bellelurette | Epilogue

Epilogue

EPILOGUE

Your stopped time has restarted. Whether you were in the grassy field or fighting for your life on the castle grounds, you'll suddenly find yourself in an untouched area of the gardens. Ish is back, and so are the items, and the dead.

You return to Chateau Ambregris with the certain knowledge that come Monday, you will greet a new week, in a home of your own choosing. No longer will the chime of the clocks hunt you down, no longer will the oppressive scent of roses haunt your senses, no longer will you be forced to watch the death of those you've come to love and hate.

Parting is such a bittersweet sorrow, isn't it?

Make merry one last time, in this castle of illusions. Ironically, your memories of this stolen time that never existed are the one thing that will truly remain to you.

END NOTES

🔮 All dead are revived as tsukumogami! Congrats on your immortality(?)
🔮 Any other contracts made with Ish will be honored
🔮 Characters may choose to leave for any world they desire.
🔮 Time has not passed while you were stuck in this loop!
🔮 There will be no cross-dimensional world travel, except for on Samhain (Witches New Year October 31st/November 1st). On these dates, Ish will enable everyone to visit each other's world freely.
🔮 Universal Communication will be possible, courtesy of Manba and Ish. Everyone who wants one will be given a small fox that can communicate with other foxes through voice and video; the foxes can talk and are fairly simple creatures, enjoy them and give them fried tofu once in a while.
🔮 Powers are on for the finale, but Ish will step in and yeet anyone who gets too out of hand back to their homeworld, so play nice! (or relatively nice. )

[OOC: Welcome to your epilogue! The timeloop is ended, the evil has been defeated, and you have some time to catch your breath in the castle before the rest of your life begins! ]

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[ If he could spend hours like this, he would. Maybe if they can find a quiet place before they have to go, or after?

That is a question though that they will have to get to eventually.

Dan Heng is letting go of his hand in order to grab on to the other to pull him closer as the kiss deepens. He is keeping it slow and lingering, wanting to savior this for as long as he's able.

Eventually, he is the one who ends the kiss. Mostly because he doesn't trust that he'll be able to keep it innocent the longer they remain like this. He won't pull away, but will plant a kiss against the corner of Blade's mouth instead and then his cheek. ]

Come back with me. [ They were discussing before Blade going elsewhere, but now knowing that there is no way for them to travel with the exception of one day a year, well... he doesn't want to let him go. ]

[ Finding a quiet spot should be simple! They don't necessarily have to leave right away, either. Well, Blade doesn't - he knows Dan Heng is in the middle of something with great importance, though allowing either one of them to linger for a bit longer together might not cause too much trouble. Especially with time having not passed in the loop.

Now, as the kiss lingers in the state that it is, Blade feels himself sink in impossibly deeper, until Dan Heng ends the kiss; his expression is a bit dazed, cheeks flushed. Distracted, but not enough to keep from resisting to turn his head to wrap Dan Heng into another one when he plants two more in different spots.

He knows if it catches those lips with his once more, he'll probably through propriety out the window entirely. ]

Dan Heng...

[ Blade begins to say, because that sure is a comment that warms him. His red eyes flicker down...and then, he shakes his head. ]

[ Blade has his reasons for saying what he does next - chief of all being he still wants to pursue this. He wants to be rid of at the very least what drives him to madness; to recall things easier than not - to not have to be concerned with potentially killing Dan Heng when he's out of his mind. Though, it is not impractical to his previous obligations (as a Stellaron Hunter), or not because he doesn't feel the pull or emotional weight behind Dan Heng's request. ]

Do you remember? We had already agreed to go together. Before Ish guaranteed travel between worlds. Between dimensions.

And...he is not the only one capable if it.

[ He muses, bringing a hand to lightly stroke at one of Dan Heng's cheeks, a complicated expression adorning his face. The place he would be going to would have its own methods in place, he means. They wouldn't be trapped in a foreign world for far too long - these plans were made before they even knew Ish could send people to other worlds, after all. ]

...Come with me. I want you to be there. See me as I am then.

