why do you build me up buttercup baby just to let me down

[intellectualrapist]

[After a rather exhausting time of however long, Erika is finally quite fine enough to walk around without any worries. Of course, she's still a little tender, but going without her corset a week or two more isn't the end of the world. It means simpler dresses and walking around outside like a normal person instead of a stand-out lolita.

Maybe for the best right now. She was generally associated with Dagon but surprisingly doesn't get many looks. And the fresh air of the park is...actually kind of nice. Not that she'll so it like that.

This is also for Zelos. Poor dear. He probably needs a break from her so she figures spending it outside might be good for her.

At the moment, she's flopped over in the grass, staring up at the sky with a quiet mind.]

Comments

[inhumanity]

[there is a face in Erika's sight. it is not a comforting face to see] Hello!

[intellectualrapist]

[Erika blinks twice.] Hello, Christopher. You're in high spirits as ever.

[inhumanity]

In a world as beautiful as this, who could be sorrowful? Oh, that's right. Half the city. [And Christopher starts laughing like there couldn't be anything funnier.]

[intellectualrapist]

[She raises an eyebrow.] My, was that your kill count alone? Even against some of the more trained members?

[inhumanity]

I don't know what you're talking about. I'm only startled by what a sad city this is.

[nope he's grinning]

Oh, forget it. I can't lie to family! [He can] I killed every last one of them.

[intellectualrapist]

[She snorts but it isn't derisive. Rather, it's almost amused.]

You're lucky I was out of commission or I would have made getting that count much harder. Or maybe that's unlucky? I have no idea if you felt bored at all but you seem pleased.

[inhumanity]

[His mouth is a slash of jagged teeth, answering her without speech.]

If they try to hunt you down, you can call on me. I would protect you like one of my own.

[intellectualrapist]

[She grins.] Like family? Do I have a brother now?

[inhumanity]

Do you? Who?

[intellectualrapist]

I suppose Willard is my brother now but I also meant you. Brother-in-arms?

[inhumanity]

Are we fighting for the same side?

[intellectualrapist]

Hmm, I don't know. I just protect the people I like. That's about it.

[inhumanity]

Oh, is that how Will was injured?

[intellectualrapist]

[Since Will has forgiven her, she grins.] That was me getting a hit on Wizard-Hunting Wright.

[inhumanity]

What were you protecting him from?

[intellectualrapist]

A most dangerous nemesis: himself.

[inhumanity]

Did you win?

[This question makes no sense when Christopher has had first-hand experience with Will since the event.

That doesn't stop him from asking it in earnest.]

[intellectualrapist]

[She laughs and it's happy.] Not even close. But I got hit on him. He's so much stronger than me... but did you see it? That's definitely not a scratch.

[inhumanity]

He didn't show me. He will today. [Christopher will make it happen.]

[intellectualrapist]

[Poor, poor Will. This week sucks for him.] Oh, I hope you enjoy it. I'm quite proud of it. Compared to his other scars, only a few were worse.

[inhumanity]

I shall do my utmost to make a superior mark.

[you mean you weren't inviting him to a competition?]

[intellectualrapist]

Fat chance! That mark is way too splendid to be surpassed! And if you do, I'll simply make a better one! Though... your head count for a single mission is truly impressive, I will admit that. In that case, yes! You are a worthy person for friendly competition anytime!

[inhumanity]

Good. I won't lose to you, human.

[intellectualrapist]

'Good.' I want to prove myself, too, you know.

[inhumanity]

[Christopher laughs at that.] Of course you do. How else can you justify your existence? It's our solemn obligation to ourselves to carve our superiority on the world.