❪ event ❫ khalo? can you hear me?

[natha]

In normal circumstances, this would have been near the time in which you're called upon to greet the newly awakened. Unfortunately, I speak to you to inform that we must postpone that — there is trouble on your horizon. What, I cannot see for sure. We shall continue to monitor the situation, however — we - ... we — [feed cuts off.] OLYMPIAN PRESERVATION     The city of Olympia is preparing the send-off of its most prized artifact: the heart of the ancient dragon, Ysverai. In doing this, they've transformed the palace court into an exhibition detailing the centuries-old war between Wyver and Olympia. Sculptures of Nithor the Exalted and his men and women in clean, white marble, while their armors are polished in perfect gold. Among Nithor are the sculptures of stallions in all shapes and sizes that also aided in the great war. Further in the exhibition, one may also find other artifacts of much older weaponry, rusted by its time in the earth, and items found from a time when humans feared the dragons. The Royal Guard has increased its numbers in wake of such a public event, particularly because the heart will be in display also. The heart is not what one might expect it to be: about the size of an average human, the heart's core is surrounded in stone, a red glow emitting from its still beating core. If that were not unsettling enough, one might also find that lingering around this particular exhibit will have undue affects on one's inhibitions. You'll notice your heart has fallen into sync with the organ, and your more selfish desires will come forth. Things that have long been buried will rise up and place you in a state of unease, encouraging paranoia about your companions intentions. Allow it to fester, and one will carry this feeling with them long after you've left the scene. It's probably a good thing this is leaving Olympia — perhaps it's a source of so much conflict you've endured. It's easy to become mesmerized by all the historical artifacts that are present in Olympia's exhibition. Some even seem mystical or, like Ysverai’s heart, to hold unspeakable powers. Others are just a little eerie. Either way, Olympia prides itself in its generosity and their grand displays, and so refugees are urged to learn more about their artifacts by spending the night in Palace Court. Though, someone should probably mention that there are rumors of strange, almost occult things happening around these relics at night. People speak of armored soldiers casting shadows that have the ability to walk on their own, or gemstones that catch the moonlight in a certain way and show you visions. But those are just silly ghost stories, right? TALL TALES OF KHALO VILLAGE     Because of Khalo's proximity to Wyver, it's no surprise that they would catch wind of the peace talks between Wyver and Olympia. In response, for the first time in centuries, Khalo Village has willingly granted passage to outsiders — but visitors will immediately find out that one cannot just simply walk into the village. Visitors will need to inhale the smoke of a fyrra herb in order to enter the premises without falling into slumber. Khalo is notably different than what refugees are used to. Visitors, specifically refugees, will find that they are exceedingly accommodating. The Khali are very intrigued by the outsiders, thus they're treated with much respect and given instant access to some of the best lounges and fyrra the village has to offer. In exchange, the village is interested in hearing about your journey thus far. Whether it be through a conversation with another individual or the Khali themselves, they'll very likely to have been eavesdropping and recording the tales of their exploits. Why, exactly? Perhaps it will not be immediately clear, but if you happened upon a venasou, a tamed Khali creature, it may have guided you to their Enchanted Library. Upon entering the library, visitors will notice that it is quite the happening place — but not because it's occupied by the Khali, but because there seems to be an assembly of magical quills seemingly writing on their own. The quills are mostly undisturbed by the intrusion and will not stop writing even if parchment is taken from it; it will simply produce another piece of paper and continue its tales. If you happen to read the parchment, you may notice that there is a daunting similarity between your story and the ones being written here. Tales of Thesa birthing new races and sending them from the sky, for example, are very popular in Khalo Village. They mark July 15th as the day in which the Moon Goddess, Thesa, created more people in her image and brought them to El Nysa as saviors. The coincidences don't end there: