Hello, I’m late. Lol.

Yo! You're not really late, I just posted this late. XD

I can't really RP right now, since I think my wifi is going off soon, but I'll write a post so that you can reply in your own time. We'll continue through the week!

Upon entering the prison, which seemed to be empty, Frederick immediately walked into a small side room, coming back with some materials - what looked like leather straps and chains. 'I'm not sure,' he said, returning to Lucci, 'but maybe you can create a muzzle out of this, if you want to.'

Crowley wasn't really paying attention to the fact that he was inside a prison - he was too busy spitting insults at Lucci and Mortikai.

(Alrighty!)

{Lucci drops Crowley's tail and takes the materials from Fred.}
Lucci: "Thank you, Frederick."

{The chains melt in Lucci's hands and the leather seems to evaporate. The materials rapidly warp and form into a muzzle, perfect size for Crowley.}

Lucci: "Now, hold still, Crowley."

(Do you remember that private RP we were doing a while back, set in that world I made, Ferros? Honest opinion, what did you think about that story?)

'Like hell I will!' Crowley snarled, and started trying to bite at Lucci's hands and arms.

(Oh yeah, I remember the Ferros RP. I have a crappy memory for past roleplays, so I don't remember every detail of the story, but I thought it was pretty cool! I would have been interested to see where the story went. (I didn't stop the RP because I wasn't interested; my RP motivation was just kinda dead at the time.)
I really like the amount of lore and depth you put into your stories/worlds. It seems like you spend a lot of time planning them.

Why do you ask?)

{Lucci reaches out and grabs Crowley’s face, holding his mouth shut. He then puts the muzzle on Crowley, locking it in place. Patting Crowley Crowley on the head, Lucci speaks.}

Lucci: “Remember, you were warned.”

(I was just curious. It really was kind of a prequel to a lot of my characters, so I could develop them a little more.)

Crowley narrowed his eyes and glared viciously at Lucci. If looks could kill, then Lucci would probably be dead right now, demigod or not.

'So,' said Frederick, 'we're going to put him in here and wait for his parents to arrive?' He gestured towards one of the empty cells.

(Aah, I see. I'm curious, do you write stories about your characters on your own, or do you only develop them through RPs?)

(I don’t really write stories, but I have some in my mind that I’ve never put to paper. But, yeah, I mostly develop them through RPs. That’s why sometimes, characters who are new might have a few jarring interactions early on.)

Lucci: “Yup! That’s exactly the plan.”
{Lucci grabs Crowley’s tail and one handedly, tosses him into an empty cell. Dusting off his hands, he looks around at everyone.}

“Nothing to do now but wait.”

(That's pretty cool! I'm the opposite, I mostly develop my characters through solo writing. I do have some who were created specifically for RPs, though - for instance, Armin was created just for Shacklestone. I think his personality was a bit different when we started out and I hadn't developed him yet.

RPs are a really great way to get a feel for characters' personalities and how they interact. X) )

//Idiot,// Crowley thought, eyeing everyone through the bars of his cell. //You think my PARENTS being here will make a difference? I'm not gonna go anywhere with them. I don't care what they think.// He continued to rant in his head, since he couldn't rant out loud.

Frederick pushed the cell door shut and locked it. 'I doubt they'll be very long. Does anyone want to go and get a drink while we wait? There's a nice coffee shop up the road that I've been to before.'

Lucci: “Yes, I think that’s a good idea.”

{Just then, Pythia walks in.}
Pythia: “I would like to join you, if you don’t mind.”

(Hm. Yeah, he was a little different, but he really mellowed out.
For real tho, was he creepin’ on Tochi intentionally? XDD)

Armin was behind Pythia, having followed her after their little conversation. Rex was also there, but was hanging back a little, not quite comfortable around all these people yet. 'Me too,' Armin said.

'I'll show you all where this place is,' said Frederick, giving Crowley a final glance before making his way out of the prison. 'It's not far.'

(Heh, nope. XD I never intended for him to have such a creeper vibe in that scene. I didn't realise how bad it looked until I read it back later. XD)

(XDDD yeah, but I think Dianne’s teasing him about it is funny. She knows he’s not really a creeper, but she enjoys jabbing at him about it.)

