Cruel Angel’s Thesis Chapter 2
Rating: Explicit Archive Warning: Graphic Depictions Of Violence Category: F/M Fandom: Mystic Messenger (Video Game) Relationship:707 | Luciel Choi/Main Character Characters:707 | Luciel Choi, V | Jihyun Kim Mary, Vanderwood 3rd, Jumin Han, Zen | Hyun Ryu, Yoosung Kim, Jaehee Kang, Main Character, Rika, Saeran ChoiUnknown | Ray
Vanderwood had enough of God Sevens Cup noodles by that afternoon, so he had gone to get some ingredients so they could eat something more proper. Despite Luciel's protest, Nari was glad when he returned with the bag full of fresh food and some kitchenware. She had decided to make a stew-like soup, something that would be a way for V to eat and keep down. She watched the broth starts to simmer as she added the root vegetables to the pot. She had headphones in and was bouncing around to the music as she prepared their meal.
Truthfully it had been an exhausting day; she hadn't gotten much sleep, though she wouldn't complain since she's positive she had gotten more than Seven. She looked briefly into the main room. V had been moved to the couch, IV removed after a long argument on her end. She was happy she was feeling better, but as a physician, she didn't feel he was strong enough to be without. Reluctantly she had removed the needle from his arm. Seven seemed lost as he stared at his computer fingers going a mile a minute. He seemed fine to keep up a lazy conversion with V as she cooked. Vanderwood had another computer where he kept staring at different pictures clearly searching for something. He piped into the conversion once and awhile.
Nari sighed turning back to her task and started bouncing to her music again. Ever since Rika and Ray hacked into the messenger she was lost in another spiral of confusion. From what she gathered, Rika and V had an emotionally abusive and physically abusive on Rika's part, relationship. Rika needed professional help; she needed a doctor who could help her work through her thoughts.
Seven had a friend named Saeran he was worried about, and Rika knew where he was. And finally that Sevens real name was Saeyoung. Though despite knowing that Nari refused to allow herself to use it. It seems Seven changed his name for a good reason, and she was going to respect that. She didn't mention anything that was discussed within the chatroom, and she could tell Luciel was thankful for that.
What was more heartbreaking was V and his reaction to all this. Nari was a physician, she knew long-term emotional and physical abuse could lead to this kind of behavior, but she was so worried he'd actually act on it. She couldn't bear if he returned to the endless of unrelenting abuse. It wouldn't help either of them. Nari sighed again stirring the contents of the pot. It was starting to smell good.
Before she knew it one of her headphones was tugged from her ear startling her. "I didn't mean to startle you," Luciel explained to her with a warm but sad smile.
"Its fine, my heart needed to be rebooted anyway." She smiled a sad smile back. He chuckled a little.
"I thought I'd come and check on you. How are you holding up?" He questioned with sincerity in her golden eyes. She felt lost in them.
"As good as someone can in this situation." She replied looking down at the stove.
"I can't expressive enough how sorry I am you got caught up with all this. If... never mind it doesn't matter now." He bit the inside of his mouth.
"You both need to stop apologizing. I was the innocent one that went there of my own free will. It's quite embarrassing actually." Nari flushed stirring the food.
"Gah! I didn't even know I was hungry. That smells so good!" He exclaimed looking at the food changing the subject for her. She felt a wave of relief.
Nari grabbed something so she could give him a taste. "Taste test for me!"
He sipped the broth on the utensil. "Ohhh! It's so good!" He exclaimed again and she giggled. "Where did you learn to cook like that!?" He asked helping himself to another taste.
"When you grow up on your own you learn these things." She confessed blushing being pleased by the compliment. "But you know since the great God Seven Defender of Justice approves, it makes me really happy." He flushed as she beamed a pleasurable smile at him. He chuckled setting the tasting utensil down.
"Yeah, you'll make it out of this just fine." He mumbled more to himself than her. He didn't miss the way her eyes with curiosity. He cleared his throat awkwardly. "I gotta get back to work. I'm glad you're doing okay." She went to reply but he was already retreating back to his corner. She flushed as she covered their dinner again. She honestly felt better than she did a few minutes ago. Leave it him to make her feel like she wasn't drowning anymore. She smiled adding more to the meal before covering it to allow it to simmer again. She popped her earphone back in and continued bouncing to the beat.
Her phone shrilled startling her, and everyone looked at her, worried it was Rika or Ray again. They insisted on listening in, but Nari's gut told her to not allow it. She knew it worried them, but she was sure she could handle it. Grabbing her phone from her pocket, and paused her music she removed her earbud and read the caller ID. With a sigh, she answered to bring the phone to her ear. She didn't bother with pleasantries.
