A Fateful Encounter
Henry had been gathering information from various citizens under a disguise, trying to figure out where Bastion lived. He felt like she was the first person he needed to apologize to, he did brutally murder her during the battle at Arcadia. And here we stand, in front of her door with a gift basket in hand full of apples, bananas, oranges, and a small package of blueberries. "All right. Now how does this whole apology thing work?" Henry muttered to himself as he knocked on the door idly.
Yet when Henry's knuckles rapped upon the door, it gave way instantly and revealed an apartment shrouded in darkness, not a light to be found with even the windows concealed behind their blinds. No voice greeted Henry and not a finger was raised to invite him in, yet a pair of eyes bored into the doorway with a dispassionate air from whence Henry could not tell.
Henry stood still for a moment, waiting for someone to invite him in. When it became obvious nobody was going to do so he shrugged and stepped through the doorway. "Your door is open so I'm just gonna come in! I brought an apology basket thing!" The dark didn't bother Henry as much as it would've bothered the normal person, he was used to it. He rarely lit candles in his old castle.
His egress was noted with a roll of her eyes, but the woman in the dark didn't bother to raise voice in reply to the intrusion. She knew full well who this was and what crimes he'd commited against her fractured Master, but Roma was willing to give him a chance if he put down the basket and left like a sane person would. All the while she turned a knife over in her hands, wondering what use she'd find for it; be it fruit or flesh.
Unfortunately Henry was about as far from a sane person as you could get in the Nexus. A Gate opened near his free hand and a flashlight fell from it, he clicked it on and began to look around for somewhere to sit while he waited for Bastion. "So I'm gonna assume you're not here right now, meaning I gotta wait for you to get back so I can apologise." He said to nobody in particular, speaking to himself really as he voiced his thoughts aloud. It would be somewhat redundant to just leave the fruit basket with no explanation.
She'd tell Bastion she tried, she really tried, not to make a mess of her apartment, but there was nothing to be done about it now. "You should have left a card with the fruit and left. It would have made your existence less painful." Droned a dull monotone, as Roma stepped into the sweeping beam of the flashlight to give Henry a glimpse of her ire. "This is not your home. Leave now or leave in pieces."
"Oh yeah, a card would've been a good idea huh." Henry mused idly as he continued to look for the chair. Less than a second later portals opened up behind him to reveal several knives peeking out, all pointed at Roma. "I'm pretty sure this isn't your home either. I could be wrong but I never heard anything about Bastion having a roommate so..." He shrugged as he focused the flashlight on Roma. "Anyways, you probably don't know who I am. It's the only reason you could be threatening me, anyone who knew me would be pissing themselves in fear instead." Henry's gaze bore into her, he did not appreciate being threatened by what appeared to be a robber. It explained the open door and the turned off lights, this person had obviously broken in to steal all of Bastion's things. This was a way better apology than a fruit basket, catching a burglar was a great way to make up!
"Why would anyone tell you as such? Or even know for that matter? Though I admit, saying I am her room mate is like saying Eos is my other ride; An understatement."] Roma didn't need to turn to know she was surrounded by blades, the tell tale shimmering radiance of Henry's portals doing well to illuminate the room and set off the contrast between two of the shortest people in the Nexus. Her voice remained it's dull monotone as she raised one hand to her side, the palm raised with a crackling of sparks between her splayed finger tips, as an invisible force pulled the knives from their portals to clang together over her hand in a ball of rapidly compacting metal. "I know full well your transgressions against my Ba-Chan, Demon of Avarice. The question that remains is do you know," And in the hand held at her side formed a blade which Henry would know from his very bones as the one all should fear, even in the Nexus. Roma turned the flat of the sword Eos had strived to copy and presented it for Henry's eyes. "the name of this sword?"
Henry was starting to get annoyed by this woman, no reaction from a clear threat to her life, bringing up Eos and other rides. Shit was nonsensical to say the least, which is why Henry had decided to just shut her up and fire all the knives into her fragile fleshy body. At least that was the plan. Her hand raised and all his blades flew out of the portals, compacting together into a ball of crumpled metal. "All right you have 5 seconds to tell me who you are before I blast you all over the-" A sword. That sword was dangerous. Adrenaline began to pump through Henry's veins as his brain went through the typical fight or flight reaction that all animals had. For the first time in a very long time, Henry wanted to run as fast as he could away from this woman. "Who... no. What are you?" He asked quietly as he began to tremble in fear.
