931 replies to this topic

[Mercakete]

"I was simply suggesting something to that effect myself," Esphyr clarified, referring to no one wandering about alone, "Also, I agree that we shouldn't fall into paranoia, but rather take extra precaution. There is too much at stake to not shield ourselves where we can."

[Phoenix]

Meeting

That bearded sidekick was talking more than Luc at this point, but more importantly, the talk of replacing crimsons persisted longer than he thought it would. They were getting too deep into the possibilities now and putting any new suspicions to rest wouldn't be easy. A thought occurred to him that he wanted to tell Morgan about, but how would he word it? The thought was simple, really. Miranda had offered to teach Morgan how to detect other demons nearby. This more or less put a stop to all future infiltration attempts. Of course Miranda was occasionally under suspicion being a demon herself, and a rather unpredictable one at that. Bringing it up now didn't seem like the most tactful move ... nonetheless ....

Lev: Morgan, don't forget that we still have a couple of options for dealing with shapeshifters, now.

Suddenly he felt like he'd made an understatement. This whole exchange had gotten started with concerns over the true identity of Jace's alleged son, Eric. The man could be confirmed human or demon by Miranda. She could eventually teach Morgan to do the same, at least by her testimony, but in the meantime, she was obviously the most expedient method of locating hidden or disguised demons.

[-Cynthia-]

"As leader of the duumvirate, I have the freedom to delegate rulership if I so choose. I feel like it would be best to lead by example, in all the tales the king was always at the forefront of the army, inspiring his men by leading the charge. I think remaining with the Crimsons would have a similar effect," Charlotte explained.

"Traveling in groups has always been a sound plan- as for detecting demons Lev is correct. In all this political nonsense, I seem to have forgotten about Miranda's demon detecting abilities. While she is unreliable herself, I will hopefully be able to acquire her powers in a short amount of time," Morgan said.

[Script]

Luc Altair

The words of others drew Luc back to the more relevant conversation, as Chase and Fargo continued to argue in the background. "Yes," he continued off Esphyr's suggestion. "Travel in the presence of those you favor. I'd ask that of all of you." Both that advice or saying they should move with those they disliked had their advantages and flaws. But this way would ensure a quicker pace to the end of this.

Levski, next to speak, reminded Morgan of options they had for dealing with the shape-shifters? What? This could only be a recent development or they would not have fallen for the demon-Eric ruse. She could have even brought it up earlier. Well, not like Luc's mind had not... slowed, recently. But Levski knew as well... Was this related to Ixion?

Before Morgan could answer, Charlotte answered Chase's accusation from earlier. It was true that in the tales that great heroes would lead like that. But well, beyond that half the crimsons didn't have cavalry training. The real stories Luc heard from the mouths of the common hero were nothing like the glory-filled "truth" imprinted upon the pages. The fear, the uncertainty, the death of all those around you. That was why... he wouldn't pull such useless sacrificial moves. Not for glory. For survival if needed. "very well, a common soldier seeing a leader toil under the same hardships as them can be a morale-raiser," Luc said.

Morgan then spoke, revealing it had something to do with someone named Miranda. Luc searched back through his memories. Had he ever heard that name? She was... related to Isotov in some form, correct? Removed that link that hurt him within Directus. Luc looked over at Jeanne for a second, before turning back to the group. There was something else... He looked over at Viveka... and at Isotov who both had the those links from the Dark Druid. He knew the answer, didn't he?

Miranda was a demon.

Yes, Morgan said so during that nonsense with Ivanko. Ixion was working with her. Miranda was a shape-shifter. She was a huge danger. More then that, she was here, wasn't she? At the summit. Luc last heard of her during the Ivanko thing. Levski and the other Zaftrans departed then. The only time Miranda, Morgan and Levski could have been together since then was here. And Morgan clearly had forgotten about the demon's abilities to detect, requiring that reminder. Morgan even said she would be able to acquire her powers in a short manner of time.

