The Moon Rises... ((End))

Batty

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<div align=center>It would be a difficult habit, at least, to attempt to rid himself of a stricter handling of his ability. Jericho was enrolled at a school founded for inhuman creatures like him. He was no longer amongst the ‘normal’ ones, and didn’t need to pretend any longer that he had to fit in with them. He was a ‘take-life-by-the-horns’ sort of guy, and it honestly surprised himself come to think of it that he was too nervous to freely walk around campus like he was now. Maybe that would change. And perhaps for his new friend as well.

"There always seems to be a negative side and positive one to everything. I may not be a normal human by any standards, but I have to admit flying does feel nice." He looked at Ettein, returning his smile. "I mean, we’re all made for a reason, and made to be a certain way for one as well. Just have to find what it is exactly is all." He almost drifted away for a second, musing on philosophies and words of advice. Truly what he wanted to do was to help the other boy with rising up himself, as it was nice to see when people were happy by just being proud of whom they are. He wanted him to see something, but he wasn’t sure what. Maybe he was thinking too hard again, but maybe he wanted to show him just how his uniqueness made him a wonderful individual. He wanted to show him, but… He didn’t know how, or if he could at all.

But perhaps his frequent blushing was an indicator that he may stand a chance.
"Now don’t say that." Jericho replied in turn to him staying he wasn’t special. But in order to prove this, he needed to learn more about him. Already it seemed he was, and besides, everyone was special in their own way. But that advice was generic and heartless. Jericho wanted something profound to say to him, if only he knew how… He looked back at his wings once more, knowing they were a solid red flag that he was ‘special’. Maybe the boy had something within him, something that would expose itself… And not just whatever his ability was, either. "I guess. I mean unless you’re a Satanist then maybe not." He chuckled a bit, hoping he wouldn’t come across one of those one day. That would probably end up being a really bad experience. But anyway, he wondered what Ettein was alluding to.

As open minded as Jericho was, he couldn’t help but to question that he was something that people thought was freakish or generally disliked. It was hard for him to see something deplorable in the other boy, no matter what his ability may be. Maybe he would be some sort of big scary creature that still had his gentle nature. I mean, c’mon, that would be cute. Or at least he thought so.

"Psht, I can handle anything. Those guys are probably just wimps anyway." He did have that layer of ego that prepared him for most that stood in his way. It seemed like always he faced the harsh repercussions of such assumptions, however. His mind was cast off of the possibilities when reptiles were mentioned. More specifically, such reptiles he had it mind were snakes. He grinned testily. "Reptiles? Damn, I always wanted to own one as a kid… Mom said no, but they’re cool as hell." Well, he was an iguana or gecko sort of person himself, but he didn’t mind snakes either… As long as they weren’t venomous.

"Me? Scared of snakes? Nahh, they get too much crap anyway… Kinda misunderstood, in away…" From looking down to think he looked back up, leaning his hand on his arm that was supported from his knee. "Why?"</div>
 

VoodooChild94

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"So you can fly?" Ettein seemed to perk up a bit at that, this curiosity and interest he held for the other only heightening with this news. It made him wonder what it was like to fly; he was already pretty fond of heights, being that one of his favorite napping spots was in a nice tall tree. It was odd though, seeing as the snake he his naga breed are 'related' to, prefers ground over heights and even water over heights as is the case for his sea snake 'relatives'. There was a sense of freedom in those trees and he absolutely loved it. Was flying like that to Jericho?

Despite being completely interested in the earlier topic, he dropped the question as he gave thought to the rest of what he said. If that was true, if everyone had a purpose, he wondered what his was and if it was really true. Did he have a purpose? He didn't seem to have much of one but he was given a second chance, how much of one he realized was debatable, but that was enough to believe there was a reason for it, right? He didn't say anything though, about it and instead let Jericho continue. It was something to think about however.

He couldn't help but laugh a bit about Jericho's confidence, finding it somehow both amusing and attractive. He was never really sure what he thought about pets...reptilian pets specifically. It seemed a little demeaning now that he did think about it. Though, the fact that this guy held any kind of interest in reptiles, did put a small smile on his face.

