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(Ooo? I wonder what that is tho, funny Genesis is just the name of the universe/planet they live on, funny how that work)
"Hm, yes i can carry this much" Aestus nodded again, trying to find said objects and Crimson, with the veil, it was near impossible.
"I believe those veils will make it very hard for me to find said objects…could you help? Aestus didn’t want to by touch if they were on Crimson’s laps, that seems rude and inappropriate. The fact Crimson had yet to speak didn’t put her at ease either, are they asleep?
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(I use Genesis Engine specifically for what it means. Genesis, as anyone knows, means Beginning or Start of. So I use that as a more cryptic or codename if you want.)
Flare locked the wheelchair in place and lifted the items and placed them in Aestus' hands. "Please do be careful. They are quite literally the things that keep Crimson alive."
Crimson made no movement of any sorts. And with a cloak and blanket, as well as a mask, covering him, it was nigh impossible to tell if he was just asleep, lacking in movement, or wasn't paying attention.
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(Ooooo, i think that’s how we name the planet, it’s at the very center of the universe, aka where it all started!but I like your cryptic version more, given more mystery)
"Got it!" Aetsus nodded again, testing the weight of the objects, lighter than he expected, just cumbersome.
"Is it attached?…i supposed I’ll just follow close behind just in case." He wondered out loud. Waiting near where they were handed the box, just a little to the side to not block the door.
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"No, nothing is attached. They are just loose boxes." Flare said, and began to wheel Crimson out. "I lifted my Veil, so you should have an easier time following." he said, a bright orange aura and trail flowed behind Flare.
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Aetsus simply followed the now strong aura, it felt warm, remind them of his own magic, and one of her siblings’s. They shake their head to snap out of their thoughts before they got careless with the box.
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Flare led the three outside, in front of the house, where everyone else was. Well, minus Aster, who was still in the garden. Fang immediately ran next to Crimson and stood at attention and dared to not leave his side. Flare himself stood to his right, Agni and Infinity both took up the front and back. For a moment Agni gave Infinity a quizzical expression, staring at a sleeping Caligo in her arms. All Infinity did was mouth "Don't touch the child." to him before he shrugged and took position.
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Eventually, maybe an hour or so, Aster came back with something in his hands, it gave off a odd aura, impossible to discern what it is, or what it could even be, he simply set it in Crimson's lap and looked at the house silently.
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Aestus was able to relax a little more once they could feel Caligo’s magic so close. They did get a little more nervous as time passed without any idea of what to expect, especially when a new, strange aura appeared.
He is growing increasingly confused as to what is or is supposed to happen. She looked toward Caligo every once in a while, worry for them, for she has no idea how long the new moons here last.
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"Everyone, except the blind and asleep, cover your eyes." Aster said. "You're about to witness the greatness of Hanai and the Castle of Ash..."
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Whatever Crimson was holding began to carry a similar feeling to both a fading flame and a newly lit one.
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Aestus braced themselves unsure of what to expect.
"What is happening?" He whispered, asking no one in particular.
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"Of Ash, shall this Castle rise, born of the Fallen and the Dead, create unto us, the home of our Sins." a disembodied voice called out, clearly saying none to anyone in particular. The skies around Hanai began to darken and take the color of ash around it. Soon it began to rain...ash and blood. Covering the city everything began to crumble into dust around everyone. Only they were saved oddly. Rising with the levels of ash and blood, the whole town became a plane of smooth ash coated in the color of blood. People, houses, and plants began to sprout from the ash-laden land and began to walk endlessly into a perfect semi-circle and faced the Castle of Ash. The bodies of the once-colorful and unique people were walking statues of ash, their eyes glowing a deep orange. From the place where the house was, a small point began to rise, becoming a spire and pointing to the sky. It is from this spire does it begin to look like a tree. As it's leaves and branches fall, in its wake, small stones of ash begin to pile on top of one another and formed a small wall around. Flare took the item from Crimson and a sound of metal coming from it echoes across the city. "Ember, ignite the sins of the Kyng. Burn bright and give us life." he said quietly. All movement became dead, no one, no building, nothing moved from it's place. Almost like hidden staircase, part of the earth below parts and reveals a small passageway. Flare sheathed the sword and placed it into this passage and covered it in the ash with his hands, staining them black. Fang, Infinity, Agni all followed suit and stained their hands the same way. Only Crimson was spared this...his hands...or rather hand, the only one that poked out from his blanket, was already stained in blood.
