie sighed heavily and looked away. “I won’t make any excuses. Yes, I was responsible for Lorelei’s destruction, and I still think it was the right thing to do.”

She looked back to the bedridden young man, her expression like stone. “Lorelei was a parasite Evray, literally. Her ‘personality’ came from her previous victims, all dead by her hands. She was doing the same to you, and if allowed to go on she would have killed you as well.”

A moment’s silence as Sophia sat down in a nearby chair, feeling the weariness of the day’s events crashing down upon her. “I don’t expect you to believe me, she can be very convincing after all. Heck, she even had me fooled at one point… But I stand by my words. You are better off without her Evray.”
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Fallen_shinku
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"At least you admit it. Good on you," Evray replied dryly. His eyes never left Sophia as she spoke. But they were hazed and clouded, revealing not a single thought which crossed the expressionless boy's mind. "That doesn't change anything though," the boy continued to remark. Evray sat solemnly as Sophia went on, revealing to him Lorelei's true nature as a parasitic existence. The boy suddenly jolted forward in his seat, wraith plagueing his eyes. The first time Sophia would see what could be considered emotion from the young man.

"Don't you dare you speak about her like that!" Evray shouted, shaking his head. "Lorelei is Lorelei! I will not-!"

Evray stopped. His features softened. After the sudden outburst, the boy immediately calmed, as if regretting raising his voice. But that emotion still emanated from his gaze.

"I'm dying. Everyone is dying." Though his voice remained even, the air about the boy grew dark. It was to be expected that Evray would be angry, after all, Sophia had done away with his most precious thing.

"That doesn't change anything. At all. Do you think it would've mattered to me?" Evray sighed, slowly turning his head back and forth.

"I know what she was doing. But what difference would that make? Its was the same with Monsieur Larue," Evray leaned back upon his cushion, his eyes rolling upwards. "I was just trading masters. Just changing puppeteers. There was no difference," Evray remarked, more to himself than Sophia. Oddly, he smiled then.

"I was just livestock."

A venomous, toxic smile.

"But. At least she pretended to care."
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Sophia Antistita
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“So not only did you know she was killing you, you let her do it?” A hint of anger crawled into Sophia’s voice after hearing the way Evray defended Lorelei. She tried to keep in mind that it was probably the doll’s power that was making him hold her in such high regard, but it didn’t seem like that was the case, at least not entirely. He was completely under her spell…

“People die, yes, but even if they don’t care about dying there’s always people who will. I don’t know if you’re apathetic or just stupid, but I didn’t just go through hell and back so that you can wallow in self-pity Evray.” The Valkyrie scowled. “If Lorelei was that important to you, live so you can avenge her. Live so you can kill me some day.” She stared deep into his eyes, not a trace of jest in her eyes and voice. “Of course, the way you are now you wouldn’t stand a chance, so come find me when you’ve recovered.”
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Fallen_shinku
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"Then why did you do it?"

Evray turned his eyes from the ceiling as Sophia responded, feeling the tension tighten in the air.

"I'm not wallowing; its just my reality. I've come to terms with it years ago. My life is my own, and I can deal with it how I see fit." The statement was made matter-of-factly, as if Evray was reciting a equation rather than remarking upon his past.

"Why did you brave that hell, Sophia? Who asked you to do that?" the boy asked pointedly. His tone was almost casual, there being no difference whether he was in a hospital bed or seated at a desk in school. In fact, Sophia would probably realize, from prior experience and now, that the only way to get any emotion response from the boy was to mention that "parasite".

"...You're not in the best shape yourself." Yes, the Valkyrie had barely been given a chance to rest since escaping the garden. She shouldn't be in the situation to go around picking fights either.

"Vengeance?" he responded coldly. "You came all the way here, just to suggest that I kill you?" Evray shrugged, Sophia's mocking seemingly having no effect on the wounded man.

"What good would that do? Killing you won't make me feel any better either. Killing you won't bring her back," he frowned. Despite what he may seem, Evray was no sadist. or a murderer. He has never killed anyone in his life. "If it could, I wouldn't be talking to you." Though, they weren't exactly having a friendly conversation either.
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Sophia Antistita
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There seemed to have been a misunderstanding, and a grave one at that. Sophia had no intention of mocking Evray whatsoever. The way he was doting on Lorelei all the time worried Sophia that he had no other reason for living, so her words were meant to give him a goal, something to live for, even if it was killing her. Granted she probably should have made her intentions clearer, but it looked like it was too late for that. At least Evray understood that vengeance wasn’t the answer.

