BLACK✦STAR

Purgatory Knight RP blog affiliated with Citta Alveare. Housed in L-4. Check Stats page for more.

[gaosun-deactivated20201229]

No Holds Barred

[distortionpunisher]

sabertoothxd:

gaosun:

It was funny how quick his quiet anger simmered at the words Mighty Sun Fighter. Not violence, not his laugh or voice, or that Tiger loved this side of him. They were a reminder that his conduct wasn’t proper of upholding the ideals he held close in his heart. Like a sudden strong cold breeze in a mid-summer day, his mind cleared again, but his position remained steady.

He wonders how many times he’ll willingly break his own rule for Noboru.

Silently, he eased up the pressure on his head, sliding it through the familiar blond hair in the same way he would for his boyfriend. He dug his finger into his scalp as he dragged his hand down. It didn’t last too long though, quick to grab a fistful and yank back.

“I don’t care whether you enjoyed this or not. I don’t care if you still love me or not. If you’re going to keep bothering us, fine. But,” He tugged again, bringing himself closer to his ear, “know that I will do anything to keep Noboru safe and happy.” The corner of his lip quick up as he added, “And I really don’t know how far I’ll go for him.” 

He released his grip on his hair, straightening up; amber eyes still locked on Tiger’s head, a small teasing smile on his face.

“At least you begged properly this time~.”

He immediately tensed at Gao’s touch, familiar with the want to give him a false sense of security before causing harm. Tiger remained still under his hold and gave way to no reaction, not even when his hair was mercilessly tugged back. A small grit of the teeth of course, but he wasn’t going to show the other any fear or pain.

Did he like it this way? He wasn’t exactly sure. All Tiger knew was that any and all attention given from Gao was what he wanted, even if it was getting beaten to a pulp in a fight.

Oh, if only that were possible for him.

     “Heheh… Hahahahaha!”

Gao’s words elicited nothing but laughter, his opponent remaining still for all but a few seconds before summoning Flash Lance, Blitz Tiger and using it’s deadly sharp edge to cut distance between them.

Whether or not he managed to slice any part of him, it didn’t matter; Tiger’s tongue crept along the side of the blade before a dangerous grin returned to his features.

     “You won’t be getting off with a mere scratch this time. Are you sure you want to tango with me~? It’s alright if you… want to run. In fact, wouldn’t it anger your precious lover if you engaged in combat anyway?”

The Purgatory Knight’s timing is either the best or the worst depending on the point of view. He catches sight of his charge engaging another familiar face and walks towards them, not even bothering to mask his presence. It would be a fool’s errand, as there is no way to approach quietly while his dark armor swathes his frame.

“Tiger. That’s enough. How long do you intend on fooling around?”

He doesn’t so much care for Tiger’s safety as he does for the irritation Tiger will bring if he does get hurt by Gao. And the Purgatory Knight knows that Gao is one of the most capable people. He also doesn’t care for the look that Gao gives him. He makes a conscious effort not to even look at Gao as he brushes past him.

“Stop picking fights you can’t see through to the end. Playtime is over. You’ve had your fun here already.” He speaks coldly in an authoritative voice that leaves little room for argument, though even his tone of voice has yet to be able to stop Tiger. “Let’s go. I told you, we’re not to cause any trouble here.”

[distortionpunisher]

sabertoothxd:

His triumphant smile widened thus was now accompanied by a tender hum. Tiger reached for that blood red cape and tugged on it mercilessly, meeting Purgatory Knight in the middle so that they could see eye to eye… so he could tell if he was trying to scheme against him or not. No, those eyes were as glazed over with self hatred as ever and it seemed as if he had won in this.

Perfect.

He wasn’t exactly sure what he wanted to do with him just yet… he’ll figure it out along the way. For now, it was good to establish a bond and he would have to take it slowly so not to irritate him too quickly.

“Poor Tasuku-senpai~. Do you need anything? A complimentary fruit basket to bring in the new friendship? A hug? Wanna Buddyfight? Oh don’t look so sour, come on.”

Without being afraid of getting his hands cut off, Tiger slid behind him, cupped both sides of the other’s face, and used his index fingers to force the other into a smile.

Noboru tugs on his cape hard before he can walk away, and the Purgatory Knight finds himself face-to-face with him again.

He silently regrets telling Noboru to do what he wants, because that clearly removes all form of inhibition from Noboru. He suddenly finds Noboru’s cold hands on his face and recoils away from the touch as if it has burned him.

With an irritated click of his tongue, the Purgatory Knight steps back again and glares. It doesn’t seem to deter Noboru, though. As irritated as the Purgatory Knight is, he does not draw his sword. He would not lower himself to that level yet.