specifics about your home world might be found in the writings if you search deeply enough — but it's not without its exaggerations. These stories are given all sorts of poetic and literary forms, from short stories to limericks, biographies to something similar to haiku. If asked, the Khali will inform visitors that the enchanted library has access to vague parts of your memories, and thus it is duty-bound to record. The Khali have not seen stories as strange as the ones being made by refugees, which is largely why they are interested in them. NOTE: This is entirely optional! You may make up your own "stories" (fanfiction) and it could be as accurate or inaccurate, or as serious or silly as you'd like. While tales of the Thesa's descendants are still being written, visitors of the Enchanted Library might find intrigue in the more complete works — KING AND KIN. If one is willing to delve deep, they may also find parts of Wyver's past that have been removed from their own archives. These pages will recount the tales of Shanrian and Rasyc. Though a lot of the narrative seems to divide at certain points in the story, it becomes obvious with some quick reading that Rasyc is not only the son of Shanrian, but that he glorifies the Wyver of old, more bloodthirsty and brutal than it is today. Unlike his father, he does not take kindly to Olympia and the threat they will always pose for their people. He has not forgotten Olympia's past sins and he believes that, in his foolish quest for peace, the king has gone soft and no longer possesses the real will to fight. His present voice in affairs of state is not a loud one, as he chooses to speak in whispers and move in the dead of silence. In these quiet murmurings, he boasts of his unwavering belief in the power and dignity of his people. Of how they should all return to what they once were — the kingdom, its citizens, and naturally the father who he had once admired greatly. Though perhaps it can be argued that any estranged son would wish the same. It's difficult to pinpoint what becomes political and what is and always will be more personal for him. But, it hardly matters. It's clear that Rasyc will stop at nothing to achieve his objectives, even if it means never returning to place he calls home. Even if it means turning his back on his own father, Shanrian, King of Wyver... DRAGONFIRE. While tales of the Thesa's descendants are still being written, visitors to the Enchanted Library might find intrigue in the more complete works. In particular, tales of Ysverai, the last of Wyver's great high dragons. Ysverai is most commonly known for being slain by Olympia’s past king and legendary hero, Nithor, but here in Khalo he is depicted in another light. Ysverai is known to the Khali people as a wise being, old as the first inhabitants that walked El Nysa. The creature spoke in the common tongue to the early settlers, guiding them to refuge when his kin began to dominate the land at the cost of its own isolation. It ultimately becomes a tale of sacrifice, for its stand with Nithor became a testament against the Olympian Empire's long reaching influence. At the bottom, there is a quotation: Your hearts will fill with greed and malice the moment my own stops beating. Take care in the Eye of the Storm. Find strength in one another, before it is too late. It seems to end there. Refugees are naturally allowed to question the natives. However, keep in mind that many of their replies will seem more like speculation than fact. But maybe that can be fun too? If you have no interest in the library and the tales they've woven, feel free to explore any of the other areas of interest. Khalo Village is thrilled to be open for you all. THOSE THAT SEEK PEACE, AND THOSE THAT SEEK --     The morning of the 20th is marked by fairly dismal weather. The sky is overcast and a downpour seems imminent. Regardless of the poor forecast, those who signed up to assist in this mission will be required to come early in order to receive their briefing. Members of Group A: ▸ Jon Snow (song_of_ice) ▸ Daenerys Targaryen (dorzalta) ▸ Loras Tyrell (triplerose) ▸ Terra (earthy) ▸ Alisaie Leveilleur (adelphoi) ▸ Solider: 76 (personalwar) ▸ Ardyn Izunia (daemonized) ▸ Mai(maipokerface) ▸ Olivier Armstrong (wallsofbriggs) ▸ Atsushi Nakajima (gekkajuu) Members of Group B: ▸ Kale (kaleorbekaled) ▸ Diana Prince (wondie) ▸ Pheonix Wright (objectionattourney) ▸ Revolver Ocelot (shashka) ▸ Frederick (pebblestone) ▸ John Sheppard (impavid ▸ Ianto Jones (torchwoodteaboy) ▸ Lena Oxton (quevarly) ▸ Allura (quintessent) Due to the rain, members of Group A will have to immediately stop by the checkpoint at the East Watchtower. Additionally, the Royal Guard and Knightryders are