darkpiety: (stunned silence/dotdotdot)
Abysa ([personal profile] darkpiety) wrote2018-01-02 07:46 pm

Inviting a Guest (For chiron_survivor!)

((Directly following up to these two logs Here and Here! ))

As much as Abysa wills it not to, time continues to pass; minutes, to hours, and hours to days go by as the priest contemplates his next move. One day alone was lost to fervent prayer at the hanging banner of his Lord of Guilt, and later taken to his proper shrine elsewhere in the massive, maze-like dwelling he has made home. His Dark Lord's answer came with both relief and fear, knowing that if the priest wished it, he could visit his realm any time, to turn himself in for this breach of conduct. Yes, that about confirms the presence of a sin! That in losing his temper, Abysa had used a particular magic in a way it is not meant to; He stole complete control of another's body, and without permission!

The day after that is fraught with anxiety and procrastination as Abysa decides if this will be the right course of action. Absolution by Guilt's court will be permanent and final in the cosmic scheme, but it cannot force the victim to forgive the perpetrator, or restore any of that lost trust. He spends much of the day at the bedside of his sleeping charge, relieved that at least, he seems to be dreaming peacefully. This magic too, this spell of suspended sleep that can leave a mortal in dreaming near-indefinitely, should not be used in this way, and the demon knows it, he just needs time. Abysa also knows that his eventual sentence may be too brutal for a mortal to witness, or 'witness', since his poor patient's eyes are yet to recover fully. This leaves him at a loss for his next step. If only he had better perspective, a mortal one, perhaps...



During the night, he is pulled out of his thoughts as he hears a muffled 'clunk' on the floor of Micolash's soft blanketed room. Looking over, the demon spots Henry the cat, busy pushing at objects on the desk with his paws. A book or two, a roll of bandages, and a sealed potion bottle have journeyed quite close to the edge, ready to join whatever it was that had taken the first plunge.

"Ah, you have been neglected without your master to entertain you. My apologies, Henry, but these belongings are not toys-" He begins to say, floating over to see what had fallen, and notices that it is his new 'tablet'. Now, it is not made of stone as he might have expected, but is a delicately encased device with a display screen that projects images and symbols. In other words, it is a communications rectangle, or a 'phone', and a brand-new one at that, purchased almost immediately after his and Micolash's last outing.

"Henry, you clever beast! I had forgotten I now have a means of communication! Not to mention, a new contact." Indeed, Abysa made his purchase with the specific purpose of inviting a guest at his leisure. He pokes at the device until the screen activates, and is caught up in the moment of learning to navigate the interface of this shiny new piece of technology, until he finds the contact list. There is one name on it so far: Adia.

She seems like such a kind mortal woman, and her helpful nature might aid Abysa in finding the insight he needs, but the demon still finds himself hesitating for a time. Even kind mortals may change their natures, especially if he is to admit of the events that transpired... But surely she might see that Micolash had been wearing down his patience and his graciousness with ill intent? Even then, if she were to take the human's side, it would only assure Abysa that facing punishment is the correct course, and then he would need someone to watch Henry while taking a visit to Hell! Maybe she would be up for that! Henry is an innocent in all of this, after all, and quite a charmer.

With one long finger, he delicately taps the screen in deep concentration, writing a 'text' message to Adia, detailing an invitation and some instructions:

Dear Miss Adia: I, Abysa, humbly request a visit as soon as you are able. The matter is urgent but not life-threatening, and for which I would appreciate the opinion and perspective of a mortal in advising a course of action. If you are able to, respond to confirm your attendance, and instructions are to follow:

Arrive to the Nexus, and wait at any spot you wish, but send your location to me. I will arrive shortly to teleport with you to my abode. Any additional accommodations such as food, hydration, medical care, and so on can all be provided on request. If you decline this invitation, there is no need to give your location, nor will you be beholden to any grudge or ill will. Yours Truly: Abysa, High Priest of Hell.


Awfully formal for a text message, really. It took up two bubbles! Abysa lets go of the device, allowing it to float beside him as he goes back to watching his charge sleep. Nothing to do but wait, now!

