As he left Shira alone to deal with Krieg at their home, Atticus could be seen standing near the outskirts of Death City, staring out at the vast ocean of sand that surrounded the city. While he was there, Atticus took this chance to think about everything, how his impeding death will leave a lot of his loved ones sad. Soon, these thoughts would be interrupted, as Atticus' attention was shifted behind him. "Nice of you to show up, dear brother." he would say, as an incredible aura of light appeared behind Atticus and emerging from within it, would be none other than the demon Despair. "I could not find Mirai's territory, but from the look of it, you somehow managed to. I should say congratulations, but you and I both know that now is not the time for such things." Despair told him as the demon walked up and stood beside Atticus, staring out at the sand as well. After Des air finished speaking, Atticus smiled, "My time in Netherworld, has greatly strained this body. I no longer have two years to live." Atticus admitted, "I have about a year, if that." Despair didn't seem too surprised by Atticus' words, "You know, that there really is no cure or solution to this problem." Despair turned to Atticus, "This is even hard for me to say, but you're going to die."
Eva : The devil Machine Partner: None Age:??? Souls: 0
◈....... As the dying weapon was sharing the little time he had left in this world. A devious smirk , void as the soul that owned those lips would appear. There were no steps, there was no soul to be tracked. It merely appeared by the brother's side or so it would seem.
-❝ Huh? Oh my, I beg you pardon I didn't meant to intrude. ❞-
◈....... The face was that of a gentle woman which carried a bag with groceries of some sort. Yet this disguise wouldn't fool neither Atticus, perhaps Despair if he trully wanted to believe this woman was buying something from another city and walking her way back by foot. But since there was no soul within that woman next to them, it wasn't probable he would think that way.
-❝ Are you guys alright?... you look terrible good sir. ❞-
◈....... Said Eva with a caring voice towards Atticus, showing she was aware of the weapon's condition. Yet she remained within a prudent distance. Conveniently speaking it was enough to prevent the reach of a sword.
While he and Despair had been busy talking, both would be unaware of the creeping figure that had been watching them. It wouldn't be until the mysterious figure spoke up, that the two would realize that they were not alone. Hearing the strange female voice, both Atticus and Despair dashed to their left sides and had positioned themselves to strike. The two eyed the strange woman who carried a bag of groceries with her. After a few seconds, the two looked at one another, they were able to understand what the other one was thinking without neither one having said a word. They both didn't sense a soul wavelength or any sort of presence coming from her. This already made the two consider her a witch, but it wouldn't be that odd for a witch to be roaming around Death City, especially since there is a witch currently in charge. Still, there was something about her that caused the two to remain on edger, even the usually calm and lazy Despair would be on guard. As she questioned Atticus' health, the man would cautiously walk towards her, while Despair stayed at a distance, "Who are you and how do you know about my condition?" Atticus would ask as he seemed to have somewhat lowered his guard. "Atticus, you are too trusting." Despair commented as he too, lowered his guard, "But this one, is interesting, very, very interesting. I'm curious as to what she will say next." he said with a smile.
Eva : The devil Machine Partner: None Age:??? Souls: 0
◈....... The woman would stand still, allowing both Atticus and despair to walk in closer. She merely tried to balance the bag because of the wind and adjust her glasses which seemd to slip off a bit when she tried to save the bag.
-❝ W-well you seem troubled. Dying is always an issue. So... maybe...I thought I could... ❞-
◈....... The woman began flustering as both gazes were at some point intimidating. After all she was able to sense both souls held a powerful wavelength each.
-❝ I-i just thought that maybe you... could.. walk your way back to life? ❞-
◈....... At this point she was examining both of them. But more likely Atticus as he was the one she was interested in. A soul that strong, perhaps she could finally realize her dream. But she had to be wary of despair since he was more than alive and held a strong soul as well.
-❝ Your soul is in pain of dying... I could take it from if and give it instead the pain of living once more. ❞-
◈....... The woman replied shyly. While tempting the waters between those two. She had to be cautious if she wanted to keep Atticus soul to herself.