“Mmm….I suppose, maybe we are a little misunderstood.” Ettein gave something of a mischievous laugh at that. Then he took that moment to transform; his legs seemingly mending themselves together and growing into a relatively long and obviously snake-like tail. Alternating black and white in color, it was the unmistakable marking of the krait snake; one of the most venomous snakes in the world and specially in Asia. Not that he expected Jericho to know; after all the coloring could have been just as easily harmless.

"You have wings...I have a tail." He shrugged, now standing on his upper tail at a height slightly taller than his human form.
 

Batty

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<div align=center>In response to his question, Jericho nodded briefly, his gesture almost filled with pride. He loved to fly, it felt wonderful. Plus, after years of practice he'd become quite skilled at it, being able to dive and soar at high speeds. His body was built to handle it, though he did feel inclined on occasion to wear something for his eyes. Instinct, he supposed. "Yup. Almost broke the sound barrier once too." Though he wanted to tell him more, he didn't want to run the risk of sounding like he was bragging or was being arrogant. He loved to talk, but he wanted to know where to draw the line with 'enough is enough'. Besides, he felt Ettein was much more interesting anyway. Jericho was a fallen angel. Pft. What would he be? Well, mentioning reptiles was a major hint, so he got to thinking... Perhaps he talked to them? Maybe.

"We?" He asked, raising a brow while smiling slyly. Now he had his full attention. He folded his arms in anticipation, his expression conveying his curiosity. His questions were soon to be answered as he watched Ettein transform, finally asserting the fact that he was anything but human. Not like that was a bad thing at all, in fact... It only drew Jericho's interest in further.

He watched in an unchanging facial expression as his legs became a lower half of what looked like a giant snake, doing so out of respect and hoping how he reacts wouldn't be taken the wrong way. But it was almost impossible for him to do so. He scanned his body once complete, noting to himself both mentally and amusingly that he was like a land merman or something. But with snakes. And that was pretty awesome. And, in an odd way, sort of more attractive.

It became clear all of the sudden why he was so exotically alluring. His appearance previously not only drew him in out of curiosity, but pure fascination as well. Snakes sort of had that slow, easy, charm to them. Not in any sort of human sense, but just as a species. In olden days from what he recalled through history classes he halfway slept through he knew that whole empires like Egypt practically worshipped the creatures, like so many others. Unfortunately, as time progressed, it seemed as if fear replaced reverence, and respect into hatred. Hell, even from his own heritage Jericho was preached the time when Saint Patrick drove them all out of Ireland and was revered as a hero because of it. But to Jericho, he truly did feel the creatures as something to respect rather than scorn. He knew how it felt to be cast as a creature of hatred/fear. Trust him- He had an entire vastly popular religion against him. Which is why he found that Ettein and him shared something rather important, something very few could say... Due to this he had been drawn in even further than before, with a more conflicting feeling wracking his being.

"That..." He tried to think of the word, but was at a loss. He stood back up again, the young man now almost eye level, and tried to discreetly look him from his dark eyes to his banded tail. "That's amazing." He almost kicked himself for not being able to voice what his reaction was, but the breathless method of stating the sentence and the look of wonder on his face gave off that he was much more than fascinated. "I mean, what you are... I could give you a speech for what you said earlier, but you probably phrased it better than I ever will." He sighed lightheartedly at his lack of forming words properly, but ultimately grew serious. "But... You really are something special. I mean... I've only just met you, but you're already one of the most interesting people I've met here, hell, met in my entire life." Realizing how sappy/gushy that sounded, Jericho straightened himself back up, embarrassed a bit by his moment of transfixion and ruffling his wings' feathers to rid himself of it. Maybe he was picking up that he wasn't exactly the most.. Straight of guys. He had gotten that mistake before, that he was a lady killer solely and was only interested in talking sincerely or non-arrogantly to women. This... Wasn't the case. At all, really. But he hoped it wasn't too obvious. After all, he was more of a subtle hint dropper than a full on explainer of things. On any case it seemed like Ettein was a species on its own. It began with an N... Gah, he couldn't place his finger on it. But still, he made another sort comment, trying to reclaim his position of a level headed young gentleman.

