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Who: Adriel and you
What: Practicing magic at the Mythril Cage then sneaking off to read.
Where: The Mythril Cage and then a random rooftop on campus.
When: May 12th - early morning of the 13th
Warnings: None so far. Will update if needed.

A - Mythril Cage (May 12th)

[Since the day that Adriel had woken up from their deep sleep, their magic hasn't been working the way to usually did. Before that they could create sweeping waves of flames, strong blasts of wind, move chunks of earth...but it's lessened. Oh, certainly they can still create fire and wind and move earth but...

This is a place where fighting is needed. So they needed to be better.

That's why they're at the Mythril Cage today, trying to focus their powers and see if it's just a matter of pushing themself past a certain point. Flames dance in the air, precisely controlled but nowhere near what Adriel knew they were capable of. They do manage an impressive jet of flames at one point but that's it.]

It really isn't working...why...?

[They rub at their wrists, thinking back to the other power they have now. Curses of infection, bad luck...and the power to curse someone to death.

Something in them feels satisfied by that knowledge. They feel gross.]

I don't like this.

B - Rooftop (Early May 13th)

[Since reading books with Sira, the joy of simply reading for the sake of reading stuck with Adriel. Back home Adriel was normally only allowed to handle books if someone else wanted one, which is why they asked if it was okay to read books from the library simply for the sake of it. The answer was 'yes' and the angel can't shake the urge to just take one for themself.

So, after wrestling with their own mind for a while, they do. Adriel can't write it off as a sudden impulse either. They had free time, they went to the library and took out a book. Just a small book of fairy tales. Then the angel took it and their breakfast to a quiet rooftop.

It's very easy to lose themself to the point their breakfast goes cold but they're not completely oblivious. The second the door to the roof opens, they're quick to hide the book behind their back.]

Hello! Um...I mean, good morning? It's a nice day out, isn't it?

[Nailed it.]

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[ Hornet can use magic, but it's not as developed as her martial skills. She stands idle for once as she watches one of the other people in the cage conjure up flames in what seems to her to be a reasonable attempt.

But it's not enough for them. She frowns and crosses the floor after a moment. ]

You've no weapon you can use?

[They actually jump a little when Hornet speaks up. Too focused on their own thoughts and Adriel smiles apologetically.]

Hello. But no, I don't. I'm a lot stronger then humans but I never learned.

[Or rather, they never were taught. What an angel learned was usually up to their Handler's digression and their's had declined physical combat. Magic was more useful, she said.]

If another ties up all your magic, what then? You'd be defenseless without it. [ Which doesn't sit right with her. She can't put a finger on exactly why. ]

[That...hadn't occurred to them. Adriel had their physical strength if their magic didn't work but that would be useless if they couldn't reach.]

You're right. Normally my magic is much stronger but it'd be useless either way, right? So I should learn.

[Since it's what Hornet's suggesting and all. Plus they needed to be useful for the school.]

Do you have any recommendations? I wouldn't know where to start.

Choosing a weapon should be the wielder's domain. [ Hornet that's not at all helpful. ]

But knowing your tastes in combat should aid you in that regard. What is it you favour? To be close to your enemies, or far enough that they can't reach?

[It's an interesting way to put it. But again, they can see what she means. If someone else picked out the weapon then they might not know what Adriel is good at and it'd be a bad fit.

Still they'd resolve themself to learn what she chose. But since Hornet asks, Adriel pauses to think.]

Hum...I would say something closer. In case my magic can't work, I should have something that can take advantage of my physical strength. Does that sound right?

You're the one in harm's way. What have I to do with such a thing? [ Hornet seems determined not to give Adriel any kind of straight answer. ] If you're strong, then choose a weapon that brings out the full potential of your strength.

[No kidding. But that's simply the way Hornet is so they'll roll with it.]

Ah, well...it's more...I have always relied on my magic so I don't know anything about physical weapons. Just picking anything because I have super strength doesn't mean I can use it without the knowledge. I'm not going to be useful if I trip over my lance, for example.

