I must crucify the ego before it's far too late

[onlyhomemade]

Who:Real!Gabriel and Mirror!Gabe (OTA seriously)
Where:Mirrorverse or Wonderland
When: The duration of the event.
Rating:I'll slap a PG-13 on this just cause it's Gabe but will change if it goes in other places for one reason or another.
Summary: Mirror!Gabriel answers his Queen and crosses over, throwing his real self into the mirror world and the Archangel is going to go poke around where he doesn't belong. Still no regrets in not breaking his mirror.
The Story:

So this is how the other half lived hm? How curious. Gabriel thought to himself as he milled about the reverse mansion. He wonders who else was trapped here or what alternate versions of people were still on this side. Was Michael here? Or William? These versions were said to be polar opposites, his curiosity does have him nearly itching to see what they're like. It's just too bad he can't speak with himself… or could he? There had to be a safe way to do so.

Ah well, the Queen made a mistake letting him cross over. He'd been honestly hoping for an opportunity to get into this world and learn what he could. He wondered what would happen, if most of her soldiers are over trying to collect the sword, does that leave her mostly unguarded? Could he kill her? Would that send them all back or destroy the balance? Really, if the Queen weren't worried about having him here than she was a fool.

((ooc: you can find him all around the reverse world/mansion, feel free to toss whoever at either of them. I'm up for whatever!))

Comments

[whele]

Mirror William wanted to see. The young man knew that the mirror Gabriel, his Gabriel, had gone to the other side, had known it would happen the moment the Queen put her orders forwards. And for a little while, William had contemplated going through too before opting out. If Gabriel went through it meant he could stay behind and see who came to the mirror world. In his own mirror's room, the little shit had broken all the mirrors. Information was hard to come by.

Oddly enough it didn't take long for the mirror version to cross paths with the visiting Gabriel, William quickly taking in the sight to come to a few conclusions. The hair was short and neatly kept, that was the obvious, but what he could also tell was that this archangel didn't seem the type to even take orders. Something about the cocksure strut just screamed it, let alone the attire. Leather pants, really now.

Quick as anything William hopped up to sit on a table, legs crossed and arms folded to watch the archangel and see how long it took before the other even noticed he had an audience. There were few differences between the Williams, both opted to wear black, though the mirror had a more confident stance, shoulders straight and smirk somewhat arrogant. Maybe it was foolish to just sit there and do nothing, but then should this Gabriel charge or attack, William would be more than happy to slip a knife in the being's ribs.

Simple.

[onlyhomemade]

It doesn't take him long at all to realize that there's someone else in the room watching from a distance. He's aware of the steady, yet lightly erratic heartbeat indicating the others curiosity and rise in slight excitement at a new being, perhaps, or the idea of danger or new prey. It could mean any number of things, but more importantly he's well aware of the creatures location. He seems to play it off as if he doesn't feel the gaze on him.

Slowly but surely he turns, glancing back over his shoulder and lofting his brows at the smirking William. There is honest surprise there, of all the people in Wonderland he never thought he'd run into William here. A good glance told him this had to be the Mirror version as well. Too smarmy and confident for his own good, there was definitely something malkavian to his expression.

Best to play along a bit anyway.

"William?" He takes a step or two towards him cautiously.

[whele]

So the other Gabriel did have a pair of eyes in his head, that was a good start. William couldn't help how his smirk widened slightly as he made a point to look the other from head to toe, making sure to pointedly keep eye contact as they spoke. If he was in a rush to move, the young man didn't show it, he merely stayed put, looking casual as can be.

"Don't do that. You're not stupid, so don't insult my intelligence by asking my name in that manner." William paused and tapped his chin, thoroughly amused by the whole thing. Just what would this Gabriel be like? His own was loyal, to a fault, and infinitely interesting. Not that he ever told the other that, that would be way too easy. Now he had a new Gabriel in the mirror realm, and apart from the obvious physical similarities, William will be compelled to see just how much they differ.