There she goes again, Atticus thought. How did she know about his health and that he was on the verge of dying. Only a select few knows about it and she was definitely not one of them. The more the woman spoke about him, the more Atticus would come to question her. The woman went on to talk about how Atticus' soul is in pain of dying and that she could take the pain of dying and replace it with living. These words, caught both Atticus' and Despair's attention, as neither of them could come up with a way to save Atticus, but this strange woman, did. As of now, she held both of their undivided attention. "You say you can save me, but I have not seen or heard of you around the City before. In fact, I can not sense a soul coming from you. If you are a witch, then Charlotte would have told me about you." Atticus would say, as Despair just continued to smile. This woman was getting more and more interesting with each word that came from her mouth. "Putting aside whether or not you truly can save him, I have a question. If you don't mind my asking. Just why would you want to save him? What is in it for you? As a matter of fact, who are you? I do believe we have yet to hear your name.".
Eva : The devil Machine Partner: None Age:??? Souls: 0
◈....... The more she spoke, the more Atticus and Despair questioned her, which made the devil machine uneasy. True thing there was no sign of harm towards her. But she wouldn't be sure there wouldn't be in the future.
-❝ Charlotte is wise, and well known it's easy for someone to know or hear about her. But I'm different. That's why no one hears about me. ❞-
◈....... Eva would switch views between Atticus and Despair.
-❝ Witches have their nature. I have mine.The proceed through this world using magic. I use souls instead. ❞-
◈....... She knew the more she would tell the more she would be exposed, a scape goat was needed in order to appease their curiosity.
-❝ It's been a long time since I've practiced my ... magic. I've a daughter to look upon now. And we live peacefully in Death city. I remember you were mentioned on the group that took the city back. And for that I am grateful. I have a place to be with my daughter, so I thought maybe I could return the favor? ❞-
◈....... This was obviously a lie but she didn't felt like it was safe to speak about her nature. Nor that she would try to keep the soul for herself. However there was no lie when she said she would bring Atticus back to life. Then she turned over to Despair who had doubts of his own. Mentioning the lack of introductions she seemed hesitant to speak as she hid part of her face behind the back. Looking elsewhere.
-❝ Eva... ❞-
◈....... Answered the woman at Despair who asked for her name.
-❝ I know who Atticus is, yet I've haven't heard from you... either. ❞-
Listening to the woman speak, both Atticus and Despair picked up on a few specific words, such as souls and the way she addressed herself and Charlotte. That, along with all of the other details, made the two question her true identity. Judging from her own words, she could not have been a witch, but witches are the only ones known to be ale to hide the presence of their souls. There are a few special demons and kishins that can do the same, but they are either hidden away or known, if she was indeed one of those beings, she was either genuinely there to help Atticus or a fool for revealing herself to the two, but her words. There was something about how she spoke, that just didn't sit right with Atticus, while Despair, really didn't seem to consider that much of a threat. Truth be told, there aren't many beings in this world, that could be a threat to Despair. As she expressed her gratitude towards Atticus for helping to save the city, Atticus looked at her and nodded, "No need to be grateful. I did it, because I wished to, not because I valued the lives of the citizens." This would be partially true, as Atticus, back then, didn't fight for the sake of others, he fought because he felt he had too, though now his views have changed, but he would not reveal that to this stranger. "Eva?" Despair asked as the woman revealed her name. "Well, you could consider me to be Atticus' big brother." Despair stated. "I watch over him and protect him, if he needs it. You can call me Despair." he told her, while bowing. "Now, tell us how, you can save my little brother."
Eva : The devil Machine Partner: None Age:??? Souls: 0
-❝ Then again, you could had choose not to and I wouldn't had a place to call home. If so, I could do it because I wanted to show my gratitude. Not because I value your life.❞-
◈....... As things were going it was clear she wouldn't get anywhere now that she caught both of their attentions.