Should, he bring this up? Call out the hypocrisy of this all? Luc's moved his hand atop his head, unsure of what to do. His left hand burned as he clutched scuffles of his hair. His mouth moved, he spoke. "Unreliable..." he barely got out. "How unreliable do you mean exactly?" Luc's voice knocked up in volume very lightly. Should he continue? But dammit, this would cause such a gigantic problem. He was trying to avoid them! He wasn't going to bring it up, not at all. It was better to work for that after the demons had been vanquished. Deal with such things when everything wasn't in danger.


CHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASE and the Fargo best buddies for life

"He really could!" Fargo pleaded. He looked at Luc, who was gripped in his own thing.

"Yeah, yeah," UGH, what is with this guy? Chase thought. Wait, what? Chase looked back at Morgan and her mention of Miranda. "Miranda? Isn't that the other demon shape-shifter? She's here!? Why aren't we hunting her down already Morgan huh?"


Luc Altair, The Fargo and CHAAAAAAAAAAAAASE a difference of minds

Luc's internal struggle was cut short as Chase broke off from his spat with Fargo to bring up Miranda. Dammit he had wanted to handle this gently! Had Fargo's inability to read a conversation infected the Crimson bow-wielder somehow? Did it matter now? The secret was out. Things would be difficult. What should he support? The truth and the trouble it would cause or a web of lies and deceit that would restore peace?

"See, Captain really is the best choice," Fargo grinned a bit.

Chase ignored him. "Look, um," Chase took in a breath after his outburst. "Can we even trust her to teach you demon-detecting Morgan? Especially after the last time we saw her?"

"No," Luc regained his composure, letting his left arm match with his right and cross in front of him. "It is a demon, and a shape-shifter. It is the most untrustworthy kind of demon. Morgan, you were worried about Eric's identity when one you know cannot be trusted was running about."

"Like she was wrong about that, huh?" Chase shouted. "Besides, she didn't attack us before. Or uh, again?" Morgan and Lev met her somewhere recently right?

"The shape-shifters at least, have proven subtlety. It is not wrong to presume they could delay violence to induce trust, or panic or wait until another... prize, appears." He was lecturing against such unprovoked paranoia and was now spreading it. This time at least, they had a reason.


Walnut Galley

"Did someone slip something into Fargo's food or something?" the male spy said.

"Maybe it's just the Boss's blood at work." the female spy said.

"Please, Boss says everyone's his son. Including the girls."

---

"Why did Luc look at you?" Merigold asked.

"I don't know." Jeanne answered truthfully.

"Why's he gripping his head like a idiot?"

"I really don't know," Jeanne said a little annoyed.

---

"A demon!?" the back-side gallery from Directus spoke more-or-less in unison as one of the Crimson group brought it up. The laid-back, disinterested forms changed into rapt attention. Even the spies. Especially the spies. The male leaned in on the female, tapping her palm with his fingers, delivering a coded message. Tell? She tapped back. No.

[Phoenix]

Meeting

Lev: Miranda's on her own side. That's the 'unreliable' she's talking about. If she was out to get us, though, she's ignored some golden opportunities and gained nothing for it. It's not like all the times she's avoided attacking us has earned her much trust.

And there he was again, listening to suspicion and doubt concerning Miranda, when the one he didn't trust as far as he could throw leading the entire group. Iso held his tongue and didn't make eye contact with anyone after the topic came up. He wasn't sure just how upsetting the topic was or if he was scowling right then or not.

Lev: (Well, it looks like Iso's not going to help out. Probably for the best since he looks so pissed right now. And also best if I address this demon hunt thing before people get any bright ideas.) Chase, Miranda isn't working with the other demons, or we'd attack her on sight like the rest. She's working with Ixion ... for her own reasons, but there it is.

Somewhere Else

Guard: Halt!

Miranda: *snrk* 'halt'.

Guard: ... yeah we get that a lot, now stop.

Ixion: I'm here to see what's keeping the Zaftran royals. They were only supposed to remain in the Halton embassy for one night. We won't be persuaded a second time.

Guard: Who are you?

Ixion: Ixion.

Guard: That Zaftran representative? It's that important, is it? I'll send word that you're here.

