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[ As Ereshkigal enters, Hugo watches her curiously, since she’s actually the first Augmented to stop by. This is his first peek at if this was a good investment or not, and luckily, she’s as impressed as he was. His curiosity quickly blooms into a pleased grin, and he closes the door after them as Ereshkigal takes it all in. ]

Right? I was surprised too! Apparently it’s because over there- [ He gestures to the doorway to the right ] —Was offices and that sort of thing, so a nice lobby would impress any important guests or business partners that would come by. I don’t think it worked, since it closed, but! I’m quite grateful for their indulgence~.

[ He brushes a hand against some of the tilework that’s chipped, but it’s only so he can look elsewhere when answering that second question. ]

I’m not worried, no. I think the locals would know better than to steal from an Augmented, really.

[ Luckily, that’s one part of their reputation that works in his favor. If they’re seen as monsters, it’s a good deterrent! ]

But I also understand thieves, admittedly. I know all the tricks, so it’s much easier to defend against a heist when you do.

I-I see...

[ He knows all their tricks, huh? Does that mean he is... W-Well, she shouldn't judge him too harshly. In her experience reading the death records of her souls, most thieves are victims of circumstances and of the sorry state of the world around them. It's rarely a thing humans do because they think it's morally correct.

And quite clearly, he's reformed. He was trying to earn money honestly when they first met. ]

But that also means your gallery won't have many in the way of visitors. [Logical, since if they're scared of them being monsters they don't dare to come and see all the art.] That's unacceptable. Your efforts shouldn't go unrewarded.

[ They need to find a way to make sure people will come! But also keep thieves at bay. This may be tricky. ]

Ah— Don’t worry. I am—or was, maybe—a gentleman thief.

[ He doesn’t miss that little stutter of hesitation, after all, but he punctuates his claim with a little flair of drama. Hugo dips into a bow like he was on a stage instead of in his in-repair lobby, and he tosses her a playful wink as he straightens up. ]

That is, I would steal from the rich to give to the poor. It’s a bit Robin Hood, but my style is more Arsène Lupin~.

[ They may be old civilization stories, but they’re still beloved enough to have survived the Hollow cataclysms. Naturally when they’d started Mockingbird, Hugo was the one that wanted to do it with style that hearkened back to those icons. It was good branding, besides. ]

…But at the very least, I think I’ll still have visitors. They might shy away from Augmented while they visit, but that’s hopefully part of the gap that the gallery can bridge. Art connects people, and seeing the art we produce is one way to show that we’re just people. That’s my hope, at least.

[ Robin Hood...? Another familiar name. That makes her wonder about his world. Even wit the human convergence phenomenon, it seems they share quite a bit. But now's neither the time nor the place for that. ]

You are correct. Though it was literature, art allowed me to remain connected to human civilization.

[ Even if you're all alone, art makes you feel less lonely. The person who made the piece of art, the characters it depicts, the stories it pains - all of this have the power to make you feel connected even if you're as isolated as one can possibly be.

She turns back to him and smiles. ]

And I believe there can be virtue in stealing when it is done in such cases. [A pause.] Though the thieves I have encountered only worked for their own benefit, unfortunately.

[ Ishtar, she means Ishtar. Honestly, imagine being the most spoiled goddess in human history and still thinking it's a good idea to go and try stealing what little your abandoned sister has. How shameless. ]

[ His expression brightens in interest as she mentions her connection, but he laughs a little before he responds to that. ]

Ah, I don’t think I would call my thieving virtuous… But it’s principled, for sure. I only ever steal from people who have too much in the first place. Those that have plenty to go around, yet simply don’t share, you know?

[ So, definitely not (Ishtar) the sort that she’s worried about. He steps to the side of the lobby and pushes open one of the side doors to continue the tour. He has to take a moment to turn on the lights, and it takes them a moment to buzz to life in the larger room, but it does show a solid gallery in progress. There’s still construction tools and materials by the door, but a few of the walls seem to be done. Paintings covered in sheets lean against the walls where they’ll be placed, and he heads towards the closest one. ]

I'm curious about that connection you mentioned too. Do you mean it's art that keeps you alive, in some way?