"He's awake, alert, and stable. He is currently sitting on the couch doing something on his phone. Even though he is still experiencing side effects from the drugs, it seems he is over the worse of it. His pulse is stronger, and his fever broke. I've taken him off the IV, and he is faring well." She explained leaning on the counter. Seven was laughing, Vanderwood looked bored, and V had an awkward smile on his face.
"Very well," Jumin replied before ending the call. She halted at her phone.
"Seriously Jumin; Just hang up on me why don't you." She growled at her phone generally tossing it on the counter. Sevens laughter got louder, but she ignored it returning to cooking.
Dinner was a success, she felt proud as the boys all ate, and complimented her cooking. Though they all siding eat together. Seven and Vanderwood posted in front of monitors, her and V ate on the small coffee table. It was already dark when everyone finished eating.
Nari had convinced V to go back to bed and rest. He had excused himself outside for a while, apparently, he was in Sevens car. She was concerned because even though she medically has done everything in her power to stop the overdose he was experiencing side effects. He mostly displayed depression, bursting into tears without cause; and expressing depressive intents. She didn't want him to just give up. He was strong she knew. It was so hard to convince him that he could still love, and move forward from this without self-sacrifice with Rika telling him the opposite. Seven was her saving grace backing her up in the chat room. Encouraging V even though she could tell Luciel's trust in him was wavering.
Vanderwood had considerable medical training himself, so she took the opportunity to excuse herself to take a breather. She walked into the main room looking toward the red-headed man, considering telling him that she was stepping outside. She watched as his slender fingers flew across the keyboard. He was busy and she didn't want to bother him. She prayed that he'd be able to remove Rika and Ray from the chat room and allow the other members access again. She watched him for another moment before turning on her heel and making her way outside.
The night air was crisp; it assaulted her causing her to shiver. Despite being cold she sat beside the front door on the ground. She grabbed her phone and opened the messenger. She sighed, Rika was on. She whispered a silently in hoped V wouldn't log on... that would be counterproductive. Not that she really wanted or had anything to say to Rika, she entered the chat room titled "failure". Let the madness begin.
Rika- Nari...
Rika- here I am
Rika-a poor little work of failure drowned in my own darkness.
Nari-You surely know what kind of creature you are.
Nari sighed maybe being snarky isn't the best approach, but she was at her mental breaking point when it came to this woman. She was mad and she needs professional help.
Rika-that's a right
Rika-in the fallen head of the RFA
Rika-that deserves everyone's blame.
Nari rolled her eyes. Self-piety was a dangerous thing.
Rika-I'm the worse failure
Rika-begotten from V's art.
Rika-don't you think his collection will soon find itself in the trash can?
Rika-if you were going to treat me like trash to be taken out someday
Rika-couldn't you throw me out sooner...?
Rika-like my real parents did...
Rika-but if you think about it. They made the right choice.
Rika-they knew as soon as they had me.
Rika-that I'm a failure.
Nari-I knows how difficult your environment was, but you chose to make things like this.
Rika-that's right
Rika-everything is my choice. Everything is my fault.
Nari barked a laugh at that; this girl just didn't give up. She was always playing the martyr.
Rika-environmental factors would only make me pitiful...
Rika-there is nothing I can do about that.
Rika-I already knew from the beginning.
Rika-that no one can understand me.
Rika- no one can understand this devil I was born with.
Rika-my devil has been met with nothing but fingers and stares ever since I was born.
Nari sighed regretting skipping on the psychology courses she was offered in order to gain a surgical internship faster.
Rika-like like the sun?
Rika-people will applaud you as great, be greatly touched.
Rika-in and salvation out of fear?
Rika-people outside of Mint-Eye
Rika-in at it and second it as evil.
Rika-to us
Rika-great is not love
Rika-but fear
Rika-to us
Rika-a friend is not an angel.
Rika-but a devil.
Nari frown. She was trying to hog the chat; she was hoping this would catch V's attention. V was right their love was no love at all. It was a dangerous game of obsessions.
Nari-Please, thank a look around. There are people having a hard time because of you...
Rika-yes
Rika-i might look like walking ball of poison to you...
Rika-or someone, you must eradicate from this world.
Rika-the world thinks that showing the devil within is bad.
Rika-everyone will point fingers and try to get rid of me.
Rika-that's what's call so-called justice is.
Rika-however... Even if we are failures according to the world
Rika-that doesn't mean we can't be happy, does it?