"Was there anything in particular you were looking for?" To the untrained it would sound like a simple question, but to those who know how to play the game, it's full of mocking undertone as if teasing the other's motives. Gosh, are you lost?

[onlyhomemade]

Gabriel's brows raise slightly at the attitude, debating if he wished to stand for that sort of tone from the brat, mirror or not. He approaches the other where he sits, but keeps a generous distance between them just in case. He narrows his eyes slightly at the question as well, seeing through the coy and false pretenses.

"Don't insult mine, the question was more of whom you were rather than what your name is. I wasn't sure my William had crossed over." A head movement to go with his response. "Now I know."

He smiles softly but there's something cold in his eyes. "Oh, you know, just looking for a way to get to your Queen so I can murder her."

That grin widens into something genuinely warm even if it doesn't fit the answer he gives. If it's a game they'll play, then he's all for it.

[whele]

So it was going to be like that, was it? The mirror shrugs, a somewhat elegant gesture. If this was what the other Gabriel was like, then his own was probably circling on the spot, trying to figure out why everyone was treating him like a douchebag.

"Would have been nice, wouldn't it? Sadly the other William got clued in very quickly and he took it upon himself to smash all his mirrors. I doubt he'll ever see this side of things."

That little rat bastard. The mention of killing the queen gets an eyebrow raise, William making sure to watch every single one of Gabriel's movements carefully. The warm grin doesn't get much of a response from him, definitely something different when the real William would have practically flustered himself to death had he received that.

"And is that all?" William smiles, wholly amused as he jerks a thumb over his shoulder. So original "She's that way."

[onlyhomemade]

"Lucky him." He shrugs, "Though I can't say I'm all that disappointed to meet you and get a feel for what it would've been like if he'd let his... darker urges take control. Though I'm already over this bratty ego of yours. I much rather like him understanding his position."

He smirks softly, hands clasped behind his back as he begins to circle where William is perched, walking the edge of the table.

"Not only am I not going to simply take your word for a grain of salt but I'm almost positive you're just enough of a coward to strike me when my back is turned."

[whele]

There are a few things William can tell just by the way that Gabriel is acting, from the things that he's saying. The first one is glaringly obvious; that his other self isn't anyone of any kind of importance. Had it been so, the Archangel would have said it by now instead of circling like a cat stalking it's prey. Which meant the obvious disrespect. In a way it was interesting to see this one talking and acting like he was in charge of the whole thing, William just turning his head slightly to follow Gabriel's path. Sure, there's a knife in his other hand behind his back, but that's just in case.

"No point in attacking you, that would benefit no-one at the end of it all. I'm only armed in case you feel the need to do something stupid. Anyway, you've not said anything original to warrant my full attention since you got here. Considering I hear God, you have your work cut out for you."

[what_he_wants]

[Michael wasn't switching over, as he wouldn't leave this side unprotected from the real things that would inevitably cross over.

He didn't spare the time for sleeping or eating, just stood guard in various places in the mansion or made sure the other mirrors were behaving. And he was doing just that, making his rounds, back straight, and arms crossed over his chest, long stride taking him back around to the front of the mansion.

When he saw his not-brother, he didn't give him the opportunity to acclimate himself to his presence, just grabbed his shoulder, spinning not-Gabriel around to face him. Tone low, violence and darkness rippling through it, he addressed his not-twin.]

That's as far as you go. [At least until he had a clearer understanding of the angel.]

[onlyhomemade]

[Luckily for Gabriel he was aware of the others approach and really, with that stiff-legged gait he should have probably been more worried about it. Instead he whirled around with the forced push with something nonchalant and looked up at the stern expression of his twin. Or perhaps, his not!Twin. His brow furrowed slightly, head canted as he studied that cold, hard expression or the way he warned him. It was really just his words that tipped him off, the rest seemed just like the Michael he knew.]

Go? I'm sorry, was I about to enter a place I'm not meant to?