"Guess we're both mythical creatures living in a world not meant for us, huh?"</div>
 

VoodooChild94

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Ettein didn't say anything to the comment about nearly breaking the sound barrier, seeing as Jericho moved on from that pretty quickly. Though it did have him easily interested and he didn't even have to think about making a mental note to bring it back up later. He was quite fascinated by the concept of flying, and so that was surely a thing to ask about later. He wanted to know everything he could about this guy, about Nephilim, about flying and anything else he could do. He couldn't help it, by nature he was already very curious when it came to creatures he was unfamiliar with but this guy had his attention in many more ways than just that. Actually he was kind of surprised their interaction was going as well as it was, not used to having this sort of easy connection with someone. And that's when he realized it; there was something of a connection here. What, with Jericho being something of an outcast and Ettein being one as well...

That mischievous smile of his he had when he transformed didn't falter at first, with the other's reaction. He was almost hoping to freak him out a little; not enough to actually scare him off but he always found it entertaining in some way, to get a reaction like that out of people. Though, the one he received wasn't bad at all and actually, it had him a little surprised. Even with the earlier mentioning of having a liking for reptiles, he didn't expect such a genuine reaction. The way he stood up and even spoke in a breathless manner; it had Ettein holding onto a breath he didn't realize he was and his eyes locked on he others. What he said and the way he said it, somehow had stomach fluttering and skin crawling with goosebumps. It was similar to when he heard him sing, only this time there was something more to it and he didn't understand it. He had never been made to feel this way by another and it had him a bit baffled. It was similar to the feeling of nervousness, which was something he was used to from time to time and maybe he was a little nervous but it wasn't quite half as bad as it. In any case, it had him blushing and smiling all the same.

"I..I am?" He questioned in a soft tone, with almost that same type of breathless manner. No one had told him that before, or anything similar really. Well, there was Raiden, his guardian who constantly told him he was special but that was more in a scientifically interested manner and this was different, much different.

"...Yeah, I guess we are huh?" He gave a quiet response to the next of his words, his mind still trying to wrap itself around that feeling and those words.
 

Batty

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<div align=center>The more he talked to the other boy, the stronger his ability of empathy grew. Nephilims such as him were occasionally associated with ESP, as their knowledge and sensory functions were on a plane not exactly earthly, but not descended from divinity above. For some, it was a sixth sense, for others, it was psychokinesis and telepathy. He had been born with this ability to sense and feel physically the emotions of others though usually they were nothing more than faint premonitions. But as he personally grew to like or become interested in someone, this sort of connection grew. He didn't want to say anything of course, but the curiosity Ettein had experienced earlier eased into comfort and onto... This. Whatever it was. At least Jericho and him shared this odd feeling, and the more they talked, the more his ability of empathy grew. If he had any sort of physical contact with him... Well, who knows what would happen.

Still he played everything off. That in itself was becoming more of a chore as time wore on. He stood up in better posture and concealed the wonder he felt with a more relaxed aura. Maybe it was natural to feel totally stunned to meet another mythical creature that had been previously known to not exist. Yeah. What he was feeling was nothing out of the ordinary, he tried to convince himself. Besides, he was fairly new, and so far he had only seen gifteds and things like mutants and stuff. Nothing straight out of a legend or myth, and Ettein was his first. Still... Gah, what was this all about?!

The inner turmoil was hidden by that signature cocked smile he pulled off, which stayed between the lines of self-assurance and candor. The boy in front of him wore more of his emotions out front, though he wasn't against it. He could read it better and see that what he felt inside would easily transfer outside. He was almost strawberry milk pink, that was for sure. Jericho nodded at his confirmation, which allowed him to easily explain himself and mask the pouring out of his emotions from earlier. "Yeah, I mean I can't say I've met any guys before that had a lower half of a snake." He chuckled a bit, though wasn't just commenting on that. "Plus a lot of guys at my old school were pretty big douches. A lot of the girls weren't much better, I mean one little mistake and it would spread like wildfire. Which is why I had to hide these things, cuz they'd probably burn me at the stake or something like a witch." He gestured with his head towards the wings that jutted from his shoulder blades before looking back at him with a sense of admiration. "You're nice, like really nice. And polite. That's definitely a rarity for a something-teen." At least, he hoped he was right in assuming he was around his age. But perhaps Ettein's behavior was due to his mix of both male and female hormones. Whatever it was, it sure was very welcomed with Jericho.