well-prepared with extra cloaks for those who may require it. They also will provide basic refreshments such as water and bread. People are encouraged to take what they need prior to their departure on this mission. The checkpoints are a bit far between, after all. Members of the envoy will also be encouraged to utilize this time to become familiar with one another. Maybe some introductions are in order? You never know who will end up having your back... For both groups, the paths will be relatively straightforward with evenly spaced checkpoints along the way. The only issue seems to be the downpour, really. The rain is unforgiving and the roads easily become unstable and increasingly difficult for the carriage to be drawn through. Hence, there may be more than one occasion where you will be expected to lend a hand in prying out its wheels from a particularly pesky (and muddy) pothole. Or perhaps you will be called upon by a fellow guard to assist in getting a particularly stubborn creature out of the path ahead of you. Seems like it may be a longer journey than you expected. Dirtier, too. While weathering the conditions may have been a bit tiring, this journey isn't too bad, right? Well, maybe not. GROUP A. Once the carriage gets through the worst of the terrain and finally manages to depart from the watchtower, it won't be long until the group is met with a physical roadblock. A large tree trunk will be set down the center of the road, acting as a blockade. But, before the group can react or begin crafting a plan around this obstruction, the carriage will be attacked without warning. At first, it's unclear where the attack comes from or from whom, but you don't have the leisure to deliberate this. You hear one of your fellow guards mention something about bandits frequenting these parts, but maybe there's more to it? Either way, your task is clear: protect the artifact, Nithor's skull, and fight the bandits off. You'll be encouraged to try and capture them so that they may later be turned and questioned by the authorities. GROUP B. With clear motives to restock and collect a few more materials for the carriage, it's evident that the envoy will appear restless to arrive at the second checkpoint. However, despite their unspoken delight at seeing the South Outpost from a distance, it's clear something has gone awry. There will be several hooded figures awaiting them right where the mud path meets the cobblestone of the Outpost's road. Soon, several more of these figures will come to flank them from both sides. While they seem like bandits, at least from their physical appearance, there is something far more polished in their movements. They will be attacking the envoy in concise, practiced formations. For those who are more perceptive, it becomes obvious that they are moving around and acting as decoy to one central figure. This member is likely the "leader" of their group, but no matter how one may try to close the distance between themselves and this mysterious leader, someone will constantly get in the way of that. The fighting also seems to act as a distraction since by the time everything is cleared up... only two things are missing. The leader of this group of bandits and more importantly — Ysverai's heart. NOTE: Those RNG'd to thread out the capture and questioning of the bandits will have starters below. For everyone else that signed up, you will still have the opportunity to capture the assailants even though they were not selected to thread the interrogation; you are free to make up your NPCs with the same basic guideline: they will not reveal their motive or their organization. You may turn them in to authorities (Wyver or Olympia or otherwise) or find creative ways to get rid of them. FINAL OOC NOTE     To reiterate: you may use this log as a general mingle for everything from the May Outline, including all Khalo Village activities. In other words, your top-levels don't necessarily have to be related to the prompts written here. An AC-eligible thread in which your character participates in anything mentioned in the May Outline and/or Khalo Village location page may be submitted for 2 REP POINT FOR EITHER OLYMPIA OR WYVER. SUBMIT THE THREAD FOR OLYMPIA OR WYVER HERE OR HERE RESPECTIVELY BY June 10th 11:59 PM EST. For those who participated in this month's plot-related portion, to receive IC recognition for it, a summary of the thread must be submitted HERE by June 8th 11:59 PM EST. Please direct all queries to the question thread below. Thank you, and have fun! QUICK NAV premise ● faq ● lore ● map ● npcs ● bestiary taken ● atp/emp ● application ● rep/acp ● quest bulletin calendar ● hiatus/drops ● modbox [ FULL NAVIGATION ] elnysa nysalogs nysaisles nysaooc elnyan

