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Post by Selice on Nov 14, 2009 18:26:45 GMT -5
The day started as it usually did. Selice woke up early, the sun barely peaking out from behind the darkness of night. She rose quietly, rolling out of bed and slipping her feet into the waiting pair of slippers. The tired angel walked over to the full length mirror that sat in the corner of her bedroom and looked at herself, running her fingers through her hair. Something was going to happen today…. And if her gut feeling was right, which it usually was, it wasn’t going to be good. She yawned a bit, still examining her rumpled form in the mirror. “I look a mess” she said simply. She turned away from the mirror and walked over to a large trunk that had been left in the house by it’s previous owners. One good thing about the homes of Animus, many of the objects had not been removed by it’s old owners. The house Selice had chosen had been some sort of museum at one point in time, filled to the brim with old Victorian furniture, dishes, books, even clothing. Selice opened the trunk and searched through it for a few moments, looking for a certain piece of clothing she had found while renovating the home. A smile crossed her face as she found it and carefully pulled it out of the trunk. In the angels hands was a dress. The dress was floor length and black, with a small waist and a high collar with white lace around the collar and the cuffs of the sleeves. Selice returned to the mirror and slid out of her pj’s, kicking the slippers off for a moment so she could change. She held the dress up to her body judging how it would look. “hmm, might need the corset” she said softly, debating if she really wanted to wear the starchy torture device. “To hell with it, if I’m going to wear it, I’m going to do it right” she said with a faint smile. She gently tossed the dress over the mirror, returning to the trunk to grab a simple white corset. With lightning speed, Selice laced herself into the corset. She grabbed the dress from the mirror and carefully slid it on. Her fingers made quick work of the small buttons that lined the front of the gown, careful not to accidentally pull one off. A wide grin crossed her features as she examined herself in the mirror. “lovely” she said softly. She walked over to the door of her room, grabbing a pair of simple heeled boots that she pulled on as she made her way to the kitchen.
Breakfast was finished, and the dishes taken care of. Selice sighed softly as she made her way from the kitchen to the large living room. There wasn’t exactly much to do today. She considered visiting Asri. Perhaps later. She walked over to the huge wall of books that graced the west side of the living room. “hmm…” she thought aloud. “what to read, what to read”. She settled on a copy of The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy that she had added to the collection. Selice took the book and wandered over to the old couch that sat under the huge window that looked out on the street. Selice flicked on the reading lamp and made herself comfortable on the plush seat, opening the book to where she had left of previously.
Several uneventful hours had passed. Selice was still curled up on the couch with her book, enthralled by the Sci-fi world Douglas Adams had written of. She had almost convinced herself that her gut feeling was wrong, but then everything changed. A loud smashing sound came from the front door and the window behind her. Selice rolled off of the couch covering her head, trying not to get cut by the shards of glass that rained down on her. She was terrified. Her body shook as she looked up at the figures that had forced themselves into her home. “…no….I…I thought I could stay hidden for just a bit longer” she whispered, starring at The Collector and the Destroyer as they made their way into her home. They were both as intimidating as she had remembered. Collector was dressed from head to toe in a gunmetal grey suit of armor, a long blood red cape bearing the symbol of the crusader’s in silver thread on it. His great silver sword was strapped to his back, the great blade giving off a glow of it’s own. Destroyer was dressed in all black armor, bearing a Great scythe, almost matching Selice’s in color, length and decoration, the only difference was that the blade of His scythe was a silver-red color, the red being the result of the blood of countless angels’ wings he had taken over the years.
Destroyer stepped forward, his crimson eyes searching the room for Selice for a moment. His eyes came to rest on the shaking form that sat on the ground. He knew she was scared. He could feel her terror, and oh god it was delicious. He walked over to her and leaned down, grabbed hold of her shoulder, easily lifting her from the floor and setting her on her knees. He smirked, examining every inch of her before turning to Collector. She certainly doesn’t look like much. Here you were terrified and she’s just a pathetic little reaper. He laughed wickedly and knelt before Selice, taking hold of her chin. You are in so much trouble, little one He whispered to her, staring her in the eyes. If I had my way I’d take your wings here and now. Leave you to bleed to death. You are so very, very lucky he deemed you worthy of a trial Ethos said harshly, turning back to Asphorath. The chains please, collector Ethos growled. Asphorath tossed a huge length of chain at Ethos along with several pairs of manacles and what looked like a steel collar. Stand Ethos growled at Selice, connecting the chain to the collar and manacles. Selice stood slowly, straightening and smoothing out her dress as she did so. Her eyes held a light of hopelessness as she stood before the two warriors.
