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[icy_veins]

WELCOME TO YOUR PRIVATE CHANNEL, ERIDANUS SUNGAZER. FOR SECURE COMMUNICATION, USE 099.23.886.00 *** Archmage has joined 099.23.886.00 <Archmage> Hello, this is Eridanus Sungazer. <Archmage> In the event I am currently unavailable, please leave a message. <Archmage> I will answer back, promptly. If I feel you are worth the trouble.

Comments

< Monkeyboard >

[pendulumentertainment]

uhhh hello? is this the right thing? uhh its me- monkeyboard. or yuya here and ready to learn poker! (and how to lie... maybe)

< Archmage >

[icy_veins]

Hello Yuya. If you would like to meet for learning poker (and lying), I would be happy to oblige. Is there a place you prefer? Perhaps a cafe or a public park would be good. I am usually around Bavan.

<teslacoils> forward dated a little bit to after Hawkeye officially announces the school

[terribibble]

Hello! I know we haven't formally met yet but my name is Dr. Fiddleford McGucket and I'm the other math teacher. And physics and general around-the-house sorts of things, but math's the relevant thing.

[He figures he doesn't have to specify math teacher where. There's only one monster-organized school. It's not rocket science.]

I figured I'd reach out to you now so we could get some ideas together for lessons. Best to be on the same page going in.

<archmage> WHAT AN ENDEARING BOY!!

[icy_veins]

[Eridanus hadn't been expecting such quick correspondence, but really, he should know better.]

Greetings, Dr. McGucket.

It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.
I am Eridanus Sungazer—no formal title that is relevant to a school. I will be in charge of calculus in the math department, though I will also be teaching philosophy, and poetry.

I concur, we should certainly compose lesson plans if we are to enlighten eager minds to critical thinking. What time and day works best for you?
My schedule is wide open.

Sincerely,
Lord-Magister Sungazer

<0100000101001101> - The morning of their Cube date

[godofthemachine]

You know, Eridanus, I just don't see the point in us fighting at the Cube. I do like you quite a bit and I do not want to hurt you. How about we meet at a cafe instead and chat?

<archmage>

[icy_veins]

Do you mock me, AM?

You gouged my belly and back in that dream, and I intend to return the favor tenfold.
Surely you have finally developed a sense of humor, since you have come to me with this comedy?

<a.dyer> Forward dated to the 22nd

[ohmyscream]

Dear Eridanus:

I'm so sorry for how emotional I was. Normally I'm much better at keeping myself in check. Apparently we were all drugged for this past week or so.

I am starting to feel a bit more in control. I can tell you that I wasn't lying or trying to emotionally manipulate you. (To be honest if I were in your shoes I might worry about that. I'm trying to be transparent.)

I'll also admit I'm pretty embarrassed over all. Not because of you. There were other encounters. I am not exactly trying to hide from you or anyone else but this is prompting me to move out of my current home more quickly. I'm going to request Mana build me a place I feel more comfortable with than the city since it's obviously a target for attack. Once it is finished I'll invite you over.

Yours,

Annie.

<archmage>

[icy_veins]

Dearest Annie,

I too was under the affects of that strange air, and Lucius tells me that it was because of some strange mist that came out of a cannister. It was a truth serum of sorts, so, with that being said:

If you would ever like a friend to lean on for those moments of grief, please feel free to reach out to me. I was just as honest about my own past experiences.

With love,
Eridanus Sungazer

action | a day or two before their duel

[chemoscion]

[ The day of their promised duel finally draws close, after so many distractions and delays, and so much as he expects Eridanus to provide only the most meager of challenges, Lucius nonetheless has found his thoughts preoccupied with it over the last few days. Impatient energy floods his limbs down to the very tips of his fingers, and with each day, each hour, each minute that brings him closer to the date and time, that energy only grows stronger. He's sure as much isn't lost on Eridanus, either; whether in company or absence, he certainly hasn't hidden the bolstering of his mood.