Ixion: Fine. Regardless, Miranda, you should probably remain out here.

Miranda: Hey, I might have had business of my own in there.

Ixion: Fenrir isn't getting inside and shouldn't be left completely unsupervised. More importantly, there is a large gathering inside with all nine crimson weapons present. I don't want to chance yet another incident.

Miranda: Fenrir's fine on his own, and I'm always willing to chance an incident~

Ixion: ....

Meeting Again

The guard from outside soon arrived at the meeting area.

Guard: Are the Zaftran royals here? A man calling himself Ixion is here to pick them up.

Iso was almost relieved to have an excuse to get out of the meeting, but knew what was coming next. He couldn't even get a word out before Lev did.

Lev: Perfect timing. Tell him we're having a meeting of our own right now. I'd invite him in, but this isn't my embassy.

He shrugged.

[-Cynthia-]

"I might be a little behind on all this, but isn't this group supposed to kill demons, not work with them?" Tristan asked

"Some would say we're already working with demons- the Crimson Weapons are no works of the Goddess certainly," Charlotte responded curtly.

"I can understand the doubt and mistrust surrounding Miranda, she is a demon and a shape-shifter after all. However, she did bring Proxima back- any demon in the service of the Lord would do no such thing. I view Miranda as a necessary risk at this time, I would rather risk her...mercurial nature than be unprepared for an assault by Shanice ever again. Whether we should dispose of her afterwards is another matter entirely, but Miranda has her uses...for now," Morgan said.

[Script]

Luc Altair, The Fargo and CHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASE! victory!

"Certainly she has earned enough trust not to be hunted down immediately," Luc pointed out. But he had no answer to Levski pointing out that Miranda wasn't working with other demons though. But it still, unsettled him. Again, there was something he was missing here. What was it? But that didn't matter as a sentry for the Embassy arrived, announcing Ixion's arrival to everyone. Ha, was the demon with him? They could solve all of this right now.

"Well," Chase went. "Alright, if Morgan says so I guess we can put up with her. Doesn't mean we have to be happy about it though."

Luc listened to Prince Tristan's question, Princess Charlotte's statement and Morgan's answer. There was no easy way to deal with anything here. And Chase shut up almost immediately once things were explained, so there was no more relying on his expansions to bring up new topics. "We are not Reformists, we will not declare a human life forfeit because of the touch of demons." Flashes again of that senseless loss of life flashed through Luc's mind. It had bothered him so little then, why now? But enough.

"The actions of the demons have not made the greatest amount of sense. Why do they return to battle with a Crimson in possession instead of sequestering it away? I think perhaps you do have an answer to that?" Luc wondered. "But again, I say, Miranda has earned trust enough to not be purged on sight." Luc sighed a bit. "Is there no other way to detect shape-shifters then working with a demon?" Luc cursed that his own earlier question would turn into such a ruckus.

"Man, this is getting complicated," Fargo moaned.

Edited by Script, 30 April 2012 - 01:23 AM.

[Phoenix]

Meeting Thing

Lev: Well, Miranda did point out that one of Ixion's chimeras could detect them too, but that's another similar solution. I don't know of any detection methods that don't lead back to Ixion. The guy's put a lot of effort and research into them, so-

Iso: 'Dispose of' ...?

Iso clinched both of his fists and looked down at the floor, furious as ever. He could barely keep his voice from breaking up in his anger.

Iso: This is why ... this is why I can't stand working underneath her. Using people like tools and then throwing them away.

Lev: Ah hell. Not again.

Iso: After everything she's done ... you would try to kill her like it's nothing.

Edited by Phoenix, 30 April 2012 - 01:33 AM.

[-Cynthia-]

"I suppose borrowing chimeras would be quicker and easier- if less reliable. How do we know the chimera has detected a demon and not merely an odd scent? We could be tearing apart our own for no real reason," Morgan pondered aloud.

"If Miranda does not work against us, there should be no reason to dispose of her. Still, the fact that she is a demon of considerable power should not be ignored- and neither should her origins. Your inability to separate the demon Miranda from the woman you were romantically involved is a clear example of your immaturity and inability to handle reality," she said, turning to Isotov with a condescending gaze.

