[ Sebastian is openly pleased across the line of Communion, though it’s sharp. It’s not directed at Bondrewd, of course—he’s truly quite happy that the man has agreed to be his tutor—but it’s an edge that’s normally well hidden. Only Set and Silco truly know the kind of precise, vicious cruelty that Sebastian can wield. Even removing Hayame’s eye was only partially that. Giving one back was much more in line with a demon’s cruelty than the logical, brutal efficiency of removing an archer’s eye. And now, Bondrewd knew as well.
It has him relaxing. Or, more accurately, unmasking himself in part. His speech is no less polite and formal, but it’s cooler and more confident. A predator no longer playing at being prey, perhaps. ]
Two months is about what I had guessed as well. Luckily, I am a quick study and not prone to failings of memory. You shall only have to instruct me once.
[ It’s arrogant, but also factual. A not insignificant part of why Sebastian is so clever is thanks to his perfect memory. Even among his kind, it’s not the most common trait. ]
I at least have a bit of a head start when it comes to biological and chemical processes. My side work will serve this personal matter well, apparently. [ thanks for being insane, silco! ] Of course, should you have particular recommendations for study material, I am happy to take them. My understanding has improved markedly since Mr. Silco became my employer, but I am still playing catch up, so to speak. There are many, many innovations that came in the years after 1889, as it turns out.
I will be able to provide you with materials from the Academy — textbooks, research from their public records and any notes I take during my own attendance, for your study. My association with the Academy will be beneficial to you, as I have already promoted myself primarily as a researcher and medical professional among both Meridian and Zenith.
[ He's so affable and sincere, it might be hard for some people to understand the true depravity of his vision. While he speaks of how he aids others, and provides an essential, neutral presence among the Shard-bearers, under the surface he engages the world without mercy, nor ethical consideration. Case in point, using his knowledge and ability to instruct a demon who has just announced he wishes to ( essentially! ) torment another Shard-bearer.
Well, honestly. If Sebastian does it, it means that Bondrewd's teachings are effective and he can rest assured of the dissemination of information. ]
I do not believe I know the innovations of your world, although our knowledge bases seem to be similar. To even know what neurosurgery is means we must share some commonalities. I would like to know exactly what you know about medical theory and practice, so I can assess for overlap and effective instruction. The year you speak of is unfamiliar to me, but I also lived in the Abyss — time might as well have been nonexistent there. The Sea of Corpses was permanently dark, after all.
Then it seems I shall be delightfully busy in coming weeks. I give my thanks in advance for all of the reading material, as I am always looking for more, honestly. Since I do not require sleep, I spend idle hours with reading and research.
[ And though he’s occupied himself with biochemistry since Silco had wanted him to make Shimmer, he’s also getting towards the end of what materials is easily available within Kenos. So Bondrewd’s more specific selections as well as material that may not be available within the Tomes or Springstar’s libraries is something Sebastian genuinely appreciates.
It’s also deeply satisfying to know that he had made the correct choice in asking Bondrewd. Besides his clear technical skill in the area (which was Sebastian’s primary motivation), it seems he’ll be just as valuable of a resource for the academic. How pleasing. ]
I can go into great detail now about what I know, should you wish. We can also have the conversation in person if you prefer. [ He laughs pleasantly, since, well— ] Why, over that dinner I plan to make for you, perhaps? I fear it may be a long conversation, after all.
Oh, it is my pleasure. My Umbra Hands were often smitten with the knowledge that we discovered and the future we worked towards at the Ido Front. Many of them arrived as bounty hunters and assassins, eager to take my head, and remained with me once they saw the work we were doing there.
[ To be able to instruct an avid pupil, no matter what they are or what they will do with the knowledge, is a thing that he — it isn't that Bondrewd feels strongly for it, or even feels much of anything at all, but that the natural direction of his focus and personality(?) are fixated upon progress. Sebastian, who wishes to learn, is a man looking to join that push for progress — even if it is for himself.
That is all Bondrewd cares for, really. Helping his fellow Shardbearers get where they need, while he also works for the whole of them, is his desire. ]
You know, I think this marvelous dinner you are planning will be the perfect time to wile away the hours. I was finally able to calculate my kilocalories, by the way — as I am now, I require [ insert arbitrary amount for a nearly 7ft tall humanoid? here. ] I will bring some preliminary materials, and my notes to devise a proper curriculum for you. I have not taught since — oh, since my daughter passed, honestly.