Henry knocks a book off the table.
chiron_survivor: (sad on the inside)

[personal profile] chiron_survivor 2018-01-25 04:44 pm (UTC)(link)
No, there's no judgement in her body language, only worry. "You'll have to speak to your gods, then?" she asks, although she already knows the answer. Will they judge him as harshly as he is doing to himself? She wonders if they even know about Micolash, if they would approve of him spending all this time and effort on an apparent lost cause.

The part of her that avoids conflict wants to suggest that he keep his patient asleep indefinitely. (Or maybe it is Caspar's practical cynicism rubbing off on her.) Either way, she knows that isn't a viable solution. It breaks her heart a little to see Abysa so distressed, however, in addition to the empathy she feels over Micolash's double trauma -- a loss of control and a hyper awareness of his own flesh. "He'll feel betrayed," she says sadly, "But, I... I don't think he'll hate you. I don't think it's possible for him to hate someone he admires as much as he does you."

She wants to believe that. She has heard his praise of the demon, as intrusive and inappropriate as it was. "Is there a way you can make reparations? Speed his healing at all? I know he'll feel a lot better once he can see again."
chiron_survivor: (tired of running)

[personal profile] chiron_survivor 2018-01-28 03:20 pm (UTC)(link)
Her head tilts a little at the shift in tone, and she thinks back to their earlier conversation in the Nexus. Even then, the demon had expressed concern over his patient's distrust and pessimism. "Yes, you mentioned that earlier... I'm honestly surprised that it hasn't convinced him." She bites her lower lip in consternation. This is the same man who courted the approval of Great Ones. He should have been over the moon to receive a piece of Abysa's soul. "Why do you think that is? When did he start acting so suspicious of your intentions?"

She takes a small sip of tea, concerned at what sort of punishment a Lord of Guilt would deem appropriate. "Honestly? I don't think he'd be put off. He's seen a lot of unpleasant things." But before she can dwell on this more, she's asked for her human perspective, and she spends a moment fitting her cup into the indent of the saucer just so while she thinks of a satisfying answer.

"I can only speak for myself," she begins. "But I would apologize and promise to do better. I'd..." She sighs. "I'd give Micolash the option of being put into someone else's care. I'd accept that punishment, but that would only be to ease my own mind. Trust and forgiveness... they take time."
Edited 2018-01-28 15:20 (UTC)
chiron_survivor: (mildly suspicious)

[personal profile] chiron_survivor 2018-01-28 10:50 pm (UTC)(link)
She can tell that he's not thrilled with her suggestion to put Micolash's care in someone else's hands. She didn't expect him to be. For all that the scholar has aggrieved him, he holds onto this seemingly hopeless desire to reform him. Even going so far as shielding him from the demon's punishment -- one in which Adia nearly asks more about, but then thinks better of it. She does not want to imagine what violent punishment awaits the demon.

Instead, she focuses on the puzzle of why Micolash would suddenly become so suspicious of someone he considered a good friend. Was he confronted with a demon-related vision in the Nightmare? Or was it the very loss of his vision that turned him paranoid? "He's taking his loss of sight very badly," she murmurs thoughtfully. "Eyes are important to him... not only because he needs them to see, but the symbolism of it, as well... my Nightmare was full of eyes. Sightless ones growing on things... and a -- a Great One that had a dozen eyes..."

A shudder escapes her and she clasps her hands together in frustration. This isn't fair. A man who fails to take responsibility for so many reprehensible things is sleeping soundly in another room while the demon who has worked tirelessly to aid him must accept a punishment that likely far outweighs his crime. "Abysa... why did you decide to help him in the first place? I don't mean his eyes, I mean before all of this. He wasn't even asking for help back then."
chiron_survivor: (woobie eyes)

[personal profile] chiron_survivor 2018-02-01 03:26 pm (UTC)(link)
She keeps silent through his sad tale, though his words bring her close to tears on a number of occasions. Her religion has no holy war, no heavenly beings or misunderstood demons. But it does have humans, and even without magic, they are indeed so very capable of wickedness, of using another species for their own gain, of coming so close to peace and then biting off the very hand that offers it.

Of course, the Cylons are not exempt from blame, either. So very much like humans in that regard. But she recognizes the struggle, the desire to find peace but the fear that it is forever out of one's grasp.

