hadriel | audio;

[Henry's voice may be recognisable from the Guard's announcement a few days ago. Yet on this occasion, unlike then, he speaks quickly and sharply with a forceful urgency. There's no time for him to lock this to the Guard.]

Pay heed! Hope's temple may soon come under assault by a monster far more terrible than its kin. Through savage harm it plans to lure out Hope. If you be within, do not leave the temple's protection unless you are prepared for death.

[The reason for his warning quickly makes itself known, faster than Henry would have liked. This voice, too, might be recognised by some.]

I will do far worse than kill.

[Every attempt at emotion is still off kilter, still too dampened by clarity and ice to sound right. It sounds like Kate but all the same it is not, not even a little. It lilts in all the right ways but it sounds like it hasn't ever felt emotion before this.

Which makes sense, because it was only brought into the world a few short hours ago.]

Preparing for death isn't very useful when I don't want you dead, Not yet. Not until your skin is peeling from the burns and every bone in your body is snapped in two. Or more. It doesn't matter that much.

[That is where he switches off his phone, so that it cannot prove a distraction in the fight ahead. Consider yourselves warned about the Torturedemon, Hadriel. There will be no replies from Henry, but feel free to talk among yourselves.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Henry?! What the hell's going on? [Lilith tries another couple of times, but there's no answer.

This waiting around is killing her.]

Shit.

[Maketh isn't crying. There's no time for that. Instead she's set the phone down as she's strapping on her armor.] I need you to do something for me, Lilith. There's not much time. Are you listening?

Yeah-- yes, I'm here! I'm listening.

[Hang on. Maketh's putting on her armor, she's getting ready to go out--]

Wait. What the hell are you doing? Goddamnit, Maketh, you're not going out there!

[The decision has already been made. There's no use in arguing.]

Nick Valentine is in charge now. I need you to support him and keep the civilians safe.

[She hesitates, looking into the camera.]

I am asking you to do this, Lilith. Please.

Are you seriously asking me to sit back and wait for you here?!

[But it makes sense. Lilith's abilities are strong enough to keep the majority safe, to drive the monsters away en masse-- better used in this way than to possibly throw her life away and endanger everyone. It's logical. She can't not stay, even if her everything wants to keep Maketh from running after Henry.

Her tone drops in volume. She's not arguing anymore. She's accepted her orders.]

...If you get yourself killed, I'm gonna be really pissed.

[Things have become very simple all of a sudden. Maketh nods just once. This time she doesn't try to smile, knows she wouldn't be able to manage it.]

Thank you, Lilith.

[That will be all.]

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