[ Which was months ago by now, but he speaks of it like a distant thing he is long over. ]
[ Sebastian breathes out a little laugh at just where Bondrewd’s staff came from, but it’s only lightly surprised. It’s merely the fact that someone else had used such a method. The little staff of the Phantomhive manor came about in such a similar way, but it felt like a rather fortunate set of circumstances to him. So, it’s a bit pleasing to hear Bondrewd had the same, though he doesn’t speak to it. There’s no need, in his opinion. It’s a shared curiosity, but the servants of the Phantomhive manor were a matter of the past. ]
Then you of course have my thanks. I shall prepare something delightful and be certain there is room at the table for work.
[ How improper a setup! But despite any appearance otherwise, he is relaxing in his strict Victorian manners at this point. Somewhat. ]
Prushka, was it? I am sorry to hear that she passed. With how you spoke of her before, I had assumed… Well. [ Not that she was alive, necessarily, as Zenith’s claims didn’t quite allow for that, but. ] Was she your protégé as well?
Besides seeing the work the Ido Front was undertaking, it certainly didn't hurt to introduce the individuals and groups hunting him for the price on his head to Zoaholic, either. Once in its proximity, humans tended to prove rather weak-willed and susceptible to it, and thus primed for his consciousness to join with theirs. But, he does not have Zoaholic. ( Yet. ) Thus, no ability to do the same thing, without convincing someone thoroughly to his way. ]
My daughter and protégé, yes. She often helped me with my work. Not all of it, mind you — but, matters I could entrust her with. She was the most resolute soul, impossible to break the will of, and it was her love that allowed me to transcend all limits. Love was truly the answer to some of my greatest work.
[ this is going to be funny to see sebastian work mentally through ]
[ This response is… not what Sebastian expected at all. However one feels the Math Lady Meme™ through Communion, that is what’s going on here. ]
…Forgive me.
[ He does at least know that he is transmitting that feeling, whatever it is, so he does apologize. ]
It is merely a bit of a surprise to hear. When I have met those dedicated to scientific pursuits and especially with your vigor, they tend to be more muted sorts. But admittedly, love is the human emotion I understand the least.
Oh, but it is the most invigorating of emotions! Should you wish to learn to emulate love as you do biological function, it might become a wonderful advantage for you to hold. No one would expect a demon capable of comprehending love, even on an intellectual level, effectively enough to utilize it.
Your mind is so adorable, Mister Michaelis.
[ He has zero issues with considering making Sebastian more dangerous. Though, he does reasonable expect that 'love' is utterly incompatible with his nature, and might be a deeply difficult thing. That Sebastian's brain is doing the [???????????] equivalent is charming to him. ]
Aah, it was the love of my daughter, and perhaps all the children I knew, that allowed me to uncover the manner in which I might transcend the grasp of the Abyss's curse — the force that caused mental and physical anguish, thus entrapping those who delved too deep. To be loved, was to be able to escape the Curse and transform it into a Blessing.
[ …There he goes again, calling him adorable, and over something Sebastian would consider decidedly not adorable. Or at least that would be his understanding with any other person. Bondrewd is correct that it would give him an advantage, and Sebastian even has an argument on his tongue that he can emulate the motions of it well enough, but… No, he decides to let it go. Lest he be called adorable again, maybe.
…Not that the other half of this conversation is any less perplexing, though. ]
…This Abyss of yours is truly a strange place. When you first told me of it, I was distinctly reminded of a particular author’s depiction of Hell, but the more you speak of it…
[ AND EVERYTHING ELSE? ]
No, it is somehow far stranger. Yet, it still seems apt, somehow, what with talk of curses and blessings. From what you have said, I have a sense enough of what makes a curse, but then what would a blessing be?
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
It has him relaxing. Or, more accurately, unmasking himself in part. His speech is no less polite and formal, but it’s cooler and more confident. A predator no longer playing at being prey, perhaps. ]
Two months is about what I had guessed as well. Luckily, I am a quick study and not prone to failings of memory. You shall only have to instruct me once.
[ It’s arrogant, but also factual. A not insignificant part of why Sebastian is so clever is thanks to his perfect memory. Even among his kind, it’s not the most common trait. ]
I at least have a bit of a head start when it comes to biological and chemical processes. My side work will serve this personal matter well, apparently. [ thanks for being insane, silco! ] Of course, should you have particular recommendations for study material, I am happy to take them. My understanding has improved markedly since Mr. Silco became my employer, but I am still playing catch up, so to speak. There are many, many innovations that came in the years after 1889, as it turns out.
no subject
[ He's so affable and sincere, it might be hard for some people to understand the true depravity of his vision. While he speaks of how he aids others, and provides an essential, neutral presence among the Shard-bearers, under the surface he engages the world without mercy, nor ethical consideration. Case in point, using his knowledge and ability to instruct a demon who has just announced he wishes to ( essentially! ) torment another Shard-bearer.
