blue sky.

affiliated + Isola Radiale FATE/GRAND ORDER Hypergiant Stage Chaldea, Archimedes summoned 30 December 2015

[castilium]

It’s been a year and a half since making a post like this, but with the dust settling, Mashu’s canon point will be moving to the end of LB7 and finally up-to-date with the story. This means she’ll recover her own memories from the remainder of Avalon and Tunguska, as well as the experience of Traum and Nahui Mictlan in full.

She’ll be capable of continuing to utilise her original Shielder form, however where combat is concerned, she’ll be relying on the Ortenaus going forward, and be aware of her condition regarding the Black Barrel, as well as Ritsuka’s, regardless of whether she knows in-game or not, thanks to their switching bodies during Empatheorem. While we’re waiting on translations, there won’t be anything that touches on the finer details of the Lostbelt right away.

[thiefandlyre]

Octavo scoffs. "Of course they'd wave our friends and loved ones in our faces, wiggling them around like hand puppets only to yank them back behind the curtain. It can't possibly be the real thing..."

The Lute makes a sound, a soft purr, as if in agreement as he strokes its strings. "I know why they can't make it perfect. I know why they need us to be lonely and confused and deprived. If it was ideal, we wouldn't believe it. We'd be driven even more mad than we already are. At least we're in agreement that there seems to be no point to the whole experiment, other than to see what we do to each other. It's a jar and we're the insects, scrabbling uselessly against the walls."

[castilium]

Her lips thinned into a line. How many familiar faces had been brought here, for only a time, were greater than she could count without putting considerable time in attempting to recall them all. Yet almost always were they temporary, the pain never dulling, the loss never easier.

The imagery was unpleasant, its small mercy being they weren't pit against one another for survival, but that the slimmest of graces. Maybe... maybe he was right, and she'd started going mad a long time ago. Hesitant to accept it, chasing shadows that would never peel away from the wall and unveil their identities in full.

Were they supposed to wait until the very end when it was all unveiled? Like learning her world had been a Lostbelt, not meant to be? Behind that line, her teeth grit. "Maybe you're right. But I've had it with scrabbling. You think they'd get bored at some point. This won't last forever, even they have to face that reality".

[scholarking]

WHAT SHE SPEAKS IS SOMETHING UNDERSTANDABLE. that, perhaps, there is a solid reasoning behind why it is they keep themselves enveloped within an impenetrable secrecy. it was something he liked very little in regard to them, feeling as if knowledge should be freely held by all who sought it, even if some was seen as dangerous 一 in those cases, it was a matter of how one would wield it that was the concern rather than the knowledge itself. some would use it far beyond a deplorable morality while others would simply let it be as a string of data archived in their minds for the sake of curiosity. so, what was it that made these proclaimed stars withhold so much from them in this moment?

kindness, he feels, is not the inherent reason behind it, especially given the cruelties that they are meant to endure come times. were it to be kind, they were doing an ill job of conveying such a stance to those trapped on the island.

❝ Do you truly believe their goal is for us to settle into an every day life upon this island? ❞ he doubts it vehemently, arms crossing over his chest as he ponders upon it briefly. ❝ Were such the case, one would think they would leave us be without interference to observe us without excess variables. Yet, time and again, they make their presence known to us whether intentionally or otherwise. Through it all, humanity is always at a threat to external sources. A lack of knowledge does not change that and often makes it worse, ❞ he chimes, shaking his head just a little bit.

the more he thinks on it, the more he cannot agree with her theory, even if it might seem sound to many others.

❝ No, I find it difficult to believe there isn't more at hand. To face the unknown without so much as a chance to grasp and understand it, let alone blocked by those who have brought us here... it's as if this place is designed for us to live in an obliviousness to the reality that surrounds it. ❞

[castilium]

Her head shook without need for deliberation. Were the intention to gather a civilisation to live as they pleased, Spirale was already populated with NPCs who need not face the trials their foreign neighbours were presented. This wasn't a mere simulation of life to observe from above — they'd need nothing of outsider forces, nor to suppress their power for later reinstatement. The wasteland of those first weeks took the stage of her thoughts, and its replacement of a city constructed in full, civilians incompatible with that timeline.