[Script]

Luc Altair

"Ixion again hm?" Luc dreaded having to rely on him ever. The man barely seemed a step above the demons, and these chimeras would be just as trustworthy. Maybe they could capture Miranda and have trustworthy mages run tests? That was less terrible an option. If need be he always had some form of leverage. Morgan laid an answer before him though. It seemed the chimeras were like dogs? "Get a houndmaster perhaps? But you are right, it is not flawless either." Ixion had to have some way then, if he could do it with these chimeras.

What came as a surprise though, was Isotov's anger. Why was he so inflamed? And Levski acted like it wasn't a common occurrence. "It's a demon. Why are you treating it so highly?" Luc asked, somewhat curious. While no doubt she had done some things, returning Proxima, helping Isotov with his stupid switch plan. Those weren't enough reasons to be getting enraged over. Well, perhaps keeping him alive with stopping the severance was.

He didn't expect his answer to come from Morgan though. She was a demon, that was plenty enough reason to take care of her immediately. That was their whole point. That was Directus' whole point--not that anyone else knew. Demon Miranda, and some past love of his? Luc looked at Isotov, not really understanding what that was about. "This demon takes on the form of someone you knew?"


EDIT: Added reaction to Morgan.

Edited by Script, 30 April 2012 - 01:45 AM.

[Phoenix]

Heated Meeting

Iso: The reality is that you're the real monster, and your 'demon' ranting is just an excuse to kill her once you've gotten what you want. If I was actually worried that you could kill her, I'd stop you no matter what it took.

He quickly turned to answer Luc's question, but he couldn't keep from glaring at him too. It wasn't really about him, but there was no way he could wipe the fury from his face right then.

Iso: Morgan is convinced that it's not the real Miranda ... even if she wasn't, she still has her memories. The only difference between this Miranda and the one I knew is that she's not afraid of people trying to kill her. The important thing is ... Miranda actually cares about other living beings. You'd think that ... would earn her some recognition. Something other than a 'I won't kill her, right now'. When Miranda helps people, it's to help people. She's not the enemy.

Lev: Dammit .... Just-just go get Ixion, already. He can help explain these.

The guard shrugged and headed back.

Finally Iso's anger began to subside, and he thought once again about the comparison he had always made between Miranda and Morgan. If there was any time to be clear about his feelings on the matter, this was it.

Iso: I've spent ten years on the run, and then things only got worse afterward, because I was stupid enough to follow Morgan. I got over the fact that the person I loved and my greatest enemies--the demons--are now the same. I'm not like this so called leader, here. I judge people by their merits, not their 'origins'. As far as I'm concerned, Miranda's a human in a demonic body trying to get by in a world that despises demons. Morgan on the other hand is no different from an actual demon, hoping to kill the demon king--for whatever reason--and using us and people we care about as expendable assets. That's fine for some people, but I can't willingly follow someone who only cares about my sister and I as far as she can use us. We're people, not weapons.

Viveka: (Well that explains why Iso hates the 'military' choice. It's pretty much the same, though superior officers aren't often as blunt as Morgan is.)

Iso: If there was any other hope ... any other way of defeating the demon king, I'd take it.

Viveka: (Oh ... great. So does that mean he'll turn on us if something remotely promising comes up?)

Gate

When the guard returned, he seemed uncertain and Ixion took note.

Ixion: What is it?

Guard: They want to see you inside; one of them at least.

Ixion immediately looked to Miranda, trying to figure out if she still planned on following him inside. Since he stared at her for all of three seconds, Miranda figured this out and gave him a straight answer.

Miranda: I'm coming too~

Ixion sighed. He'd hoped she would just decide to agree with him instead of him having to actually say 'no'. The truth was, he couldn't very well keep her out. She would just find another way in and that would lead to a bigger scene than if she simply came in with him.

Ixion: I really must object to this ...

Miranda simply reached in and grabbed his arm, and Fenrir sat down on the spot, intending to wait.

