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Greed straightens his spine, shoving hands into pockets and thumbs through his belt loops. Kids: they're nothing but trouble.
"Didn't doubt you could, but I don't think it'll do you much good here. Unless you've picked up some Ishvalan or Xingese that I'm not aware of." Both of which, he couldn't make heads or tails of himself. Ling had given a message once - scribbled it on a length of fabric for his fine-second-in-command. Asked it to be delivered. Greed had stared at it just as blankly. Blinking a few times before he shrugged and did as he was asked.
In all the time he spent with the young prince, the Avaricious just didn't find it crucial to learn the language. Or any other, for that matter.
So he just simply didn't bother.
The Sin reclines his head back to watch the ceiling. It's a little much - having her with him, returning home. He should be dead - should be long gone with not a trace to remember. Him and his might have been built stronger than the mortal lot, but they left behind nothing to mourn. Nothing to show they had even existed at all. To anyone normal, it may have been a bit of a wake up call. Or a means to humble.
Greed only smiles.
"A train station - I thought you would have picked up on that. You're not that dense." The homunculus tilts his head to the side, showing off a bit of a sneer with one eye closed. His sunglasses slip down the bridge of his nose, giving his wide-eyed glance a look-see. Under the constant flicker-flutter and buzz of the lights above, his slit-pupils pulsate. Filtering in the light, shutting out the dark. He's a monster, but at least he's proud of it.
Two fingers hitch to the rounds of his shades to right them and Greed claps his heel back. "It's my place - or it was. Not sure how it'll look now, but it's the best we've got - " His voice filters off, turning to a soft vibration when the door opens again. It's a different teller this time - male, late twenties. In one hand is a medium-sized plate and cover and in the other a half-emptied bottle of scotch with a glass half full of ice.
"On the house," the man says, slowly peering up to get a glance. Almost like someone on the scene of an accident - he just can't look away. "-I know ... how hard it is to be a Dad these days."
Which makes the Sin scoff. Eyebrows raising, jaw slung open. He's stuck there for a moment before a laugh takes him. Grabbing by the shoulders, the stomach, and Greed buckles over with a thunderous howl. "You've got it all wrong friend, but I won't deny the offer."
Before the waiter can even argue or take-back the one-time-deal, Greed's got the cache in his hand. The dinner-plate and matching-silver-cover is hoisted high above his head and the scotch and glass settle against the outer round of his thigh. "Thanks pal."
He practically ushers the other out. With his straight-still stance, with teeth that seem to snip and snatch the air when he speaks. And once the helpful-hand is gone, Greed toes the door shut.
"We'll be there in about half an hour," the Sin says and turns back to Kaede. He tosses the meal onto a nearby seat rather haphazardly as he takes up the spot currently occupied by his emptied glass. Two heels are thrown up on the backside of the chair in front and Greed spins the newly-acquired bottle open.
"Didn't doubt you could, but I don't think it'll do you much good here. Unless you've picked up some Ishvalan or Xingese that I'm not aware of." Both of which, he couldn't make heads or tails of himself. Ling had given a message once - scribbled it on a length of fabric for his fine-second-in-command. Asked it to be delivered. Greed had stared at it just as blankly. Blinking a few times before he shrugged and did as he was asked.
In all the time he spent with the young prince, the Avaricious just didn't find it crucial to learn the language. Or any other, for that matter.
So he just simply didn't bother.
The Sin reclines his head back to watch the ceiling. It's a little much - having her with him, returning home. He should be dead - should be long gone with not a trace to remember. Him and his might have been built stronger than the mortal lot, but they left behind nothing to mourn. Nothing to show they had even existed at all. To anyone normal, it may have been a bit of a wake up call. Or a means to humble.
Greed only smiles.
"A train station - I thought you would have picked up on that. You're not that dense." The homunculus tilts his head to the side, showing off a bit of a sneer with one eye closed. His sunglasses slip down the bridge of his nose, giving his wide-eyed glance a look-see. Under the constant flicker-flutter and buzz of the lights above, his slit-pupils pulsate. Filtering in the light, shutting out the dark. He's a monster, but at least he's proud of it.
Two fingers hitch to the rounds of his shades to right them and Greed claps his heel back. "It's my place - or it was. Not sure how it'll look now, but it's the best we've got - " His voice filters off, turning to a soft vibration when the door opens again. It's a different teller this time - male, late twenties. In one hand is a medium-sized plate and cover and in the other a half-emptied bottle of scotch with a glass half full of ice.
"On the house," the man says, slowly peering up to get a glance. Almost like someone on the scene of an accident - he just can't look away. "-I know ... how hard it is to be a Dad these days."
Which makes the Sin scoff. Eyebrows raising, jaw slung open. He's stuck there for a moment before a laugh takes him. Grabbing by the shoulders, the stomach, and Greed buckles over with a thunderous howl. "You've got it all wrong friend, but I won't deny the offer."
Before the waiter can even argue or take-back the one-time-deal, Greed's got the cache in his hand. The dinner-plate and matching-silver-cover is hoisted high above his head and the scotch and glass settle against the outer round of his thigh. "Thanks pal."
He practically ushers the other out. With his straight-still stance, with teeth that seem to snip and snatch the air when he speaks. And once the helpful-hand is gone, Greed toes the door shut.
"We'll be there in about half an hour," the Sin says and turns back to Kaede. He tosses the meal onto a nearby seat rather haphazardly as he takes up the spot currently occupied by his emptied glass. Two heels are thrown up on the backside of the chair in front and Greed spins the newly-acquired bottle open.
[When Greed can finally feel some of the tension leaving, he bends forward. Smoothing his hips over a torso that's smaller, grinding his bones against a pair that's a bit more frail. To plant the flat of a forearm against a head-rest and he snatches a half-smoked butt from an ashtray nearby. A smile graces him then, distant. Looking away as those eyes flicker between wanting to dim and waiting to ignite.]
[Either way, it'll prove a good time.]
