Sympathy for the Devil (IC)

[Neon Knight]

Black thunder echoed in the skies above the quiet country manor as white lightning split the night. Rain fell down in heavy sheets, whipped into a stinging wave by the howling wind. It wasn't a good night to be out, but that didn't seem to concern the girl who walked up the muddy road towards the foreboding house.

There were a few things unusual about this girl, a few things that were a bit off. They way the oppressive rain seemed to be lighter and the scything wind seemed to be gentler in her presence was one of them. Around her, the night was more of a soft gentle blueish cast instead of a pitch black nightmare engulfing everything in a smothering blanket of nothing.

Her clothes were normal; jeans and a t-shirt that would have been typical and in fashion the world round. There wasn't anything off about her build or height. She was a skinny teenage girl, more athletic than curvy, and overall decidedly tomboyish.

The return to weirdness occurred with her hair, pulled away from face in a severe bun at the back of her head. It was silver. She wasn't tow-headed or gray haired; her hair glimmered like flowing mercury or quicksilver.

The final touch of oddness was that she carried a sheathed curved blade in one hand.

Emmeline looked up at the gloomy manor. With her mystical senses, she was things that most humans would miss. She saw the blue ghost lights whirling above the houses, heard the whispers and cackling on the wind. Restless souls held this place in their terrifying grip.

Emmeline began walking towards the front door. "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me..."

____

At a street corner in a bustling city, a small crowd was gathering. It was a rather mangy and grungy crowd, being comprised of poor men and women, some homeless, others just desperate.

They were collecting around a one girl soup kitchen, although you wouldn't have believed it to be the work of one girl if you saw the sheer output being produced by the apparently makeshift operation.

Riko was, as usual, overflowing with energy and spirit, and she just couldn't wait to show it. She dashed to and fro, helping and serving and stopping to scribble little drawings on the napkins. She'd tied her ebony black hair up with red ribbons to keep it out of her way as she worked.

The whole scene had a strange sort of warmth and infectious energy to it that you couldn't help but smile a bit, at least if you were a human. Despite the downtrodden state of their lives, many of the people were smiling.

Riko continued to serve food to the homeless as the crowd grew.

____

The park was a perfect image of picturesque nature at its brightest and sunniest, but still Kazuo felt unmoved at the sight. He sat on the park bench, watching the people go by. The colors... he felt the oddest thing about the colors. They were too bright. He wanted to paint them all black...

Most people walked faster as they went by the young man sunk in his misery. His appearance and the expression on his face were quite... unsettling.

So when someone sat down right by him without a second thought, he was quite surprised.

She was a pretty young thing, with soft green eyes and long flowing hair the color of gold. Her clothes were cutesy and cream colored. A massive bow shaped like a butterfly was fixed into her hair at the back of her head.

Her demeanor and expression were serene and gentle as she looked at him. "Hi. You look rather... sad."

Persephone began to talk to the man as he stared at her.


If your character is finished and posted in the OOC, feel free to post here. Please insert yourself into one of the three scenes above. Hold off on going for the angels until everyone's ingame and ready to go.

[Zweanslord]

Theodore

In the park of a quality that can be found in paintings, Theodore stood still, watching carefully over the park. Standing in a position which lend itself towards that purpose, Theodore might be mistaken for a tourist enjoying the park, were it not for his formal wear. Wearing a white suit with a few lines the same colour as his eyes and wearing his hair in a long braid, Theodore stood out somewhat. His face looked friendly, though also somewhat reserved. From this position, Theodore took in the sight and also the sight of Persephone in the far distance, talking to a man.

At times, Theodore sighed as his eyes moved over Persephone's figure. They were sighs filled with more emotions than his usual cool demeanour would show. His smile grew as he looked in her direction and his eyes seemed to ease, lingering before moving on to watch the rest of the park. "Oh, Persephone.." Theodore once whispered when few others were near walking the paths close by. He wondered why she had come here and why his heart fluttered each time he let his eyes rest on her. But the latter he knew, for his crush had not dimmed since St. Peter's Academy.

[AmberVael]

Melpomene

As it so happened, Melpomene was in the house of the restless dead as well, examining the spirits with curiosity- measuring their presence and energy in an attempt to figure out just how they sustained themselves, and whether they were truly of intelligence or use. If they proved to be non-sentient, and were in fact just mindless programs simulating life, she might have a good way to sustain herself for a while.

However, while she was writing on her notepad, sitting on a musty chair inside, a small silvery breeze whirred up to her, spinning around her before swooshing off to the window. Pausing in her work, she glanced outside and noted Emmeline coming closer.

"Oh my. What a coincidence."

Smiling to herself, she brushes back her hair and goes closer to the window, looking outside at the young angel trainee. How curious! Wasn't that a... well yes, she'd heard of a rumor, but to think that it was true! Amazing! Melpomene almost forget herself as she stared out of the window, then jolted upright.

"Try and keep things under control in there, spirit."
Melpomene said to her ethereal companion, who whisked off to do... something in the other rooms. Probably to little or no effect at all. Meanwhile, Melpomene glanced at a broken mirror, gauging her appearance. She seemed a little old fashioned and perhaps not at her best, but-

Well, it would be okay.

Bringing a smile back to her face, Melpomene went to the door and cracked it open, looking out at Emmeline with a single, pale green eye. After a moment, she opened it a bit wider.
"I thought I heard someone out there! Quickly- come in! You must be soaked!"
Despite the creepiness of the house, Melpomene seemed inviting and nice enough...

(Affection to be all nice and inviting: 24 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=6035836&postcount=2))

[Shades of Gray]

Franz

Franz wakes up, under a pile of garbage.

Nngh... His voice is hollow sounding. Franz straightens his helmet, and surveys the scene. He had been dreaming again, of angels. He wondered why he slept, he certainly did not need to.

[Tackyhillbillu]

Amadeus stood just outside the soup kitchen. He was in disguise for now, or at least for him. His Wings weren't visible, but he was still getting stared at. After all, he was dressed in his White Robes, his Sword hilt set at his side, hanging there without any visible reason. Beyond that, his features seemed to be glowing with some soft light. And then there was the unblinking stare he directed at the Girl in the Soup Kitchen.

Riko

Amadaeus was still having problems dealing with emotions in this matter. Anyone else, he would have rushed in there, and just dragged the Trainee back by force. However, this was Riko. He'd protected for her her entire existence. Course, that might be part of the reason why she was like this now.

That's why I had to come. I have to stop this before it reaches the logical conclusion.

Amadaeus sighed, and just shook his head. He disliked concealing his wings. Made it feel like he had an itch he couldn't scratch. But for now, he had no choice. Amadaeus walked forward, his hands staying away from his Sword. No matter what he thought about it, he couldn't treat Riko like any other Angel Trainee. Thats why he had come here first. He just walked in, and smiled at her faintly. The expression looked mildly out of place on his face. No matter where she was, she didn't chance.

"Riko, I think we need to talk."

[The_Snark]

Jezebel

Of the three angels, only one was easy to find. She had to be, really—if people couldn't find her, she couldn't do much to help them.

Jezebel surveys the soup kitchen and the crowd in front with a critical eye, taking care to stand some distance away from the grubby crowd. Messy, messy, messy. She abandoned Heaven for this? Sitting on a street corner making soup? What do they teach them these days? Jezebel was quite sure she could have organized the whole thing better. No matter how good the angel was at cooking, a real building and some assistants would help—not to mention shipping to other districts and cities, publicity... It was bizarre that this Riko would risk breaking the hands-off policy for something so... unambitious. Ambition's more our department, I guess.

Of course, she'd have also made sure there wasn't quite enough to go around, and put a little essence of temptation in the soup, so that the homeless people would start periodic fights over it. She'd have also made sure to contradict zoning and food safety regulations, so as to get in legal trouble, and maybe set up some food poisoning. With a little luck, she might have been able to touch off a riot when somebody tried to shut it down.

But that was all beside the point. The point was, Jezebel had a legitimate way to help this angel, even if she had no intention of doing it right. And that meant she had an in.

If only she could get to her without having to touch the homeless people...

[Shades of Gray]

Franz

Franz puts on his This coloured cloak, covering everywhere except for the bottom of his shoes. His head is concealed by shadow.

He walks into the street, and looks to the person serving food.

That must be her...

Franz gets in the back of the line.

[Neon Knight]

Emmeline paused when Melpomene greeted her. She hadn't expected there to be anyone else other than spirits at the manor, but the angel could tell this was no spirit. Melpomene seemed friendly and inviting enough, but a small portion of her mind was put slightly on guard by this turn of events. Emmeline did not enjoy surprises.

Still, Emmeline accepted Melpomene's invitation. "Thank you for your kindness."

____

Riko paused in her serving as Amadeus came up to her. She bit her lip for a second, seemingly uncertain of what to say. Then she decided. "About what, brother?"

The line proceeded forward, and Franz found himself getting closer to the pair.

____

Persephone continued to chat with the man. "Now, I understand that you're concerned, but is it really fair to your wife for you to do this?"

Kazuo sighed. "You say you understand, but if you really understand..."

Persephone stopped him with a gentle hand laid on his arm. "I understand this. Your wife loves you. You love your wife. Why does anything else matter?"

Kazuo sputtered. "Well, well we-"

"Here's what you should do. Go home to your wife. Hold her close to you. Listen to eachother's heartbeats. And if you still don't know what to do, if you still feel lost, you'll know I was wrong."

Kazuo stared at her for a second, before getting up and walking away. Persephone sat on the bench, watching him go.

[Shades of Gray]

Franz

Franz turns his head to Amadeus. No cutting in line... He says, voice sounding irritated and hollow.

[AmberVael]

Melpomene

"Oh, it's nothing at all. Don't mind the mess- I don't think this place has been cleaned in years."

Melpomene says, inviting the angel trainee inside the house and ushering her with little motions of her arms. She seems a bit awkward and out of date, as if she came from the past...

"What brings you out to a place like this?"

[Tackyhillbillu]

Amadaeus turned first to Franz, crossing himself and giving the fellow a stern look.

"May peace find you brother. I have no intention of taking your share."

Amadaeus turned to Riko and just shook his head at her.

"Can I convince you to retire to a slightly more private place, sister? What we need to speak about isn't for general consumption, you know."

Amadaeus didn't want to have to yell at her in public. That wouldn't help. And he couldn't yell at her about what he wanted to in public. And he didn't want to have to yell at her, which he had a better chance of having happen if he could speak with her freely.

Getting away from these people is definitely best...

Got a 12 on my affection roll, to see if Riko would accept his request on the basis of their family ties.

[Shades of Gray]

Franz

Franz clenches his covered hand into a fist. The sound of scraping metal can be heard.

I have no brother. I am no brother.

That traitor. He thinks. Young lord Deitrich...

[Zweanslord]

Theodore

Noticing how the man left Persephone, Theodore knew she must have lit his heart a bit. Letting out a smile because of that thought, Theodore still felt himself get a bit nervous. He tried to suppress it, but he had to admit this was the perfect opportunity to address Persephone. Gathering his courage, he moved along the path towards Persephone. Halting before her, he bowed before her. "Greetings, fair lady. What brings an angelic lady such as you down here?" He smiled towards her politely, hoping he was doing well. He still felt his heart beat in his chest, but he had things under control and tried to be as friendly as possible towards her. (Affection: 15 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=6037687#post6037687))

[Wiz]

Magenta

Magenta Powers III stood in her office, looking out the window, waiting on subordinates... and wondering what punishment should be suitable for rousing her impatience. She'd built up this corporation through three mortal lifetimes here in the heart of Creation. Starting with a small brothel, and working her way up, she had built the greatest lust-fueled business conglomerate of all time, including several specialty magazines, the pornographic film companies, many more brothels. More recently it had stretched its tendrils into other sins. She'd been getting complaints from rival hell-based businesses, but she had done so much for the overall cause of the Fallen that she was unconcerned about loose talk. After all, her high-end, specialty escort service had in the last twenty years actually drained most of the humanity from a good 70% of the MBA's in the United States alone - fueling their greed and lust for power with every servicing of their needs. Almost single-handedly she had turned the major corporations of the world into mindless machines with no conscience, willing to grind human beings to dust for the sake of a few percentage points on the year's end corporate profit sheets.

A low-level flunky stepped into her office, "Ms. Powers... I have..."

She doesn't bother to turn her gaze on the one, her left hand held out, "Give them to me now! We will talk, later..."

The flunky pressed the envelope into her hand and rushed out, gulping nervously. She opened the envelope and looked over the three photographs therein, nodding. Her inferiors, her competitors always wondered how she was able to be at every meeting, wherever in the world...

Black thunder echoed in the skies above the quiet country manor as white lightning split the night. Rain fell down in heavy sheets, whipped into a stinging wave by the howling wind. It wasn't a good night to be out, but that didn't seem to concern the girl who walked up the muddy road towards the foreboding house.

The door was answered by one who's beauty was only rivaled by her coldness...

A mortal? In that house? I'll have to give a description to Franz... see what he can find in the files.

At a street corner in a bustling city, a small crowd was gathering. It was a rather mangy and grungy crowd, being comprised of poor men and women, some homeless, others just desperate.

They were collecting around a one girl soup kitchen, although you wouldn't have believed it to be the work of one girl if you saw the sheer output being produced by the apparently makeshift operation.

Magenta is amused when the righteous angel cuts in line...

It is so like them... the rules are there to make everyone happy, but guess what - they don't have to follow the rules; so, let's see - the brother - and... Jezebel? Hmmm... I wonder if she'd like a job?

Magenta nods to Jezebel, holding up one of her business cards and then pocketing it. It's only polite to notify a hell-rival of potential conflicts and she knows that Jezebel can retrieve the card at will if she's interested...

The park was a perfect image of picturesque nature at its brightest and sunniest...

