gumminet | ???

[Since Sora came back to Miami, so did Kosuke. Really, he can do some of his stuff from anywhere; divination doesn't always care.

There's no sneaky with Ko. Even if he had a sneaky bone in his body, it wouldn't matter since he just freezes up for a second on catching sight of the stranger.

Oh.

He knows Apollo was bisexual but there's knowing and then there's knowing.

Shit, is this how Akira feels all the time?

Ko returns the wave uncertainly, face pink.]

[The stranger blinks softly at the blond, but there's a tiny smile after that.]

Hello!

[It's a friendly greeting, but not over-the-top. And, maybe most importantly, it's all genuine.]

I'm Michael. What's your name?

[Given Ko's truth sense, that sort of thing is definitely pretty important.

It is also exactly zero help in dealing with his newfound awareness of "oh no they're cute".]

Uh, I'm Kosuke. Hi. Are you...okay? You look a little out of place and I've never seen you here before.

Edited 2019-10-24 01:56 (UTC)

[The question has something just a bit sheepish entering the stranger's gaze. They briefly shift their stance, glancing to the side.]

Well, to answer your question: yes.

[And that's going to read as the truth, in spite of the brief flicker of something unreadable in their gaze. The closest thing it will look like is worry.]

But, to touch on the latter part... Mm...

[It's a quiet sound, barely audible, and it goes pretty well with the hint of what looks more like worry than anything else. Michael offers an apologetic smile, shaking his head.]

Sorry, it's been a while since I tried reaching out to people.

[Truth. And, suddenly, just as they hold a blink, a shimmering wall surrounds them. It feels... warm, safe, and welcoming in here.]

I'm looking for a few friends, though. One goes by Eli... and the other goes by Nick. They've been missing for a little while now, right? Along with... Akira, Nico, Tiernan, Viné, Yuri, and... most recently, Vanitas. They've been vanishing from the face of the mortal realm, itself.

[Now they're just heaving a tired sigh.]

And, since they haven't entered where I work, that leaves just one place. Which is... a problem. No living mortal can enter the depths of hell without consequences. Not that Viné counts as one of those, but they shouldn't be there, either, last I heard.

It's alright. I, um, I've been there.

[Ko takes in a quick, surprised breath at the feeling of the space inside the wall. It's...nice. Something he's only used to feeling around a few people. A soft sunlight glow flutters briefly from Ko before it douses with Michael's next words as the boy goes pale.]

Nick's gone now, too? And- fuck, which Vanitas?

[There's something just a little frantic, openly worried, to Ko's tone.

The rest... Well. Kosuke is still catching up on a lifetime of education but that is not the same as being stupid. Mortal realm vs hell vs unnamed alternative?]

...oh. Does that mean you're an angel?

[Something almost alarmed appears on Michael's face, at seeing the way Kosuke reacts. Almost immediately after, there's something edging towards guilt.

The stranger lets out a soft sigh, briefly rubbing at the back of his neck.]

From my understanding, Nick vanished not long after the last message they sent.

[Briefly, he hesitates.]

I'm sorry, though... for the worry. The missing Vanitas is the only one who still completely goes by that name, if I'm understanding correctly, and the only one who got to know him is one of the many missing people. So, not the one who lives in Twilight Town, nor Ren, nor Van, nor those who got abandoned and left with simply numbers.

[At that last part, there's a sort of knowing look in those pale eyes, but no elaboration comes. Instead, there's a nod.]

And, yes. The originating word is ἀρχάγγελος.

[He smiles softly.]

That is to say, some call me "Archangel Michael".

Shit. This is so bad. Things were a mess last time and yet again she's snatched or distracted two thirds of the people that keep this place running...

[Ko shoves his hood back and off to rest around his shoulders as he rakes his fingers roughly through his hair.

He looks back up at Michael at the part about those left with simply numbers, lips pressed tight, golden eyes showing a very angry understanding of the implications.]

I'm glad my Ἔρεβος is safe for now but also basically every other part of that is horrible.

[And the Greek word makes it very easy for Kosuke to understand what sort of individual he's talking to even without knowing much about the religion. Not just an angel but one of the top tiers.

A top tier angel with a really nice smile and that's not fair at all.]

It's nice to meet you... Uh, I also answer to Apollo. I really hope there isn't any sort of protocol or anything for pagan gods meeting archangels because I'm not even a little diplomatic.

[He gives Kosuke a tight-lipped sort of expression, nodding.]