[The Sin's smile is knowing. Like a teacher in correction, "Why don't you try it this way? Ah, there you go." Alec picks up the lesson quick and the homunculus rocks his hips back to meet the prod of a finger. His right hand's at the ready, charring a hidden match to life with the carbon-switch of a nail. He inhales when fingers resume their exploration and exhales when he picks up a rhythm to set them free.]
[It's here, that he finds a pace. Where he takes Alec's heartbeat and steals it without much notice. The cigarette puffs to life above them, clenched in his teeth and his knuckles.] Not like I'd care if you did. It wouldn't be the first time I'd have to replace something.
[Greed's eyes flick down and his other hand brushes the air. A snap of the wrist calls the 'Shield again. It trickles down as ink to parchment. Bleeding across his skin, making it far too dark, far too sinister. The Sin side-glances his handy work before bringing his smooth-slick palm to Alec's chest. He spreads his fingers there, stretching the points of his claws so that they hover just above skin. Then he settles them - pricking into soft flesh, but not enough to draw blood. Just to let the other really feel him and Greed shoves his hips back with a violent buck.]
Mn - c'mon, Alec. Give it to me. You know I'll do you the favor. [His voice is running hot, his pitch that of a fever. Greed's eyes flare open briefly only to settle back with a hooded glance. It's the look of a predator. Sizing up its next meal, the excitement in every twitch and pull of his muscle. Greed knocks his knees into the mattress, clenches his torso, and moves. Sliding to and from those fingers as talons scratch small lines up the center of Alec's chest, making for his throat.]
[Either way, it'll prove a good time.]
[The Sin's smile is knowing. Like a teacher in correction, "Why don't you try it this way? Ah, there you go." Alec picks up the lesson quick and the homunculus rocks his hips back to meet the prod of a finger. His right hand's at the ready, charring a hidden match to life with the carbon-switch of a nail. He inhales when fingers resume their exploration and exhales when he picks up a rhythm to set them free.]
[It's here, that he finds a pace. Where he takes Alec's heartbeat and steals it without much notice. The cigarette puffs to life above them, clenched in his teeth and his knuckles.] Not like I'd care if you did. It wouldn't be the first time I'd have to replace something.
[Greed's eyes flick down and his other hand brushes the air. A snap of the wrist calls the 'Shield again. It trickles down as ink to parchment. Bleeding across his skin, making it far too dark, far too sinister. The Sin side-glances his handy work before bringing his smooth-slick palm to Alec's chest. He spreads his fingers there, stretching the points of his claws so that they hover just above skin. Then he settles them - pricking into soft flesh, but not enough to draw blood. Just to let the other really feel him and Greed shoves his hips back with a violent buck.]
Mn - c'mon, Alec. Give it to me. You know I'll do you the favor. [His voice is running hot, his pitch that of a fever. Greed's eyes flare open briefly only to settle back with a hooded glance. It's the look of a predator. Sizing up its next meal, the excitement in every twitch and pull of his muscle. Greed knocks his knees into the mattress, clenches his torso, and moves. Sliding to and from those fingers as talons scratch small lines up the center of Alec's chest, making for his throat.]
[Everyone woman had her consort and every witch had her cat. Greed was latter - the black feline to bring the worst of luck to anyone who crossed his path. Whether intentional or not; whether it was just bad timing or worse, it all ended the same. In tears and bloodshed. In a confession spoken not from the mouth, but from the eyes. The dying breath of a soul clinging to life, begging to have and spare.]
[But avarice-incarnate spared little, if any.]
[It was why it worked. Between him and Elizabeth. Eventually, time or the knife would take her and Greed would have to find someone else. But for now, the arrangement was simple: one scratched back exchanged for another and as Elizabeth took the lead, the Sin stayed behind her. Like the looming form of a shadow, the Nosferatu to take her when she least expected it.]
[But she wasn't so innocent and she had summoned him. All under the gaze of pretty lashes, pursed lips, and a naked shoulder.]
[Greed swayed with her stride, clacked when she clicked. As they towed down the length of the dock and the lights became dimmer and dimmer. Bringing in more of the thickness of night, shrouding what lay just below the surface. He could smell it more out here than he could before: the rotting stank of flesh, the crude growing old in barrels packed far over their capacity.]
[Humanity's greed was always impressive.] A gift, huh. [A low rumble from behind her and the homunculus slipped to her side. Watching the dock and the men that scurried when she came prancing across the wood. She was demented - deranged in her mirth. In her promise for carnage and revenge.]
[And Greed, if anything, was more than a little charmed.]
[But avarice-incarnate spared little, if any.]
[It was why it worked. Between him and Elizabeth. Eventually, time or the knife would take her and Greed would have to find someone else. But for now, the arrangement was simple: one scratched back exchanged for another and as Elizabeth took the lead, the Sin stayed behind her. Like the looming form of a shadow, the Nosferatu to take her when she least expected it.]
[But she wasn't so innocent and she had summoned him. All under the gaze of pretty lashes, pursed lips, and a naked shoulder.]
[Greed swayed with her stride, clacked when she clicked. As they towed down the length of the dock and the lights became dimmer and dimmer. Bringing in more of the thickness of night, shrouding what lay just below the surface. He could smell it more out here than he could before: the rotting stank of flesh, the crude growing old in barrels packed far over their capacity.]
[Humanity's greed was always impressive.] A gift, huh. [A low rumble from behind her and the homunculus slipped to her side. Watching the dock and the men that scurried when she came prancing across the wood. She was demented - deranged in her mirth. In her promise for carnage and revenge.]
[And Greed, if anything, was more than a little charmed.]
"Anata wa honto no jaku koto ga dekimasu," Kaede snaps back at Greed, shocked at how he talks to the man who was just trying to be nice. You can be a real jerk. Not knowing how the languages match between the two worlds, things are rare a coincidence, she still grabs the tray and pops the cover off, eyeing the food beneath.
It isn't familiar but it smells okay, so she snags the fork and digs in. This has to be another Rift, right? Dad and Barnaby and Ivan and everyone else is somewhere nearby, right? Yes. Has to be. So she isn't panicking (yet) nearly as much as she might have if she knew the truth.
"He was just trying to be nice, you know." Okay the food is definitely different. She eyes it a little harder, but it's edible and even though she might be pickier elsewhere, she deals with it for now.