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Aster looked over at Aestus, though it's not like she would know. "The Sins they speak of...Hanai is called the Silent Flame. This Flame burns forever as a reminder of what Crimson did to this place before. It was once a town, the town that he came from. But what he was turned into once he came back...it wasn't human. In a rage that even the High Council was scared of, did he stain his body in the inhabitants blood and break their bones into dust before igniting the place into ash. The tombs you found yourselves in are those bodies. Once the Castle of Ash takes form, you will see that the stones that make it up, are the very same of those you found. The bodies of those he killed that night, are the very same. Thousands, all made it up. That is why Crimson..." Aster choked up and stopped, his eyes were full of tears, his light grey eyes carried his aura for him, it wasn't any harder than picking up a twig to see and hear what was happening.
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Aestus tried to keep their composure, the smell of ash and blood in the air bringing forth painful memories.
His knees felt weak, and the more Aster spoke, the more she felt they would fail him.
The gentle lowered himself to the ground, softly putting the box down, before breaking down completely. Old grief still far too fresh made their core bleed, for the ones lost, their lives robbed from them too soon, far too soon.
So the sun cried, for their own people, for those he never even knew, she shed tears for both world.
(I think I like torture Aetsus, why am I like this)
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(I do the same for Crimson! Pity party ahead!)
"Your world, your Genesis is no different than ours. Finding a young boy, covered in ash, blood and remains of the dead, crying in a burnt town, it's a sight that none would imagine. Death takes no prisoners." Aster wiped his tears away and continued. "This is why Crimson takes care of this place with his life. Hanai is the City of the Silent Flame, a ever-burning reminder to him of what he did. "
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From the ground, the spire grew, spiraling up and the walls enclosing it, forming a decayed castle and reforming like it's brand new. It was hard, if not impossible to tell what type of architecture it was inspired off of. But it clearly was a castle. Part of the ash-blood rain began to form along the cliffside to a platform for the castle to rise from. Eventually the rain stopped and the skies cleared. A malformed and reformed castle beheld the sight of all. Infinity clutched Caligo tightly, slightly trembling at the sight of the Castle of Ash. Agni, Flare and Fang all began to walk to the entrance of the Castle.
"Cor...please don't die." she whimpered and followed everyone.
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Aster gathered himself and stood tall. He placed a shaky hand on Aestus' head. "Let's go. We cannot linger here. Please gather your bearings and head into the main hall." he said and walked off.
(Think of the Castle of Ash liek a decaying castle from Scotland if that makes things easier.)
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(Ooo it kinda does! Also poor crimson, also has Aestus named their world? I don’t remember)
they snapped out of their thought when he felt a hand on her head, he wiped the tears of her face, picked the box up again and started heading toward the new structure.
In a way, he is glad Caligo is not awake. Both because she is sure to be a mess at the moment, but also, because if the smell alone out him in such a state, she can’t imagine what the sight would have been for their moon.
Shaking their thoughts, and few straight tears away, they went in to join the others.
(Small detail, the tears didn’t evaporate, they were so devastated they cooled down instead of overheating, like a white dwarf burning at a lower temperature after dying)(not making this up on the spot because I was distracted and forgot ahaha)
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(Aster isn't talking about your world, he's more referring to the beginning of all worlds. War torn for power. Also technically the Castle of Ash would look like the Eilean Donan castle in Scotland. It small, but it's also decayed. At least that's how I view the castle itself.)
The main hall was large, big enough to house one hell of a dragon, maybe even two if they are stacked on top of one another. Simple pillars line the way to a central throne, as if to herald the Kyngs guests. But the throne lays empty and covered in a thick blanket of dust. A telltale sign it hasn't been used in years. To the immediate right of the entrance to the main hall a door resides, Aster takes the wheelchair from Flare and goes through this door. To the left is another door, this one has a sign above it that reads, in faded text "Kni...Bloo...Barr..." Infinity handed Caligo carefully to Flare and goes through this door, with Agni behind her. Fang and Flare look at one another and both remain in a dead silence.
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(Oooo ok, sorry i got confused!)
Aestus was stunned that such a changed could occurred so quickly, their steps echoed in the hall, the smell surprised him, this building just appeared how could there be so much dust already?
Her antennas twitched, they trying to adjust to the new environment’s aura, he has a feeling she will run into walls a lot if they aren’t careful.
"where do I put this?" They asked once they have found the others, they gesture to the box for emphasis "and where is Cal?" She ask a little urgently to Infinity when he realised Caligo wasn’t with her.
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(Nah, you're fine. I should have clarified that part. But no harm done!)
"Fang and I will take it. Caligo was taken into the old Barracks. You'll fine your way a lot easier around here than anywhere else in Arithnia. If you're ever in need to find a place you haven't been, just call the name out and you'll be lead. This Castle...of Ash, blood, life, death...it's made by Crimson's hands. As wel--". Fang gently placed her hand on Flare's, preventing him from saying anything more. There's always an odd connection between the Kyngs Advisor and Servant. Unspeakable and unseen. Fang and Flare gathered the boxes and went into the medical bay where Aster had gone.
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The orders have been given...Step by Step, call upon the name of where you need to go and it shall be done.