"A Nephilim and a Naga... Oh! That's what it is. You're a naga, aren't you?" After the sudden revelation, Jericho questioned him with hopeful curiosity, almost matching the childlike expression Ettein held earlier. He quietly laughed it off shortly before continuing. "I'd never thought this sort of thing would happen a few weeks ago. Sure is nice to go somewhere where you can be yourself and not have to worry about being hurt by others..." He mused partially to himself, looking back down to the tail of the naga and back up to his face, almost lost in his features. He almost fell into that sort of curiosity again, before snapping himself out of it. "S-sorry. Usually not this spaced out. I don't know what's gotten into me..."</div>
 

VoodooChild94

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Not having ever left the island before, Ettein couldn't truly sympathize or fully understand what that must be like. Sure, he got snickered at here and there and the occasional comments and or questions about his gender and even the wary looks or comments because of what he was (not many people wanted to get too close to venomous naga after all). He's never been truly discriminated against for what he was or physically bullied. After all, nearly everyone here was strange in some respect and though there were those that were less kind, there weren't really any downright bullies...or at least from his own experience. He provoked interest in most people simply for being what he was and so, at least he thought, it lead to more bad situations than some people might run into here. Most of the time it was simply straight men mistaking him for a girl but he was never hit or something for it. It made him wonder if perhaps Jericho had any bad experiences from where he was from. He didn't see how anyone could hate what he is or give him a hard time because of it but then again, he hadn't been around many 'normal' humans and could only guess how different life was where things like them were considered myth. He had often wondered what life was like outside the island and heard both good and bad things from those at the school that came from elsewhere. It made him curious but almost grateful he was brought up here; he didn't think he'd be appreciated much out there.

"I can't say I've met a Nephilim before." He smiled. "But I can't really say I understand where you're coming from." He paused for a moment, running a hand through his hair in thought. "I've never been off the island before...so I don't really know what it's like to have to hide what you are...I mean there’s plenty of odd people and creatures here and probably a lot that’d find you interesting.” He said genuinely. “Not many people like what I am…not really because I’m part snake" He paused again. "...but when you can kill a human with only one milligram of venom...not many people are bound to." He shrugged, knowing that it may not be common knowledge to most people, what kind of snake he was but once they found out he's venomous, they typically turn tail and or keep their distance. “That and well…you know, when people can’t tell your gender, that doesn’t really help either.” He said in that same almost nonchalant manner as though it didn’t bother him and it didn’t really. He understood why most people stayed their distance from him or were simply too confused to want to confront him. It was a little lonely and even embarrassing at times when people mistook his gender but it wasn’t anything that really got to him, not like being discriminated against. No, being teased occasionally or made fun of was nothing like being hated to the point of someone wanting to ‘burn you at the stake’, and it made him a little sad to think someone would have to go through that kind of thing. “I don’t think you’d have a hard time fitting in or need to worry about hiding your wings here.” He gave a soft smile, hoping it was reassuring and what he said didn’t come off as depressive or something. He didn’t want to give off that kind of aura.

“Oh uhm…yes, I am a naga.” He said with something of a sheepish chuckle, not having realized he was practically rambling again. “But uhh…like I said, I don’t think you’ll have a problem fitting in here.” And there was that feeling again when he noticed the other looking him up and down

“Y-yeah…we naga tend to be mesmerizing in a way…heh, sorry….it’s kind of how we draw in prey…” He explained then realized how that must have sounded. “Ah-n-not that I eat people! I don’t, it’s just…” He trailed off, now feeling that this was his screw up and this was the moment he’d drive the other away. He didn’t know too much about his species but he did know that much and knew it was most likely the reason why he was so ‘spaced out’, it happened plenty of times before. That’s all this was though, right? This guy was just transfixed like the others and that’s all there was to it, only none of those times did he feel quite the same way, as though he was also fixed in a charm of some sort.
 