[what_he_wants]

My Gabriel may have decided to go to your side to do his queen's bidding, but that doesn't mean those of us still here have to welcome each mirror with open arms.

[Michael's tone when he claimed the other as his own, showed his possessive and protective feelings towards his version of Gabriel. Michael had been loyal to his father, had never failed to obey, but he loved his twin more than any other. It was that sibling bond, a bond that had never been broken, that stayed his hand from more extreme measures where this Gabriel was concerned.

He wouldn't risk doing something to this one, if there was even the slightest chance it would hurt his own brother. But that didn't mean he had to like him or be nice to him.]

You, just keep your head down and stay out of everyone's way. Stay out of my way.

[Michael's harsh attitude had more to do with his worry for his brother's safety on the real side, than it did with this version being here. He couldn't help but think his mirror self wouldn't have the same brotherly feelings that he did, and that put his Gabriel in danger.]

[onlyhomemade]

[There's a silent "ooh" crossing his expression as if he's taken-aback by the demands but it's clearly mocking. He steps up to the mirror and smiles, challenging.]

Or you'll what?

[He tilts his head, brow furrowing softly with concern.]

Don't tell me my Mirror-half would have laid down and shown his belly the moment you started barking. That's just pathetic.

[what_he_wants]

[His Gabriel wouldn't challenge him in such a way, as it wasn't in his nature to want to purposelessly fight with Michael.]

No, he wouldn't have. He isn't weak. But, he knows his place.

[It was harsh, his tone and expression, but he was only trying to set boundaries between them. His twin wouldn't like him speaking of him in such a way, and Michael's brow creased at that thought.]

As should you.

[When Michael steps closer, looking down every bit as menacing as he can manage, he feels it. Or, rather, doesn't feel it. There is little to no bond between them, and he wonders at it. Is it because they aren't the right twins, or something else.]

What is my mirror like. [He hadn't mean to ask it, but he was curious. And needed to know.]

[onlyhomemade]

Is that right? And do-tell, what is my place Michael? I'm truly curious.

[A small scoff.]

You're the Mirror last I recall, we are the real ones and you're just a mockery of us.

[chosefate]

Mirror Alex had decided not to cross over for one simple reason: his tattoos. Just before the Queen's announcement, they had given him a warning: PROTECT THOSE CLOSEST TO YOU. He took that to mean he should stay on this side and protect his Queen from any infiltrators from the "Real" side.

So he's patrolling the halls when he sees Gabriel up ahead. Something looks...different about the angel.

"Hey. You cut your hair?"

[onlyhomemade]

At least one thing seemed to hold true to form, the tattoos knew what they were talking about even in a world that wasn't originally their own. Of course, not that Gabriel knew but if he did he'd find comfort in it, at least then there was hope he could maybe get somewhere with figuring them out. The narrative digresses.

Gabriel pauses, turning to glance over the Chosen One with interest, trying to decide if he's his Alex or not. At the question though he's almost positive it isn't and he's all for trying to play along. Of course, in that moment he has to try and figure out what his counter-part must be like. An opposite right?

"Oh, yes, I have. Do you like it?" He smooths a hand over his slicked back hair. "Bit easier to manage now not having all those waves."

[chosefate]

Alex gives Gabriel a 'yeah, whatever' look to indicate he couldn't care less one way or another what Gabriel does with his hair. Moving on to more important matters, "Have you heard? The Queen is sending people over to the other side." He tilts his head, eyeing Gabriel. "I'd've thought you'd be the first to go."

[onlyhomemade]

"Ah, well, you know..." Gabriel answers, casual and smooth.

"I have other pressing matters to tend to here. I'm sure she'll have plenty of others just as excited to prove their worth on the other side." His eyes move over Alex a moment as he considers this.

"What about you? Aren't you going?"

[chosefate]

Pressing matters? "What, like William?" Alex knows how close Gabriel is with his 'prophet.'