No choice; he decided to just let her come in with him. If she wanted to go in badly enough to oppose him directly, she actually did have her own business to deal with.

Miranda: Your objection is noted and I'll be civil, Ixion, now let's go~

[Script]

CHAAAAAAAAAAASE! first when it counts and Luc Altair

"Don't threaten Morgan like that," Chase took a few steps towards Iso. "And Miranda is a demon, she shape-shifted into you after all." Chase got ready to intervene if anyone tried anything.

Luc listened in as Isotov gave a spectacular rant for his reasons against Morgan and for Miranda. Even going so far as to damn-near threaten to kill Morgan if the Druid attempted anything against Miranda. The shape-shifter had certainly chosen an effective disguise. He turned, and face still filled with anger, shouted at Luc more reasons. He cited memories as his key component that she was real, or rather that if she wasn't, they were some manner of proof. His preference for the demon, was that she cared about other living beings. But Morgan was greatly concerned with the lives of the Wielders. He perhaps meant the others. But Luc rather doubted that Fire Tome Weider was all that broken up when the 12th died. Hypocrite. Don't complain about caring about others when you meant caring for those you favored. He finished off with exclaiming that Miranda wasn't the enemy. But demons were the enemy.

Levski broke into Isotov's explanations, calling the sentry from earlier to let Ixion inside. That was rather annoying to subvert Halton's authority like that. The guard even sighed before heading back out, not even seeming to care.

Just in time for Isotov to prepare a much calmer rant on his feelings. He had apparently been running from demons--or Ivanko?--for ten years. That would put him quite young, almost Arrin's age? Not that Luc had specifics. Isotov continued, saying that meeting up with Morgan had just made things even worse. That, was doubtful. Afterwards, confusion began. He claimed that the person he loved was a demon now. This was becoming obnoxious. He claimed to judge people by their merits, not their origins. A valid way of looking at things. But claiming that Miranda was a human in a demon's body, and acting that it was so wrong that the world despised demons? What lunacy. He said that Morgan was no different than a demon, that she was only using everyone on hand as expendable assets. Morgan may be harsh but she had not sent everyone out on suicide missions either. He complained that some people would be fine with that. An insult no doubt aimed at the military figures. And his use of, use, was too flowery. Everyone was always using everyone. What he wanted was respect.

He finished off his anger with a halfhearted effort at hoping there was any other way to defeat the king.

And in all of this he did not actually answer the full question of what Miranda was. Luc gathered that he thought she was the real one, just, in a demon body? That complicated things greatly.

Chase shot up with Isotov's finishing to protect Morgan, and confirming that Miranda was indeed the demon from the day Isotov ran off.

Now, how should he play this? He had to calm Isotov, and deal with Ixion, and possibly even Miranda. And he didn't have the full facts on the demon either. Pushing that issue would be a disaster. Tapping on others was the only way to make progress. But if he took it too slow those two would enter and things would become even more difficult. Press the advantage now? Make it a complete mess for when they arrive? Or wait, wait for Ixion and take him out as well?

"You did not fully answer my question," Luc said, choosing to create a big an argument as he could to stonewall any of Ixion's attempts to drag the Zaftrans away. "But I suppose you gave me enough to piece together the picture. Miranda, has become a demon? And you are adamant about this demon-Miranda being truthful because she has her memories?" It is the same logic upon which Luc placed his trust in Charlotte saying Eric was legitimate. "I see, it is a, complicated issue. But, to argue some of your points, the only person she seems to have helped is you. Twice now was it? And neither offer was something trivial as help on a large harvest, but a significant action. One that saved your life even." Luc stopped for a second, thinking back on this whole series. "She has made an offer to Morgan, are you so trustworthy of her there? With your clear distaste for our 'leader'?"