It isn't familiar but it smells okay, so she snags the fork and digs in. This has to be another Rift, right? Dad and Barnaby and Ivan and everyone else is somewhere nearby, right? Yes. Has to be. So she isn't panicking (yet) nearly as much as she might have if she knew the truth.
"He was just trying to be nice, you know." Okay the food is definitely different. She eyes it a little harder, but it's edible and even though she might be pickier elsewhere, she deals with it for now.
"Ah-?" Greed lifts his head from his drink. The language she speaks is familiar, but different. Something about it a bit more smooth, a bit more poised. Not as rugged or as sharp as Ling and his bodyguards had used, but indiscernible nonetheless. But he raises his hands above his head, gives her the playful gesture of a surrender. Whatever she said, it can't be good, and from the tone of it, sounds like he may have hit a nerve or two.
"Oi, oi, oi - " The Sin starts, his eyes rolling behind his shades. For a second or two, there's a put-off look on his face. As if he's slighted by her correction, by her statement. "-wasn't anything personal, y'know. I'm just not that good of a guy."
But he slides his feet away as he watches her. She's hungry: it's a good sign. That there's still some light at the end of the proverbial tunnel and as the train takes a turn, Greed clips his drink by the rim. "Not that bad, right? Used to be a favorite. Least, around the 'Nest."
The Sin takes another drag from his scotch, slipping his tongue over ice before there's a crunch, a split and shards tumble down his gullet. He sets the glass down afterward, shooting a heel up to cradle against the opposing knee.
"Feeling a little better?" Greed says, as he slouches forward and turns his head back to her. He knows she isn't - there's too many missing pieces of the equation for her to be remotely all right. But, it's a start.
"Oi, oi, oi - " The Sin starts, his eyes rolling behind his shades. For a second or two, there's a put-off look on his face. As if he's slighted by her correction, by her statement. "-wasn't anything personal, y'know. I'm just not that good of a guy."
But he slides his feet away as he watches her. She's hungry: it's a good sign. That there's still some light at the end of the proverbial tunnel and as the train takes a turn, Greed clips his drink by the rim. "Not that bad, right? Used to be a favorite. Least, around the 'Nest."
The Sin takes another drag from his scotch, slipping his tongue over ice before there's a crunch, a split and shards tumble down his gullet. He sets the glass down afterward, shooting a heel up to cradle against the opposing knee.
"Feeling a little better?" Greed says, as he slouches forward and turns his head back to her. He knows she isn't - there's too many missing pieces of the equation for her to be remotely all right. But, it's a start.
At least her looks, her language, her name will give her a reason to pass as not knowing anything about this place fairly well. All they would have to do is come up with a cover for the rest of it. However, none of that is in Kaede's mind as she eats; she's more focused on how she can find her family and friends. They have to be here, she's sure of it. Every time the Rifts happen, they're terrifying things, just like this one had been.
Too bad it hadn't been a Rift at all.
"The Nest?" Kaede questions after swallowing a mouthful. "And... I guess so, but Dad and everyone else have to be worried. I hope we can find everyone at this station you're saying is coming up." Oh, how little they both know for the moment.
She wriggles a bit to get his vest off of her, offering it back for now. "...how long has it been since you were here, then?"
Too bad it hadn't been a Rift at all.
"The Nest?" Kaede questions after swallowing a mouthful. "And... I guess so, but Dad and everyone else have to be worried. I hope we can find everyone at this station you're saying is coming up." Oh, how little they both know for the moment.
She wriggles a bit to get his vest off of her, offering it back for now. "...how long has it been since you were here, then?"
It wasn't a Rift; not even close to it. There had been no sinking feeling in his stomach, not buzzing in his skull. Just the choking sensation: the grip of an undertow and it had been like drowning over and over again. Swimming in a sea of black, hoping that the surface was just around the bend.
Until he woke up, body splayed, in the cart of a train.
Greed's frown tightens when she starts talking. She's human: she's different. The Sin doesn't understand family, not in the way she does. But that's not entirely right either, is it? "They're the only part of you that you chose!"
A thumb touches the glass and Greed picks himself up and out of his seat. He doesn't like this: this feeling clawing at his skull. Then she's asking something again and he tilts himself back on his heels. Spinning with the intricacy of a dancer until the point of his boot claps him still. He 'tsks' with his tongue and recoils into his shoulders.
"If what the say is true, it's been a while. It was 1912 the last time I was in Dublith and from there? Well - " There's a story, but it doesn't need to be told. Not now, not to her. It just isn't worth the trouble and Greed suddenly falls into a crouch. Knees splayed out and he jerks a thumb and forefinger back at her. "Doesn't matter though, right? We're here, at any rate."
Humans are frail. Fragile and easily breakable. A gunshot can stop them dead, but so can bad news. Emotional and unpredictable: Greed's not sure which direction she's going or where it'll take her. But lying's just not in the cards and he sits his elbows on his thighs.
He settles on a delay instead. "Like I said before: there's no such thing as no such thing. Might as well give it a shot, right?" As if to save him from the awkward situation, the train's comm crackles to life. Not with electronics or anything remotely advanced. But through the literal pipe-line and a voice echos inside carbon and copper: "Fifteen minutes until we enter Dublith Station. Please have all luggage readied for departure. I repeat: fifteen minutes until docking with Dublith. Please make sure to take all belongings with you. This train will making it's last stop and switching to a South-bound rail upon departure. Thank you."
Greed rocks his head to the side, fanning his hands over his knees. "Better finish up, kid."
Until he woke up, body splayed, in the cart of a train.
Greed's frown tightens when she starts talking. She's human: she's different. The Sin doesn't understand family, not in the way she does. But that's not entirely right either, is it? "They're the only part of you that you chose!"
A thumb touches the glass and Greed picks himself up and out of his seat. He doesn't like this: this feeling clawing at his skull. Then she's asking something again and he tilts himself back on his heels. Spinning with the intricacy of a dancer until the point of his boot claps him still. He 'tsks' with his tongue and recoils into his shoulders.
