[ At the moment of that crack in the cobblestones, something else happens--a few somethings in rapid succession, actually:
A column of orange flame lights up the alleyway, revealing Matt. He's wearing his usual clothes, and appears totally unarmed apart from a large leather pouch and a handful of dandelions.
The scent of burning plants fills the air.
And a filigree of golden light, its strands interwoven like a net, comes down over ... Tezcatlipoca. The light's touch doesn't hurt. Its ribbons whisper stay, stay, but even that may not feel compelling to the god. After all, he's not the intended target.
Matt blinks in surprise. ]
Tez--?
[ He breathes a laugh, fond but a little frustrated. As quickly as it had appeared, the net melts away. ]
I know, [ he agrees, dragging a hand through his hair. ] That was kind of the point. But ah--thank you.
[ Tezcatlipoca’s posture is absolutely that of a predator ready to pounce rather than flee. His pupils dilate, and he bares his teeth in a grin. Honestly, this is a bit of a surprise from Matt, but he’s acutely delighted by it. He’s got some fight in him after all.
…Granted, it’s not entirely the sort he’d like to see. The ribbons of light descend on him as gentle encouragement rather than the kind of burning fire he’d “like”. That’s what gets him to laugh, and he reaches up towards the ribbons to try and touch them curiously just as they start to melt away. Too bad. Considering his dominion over magic, he’d like to get a better feel for them. ]
Oh, yeah? You out huntin’ too?
[ The swishing of his tail calms, but it doesn’t stop completely as he steps closer to Matt. When he steps closer, there’s also a sensation of thrumming magic, whatever that might feel like to Matt in particular. He’d mentioned conserving energy with his usual look, and it’s clearer what that means now, since this armor seems to slough it off casually. It’s also a slice of divinity along with it, since this is the appearance of the king of jaguars. ]
Haven’t had any luck pinning one down yet. Should, since they should also belong to me.
[ Each pebble of new information hits Matt in a soft shock: the fact that it's Tezcatlipoca emerging from the shadows, instead of ... shadows. The swishing tail, the strange obsidian armor. The energy that radiates off him, which to Matt--always better at detecting auras and magic when he's been casting--feels as real as the touch of a breeze. The toothy, carnivore grin.
After what feels like a super long pause, but is actually only a few seconds, Matt answers, ] I guess you could call it hunting. I was thinking of it more like fishing. You know, bait-- [ He points to himself with a crooked smile. ] --and hook.
[ A smaller version of that golden filigree appears in the air in front of Tezcatlipoca, dome-shaped. Tezca may or may not have had time to notice its patterns before, but this is exactly the same configuration as the one Matt manifested a moment ago. As if it's a model he's committed to memory. ]
But I haven't caught anything tonight either.
[ He frowns, regarding Tezcatlipoca thoughtfully. ]
In what way specifically do you think they should belong to you?
[ Tezcatlipoca frowns in mild disapproval of Matt’s technique, but his criticism there is at least put off slightly by the reappearance of the spell. Tezcatlipoca steps even closer to take a look at it, and his gaze is sharp and curious. He’s looking at the structure of it, then reaches out to draw his fingers through it curiously. ]
They’re shadows and the invisible. That’s directly my domain, so they should be mine to understand.
[ He looks back to Matt for a glance, but it’s back to the spell as he studies it. ]
Bad idea to be bait. You catch anything, then what? You’re outta luck.
[ This particular spell is not quite so much a part of Matt as some he casts. He can feel it when Tezcatlipoca's fingers pass through it, but the sensation of divinity and magic brushing magic is a little bit distant. His spine straightens, a feeling almost like static electricity hanging in the air.
When Matt's methods come under criticism, he opens his mouth to protest something like that's what the net is for. Except Tezcatlipoca keeps going, and now he has a different thing to protest! ]
What, for my own protection? [ He gives the god an arch look, tone amused. ] I mean ... I'd be happy to, I believe in the power of teamwork. But I have been managing fine out here before you came along.
[ More seriously, he adds, ] I've been wondering if they're really shadows at all, the way we think of them. Like--maybe they don't have the kind of relationship with light, and objects, that would make them really part of your domain.
[ He clicks his tongue in mild irritation, and his attention turns away from the magic and back to Matt fully. He takes a step into Matt’s personal space that’s just a little too close. ]
What, you’re rejecting a god’s favor? I don’t just casually offer protection.
[ The way he puts stress on that word definitely has meaning, but it’s not exactly clear what it is. The tone implies a slight distaste, but that’s also confusing, considering the fact that he seems to be offering. He reaches up to Matt, and it might almost be worrying, but… He just reaches up to ruffle Matt’s hair. ]
It’s workin’ together, sure. It’s dangerous, so we’re helpin’ each other in this case. I’m not so arrogant that I’m immune from knowin’ that.