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Post by cyansky on Nov 15, 2009 0:36:31 GMT -5
*Takes place after chatper 11!* __________________________________________________
Asri's day also started as it usually did, usually with a pie flung in the face in the form of accidently tripping on a random piece of equipment or bag on his way out of the hospital. Kiel had arrived in time to comfort him last night, so he felt alright for the start of a new day. He woke up early, groaning as he forced himself out of bed. Kiel was next to him, arms curled around him.
"Asri?"
"Hmmm?"
Kiel poked him playfully.
"You're not getting up early are you?"
"'Fraid I have to," said Asri, chuckling, "I have... business."
Asri chuckled as he motioned towards the drawers in his room, pulling out one of his usual suits, which were invariably black, white and purple in colour. That was the strange thing about their family, how everyone was colour coded. Syl was red, Kiel was blue, Asri was purple and Kure, last Asri had seen him... was white... That even reflected itself in the colours of the room, painted in those colours in stunning designs, interlocking and mixing like an abstract painting. It was hard to believe that this was originally a boring patient room, but due to the lack of patients, they had converted it into a typical bedroom, the kind that could be found in any consumer's house. The walls were undecorated, but already a few pictures were present, that portrayed Asri in various outfits, ranging from teenage girl clothes to sophisticated men's suits to even Victorian-style dresses to above and beyond that. Asri and Kiel had already moved some furniture into it to make it seem like a real bedroom, and as suchthere were numerous drawers and bookshelves scattered a around the room. They held most of Asri's possesions, but as he didn't have very many yet, they were mostly empty have for various accesssories and cosmetics. Some of them even contained various girl dresses, which Asri, now, didn't touch.
His morning was quick and simple - he dressed, ate breakfast (Sugary calorie laden cereal; go figure), and spent the next few hours of his time making a several drafts of their contract. While Asri's contract were often similar between Fallen, there were certain things that varied between them that had to take into account. For example: Special powers. Mental state. Agsressiveness and likelihood of killing him... There were so many, that Asri had to make sure to keep the loopholes to a minimum unless they would ultimately serve in benefitting him.
Once finished, he packed everything he needed, proceeded to the roof of the hospital and took off towards Selice's house. After some time, he managed to find the way, landing gracefully on the driveway. He stood, and proceeded towards the entrance. Something's wrong, thought Asri, I... dammit! Those two again?! Looks like Selice wasn't kidding...
Asri opened the door to see two of his favourite friends standing there - the Collector and Destroyer, otherwise known as Ethos and Asphorath. Unforunately, his work in saving fallen angels had led him to cross paths with them sometimes, when he failed in defending his clients or in sufficiently lightening their punishment. Hell, sometimes, when they were particularly angry, they even stole the Fallen away before he could even forge a contract with him or her. Asri had spent too much time writing this contract to let that happen.
"Well, look what he have here," said Asri, as he approached the two, "looks like my lady Selice wasn't kidding. How've you been doing Ethos, and Asphorath?"
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Post by Selice on Nov 15, 2009 0:42:03 GMT -5
The two simply looked at Asri, barely paying any attention to him. [Well enough. But right now we have business to attend to, so excuse my rudeness, but get out of our way Ethos growled at Asri. He moved towards Selice, securing her wrists with the manacles, then securing the collar around her throat. She felt like an animal. A chained wild beast. She turned her head to look at Asri, silently begging him to help her.
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Post by cyansky on Nov 15, 2009 1:21:41 GMT -5
Asri scowled at the two warriors, approaching them and stepping in front of Selice.
"I'm sorry, but this angel has already agreed to me client," said Asri, "so unless you want another pandemic on your hands, I think that you should let her sign it. You know how your god doesn't like it when I give people plagues that will propagate in Heaven and kill more of his precious little servants. Hence why stabbing me with those things is definitely not a good idea."
He casually held up two fingers.
"Secondly," he said, smiling, "Selice is not entirely Fallen yet. She still has some rights as an angel and citizen of Heaven, and that includes the right to hire a lawyer to defend her in her trial and prove whether she is truly guilty of her crime or that she has atoned for what she's done. For some angels, it's easy for you to deal with them because they can't get a lawyer in time, or because they can't afford. Selice has already agreed to be my client, and to pay the price for my services."
Asri looked sweet as he went on.
"So I'd suggest you let her go. You know what happens when I'm deprived of contracts. I mean, seriously, do you want one of Heaven's best lawyers to end up working for Hell all over again?"