"If what the say is true, it's been a while. It was 1912 the last time I was in Dublith and from there? Well - " There's a story, but it doesn't need to be told. Not now, not to her. It just isn't worth the trouble and Greed suddenly falls into a crouch. Knees splayed out and he jerks a thumb and forefinger back at her. "Doesn't matter though, right? We're here, at any rate."
Humans are frail. Fragile and easily breakable. A gunshot can stop them dead, but so can bad news. Emotional and unpredictable: Greed's not sure which direction she's going or where it'll take her. But lying's just not in the cards and he sits his elbows on his thighs.
He settles on a delay instead. "Like I said before: there's no such thing as no such thing. Might as well give it a shot, right?" As if to save him from the awkward situation, the train's comm crackles to life. Not with electronics or anything remotely advanced. But through the literal pipe-line and a voice echos inside carbon and copper: "Fifteen minutes until we enter Dublith Station. Please have all luggage readied for departure. I repeat: fifteen minutes until docking with Dublith. Please make sure to take all belongings with you. This train will making it's last stop and switching to a South-bound rail upon departure. Thank you."
Greed rocks his head to the side, fanning his hands over his knees. "Better finish up, kid."
But she has chosen her family, along with the one she was born with. Barnaby and Ivan aren't related to her at all, but they had become family to her. Another father, in a sense, and a brother. And in another sense, she had to chose her own father as well. When he had tried to reach out to her, after he had nearly ripped their relationship apart, she had to chose whether or not to let him back into her life.
Then Greed drops an absolute bombshell, making Kaede's eyes go wide, the fork falling from her hand to clank against the plate as she stares up at him. "...W-What? Did you just say 1912!?" Her voice goes up to a shriek for a moment in her utter shock. "No way! No way! It's almost 1980 back home!"
Never mind that the years are so vastly different between their two worlds that Greed might have said 'the stoneage' comparitively. 1912 Sternbild is still more advanced than 2014 for us.
The announcement over the train's PA system makes her groan, brushing hair behind her ears. She's in another world and has gone back in time and she has no idea where her family is. NOW the panic is starting to settle in.
Then Greed drops an absolute bombshell, making Kaede's eyes go wide, the fork falling from her hand to clank against the plate as she stares up at him. "...W-What? Did you just say 1912!?" Her voice goes up to a shriek for a moment in her utter shock. "No way! No way! It's almost 1980 back home!"
Never mind that the years are so vastly different between their two worlds that Greed might have said 'the stoneage' comparitively. 1912 Sternbild is still more advanced than 2014 for us.
The announcement over the train's PA system makes her groan, brushing hair behind her ears. She's in another world and has gone back in time and she has no idea where her family is. NOW the panic is starting to settle in.
[Alec can imagine what Greed is thinking, or believes he can, but every look into his eyes proves that he's wrong, and every shift of Greed's body against him seems to make it matter less. Greed can think what he wants, and when they get down into it he'll think only of Alec, that must be a certainty even with how little positive self-image Alec possesses.]
[He shifts his hand so that he can lube up a second finger without having to remove the one in Greed for long, then he slides it in. He knows what he's looking for right now, knows that Greed is clearly ready for more. Likely ready for more than even that, but it's a distraction, something more for him to ride, as Alec focuses on his cock, on getting it ready.]
[Part of him can't help thinking it absurd that Greed may ride him like this, that the man is larger than him in a way that has much to do with the strength of his opinions as it has to do with actual physical size, and that they will both make for a bizarre image.]
[Good thing, then, that Alec likes the absurd.]
Aren't you going to let me have a drag? [Alec knows smoking even if he doesn't know cigarettes, doesn't know nicotine, and might be disappointed by it, by the fact that it won't compare to Fool's Delight, the rush not the sort of thing to bend his mind like that, but probably also not the kind of thing to leave him paranoid and shaking. He doesn't want the aftereffects of that now, but he never does, and yet he's used the drug multiple times before, and other drugs as well.]
[He isn't going to make it a bargain, though, isn't going to refuse anything now. He pulls his fingers out of Greed and then holds on to hip with one hand, the other holding on to the base of his cock.]
Then take it.
[He shifts his hand so that he can lube up a second finger without having to remove the one in Greed for long, then he slides it in. He knows what he's looking for right now, knows that Greed is clearly ready for more. Likely ready for more than even that, but it's a distraction, something more for him to ride, as Alec focuses on his cock, on getting it ready.]
[Part of him can't help thinking it absurd that Greed may ride him like this, that the man is larger than him in a way that has much to do with the strength of his opinions as it has to do with actual physical size, and that they will both make for a bizarre image.]
[Good thing, then, that Alec likes the absurd.]
Aren't you going to let me have a drag? [Alec knows smoking even if he doesn't know cigarettes, doesn't know nicotine, and might be disappointed by it, by the fact that it won't compare to Fool's Delight, the rush not the sort of thing to bend his mind like that, but probably also not the kind of thing to leave him paranoid and shaking. He doesn't want the aftereffects of that now, but he never does, and yet he's used the drug multiple times before, and other drugs as well.]
[He isn't going to make it a bargain, though, isn't going to refuse anything now. He pulls his fingers out of Greed and then holds on to hip with one hand, the other holding on to the base of his cock.]
Then take it.
"Oi, oi, oi - "
Greed's about to reach out and touch her, but he remembers just what sort of reaction that entails and he coils his fingers back to his palm. Her loud eruption has him standing, miming that of a meerkat out of its hole. Staring over his shoulder, watching to see if any caught wind of what she had to say. Thankfully, the door's secured shut and it's still just him, her, and the atom-bomb dropped.
The Sin presses a pinkie into his ear, his frown more like a dog that accidentally chewed up the corner of an expensive couch. He should have eased her in, but dodging the truth just wasn't in the cards. "It's 1918, if that helps any."
It doesn't.
The train starts to slow under them. Shifting to another set of tracks to send them straight into the mouth of town. His eyebrows knit and furrow - short cut and he sways his wrist to the air. "I guess it's fair to say it isn't like any other Rift then, is it."