"Tsk. Ignoring the question? How droll." A note of condescension entered her dull tone, and she took steps forward to draw herself and the blade at her side closer to the trembling demon. His fear was palpable, as though a physical aura of terror radiating from his pores and Roma almost thought it worth savoring, yet she knew better then that. Henry had confronted Juno before, and even if he hadn't defeated her he'd still proven resourceful, so it was best to get it over with and pretend she forgot he even existed. "Perhaps it is time you die."
"Roma, no!" In a sudden flair, light was brought back to the apartment. A quick glance to the front would show Bastion by her open door, the light switch having been placed up now. She looked at the scene before her in that mismatched gaze, panic strewing forth as she quickly placed herself in front of Henry. "Roma, stop. Please..." she said, unsure if the other girl would actually listen to her. "I don't want people to die in my house...."
Henry slowly began to back up away from Roma as she got close to him, if he could make it out of the door maybe he could get away and come back later. This was rapidly becoming a life threatening scenario that he couldn't deal with. These thoughts were interrupted by a light cutting through the darkness and the cry of the very person he had come to meet. She rapidly inserted herself between Henry and Bastion, pleading with her to stop. "Bastion we need to leave now. You probably don't trust me, I don't blame you whatsoever. But this thing cannot be reasoned with." He struggled to reach out and grab her so they could run, the only thing stopping him being that he would have to get closer to Roma to do so.
Were it not for an inopportune intervention Roma would have left the world none the worse for Henry's absence, yet she was forced to paused and discard Volunta into nothingness as Bastion arrived at her home. Roma was quick to tune out Henry's simpering and even silenced it with an off hand throw of the crushed metal ball towards his stomach. "Ah, Ba-chan. I had not expected you so early. Otherwise I would have made sure there was nothing here to distress you upon arrival."
A faint smile tugged at her lips as she stepped closer to Bastion, reaching out to hug the panicked girl in a showing contradictory to her ruthless display moments before. "No need to fret. There will be no killing in your house."
Bastion didn't mean to be rude, but she ignored Henry's words in place of keeping Roma in check. Once she made sure there wouldn't be any killing, she would turn over to her apparent guest. "Thank you," she mumbled among Roma's kimono sleeves as she was kept in that embrace. Slowly, she tried to move her gaze away and onto Henry now. "Um...sorry about that. You're the new Demon that joined the Machina, right? I think we fought before. Please don't mind Roma. She's only trying to help," Bastion offered, hoping to make his near-death experience less awkward than it should be. "Why are you here?"
Henry knees turned to jelly as he slumped onto the wall, taking deep breaths as the air of death vanished as quickly as it had appeared. Then the ball of metal collided with his stomach and Henry keeled over. "Fuck!" He cried out as the pain cut through his state of panic. Roma and Bastion were now hugging, which gave Henry a moment to think. Power beyond his understanding combined with the name of Roma painted a very clear picture of who this person was according to his history lessons. He just threatened a Vassal. Bastion turned to him and began to speak, apologizing for Roma's attempt to kill him. "No worries. Not your fault." His voice steadied as he attempted to regain his air of nonchalance. She asked why he was here and Henry smiled, holding up the fruit basket he had in his hand this whole time. "I came to apologize for killing you. Figured we're coworkers now, not only that but it would appear as if Machina are way friendlier than Demons. So I just thought it was a good way to introduce myself."
Henry straightened up, noting that he was taller than both of them which was weird, and held out his hand in offer of a handshake. "My name is Henry Pearl Avaritia the 2nd. Most just call me Henry."
Roma noted the mood had shifted far enough from hostility she could release Bastion and slide in to stand beside her. "Apologize? That is good. Seeing as Bastion has accepted, I shall spare your life while you are allies." Roma said, her smirk hollow as it favored Henry before melting into cool neutrality once more. She left his offered hand for Bastion to accept and looked over to the basket, "Perhaps you would like to join us in partaking in the fruits of camaraderie? I suppose I am not one myself but I would like to think I am a patron of the Machina in many respects. "
Bastion wasn't sure what surprised her more; that Henry had gone out of his way to apologize or that Roma was smiling. Granted, it was an empty smile and Henry had killed her, but it was all the same. "Oh! Um, I accept your apology Henry. And your fruit basket," she said, taking the gift and wondering where he had gotten such a thing in a bustling city like Hyperion. "I'll go make some drinks," she said, hoping she could leave the two alone now without them trying to kill each other. Or rather, without Roma having to paint her apartment red.