And the hope that within the cruel heart of one's enemy, there is something worth saving.

"Oh, Abysa..." What can she say about his self-sabotaging plan to rehabilitate Micolash that he hasn't already? "I can't say that I understand much about angels or demons. We don't have either. But we've had our own struggles. It took... oh, it took so much death, but humans and Cylons found their peace together. I don't think it's out of line to look for proof that humans can learn to be kind..."

She sighs tiredly.

"But you picked a real doozy of a case. And I say this as someone who tries to see the good in everyone. His intentions aren't as cruel as his actions, but he gets so defensive if you suggest that he might be responsible for the suffering of others. And even after all this time, I don't think he understands that he's out of his world. That whatever twisted rules he learned to live by, they don't apply in the Nexus."
Edited 2018-02-01 15:27 (UTC)
chiron_survivor: (one sad tulip)

[personal profile] chiron_survivor 2018-02-05 02:52 am (UTC)(link)
She's uncertain why the dried herbs have caught his attention, but it seems to help him gather his thoughts, and when he replies to her, she can hear the renewed determination in his voice. It makes her return his smile, however brief that it is.

"I think he'd like that. Honestly, anything that exposed him to other points of view would be helpful. The Nexus is... well, even I thought I was dreaming, when I first found it. It wasn't until that I'd been off-world a couple times that it truly sank in that my world was one of many, and the same rules didn't always apply."

So long as he keeps his hands to himself when meeting any new non-humans...

"Yes, you should ask him. Just... don't be surprised if the answer doesn't make sense at first. He doesn't see things the way we do." And yes, she means it when she says "we". Abysa may be a demon, a consort to to the Lords of Hell, but she feels like she understands his motivations a heck of a lot better than the caged scholar's.

Although, now that her mind returns to Micolash, she can't help but feel a little guilty. Their last conversation ended so poorly; maybe some of this could have been avoided if she had tried harder to be his friend, to hear him openly instead of insulting his relationship with the Great Ones. "Abysa? I want you to know something. If you're not planning to give up on Micolash, then neither am I. Okay? If there is some good in him, maybe I can help you find it."
chiron_survivor: (why'd you say that)

[personal profile] chiron_survivor 2018-02-10 02:21 am (UTC)(link)
Adia ducks her head at the praise, her expression bashful and perhaps a touch guilty. She was not entirely kind with Micolash towards the end of their last conversation, but for Abysa's sake she'll try once more, if the caged scholar ever gives her the opportunity.

Looking up into his smile, she shakes her head in response to his offer of compensation. "I want to help you as a friend, I don't need anything in return. Although... well, I would not mind your counsel, as well. Something happened to my in my Nightmare. That Great One I mentioned, the one with the dozen eyes. It put a rune into my brain, and now... things are different for me. Not bad! Just... different. Different enough that I'm hoping to talk to a mage friend for some guidance. But I wouldn't mind your thoughts on the matter, either. I imagine you've heard Micolash talk about these runes. Do you know what they do to a person, other than simply teach them a word in the Great Ones' language?"
chiron_survivor: (moon rune)

[personal profile] chiron_survivor 2018-02-19 03:46 pm (UTC)(link)
She listens silently to his explanation, grateful for the pauses in his speech as it gives her time to absorb his words. The biggest obstacle isn't understanding him -- he's being very clear -- but fighting against her own doubts. Her own brain, able to alter reality? She's only human, from a mundane world. This sort of thing only happens in stories to the bravest of heroes. All she did was show some compassion...

"I wish I had talked to you about this first," she admits with a sheepish look. "Micolash didn't bother explaining anything to me, although we communicated with our runes. He has the same one as I do, a moon rune..." She trails off, frowning. "Makes me wonder how he earned it. The only way he tried to help the Brain of Mensis, so far as I can tell, was to try putting it out of its misery."
chiron_survivor: (Default)

[personal profile] chiron_survivor 2018-02-20 12:44 pm (UTC)(link)
"It could have been given to him by a different Great One," she adds thoughtfully. "They all speak the same language... or, well, maybe they don't. I shouldn't assume. You could be right, too." Although she doesn't like the idea of Micolash taking a rune without the Brain's blessing, either.

