Solomon isn't in any particular rush to find Fandaniel for sake of the task given, but a sorcerer must always be curious, and his curiosity is getting the better of him as far as how this lovely little task will work. What better way to test an easy recipient than to hunt them down in cold blood!
Someone's strolling through the halls with a hollow candy cane prop from the theatre areas hoisted over one shoulder. Where u at fandan, he needs to test ur reflexes :)]
[ Fandaniel can inevitably be found bidding his "students" farewell from one of his classes. ]
And remember, the first ten chapters need to be read by tomorrow. Enjoy the rest of your daaay.
[ He calls cheerfully to the Extras as they scuttle away, trying not to look too frantic about the enormous reading requirement. It's Mr. Fandaniel, after all! Sure, it's a lot, but who wants to let him down? What if they make him sad?! ]
[He waits politely in the halls, a wave or two at students with his free hand while they whisper and keep their distance from him and his suspiciously large prop. It's only when most of them have freely dispersed that Solomon raises a hand in greeting towards his fellow professor.]
Fandaniel! I caught you at a good time, I see. [He's clearly busy but Solomon keeps talking anyway.] Would you like to try something out with me?
Hmm, would I like to try something out with you? [ He'll match the energy of Solomon's own smile and cheerily suggest, ] That depends. Is it lovingly wrapping my fingers around your delicate neck?
[ Sure, that's a threat the choke him and all, but it sounds suggestive enough to make the one or two lingering extras giggle and scurry off to whisper among themselves. ]
Of course, what that would have to do with a giant cany cane, I cannot imagine.
Oh? You would trust me with such a delicate act? Why, Solomon, what if I crush your glistening bud before it has a chance to bloom?
[ No, he's here to corrupt the students, and it will continue until one of these two old man decide to stop talking to one another permanently (which means never, of course, but one can hope).
But it's a quick enough way to finish the task, so who's he to say no? ]
Very well. [ He'll slide a step closer to Solomon, raising a hand. ] How would you like to do this? Out here in the hallway? Somewhere more private~?
[ Much easier to rip it out like a huge jerk when the extras aren't about, after all. ]
Perfect! If you'll follow me, please -- Ah, well, whenever you're ready, I suppose.
[You'd think he didn't have a care in the world for how casually he just turns around and practically bounces his way down the hall. Checking, checking -- yep, cool, coast is clear! In he goes, time to clear a little space with the desks in the back as faaaar away from the door as possible.]
[ With a shrug, he follows, trailing along after as Solomon checks classroom after classroom until he finds what he's looking for. He won't offer to help move anything, of course, meaning all he does is watch on with some vague amusement. ]
[ He'll even kindly skip over any bawdy joke he might have for 'tumbling all over'. However, Fandaniel isn't one to let another control the entire show. He'll certainly walk closer and offer a hand to Solomon, but he'll follow that hand in, sweeping up extremely close to the other man.
If he can swoop his other arm around Solomon's waist, he will. ]
But it would be far more princely for me to sweep you off your feet, wouldn't it?
[ Sweep him off his feet... maybe drop him on the floor in the process... ]
[Given that there's a 4 inch difference in height between them this is a very funny mental image
Anyway, that quick a break in personal space does, finally, catch Solomon off guard. Tension in the grip that holds Fandaniel's loose hand, stiffness in his posture. A brief flash, here and gone in brassy eyes that look down on Fandaniel with something only adjacent to humor.]
Easy there, "beloved professor". [He guides that palm right to his chest without further preamble.]
[ Tension, a flash, and Fandaniel's left smiling like a cat who's caught the canary, content to see such a reaction. It would seem he's seen as a threat after all. ]
Of course. You would not be the first who's sought my help with this.
[ He'll press his palm firmly against Solomon's chest, slowly, ever so slowly, plunging it in past flesh and bone and into whatever void where these flowers exist. He's surprisingly gentle about it, at least this part, and if that at all unbalanced Solomon, he'll take the opportunity to dip the man just so, like the princess he's truly meant to be in this situation. ]
[He's at least able to keep his balance, bracing as though he mostly expects what's to come and watching it with mild fascination. There's a flinch and a shaking exhale when the pressure gives, eyes eventually drifting shut in concentration at how brutally slow the pace runs. When Fandaniel's fingers find their mark, it earns a sharp jolt and a shiver that goes clear down his back.
He hates how his face has colored, but there's no helping it.]
M-mhmm. You sure are taking your time with this...
[ Fandaniel watches the reactions with rapt attention, amused at how Solomon shivers and reddens. People are so simple when it comes to touch, although he suspects the task was designed to be just so. ]
Am I? [ He asks oh so innocently as he lingers within Solomon's chest, toying with him while he can. ] Shall I speed this up, then?
[ He won't wait for an answer. He'll pair pleasure with an abrupt roughness, then, wrapping his fingers around the flower's bud and ripping it out as harshly as he can. All at Solomon's request, of course. Right? ]
Enjoy the immediate scream in the split second before Solomon can slap a hand over his own mouth.
At least the flower looks fine! It's a brilliantly deep, warm blue bud.
Solomon rips himself from Fandaniel's grip as soon as he can tell he's free, hand still clasped to his mouth as his spare one blindly fumbles for one of the desks to support himself, a nauseous look on his face and a sweating pallor across his brow. But there's no venom tossed at Fandaniel. Only enough moments, enough shaking breaths, to try to calm down the stars in his vision and the pounding in his chest, a mismatch of sensation that takes its time to settle.]
Contrary bastard, aren't you... hah. [He swallows thickly, slowly pushing himself to a steadier footing as he gestures him back over. Not done yet, come on.]
[ Music to his ears. His smile never falters. If anything, it only grows while he watches Solomon's distress. ]
My, you're nothing but complaints. Oh, Fandaniel, you're going too slow. Oh, Fandaniel, that was too fast. Goodness, Solomon, you must make for an intolerable lover.
[ Not that it matters. Fandaniel's just being mean, and, frankly, he was probably going to yank it out, complaint or no complaint. He'll hold the flower up, twirling the deep blue bud between his fingers, and step over to him once more.
At least he won't drag this part out. He'll simply reach up and duck the bud behind one of his ears. ]
And here I was about to praise you for showing more genuine colors.
[He's seen that cynicism sneak out already in the forum, in the jabs and mean-spirited remarks. Why bother to hide it behind a mask? Bare bones civility to keep towards an end goal, perhaps?
His sigh is ragged, but what anger that has peaked is simmering down as he plucks up his candy cane, still loose in one hand as he rolls his shoulders. Ugh. Ugh. He hates how he's feeling right now.]
Hold your arms out. This might look foolish, but I promise it will only take a second to test.
True colors will always show through. You'll have plenty of time to see the rest of them.
[ As if he could somehow get worse. He can, of course. He always can. There, though. Solomon's taken up the candy cane prop again, and Fandaniel can't help but tilt his head, looking at it curiously. What is he even...?
