[The deadest dead-eye look comes to his face at the slight.] Shut it. [Maybe it was a big rat, okay. Space rats aren't anything to joke about! Maybe it was a huge, fire-breathing, poisonous-fleshed space rat. With three glowing eyes.
But if there's no rats on ships in space.... What was that thing in the vent? He doesn't even consider that it could be eyes really. What kind of light comes in a triangled trio? Plus that's all he could see. Just the shining dots in the shadows, nothing else.
His eye refocuses intently on Sebastian's face.] There was-- [He freezes, mouth open, eyebrows rising upward. Oh no. Oh... no...
The tickle. It's strong. The mildly burning tickle, right there in the back. It grows, and the pressure swells, and, suddenly--
He sneezes, one that is deep enough to rack his shoulders.]
[ Sebastian has to resist the urge to laugh at first, since Ciel being himself is always funny, but. When he starts to sneeze, Sebastian gets much more serious, since that sort of deep sneeze is unmistakeable. Something adorable is near.
Still. He's the dutiful butler first (unfortunately, so far as he's concerned), so he grabs the handkerchief from his pocket once more to offer it to Ciel. At least this time it's unlikely to be turned away, since Ciel is a snotty child, and Sebastian isn't wiping his face for him. ]
Oh, dear. Are you certain it was a rat, young master?
[Yes, this time he doesn't forgo the handkerchief, but instead takes it when it is offered, promptly spilling his face into it afterward. There's no denying what is making him sneeze. It's dander. Cat dander, as Sebastian knows good and well that is the only thing he's allergic to, the only thing that makes him sneeze profusely.]
Maybe it was dust then! [He glares at Sebastian over the handkerchief, eyes red-rimmed already and voice muffled by the cloth. Slowly, he peers up at the vent, almost accusatory in his gaze. There's no way.... Could Mogget be in the vents? No.... Ferdinand said the cat rarely came out of the room.
He looks once more at Sebastian, then lowers the handkerchief.] You look. [But he's not going to hold you up!]
[ It's an order Ciel doesn't even really need to give because at "You l—," Sebastian has already quickly moved to investigate. He only needed permission, since cats are definitely the priority. It's easier for him than Ciel, though still ridiculous, since he simply jumps to grab the grate of the vent with one hand, then braces his feet against the wall. The vent itself is bolted in place, so though it creaks with the weight, it holds.
Sebastian's expression is serious as he looks into the vent, but by this point, the Space Cat has already been scared off by Ciel's scream, so there's nothing for Sebastian to see. He puts an ear to the vent as Ciel had, but his hearing carries farther, so he listens for several moments before he asks: ]
Mr. Wilder gave you a map of the air vents, correct?
[Not surprised that Sebastian went from floor to vent in point three seconds when there's implications of the creatures being cats. Or cat-like.
Ciel raises the handkerchief back up to his face, mostly to hide the look that comes with having bated breath. He has pretty much convinced himself that Sebastian is going to find those same three orbs winking on in the darkness of the vent. He has convinced himself that Sebastian is going to find, of all things, a damn cat.
Silently, he waits, watching the demon's backside intently.
Then he releases a slow exhale into the handkerchief when Sebastian speaks. Maybe it had been a rat. Maybe it had been a rat with a one-eyed rat friend, and they had fleed after his scream. He lowers the cloth again so his voice isn't muffled.] No.
The air locks, like the one the body was found in.
[ He trails off idly, since the dangers of late night tagging means that I misremembered it like a dingus, but!! There's nothing else to be seen in the vents, and even what he can hear is too muddled in with everything else to be of use. He lets go of the vent and jumps back, landing easily on the ground before he immediately starts to smooth his suit back into place.
Still, as he turns back to Ciel, his expression is full of interest all the same. ]
And did Mr. Wilder mention how he came across such a thing or why he had it?
[No worries. Zelos probably didn't even know what he had himself anyway.... The true dingus of the situation.]
