Post by Lilim on Jun 16, 2019 10:32:48 GMT -5
Lilim: Combat, TL (1645)
Tarble: Combat, Champion III, VR Octagon (1604)
𝐿𝒾𝓁𝒾𝓂Last Wednesday at 3:35 PM
The initial meeting had been so... interesting to say the least. Lilim had been rather surprised and impressed by the True King's ability in combat and leadership, yet that whole situation had left things a little unsettled in terms of negotiation. What he wanted were allies and those that could serve under him, rather than what the Dominion Empress had wanted--mutual alliance. Of all things, working for him was a little less attractive than working with him... though if she were honest, he did cut something of a good figure in terms of a proper King of Rex Cathedrae. Even now she contemplated things... namely what each of their empires could do for one another. Perhaps that was something they could hash out, and since he was so keen on meetings in the Dream World, she might as well seek him out there.
And thus, she effortlessly sent her consciousness forward to seek out his, hoping this time would bear a lot more fruit than the last.
ᴛᴀʀʙʟᴇLast Wednesday at 6:05 PM
There were many things to think about with the meeting he had among all interested in the Oath. While most were very interested in what he had offered-- the idea of working in his Empire for the unionization of all --there was one offer that stood out to him. A mutual alliance. A recognition of powers that required both people to understand there was not one above the other. That may not have been the Saiyan's end goal, to have true unionization without war was to bring all under one power, but he could not deny it was a good idea. A Plan B, for lack of better terms.
Empress Lilim was someone he could bring himself to respect.
Her power was great and she had her own aspirations and an Empire to tend to. The last he could do was respect that of her. So when her consciousness beckoned to him, he responded in kind. Both of their minds shifted to the Dream World, recreating the very field they first met in. But this time, it was just the two of them. It allowed for a much easier conversation to digest. "You wanted to discuss something with me, Empress?"
200
𝐿𝒾𝓁𝒾𝓂Last Wednesday at 6:41 PM
Lilim arrived with less of a fanfaire this time around--she had already made a proper first impression last time, and she really disliked repeating the same entrance. Her dress was no less elaborate, however, her ever motion and sway an invitation and promise to desires and experiences carnal and succulent. She was a Queen of the Succubi--and it showed in every motion, every tone, every look. She took a breath and bowed her head to Tarble all the same, making sure to respect his position despite the power difference. His was legacy and destiny of great importance--but she was still immensely proud as well. She would hardly back down, even for him. "Indeed--my earlier offer had become interrupted previously," she said, as if the 'distraction' from their previous meeting had been a bit more entertaining than the others might remember, but Lilim took enjoyment and glee in the chaos of things--that was the demonic way, after all. "I suspect there is much our empires can do for one another--trade agreements, mutual protection... transfer of peoples or prisoners, if necessary. As my Empire expands, the need for allies grows each day--and yours is one I certainly desire to make the best sorts of agreements with," she said with a mischevious grin.
ᴛᴀʀʙʟᴇLast Wednesday at 6:59 PM
The inner workings of her sways were not lost on him, yet they were expertly ignored all the same. Such skills of allure and seduction did not pierce past the mask he put on-- he had a good teacher to teach him how to set those emotions aside. He gazed at the Demonic Empress, bowing his head in sync with her own. Mutual respect was on display for the both of them, despite the obvious power difference. Tarble wasn't about to raise his fists against someone like her. He was many things, but an idiot was not one of those things.
She spoke of their empires, how there were plenty of things they could do for one another. However, wordage was important, wasn't it? "Suspect." The Saiyan simply grinned a bit. "You make a gracious offer, Empress-- Lilim, correct? But offers don't come without a give and take. So I have my price, but.. what is yours?" He was also not a fool. Making a deal with the devil was something he constantly did. Azazel, Vash, Yamato-- now Lilim. For a man who detested demons so greatly, he found his greatest allies in those that toiled in demonic blood.
It was kind of funny.