Fine. He'll hold his arms out. He plays the fool regularly enough, so why not? ]
[With the candy cane in hand, he balances the highest point of the crook against his palm, measuring it against Fandaniel's arms as though he intends to drop it. It's not a far distance and would hook very easily, so the preparation looks a little silly.
Still, he seems very focused, as though he's mentally counting down, mouthing:
He immediately pivots the entire candy cane in his hand and swings it like a baseball bat, very hard, against the broadside of Fandaniel's shins, before immediately making a beeline for the door.]
[ That sure solves that mystery. The candy cane cracks across his shins before he can react, and he lets out a shout. It's more angry than it is pained, but he can assure you, it did hurt. ]
You...! [ He staggers, turning too slow to catch Solomon as he rushes by. ] That's why you...?!
[ The candy cane was a weapon this entire time! Perposterous! ]
How else was I supposed to make it genuine emotion?!
[Said as he whips the lock open and stumbles out into the hallway. He still feels like SO MUCH DIRT but there is a boyish sort of sadistic glee as he breaks into a run.
Come on, nihilism boy. Come, live a little, live for five more minutes so you can chase him for his sins. live and feel something.]
[ Oh, he gives chase, lunging out of the door after he's scampered off further and throwing out an arm to make a gesture, only— right. Nothing. Not a lick of magic. ]
...stupid, useless...!
[ He wasn't lying completely before! He only has so much aether to keep this body going! Now this man wants him to chase him about?! ]
[Ah, THAT looks like a spell attempt. Mood, buddy, but also: lolololol get recktd.]
Tsk tsk - come now, Fandaniel! [He pivots on his heel at the end of the hall to face him, hands framing his face in a pointing gesture that also neatly shows the bud at his ear has already started opening.] You said you'd help me with a test, so I hope you'll commit to the end!
... [ Absolute piece of— ] Then you had better run faster than that, Solomon. You won't like it if I catch you~.
[ Said with quite a bit of menace, even as a smile comes back to his face. It isn't a very friendly smile. Fine, he'll give chase. Asahi was a soldier and swordsman, and even as a corpse, he's still fit enough to take off after Solomon at a decent clip. ]
Solomon's laugh is swallowed up as he takes off down the halls again, crashing into Extras as he goes and practically jumping his way into the nearest downwards stairwell. He's slippery, but he's no soldier, and his endurance isn't very high. This isn't a chase he will outrun.]
[ Fandaniel gives chase, storming down the stairs after him. Extras shout with surprise and dive out of the way, already now on alert for running old people with Solomon crashing through ahead of him.
It saves him time, that's for sure. Time to see where Solomon will bolt to first and then see if he can't close in and corner him somewhere. ]
[It's on the wing of the costumerie that Solomon finally swerves. The candy cane is abandoned near the cage filled with Christmas-themed costumes and props as Solomon stumbles his way through the rest, trying to slip into one of the other cages to get lost amongst the fabric.]
[ stompstompstompstomp cage door rattle nope, Fandaniel is still hot on his trail, and now that there are piles of fabric, he takes his chance to lunge and try and tackle Solomon into a myriad of colors and weaves. ]
[It nearly catches him, the form of his body felt under the fabric, but Solomon squirms away just enough to avoid being pinned. Unfortunately, this does cause him to lose his footing and take a tumblr for a brief moment, giving away his position.
Costumes are yanked down with a clatter as he tries to regain his footing and keep himself from being cornered. Can he juke Fandaniel? He's going to try.
[ Nope, because Fandaniel recovers just enough to reposition himself and lunge after Solomon again. He throws himself bodily, fully intending to bodyslam the man if he must. ]
well at least that rose at his temple is wide and open now, huh?
Still, it's not like he can notice that, busy as he is trying to yank his arm free and bring a knee up to Fandaniel's stomach. It's not extremely forceful, but he is not a fan of being pinned like this.]
[ Oh, oof. That gets Fandaniel to let go of his arm, at least, as he's startled into doing so and gasping out loud, air leaving his lungs. It doesn't knock him off of Solomon per se, but it does give him the opening he needs to shove the other man off or perhaps even counterpin him. ]
[He's doing the former! Get off him, tiny boy, he's gotta go hide behind the hanging costumes again like a shy princess tucking behind oversized curtains.]
You've got some spirit to you, Fandaniel. [He drapes two wildly different skirts in each hand, the fabric bunched up to hide his mouth coyly in shocked surprise.]
Here I'd have to really question if you actually do have an illness or not!
[ Thrown off into a pile of fabric, there he goes, though he is quick enough to sit up amongst the cloth and roll his eyes at Solomon, where he hides. What a fool they both look... ]
If I indeed picked up something from Miss Quixote, I can only hope I have passed it along to you now.
Mm? Now, that isn't what I'm talking about. Have you forgotten your own stories by now?
[Mr "I have a blood condition", his right asscheek. Lilia was right to be doubtful, he thinks.
Still, he plucks the brilliant blue rose from off his ear, twirling it a little before handing it to Fandaniel. It could probably stand to bloom a little more, sure, but it's far more open than it had been when it had be pulled from Solomon's chest.]
No? Would you believe me miraculously cured instead?
[ That's also a no. Ah, but the chase is catching up to him, hence the lack of snatching flowers. It crossed his mind, but could he move fast enough? A mystery now that it's tucked away from sight. ]
A dagger? Ah, a pretty stiletto, straight through the--
[ His stagger becomes much less mocking all of a sudden, his body giving an uncomfortable jerk and a grimace lancing across his face. With a wheeze, he pitches forward, clutching his chest instead now as he struggles to stay upright. ]
[He starts a bit at the sudden change, fabric lowering from his face, but not bothering to step forward. They were just joking about this, surely Fandaniel wouldn't try a stunt.]
[ Of course, being what Fandaniel actually is, it's very easy for him to play ill. He tries to straighten, but he cannot, and it's just a matter of shutting down parts of his body to make his collapse to his knees convincing. ]
[Well, that's far more convincing, and bereft of any further knowledge of what Fandaniel can or can't do from the magical meta text, Solomon lets the cautious wall slip. It looks like a person and acts like a person, and even as cautious as he is, even Solomon isn't completely without empathy.]
Of all the times-- [He reemerges from his makeshift little dress hideyhole, back into arm's length of where Fandaniel's collapsed to try and look him over.]
[ Fandaniel, deciding to take the most juvenile opportunity of all time, straightens up immediately and lashes out to give Solomon the horrible curse of the ball tap. Which is to say, he punches his fucking dick. ]
Oh well. What's done is done, and all he can do is get back to his feet laughing. He could stick around a gloat, but why give Solomon the time to recover? ]
Well, this has been a fun little experiment, but I believe I have another class to teach. Have a nice day, Solomon~.
