Welcome to Gaia! ::

The general hadn't immediately responded to the curse, momentarily busy, but once the crystal was gone those cool silver eyes lowered to the young man on the floor. For just a second there was nothing. No warmth, no fondness, no regret, no anger. Nothing to say she felt anything at all about what was happening. Then she was sinking down to crouch beside his foot, and a gentle hand on his ankle would cease any further attempts to retreat, however futile.

There was a subtle tilt of her head as she watched him, features boarding on thoughtful. "The pain doesn't last." And this was nothing to the agony that had come with her promotion to general. "It's the price we pay for power. You'll see." When it was over he'd feel better, energized. Ready to take on the world, and everyone in it. She would teach him.

Assuming his brother didn't strike him dead the moment they returned to the apartment.

Further reassurances would have to wait, cut short by the arrival of Laurelite. Xenotime gave Slate's ankle a small squeeze before getting back to her feet to face the general-queen. A respectful do off her head followed the greeting, the corners of dark lips ticking up in a budding smile. "Not at all. Your assistance would be greatly appreciated." Silver eyes dropped to the cat. "And you as well." She didn't have much experience with guardian cats.

Xenotime's gaze returned to Slate as Laurelite's did. "His starseed feels different." Nothing she'd laid her hands on in the past, and she'd reached into numerous chests throughout her time with the Negaverse.

The confirmation of what he was came as no really surprise. She gave a soft hum of acknowledgement to Katya, but her attention was all for Slate and the general-queen, eager to see fit herself hour corrupted senshi came into being.

Laurelite cocked her head at the boy, perhaps stirred by his words. After a second, she spoke. "You know not of what you speak, but I will forgive you. Because," she moved to stand in front of them and then crouched, herself. She reached out one hand to stroke his hair. "You are afraid and ignorant. But I will teach you strength and courage, and one day you will be something great. You will not disappoint me."

It was a promise, and an order.

"You will leave here, tonight, worry not. You will leave here stronger, and better than you ever were before. You will leave with the gift of power and skills you could only dream of. So do not cry. One day, you will look back and remember this night fondly. Because this is the night your life truly begins. So, stand. And accept my blessing."

She stood, and held a hand out to him as if to help him up.

"I will warn you only once, though, should your fear still puppet you: Do not run from me. I will always catch you."

It was not a threat. Only another promise.

"Oh sweetheart." The general turned on a toe, dropping once again beside Slate to lay gentle hands on his cheeks. "Hush now." She touched a thumb to his lips, a gentle deterrent to any further protests. It wasn't his fault, he didn't yet know the gift they were giving him. It would all be clear so very soon, he just needed patience and nerve. "Not another word. It will be over soon, and then we can go home." She'd smile then, and now there was warmth and fondness to it, though that softness never quite reached her eyes, not even as she leaned in to lay a kiss on his lips.

Then she was standing again, drawing him with her. Once on his feet, her hands slipped from his face, a soft brush along his neck as she walked around him and lay that gentle, vice-like grip on his shoulders.

Over his shoulder she watched the cat, Katya, as she circled Slate's feet, rubbing along his shins, and purring reassurances. Xe offered her own, leaning into his back as one hand slid from his shoulder to drape across his chest. Holding him, and holding him.