He imagines the flurry of their blades. He recalls threats Eridanus had made during their heated conversation, of flaying and quartering and binding Lucius' limbs to make him accept his fate. He replays every hungry word that had passed between them then and has passed between them since, revisiting old conversation again and again within his mind, giddy laughter welling in his lungs whenever he is reminded of the innocence of those first moments of budding obsession.

All that to say that it isn't precisely odd, the immediacy with which Lucius greets Eridanus upon his return from work. He presses well nearer than is polite, but doesn't touch, those excruciating inches left between them pulling a grin to Lucius' face as he circles, at once the prowling predator and the doting housepet. ]

Eridanus, [ he says, the name a purr on his tongue, ] come out with me tonight.

[ Already, to demand attention and company out of boredom is a commonplace thing between them. However, the cadence of his words makes plain a motivation unlike anything so idle. Mischief gilts each syllable, and the furred stinger that crowns his overlong tail brushes its harmless face against Eridanus' ankle, bobbing and weaving inches from the floor with restless energy. ]

what a cute cat, I love

[icy_veins]

[The shorter commute home would have been reason enough for Eridanus' chipper mood, but with the date of their duel drawing closer, it's hard not to consider the obvious. The jaunt he makes up the dilapidated path is practically a skip, as he fishes his keys from his trouser pocket to insert into the door.

As the lock turns her can hear the quiet, nimble footsteps that come down the hallway, and by the time he's through the threshold, Lucius is before him. It's a sight he knows well enough, ever since Mirage had been disbanded, Lucius has been idle and often greeted him the moment he came home. Still, it never fails to pull an affectionate smile across his face.

The way Lucius paces about him tickles a different sort of excitement up his spine though, his mind jumping to conclusions it seems to have been trained to. As his fingers find the buttons of his jacket, his head pivots to keep his gaze locked with golden cat-eyes.]

Out? [He repeats the word, surprise in his guttural voice as what he had been expecting is thwarted. While he'd never reject the opportunity to go about town with Lucius, it was still rare when he was included on one of the man's prowls. A sheepish smile replaces his initial surprise, and he peels himself out of his coat.]

Where do you plan to take me, then? You never include me on your hunts.

<teslacoils> this is friends

[terribibble]

There once was a boy who was a Halloween fanatic. He loved dressing up for Halloween, he loved pulling pranks and watching horror movies, and above everything else... he loved candy. One fateful year, while he went trick-or-treating, he visited a house. This house was creepy as hell! It was big, it was old, it smelled like a grandmother and it was owned by a happy, old rich couple. The boy came here thinking that he would be handed out big chocolate bars, because it was a rich person's house but when he knocked on their door... he was handed a bag of that shitty candy that nobody likes! Tootsie rolls, shitty flavoured dum-dums, those weird... peanut things... needless to say, the boy was heartbroken. He was so heartbroken that he died, right there on their porch and now, every Halloween he goes out and finds people to curse. He wants everyone to suffer the same way he did!

Everybody is already suffering from his curse!! Send this to ten people to break the curse, or to avoid getting cursed, or you'll be stuck looking freakier than usual for the rest of your life!!!!!!!!!!

<archmage>

[icy_veins]

Fiddleford, I think you've dipped a bit deep into your moonshine tonight.

Also, what is "Halloween"?

<a.dyer> ( 3am 10/05 GO TO BED ANNIE!)

[ohmyscream]

Has anyone told you about Halloween yet?

<archmage>

[icy_veins]

Yes, actually. Fiddleford told me about the event.
We do have something similar where I am from, though it is called "Hallow's End".

Also, what are you doing awake, Annie?

[He asks this as if he isn't replying at 3AM]

<a.dyer>

[ohmyscream]

Dear Eridanus.

I know it's late.

I kind of need help whenever you are available during the day.

-- Annie

<Archmage>

[icy_veins]

Dearest Annie,

Simply tell me when and where, and I will make room in my schedule to attend to you.

With love,
Eridanus

<KrisKringle>

[getmeoutofthedraft]

Ho ho ho! Your secret Santa gift recipient for this year is AngelA on the network.

Her real name is, as you may have guessed, Angela. Don't call her an angel, she really seems not to like that.