He doesn't like this. Whatever the feeling is. Sinking and churning in his gut, going bad in the acid there. The homunculus grinds his teeth briefly before slipping to the side of the car. The latch at the exit door's easy enough to pick and he throws it open with a gentle click before motioning her forward. "C'mon. We'll get off before anyone even notices we were here."
Greed pries the door open with a shudder and the wind whips into the cabin. Tossing the leaflets of the pamphlet as if they were only dust on the ground. In the lash, he holds himself at the cusp of the railing and says one thing that's both surprising in his ears and sour in his mouth:
"I'm sorry, kid."
Greed's about to reach out and touch her, but he remembers just what sort of reaction that entails and he coils his fingers back to his palm. Her loud eruption has him standing, miming that of a meerkat out of its hole. Staring over his shoulder, watching to see if any caught wind of what she had to say. Thankfully, the door's secured shut and it's still just him, her, and the atom-bomb dropped.
The Sin presses a pinkie into his ear, his frown more like a dog that accidentally chewed up the corner of an expensive couch. He should have eased her in, but dodging the truth just wasn't in the cards. "It's 1918, if that helps any."
It doesn't.
The train starts to slow under them. Shifting to another set of tracks to send them straight into the mouth of town. His eyebrows knit and furrow - short cut and he sways his wrist to the air. "I guess it's fair to say it isn't like any other Rift then, is it."
He doesn't like this. Whatever the feeling is. Sinking and churning in his gut, going bad in the acid there. The homunculus grinds his teeth briefly before slipping to the side of the car. The latch at the exit door's easy enough to pick and he throws it open with a gentle click before motioning her forward. "C'mon. We'll get off before anyone even notices we were here."
Greed pries the door open with a shudder and the wind whips into the cabin. Tossing the leaflets of the pamphlet as if they were only dust on the ground. In the lash, he holds himself at the cusp of the railing and says one thing that's both surprising in his ears and sour in his mouth:
"I'm sorry, kid."
"What- What are you doing?!" Kaede shrieks, arm up to protect her face as now the door is open and he CAN'T BE suggesting what she thinks he is! Her eyes stare at him wide, grabbing her pack and moving towards him. "We're coming up to a station soon, why wouldn't we get off there!?"
He is insane! He can't seriously be- he's going to JUMP? Whoa- Wait-
"Did you say we?"
He is insane! He can't seriously be- he's going to JUMP? Whoa- Wait-
"Did you say we?"
The spikes of his hair shake as the wind takes them. Sliding to and from the inky black and Greed puts his head to the whip-lash. There's smells here he's familiar with; the burning of coal on the outskirts of town, diesel in the engines just at the cusp. The flavors of shops closing down for the evening, leaving their overnight bakes to rise in packed ovens. These are all familiar and maybe slightly comforting, given the circumstances.
But he's not a creature to sit around and admire the beauty of things.
Instead, he slips over, wedging himself between the edge of the door and the bolt itself. Half-way inside the cart and teetering on the balance of falling straight out onto the rolling hillside below. Greed sneers then, dastardly with the flare of the 'Pit shining through each tooth.
She is quick. "We," Greed says, as he flips an index to the sky and circles it. "-figured that was kind of implied."
She's got her things, has her nap-sack, and Greed knows she'll have the 'Shield as soon as he grabs her. So he does - by the wrist, ensnaring his thumb and index-finger around her bones like that of a make-shift hand-cuff. He jerks a little more lightly though, as to not send her head-over-tiny-heels off the train cart, and gestures to the open spot on his back.
"Get on. Unless you'd rather stay here." The air makes his sunglasses quake and takes his voice out and away with a Doppler's effect. He can hear it in his ears, the way it's hard to make out just exactly what he's saying. But he hopes actions speak louder than words and as the iron-clad wheels below screech and pump, Greed dips a bit lower to give her some leverage at his shoulders.
But he's not a creature to sit around and admire the beauty of things.
Instead, he slips over, wedging himself between the edge of the door and the bolt itself. Half-way inside the cart and teetering on the balance of falling straight out onto the rolling hillside below. Greed sneers then, dastardly with the flare of the 'Pit shining through each tooth.
She is quick. "We," Greed says, as he flips an index to the sky and circles it. "-figured that was kind of implied."
She's got her things, has her nap-sack, and Greed knows she'll have the 'Shield as soon as he grabs her. So he does - by the wrist, ensnaring his thumb and index-finger around her bones like that of a make-shift hand-cuff. He jerks a little more lightly though, as to not send her head-over-tiny-heels off the train cart, and gestures to the open spot on his back.
"Get on. Unless you'd rather stay here." The air makes his sunglasses quake and takes his voice out and away with a Doppler's effect. He can hear it in his ears, the way it's hard to make out just exactly what he's saying. But he hopes actions speak louder than words and as the iron-clad wheels below screech and pump, Greed dips a bit lower to give her some leverage at his shoulders.
"Oh, my god." Kaede breathes out, stumbling a bit with his jerk, as she realizes just what he wants to do and with her involved. This is the worst idea and this is going to get them killed! She knows he's not human, as he's stated several times, but to jump off of a moving train!?
With a heavy swallow, looking back into the empty car, she longs for the Hundred Power so she could make this hop not only easily but more safely. Why am I even thinking about doing this...?! Maybe because he has her wrist in a tight grip that suggests he isn't about to let go.
Before she can psych herself out anymore, she takes a jump and hops up onto Greed's back, wrapping her arms around his neck and shoulders, and hands on for dear life there. "If I get hurt I am going to find a way to hurt you, Shield or not!" she threatens into his ear, shouting over the wind.
With a heavy swallow, looking back into the empty car, she longs for the Hundred Power so she could make this hop not only easily but more safely. Why am I even thinking about doing this...?! Maybe because he has her wrist in a tight grip that suggests he isn't about to let go.
Before she can psych herself out anymore, she takes a jump and hops up onto Greed's back, wrapping her arms around his neck and shoulders, and hands on for dear life there. "If I get hurt I am going to find a way to hurt you, Shield or not!" she threatens into his ear, shouting over the wind.
"I don't plan on it."