Listening to his assessment, she could recognise that her own failed to garner approval. Goetia operated on pity, but these Stars had a different motivator — some similarities was as far as any overlap extended and attributing experience to attempt filling in the blanks would warp the reality, riddled with errors from incorrect information inserted.

Perhaps she wanted to give them the benefit of the doubt, as came so naturally. But no matter how far she might go, they wouldn't meet her halfway.

"Even after NULL tried to sabotage the island and offered freedom, the Stars haven't spoken to clarify that they're the ones we should be trusting over their enemies. They insist on binding powers and leaving those shackled in more vulnerable states. I don't understand. Even if we're here for years, there's no forgetting that this is a different, contained world". Indigo closed themselves, the smiles of staff she regarded as family comforted her in the only way possible: in memory.

"I don't know what to think. About any of it". Were they like Marisbury, stringing along countless people with an intricately crafted system so refined as to escape understanding? The security of their truth certainly matched his. Fingers curled inward to a fist, the Doctor's visage a finale to the registry, a ghost of this world as much as her own. Her steps slowed to a halt, paying no need to the guide's continued ascent. "I'm sorry... I'm just a little tired. You should carry on ahead".

[bythegraveside]

he would prefer to avoid anything digital as much as possible, even knowing how tiresome it can become to write too many papers. hopefully not many others have asked as such of her. "paper, if it's no trouble. you are still most welcome to contact me in future should you wish to. Kyryll Chudomirovich Flins. just Flins will do."

but of course he needs a way to thank her for helping. there had been no need to do so, yet she offered anyway. "if there is any way I can repay you, please don't hesitate to ask. I am in your debt until then, Miss Mashu." well... as long as it doesn't involve machinery or robots, that is.

[castilium]

Paper it was. Though aware appearances were never a reliable indicator of a person, she did envision him as an individual who hadn't much interest in technology. Perhaps it was how his garb in style and palette reminded her of the Hassan-i-Sabbah — and they certainly had their distinct methods finely crafted.

And what an elaborate name, garnished with Russian characteristics — though not an issue to learn, Mashu appreciated the shorthand given how smooth it would make conversation.

"There's no debt, please don't worry yourself with feeling a need to pay back anything. I'm happy to help if there's any way I can — compensation isn't important. And I imagine if the roles were reversed, it wouldn't be a motivator for you reaching out to assist someone".

[amelserru]

He feels a little silly for contacting her like this, but it's more efficient and proper than simply appearing unannounced wherever the demiservant was. His eyes scan the message sent, properly registering how it could've been less awkward, a little too late. Well, he hopes it's within reason, no particular need for formalities after everything's that happened.

When the device vibrates and the Shielder's messages come through, Kingu pauses to stare at the strange symbols in confusion. What even...? A moment to process previous records... Emoticons, was it? Oh, faces. Well he supposes it's additional confirmation that she does not mind indulging his request.

Is sending more messages the kind of small talk one would make in this kind of communication?

To: Mashu Kyrielight ✉︎: I am. I presume you and the Master are, too? ✉︎: I'm still unfamiliar with how much the city has changed. Where would people go to do shopping? Clothing, specifically.

And there's a slight pause. The delivery indicator is there, but it appears he's still typing something. Another moment passes, and...

✉︎: ┐('～`；)┌

He tried.

[castilium]

Fingertips paused when he asked of them. Since Kingu had last been among Spirale's population... so much had transpired. Far more than she could quantify putting into words concisely, much less in digital form. When they met, she'd have to extend an invitation for him to visit Chaldea, give him a comfortable space to hear the story in full.