No. I assumed he either received it from a superior, or he had conned it out of someone and lied to me about how he got it. [After a moment or two of being sure he wasn't under the threat of more sneezing or wheezing, he extends his arm back out and gives the handkerchief back to Sebastian.]
He's too much of an idiot to be in on anything. [Which is sadly not giving Zelos enough credit, considering Ciel had already been through Grell's fiasco, and, well... just Grell.]
[ He takes the handkerchief back, once again neatly folding it up, though he'll have to wash it later now. Thanks for getting gross germs on his handkerchief, Ciel!!
Sebastian shrugs in response to Ciel's assessment, since while he's inclined to agree in terms of first impressions, there's also a value into playing the fool when that wasn't the case. Still, it's not quite Sebastian's priority, so he doesn't voice that concern. He takes a different path with the information. ]
Then perhaps we should pursue that line of information. It may turn out to be nothing, of course, but to have such a map where a corpse appeared... It is interesting, is it not?
Mr. Wilder's ownership of the map was questionable. [Ciel looks thoughtful.] The body in the air lock was also questionable. That makes it seem like someone was trying to get rid of it. Mr. Wurstel said the victim could have just been trying to escape danger.
But if she wasn't a new recruit, she would know the air locks lead outside. It'd be worse to go in there to escape. [But spur of the moment decisions. It could have just been accidental stupidity.]
[ Sebastian nods in muted agreement, since he agrees with what's said, but after a moment's pause, he does laugh. It's not a pleasant laugh, though, so Ciel can guess easily that Sebastian isn't about to have something nice to say. ]
You know, with all of these questionable things piling up, I do have an idea on the nature of what might be causing these things to happen. The bodies we found at first were not the work of a mindless beast, and if our latest victim was cornered, that is one thing, but if they were perhaps left their intentionally...
[ He cants his head lightly, though it's just an idle gesture. ]
That would mean something intelligent is playing a game. The aim here would seem to me to be unease... Since if it were simply a creature rogue on the ship, it would not be so careful, now would it? I have a feeling that in coming days, we may see an escalation.
[ and as it turns out, he's right... good job sebastian ]
[God, Sebastian, tone it down on the creepy demonic laughter.
Ciel is fully prepared for what deduction he is about to receive, and it's only unsurprising because he had been thinking along the same lines.] There is a bigger player in this game than just the pieces that are killing people, yes. [His eye darkens slightly.] Everyone I've asked said this has never happened before on the ship, and everyone is perplexed by how something like this could get on board. [He doesn't have to say it for Sebastian to know what he's thinking: someone put these things here.]
But why? It doesn't seem like any of the victims have any relation except as crew. [He lifts his eye to Sebastian's face.] No one would go out of their way to kill certain people this specifically if it was just a vendetta.
So who is trying to kill us? And, more importantly, why?
[ He really will not, which is why he laughs gently again as Ciel agrees, but that's because he's always pleased by his perceptive young master. Truly, you'd never really guess that he's only thirteen. But that's why Sebastian is so devoted to his young master, when it comes down to it. ]
Oh? I thought that was the most obvious part, young master.
[ He brings a hand to his mouth as a thoughtful gesture, and half to stifle a laugh. ]
Do not forget what our purpose here is. We are destroying worlds. They may say otherwise, but I do not believe it is possible for such a thing to be done without some people objecting strongly.
[Slowly, Ciel narrows his eye. Tess didn't come out and say as much, but with how their conversation went, he can only assume the woman thought this very same thing. It's not a far-fetched conclusion if it is true.]
If so, are they killing the crew at random to hurt the CDC's numbers, or are they killing crew members who agree with the CDC cause? The CDC contracts members all the time it seems. How would killing us be a thorn in their side when we're so easily replaced? [There's a pause, allowing him to ponder his own question, then suddenly, he looks surprised.]
You said there could be an escalation. [Shit. This is only a small taste, if that's true. This is only the beginning.] ...They don't intend to kill just a few of us.
