XXVII.

[hellshaped]

[Let's say this is backdated to a more respectable time of day, how about that!

Carnivals aren't really to Hellboy's tastes, so he's chilling a little ways away from the festival ground, just looking at everything from a distance.

Eventually, he takes out his journal and pens a filter.]

[Priest filter]
[The following is written in a slightly slanted script (he is left-handed, natch.)]

I know there used to be some of you here. I was wondering if all of you left.

[There's a brief pause in the writing.]

Preferably Catholic. But I'm not going to be picky.
[/filter]

[And a bit later, after his business with Cesare is concluded, he can be found sort of in the general vicinity of the church in town as well. Inside, outside, wherever.]

[ooc. open action for gazing at the carnival and wandering around the church!]

Comments

priest filter

[abelard]

[Cesare hesitates for quite a long time before answering this filter. He's wholly uncomfortable continuing Church duties while he doesn't have to, but he feels he would be remiss to leave those that are faithful on their own while he resides in this world. It would certainly displease the Holy Father.

Eventually, he responds, his voice even and unreadable.]

Well, I am a Cardinal. I cannot say I will be of help, if you would prefer just a priest.

forevs

[hellshaped]

[The quiet just leads Hellboy to believe he was right, that all the priests had gone to their respective worlds and homes. Which was fine. He didn't wish continued imprisonment in this place on anybody.

So when the response finally comes, he's a little surprised, in no small part because this is a cardinal (though they had the Pope here before, apparently? Hellboy was never really sure if that kid was telling the truth or not), but he dictates right back.]

If you still take confession, it'll help.

[abelard]

[There's a sigh.]

I would hear your confession, yes.

[hellshaped]

[WOW, gee. Cesare you're not very good at this.]

Err, if it's something you'd rather not do, that's fine.

[abelard]

[THAT'S PRETTY MUCH THE PROBLEM WITH HIS LIFE.]

No. It would be wrong of me to leave one of the flock on his lonesome. Do you have a preference as to where I hear you?

[hellshaped]

[Man, now HB kind of just wants to be like NEVER MIND because he has a feeling this is going to be one half-assed Reconciliation.

But that would be rude, so ...]

There's a church in town, right? That seems appropriate.

[abelard]

[It'll be fine, don't be a Debbie Downer, Red.]

Yes, of course. I can be there soon.

oh also this is action now

[hellshaped]

[You're the Debbie Downer!!!! He's fine.]

Thanks, Your Eminence.

[NOT SURE if he should refer to him as thus in the confessional booth? Because that's kind of like an anonymous ... thing. Wow, Catholicism is confusing.

Anyway, Hellboy shows up at the church soon, not wanting to keep this shady cardinal guy waiting, and slips into a confessional booth. It sure would be neat if he could get through this without the guy seeing him first. Because for once it would be nice to just be a regular person and not have to go through the song and dance of 'wow what are you' etc.]

yes I suppose it is

[abelard]

[Well, Hellboy technically still doesn't know who Cesare is. It's not like there's been a shortage of cardinals throughout history.

Cesare shows up shortly after Hellboy, not wearing his robes because he hopes to not see this person at all. But he can't take his ring off anyway, so it's not like he's just a random guy.

After glancing around to ensure the coast is clear, he assumes that his penitent is already in the confessional, and so he proceeds over there himself, sitting down and taking a breath or two before sliding open the divider.]

[hellshaped]

[Well, no, I meant can he call him 'Father'? He probably could. He's not really a Father, though. But 'Your Eminence' is so clunky. Hellboy will just call him Y.E., how about that? Problem solved. No I'm kidding, that's dumb.

Hellboy looks up when the divider opens, making a small sign of the cross, which is no small feat because his right hand is so huge. This booth is not made for someone of his size; if he can get through this without accidentally punching a hole in the wall, it'll be great.]

Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned. I can't remember when my last confession was.

[abelard]

Tell me your sins, my child.

[hellshaped]

[He speaks slowly, choosing his words carefully. This has been stewing for awhile, but he still hasn't really sorted his feelings out into words yet.]

I think I'm questioning God. Not His existence, but His plan for me.

I've never really let anyone else dictate my life; it's always been on my terms. And I always try to do what's right. But it's been a long time since I was in a relationship, and I know loneliness isn't something that God likes. So why would He force me into ... I don't know, chastity?

[This is essentially chastity. X-(]

[abelard]

[Cesare pauses for a moment to think, then takes a breath, smiling a little. This is an easier problem than he thought -- he spends nearly all of his time sugarcoating the idea of love for his own sister.]

Perhaps God is waiting for you. God does not wish loneliness on His followers, but neither does He force love. That is your garden to cultivate, and you must recognize the soil that God gives you before you can plant seeds. Have you sought the one that God wishes for you, or have you merely waited for her to appear to you on angel wings?

[huntersdaughter]

[Jo is headed home after work and she takes the long way around, just so she can hit the outer edges of the carnival. She isn't sure if she wants to dive right in, but she'll definitely walk the fine line.

Of course, she sees a familiar (and who are we kidding, he kind of stands out) figure in the distance. Opting to veer toward him, she smiles as she approaches him.]

Hey, HB. Are you not a carnival guy?

[hellshaped]

[He looks over his shoulder, smiling when he sees who it is.]

I can't really fit in any of the rides.

[huntersdaughter]

Well... I did not think of that. [She pulls a face and turns toward it.]

There are funnel cakes though?

[hellshaped]

[It's a real concern when Hellboy goes places! Can he fit in it? Where will his tail go? And so on.]

I'm not sure if regular carnival funnel cakes or magical carnival funnel cakes are more safe.

[huntersdaughter]

[She thinks about it.]

That is a good point. It can't hurt to look though... right? Maybe they aren't as spooky dangerous as advertised. Or...not advertised, because I didn't really see any fliers up.

[hellshaped]

[He idly scratches at his head, looking over at the carnival.]

Yeah, me neither. I don't remember anyone setting it up, either. Though -- I guess it could have just magically appeared.

[huntersdaughter]

Ooh. That's very castle-like. So you don't wanna investigate it with me?

[hellshaped]

[Laughs!] The Mystery of the Tilt-A-Whirl, huh?

[huntersdaughter]

It could be fun. [She shrugs, nudging her elbow toward him.]

[hellshaped]

Maybe we can pull some rubber masks off Old Man Thompson or something.

[He shrugs too, smiling.]

To be honest, carnivals give me the creeps. But if you needed an escort, I wouldn't say no.

[huntersdaughter]

No, I'll be fine on my own once I opt to actually head in there. I could use an escort to my house though. It's up the way.

[hellshaped]

I think I can manage that. Lead on, Macduff.