Please spend no more than 20 solars on a gift for Angela, and ensure she receives it on or before Christmas Day (December 25). If not, Santa Claus will come to your house and glare disappointedly through the windows until you cough up.

Merry Winter-Holiday-Of-Your-Choice!

<Archmage>

[icy_veins]

Wonderful, I am excited to partake in your human tradition.

A merry Winter Solstice to you too, Doctor Pierce.

December 20th, delivered by harpy

[legbreakings]

[ There is a delivery of a small rectangular gift, wrapped in that skillful way which clearly tells you it was wrapped in the store.

Inside, there is a book titled A Complete Introduction to Go Strategies and Tactics, as well as a letter. ]

Dear esteemed Eridanus Sungazer,

I learned that you enjoy chess, so I will take this opportunity to introduce you to Weiqi, better known as Go here in Ryslig.

I won't insult a passionate player with the kind of board that can be bought for 20 solars but if the book catches your interest, you should have no problem finding one in Bavan.

If this gift displeases you, feel free to voice your displeasure.

Wei Wuxian

<CheeryCherry> | backdated to January 10th | cw: painkiller abuse

[isawallflower]

did i say thahnk you??
thtank you
THANK YOU
for th wingy thing

<Archmage>

[icy_veins]

[It takes him some time to realize that wingy-thing=Riley, before he replies.]

Riley,

I am certainly happy to have been of help to you. You are most welcome.
Are you okay, though? You are typing erratically.

Yours,
Eridanus Sungazer

<GiggleGrrl> - Morning, January 14th

[fantabulousandwich]

This is your OFFICIAL notification that the monster pinup calendar photoshoot has been delayed to January 18th, owing to blizzards, burning, alien flesh parasites, and death. Sorry for the short notice, but your friendly neighborhood organizers were trapped in a death hotel, so. Deal with it.

In the meantime, this gives YOU more time to think about the shoot! As you're a Demon, your calendar month will be October, with the theme of Halloween. Your fellow monsters are JOJO and BlackHat on the Network; so maybe give them a holler, and see what you can cook up! Your month is the only one with three people in it, AND you have the prestige of Halloween, so you crazy kids go nuts.

If you have any questions or concerns, or if you died and need to be excused, let us know.

- Harley Quinn

<Archmage> (forward dated to January 17th)

[icy_veins]

Dearest Harley,

Unfortunately during the events that transpired at the party, I was executed.
When I awoke today, there was something distinctly different about me.
I am no longer a demon, and I have apparently returned to my troll-skin.

Barring how frustrating this is for me personally, I will be unable to participate with the other demons for the photoshoot.
I would still like to help with the charity.

Is there another month I may be photographed for?

Thank you,
Eridanus Sungazer

<a.dyer>

[ohmyscream]

Are you okay?


Also I'm swearing off kissing ever again. Slightly related topic.

<Archmage> [forward-dated to the 17th]

[icy_veins]

I apologize for corresponding to you so late, dear Annie.
I died.

Why do you wish to swear off of kissing, did someone hurt you?
Who must I inflict torture upon?

3/03

[ohmyscream]

[ Eridanus will have a package delivered to him. Inside is a lovely leather-bound journal that looks hand made as well as a small container holding six Earl Grey flavored cupcakes with a honey butter cream frosting decorating the tops.

There is also a handwritten note from Annie included. ]

Dear Eridanus,

I'm sorry. I wanted to bring this to you on Valentine's Day but my 'Dad' made a sudden appearance. I was working up to introducing him to you after soothing his mood but once I became aware it wasn't quite "him" I may have retreated a bit.

I'm sorry I took until now to reach out. I hope I didn't hurt your feelings. I care about you so much. I've also been looking into a spa that might appeal to you because you work way too hard.

Honestly, the best place is Gan Eden. Doctor Lust owns it and she's pretty amazing. I thought i should point that out.

Please take care. This place has been really getting people down lately.

Yours, Annie

<Archmage>

[icy_veins]

[After enjoying the cupcakes, Eridanus will message Annie on the network.]