[ Yeah, he's just gonna leave him there. Bye-bye. ]
[Still bruised and battered from whatever the fuck happened to him between trial and execution, Solomon's looking a little colorful across the face from where he fumbles about the art studio. He's gathering supplies for something or other, humming to himself and checking his phone pretty frequently. A perfect distraction.]
[ He's been so, so curious about what happened to poor old Solomon. Lovecraft had asked if he had done it, to which he could honestly claim ignorance. Shocking, he knows, but handing out a physical beating isn't quite his style, anyhow. He lurks quietly outside the door, watching a moment, and then he slithers his way in-- well, he WALKS in, to be more accurate, but it's still a quiet and weaving little stroll. ]
[ Little lost god. There's a twitch, faint but there, and all it does is spur Fandaniel onwards until he's stepping right up into Solomon's personal space. ]
Actually, [ And he simpers in a way that certainly is not honest, looking up at the taller sorcerer coyly. ] I was hoping with all my heart that you might disrobe for me.
[ ...and there's a snort of amusement at that. He hops back a step. ]
I am interested in your summoning circles. They are one of the more elusive arts that manage to be rediscovered again and again, so I am curious to see if yours are similar.
I doubt there's anything new about magic that you can tell me, to be entirely honest, but I cannot help to wonder if the same circles I have seen on my own star have managed to sneak out into other worlds as well. T'would not be the first time.
[ Although actual different worlds and the reflections were not quite the same thing. Still, he waves towards the door, silently agreeing to move elsewhere if he wishes. ]
[ Of they go, looking for solitude. Not here, or here, or here, but eventually he ends up at the small practice rooms. Both look to be abandoned for the day as he peeks in. ]
This should be private enough. [ He'll go in first, lest Solomon worry about some kind of trap. ] Though I suppose you gain nothing... I could offer to answer any question about myself you have, I suppose, for your indulgence.
Offer, but not guarantee? [His pout is absolutely insincere as he closes the door behind them.] I'm wounded, Fandaniel. Surely you know better than that.
I would be interested to know which summons they are applicable to, and from where they hail.
[ He grows serious, too curious to let his endless manic behaviour interfere for once, and watches raptly as Solomon begins to strip. ]
Summoning upon my own star comes in several forms. The most common among the people is the use of arcanum, which uses geometric shapes and symbols much like your own to mold a caster's aether into not only spells, but familiars as well.
[Ah, magical nerd talk. He chuckles as he strips his shirt in quick succession. No more than that, it looks like - with his arms and torso bare, Fandaniel will get more than enough to chew on. What circles and spells are written at his core and back are far different than the symbol at the nape of his neck and the numerous named seals on his limbs.]
If you're looking for the means to summon, I'm afraid you'll be slightly disappointed.
All of mine come from a place beside my world, but still a part of it. The Devildom in some places. Hell, in others.
Some summons can be called in harmony, depending on the species. But for a demon, the cost usually outpaces the reward to force it.
[ He will step in closer, a gloved finger reaching out to gently trace over the lines as he attempts to make heads or tails of them. ]
Mm, no. I am not much of a summoner myself. If anything, I would think myself the opposite. [ Though he doesn't explain what that means. He'll linger on one specifically. ] Demons. Sometimes a term used for Voidsent, which exists in a realm adjacent to mine own. Similar, perhaps. Who is this one for?
[ Yes, that's what he thought those letters meant. There's a pause, and his smile grows, and grows, and he can't help the giggle that escapes him. He'll at least step back, finger leaving Solomon's skin. ]
[ There's no hesitation in the admission, although he does pause and raise a hand, idly tapping his chin with a curled finger. Thinking. ]
There is no end to me unless it all goes. The lifestream will see me reborn again and again so long as the star itself lives on in any form, and yet... [ There's something. Something he feels like he's missing. That, he isn't sure of, but, ] I admit that I did ask the one with my secret to be the one who ends me instead.
[ A strange admission. ]
I am uncertain as to why I would do such a thing. It seems unlikely that they would or even could.
It's a tragic state of affairs, and one that he should be far more alarmed by in theory. He fumbles with his shirt, casually moving to slip it back over his head.]
So you found your missing piece already. Good to know.
...
People aren't made to live forever. It's an existence that I think many people wish for, perhaps. In fear of loss and doubt of themselves. But few would understand what a life long lived can do to you.
[Musing, perhaps. He isn't going to get into the weeds of the reinvarnation cycle if Fandaniel has made up his mind about completely removing it as some last ditch hurrah for freedom. Clearly the god plan didn't work if he though this much was necessary.]
If you could die here and be free of your cycle, then. Would you give up your wish?
To die here... would not feel like an end, either. Do those who Father chews up truly die? Or are they burned forever within Sika Madu's fires? No. I would not wish for my missing piece to end my life here. Somewhere else. Somewhere with nowhere for me to return to.
But there is more to my wish than merely my own desire. It is also a promise I meant to keep, made long ago, to the very man who inspired such nihilism within me. I would usher his soul similarly into nothingness, wherever it may rest, either within the aetherial sea or reborn anew upon the star. Complicated, is it not? To be stretched between one ending and another like this.
Another, though I believe I have answered your original question rather thoroughly. If you care to know more, I suggest you heed those gossiping little nothings, for you will get little else from me.
[ He has no interest in delving into his old interpersonal relationships, thanks. ]
[Ah, that would do it. Whether love or dedication, attachment like that was the hardest part of letting any sort of idea go, no matter how maddening.]
Ahh, and here I thought I might finally be getting to know you a little.
[Shirt still in hand, he makes quick work of slipping it back up and over his head, adjusting the turtleneck to cover the seal that sits at his nape, adjusting the sleeves so nothing beyond the wrist is shown.]
The students only skirt the truth. I'd rather not entertain anything from them as gospel.
True enough, but what they chatter about isn't always so wrong.
[ An idea that cannot be let go. When it is all a man has left to cling to, doing anything less makes no sense. Ah, but he's seen Solomon's tattoos. His curiosity has been sated, for now. ]
I shall let you get back to your idle time-wasting, then. Do have a nice day~.
[ Or not. He'll offer a mocking little bow before taking his leave. ]
[It's later in the evening when Fandaniel will finally be able to spot Solomon wandering the lower parts of the campus, descending the stairs from the parking garage and down towards the practice booths.
[ He's been waiting. Solomon would have to descend towards the dorms eventually. Even if that is not his final destination, it matters not. He will keep his distance and follow after. In all honesty, Fandaniel does not expect to surprise the man. Both of them are cagey bastards, so if he has not yet noticed him, it is likely feigned, and if not that, then it would be sheer luck.
Knowing that hardly stops him, of course. Known or unknown, it's all the same to him. ]
[Down into the music rooms, to where the grand piano sits. His stance is a tired one, and he seems to want only the quiet as he slips in and closes the door behind him. No need for a lock tonight. He just needs the quiet.