If that is the case, then yes, I would say so. Or even if they do not kill all of us, if they kill enough, the message is still clear. It is a common enough tactic.
[ He shrugs, and though his words are general, the way he says it implies that he's thinking of something much more specific. ]
You cannot destroy an army, but the more you slaughter, the less the survivors are willing to fight. Starting off with small gestures like this simply implies something much more personal to our assailant. If true destruction is what they sought, we would be finding more bodies. They seek fear first.
[Now what does he do, dammit? Does he tell someone else? Does he keep his mouth shut in case it doesn't happen? If other people die... is he supposed to care? They're all put into teams. It's evident that this place is pretty big on teamwork, especially after Warriorhead's message.
Ciel's reminded of the dormitories at Weston. Four "teams" under four colors. If the teams here didn't work together, were they doomed?
He frowns.] We're going to have to wait for more to unfold. There's not much we can do with what little we have. No evidence has been found that links anyone to the crimes so far. [Another pause. He holds his chin between a thumb and index finger.
What links all of these murders? Not the people... not the symptoms... not their locations.... The culprit obviously, but it's not a single individual. It's like... Grell and Madam Red. Like him and Sebastian. Someone is pulling the strings, someone who knows what they're doing....] Sebastian, take me back to the safe area. [His hand falls back to his side.]
...We're going to find out who's in charge of what comes on board when the ship is docked.
[ He watches Ciel puzzle through the mystery with interest, though he stays silent as he does. There's nothing he really has to add beyond that, since Sebastian has already come to a conclusion for himself on what Ciel is thinking over. Teamwork is important, certainly, but Sebastian wouldn't bring up a theory to anyone but Ciel without significantly more to back it up. It's little more than a guess based on past experiences, and Ciel is the only person here to know to take such observations seriously. ]
Of course, young master.
[ He steps closer to pick Ciel up once more, though he continues speaking as he does. ]
I believe that course of action would be wise. It's little more than a theory, so we don't want to bring the idea up prematurely.
[Thanks for being his personal Neheda carriage, Sebastian, it's great.]
We don't want to bring up anything without substantial evidence, or people will just think we're insane. [Without resistance, Ciel allows himself to be picked up like before, and he drapes one hand along Sebastian's shoulders to make sure he doesn't slide around while they're moving.]
Oh, no, I do not think they would find it insane... Simply worrying.
[ Since casually bringing that matter up really does make you wonder about the sort of people you're speaking with... Still. He doesn't say any more to that, since off they go! Similarly, it doesn't take long for them to arrive at their destination, and Sebastian obediently sets Ciel down again. ]
[He doesn't pursue the topic just for the sake of not having to argue with someone like Sebastian. It's better if he just rides quietly along back to the safe hub, or either they'll be trading under-handed know-it-all barbs right on through the doors.
Once he's put back on his feet, he spares Sebastian a few second's worth of a glance over his shoulder.] Go do whatever you were doing. [Like make sandwiches apparently... or something.
It's hard being both proud and jealous of people getting to taste finely crafted demonic sandwiches. On one hand, best most amazing butler cooking; on the other, it's supposed to be his best most amazing butler cooking.] I'm going to ask around.
[Or try, but then antler cats happen just outside.]
[ He understands that he's being dismissed, so in turn, Sebastian's expression immediately lightens significantly from that serious, thoughtful look. This is occasionally dangerous for Ciel, since it can mean that intense, sarcastic teasing is to follow, but luckily, no. He's just enthusiastic about cooking like the big nerd he actually is. ]
Of course, young master. I have been assisting with food preparation, so would you like me to bring you a selection of the sandwiches and your milk with honey when my shift is over? You should be hungry by then, I believe.