Comments

[jesus_is_gundam]

What's yours?

[jesus_is_gundam]

[Those eyes of his fixate on her for a moment, looking at her, before looking at the ground after noticing that her feet aren't on it. There's a slightly puzzled look on his face for a moment, before he pushes the idea aside. Instead, he looks at the pillow stuffing on the floor, his normally neutral expression slightly scrunching as he remembers the taste. It isn't rice, though it does have a similar texture, but not the same flavor at all.]

It wasn't.

[There's a quiet hint of disappointment if she cares to listen for it, though its barely there. Still, he kind of has a craving for rice. And space. Both things that are out of his reach at the moment. He turns his attention back to his guest.]

You're floating...?

[meinwaifu]

Oh? Then what are you, exactly? From what I can see, you look like some sort of cat to me.

Ah, unless it's one of those fursuits? Is this your-- what did you say earlier? Fursona?

[I just want you to know that I hate myself for making that pun.]

1/2

[meinwaifu]

You could at least sound a little more impressed you know!

[COME ON THIS IS COOL?? He hasn't been able to properly show off in months!!]

[But okay, clearing his throat--]

[meinwaifu]

Well, if you're going to offer-- why don't you go first? You're the reason we're making this little exchange in the first place, after all.

[And maybe depending on just how interesting the information is, Mephisto might offer a bit more in the way of explanations for his weaknesses.]

[baguablade]

[ Cain lifts his hands in a gesture of surrender. As much as he wants to bring a little levity to the situation, he's not cruel enough to continue the joke this far, offering false hope. ]

I wish I could say that, but the observation room's not being very cooperative, either. I was working on getting the console to respond properly when you passed by.

[ He's still a little put out that his hard-earned security clearance isn't being accepted all of a sudden! Hmph. ]

[thetaintedsorrow]

It’s a neat trick.

[Sorry Meph, Chuuya might be impressed, but he’s not going to fanboy and stroke your ego. Not today, anyway.

Chuuya reaches up to touch the bat umbrella out of pure curiousity. Is it alive?? Weird, but cool.

Right. Serious things.]

It’s name is Arahabaki. Some kind of god of chaos or something. The case files were destroyed before I got to learn more about it.

[Perhaps it’s better if he doesn’t know everything.]

Dunno if that means anything to you.

[meinwaifu]

[CAREFUL THE UMBRELLA BITES well, it won't right now. It's very good at its job.]

[Now, normally that delivery might have left much to be desired. Especially when it's clear that Chuuya doesn't actually know much about it.]

[But if the look on Mephisto's face is any indication, he's not disappointed by the answer. Not at all, in fact-- which might just make what he says all the more sinister.]

Arahabaki? Well, well... now that's a name I haven't heard in quite some time.

Tell me, this corruption form of yours-- is it, perhaps, something triggered using a chant of some kind?

[thetaintedsorrow]

You’ve heard of it?

[That grabs Chuuya’s attention away from the batbrella, eyes searching Mephisto’s face for answers. He’s not sure he likes where this is going, but since he’s already let the cat out of the bag...]

Yes. How did you know?

[Should he say it? No doubt it’s safe to utter the words if Chuuya doesn’t actually try to activate Corruption...]

Oh grantors of dark disgrace, do not wake me again.

[meinwaifu]

Ahh, so you can say them without summoning it! That was going to be my next question.

[Summoning, he says. Because he's pretty sure that's what they're actually dealing with now.]

Arahabaki is an ancient Japanese deity -- once considered a god of travelers. But when his patrons fell out of favor with the reigning emperor, all shrines dedicated to him were burned to the ground, and his name became synonymous with treachery and rebellion. And as is the case with so many fallen gods, he turned his anger and frustration towards humanity -- eventually earning his reputation for betrayal by turning his own followers against one another. In a way, he certainly became a symbol of chaos-- but he was no god.

[He reaches out and taps on Chuuya's chest, right over his heart.]

You have a demon sealed inside you.

[nostalgiabomb]

[ "Sweaty fairy palms" is a new one on Peter, and it earns a quick, surprised laugh. ]

You've got a poetic way of putting things.

[ And he means that genuinely, surprisingly.

The guy clearly doesn't want to talk about whatever he found in that book, and Peter is smart enough to know that it isn't any of his business – and more than that, he doubts the guy wants to share with a total stranger whatever it was that got him so spooked.

So wisely, he rolls with the conversation. ]

Saw what might actually pass for a dive out here in Wonderland. Was about to head there, myself.

[ And he gestures with a thumb over his shoulder – a near universal sign for, "You wanna get out of here?" ]

Want some company?

[inaurare]

Good. Let me see your other hand...?

[and he can put some of the ointment on that as well with a smile at the next words.]

What if you took me for tea some time? Once your skin is a little more comfortable...

[nostalgiabomb]

[ oh okay that's better???

The explanation, unsurprisingly, doesn't clear up much, because what is an Yggdrasil and why does it have to do with missiles and are missiles normally powered renegade-ly?

There are just a lot of questions Peter currently has, and it shows with the puzzled look on his face.

But, okay, easiest to stick with the current topic: ]

Did you talk to any of the locals about yourself? They've been asking a lot of probing questions, from what I've seen. Maybe one of them, I dunno, enchanted the quill to jot it down?

[thetaintedsorrow]

[Summoning? That’s an odd choice of words...

Until Mephisto explains in detail exactly what the being sealed inside of him is and the nature of it, and suddenly it all makes perfect sense. His eyes widen in shock as it all it sinks in, and he clutches at the spot that Mephisto had touched, right above his heart.