{Everyone follows Frederick out of the dungeon. Lucci is right behind him and Pythia hangs back a little.}
Pythia: “Why does he have to make trouble everywhere he goes?”

Lucci: “It’s his way of seeking attention. He feels like his mother abandoned him, so he thinks killing and stealing will win him the admiration of others.”

Jerry: “All it gets him is shot in the arse.”

(Yeah, all of Armin and Dianne's bickering has been pretty funny. XD I like the relationship they have, their interactions are always fun.)

'This is all an attention-seeking thing?' said Frederick, as he led the whole group down the street. 'That's... almost sad.'

Armin shrugged. 'I might feel sorry for him if he showed an ounce of decency. He's a complete maniac who kills people for fun. Honestly, I think bringing his parents into this is just going to cause more chaos.'

Lucci: "Well, I'm hoping they can at least curb his bad behavior. The alternative is me pulling his head off."

Pythia: "Are those really his only two options?"

(Lol, ye. Those two are always fun to have in the same room.)

'Maybe he'll realise that he's going to die if he keeps harassing us, and he'll leave us alone to go bother someone else,' Armin suggested, sounding like he didn't believe this was likely to happen.

'No,' said Rex. It was the first time he'd spoken up in a while. 'People like him don't change.'

Lucci: "I'm afraid Rex is right. I am clairvoyant, and in every possible future, where his parents are unsuccessful in taking him home, he never quits. And in some, he succeeds in killing Pythia later down the road."

{Pythia just makes a horrified face at that.}

'We're not going to let /those/ futures happen,' said Armin, with a quick glance at Pythia. 'If his parents can't deal with him, then we'll just have to kill him. I'd be happy to do it if you don't, Lucci.'

At that, Rex shot him a sharp look. 'I never thought I'd hear about you being happy to kill someone,' he muttered. 'Except for Sargon - and Fabian.'

'Don't look at me like that, Rex. I'm not a crazed psychopath. But some people just /have/ to die,' said Armin wearily. 'And Crowley is one of them.'

{Lucci glances wearily between Armin and Rex}
"Actually, he doesn't. If his parents are successful in taking him back in, they'll referee him every time he acts out from here on out. All we'll need to do is call his folks everytime he acts out. And no, Armin, I'll kill him, if the need arises. You should take a break from murdering people."

'Alright. I don't see how his parents can stop him, but I'll take your word for it,' said Armin.

While this conversation was going on, Frederick led the group to what looked like a small, cosy coffee shop on a street corner. Inside, there were a few other customers sitting around, but not many. Frederick started looking around, searching for an empty table big enough for their group.

Lucci: "Despite his homicidal behavior, he won't kill his own mum. He's incapable of killing his dad because his dad's too strong, but his brother...That's what troubles me."

Frederick spotted a table that had enough seats and walked towards it. Armin nodded in response to Lucci's words. 'I bet he won't pass up the opportunity to hurt his brother,' he said. 'Putting them together again is a bad idea. I just hope his dad's strong enough to protect Lucifer.'

Lucci: “So do I. That poor boy doesn’t deserve to be hated by his brother. He’s basically just a kid, trying to make sense of the scary world around him.”

'I wonder if he's going to be happy to see Crowley?' Armin mused as he chose a seat.

Rex looked askance at him. 'Why in the world would he? Crowley tried to /kill/ him, didn't he?'

'Yes, but they're still brothers. And honestly, from what I've heard about him, Lucifer sounds like the type of guy who would forgive anyone for anything.' Armin glanced up, trying to catch the eye of the waiter who was walking from table to table. 'I bet he wants to see Crowley again.'

{Lucci sits on the end, watching the room.}
Lucci: "I don't think he would be opposed to a healthy relationship with his brother, but, I think Crowley would be."

Pythia: "...Is there any reality where I never see him again?"

'Hmm,' said Armin thoughtfully. 'I wonder if /anything/ would convince Crowley to give Lucifer a chance. Maybe if he saw that his parents still love him, then he wouldn't feel the need to compete with his brother anymore.'

Frederick glanced at Pythia. 'Hopefully, yes,' he said. 'You don't want him stalking you for the rest of his life. How long do crowdragons live, anyway?'