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𝐿𝒾𝓁𝒾𝓂Last Thursday at 4:38 AM
Lilim chuckled in her throat at his statement, already seeing he was far more than some average warrior, power aside. He seemed to think quite a bit on things, or at the very least, had enough experience in these matters. The worlds of this galaxy could have hefty prices indeed!
She nodded in response. "A price is negotiable--but my Empire does have its needs. Food and raw resources are in abundance, but more... educated matters are not. Technology, research... there are few demons that pursue such things. Even with my powers alone, interstellar trade is difficult, as you might imagine. Without ships of our own--at least, not in any meaningful quantity--travel and distribution is difficult. That is where, I think, you might come in. Perhaps not necessarily in ships, but in other ways. If I am to continue to expand, these things will be needed."
ᴛᴀʀʙʟᴇYesterday at 12:02 PM
The Saiyan nodded along with Lilim, hearing out every word she had to relay to him. It wasn't a matter of food or raw materials-- Tarble knew what she needed. He remembered this from his dealings with the PTO. "Trade routes, that's what you need." Of course, it was easy to assume she knew of trade routes at this point. It wasn't the idea she needed help with, it was the execution that she was having trouble with. The Saiyan grinned. "I have a shipwright, his name is Korsack. He's a resident of Juno, he's the one who did work on my vessel, the Finis."
He smiled a bit wider. "If ships are what you need, we can work together to create some trade routes among your planets within the Empire.. and perhaps we can even establish some between your material hubs and your capital?" Of course, such a trade route wouldn't be created until the Scourge was extinguished from Rex Cathedrae, but it was something hee could deal with later. Negotiations were in the now. "Establishing trade routes with ships for your demons to use would be slightly pricey in zeni, but that's as far as the difficulty goes. But.. what do you offer in return for these educated solutions I can offer you?" He was curious to what the Empress would put on the table.
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𝐿𝒾𝓁𝒾𝓂Yesterday at 12:21 PM
"Ah... you put it so effectively simple, yes," she said, more as a compliment than a bore. She had a habit of making things more complicated than they needed to be, perhaps, and so hearing it simplified from his own tongue made the communication of ideas far, far more expedient and pleasant. "The services of your shipwright would be an incredible boon, and establishing internal and external routes would be a thankful opportunity. As for payment... I suspect raw zeni is hardly what you need, is it? I am... aware at the state of Rex Cathedrae, even if approaching it is difficult. What I would offer?" she said before summoning various images from her palm, as of she had a hand-held hologram generator, but he would know that she created it from magic, not technology.
"Manpower--namely, an army. I have the logistics necessary for a war when necessary, and while I suspect your crew is up to any task, does it have the numbers to win a conflict? Power though we are, we cannot be everywhere at once. Even someone such as I cannot win such a conflict on her own, you understand. My Infernal Dominion's legions number in the hundred-thousand now--not to mention the surplus in raw materials and food my empire can provide, but it's the army and military I have created that is mine greatest strength. Should you have a foe that needs destroyed... well, I would not think of us as mercenaries as much as allies. If you ever have need of an army... well... I think you know who to call." As she spoke, various images and pictures of her military's prowess would be seen, from the most basic and numerous of foot soldiers to the most elite of her Dominion's military. He was the True king... but until he took his throne and banished the scourge, only his friends and closest allies would raise his banners... or so she figured. He was already full of surprises... that was why she still had her amused and fascinated expression upon her face.
ᴛᴀʀʙʟᴇYesterday at 12:31 PM
Manpower.
An army of powerful demons at his fingertips, all for the sake of taking what he wanted when he wanted it, and all he needed to do was work toward the goal of establishing trade routes. Tarble couldn't help but let out a soft laugh at the sound of such an offer. Lilim truly offered an alliance here, didn't she? There was no doubt in his mind that the trio of Yamato, Azazel and himself could take many threats on with their own power, but the words she stated did not ring on deaf ears. Rex Cathedrae was still a dark husk.
She knew this was exactly what he needed.