Magenta watches Persephone for the longest time... while watching her talk to the young man she gets out a cellphone and contacts the nearest independent service provider on her rolls. As the young man reaches the edge of the park, heading toward home a young woman stumbles in his way, he reacts and catches her as she almost falls. "Thank you... you're a gentleman." The polished professional smiles at the young man, adjusting her top which almost came open during her 'accident' - "Please, let me buy you a cup of coffee by way of thanks."

Meanwhile, Persephone is still there when a young man steps forward to greet her.

The smitten schoolboy...

It could be worse. She'd been told that she could make a clear shot and delay in her own organazation had let others move in on her targets first. Either that, or these rivals had jumped the gun - but never mind, she preferred to have competition rather than shoot sitting ducks.

[The_Snark]

Jezebel

She was about to approach when something caught her eye. A woman—she recognized Magenta after a moment, one of their more productive field agents, and one of the few lust demons who'd managed to move past the methods of the Middle Ages. Really, only the childbirth demons were worse, and between tempters and child-killers, that was 90% of the older female demons right there.

She gives a careful return nod, eyes narrowed. So, she's been assigned to this. Or she's decided to jump at the opportunity—doesn't matter. Go bother one of the others, Magenta. Thankfully, she vanishes after a few moments; either she's doing just that, or she's only been assigned to surveillance. Good.

She makes her way through the hubbub, doing her best to look slightly hangdog; her clothing stands out, but she has something of the same air as the homeless people. The crowd gradually shifts to let her through, a mysterious phenomenon that most certainly has nothing to do with strategic toe-stepping...

[Neon Knight]

Emmeline watched Melpomene carefully. Vigilance was part of her nature, and there was something slightly off about her. Still, she had been warm and inviting enough. Emmeline had enough naive confidence in her own abilities to feel safe, despite the fact that she was in a dangerous haunted manor with a strange person.

Emmeline considered her answer to Melpomene's question carefully. She was surprised that Melpomene wasn't a bit more put off by her. Emmeline often envied the grace and ease with which Riko and Persephone fit into mortal society. They didn't have to change their hair color to fit in for one, and they just seemed to be more readily accepted than Emmeline. Plus, she was openly carrying a sword. That should have been disconcerting...

But Emmeline accepted Melpomene's apparent amiability and kindness at face value.

"I'm here to look at the house. I enjoy architecture." Both of those were true; Emmeline had actually spent her few first hours on earth visiting famous cathedrals. It was strange; after the glories of heaven, one would think that the earth would be absolutely dull. But Emmeline didn't think so.

____

Riko sighed. She knew how Amadaeus was. "Alright. Hey, everyone, I'll be right back."

Riko followed Amadaeus to a private spot. Once there, she put her hands on her hips and waited for him to start.

____

Persephone giggled musically when Theodore bowed to her and smiled at him serenely. "I'm here to help people. Help people understand."

[Tackyhillbillu]

Amadaeus sighed at his sister, and just shrugged. He needed to stay in control. If he started yelling, that would probably be it, and he would have to try it the other way.

And I can't do that happily, not with Riko.

"Riko, what in the name of all that is holy are you doing here? Disobeying his wishes..."

Amadaeus left very little doubt who 'him' was in this case. Just his way of speaking about it gave it away pretty well.

"...the orders of your superiors. I'm sure you have your reasons, and I want to hear them."

So I can use them to protect you from what I can. Just like always do.

[AmberVael]

Melpomene

"Really? You look like the type of person who might think the house was haunted. On a night like this, out here, there is no better time to investigate such tales."

Melpomene winks at Emmeline.

"This house has quite the history, I bet.

[Zweanslord]

Theodore

Not able to help it, Theodore had a slight blush on his cheeks as Persephone let out a beautiful giggle at his bow. He listened to her response, but was lost for a few seconds in her serene smile. He coughed a bit before straightening himself out and talking once more. "Your goals are lofty and admirable, I admit. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Theodore and.." Making sure nobody else nearby heard the following, whispering if necessary. "I am angel, like you." He looked at her for a moment. "I know you are Persephone. As said, you have worthy goals. However, not by intent, they also endanger these people. Our superiors did not make the rules for nothing and even by being here you are in potential danger. I ask you humbly to go back with me to our home, Persephone." With that off his chest, Theodore smiled in a friendly manner towards her, hoping to be able to persuade her by telling the truth. He did add something after, just in case. "However, if you do not wish to go, at least allow me to stay with you so that I may protect you and your kindness, sweet Persephone." If she let him protect her, Theodore also saw it as an opportunity to be able to convince her, and, well, spend time with her.

[Neon Knight]

Riko looked at Amadeaus. "It's not enough. What we were doing before, I mean. Too little, too late. People are suffering. We can try to poke and prod them into fixing it, but that never seems to work. I'm tired of watching it all go to hell while we sit up there and hope their consciences guilt them into doing the right thing."

____

Emmeline looked at Melpomene cautiously. That was too close of a guess to her true purpose for her to be entirely comfortable.

Emmeline didn't know what she was going to do. She could hardly begin cleansing the manor with this woman here, but she had no idea how she was going to get her to leave. Technically, she didn't have to conceal her angelic nature from mortals (she'd broken one rule already, right?) but she would still rather be alone while dealing with the spirits.

"Yes, I bet it does. Why are you here, if I may ask?"

____

Persephone listened to Theodore attentively. "Oh, I hate to disappoint you, but I can't go home. Not yet." Persephone sighed and gestured to the park around them. "There are just too many people down here blind and deaf to their own hearts. I can't let them stay like that."

"Theodore.. um, could I call you Theo? You can call me Seph, if you want." She smiled again. "I'd... um, I'd be honored, if you protected me..." a faint pink blush colored her cheeks at this, "but my friends might not like it. Emmeline probably wouldn't mind... she wanted to stay together so she could protect us anyway, but Riko said we have to be independent. Show everyone that our way can work without help." Persephone sighed. "When Riko gets like that, you can't dissuade her."

[AmberVael]

Melpomene

"Well, I'm here to investigate the ah, rumors of spirits myself, obviously. It appears they're absolutely justified, much to my surprise."

Says Melpomene quite honestly.

"They really are quite lovely, though I admit I've always had a bit more macabre taste. Strange- most of me says that it is creepy, but there is this one little niggling voice in my head that persistently sees the beauty of it. It's hard to explain, really, how you can see something as terrifying, horrifying, and yet entirely magnificent at the same time."

She smiles down at the angel trainee and puts an arm behind her in a sort of formal, guiding escort manner, beginning to lead her down the hall.

"I have to admit that I'm somewhat surprised that a person such as yourself would come here just for architecture." Melpomene glances at her sword and hair. "Surely you have some important things to do?"

Apparently Melpomene is taking her words at face value.

[Tackyhillbillu]

Amadaeus listened to Riko, and just shook his head. It would have to be something like that with her. Always charging forward, never looking at why things were the way they were.

"Riko, you know why we can't fix it. It isn't our place to tell the Human's what the world they make will be like. We can advise them, try to prompt them to do the right thing, prevent them from tipping too far, but we don't have the right to take away their choices."

This wasn't an area Amadaeus entered into to often. He was a Cherub, a Warrior of the Light. Demon's were his concern, not human's. Human's were things he protect from the Darkness, but he had never gained the fondness for them some did.

"And we've had our successes, as well. Human's have the divine spark in them as well, and they find ways to express it. They have done some inspiring things. Would you take their accomplishment's away from them?"

He knew he was just parroting things, and she'd heard this all before. But he would not let Riko fall. If he could, he would gather up each of the Wayward Ones, and return them to safety. But Riko came before all.

Which isn't right, but is true.

"Riko, you know why I'm here, don't you?"

[Neon Knight]

Riko let out a small sigh. "Yeah. I know." She looked at Amadaeus sadly. "And you know I won't let you. Not without a fight."

___

Emmeline didn't follow Melpomene. Advancing into the house could arouse the wrath of the spirits, and she didn't want to fight them until Melpomene was out of the house.

Melpomene herself seemed to be an eccentric of some sort; the archaic manners, odd interests, and bizarre sentiments seemed harmless enough when framed that way. "I really just came to look at the house." Of course, the sword is a bit difficult to explain...

[Tackyhillbillu]

Amadaeus sighed. He looked at Riko. He could proceed with the threats, where he'd end up. He wasn't extremely patient on the best of days, and even with Riko, he was coming to his end.

"You know why I'm worried for you, don't you? The Demon's will be here for you soon, if they aren't already. You don't have the training to spot them, let alone fight them."

Amadaeus knew how dangerous they were. There were few Angels who knew them better then he did. Riko was to headstrong, to sure.

"...I don't want to fight you, Riko. You are my sister, and whatever you believe, I do love you. But I won't watch you fall either. I've seen that happen, and I know where it ends."

[AmberVael]

Melpomene

"Well yes, we already established that. I was just expressing my surprise that you'd come to look at architecture. Do angels get time off often?"

Melpomene asks, apparently not one for keeping secrets or messing about with lies.

[Wiz]

Magenta

Magenta smiled, wondering how good the schoolboy really was. Did he understand that his feelings were chinks in his armor? How much did they prepare him to deal with the subtle forms of magic... it was easy enough to discount an illusion... but what if it was an illusion one wished to believe. Still some distance away she gestured seeing how effective she could be at overcoming his unconcious resistance. Erotic gestures and dark, breathy words flowed from the magenta-eyed villian.

Cunning Illusion: 30 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=6040419&postcount=5)

[Shades of Gray]

Franz

Franz takes over the angel's position in serving the soup/food/whatever. What a nice guy.

[Neon Knight]

Riko seemed to sense that the conversation was coming to an end. She tensed up. "My answer hasn't changed. I'm not leaving, Amadaeus."

___

Emmeline froze for a second. A mortal that could spot her angelic nature, or at least guess at it from the few hints in her appearance? Emmeline had enough knowledge to know that she was in over her head. Her thoughts raced.

"No. No we don't." Emmeline wasn't one for lying, either.
___


I'll need a pair of rolls from Theo, one to detect demonic magic, the other to try to see through the illusion. Might want to consider favor burn if you really want to see through the illusion.

[AmberVael]

Melpomene

"Didn't think so! Guess you want to savor this then."

Smiling, Melpomene gestures to the house.

"Don't be shy, you can come on in. I won't bother you if you don't want me to, though I have to admit- I wouldn't mind company. I've been pretty lonely for a while."

[Tackyhillbillu]

Amadaeus looked at her sadly, reaching over and touching her face softly, before letting his hand fall down to his side. She would hate him for this. He could bear that, if he had to.

"...please don't make me do this, sister."

Amadaeus' voice was even softer now. He could feel a great sadness falling upon him as possibilites vanished in front of his eyes. She'd hate him. Even worse, he'd hate himself. But it would be far, far worse if he let things take their course.

"I just want to protect you."

Even from yourself...

[The_Snark]

Jezebel

Leaving? What? Oh no you don't. Jezebel does her best to work free of the crowd and follow the angel, albeit at a distance. As the two duck into an alley, she crosses the street, taking up a position where she could see if not hear them. It was too dangerous to eavesdrop, but she wasn't about to let the angel out of her sight.

As she watches, briefcase clasped in front of her like a supplicant in case she's noticed, she can't help but realize the white-robed man Riko is talking to is also from Up There. Are they so hands-off that they don't even teach them how to disguise themselves anymore? Nobody wears a sword nowadays! If he's here to protect her... that could make things a little more difficult, but if I can fool one angel I can fool two. I wonder if this means Heaven's deciding to sanction this, though...? Hope not. That could get messy.

[Wiz]

Magenta 10/10 9

Magenta frowned, she'd slipped the illusion in under his radar, but he had a surprising grasp of reality for such a dreamer - she had to push a little extra effort into the illusion to see if it would take hold, feeding off his own desires.

Cunning Illusion: 36

[Neon Knight]

Riko looked back at Amadaus defiantly. "This is what I believe in, Amadaeus. And I can't compromise it. Not for him, not for you, not for anyone."

___

Emmeline remained where she was. "I'm afraid that not only do I want to be left alone, but I would also like you to leave the house."

___

Seph suddenly looked at Theodore sheepishly. "I'm sorry. I'm rambling and here you are waiting so... gallantly to protect me." Her eyes seemed to be filled with a powerful emotion as she looked at him. "It is rather scary, sometimes. But with you... well, with you around, I feel... safe." Seph was slowly leaning forward by inches, getting slightly closer to Theo without apparently noticing it. "I... I'm really grateful..." Her blush had been steadily increasing in intensity and her cheeks were now bright red. Her breaths seemed to come quicker, and Theow as sure her heart was racing.

___

That was the illusion. The real Seph was sitting normally, quite calmly and cheerfully talking about her friends Riko and Emmeline.

[AmberVael]

Melpomene

"Um..."

Melpomene's welcoming manner rather stuttered to a halt.

"I'm sorry? I mean..."

The woman seems at a little bit of a loss, and tries to explain, speaking nicely and hesitantly- not wanting to seem rude.

"I'm rather in the middle of research here- I don't want to just leave..."

[Shades of Gray]

Franz

Franz continues serving the food. Humming. The humming sounds hollow.

How am I supposed to meet with her? I hope she gets back soon...

[Tackyhillbillu]

Amadaeus sighed, a look of crushing sadness coming across his face. He reached out to touch her cheek again, but let his hand fall back before it did. And then the Sadness vanished, his face becoming a blank wall. His wings came out to their full extension, and he drew his flaming Sword.

"Angel Trainee Riko, you are charged with violating the will of heaven. You will return with me there, to recieve the punishment befitting your crime. I give you one chance to come willingly."

Internally, the older Angel was in turmoil. But his duty drew him onward, as it always had, and always would. He could protect his sister no longer.

"If not, you will be taken by force. So says Amadaeus, Cherub of the High Order, bearer of the Sword of Flame. What is your answer?"

Amadaeus' voice took on a resonant quality as he spoke, and he held the Sword low, ready to answer any threat.