[ Since it's not quite the normal days they're used to, so the idea of breakfast/lunch/dinner is a bit out the window... Still. Sebastian already has Ciel's schedule down, of course. ]
[Ciel pauses before turning around to leave. Sandwiches. Best most amazing butler-made sandwiches. Sandwiches which will, ultimately, be so much better than shitty oatmeal, and shitty tea, and a simple orange, and lack of quality meals.
He'll take it.] Yes. [Not that he likes your stupid sandwiches or anything.]
[ And with the shitheaded way that Sebastian smiles, you know he's taking this as a victory nonetheless... ]
Excellent. I will be preparing ham and cheese sandwichs, cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches, egg salad sandwiches, and cheese and chutney sandwiches. Do any of these sound palatable?
[ He knows they do, because he knows your taste, punk!! ]
You can't just fucking name all of these sandwiches that he hasn't had the luxury of taste in days....
It takes a lot of effort, but Ciel tries extremely hard not to make any suddenly movements of his face to show just how much hearing (and imagining) these sandwiches hurts. Slowly, gently, he swallows.
He opens his mouth. Yes is right there on the tip of his tongue. Yes. Yes, all of these are wonderful--
[ Sebastian chuckles, and that shithead smile shifts in an instant to one that's much more sinister, but it's only sinister in the stupid, playful way. He brings a hand to his chin thoughtfully as he looks down at his young master, and the look of mock pity on his face is quite clear. ]
Do pardon me, young master. I apologize for not realizing sooner that you were already hungry. Perhaps the days being so much longer has thrown me off for your schedule.
[Great. Now this shitfest here knows he's hungry, and said shitfest is going to tease him mercilessly about it.
It's not something he can help anyway! He is so use to being able to just demand whatever he wants from Sebastian any time throughout the day, so the lack of opportunity--or food, rather--is really getting to him. There's no sweets, no grade-A dinners, no morning or afternoon tea.... Honestly, how did half these people survive on this God forsaken ship?
A part of him, yes, wants to take his meal right now. Another part of him, a bigger part, is too stubborn and prideful to play into the demon's taunts.] No! [It's a word that's ground out with some effort, but one that's too quickly given for it to be true.]
I have work to do right now. I'll [whywhywhywhywhy] eat later.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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But if there's no rats on ships in space.... What was that thing in the vent? He doesn't even consider that it could be eyes really. What kind of light comes in a triangled trio? Plus that's all he could see. Just the shining dots in the shadows, nothing else.
His eye refocuses intently on Sebastian's face.] There was-- [He freezes, mouth open, eyebrows rising upward. Oh no. Oh... no...
The tickle. It's strong. The mildly burning tickle, right there in the back. It grows, and the pressure swells, and, suddenly--
He sneezes, one that is deep enough to rack his shoulders.]
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Still. He's the dutiful butler first (unfortunately, so far as he's concerned), so he grabs the handkerchief from his pocket once more to offer it to Ciel. At least this time it's unlikely to be turned away, since Ciel is a snotty child, and Sebastian isn't wiping his face for him. ]
Oh, dear. Are you certain it was a rat, young master?
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Maybe it was dust then! [He glares at Sebastian over the handkerchief, eyes red-rimmed already and voice muffled by the cloth. Slowly, he peers up at the vent, almost accusatory in his gaze. There's no way.... Could Mogget be in the vents? No.... Ferdinand said the cat rarely came out of the room.
He looks once more at Sebastian, then lowers the handkerchief.] You look. [But he's not going to hold you up!]
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Sebastian's expression is serious as he looks into the vent, but by this point, the Space Cat has already been scared off by Ciel's scream, so there's nothing for Sebastian to see. He puts an ear to the vent as Ciel had, but his hearing carries farther, so he listens for several moments before he asks: ]
Mr. Wilder gave you a map of the air vents, correct?
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Ciel raises the handkerchief back up to his face, mostly to hide the look that comes with having bated breath. He has pretty much convinced himself that Sebastian is going to find those same three orbs winking on in the darkness of the vent. He has convinced himself that Sebastian is going to find, of all things, a damn cat.