"So my knowledge of trade routes and the creation of ships for the Infernal Empire in return for manpower and a legion of battle-hardened demons. I have to say, you've very much found my weakness, Empress." He couldn't help but tease, but at the same time, it was respect. Lilim knew what he needed and was more than willing to offer it. How could he say no? "Those are fine terms, but you should be one of the most aware of the enemy we face. The Scourge, a disease that has taken Celestials hostage. Do you think your people will be able to take on dark Celestial powers?" Surely they were strong, but this was the battle of the corrupted and holy versus the justice-bearing embodiments of sin.
Tarble wouldn't call an ally's army into a suicide mission, it wasn't good politics.
253 / 854
𝐿𝒾𝓁𝒾𝓂Yesterday at 12:38 PM
"Fine terms indeed--but I am mostly aware of the Scourge and what it can do. Very little in defense of such a thing can work, but demons exist on thrill and conflict. They view it not as suicide but a challenge and expression of their inner desires. A chance to sharpen their fangs and claws against a real enemy? Especially of corrupted divinity... demons barely require a reason to fight each other, much less angelic beings. Much less angelic beings corrupted by the Scourge. Take on?" she asked, chuckling and giggling in her throat for a long moment before taking a deep breath.
"This is a chance for them to crush a real enemy to our unified interests. Trust me, King Tarble--they thirst for such a thrill and opponent. Many of them have even started to get a little stir crazy, I will admit... the sooner you can call upon us? The happier we would be," she said, her smile becoming much more malevolent and bloodthirsty--not towards him, but at the idea of facing a real challenge.
ᴛᴀʀʙʟᴇYesterday at 12:53 PM
It wasn't a matter of living or dying with these demons, that much was made very obvious by how Lilim spoke. They simply wanted to cut their teeth on a fight that would wake them up. The demons under her were getting stir crazy, they wanted something to be violent toward. Tarble almost felt slightly intimidated by such a notion, to be assisting in the unleashing of such a compilation of raw energy toward the destruction of another force. Perhaps the Tarble of the past would have been more than happy to use it on individual enemies, but.. no. He was a King now. He was better.
"Our time for battle does draw very near.. Your armies will have a battle to fight soon. We intend on claiming the Throne." He smiled to himself. The mere concept of it was exciting and nervewracking in the same breath. Finally, he let out a sigh. "Beyond the negotations for our Empires, there's another reason I wanted to speak to you. You're the leader to the Infernal Empire, so it stands to reason you.. know a lot of the souls that have passed through to the next dimension?" Mostly assumptions on his part, but Lilim would notice he was shedding past the King layer of his personality and giving way to the Saiyan underneath.
"Do you know anything of.. a Saiyan named Cress?"
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𝐿𝒾𝓁𝒾𝓂Yesterday at 12:59 PM
"Goooood... very good. I shall be sure to have them prepared for such a glorious expression of prowess..." she said, shivering ever so slightly as she drew in a long breath, as if the concept would be just as ecstatic as intercourse... she relished in the expression of honestly-held desires, even violent ones. She was going to enjoy this...
When he spoke his next question, she nodded slowly. "I know much and more of such things. Cress... Cress... ah, yesssssssss... I do know of her. Her soul happens to be a part of mine collection," she indicated, never one to pass up the opportunity to brag. She raised her hand again, and soon, a shimmering gem, about the size of one's thumb, materialized. "Right here. Does this one feel familiar to you?"
ᴛᴀʀʙʟᴇYesterday at 1:36 PM
Tarble knew this was a long shot, but this curiosity had gripped at him for some time. In truth, he had never learned of the fate of his first master. The one that taught him how to fight in the place. Just like Chishan, Cress had suddenly up and disappeared from his life as if she had never existed in the first place. It was terrifying at first-- to tackle the world all on his own with no one to call friend aside from the one that drove his ship around. He had wondered for so long what the source of the disappearance was, but never did he receive an answer.
Until now..?
"Master.." He let that word slip past his lips unconciously, not realizing he had haphazardly dipped his hands to Lilim's wandering eyes. A mistake, he firmly believed, but he would simply roll with what his mind was shifting to. "That is her.. my master. My mentor that taught me how to fight so fiercely. I felt that she had died long ago, but I suppose this is the proof she is truly not of this world." Odd relief washed over him, to know she wasn't simply an exile or imprisoned. But she was a soul in the tempest that was Lilim's collection. Had they not made an alliance just moments before, perhaps.. he'd be bothered. Now he was only curious.