[Zweanslord]

Theodore

Theodore listened to Seph, nodding as she told about the people blind and deaf to their own hearts, as well as when she asked if she could call him Theo. He returned her smile, which got a bit wider as she told about being honoured to be protected and a faint blush appeared. He nodded again as she explained about her friends and then apologised for her rambling. Smiling as she mentioned his offer about gallant protecting, he noticed how his eyes were drawn to her eyes, seeing the powerful emotion and drowning in it. This time, it was Theodore blushing a bit as she explained how she felt safe near him.

Theodore's heart started to race, as he knew her heart was doing the same, seeing her blushing cheeks, which seemed to pass on his own cheeks as she told him she was really grateful. He knew that this was the right moment, that she had feelings for him too. That he could open his heart for her. He stuttered a bit, before he started to speak again. "Seph.. I.. I, well I have to admit I have loved you since the first time I saw you in Saint Peter's Academy. You are the most beautiful angel I have ever seen and you are ever so sweet and kind. Even now, as you sit before me, your beauty surpasses all, as does your kindness and caring. You are a treasure to this world and heaven, a treasure that I would hate to see in danger, Seph, and that is why I want to protect you. I have come here for you, because I love you." While Theodore spoke, he had moved somewhat closer, leaning towards her and smiling with a radiant smile, showing a caring and loving and expression towards Persephone. He felt warm, with butterflies swirling in his stomach, relieved that he was able to speak his feelings towards her and happy with her reaction, unknown that her reaction was an illusion.

[Neon Knight]

Emmeline remained firm. "I apologize for my rudeness, but I must interfere with that. These spirits... they cannot be permitted to remain like this. They must be released, and give proper rest. When am I finished, this manor will be nothing more than an old building. The spirits are likely to attempt to resist this, and I would not want you to come to harm. So please, leave."

____

Riko's own wings spread behind her, her disguise falling. They were much smaller than Amadaeus's impressive span, but the angel trainee didn't have any fear of the looming Ace. "I will not come, and I will not be taken."

____

"You.. you l-love me?"

Seph looked down for a few seconds, her whole face flushed red. Then her eyes slowly rose to meet his.

"T-that's... Theo... I... I feel dizzy..."

He could see that she was overcome by his love. Her breath quickened. They were so close now...

____

"You... you love me?"

Real Seph looked at Theo with a mix of emotions. She'd been telling him about how Riko wouldn't trust him, and he'd just... he'd just poured his heart out to her. She... she didn't quite know what to do.

"Theo.. Theo, you're very sweet, but this is.. this is too much too fast. We need to slow down..." He was leaning so close to her...

[AmberVael]

Melpomene

Melpomene bites her lip, turning over options in her head. On one hand... she really didn't want the spirits to get destroyed or released. On the other hand... this might put her in direct conflict with the angel trainee, and the trust of this trainee was very, very important.
So the question was: how can she twist this situation to her advantage?

"Well... I guess that makes sense."
Melpomene says reluctantly.
"It's for the best... and they do deserve it. I just wish I could find more things like this, really..."
She suddenly seems to get an idea.
"Wait, you found this place- together we can probably find more- it would be good for you and me! If we work together, I can research a little and you can give them their rightful rest, and we'll both be happy.
"And... I'll have someone to talk to."
Melpomene says eagerly, her voice going tiny as she completes her thoughts.

[Zweanslord]

Theodore

"Are you alright?" Theodore asked after she said she was dizzy. He looked concerned, but smiled warmly, seeing her have feelings too, overwhelming feelings. He moved to sit close beside her on the bench, to be close next to her, looking at her. He let her take in his statement of love, reaffirming it again. "And yes, I do love you, sweet Seph. I know it is sudden, but I just felt I had to tell you, that it was the right moment." Seeing her blush, feeling her close and sweet proximity, Theodore's heart continued to race, blushing as he thought of romance with her. He saw she was swaying for his kind words, so he felt he should make use of the moment, to try and make that thought of romance he just experienced reality. "Do you.. want to take a romantic walk in the park with me?"

[Neon Knight]

Emmeline was surprised with Melpomene's idea. "Um, well... I mean... I don't just fight ghosts, you know. I fight evil wherever it is, whatever it is. We wouldn't always be seeking ghosts."

___

"Theo..." She said his name dreamily, as if it was her favorite word. "Theo... I'm alright." She smiled at him, getting lost in his eyes for a few seconds. "I would love to walk with you."

She looked at him shyly and offered him her hand. "Will you help me get up?"

___

"Theo..." She said his name sadly, "Theo, I understand that you love me, but I'm not sure if I can return those feelings. I need to think about this. I would like to be alone. I'm sorry."

[Zweanslord]

Theodore

Smiling towards Persephone, Theodore nodded towards her, accepting her wish to help her up. "Ofcourse." He stood up from the bench and then moved his hand towards a spot of air in front of Persephone, to grab the illusionary offered hand and help her up.

[Neon Knight]

Persephone suddenly withdrew her hand. She blushed and looked down at her feet. "Actually... well, um... I know this is sudden... and maybe it's asking too much... but will you carry me? I.. um... your arms look so strong..." She looked up at him, shyly and hopefully.

____

Real Seph looked at Theo, confused. "What are you doing? Theo? Are you alright?"

[Zweanslord]

Theodore

Surprised by the request, Theodore blinked once, but then looked happy. He had not imagined this would happen at all, but he loved the romantic image his mind conjured. Feelings fluttered as his cheeks turned a deeper shade of red, but that soon turned into a warm smile. "It is not polite to turn down a lady's humble request, so naturally I will honour it and carry you, my love." And with that, Theo looked lovingly in her eyes before he moved towards her, trying to carefully pick her up and carry her sweet and delicate figure in his arms against him.

[AmberVael]

Melpomene

"That's okay! I'm sure I can help."
Melpomene says cheerfully and confidently.
"I'll let you deal with this then. Spirit!"
She calls out to her familiar, which whirls to her and coils around her arm like a silver chain. It should be noted that the spirit isn't really a restless, dead spirit so much as it is a bit of a strange poltergeist- almost like a nature spirit of sorts. Still, it was quite suited to be a necromancer's familiar.
"I'll wait outside."
She smiles curtsies, and then exits the building.

[Neon Knight]

Emmeline watch Melpomene go curiously. The cheerful character and kindness reminded her of... well, of Riko and Seph. She hoped those two were doing alright. She had planned to meet with them at a later date, after they'd each had some time to pursue good in their own ways using their own talents. It had been Riko's idea.

Still, Emmeline didn't like being separate from them. Especially Seph. She was so naive sometimes.

Emmeline sighed and drew her sword from its sheath. It was best to clear one's mind of such concerns before going to battle, and although she wasn't certain she'd have to fight the spirits, it was always a possibility.

Resolute in her cause, she walked deeper into the manner...

30 minutes later, all the spirits in and surrounding the manor suddenly and swiftly faded away. Emmeline emerged, her sword back in its sheath.

She walked over to Melpomene. "I...um... I don't have anywhere to stay, or any money. It'll be rough going, and we may have to sleep outside alot. Are you sure you want to come with me?"

___

Illusionary Seph giggled. Real Seph said, "Request? What? Hey!"

Here, the illusion broke. It could not disguise that Seph actively fought him as she was picked up. Held in his arms, she pushed against him. "P-please, Theo, stop!" Her eyes... he could see the fear in her eyes. She was afraid of him. He wasn't listening to her, didn't seem to be hearing her, and now he was trying to carry her off somewhere.

[Wiz]

Magenta (10/10) (9)

Magenta Powers stepped forward, a tall, very curvacious and sexy woman with jet black hair dressed in a perfectly tailored business suit (her flesh-colored, prehensile, soft-barbed tail was wrapped around her narrow waist under the skirt). "Hey, you... stop that, let her go! POLICE! HELP!"

OOC: I know, but I'm evil, what can I say?

[The_Snark]

Jezebel

Well, that's not good. Jezebel starts towards the alleyway as she sees the sudden light. Now, how do I handle this?

Ignorance and confusion are always safe routes, she decides. Like any upstanding citizen would upon hearing a young woman in distress in an alley, Jezebel approaches, opening her briefcase to slip out a cellphone. Calling the police in on an angel would be rather funny...

"Hey!" she calls out, approaching the alley mouth from the side. "Is he bothering you, miss—oh..."

Wow, flaming sword and everything, she reflects as she puts on the wide-eyed, startled mortal act, standing in the mouth of the alley and staring at two obvious angelic beings. Do they not even bother to teach them about subtlety anymore?

The "businesswoman" stammers and tries to rally herself, without much success. "Ah... I—uh... miss?"

[AmberVael]

Melpomene

"Oh... well, I have a home. We could stay there, if you want. If we don't travel too far."
Melpomene smiles.
"Would you like to go there?"

[Neon Knight]

Emmeline looked at Melpomene carefully. As honest and cheerful as ever, it seemed. "I don't know how far we'll go, but we can stay at your house for tonight."

[AmberVael]

"Wonderful!"
Says Melpomene, taking out an umbrella.
"Stay close and we can keep out of this rain together."
The umbrella is just wide enough for two, luckily.

[Neon Knight]

Emmeline stayed close to Melpomene, grateful for the cover of the umbrella. She was already wet from her walk her and the chill wind kept blowing against her, making her shiver. She was a bit concerned about the lack of distance between them, mostly from the part of her mind that was always on guard.

"My name is Emmeline." She didn't like that she couldn't relax next to someone who had been nothing but nice to her, and she thought that maybe talking with her could break the tension she felt.

[AmberVael]

"A pleasure, Emmeline. I'm Melpomene."

Melpomene leads them off, getting a bit further from the more populated area, and ending up in a place which used to be a ghost town (almost literally) before it got knocked down. However, there is a single, well kept building still standing, where Melpomene lives. She managed to get it cheap due to superstition and distance- and since it fascinated her (though the superstitions proved false) she was quite pleased with the deal.

((Hope you don't mind me making this up. I'm kinda doing it on the spot. :smalltongue:))

[Shades of Gray]

Lord Franz Deitrich

What's taking them too long? This is worrying...

Sorry everyone, the soup kitchen is closed until Miss Riko returns. I apologize sincerely. He says in his ever hollow voice. He starts heading the way that the angels went.

[roll0] To find where Amadeus took Riko.

[Neon Knight]

As the crowd murmurs to itself, Franz moves off. He quickly manages to locate Riko, and of course the other angel and the apparent mortal bystander.

___

((That's perfectly fine.))

Emmeline examined the house for a while before looking at Melpomene. "It's surprisingly nice." Another gust of cold wind blew against them, making the damp Emmeline shiver a bit.

[Shades of Gray]

OOC: I'm pretty sure that Hanz fellow rolled quite well on his luck check, Kasrkin, what about Franz? :smalltongue:

Franz

Ms. Riko! He says in surprise, looking at the situation. Is this man bothering you?

The scrape of metal can be heard as she shifts his stance, standing with his feet wider, preparing for any combat. His gauntlets (Really his hands) Are visible poking out from his sleeves, and they are currently clenched into fists.

[Tackyhillbillu]

Amadaeus turned at the appearance of the first human, quickly followed by a second. But he did not retract his wings, nor put away his Sword. Instead, he studied them closely.

Threats lie on every corner...

[Shades of Gray]

Franz

Sir, I'll ask you again. What are you doing to our community saviour? His gauntleted hands clench even harder. He accidentally slips into his German accent for a small bit, before regaining his generican accent.

[AmberVael]

Melpomene

"Why thank you. I do enjoy it myself- the solitude is nice, most of the time."
She quickly leads them up to the door, unlocks it, and then ushers Emmeline inside so she can continue to hold them umbrella over them both until they get under shelter.

Someone stepping into Melpomene's house would get the impression that they had entered the office of an eccentric university history professor. Strange masks of assorted make hang all along the walls, and the floor is covered in a thick red rug that is obviously hand woven, and quite old (yet still in relatively good condition). There are display cases filled with tiny artifacts- urns and old lamps and statues.

There is a predominant theme, however. The statues are of gods of death, burial, the afterlife, and such things, while the urns are meant for funerary purposes- the lamps collected from burial grounds, and the rug depicting one mythological path to the afterlife. The masks are mostly death masks, worn by their wearers to their graves.

It's all rather fascinating, however, and unless one really knows their stuff, they might not notice the connection between the artifacts at all. Not all of it is quite obviously associated with death, after all- only to the knowledgable eye does the theme become clear.

Melpomene shakes out the umbrella just outside the door, then props it up inside as she closes the door behind them, shutting out the storm.

[Zweanslord]

Theodore

Theodore saw Persephone's lovely giggle. But with her picked up, she fought against it, pushing against him, requesting him to stop. No longer were her eyes filled with love, but instead with fear. He.. he was doing something she did not want. He did not understand what was going on and his caring face turned to one with a confused expression. As he put her down on the bench again, he heard another person call for the police. He felt dumbstruck, not understanding why she struggled, but knowing that he had done something wrong. "S..sorry. My apologies. I did not realise.. but you asked to be picked up.. What happened? What did I do wrong?" He asked, looking confused. He took a step back from her, hoping that it would ease her after he had set her back on the bench. His eyes moved from Persephone for a moment, looking at Magenta Powers and back to Persephone again. Feeling confused, Theodore knew that while he had to make sense of the situation, he had to apologise. "My sincere apologies, I did not mean to do anything you did not like." He looked back at Magenta Powers and the next words were addressed to both ladies. "I have no ill intents, honestly."

[Wiz]

Magenta (10/10) (9)

Magenta places herself between Theo and Seph, and seems a bit more calm since the young man is apologizing and not acting violently. "All right... I don't know what was going on, but why don't you take a walk, young man. Give the lady some space. I'm sure that you must have her phone number since you felt so free to take liberties, so I suggest you go cool off and call her before you arrange any future in-person meetings." She turns to Seph, "Are you all right, hon?"

[Zweanslord]

Theodore

Theodore blinks at Magenta. Not only is he still confused from the situation, but she kind of surprised him with phones. He had no phone and he doubted Persephone did either. In any case, he drew a deep breath, to calm himself down and recollect himself. He realised he was confused and wanted to figure out why Persephone suddenly became so scared of him. That the new figure was helping Persephone was admirable, but he could not leave now.