[ He steps back from the odd gesture, then turns his back on Matt to look down the dark alley. ]
But think you’re onto somethin’ there. It’s why I want to be sure. Reminds me of shit from my world. And it’s why I’d placed my bets where I had. [ Which is a cryptic thing to say… But he glances back at Matt. ] So, you wanna be like my Master for the night and we see if we can figure it out?
[ Matt isn't afraid of Tezcatlipoca--of course. But a hint of apprehension slides down his spine as Tezca steps through his spellwork with feline disregard, coming well into his personal bubble. Matt looks at him quizzically, searching for clues in his blue, blue eyes. Sharp and bright as pieces of sky.
Then Tezca ruffles his hair. Matt exhales in a soft huff--a bit mystified, but hardly about to protest the gesture. The gathering tension slides out of his shoulders.
His brow furrows when Tezcatlipoca mentions finding this phenomenon familiar. That's news to him, he's pretty sure. Matt's about to follow up with questions--what's familiar specifically, what bets did he place--when Tezca turns back to look at him. And Matt grins, puzzled. ]
[ Tezcatlipoca’s brow knits together for a moment, but then he laughs as he realizes what Matt’s confused about. ]
Hey, I’m not the one that named it like that. Mages got some kinda sense of humor. You wanna boss me around, you can try it, lover boy.
[ He teases and flirts at the same time with a cocky grin. His tone also implies that this is a hard thing to do, but the truth is that it’s easier than you might expect… But that’s neither here nor there for the moment. ]
Nah, just means lettin’ me borrow some of your magical energy since I run hot in my armor. I did some prep beforehand to do this, but wouldn’t complain for extra.
It sounds like pretty presumptuous terminology to me. On a couple of levels, even. [ He definitely prefers to think of himself as a collaborator with the spirits he asks favors of. Humble supplicant, grateful celebrant. "Master" is not very 2024! ] But I'm happy to give you some, for sure. How much energy do you think you'd want?
[ Matt takes a step towards him. His turn to encroach on personal space, apparently. ]
A kiss would be quickest. But if you need more, I have some spell components here. [ He taps the pouch at his side. ] I can rig something up.
Sure is. Granted, most of the Servants that mages are summonin’ aren’t Divine Spirits like me, but still. It’s why I shot the guy that summoned me. Can’t let hubris go unchecked.
[ Granted, he meant to shoot Daybit in his leg rather than his stomach, but… He was fine. If a mage couldn’t stand up to that kind of problem, they weren’t fit to be his Master. That’s how he’d quickly thought about it, anyways.
Speaking of hubris, though. Tezcatlipoca laughs a little as Matt boldly steps towards him, but this isn’t a problem. He’s just amused that Matt would. Maybe the guy isn’t totally mismatched to him after all. ]
I was thinkin’ more a temporary contract, but sure. Kiss is quick and so is blood. [ He has his preferences considering his proclivities as a god, but. ] But couldn’t tell ya how much I’d be takin’ from either. I’d have to examine your Magical Circuits to know that.
[ …Does he even have them, since he’s from a different world? Well, whatever. ]
But wouldn’t be takin’ enough to suck ya dry either way.
[ Matt's eyebrows arch for "shot," climbing towards his hairline. He's not surprised a deity would react to nonconsensual summoning from a would-be master with violence; rather, it's the implication that he used a gun. But maybe it was a bow and arrow ...?
In any case, Matt is blithely unaware that any amount of hubris is being attributed to him. His brief moment of bzuh resolves into a small smile. ]
It doesn't have to be one or the other, [ he muses. Interesting, perhaps, that he's fine with blood when he's the one who has to spill it. ] What would a contract entail? Or looking at my ... circuits?
[ He chuckles that Matt doesn't mind a kiss and blood both, but that's not a surprise. They've had their share of kisses at this point for Matt to know that Tezcatlipoca is a biter. He's at least halfway courteous and doesn't bite hard when he's fooling around. ]
Circuits, don't worry about it. I'm curious now, but I'll check them out some other time. Just part of how magic works where I'm from, so curious if you've got 'em.
[ He shrugs, then looks down the way before giving a nod that's clearly a gesture to follow. Tezcatlipoca starts to walk, but his posture is distinctly different now than normal as well. Compared to his usual air of casual indifference, it's elegant and fluid how he walks now. It also gives a distinctly feline impression, though it's fainter when he's walking normally rather than truly on the prowl on all fours. ]
Contract is just a temporary one. You supply me your energy as a Master, I'm your Servant. That's 'bout the sum of it. Think of it as a familiar to the extreme.