Her heart sank marginally reflecting on it all. The survivors who had clung on by a thread since the beginning managed to see through the story against all odds, but... it pained her to know everything had been just that. A story not meant to be. The Child of Prophecy's crafted smile passed through her thoughts.

Alleviation did follow to awaken the Servant in the form of a pixeled face. A dusting of pink bloomed upon her cheeks as a giggle spilled out unconsciously. Of course... despite fighting what was perceived as 'right', Kingu carried everything in his heart earnestly and it never changed him.

TO — KINGU FROM — SHIELDER PALADIN (MASHU KYRIELITE)

Yes. Senpai's been through a lot of difficult times, but I'm always here to support her when she needs ⊂(´• ω •`⊂) She's never let it keep her down. Her strength is as amazing as ever ヽ(>∀<☆)ノ Go together? Of course! I'd love to catch up with you! We can make a whole day of it if you'd like! ⸜(｡˃ ᵕ ˂ )⸝

[snowwhitelotus]

Shh!!

The pixies all turn to the woman in unison as she approaches them. The arguments now forgotten in favor of the much bigger goal.

"We're playing a prank!"

"Oh Fahne hates it when we organize her books! So when she turns around and sees them all organized into neat stacks- ooh she'll be so mad!!"

"But don't let her know! You gotta be quiet!!"

The whispering is close enough that the cat-like womans ears picked it up easily, one of her ears twitching in response while her tail swished playfully behind the chair, seemingly ignoring them for the most part.

"Oh oh! Someone fly off and fetch that tea she hates, this is going to be so FUN!" They laugh, and one flys off into the sky somewhere else.

There's clearly something else at play here, but the woman at the table wasn't about to reveal what it was.

[castilium]

Seemed to be that their schemes were quite multifaceted — and silence would equate complicity. Though to dare defy them might stir a ruckus and the Librarian descend upon the group, disrupting the woman's reading far greater than any light-hearted prank. And while each might have their own means of study, Mashu had trouble wrapping her head around disorganisation being preferable.

The Servant's sights strayed towards the woman, her brow knit with unrest whilst the schemers set about their beverage-related ploy. In the other's shoes, she'd prefer an onlooker to impart some warning. Violet darted between her still frame and that of the movement nearby, torn as to what she could do which might not abandon the woman whilst dodging the pixies' ire.

She laid the books tucked to her chest upon the table, using the vantage point to hunch over in hopes of catching the other's eye, signal stealthily that mischief were afoot. It was the most efficient plan that came to mind on such short notice and with the restrictions of an audience to anything less discreet. Towards the pack did her eyes flicker once more, assessing their movements and any hopes of an opening if even hovering over the woman wasn't enough to draw her attention.

[thiefandlyre]

"Finding out where our food comes from is not exactly a priority of mine. I was merely curious, but not knowing does make the place feel more... unearthly."

Octavo keeps on playing as he muses, though the crowd has mostly drifted away, on to the next boardwalk performer. "Back home, I was used to riding past fields and farms, seeing all the work that went into feeding an entire kingdom. To have it absent feels... strange. There must be tens of thousands of people here, but food, water, medicine even, it's all met effortlessly. It's not even exchanged for real money. Perhaps you're right, and they simply conjure it from nothing..."

[castilium]

Curiosity maintained a firm grip on him — there was countless questions that Mashu herself yearned for an answer for, though without access to the Stars, she'd come to acknowledge that the likelihood of fulfilling that dropped dramatically, and that dwelling would do little more other than seed madness.

Octavo had expressed it himself when last they spoke — despite the vast difference in their time on the island, their understanding of the greater picture was near enough identical — a fact that irked the Servant, for her own tendency to seek knowledge. It left her additionally feeling inadequate to provide support for those finding their feet, just as that encounter had exemplified.