[Physical weapons may seem simple when compared to magic but there's so much they can see from here in the racks. Perhaps even more if they requested something more. It's dizzying...but important.]

I have to get this right. If I can't use my magic as well as I used to then I have to find something so I'm not a burden on others in battle.

You don't know how to get a feel for a weapon, then. [ So untrained...well, maybe that's just how mages are. ]

Choose some that appeal to you. A small amount. Then, I'll aid you in testing how well you handle them, even inexperienced as you are.

[They brighten up when Hornet agrees but rub the back of their neck when she also calls them inexperienced. Well, she is not wrong.]

Thank you for helping. It really means a lot to me.

It took some searching. A lot of searching, actually. They can vaguely sense the souls about, but only vaguely, because too much makes them hungry in a way they don't want to deal with.

But, when they finally reach the roof, there Ariel is, greeting them. The glow of pink under their hood resolves into a warm smile.

"There you are! I was looking for you!"

They bound out as fast as their little cotton legs will carry them and go in for the hug. And then maybe a bit of clambering up to see in their lap or get on their shoulder-- whichever's open.

Adriel breaks out a wider smile when they see who it is. "Hello Sira!"

They actually slip the book up their shirt, using their wings as a way to block the movement. But they're quick enough to get it done in time to return the hug Sira gives them. And what do you know, their lap is completely free for sitting.

"You were looking for me? Is there something you need?"

Or was it to just hang out again? They don't mind either way though.

Open lap it is. They squeeze Adriel a good long moment, then climb up and settle in.

"No," They say with a shake of their head. Then, "Maybe. But not right now. That was fun! I've never done a hug before."

They nest in there and lean back, head hitting Adriel's chest as they look up.

"What are you doing on the roof?"

They make a note to hug Sira more when they say that.

"I wanted to eat breakfast up here. Someone said it was nice so I did." And read but they're not saying that. Still, they feel guilty about it. They needed to return that book as soon as possible.

"And they were right! It's really nice up here. It's like flying without actually flying."

It's a good view, is what they're saying.

They hum and look out over the area. It really is nice. Sometimes they forgot to look at the world as it was, instead of through the view of another. Even in the short time they got to fly, they never really paid attention.

The look back up.

"What's flying like for you? Do you like that too?" They wonder if that dark space inside likes it. They wish they could ask.

If they could just find that potion again...

"It's like having a private world for myself. It's very quiet up in the clouds."

They can go on and on about the topic but sometimes it's very difficult to put it into words for Adriel. Calling it a private world is the best way they can put it.

Well that and just show someone.

"Would you like to see? I can fly you up if you want, Sira."

A private world. A place that would be less so if they were to follow. They've never wondered so much before it these things were something they should do...

And then Adriel throws them off, making them jump a little in the angel's lap.

"Really? You'll take me? Are you sure?"

"Yeah." They see that Sira feels a little thrown off by their offer so they elaborate, "I don't mind taking people with me. It's nice up in the sky and it'd be nice for everyone to see it."

The way the colors change as day becomes night, as the sounds grow and dip depending on the weather. There's so much that's difficult to put in words for Adriel on why exactly they like it.

They'll understand if Sira says no. But the offer is there.

"Yes!"

The turn around in Adriel's lap and reach up. They're light, and no problem to lift up or carry.

"Show me the sky! I want to see what you see!" Which is half the appeal. "And... maybe after I can show you something too!"

The enthusiasm is catching and Adriel smiles. "Okay Sira. Hold on."

They move their breakfast out of the way so they don't kick it over by accident. But after making sure Sira has a tight grip on the angel's shirt, Adriel kicks off from the ground.

Getting up high in the air is easy for them and Adriel stops once their fairly high up in the air, wings beating to keep them in place. Sira being so light makes it much easier too. But--

"I can go up higher if you want!"