'80 to 90 years,' said Armin. 'Only as long as a human.'

(Hey, just curious, do you think you'll ever get a new 3DS?)

{Lucci smiles at Armin.}
“Yes, that’s what I’m hoping for.”

{Lucci then shifts his attention to Pythia.}

“In the realities where I kill him, you never see him again. Obviously. Other then that, he’ll be around. But he’ll never hurt you ever.”

(Probably around the holidays. I have zero monies. DX)

Armin nodded, glancing at Pythia. 'You can be sure of that. If we see him showing his face here again, we'll make sure he doesn't go near you.'

At that moment, a waiter came to their table and asked everyone if they wanted to order something. She looked uncertainly at the group - she'd probably never seen so many non-humans in her coffee shop before.

'Tea, please,' said Frederick. 'Milk and two sugars.' Armin ordered some kind of coffee.

(I know that feeling. XD)

Lucci: “I’ll take Earl Grey. Same fixings as my friend here.”

Jerry: “Coffee, please. Cream and three sugars.”

Pythia: “Tea, same as the rest, please.”

Lucci: “Yes, all of you together is more than a match for Crowley. I only hope he’ll learn his lesson.”

The waiter nodded, noted down everyone's orders and then left. Armin leaned back in his chair, observing the room. Frederick pulled out his phone and started texting someone while he waited for the drinks to arrive.

'The staff here don't seem very used to non-humans,' Armin remarked. 'Though, I suppose it hasn't been very long since the King decided to let us all live here.'

Lucci: “Yes, well, can you blame them? Sargon’s attack traumatized them. That, coupled with the fact that most of them have never seen a non-human entity in person before, might make them a little nervous. But, given time, they will see that they have nothing to fear.”

'It's better here than it was in most parts of Shacklestone,' Frederick murmured as he continued to type. 'Most people there were extremely mistrustful. The citizens here seem nervous, but surprisingly tolerant of us. I have a feeling that, soon enough, everything will be fine.'

{Lucci chuckles, glancing at Frederick's phone.}

Lucci:"Honestly, Shacklestone was a failed state long before Sargon blew it to hell. Unemployment was high, racism and discrimination, rampant. The people here, however, have known nothing but fair treatment and plenty. Honestly, I don't understand how they were able to prosper like this while Shacklestone has had their fair share of hardships."

(Oh, btw, I won’t be responding to the RP much after Thursday. I got a four day field trip. I will return Sunday night.)

'I have no idea,' said Frederick. 'It's a shame, really. I always liked Shacklestone. Not because of the things you mentioned, but for the city's beauty, and for the good people who lived there.'

Armin nodded slightly. 'It's sad that we couldn't stop Sargon before the whole city got wiped out, but there's no point in thinking about what might have been. It happened, and with any luck it'll never happen again.'

Just as he finished speaking, the waiter came back to put everyone's drinks on the table.

(No problem, thanks for letting me know!)

{Jerry, Pythia, and Lucci thank the waiter.}

Lucci: "Yes, the city did have positive aspects. Unfortunately, history will not remember it that way."

{Lucci then sips his tea and turns to Armin.}
"Honestly, I'm surprised Sargon got as far as he did. You had so many opportunities to kill him, that this reality was one of the unlikely ones. But alas, here we are, all the same. How strange reality is."

'It is, isn't it?' said Armin lightly. He drank some of his coffee, then curled his hands around the mug for warmth. 'I did see a lot of opportunities to kill him back when he was still planning all of this. But I waited. Maybe I could have stopped this from happening if I'd tried to kill him sooner, but it was too risky.'

(I’m back! Will reply soon.)

(Welcome back. :D)

Lucci: “Well, you surviving that event would have been hard, true, but it wasn’t impossible. I only regret that he couldn’t be removed sooner than this.”
{Lucci sips his tea, making a thoughtful face as he quietly contemplates the conversation.}

“Still, it all seems to have worked out.”

Frederick nodded, glancing up at Lucci briefly before returning his attention to his phone. 'I don't think there's any point in discussing what /could/ have happened. It didn't happen, and as you said, everything worked out in the end.'