I'm curious too, now, [ Matt notes. But he can agree it's wise to wait, if the matter of circuitry won't make a difference to tonight's work. Do one thing at a time so you can do it well, etcetera.
There's half a moment's delay in following Tezcatlipoca down the dark street. Not hesitation, but an interest in the change to his usual posture. The slink in his strides. Then Matt hurries to catch up. ]
Witches don't have familiars, that's a myth, [ he adds, amused. ] Psychics have them sometimes--I think it's usually empaths, but I'm not sure. [ Half a beat. ] But that contract sounds good to me.
[ Tezcatlipoca looks back to Matt, and after a moment’s consideration, he turns around again to face him fully. ]
You’re serious, that easy? C’mon, man, have some caution. Some otherworldly entity offers you a contract, and you’re just like “yeah, sure, sounds great”?
[ He cants his head slightly, then grins in that familiar, hard to read way. He steps forward and takes one of Matt’s hands in his own. Here, there’s another difference that shows that maybe this is more than just clothing. Where Tezcatlipoca’s hands are normally smooth and soft, his hands are now much rougher and more calloused. ]
But if you wanna give it a whirl, I’ll let you be a little reckless. For… I dunno, let’s say twelve hours? Seems like a good amount of time.
[ Matt's brow furrows in sudden dismay. He's not expecting admonishment, however light, from the otherworldly entity who put forth this deal in the first place. ]
Well, I--you're not just some otherworldly entity, [ he protests. ] I think at this point it's a decent guess you don't have nefarious designs.
[ He lets Tezcatlipoca take his hand, though the strangely rough texture is the first thing this evening that's caused him genuine concern. For a lurching moment, he wonders if this is Tezcatlipoca at all.
Then he decides that's probably a misplaced concern. ]
Twelve hours of me supplying you with magical energy, [ Matt affirms, eyebrows arching, ] but not enough to drain me. [ He pulls a brief moue, playful but a touch wounded still. ] Just don't eat my heart at the end and I'll be happy.
[ Tezcatlipoca’s gaze stays on Matt’s, and there’s a better sense of of why he’s so fond of his sunglasses even in a place where they don’t really make sense. His eyes are truly piercing, like he’s seeing more than just Matt before him. He isn’t, not in this body at least, but the impression is still very strong all the same. ]
Better. Dont be eager to jump into something like a contract just because you’re curious.
[ He still has to chide him a little more, but with that, he lifts Matt’s hand to his mouth. Normally, it’s the mage doing this part, since he already agrees, but he figures Matt doesn’t know how. Luckily, he has his own method that works well enough.
He bites Matt’s hand, naturally.
It’s not particularly hard, but it’s easy for his feline teeth to pierce the skin. It’s not the bite that’s the trick, but rather, the way that he draws his tongue across the wounds to collect the blood. That alone gives him a trickle of mana, but moments after, it’s like a drain has suddenly opened in Matt’s magical reservoir. A magical red brand starts to take shape on his hand, and Tezcatlipoca draws back as he looks at the mark too.
It definitely makes more sense why Tezcatlipoca had warned him too. There’s decidedly less magical energy that Matt can tap into, since it’s now being funneled to Tezcatlipoca instead. It could definitely be dangerous if more were taken. ]
[ God, not again. At least this time it isn't his poor beleaguered wrist. Matt shivers as Tezcatlipoca's tongue swipes across the wound his teeth have made; when he looks down, he sees that a shape has started to form on the back of his hand.
Which is not even the most interesting piece of what's transpiring between them. When Matt summons up energy to give to someone else, or as a separate spell to power some magical project, it feels almost like a workout: exertion, followed by an endpoint. This feels more like having his blood drunk. A constant flow. ]
Oh, [ Matt says curiously. He steps back from Tezcatlipoca slightly, drawing in a breath to summon fire. The little column of flame that appears above his palm is smaller and dimmer than the one from a few minutes ago, and is slower to appear. ] Okay ... so maybe I should still be the bait. Or, uh--what's your plan?
[ He licks his lips for the taste of blood that lingers, since it’s admittedly tasty. The mana-rich blood of a mage is more of a treat than others, but he doesn’t linger on it any more than that. His hunger is carnivorous rather than sanguinous, after all, and he has no plans to actually eat Matt. Something human has to be freely given to him anyways. ]
Yeah, you’ll still be bait. Good chance to see what you can do, besides. Consider it an easy Trial.