Batty

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<div align=center>Though he hadn't been persecuted for being a different species, there had been some instances where there was light reading that eventually got sort out of out of hand. Kids making fun of him for wearing coats in the highest heat of the summer. Eventually they picked up in the fact that he wasn't letting people over, and having to take bathroom breaks often most likely to adjust the restraints on his wings. Rumors spread, he got people who outright avoided/despised him. But he never let it get him down, really. He found his niche in being social with those who didn't say anything/didn't mind, and lost himself in groups of people at parties, where no one stood out as an individual. Life wasn't terrible for him, but he couldn't help but to wish after the life Ettein had led, by never having to hide who he was.

Though he was about to chime in with a proud thank you when he asserted that he was interesting, Jericho kept quiet as Ettein explained further why people stayed away from him. Oh. Well. He was venomous. Like, really venomous. Though this fact had taken him back a little, and made him the slightest bit worried, he wouldn't let this show. He had been open and accepting to him so far and didn't want to ruin making a good friend. Even supernatural creatures weren't perfect. And besides, looking at the gentle features of the boy, it didn't seem like he'd be or to randomly strike or hurt someone with his venom. Honestly, he couldn't imagine it. But at the very least Jericho knew now not to make him angry. Not like he had planned to in the first place. After seemingly staying silent for awhile to think these sorts of things over, Jericho finally shrugged, not taking the sudden information poorly at all. "To be honest I think they're just too paranoid. Fear of the unknown and all that shit. Correct me if I'm wrong or just assuming, but poisoning people on purpose doesn't look like it would be your sort of thing." He folded his arms while commenting. Brow raised, he contemplated this, not knowing whether or not his thoughts were true. Maybe he had a sweet and alluring facade all apart of an act to lure unassuming saps to kill and eat... Nah, that was just absurd. Though maybe that could become something to tease him with. That is if he wasn't sensitive about himself like that. But he seemed nonchalant enough. Maybe he would become someone to playfully banter with. Who knows.

When his question was resolved correctly, he pulled a fist to himself to pretend a victory of some sort. "Ha! Knew it." He commented kiddingly before listening further, smiling with the naga's assurance that he'd fit in just fine. "That gives me hope at least. Glad you think so, I think I'm gonna love this place." He already did have more free range in one day than he had in his entire lifetime. "Thanks for reassuring me." His words were dressed gentlemanly, as if he was one himself. Far from it, but he'd do whatever he could to be polite where courtesy and gratitude was due.

Despite how sincere he was with his thanks he couldn't help but to seize the opportunity to get a little (hopefully harmless) laugh. So he was prey, Hm? Well, he'd see about that. To play a little bit with his embarrassment yet show that it was okay he put his hands on his hips, pulling off a somewhat charming smile. "Oh, so are you trying to mesmerize me?" He asked with a small chuckle, head tilting slightly. "And I guess I'm just your prey too, huh." He then folded his arms, his tone clearly more amused than accusatory. "Hell, I'd be lying if I didn't say it worked, so yeah... Probably apart of that diet of yours." The young man gave out a small laugh, before looking at him deadset. "After all, you said you don't eat humans, but you didn't make an exception for a poor ole Nephilim like me."</div>
 

VoodooChild94

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Once again that earlier fear of having said something wrong or somehow driving the other off, briefly came over Ettein as Jericho fell silent. However, it was easily replaced by that soft smile of his, once he began to speak.

"Yeah...I guess you're right." He agreed about other's being too paranoid. It did sound about right' after all he was usually overly calm and had never bite someone before. Raiden made sure to teach him that when he was young. Still, if one were to anger him enough it could become a possibility and he didn't like that there was that possibility. He knew what it did to his actual prey and that wasn't something he was willing to inflict upon someone....unless he planned to eat them but he wasn't a people eater. In fact he tended to hunt in his full snake form rather than naga or human form when he chose to go for a more snake-like meal, and in that form it wasn't even possible...actually it was almost impossible to actually bite a human considering as a snake, his jaws didn't open very wide and to get a good bite on a human or humanoid creature would be more difficult for him than a lot of other venomous snakes.