Meanwhile they can enjoy the view from here. The school and the land beyond it.

They hold on just like they're told, clinging as tight as they can and hoping they don't fall. Would they die? Maybe not. But they don't imagine they'd like the fall either way.

Still, when Adriel beats their wings, there's a thrill that runs through them. It's a powerful sound and the rush of air is more so, bringing them off the ground like gravity is nothing.

The light in their hood resolves into an expression of awe, then a grin growing wide even as they grip on tighter. They look between the far off earth and the angel they hold.

"Can you? How high can you go?"

It's not hard to keep the pace of their wings so they stay in place but Adriel makes sure they move in a slow circle so that Sira could see what they wanted.

"I can go above the clouds if you like. It might not be possible to see the ground that well, but it's still really pretty!"

And quiet. Sometimes it's really nice when everything is so quiet.

"That's okay! We don't need to see the ground!"

They look happy, Adriel. It makes them happy too. This is Adriel's world, their home, albeit the one they can't stay in.

They know that feeling.

"I want to be the first daemon to see the heavens," They say.

"I can do that," Adriel simply says. After making sure their grip on Sira is still tight, they go higher, above the clouds.

It's much quieter up here. And since it's so early in the morning the sky is full of pretty pinks and blues, the sun creeping up as it rises.

Adriel stays in place and is silent. If Sira speaks up they won't stop the daemon but they think this place is most beautiful when it's quiet.

And it's filling a sense of nostalgia that the angel didn't know they had.

It feels like a hug, like what they did before down on the ground. Tighter, but maybe better too. It's more real somehow, like this.

It's just as they think that when everything transforms. The clouds part for them, under the command of Adriel's wings. They hear nothing but that, those powerful wingbeats, the wind around... and the pulse of the heart they're held next to.

The heavens are beautiful. But, the color and light hits Adriel too, pinks and blues cast over their hair and wings, putting a glow in their cheeks. They reflect the world while Sira's dark form absorbs it. They cling tighter.

They do speak, but only softly, "I think what you've shown me is better than what I was going to show you."

Much, much better. And to think they always had such pride...

Even though they stay in one spot for the moment, Adriel still turns so Sira can see whatever they want to. It gives them color and Sira too. Adriel's seen a lot of pretty pictures with dark colors and Delilah always wore black. It's a nice color.

"I don't think so!" They say. "Everything you have to show someone is precious, even if it's simple. You don't have to shake the world to express love."

You just have to be there and like they were with their Handler, Sira was too. Whatever they had in mind Adriel knew they would like.

They look up, and if they had a face that could be read, it would be unreadable then all the same. Love. How strange. Love felt so good, once. They don't know what happened.

"I have only ever shaken worlds. I give them their dreams, so they love me." That's the deal. It's always been a part of the contracts they made.

They wonder if that cheapens it. They wonder if maybe they don't know what love is at all, but no, they're sure they do, because they still love. They see the clouds that Adriel shows them and they think...

"I wish my hosts could see this."

Adriel hears what they say and the angel doesn't think that cheapens it at all. It's touching and a wonderful sign of love.

"They are all welcome here," Adriel says. "I can take them up here and I'll make sure they're all happy when they pass on too."

That's the least they can do for the people Sira loved. And Adriel thinks they'd like it up here too.

They don't have the ability now and they don't recall crying when they did. Why would they? There was no reason.

But the calm and kind welcome to the skies is almost more than they can bear. Could hosts see the skies through them? Or was that all a dream, with none of them ever seeing the sky again? They are their hosts. But is it enough...?

"...Thank you," They say. They curl up against Adriel.

They have a feeling that the darkness inside of Adriel won't be nearly so kind.

"Why are you nice?" They ask. "I don't know anyone as kind as you."

For a moment it seems like a question Adriel doesn't quite understand. As if the concept of being anything but nice is foreign to them.

But they do eventually answer.

