exsiliumlogs | (no subject)

Date & Time: backdated to September 2nd
Location: Unit 808
Characters: Chrono (

overclocking) and Mary Madgalene (

sawhatyoudidthere)
Summary: LOTS OF GROSS FEELINGS and demons pining outside of ~~ivory towers~~ apartments
Warnings: Possible talk of loss of life bc Chrono Crusade, will update as necessary

[It's been almost a full 24 hours since her arrival. Chrono tells himself (repeatedly, while forcing down meals, while lying uselessly awake all night, while putting himself through the motions of morning chores and training) that the best thing he could do for her is stay the hell away from her. He knows she doesn't remember the whole story, knows he's in an unfair position because he does—

He wonders if there would even be any point in discussing such things with a prophet.

But his resolve is as weak as his ability to fixate on anything but her, and he's standing before unit 808 before he really knows it, torn on what to do, what he should be doing. More important than the possible dissemination of information, he's— selfish. She's here, alive and whole, smiling that same enigmatic smile that made him want to carve all her secrets open 54 years ago. Perhaps what leads him to the apartment is his own selfish childishness.

He raises his hand, half-knocks once, before his courage promptly deserts him and his hand falters mid-way through the second knock. What is he doing?]

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[She nods to his words. In part, she's relieved she doesn't need to explain. It gives her the strength now, to look him in the eyes when she speaks.]

What will you do?

Fight her.

[No hesitation, this time. It was his answer 54 years ago, and it's his answer now.] Fight her, with you. So that you don't have to do it alone.

[One of his greatest regrets—among many—is how powerless he'd been through her entire struggle. If they'd made it to the Order in time, would it have made a difference? He'll never know, now; all that matters is his efforts were insufficient.

They won't be, this time.]

I don't- I don't really understand much, but... Aion... he wouldn't have done the things he did if he didn't believe there were good reasons. He was afraid of her, and I've rarely ever seen Aion afraid. [It's why they can't take this lightly, or ignore it; he's seen himself what Pandaemonium can do, and Mary is suffering, too.] So afraid they he wouldn't even stop to think of other solutions.

But here, we can. No matter how scary it is.

[It's a hopeful thought, one that she expected from him. Fighting against Pandemonium. But can things truly differ and change simply by being in a different place? They would change nothing in the end. This was borrowed time, surely. Risky borrowed time. But nothing of that seemed appropriate to say. He was likely well aware of the eventual end.

Still, his words are encouraging. She nods in agreement. Her question is calm though with genuine interest. She can assume, but for now she won't.]

How will we fight her?

[We. He likes the sound of it.]

There are people here with amazing abilities. Exorcists, mages, wizards... they can do things I've never even heard of in our world.

In... my own time, [hesitates for a moment, because isn't that odd to say?] I was taking you back to the Order. We thought they might have the expertise to help. I honestly believe the same is true of this place; someone will know what to do.

[She looks seemingly reassured, even though she's far from it. But she won't hesitate in front of him. He has enough to worry about than trying to convince her of possibilities. Still, she may need to consider alternatives.]

Are you already familiar with many here who may help?

Not 'many', but...

I've met demon slayers, people who can heal by magic, people who can touch minds... I know who to talk to, at least.

[ It's hope. More hope than he'd had 54 years ago. ]

We'll beat her this time. I'm sure of it.