"I appreciate your concerns and action, Miss, but I am confused as well." He steps to the side, trying to look at Persephone again and make eye contact. "What is wrong, Seph? I tried to pick you up, because you had asked me after you agreed to walk with me. So why are you suddenly so scared?" He sighed a bit. "Look, whatever it is, please let us work this out, Seph. I mean well."

[Wiz]

Magenta (10/10) (9)

Magenta turns back toward Theo... "Look, I was backing down because you seemed all right, but now you're sounding just a little bit crazy. I was standing just over there and the lady asked for no such thing. I've met people so besotted with love or desire they thought a lady was 'asking for it,' but believe me, she wasn't. You might want to seek some psychological counseling, young man... but in the meanwhile, you'll leave... now!" She starts looking around to see if there are any police officers patroling the park.

[Neon Knight]

Riko looked from the mortal woman to the strange figure to her brother, confused. She should probably run, try to get away from her brother... but she hesitated, waiting to see how the scene played out.

___

Emmeline looked at the interior of the house curiously. She didn't have the knowledge to fully understand the connotations of all the decorations, and angels don't have a very strong connection with death anyway. They rarely experience it first hand, and don't have the looming threat of their own mortality to concern them.

"If it is not too imposing, may I borrow some dry clothes? I don't want to drip water on your things."

___

Seph stood up and addressed Magenta. "Wait. Let me talk to him, please."

Seph turned to Theo. "Theo, I didn't ask you to carry me. I didn't ask to walk through the park with you. I told you I needed some time and space to think about what you've told me. I... I don't know if I can return your feelings, Theo. I told you all of this, but it was like you couldn't hear me."

[Wiz]

Magenta (10/10) (9)

Magenta nods and steps aside, letting Steph talk to Theo, "If you say so." She still watches Theo doubtfully, and reaches both hands into her suit pockets - it looks like she's gripping something in each hand.

[AmberVael]

Melpomene

"Oh, of course! My room is the last room on the left down that hall. Anything in the drawers or closet will be fine. While you get dressed, I'll make us some tea, alright?"
Melpomene scoots off to the right, going into the kitchen and putting on a kettle.
Tea was the only thing she still had any taste for, nowadays. What with her magic sustaining her, food wasn't really necessary anymore, and a full stomach felt more uncomfortable than anything.
Tea, however, was relaxing. So she made tea.

[Zweanslord]

Theodore

Theodore nodded towards Persephone and listened. She told him that what he just heard from her, she had not said. Which likely meant that the behaviour he had just seen, she would claim to not have done either. Her words about not knowing if she could return those feelings stung, especially after the Persephone he had just experienced. He had opened his heart to a Persephone he had thought to be ready for it. But it seemed there was something amiss, as she now did not seem ready for it. After Persephone was done, he sighed for a moment.

"You have my gratitude for speaking with me, Seph. My apologies for my behaviour, I was convinced you did say those things. I saw you and heard it, but the behaviour I have seen from you has changed swiftly. I did not hear you say anything else, sorry. It was not merely because I wanted to hear it, it was, at least to me, real. However, I do not doubt your words. If you claim you did not say those things, than you did not. I do not know what came over me that I experienced such a different view of you." Theodore sighed again for a bit. "You.. did not say you felt safe with me either, did you?" Theodore looked at Persephone and after receiving a signal that she indeed had not said that, he nodded again. "What happened to me.. I do not know. I do know you should be careful, Seph." He looked at her again, but this time in a serious manner. He was referring to what he had said before, that just by being here, she was in potential danger. He hoped, however, that what had just happened would not happen to anybody else. "Anyway.. my offer to aid you still stands, though I can understand if you would rather be left alone now. What.. What do you want me to do, Seph?" He looked at her, his confused expression gone and replaced with a more down to earth look. He give a small, but warm smile towards her.

[Neon Knight]

Seph looked at Theo. "I'm sorry, but I need to be alone for a while. I need to think." She spoke softly, gently.

___

Emmeline walked into Melpomene's room. After a cursory glance around, she proceeded to select something from Melpomene's wardrobe and changed quickly. She went to the kitchen when she was finished.

((I'll let you pick what Emmeline changed into. I don't know what type of clothes Melpomene keeps.))

[Zweanslord]

Theodore

Theodore nodded towards Persephone. "Alright, Seph. Thank you for hearing me out and speaking to me, it cleared things up. I wish you well and be careful." And with that said, Theodore bowed deeply, before he nodded again and moved away down the path. A bit further, he looked back for a moment, before moving further to another part of the park. There he sought out a bench and sat down, sighing for a moment and thinking about what happened and what to do now.

[AmberVael]

((Hmm, well taking what little I know of Emmeline's personality into account, along with what is likely in Melpomene's wardrobe...))

Surprisingly, amidst all of the rather old fashioned dresses and more pretty clothing there are some very sturdy and serviceable pants and shirts of more sensible and masculine style. The contrast between these and Melpomene's preferred clothing is so much that one might think they were made for a husband or left by someone else, but they appear to be just the right size for Melpomene, so perhaps that isn't a correct assumption.

As it happens, Melpomene does infrequently do some digging around in graves, and she hardly wants to wear dresses while doing that.

The kitchen is an almost literally cavernous place- the walls and floor seem to be made of some kind of rough stone tile. There's an old, almost antique table along with some outdated kitchen appliances.

"All warm and dry now? Good!"
Melpomene slides a cup of tea in front of Emmeline before pouring one for herself.

[Wiz]

Magenta (10/10) (9)

Magenta raises a brow, and watches Theo walk away, she lets go of whatever was in her pockets and seems to relax. "I'm sorry for intruding on your alone time, I'll go now. I have to say though, you're one of the most understanding people I've ever met. That guy seemed very strange - but you talked him down from whatever cloud he was on and sent him away." She smiles, "You're good!"

[Neon Knight]

Seph watched Theo, then turned to Magenta. "He didn't mean any harm. He was just... confused." She looked back down the path Theo had disappeared, then turned back to Magenta. "Thank you for trying to help me."

___

Emmeline sat down. She rested her sword across her knees and accepted the tea. "The tea is excellent." Emmeline paused and looked at her strange host. Was this alright? To associate with a mortal that had so easily guessed her identity? But Melpomene had been only kind and welcoming so far...

[Wiz]

Magenta (10/10) (9)

Magenta smiles, "It was my pleasure... I don't care if they are dressed in grunge or like a prince in a corporate fairy tale like Whitey there... I don't like seeing guys manhandle a girl... unless it's for fun." She winks at Seph, "By the way, I'm Magenta... Magenta Powers."

[Neon Knight]

"My name is Persephone. You can just call me Seph for short."

[Wiz]

Magenta (10/10) (9)

Magenta smiles, "Persephone, Greek goddess of innocence, captured by Hades. A beautiful name, Seph, for a beautiful lady." She looks at her watch, "Well, I've just missed a business lunch with a very finicky client... and I hate to eat alone. Would you like to join me? If I'm not messing with your alone time, that is."

[Neon Knight]

"Um..." Persephone hesitated for a second, then said, "Alright, but, I don't have any money..."

[Wiz]

Magenta (10/10) (9)

Magenta chuckles, "That was an invitation, lunch is on me... but if the cost bothers you we could also eat at my apartment."

[AmberVael]

Melpomene

"Well thank you. I like to think I've had some practice by now."
The necromancer says with a smile, sitting down across from Emmeline.
"I hope I'm not being too presumptuous- I've just really been babbling away, and you've been kind of quiet, and don't know much about me at all. Surely you have questions?"

[Neon Knight]

Seph stood up. "Anywhere is fine, really."

___

Emmeline shook her head. "I'm not one for questions, really." Emmeline paused. "but I am curious... how did you know about angels?"

[Wiz]

Magenta (10/10) (9)

Magenta seldom needs him, but she has a chauffer on call in every city where she's staying. She pulls out a cellphone and punches some numbers, "Hello... James? Yes... please pick me up at the park, and tell Gustav to set out a nice lunch for two on the terrace. Oh, and call the office, I'm taking the rest of the day off..." She closes the cell phone, "I don't treat myself to a day off often enough, nor do I usually have such nice company to spend part of it with." She'll walk with Seph to the street where a stretch limo pulls up and the driver opens the door for them. "It's only a short way off." Indeed, as good as her word, the limo pulls up to a building that faces the park. Getting into the elevator from the basement garage, Magenta puts a key in a slot by the top button, marked Pent., and pushes it. Riding up, they come out of the subterranean realms and ascend toward heaven, the back of the glass elevator suddenly showing the park spread out below, and the shining buildings of the city around it. "Like the view?"

[AmberVael]

Melpomene

"Oh, well, I'm sure you've guessed the type of person I am by now. I keep my eyes and ears open for things that aren't just the mundane. As such, I've managed to quite a bit of real research on Heaven. And Hell, actually."

Melpomene seems slightly uncomfortable, and shivers at that last part. The idea of hell seems disturbing to her- and perhaps rightly so.

"Anyways, so I know things... and I did hear some rumors and signs of a few angels being around. Then you showed up! Everything about you just shouted it."

Her eyes flick over Emmeline.

"Everything just seemed calmer and nicer around you. Your hair is silver, you wore a sword, and came directly to an obviously haunted house out in the middle of nowhere, unafraid. Plus, I do have a bit of luck and knack for noticing such things."

[Neon Knight]

Seph looked down at the park below them, then looked back to Magenta. "This is very nice... She was surprised by the limo, the penthouse... everything, really. It seemed like an awful lot of trouble. She'd expected having to deal with rather rough quarters while one earth.

___

Emmeline considered Melpomene's words. "I... I guess I wasn't very subtle, really..."

[Wiz]

Magenta (10/10) (9)

Magenta exits the elevator into a short hallway and the door on the right opens almost immediately. A manservant is there who bows his head, "Thank you Jake, you may take the night off once the lunch is set out. I'll play bartender..." Magenta said, leading Seph into a large and spacious living room with french glass doors that let out onto a rooftop garden. She steps behind a wide bar, "What can I prepare for you?"

[Neon Knight]

"Um..." Seph didn't really know anything about alcohol. "Just some water is fine, thanks."

[Shades of Gray]

Franz

Riko, Is this man bothering you? He demands to know. Putting one of his hands under his cloak. A metal clank is heard once more, like he's gripping something. I'm just going by what I've seen...

[Neon Knight]

How does he know my name? Riko looked at Amadaeus. "Um..." She hesitated. "N-no, we're just having a discussion." He's not freaking out like that woman is. What's going on?

[Wiz]

Magenta (10/10) (9)

Magenta nods and pours out a bottle of high-quality spring water into a glass tumbler of ice cubes, she prepares a drink for herself, and carries both out to Seph, handing her the water, "Lunch is being set out in my garden, if you'd like to see it."

[Shades of Gray]

Franz

A conversation with swords. Of course. Franz says with a tone of sarcasm, not taking his hand off his sword underneath his cloak. It must be a very one-sided discussion then, you don't seem to have one.

[Neon Knight]

Shoot. "Listen, this is just a misunderstanding. Let's... let's just all calm down a little bit..."

___

Seph smiled. "I'd love to see the garden."

[Wiz]

Magenta (10/10) (9)

Magenta leads Seph out onto the penthouse roof garden, it is primarily roses of a unique magenta variety, but there is a complex display of cunning beauty. "I mostly design them now in my spare time... I used to do a lot more of the hands on work... I love gardening. You should have seen my masterpiece." The garden centers on a raised gazebo where another servant dressed in Chef's clothing seems to be making some final adjustments to the meal. From the gazebo, the view of the park and city are complimented by the shrubs and flowers all around.

Cunning Garden: [roll0]

[Neon Knight]

Seph's eyes lit up as she examined the garden. "It's beautiful..." Seph knelt to examine one of the roses more closely. She inhaled and closed her eyes softly, savoring their scent.

[Wiz]

Magenta (10/10) (9)

Magenta beams, "I'm glad you like it! Come, let's have some lunch... I think Alejandro has fixed us Chilean sea bass! There's also a wonderful salad here, my own personal favorite."

[Shades of Gray]

Franz

Franz withdraws his hand and bows deeply. As you wish m'lady. As he bows there is a creak of metal.

[AmberVael]

Melpomene

Smiling, Melpomene reaches across the table and gently touches Emmeline underneath the chin.
"Cheer up. I doubt anyone else would have been able to guess it- and I'm glad to have met you. I don't think it's such a bad thing."

[Neon Knight]

Seph followed Magenta to the table. "This looks great!" As the ate, Seph would stick mostly to the salad, having only a little fish.

___

Riko stared at Franz. "Um... did you just call me m'lady?"

___

Emmeline looked at Melpomene, confused. "Why are you glad to have met me?"

[Wiz]

Magenta (10/10) (9)

Magenta eats, favoring the fish more than the salad herself, but that's mostly because she knows it is a cunningly tasty blend of normal salad stuff and every herb, mushroom, or spice that affects both humans and angels (fallen or otherwise) and wakens them to their sensual side. Having used it on herself many times there's no question of its effectiveness, just the potency and speed of action based on freshness of ingredients.

Cunning Salad: [roll0]

Edit: Ooops... she might have made it a little too potent!

[Neon Knight]

There was a clink as Seph's fork slipped from her hand to the plate.

Yeah, Magenta had overdone it a little. More than a little. It was very clear that Seph was extremely uncomfortable. To one who was completely inexperienced, the stimulus was completely overwhelming. She was closer to sensory overload and numbness than she was pleasure.

"Magenta... I... something's wrong..."

[Shades of Gray]

Franz

Indeed I did, m'lady. He says, nodding.

[Neon Knight]

Riko stared at Franz. "Why?"

[Shades of Gray]

Franz

Your gender seems to be female. If this is not the case then I suppose I could call you "sir", and I would apologize for insulting your masculinity.