[ He will still be himself, he thinks, once those changes are done. He knows with his powers returned, he can't count on resisting that affliction by sheer willpower...and so, he still wants to pursue this. ]

And then, we will return back to our universe, together.

[ ...They'll still have to part ways upon immediate arrival when they do head back to their universe, unfortunately, for a time. Because he does still have his Stellaron Hunters to report to - and Dan Heng was somewhere where he could not be reached. But, ironically, them going to briefly that little trip should delay it, affording more time for them to spend with one another. ]

[ It may be testament to how much he believes Blade is changing for the better.. he's willing to risk bringing Blade back with him as is.

It's Blade's determination and willingness to see it through that shuts down anything else Dan Heng may have to say over the matter. Maybe it'll work or maybe it won't. Whatever the case, Blade wants to find out himself.

He breathes out slowly as he leans into that touch to his cheek. Closing his eyes as he weighs the choice for a moment longer. Dan Heng does need to get back to Caelus, but he also trusts his friend will be find should the events continue on. There may also be a way for them to return to the moment he was taken away without issue.

It's all hinges on trust. Blade has so much trust in this, that Dan Heng can't help but want to give it in to him. ]

I have already agreed to walk this path with you. Where you go, I'll follow.

[ If that means going with G'raha, then so be it. ]

[ Blade...doesn't quite have that much faith in himself when it comes to his own will in resisting his own condition - as much as Dan Heng does, anyway. It's gotten actually better than in the beginning of this, because there has been an inevitable increase in how he's able to tell that he can make decent choices, even where he is at now. That he can improve, even if the mere thought of it is actually frightening (since...what if he slides back? Or...)

And, at the same time, it isn't so long ago when even a low number of days ago he had tried to kill Dan Heng with his own hands. But, despite those complex emotions - there's more good than bad; his memories of providing resistance when he could against that madness, are not to be forgotten.

As well as realization that Dan Heng trusts him that much. Blade has to continue to ensure he's worthy of that trust, of the love he's granted him; to treat him as someone who deserves the best of him. So, hearing his decision, he breathes out, saying softly: ]

...It's appreciated.

[ Blade's placing a good deal of trust in this indeed - and he knows, should there need to be a quick departure, that it won't be impossible. That being said, he will also give Dan Heng's hand another squeeze. ]

Let's take a walk. We're going to leave this place...exploring through the rooms one last time won't hurt.

[ Of course, it's an excuse for them to have more private time for just the two of them - without the gaze of others upon them. Though the memories provide sentimental value. ]

[ Moving his hand to gently stroke his hair as he watches for any shift in his expression. He still can't fully read the other, but he is trying to watch for miniscule changes in moments like these.

When both you and your partner aren't as expressive.

Returning the squeeze, as he ponders on giving him another quick peck when Blade proposes they go on a walk.

Everyone else has faded away from the forefront of his mind, but now that things have been decided, he realizes they were there. ]

That would probably be for the best.

[ They have their own celebrating they should do and he isn't subjecting the others to any further... mush. Stepping back as he gives their linked hands a light tug to lead the other away. Time for some privacy before they are whisked away to G'raha's world ]

[ Blade's expressions are, definitely, quite minute at times, because he is still very much a stoic man - though Dan Heng has witnessed some of his warmer ones by far. It's probably ironic that the person he has chosen to be with is very much the same, but that just makes whenever each one of them is more or less expressive all the more valuable, right? But, he's definitely emotive - or somewhat like that - in other ways, with himself feeling content with the touch; having relaxed when he felt it.

But, on the walk they are! Blade begins to consider certain places, though the first one that comes to his mind is a certain location that is bound to be bereft of others (not that he's paying much attention right now.)

Is it any surprise it's the observatory? It's where they first stayed. ]

...Remember where we stayed first?