Whilst he described the landscapes of his world, her memories drifted through the environment of Singularities and Lostbelts — scenes to live and breathe, all around her and no longer images on a holographic screen, of lands far beyond glass walls that were once the ends of her world.

When put that way, she understood the artificiality of the island creep through a crack. While surrounding them, just like any other land, it was built of processes and code designed by a collective, not a natural evolution. No clearer demonstration of that were there than their arrival, when the city burst into existence to replace a wasteland, rich with history far exceeding its actual being.

"It's quite unnatural, yes. But it does provide for those who might have been without in life before here — no-one wants for food or shelter, but there's just as much still missing, which the Stars can't or won't provide. Like those who we miss. Or they'll dangle those very people on a stick before pulling it away, and them out of reach once more. I don't understand... there's so much that nobody does. And I can't fathom why... hold it all back".

[snowwhitelotus]

She's sitting outside the library in Cotes at a table, surrounded by several books on the local flora and fauna, as well as a whole mess of herbs and other plants she'd picked up for study.

There's several pixies floating around her, organizing the books in alphabetical order and stacked by color. They're audibly arguing with each other about where the different Blue ones should go, and if the blue is more purple in color or not.

Other pixies are getting roped into the nonsense the longer it goes on, and Fahne is barely the wiser, completely engrossed in the book in front of her.

[castilium]

It was quite unfortunate that the argument would be unfolding around even a solitary reader, given the Library's vast space. Not that she seemed to be particularly bothered, engrossed in the text between her hands. She could envision Alhaitham similarly pushing through. Though that was no excuse for the rowdiness.

Hands reached up slowly towards the nearest pixie, palm open to affirm they were no threat to the quarrelling crew, nor any intent of swiping or capturing them. "Now, now," she sounded, being conscious to keep her voice hushed so not to add to the chaos swirling around the woman to whom the Servant's eyes flickered in hopes her approach hadn't been the factor which might upset her concentration.

"Would you like some help? An extra pair of hands will make the job go by faster, and we can settle disagreements peacefully. The Librarian might mistake the noise for someone else and mess up their research".

[thiefandlyre]

"Thank you," he murmurs. Hopefully whoever this Senpai was, she wouldn't have caught word of his indiscretions. Forcing people to dance, getting in loud public arguments... and so much petty theft.

"You have no idea. Of course, the eateries here seem to be much cleaner overall. Food is shockingly easy to come by, too, and it's all high quality... Are there farms anywhere? Someone must be growing all this." It was something he'd been wondering for a while. Supposedly the city was on an island, and it seemed to be developed everywhere he went...

[castilium]

That was an encouraging response. He hadn't thought of additional conditions or caveats, which gave her time to prepare if something else they should consider came to mind.

Considering how easy life on the island seemed to be, his experiences gave much to be concerned over. The hardships he'd overcome, they must have been great and plentiful. It was a saddening reality for those who weren't sheltered in between missions like Mashu had become accustomed. With any luck, he could finally relax and get comfortable on the island, free of those trials.

"The island is a vast area with parts we still aren't able to access — it's possible there are some, but we haven't been able to locate them. The mist around the city is harmful to us, but maybe those who live here aren't affected. And the risk if that's not the case is too great to experiment and find out.

I've read about the agricultural sector in the Space Station, but that wouldn't be capable of supplying the entire island with food. Perhaps the Stars are responsible for stock — some things aren't possible without their creative powers".

[thiefandlyre]

Octavo looks at her with a pained expression, before sighing. "Only if you pay me up front. I am not dealing with another gig being yanked out from underneath me because our overlords sent the owners home."

And also so everybody he met would stop telling him to get a job.

"Besides. I don't play taverns by choice. I play them because it's usually my only option. They smell terrible and the food is worse. If I ever have to step foot in another tavern again it'll be too soon."

[castilium]

Considering how sceptical it must have all sounded, she wasn't surprised that he would issue such a condition. "Of course — I'll discuss it with Senpai. She's very open-minded and welcoming of pretty much anyone. And if, for any reason, things should fall through, I could compensate you through my wages. That should offer you some peace of mind and reassure that you aren't being taken for a ride".