[Neon Knight]

Riko shook her head. "No, no, I'm a girl. I was asking why... You don't talk like anyone else." And everything about you is a little weird, a little off.

[Shades of Gray]

Franz

It appears that I do not speak like most other poeple. If you are displeased with my speaking then I could remedy this with great ease, however I'm not entirely sure that any of you are fluent in German.

[AmberVael]

Melpomene

"Because I find angels interesting? And also, you seem to be a nice, moral, and pretty young woman."

Says Melpomene flatteringly before taking a sip of her tea.

[Neon Knight]

Emmeline took a quick sip of tea as well, mostly to try to conceal her emotions. She couldn't remember the last time that someone had complimented her. Her chosen path was one of sobriety, seriousness, and self-control.

"Thank you for your kind words. I'm not sure I'm deserving of them." She sighed. She wished she could be as at ease with herself as Riko and Seph were.

___

Riko just looked at him confusion. The earlier dramatic confrontation with her brother seemed forgotten. "W-why are you here? You know my name."

[Shades of Gray]

Franz

You left your post for a short while. I took over the task for a short while, but was concerned when you had not returned for quite some time. As for your name, I heard the man with the sword say it as I came here.

[Wiz]

Magenta (10/10) (9)

Magenta feels the mixture hitting her hard and realizes that some of the ingredients were a little too fresh! She'd overdone it, but it wasn't hitting her as hard because she was used to it... well, it actually was hitting her as hard, she just knew how to handle it. She felt the flush creeping through her blood, but did her best to mask the symptoms. "You look a little flushed... perhaps you should lie down." She gets up, "Here, come with me..." She leads Seph to a palacial bedroom. "Lie down, here... let me loosen your clothes, you look hot." She watches the angel carefully, gives her some water to dillute the effects slightly, and uses careful caresses and strokes on her skin to guide the awakening.

Cunning Manipulation of Arousal: [roll0]

[AmberVael]

Melpomene

"Maybe you need to grow more certain, then."
Suggests Melpomene, smiling as she stands and moves over to a cupboard. Her words aren't forceful or assuming- it's merely a comment- a glimpse of her thoughts and perception. She knows she doesn't know Emmeline well enough to be a good judge of her character, and so she won't presume to be.
All she knows is that she likes what she's seen so far.
"Have you ever played Reversi?"

[Neon Knight]

"Oh. Well, thank you for helping those people." Riko sighed. She needed to get back to her work. She turned to her brother. "Well, are you going to leave me be, or are you going to bother me some more?"

___

Emmeline shook her head. "No. Is it like chess?"

___

Seph lay cooperatively on the bed. As Magenta did her work, Seph's breathing began to quicken. She felt the heat worming through her blood, awakening sensations and desires long dormant. Seph's hands moved from her sides to Magenta's wrists. "M-magenta, could you please stop? Y-you're making m-me feel..."

[AmberVael]

Melpomene

"Well, in the sense of it being a strategy game, but no more than that. I do think I have a chessboard though, if you'd like to play chess."
Melpomene looks back at Emmeline.

[Shades of Gray]

Franz

It seems that this man was bothering you after all. Judging by your reluctance to admit that fact to me earlier, you don't want me to intrude in such matters. Very well, I know when I am not needed, farewell, Lady Riko. Franz nods and starts heading back slowly.

[Neon Knight]

Emmeline hesitated, then shook her head. "I'd rather learn something new. I want to try Reversi."

[Wiz]

Magenta (10/10) (9)

Magenta listens closely to Seph and nods, "Yes... I understand, you feel to hot..." She unfastens Seph's clothing, removing it slowly. Her own blood is heating to her mixture, and the undeniable beauty of the angel is pushing her own desires higher and her control of the situation isn't as precise.

Remember, you're just here to seduce her... have to be careful not to feed...

Cunning Manipulation of Arousal: [roll0]

[AmberVael]

Melpomene

"Alright then!"[/COLOR]

Melpomene pulls out a very simple looking board which might as well be grid paper. Well, very expensive and beautifully crafted grid paper. It seems to be made of some kind of swirled marble- a combination of black and white.
In her other hand there is a small box which contains flat discs which appear to be sized for the grid on the game board. Each disc is also made of marble- one side of the disc is mostly black, and the other white (though obviously with the colors being naturally formed, there is a little mix on each one). To prevent confusion (and perhaps chipping), the discs are edged with wood- a black wood on the black side, and a light, white wood on the white side.

"The concept of the game is very simple. The object of the game is to have the most discs with your color up."

She lays out four pieces on the board and begins to explain the rest of the rules.

((Reversi or Othello rules (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reversi)))

[Neon Knight]

Seph seemed to be gaining ground. She was adjusting to the stimulus and was looking up at Magenta with seeking eyes. "Magenta, w-why are y-you doing t-this?"

___

Emmeline listened attentively to Melpomene's directions. "Ah, I see." She nodded. "Do you want to play white or black?"

[AmberVael]

Melpomene

"Hmmm..."
Melpomene tosses one of the pieces and catches it, then turns it over.
"Black for me."

[Wiz]

Magenta (10/10) (9)

Magenta looks into the angel's eyes, "Do you feel the heat, Seph... I feel it... in you, and in me." She leans forward and kisses Persephone on the lips again, her hands unfastening the buttons of her own coat and shirt, awkwardly.

Cunning Seduction: [roll0]

[Neon Knight]

Seph's eyes widened, but her hands fell to her sides. She looked at Magenta, breathing heavily, waiting to see what she would do next.


Seduction Success.


___

Emmeline took the white pieces.


Make a roll for the game. Skill or Cunning seem most appropriate.

[Wiz]

Magenta (10/10) (9)

Magenta removes her clothing, and strokes the angel softly with her hands, laying light kisses on the sensitive portions of her anatomy... she slides slowly down the body to pleasure the angel. "I feel... your heat!"

Cunning Linguistics: [roll0]

[AmberVael]

(Well, either one is the same number, so... we'll just say skill, since she's played before.
Skill: [roll0])

Melpomene keeps laying pieces down, playing the game happily. She doesn't seem to care if she's winning or losing, instead just enjoying it overall.
"It's been ages since I've had a guest. I really should get out and socialize more often..."
Her spirit companion zips in and begins flitting around the kitchen curiously, darting into the cupboard and around the sink.

[Neon Knight]

Emmeline glanced at the spirit. She knew it wasn't one that she need to deal with, but it gave her a slight unease, nevertheless. "How did you come by your companion, there? If I'm not being too intrusive." Emmeline was surprised to find that she wasn't being absolutely decimated by Melpomene in the game. She was still losing, though.

___

Seph shivered as Magenta kissed her. As the sensations flowed over her, Seph began to lose control of her disguise. The room seemed to get slightly brighter, the air more peaceful and gentle.

Seph moaned and arched into Magenta's ministrations. Slowly she began to tense, gasping for breath. Something was building...

A short time later, Seph relaxed with a sigh, spent.


How many times are you going to make that joke, Wiz?

[AmberVael]

Melpomene

"Oh, Spirit?"
Melpomene looks towards the familiar and gestures to it, summoning it over to her.
"We just sort of met- he was flitting around one of the sites I was investigating. He doesn't talk, but we sort of clicked, so he follows me around now."
She smiles pleasantly.

[Wiz]

Magenta (10/10) (9)

Magenta lies in the angel's arms, her needs and hungers had been raised by her own herbal concotion though and stoked by the beauty and pleasures of Persephone.

I musn't feed... I... just a taste...

As the Angel's pleasures peaked she drew a tiny taste of the angelic life force released by Seph's awakening... She shuddered in ecstacy, at the richest energy she'd ever tasted. Her body clasped Steph's, the energy pouring into her, filling dark empty holes that had been ripped in her long ago...

A short time later, she lay, sighing next to Persephone.

Will: [roll0]

Okay, I'll stop using that one. ;) Just a code for what she was doing that most of us understand.

[Tackyhillbillu]

"Riko, you are surrounded by dangers you can't see. That human knew far more about you then he should. If you are unwary, he will seek to use you."

...something about him.

"I don't want to fight you sister, but I will. But maybe there is another way..."

He couldn't figure anything out about the two Mortal's, but their presence brought to mind something.

"Let me stay beside you. Show me what you are doing. And I will show you what I do. Who knows, perhaps you will convince me."

[Shades of Gray]

Lord Franz Deitrich

Ah, they are siblings. I suppose I must get his permission then in the future. Must be some sort of sibling-

Brother.

Young Lord Deitrich.

Franz is thinking as walks down the alley, just getting out of earshot after Amadeus said "sister".

[Neon Knight]

"I see." Emmeline studied the board and sighed. She was out of legal moves and there were more black pieces than white. "So, you've been investigating the supernatural for a while now?"

___

Seph made a little satisfied sound and snuggled closer to Magenta. "That was really weird, at first, but then... mmm. Thank you, Magenta."

___

Riko looked at Amadaeus carefully. "A second ago you were about to haul me off kicking and screaming. Why the sudden change of heart?" If he's trying to trick me...

[AmberVael]

Melpomene

"Oh yes. Quite a long time indeed..."
Melpomene's voice trails off, and she shakes her head and smiles.
"It's been an obsession of mine since I was but a little girl. Eventually I found out a bit of the truth and it all went from there. And that led me to meet you!"
Melpomene beams at Emmeline, folding her hands under her shin and looking across the table at her.

[Tackyhillbillu]

Amadaeus sighed.

"For one, the appearance of the Mortal's reminded me that if I do fight you, it'll have to be somewhere without Human's. I won't have the blood of innocents on my hands, and a battle between us, in such a populated area, would inevitably result in casualties."
When did she grow so suspiscious?

"And, conflict between Angel's draws Demon's. If I fight you here, in a place already inhabited by despair, we both could end up being taken. And finally..."

Amadaes sighed once more, putting the Sword back at his side, and hiding his Wings once more.

"You are my sister, and I do love you more then you know. So I'll take these terrible reasons just to get an excuse not fight you."

[Neon Knight]

Riko hid her wings as well. She sighed. I didn't really want to fight him either. Riko looked at Jezebel. "Um, what do we do about her? She's seen us..."

___

Emmeline looked back at Melpomene, a small smile on her face. "And if I hadn't met you, I'd be sleeping in the rain tonight. But I'm grateful for more than that." Emmeline looked down at the board. "Want to play another game?"

[The_Snark]

Jezebel

"Oh—I won't say anything about this," Jezebel says, allowing herself to regain a little poise. "Not if you don't want me to, I mean. You're... really angels?" she asks, trying to cement their impression of her as a confused mortal. "I mean, that's what the press has been calling you, but I thought it was, well, figurative. Angels of mercy."

Cunning... 6. *sighs*

[AmberVael]

Melpomene

"Of course."
Melpomene tosses the a game piece to herself to determine color once more.
"Seems I'll be the black pieces again."
She pauses, then looks side to side, the grins at Emmeline.
"How about we make a bet on this one?"

[Neon Knight]

Emmeline looked back at Melpomene curiously. "A bet? What kind of bet?"

[AmberVael]

Melpomene

"I don't know. Ummm..."
The necromancer thinks for a bit, trying to find something suitably harmless and yet still interesting.
"How about... well, angels have wings, right? If I win, how about I get to see your wings?"
She grins, obviously pleased with the idea.
"What would you want if you win?"

[Neon Knight]

"What.. what do I want?" Emmeline thought for a second. It wasn't about what she wanted. She had a duty to fight evil. She had a duty to follow Riko and Seph. She had...

Emmeline suddenly felt anxious. She had to dodge the question. "W-why do we even need to bet on it? I can just show you my wings. I don't mind."

[AmberVael]

Melpomene

Melpomene recognized that Emmeline was dodging something, but decided not to press her hard on it right this moment. Wait for the right time... wait for when she might want to say it. If she just played her cards right, it would all work out. Everything. Maybe she could even win Emmeline over to her side.
"Would you really?"
She smiles up at Emmeline, truly delighted by the chance.

[Wiz]

Magenta (10/10) (9)

Magenta looks into the Angel's eyes... "It was... it was beautiful... the most beautiful, since..." Her eyes begin to tear up. "I haven't felt like this... I... I l... I lo..." She breaks down sobbing in Seph's arms.

[Zweanslord]

Theodore

Theodore had been sitting quietly on another bench in the park. His thoughts had swirled, wondering the reason behind what had just happened. Questioning what the consequences were, Theodore had struck a dead end. He had gained no answers by mere thinking and did not seem to have a direct answer to the other question either: What now? By inaction, however, he had gained the answer the last question. For he was sitting on the bench, easing up and trying to enjoy the scenery of the peaceful park. He was relaxing, trying to get the strain of what had just happened of his mind. His thoughts were stressful and he tried to recall his meditation lessons from Saint Peter's Academy to ease his mind. His breath was gentle and calm now, trying to let his thoughts become the same once more.

[Neon Knight]

Riko hesitated, then quickly spoke. "That's alright, I guess." I don't need my brother to deal with this situation. I have to show him that I'll be alright by myself.

___

Emmeline stood up. "I need a little space..."

Emmeline slowly relaxed the ward keeping her wings disguised. She stretched, extending her wings to their fullest length. They resembled those of a swan, covered in soft white feathers.

___

Persephone hugged Magenta close. "Magenta!" She stroked Magenta's cheek soothingly, wiping at her tears. "Magenta, what's wrong?"

[Wiz]

Magenta (10/10) (9)

Magenta weeps, "I... haven't felt lo... love since..., I love you... and when you find out what I did, what I am, you'll hate me and I'll lose it again." She hugs Seph tightly, "It almost destroyed me, when... I can't lose it again..."

[AmberVael]

Melpomene

"Oh wow..."
Melpomene breathes quietly in awe, a little envious. She gets to her feet and comes closer, looking them over before moving behind Emmeline to see where they join to her back. One gentle hand reaches out towards a wing, then pauses.
"Um, Emmeline... can I touch them?"