He does not notice Fandaniel yet, too preoccupied with setting up the instrument.]
[ Down, down to the music rooms, and at the closed door, he pauses. Carefully, he will reach for the handle, testing for the lock — nothing — and then ease it open only enough to peer inside. Seeing him preparing the piano, well.
He will wait.
Better to wait for the music to better hide his steps. ]
[There is no sheet music that is pulled. Solomon's hand simply find the keys, and they play. Technical but sorrowful, a hobby picked up out of nothing but time rather than passion. Something to do, to keep an ancient mind busy. To keep it connected.
The music flows, and he still does not hear Fandaniel.]
[ The door slowly opens and Fandaniel enters, approaching step by step, slow, measured. There's still a chance he knows... Still a chance he's thinking to fool him... Who would lower their guard after all of this? Surely not Solomon, but that doesn't mean Fandaniel won't see how close he can get.
If he can get right up behind him, as close as possible, he will draw a scalpel helpfully borrowed — much like Yugamu — from the chapel-turned-lab. Simple enough, then, to slide the cold metal up against the side of Solomon's neck. ]
[The change of presence in the room is enough to earn him pause, his hands slowing. But he's aware of the position he's put himself in. Foolish. Foolish.
So while his hand does start to leave the keyboard to slip against his jacket, Fandaniel moves faster, and Solomon goes perfectly still at the touch of sharpened metal to his pulse point.
An exhale, slow and purposeful.]
Alright. You have my attention.
What's the matter?
i know what card that icon is from and i never got it rip
He belongs to me, and I to him. [ That's right, the bitch is jealous. ] So I would very much appreciate it if you stayed away from him from now on. See? Is that not simple enough?
You would think I would not care, no? And normally, you would be correct, but there is something about him that... I have no desire to share. I do not want you speaking to him. I do not want you looking at him. I do not want you even breathing in his direction.
[ Every word sounds increasingly unhinged, desperate. Fandaniel has never been 'on' as far as sanity goes, but this is, perhaps, a step even further than before. ]
Ah, of course. You would have to at the very least speak to him to tell him you are no longer interested. To send him away. Certainly, I will not hold that against you. I am not entirely unreasonable!
[ Is he serious right now? Unfortunately! ]
As for what I will do, well. [ He won't move the scalpel from its spot. It remains where it is, just so, but he will lean closer, so that hot breath tickles Solomon's ear. ] I have abstained from Father's bloody farce by choice thus far, Solomon. Do not give me cause to decide otherwise.
[ The reaction is immediate and, shockingly, that reaction is not to slit Solomon's throat. The scalpel's blade moves away, and instead, he grabs for the sorcerer's hair, meaning to grab it roughly between his fingers and yank his head back so they can finally look at one another, eye-to-maybe-a-little-upside-down-eye. ]
How dare you call him a dog! I do not! I would not! Do you not understand?! How long it has been since I have felt anything?! There should be nothing! Naught a single feeling stirring within this wretched, dead heart of mine!
[ Which might explain why he's being so crazy about this now. It's a bit much. ]
He will survive this, and then he will kill me, and it will be what I have always desired!
[His hands jerk against the piano with a clattering of half-played keys, face strained at the forced angle. But he meets that crazed look with one that doesn't break, pained as it is.
A slow exhale. Another.
Control in the face of the uncontrollable. Let the fear die away from your heart.]
And how do you plan on ensuring that? Killing every other person here??? Unlike your god, you can't just loophole your way into that drastic a solution.
[ He twists the hair in his grasp, vicious to the end. ]
Of course! Of course, I will if I have to! Do you think me incapable?! If I must find a way, I will do it!
[ He laughs. It's terrible. The only saving grace here is that the scalpel is no longer dangerously near any skin at all, but instead is waving in the air as he cackles on. ]
Sika Madu and their plans be damned! If she had any real foresight, she would know how I would react to this! To Nishi!
[The scalpel is, at least, not quite so close. And although he yelps at the pain that digs like knives to his scalp, one of his hands once against tries to reach for his coat.
Closing around a pen.]
You know I can't let you do that, Fandaniel.
If you're that concerned about Nishi, make sure he doesn't kill himself first.
cw: tbh i should have slapped suicidal ideation on this from the get go
[He feels the give, just slightly. He needs to take a chance.
Perhaps Fandaniel is too distracted to see exactly where the iridescent weapon in Solomon's hand materializes from, a blade made of something akin to roughly hewn diamond. But the dagger swings out sharply at an upwards angle, tight in Solomon's wrist, intending to slash at Fandaniel's arm and free himself.]
[ He lets out a snarl, more enraged than it is pained, and immediately releases the hair as he jerks back a step. It took cutting into him to get him to let go, the diamond blade cleanly slicing through his shirt sleeve and flesh both on the arc upward. That same sluggish blood mars the shine of the diamond and drips fatly on the floor, only...
That doesn't seem to be all. There's something more.
It flutters from the wound, though that itself is hidden under the cut cloth of the shirt. A dark rose petal, much like the few he'd had in his pocket during the trial earlier. It falls, one, then another, drifting to the floor to join the droplets of blood there. ]
How dare you?!
[ He won't give Solomon much time to process that, lunging after him with his scalpel, swinging out to strike at the man, though wildly, so wildly it isn't particularly well targeted. ]
[The dagger dematerializes almost as fast as it appeared, the pen in Solomon's hand tucked in tight against his wrist as he shoves his weight back against the piano to dodge the blade, the rattling of wires and wood and tones all mismatched as the instrument jostles from the effort.
With a grunt and a shove of his foot, Solomon upends the piano bench in Fandaniel's direction, aiming to trip him up long enough to give Solomon time to get to the door. His back is turned, yes, but only for a moment, surely only for a moment. He can't kill here, he has to desescalate this somehow---]
[ A swing and a miss, and then the bench is crashing into his legs. He spits and curses like an angry cat, scrambling to recover his balance and whip around after the man. He lunges as Solomon passes, jabbing the scalpel forward in a sharp motion towards his receding back.
It's a desperate move as he'll be hitting the floor after such a leap, but it offers him a chance to put it into him and slice, if only for a second. ]
[The blade lands with a burst of hot pain, and as Solomon jerks with a yell, the blade digs in and slices out, tearing a hole through his jacket and coming back brilliantly red right at the back of his ribs.
He buckles and crashes to the side with his shoulder against the door, his hand clenched against the wound, trying to right himself, trying to reach for the scalpel before Fandaniel can get back on his feet.]
Edited (Gotta use his good christian name) 2025-08-31 05:21 (UTC)
[ It's a scramble for the scalpel, then. Despite everything, Fandaniel is, in fact, still housed in the body of a former swordsman. A soldier, even. He gets his feet under him again and launches for the little knife, shedding a few more petals, a little more blood, from the gash in his arm as he grapples with Solomon for it.