Rika-everyone deserves happiness
Nari couldn't argue that. She wasn't wrong, everyone deserves happiness and love. She could never agree with Rika's methods of obtaining it. She frowns. She wonders how Ray got drug into this. She knew Ray right now was dangerous, but she didn't hate him. He tried to make her comfortable while she was a hostage; he made sure she was feed, called her to make sure she was okay. Not that she had any wish to return or ever see the man again. She feels remorseful that he was also one of Rika's victims.
Rika-even if the way we reach happiness differs from the worldly standard
Rika-everyone deserves to be happy, right?
Nari-don't you think that's just temporary?
Nari shivered as she allowed Rika to continue her tangent about salvation, and what not. She couldn't even be bothered to read half the words this girl typed. She was everywhere. Then, then she somehow brought the conversion around 360 and started her V speak... again. Nari remembers V's face when she laced her hand with his. How content he looked. Had Rika never reached out a comforting hand to him... isn't that kind of one-sided. Expecting comfort, but not giving any in return. Nari knew Rika had a violent streak but had she never had a comforting side. It was so sad, V was a saint. Sure his method and views of love were twisted, but after actually talking to both parties. How couldn't your views on love become twisted? Rika didn't deserve him.
Nari-perhaps V is afraid... because no one ever held his hand by his side.
Nari smirked, she was in for it now. She knew that would bait Rika into a frenzy.
Rika-so...?
Rika-Nari
Rika-will you hold his hand?
Nari was tempted to tell her she already was but refrained for V's sake.
Rika-so V, you're going to abandon me
Rika-and experience a beautiful love with Nari?
Nari choked on her spit, who ever mentioned anything about the pair loving each other. She wasn't going to correct her, but still aren't friends supposed to offer a comforting hand when the other party needed it. It was a far cry from romantic love. Then again Rika didn't understand proper love.
Rika-than what about me? Nari...
Rika-whose hand am I supposed to hold...?
Rika-if you're going to hold V's hand...
Rika-I'll has nothing to hold on to...
Rika-haha...
Rika-Nari...
Rika-let me tell you the truth
Rika-if I forget everyone else from now on
Rika-and get V and only V with on my influence
Rika-he will love me, even if here crippled.
Rika-he will love me beyond his death
Rika-V... will love me forever.
Nari- V has had more than enough of such violent and self-destructive love. .. Now that's enough Rika.
Nari was losing her cool just imagining the horrible things she'd do to him. She scolds Rika because apparently, Rika wasn't looking for a lover. She needed a parent. She needed someone to keep her in line with her tangents and scold her. She was nothing more than a self-indigent child. It was sick.
Rika-why are you trying to stop me, Nari...?
Rika-why do you sound like V will leave me?
Rika-it feels like he's going to end everything
Rika-leaving me here... leaving me alone...
Rika-no...
Rika-I'm sure V didn't change yet...
Rika-he'll come back to me...
Rika-when I tell him that I'll try changing for just a little bit.
Nari found herself frowning. Was she actually talking her, or trying to convince herself of V, and their "love". Nari bit her lip watching this girl crumble trying to find resolve in the situation. She kept going back and forth... Nari knew she couldn't take any of this to heart, but why was it so hard to imagine V leaving to be with Rika? Why did that eat away at her soul? It was too painful to think of V in a situation that would cause him harm.
Rika-Nari...
Rika-you'd better make a Better evaluation Of Him.
Rika-A person doesn't change in a day - don't forget that.
Rika- V
Rika-already failed once.
Rika-take a good look Nari
Rika-I'm the evidence
-Rika has left the chat room-
Grateful V hadn't logged on, but also resentful he would be able to read those messages later. Nari set her phone down on the ground beside her. A sob broke from her throat. Tears fell from her eyes. She doesn't know she had gotten into, but she was sure she'd drown before making it to the shore. She brought her knees up to her chest, wrapping her arms around them she laid her head down opening crying into the night. Physically broken people she could repair, treat, and mend. She was good at repairing the damage you could see with your eyes. She was trained for that. Emotional trauma... this wasn't something she could even mend for herself let alone the people she cared about.
Still sobbing into her arms, she heard the door open. She bit her tongue to quite her sorrowful songs as she felt the heat of the person who sat beside her. Soon she felt something cool touch her face and her head snapped up. She was greeted by Sevens slum expression and worried eyes, as he offered her a Ph.D. Pepper. She smiled at the jester accepting the carbonated drink. She processed to crack it open and took a gulp.
"Sorry..." She mumbled quietly looking at the ground. "I didn't mean to worry you..." Nari refused to look at him. Her eyes fixated on the moon.