[Neon Knight]

Emmeline nodded. "Go ahead."

___

Persephone cradled Magenta close as she thought. She loves me? Like Theo...

"Magenta, what are you talking about?" She stroked Magenta's hair. "Magenta, please calm down. Talk to me." She whispered comfortingly.

[AmberVael]

Melpomene

With a smile, Melpomene gently lays a hand on Emmeline's right wing, lightly running her fingers over the feathers, making sure not to push them in the wrong direction.
"They're beautiful."
She says softly, her fingers tracing a gentle path down to where the wing touches Emmeline's back.

[Wiz]

Magenta (10/10) (9)

Magenta wordlessly takes Seph's hand and guides it to the scars on her back.
It's easy to feel the two scars, where the wings were ripped away.

[Neon Knight]

Emmeline closed her eyes and breathed softly as she felt Melpomene touch her wing.

It reminded her of Seph, really. Persephone had very small wings, and had always been envious of Emmeline's. Seph liked to stroke and fiddle with Emmeline's wings, but she was always very gentle, like Melpomene was now.

It wasn't... entirely unpleasant.

___

Seph's hand trembled as she felt the scars. This... this is... then... she's...

She should have been a lot of things, felt a lot of things. Scared. Mortified. But Seph just listened to her heart. And she knew what she had to do.

Seph pulled Magenta as close to her as she could get without getting uncomfortable. She held her firmly, one hand softly stroking Magenta's hair.

"That doesn't matter. I don't hate you. I can't hate you."

"I love you, Magenta."

[AmberVael]

Melpomene

The necromancer's keen eyes take in every aspect of the situation, admiring Emmeline's wings even as she notices her reaction, monitoring it carefully as she softly strokes the edges of her wings.
"Do you like that?"
She asks quietly, gently, a smile on her face.

[Neon Knight]

Emmeline glanced back over her shoulder at Melpomene, then looked straight ahead. "A-a little..."

[AmberVael]

Melpomene

Ah, very good then. She could pursue finding out what Emmeline wanted, she'd just have to do it a little less upfront. Gently test what she likes, and things will become clearer from there; still, maybe she could tease a confession out of her...

Melpomene turns it into a kind of massage, using both hands to very gently explore and trace over Emmeline's wings, rubbing the joints tenderly and brushing over her feathers. It wasn't too hard to guess that Emmeline was possibly enjoying this more than she let on, and so Melpomene was happy to oblige her.

[Tackyhillbillu]

Amadaeus stood aside, just looking between the Mortal and Riko with hard piercing eyes. If Riko was threatened, he would intercede in a second, but for now he would just... observe.

Of course, the Grigori claimed that as well...

Amadaeus couldn't waste time. He should fight her, force her back to heaven. But he couldn't do it. He'd managed to screw himself up to it once, but it hadn't taken much to make him lose that.

I don't think I can do it again. I just hope the other trainee's are safe...

[Neon Knight]

Emmeline couldn't help but relax a bit. It did feel rather good. Emmeline let Melpomene caress her wings silently.

___

Riko was eager to get back to work, so she walked over to Jezebel. "Please don't say anything about this. I want to help people, and this would only get in the way. Okay?" She smiled, and then hurried off to re-man her soup kitchen.

[AmberVael]

Melpomene

Continuing her ministrations on Emmeline's wings (and migrating to her back and neck just a little), Melpomene neatly snags a stool (better for a winged person to sit in than a chair) with one foot and drags it behind Emmeline, dropping one hand to maneuver it into place, and then silently directing Emmeline to sit in it- not gesturing or anything else, but simply guiding her with her hands and a bit of pressure.

Lowering her voice to be more soothing and relaxing, Melpomene speaks into Emmeline's ear.
"It's good to see you a lose a little more of that tension."
Fingers stroke and caress the tip of Emmeline's wing before sliding down to the base of it, where wing meets flesh and skin.
"But it still feels like you're holding just a little something back, Emmeline. I want to help you, we can work it out together..."
Melpomene's hand lightly slides down Emmeline's back.
"What is it that you want, Emmeline? What desire do you have that you're holding back?"

((Affection check to try loosen her up and get her to talk:
[roll0]))

[Wiz]

Magenta (10/10) (9)

Magenta's eyes go wide, "Y... you love me... but... I was cast down... they tore the love out of me and all I've done for centuries is evil..." She sighs, "I don't deserve love... I've been love's enemy for so long."

[Neon Knight]

Seph just hugged Magenta closer. "All the things you've done don't matter, Magenta. You've been alone so long... if you've lived centuries as love's enemy, then that only means that you need and deserve love more."

"Magenta... I love you. Nothing else matters."

___

Emmeline sat obediently in the stool. She made a little noise in her throat expressing her pleasure as Melpomene's fingers stroked her wingtip. She listened to Melpomene carefully. She was quiet for a while, then...

"There are a lot of things I want. But I shouldn't want them. If I was a good angel I'd only want the good to be served. But... I'm not. I want things. Other things."

[Shades of Gray]

Franz

When Riko gets back to the soup kitchen she sees Franz, already serving food. He waves to Riko as she arrives.

One must never have to carry a burden alone, m'lady.

[AmberVael]

Melpomene

For a while, Melpomene continues caressing Emmeline's wings, thinking over what she said while she bestowed gentle touches on the beautiful white feathers.
"Isn't happiness something an angel should strive for too? Joy and contentment are wonderful things, Emmeline; just because you have duties doesn't mean you can't enjoy yourself as well. You could even view this as one of your duties, if you really wanted to think of it that way."
She looks down at her, smiling faintly.
"Would it be such a terrible thing to be happy, Emmeline?"

[The_Snark]

Jezebel

Jezebel nods, and hurries after the angel, trying to keep up. "Actually," she says on the heels of the strange man's statement, trying to catch her breath, "that was what I wanted to talk to you about too. I was hoping you'd let me help you."

[Shades of Gray]

Franz

I'd be happy to work alongside both of you for the betterment of the world. M'lady Riko. M'lady...? Franz asks for her name politely.

Of course, being Franz, he also bows.

[Wiz]

Magenta (10/10) (9)

Magenta just holds onto Seph, crying again, but this time it is tears of joy. "I love you... I can love you!" She hugs Seph close, holding her like she's never going to let go. "You love me..." She kisses Seph hard, "I'm so sorry I manipulated you... and that poor boy, I made you send him away by putting an illusion in his mind... it was fuled by his own desires, so he saw and heard what he wanted to, but I kept him from hearing what you were really saying."

[Neon Knight]

Riko paused for a second. That one guy was kinda weird, and the lay knew she was an a angel... but they wanted to help, and that was what counted. "Alright. What did you have in mind?"

___

Emmeline shifted slightly on the stool, uncomfortable. "N-no, it wouldn't. But I'm not wise enough- not responsible enough to manage my own inclinations and serve the good at the same time. So I have to sacrifice my inclinations."

___

Seph kissed Magenta on the forehead. "I forgive you." She smiled softly, benevolently, at Magenta, "But try not to do things like that from now on, okay?"

Seph looked deeply into Magenta's eyes. "Magenta, I'm a little scared. I've never given myself away like this before- like I'm giving myself to you now. I don't think that my friends in Heaven would understand. And I know I could get hurt."

"But I love you, and I trust you. So please be kind to me."

[Shades of Gray]

Franz

Perhaps in addition to providing food we could provide warm clothing or perhaps bedsheets to the needy? It gets very chilly at night. Franz offers, tugging the front of his hood a little lower. It should be obvious that he is wearing gauntlets now.

[Wiz]

Magenta (10/10) (9)

Magenta holds Seph but lets her hold become gentle, "I won't let anyone harm you... not Heaven... and not Hell..." She looks in Persephone's eyes... "I have only one allegiance now... our love!"

[Neon Knight]

Riko looked at Franz's hands. "That's an excellent suggestion, but... why are you wearing...?"

___

Seph felt her heart swell and she rested her head on her lover's shoulder with a happy sigh, warm and content in Magenta's embrace.

[AmberVael]

Melpomene

"Those don't sound like the words of an irresponsible person to me. Willingness to put something aside if it makes things better? The discipline to carry through?"
Melpomene says, gently rubbing Emmeline's shoulders now, trying to massage and loosens the muscles there.
"What makes you say this about yourself, Emmeline? Tell me why you think things are this way."

[Shades of Gray]

Franz

Franz pulls his hood down, revealing a sort of helmet face. Think Alphonse Elric except darker.

I am a knight, M'lady Riko. I have sworn an oath to protect you. He kneels down on one knee. My life for yours.

[Wiz]

Magenta (10/10) (9)

Magenta lays with Seph on the bed, "You'll stay with me, won't you? I don't want to force you... if you need to go elsewhere, I'll go with you... anywhere..." Her fingers trace the beauties of Seph's arms, shoulder, and face. Her tail strokes the angel's legs softly. "Maybe my financial empire can assist your work... Oh!... I've got to start restructuring... I can't let those girls keep ruining themselves! Well, the ones who don't like doing it at least." She smiles at Seph, "Lust isn't always evil... but love almost makes it a virtue."

[The_Snark]

Jezebel

Jezebel looks askance at the... armored knight. Now that's out of place. Who is he? Doesn't look like he's from any of the holy orders they have around today.

"Ah... I'm Jezebel," she introduces herself. One of the few benefits of being new to field work was that her name wasn't known. Her namesake was, if the angels had any education at all, but she was ready for that. "I'm sorry, I don't think I heard your name?" she asks the armored man. She could look him up as soon as she had a bit of time alone to access the files...

[Neon Knight]

Riko stared down at the armored figure kneeling. To her. "W-why? W-why me? I'm... I'm no one special..." Not among angels, anyway...

___

Emmeline felt a sort of pleasant tingle throughout her body as a result of Melpomene's touch. She rolled her shoulders a bit under Melpomene's hands, enjoying the sensation.

"I... I know I'm not responsible. I'm not supposed to be here. By coming here, I've... I've defied rightful authority- THE rightful authority, and I've..."

Emmeline sighed. "I just don't know what to do, or what's going to happen to me, or to Seph, or to Riko..."

___

A faint blush colored Seph's cheeks as Magenta wandered over her body. "Magenta, I have to try to help people... mmm... but I won't leave you to do it."

"We can stay here for a while, so long as there's people to help, but soon I'll need to find my friends."

[AmberVael]

Melpomene

"Seph and Riko are the friends who came with you?"
Melpomene asks gently, working her hands down Emmeline's back.
"Emmeline, what are you trying to do here? You want to help people, right?"

[Shades of Gray]

Franz

There are those who would seek to target angels on this world, those who would seek to harness their powers for their own. As soon as I learned of someone like you, one who had performed such great acts of charity, I knew that you must be an angel. It is my sworn duty to make sure that no harm may come to such a holy being.

Lord Franz Deitrich III. Knight Captain of the Schwerter des Engels. At your service, and the lord's.

[Wiz]

Magenta (10/10) (9)

Magenta's eyes go wide, "I saw your friend Emmiline go into a haunted house, and your friend Riko is being stalked by the demon Jezebel... oh, and her brother." She pauses, "Surely you knew that the three of you would be drawing fire from heaven, hell, and all the independent operators."

[Tackyhillbillu]

Amadaeus sighed, stepping out now. He was beginning to dislike this Mortal that knew too much.

"Lord Dietrich, you are a wise man. I am Amadaeus, a High Cherub. But tell me, what would you do at the attack of such beings."

Amadaeus' voice was soft, but as hard as Iron again. Only Riko got anything else but hardest Iron from him.

"To entrap an Angel, they would have to be far more powerful then any normal Mortal. Or in league with the one's below. Do you have the power to stop them, or are you simply a useless weight, that Riko will have to protect, as well as herself?"

[Shades of Gray]

Lord Franz

Franz stands up. One does not become a Knight-Captain by being useless weight.

Franz pulls out a Zweihander from under his cloak. As far as Zweihanders (Greatsword) go, this one is pretty big.

[Tackyhillbillu]

Amadaeus pulls out his Sword. The Blade is shorter then the Zweihander, but is, after all, made of flame.

"I have fought for centuries beyond counting. I am a Cherub, the guardian of the one on High. Would you threaten me, Mortal? What powers do you have, that you have right to claim a place alongside an Angel."

[Shades of Gray]

Franz

It is not your powers I am concerned about. Unless you give me reasons to believe you are working against me.

Regardless, I am more than competent in a fight. A lot more than competent. If you do not wish to have me aiding you, I understand completely. However, for the well being or Riko, I would advise against that.

Franz hefts the giant sword onto his shoulder.

[Tackyhillbillu]

"If so, where do your powers come from Mortal. To challenge one who could seek to harm an Angel, what strength do you hold?"

Amadaeus puts away his Sword. He doesn't particuraly want to get into a fight here. He just wants to find out what this fellow can do.

And where he got the power to do it. The agents of the Dark One surround us.

[Shades of Gray]

Franz

I must correct you on one thing. I am not mortal. Not any longer.

Franz takes off his helmet, revealing... Nothing. No head. No body.

I am bound to this suit of armour. Bound in such a way that I must protect angel Riko. I can't move on to the next life until I either ensure her safety, or be destroyed protecting her to my full capacity.

[Tackyhillbillu]

Amadaeus pushed Riko behind him suddenly, drawing his Sword once more. Only Dark Magic did that kind of thing. The products of such were not to be trusted.

"You are a creature of dark magic, a soul ripped from it's body. Who did this to you?"

[Shades of Gray]

Franz

I... Did this to myself.

Franz sticks his Zweihander into the ground, and goes back onto one knee.

I... Neglected my duties outside of being Knight-Captain. I pushed away everything else, wrecking everything about my life, and those I cared for.

I am seeking atonement.

He places his head on the ground in front of him.

[Tackyhillbillu]

Amadaeus shook his head. He looked over at Riko. He did not trust this fellow. Could not, and would not.

"Riko, I will not call this thing comrade. But to send him away or not is your choice. Dark Magic binds his soul here when it should not, and it seeks something you cannot give. But it is still your choice."