[ Blade says, tone perhaps a touch nostalgic; more than a bit sentimental. Because now that they're further away from the others, he's sliding more towards that display of mushiness.

With hands linked, Blade's free one goes to slip into one of his pockets all the while. ]

And, do you remember, what I made for you, that one week?

[ Which, of course, unfortunately disappeared with the new one.

But, guess what exactly what he was doing, that very night of that last curfew? Perhaps it is something like a prelude to a celebration of sorts - one between them as they enter the observatory's first flow - though maybe he's getting ahead of himself. ]

[ Hand in hand, and his gaze will remain fixated on the path ahead as he continues to lead Blade away from the others.

At the mention of where they first stayed, he steers them towards the Observatory. It would likely be safe at this moment considering all the goodbyes others may wish to partake in the rooms they spent most of the time in.

It's interesting how different their relationship was during that first curfew compared to now. How Dan Heng took a chance that night to approach Blade himself to see which one he would be meeting with. How their conversation that night very well help laid down a more stable foundation between them. ]

Maybe we'll be lucky and now have any interruptions this time.

[ Knock on wood. Though speaking of wood... he does recall the little dragon carving Blade made him. ]

Indeed, I do. It was rather disappointing when it vanished, but we both knew it would.

[ He kept that on him until the cycle started once again and the item again. ]

Did you happen to make a new one? [ With everything that has happened, he would be surprised Blade did take the time to make something new, but Blade has been surprising every step of the way here. ]

[ Including any potential last-minute future crimes they're likely fortunate to be avoiding...apparently.

Ironically, that very night Blade himself hadn't been certain of their interactions from that point - thinking himself no different from a wild animal without a leash. One who would have easily lost his mind - and did - at the slightest press upon his own mind. ]

Anyone who does, I'll make scatter.

[ Blade's immediately thinking of brandishing Shard Sword in that case. Well, he's still a man who chooses to leap to violence first rather than words. But, who knows. Maybe a glare can satisfy the ideal conditions. ]

...I did.

I can be persistent, when it suits me.

[ His lips curl upwards into a little smirk; triumphant. Because his efforts bore fruit - even with all of the madness, he had been at work when he had seen to it. That night was just him putting those finishing touches - and he hadn't the chance to offer it because of everything that happened afterwards. So, there he goes, extricating it from his pocket, holding it to Dan Heng. ]

...And, I wanted you to keep something that I made. Permanently.

[ Does anyone here know to put a sock on the door?

He does wonder if Blade really will make someone scatter should they show up. Blade may have to make do with just a look considering one of his hands are occupied.

Dan Heng also knows just how persistent Blade can be when it suits him. He does have the marks on him that proves as much. Once the dragon is out, he's taking it immediately to inspect it. He still remembers how the first one looked, so he is seeing if there's any changes between the two. Has Blade's handiwork made any improvements? ]

It looks like your persistence has paid off. [ Stretching up to press his lips against Blade's mouth. ] Thank you for this.

[ Something that has been made with Blade's hands for Dan Heng that he can hold on to. ]

[ With the power invested in him, Blade can and will make anyone unfortunate enough to stumble upon this scene, scatter with a single look.

As for his handiwork...Dan Heng's gaze will catch definite and significant improvements from last time. He's actually gotten more precise, as well as etched far more intricate details. There is an air of positivity around the "dragon" - rather than simply fierce, there can be detected a subtle upwards curl of the lips on either side.

Perhaps a reflection of the expression adorned on Blade's face, light, and softer now, when Dan Heng presses that kiss, but he moves forward, sliding both arms around Dan Heng's waist, to pull him into a sudden embrace.

A radiant joy is apparent in his heart, knowing Dan Heng treasures it. He's still terrible at accepting gratitude, but, affection from his loved one?

He feels like he has made welcoming it an art. ]

...Glad you still like it.