The train chugs along, scraping against copper-steel track with a deafening holler of a whistle from the front. Greed peers at it once; a very brief notion as he shoves his head out to the whip-lashing wind. They're moving pretty fast, the ground under them just a blur in the near-pitch black of it. A few lights ignite it every so often; from the sparks on the line below, to the gas-lights dotting the rail-line.
Greed circles his arms around her legs, holds her still, and jumps.
At first, it's like silence. As he shoves a heel out and angles it down. The noise happens afterward; as rocks scream and jump under the dig of his boot. He skids for a good few seconds, carving out his own scar in the earth as his other ankle flicks out to make for the breaks. Sliding it to the side, as if he knows what this line of recklessness holds for him. The curved-tip of his boot springs up, slicing the wind as his thighs spread and tense.
Eventually, after dirt and gravel paves out to dust and grass, Greed finally slows down. The train they had been on is far ahead of them, groaning and chiming as it disappears around a bend. The Sin pops up laughing a bit to himself as he sees it pass around the curb.
"See - that wasn't so bad, was it?"
The train chugs along, scraping against copper-steel track with a deafening holler of a whistle from the front. Greed peers at it once; a very brief notion as he shoves his head out to the whip-lashing wind. They're moving pretty fast, the ground under them just a blur in the near-pitch black of it. A few lights ignite it every so often; from the sparks on the line below, to the gas-lights dotting the rail-line.
Greed circles his arms around her legs, holds her still, and jumps.
At first, it's like silence. As he shoves a heel out and angles it down. The noise happens afterward; as rocks scream and jump under the dig of his boot. He skids for a good few seconds, carving out his own scar in the earth as his other ankle flicks out to make for the breaks. Sliding it to the side, as if he knows what this line of recklessness holds for him. The curved-tip of his boot springs up, slicing the wind as his thighs spread and tense.
Eventually, after dirt and gravel paves out to dust and grass, Greed finally slows down. The train they had been on is far ahead of them, groaning and chiming as it disappears around a bend. The Sin pops up laughing a bit to himself as he sees it pass around the curb.
"See - that wasn't so bad, was it?"
Kaede has literally no idea because she is holding onto Greed with every bit of strength in her tiny body, legs and arms wrapped around him in a death grip. Her eyes are tightly closed and buried in against his shoulder. And she's not letting go.
In fact, all he'll get is a little whimper of sound and if he looks down, he'll see that the Shield is up, and covering any available inch of skin.
She's terrified, and her power is activating for her regardless of how she feels about it.
In fact, all he'll get is a little whimper of sound and if he looks down, he'll see that the Shield is up, and covering any available inch of skin.
She's terrified, and her power is activating for her regardless of how she feels about it.
"Oi, oi, oi - "
He starts in, shoving his thighs apart as he gingerly tries to pry her off. She's holding on for dear life and each inch of her is carbon-cold and smooth. Greed tests his own sharpened points and they flutter against the outer-shell. Ping, goes one. Clack, goes another.
One eye's shut lazily, the other only hanging up with the thread of a lid. He's good at the off-put expression and he isn't really concerned. But if they're going to get anywhere without a curious glance or two, she's going to have to at least try.
"Tch, jeez. You are more trouble than you're worth." But instead of forcing it, Greed hikes her up a bit further. He doubts he'll get a lot more out until they're on better footing. Or at least until they're as far away from the tracks as they can get. "You still with me?" The Sin says as he sags his body over to make up for the extra weight. It doesn't really bother him much and he's carried a bigger load before.
Ground shifts under his footing and he's pushing through the dark. Climbing up the side of a shallow hill. Dublith isn't that far and he supposes he owes her at least this favor.
He starts in, shoving his thighs apart as he gingerly tries to pry her off. She's holding on for dear life and each inch of her is carbon-cold and smooth. Greed tests his own sharpened points and they flutter against the outer-shell. Ping, goes one. Clack, goes another.
One eye's shut lazily, the other only hanging up with the thread of a lid. He's good at the off-put expression and he isn't really concerned. But if they're going to get anywhere without a curious glance or two, she's going to have to at least try.
"Tch, jeez. You are more trouble than you're worth." But instead of forcing it, Greed hikes her up a bit further. He doubts he'll get a lot more out until they're on better footing. Or at least until they're as far away from the tracks as they can get. "You still with me?" The Sin says as he sags his body over to make up for the extra weight. It doesn't really bother him much and he's carried a bigger load before.
Ground shifts under his footing and he's pushing through the dark. Climbing up the side of a shallow hill. Dublith isn't that far and he supposes he owes her at least this favor.
"I hate you right now," Kaede whispers, very slowly lifting her head from his shoulder. The blue glow dies as she stops activating the Shield on instinct, letting out the breath she had been holding. "I can't believe we're alive. I can't believe we jumped off a moving train. Ohmygod."
She clings to him like a burr as he walks, looking around in the darkness. "Why did we get off the train anyway?!"
She clings to him like a burr as he walks, looking around in the darkness. "Why did we get off the train anyway?!"
He taps her arm a couple of times, as if making his point very clear. "A little too risky, what with the show you just put on." His nail's still shivered to a point, but it recedes as soon as she drops her guard again and gains some composure.
Some, being the key word.
"That and I'm not sure how far the boys in the blue have gotten since last time."
That's all he says on the matter though. She doesn't seem to be letting go and that's fine. Greed makes easy over a few shaky rocks, prying himself up the hill with little effort. The town's just in sight and it's simple. Made of cobblestone, brick, and wood. Hardly anything that would be impressive, considering where she's from.
He does take a moment, though. To pause at the edge as his head rocks back. It's been a long time since he was last in Dublith. "Just do me a favor and try to hold back, hmn? At least until we get there."
Some, being the key word.
"That and I'm not sure how far the boys in the blue have gotten since last time."
That's all he says on the matter though. She doesn't seem to be letting go and that's fine. Greed makes easy over a few shaky rocks, prying himself up the hill with little effort. The town's just in sight and it's simple. Made of cobblestone, brick, and wood. Hardly anything that would be impressive, considering where she's from.
He does take a moment, though. To pause at the edge as his head rocks back. It's been a long time since he was last in Dublith. "Just do me a favor and try to hold back, hmn? At least until we get there."