My dearest Annie, let us not dwell on the unfortunate circumstances of last month.
From my mind came my daughter, and I believe it to be the best that the two of you never met.

Rather, I am interested in this spa-date. Would you like to partake together?
I think the both of us could use some relaxation.

Yours with love,
Eridanus

<daniel>

[downdowndown]

[The message comes after he's been in prison for nearly two weeks. Perhaps that's how long it's taken him to break.]

what does lucius mean to you?

<Archmage>

[icy_veins]

[The message is unexpected, considering it's been weeks since they last spoke; but still, he can still feel the way anger prickles at his skin like needles when he sees it come through.]

I do not answer to you, worm. What happens between Lucius and I is none of your concern.
Rather, your concern should be in what punishment I meet out on you the moment you stand within my sights again.

<CheeryCherry> | April 14th, early morning

[isawallflower]

i think i screwed up

<Archmage>

[icy_veins]

[He sees this and it could mean anything. Did she hurt herself? Did she hurt someone else?

Too many questions race through his mind with not enough answers.]

Riley, can you calmly explain to me what happened?

<harmonia>

[digiorno]

[In the middle of all of this mess:]

did you know riley killed aunamee?

[It's a courtesy question. He doesn't want to assume, even if the evidence is right there for him to see.]

<Archmage>

[icy_veins]

Firstly, who is this?

[Because he's never had a network message with Giorno. Whomst'd've??]

action | backdated to before fog blah blah you know how it is

[chemoscion]

[ Lucius had certainly praised Eridanus in the aftermath of his duel with AM—to his face, and to others, bragging like some proud parent over the accomplishment of his child. For as much as Eridanus had enjoyed it, though, that was only the precursor to this true reward: the two of them cloistered within the walls of the Cube, locked into a new duel.

It's different than the first duel they had waged between each other—as much thanks to Lucius' attitude as any improvements Eridanus has made. Any other time, and Lucius would press in with a relentless offense, aiming to prove his superiority within the span of seconds; now, he hasn't raised either of his blades in attack once. It's almost flirtatious, the way Lucius has done nothing but parry Eridanus' strikes, skirting in circles just barely within the reach of his consort's weapons. ]

Very good, Eridanus, [ he hums, his branching tail flicking playfully behind him. ] You almost managed to hit me that time.

[icy_veins]

[Though his stamina, agility, and stance has greatly improved—it is another thing entirely to stand toe to toe with Lucius the Eternal once more. He can sense much more acutely the difference between them, see where he can bridge the gap, only for the blademaster to leap away from him again. It's frustrating, in many ways, and in many more it only serves to encourage his continued improvement.

With his blow parried, Eridanus flicks his saber to the side, panting his breaths as he watches Lucius pirouette away with the grace of a danseur. In his off-hand, Eridanus tests his grip on his short-blade, flexing his fingers around it and griping it anew with a firm yet delicate hold.]

I have not been practicing so vigorously for any reason other than striking you, Lucius, [Eridanus smiles between his panting breaths, his own tail wagging behind him with excitement.] Surely I will earn more of your praise this day.

[His saber is relaxed at his side, and with a start that is more leap than stride, Eridanus closes in on his lover. He pulls his blade upwards, a flash of arching silver that rips through the air with a practiced speed and finesse. Though it's unlikely the cut will land, nevertheless, his aim is for the very same spot Lucius once engraved his chest.]

<a.dyer>

[ohmyscream]

Eridanus,

We haven't spoken in some time. I'm letting you know I'm alright. Maybe we can take that visit to Gan Eden soon? I'd love to get to catch up. Things have been hectic.

I even took over a business. That's why I sent you cupcakes last time we spoke.

Anyways, take care of yourself.

-- Annie

<Archmage> thank you to my email, that ate this notif

[icy_veins]

Dearest Annie,

I am glad to hear you are well. I would also love to catch up with you soon.
It sounds like you've been busy.

When would you like to visit Gan Eden together?