Asri was sure that they knew of his real status in Heaven. While it was true that he was an angel, it was a lie to say that he was a true angel of Heaven. Having not been created by god and not in Heaven, Asri would more accurately be classified as a sort of 'neutral party,' an ally of Heaven so to speak. He worked in Heaven on a contract by contract basis; having only been listed as an angel of Heaven to ensure that he would work for them on a more frequent basis. Due to it being easier and all... because the bureaucracy he had to go through was somewhat less complicated.
"So unless you want things to get ugly, I'd suggest that you let her go," said Asri, "My lady Selice has a contract to sign."
As if on cue, Asri brought out the contract, two full pages in length, on the second page, there were two lines. One was for Asri's signature, which was already present. The other was for Selice's. The paper with potent magic; once signed by Selice, Asri would be bound to her and vice versa.
Asri gave Selice the contract and a red pen. If Ethos and Asphorath decided to snatch it away, Asri had spare contracts and pens. He always came prepared in situations like this.
"Sign on the dotted line, and quickly," he said, "I'll officially be your defence lawyer from that moment on."
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Post by Selice on Nov 15, 2009 12:29:28 GMT -5
We’ll not be letting her go anytime soon, Plague bearer. So what if she still has right’s as an angel. As far as I’m concerned, she’s already a fallen. But, I am required to allow her the choice to take a lawyer, even though I think a swift execution is best. She may sign your contract, Asri, but she will not be released into your custody. Ethos scowled at Asri. He really didn’t want to allow her to sign that contract, but he was obligated to give her the choice.
Selice quickly took the papers and the pen and made her way to the small ledge on the book shelf to signed the small dotted line that begged for her signature. She knew from that point she was bound to Asri for god knows how long, but anything was better than execution, and well….a few years with Asri would hardly be torture.
Once the papers were signed, Ethos roughly pulled on the chains that bound Selice. She stumbled back towards him, falling at his feet. A slight look of pain crossed her features as she fell, but she quickly replaced it with a weak smile. She stood and handed contract back to Asri. “thank you, Asri” she said softly, offering him a warm, thankful smile. He had saved her neck yet again.
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Post by cyansky on Nov 15, 2009 13:08:00 GMT -5
Asri smiled as Selice handed the contract back to him. Excellent. It seemed that Selice didn't even have time to read it, so as a failsafe, if she turned bad, he could invoke a loophole on her. Asri doubted that she would turn on him, but it never hurt to be careful. Back when he had a business in freeing human convicted criminals from herading to prison for their crimes, they were often apt to attempt escaping the contract. It was Asri's side job really. He would offer them his services in winning their case and their 'innocence' but in exchange they had to pay him. If they were unable to redeem themselves for what they did or failed to give him what he wanted, he took their soul. What he did with it varied depending on the soul's level of purity.
The contract in Asri hands pulksated with magic, before burning up in purple flames and disappearing. That didn't mean that it failed; it meant that they were now bound to the contract. Both of them, although Asri had more leeway in what he could and could not do due to him being the one that wrote it.
"It is done," said Asri cheerfully, "Ethos, you should go easy on her. Her crime isn't as bad as say, leading an army against Heaven like some of the previous batches of Fallen that you have captured."
He knelt down before Selice, still smiling.
"And my lady, as your lawyer, I will accompany you back to Heaven with these two here," he said, "whatever legal business that involves you also involves me, unless you so choose for me to stay back."
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Post by Selice on Nov 15, 2009 14:52:31 GMT -5
Selice looked at Asri with the most thankful look on her face. It was also a look that said ' please don't leave me alone with him'. "Thank You, Asri. I would be very happy if you were to accompany me" she said softly.
Ethos pulled Selice away from Asri, yanking roughly on her chains. I don't care what her level of crime is. I was sent to bring her in. I go easy on no one. He growled dangerously at Asri.
Asphorath walked up to Ethos and placed a hand on his thick metal shoulder. She is still an Angel though, Ethos. Take it easy, alright? I don't want Azrael or The Almighty angry at us if you are too rough on her. Save your aggression and punishments until she is found guilty He said softly, taking Selice's chains away from Ethos. Anyway, we must be off. he added, leading Selice towards the door.
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Post by cyansky on Nov 15, 2009 16:16:44 GMT -5
Asri nodded and followed them, smiling. He had a feeling that everything would work out fine.
"Don't worry Selice," said Asri, "everything will work out fine. Azrael may be angry with you, but it can still be negotiated with."
Asri then turned towards Ethos.
"Ethos has a point, Asphorath," he said, "but keep in mind that god can also forgive.There may still be hope for her even if she is guilty."