"I'm sorry, okay?" Kaede lifts her head and eyes the town warily, but she has no idea where they are, where everyone else is, and she just had a huge scare. Her whole world feels off-kilter right now, leaving her to figure out how to get her feet back under her. "I'm not really good at controlling it when I get scared. It just kind of happens!"
Still, she does murmur a second, "I'm sorry," that sounds more heart felt than the original. "So will the military, that's the blue guys right?, try to hurt me?"
Still, she does murmur a second, "I'm sorry," that sounds more heart felt than the original. "So will the military, that's the blue guys right?, try to hurt me?"
"What are you apologizing for?" Greed says as he speaks beyond the dip of his shoulder. He keeps his grip tight, fingers and arms nestled under legs that could easily be snapped in two if he were any other kind of monster. Thankfully, he wasn't and she's as safe as she can be for the moment.
"No, but I imagine a lot has changed since I was last around." The city opens up as they draw near; houses become clearer, the ground below them far more stable. Most of the windows have gone dark at this hour, though some still linger with a candle or two. Still dripping wax, waning with the early-onset of morning.
Greed pulls away from them though. Exchanging the rich orange-yellow for deep blues. For shadowy purples that chase the silvery-touch of moonlight. He takes a sharp left, veering a corner carved out of a rather shallow alleyway. It's a maze - of back ends of houses, of shops closed up and boarded shut. And the more they press in, the more gloom the surroundings become.
It's clear that the Sin's familiar to the territory, but it's not exactly a place a child like her should wander. At least, not alone.
But this time, little Red Riding Hood's got the wolf in her back pocket. She only needed to say the word.
"No, but I imagine a lot has changed since I was last around." The city opens up as they draw near; houses become clearer, the ground below them far more stable. Most of the windows have gone dark at this hour, though some still linger with a candle or two. Still dripping wax, waning with the early-onset of morning.
Greed pulls away from them though. Exchanging the rich orange-yellow for deep blues. For shadowy purples that chase the silvery-touch of moonlight. He takes a sharp left, veering a corner carved out of a rather shallow alleyway. It's a maze - of back ends of houses, of shops closed up and boarded shut. And the more they press in, the more gloom the surroundings become.
It's clear that the Sin's familiar to the territory, but it's not exactly a place a child like her should wander. At least, not alone.
But this time, little Red Riding Hood's got the wolf in her back pocket. She only needed to say the word.
Kaede goes silent as she looks around the completely unfamiliar town in the dark, almost holding her breath. In the late hour, everything is silent - more silent than a city girl like her is used to. There should be the hum of electricity and the honk of horns and a television's hiss drifting on the wind, but instead, there's nothing. It makes her hold on a little tighter, pressed in close to Greed's back as she tries to find anything familiar.
But there's nothing.
"...where are we going?" she whispers softly, as if afraid her voice will disturb the late-night silence. Greed clearly seems to have something in mind, but if he's right and he's been gone for all that time, where could he know to go?
But there's nothing.
"...where are we going?" she whispers softly, as if afraid her voice will disturb the late-night silence. Greed clearly seems to have something in mind, but if he's right and he's been gone for all that time, where could he know to go?
"Where are we going?" It's a heavy question and one that Greed doesn't answer. Not at first, anyway. He hasn't been back to Dublith in quite some time. Not since the bullets ripped and the soldiers marched through the front doors with the bust of the century. It's here that it all started - that the world as he knew it turned topsy-turvy, shoving him head deep into a struggle that he had tried to stay out of for as long as he could.
It's here that he lost it all.
But he doesn't tell her that - she doesn't need to know. It isn't her place, isn't her history, and it sure as hell isn't going to help the current situation. Instead he just says: "My place."
There's more people when the alleyway opens up and the maw births a bit more life. Some doors still hanging open with drunken whispers. A few people perk up when he rounds the corner, but they don't move to ask. Maybe an eyebrow raised there, a glance here. But most of them look just as haggard as Kaede must feel - deep circles round the eyes, lips cracked and split where time hadn't been too kind. They watch with a glazed-over sort of look, as if the world could pass them by and they could care less.
Greed sags when they get to the mid-way point. When a few of the overhanging bulbs flicker, as if they hadn't seen some use. It's here, that the left-over dregs dwindle again and there's good reason. There's an opening to to left, a tunnel. Boards dot the rounded frame, giving a look of gnarled-wooden teeth in the dark. A monster of sorts, one the imagination could play tricks with ten-fold.
But above is something familiar. Something she should recognize fairly quickly. It's letters are a bit faded, the sign a bit more cracked than it had been five years ago. It groans and creeks, swaying just slightly with a small gust.
"The Devil's Nest."
It's here that he lost it all.
But he doesn't tell her that - she doesn't need to know. It isn't her place, isn't her history, and it sure as hell isn't going to help the current situation. Instead he just says: "My place."
There's more people when the alleyway opens up and the maw births a bit more life. Some doors still hanging open with drunken whispers. A few people perk up when he rounds the corner, but they don't move to ask. Maybe an eyebrow raised there, a glance here. But most of them look just as haggard as Kaede must feel - deep circles round the eyes, lips cracked and split where time hadn't been too kind. They watch with a glazed-over sort of look, as if the world could pass them by and they could care less.
Greed sags when they get to the mid-way point. When a few of the overhanging bulbs flicker, as if they hadn't seen some use. It's here, that the left-over dregs dwindle again and there's good reason. There's an opening to to left, a tunnel. Boards dot the rounded frame, giving a look of gnarled-wooden teeth in the dark. A monster of sorts, one the imagination could play tricks with ten-fold.
But above is something familiar. Something she should recognize fairly quickly. It's letters are a bit faded, the sign a bit more cracked than it had been five years ago. It groans and creeks, swaying just slightly with a small gust.
"The Devil's Nest."
[His nails bite in and Greed drags them down. Gently, pushing to give the kid a sense of what he's really dealing with. It's true - he's usually the one taking. Flipping company right around and stealing from them as soon as they said go. But he's testing the waters, feeling it out. And what's a good shake up once in a while.]