----

Meanwhile, at the city's edge, two crowdragons swooped down to land on a street corner. One was tall and powerfully-built, looking similar to Crowley but much larger; the other was smaller, with a crest of white feathers on her head and soft blue eyes.

'I'm not sure where they are,' said Whitney. 'That man said something about a dungeon, but... I've never visited this city before.'

Rook walked off, looking for a passer-by who he could ask for directions.

Just then, a smaller white-scaled crowdragon flapped clumsily over a building and landed beside Whitney. 'Sorry,' he mumbled as he stepped on her foot.

'It's quite alright, dear.'

{Lucci looks up, putting down his drink.}
Lucci: "Well, Crowley's parents just arrived at the city. We should probably go meet them now."

'How did you know tha - nevermind.' Frederick sighed, drank the last of his tea, and got up. 'I hope they're more pleasant people than their son is.'

Everyone else stood as well, waiting for Lucci to lead the way, since they didn't know where Crowley's parents were.

{Lucci stands and walks out, looking back at everyone following. He turns to Fred as he walked.}

Lucci: "Well, Frederick, I'm something called an Akhetian. To keep things simple, I won't go into the details, but Akhetians don't perceive the world the same way you do. You primarily see the world as light, and a lack thereof. Akhetians see the world as /matter/ and a lack thereof. Within about a radius of a mile, I am aware of every person, every building, every atom within that spherical range. That's how I "see".

'Doesn't that get... overwhelming?' Fred questioned. 'Being aware of /everything?'/

----

Rook walked back to his family, looking put-out. 'Couldn't find anyone,' he said. 'Well, there was one lady, but she got scared and ran off before I could talk to her. I guess it's true that this city isn't used to non-humans.'

'It doesn't matter,' said Whitney. 'We'll just go and find these people ourselves.' With that, she took the lead and began to walk down the street. Her husband and son followed, all of them in dragon form.

{Lucci tilts his head in thought.}
Lucci: "Well...again, I'm not like you all. This is always how I've existed. I have known nothing else. So, no, it's not overwhelming."

{As the group approached the city edge, Crowley's family came into view.}

Lucci: "Mr. and Mrs. Lockwood! Over here!"

{He yells out while waving them down.}

Frederick nodded absently, too busy contemplating the idea to say anything in response.

Whitney looked up. 'Oh, Rook, I think that's the man I spoke to on the phone,' she exclaimed. Quickly, she ran down the street towards the group. 'Lucci, isn't it? I'm Whitney, and that's my husband Rook.'

'Pleasure to meet you,' said the bigger crowdragon gruffly.

'And that's my son, Lucifer,' Whitney added as the young crowdragon caught up with her, gazing up in awe at the large group of strangers.

{Lucci nods in polite greeting}

Lucci: "Yes, pleasure to finally meet you all. I'm sure you're all worried about your son, Crowley. I'm afraid his behavior has only gotten worse as time has gone on."

'Oh dear...' said Whitney. 'Has he been hurting people?' Behind her, Lucifer shuffled from foot to foot, seeming awkward and a bit nervous. Rook moved closer to his son, as if to protect him.

Lucci: “I’m afraid so. His behavior is getting out of hand. He refuses to listen to anyone. I was hoping you might talk to him?”

(So, I have arranged to use my brother’s 3ds so I can draw. He really doesn’t use it anymore, so I can draw again. I could make refs for the new RP, if you’ll have me.)

'We will, but... I just don't think he'll listen to us,' said Whitney dubiously. 'We can't control him anymore. He's an adult now, and won't listen to anything we say unless he chooses to... and I don't think that he will.'

'Where is he?' growled Rook. 'Even if I can't make him see sense, I still want to have a word with him.'

(That's great! And yeah, I'd be happy for you to join. I'm curious to see what characters you're going to enter.)

{Lucci strokes his chin in thought.}
Lucci: “From what I understand, his behavior is a vent of his frustrations. He thinks you’ve hated him since his brother came into the world. Maybe you two can work it out.”

{He then turns to Rook.}
Lucci: “He’s in the dungeon. If you would all kindly follow me.”

{Lucci turns and begins to lead the group back towards the dungeon.}

(Alright. My refs might take a little bit, as I have lots of school stuff to do, but I’ll do my best!)

