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esqueleto
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Ammokkx
Lunamaria Hawke
teenangstlife
Crusader Lord
Scrawl BandittaTic, tac. The rusty clock of the reading room kept droning as seconds passed by. Some people would be unnerved by it. Celestine was in the unfortunate case that it was boring him to tears, even as he read around the well-preserved but in equal parts cumbersome and intimidating “demonic” Grimoire. Obviously it wasn’t a real grimoire, but It never hurt to expand one’s knowledge. Specially to mess with people’s minds. Nevertheless, this was a refreshing entertainment, seeing how the human psyche covered with vivid imagination and ethereal connections the yawning gap of the abyss of human ignorance.
It was fairly hot and dry too. Luckily, he had brought his female clothes skirt set. He would have donned the mask as well, but public faces did not like masked individuals. Well with all the make-up and grooming, his true gender and most of his identity were still largely unknown.
“I wonder if there will be an Adults Only section” He mused to himself as he looked around. Well, this kind of solace was good once in a while. But it was boring to tears.
Andras paged through a few paperbacks she had stacked next to her. Sitting in a corner of the library farthest away from the windows, she enjoyed a respite from the strange household she had been staying in for the past few weeks. Most of the books were almost brand new, straight from the “New Arrivals” section at the front of the library.
Andras normally waited for William in the library, as he needed to oversee her draws from the Root. But this time was for Andras’s own sake. Being an only child, she was very unequipped to deal with younger kids - especially Meredith’s sister. Some quiet was necessary to keep Andras’s sanity in check, lest the magical power sealed within her eye breaks out and wreaks havoc on the world around her.
‘Or something like that.’ Andras sighed to herself, stretching her arms. ‘These books seem promising enough.’ She stood up, taking an armful of novels with her. She walked past the reading room, briefly glancing at the clock to check the time.
‘Wait. What was that…?’ Andras stopped in her tracks, and walked back to the room’s entrance. Beneath the clock, Andras recognized a familiar book. ‘T-That’s the grimoire! I’ve read that at least five times! I’ve never seen anyone else even pick it up.’ A girl was reading it. Actually reading it.
Hiding in the doorway, Andras peeked her head and stared at the girl. ‘I-Is she really a girl? I’ve learned that demons can be anywhere.’ Narrowing her eye, she tried to find a hint of demonic aura from the reader.
Celestine for his part, just stretched on his chair, and kept stretching, and stretching even further. His body was now taking a curved shape, balanced on the back of his chair. Eventually, his head went from a normal position to an upside down stare on the people at his back. He sometimes enjoyed stretching to his fullest, such flexibility which he once had cultivated to follow his mother’s steps at some point…
It was then when his eyes met with Andras cross-eyed stare. The nigh infallible memories of his brain showed that he had once met this person before. On a certain scuffle, with a sports car. Also an idiot half-demon. Vernon. Some roadkill bait and a spiky dude. And there was this girl, a… self called magician. But it looked certainly endearing in her antics, even to a black hearted rogue-slash-transvestite like him.
He just smiled at her, and waved her hand in a greeting. Well, no point in avoiding it once their stares had met.
Andras quickly ducked around the corner. Not only had the mysterious reader saw her, she even waved. ‘Oh no. What do I do?! I was staring at her the entire time!’ Trying to cover her face, she ended up dropping the books in her arms.
Andras flushed red as she saw a few heads turn from the commotion. She mumbled something like an apology to nobody in particular as she tried to pick up her books without melting from embarrassment.
Something scratched in the back of Celestine’s mind. A memory of long ago. Yes. Long ago, he had been that kind of person had he been? Awkward and shy. The days long past would never return, but that girl piqued his interest even more. Composing himself back on his chair, he picked the cumbersome heavy grimoire in one hand and with the grace of a smug cat began to walk towards the girl, his steps elegant like the finest catwalks of Rhea. He approached her, as he deposited the book in one of the many tables that were fit for returning purposes.
“Need a hand, little library fey?” He said in a low, cooing voice.
‘F-Fey!’ Andras gasped both in surprise and at the choice of words used. ‘She’s… She’s…”
Andras laughed quietly to herself, setting her books down. “Fufu. Not Fey. Demon.”
She quickly turned, standing up. She held up her hand, showing a pentagram tattooed on her skin.
It wasn’t a real tattoo, of course. Andras had cast it as an enchantment on herself, and the card had manifested as the pentagram. But of course, Andras was primarily concerned with how cool it looked. To her, the enhancement to her strength was almost secondary.
Celestine looked at the pentagram, as his eyes twitched briefly. ‘Can’t believe this airhead! Showing off magic in a place like this! So… innocent.’ He added, before cupping her hand in his, and hiding the mark from sight. “Oh, a dark ...one. One must pay respects to those who dwell in your fare... “ The transvestite answered. “Alas, no true occult knowledge in a proper library.” He added, his hands still clasping the tattooed hand with care.