[ Blade closes his eyes for a moment, wanting to cherish the feel of his beloved against him. It's still a little greedy, but there's nothing wrong with it either. ]

[ The look on his beloved's face leaves him speechless for a moment. It's always softer, sweeter Blade that has him tripped up and feeling a warmth that could melt the dragon heart should he still possess it. Slowly, he will return the hug with one arm snaking around Blade. ]

You've improved. [ While it may not have needed to be said, he still wants Blade to know he has noticed. He leans into him as he continues to look at the dragon. Blade can be as greedy as he wants. ]

[ A speechless Dan Heng...absolutely is cute. Blade's going to feel definitely very satisfied - as he does whenever he so happens to mange it in the first place. But, feeling the way the other man returns the embrace brings about a sentiment of greater triumph, and since it's only them, he will continue to hold him close. Particularly as Dan Heng even leans into him.

Like this, it'd be likely difficult for Dan Heng to see the way Blade's cheeks heat up at the compliment - he's always been susceptible to any kind of praise from the other man. ]

...You noticed.

[ Ah. Well. He didn't mean to say that so suddenly. Then, a pause, before he adds: ]

Not like it's too surprising.

[ He unfortunately can't see the expression, but he is content to just be in his arms like this. Blade should soak it up because it's a rare treat for him to be like this where anyone can walk in and tease them. ]

You did put a lot of work into it. [ So of course he'll notice! ] It isn't surprising. You have been improving in a number of ways.

[ Not just with the carving. Closing his eyes as he tucks his face against him. ]

[ Blade will soak it up indeed, content to hold onto the other man as long as he can - he's no intention of letting go right away and this remains true even now.

Aeons better watch over the poor soul who does walk in and dare to tease. Because it won't be Dan Heng they'd need to be concerned with...anyway, Blade's grateful his face can't be seen like this, because he feels it grow hotter. ]

I've...been doing my best.

[ He seems to understand the underlying the meaning. And, at times like these, he finds himself incredibly grateful. It hasn't been easy. But, with each acknowledgement, he feels...encouraged, and good. It's embarrassing. Yet, he isn't ashamed. ]

I'll keep doing exactly that. Even if it isn't all simple. Not just for me. But, also, for you.

[ Dan Heng, he ultimately believes, deserves him at his best. He makes him want to be that kind of person, while staying true to himself. ]

[ Putting the carved dragon into his pocket for safe keeping. This should be securely stored.

Then he'll reach up to brush his fingers against his jawline and settle the palm of his hand against his cheek. He feels that warmth on his face and opens an eye to try to look up at him, but it's a bit hard where he's at.

He feels a bit of a fluttering feeling at Blade stating he'll be doing it for him as well. ]

It may not be simple, but I do trust you to continue doing your best.

[ There may be bumps in the road or they have to take a step or two back, but sometimes that happens when it comes to progress and exploring something new.

Dan Heng isn't one for words unless it's for a topic that he's interested in or learning new information about a place, so there's a lot left unsaid. However, he will show Blade what this all means to him every step of the way. ]

[ A bit difficult, isn't it? Though, apparently not so much he can't touch at his cheek, the sensation welcome - ironically, Blade never figured that he managed to be the type to be so receptive to touches. There have been rare times where he felt so at ease with them, but when it comes to Dan Heng, the number of them feel limitless.

The gentle pressure makes him tilt his head slightly into it - move one hand to lightly card through those strands of short dark hair.

His eyes are able to gaze upon the man before him, still tucked close against him.

His.

...His actions will, as always, speak for themselves.

He trusts in him.

A notion that before would have had Blade laughing mad, hurling words aimed to cut. But now instead fill him with...something. A twisted, but simultaneous pure emotion of satisfaction and elation. ]

...Never thought I'd hear you say that. But, I like it.

[ Blade's words are uttered as they are. That faith in him, despite the fact that he's crumbled many times before - makes that warmth stay, though instead of a sting, the heat lingering in his chest, on his cheeks...is welcome. ]

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Epilogue

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