Henry nodded at Roma's statement, quite kind of her to spare his life. Whether it was because he apologised or because Bastion didn't want a dirty apartment, Henry neither knew nor cared. His smile grew warmer as Bastion accepted the fruit basket, however it immediately morphed into a frown the moment she left to get some drinks. "Thanks for not killing me." Henry said without passion as he glanced at the Vassal of Energy. "May I ask why a Vassal is cuddling up with a random Machina soldier? Just curious." A portal opened beneath the metal ball on the floor, dropping it into his collection, while another portal opened above his hand and dropped an apple into his grasp. He had a lot of food in Tartarus, it's how he managed to make a fruit basket in a city with no human food.
Left to their devices Roma looked Henry over, amused his hoarding nature shined through in taking the crushed knives. An amusing trait, so long as he kept to hoarding his own property and not started purloining Bastion. "Oh, you think she is a common soldier? 'The Queen's Treasure' but a common grunt? She herself may believe that but it is far from the truth. Bastion is someone very important to me and my kin." She approached the table and stood beside Henry, seemingly perusing the available fruit for whatever suited her tastes. "You are not so low yourself. Your use of the eyes is not very refined, but Juno found you noteworthy and that is commendation in its own right. Not the stuff of Vassals, but lesser men have done far greater things then the works of those even above my station. Who knows what the future holds if you abide by Machina, and...do not stray."
Henry snorted at the idea of Bastion being a common soldier. "Of course she's not some random grunt. She gave me a run for my money and very few people can do that." Henry pulled out a chair and sat down, looking at Roma as she perused the fruit. "But if all it took was a little power for a Vassal to hang around you, then Archorus would be attached to my hip like a siamese twin." He shrugged as he took a bite of his apple, swallowing and sighing. "Whatever. What you do is your business." Roma complimented him and Henry chuckled. "Juno found me noteworthy huh? Don't see why, she kicked me through a mountain with no effort. I'll take what I can get though." He ignored the minor jab at his use of the Eyes and continued to listen, noting the subtle question of his loyalty to the Machina. "For what it's worth, I plan on sticking around. I worked for Hell for decades and never got so much as an acknowledgement, meanwhile I've been here a day and Eos herself thanked me for my efforts. I can appreciate it around here."
"Believe me, you would not want Archorus at your hip. She would be feeding you icicles at the slightest infraction, and she is none to picky of the hole she uses either." The Vassal of Energy said, levity entering her demeanor as she took a pear from the pile and savored a small bite. "As for Juno, that you attempted to challenge her so many times was worthy of note, even if the outcomes were inevitable. Be proud you forced her to escalate beyond the level she deigned to begin with."
"Hell has always been peculiar with it's....I hesitate to say leadership, but Eos is indeed a kind ruler for those who work to earn her favor, though do keep in mind, for all the rewards we may lavish you, we expect you to make sacrifices for the good of the Machina. My Eos may get soft at times but I will not let her be taken advantage of."
Henry shuddered at the image of Archorus feeding him icicles. "Gross." He smirked as Roma expanded upon her statement of Juno praising him. It did make him feel a little better about getting punted through several tons of rocks. She then began to talk about Hell, Henry nodding in agreement as she spoke of their leadership. "Nonexistent is a good term to use." He interjected before she changed topics. Sacrifices for the greater good huh?
"I can do sacrifices. I just impaled myself to take down one of Hell's top players in the latest battle. If that's not a sacrifice I don't know what is." It was only after he said that, that Roma's words caught up to him. "Wait, your Eos? Please don't tell me you're the secret leader of the Machina. Then I have to consider that the other factions are lead by Vassals."
"Oh no, no. You misunderstand. Eos is indeed mine by lawful marriage, but I have no control over the Machina's affairs. As they would say, I sold out my shares in the company, to remain impartial before those upstairs. What course the Machina, Heaven, or Hell take is of their leader's will. In fact, you could say they were chosen specifically because of this. The Nexus is a cruel universe but that is one concern you can be free of."
"If I am anything to the Machina, I would perhaps be it's co-founder who is not in the picture anymore. The children left the lab and do not need their mother any longer." She released a small sigh and looked out towards the windows, a flick of her finger raising the shutters that drowned out the neon lights beyond. "They have not the perfection of Heaven or the untamed might of Hell, but the Machina are still a great people...."