Eagerly,
Eridanus

action | backdated to the event

[decarded]

[ Ryslig isn't the only place that exists within Angelica's happy mind. There is also a seaside town named Fuyuki, where Julian Ainsworth lives untroubled by painful things like the specter of his ancestor or the end of the world.

It's summer in Ryslig, which means the chill of winter has just set into Fuyuki's air. Despite the peaceful life she has dreamed up for her once-brother, the stillness to the scenery runs deep enough to be eerie still—but that is only natural, given the massive crater that ravages the center of what had once been a residential district. Kilometers wide, this part of Fuyuki is now all but abandoned—except for Julian, the Ainsworth castle still concealed by magic within that same crater's heart.

Even an Archmage would have trouble breaching the bounded field of his abode—and in no small part thanks to its strange subtleness, uninvited guests walking through empty air simply to find themselves warped to the invisible barrier's other side.

Of course, Angelica knows Eridanus to be both scholarly and prideful. Maybe that is what has led him to his curiosity over what would otherwise appear to be a vexingly blank space? ]

The bounded field won't let any intruders through. [ She lowers herself from the crater's edge on white wings, Angelica looking every bit the demon Eridanus knows her as. (Eridanus, of course, looks quite different—but, somehow, she doesn't struggle to recognize him, or wonder why that is.) She has, after all, been watching over Julian—even if he has never noticed her, and she has never revealed herself to him. ] It's best to let it be.

[icy_veins]

[Finding himself in a place so unfamiliar (one moment he was in the great halls of the Diadem, a cohort of daemonettes trailing after him like iridescent perfume smoke, and the next he was set in a snowy field), Eridanus resolves to find out just why that was. Was he spirited away, or was this a simple trickery of the mind? Had he taken far too much ambrosia, or was this the doing of the Eye? Regardless of the circumstance, all theory is put on hold by the echo of familiarity.

He whips around, sending a powdery flurry of snow at his feet swirling through the silent air as he does. All question, all thought, dies within his skull as he takes in the sight of that great woman. Her appearance is wholly foreign to him, and yet, he feels as if he's met her a thousand times before—and just her simple presence sets his skin crawling with the need to retreat for fear of deadened eyes that peer to thoroughly into his soul.]

What is this place, Angelica? [The name slips off of his tongue thoughtlessly, but he doesn't spare any moment to wonder just how he knows it—knows her.] What is this barrier? What are you hiding from me!

<harmonia>

[digiorno]

[In all things, Giorno is strategic. Or at least tries to be. The quest he's given is annoying and illogical, but it's what he's been given, and he's damned if he's going to stumble at the last hurdle. There are degrees of risk. He'll just . . . take the lowest degree of risk available to him.]

[Besides, Eridanus would probably just find it funny. That's where he lands, ultimately, when he sends his first message.]

good evening, eridanus. this isn't urgent if you're busy, but i was hoping for help with a project.

<Archmage>

[icy_veins]

[The late night ping certainly catches his attention, and when he opens it, his surprise keeps him from answering for a few minutes. To think that Giorno would seek him, of all people, for a favor?

Well, then. This must be good.]

My, my Giorno... what a lovely surprise.
What is it that I may assist you with, this wonderful summer eve?

<CheeryCherry> | backdated to August 5th

[isawallflower]

Dad,
Do you think you're going to be in Bavan sometime soon?
There's someone I want to introduce you to!

[ This is...so much nicer than most of the times Riley's messaged Eridanus in the past. ]

<Archmage>

[icy_veins]

[After so long without correspondence, seeing the familiar username brings a fond smile to Eridanus' face.]

Hello sunshine.
I can always make time for you, when would you like to meet?

happy holidays morg <3

[isawallflower]

[ Riley has one more gift, but with no one to give it to.

After all gifts have been exchanged on the 25th, Riley delivers a tin of gingersnaps to the graveyard and places it on Eridanus’s grave. On top of that, she sets down a mug that reads World’s Best Dad. It’s the sort of silly, kitschy thing she’s never been able to do before, but that she’s always wanted to. The snow falls into it as she breathes out slowly. ]

...Merry Christmas, Dad. I miss you.

[ She stays there for...quite some time. ]