driftfleet | Chocolate-flavored Dessert Cream on the House

Chocolate-flavored Dessert Cream on the House

[The bunks are filling up, but the new faces just keep appearing!

Are you a travel-weary passenger having trouble keeping your crew roster straight? Perhaps you are a fresh new recruit, finding themselves dumped into a new (and much less shiny) home. Or, maybe you've been around for a little bit and just haven't bothered meeting the other weirdos on this ship yet--what is their problem, anyway?

Well, this is the place for you!

All new passengers from the last few Shuffles, especially those who haven't met their crews yet, are welcome to post starter-comments here to invite those living on and visiting your ship to come and interact. Newbies could be just arriving on the ship, busying around where others can find them, or you can offering multiple options for interaction--however you'd like to set up your thread is fine. Just make sure to include the name of your ship in the header, so your crewmates can easily find you!

Everyone else-- go meet those newbies! Whether they are new to your own crew, or on ships you frequently visit, now is a great time to bump into them.]

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[It's that there, that snarling righteous anger masking his obvious worry that really hits right where it hurts most. He'd thought he would never hear that again. The days had passed and Zaveid had done what he could to fill that jagged hole inside Sorey's soul where Dezel had rested, maybe out of a sense of pity but he couldn't have replaced the person.

Despite the depth of his heart Sorey isn't easily moved to tears, but he finds himself bowing forward and pressing the communicator to his forehead as his eyes sting. There's too much- How can this- Where could he-]

We didn't, [Sorey manages. He's vaguely aware of Mikleo at his side and he leans imperceptibly closer to him, offering strength just as much as he asks for it.

Dezel remembers. This isn't a reincarnation scenario, if those even happen between seraph lifetimes. It's him. Sorey's shoulders tremble.]

Dezel I swear we didn't, Rose told us and we moved forward. You have my word. [That had been the hardest, the most cruel. Moving forward when Rose had shed tears fkr Dezel's sake, when the other seraphim fell silent at the lack of a familiar voice with theirs, a presence missing at their sides. For weeks, all Sorey had wanted to do was lay down and sleep and search for his missing seraph in the space between dreams.]

Edited 2016-02-02 08:34 (UTC)

[Mikleo reaches out almost unconsciously and winds an arm around Sorey's shoulders, supporting him, as if the gesture could shield him from this pain. It's a bittersweet feeling- hearing the voice of one they'd seen disappear, supposedly forever. Hearing the words that assumed they had shared his fate- meaning that fate hadn't been miraculously avoided.

They'd all handled the aftermath of Dezel's end differently, but Sorey and Rose had felt it most. As relieved as he is to hear the wind seraph alive and well again - somehow, inexplicably - he can't help feeling cautious and protective. What if this is some sort of trick...? What if this is an empty illusion from their captors, like Symonne toying with them, and all they'll get out of it is a repeat of this pain? He doesn't want Sorey to hurt like that again. He's worrying about enough already.

...but...]

What Sorey says is true... we followed your wishes. There's no way we could give up after what you did.

[Trick or not- he's not about to throw away the chance to speak. Not when- maybe-]

[His expression eases slightly as he hears Sorey's rough tone. It gives away the promise even before Sorey voices it. Mikleo's voice chiming in helps, too.

Dezel's grip relaxes just enough that he's no longer threatening to break the damn communicator in half. He remembers how to breathe again and the wind continues telling him that he is not dead, that he is in fact very much alive, and that everyone else on this ship is too. So he was freaking out over nothing.]

... Thank you. [A pause, and the camera angle changes so that it shows... the same room, just slightly lower. He's sitting down in the middle of the hall like a jackass. But whatever, no one's around at this very moment so he-- he needs a moment. It's not like he says 'thank you' a lot either.]

-- Rose...

[He can't feel her anywhere.]

She's not here. [While the bond between he and Rose isn't as obvious as the bond he had with Alisha just for lack of strain, Sorey can still tell. She has that same distant-but-well feeling that he has for Lailah, Edna and Zaveid.

But that's not enough to answer it, and through the movement Sorey can tell Dezel is holding the comm. The camera isn't picking him up and Sorey wants- needs to see him. Confirm this isn't a trick, that he's alive and okay.