"May I ask.. how she died?"
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𝐿𝒾𝓁𝒾𝓂Yesterday at 1:51 PM
Lilim could tell, just from the reaction, how much this person had meant to him. A year ago, she might have taken the opportunity to take advantage of that weakness. She might have exploited it heartlessly... but a lot had happened in the past year. As much of an embodiment of sin as she was, she had developed at least a little bit of empathy. Her expression turned serious for a moment as she looked to him.
"I will not lie to you--I harvested this soul personally. It was not happenstance that caused it to come into my collection. I had selected it specifically back then for its peculiar properties... as well as for revenge. She had a relationship with a man known as Chishan, a man I hated. That was... a long time ago. I have learned... to let go," she said as she looked at him before looking down at the crystal hovering a few inches above her palm.
"She was wounded and dying, attempting to stop a jailbreak from many cultists. Saiyan cultists. I trust you know of the particular variety, those that rebelled against your people's way of life. She would have died either way... but rather than letting it happen naturally, I harvested her soul for personal reasons. Fate, perhaps, led me to you, then, that I might make some measure of recompense for that action," she said, holding the crystal out to him, the gem shimmering brightly.
"She has no sin that I am at liberty to punish or exploit--she was harvested for my own goals. I have no further claim to her."
ᴛᴀʀʙʟᴇYesterday at 2:37 PM
To hear that Lilim had specifically targeted this soul for a purpose was not something he had expected to hear. To hear that she had been reduced to this state for nothing more than the purpose of revenge had been something he expected even less. He had wondering whether Cress had died on th field of battle or in the name of the gathering of information. Both would have been good ways for the woman to go, but to hear she was--
Then Lilim explained the wounds. The near-death experience she had when stopping a jailbreak from the cultists.. the very same ones that caused his loss at West City. The ones that set so many horrible events into motion. Now the wielder of his master's soul stood before him, seeking redemption for a post-mortem revenge. Tarble let out a shaky sigh, one that Lilim could feel. A ever so slight flash of sapphire hair came into her view. It was easy to tell Tarble was trying to get a grip on the anger he had felt within, but he tamed that tempest of emotions.
"In the spirit of this alliance.. I'd like to absolve you of the sins of revenge. I can understand where your heart lied.. I'd like to take her soul for myself." However, this wasn't going to be a claim of her soul. "I'd like to bury her beside the library she helped to cultivate. She brought so much knowledge to our world, tried to educate those who believed in naught but brute strength. She brought about a brand new generation of amazing Saiyans." He gazed at the gem.
"The least she deserves.. is a proper burial."
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𝐿𝒾𝓁𝒾𝓂Yesterday at 5:19 PM
"My thanks--you have... no idea how much it means to me to hear that," she said in an honest whisper, bowing her head a little to him as she handed the soul crystal to him.
However, she shook her head.
"Burying the crystal will do naught--but even here in the dream world, you will have the soul crystal in your grip. The only thing that will being your Master true peace will be in shattering the crystal, returning the soul to where it belongs. It can act as a power source, and it can act as currency in heaven and Hell--but if it is peace you wish for her, the only way to achieve that is to shatter the crystal. The material itself is formed from the soul's... skin, I suppose you could call it. Demons have a very precise language for this sort of thing, so it will be difficult to put into words.
"A body upon its death is put to rest in order to ease the spirit's passing into the next world. Her body likely has already received one--if I understand correctly, she was buried with full honors. What you can do, however, is shatter it at a site you wish for her to protect. The crystal itself is indestructable--even your might will do naught but scratch it. The only way to break it is with divine or demonic power. Azazel mentioned you had achieved godhood--only that will break it and allow her spirit to rest. Plead your case to her well--in order for her to protect a site you wish, you will have to convince her, remind her what she fought and died for... life as a spirit gem can... wear away one's memory and beliefs. Make it a good one."