And he just... starts laughing, all over again. This may as well look like a slap fight between two literally bloody idiots over a scrap of metal, but it'll be Fandaniel that gets the handle in the end, and with that in hand, he lashes out again, meaning to slice at Solomon's hand or arm to get him to back off. ]
[The grapple is blind and desperate, and more than once he hopes against hope he has Fandaniel's weapon removed from the situation. But too quickly does Fandaniel's hand wrap against metal, and the blade is immediately turned on Solomon's outstretched arm. The line of red knicks his palm to travel an angry path up the side and back of one of his forearms before it finally gives way with a splatter of red against the walls.
It's far more disabling than the first blow had been, and Solomon stays buckled over against the floor as red starts to drip in earnest to join the black. He won't advance any further.]
[ There's an urge to go in and finish him off. It's there. Fandaniel can feel it, the need to make this permanent, to ensure Solomon never speaks to Nishi — or anyone, for that matter — ever again, but no. The laughter tapers off, and he withdraws, climbing back to his feet and cradling his damaged arm against his chest. ]
Ah, this got messier than I had been planning for. You know, all you had to do was say you would leave him alone. That is all I wanted.
[ He won't go as far as go tsk and say 'look at what you made me do', because had he? Really? All it took was Solomon to draw first blood, and he didn't even hesitate. He'll loom over the sorcerer a second, two, before crouching down over him, boldly close to a man he knows is now wielding a peculiar little blade.
Scalpel palmed, he'll reach out and pat Solomon on a cheek, smearing his own blood across his skin as it drips down from the vicious little blade above. ]
I do believe I've gotten my message across now, hmm?
It doesn't take much effort to raise his good arm - the one that still houses the pen - and for the dagger to immediately materialize, the point of the blade meeting the flesh of Fandaniel's abdomen and shoving. It doesn't have the power it could, but it will make him bleed, and it will make him hurt, and maybe it would remind him of his place--]
Have I? [A choking laugh of a response, utterly humorless.]
Be glad th... this wasn't meant for you. If you threaten any of them again, I will change my mind.
[And with that, the blade dematerializes once more, leaving only the wound behind.]
[ Fandaniel gives a sharp hiss, a gasp as pain cuts through his middle and radiates out from there. Right, the pen, the damn pen, which isn't a pen at all! He lurches away once he feels it vanish again, staggering back a step as blood begins to stain his shirt is in a second place now.
He looks down, staring at it as the stain grows...
If there are rose petals mixed in there as well, Solomon will never know, as his shirt is tucked primly into his work pants, and they will no doubt catch against the fabric. Still, he stares, having the audacity to look surprised for that barest of moments. ]
...I see.
[ He should kill him. He should kill him. He should kill him, and the thought is clear as his fingers clench around the scalpel again, for one second, two, and then he forces a breath out and merely steps forth for the door. ]
Leave Nishi alone, Solomon. I will not ask again.
[ As ever, he can only focus on that. It is single-minded. Then he forces the door open, even if he has to scrape Solomon aside to do so, as he plans to lurch away and lick his own wounds elsewhere. Let Solomon bleed out and die, or not. That is no longer up to Fandaniel. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
WEEK ONE - MONDAY
Solomon isn't in any particular rush to find Fandaniel for sake of the task given, but a sorcerer must always be curious, and his curiosity is getting the better of him as far as how this lovely little task will work. What better way to test an easy recipient than to hunt them down in cold blood!
Someone's strolling through the halls with a hollow candy cane prop from the theatre areas hoisted over one shoulder. Where u at fandan, he needs to test ur reflexes :)]
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And remember, the first ten chapters need to be read by tomorrow. Enjoy the rest of your daaay.
[ He calls cheerfully to the Extras as they scuttle away, trying not to look too frantic about the enormous reading requirement. It's Mr. Fandaniel, after all! Sure, it's a lot, but who wants to let him down? What if they make him sad?! ]
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Fandaniel! I caught you at a good time, I see. [He's clearly busy but Solomon keeps talking anyway.] Would you like to try something out with me?
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Hmm, would I like to try something out with you? [ He'll match the energy of Solomon's own smile and cheerily suggest, ] That depends. Is it lovingly wrapping my fingers around your delicate neck?
[ Sure, that's a threat the choke him and all, but it sounds suggestive enough to make the one or two lingering extras giggle and scurry off to whisper among themselves. ]
Of course, what that would have to do with a giant cany cane, I cannot imagine.
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[Keep the kinky away from your students, Fandaniel, gosh!]
You've heard of our task by now. Would you like to be my prince for the moment?
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[ No, he's here to corrupt the students, and it will continue until one of these two old man decide to stop talking to one another permanently (which means never, of course, but one can hope).
But it's a quick enough way to finish the task, so who's he to say no? ]
Very well. [ He'll slide a step closer to Solomon, raising a hand. ] How would you like to do this? Out here in the hallway? Somewhere more private~?
[ Much easier to rip it out like a huge jerk when the extras aren't about, after all. ]
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One of the classrooms looked empty when I walked by, but if you want more of a walk, I'm sure we can find somewhere else.
[This candy cane is coming with, whether Fandan likes it or not. The elephant in the room, made of plastic peppermint.]
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The classroom is as good as anywhere else. No need to walk terribly far for this.
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[You'd think he didn't have a care in the world for how casually he just turns around and practically bounces his way down the hall. Checking, checking -- yep, cool, coast is clear! In he goes, time to clear a little space with the desks in the back as faaaar away from the door as possible.]
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Will we really need this much space?
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[Content with his bare-minimum effort, he tosses his prop onto one of the desks nearby and gesture for Fandaniel to come closer.]
Your hand, please.
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[ He'll even kindly skip over any bawdy joke he might have for 'tumbling all over'. However, Fandaniel isn't one to let another control the entire show. He'll certainly walk closer and offer a hand to Solomon, but he'll follow that hand in, sweeping up extremely close to the other man.
If he can swoop his other arm around Solomon's waist, he will. ]
But it would be far more princely for me to sweep you off your feet, wouldn't it?
[ Sweep him off his feet... maybe drop him on the floor in the process... ]
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Anyway, that quick a break in personal space does, finally, catch Solomon off guard. Tension in the grip that holds Fandaniel's loose hand, stiffness in his posture. A brief flash, here and gone in brassy eyes that look down on Fandaniel with something only adjacent to humor.]
Easy there, "beloved professor". [He guides that palm right to his chest without further preamble.]
Are you aware of what you have to do?
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Of course. You would not be the first who's sought my help with this.
[ He'll press his palm firmly against Solomon's chest, slowly, ever so slowly, plunging it in past flesh and bone and into whatever void where these flowers exist. He's surprisingly gentle about it, at least this part, and if that at all unbalanced Solomon, he'll take the opportunity to dip the man just so, like the princess he's truly meant to be in this situation. ]
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He hates how his face has colored, but there's no helping it.]
M-mhmm. You sure are taking your time with this...
