[Mari]

"...So that's how it went down, was it?" the toad officer questioned, seeming to puzzle over this for a moment. Arle had almost forgotten to ask exactly what happened. The whole evil speech had really excused Schezo from any suspicions she might have had at any point. "I don't think anyone'll be questioning why you tried to defend yourself back at the HQ. Seems as noble a goal as any. ...Say, is that the spray she dropped?" the officer wemt on to remark and ask as he noticed the bottle being brought out. Taking a look, Arle grimaced a bit in disgust. "...Seems like it. It says it's toxic when consumed." the mage remarked rather flatly, not all that interested in soiling the digniy of their afternoon even further by discussing the specifics while others ate. ...You can rimshot if you want to. Not even I'm proud of that one. Arle's disgust only intensified when she observed the seemingly decomposing food. "Wow--That is gross. Well thank goodness someone kept an eye on her." Arle would lament, her gaze shifting to Schezo.

[Rina]

"That I did, and it was well justified considering this almost went into our curry pot."

There was a reason why Schezo scribbled "DO NOT EAT" on it for a reason, and it's to tell his side of the story. With his testimony laid out, it should at least clear him of being a suspect. Now...what do we do with the tainted food? Is there some method of disposing it without letting it spread? Let's just move on from what could have happened...it's making Schezo grow more disinterested in eating, when he himself is actually getting quite hungry.

*GROWWWWWL...*

"Uh...Do excuse that sound..."

[Mari]

Listening to Schezo, Arle was mildly startled by the sound of his stomach. ...Huh. Well, she supposed working hard did work up hunger. " . . . Want some of the curry?" Arle offered. Given the high demand for a good meal, they were starting to put a serious dent in the amount of food they'd made. It wouldn't be long before they ran out, unfortunately. "It looks like we're almost finished, and I can always let Viridi feed me. Say Schezo--What's your thoughts on the war we're fighting anyway? It seems like everyone has a different idea on how we should fight the starvia or if we should fight them." Arle would casually remark and ask. She'd already brought this up to Rulue, but she was eager to know where her friends stood in all of this.

[Rina]

"The starvia, you say?"

......Now that she mentioned it, he never really did have a focused stance on this world's condition. He did recall having the first-hand experience with it, and he had a very rough time over at the point. Sure, he was not within authority to even approach it, but since the team was short-handed, there weren't many options but to pick up anyone that can fight. He so happened to be one of them. Despite all that...he never considered his stance on it as life and death have became trivial to him.

"I never did heavily consider the state of this land. I came here seeking you, only fulfilling my role as a protector as enforced duty. To describe my stance briefly, I'm neutral on the matter. I care not if the virus is wiped out by destroying the core or more drastic means, I only desire an end that would mean my life is spared and I attain what I came for...but I suppose I would say such a thing, as my time living so long has rendered me disconnected with the lives of others."

Schezo paused for a moment.

"Yet...in regards to you and because of you, why do I feel as if what I said is all delusion?" Schezo's eyes wander away from Arle's as he subconsciously reached for his neck. "I've grown more aware of where I draw the line, I swallowed my pride to save your life from a god's wrath, and we both have little patience for that old man's antics. I feel driven to ensure your well-being, moreso now that I've come to learn to respect your boundaries. All in spite of what you did to me on that fateful encounter."

"...Why do I have growing urges to be your protectorate?"

If Arle paid attention, Schezo's face seems to be faintly red... Schezo attempted to brush it off by helping himself to a plate of curry.

[Mari]

Arle was somewhat taken aback. That sounded .... stalkerish?! ...But also sentimental, a confusing mix of feelings. Who in their right mind would come to this forsaken place just for her?! ...Maybe she shouldn't think too hard about that one. Arle lolled her head to one side in puzzlement as she repeated Schezo's question in her head. "I'm... not sure!" Arle replied somewhat hesitantly. In reality, she had a pretty good idea of why Schezo might feel that way. "Honestly--If someone ever killed me I don't know that I'd be able to forgive them. ...Not that it'd matter. I don't think I'd come back like you did." Arle went on to replym chuckling anxiously. She knew that Schezo had no idea how he'd come back to life after being destroyed by the Phantom God, but she also wasn't sure about telling him either. There was a reason he'd been made to forget, after all. "...I've always been a little confused as to why you wanted to be near me, all things considered. But maybe there's something you want. Something ... nicer than the previous things we've fought over." Arle mused aloud, leading Schezo's thoughts along. She could only hope it was nicer, anyway.

[Rina]

"...why did I come back after my second demise? I remember very little of it outside the god's lightning finishing me off."

He knew he got killed twice at some point, but why is that second one incredibly hazy? Why does he not remember anything else? Arle knew that his memory of those events got purposely wiped to protect an artifact, but Schezo doesn't know at all. Arle's nervous chuckle didn't put him at ease. He put the ladle down after having his plate, ready to respond to Arle's question. As for how he's going to respond...he seems inclined to tell her the truth behind why he's been following her the whole time.

...it won't be pretty though.