Rook curled a protective wing around Lucifer's shoulders as they walked. 'Whatever we do, we can't let him near Lucifer,' he growled. 'He'll try to kill him again. I know it.'

Whitney gave her husband a concerned glance and said more gently, 'Let's not assume things. Maybe if we talk to him and make him know that we DO still care for him... Maybe he'll come home with us...'

'And what if I don't want him back in my home?' said Rook. 'I don't trust him.'

(OK! There's no rush.)

Lucci: “Don’t worry, Rook, Crowley will be restrained. He won’t be able to hurt his brother. I understand your concerns, but if he cannot be culled, I truly do fear the worst for Crowley. I only hope he will listen.”

{As the group approaches the prison, Lucci extends his hand towards the doors and makes a pulling motion. The doors open wide, allowing for everyone to enter.}

Rook just shook his head softly, seeming unconvinced. 'Lucifer, stay outside while we talk to him. I'm not taking any chances.'

'I-I want to see him,' stammered Lucifer. 'I haven't seen him in /years./ I want to talk to him again.' He continued pleading with his father, but Rook remained adamant.

While this argument was going on, Armin stepped past them into the prison. 'Hey, crow boy? We've brought you some visitors,' he called out, grinning. (Crowley, of course, didn't reply, since his jaws were tied shut.)

{Lucci walks up to Rook and Lucifer.}

Lucci: "Rook, let him come. Crowley will not hurt him, I promise you. Please, come along."

{Lucci walks inside, waiting for them to enter.}

Rook gritted his teeth in frustration, but strode inside with no further argument. After a nervous hesitation, Lucifer and Whitney followed.

Armin stepped in front of Crowley's cell, smiling down at the obviously enraged dragon. 'Well, Crowley, look who we have here,' he said, and then moved aside so that Crowley's family were in view.

A strangled noise of shocked fury came from Crowley's throat, and with a convulsive movement, he leapt forwards to slam his body against the bars of the cell, despite the shackles on him. The metallic crash echoed through the dungeon, and Rook, Whitney and Lucifer all flinched.

{While everyone flinched, Lucci just walks up to the bars, looking unamused. With the wave of his hand, the Muzzle unlocks and falls off Crowley’s face.}

Lucci: “Alright, Crowley, enough theatrics. Use your words, buddy.”

As soon as the muzzle was removed, Crowley exploded into an almost incoherent screeching rant. It sounded like he'd been waiting to say all of this for years.

'YOU! YOU STINKING PIECES OF SH.IT! HOW DARE YOU SHOW YOUR FILTHY FACES HERE, WITH THAT LITTLE WHINING /RUNT/ LUCIFER?! I TRIED TO KILL HIM ONCE, AND I'M DAMN NOT AFRAID TO DO IT AGAIN!! YOU CHOSE HIM OVER ME, AND I'LL MAKE YOU SUFFER!'

Whitney just gazed at him with her mouth open, looking like she had no idea what to say.

Rook, after glancing at his wife, gently pushed her aside and walked up to the bars. 'Crowley,' he said simply. 'Did you /really/ intend to kill Lucifer all those years ago?'

'SURE I DID! And I'll do it again, you shitty excuse for a parent! I'll kill him and throw his bleeding body at your feet! I'll SHOW YOU WHY YOU SHOULDN'T IGNORE ME LIKE THAT!'

'Crowley,' said Whitney desperately. 'I never ignored you. /Ever./ It's just that Lucifer was a baby, and he needed the attention--'

'SHUT IT!' Crowley screeched. 'YOU DIDN'T CARE ABOUT ME! YOU ONLY CARED ABOUT THAT SNIVELLING LITTLE BRAT! ADMIT IT!'

{Lucci nods at Crowley’s words, as if he was expecting this to be said. Pythia nervously glances around the group at Crowley. Jerry leans in and whispers to Armin.}

Jerry: “Yeesh. Talk about sibling jealousy, am I right?”

Lucci: “Crowley, when Lucifer was born, did Whitney and Rook stop feeding you? Did they kick you out? Did they explicitly say that they loved your brother more?”

(I'll post a new room and reply on Saturday; this one's getting kinda full.)

(Ok!)