“You still don’t understand, do you? I did it because I cared.” The façade of cold indifference fell off her features and Sophia hung her head low. “No one asked me to go through all that, though I didn’t know about your… situation until I was brought to that world. But once I found out I did all I could to help…” Her voice trailed off as she realized that “help” is very subjective at this point and that Evray most likely wouldn’t think of her actions as “helping”. “You probably hate me for what I’ve done, but if that’s the price of saving you I have no regrets.”
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Fallen_shinku
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Evray was reduced to silence. His only reply to Sophia was in his irregular breath; both full and shallow. A quiet cloud filled the room, much like the one that had pervaded the hall outside. Except, this one had no hollow laughter; the out of place television set that seemed to mock all occupants here. Or so it would seem, until the sound once again reached Sophia's ear, as if someone had just raised the volume. But it was different from before. A soft, raspy thing, like wind going through a rusted pipe. Starting out quiet, almost like a whisper, the sound slowly grew louder and louder. As if getting closer and closer...

It was Evray. The sound seemed almost foreign to him, this simple humanistic expression. Though, it would be hard for Sophia to tell whether it was bellying sarcastic cynicism or ingenuity. Even the boy himself wasn't entirely sure. But only one other person was able to get him to react like this.

"That's rich," Evray replied, once his laughter subsided. His flat tone voice returned. "How can you say that with such a straight face?" It was hard to determine whether the boy was being critical or comedic.

The boy then suddenly stopped, as he regarded Sophia seriously.

"Hate is a strong word," the boy remarked. "Perhaps "despise" or "contempt" would be more fitting." Though that probably didn't make much of a difference to Sophia. Evray shrugged, his permanent aura of indifference growing only more deep.

"I'm glad you think so. Good on you. You can also have my thanks." the boy spoke in his usual tone, replying to Sophia's statement that she felt that it was all worth it. Obviously, Evray thought otherwise, but, as he had said earlier, picking a fight would be pointless. However, if Sophia was keen enough, she would notice that Evray's voice seemed farther, more withdrawn. Slowly, he was pulling away from this world.

"Is there anything else you wanted? If not, perhaps you would like to excuse yourself?" Evray sighed with weary eyes, brushing the Valkyrie off. "I could be wrong, but I believe it is a school night. And you look like you could use some sleep." Of course, though Sophia probably could use some rest, Evray himself hardly cared whether she did or not. It was just a formality, a simple, hollow etiquette that had long been associated by this characterless boy. As for the boy himself, school and sleep were probably the last thing on his mind, if at all.

Slowly, Evray's gaze fell upon the window, as he was drawn once again to his own thoughts.
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Sophia Antistita
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“And ‘despise’ or ‘contempt’ aren’t strong?” Sophia let out a small laugh at Evray’s response, raising her head to meet his eyes. “Like I said, I have no regrets whatsoever, I did what I felt was necessary. I don’t need your thanks, even if you do mean it.”

The tension seemed to have left the room, even if their words were still rather heated. At least a fight wasn’t going to break out any time soon. The Valkyrie nodded and stood, turning to the door. “Very well then, I’ll be on my way. I hope you get better soon Evray, and not just your injuries.”

She made to leave, but remembered that there was someone else with them, someone less savoury. Stopping at the door, her gaze fell on Adour who had been surprisingly silent during her exchange with Evray. Who knows what he was thinking, most likely some kind of plot. “And what about you Adour? You said you had some business with Evray, no?” The question was half directed at the blonde man and half directed at Evray himself. If it was his choice to see Adour she couldn’t do anything about it, but if not…
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Fallen_shinku
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rebellion monologue 3

Evray didn't hear Sophia. Or, if he did, he made no sign of it. The boy continued to stare out the window, and though the Valkyrie was still in the room, she had long left the sick boy's mind. Her words came as nothing more than white noise to him; part of the cacophony that was lumped together with the faraway sound of the streets below. His eyes were there, they met Sophia's, but they no longer saw her.