The information doesn’t change anything about who Chuuya is now, but damn is it still shocking.

Shocking, and yet Chuuya is truly grateful for finally being able to understand the being inside of him just a little bit better. A fallen deity, betrayed by humanity...

It’s almost tragic, really.]

A demon? The people who sealed inside me weren’t too far off the mark, then.

[A pause as Chuuya considers what this might mean.]

Then that changes things, right? On how to control it.

[nostalgiabomb]

[ 76 would absolutely be right on that front. If the guy had asked him to pore over blueprints or floor plans, Peter would have a much easier time. Hell, even digital records might be a little more his speed. Hardcopy research, though? Skimming old documents and books?

It almost sounds like homework, and Peter hasn't done that since he was eight years old. It's why his expression sort of twists with distaste, but he already agreed, so it'd be dickish to back out now, right?

He'll just bail when it gets too boring. ]

You really think they've got anything worth knowing? [ Even as he asks it, he moves over to one of the quill, scribbling away. The information doesn't seem relevant, and he moves on. ] I can't imagine they'd have any more or less than what you'd find at Wyver or Olympia.

[summertimeblues]

What else am I good for? I've got a V8 for the motor in my mouth and a brain that ticks too quick to bother scratching and pecking paper. Plus I was never first pick for sports. If it hadn't been for radio I'd have spun my wheels out and ended up in the looney bin.

[The percentage of that Sandra would be able to parse is hovering at eighteen percent, but the sweet smoke is loosening more than just the tight binds on his muscles. It all spills out like a fountain that shot superfluous air.

As such, he doesn't see the shove coming.]

—Oof!

[Back to the pillow-nest he goes. She edges closer, hand lingering atop his chest, the touch softer than what she'd laid on his cheek when they first met mano-a-mano. Richie's smile creeps back on, followed by a smug snicker.]

It was a one way deal, Sandy. I talked and they could listen, or they could be spoilsports and change the station. More people tuned in than out, I'll have you know. My babble is a hot commodity.

[He lays his own hand atop hers. Traces the edges of those fine fingers. They're all sinew — some people had podgy hands no matter how much they worked with them, but hers were firm under the buttery slip of her skin.]

'Course if you're sick of all my yapping, there's a few ways to shut me up in person.

[Her eyes, sealed shut as always, look romantically dreamy with the lashes dusting her cheeks. He used to be unsettled by the lack of visual connection, but the more he'd popped into the Orb for chats and wine and music blasting on his turntable outside, the differences between them wiped clear. Locking gazes hardly seemed necessary now. He could see and hear and sense what she was feeling when she spoke it, when she moved, unfettered and catlike.

Having her eyes closed only made her doubly prepared for when he lifts halfway to catch her mouth in a kiss. Rash, maybe, and were this ten or twenty years ago he'd have been too gun-shy to jump to the point. But right now delays only looked like time wasted.

So he keeps it soft. One hand to her cheek. Tasting a touch of the fyrra on her lips as he dusts his own over top. Doesn't linger, in case she needs to say no.

He pulls off gently, waiting for the answer.]

[fiendennor]

[She shakes her head, pinching the bridge of her nose as she thinks.] No, I haven't. Certainly not to that degree. ...it's possible that Akko might have? She's the only other person who would know, and she, ah... isn't subtle.

[fiendennor]

--Sansa. [She glances up at the familiar voice, and while her expression remains equal parts concerned and puzzled, her body language clearly relaxes at the sight of her dear friend.]

I don't know that I'd say that there's anything wrong per se, it's just--

This... seems to be about me. [She says, waving the parchment.]

[fiendennor]

N-no, nothing's wrong. [She shakes her head, her hair-- alternating pale blonde and a very light green, slightly darker due to the dampness-- swishing over her shoulders.] Just, ah. [How does she explain "I thought you were a girl?"

Answer: She changes the subject.] It just seems odd, to me, to drink the water that people bathe in. The sanitation issues seem serious.

[summertimeblues]

[What was Prior doing? Scenting the wind? Either he'd had his eyes closed before turning to face him, or was just coming out of a record-breaking blink. Richie's mind takes a leap (what strange and wondrous things is this one capable of) but he brushes that aside.

Could have just been listening. Though that smile is...off. By a fraction, maybe, or perhaps Richie's agitation is painting suspicions on every twitch and fidget. Regardless, he's hardly assuaged by the sentiment.