[ It’s clearly a proper noun with his tone, and yet, he doesn’t explain it… He’s unhelpfully vague and fickle at times, as gods are wont to do. Tezcatlipoca stretches with a pleased noise, since he really does feel much more energetic. He’s gotten used to running around without a Master to back him up, but he has to admit… It definitely feels better to have one. ]
That mana you’re givin’ me makes me sharper and faster, so better chances that I’ll be able to catch something. Or at least get a better look of it before it runs.
[ He shrugs, since admittedly, he’s not totally sure what the end goal is for this hunt beyond just gathering a better understanding. There’s not much that’s known, so just about anything would be a win in his book. But even with that uncertainty, he throws Matt another sharp grin. ]
I don’t do protection, so you’ll be on your own if we get into a fight. But I can grant you somethin’ to improve your own chances, if you want it.
[ It's possible that Matt should be more disturbed by the sight of someone clearly enjoying the taste of his blood. But he's been intimate with enough vampires (and done enough kinky shit) that honestly, all he's really wondering is whether Silco thinks he tastes good. He's just not very demonstrative? Not like Tezcatlipoca is, that's for sure.
Anyway.
Matt is old enough to remember a few minutes ago when Tezcatlipoca asserted Matt had to accompany him for his own safety and literally used the word protection. But he opts not to mention that. Instead, with a gentle arch of his brows, he says, ] I've heard it's not very classy to reject a god's favor. What is it?
[ He would have just said yes, no questions asked, had Tezca not scolded him for doing that. ]
[ And truly, Matt is quickly learning that Tezcatlipoca is fickle and whimsical… More cat behavior, smh… But since Matt doesn’t point it out (smart), Tezcatlipoca just grins a little in satisfaction when he asks. ]
That’s more like it.
[ AKA, good job, Matt, doing the bare minimum right after he’d pointed it out. Tezcatlipoca seems to be just shifting his weight at first as he moves to extend the strange, obsidian leg closer to Matt. The glint of the moonlight on the surface is beautiful, but it seems to get muddied as a black smoke starts to appear around it like it’s simply forming spontaneously in the air. He nods, and the smoke drifts to Matt. ]
It's one figment of the Black Sun and my Authority made manifest.
[ The smoke curls around Matt like it’s something alive, but it truly just seems to be a dark, fragrant smoke. However, it’s something incredibly magical—leagues above what Matt is providing him, oddly. ]
Think of it as manipulating probability, since I can see all possible futures. Doesn’t mean that nothing can hit you. But it’s a hell of a lot harder.
[ Matt's gaze catches on Tezcatlipoca's obsidian leg, then narrows onto the rising smoke. He only has time to register the gravity in Tezcatlipoca's tone as he says authority and Black Sun before that smoke is breezing his way, winding around him almost like an umbral cat might do. (Feline imagery again, but what can you do ...? Cats gonna cat.)
Matt smiles curiously. He turns towards the smoke, reaching up to see if he'll feel anything when his fingers pass through. The magic of it is so vibrant, Matt's half convinced it'll be tangible to him in at least some way. ]
I love manipulating probability, [ he notes, pleased. He dips his head to try and catch the smoke when he inhales. To take some of that sweet scent into himself, if he can. ] Thanks, Tezcatlipoca. I'll try and make the most of it.
[ For all intents and purposes, the smoke truly just seems to be smoke. It’s no more tangible and leaves nothing behind other than the lingering smell of copal and campfire. And luckily, it’s no different to inhale it either. It’s still inhaling smoke, so there’s that, but the scent and magically-charged nature of it actually makes it somewhat pleasant.
Tezcatlipoca laughs though as he sees what Matt does. Matt’s curious, he’ll give him that.
He shifts his weight from one leg to the other like he’s getting ready for a sprint, but it’s just his idle energy expressing itself. He’s feeling charged now, so he really wants to use it. Too bad that this is a hunt for something intangible instead of something messy he could tear into. ]
Anyways, let’s get goin’. If you’re gonna be bait, I’ll have to stay outta sight, since I figure if it has any intelligence, it’s gonna know better than to try and fuck with me.
[ He looks up to one of the balconies above that overlooks the Tears, then with a shrug followed be a low crouch, he leaps up to it with easy strength and elegance. As soon as he lands, he dips down to all fours, and thus, he is truly not beating the cat allegations today. ]
You wanna keep chattin’, let’s do it through Communion.
[ The tip of Matt's tongue swipes briefly across his upper lip, and he smiles faintly in the face of Tezcatlipoca's laughter. His smile widens as he watches him bounce back and forth. ]
Sounds good, [ Matt starts to answer. But before he can say anything else, Tezcatlipoca springs clear into the air, landing easily on a nearby balcony. His black armor melts into the darkness; if it weren't for the gold of his hair, Matt imagines he could lose sight of him entirely. ]
You got it, [ he concludes, mentally. Matt's gaze drops to the street ahead, and he proceeds down the alleyway.