Tarble: Combat, Champion III, VR Octagon (1604)
𝐿𝒾𝓁𝒾𝓂Last Wednesday at 3:35 PM
The initial meeting had been so... interesting to say the least. Lilim had been rather surprised and impressed by the True King's ability in combat and leadership, yet that whole situation had left things a little unsettled in terms of negotiation. What he wanted were allies and those that could serve under him, rather than what the Dominion Empress had wanted--mutual alliance. Of all things, working for him was a little less attractive than working with him... though if she were honest, he did cut something of a good figure in terms of a proper King of Rex Cathedrae. Even now she contemplated things... namely what each of their empires could do for one another. Perhaps that was something they could hash out, and since he was so keen on meetings in the Dream World, she might as well seek him out there.
And thus, she effortlessly sent her consciousness forward to seek out his, hoping this time would bear a lot more fruit than the last.
ᴛᴀʀʙʟᴇLast Wednesday at 6:05 PM
There were many things to think about with the meeting he had among all interested in the Oath. While most were very interested in what he had offered-- the idea of working in his Empire for the unionization of all --there was one offer that stood out to him. A mutual alliance. A recognition of powers that required both people to understand there was not one above the other. That may not have been the Saiyan's end goal, to have true unionization without war was to bring all under one power, but he could not deny it was a good idea. A Plan B, for lack of better terms.
Empress Lilim was someone he could bring himself to respect.
Her power was great and she had her own aspirations and an Empire to tend to. The last he could do was respect that of her. So when her consciousness beckoned to him, he responded in kind. Both of their minds shifted to the Dream World, recreating the very field they first met in. But this time, it was just the two of them. It allowed for a much easier conversation to digest. "You wanted to discuss something with me, Empress?"
200
𝐿𝒾𝓁𝒾𝓂Last Wednesday at 6:41 PM
Lilim arrived with less of a fanfaire this time around--she had already made a proper first impression last time, and she really disliked repeating the same entrance. Her dress was no less elaborate, however, her ever motion and sway an invitation and promise to desires and experiences carnal and succulent. She was a Queen of the Succubi--and it showed in every motion, every tone, every look. She took a breath and bowed her head to Tarble all the same, making sure to respect his position despite the power difference. His was legacy and destiny of great importance--but she was still immensely proud as well. She would hardly back down, even for him. "Indeed--my earlier offer had become interrupted previously," she said, as if the 'distraction' from their previous meeting had been a bit more entertaining than the others might remember, but Lilim took enjoyment and glee in the chaos of things--that was the demonic way, after all. "I suspect there is much our empires can do for one another--trade agreements, mutual protection... transfer of peoples or prisoners, if necessary. As my Empire expands, the need for allies grows each day--and yours is one I certainly desire to make the best sorts of agreements with," she said with a mischevious grin.
ᴛᴀʀʙʟᴇLast Wednesday at 6:59 PM
The inner workings of her sways were not lost on him, yet they were expertly ignored all the same. Such skills of allure and seduction did not pierce past the mask he put on-- he had a good teacher to teach him how to set those emotions aside. He gazed at the Demonic Empress, bowing his head in sync with her own. Mutual respect was on display for the both of them, despite the obvious power difference. Tarble wasn't about to raise his fists against someone like her. He was many things, but an idiot was not one of those things.
She spoke of their empires, how there were plenty of things they could do for one another. However, wordage was important, wasn't it? "Suspect." The Saiyan simply grinned a bit. "You make a gracious offer, Empress-- Lilim, correct? But offers don't come without a give and take. So I have my price, but.. what is yours?" He was also not a fool. Making a deal with the devil was something he constantly did. Azazel, Vash, Yamato-- now Lilim. For a man who detested demons so greatly, he found his greatest allies in those that toiled in demonic blood.
It was kind of funny.
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𝐿𝒾𝓁𝒾𝓂Last Thursday at 4:38 AM
Lilim chuckled in her throat at his statement, already seeing he was far more than some average warrior, power aside. He seemed to think quite a bit on things, or at the very least, had enough experience in these matters. The worlds of this galaxy could have hefty prices indeed!
