> in which swords are hot

[bustinthewind.livejournal.com]

[ humans are frail, fragile creatures. Having killed many of them, Aria knows this well.

But Cecily had been different. Cecily had wielded her not to kill, but to protect, regardless of her original purpose.

Cecily had also been human, and humans did not live long compared to demon swords. Aria's slept since then, ensconced within her original form, but she's beginning to stir. Perhaps it's the knowledge of something new, monsters prowling about, the screams of people in the streets.

Or perhaps it's the proximity of something both alien and familiar.

Whatever it is, this elegant sword propped in several cracked rocks may seem innocuous, but the wind is slowly being drawn to it.

And there's a faint whisper that you may hear that accompanies it. ]

Am I alone again...?

Comments

[bustinthewind.livejournal.com]

I wouldn't mind an escort. [ OFFERS HER ARM. ]

[twilightofmen.livejournal.com]

[ He... actually blinks at it a couple of times before he realizes why she's doing that. He slings the sheath and its contents over his back, and takes her arm, guiding them out of the wreckage and into the remains of the street ]

This is all the work of a being called a Dark One. They are... monsters, to say the least.

[bustinthewind.livejournal.com]

Monsters? [ she glances about, and it's dawning on her that NONE of the scenery looks familiar. There's something both ancient and futuristic about it. And so empty. ]

[twilightofmen.livejournal.com]

Monsters. They range in size and form, though. Some are as big as buildings, all horns and scales and sharp teeth. Some can even look kind of... human.

Despite that, they are the enemies of humanity, in every way.

[bustinthewind.livejournal.com]

... And where do you stand in all of this?

[twilightofmen.livejournal.com]

Me? [ He considers this a moment. It's not something he likes to talk about- but she's a sword. Like him. She deserves to know ]

I am the enemy of the Dark Ones. [ he jerks his head at the blade laying across his back ] That's why I was created.

[bustinthewind.livejournal.com]

So you were created to destroy. But for the sake of humanity...?

[ Aria hums a little, mustering a smile. ] That must be nice!

[twilightofmen.livejournal.com]

You weren't. [ it's not a question ]

[bustinthewind.livejournal.com]

... No. I was created from humans' hatred and need for violence and mindless destruction. My purpose was to slay God.

[twilightofmen.livejournal.com]

Ironic, then, that we should meet like this.

[bustinthewind.livejournal.com]

I don't mind! [ instantly cheerful. ] I've never met a male sword before!

[twilightofmen.livejournal.com]

Outside of the other swords in my series, I've never met another sword that could take any sort of human form. I suppose we're even.

[bustinthewind.livejournal.com]

Does that make me your elder? This wasn't exactly happening the last time I was awake.

[twilightofmen.livejournal.com]

Possibly.

When was the last time you were awake?

[bustinthewind.livejournal.com]

... Hm. [ cue her naming an impossibly old date. ]

[twilightofmen.livejournal.com]

[ He actually has to stop walking. For a moment, he stares at her, before quietly uttering the current year. ]

[bustinthewind.livejournal.com]

-- What?!

[ Aria isn't anywhere near as quiet. ] I was asleep for that long!?

[twilightofmen.livejournal.com]

Apparently. I'm sorry to have to be the one to break it to you.

[bustinthewind.livejournal.com]

... Ah. Don't apologize... it was inevitable, wasn't it?

[twilightofmen.livejournal.com]

Regardless, it's never easy to learn that everything you once knew is long gone.

[bustinthewind.livejournal.com]

I'm used to that.

[twilightofmen.livejournal.com]

[ he gives her a long look ]

Are you going to be all right?

[bustinthewind.livejournal.com]

Yes. [ with a smile. ] That's the only thing I can do right now, right?