"Like I said...I only bite sometimes." He said with a light laugh, bringing up their earlier teasing. Though this light, playful laughter become more genuine at the last of what he said. His laugh, like his voice, was light and airy, almost melodic in a way and completely unisex. He liked this turn of events; it was fun and he was beginning to feel more comfortable around this stranger...who was beginning to become much less of a stranger. He wasn't used to being able to hold a conversation this long or joking around with anyone other than Raiden or simply teasing or messing with people for the fun of it. He liked this, being able to talk to someone like this and he was beginning to think he didn't have to worry about scaring him off anymore. After all, if he stuck around with as much as he's already told him, he didn't think there was anything else he could say to drive him away.

"Mmm...." He hummed under his breath, Jericho's playful mannerisms bringing out Ettein's own. "Should I?" He questioned in mock wonder, tapping his bottom lip and the tip of his tail flicking in thought. He allowed those dark eyes of his to wander Jericho's form; no details masked by the darkening sky.

"You do look good enough to eat..." Though the statement was said in that same playful tone, he was clearly blushing as he was before. As well as not having much experience in social interaction, he didn't have much at all when it came to flirting, and the somewhat shy expression on his face betrayed his little supposed-to-be-intimidatingly sexy, tease.
 

Batty

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<div align=center>Well, it seemed Ettein was good at banter as well. Jericho couldn't help an eager broad grin which was something he only did on rare occasion. Usually, his snarky half-smirks composed the near entirety of his facial expression library. But of course he couldn't help but to almost cackle uncontrollably at the little scenario being set up. Luckily, he retained himself as the two continued the charade. Of course, he couldn't help but to sneak in a snicker here and there. Because hey, laughter was contagious, and Ettein's certainly was.

As he was contemplating, Jericho casually leaned against a bench across from the fountain, toned arms folded across his still bare chest once more. When was he going to put clothes back on? Eh, maybe later. He was still hot anyway from so many layers. A light chortle came out beneath his breath with his pondering. "I mean, c'mon, I got a lot on me. I wouldn't blame to if you did." He looked at his own muscles, and full on laughed in a rather masculine yet upbeat manner, matching his just as young adult as his appearance. "I do look pretty damn delicious, don't I?"

He did notice however that he seemed to be flirting back, a fact that actually did surprise him. He knew they were just playing, but at the same time... Huh. Guess he really did have that 'snakelike charm' to him, huh? Well, maybe it wasn't just an act. Perhaps it meant something more... Maybe.

Jericho unfolded his arms, flapped his wings gently once which was just enough to propel him to stand on the ledge of the bench in a crouched position, facing him. He folded his elbows on top of his knees, resting his chin upon them almost coyly. "You know if I didn't know any better I'd say you like me." He guised a teasing tone in an almost serious one, a sly smile on his face. Now try that for throwing him off!</div>
 

VoodooChild94

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Ettein couldn't keep his eyes from wandering further as Jericho shifted about, further showing off his toned physique. He was attracted to him, there was no doubt about that; he was nice, as far as he could tell and more genuine than most people right off the bat and not to mention hot...very hot. He hard a hard time not flat out agreeing with him on the 'looking delicious' comment. Not that he'd want to actually eat him of course...but damn. He quirked a smile however, and moved to say something....he wasn't sure what but intended on keeping up this little charade of an interaction they had going between then. He only wound up claiming his mouth shut at the next of what he said. An almost comical look crossed as face; like he'd been caught or found out. Though, it was quickly replaced by something more playful and even a little sly as he shook the momentary shock off and bounced back quick to retort.

"Mmm....and what if I do?" He smiled, moving a bit closer, almost similar to the way a predator would when stalking its prey. "What are you going to do about it?" He questioned, finding the words came easily now that he was much more relaxed around this guy and not so worried about screwing things up. He wasn't a very good flirt, at least he thought anyhow, but he was a quick learner and pretty easily affected by the mood in a situation by way of what side of his own personality came out. And so, this time there wasn't any blushing as he spoke, though even with as playful of a tone as it is was said, there was some truth about it. He did like him, he realized...he wasn't quite sure how but he had decided that much, and he had also decided that he wanted to know more about him.