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Post by Selice on Nov 15, 2009 16:26:45 GMT -5
Selice closed her eyes. I wish I had your confidence she whispered to him.
Asphorath lead Selice outside, not letting her get more than a few steps in front of him at any time. he spread his large white wings and Ethos followed suit. The two angels took hold of selice's arms and flew off at break neck speed towards a silvery portal they had used to get to earth, disappearing from sight with their prisoner.
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Post by cyansky on Nov 15, 2009 16:51:58 GMT -5
Asri nodded to Selice, but was taken aback when the two of them suddenly took off towards a portal to heaven. Asri cursed, flying after them at top speed, managing to catch up to them as they zipped through the portal. Asri entered it just as it closed, landing roughly on the floor, groaning. He lifted his wings, still glowing, but quivering slightly from the impact. It was a wonder how they weren't broken yet. Asri kept them out, letting them absorb the surrounding light, which slowly healed them from being hit on the ground from the rough landing.
What a day... Asri thought to himself, accompanying Selice like this. Technically I could leave her on her own, but then I'll have no say in the legal proceedings; it would be as she had chosen for not to attend.
"Are you alright Selice?" asked Asri softly.
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Post by Selice on Nov 15, 2009 17:17:25 GMT -5
Selice was slightly shaken by the rough landing. She fell to her knees hunched over as if she was going to be sick. In all of her years of traveling between heaven and earth she had never felt so sick in her life. It was most likely how fast Ethos and Asphorath had entered the realm. Yeah, that had to be it. She refused to think for one moment it was because she had fallen.
Ethos reached down and roughly seized Selice, hoisting her to her feet. On your feet, girl he growled at her. Asphorath looked back at Selice for a moment then walked towards one of the cells. He opened the metal bars and waited for Ethos to escort Selice into the holding Cell.
Selice looked back at Asri. Asri, I'm so scared. She whispered, a look of sheer terror behind her eyes.
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Post by cyansky on Nov 15, 2009 17:32:29 GMT -5
Asri put a hand on her shoulder, smiling confidently, doing his best not to panic. Because if he panicked, nothing good would come of it. He used one gloved hand to lift her head until they had eye contact.
"Chin up," said Asri, "not all hope is lost. I'll do my best to defend you. I may not be in that cell with you, but I'll do my best to help you while I'm here."
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Post by Selice on Nov 15, 2009 17:52:29 GMT -5
Asphorath walked back to Selice and removed the collar from her neck, though he did leave the manacles around her wrists. Once he had handed ethos the collar and spare chain, he took hold of Selice's arm and lead her into the cell, attaching her manacle chains to a ring in the wall. Once she was properly secured he walked from the cell and shut the door, locking it behind him. Our job is done here. Her trial is in the morning ,we shall return to collect her then Asphorath said to Asri as he walked from the cell block. Ethos followed after Asphorath. Do you think it's a good idea to leave him alone with her? What if he tries to break her out? He growled, his trust of Asri severely lacking. Asphorath sighed and turned to look at Ethos. He'll be fine, now come on.. With that both of the armored Angels left the long hallway, closing a large door at the very end of the hall.
Selice stood there for a few moments before finally sinking to her knees. Silent tears rolled down her cheeks as she sat there in her state of despair.
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Post by cyansky on Nov 15, 2009 19:17:59 GMT -5
"Selice!" cried out Asri, "SELICE!"
Asri called out for her, clutching at the bars. As her lawyer, he couldn't be locked up with her. He had to file the last few documents so he could more effectively support her case. Asri didn't have much time to get her to really redeem herself. There was hope though... He could have the court give her a conditional release in exchange for her redeeming herself under his (and the contract's) supervision. That could work... in fact, that was one of his only options. A contractor's power was often in the contract, and if Asri could use it properly, He could convince the court to let her go free. Either that or lighten her punishment. He just needed to get the appropriate documents to back up his case.
"Don't lose hope Selice," said Asri, "don't lose hope! Listen to me! If you'll allow me to get the records of the souls you've reaped and the reason why, it might be able to help us can the court's sympathy! I need certain documents before I can make an effective plea, but I need your permission to access most of them."
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Post by Selice on Nov 15, 2009 19:27:39 GMT -5
Selice looked up at Asri as he called out to her, silvery tears still rolling down her cheeks. She stood shakily and walked as close to the steel bars as the chains connected to her wrists would allow. She reached up to her neck and unclasped the small silver cross that always hung there. She carefully reached through the bars to hand it to Asri. "I give you permission to access the Reaper Archives" she said softly. "Simply show them this. They will ask for identification. All you have to tell them is Requiem" she added.
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