Luc took another little break to let his words sink in. For Isotov. For everyone. "I've no idea of your past," Luc spoke after his silence lingered. "But if you were on the run for so many years, no, perhaps the real question is what were you on the run from? Demons? If so then it is entirely possible for one to have gathered enough knowledge to imitate someone so well, would you not agree? Well," Luc shook his head. "That line of logic only works if demons were the cause. Or at least one of them." Luc slide that he possibly knew more in. His next counter could be about "merit", but no, he would let that lay, for now. "You speak of Miranda being a human in a demon form. That is a very complicated thing, no, it is to my recollection the only time this has happened. Complicated does not begin to describe it. But, if that is so true, then she is, perhaps, no less as demonic as the Crimson Wielders. But, but," Luc almost shouted, "don't you ever imply that it is wrong to not despise the demons. Not after what they did." The Captain regained his composure just as quickly as he lost it. "If, if what you say is true then she is no more culpable then you. Any of you," Luc looked at each Crimson Wielder. He relaxed a bit again to let things get through to people. And again he spoke up. "Everyone should want the Lord killed. Even if for the most base reason as to keep their own life. That is one of your worries, is it not? That those you care for are in such a danger? You speak of Morgan using you as expendable, tell me, tell me please. How many have died under her watch? I have seen only Pary, more consumed by his own greed than any order from Morgan." Luc again broke into silence, but the break was short. "You may not like Morgan's methods, but your sister does. And you have your vote, your chance. You could have argued more for Princess Charlotte, or turned towards another." Luc stopped himself from going further. He didn't want to turn this into a vote debate. He stopped there, not wanting to go into the specifics of use or expendable again.

No, not quite stopping there. "If the Lord were so easily defeated this situation would not be relevant." Luc ended everything.

Edited by Script, 30 April 2012 - 06:19 AM.

[Phoenix]

Tense Meeting

It was best to simply ignore Chase for the moment, since all he had for him were threats, too. Luc however was pushing back in ways he hadn't expected, and the repressed fury inside him came back two fold. Even Proxima was reacting, and his eyes were glowing red again by the time he replied.

Iso: I don't answer to you, Luc, and I'm not 'implying' that demons shouldn't be despised. Treating Miranda like a demon because of what Ixion did to her is what I can't stand. ... and don't ever ask me about my past, because there is only one reason that you would possibly have for asking me about it. That's so you can find any information you can get to paint Miranda like the rest of the demons we've fought. Find a better reason to pry into my personal life, bastard.

Irina quickly stepped closer so she could take his arm. He flinched when she did, unsure if someone was moving in to restrain him or if someone was trying to calm him down. Even he knew his eyes were on fire at the moment. He didn't care at this point.

Irina: Iso, please, just-

Iso: I'm not done yet.

His tone dropped back down to normal, but the murderous look on his face would stay a bit longer.

Iso: As for why I didn't argue for Charlotte ... well ... there's really no point in arguing. Everyone in this room had their mind made up from the beginning. And do you really think a vote was going to stop Morgan from herding us around like cattle? Not like you would care; you're here by choice. Morgan's not going to have you killed and replaced ... or worse, brainwashed if you decided to leave.

Irina: I wouldn't let that happen, Iso; you know that. Now please, just calm down.

Iso: I know you wouldn't, but you couldn't stop her, either. There's too many people willing to distract you and hold me down for her ... but thanks, I guess.

He sounded calm, depressed even, but still with the glowing irises ....

Edited by Phoenix, 30 April 2012 - 10:26 AM.

[Script]

Luc Altair

Luc's questions brought forth an even greater surge of anger from the Fire Sage. He was almost ready to explode. Luc let thinking lay. "You press this assumption unto me?" Luc took a step forward, arms still crossed. "Tell me, if you don't share information how am I supposed to reach a conclusion? Tell me, what Ixion did to Miranda. Perhaps that was too prying, yes, I admit that. But keeping something that could decide her fate because you already believe everyone is against you just settles things immediately doesn't it?"

"If you believe something insurmountable you'll never conquer it." Luc left out any part about how similar to Ivanko that was. "Yes, yes I do believe that the vote would put a stop to such tyrannic commands. Clearly if someone who is not Morgan has enough support to reach such a position, then they would be able to prevent your fear." Luc closed his eyes, the lifeless bodies of his Unit flashing before his eyes. "And do not think that just because I am here of my own will means that I would not trade this situation for having never gotten involved." Rude, to the extreme.