For a moment, he goes quiet through Communion, gathering his breath back into a regular rhythm as he walks. Words filter through the connection, but they're not really for anyone but Matt: on the breast of a corpse as thy couch in the cremation-ground, I wish I could eat your cancer when you turn black.
Ribbons of golden light appear in front of him. Matt lifts his hands, and though the light isn't tangible exactly, he seems to be manipulating its strands like string in a cat's cradle. Gradually, the light forms the original pattern from earlier. ]
I designed this configuration based on the energy signature off a teacup I found in the market, [ he explains. ] It had one of those light scars on it, if you've seen any of those. This is technically a shield spell, aka meant to contain entities with similar energy. I just haven't gotten anything to stay still long enough to try it.
[ If Matt has ever wondered what it’s like to be an apex predator, he’ll get a good sense of it through the channel of Communion that’s open between them. The dark smoke that characterizes Tezcatlipoca is still there but gone is the campfire. It’s a moonless night, and there’s sharp focus and calm in the dark.
Physically, it does get hard to track him as well. There are little sounds like a creak of wood under his weight or a soft thump as he jumps from one balcony to another, but he’s shockingly quiet. Since he doesn’t put on his mask, it really is just the occasional shimmer of his hair that stands out in the dark. ]
Clever. And to be honest, probably has a better chance of catchin’ it than my claws. But I ain’t a Caster, so I got what I got.
[ A pause, and then: ]
…What’s the poem?
[ He doesn’t recognize either part, but the imagery is striking and fitting. Considering he likes poetry (secretly), he’s curious. ]
[ Matt's curious for the hints he can detect over Communion. Tezcatlipoca's patience, the coiled spring of him. Matt's puppyish in comparison, all bounding curiosity and exploring things with his mouth first.
His natural footfalls are pretty quiet, for a normal human's. But right now Matt's making a little more noise than usual.
Look over here, shadows. Look at the shiny bait. ]
The poem? [ It takes him a moment to place what he was meditating on. With a sparkle of psychic laughter, he answers, ] Oh. Um, it was two, actually. The Hymn to Kali and "Heart-Shaped Box" by Nirvana. That one's a song, actually; it's been stuck in my head since I shared it with somebody.
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highstorm
A column of orange flame lights up the alleyway, revealing Matt. He's wearing his usual clothes, and appears totally unarmed apart from a large leather pouch and a handful of dandelions.
The scent of burning plants fills the air.
And a filigree of golden light, its strands interwoven like a net, comes down over ... Tezcatlipoca. The light's touch doesn't hurt. Its ribbons whisper stay, stay, but even that may not feel compelling to the god. After all, he's not the intended target.
Matt blinks in surprise. ]
Tez--?
[ He breathes a laugh, fond but a little frustrated. As quickly as it had appeared, the net melts away. ]
I know, [ he agrees, dragging a hand through his hair. ] That was kind of the point. But ah--thank you.
no subject
…Granted, it’s not entirely the sort he’d like to see. The ribbons of light descend on him as gentle encouragement rather than the kind of burning fire he’d “like”. That’s what gets him to laugh, and he reaches up towards the ribbons to try and touch them curiously just as they start to melt away. Too bad. Considering his dominion over magic, he’d like to get a better feel for them. ]
Oh, yeah? You out huntin’ too?
[ The swishing of his tail calms, but it doesn’t stop completely as he steps closer to Matt. When he steps closer, there’s also a sensation of thrumming magic, whatever that might feel like to Matt in particular. He’d mentioned conserving energy with his usual look, and it’s clearer what that means now, since this armor seems to slough it off casually. It’s also a slice of divinity along with it, since this is the appearance of the king of jaguars. ]
Haven’t had any luck pinning one down yet. Should, since they should also belong to me.
no subject
After what feels like a super long pause, but is actually only a few seconds, Matt answers, ] I guess you could call it hunting. I was thinking of it more like fishing. You know, bait-- [ He points to himself with a crooked smile. ] --and hook.
[ A smaller version of that golden filigree appears in the air in front of Tezcatlipoca, dome-shaped. Tezca may or may not have had time to notice its patterns before, but this is exactly the same configuration as the one Matt manifested a moment ago. As if it's a model he's committed to memory. ]
But I haven't caught anything tonight either.
[ He frowns, regarding Tezcatlipoca thoughtfully. ]
In what way specifically do you think they should belong to you?
no subject
They’re shadows and the invisible. That’s directly my domain, so they should be mine to understand.