The ship name passes through him with only the faintest remembrance. Some ghost story, wasn't it? Hardly the type of thing to say when you wanted to lay fears to rest.]

You wouldn't mind if I did a triple check, would you? [Richie offers his own smile now. Probably just as convincing as Prior's own.] Call it masculine obtuseness. I need the sight assured that a couple of those pods are still pumping air.

[And that one stays sealed. Or if there was a way to cut the gas now that Mom and Pops had left the house, well! Don't you mind him, doing the world a favor.]

[meinwaifu]

[It's possible the Arahabaki from Chuuya's world is a very different being from the one in Mephisto's. But even if that were the case -- it's not like they have any other leads to go by.]

It changes things considerably, yes. For starters-- it means I know I can help you.

[And he's not just saying that to be cocky. He knows demons, he's knows gods... and with it being a Japanese demon, hell, he's probably offered assistance in maintaining the location where his world's version of Arahabaki still remains sealed.]

But it does add a new layer of difficulty... I don't yet know the nature of how you and Arahabaki are connected. If you are a human serving as a living seal, it would certainly explain why a summoning verse would allow you to access its power -- essentially forcing it to possess your body when using Corruption. But if you are a human serving as a vessel...

Well, that just begs the question whether you're the real Chuuya Nakahara, or simply a very confused and weakened Arahabaki.

[Enjoy your new existential crisis, Chuuya.]

[thetaintedsorrow]

[If only the truth weren’t scattered to the far reaches of space by now.

Maybe Chuuya ought to be having an existential crisis, but really, he’s never known the whole truth behind his past or his true nature, so this, while definitely news, isn’t going to shake him to his core like it would just about anyone else.]

Does it matter? I’m me. Even if Chuuya Nakahara wasn’t my original name, it’s who I am now. Doesn’t matter if I’m a god or a demon or a human, what I’ve done makes me who I am, not what I might’ve been in the past.

[meinwaifu]

[Is Chuuya ready for some good old-fashioned demon cackling? Because that's what he's going to get. It's not too often that Mephisto really shows his true self, but there's certainly something in the way he laughs that might just come off as distinctly unnatural.]

Yes, yes, that's it! That's just what I was hoping to hear! There's little sense in wallowing over the nature of one's existence. "I think, therefore I am" -- at the end of the day, that's all that matters!

[He's so used to dealing with angsty teenagers?? This is truly a breath of fresh air. It reminds him a bit of Shiro, actually but fuck if he's going to let his brain make that comparison, he'll gross himself out.]

Of course, it does matter in terms of how to deal with Corruption, seeing as it would likely end poorly for you if the connection between yourself and Arahabaki were accidentally severed. Sealing corruption might very well seal your personality as well, depending on just how tightly wound together everything is.

[eaudevamp]

[ Shell had a point. It wasn't something they talked about, and even after Shell came out to him, there wasn't much chance to do so.

Now, time to sit back and enjoy some steamy story. Reign coughed a bit into his hand, and if the blush on his cheeks were anything to go by, he's already feeling embarrassed thinking about it. ]

So, urm... there's this person I met when I first arrived. [ How much should he tell Shell? He didn't want to hide from his best friend, but he knew what not to say as well, so... Reign leaned in and whispered. ] His name is Mephisto, but he goes by Johann Faust in public. And—

[ Reign did a quick glance around to make sure they're alone. ] He's a demon. [ He shared a bit more of his exploits with Mephisto, making certain not to reveal the demon's true name. Mephisto wouldn't have appreciate his secrets being shared, even if it was with Shell. ]

T-there you have it. [ However, Reign had yet to bring up the bit about Mephisto's death (and revival), and how he felt for the demon. That was something quite complicated that even Reign himself had yet to work out. ]

[eaudevamp]

Ngh...

[ The pressure of Mephisto's boot on Reign's shoulder was heavy, a firm weight even if the demon was merely placing it there, a clear reminder of who was in control.

Reign didn't care if anyone walked by and saw them like this. In fact, just the thought that it may be someone whom they recognise was already sending shivers down his spine. What would Shell say if he saw Reign like this, hm?

But it seemed that his apology wasn't the right one. Or at least, not the correct issue he was apologising for. ]

Urm, I'm sorry for teasing you about your older brother?

[ How many more chances will Reign get before Mephisto end up punishing him? ]