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Am I? [ He asks oh so innocently as he lingers within Solomon's chest, toying with him while he can. ] Shall I speed this up, then?
[ He won't wait for an answer. He'll pair pleasure with an abrupt roughness, then, wrapping his fingers around the flower's bud and ripping it out as harshly as he can. All at Solomon's request, of course. Right? ]
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Enjoy the immediate scream in the split second before Solomon can slap a hand over his own mouth.
At least the flower looks fine! It's a brilliantly deep, warm blue bud.
Solomon rips himself from Fandaniel's grip as soon as he can tell he's free, hand still clasped to his mouth as his spare one blindly fumbles for one of the desks to support himself, a nauseous look on his face and a sweating pallor across his brow. But there's no venom tossed at Fandaniel. Only enough moments, enough shaking breaths, to try to calm down the stars in his vision and the pounding in his chest, a mismatch of sensation that takes its time to settle.]
Contrary bastard, aren't you... hah. [He swallows thickly, slowly pushing himself to a steadier footing as he gestures him back over. Not done yet, come on.]
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My, you're nothing but complaints. Oh, Fandaniel, you're going too slow. Oh, Fandaniel, that was too fast. Goodness, Solomon, you must make for an intolerable lover.
[ Not that it matters. Fandaniel's just being mean, and, frankly, he was probably going to yank it out, complaint or no complaint. He'll hold the flower up, twirling the deep blue bud between his fingers, and step over to him once more.
At least he won't drag this part out. He'll simply reach up and duck the bud behind one of his ears. ]
There you go~.
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[He's seen that cynicism sneak out already in the forum, in the jabs and mean-spirited remarks. Why bother to hide it behind a mask? Bare bones civility to keep towards an end goal, perhaps?
His sigh is ragged, but what anger that has peaked is simmering down as he plucks up his candy cane, still loose in one hand as he rolls his shoulders. Ugh. Ugh. He hates how he's feeling right now.]
Hold your arms out. This might look foolish, but I promise it will only take a second to test.
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[ As if he could somehow get worse. He can, of course. He always can. There, though. Solomon's taken up the candy cane prop again, and Fandaniel can't help but tilt his head, looking at it curiously. What is he even...?
Fine. He'll hold his arms out. He plays the fool regularly enough, so why not? ]
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Still, he seems very focused, as though he's mentally counting down, mouthing:
Five... Four...]
2/2
He immediately pivots the entire candy cane in his hand and swings it like a baseball bat, very hard, against the broadside of Fandaniel's shins, before immediately making a beeline for the door.]
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You...! [ He staggers, turning too slow to catch Solomon as he rushes by. ] That's why you...?!
[ The candy cane was a weapon this entire time! Perposterous! ]
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[Said as he whips the lock open and stumbles out into the hallway. He still feels like SO MUCH DIRT but there is a boyish sort of sadistic glee as he breaks into a run.
Come on, nihilism boy. Come, live a little, live for five more minutes so you can chase him for his sins. live and feel something.]
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[ Oh, he gives chase, lunging out of the door after he's scampered off further and throwing out an arm to make a gesture, only— right. Nothing. Not a lick of magic. ]
...stupid, useless...!
[ He wasn't lying completely before! He only has so much aether to keep this body going! Now this man wants him to chase him about?! ]
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Tsk tsk - come now, Fandaniel! [He pivots on his heel at the end of the hall to face him, hands framing his face in a pointing gesture that also neatly shows the bud at his ear has already started opening.] You said you'd help me with a test, so I hope you'll commit to the end!
[Now come on, try yelling at him some more!]
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[ Said with quite a bit of menace, even as a smile comes back to his face. It isn't a very friendly smile. Fine, he'll give chase. Asahi was a soldier and swordsman, and even as a corpse, he's still fit enough to take off after Solomon at a decent clip. ]
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Solomon's laugh is swallowed up as he takes off down the halls again, crashing into Extras as he goes and practically jumping his way into the nearest downwards stairwell. He's slippery, but he's no soldier, and his endurance isn't very high. This isn't a chase he will outrun.]
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It saves him time, that's for sure. Time to see where Solomon will bolt to first and then see if he can't close in and corner him somewhere. ]
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Here I aaaam!
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Costumes are yanked down with a clatter as he tries to regain his footing and keep himself from being cornered. Can he juke Fandaniel? He's going to try.
(He's going to fail. But he's going to try.)]
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Well he must, and he does, and down they go with a hard thud.
Solomon is still trying to squirm himself out of the hold, so Fandaniel better think fast.]
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[ By which he means he's going to push old man number two to the ground and grab an arm. Time for a chomp! Well, at least he isn't going for an ear? ]
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well at least that rose at his temple is wide and open now, huh?
Still, it's not like he can notice that, busy as he is trying to yank his arm free and bring a knee up to Fandaniel's stomach. It's not extremely forceful, but he is not a fan of being pinned like this.]
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You've got some spirit to you, Fandaniel. [He drapes two wildly different skirts in each hand, the fabric bunched up to hide his mouth coyly in shocked surprise.]
Here I'd have to really question if you actually do have an illness or not!
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If I indeed picked up something from Miss Quixote, I can only hope I have passed it along to you now.
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[Mr "I have a blood condition", his right asscheek. Lilia was right to be doubtful, he thinks.
Still, he plucks the brilliant blue rose from off his ear, twirling it a little before handing it to Fandaniel. It could probably stand to bloom a little more, sure, but it's far more open than it had been when it had be pulled from Solomon's chest.]
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My, is that what you meant? Should I apologize for not collapsing and convulsing on the floor? I know well what I am capable of.
[ Well, whatever. He climbs to his feet. ]
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[Wow, not even taking the flower to crush it? Boo. Fine, whatever, he'll hold onto it, tucking it gently into his coat.]
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[ That's also a no. Ah, but the chase is catching up to him, hence the lack of snatching flowers. It crossed his mind, but could he move fast enough? A mystery now that it's tucked away from sight. ]
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A little roleplay, perhaps.
[He could even invite Yugamu!]
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[ Is this flirting or is this something else? Who can even tell anymore? ]
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[Tucking his face into the dress fabrics again. Teehee.]
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[ He presses a hand to where his heart would be and dramatically staggers, as if stabbed. Oh no, oh dear! Whatever would he do if that happened?! ]
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A dagger would be perfectly fine.
[Not his first choice, but it'd be better than slapping it out of him.]
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[ His stagger becomes much less mocking all of a sudden, his body giving an uncomfortable jerk and a grimace lancing across his face. With a wheeze, he pitches forward, clutching his chest instead now as he struggles to stay upright. ]
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...Is everything alright?
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[ Of course, being what Fandaniel actually is, it's very easy for him to play ill. He tries to straighten, but he cannot, and it's just a matter of shutting down parts of his body to make his collapse to his knees convincing. ]
...ah...