[ He looks back to Matt for a glance, but it’s back to the spell as he studies it. ]
Bad idea to be bait. You catch anything, then what? You’re outta luck.
[ He considers it a moment, then nods. ]
So, yeah. You’re comin’ with me.
no subject
When Matt's methods come under criticism, he opens his mouth to protest something like that's what the net is for. Except Tezcatlipoca keeps going, and now he has a different thing to protest! ]
What, for my own protection? [ He gives the god an arch look, tone amused. ] I mean ... I'd be happy to, I believe in the power of teamwork. But I have been managing fine out here before you came along.
[ More seriously, he adds, ] I've been wondering if they're really shadows at all, the way we think of them. Like--maybe they don't have the kind of relationship with light, and objects, that would make them really part of your domain.
no subject
What, you’re rejecting a god’s favor? I don’t just casually offer protection.
[ The way he puts stress on that word definitely has meaning, but it’s not exactly clear what it is. The tone implies a slight distaste, but that’s also confusing, considering the fact that he seems to be offering. He reaches up to Matt, and it might almost be worrying, but… He just reaches up to ruffle Matt’s hair. ]
It’s workin’ together, sure. It’s dangerous, so we’re helpin’ each other in this case. I’m not so arrogant that I’m immune from knowin’ that.
[ He steps back from the odd gesture, then turns his back on Matt to look down the dark alley. ]
But think you’re onto somethin’ there. It’s why I want to be sure. Reminds me of shit from my world. And it’s why I’d placed my bets where I had. [ Which is a cryptic thing to say… But he glances back at Matt. ] So, you wanna be like my Master for the night and we see if we can figure it out?
no subject
Then Tezca ruffles his hair. Matt exhales in a soft huff--a bit mystified, but hardly about to protest the gesture. The gathering tension slides out of his shoulders.
His brow furrows when Tezcatlipoca mentions finding this phenomenon familiar. That's news to him, he's pretty sure. Matt's about to follow up with questions--what's familiar specifically, what bets did he place--when Tezca turns back to look at him. And Matt grins, puzzled. ]
You want me to boss you around?
no subject
Hey, I’m not the one that named it like that. Mages got some kinda sense of humor. You wanna boss me around, you can try it, lover boy.
[ He teases and flirts at the same time with a cocky grin. His tone also implies that this is a hard thing to do, but the truth is that it’s easier than you might expect… But that’s neither here nor there for the moment. ]
Nah, just means lettin’ me borrow some of your magical energy since I run hot in my armor. I did some prep beforehand to do this, but wouldn’t complain for extra.
no subject
It sounds like pretty presumptuous terminology to me. On a couple of levels, even. [ He definitely prefers to think of himself as a collaborator with the spirits he asks favors of. Humble supplicant, grateful celebrant. "Master" is not very 2024! ] But I'm happy to give you some, for sure. How much energy do you think you'd want?
[ Matt takes a step towards him. His turn to encroach on personal space, apparently. ]
A kiss would be quickest. But if you need more, I have some spell components here. [ He taps the pouch at his side. ] I can rig something up.
no subject
[ Granted, he meant to shoot Daybit in his leg rather than his stomach, but… He was fine. If a mage couldn’t stand up to that kind of problem, they weren’t fit to be his Master. That’s how he’d quickly thought about it, anyways.
Speaking of hubris, though. Tezcatlipoca laughs a little as Matt boldly steps towards him, but this isn’t a problem. He’s just amused that Matt would. Maybe the guy isn’t totally mismatched to him after all. ]
I was thinkin’ more a temporary contract, but sure. Kiss is quick and so is blood. [ He has his preferences considering his proclivities as a god, but. ] But couldn’t tell ya how much I’d be takin’ from either. I’d have to examine your Magical Circuits to know that.
[ …Does he even have them, since he’s from a different world? Well, whatever. ]
But wouldn’t be takin’ enough to suck ya dry either way.
no subject
In any case, Matt is blithely unaware that any amount of hubris is being attributed to him. His brief moment of bzuh resolves into a small smile. ]
It doesn't have to be one or the other, [ he muses. Interesting, perhaps, that he's fine with blood when he's the one who has to spill it. ] What would a contract entail? Or looking at my ... circuits?
no subject
Circuits, don't worry about it. I'm curious now, but I'll check them out some other time. Just part of how magic works where I'm from, so curious if you've got 'em.
[ He shrugs, then looks down the way before giving a nod that's clearly a gesture to follow. Tezcatlipoca starts to walk, but his posture is distinctly different now than normal as well. Compared to his usual air of casual indifference, it's elegant and fluid how he walks now. It also gives a distinctly feline impression, though it's fainter when he's walking normally rather than truly on the prowl on all fours. ]
Contract is just a temporary one. You supply me your energy as a Master, I'm your Servant. That's 'bout the sum of it. Think of it as a familiar to the extreme.