“Tch... I won’t say it again: I’m not Tasuku anymore. I’m the Purgatory Knight. You would do well to remember that.”

He brushes past him and continues walking back to his apartment. He suddenly feels the exhaustion of a marathon runner and wonders, with a sinking stomach, if he can actually get any sleep with this new thorn in his side.

[distortionpunisher]

sabertoothxd:

With the other’s back turned, Tiger now let his eyes close, a small victorious smile gracing his features. It wasn’t too hard to tell when you stepped on this guy’s toes or struck a cord– or more like, ripped it right out of his heart. The change in facial expression and tone was a dead giveaway and he hoped he didn’t believe Tiger was dumb enough to fall for it.

“Maybe I did because I love tormenting and exploiting the hardships of others…” As he chuckled, arms went behind his back while he slowly reapproached him.

“Don’t you want someone around who gets you? That’s going through the same thing? You’re influenced by the Dark Core and I another force, but it happened because someone preyed upon our weaknesses. You can’t keep denying that.” And, softly, as nails scratched tenderly at the back of his shoulder plates, “and you can let it all out around me. I feel the exact same way as you, after all.”

He thinks that will be the end of that, but Noboru is persistent, and before long, he feels Noboru’s light weight against his armored shoulders. He cannot perceive the touch through his armor, yet it feels even heavier somehow.

“You’re despicable,” he growls. He cannot deny, though, that having someone around who understands is tempting. The Purgatory Knight has burned all of his bridges so that he would always be alone. That way, he has nothing to lose. That way, it doesn’t hurt.

The Purgatory Knight is silent, seriously contemplating his words. Nothing good can come out of having someone as twisted as this Noboru beside him. But he wonders if there’s any merit in attempting to chase him off, when Noboru will pursue him endlessly. In a way, he’s just like Kakeru. Persistent. Annoying. Persistently annoying. The Purgatory Knight scoffs, and pulls away from Noboru.

“Do what you want,” he says finally. “I don’t care. I doubt that anything I say could chase you off anyway.”

There is not an ounce of truth in what he says. The Purgatory Knight has given up, resigning to the twisted loneliness that he brought upon himself.

[distortionpunisher]

sabertoothxd:

Purgatory Knight was much colder than he remembered. Unfortunately for him, it didn’t deter him from getting even closer and searching those placid cerise eyes with his own golden ones.

“You’re not interested, mm?”

Maybe he was pushing it for the sole purpose that he felt utterly alone after Gao’s rejection. Whether Purgatory Knight agreed to it or not himself, they really did have something in common.

“Do you really think trying to shoo away one of the only people who understands you is going to do you any good? We’re both puppets with no free will or self inhibitions, you and I.” His tone dropped, as well as the cynical smile.

“Slaves to the ideals and goals of other people because we weren’t strong enough to fulfill our own. Because people turned their backs on us for being weak, belittling us because we weren’t adults with power. So they decided to mold us into what they needed… Soldiers of darkness. Human hearts shattered because we couldn’t bear the excruciatingly painful weight of it all. I know you better than you think I do, Ryuuenji Tasuku.”

He recoils from the sudden invasion of space and hates the way Noboru’s eyes search his own. His words impale him like a stake to the heart.

I am not weak. I am not weak. The thought rings over and over again in his head as if he must convince himself of the fact. The most jarring part about Noboru’s spiel is that it is the truth. His heart has been broken beyond repair. And he hates that. He hates being read like an open book. This is why he bears his heavy armor, with spines and blades protruding every which way as if screaming “stay away, stay away.” The Purgatory Knight takes a step back and glares.

“Shut up! I’m not like that!” But the way he has cried the words in desperation makes it all the more unconvincing. He takes a step back in hopes that distancing himself from Noboru can distance him from the pain in his chest, but it doesn’t work. He turns away angrily instead and takes a breath to regain his composure. He speaks in his same monotone, but his voice still quivers in recovery.

“Enough... What do you want? Don’t tell me you sought me out just so you could have some company... Please. Don’t make me laugh.”

[distortionpunisher]

sabertoothxd:

What gaudy yet interesting armor… Tiger’s eyes traced every bit of it, all the way down to the crimson red cape billowing behind. If he hadn’t known better, one would think he murdered someone and used their blood to dye the fabric; that was how vibrant it was. He thought it was utterly beautiful.

“Revenge on something from the past? For me, you are a done deal. Trying to do that isn’t in my agenda, it doesn’t bring me closer to Lord Yamigedou’s goal.”

“I can’t talk to you out of pure curiosity? Oh, how grumpy~.” The purr slipped from his throat a second time and Tiger invaded Purgatory Knight’s space by flicking one of the other’s shoulder pads with his middle and thumb fingers.