Side note: The Castle of Ash works like this: Calling out to the Castle what room, person or thing you want, granted it must be of good intent, will be shown visibly by a line of orange in the floor. So saying "Lead me to Caligo." will create a trail or aura and light for anyone to follow, regardless of impairment. On top of this, the whole Castle is teeming with the lives of the Fallen, so Aestus can 100% "see" the castle layout.
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(This is very morbid, I like it, that might mean Aestus can feel that there are souls in the walls tho, don’t know if I like that so maybe not)
Aestus sigh, this place feel strange, they decided to clean her antennas, he is pretty sure some ash got in them, before trying to find their way around.
"Um, can you take me to Caligo? Please?" They call out after shaking all the ashes out, sensing his surrounding much better now. She hope their moon is ok, he wonder when the next phase will start, they already miss her moon and it’s only been a few hours!
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(I wouldn't say that, think if it like Aestus' can feel everything all at once as she walks. The way these people lived, how they talked. It's like a flurry of knowledge, an overwhelming yet calm sensation. That's how I see it.)
Faint whispers entered Aestus' head. "To the lover. Hope and safety. Stay safe. We watch and help." they all said, each a different person. But one in particular waited for the other to finish. "We guard with our life." it said. Rather cryptically, but simple to understand what they meant. A clear trail of a soft and warm aura lit the way to the door.
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(Ooo that could be interesting, but to me they only feel the magic, he can identify it after so many years but that’s a skill she learned over time not something innate…maybe if the souls actively showed these through their aura/magic then Aetsus could feel it. Still interesting!
Aestus was stunned for a moment, what just happened? her face heated up as he realised what they had say. Lover?!, surely this is a mistake they are not- they don’t-… he will just follow the aura.
They looked around as they walked, wondering where the voices had come from, it can’t be the ash can it?
It does give her pause, are they trapped here? Or do they stay because they wish to? They seem benevolent and kind at least. Even if mistaken when it came to his relation with Caligo. They keep walking.
(They DENSE af, big denial about those feeling, was wondering if the love thing would come up again earlier today so that’s funny)
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(Well take it how Aestus' would feel it! That's just how my character do, don't bind yourself by every rule I tell you!)
As Aestus' opens the door, immediately does a strong magic come rushing toward her. For a moment it could stun a dragon. The clanging and clashing of weapons would be heard from further in. The walls were lined and made like stone. To the left and right after the entrence are two doors, both which are quarters for the Blood Knights, or at least in the past. Further down, around 13 feet (or like 400 cm) the area opened up, weapons of all sort, dummies, targets, armor, you name it, lined the walls. Agni and Infinity were in there. Their shouts and weapons were heavy and hard. Further past them was another room, this one was more like a living room, having only a few chairs and couches, all of which were surrounding a fireplace or one another. The walls were decorated with old messages, likely announcements or job offers. Some paintings of what looked like scholars or people years ago also lined it. On a couch, in front of a fireplace to the left of the entrance did Caligo lie, covered in a light blanket with a pillow at his head. Sitting next to him was another person. Perhaps a caretaker? You're unsure of what it is, but you would have to get closer to the room to find out.
(By the way, am I describing the surroundings well enough? Please let me know if you need more details.)
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(That’s good! I do like how this is rp is going, make my character more fleshed out too, really like it, can’t believe it took le this long to try, better late then ever. Also I do like how you are describing! I am crackly a little as it’s Aestus’s pov and he can’t see all the details. Still nice to know)
While the sound of fighting drew their attention, he would rather avoid it if possible, so she continue on the path laid before them, straight to their moon.
"Hello?" He said, to whomever is sitting next to Caligo. As much as she yearn to go by their moon’s side, it would be quite impolite to just ignore this person. (And make them look desperate too but shhh) the sound of fighting still reached here, making their ears twitch at the harsh sound.
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(Hell yeah! Glad to hear it. And I know Aestus can't see, but you can, and it's a shame if I didn't describe the areas!)
Whatever or whoever was there was long gone, like a breath of air. They just vanished like they were never there. Maybe Aestus is tired, or maybe insane. Perhaps they were dreaming. Who knows, but one thing is certain, Caligo is safe and sleeping well.
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Aster, Fang and Flare all walk down a long and winding hallway, before stopping. Aster takes in a deep breath and turns to face the two behind him. "If all does go well, Crimson will be back to a more reasonable state of health within a month at max. Maybe 2 weeks if it's quick enough. Until then, you'll have to find a way to keep Caligo and Aestus' amused and away from Crimson's room." he said to the two. Fang tail twitched and gently wrapped around her right leg. "Oh Cor...I'm so sorry this had to happen now." she whispered to him and wrapped her arms around his neck. The wheelchair bound man himself slowly raised his left hand and touched hers. In a very low and weak voice Crimson said to her "I will...be ok. I love....you too." he said before letting his hand drop. Fang pulled herself away and hid behind Flare, quietly crying to herself.