A shame you cannot target my sister. [There it is, the first direct mention of Ishtar.] Not only does she have too much already, but she is also never satisfied. She goes around and beg to be given more, and if she doesn't get what she wants she takes it by force. Honestly, that girl is hopeless...

[ She sighs and shakes her head. There's clearly a lot to unpack there, but she doesn't want to linger on the topic. ]

You're correct. I have plenty of books in the Underworld. [She nods.] They've allowed me to learn plenty about the surface world and the way people live even though I could never leave.

[ ... Which probably explains a lot. Nobody who learns about the world through books and only books is going to be "normal." ]

[ He laughs at the mention of her sister, and he nods, though it’s with a mischievous little smile. Maybe he’s being serious, maybe he isn’t, since his little flair of dramatics makes it hard to tell. ]

Ah, she does sound like she would be a prime target, yes~! Exactly the sort where I’m inclined to make it into a show, in fact. Since there’s thieving for the sake of it but pulling off a caper right under their noses and very publicly? Why, the embarrassment tends to teach them a lesson.

[ is that even possible for Ishtar… hugo would just get smited but maybe it would be funny at least

But! Little dramatic flair aside, he easily moves on. He gets the sense that she’d rather not dig too much into familial relationships, and he certainly understands that. Books are a much more pleasant topic in his opinion too. ]

Well, if you’re quite the reader, we may just have to start a book swap! That’s how I’ve been spending my free time here in Karteria, since the movies are… Well. They’re a little too simplistic for my tastes.

[ Too outdated, honestly, but he’s being nice. Technological limitations aren’t exactly their fault… He’s made his way over to a covered painting by this point, but before he unveils it, he can’t let that little offhand comment go either. ]

…You weren’t allowed to leave, though? Why?

[ Oh. She'd have praised him for teaching Ishtar-types well-needed lessons, but first. Apparently she's been careless and let slip a little too much, huh. Well, that's not a problem. ]

Well, the dead need someone to look after them. They could fade into nothingness or return to the surface if left alone. [A pause.] I'm the only goddess patient and diligent enough for the task.

[ And also the most naive one, unfortunately. ]

And before you say anything, I didn't mind at all. I had everything I could ever need down there, and honestly the surface world always sounded awful.

[ Had her natural soul been a Pinocchio-type, her nose would would be poking right against the wall! Thankfully, the spectral soul makes it easier for her to lie, and it's a lie she's used to. ]

That said, I don't really have good books I can recommend you yet... The ones I've found on this world are. L-Lacking...?

[ Hugo makes a thoughtful little noise at first, because the idea itself of the dead needing to be tended to is… Odd? Surprising? He’s not sure where it lands, because the metaphysical implications of death weren’t exactly something he’d thought about at all until he’d personally died. But much like when she’d explained that she was a goddess of death to him that first time, he ends up just smiling gently. ]

…Admittedly, I don’t really know how it works, but it’s a nice thought that you’d look after people. I can’t imagine it’s easy work.

[ And he believes her lie. Mostly, anyways. He can’t help but see it through a human lens, and that lens is the one where he’d seen her as a shy, easily overstimulated person. A bit of a shut-in, if he were to be impolite about it, but he’d never. That’s the sort of shell he’d helped Vivian break out of, after all. It’s also why his smile warms as he continues. ]

Though I hope visiting us topside isn’t too bad~. There are awful parts to be sure, but there’s at least some fun to be had.

[ Art, for example! Which is why with a showy flourish like he’s a magician revealing the climax of a trick, he pulls the sheet off the painting to reveal…!

…Well, a painting, obviously. It’s no surprised why he’d brought her over to this one, though, considering their conversation that had led to the gift. He won’t give a spiel about it (there isn’t much of one to give, honestly), so instead he’ll just continue to chat about books as she takes it in. ]

They’re lacking, though? How so?