I know. Things have been very difficult for everyone in your group, both of the past and of the present.

[There's something sad in his voice, in his eyes, in⁠—well, in most of his demeanor, really. That is, up until Kosuke gets to the last part. It's at that, Michael gives an almost amused smile.]

You're doing just fine.

[Michael pauses, his gaze briefly searching Kosuke's face. There's some consideration there. Gently, he lifts a hand, finger just barely touching the blond's forehead.]

Apollo: god of the sun, of healing, of truth, of prophecies… Of many things, most of which are all good.

[He holds a blink just a second longer than is natural, smiling warmly as he does.]

Yet, the power I sense from you is not what I would expect of the one with that title. I'm unable to see into your life, but I assume there's a reason for that.

...why does she get to just do this to us?

[The question isn't an accusation but it is angry and sad and pained. Kosuke has had too much else to learn to learn much about Christianity, but he does understand that Heaven opposes Satan.

So maybe Michael can explain it.

The assurance that he isn't fucking anything up in this weird cross-religional situation eases Ko's nerves-

For about two seconds, before Michael touches him and the blush that had faded returns with a vengeance. Kosuke makes a small, wordless flustered sound and has to clear his throat before he can answer the implied question.]

I- I died as Apollo, because people didn't believe in us anymore. Started being reborn as a human. Then I got...pretty messed up in this life, because some people really do deserve Lucina, so I'm even weaker. It sucks, but it's the way it is.

[There's definitely a look that could imply Michael may very well explain. Perhaps later?

At the next part, however, there's a hint of something very gently amused over the flustered sound and the blushing. His gaze searches that expression, patience evident as Kosuke collects himself.

Not that amusement stays very long. At the last things Kosuke says, there's a dim, respectful amount of pain and understanding. Michael's head even bows for a couple of seconds, before his finger is removed and his arm is lowering back to his side. He remains quiet for a moment longer, his voice a touch softer the next time he speaks.]

"Weaker" is not the word I'd use, personally; strength isn't always measured in terms of "supernatural" force. Besides...

[He offers a warm, encouraging look.]

It feels more like the power is sleeping, rather than being nonexistent. I could wake it for you.

[Michael isn't wrong; when it comes to strength of character and facing adversity, Kosuke is stronger than he ever was as Apollo. Not that it's something Ko has really thought about.

The offer Michael makes leaves Ko wide eyed with surprise and awe and hope. He's been recovering, but with no assurance of how much he can regain. He smiles at Michael, shy but brilliant.]

I- You would really do that for me?

[Something softens in his gaze, and the next smile he gives is a tiny bit wider than the others. There's a small nod.]

Of course.

[There's no elaboration on why, but kindness that should only read as genuine rests in Michael's gaze.]

Hold still.

[And, after a brief pause:]

Please don't be alarmed.

[He very gently leans forward, just barely touching his lips to Kosuke's forehead. Warmth that carries very soft healing energy through it, flows within him, enveloping him. It isn't anything too overwhelming, but there is a reason Michael's hands move to hold Kosuke's upper arms. His grip is firm, but not painful.

Because, in a few seconds, he'll feel a tiny bit jittery and almost rubbery, to a point where his muscles might struggle to hold him up.

Michael doesn't let go, even after he leans back, and his grip is more than powerful enough to keep him upright.]

[Alarmed is...maybe not the word? Probably not the word. 'Doomed' might be closer, judging from the shade of red Ko turns at the soft press of lips.

Please let the wobbly feeling be a side effect of the healing, he isn't sure he can handle being that pathetic.

The train of thought doesn't last long as the main effects begin to unfold, Apollo's sleeping power stirring awake. More of Apollo's sleeping power, actually, than his human incarnations were ever meant to touch. He glows, warm and burning bright, the golden light of the sun surrounding him. Emanating from him. (Elsewhere, there are some very confused scientists getting truly strange solar readings for a couple of minutes.)

The effect on his body is less profound but still noticeable. Kosuke only gains a couple of the inches of height lost to malnutrition, but the still-boyish features that were gradually maturing towards his real age complete the journey. He's either 17 or almost there, and he finally looks it.

Kosuke stares up at Michael for a second, a little breathless as the light slowly ebbs, power reeled more or less under control. The smile he gives the archangel is openly, unashamedly excited and joyful.]

Thank you!