With any luck, they wouldn't arrive at that junction — and if the seagull prior were anything to go by, the animals were sure to be excited for the company of his music.

"Are they that bad?" With its reputation as a hub for heroics, she envisioned Dionysus’ Chalice as a much more orderly establishment. But perhaps the indulgence of its patrons teetered into the darker side of drinking until passing out and bar brawls. "You've really had it rough. But Hope au Lait strives for everyone to be comfortable, so we'll work to accommodate yours".

[thiefandlyre]

"I don't work for anyone. I only work for myself. It's easier that way." Octavo scoffs lightly at the word additional, speaking under his breath. "This is my only way to earn money normally, and I can't even do that because they haven't given anyone a way to pay me."

Goodness, he couldn't even enchant people to give him their money because it was all fake!

He starts up a new song, a regular tune, not a bespelling one, so the audience doesn't get too bored. "What is it you do, anyway? You've got to be surviving somehow, you've been here long enough."

[castilium]

She nodded attentively, taking in the firm stance with understanding of how many creatives chartered their own paths. His adamance to remain independent might have roots in bad experiences, or another reason to stay wary of others.

Though his struggles weren't limited to recognition — she hadn't considered the impracticality of a digital currency for someone whose performance were oft in sought of coins. How were pedestrians supposed to donate change when there were no material items to deposit on their way past? A contemplative hum rumbled through pursed lips.

"Senpai owns a café in Cotes-Fantasci, so I work there". Her eyes settled on the lyre. "Would you be opposed to performing if we paid you? Bards usually gravitate towards taverns, but it doesn't sound as though you've had any luck yet".

[bythegraveside]

"ah, what unfortunate timing." but if it makes the people happy, then it isn't all bad, he supposes. smiling faces are well worth enduring for.

there is gratitude for her offer though, and he is quite tempted, if only to familiarise himself with routes. it would serve well in future, should he be stuck here for a length of time. "I would be most grateful for your help, Miss. rest assured, I shall keep it on my person at all times until they are memorised."

[castilium]

She could understand how such a festive period might be exhausting to those not wired for abundant socialisation. It must be a true dilemma to be pulled here at a time when the months ahead were to be frantic with activity and abuzz with preparation.

In spite of that, he had taken the news pretty well, not grumbling or cursing about holidays that some others were thrilled to experience.

"Alright, then I'll have it written up shortly. Would you prefer a paper copy or digital? If you'd like the latter, I can send over the information in a text, and attach relevant links. Exchanging numbers won't be a concern, as we're all listed automatically — I'm Mashu Kyrielite, so you'll know the notification that comes up with that name isn't spam".

[amelserru]

It's not the first time he's attended a formal event, so why does this one feel so nerve-wracking? Kingu pretends he doesn't know, pretends that this is like any other silly occurrence that happens in this place and he's decided to partake in. Except it's not, not quite, by a long shot, and he's still grappling with the idea.

Despite everything that he's lived through in this island before, Kingu has never been one to ask for help, has never quite learned how to. He's used to being the one that solves problems; the planner, mediator, and enforcer within an unstable structure. And so he stares at his phone, glares at it even, and the half typed message displayed on the screen. It's a good thing this vessel absorbs information and experience easily, he's learned how this blasted contraption works, even if he refuses to make much use of it.

He knows the Master is here, trusts knows he could contact her and she'd likely be willing to help, yet it feels wrong. Not unsafe, just uncomfortable. The demiservant, however... Maybe it's knowing Mashu was not fully human, or that they've come across each other in a similar venue before. Maybe it's the earnest, softer, concern she's regarded him with previously. Whatever the reason, Kingu found his attention gravitating to her contact.

To: Mashu Kyrielight @castilium ✉︎: I require... assistance, with a mundane task. Could we meet somewhere?