She nodded in response. "A price is negotiable--but my Empire does have its needs. Food and raw resources are in abundance, but more... educated matters are not. Technology, research... there are few demons that pursue such things. Even with my powers alone, interstellar trade is difficult, as you might imagine. Without ships of our own--at least, not in any meaningful quantity--travel and distribution is difficult. That is where, I think, you might come in. Perhaps not necessarily in ships, but in other ways. If I am to continue to expand, these things will be needed."
ᴛᴀʀʙʟᴇYesterday at 12:02 PM
The Saiyan nodded along with Lilim, hearing out every word she had to relay to him. It wasn't a matter of food or raw materials-- Tarble knew what she needed. He remembered this from his dealings with the PTO. "Trade routes, that's what you need." Of course, it was easy to assume she knew of trade routes at this point. It wasn't the idea she needed help with, it was the execution that she was having trouble with. The Saiyan grinned. "I have a shipwright, his name is Korsack. He's a resident of Juno, he's the one who did work on my vessel, the Finis."
He smiled a bit wider. "If ships are what you need, we can work together to create some trade routes among your planets within the Empire.. and perhaps we can even establish some between your material hubs and your capital?" Of course, such a trade route wouldn't be created until the Scourge was extinguished from Rex Cathedrae, but it was something hee could deal with later. Negotiations were in the now. "Establishing trade routes with ships for your demons to use would be slightly pricey in zeni, but that's as far as the difficulty goes. But.. what do you offer in return for these educated solutions I can offer you?" He was curious to what the Empress would put on the table.
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𝐿𝒾𝓁𝒾𝓂Yesterday at 12:21 PM
"Ah... you put it so effectively simple, yes," she said, more as a compliment than a bore. She had a habit of making things more complicated than they needed to be, perhaps, and so hearing it simplified from his own tongue made the communication of ideas far, far more expedient and pleasant. "The services of your shipwright would be an incredible boon, and establishing internal and external routes would be a thankful opportunity. As for payment... I suspect raw zeni is hardly what you need, is it? I am... aware at the state of Rex Cathedrae, even if approaching it is difficult. What I would offer?" she said before summoning various images from her palm, as of she had a hand-held hologram generator, but he would know that she created it from magic, not technology.
"Manpower--namely, an army. I have the logistics necessary for a war when necessary, and while I suspect your crew is up to any task, does it have the numbers to win a conflict? Power though we are, we cannot be everywhere at once. Even someone such as I cannot win such a conflict on her own, you understand. My Infernal Dominion's legions number in the hundred-thousand now--not to mention the surplus in raw materials and food my empire can provide, but it's the army and military I have created that is mine greatest strength. Should you have a foe that needs destroyed... well, I would not think of us as mercenaries as much as allies. If you ever have need of an army... well... I think you know who to call." As she spoke, various images and pictures of her military's prowess would be seen, from the most basic and numerous of foot soldiers to the most elite of her Dominion's military. He was the True king... but until he took his throne and banished the scourge, only his friends and closest allies would raise his banners... or so she figured. He was already full of surprises... that was why she still had her amused and fascinated expression upon her face.
ᴛᴀʀʙʟᴇYesterday at 12:31 PM
Manpower.
An army of powerful demons at his fingertips, all for the sake of taking what he wanted when he wanted it, and all he needed to do was work toward the goal of establishing trade routes. Tarble couldn't help but let out a soft laugh at the sound of such an offer. Lilim truly offered an alliance here, didn't she? There was no doubt in his mind that the trio of Yamato, Azazel and himself could take many threats on with their own power, but the words she stated did not ring on deaf ears. Rex Cathedrae was still a dark husk.
She knew this was exactly what he needed.