[Fortunately, the wobbly feeling doesn't last long, since it's really just a matter of the body adjusting to such an alarming healing rate. He'll be feeling much stronger than he ever has, once that's all said and done.

But, if there's anything surprising about any part, it doesn't show on Michael's face. Not that this, in and of itself, is likely any surprise; he is the one who helped make it happen.

What he does look, however? Is happy. In fact, the open joy and excitement are met with a pleased smile and small nod from the angel.]

You're very welcome.

[He's a patient sort of quiet, after that, possibly just wanting to give Kosuke a moment to wrap his mind around all of this.]

[Yeah, a moment is probably a good idea. That is an awful lot of power he suddenly got access to, along with the fact that he's a little taller and just feels different. He plucks absently at clothes that only still fit because of his penchant for oversized, comfy outfits. He looks himself over a little but most of his attention is directed internally.

Some of this is just upgrades and added strength to abilities he already had. But some of it is stuff he never expected to experience outside of his memories of being Apollo.

It doesn't take him too long to adapt, though.]

I can do a lot more to help like this...

[ Some time after Ko's met him, she spots him.

All the same, after giving a blink, she'll raise her hand and wave back... though, her smile's a little cautious? ]

[The cautious smile gets a look of understanding, and there's patience in his gaze.

As he approaches, there's a shift in his posture that's towards something a little more harmless, but far from anything over-the-top in that area.

Mira holds powers of empathy, yes? If she's paying attention to his emotions, she'll be reading a lot of determination, kindness, patience, guilt, understanding, and… feelings of love. Lots of love, in fact. While it isn't simply directed at any one person, in particular, it's definitely there even as he talks to her.]

Good afternoon. I hope I'm not interrupting anything? My name is Michael, and I have a few questions.

Edited 2019-10-27 06:42 (UTC)

[ Oh, wow. That's a lot of nice, warm emotions there. It gets her to relax, at the very least, and it shows visibly. Her shoulders relax a bit, and her expression loosens slightly. ]

It's alright. I'm Mira. How can I help?

[He offers her a grateful smile.]

Well met, Mira.

[Though his expression shifts to a slightly more serious one. There's another tug of guilt, but the determination never wavers. One hand casually brushes through his hair, and then there's something gently shimmering all around them. She might get the feeling she's now being protected.]

I'll understand if it's an uncomfortable topic. You all went through a lot.

[He holds a blink.]

You know the person as Lucina, yes? She forced all of you into a game, not that long ago, from my understanding. It must have been hard on everyone...

[Something pained and tense tugs at him.]

I'm sorry.

[ Oh, that's...

The feeling of being protected is still something she's getting used to. It makes her throat tighten with emotion, feeling it like this, this acutely and definitely. Her eyes even turn a little shiny, and she looks away for a moment to wipe at them. It's silly to get all choked up about something like this, right...?

Give her a couple seconds, Michael. When she feels together enough, she looks at him and nods. The apology threatens to shatter her composure, tentative though it is, but she manages to push through it. ]

... It is what it is. But... thank you. For your condolences. [ A pause. ]

... Yes, I know her. Not very well, admittedly, but...

[ ... but she doesn't particularly want to get to know her. ]

[After a brief moment of silence, he nods.]

It's understandable.

[He offers a respectful bow of his head.]

Your strength is recognizable, Mira. After everything you have endured, you still hold true to love, hope, appreciation…

[Michael gives her a small smile as he lifts his head. Though, it does fade into a serious expression with the second sentence of the next part:]

Knowing those who wronged you, however, can provide the greatest lessons of all. Seek to learn what you can of her, and you will avert the destruction that awaits everyone.

[With that, he holds a blink.]

That is why I am here: to guide all of you from a danger that was not foreseen until very recently. You must learn the enemy to avert an irreversible crisis...

All of you, together.

I... definitely try.

[ But part of her thinks he might be giving her too much credit. And, at his next words, she crosses her arms in front of her chest. It's a defense mechanism, that's to be sure, and she looks hesitant. At least she doesn't show how she actually feels.

...

Haha, funny joke, she's always been transparent. And Lucina? Despite Akira's reassurance that she would never be like Lucina... Well, the woman still frightens her.

Even if you were in pain, even if you were miserable and tired and broken... some part of you, deep down, would still feel some twinge that what you were doing is wrong.

She glances away from Michael for a moment, then back to him. There's a lot of apprehension in her eyes, and her eyebrows are pulled together. ]

Does this crisis have to do with the disappearances?

???

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