As she poked her head out into the hallway, she would find that Adour had held up his end of the agreement, still seated where she had left him. He was leaning back, arms behind his head, as if he was at a park or beach instead of the hospital. When the blonde heard Sophia, all Adour did was turn to her and smile. As expected of the whimsical teen, he made no move to answer or reply to Sophia's query.

However, perhaps Sophia couldn't even care less of what Adour would have to say, if he were to speak. That is because another figure had made itself onto the lonesome hallway. An individual, to be more precise. Someone she knew, and perhaps, would feel had had a hand in this affair. At the sound of her voice, the newcomer turned to face her.

Posted Image"Hmph." Xie's own way of saying a greeting, as he followed Adour's eyes to Sophia's.

As he turned around, Sophia would be able to see the glowing sigil Adour held earlier now in the Alchemist's hand. So that was it, Xie was the person that he was waiting for. And, presumably, working with. Though, it was hard to say whether that was a good thing or not. Xie wasn't insane like Adour; he was her classmate and coworker. But then, why would he affiliate with someone like that rogue mage?

"Judging by that look on your face, I'm guessing he didn't say anything to you," Xie remarked. Though he couldn't gleam anything out of Sophia's expression, it was a logical deduction as any.
Posted Image"Business? Yes, I guess I do have some business with that boy," Adour said, pushing himself off from his seat. The robed man yawned, stretching his arms dramatically upwards.

"Or, rather, we do."

With a swift flurry of his hand, Adour pulled a sleek long box out of the air. A familiar, nostalgic box. The last time Sophia had seen it, it was being carried off by a long haired girl. Akira. And before that...

It was Evray's beloved box. The thing that held Lorelei. But why did Adour have it?

Posted Image"Stop wasting time, Adour," Xie chided angrily at his accomplice, taking the black box. Adour simply shrugged in response.

"This isn't one of your jokes. This is serious. And I won't allow you to risk any part of it with your antics." Returning his eyes to Sophia, the Alchemist regarded her with eyes that were familiar and all too foreign. It was obviously the same quick-tempered butler that had worked at the café, but this was definitively a side of him she had not seen before.

"Well? Did he say anything to you?" Xie asked seriously, referring to Evray.
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Sophia Antistita
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Now Xie was here? Just how many people were related to this madness? “Adour? If you know him at all you’ll know that he wouldn’t tell anyone anything unless he feels like it.” Sophia answered with exasperation filling her voice. “And what about you? I didn’t realize you were the mastermind behind this mess. Then again you’re not working alone, are you?”

It honestly felt like she was in over her head, what with the creation and destruction of whole worlds and whatnot. But at the same time it wasn’t something that she could just leave alone, her conscience wouldn’t allow it, so with a heavy sigh she looked at Xie. “If you’re talking about Evray however, he did say that he had been in a dreamlike state and saw almost everything.” Another test, to see how deeply the alchemist was involved. “Does that mean anything to you?”
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Fallen_shinku
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Xie silently agreed with the Valkyrie; even he had trouble dealing with the force of nature known as Adour. However, despite his tendency, he had proven himself surprisingly capable and eerily resourceful. Besides, it wasn't as if XIe could just choose who to enlist; if that were the case, Sophia probably wouldn't be here. But, as events would have it, here she was.

Posted ImageThe Alchemist crossed his arm, his frown growing harder. It would seem like Sophia's reply wasn't what Xie had wanted to hear.

"No. It doesn't." Xie shook his head.

"That's not what I meant," Xie replied strictly. However, one might note that the Alchemist wasn't shouting. In fact, he seemed even tempered, at least compared to his usual self. Of course, after going through so much, it was doubtful that Sophia would take note of such a minor thing.

"Rephrase. What does he intend to do?"
Posted Image"Probably lay around and wait to die," Adour jested, though perhaps accurate.

"People like him are like that. They all cling to something, with all their strength." Adour opened his hands, his devilish smile spreading. "Take that away, and all they do is fall. Close their eyes and fall."

The blonde chuckled morbidly.

"Don't even bother to enjoy the view on their way down."