Edited by Script, 30 April 2012 - 11:11 AM.

[Phoenix]

Tenser Meeting

Iso: 'Miranda's fate' isn't yours or anyone else's to decide! That's my whole point, here! I'm not going to beg and plead for Morgan to leave Miranda alone; I'm just going to defend Miranda if she tries, and get revenge if she succeeds. If Ixion had just given her a real body instead of using a part of Shanice, we wouldn't even be arguing like this. I'm pretty sure no one would have even remembered her name if Ixion resurrected her as a human. It's not her fault he decided to use a demon instead. (Why am I even ... talking to him? I don't know him. I don't want to know him and I wish I never knew Morgan to begin with. And yet here I am, telling them to leave Miranda alone. It's ... not like I'm worried or anything. Miranda can look after herself. I'm just so ... sick of this; sick of hearing her talk; sick of following her and fighting for her over nothing more than a hunch; sick of being treated like a tool on the promise that I'm doing more for the world than just killing.)

Almost Within Earshot

The two were inside the embassy now and heading for the meeting area.

Miranda: Proxima's starting to simmer down. Morgan must have stopped talking or something.

Ixion: It was a mistake leaving them here, clearly. ... ... also, would you let go of my arm ...?

Miranda: Why?

Ixion: If nothing else, I would like to avoid any unnecessary close contact with you.

Miranda: Afraid I'll break your heart, again?~ Err-deep fry your heart, again?~

Ixion: ... no, I simply need to get into the practice of maintaining personal boundaries.

She shrugged and let go and then finally the party came into view. Ixion didn't say anything right away. (Didn't have the right opening.) Neither of them caught what Iso had said, having only arrived after he stopped, and of course he was facing the other way, so neither he nor his sister noticed them. Lev just glanced with an exhausted look on his face; too much energy spent worrying about how to deal with Isotov without violence before Irina stepped in. Viveka noticed their arrival as well and immediately glared.

[-Cynthia-]

Charlotte and Morgan

"One has to wonder if Ixion would have even had been able to bring back Miranda as a human. I am not an expert on dark magic, but from what I understand all attempts to bring back the dead through magic have ended in failure. There is the case of Sir Eric, but...he doesn't seem to remember how he came back really," Charlotte said somewhat sadly.

"How is treating Miranda like a demon when she is in fact a demon, somehow a problem? It does not matter whether her creation was Ixion's will or her own- she is what she is either way," Morgan said, noting Ixion and Miranda's arrival as they entered.

Edited by -Cynthia-, 30 April 2012 - 01:43 PM.

[Phoenix]

Interjection

Iso: Because she's not a real demon, you over-simplistic termagant! She's trying to help us and all you can think about is whether or not you'll have to kill her afterwards?! For ... crying out loud ....

Ixion: To answer your question, Charlotte, no. It was not an option to bring her back as a human. It was also undesirable since Miranda had already been defeated in that form. This new form was more expedient, and frankly I did not want to give history the chance to repeat itself by giving her a natural or weak frame. Call her a demon if you wish, but that is purely superficial.

Miranda: I honestly thought he was going for the whole 'eternally youthful assistant' thing. Turns out, he was just going for a 'harder to kill' version. Kind of embarrassing, really. It's not like I went down easy the first time. Anyway ... what's all this about? Who's having trouble deciding whether or not to kill me? Just for the record, I don't like being killed.

Iso's attention snapped toward Ixion and Miranda. He had time to get over the fact that they had arrived and probably heard the last couple of exchanges. Still, Miranda's question came at just the right moment to set Iso off again somewhat.

Iso: Goddess dammit, who do you think?!

Miranda: The blond guy?

Iso brought his forehead down to meet the edge of his fist, closed his eyes, pursed his lips tightly, and tried to keep calm, not saying anything in response. He trusted Miranda, but she never helped in more serious matters. Ever. Miranda quickly donned an unamused face, herself.