“I suppose that makes me the library fey…” He japed, noticing how that woman was slightly taller than him. Well, not that was much of an accomplishment but still…
Andras let out a squeak of surprise when the mysterious reader took her hand. She wasn’t prepared for something like that, and it totally broke her cool aura. Flushing once again with embarrassment, she averted her gaze. “E-Even so… What were you doing with that book?” She paused, then added quietly, “Did you like it?”
“T’was a fleeting interest.” He interjected as he continued to hold Andras hand. “Real...demonology isn’t found in the chronicles that a drunk priest related to a shady troubadour which then were extracted by torture several centuries ago, but it...made me appreciate what little do we know.”
‘And how dull some days are’ He added as a matter of fact, his eyes darting towards the pentagram, which he then leant and kissed, a small silent curtsy accompanying it. “I am more interested...in the real thing. You may call me Sky, and forgive me being so bold…”
She added, as she let go of her hand. “Something tells me you’re certainly unique…”
Andras recoiled her hand. She had not been kissed on her hand ever, and her mind was very intent on reminding her of that fact. ‘W-What’s with this person?!’ Andras couldn’t help but think. ‘You can’t j-just kiss magic symbols!’
“W-Well. I-I…” Andras stuttered, trying to think of something to say. “Um. I-I’ve got to check these books out…” As she gave her excuse to bail, she stepped back, hitting her pile of books, and stumbling.
Celestine shot his arms forward, one of them wrapping Andras around her waist very much like a ballet pose. ‘ Too much stimulation, huh’. Celestine decided to pass towards plan b, and activating his body control allowed his face to blush beet red as he averted his gaze from Andras…”W-watch-out.” He even stuttered. “I-i’m so-sorry. I just t-tried to pl-play cool.” He let in an ungraceful manner, as he put his acting skills to test.
“It’s alright!” Andras blurted out. “You were cool. I-I was the one who didn’t have anything cool to add…”
‘Stop digging your grave here!’ Andras’s mind echoed. ‘You’re looking like a dork!’
Andras was reminded slightly of Vera’s dancing escapade, with the way Sky was holding her. Though Sky definitely was more graceful about it. At the same time, she wasn’t letting go of Andras…
“W-Well!” Andras spoke out suddenly and awkwardly. “I have to check these out!” She pushed gently against Sky’s chest to get out of the hold she had Andras in. For a moment, Andras felt that she may have a kindred sister, as she pushed on Sky’s chest - or lack thereof.
For a split second, Celestine stood still, like an automaton, as he gently let Andras go. Then he remembered he had to blush. Well, shy types required different strategies after all. No sooner she had left his grip he started stuttering.
“I-I-I-Icecream after this? I cou-could use one. I can p-pay.” He lowered his voice as he looked at his boots. “-tastesbetterwhenethere’stwoofus.” He half muttered.
“You’d pay?!” Andras was taken aback. Though Sky was a stranger, Andras was never one to turn down free food. “I’ll be in your care, then!” Andras laughed a little, as she checked out the pile of books.
“oh?” Celestine said. “Oh!”. He repeated, his stutter vanishing, as he made a fake effort to clear his throat. “Fine then, An offering of chocolate for my new…friend.” He said, gaining impetus as he took some of Andras books to carry as well. “Let me help with it... “ He added, as he resumed his proud catwalk once more, this time guiding Andras.
“...Actually, there’s a little thing I need to mention.” He gestured to his purse, as he caught it when he was trying to reach the door.
“What’s that?” Andras said, her interest piqued.
‘Is it more food?’ She couldn’t help but think.
Celestine was by the door, as he reached for the contents of his purse. A white porcelain mask glistened in the obscured doorframe, which then neatly slid into his head. “This is the second time we meet, Dark Lady of Despair.” Celestine said, this time putting the same level of gravity to his female voice as he had done when they had first met. He then realized he was missing something.
“Fufufu. Nailed it.”
There. That was more like it.
Andras was torn between shock and awe. “Sky, you’re the Fallen One?! The mysterious girl from before…”
‘She’s a dangerous person!’ Andras thought. ‘But… Maybe I can learn more about what she wants if I keep with her. I can defend myself if things get out of hand.’
“What is it that you want?” Andras asked intently.
“Have you ever wondered...why people gently set aside flowers instead of stomping on them?” Celestine said, in his Fallen One persona. “Because they’re striking, of a fleeting beauty.” He paused. “You struck me as someone who doesn’t let a sea of mediocrity and boredom dictate their lives. And you’re more alike than me than you think.” He began to walk.
“Ice cream, and talk about some more. And that’s it. No strings attached. “ He sighed as he kept carrying the books.
“I’ll take your offer, then.” Andras replied cooly. On the inside, however, she was a little flattered by the Fallen One’s comments. Not that she would intentionally show it, to someone who had fought her friends before. “Where shall we go…?”
“Well… I guess i should do a little magic on my own.” The Fallen One said, as he flipped his hand, and in a sleight of hand produced a Gold Credit card. It had been the first trick his loser dad had taught him… the memories. “Now that you know this little secret, I will have you...drown.”
He pointed at the most luxurious ice cream shop he had ever seen. “In chocolate, that is. Or vanilla. I don’t discrimate.” He tilted his head, looking at Andras.