Sorey glances at Mikleo and sets a hand on his shoulder as he pushes himself to the edge of the bed and grabs his boots.]

Do you know the name of the ship you're on? We'll come to you, bring you up to speed. [See him. Match what he hears and feels in his heart with what he sees.]

[He can't help a soft 'ugh'. Not like he was expecting anything different. He's happy she's... safe... but it would be better if he could see it himself. Ask her and make sure that no one's given her grief.]

The Golden.

[They look nothing like boats. It's kind of offensive.]

You don't need to come over. I can handle myself.

Don't be absurd.

[Mikleo's getting off the bed too, heading for the door and standing by it, waiting for Sorey to finish. His voice is quieter now, but still audible. He's a little irritated by the very suggestion- though it was very like Dezel to say something like that.]

You honestly think we'd be satisfied with just talking like this?

We're definitely coming over, [Sorey affirms, shoving on his last boot haphazardly and heading right for the door. He sets a quick pace over to the shuttle bay, almost jogging in his haste.] Don't go anywhere, either! Stay right where you are, we'll be there in a few minutes. [where he gonna go buddy]

[He tucks his hat down invisibly. There's a hint of a smirk in his voice.]

You two haven't changed.

[It was worth a shot, but no, Sorey and Mikleo obviously have to come and poke him. Truth be told he'd love a day or five to brood but he's already feeling a little less disoriented with some companions nearby.]

I'm not going anywhere.

[That's a lie, because he's actually going to the cargo bay to wait for them when they step off the shuttle. But he does snap off the video, half by accident, half by just mashing buttons until it stops making noise. Sorry if you wanted to say more, guys.]

[Well, at least he's not fighting them over it. Mikleo hurries after Sorey, feeling the same urgency. It's probably for the best that Dezel cuts off the connection- he's honestly not sure if either of them can focus on a conversation on the way. Just voice isn't sufficient. This... they need to see it. They need to find Dezel, face to face, and try to work through everything together.

He keeps his eye on Sorey, though, as subtly as he can. They're plus-one seraphim now, but not one that either of them expected. He's worried about what this might change.]

[Sorey meets Mikleo's eyes, but doesn't say anything even as they squish into a shuttle together and he taps the various commands in to take them to the Golden. In the silence and emptiness of space, he presses a fist to his chest with a shuddering breath.

It's still there.

That bright, pulsing line that connects his soul to Dezel's, the one that passes through Lailah as the Prime but is no less powerful for it. Sorey had felt that connection dissolve when Dezel had died, when Sorey had-

He takes another breath and it rattles in his chest, uneven. The rawness of the wound hasn't had enough time to heal. For the first time Sorey is glad Rose isn't here because as overjoyed as he is to see Dezel again, anticipation gnawing at his libs, his grief floods back like it was only yesterday he'd passed.

Then again, Rose isn't one to flinch back from that. And she, more than anyone, deserves to see him again.

Sorey sends a quick prayer to whatever seraph might be listening as they pull into the shuttle bay and land, anxiety and eagerness and sorrow all vying for the bulk of his attention as the door depressurizes and lifts with a hiss.]

[Sorry, it's not God. It's just Dezel waiting on the other side of the door. His arms are crossed. For once, though, he's... smiling a little.

He never thought he'd have another chance to talk to Sorey and the others, so he doesn't have any big speeches prepared-- not that he's the speechy type anyway. Though he wishes Rose were here-- just so he could be sure she was safe and alive and fine with his own eyes.

But all he has is Sorey and Mikleo, and it's not like they're chopped liver or anything. Friends are friends... even if Dezel is reluctant to admit it straight up.]

... Hey.

[He'd been bracing himself for it, but it's still such a shock to see Dezel standing there waiting for them when Mikleo and Sorey leave the shuttle. Growing up in Elysia, the concept of death was an unfamiliar, distant concern, something he'd ponder once in a while when he and Sorey were exploring a dangerous area of the ruins, or when he was feeling particularly broody over the fact that Sorey's human and therefore mortal. After the hellion attack, after Mason died, they'd been far too distracted to dwell on it much, but that had been their first real taste of grief.

And then they'd lost Dezel, faced with a horrible choice and a situation they couldn't win without a sacrifice. He'd made that decision for them, for Rose.