However, Xie made no motion that he heard the blonde. Instead, his eyes were waiting pensively for Sophia to speak.
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Sophia Antistita
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“… I’m afraid there might be some truth to Adour’s words.” Sophia spoke, her voice a dark whisper. “I have no idea what Evray intends to do, but he looked like a man who had given up hope.” She had sensed it earlier when she was in the room with Evray, that sense of despair. It was why she had said what she did, for what little good it did.

A pause, then the Valkyrie slowly looked over to Adour. “… You sure sound like you know a lot about Evray, Adour.” She slowly walked up to him and stared straight into his eyes. “I don’t care how hard it is to get an answer out of you, you’re going to tell me exactly how you got involved with him.”
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Fallen_shinku
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Xie frowned, growing quiet. Withdrawing himself, the Alchemist took a few steps back, and a quick glance would tell anybody that he was giving Sophia' words some ponderous thought. Adour, on the other hand, only seemed even more livened by them.
Posted Image"I'm positively ecstatic that you agree with me, Sophia," the boy spoke as he opened his eyes. Opening his arms, the robed figure beckoned to the Valkyrie, as if calling her for a hug. "We may have gotten off on the wrong foot, but I feel this is the beginning of a beautiful partnership!" Adour chuckled, holding that posture for a few seconds.

"But, I'm not sure we're at the point in our relationship where we can confide in each other so easily!" Meaning, Adour was a man that liked his secrets to remain his. But seemed to have no qualms against sharing other's. Though, Sophia's sudden advance was able to cause Adour to take a step back, dropping his arms and smile.
Posted Image

"Maybe if you asked more nicely. And without that subtle tone implying that I'll plant a dagger in your back. Haven't I proven myself more than trustworthy?"

Of course, whether Sophia trusted him or not didn't actually mean anything to the whimsical magus. As long as his accomplished his goals, he couldn't care less of what these people thought of him.

And, though for different reasons, they were all here for the same thing.
Posted Image"I told him," Xie replied simply, his tone carrying a hint of irritation. "Its not hard to find out the history of a person. It's simple, really. All you need to do is ask." So Xie was the one who told Adour about Evray.

"This is a waste of time," Xie finally concluded. Hefting the black box off the floor, the Alchemist cut in between Sophia and Adour.

"If he doesn't have the desire to act, then I will create one."
Posted Image"Dangling a carrot? You know, lying isn't a very healthy habit. Make sure you actually have one."
Posted Image"Don't question me. I know what I'm doing."

Turning away from the blonde, Xie faced Sophia, matching the hard gaze she had shown Adour earlier.

"As for you, I would prefer your help. Of course, I don't need it, but it would make things a lot less problematic. I trust you won't disappoint me?"
Edited by Fallen_shinku, Jun 17 2014, 11:43 PM.
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Sophia Antistita
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Ignoring Adour’s sarcastic remarks Sophia immediately turned her attention to Xie when he said he had a way to make Evray act. “If you really do have some way to keep Evray away from the brink, you have my full support.” Her tone made it clear how eager she was to help. After all, she was responsible for him being like this in the first place.

Not a second later however, she paused and became wary once more. “Just how do you intend to do it? I tried early and got nowhere with him, though my methods probably weren’t as… persuasive as yours.” Revenge is usually a strong motivator, but it works on certain people. “How are you so sure your way will work?”
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Fallen_shinku
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Posted ImageThe alchemist nodded indifferently as Sophia agreed to assist him. Another variable he had accounted for.

"I'll offer him a 'hope'," Xie replied simply.
Posted Image"Meaning," Adour stepped in, his tone surprisingly stern. The Magus crossed his arms.

"Xie is going to lie to the poor boy."

"I'm not lying. There's a chance."

"An Alchemist would call it 'insignificant' or 'improbable'."
Posted ImageXie made a small sound, like a click of his tongue, before turning back to Sophia.

"It's simple, really. When you get down to it, most human actions are driven by one of two things. First is logic, any moron can guess how that works. Second," Xie held up two fingers with his free hand, emphasising his point.

"Is emotion. Most people use a combination. Evray, like most obsessors, follows the latter."

The alchemist then lifted the case to eye level, presenting it before Sophia. Then, with a quick motion, a click could be heard. Then, the case popped open, revealing-

Empty. The box was empty.

"I offer him a chance to have his decrepit life back."
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