"I've been confused as to why I continued my pursuits. At times it was your power, but now it's to ensure you are well. Perhaps...Perhaps I have developed feelings for you. I may as well be in love, but I've kept it shelved away, resigned to believe that my feelings will never be reciprocated. So, to ease myself from being tormented by unrequited sentiment, I shall tell you right now."

Schezo took a deep breath and looked at her in the eyes.

"I like you. I know I am unworthy to have your affection in return, so I only wish that you are happy for I have squandered my opportunity to do so, and that we remain as friends."

Maybe it's genuine, maybe it's misplaced. Whichever it is, he is very much so aware that he's lost his chance at romancing Arle long before the opportunity opened up.

[Mari]

Arle could feel herself tense a bit as Schezo brought up love. Oh no... She didn't like where this conversation was going, and that was a fight. ...Eh. She was exhausted of fighting. Maybe she could try explaining this again. "Schezo... I know you're older than you look--But the thing is, I'm not. I haven't lived as long as you have. I'm a teenager. I'm still trying to figure out love. I don't even know what I want, let alone who." Arle began, shaking her head as she explained her frustrations. "I shouldn't even be living on my own right now, let alone thinking about settling down and starting a family. Do I even want a family, especially here? Honestly Schezo, just the idea of giving myself to someone frightens me. I know that because I actually have a crush and it's... an emotional rollercoaster." Arle continued, emitting an exhausted sigh. She wasn't even going to mention the second crush she had. That nightmare was better off not mentioned out loud. She didn't want Viridi knowing about that after all, at least not until she assessed those feelings more for herself. She turned to give Schezo her full attention. "Doesn't that feel weird to you? Being in love with someone so young? You've probably been through all of this dozens of times. I should be coming to you for adv--..." Arle began, only to second guess herself at the last moment. No, actually, asking Schezo for love advice was a terrible idea. "Well, you know what I mean. "

[Rina]

"Arle...how many humans have you encountered that has an age and lifespan that matches mine? In truth, this is the only time I've ever felt this way, for I autonomously distanced myself for falling in-between that of a non-human life. As I lived past a human lifespan, I simply began to slowly drift away from being able to be loved by a human, or anyone at all. The mere mention of my age would intimidate a normal being, an interspecies romance with someone such as a demon or an elf would likely cause unimaginable tension...and a god would not invest much feelings for mortals such as I."

And because of what Schezo's name means according to the ancient texts of Rana. "Gorgeous God-Defiler" aside, he does bring up a good point. He could probably count how many that actually exist with one hand.

"...But I'm rambling. To put it simply, I've grown exhausted of being perceived as an inherently bad person, hopelessly wishing someone will stand by my side even if I go astray. If I were to get involved with someone, I cannot simply masquerade with an age such as 18, 20, any believable number."

Until then, I cannot allow myself to show my vulnerabilities. That would tarnish my honor as a Dark Wizard.

[Mari]

Arle appeared bewildered by what Schezo was telling her. "...Well--Maybe in your case age really is just a number." Arle offered somewhat apologetically. That was pretty heretical coming from her of all people, but she trusted that Schezo knew she was emphasizing that this only applied to him for a reason. "I mean... You're not--.... You don't act like you're that old. You don't look like you're that old. So maybe it's more like your age is frozen in time! That's mean it's okay for you to date people your age!" Arle would go on to offer. ...Well the logic seemed good enough. She'd be impressed if anyone had a better explanation, anyway. Of course, Schezo seemed far too mature for the most part to be 14. The idea that he was her age was lost on her. "All you have to do is treat people nice and respect their boundaries, like you're trying with me!" Arle would finish in encouragement.

[Rina]

"Is... is it truly that simple?"

She is right, though. He doesn't behave like an old man, so maybe people will believe overlook his longevity. Thank goodness Schezo ages crazy slow! Though, if he was indeed frozen at age 14, he's behaving far more mature for someone eternally that age. Disbelief would be contested at that rate. At the very least, Schezo definitely working on making himself a better person overall. He thought about her explanation for a bit...and it seems to have clicked.

"Your wording does require some refinement, but I do understand what you mean."

Upon looking around the area...it seems there's no one left to serve. Huh. Is that everyone already?

[Mari]

"Glad I could help! I think it really helps to be around other people. They help you see your true self in a way not even a mirror can." Arle offered in thought. And indeed, it looks like they'd finished feeding everyone! Those few still around either had curry of their own or seemed disinterested. More importantly though, the pot was mostly empty... "Wanna call it a night? My ankle's really swollen and all I want to do is lay down for a while." Arle remarked in mild embarassment. "It looks like there's enough leftover, if you want it..."

MISSION COMPLETE
Bonus Objective Complete!

[Rina]

"My true self...I suppose I'll have to improve through socializing."

Taking upon Arle's offer, he indeed took what was left for his own. He hasn't eaten at all, and he's likely going to have this curry for dinner. At least he didn't have to go through the trouble of preparing; tonight seems like a curry night too.

"Take care, and be sure to keep the swelling down."

With the curry leftovers carried on hand, he went his way back to his apartment.

[Schezo has left.]