-❝ If you don't want my heal that is fine. I'll just wait until you die and do it myself. ❞-
◈....... Stated as she was dead serious about bringing Atticus back to life. But under her own conditions. As she wished to control the boy's soul. Turning back at Despair, he introduced himself as Atticus's brother and protector. That could be troublesome considering her plans.
-❝ Well you protect your brother... if he lives I protect my daughter... his presence is relevant for itscares them away. Therefore I don't have nightmares and I don't need to eat. And my daughter can grow peacefully away from the nightmares as well. ❞-
◈....... As Despair insisted on knowing how could she save despair, she had little choice but to tell them, at least in part.
-❝ The process is painful. I haven't done it in years. You will die, but your soul would be taken. Instead of resting I shall use it to create a new person. It would be up to you if that person becomes you or someone completely different. Some people lose themselves because of grief, regrets... and lose themselves and no longer return. But those who are strong willed, return to their forme selves. A new body, but same mind and soul. Thus, they have a new life. Then again I can alter the process and guarantee you don't lose yourself in the process. But I would be weak, and exposed after that. ❞-
◈....... She gave as brief details as possible.
-❝ In exchange you mustn't tell about me or my daughter to anyone, ever. I like being who I am. And I like my life in death city. ❞-
---------OoC:-------------- That's weird, I could had sworn I had replied to this post.
As he listened to the woman named Eva, tell him how he could be saved, Atticus had a somewhat disheartened look on his face. After searching for so long and never finding the answer, he was now approached by this woman, who could possibly save him, but it must have been too good to be true. Atticus continued listening to the woman as she explained the details of how this will be done. Once she was done, Atticus looked away, "Either way, I am going to die." he muttered as Despair looked over at him. "Atticus, it isn't my choice, to make, nor is it my place to tell you what you should do. All that I will say, is that you think through this carefully." With that Despair would step back and let Atticus be alone for a few seconds. Thinking it over and hearing what the process will entail, that he would be reborn with a new body, but possibly lose himself and become someone or something that he is not. Not to mention the fact that he would be placing his trust into a woman he just met. To many that would be too big of a risk to take, but Atticus has been known to gamble and place his own life on the line, even when the odds were set against him. Turning back, Atticus had a smile on his, seeing this, Despair would also smile as he too, knew what Atticus had decided. Walking up to the woman, Despair summoned a sword. As he did this, Atticus would approach her as well, "I will accept this, but on one condition. You will restore me back to the way I am. I wish to retain all memories, all experiences, everything that makes me, who I am. I do not want to lose myself and in return...""...I will be your protector and you will not appear before any of his comrades, until he has already died." Despair would say, perfectly timing his words, with Atticus' pause. This showed that the two were indeed linked and understood one another well. "That's a fair trade isn't, for helping me, you will receive an incredibly powerful guardian, who will be there whenever you are in trouble, but he will still be free to do whatever he please. Despair will not be tied down, no matter what."
Eva : The devil Machine Partner: None Age:??? Souls: 0
-❝ H-ey take it easy.❞-
◈....... Eva went nervous when both of them smiled and approached. Even more when Despair was the one to draw a blade in front of her. It wasn't until both of them gave their answer at perfect synchrony that she felt relieved.
-❝ O-oh... you could have said it without scaring me to death. ❞-
◈....... Eva stated as she thought about it carefully. A guardian? It could be handy. however that would be bothersome if she wanted to keep the boys soul, but as soon as they mentioned that Despair would also mind his own business she figured she would eventually had a chance to stay alone with Atticus.
-❝ Alright. but I will do as I please as well. I still need to take care of my daughter. ❞-
◈....... Replied as she sealed the agreement.
-❝ Well, I don't know when you are ready for it. If you want to say good byes or see you laters its up to you. It will take a time before the body grows the same age as your actual self. And I need to look up for it so that the memories and feelings remain untouched. ❞-
◈....... Also, to be able to cultivate a kishin soul inside that body while it growed up, but she wouldn't tell a word about it.