[ She shakes her head and smiles. Now she sounds a bit more enthusiastic, because honestly? She's loved every second of her stay on the surface. Well, maybe not those when she'd been kidnapped... Those she could have done without.

But it's so wonderful here. Knowing she'll have to go back is painful sometimes. ]

It's not. [A pause.] Well, when we're not getting kidnapped that is.

[ She looks at the painting when he reveals it and claps politely. Flower paintings are sure to draw people, if she says so herself. ]

It's beautiful! [She approaches the painting.] And to answer your question, they're not very well written... It's like in the modern era of Earth. It used to be only the good romances would make it to books, but now everyone can get them published.

[ ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... Wait. ]

[ D-Did she really say "romances" so casually? She's not supposed to just tell people that's what she reads the most! She already told someone and it feels like it's too much. ]

N-N-Not that romances are the only thing I read...! [She turns back to look at him.] I have also read lots of s-serious books that helped me develop better systems in the Underworld!

[ He nods with a slightly sad, but understanding smile at the mention of her kidnapping, but truly. All the better reason to reveal the painting, and her reaction is enough to quickly push away all of his own dark thoughts too. His smile easily warms with pride, since there is an art to being a curator. He may not be able to be as picky with what he exhibits here as he was at home, but he’d still like to say he has a discerning eye.

Plus, admittedly… He’s picked some of the works because of the tastes of people he’s met more than his own. This is one such case. Every floral still life was picked imagining if Ereshkigal would like it.

Though before he can get into explaining the finer points of the painting, her answer is actually much more fun. He nods along at her explanation, not thinking anything of it, really, but clearly she does. Once she starts stuttering, stammering, and most importantly, justifying, Hugo’s lips purse into an amused and slightly mischievous little smile. ]

Why, you’ll hear no judgement from me, you know! I like a romantic book myself~.

[ Though, from her reaction… He does wonder if “romantic” is a bit of a euphemism. Not that he’d have any judgement for that either, though. It’s still best not to dig, lest she explode from embarrassment. ]

Actually, my sister loves the genre. Enough so that she would write her own fiction with characters from her favorite comics. I was her editor on occasion if it was something she really wanted to perfect before she posted it.

[ …He’ll do Vivian a favor here and not mention her self-insert fanfics with Phatheon. It’s probably also best that Ereshkigal doesn’t know about that genre either, since he has a feeling she similarly might take too well to it. ]

[ Wow there, she only reads safe for work romances! A goddess of her stature could never read anything else. She is a pure and innocent maiden after all, and she has to live by those expectations!

... ... ... ... Okay, maybe 95% of the romances she reads are safe for work. Or somewhere between 85 and 95. B-But that's still far from the worst humans have written! She has very high standards. She only deals in tasteful romances, even when they're not totally safe for work! ]

Y-You do...? You do not think it shameful?

[ He truly is a kind soul, because she cannot believe him. She bets he is judging her beneath his smile, he just wants to make sure she doesn't feel too awful about herself.

Talks about his sister feel familiar though. ]

She posts her fictional alternate endings? [The way she's wording it, clearly she's familiar with the concept.] Y-Your sister is very brave. To share your writings is a courageous act.

[ She would never. ]

[ …Her calling it shameful is really not helping with his guess that it’s a euphemism. He’s absolutely graceful with the information, though, and he shakes his head with a warm little laugh. ]

Not at all! [ Though the fact she would think so is again telling about her circumstances… ] It’s fun! I love to get swept up in a thrilling tale of romance. Though, admittedly, I can’t say I’ve read any offerings here that I’ve loved, it’s true…

[ Now, granted, that’s been more because has hasn’t really been in the mood for that, as dark and cynical as he’s truly been in recent months. But! It’s nothing to worry her with. ]

She does, though, yes. And if, heaven forbid, she ever arrives here? You absolutely cannot tell her that I’ve said so.

[ He winks at Ereshkigal with playful mischief. Vivian wouldn’t exactly be thrilled to learn about her little secret being shared either… ]

I think it helps that it was all shared under a pseudonym. Not that it’s any less courageous, I’d agree, but it does help separate the art from the artist, you know?