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There's half a moment's delay in following Tezcatlipoca down the dark street. Not hesitation, but an interest in the change to his usual posture. The slink in his strides. Then Matt hurries to catch up. ]
Witches don't have familiars, that's a myth, [ he adds, amused. ] Psychics have them sometimes--I think it's usually empaths, but I'm not sure. [ Half a beat. ] But that contract sounds good to me.
Where do I sign?
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[ Tezcatlipoca looks back to Matt, and after a moment’s consideration, he turns around again to face him fully. ]
You’re serious, that easy? C’mon, man, have some caution. Some otherworldly entity offers you a contract, and you’re just like “yeah, sure, sounds great”?
[ He cants his head slightly, then grins in that familiar, hard to read way. He steps forward and takes one of Matt’s hands in his own. Here, there’s another difference that shows that maybe this is more than just clothing. Where Tezcatlipoca’s hands are normally smooth and soft, his hands are now much rougher and more calloused. ]
But if you wanna give it a whirl, I’ll let you be a little reckless. For… I dunno, let’s say twelve hours? Seems like a good amount of time.
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Well, I--you're not just some otherworldly entity, [ he protests. ] I think at this point it's a decent guess you don't have nefarious designs.
[ He lets Tezcatlipoca take his hand, though the strangely rough texture is the first thing this evening that's caused him genuine concern. For a lurching moment, he wonders if this is Tezcatlipoca at all.
Then he decides that's probably a misplaced concern. ]
Twelve hours of me supplying you with magical energy, [ Matt affirms, eyebrows arching, ] but not enough to drain me. [ He pulls a brief moue, playful but a touch wounded still. ] Just don't eat my heart at the end and I'll be happy.
[ He gives Tezcatlipoca's hand a light squeeze. ]
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Better. Dont be eager to jump into something like a contract just because you’re curious.
[ He still has to chide him a little more, but with that, he lifts Matt’s hand to his mouth. Normally, it’s the mage doing this part, since he already agrees, but he figures Matt doesn’t know how. Luckily, he has his own method that works well enough.
He bites Matt’s hand, naturally.
It’s not particularly hard, but it’s easy for his feline teeth to pierce the skin. It’s not the bite that’s the trick, but rather, the way that he draws his tongue across the wounds to collect the blood. That alone gives him a trickle of mana, but moments after, it’s like a drain has suddenly opened in Matt’s magical reservoir. A magical red brand starts to take shape on his hand, and Tezcatlipoca draws back as he looks at the mark too.
It definitely makes more sense why Tezcatlipoca had warned him too. There’s decidedly less magical energy that Matt can tap into, since it’s now being funneled to Tezcatlipoca instead. It could definitely be dangerous if more were taken. ]
Oh, yeah. Way better already.
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[ God, not again. At least this time it isn't his poor beleaguered wrist. Matt shivers as Tezcatlipoca's tongue swipes across the wound his teeth have made; when he looks down, he sees that a shape has started to form on the back of his hand.
Which is not even the most interesting piece of what's transpiring between them. When Matt summons up energy to give to someone else, or as a separate spell to power some magical project, it feels almost like a workout: exertion, followed by an endpoint. This feels more like having his blood drunk. A constant flow. ]
Oh, [ Matt says curiously. He steps back from Tezcatlipoca slightly, drawing in a breath to summon fire. The little column of flame that appears above his palm is smaller and dimmer than the one from a few minutes ago, and is slower to appear. ] Okay ... so maybe I should still be the bait. Or, uh--what's your plan?
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Yeah, you’ll still be bait. Good chance to see what you can do, besides. Consider it an easy Trial.
[ It’s clearly a proper noun with his tone, and yet, he doesn’t explain it… He’s unhelpfully vague and fickle at times, as gods are wont to do. Tezcatlipoca stretches with a pleased noise, since he really does feel much more energetic. He’s gotten used to running around without a Master to back him up, but he has to admit… It definitely feels better to have one. ]
That mana you’re givin’ me makes me sharper and faster, so better chances that I’ll be able to catch something. Or at least get a better look of it before it runs.
[ He shrugs, since admittedly, he’s not totally sure what the end goal is for this hunt beyond just gathering a better understanding. There’s not much that’s known, so just about anything would be a win in his book. But even with that uncertainty, he throws Matt another sharp grin. ]
I don’t do protection, so you’ll be on your own if we get into a fight. But I can grant you somethin’ to improve your own chances, if you want it.