Henry looked a little confused but was relieved nonetheless. He was gonna kill the Hell faction leader one day, so it was good to know he didn't have to take on a Vassal. He also filed away that little tidbit about Eos and Roma being married, which made the relationship between Roma and Bastion even more mysterious. What a complicated faction he had joined. What a fun faction he had joined.
She opened the windows and stared out at the neon cityscape, Henry letting an genuine smile slip as she talked about the Machina. "I can't say I appreciate the people unfortunately. Most of them hate me for being born. But I will guard this city nonetheless, for it is my new home. Maybe one day they'll like me if I protect them well enough." A fantasy most likely, but one worth dreaming about.
"Ah, tea's ready!" Bastion chimed in, appearing from again with a tray held in hand. She noticed that the fruit basket had already been open and that the others were eating so she went about placing a cup down for everyone. "Sorry if it's not the best Henry. With such short notice and everything...anyway, I hope Roma didn't scare you too much earlier. Sorry about that again," she said nervously, trying to brush off that display with a laugh. "Did you just come to apologize or....?"
Henry perked up at the mention of tea, he always enjoyed tea time with Victoire. "Any tea is fine, I'm not a noble anymore so I don't need to have high standards." He laughed at his own joke, smiling as Bastion apologized once more. "Oh no, I was terrified. I don't think I've ever been that scared in my life actually, you're quite lucky to have such a powerful protector." He was smiling nonetheless, he was over it by this point. Bastion asked if he only came to apologise, which gave him a moment's pause.
"Well... originally I had just come to apologise. Now there's something else on my mind." Henry's gaze swiveled to Roma, his face a bit pleading. "Do you think you could train me? It's not everyday that I get to meet the strongest being in the Nexus, much less under friendly terms."
"Oh please." She raised a sleeve to her mouth to conceal a small laugh, feigning the airs of a refined noble lady. "Flattery is not needed for such a simple request I could see myself obliging you in this matter, a token of appreciation for your enthusiastic service in the face of adversity, though I would require a token in return. Well, not for me specifically, but for the Machina." The sleeve came down and the Eel favored Henry as a stern teacher to a potential pupil. "If I am to improve your eyes, you will share the armaments at your disposal with those serving beside you. You need not bleed yourself dry and be a pauper, but I ask you share your powerful arms when you are not using them. That sounds fair, no?"
Henry laughed a little. "Flattery certainly helps though." Roma asked for Henry to do something for the Machina in exchange and he nodded. "Anything for my new kingdom. Literally anything." Roma lowered her sleeve and got serious. Henry had to share his weapons with the Machina when he wasn't using them. A conflicted look flickered across his face as his nature as a Demon of Greed roared inside of him, but he squashed it down. "Of course. I will of course have to figure out a way to make sure they aren't stolen from me permanently, but I am perfectly willing to loan out my weapons to the Machina." Henry hesitated for a moment before he spoke again. "I'll go a step further. I will return half of the Machina technology I have collected over the years. It is only fair I return what I have taken. Mostly." He added that last bit in hastily, he wasn't giving away all his Machina tech. That shit was useful.
Her brow rose, finding Henry had woefully misinterpreted her wishes yet still carried on before she laughed once more without the aid of her modesty being preserved. "Henry, I do not intend to leave you under powered. Your strength does come from your vast hordes of treasure, but I meant you should loan them when you enter the battlefield to bolster your comrades, not arm our armies out of your own pocket. Frankly most grunts would rather their rifles then an enchanted sword, after all. Though if you are offering, Eos will surely appreciate any technology returned you deem fit to."
Henry let out a sigh of relief. "Oh thank god. I would've been quite stressed if I had to give someone my sword. Yeah I can arm soldiers in battle. My offer of returned technology still stands as well, I've been meaning to reorganise for a bit. Getting rid of some stuff I don't ever use helps me." His eyes went blank for a moment as he took inventory of how many guns he had along with ammunition. Life returned to his eyes quickly as he focused on Roma once more. "Yeah I can arm an army when I enter battle. No problem." He took a sip of his tea. This wasn't half bad actually.
"Good, then I think that concludes our talk of business." Roma declared, accepting her tea with a gracious nod, eager to enjoy Bastion's company while they had their reprieve between conflicts. Speaking of which, the main guest looked between one person and the other. She had no right to question if Roma should take on an apprentice. If anything, it was a better hobby for her than to be stalking Hyperion's idol business. And it wasn't like she had much of a right to speak up when it didn't concern her anyway...well, whatever worked she supposed.