[ This is so embarrassing. She wishes she could dig a hole in the ground, reach the Underworld and cocoon up until this whole accident is a forgotten memory. Woe is her.

That sister of his sounds like such a valiant woman though. One who would likewise seal herself away from the world to weather the storm of shame and embarassment! ]

I promise not to tell her. [A pause.] And well, I expect you not to tell anyone about me either.

[ She has a reputation to maintain!

... One that's really not that great to begin with, admittedly. There's nobody in this world who takes her seriously as a goddess. Kids these days. ]

A pen name... I have multiple different names myself, though not by choice. They are a result of humanity's shifting perspectives over time.

And your secret is safe with me, I promise.

[ He even playfully brings a finger up to his lips to seal the deal, but as unserious as the gesture is, he does mean it. The only reason that he shares Vivian’s hobby is because she’s not so shy about it that she doesn’t tell anyone. There’s Miss Lilac, after all, but Ereshkigal seems to be more guarded than that.

He picks up the sheet that had been covering the painting so that he can carefully cover it again. He’s giving a tour, so there are more paintings to see, of course. ]

But it sounds like you have an opportunity to pick your own to me! It’s quite fun, actually. I love making up an alias… [ For different reasons obviously, but. ] Though did you like any of your other names?

[ He loves making aliases, huh... She wonders now if Hugo even is his real name? Not that it would change much, that's the name she knows him by. But it's fairly common for humans to change their name to better define who they now are. Perhaps that's why gods like them have been given so many names by humans, too. ]

I quite like Ninkigal, it's one of my oldest names. But I only use it for very specific circumstances nowadays.

[ Like when she's alterized and fighting off cosmic horrors in South America. ]

Picking my own pen name... [A pause.] Ankigal? No, that's too on the nose... [She shakes her head.] Do you have any ideas?

[ happens to everyone... ]

Mm, and you see, that wouldn't be a very good alias, either! Even if I don't know anything about where you're from, it's not a far leap to go from "Ninkigal" or "Ankigal" to "ah, that's Ereshkigal, isn't it?"

[ He even holds up a finger like he's playing teacher... Though, honestly, this is something he's done many times and enjoys doing. Mockingbird wasn't only himself and Vivian, after all. Every dashing thief has to start somewhere!

...Or, in her case. He can just help her be a little more anonymous when she wants to. ]

No, you pick something that has no connection whatsoever to who you are. Perhaps even something a little generic to blend you into the proverbial crowd. So, just off the top of my head here... Audrey Byrd, Lottie Rose, Ava Bell... I could go on! Coming up with names on the fly was a favorite exercise that my mentor would have us practice.

[ He's right, everyone would guess it's her - especially if they are knowledgeable in Cuneiform and the roots of the words composing her name. ]

Mhm...

[ It's so easy for him to come up with names! And here she is raking up her brain, desperately to think of something that's not easily identifiable as one of her name... His are good, but they don't really strike a chord. ]

[ Unless... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ]

[ !!! !!! !!! !!! !!! !!! !!! !!! !!! !!! !!! ]

[ Heh, that's brilliant if she says so herself. ]

I-I got it!

[ She strikes a most dramatic, elegant and energetic pose (someone ought to tell her she's not Sailor Moon) and announces most enthusiastically: ]

Geek Larhis, Dark Lady of the Forgotten Depths!

[ Lo: she sparkles! Who would ever think to move the letter around to check whether this name is an anagram of Ereshkigal? Nobody, surely! Also she doesn't know the word geek. That may be bad for her if she goes out and starts using this name. ]

[ To be fair, even after he’s come up with a list, he doesn’t feel like they suit her all that well either… There’s a moment where they’re both mulling over options together, though when she brightens with an idea, Hugo’s smile warms too. It’s always better to pick one for yourself, really, so—

. . .

…She’s not joking, is she?

…..Is she sparkling??? ]

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