[Shades of Gray]

Lord Franz

Franz nods. Agreeing with Amadeus entirely.

[The_Snark]

Jezebel

Jezebel steps back and feigns shock as the armored fellow removes his helmet. It's actually not that hard, because she is sort of surprised.

She glances back and forth between the two as they argue, not quite sure what to make of this aside from the fact that the angel had two protectors now. Just as well she hadn't planned to carry her off by force... "Do you think you could put the swords away? And put the coat back on over your armor? People are going to notice."

[Neon Knight]

Emmeline nodded in response to Melpomene's first question. "I do want to help people. I want to protect people from the vile things and bad people that inhabit the earth."

Emmeline sighed. "But that's not why I came here. I came here because I couldn't let Riko and Seph come here alone."

___

Riko watched the back and forth for a while before speaking. "He wants to help. That's all that matters to me."

She turned to Franz. "But I have to ask something. If you're 'at my service, and the lord's', then why were you going to defend me against him earlier?"

Riko knew that she would have to move soon; they'd be more gawkers and reporters and the like than people who needed help soon, thanks to all this sword flashing.

___

OOC: I'm going to hold off on Seph' reply until we work out Magenta's knowledge issues.

[Shades of Gray]

Franz

I apologize, Ms. Riko. I had only seen someone who was threatening your person. I had acted recklessly, and I am fully prepared to face any penalty for my actions.

Franz says this while putting his head back on and pulling his hood up.

[AmberVael]

Melpomene

There are a few moments of thoughtful silence as Melpomene processes this information. Slowly she begins voicing her thoughts.
"Rules are things created for our benefit, preventing us from harm or detriment or... anything else. Sometimes they're inappropriately made, but that is beside the point in this case.
"Your friends broke the rules, for whatever reason of their own. But you- what you chose was to try and help your friends. It wasn't a desire to flout the rules or authority, but to prevent that which could go wrong from breaking them."
She strokes along Emmeline's right wing.
"If my friend were to ignore a sign that told them not to swim in a raging river, and began getting swept away- would it be wrong of me to again ignore that rule and jump in to save them? I don't think it would."
Her arms settle, giving Emmeline a gentle hug from behind.
"I don't know if your friends made the right choice, Emmeline, but I think you did. Your heart is in the right place, and you're just trying to do the best you can."

[Neon Knight]

Riko crossed her arms and looked at Franz critically. "That's not what I meant. In a fight between two angels, you chose me. Why? Aren't you inclined to serve both angels? Why pick me over him?"

___

Emmeline was quiet for a little while. "Melpomene.... thank you. This... this had been bothering me for a while, and... talking with you helped."

___

Seph's eyes went wide as well, and she hugged Magenta. "I... I g-guess, but... I didn't think it would be this bad, or this soon..."

"Magenta, my friends are very important to me. You'll help me protect them, right?"

[Shades of Gray]

Franz

Not to be rude, Ms. Riko, and if I am may my body be cast down into the hellish pits of the underworld, but Amadeus can protect himself. Franz says. This statement seems to imply that Riko can't.

[Wiz]

Magenta (10/10) (9)

Magenta's hugs Seph back, "Yes... of course, I will!"

[AmberVael]

Melpomene

Smiling serenely at Emmeline, Melpomene brushes a gentle hand across her cheek.
"I'm glad I could help put your mind at ease. You deserve a little peace."
Inwardly she sighs a little, hoping desperately that she could find a way to sustain herself that didn't involve any permanent detriment to Emmeline. It would be a terrible thing if she actually had to kill her...

[Tackyhillbillu]

Amadaeus snorted, holding back a chuckle. First thing this fellow said that he had agreed with.

Both sides of it...

[Neon Knight]

Emmeline looked outside. The sun had set, and night was upon the earth. "Are you tired? I don't want to keep you up..."

___

Seph smiled and gave a sigh of relief. "Oh, thank you, Magenta."

Evening was falling over the city. In the park, Theo found himself alone for a long time.

___

Riko fumed at Franz. She put her hands on her hips and huffed, "Well, I can take care of myself, so such courtesies are not necessary."

Evening was settling over the city like a cloak.

[Shades of Gray]

Franz

Then I apologize once more. Amadeus, if you require no protection, as I'm sure you do not, then I shall take my leave.

Franz says, standing up.

[AmberVael]

Melpomene

"Oh, not really. I tend to be a bit of a night owl, myself."
Melpomene says cheerfully.
"I can prepare the guest room for you if you'd like though."

[Tackyhillbillu]

Amadaeus nodded. suprised at the fellow. It appeared he was more honorable then he had originally believed. The Angel nodded.

"Go then. But before you do, let me say this."

Amadaeus placed his hands on the fellows hood, and spoke softly.

"O salutaris Hostia
Quae coeli pandis ostium.
Bella premunt hostilia;
Da robur, fer auxilium."

With that, he retracts his hands, and smiled.

"Go seek your absolution elsewhere. I hope you find it someday."

[Shades of Gray]

Franz

Thank you.

Franz nods, and begins walking away. His sword slung over his back, not under his coat. This would hopefully draw attention away from Riko and the others, so that they could find peace.

[Neon Knight]

Emmeline nodded. "If it's not too much trouble, that would be nice..."

___

Riko watched him go and sighed. "I guess I should find someplace to rest for the night." Riko looked at her brother. "I suppose you'll be sitting over me, watching my every breath?"

[Tackyhillbillu]

Amadaeus smiled at Riko.

"Unless you want to come back to Heaven now."

[AmberVael]

Melpomene

"I'll go ahead and take care of that then. You're welcome to look through the house or do whatever you want while I work on it."
Melpomene leans down and gives Emmeline a soft kiss on the cheek before sweeping off to prepare the guest room, humming to herself as she goes.

[Shades of Gray]

Franz

I must not act so suspicious in the future. Franz says to himself as he rounds a corner.

Perhaps I'll find more luck with another angel?

Franz plants his sword in the ground, and open his jaw wide. Wisps of spiritual energy pour forth from his helmet-eyes and mouth. He starts speaking in german.

[Wiz]

Magenta (10/10) (9)

Magenta woke in the evening, entwined around Seph, she smiled at the beautiful angel and stroked her soft wings... she remembered her own wings... how proud she'd been of them... pride... that had been her downfall. She looked at Seph...

I'm not proud of anything I've done since I've been on Earth... well, my gardens... but that was part of the whole mess, wasn't it. As if it was my fault people named the garden after the gardener... instead of the one who the gardener worked for. It's been a long time since anyone called me by my old name...

[Neon Knight]

Emmeline idly rubbed the spot on her cheek where Melpomene had kissed her as she examined Melpomene's decorations, waiting for her to return.

___

Riko sighed. "Thought so." She turned to Jezebel. "I'm sorry you got pushed to the side like that. you said you wanted to help me?"

___

Seph sighed in pleasure and shifted to give Magenta better access to her wings. "Mmm... I liked to stroke my friend Emmeline's wings. I didn't know it felt like this..."

Seph's own wings were rather small for an angel; it seemed doubtful that she could fly with them.

[AmberVael]

Melpomene

There's a nice row of busts of different gods and entities that Emmeline didn't get to examine before. They're rather oddly arranged, actually; it seems like someone was putting them in a neat row, but halfway down the line there is a conspicuous gap. Looking closely at it, there might actually be a hidden door there...

Melpomene comes back, humming and smiling
"I've got it ready, if you want to go on to bed."

[Neon Knight]

Emmeline was somewhat curious about the gap... but it was rude to poke around in someone else's things, and Melpomene had been nothing but kind. If this was some kind of secret doorway to a private area, Emmeline wouldn't trespass there.

She'd ask instead.

"Ah, thank you. I think I will retire. But first, may I ask you something? Between the gaps of these statues... what is that?"

[AmberVael]

Melpomene

"Oh, well, that's the door to my laboratory. It's meant to be a hidden door, but I haven't had visitors in so long- let alone any that might look down on me for my work- that it just became more convenient to keep it unblocked and uncovered."
Melpomene says matter-of-factly.
"I'll probably be working down there later tonight, so if you hear anything funny, that's probably what's going on. Now, your room is this way..."
The necromancer isn't going to hide her work, but neither is she entirely sure that now is the best time to bring up just exactly what she does. If she can bring it up in the right way or the right moment, it will impact things a lot differently, and perhaps more in her favor.

[Wiz]

Magenta (10/10) (9)

Magenta strokes Seph's wings with her hands, her tail begins stroking another soft area.

Cunning Pleasure: [roll0]

[The_Snark]

Jezebel

"That's right." Jezebel recalls her planned pitch. "I don't know how to cook or anything, but I thought I might be able to help you in other ways. The press has been saying a lot about how much you've been doing, but I kept thinking, well, you're just one person. There's only so many people you can help at once. Even if you're, ah... you know. So I thought you could use somebody to help organize things a little—helping you get supplies, publicity, that sort of thing." She smiles. The stumble over Riko's recently-revealed angelic nature is a particularly nice touch, she feels. Now, season with a dash of truth...

"And I was recently fired from my job," she finishes, "so I thought I'd come down and see if I actually could help."

Cunning 18 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=6067227&postcount=14)! Hah, luck at last!

[Tackyhillbillu]

OOC: Got a 24 on my Defense. Amadaeus smell's a rat!

Amadaeus listened to the Woman's story, but couldn't bring himself to believe it. Just something seemed wrong about it. He didn't know enough about the woman to know why, but he knew better then to mistrust his instincts.

"Riko, may I speak with you for a moment?"

Amadaeus wasn't going to let this pass without comment. Riko might ignore him, but he would at the very least cause her to become aware of the lie.

[Shades of Gray]

Franz

Franz closes his helmet, the wisps of spiritual energy are gone. He begins walking through the streets, looking for the oracle who told him his destiny to marry one of the angels.

Where is the one known as Emmeline? Please, I beg of you. He asks the oracle.

[roll0] To convince the oracle to tell him where Emmeline is.

[Zweanslord]

Theodore

In the park, Theodore had remained, trying to relax and ease his minds. His mind had floated off to the memory of Heaven and its tranquillity, seeking peace of mind and a less stressful demeanour. Eventually, however, he realised that evening was, or almost already has fallen. Collected, he resurfaced from his relaxed state and knew that he was not doing his heavenly task for which he was sent out here: to protect the angels. Unfortunately, he knew not where any of the angels were at this moment. He moved around the park for a bit, but it soon became clear that Persephone was no longer here. He sought out a quiet bench and then tried to focus his mind and detect the heavenly presence here on earth, trying to see if he could find angelic presence, a skill he had spend some attention to in Saint Peter's Academy, but which he never really had a chance to test in the mortal world. If he knew where the angel trainees were, it would be easier to take a next step.

Detect Angelic Presence Skill: 1d6 * 3 = 6 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=6068123#post6068123)

[Neon Knight]

Emmeline followed Melpomene to her room.

___

Seph began to moan softly. "Magenta..."

___

Riko glanced at her brother. She would like to ignore him, but... she didn't want to have to resist him physically, so keeping him relatively happy was a minor concern.

"Would you excuse us for a second?" Riko then turned to her brother expectantly.

___

Franz found the oracle in the same dim occult shop he had found her the first time. "In truth, I cannot see where Emmeline is now, but I can see where she will be. Tomorrow she will go to an old mine in the hills, in search of restless spirits to put at peace."

She showed him the location she had seen in her vision, and how to get there.

___

Theodore could sense an angelic presence close by, very near to the park. He could tell in which direction the presence was. He also dimly felt 3 other angelic presences on earth, but he couldn't tell how far they were or in what direction. 2 of them seemed to be fairly close together, however.

[AmberVael]

Melpomene

The room Melpomene leads Emmeline to is of moderate size, with a few tapestries and nick-knacks adorning it in Melpomene's eccentric and curious style. It might be a little dusty, but the necromancer seems to have cleaned it up fairly well and freshened it up (and replaced that which couldn't be refreshed).

"Everything look okay to you?"
She asks, giving Emmeline a smile.

[Wiz]

Magenta (10/10) (9)

Magenta continues her ministrations, using her soft-barbed tail to it's utmost advantage to bring Seph joy. As the scene fades to black her own moans of pleasure from feeding on Seph's ecstacy join the angel in a heavenly choir of two...

Sometime later, Magent holds Seph again in her arms. "I suppose we need to start getting things done. I know you have plans that need to be fulfilled... I have things that I must try to undo... it's hard to leave this moment behind though, you are the most wonderful thing that ever happened to me. For this moment to have come, I'm glad to have been cast down..."

[Zweanslord]

Theodore

As he sensed the angelic presences, he reckoned that the close by presence must be that of Persephone. He wishes he was more skilled at the ability, though, for he could not pinpoint the other three presences, only tell that two were close together. For a moment he wondered about them, but he figured that two of the three were angel trainees and another was an angel like him.

With no way to tell where the other presences were, however, Theodore focused on the other options. He began to walk through the park towards its outskirts and eventually moving out of it, trying to see if he could find Personephone in the vicinity of the park. Not seeing much of a clue, he wandered around for a while before coming park to the park and looking through it.

No success in finding Persephone, Theodore sighs a bit, but figures that she has sought out a place to rest for the night. Deciding to seek out rest as well for the night, Theodore seeks out a tranquil place in the park and sits down in a lotus stance to meditate and cover the time span of the night. In the back of his mind Theodore monitors Persephone's presence vaguely, just enough to be aware if the distance between Theodore and Persephone becomes large.

[Tackyhillbillu]

Amadaeus stepped away from Jezebel, and then began speaking to his sister in a low voice.

"Do not trust this one. There is a little bit of truth thrown in, but for the most part, what she told you was just clever lies. I do not know what se is concealing, but do not let her deicieve you."

Amadaeus didn't know how his sister would react. As far as he knew, this was her first time being place in a situation like this.

[Neon Knight]

Emmeline nodded. "This is perfect. Thank you."