It's something Mikleo can respect, and to an extent, understand- if the roles had been reversed and it was Sorey who'd been in danger, he wants to believe that he wouldn't have hesitated, either. When a seraph chooses a human, whatever their motives, it means something.

Yet here they are, meeting once more. Dezel looks and feels as alive as he'd ever been, and through Sorey Mikleo can feel the thrum of their connection. He faces down his fellow sub lord, unsure of what to do or say.]

It... really is you...

[Is he- smiling?]

[They were really only just starting to get to know each other well when it had happened, but Sorey doesn’t really make friends halfway. Even if Dezel had admitted to only going with them for his own gain, even if he’d admitted to using Rose as a vessel without her knowledge (and maybe Sorey had hoped by making him a sublord they could change things, change the way he does things or the way he thinks) Sorey had still counted Dezel among his dearest friends. His own ambitions or not, Dezel put his life on the line the same as any of them, to bring order and peace to a malevolent world. That he’d carried with him such burdens without letting even Rose know…

It was too soon. They still knew so little about what happened to Dezel, what he went through; everything had happened so fast and then, as per his wishes, Sorey had killed him. Essentially, anyway, and he reminded himself as fiercely as possible whenever doubt and guilt and regret began to creep into his heart that Dezel had asked him to, had told him to do it to save Rose. That to regret his actions would be disrespectful to Dezel’s choices and his memory. It was hard. Sorey wouldn’t let himself think that way. Couldn’t, for the safety of the other seraphim, for the sanctity of Dezel's last wishes.

But now, here he is.

He’s smiling, happy to see them even if they’re not the person he’s most worried about, as welcoming as Dezel gets and Sorey feels a part of the burden lift from his shoulders. That feeling of lightness (of being so easily forgiven for what Dezel had never even considered as a sin) makes Sorey's eyes sting and he has to physically stop himself from reaching out in a clumsily aborted movement. Dezel doesn’t like to be grabbed. Rose is the only one who could truly get away with it.]

It’s so good to see you, [Sorey manages instead, drawing his hand across his eyes to rub away any lingering grief. It wouldn’t be fair to put that on him, not when he’s back, not when he holds no regrets for his actions. And he is happy, the kind of joy that transcends simple expression and makes him restless and teary.] It’s really- really,really good to see you…!

[It was never Sorey's choice. Dezel made that choice for him, because Sorey wasn't ready for the burden of taking lives. Not after all the sadness he'd shown over people he couldn't save. In a way, Dezel and Rose had similar views on it; they'd make that choice for Sorey, because he wasn't the type to take away life but to give it.

Dezel never considered Sorey's part in it. When someone is cut, do they curse the knife or the wielder? Despite what he'd suggested-- I will be your bullet-- Dezel was knife and wielder both. It was unfair to blame Sorey, and it was unfair for Sorey to blame himself, and Dezel is somewhat disappointed when he notices Sorey is still blaming himself.

He'd moved on, as per the wind seraph's wishes, but some things about the Shepherd never change.]

Are you getting all misty on me?

[Honestly. He closes the gap, reaches out, and ruffles Sorey and Mikleo's hair both. Sorry Meebo, you're part of this reunion too.]

You're both knuckleheads if you think you're responsible for what happened. [Hell, even Mikleo had told him to stay down. Like Dezel ever listens.] If you spend the whole time acting like I'm going to disappear, I don't think I could stand it.

So don't.

[He'd had his hair ruffled before, and he never really liked it. It made him feel like a child, and even when it'd happen when he was one, he'd resented the treatment. He's a proud seraph, always has been, and he doesn't need to be babied. Just because he's the youngest doesn't mean he's all that innocent. So if it was anyone else doing this, he'd have shrugged or pushed the hand off his head.

With Dezel, though... he can't really resent it. It's too unexpected. Dezel had never been one for unnecessary touches, or even for this sort of kindness. He'd been rough around the edges for the entirety of their alliance (friendship?), gruff and begrudging in all things. Demanding, rude, occasionally violent. All of them had clashed with him at some point or other. Before Dezel died, Mikleo would have believed right here and now that his arrival was just an Atroma trick because of this alone.