"So my knowledge of trade routes and the creation of ships for the Infernal Empire in return for manpower and a legion of battle-hardened demons. I have to say, you've very much found my weakness, Empress." He couldn't help but tease, but at the same time, it was respect. Lilim knew what he needed and was more than willing to offer it. How could he say no? "Those are fine terms, but you should be one of the most aware of the enemy we face. The Scourge, a disease that has taken Celestials hostage. Do you think your people will be able to take on dark Celestial powers?" Surely they were strong, but this was the battle of the corrupted and holy versus the justice-bearing embodiments of sin.
Tarble wouldn't call an ally's army into a suicide mission, it wasn't good politics.
253 / 854
𝐿𝒾𝓁𝒾𝓂Yesterday at 12:38 PM
"Fine terms indeed--but I am mostly aware of the Scourge and what it can do. Very little in defense of such a thing can work, but demons exist on thrill and conflict. They view it not as suicide but a challenge and expression of their inner desires. A chance to sharpen their fangs and claws against a real enemy? Especially of corrupted divinity... demons barely require a reason to fight each other, much less angelic beings. Much less angelic beings corrupted by the Scourge. Take on?" she asked, chuckling and giggling in her throat for a long moment before taking a deep breath.
"This is a chance for them to crush a real enemy to our unified interests. Trust me, King Tarble--they thirst for such a thrill and opponent. Many of them have even started to get a little stir crazy, I will admit... the sooner you can call upon us? The happier we would be," she said, her smile becoming much more malevolent and bloodthirsty--not towards him, but at the idea of facing a real challenge.
ᴛᴀʀʙʟᴇYesterday at 12:53 PM
It wasn't a matter of living or dying with these demons, that much was made very obvious by how Lilim spoke. They simply wanted to cut their teeth on a fight that would wake them up. The demons under her were getting stir crazy, they wanted something to be violent toward. Tarble almost felt slightly intimidated by such a notion, to be assisting in the unleashing of such a compilation of raw energy toward the destruction of another force. Perhaps the Tarble of the past would have been more than happy to use it on individual enemies, but.. no. He was a King now. He was better.
"Our time for battle does draw very near.. Your armies will have a battle to fight soon. We intend on claiming the Throne." He smiled to himself. The mere concept of it was exciting and nervewracking in the same breath. Finally, he let out a sigh. "Beyond the negotations for our Empires, there's another reason I wanted to speak to you. You're the leader to the Infernal Empire, so it stands to reason you.. know a lot of the souls that have passed through to the next dimension?" Mostly assumptions on his part, but Lilim would notice he was shedding past the King layer of his personality and giving way to the Saiyan underneath.
"Do you know anything of.. a Saiyan named Cress?"
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𝐿𝒾𝓁𝒾𝓂Yesterday at 12:59 PM
"Goooood... very good. I shall be sure to have them prepared for such a glorious expression of prowess..." she said, shivering ever so slightly as she drew in a long breath, as if the concept would be just as ecstatic as intercourse... she relished in the expression of honestly-held desires, even violent ones. She was going to enjoy this...
When he spoke his next question, she nodded slowly. "I know much and more of such things. Cress... Cress... ah, yesssssssss... I do know of her. Her soul happens to be a part of mine collection," she indicated, never one to pass up the opportunity to brag. She raised her hand again, and soon, a shimmering gem, about the size of one's thumb, materialized. "Right here. Does this one feel familiar to you?"
ᴛᴀʀʙʟᴇYesterday at 1:36 PM
Tarble knew this was a long shot, but this curiosity had gripped at him for some time. In truth, he had never learned of the fate of his first master. The one that taught him how to fight in the place. Just like Chishan, Cress had suddenly up and disappeared from his life as if she had never existed in the first place. It was terrifying at first-- to tackle the world all on his own with no one to call friend aside from the one that drove his ship around. He had wondered for so long what the source of the disappearance was, but never did he receive an answer.
Until now..?
"Master.." He let that word slip past his lips unconciously, not realizing he had haphazardly dipped his hands to Lilim's wandering eyes. A mistake, he firmly believed, but he would simply roll with what his mind was shifting to. "That is her.. my master. My mentor that taught me how to fight so fiercely. I felt that she had died long ago, but I suppose this is the proof she is truly not of this world." Odd relief washed over him, to know she wasn't simply an exile or imprisoned. But she was a soul in the tempest that was Lilim's collection. Had they not made an alliance just moments before, perhaps.. he'd be bothered. Now he was only curious.