"Honestly I'm surprised it took you this long to cry..." He whispered to her.
"And I honestly don't know how anyone is supposed to remain sane in a situation like this." She replied sadly. "I can fix damage to a person's body, but when it comes to a person's soul... how can a damaged soul mend another?" She mused to herself holding her drink on her knees.
"When two souls are damaged, can't they repair their souls by combining them together? One soul replacing what the other is missing, and vice versa." Seven mused with her, she halved sideways at him, moon reflecting upon his glasses.
"I think... that's where Rika and V got it wrong. I think... well maybe they would have mended their souls, not by intertwining them, but by helping the other find the pieces that were missing. Hmm, how can I explain it?" Nari explained her point of view and Seven hummed clearly thoughtful.
"I think I understand where you're coming from. You're a surprisingly profound person, Nari." He smiled slightly. "Maybe you understand a person's soul, as well as their body."
"I don't feel like I do. Though I know everyone carries scars on their hearts, some might be greater than others, but none are less important. After all, it's those scars that shape us." Nari stood up taking another sip of her drink, tilting her head back staring at the sky. "Sometimes I wonder what kind of scars your heart carries, Saeyoung. They must be great." Sevens eyes snapped up at her at the mention of his real name. Her long hair blowing in the light wind, her skirt blew about her legs; her brown eyes reflected the moon. She had an angelic glow about her, she was stunning. "Because I think you're the bravest, and kindest person I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. Thank you for allowing me to stay in the RFA, and allowing me to know your friend. Because of that, I'll always have a scar on my heart where I'll feel warmth and comfort knowing that you're my friend."
He was speechless as he stared at the girl before him. Never had he heard such sweet charming words come from another regarding him. She was so pure, innocent, and a little naive. But to him, she was also the most beautiful soul he has ever had the pleasure of knowing. He closed his eyes taking a deep breath to calm himself down.
She didn't say anything more, embarrassed by her confession. She slowly moved her gaze from the sky and turned to head inside. She glanced at Seven who had his eyes closed and head rest back against the wall. She smiled to herself before letting herself inside.
"Nari, don't ever let this world make you ugly. Because you're the most beautiful person I've ever met." He whispered to himself once he knew she couldn't hear him. "I now hold another scar in my heart for you."
Vanderwood was still staring at his computer, click through images. Nari didn't bother to try and look at them. She figured at this point the less she knew the by her. She was lying on the couch flicking through her phone. She began really missing the crowded RFA chat rooms. A sense of loneliness flowed through her. It had only been 8 days, but in those 8 days, she felt close to the others. V and Luciel especially. She frowned looking toward the front door. Luciel hadn't returned, and that made her uneasy. Maybe he was mad her for using his real name... She groaned pressing her face into the couch. Her emotions got the better of her and she made a slip. She probably made him super uncomfortable with what she said and he's avoiding her.
"Heeyyuooo~" A voice sang, Nari s head jolted up, her eyes met with gold ones. "God Seven, defender of justice has returned!"
"Where the hell have you been?" Shouted Vanderwood as Luciel waltzed into the cabin.
"You see, madam Vanderwood, I was summoned to an intergalactic space battle with the Martians from Mars. Shocking I know. However being the God Seven and defender of justice I had no choice but defend earth from invasion. I won of course. There will be no need to thank me." Vanderwood gave him an annoyed look.
"Oh God Seven! We are unworthy of the divine presence. Madam Vanderwood, show our god a little more respect!" She scolded Vanderwood playfully.
"I'm so done. I need a smoke; I'm too tired to handle you both right now!" Vanderwood stood from the computer practically running out the front door while Nari and Seven laughing at his retreating form.
"What's going on? Something happens?" V questioned from the bedroom doorway confused.
"Oh V I'm sorry we didn't mean to wake you." Nari apologized.
"V you want to know a crazy story. You see Nari decided to sneak off outside by herself when my guard was down. You see she's very tactical this one. And I failed to return to work because once she returned inside; I was summoned to an intergalactic battle-"
"Nari you shouldn't go outside by yourself. It isn't safe." V scolded her ignoring Sevens rant about intergalactic battles.
"Fine, ignore me. I'll return to being nothing more than you're hacker slave V." Luciel poured promptly returning to his computer.
"You know V; it did sound like an important intergalactic victory," Nari explained causing Luciel to laugh.
"See she gets It! She is literally the only one who understands me!" He shouted dramatically making her giggle. V's eyes lit up as her laughter and a smile formed on his face.