He might've missed the greeting, and maybe that sounds a little ominous, but it's a genuine attempt?

[castilium]

It was unusual to spectate a appeal for assistance from the Servant — were it not for the inclusion of it being mundane, her panic might have seized the wheel and skipped text straight to calling. But what stilled her was the prolonged gaze affirming that the name labelling the notification hadn't been a misread.

How much had changed since last he was but a text message or phone call away? So much. Everything. She could only speculate his thoughts and feelings, another time when they could sit and speak in dedication to the story. Today, however, he had an objective in mind and she daren't allow getting distracted to keep him waiting. She was thrilled, after all, to see his name active again, and was as eager to meet as curious to the root of his request.

TO — KINGU FROM — SHIELDER PALADIN (MASHU KYRIELITE)

Kingu! ( ´ ▽ ` )ﾉ Of course! Is there anywhere you had in mind? (((*°▽°*)八(*°▽°*))) It's good to hear from you. I hope you're well (っ╹ᆺ╹)っ

She perched upon the sofa's arm, watching the indicator that would signal the message's safe delivery to flash with a smile. Her own mundane chores would suffer none for an unexpected priority taking their place. So tenderly did her sight rest on the phone cupped between her palms in anticipation.

[thiefandlyre]

As Octavo ends the song, the seagull snaps out of its trance. It flaps its wings, taking off in such a panic that it clips the fence, a few feathers fluttering to the ground as it flees. He watches it go before turning back to Mashu, smiling mildly in return.

"Thank you. Things do feel more normal, now that my instrument's been returned to me. I feel a bit more... in control." He laughs quietly at his own joke.

[castilium]

The abrupt change in attitude of the gull had Mashu startled, watching in confusion whilst it soared to safety, caring no more for the potential of an encore. How odd...

Octavo himself seemed fine in spite of his audience's sudden departure — listeners remained to hear whatever next he might choose to perform now that he held the treasured instrument in-hand. The Servant recognised nothing out of sorts, believing the other's smile to be an extension of his relief to be reunited.

"Yes, I understand. It was the same when Lord Camelot was released from wherever the Stars had confined it. Where you planning on earning additional income with it? There's a talent agency in the city, I believe — they'd surely be thrilled to have you".

[thiefandlyre]

Octavo has stationed himself at one of his favorite local spots, on the boardwalk in his home ward, plucking a lively tune on his Lute. The instrument glistens golden under the string lights.

A seagull seems to have stopped by to listen, stepping in time to the song and lifting its wings as if dancing...

[castilium]

Naturally the scene brought a smile to her face. Hands swung behind her back, indulging the melody behind a veil of personal darkness momentarily.

His feathered audience seemed equally enamoured by the tune, tapping away against the wooden boards underfoot, reflective of the merry notes. No wonder he missed it so desperately.

"It's lovely," she remarked softly. "You look a lot happier as well".

[thoughtkick]

“Some of us aren’t meant to belong. Some of us have to turn the world upside down and shake the hell out of it until we make it our own place.”

— Elizabeth Lowell

[feranmut]

PERHAPS SHE'D BEEN TOO ENTHUSIASTIC LATELY, the many scrolls being toted about in her arms an indicator of her muse to paint. and due to that, one of the myriad fell out of her grasp, colliding with the ground. and before she can do anything about it, something plops out from the unraveled painting, sitting there in curious silence.

soon enough, the drooling ink creature merely stares up with intrigue at the random passerby it had just blocked the way of.

[castilium]

In the process of reaching for the fallen scroll, Mashu took pause when one birthed a creature, its eyes fixed on her whose hand had frozen in place. No sudden movement on its part was met with the same so as not to provoke a sense of threat.

Without taking her eyes off the shape, her voice changed direction to the woman standing by. "Should I proceed with picking up the scroll, or would it prefer to stay as is for the time being?"