With the deal set, Atticus turned away from the woman and started walking back towards his home. "Eva, lets get one thing straight. Even if you are helping me. I know that there is something you are after. It could be my soul, it could be my power, either way, Despair knows what to do, if I do not return to the way I am." As he said this, Atticus would let Despair inform Eva, as Atticus decided to head home. With a smile on his face, Despair looked at Eva, "If I sense any hostile threat towards him, or if he is not the same, it is decided that I have his permission to kill him and you." Despair told her before hovering into the air. "Lets hope that it doesn't come down to that." he added before fading away. Leaving Eva there all on her own.
Eva : The devil Machine Partner: None Age:??? Souls: 0
◈....... As both of them left, eve sighed lightly. It would seem that collecting Atticus soul would be harder than she expected. Then again all worthy things are difficult to reach. She would see them off before observing the path she had to walk back into the city.
-❝ How rude, at least they could had give me a ride. ❞-
◈....... Said the woman while the inocent face became a devious smirk.
-❝ I'm sure Despair kun would know how to entertain a woman. ❞-
◈....... With that, the body of that woman created a human soul or more likely emulated the wavelength of one, as she approached the city to get lost within the crowd with certain ease. After all, she looked ordinary.
Buchanan walked slowly through the streets of Death city, what he was looking for; only he knows. "I wonder if it's still there." He said as he continued walking, there he saw some familiar graffiti. Some artwork he did years earlier, he came upon a small storage unit door completely rusted over, and covered with graffiti. He came upon a completely rusted lock and he held it over. He turned his finger into a small blade, and pierced the ancient lock. With a quick jerk, he tore off the padlock, and went to open the door. Inside it was dusty as hell. "Looks like everything is here." He said as he saw pulled the blanket off a motorcycle and hopped on it. He began to fidget it with it, and managed to get it to start after five minutes of dawdling, and immediately turned it off. He also grabbed a military styled tote bag. "My old bug-out bag." He began to stuff the bag with items he found around the storage shed, pictures, mementos and such. His past life, all able to fit into one bag. "I guess, this is it." He said in a depressed tone, and he holstered over his shoulders as he climbed onto his bike, and began to ride it down the streets.
╔═════════╗ --❝ Zoey ❞- ╚═════════╝ With a small blast, the girl would be propelled out from her portal caused by the force Despair used to get her. Barely escaping from his presence. The witch would had a less fortunate landing as her back was the first to welcome the new ground she was warped on. Rolling down a dune Zoey was desperate to get a firm grip or step as she didn't liked to remain uninformed of her location. As she got to the end of the sand dune, the pink haired girl desperately fought to stand on her feet, but they both were shaking. Those merciless eyes staring at her the whole time. She could barely shake that feeling after all her heart was now violently pounding against her chest. -❝ Gheh... damn you. Why me? ❞- Soon the visions of her dreams were haunting her once more. A strange monster that dragged her to a foreign place. Could it be... -❝ No, I'm not dying today! ❞- Zoey stated in her denial, being standing on her feet only because of the adrenaline running in her system. Yet, as hot as the sunlight was, she couldn't shake this cold feeling. Unknown to her, Despair had missed her heart, barely, but he didn't miss getting into her flesh. Because of the adrenaline and her fear to meet up with Despair she had not realized a hole in her chest where her heart was completely exposed. The bones of her rib cage that were caught by despair hands were pulverized into dust. Slowly but surely, Zoey was dying with every step she made, trying to reach a higher ground to see where she was located. Her breathing was becoming heavier and her sight blurry.
As the girl struggled to flee, from him, Despair would appear in the air above her. He said nothing, as he watched her. She was terrified, it took everything she had, just to keep on moving, completely oblivious to the gaping hole that was exposing her heart. While observing the girl, Despair seemed to have felt pity for her, which is odd for a demon, but for a demon like Despair, even he had a heart, albeit a small and twisted one, but a heart nonetheless. As he time was drawing near, Despair landed on the ground in front of her. His piercing red eyes, stared intensely at her blueish-green eyes, before he walked forwards and pointed his index finger at her, "We should end this now." he told her, as he somewhat wanted to end her suffering..