In any case. "No, I'm staying here. The markings gave me a warning so I'm staying close."

[onlyhomemade]

William? Just what was the other insinuating with that comment? What was his mirror up to with the mirror william?

"You may be the Chosen One but that doesn't mean you get to know everything that goes on. I have my orders, and you yours." He nods, indicating his tattoos.

"Though I wonder what your tattoos are trying to tell you. You think the Reals coming in will try to attack?"

Mirror!Gabriel thread

[onlyhomemade]

Special Delivery for William Whele

[onlyareflection]

[William will hear a rap of knuckles on the other side of the door and possibly a strange little squealing growl. A certain Mirror!Archangel has found a lost little lion cub wondering the hallway and for one reason or another has picked it up and brought it with in hopes perhaps this William knows where it belongs. It's taken to squirming in his arms a lot and gnawing on his cape or sleeve, which luckily for him his armor protects him from those teeth or the little sharp claws it has.

At least until the Lion gets to his wrist where the cloth stops and it begins half gnawing half sucking on the meaty part of his thumb. He winces, hissing, unable to really stop the thing due to being afraid of dropping it. He's talking to it but it's not doing much.]

Sorry he's not in, try again next week

[whele]

[William is already pacing his room when the knock at his door happens, and even though he's been expecting it the principate can't help but startle at it. He knows the other Gabriel is due to arrive and right now it's easy to be nervous. This Gabriel is wildly different from his own and William doesn't even know what the other is about yet. The angel could be a completely crazy, psychopathic mass-murderer!

Wait....

With a shrug, William double checks to make sure his mirrors are broken yet again before opening the door and pausing. Well that's a sight he wasn't expecting. The lion cub is all kinds of adorable just chewing away at the nearest thing, and it takes a second glance before William realizes it's not an overly large house cat but an actual lion cub; one fully intent on eating Gabriel's hand from the looks of things. William stays silent for a moment, waiting for the angel to move his hand away from the lion or something.....Right, that doesn't seem like it's going to happen, so for the second time William opts to take pity on the archangel. The guy does seem kind of lost with what to do anyway.]

Here, let me - [William wraps his hands under the cub, lifting it up and over to cradle against his chest where it settles for sniffing curiously at the new person. There's no chewing just yet, but that'll soon change.] Where did you find it? Is it yours?

[onlyareflection]

I think it's hungry.

[He mutters somewhat sarcastically. There's another flinch as the little teeth manage to find a soft, sweet spot before it thankfully moves it's jaw and gnaws at a bit that's a little more padded. He sighs softly, watching as William just STARES at the pair of them in disbelief. He moves his arms only enough to keep the Lion from dropping out of his hands, it's enough to keep him distracted from pulling his hand free.

He's definitely relieved when William finally takes the thing from him, but makes no move to let himself into the apartment or anything. He'll just obediently stand out here till he's invited in.]

It's not mine. It was just out here wandering about the halls alone. It seemed... abandoned or lost. Perhaps it belongs to someone? I was hoping you knew where it came from.

[whele]

[If William thought Wonderland couldn't get any weirder, he's pretty sure this whole thing tops the weird charts. Standing there holding a lion cub to his chest, staring at the archangel Gabriel who is more a nicer twin with longer hair....It truly is an odd thing, and there's another moment of awkward silence from the principate before he takes a step back. The cub is already nuzzling at his neck, obviously fine with being held for the time being.]

Sorry, uh, come in. [There's nothing in William's room that gives much away, it's neat, tidy and all the mirrors are either covered or broken.] I don't know of anyone who owns a lion here. I can always ask, but if someone had lost it they would probably have said something by now.

[onlyareflection]

Thank you. [Even as he's invited in he waits a moment for William to step aside before moving past the threshold. He steps off to one side, not turning his back to the other for long and giving him his undivided attention, trying to be as respectful as possible.]

Yes, you're probably right.

[A glance to the small creature.]

What shall we do about it?