"I like helping people! And you're my friend, Sira. To you, your hosts are important people and I'd like to help you make them happy too."

It's really simple, you see.

They don't know what to do. They don't know what to say. It's a lot. It is, perhaps, one of the greatest things they've ever been offered.

"I haven't seen my hosts in a long time," They admit. "I... don't see them again after the contract is up. But I think they would like you. Most of them."

A few exceptions, they think. They'd have their reasons.

"...My hosts were trapped sometimes," They say. "Most times." They were desperate. "They thought I could help them escape." Just short of giving themselves to death. "But before they called on me, some of them prayed to angels. They hoped..."

Sira burrows again against Adriel. Again, they wonder about the dark thing within. They decide not to finish the other thought. Instead...

"It almost doesn't exist up here. Those bad things. It's nice."

Adriel holds Sira close and hums a little bit. A tune that Delilah had taught them.

They know what the daemon is talking about. Many people who suffered prayed to angels or God to help them, and sometimes neither could see that person before it was too late. It hurts because Adriel wanted people to be able to live happy lives before they died.

"That's why they can come up here," Adriel says. "I can't take away their sorrows but I can help them be happy."

Even if it means populating this tiny world of theirs with thousands of people to make them happy, Adriel will.

There is a question settled in them. It's one they nearly voice. But they ask something else instead, something that is probably also too much.

"Is that why you come up here? So that you can be happy?"

Because the sorrows won't leave.

"It's alright. There is no one to show at the moment. It's all yours."

"Because it's pretty," Is their answer. It has nothing to with what they personally want.

Not at all.

"Your's too, Sira. You c-ount too."

Although it comes out a little funny when they say it. It's not anger but it sounds like they stumbled over their words for a second.

It's very pretty. Usually that would be a good enough answer for them. This time they feel deflected.

They catch that little stumble. They want to look up, but they don't.

"...No," They say softly, sounding almost curious over their own answer. "No, I don't think I do."

Maybe someday. But even then, even with treasuring this moment, they realize they've flown too far.

"Let's go back down. I still wanted to show you something. Even if it isn't as pretty."

Edited (Many typos, sorry) 2020-07-14 19:06 (UTC)

They feel like...not, they probably did or said something wrong. Stupid. So, so stupid. They know better, don't they?

Gently Adriel cradles the back of Sira's head. They hum for a moment before answering.

"I love life and everything in it, Sira. What you're going to show me might not be pretty like this but it'll be pretty to me."

That's what it comes down to. Adriel smiles and asks a question.

"Do you want to go down really, really fast? It's a lot of fun!"

Cradling and humming... it's nice. They don't remember anything like this, or at least, only in the memories of hosts from a time long ago for them and long lost. At last, a smile forms out of the light in their hood. They turn it up at Adriel.

"I love life too," They say. "I like so many things in it. It's beautiful. I want to see it all."

And it's something they have in common without even trying. What a strange feeling. It makes them happy.

"Yes!" They say, grinning wider. "Go fast! Don't drop me!"

They see that grin and oblige after asking Sira to hold on as tightly as they can. Flipping over so they're 'lying down' on their back, the angel folds their wings close to their body and allow themself to drop.

The wind rushes by and the roar in their ears nearly drowns out their own laughter as the pair plummets. It's probably quite the sight for anyone watching down below. But they don't really care.

It's fun and that bitter feeling is gone. Adriel hopes that this will make Sira laugh too.

"Hold onto me!" They shout over the wind once the roof becomes visible again. Adriel twists in the air so they're feet-first and spread their wings again. The force of wind against their wings isn't painful but it does cause them to stumble forward a little bit before their feet touch the ground.

Their breath catches with that flip. They have no stomach but as they plummet, they feel it flip all the same. They hear the angel's laughter and it's not the cruel laugh of someone trying to kill them. It's a laugh of joy and freedom and, with delight, they laugh too.