Miranda: .. I guess it's Morgan, then. What'd I do this time ...

Ixion: (I'm not certain if this is something actually being considered or if Iso is reacting poorly to something Morgan may have said. Most likely both. I suppose I should stay a short while, at least long enough to clear up any suspicions. Focusing on the wrong demonic entities will get them nowhere.)

[Script]

Luc Altair and the Fargo

It was like arguing with a child. No wonder Ivanko's bully act worked so well for controlling him. Or that Morgan needed to threaten such a harsh punishment. "And what about the fate of those you have killed? What about their names? Does their fate not count because they were threatening you?" Luc shook his head in disgust. "So, what about my Unit hmmm? They weren't threatening you, they died protecting you, all of you, from an ambush. Does anyone know their names?"

"Hell," Fargo intervened. "Does anyone know mine?"

"So Ixion was the one to make her a demon, by resurrecting her from the dead?" Luc clarified. "Sacrilegious bastard. I suppose this will be quite opportune then." Luc waited as the other Druid of the hour arrived, with some woman on his shoulders. Miranda, perhaps?

Charlotte spoke, not being quite as outraged against a feat reserved for the Goddess as she should be. Because of Eric in all likelihood. Morgan spoke, simply stating that Miranda was a demon regardless if by her own will. There was no need to repeat himself again on that topic. Though Morgan might actually listen instead of throwing a tantrum.

It was Miranda, as the next conversation began. Isotov started it, insulting Morgan and again saying that she was completely on their side. Ixion answered Charlotte's question that it was impossible to return a human to life. he simply made her a demon because it was a stronger body. Miranda sort of burbled on, and Isotov's reaction was almost humorously sharp. Here he was defending her and yet he snaps so easily at her.

Now that Ixion was here though, a far different matter was at stake. "You, Ixion. What capabilities do you have for detecting demons at your disposal?"


Peanuts

Some of the Directus escort shifted uncomfortably once Luc went into his name rant.

But only Jeanne shifted uncomfortably once Ixion arrived. Merigold notice and asked the youngest Altair. "Something the matter."

"Bad memories."

"I don't see."

Edited by Script, 05 May 2012 - 11:25 PM.

[Mercakete]

This discussion was getting boring again. Possibly because this sort of argument happened a lot. Isotov got mad at Morgan, Morgan put him in his place, he continued to be angry with her, something about demons. Luc had stepped in this time, so that was interesting for a short while. And that one guy who followed Luc around was actually talking. So were Chase and sometimes Conrad. Those little things soon became uninteresting, though, and Esphyr had opted to fold her arms on the table and rest her head on them to take a short nap until things could hold her attention again.

[Phoenix]

More Arguing

Iso glared at the names comment. He was convinced nothing he said would be interpreted without his point being lost somewhere along the way. He wasn't sure how far he should take his next insult, but he was certainly insulted himself with Luc having asked him about the names of both his enemies and people he had only a short window of time to get to know. It felt almost like Luc was trying to guilt him or something, and even if that wasn't the case, he wasn't going to take anything like that well.

Iso: The names of my enemies? The names of your unit? If I wasn't already trapped in this group, I'd avoid getting to know new people at all cost. Why don't you go and learn the names of the people killed on that Colonel Daneka's side since you care so damn much about enemies? My point was that no one would consider Miranda a threat if Ixion hadn't given her that demonic body; I'm not complaining about people not caring about her. That's a given. Nobody's interested in anyone else without a reason. (And there it is again ... so much interest in me, but it's not because I'm a human being with thoughts or feelings, but because I have this crimson fire tome and because I'm related to Ivanko by blood. Barring that, I'm nothing. I don't mind being completely ignored ... that would have been so much better than this.)

Ixion wasn't quite in the mood to be answering questions after he'd already voiced his own, and he didn't hide that fact.

Ixion: I have nothing convenient to offer you that Miranda cannot. And I'm still waiting for an explanation. Miranda's 'creation' was a significant investment on my part; I'd like to know what started all of this, and preferably before I start answering a series of questions.