The Living Condition (Open)

He had come in the way of many people merely here to observe and take in. No portals used simple and good old fashioned hoofing it. Astaroth walked to Minatumi after coming back to earth. The meeting did little to interest him, aside from a turning point. It would be interesting to document how it turned out. But Minatumi Harbor, the place that maintained it's status. Through no small part of the mayor Ulv Auber.

What little common knowledge that existed about her was her species, mostly because that woman did nothing to hide anything. Refreshing since the cloak and dagger of the world were a tiresome bunch. He'd come in under the normal human circumstances. Now he'd merely observe the living people.

Children at play with a ball, having fun with the small things. Mavra was once young as well. It was a shame the boy couldn't have enjoyed such fun in life. Astaroth's frame sat as his friendly bird Tobi stayed on his shoulder. The first familiar who's beak he began to gently rub his index finger along.

It had been so long since he got to merely sit and observe life in earnest form. Children at play, parents at hard work. People struggling due to the wars that went on in the world. Slowly he pulled a pad and pen from the air near him. Beginning to sketch the people below. Astaroth was a fine artist, one had to be with Necromantic spells. Documenting life as he saw it, the right of the living.

He didn't long to join them or feel a pang of guilt for what he was. no, he was a demon, this body a gift given by a dying boy. There was no point pretending otherwise, it would interfere in the end. With his research with what mattered to him. Resources were scarce putting it mildly, stealing was optional. But it was also a hassle. Taking resources from people often lead to disputes. He continued drawing them absentmindedly in his own thoughts.

Mavra should have been able to live a life like this one. The differences in lives troubled and yet fascinated him. What made these kids able to laugh and play yet. Mavra was beaten to death by some vile youths with a pension for signing contracts.

Yet these kids held no such cares or worries in truth this place was peaceful. Hopefully, they managed to keep living the life provided to them. He'd rather them never encounter that fate or come to meet someone like him. Finishing his charcoal painting of the scene he stored it away. His sketch of this location reached completion. Dusting his hands off on his trousers making sure any charcoal had been removed. He could hear the squawking of his companion nodding his head.

Signaling that he knew already and did understand the words. Offering the bird a cracker from his clothing. He stretched his bones creaking and cracking. Having gone stiff sitting there and observing the children for so long.

But regardless it was still something worth seeing, Jackson City. That was the place to best consider his research next. Calamity had been ripe in that place after the one many unleashed a Volcano. It was within his interest to continue down that road. Resources were plenty but did he cross that bridge knowingly? To craft a familiar or maybe find more knowledge?

Astaroth looked back down towards the children considering life and the condition once more. What divided him and the human children below. It all seemed so far away and distant.