They've fallen before. They can't help thinking of it, in that moment, of taking that plunge. They had not been happy then. They had been alone, stuck in a body that their host had abandoned them in. Just like how it always happened, in the end, when there was nothing left to feed on. They'd tried many different methods of escape. That time, they'd chosen to fall. They'd stepped off the edge of a bridge, arms going wide, screams sounding from somewhere though they didn't look, body plummeting until... until they were free and it was time for a new host. It had been too fast to appreciate at the time and they were too heartbroken to have tried anyway.

They're alone in their mind but they're not alone now. Although their laughter strains for just a moment, they're happy. The moment lasts just long enough to savor it. They hold on as tightly as they're told.

And then, with the snap of wings and a wobbly step they're grounded again. They laugh once more, giddy and almost light-headed, though that's impossible.

"That was amazing! You're amazing, Adriel! You're glorious and wonderful and the best in the world!" They sigh wistfully, "I want a host with wings. I want to fly with you."

Edited 2020-07-25 12:47 (UTC)

Is something wrong?

[He had come for some bow practice, but it's impossible to ignore the angel struggling with their magic nearby. Their technique seems to be quite good from what he can tell, but if that reaction is anything to go by, the results aren't what they're going for. Something to be applied to battle, he assumes, though since he's certain this angel isn't from Celestia, it could be for another reason entirely.

After all, given the way the school is, this could very well be the stage effects for some play or another.]

[They turn when they hear someone ask a question.]

Oh, um. My magic isn't working the way it normally does. I had an accident a long time ago and it hasn't worked the same since.

[They feel asleep from an accident, as their family said. And so Adriel lost power and gained the power to curse people to death. It's unsettling.

But they're not giving up!]

So that's why I'm practicing! I want to be useful to the school so I should learn. It's just not going very well.

I see... May I ask what you mean by "useful?" Depending on how it's used, you might be surprised to find quite a bit of use out of the elemental magic you can perform now.

[They consider it before responding. Well, since they're talking about their powers, then...]

In battle, for now. I use to be able to chain my magic, like fire into wind? But now...

[Adriel waves their hand and the fire appears. However there is a noticeable pause between that spell and the wind that appears next.]

It's harder now for some reason. I have...other magic, I guess. I just don't want to use it.

I see.

[He decides not to pry for now. It's a shame to see something as useful as a chainspell go to waste, but that doesn't mean that's what's here can't be refined.]

It looks like you're doing well with the spells themselves, unless I'm mistaken. Even if there's a lack of raw power, elemental spells have more than enough versatility on their own to make up for it.

For example... What do you think would happen if you were to concentrate a burst of wind magic at your opponent's feet as they charge you?

[The way they blink in surprise suggests that Adriel really didn't think of it that way. They were so determined to get back their old strength and didn't...

Curiously, the angel extends some wind. It rattles a case of sparing weapons. It gives them a visual that he paints.]

It'd trip them up. Even if it's not badly so they still will have to re-adjust. Of course it'd depend on what I'm against, but...!

[There's a lot here to unpack. But Adriel brightens up considerably.]

It's a great idea! Thank you.

[The response brings a genuine smile to Christo's face. There's something refreshing about a fellow angel actually listening to him for once.]

It was no trouble at all. But I would advise you not to settle for just that--try to come up with as many different uses for the skills you have as possible. You should never hedge all your bets on a single strategy.

[His mind briefly wanders. Maybe he should try to dabble in some elemental magic himself.]

By the way, have you ever used a bow? I'd be willing to teach you if you'd like.

Ah, but where are my manners? My name is Christo. Yourself?

[They almost miss Christo's question, their mind working through all sorts of ideas of what they could do with the magic they have on hand. Of course Adriel plans on continuing to practice, but-]

Oh, um. My name is Adriel. It's nice to meet you Christo!

[It really is. They need to get out more and meet more people.]

No I haven't! I think I might be relying on my magic too much. But if you don't mind teaching a novice, then I'll take you up on it.

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cw: suicide mention

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