The man which Fang was hiding behind lowered Crimson's hood and took his mask from him. Holding it close to his chest, he bowed deeply. "I will take care of the Castle and it's needs for now my Kyng. I leave your health to Aster. If you need us, you know how to reach us." he said, his voice carrying authority. Aster mused at this and wheeled Crimson into a medical room and closed the door and locked it. Flare and Fang both bowed and left the medical bays and into the main hall.
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(They are very nice so it would be a shame not to bring attention to them)
They could have swore- no matter, they kneeled down next to Caligo, making sure they are still ok. He thought back on what Flare told them, that Aster could possible, do something? She doesn’t think he ever specified what , with a say, he rested their head against Caligo, it was a pretty tired day? Morning? Regardless she doesn’t see the harm in resting, just a few minutes, right here.
Before long they fell asleep against their moon.
(Damn, crimson is sick sick if it take that long, hope my two can help speed it up, the interactions between them all are so sweet too)
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(That's just an estimation. You can't technically speed up the process of what Aster will do to Crimson. Maybe you could ask Aster....)
These sleepless nights, the restful days. Time heeds no one. The Sun and Moon and the stars who rest with them all pass. They have been asleep for a week. No more and no less. A new phase has began. The New Moon shall rise. Only a month until the Full Moon shows its beauty. Arithnia and it's oddities shine and glow under the light, but what comes out when the night is at it's best?
"--ey...--kae up guys. Please? You're gonna make me lateeeeeeee, and I want foooooooooooooddddddddd." Fangs voice whines "Pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee wake uppppppppppppppp."
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(That’s fair, also a WEEK, damn they were tired, also moon phase slowly there)
Both gods slowly woke up, disturbed by the voice "wha-" Aestus was the first to get enough coherence back to register what was happening "oh good…morning? Fang" they greeted as they stood up to stretch, his body ache from staying in such a odd position for so long, that what she get for sleeping slumped over. "Mooorning." Caligo yawned out, stretching on the couch not unlike a cear*
The moon looked around in confusion, "did we move while I slept?" He turned toward her sun.
(*Cat-bear, just a bear with a cat head that mostly act like a cat, very cute, very strong, love them, name still in workshop)
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( [: )
"You gods are so lazy!" Fang said and put her hands on her waist and pouted. "Your legs better be functioning because you nutcrackers slept for a freaking week straight! Now lets gooooooooooooooo, food timeeeeeeee!"
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"A WEEK?!?!" They cried in unison turning toward Fang in disbelief
"Ah, um go on ahead we’ll catch up alright?" Aestus told Fang, still trying to process the information. Just at that moment, Caligo fell face first on the floor trying to get up. "As soon as Cal get control of their legs again." They clarified.
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Fang groaned and cursed something to herself and marched out the door. "Main hall! Food!" she called.
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The moon groaned, their joints hurt from sleeping with the braces on for so long, that’s a problem.
"You ok?" Aestus reached down to lift Caligo off the ground, deciding it might be easier to just, carry their gremlin until they were better. Caligo mumbled something like, ‘knees’ and ‘hurt’ the sun sighs. That kind of day uh?, he thought.
"Come on let’s go" the sun said fondly, carrying her moon on his back, Caligo gave a small groan that almost sounded like growl in response "can you show us the way please?" Aestus asked the, spirits? Of the castle. Following the auras they gave him.
"Oooo shiny." Caligo called from over their shoulder, Aestus didn’t think about it, but it make sense it would be visible, even if he herself can’t see it. And so they followed it to claim their food!
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"Lead on. Let's go. Sleepy ones, how cute." the voices said, entering the minds of the two gods. The same trail as before lit up, leading to the main hall.
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"--on top of that issue, having these gods here is messing with part of our solar bodies. The incarnate of the Moon seems to have control over Arithnia's governing bodies. They move as one, that's why our lunar cycles have been slowed recently. Aside from that, the Sun is fine. No issues there. But needless to say, it's still somewhat troubling and odd." Aster could he heard saying when the two walked into the room.
"And what of the Kyng? How is the treatment going?" Fang voice said, her mouth full of some sort of meat. Flare interrupted her and cleared his throat. "Fang, manners please, and let us change the topic, our guests have arrived." he said.
The main hall was rather well lit now by floating balls of fire, illuminating a large table suited for 20 people. All across it was a line of all sorts of meats, breakfast goods, sweets, heck even drinks too! The ceramic white and blue plates rather popped out from the dark oak of the table, even the silverware seemed rather ornate and old . But nothing else was amiss. Flare sat at the head of the table, Fang and Aster by his side and Infinity and Agni at theirs.