Andras let out a prideful huff. “Just chocolate or vanilla? How mundane. Drowning like that would only be painful due to the lack of variety.” She stepped into the shop.
‘I know I’m not supposed to take advantage of other people when they’re paying for me, but... ‘ Andras licked her lips as she looked over the selection.
“...Mundane? Well let me show you something that skirts the definition of it.” He didn’t hesitate as they sat down. “ A single Mojito cream for me, and a Boatload for the lady.” He added, pointing at the biggest, most expensive ice cream of the menu.
Minutes later, an employee hefted an extra-large oversized wafer full of scoops of all shapes and flavours, and had placed a tiny captain cardboard hat on Andras, while the Fallen one elegantly savoured his Mojito ice cream.
Andras had made a sizeable dent in the giant ice cream order before she gave up. “Guh. I feel like… Ugh.” Her captain hat slid off of her head, dropping onto the table. She stretched her arms, feeling like her stomach was going to burst. Despite her warm hoodie, she felt cold. “I see. Your plan was to destroy me from within. Bravo.” She rested her head against the table, sighing, and crossing her arms to try and feel a little more warm. “What’s the next step of your plan?”
Celestine chuckled as he stretched in his chair like an overgrown cat. “Death by chocolate successful. Now all i need is to bring the Dark lady of Despair from the Frozen Hel of Dairy Indigestion with my mighty ultimate technique.” He added, amusing himself, as he stood up and drew closer to andras.
“The mighty Stomach-Churning Palm of Life.” He added, hamming it up a little, before he added in a whispering tone. “Tummy rubs.” He declared as he skillfully tried to alleviate the poor girl’s conundrum.
“T-That doesn’t make sense! I’ll be fine on my own…” Andras groaned. She was embarrassed, of course, but she couldn’t deny that some help wouldn’t hurt. “I-Is this all you wanted from me?” Andras said, trying to change the subject. “I had figured that, well. You had some ulterior motive to bringing me here.”
“Like, you know, kidnapping you cause you’re part of a half-assed plot of resurrecting a long lost love of someone?” Celestine added, without missing a heartbeat as he cradled Andras from behind and in a caring manner begin to alleviate the poor girl. “Forget that. I was just trying to cover for a junior.” He whispered into her ear. “Which is an idiot.”
He paused. “My real motive is that you’re like me, or well, you -were- like me, at some point. I can have whims and fancies too. I am also a human surrounded by dreaded boring mediocrity.” He admitted, half in truth. Nobody could say he was now a klutz, but he once had been. And that endeared this girl to him, in a way he thought he had gone dry. Otherwise he would have never revealed his face to her, knowing she was from another faction.
Andras squirmed a little. ‘When did she get behind me like this?! I need to be more attentive.’ That being said, the Fallen One seemed to be pretty adept at helping her stomachache.
“I-It’s not half assed! William said that if we can resurrect her, then we can save a life!” Andras huffed, turning away from the Fallen One. “And… Even if I stand out to you, or remind you of yourself, I won’t let you hurt my friends.”
“Well, let me tell you a little story about S.F.G. 48 years. Died of pancreatic cancer. That man had been a fireman for most of his life. Nobody knew him. He died alone and forgotten in the hospital of an acquaintance. He could have saved many more lives...if you chose to resurrect him over her. What makes such a person valuable over him? If it’s about saving lives, others can do it aswell.” The Fallen One droned as he stood tall. “Besides there’s no guarantee that after such a on ordeal people will be the same. People’s minds and sanities are fragile flowers… just like me… just like you.”
“And you’re a flower of pure innocence in a world of darkness. I feel like I have to cradle you and enjoy your presence, but if you insist in forcing yourself in harm’s way… well, there will be a limit of what people can do.” He paused. “I promise not to attack you or your friends, tournaments notwithstanding.”
Andras pursed her lips. Why was she going with William’s plan? It was to help. Maybe the Fallen One was right about saving lives, but Andras also was doing it to help William. She looked up at the Fallen One with curiosity. “A flower of innocence… What are you saying, I’m a demon!” She insisted, half-jokingly. “Still, I’m not sure how much a Fallen One’s promise is worth.” She smiled a little. “But I’m glad that you promised anyway.”
“Very well, I shall tell you a little secret so you may trust me a bit more, perhaps.” He leant into Andras’ ears and licked his lips. “I am … not a girl. How is that for a proof of trust?” He finished, before beginning to distance himself from the Demon Lady and paying the tab. “I hope I can see you again sometime, my Demon Lady…”
The words echoed within Andras’s head. Andras wanted to scoff, but she considered how flat Sky was when she pushed on her- his chest. Not a girl. A boy. But she- wait, he was… Andras’s head hurt, and it wasn’t from the ice cream.
Andras couldn’t quite find words for a while. After some time, she eventually managed to stutter out, “W-Wh… What?!” She found herself once again confused, embarrassed, and flushing deep red. She rushed to the door, searching for him, but the Fallen One was long gone by then.
