Backstory
Brought up in northern Russia, Chrysanthos has been able to recall all his memories from the moment his eyes first opened. His Hyperthymesia could be considered a wonderful quality, that his memories are picture perfect, but his inability to forget terrible things was comparable to a curse. His early years were far from pleasant, his family depending on a father who did not treat them well. Chrys hardly remembers moments where they’d bond, most of his perceptions being of violence towards him, his siblings, or his mother. As the oldest, Chrys was willing to adjust so his siblings didn’t have to, often taking blame but never talking back. During times of suspicion and banditry, Chrys’ father would assure the worst thing out there was a demon, boasting he could fend for himself. Chrys was certain no one was as awful as him. And so his father was only human, the fault that allowed an encounter with a demon to stop the repetitive days Chrysanthos had growing up.
When he was 9 years old, a demon named Radomir appeared with his bandits to raid any surrounding homes, occasionally killing if a chord was struck. Radomir seemed to be particularly upset at the sight of Chrysanthos’ family, of a father who shielded himself as the mother shielded her children. Amused, the demon dared the mother and children to run before he could catch them, that he take his time with the man he’d lift by his collar. From there, Chrysanthos recalls running barefoot through a snowstorm, eyes barely open in the dark until he’d grow wearier, separated from his mother and siblings. What became of them, he didn’t know, nor did he have the strength to seek them as he lied on the numbing snowfall. If his father was right, orphanages were filled, others didn’t have the means to take in anyone additional. He left his home, but where exactly would he go…Heaven? Radomir eventually caught up to the boy collecting snow on his face, fingertips blue and ears brimming red. The demon offered to take the pitiful boy’s life, entertained at Chrys’ hopes to meet him again one day, to thank him for the peace he’d given him. He looked so tired, Radomir closed his eyes for him. “I’ll look forward to it.” is all he answered.
When Chrysanthos began his after life in Heaven, he was content that his mother and siblings eventually made it there as well, unsurprised that he didn’t see his father. Since he did arrive alone at first, he was presented with the option to join the military, something he was open to so he wouldn’t be bored idling for the remainder of eternity. He was moved to a boarding area with other young angels, some with deaths more pitiful than his, yet they all shared a resolve to keep others from their fates. Chrys was especially drawn towards two particular angels, Artemii and Charaniel. Charaniel was met first, an angel who was killed as an infant, pushing Chrysanthos towards going back to the living world if they could both look at its beauty together from scratch. Since they were children in Heaven, Chrys seemed to fall for Charaniel very easily, admiring her strengths first, and grateful she confided in him to see her weaknesses as well. As for Artemii, they were both the older brothers in the families they once had, but Chrys felt compelled to treat Artemii like a little brother. Artemii came to heaven years after Chrys, so he had come to rely on Chrys’ guidance and care, something much needed that he wasn’t very familiar doing. The bond between the three angels became special, precious time spent that Chrysanthos felt was the start of feeling more alive than ever.
The world continued to be kind to him, Chrys working hard to train with a sword, to become an exemplary soldier that’d maintain peace under the clouds. His companions wanted to join him as well, all three stationed in Reuya over rumors of a dangerous demon looming in the region. Charaniel hinted at having seen the silhouette of such a demon, Chrys never quite saying the descriptions of Baba Yaga matched the demon he met once, Radomir, who he deemed a savior. When they became acquainted with the demons of Reuya, all their appearances varied enough to fit the traits of the one they searched for, but their mission was never explicitly stated as to avoid startling the townspeople. Long after settling in himself, Chrysanthos did eventually run into a familiar demon in another town after all, feeling it was fate for them to meet once again.
Over ten years have passed since Chrys had seen Radomir, both catching up easily as if they were continuing a conversation, Radomir especially impressed that Chrys could so vividly recall the details of their first meeting. Radomir didn’t have such a skill, claiming he’s seen so much in his life time that perhaps it’s blurring, that there was no longer much that caught his eye now. While Radomir didn’t say so, that he ultimately was the killer they were searching for, he didn’t mind lying to Chrysanthos if he could have some “normalcy” through someone who’s morality just a hint more grey than a human’s, one with an interesting lens towards life. Of course, Radomir’s antics would continue, coincidences pointing towards him more and more that Chrysanthos’ admiration began to waver. He never liked to think about what could happen in the future if things currently seemed perfect…what kind of limits would he tolerate before his image of Radomir would change?