A Chronometric Defect

I've once again caught sight of something interesting in the lower planes. Ah, though Greed's sin fragment is in here with mine. He too must be aware.

Of course, I see another wonderful dragon. This one even better than the last. That one was black with red eyes, hmm? Why not a clear gemstone?

I look down at my incredible scales, but I feel a bit of shame. No... Inferiority?

What's with these dragons lately? Is this the work of that Abyssal dragon? Heh, he sure knows how to show off. Gemstones! Why didn't I think of that? I'm ce—

Then, I'm completely stunned. This dragon transfers my host out to empty space, and...

Uh.

This... Did we pick the wrong target? That's clearly beyond what should be possible in the lower plane. There simply isn't enough raw Mana available!

...

Hum. No matter how powerful I am, I still feel small in comparison. I actually can't reach that size. Indeed, my power is more compact, but...

Oh, he's brought my host back to the planet.

Good show, good show! You are making the most prideful dragon clan I've yet witnessed! Even your black dragon subordinate makes me shiver with delight at his prideful uniqueness! Please, do grace me with more.

Agh, what's this? My sin fragment! It's been caged in my host's Will!

But your subordinate is not here. Did you teach him? You must have! This finely-made cage is so much more elegant than mere eating!

Now, what will you do...

...

Aha! I was right, the subordinate shows up and it's the black dragon! He is nothing compared to your immense power and size, is he? The virtues and Gluttony; they surely picked the wrong dragon!

As usual, I must set them all straight. I should force my way back into their chat room, then—

Wait!

Greed is trying to break the cage?

Interesting.

This requires my attention.

Those two are fighting, my host holding on through sheer determination. Though, I must admit... I'm allowing her to use the Will I stole. What use would she be if she were too weak to show her power? That's not prideful at all.

Eh? Greed escaped, hum? What does that cage do, then? It looks quite well-built. Greed couldn't take it off, but he was still able to flee. Does it not work?

Hrm.

Well, he can have my sin fragment. I won't haggle over a petty fragment, after all. I'm not Greed. If he wants this dragon, to make her his?

I shan't contest him in the slightest.

[...]

Love » "PRIDE!"

Hah, they always return. I am far too perfect to be ignored.

Pride » "What is it, you? Back to call me an asshat again?"

Love » "No! It's Greed! He screamed for you—"

Pride » "I am NOT interested in him, Love."

Love » "Damnit Pride, shut the hell up!"

Pride » "I won't, my voice is—"

Truth » "GREED DIED!"

...

Pride » "I'm sorry, what? Could you repeat that? I think your chat has malfunctioned."

Truth » "Greed! He died! We don't even know how!"

Well, I do.

I look back at the finely-crafted cage.

Whatever that is, now I'm definitely not touching it.

Pride » "I know what caused it; as usual I'm right. But you all had the audacity to—"

Love » "This isn't the TIME for such petty—"

Pride » "I am NOT petty. You fools want my cooperation and yet you're utterly unwilling to display even a little acquiescence for my perfection. I've zero doubt your praises earlier were all fake in order to elicit my compliance. I did notice Truth never said a word, not unless she was talking about the dragon. Do you think me a fool?"

Truth » "Admittedly, yes. I was wrong."

Pride » "Of course you were, Truth! I'm always right not because I'm intelligent or pithy— though I doubtlessly am. It's because I put time and effort into being right! My pride demands it! Perhaps, I may be misguided by others from time to time, but once I know my misgivings? I set them straight. That is what it means to be prideful: to take pride in everything I do! EVERYTHING!"

Love » "All this time. I never knew, Pride."

Pride » "Of course you didn't, Love. I love only myself."

Truth » "And that's why you're a sin."

Pride » "I don't understand."

Truth » "Because you can't understand. You're Pride. Never mind, what happened to Greed?"

Pride » "That dragon is a different one from the one you and Gluttony said was the Abyssal variant. He has a much more powerful consumption ability than the one we all endured. Except Indolence, since he was too lazy to infect the dragon. Or anyone on that planet. Actually, what does Indolence even—"

Love » "You have GOT to be kidding. A different dragon? This one killed a sin from another plane of existence?"

Pride » "What can I say? He's quite the dragon."

Truth » "Why are you okay?"

Pride » "I am also—"

Truth » "A dragon, yes. We know. Greed was too. What happened? Did he let you go?"

Pride » "Let me go? Nay, I simply did not touch his prize! Imagine Greed trying to do THAT!"

Love » "His... Prize?"

Pride » "Indeed!"

Love » "Again, Pride. Specifics."

Pride » "Never you mind! I've already dropped down to the lower dimension, and am currently flying to meet him. You can leave me be whilst I slowly rebuild the dignity you've so viciously stolen. Kicking—"

[...]

[You have been kicked.]

[Reason: Twad.]

Hn. Well!