Well, honestly. If Sebastian does it, it means that Bondrewd's teachings are effective and he can rest assured of the dissemination of information. ]
I do not believe I know the innovations of your world, although our knowledge bases seem to be similar. To even know what neurosurgery is means we must share some commonalities. I would like to know exactly what you know about medical theory and practice, so I can assess for overlap and effective instruction. The year you speak of is unfamiliar to me, but I also lived in the Abyss — time might as well have been nonexistent there. The Sea of Corpses was permanently dark, after all.
no subject
[ And though he’s occupied himself with biochemistry since Silco had wanted him to make Shimmer, he’s also getting towards the end of what materials is easily available within Kenos. So Bondrewd’s more specific selections as well as material that may not be available within the Tomes or Springstar’s libraries is something Sebastian genuinely appreciates.
It’s also deeply satisfying to know that he had made the correct choice in asking Bondrewd. Besides his clear technical skill in the area (which was Sebastian’s primary motivation), it seems he’ll be just as valuable of a resource for the academic. How pleasing. ]
I can go into great detail now about what I know, should you wish. We can also have the conversation in person if you prefer. [ He laughs pleasantly, since, well— ] Why, over that dinner I plan to make for you, perhaps? I fear it may be a long conversation, after all.
no subject
[ To be able to instruct an avid pupil, no matter what they are or what they will do with the knowledge, is a thing that he — it isn't that Bondrewd feels strongly for it, or even feels much of anything at all, but that the natural direction of his focus and personality(?) are fixated upon progress. Sebastian, who wishes to learn, is a man looking to join that push for progress — even if it is for himself.
That is all Bondrewd cares for, really. Helping his fellow Shardbearers get where they need, while he also works for the whole of them, is his desire. ]
You know, I think this marvelous dinner you are planning will be the perfect time to wile away the hours. I was finally able to calculate my kilocalories, by the way — as I am now, I require [ insert arbitrary amount for a nearly 7ft tall humanoid? here. ] I will bring some preliminary materials, and my notes to devise a proper curriculum for you. I have not taught since — oh, since my daughter passed, honestly.
[ Which was months ago by now, but he speaks of it like a distant thing he is long over. ]
no subject
Then you of course have my thanks. I shall prepare something delightful and be certain there is room at the table for work.
[ How improper a setup! But despite any appearance otherwise, he is relaxing in his strict Victorian manners at this point. Somewhat. ]
Prushka, was it? I am sorry to hear that she passed. With how you spoke of her before, I had assumed… Well. [ Not that she was alive, necessarily, as Zenith’s claims didn’t quite allow for that, but. ] Was she your protégé as well?
no subject
Besides seeing the work the Ido Front was undertaking, it certainly didn't hurt to introduce the individuals and groups hunting him for the price on his head to Zoaholic, either. Once in its proximity, humans tended to prove rather weak-willed and susceptible to it, and thus primed for his consciousness to join with theirs. But, he does not have Zoaholic. ( Yet. ) Thus, no ability to do the same thing, without convincing someone thoroughly to his way. ]
My daughter and protégé, yes. She often helped me with my work. Not all of it, mind you — but, matters I could entrust her with. She was the most resolute soul, impossible to break the will of, and it was her love that allowed me to transcend all limits. Love was truly the answer to some of my greatest work.
[ this is going to be funny to see sebastian work mentally through ]
no subject
…Forgive me.
[ He does at least know that he is transmitting that feeling, whatever it is, so he does apologize. ]
It is merely a bit of a surprise to hear. When I have met those dedicated to scientific pursuits and especially with your vigor, they tend to be more muted sorts. But admittedly, love is the human emotion I understand the least.
no subject
Your mind is so adorable, Mister Michaelis.
[ He has zero issues with considering making Sebastian more dangerous. Though, he does reasonable expect that 'love' is utterly incompatible with his nature, and might be a deeply difficult thing. That Sebastian's brain is doing the [???????????] equivalent is charming to him. ]
Aah, it was the love of my daughter, and perhaps all the children I knew, that allowed me to uncover the manner in which I might transcend the grasp of the Abyss's curse — the force that caused mental and physical anguish, thus entrapping those who delved too deep. To be loved, was to be able to escape the Curse and transform it into a Blessing.
no subject
…Not that the other half of this conversation is any less perplexing, though. ]
…This Abyss of yours is truly a strange place. When you first told me of it, I was distinctly reminded of a particular author’s depiction of Hell, but the more you speak of it…
[ AND EVERYTHING ELSE? ]
No, it is somehow far stranger. Yet, it still seems apt, somehow, what with talk of curses and blessings. From what you have said, I have a sense enough of what makes a curse, but then what would a blessing be?