Rose's account of his last words, and his willingness to die for her - proof that he cared beyond just her usefulness in his revenge plot - is enough to make him understand this gesture, certainly more than he would have before they'd lost him. The journey they'd shared had affected all of them. Dezel was no exception.

His eyes are burning, and he stares down at the ground, fists clenching and unclenching quietly at his sides. He's not going to cry; he's determined to be strong, for the sake of Dezel's request and so he can support Sorey. But ugh, it hurts more than he thought it ever would.]

You got it! [Sorey almost yells, more to motivate himself to stop crying already, dang it. He rubs at his own cheeks, smacks them a couple times and then gives Dezel the brightest grin he can imagine. He's got this. He's got this. He will keep all his crying behind locked doors man, don't you worry.

...of course he can't help but give Dezel a punch to the side now, same as he does with Mikleo when he's overexcited and doesn't have an outlet for it. HE'S SO HAPPY YOU'RE ALIVE!

Mikleo looks like he needs a minute anyway, so Sorey launches immediately into catch-up mode.] Oh my gosh, I have so much to tell you! A lot of stuff has happened- I mean, we found out a lot of stuff, if you wanna hear about it, and not all of it's good but it's a lot to chew. And I gotta get you caught up on this place too! Where do you wanna start?

[Thankfully, Dezel doesn't sit there and ruffle their hair until they get mad. He's not Zaveid. His hands go back into his own personal space and nearly make it to his pockets before Sorey suddenly jabs his side. The gesture surprises him, seeing as Sorey usually knows better, and he ends up stepping away in case the Shepherd goes for round two.

Rude.

He'll just lean against this stack of gumballs and cross his arms.]

Start with what happened at home.

[Nothing is on fire or falling apart at this instant, so.]

[Okay. Okay. Sorey's alright, and Dezel's back to business, so he can hold it together, too.

Mikleo inhales deeply, eyes closing, and crosses his arms. It feels better like this, more natural. Like things used to be. Whether it's healthy or not, this is how they adapt.]

Zaveid stepped in to become Lailah's sub lord in your place. He theorized that at the start of the Age of Chaos, Maotelus became a hellion and joined with Heldalf, and that's why no one can feel his blessing anymore. He joined us to find out the truth.

[And as shifty as it was to bring in someone who was only interested in payback, again, they'd needed him. Badly. Losing Dezel had made them so much weaker.]

[YEAH SORRY HE KNOWS he's just super excited. He'll go run some laps through the halls later and burn off this excess energy.]

And then we challenged Heldalf, but... [Yeah it didn't work out. But he'd let them leave; every time he's in a position of power to wipe them out, he leaves instead of killing them. Sorey knows there must be a reason for it.] Everyone survived. So you don't have to worry.

Edited 2016-02-04 19:19 (UTC)

Zaveid... [Dezel almost can't believe he helped them. Zaveid sure was a pain in the ass, but remembering what he does now, it makes sense. However, he's still eyeing the both of them.] Challenging the Lord of Calamity is no joke. You could've died.

... Did Maotelus really become a hellion?

[Man, what does that bode for the other lords?]

It's only a theory right now, but... as much as I don't like to admit, it's justified. We're collecting the Earthen Historia in the hopes that it'll confirm it for us, one way or another.

[Because either no one else knows the truth, or Lailah knows and can't tell them. Same as usual, basically.]

If he did, then we'll just have to find a way to purify him. [As daunting a task as that sounds. Though Sorey is getting a few ideas for that.]

We'll accomplish what we set out to do, Dezel. I promise. We might have to take the long way, but we'll do it.

[Is that even possible? Sorey seems hell-bent on it, but Dezel doesn't really know enough about the Lords to say shit about shit.]

Right. Just don't get bogged down by regrets along the way.

[Anything about Maotelus is probably hidden in ruins that are older than any of the seraphim in the party. He's sure they'll find the answer based on that alone. These RUIN MANIACS, GOSH.]

We know better. We're on this journey to avoid having reason to regret anything.

[If any of them go astray, then the rest will pull them back. That's how they're going to be doing it from now on. It's the only way they'll be able to hold it together.]

[Yeah, what he said.

BUT aside from that matter,] Dezel, you seem...pretty okay with all of this. How are you staying so calm? I was freaking out when I first woke up here.

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