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Anyway.
Matt is old enough to remember a few minutes ago when Tezcatlipoca asserted Matt had to accompany him for his own safety and literally used the word protection. But he opts not to mention that. Instead, with a gentle arch of his brows, he says, ] I've heard it's not very classy to reject a god's favor. What is it?
[ He would have just said yes, no questions asked, had Tezca not scolded him for doing that. ]
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That’s more like it.
[ AKA, good job, Matt, doing the bare minimum right after he’d pointed it out. Tezcatlipoca seems to be just shifting his weight at first as he moves to extend the strange, obsidian leg closer to Matt. The glint of the moonlight on the surface is beautiful, but it seems to get muddied as a black smoke starts to appear around it like it’s simply forming spontaneously in the air. He nods, and the smoke drifts to Matt. ]
It's one figment of the Black Sun and my Authority made manifest.
[ The smoke curls around Matt like it’s something alive, but it truly just seems to be a dark, fragrant smoke. However, it’s something incredibly magical—leagues above what Matt is providing him, oddly. ]
Think of it as manipulating probability, since I can see all possible futures. Doesn’t mean that nothing can hit you. But it’s a hell of a lot harder.
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Matt smiles curiously. He turns towards the smoke, reaching up to see if he'll feel anything when his fingers pass through. The magic of it is so vibrant, Matt's half convinced it'll be tangible to him in at least some way. ]
I love manipulating probability, [ he notes, pleased. He dips his head to try and catch the smoke when he inhales. To take some of that sweet scent into himself, if he can. ] Thanks, Tezcatlipoca. I'll try and make the most of it.
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Tezcatlipoca laughs though as he sees what Matt does. Matt’s curious, he’ll give him that.
He shifts his weight from one leg to the other like he’s getting ready for a sprint, but it’s just his idle energy expressing itself. He’s feeling charged now, so he really wants to use it. Too bad that this is a hunt for something intangible instead of something messy he could tear into. ]
Anyways, let’s get goin’. If you’re gonna be bait, I’ll have to stay outta sight, since I figure if it has any intelligence, it’s gonna know better than to try and fuck with me.
[ He looks up to one of the balconies above that overlooks the Tears, then with a shrug followed be a low crouch, he leaps up to it with easy strength and elegance. As soon as he lands, he dips down to all fours, and thus, he is truly not beating the cat allegations today. ]
You wanna keep chattin’, let’s do it through Communion.
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Sounds good, [ Matt starts to answer. But before he can say anything else, Tezcatlipoca springs clear into the air, landing easily on a nearby balcony. His black armor melts into the darkness; if it weren't for the gold of his hair, Matt imagines he could lose sight of him entirely. ]
You got it, [ he concludes, mentally. Matt's gaze drops to the street ahead, and he proceeds down the alleyway.
For a moment, he goes quiet through Communion, gathering his breath back into a regular rhythm as he walks. Words filter through the connection, but they're not really for anyone but Matt: on the breast of a corpse as thy couch in the cremation-ground, I wish I could eat your cancer when you turn black.
Ribbons of golden light appear in front of him. Matt lifts his hands, and though the light isn't tangible exactly, he seems to be manipulating its strands like string in a cat's cradle. Gradually, the light forms the original pattern from earlier. ]
I designed this configuration based on the energy signature off a teacup I found in the market, [ he explains. ] It had one of those light scars on it, if you've seen any of those. This is technically a shield spell, aka meant to contain entities with similar energy. I just haven't gotten anything to stay still long enough to try it.
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Physically, it does get hard to track him as well. There are little sounds like a creak of wood under his weight or a soft thump as he jumps from one balcony to another, but he’s shockingly quiet. Since he doesn’t put on his mask, it really is just the occasional shimmer of his hair that stands out in the dark. ]
Clever. And to be honest, probably has a better chance of catchin’ it than my claws. But I ain’t a Caster, so I got what I got.
[ A pause, and then: ]
…What’s the poem?
[ He doesn’t recognize either part, but the imagery is striking and fitting. Considering he likes poetry (secretly), he’s curious. ]
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and exploring things with his mouth first.His natural footfalls are pretty quiet, for a normal human's. But right now Matt's making a little more noise than usual.
Look over here, shadows. Look at the shiny bait. ]
The poem? [ It takes him a moment to place what he was meditating on. With a sparkle of psychic laughter, he answers, ] Oh. Um, it was two, actually. The Hymn to Kali and "Heart-Shaped Box" by Nirvana. That one's a song, actually; it's been stuck in my head since I shared it with somebody.
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i am SO SORRY
devours
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1/2
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1/2 again (but stupider this time)
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