Silently, he waits, watching the demon's backside intently.
Then he releases a slow exhale into the handkerchief when Sebastian speaks. Maybe it had been a rat. Maybe it had been a rat with a one-eyed rat friend, and they had fleed after his scream. He lowers the cloth again so his voice isn't muffled.] No.
The air locks, like the one the body was found in.
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[ He trails off idly, since the dangers of late night tagging means that I misremembered it like a dingus, but!! There's nothing else to be seen in the vents, and even what he can hear is too muddled in with everything else to be of use. He lets go of the vent and jumps back, landing easily on the ground before he immediately starts to smooth his suit back into place.
Still, as he turns back to Ciel, his expression is full of interest all the same. ]
And did Mr. Wilder mention how he came across such a thing or why he had it?
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No. I assumed he either received it from a superior, or he had conned it out of someone and lied to me about how he got it. [After a moment or two of being sure he wasn't under the threat of more sneezing or wheezing, he extends his arm back out and gives the handkerchief back to Sebastian.]
He's too much of an idiot to be in on anything. [Which is sadly not giving Zelos enough credit, considering Ciel had already been through Grell's fiasco, and, well... just Grell.]
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Sebastian shrugs in response to Ciel's assessment, since while he's inclined to agree in terms of first impressions, there's also a value into playing the fool when that wasn't the case. Still, it's not quite Sebastian's priority, so he doesn't voice that concern. He takes a different path with the information. ]
Then perhaps we should pursue that line of information. It may turn out to be nothing, of course, but to have such a map where a corpse appeared... It is interesting, is it not?
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But if she wasn't a new recruit, she would know the air locks lead outside. It'd be worse to go in there to escape. [But spur of the moment decisions. It could have just been accidental stupidity.]
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You know, with all of these questionable things piling up, I do have an idea on the nature of what might be causing these things to happen. The bodies we found at first were not the work of a mindless beast, and if our latest victim was cornered, that is one thing, but if they were perhaps left their intentionally...
[ He cants his head lightly, though it's just an idle gesture. ]
That would mean something intelligent is playing a game. The aim here would seem to me to be unease... Since if it were simply a creature rogue on the ship, it would not be so careful, now would it? I have a feeling that in coming days, we may see an escalation.
[ and as it turns out, he's right... good job sebastian ]
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Ciel is fully prepared for what deduction he is about to receive, and it's only unsurprising because he had been thinking along the same lines.] There is a bigger player in this game than just the pieces that are killing people, yes. [His eye darkens slightly.] Everyone I've asked said this has never happened before on the ship, and everyone is perplexed by how something like this could get on board. [He doesn't have to say it for Sebastian to know what he's thinking: someone put these things here.]
But why? It doesn't seem like any of the victims have any relation except as crew. [He lifts his eye to Sebastian's face.] No one would go out of their way to kill certain people this specifically if it was just a vendetta.
So who is trying to kill us? And, more importantly, why?
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Oh? I thought that was the most obvious part, young master.
[ He brings a hand to his mouth as a thoughtful gesture, and half to stifle a laugh. ]
Do not forget what our purpose here is. We are destroying worlds. They may say otherwise, but I do not believe it is possible for such a thing to be done without some people objecting strongly.
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If so, are they killing the crew at random to hurt the CDC's numbers, or are they killing crew members who agree with the CDC cause? The CDC contracts members all the time it seems. How would killing us be a thorn in their side when we're so easily replaced? [There's a pause, allowing him to ponder his own question, then suddenly, he looks surprised.]
You said there could be an escalation. [Shit. This is only a small taste, if that's true. This is only the beginning.] ...They don't intend to kill just a few of us.
...They're going to try to kill all of us.
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[ He shrugs, and though his words are general, the way he says it implies that he's thinking of something much more specific. ]
You cannot destroy an army, but the more you slaughter, the less the survivors are willing to fight. Starting off with small gestures like this simply implies something much more personal to our assailant. If true destruction is what they sought, we would be finding more bodies. They seek fear first.