[Greed inhales on the cigarette, making the tip spit-spark. Ash falls, touching and smearing a pillow that's seen plenty in its time here. He plucks it out of his jaws, flipping the butt over so the fire's too close to his palm. And on instinct, the 'Shield rises up. Licking where the threat of a burn's near and the lit end lights up that pitch black. Giving it a glow that hums orange. Red.] For a little shit, you really are demanding.
[But he gives it anyway. Molding his claws around Alec's jaw as he passes the smoke. It's nothing like what Alec's probably used to. Raw and harsh, the tobacco a bit stale. Still, it's not like Greed's complaining and smoke comes rushing out of his nostrils when he drops down. Holding the headboard to keep his weight from crushing the other.]
[His hooded gaze does nothing for the look he's giving. That need, that desire in every twitch of an eye. Greed leans in close, letting warm air out when his jaws open wide. He could tear Alec to shreds like this. Rip him apart and have at him, just as his would-be maker intended.]
[Instead, he only says one thing:] Gladly.
[The Sin coils his head against Alec's own, side-tilts it to wrap his lips around the side of his neck. His teeth latch in then, just as his nails release and he's running his knuckles down Alec's side. Letting his bones knock against each jut of a rib.]
[One, two - ]
[Teeth sink in a bit harder. Latching around and Greed hums. Lets the vibration shiver through the jagged tips.]
[ - three, four.]
[His stomach tenses, his hips rock forward. Slowly rolling, hovering just above where Alec's hips stop. Leaving the smallest bit of space between.]
[Five, six.]
[His knuckles ease and those talons come out again. To scrape and wind against skin. Tracing lines that circle and bend, following each curve.]
[Greed inhales on the cigarette, making the tip spit-spark. Ash falls, touching and smearing a pillow that's seen plenty in its time here. He plucks it out of his jaws, flipping the butt over so the fire's too close to his palm. And on instinct, the 'Shield rises up. Licking where the threat of a burn's near and the lit end lights up that pitch black. Giving it a glow that hums orange. Red.] For a little shit, you really are demanding.
[But he gives it anyway. Molding his claws around Alec's jaw as he passes the smoke. It's nothing like what Alec's probably used to. Raw and harsh, the tobacco a bit stale. Still, it's not like Greed's complaining and smoke comes rushing out of his nostrils when he drops down. Holding the headboard to keep his weight from crushing the other.]
[His hooded gaze does nothing for the look he's giving. That need, that desire in every twitch of an eye. Greed leans in close, letting warm air out when his jaws open wide. He could tear Alec to shreds like this. Rip him apart and have at him, just as his would-be maker intended.]
[Instead, he only says one thing:] Gladly.
[The Sin coils his head against Alec's own, side-tilts it to wrap his lips around the side of his neck. His teeth latch in then, just as his nails release and he's running his knuckles down Alec's side. Letting his bones knock against each jut of a rib.]
[One, two - ]
[Teeth sink in a bit harder. Latching around and Greed hums. Lets the vibration shiver through the jagged tips.]
[ - three, four.]
[His stomach tenses, his hips rock forward. Slowly rolling, hovering just above where Alec's hips stop. Leaving the smallest bit of space between.]
[Five, six.]
[His knuckles ease and those talons come out again. To scrape and wind against skin. Tracing lines that circle and bend, following each curve.]
Kaede squints in the darkness, frowning, as she lifts her chin from Greed's shoulder and studies where she's face. It takes her a moment, after all she had only been there once, before she realizes what she's looking at. It looks similar to the place Greed had taken over in Zelien. The Devil's Nest. What had given her the heebee jeebees the first time she read it.
Greed had been replicating his home in this world!
"...no one's lived here in all that time?" she whispers, looking around. This doesn't look like the kind of place that frequented a lot of traffic by any means, but right now, it seems better to be inside where it seems safer than out here, waiting for some sort of military to come capture her because she can't control her power.
Greed had been replicating his home in this world!
"...no one's lived here in all that time?" she whispers, looking around. This doesn't look like the kind of place that frequented a lot of traffic by any means, but right now, it seems better to be inside where it seems safer than out here, waiting for some sort of military to come capture her because she can't control her power.
Greed grabs one of the boards nailing the entrance shut. A few yanks gets it out, spitting nails to the ground as he does so. "Doesn't look like it. At least, not permanently."
Another board comes loose easily enough with the help of a claw or two. Greed scratches at the side, willing it out before he grips the upper-bend of the entrance. The stairs leading down below are covered in debris; old newspapers, a few cups here and there.
And of course, the bullet casings. Those hadn't been disturbed.
Greed shuffles inside, slipping down the small stairwell. There's more evidence to what really transpired here all those years ago. The claw-marks brisking and bouncing down the walls; like a language all on their own. He ignores them. Though unlike their small bout on the train, the Sin's face looks a tad more grim.
"Hurry up - before anyone notices, hmn? Not really interested in the company."
At the bottom, a ladder hangs loosely. It's screws have seen better days and the metal making up the entirety of it's littered in rust marks. Making patch-work on the surface and some of the outer-casing is frayed back. Like paper peeling away. Greed takes hold of a rung, hoisting himself up. A few shakes test its integrity and it's fine by his account.
Another board comes loose easily enough with the help of a claw or two. Greed scratches at the side, willing it out before he grips the upper-bend of the entrance. The stairs leading down below are covered in debris; old newspapers, a few cups here and there.
And of course, the bullet casings. Those hadn't been disturbed.
Greed shuffles inside, slipping down the small stairwell. There's more evidence to what really transpired here all those years ago. The claw-marks brisking and bouncing down the walls; like a language all on their own. He ignores them. Though unlike their small bout on the train, the Sin's face looks a tad more grim.
"Hurry up - before anyone notices, hmn? Not really interested in the company."
At the bottom, a ladder hangs loosely. It's screws have seen better days and the metal making up the entirety of it's littered in rust marks. Making patch-work on the surface and some of the outer-casing is frayed back. Like paper peeling away. Greed takes hold of a rung, hoisting himself up. A few shakes test its integrity and it's fine by his account.
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