"I see you and Luciel have gotten close." He started taking a sit in one of the chairs.
"You jealous we've become best friends while you were asleep." Seven taunted.
"Be-best friends!" Nari stammered.
"Nari I'm hurt, you wouldn't call us best friends?" His tone had a mock hurt in it.
"It's just I've never had a best friend before." She replied softly fiddling with her hands. She could feel their gazes on her in the silence.
"Well, count your lucky stars little lady because you are now best friends with God Seven Defender Of justice! Thank you, thank you!" He joked making his intentions of friendship clear. "And seriously it's nothing to be ashamed of, not everyone finds a Jumin to their V." V let out a shy chuckle.
"Yes, friendships like ours are rare aren't they." V agreed to try to make her feel better. She beamed a smile.
"I'm sorry V, I'm activating doctor mode for a moment." She warned.
"Agent 606- Nari code name -Nyan! DOCTOR MODE ACTIVATED!" Seven yelled. V chuckled as she eyed the redhead with a grin.
"First off... how are you feeling?" She asked in a professional voice her gaze meeting V's.
"Better..." He replied and she raised an eyebrow.
"And mentally how are you holding up?" She then asked the man across from her.
"Uh... not great?" His answer sounded like a question.
"I see. Well, that's normal. It's common for people to experience depressive thoughts and bitter emotions. It should fade as the drugs completely leave your system. If you still experience depression after a week, please contact a medical professional, we are here to help." She gave her speech she was trained to give to overdose patients. V gave are look that she tried not to laugh at.
"Now I'm going to check your pulse." She stood and placed her fingers gently on the pulse of his neck. He stammered a little with her closeness, she just smiled before closing her eyes to count the beat. "It's much stronger, thank God." She sighed with relief putting distance between them. "You also don't feel as warm. I'm relieved."
"Agent 606- Nari codename- Nyan! DOCTOR MODE deactivated!" Seven yelled typing away on his computer.
"Since when are you an agent?" V Questioned
"I was made agent 707 seconds in command Vanderwood was demoted from the position." She said with all seriousness which caused Luciel to crack up again.
"Nari you need to stooooop!" Seven whined. "You keep distracting me. Do something that doesn't involve you speaking or go into other room. I really need to work now." He explained and she grinned, but complied and went to work herself responding to emails. From the corner of her eye she could see V's eyes swift questionably between her and the redhead, Nari started laughing again.
"That's It! Nari leave the room, you're on time out!" Seven yelled pointing toward the bedroom, without his eyes leaving his computer.
"Looks like I'm in trouble." She whispered toward V giggling.
"I said to your room young lady!" Seven yelled again making her laugh more. V looked confused.
"Yes, sir. Sorry, sir." She stood bowing toward him before retreating to the other room.
"Was she really that much of a distraction?" V questioned the redhead. Nari shut the door but pressed her ear to it listening to them.
"Whenever she's around, I don't know my mind goes blank." Seven explained to V.
"Luciel..." V muttered in a warning tone Nari didn't understand.
"I know. I won't go there." Seven replied to her confusion. "Plus it's you."
"M-me?" V questioned back surprised.
"It's clear. And honestly, the angel deserves the saint." Seven explained causing her eyebrows to scrunch in confusion. "She's quite profound that one."
"Uh… Profound?" Again V was also confused.
"She understands. She quite brilliant actually." Seven mused, the sound of his typing returned. "She gets people, and her views on relationships whether it's romantic or platonic, well she just views the world I think in a way that differs from everyone else. She sees what isn't there, it's freaky actually. Like... I don't know how to explain it. But I think she's the only person that understands mind, body, and soul and how to mend them." Her heart quickened, she blushed not realizing Luciel held her in such regards.
"I see... you two speak often..." V sounded a little disappointed.
"Small cabin in the woods, you kind get to know the people you're staying with... plus she's fascinating. I honestly wish I could see the world through her eyes." Seven sighed. "But again, it's you, and that's fine. Better actually."
"You seem sure." V countered.
"Hmmm. Earlier she was in a chat room with Rika... and I went out to make sure she was okay, the conversion seemed difficult. She was sitting there crying, V. I don't think she was crying for herself either... I think she was crying because you can't." Seven mused softly. "You're a very lucky person to have someone like Nari at your side."
Finding herself unable to breathe Nari moved away from the door. She couldn't handle anymore and felt guilty about eavesdropping. She sat on the bed trying to calm her breathing. Her chest felt full, and a wave of emotions crashed over her. She was drowning; there was no saving her now. The force of the emotions felt like every bone on her body was breaking at once. This is what people would call love, right?