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Of all the times-- [He reemerges from his makeshift little dress hideyhole, back into arm's length of where Fandaniel's collapsed to try and look him over.]
Hey. Talk to me. What's going on?
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[ Fandaniel, deciding to take the most juvenile opportunity of all time, straightens up immediately and lashes out to give Solomon the horrible curse of the ball tap. Which is to say, he punches his fucking dick. ]
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Well
Down he immediately crumples with a yelp and a heavy wheeze, hands plastered between his legs.
yeah he probably deserved that]
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Oh well. What's done is done, and all he can do is get back to his feet laughing. He could stick around a gloat, but why give Solomon the time to recover? ]
Well, this has been a fun little experiment, but I believe I have another class to teach. Have a nice day, Solomon~.
[ Yeah, he's just gonna leave him there. Bye-bye. ]
WEEK TWO - MONDAY
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Oh, Solomon, there you are.
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Ah, if it isn't our little lost god.
Come to give me another speech about the futility of our choices?
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Actually, [ And he simpers in a way that certainly is not honest, looking up at the taller sorcerer coyly. ] I was hoping with all my heart that you might disrobe for me.
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Excuse me?
[what]
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I am interested in your summoning circles. They are one of the more elusive arts that manage to be rediscovered again and again, so I am curious to see if yours are similar.
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[Another glance at his phone. Mm. He has time.]
I'd rather our nosy little extras not spy. But why the sudden interest now?
You've had no curiosity in my magic before.
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[ Although actual different worlds and the reflections were not quite the same thing. Still, he waves towards the door, silently agreeing to move elsewhere if he wishes. ]
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[He sighs, but puts his collection of items away for the time being to trot behind Fandaniel. Sure, why not. Let's humor the man.]
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This should be private enough. [ He'll go in first, lest Solomon worry about some kind of trap. ] Though I suppose you gain nothing... I could offer to answer any question about myself you have, I suppose, for your indulgence.
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[He has an idea, at least. But he'll keep mum, shrugging his jacket off.]
Was there anything specific you wanted to see so urgently?
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[ He grows serious, too curious to let his endless manic behaviour interfere for once, and watches raptly as Solomon begins to strip. ]
Summoning upon my own star comes in several forms. The most common among the people is the use of arcanum, which uses geometric shapes and symbols much like your own to mold a caster's aether into not only spells, but familiars as well.
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If you're looking for the means to summon, I'm afraid you'll be slightly disappointed.
All of mine come from a place beside my world, but still a part of it. The Devildom in some places. Hell, in others.
Some summons can be called in harmony, depending on the species. But for a demon, the cost usually outpaces the reward to force it.
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Mm, no. I am not much of a summoner myself. If anything, I would think myself the opposite. [ Though he doesn't explain what that means. He'll linger on one specifically. ] Demons. Sometimes a term used for Voidsent, which exists in a realm adjacent to mine own. Similar, perhaps. Who is this one for?
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What a great choice on the sigil selection, though! Solomon has to peer over his arm to catch which one Fandaniel's found.]
Ahh, that would be Amon. One of the ones I pursued the hardest when I was younger.
It's been a while since I've needed to call on him.
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Oh, has it? How interesting.
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oh no he's giggling again
oh please don't have a mental breakdown on him when he's half-naked, sir]
...Easy there. You're going to alert every student in half a mile if you start laughing again.
What, does it seem familiar?
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[ At least the giggling trails off, but the smile remains. It isn't very comforting, but since when is it ever? ]
I am extremely familiar with that name, but if you want to know why, you'll have to use your question~.
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They do say the strangest things sometimes. What was it... something about an emperor? I can't remember.
[He assumes that was Fandaniel, anyway, unless one of the other male teachers has also gone crazy with failing all of the fake students.]
But no, there's no need. I know exactly what I want to ask you.
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[ He won't deny it. That was undoubtedly about him, but unless Solomon's question is about Xande, he sees little in how it matters. ]
Oh? No curiosity as to names? Very well. Let us hear what else you wish to ask.
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[And he might as well not drag it out too much, if Fandaniel is ready right this moment. So Solomon reaches down for his shirt as he asks:]
Should you receive a Beatitude successfully, what will be your wish?
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Oh, nothing more than what I have wished for thousands of years now. I will wipe out life across my star, once and for all.
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He falls carefully, carefully neutral at that.]
You would take everyone else with you, on your last attempt at life?
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[ There's no hesitation in the admission, although he does pause and raise a hand, idly tapping his chin with a curled finger. Thinking. ]
There is no end to me unless it all goes. The lifestream will see me reborn again and again so long as the star itself lives on in any form, and yet... [ There's something. Something he feels like he's missing. That, he isn't sure of, but, ] I admit that I did ask the one with my secret to be the one who ends me instead.
[ A strange admission. ]
I am uncertain as to why I would do such a thing. It seems unlikely that they would or even could.
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It's a tragic state of affairs, and one that he should be far more alarmed by in theory. He fumbles with his shirt, casually moving to slip it back over his head.]
So you found your missing piece already. Good to know.
...
People aren't made to live forever. It's an existence that I think many people wish for, perhaps. In fear of loss and doubt of themselves. But few would understand what a life long lived can do to you.
[Musing, perhaps. He isn't going to get into the weeds of the reinvarnation cycle if Fandaniel has made up his mind about completely removing it as some last ditch hurrah for freedom. Clearly the god plan didn't work if he though this much was necessary.]
If you could die here and be free of your cycle, then. Would you give up your wish?
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[ Or to, at least, suggest another wish. ]
To die here... would not feel like an end, either. Do those who Father chews up truly die? Or are they burned forever within Sika Madu's fires? No. I would not wish for my missing piece to end my life here. Somewhere else. Somewhere with nowhere for me to return to.
But there is more to my wish than merely my own desire. It is also a promise I meant to keep, made long ago, to the very man who inspired such nihilism within me. I would usher his soul similarly into nothingness, wherever it may rest, either within the aetherial sea or reborn anew upon the star. Complicated, is it not? To be stretched between one ending and another like this.
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It's a bit beyond my understanding. But feelings do have a tendency to transcend time.
...
Is it a you from a previous life, or another soul entirely?
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[ He has no interest in delving into his old interpersonal relationships, thanks. ]
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Ahh, and here I thought I might finally be getting to know you a little.
[Shirt still in hand, he makes quick work of slipping it back up and over his head, adjusting the turtleneck to cover the seal that sits at his nape, adjusting the sleeves so nothing beyond the wrist is shown.]
The students only skirt the truth. I'd rather not entertain anything from them as gospel.
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[ An idea that cannot be let go. When it is all a man has left to cling to, doing anything less makes no sense. Ah, but he's seen Solomon's tattoos. His curiosity has been sated, for now. ]
I shall let you get back to your idle time-wasting, then. Do have a nice day~.