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Ciel's reminded of the dormitories at Weston. Four "teams" under four colors. If the teams here didn't work together, were they doomed?
He frowns.] We're going to have to wait for more to unfold. There's not much we can do with what little we have. No evidence has been found that links anyone to the crimes so far. [Another pause. He holds his chin between a thumb and index finger.
What links all of these murders? Not the people... not the symptoms... not their locations.... The culprit obviously, but it's not a single individual. It's like... Grell and Madam Red. Like him and Sebastian. Someone is pulling the strings, someone who knows what they're doing....] Sebastian, take me back to the safe area. [His hand falls back to his side.]
...We're going to find out who's in charge of what comes on board when the ship is docked.
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Of course, young master.
[ He steps closer to pick Ciel up once more, though he continues speaking as he does. ]
I believe that course of action would be wise. It's little more than a theory, so we don't want to bring the idea up prematurely.
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We don't want to bring up anything without substantial evidence, or people will just think we're insane. [Without resistance, Ciel allows himself to be picked up like before, and he drapes one hand along Sebastian's shoulders to make sure he doesn't slide around while they're moving.]
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[ Since casually bringing that matter up really does make you wonder about the sort of people you're speaking with... Still. He doesn't say any more to that, since off they go! Similarly, it doesn't take long for them to arrive at their destination, and Sebastian obediently sets Ciel down again. ]
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Once he's put back on his feet, he spares Sebastian a few second's worth of a glance over his shoulder.] Go do whatever you were doing. [Like make sandwiches apparently... or something.
It's hard being both proud and jealous of people getting to taste finely crafted demonic sandwiches. On one hand, best most amazing butler cooking; on the other, it's supposed to be his best most amazing butler cooking.] I'm going to ask around.
[Or try, but then antler cats happen just outside.]
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Of course, young master. I have been assisting with food preparation, so would you like me to bring you a selection of the sandwiches and your milk with honey when my shift is over? You should be hungry by then, I believe.
[ Since it's not quite the normal days they're used to, so the idea of breakfast/lunch/dinner is a bit out the window... Still. Sebastian already has Ciel's schedule down, of course. ]
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He'll take it.] Yes. [Not that he likes your stupid sandwiches or anything.]
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Excellent. I will be preparing ham and cheese sandwichs, cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches, egg salad sandwiches, and cheese and chutney sandwiches. Do any of these sound palatable?
[ He knows they do, because he knows your taste, punk!! ]
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You can't just fucking name all of these sandwiches that he hasn't had the luxury of taste in days....
It takes a lot of effort, but Ciel tries extremely hard not to make any suddenly movements of his face to show just how much hearing (and imagining) these sandwiches hurts. Slowly, gently, he swallows.
He opens his mouth. Yes is right there on the tip of his tongue. Yes. Yes, all of these are wonderful--
His stomach growls.]
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[ Sebastian chuckles, and that shithead smile shifts in an instant to one that's much more sinister, but it's only sinister in the stupid, playful way. He brings a hand to his chin thoughtfully as he looks down at his young master, and the look of mock pity on his face is quite clear. ]
Do pardon me, young master. I apologize for not realizing sooner that you were already hungry. Perhaps the days being so much longer has thrown me off for your schedule.
[ heh ]
Will you take your meal now?
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It's not something he can help anyway! He is so use to being able to just demand whatever he wants from Sebastian any time throughout the day, so the lack of opportunity--or food, rather--is really getting to him. There's no sweets, no grade-A dinners, no morning or afternoon tea.... Honestly, how did half these people survive on this God forsaken ship?
A part of him, yes, wants to take his meal right now. Another part of him, a bigger part, is too stubborn and prideful to play into the demon's taunts.] No! [It's a word that's ground out with some effort, but one that's too quickly given for it to be true.]
I have work to do right now. I'll [whywhywhywhywhy] eat later.
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