jiyuna_togabito | [52] The Ticking and Planning

[Public Voice Post:]
This month would prove interesting to say the least. Don't you agree, citizens?

[/voice post]

[Private voice to Road:]
It's been a while

dreamsofnoah. Still have that circus of yours?

[/private]

[Private voice to Lilith:]
It's been several days now. Seeing as you haven't returned yet, have you finally grown afraid of me, Lilith? Ha ha.

[/private]

[Action Log: The Arena:]

[A change in scenery was definitely called for. Having tolerated the ticking sound for the past few days that Lilith had been gone, the sinner decided to spend his evening at the Arena to enjoy a nice meal and drink while observing and betting on the fights presented. 8:30 pm.

Though his thoughts were else where. Going over his available resources in his head, he now had to carefully re-think his tactics yet again. Whether it was something the deities specifically planned or just a coincidence that he had such curse placed on him was unknown but it was irritating to say the least. Even his supposed 'allies' now knew of his background in much detail than he had hoped to share. But then again, things were now more black and white. Only those with the same goals and intentions would seek him in private which cut half of his work. Those deities sure knew how to keep him on his toes.

The other half was figuring out what to do with Lilith. She hadn't been home for the past several days after that curse. Things were a little more complex now that she knew of it but he didn't think anything of it besides receiving the same lecture. Quite frankly, he was pleased to have some quiet time but it didn't change the fact that he still needed to keep his eye on her along with Mary. He'd never admit it but he even went to make sure her portrait wasn't hanging in the Hall of Missing at that. It was a good thing she hadn't completely left the City, especially after browsing through the report Shader had sent him. A big discovery and a huge asset, not to forget she had been possessed by her once in the past. He couldn't afford to lose something like that now.]

[ooc: Open action log for anyone but it was mainly to portray what he's thinking at the moment after the huge mess Chrno made for him =TTWTT=;;;; It can even be closer to midnight so that it carries over to today's curse! Just let me know if you have any ideas you'd like to share~ Thanks~<33]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Lilith saw his shadow too late to retreat, she didn't move, although her eyes dilated in surprise for an instant. In a more fleeting moment, her surprise became sadness before steadying into her serene gaze.]

It has been only a week, Aion.

[Don't give him that, he thought. He saw the sadness. He's seen it enough times to at least distinguish it by now. He lightly shrugged as he gave a crooked smirk.]

I couldn't help but notice it's been a week without notice, which is unlike you seeing as you've hunted me down in the past, what can I say? If I didn't know any better, it would have gone longer but I suppose not. [He paused.] What's the matter now?

[She hadn't spotted his eagle, Lilith knew this meeting was a coincidence.]

You are looking good.

[She observed with a small smile. It confirmed her choice, he certainly didn't need her around.]

Don't you know? I think you do, Aion.

[He had a good feeling he knew what this was about but it didn't make matters any different.]

Then quickly drop those ridiculous thoughts and simply come home.

[He sighed and waved his hand in a dismissing manner. Things were rather inconvenient when she wasn't there to say the least. Besides, he knew how much she liked being at the Cathedral.]

Why do you want me to come home? Because I am a potential weapon to replace Chrono? Because of the Pandemonium possession during a curse? Because I have your mother's name?

[She asked him, without moving from her place, like a living statue. She had stayed with him in hopes he would have a company that would relieve him from the past, but all she had done was the opposite effect.]

What would you do if, tomorrow, I would be gone from the City?

[He quietly listened to her questioning until the last one was brought up. The sinner didn't even want to think of what further set backs that would cause but he grinned and playfully answered. Though his eyes held a certain sadness that he would never dare to say.]

What else? I'd simply be doing what I've been doing. [His tone changed for the serious and stern.]

As for the why, leaving the possession aside, I don't need your unwanted sympathy or pity simply because you've learned something of my past. I could careless where you go or what you do but I know where you want to be.

[He reached out to caress her cheek as he recalled all the things she had called the Cathedral. Her place of spiritual peace. Her house and roof. Her home not to forget about the garden she enjoyed tending to. Hearing her numerous times of just how much she 'cares' was enough to think of assumptions of why she'd leave. Foolish and still strange as ever. He would never understand her. It was none of his business but he figured he'd mention it for his own convenience as well. If it'll persuade her to come back, great. But if not, he'd simply have to monitor her otherwise. The demon just preferred the former than the latter.]

Do as you like. Just don't say something as absurd as it being for my sake. That's all. [His hand slid off her skin as he began to turn around in attempt to walk away.]

It's not pity or sympathy, but you worry me.

[She glanced at him, a little tired. She knew he was trying to convince her to get back home, but she also knew he didn't know what he was asking for. It would hurt now, but the pain would dull after she would be gone from the City.]

Don't you see? My presence will hurt you. How could I stay knowing this?

[She watched him walk away to finally add.]

It's too late for me, Aion.

[He had those delusions he could take the power of the deities, to transcend space and time as they did. She had agreed to wait when she didn't know about his mother, but he wasn't aware every passing day, meant their victory. The Krsnik he was so interested about.]

Knowing is too late, would you even want me to remain?

[He stopped his footing when she added, keeping his back to her. She contradicted herself in his mind. She had left for his sake. It oddly touched him, hiding the small smile with his broad back but quickly dropped it as he continued. He extended his left arm out to the side and slightly looked over his shoulder as he added himself.]

It's too late for me as well. I've made up my mind, Lilith.

[An indirect way of saying yes. That was all that was left for him especially after all that's been revealed in the City. Her being there was a support just as Shader was. A support he could most definitely use even if it were for a given amount of time.]

[Lilith hesitated, maybe he would be able to face this by himself. If he returned, he would forget. She really liked staying in the Cathedral and she could see his reasoning. She stepped forward lightly, reaching to take his left arm.]

Maybe if there is a common afterlife where we could meet. You will tell me if that was worth your life.

[The sinner noticed it and slightly turned back towards her. He glanced towards the arm reaching for him and his body subconsciously offered it. Lilith. A woman with many mysteries but somehow someone he connected with well. He pulled his lips into a defeated smile and humored her.]

Over coffee and vadas I presume.

I promise I wouldn't sermon you.

[She said while she settled on his arm. It was a resigned smile on her own, but one that was still peaceful.]

Too much.

I'd appreciate that.

[Aion lightly snickered as he began to walk again, this time guiding her out with him.]

[52] The Ticking and Planning

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