___

"I don't want to leave either." Seph's hands roamed along Magenta's back. "For so long, I've been telling people about love without every having tasted it myself. And now that I have... I want to love you forever." Seph kissed Magenta.

___

Riko looked at her brother for a second, then abruptly turned to Jezebel. "Well, for right now, my only concern is finding a place to stay the night. Even angels need to rest."

[Wiz]

Magenta (10/10) (9)

Magenta sinks into the kiss, letting it be as endless as possible. She gazes into Seph's eyes. "When we're alone, could you call me... Eden?" She smiles and blushes.

[AmberVael]

Melpomene

"Good."
Melpomene reaches out to tenderly caress Emmeline's cheek.
"I'm glad I could help you, Emmeline. If I never achieve anything else, I will be happy to have met and aided an angel as wonderful as you in some small way."

[Neon Knight]

"Eden." Seph softly stroked Magenta's face. "Both you names are pretty."

___

"U-um..." Emmeline blushed a bit. She wasn't sure what to say. She was used to stern instructors reminding her of how she had yet to live up to the crusader ideal, not people telling her she was wonderful.

[Wiz]

Magenta (10/10) (9)

Magenta closes her eyes, shivering as Seph stroked her cheek, "Neither are half as beautiful as your face... nor a tenth as lovely as your soul, my angelic Seph." She looks out the glass doors of the bedroom into the starry night, "It's late, my love... my lover... what should we do?"

[AmberVael]

Melpomene

Smiling at the ease of the progress she was making, how easy it was to get Emmeline where she wanted her- and yet also at how pretty and innocent she was- Melpomene steps forwards slightly, letting one finger slide ever so gently across Emmeline's lips.
"You're so beautiful, Emmeline."

[Neon Knight]

Seph nestled close to Magenta. "Would it be so bad to stay like this... until morning?"

___

Emmeline took a half-step back. "U-um..." The blush became worse. "T-thank you for your kind words, Melpomene."

[AmberVael]

Melpomene

"I only speak the truth."
Seeing the blush increasing, and Emmeline's slight hesitation, Melpomene leans closer, slowly asserting her presence over Emmeline.
"And there's no need to be shy.
The necromancer smiles and gently raises her other hand towards Emmeline's cheek.
"Trust me..."
She leans down towards her, trying to plant a soft kiss on the angel's lips.

Affection Seduction 12 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=6072320&postcount=17)

[Wiz]

Magenta (10/10) (9)

Magenta nestles closer, "It wouldn't be bad at all... it would be heaven!" She smiles, "Be careful in the night, though... sometimes my tail has a mind of it's own, especially around you!"

[Neon Knight]

Seph giggled. "I'll be alright..."

___

Emmeline nervously watched as Melpomene leaned down closer... and closer...

Their lips met. Emmeline froze, feeling only the sensation of Melpomene's kiss for a second. When the kiss broke, Emmeline realized she'd been holding her breath and let out a soft sigh...


Emmeline is seduced.

[AmberVael]

Melpomene

"There, that wasn't so bad, was it?"
Melpomene doesn't press Emmeline any further, quite aware that she's made plenty of progress today- far more than she expected, in fact.
You're a very special person, Emmeline. I just want you to really know that."

[Wiz]

Magenta (10/10) (9)

Magenta sleeps next to Seph all through the night. Her tail only gets naughty only [roll0] times throughout the night, waking up Seph with and Magenta with breathless ecstasy.

[Shades of Gray]

Franz

Franz, wearing his disguise, will head to the place where the oracle told him Emmeline would be the following day. He camps out there that night, he doesn't need anything. In case of spirit attack (he does not attack them if they are not attacking him) : [roll0] To fend them off.

[Neon Knight]

Emmeline felt an odd tingle at her lips, slowly spreading through her body, but Melpomene's word provoked a strong reaction. "No, I'm not." She locked eyes with Melpomene. "Angels are supposed to better. I'm not a special person- I'm a sub-par angel."

___

Persephone was still blissfully asleep when Magenta woke up the next morning.

___

Franz found the mine. He wasn't assaulted by spirits; in fact, the place seemed quiet ordinary.

[AmberVael]

Melpomene

Sighing a little, Melpomene smiled a little sadly at Emmeline.
"I think you're a lot more than you make yourself out to be."
She gestures towards the bed, moving towards the door.
"Still, we'll have time to discuss that later. For now you should get some rest. We probably have a big today ahead of us tomorrow..."
Melpomene's smile brightens a little.
"Sweet dreams, Em."
With that, she slips out of the room to head off to her lab, where she'll spend a sleepless night thinking and calculating. Not that she ever sleeps anymore.

[The_Snark]

Jezebel

"I could pay for you to stay at a hotel," Jezebel offers after a few seconds, surprised that the angel hadn't made arrangements yet. These people really are terrible at thinking ahead, aren't they? "At least for a night or so. Where have you been staying up until now?"

[Wiz]

Magenta (10/10) (9)

Magenta wakes and lets Seph sleep, having had the advantage of feeding on the energy released every time they had made love.

Made love... that used to seem a joke to me...

Magenta smiled down at her lover and then went into the next room and carried out a series of phone calls to enact on of her long-term contingency plans. Basically to surreptitiously sever or isolate elements in her organization who's allegiance was stronger to hell than to her personally.

Cunning Plan: [roll0]

[Neon Knight]

Magenta's contingency plans went off like clockwork. She was fairly certain that any potential rogue elements within her organization could easily be contained.

___

Riko looked a bit uncomfortable. "Um... outside, really..."

___

Emmeline watched Melpomene go, then with a sigh went to bed. Melpomene confused her so much and made her feel... so strange...

Melpomene's work was not disturbed that night. Outside, dawn slowly rose over the isolated house.

[The_Snark]

Jezebel

"Oh." Jezebel snickers inside. "Well, I can pay for a night indoors, if you don't want to keep doing that. Maybe we can look for an apartment for you sometime."

Except you don't have any money, do you, dearie? That's fine. We're happy to provide for you...

[AmberVael]

Melpomene

As light peeks through the windows, Melpomene glances up in surprise.
"That time already?"
Hmm. Oh, wait, Emmeline would probably be hungry. Right. Angels did eat, right? Oh dear...
Melpomene, not entirely being alive, and feeding off of souls instead of regular food, didn't really keep much in the way of edibles. She did have a small stock, in case of very infrequent company or in case of... well...
When she brought home someone she intended to eat.
If this goes well, that will never have to happen again.
Melpomene thinks sternly to herself, slipping up to the kitchen to attempt to fix something for Emmeline to start the day on. Of course, it's been a long time, so she wasn't sure how well it would go...

Skill for cooking! [roll0]

[Tackyhillbillu]

Amadaeus stepped between Jezebel and Riko quietly, and smiled at her. The smile really didn't convey any warmth, or any comfort of feeling.

"That will not be necessary. Come Riko, there are places where we can find shelter."

And not find ourselves in debt to this one...

[Neon Knight]

Riko nodded. "You just lost your job. I'm not going to ask you to spend money on me when your finances are already tight."

___

Melpomene found that she actually did quite well in preparing breakfast.

Emmeline walked into the kitchen, stopping halfway through the doorway. "...Good morning."

___

Magenta had just finished making the last of the calls to enact her plans when her phone rang.

"Good morning, Magenta." Magenta recognized the voice as belonging to Rico, her main competitor, an up and coming incubus.

[AmberVael]

Melpomene

Melpomene turns and smiles to Emmeline, whisking breakfast over to the table and neatly arranging it at a place for the angel. She has a smaller plate for herself- mostly just so she can taste it, not actually eat it. The aroma fills the kitchen, and the heat of her cooking clings to the stone walls, giving the scene a very comforting and pleasant feel.

"Well good morning, Em."
The necromancer tidies her hands as she speaks, looking over her shoulder at Emmeline.
"I figured you might want something to start off the morning with, so I went ahead and prepared a bit of breakfast. Hope you like it!"

She finishes cleaning up from cooking, then starts over towards Emmeline.

[Wiz]

Magenta (10/10) (9)

Magenta takes the call, "So... Rico, good morning. Temperatures must have dropped in the nether regions. I recall it was supposed to be a cold day for the big boss before you called me again. So, to what do I owe the pleasure?"

Vulture...

[Neon Knight]

Emmeline took her seat. She was tense again; but then she seemed inclined towards that state. One of her teachers had commented on it, approving of it. He said she was like a bent bow, ready at any second to release...

___

Rico laughed, only a slight catch in his voice betraying that her remark had struck home. "The pleasure is business, which is pleasure for us, of course." Rico chuckled at his own joke. "Actually, I'm calling about this picture I just got."

[AmberVael]

Melpomene

Of course, Melpomene would ask what happens when the strain cracks the bow...

However, as it is she drifts over to Emmeline, giving her a hug as she sits down, and kiss on the cheek, brushing at her hair. She gives her a serene, compassionate smile and looks down into her eyes.
"Did you sleep well?"

[Wiz]

Magenta (10/10) (9)

Magenta raises her brow (such is her vocal control that Rico probably senses over the phone that she just raised her brow). "After that show I put on for your photographer you took only one picture... I'm so disappointed. Or do you mean you finally got something on that holy-roller senator you've been working on for... what is it now... five years?!"

Cunning to make Rico doubt the efficacy of what he no doubt thinks is useful blackmail: [roll0]

[Neon Knight]

"Yes." Emmeline looked back into Melpomene's eyes. She hesitated, then asked, "Why are you so comfortable doing those things?" Her words spilled out, as if she couldn't hold them back once she started.

___

Rico sputtered. "Whoa, whoa, whoa, now, hold on a second. I'm just here to place my bid, darling, that's all."

[AmberVael]

Melpomene

"Is there a reason I shouldn't be, Em? It's my way of showing affection and caring for you. Even if I just met you yesterday, I'm already touched by the person you've shown yourself to be. Perhaps it's because you're an angel, in more ways than one."
Melpomene says, smiling more warmly, keeping her gaze locked on Emmeline, letting her eyes and face become the center of her attention.
"You deserve it. You seem to take a lot of weight onto your shoulders- someone should show appreciation for that."
A little slyly, Melpomene looks down at Emmeline, sliding closer and folding her arms around the angel.
"Besides, you do seem to enjoy it..."

[Wiz]

Magenta (10/10) (9)

Magenta stands and glances in the bedroom toward the sleeping Seph.

Like I would sell love after finding it again...

She returns her attention to the phone, "Say it then..."

[Neon Knight]

Emmeline blushed furiously. She couldn't say no, and couldn't admit that she did like it, so she changed the subject abruptly. "Can you please let go? The food will get cold."

___

Rico's voice was smug. "Name you price. I've got dirt on a lot of people. Like, have you seen Beelzebub's numbers in Africa? Killer! But I've got a little file here that can pull the foundation right out from under his feet. That's just an example of what I can do for you."

[Wiz]

Magenta (10/10) (9)

Magenta chuckles, "I'll have to think about it... after all, the big B might want to offer me more... perhaps even a file to pull your feet out from under you? Now don't you do anything to stop incoming offers, after all - the more choices I have the better my situation. I'll contact you after I've considered some angles..." She hangs up to keep him off balance.

I've got to think about how to handle this... now it's out that Seph's with me, but Rico probably won't share the knowledge. Still - who knows how many agents were targeting the three of them.

She goes into the bedroom and removes her robe, lying back on the bed. Holding the angel til she wakes. "They could offer me the great throne itself and I'd turn it down for your lap, my love."

[AmberVael]

Melpomene

Smiling in a satisfied manner, Melpomene goes and sits across from Emmeline, toning down her smile until it was gentle and polite again, beginning to eat a little of the food she set aside for herself.

[Neon Knight]

Emmeline found that the food tasted very good, and she ate with a healthy appetite. Plus, focusing on her plate allowed her to ignore her own feelings, and to not react to Melpomene's eyes on her.

When encountering an emotion, thought, or sensation one couldn't deal with, (as was likely in a total war between angels and demons) her instructors had taught her to occupy her mind with such base concerns to allow herself to keep functioning. She employed that now to try to get her mind off of Melpomene. How could the woman effect her so easily?

___

Seph woke up gently, smiling as she realized she was in Magenta's arms. "Good morning, Eden." She kissed Magenta on the lips. "I wish I could say such poetic things to you, but I'm afraid I don't have that talent."

[Wiz]

Magenta (10/10) (9)

Magenta smiles, "If goodness and gentleness were like art or poetry, then you would be the grandmistress of all time, for all that was good and gentle. Since they are, so you are..." She traces Seph's lovely cheekbone with her fingertip. "Some of those who share my former allegiance have identified you being with me... they're already trying to make offers, but I'm trying to play them off against each other so that we can use my resources to keep you safe and get your work done." She pauses to kiss the angel thourougly on the lips. "Mmmmmmmm... Oh, your young friend is still downstairs in the park... should we invite him up and see if we can bring him over to your camp?"

[AmberVael]

Melpomene

Melpomene, meanwhile, has decided to let the issue settle for a bit. Perhaps, given some time to think about it, Emmeline would be a little more receptive and willing to talk. Maybe she'd even bring up the topic herself.
Humming softly, she finishes with her scant breakfast and goes to wash up the plate.

[Neon Knight]

Emeline watched Melpomene get up and go to the sink. "There was site near here I wanted to visit. An old mine."

___

"Theo?" Seph looked thoughtful. "Eden, he might not understand. We'll have to be careful. He's a nice boy, and I don't want to frighten him."

[The_Snark]

Jezebel

Oh. Right. Jezebel makes a note to come up with an explanation for having money to spare; her false job would have to have been pretty high-paying. For now, she just nods, and says, "Is there somewhere I can meet you tomorrow? I'm guessing you don't have a phone or anything..."

[Wiz]

Magenta (10/10) (9)

Magenta looks into Seph's eyes, "Hun... I don't think anyone from your side, or my side is going to understand us. They'll just assume you've enthralled me or I've enthralled you."