"I either met it or a... a projection of it, in the Nightmare," she replies. As for what sort of Great One it is, she hesitates to reply. It feels a little underhanded to dish out more of Micolash's mistakes, especially when she promised to be a better friend. But how will Abysa ever hope to rehabilitate the scholar if he doesn't have all the facts? "It's not a typical Great One, it's the result of an experiment at Micolash's school. A class of students attempted to... ascend? Join him in the Nightmare? I'm not entirely sure of the details. But... something went wrong. Very wrong. I know that part, at least, wasn't Micolash's intention at all. He tried killing it, but the Brain only reforms. He tried praying to Kos, some say Kosm... but she didn't answer. So he... he used the Brain as some sort of guard for the school, projecting its aura to keep away trespassers." Her mouth turns down in disgust; she can't help it. A dozen lives or more crushed into some endlessly suffering creature, hoisted above the school gates like a bloody mascot. "So far as I know, that's where it still is. I only gave it a small break from its pain."
chiron_survivor: (not sure about that)

[personal profile] chiron_survivor 2018-02-21 01:03 pm (UTC)(link)
"A good start would be getting him to admit he was responsible," she murmurs, remembering his reluctance to tell her about the Brain's true nature in the first place. "He's in a terrible denial over it. But, I suppose that's better than being proud or unconcerned over what happened."

The fact that Abysa wants to help the Brain of Mensis, too, fills her with a warm hope. But that hope is tempered with experience. "That's very kind of you," she says, her hands resting on the counter's edge so she isn't tempted to fidget. "I'm sure your Lord of Death is very wise and powerful, but the Brain is from a different universe than yours. Not all of the same rules may apply."

But, anyway. Back to the matter at hand, Abysa's primary concern. "I only know what he told me, which wasn't much." She rubs the back of her head in embarrassment. "I thought he had maybe kidnapped a baby... I mean, I guess he did, but..." She clears her throat. "It sounds like he was another Great One who was created rather than... um, already existing. It was his Nightmare that Micolash was hosting before he came to the Nexus. I don't really know any more than that."
chiron_survivor: (woobie eyes)

[personal profile] chiron_survivor 2018-02-24 01:15 am (UTC)(link)
His explanation fills in many of the blanks of her own knowledge, and even answers her earlier unspoken questions. It doesn't make it any easier to hear. Poor Mergo! His origin story is as tragic as that of the Brain of Mensis, even if his destiny was to always be a Great One. "That is so sad," she says softly. Worse yet, for Micolash to be so ignorant of the pain he caused both the baby's mother and Abysa in his telling of the tale!

"I'm sorry he couldn't understand why that would make you upset. It makes me upset to hear, and my life is nowhere near that sort of situation." She looks up at him worriedly. "Has he said at all what's happened to Mergo, now that Micolash is no longer hosting his Nightmare? He may be a Great One, but he's still a baby..."
chiron_survivor: (thoughtful but hopeful)

[personal profile] chiron_survivor 2018-03-02 01:45 pm (UTC)(link)
Ah, yes, the Hunter. She hadn't known what to make of their role in the Nightmare earlier, but hoped that it had been for a noble purpose. "That does make me feel a little better, thank you." It's not the happiest ending that one could hope for, more like the bittersweet conclusion to a ghost story. A restless spirit reunited with her child, hopefully. Too bad the Hunter merely shunted Micolash off to the Nexus, ending his hosting duties but not helping him understand the extent of his crimes....

"I wish we could talk to that Hunter. Or someone reasonable from his world. When he talks about Yharnam, it's always through such a biased lens. The village sounds awful, honestly, but there must have been some people who communed with Great Ones and didn't go mad, or get turned into... something else."
chiron_survivor: (reporting for duty)

[personal profile] chiron_survivor 2018-03-12 03:37 pm (UTC)(link)
Well, there's a big surprise. People messing with Great Ones and mystical powers beyond their ken. Of course something terrible would happen. Even so, when Abysa talks about the possibility of visiting Micolash's world, she leans forward a little and says earnestly, "Will you let me know if that possibility becomes a reality? If there's some way I contact Kos, some say Kosm... I really think she's our best bet to helping the Brain of Mensis."

The offer of a little tour brightens her expression. "Sure. I'd love to meet Henry."

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