[ Or not. He'll offer a mocking little bow before taking his leave. ]
WEEK TWO - SATURDAY POST-TRIAL
>> Follow?]
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Knowing that hardly stops him, of course. Known or unknown, it's all the same to him. ]
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He does not notice Fandaniel yet, too preoccupied with setting up the instrument.]
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He will wait.
Better to wait for the music to better hide his steps. ]
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The music flows, and he still does not hear Fandaniel.]
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If he can get right up behind him, as close as possible, he will draw a scalpel helpfully borrowed — much like Yugamu — from the chapel-turned-lab. Simple enough, then, to slide the cold metal up against the side of Solomon's neck. ]
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So while his hand does start to leave the keyboard to slip against his jacket, Fandaniel moves faster, and Solomon goes perfectly still at the touch of sharpened metal to his pulse point.
An exhale, slow and purposeful.]
Alright. You have my attention.
What's the matter?
i know what card that icon is from and i never got it rip
Good, good. We need to have a little chat about Nishi.
IM STILL WORKING ON IT TOO scroll of thirst will never let me have grandpa
He hesitates, eyes carefully level at the piano keys. His mind races.]
What about him?
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He belongs to me, and I to him. [ That's right, the bitch is jealous. ] So I would very much appreciate it if you stayed away from him from now on. See? Is that not simple enough?
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Are you not a sharing sort, Fandaniel?
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[ Every word sounds increasingly unhinged, desperate. Fandaniel has never been 'on' as far as sanity goes, but this is, perhaps, a step even further than before. ]
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Remember you can die.]
There is only so much I can do to prevent that, Fandaniel.
And what do you plan to do, if I can't accept?
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[ Is he serious right now? Unfortunately! ]
As for what I will do, well. [ He won't move the scalpel from its spot. It remains where it is, just so, but he will lean closer, so that hot breath tickles Solomon's ear. ] I have abstained from Father's bloody farce by choice thus far, Solomon. Do not give me cause to decide otherwise.
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He's still a person.
Unlike Fandaniel.]
Are you afraid someone will kill him before he has a chance to kill you instead?
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How dare you call him a dog! I do not! I would not! Do you not understand?! How long it has been since I have felt anything?! There should be nothing! Naught a single feeling stirring within this wretched, dead heart of mine!
[ Which might explain why he's being so crazy about this now. It's a bit much. ]
He will survive this, and then he will kill me, and it will be what I have always desired!
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A slow exhale. Another.
Control in the face of the uncontrollable. Let the fear die away from your heart.]
And how do you plan on ensuring that? Killing every other person here??? Unlike your god, you can't just loophole your way into that drastic a solution.
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Of course! Of course, I will if I have to! Do you think me incapable?! If I must find a way, I will do it!
[ He laughs. It's terrible. The only saving grace here is that the scalpel is no longer dangerously near any skin at all, but instead is waving in the air as he cackles on. ]
Sika Madu and their plans be damned! If she had any real foresight, she would know how I would react to this! To Nishi!
cw: suicidal ideation mention
Closing around a pen.]
You know I can't let you do that, Fandaniel.
If you're that concerned about Nishi, make sure he doesn't kill himself first.
cw: tbh i should have slapped suicidal ideation on this from the get go
He wouldn't. He wouldn't! He has no right to kill himself before he kills me! Do not lie to me, you miserable, little cur!
cw: suicidal ideation yeah lets just keep that up here just in case
Perhaps Fandaniel is too distracted to see exactly where the iridescent weapon in Solomon's hand materializes from, a blade made of something akin to roughly hewn diamond. But the dagger swings out sharply at an upwards angle, tight in Solomon's wrist, intending to slash at Fandaniel's arm and free himself.]
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That doesn't seem to be all. There's something more.
It flutters from the wound, though that itself is hidden under the cut cloth of the shirt. A dark rose petal, much like the few he'd had in his pocket during the trial earlier. It falls, one, then another, drifting to the floor to join the droplets of blood there. ]
How dare you?!
[ He won't give Solomon much time to process that, lunging after him with his scalpel, swinging out to strike at the man, though wildly, so wildly it isn't particularly well targeted. ]
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With a grunt and a shove of his foot, Solomon upends the piano bench in Fandaniel's direction, aiming to trip him up long enough to give Solomon time to get to the door. His back is turned, yes, but only for a moment, surely only for a moment. He can't kill here, he has to desescalate this somehow---]
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It's a desperate move as he'll be hitting the floor after such a leap, but it offers him a chance to put it into him and slice, if only for a second. ]
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He buckles and crashes to the side with his shoulder against the door, his hand clenched against the wound, trying to right himself, trying to reach for the scalpel before Fandaniel can get back on his feet.]
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And he just... starts laughing, all over again. This may as well look like a slap fight between two literally bloody idiots over a scrap of metal, but it'll be Fandaniel that gets the handle in the end, and with that in hand, he lashes out again, meaning to slice at Solomon's hand or arm to get him to back off. ]
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It's far more disabling than the first blow had been, and Solomon stays buckled over against the floor as red starts to drip in earnest to join the black. He won't advance any further.]
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Ah, this got messier than I had been planning for. You know, all you had to do was say you would leave him alone. That is all I wanted.
[ He won't go as far as go tsk and say 'look at what you made me do', because had he? Really? All it took was Solomon to draw first blood, and he didn't even hesitate. He'll loom over the sorcerer a second, two, before crouching down over him, boldly close to a man he knows is now wielding a peculiar little blade.
Scalpel palmed, he'll reach out and pat Solomon on a cheek, smearing his own blood across his skin as it drips down from the vicious little blade above. ]
I do believe I've gotten my message across now, hmm?
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It doesn't take much effort to raise his good arm - the one that still houses the pen - and for the dagger to immediately materialize, the point of the blade meeting the flesh of Fandaniel's abdomen and shoving. It doesn't have the power it could, but it will make him bleed, and it will make him hurt, and maybe it would remind him of his place--]
Have I? [A choking laugh of a response, utterly humorless.]
Be glad th... this wasn't meant for you. If you threaten any of them again, I will change my mind.
[And with that, the blade dematerializes once more, leaving only the wound behind.]
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He looks down, staring at it as the stain grows...
If there are rose petals mixed in there as well, Solomon will never know, as his shirt is tucked primly into his work pants, and they will no doubt catch against the fabric. Still, he stares, having the audacity to look surprised for that barest of moments. ]
...I see.
[ He should kill him. He should kill him. He should kill him, and the thought is clear as his fingers clench around the scalpel again, for one second, two, and then he forces a breath out and merely steps forth for the door. ]
Leave Nishi alone, Solomon. I will not ask again.
[ As ever, he can only focus on that. It is single-minded. Then he forces the door open, even if he has to scrape Solomon aside to do so, as he plans to lurch away and lick his own wounds elsewhere. Let Solomon bleed out and die, or not. That is no longer up to Fandaniel. ]