"May I ask.. how she died?"
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𝐿𝒾𝓁𝒾𝓂Yesterday at 1:51 PM
Lilim could tell, just from the reaction, how much this person had meant to him. A year ago, she might have taken the opportunity to take advantage of that weakness. She might have exploited it heartlessly... but a lot had happened in the past year. As much of an embodiment of sin as she was, she had developed at least a little bit of empathy. Her expression turned serious for a moment as she looked to him.
"I will not lie to you--I harvested this soul personally. It was not happenstance that caused it to come into my collection. I had selected it specifically back then for its peculiar properties... as well as for revenge. She had a relationship with a man known as Chishan, a man I hated. That was... a long time ago. I have learned... to let go," she said as she looked at him before looking down at the crystal hovering a few inches above her palm.
"She was wounded and dying, attempting to stop a jailbreak from many cultists. Saiyan cultists. I trust you know of the particular variety, those that rebelled against your people's way of life. She would have died either way... but rather than letting it happen naturally, I harvested her soul for personal reasons. Fate, perhaps, led me to you, then, that I might make some measure of recompense for that action," she said, holding the crystal out to him, the gem shimmering brightly.
"She has no sin that I am at liberty to punish or exploit--she was harvested for my own goals. I have no further claim to her."
ᴛᴀʀʙʟᴇYesterday at 2:37 PM
To hear that Lilim had specifically targeted this soul for a purpose was not something he had expected to hear. To hear that she had been reduced to this state for nothing more than the purpose of revenge had been something he expected even less. He had wondering whether Cress had died on th field of battle or in the name of the gathering of information. Both would have been good ways for the woman to go, but to hear she was--
Then Lilim explained the wounds. The near-death experience she had when stopping a jailbreak from the cultists.. the very same ones that caused his loss at West City. The ones that set so many horrible events into motion. Now the wielder of his master's soul stood before him, seeking redemption for a post-mortem revenge. Tarble let out a shaky sigh, one that Lilim could feel. A ever so slight flash of sapphire hair came into her view. It was easy to tell Tarble was trying to get a grip on the anger he had felt within, but he tamed that tempest of emotions.
"In the spirit of this alliance.. I'd like to absolve you of the sins of revenge. I can understand where your heart lied.. I'd like to take her soul for myself." However, this wasn't going to be a claim of her soul. "I'd like to bury her beside the library she helped to cultivate. She brought so much knowledge to our world, tried to educate those who believed in naught but brute strength. She brought about a brand new generation of amazing Saiyans." He gazed at the gem.
"The least she deserves.. is a proper burial."
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𝐿𝒾𝓁𝒾𝓂Yesterday at 5:19 PM
"My thanks--you have... no idea how much it means to me to hear that," she said in an honest whisper, bowing her head a little to him as she handed the soul crystal to him.
However, she shook her head.
"Burying the crystal will do naught--but even here in the dream world, you will have the soul crystal in your grip. The only thing that will being your Master true peace will be in shattering the crystal, returning the soul to where it belongs. It can act as a power source, and it can act as currency in heaven and Hell--but if it is peace you wish for her, the only way to achieve that is to shatter the crystal. The material itself is formed from the soul's... skin, I suppose you could call it. Demons have a very precise language for this sort of thing, so it will be difficult to put into words.
"A body upon its death is put to rest in order to ease the spirit's passing into the next world. Her body likely has already received one--if I understand correctly, she was buried with full honors. What you can do, however, is shatter it at a site you wish for her to protect. The crystal itself is indestructable--even your might will do naught but scratch it. The only way to break it is with divine or demonic power. Azazel mentioned you had achieved godhood--only that will break it and allow her spirit to rest. Plead your case to her well--in order for her to protect a site you wish, you will have to convince her, remind her what she fought and died for... life as a spirit gem can... wear away one's memory and beliefs. Make it a good one."