“Your core gadget is certainly dark and heavy. Seeing as it resembles your heart, I can only surmise that you’re suffering deeply. It’s a shame my weaker self couldn’t see it back then. But you feel so much better with this new power, don’t you? It’s different than mine, although, we’re one in the same. Casting aside our human selves for something much better. Don’t you agree?”

He no longer enjoys the company or proximity of other people. Nevertheless, when Noboru draws closer, the Purgatory Knight doesn’t move, and only watches him with a cold stare. Yes, this Noboru is markedly different from the one he has met before. A second Noboru? Or the first one gone cynical? The former is most likely. The Purgatory Knight narrows his eyes at Noboru’s comment.

“I am not suffering,” he growls, though he is unable to conceal the bitter edge to his voice. He decides not to answer the second inquiry, tossed at him as as freely as the wind blows, and glares down at Noboru. This one is clearly keen on playing mind games.

“So, who are you? You’re not the Kodo Noboru I met before, clearly. You really just approached me because you were curious? I’ll tell you now, I’m not interested.” His eyes drift down to the weapon that Noboru bears in broad daylight. It rests at his side, and doesn’t move. “If you’re not interested in revenge, then I have no business in dealing with you. Move.”

[distortionpunisher]

✦ fear

[distortionpunisher]

jackryuuenji:

How dreadfully ironic. That Jack would run into this Tasuku here, of all places… He knew it was possible thanks to the nature of how the scientists retrieved people from their home worlds. People from different times…and sometimes, more than one.

“So you can’t even recognize me anymore… How far you’ve fallen. Though I suppose…it’s partially my fault that you ended up this way.”

It was a pitiful sight. He had never wanted to see Tasuku at this low ever again, and yet here he was, standing in front of him He stepped closer, his gleaming, golden eyes boring into the alternate Tasuku’s, and he saw the despair swirling within.

“Look into my eyes and tell me that you can’t recognize me, Tasuku. Surely, you haven’t become so blinded by Gaen Kyouya’s twisted ideals that you’ve lost sight of who your real allies are.”

The Purgatory Knight takes an involuntary step back as the other boy approaches him. The golden eyes with slit pupils don’t leave the Purgatory Knight’s trembling vermilion even once. The longer he looks, the more scared he feels, but the more it dawns upon him.

“Jack?”

The name tumbles from his mouth tentatively, like he has no right to be saying it--and he doesn’t. Not after what he’s done. But the Purgatory Knight is shaken to the core, and the only thing he knows how to do is lash out. 

“How can this be? You’re a dragon... Why do you look like that?”

[distortionpunisher]

sabertoothxd:

@distortionpunisher

Tiger had his weapon out in broad daylight, uncaring of the scathing and fearful looks the citizens shot him as Blitz Tiger’s tip scraped into the wall while he walked forward. Teeth gritted, he hissed and grumbled to himself with piercing golden eyes glued to the sidewalk.

“He’s just as weak if he chose him. Gao is weak… Gao isn’t worth my time.” As much as he wanted to believe that, the human part of him would only disagree.

Clank. Clank. Clank.

What was that Godawful noise…?!!

His head lifted just in time to catch the sight of glistening armor. Shoulder blades even sharper than his own lance caught the sun’s radiant light and reflected off of it, and the eye embedded in the back of his hand was familiar as well.

He spoke softly, almost endearing, even. “This city sure loves to have multiple copies of one person in it, doesn’t it? Purgatory Knight… Last time we met, you humiliated me with an utter defeat by an impact counter attack. You haven’t forgotten me, have you?” Tiger took a step forward, toward the clad armored boy with a bit of a purr in his last bit of words. If he were his old self, he might have been just a tad afraid.

He was more amused and curious.

As he walks through the city, he parts the crowd like the Dead Sea. His treacherous armor and scowling visage ensures that no one stands in his way. The Purgatory Knight only wishes that achieving his goal, Kyoya’s goal, is this easy.

But there is one who, rather than flees in terror, approaches in intrigue. A familiar face that has burned itself into the Purgatory Knight’s mind, particularly the fear the he had in his eyes after falling to his Distortion Punisher.

“Kodo Noboru. I don’t forget the names of my opponents.”

Again, he mentions something strange, that there are multiple copies of one person. He wonders what he means by that, and can only conclude that this Noboru is somehow different from the one he had met prior.

“I did defeat you. So? What reason do you have to talk to me right now? Or are you here to take your revenge on me?"

[distortionpunisher]

✦ in any other world

[distortionpunisher]

sendousha:

In his throat clung a lump, forced down with a swallow. The sight was still a difficult one to wrap his mind around; when the last he’d seen of the knight was towering over him, poised as executor before meeting his own demise. It puzzled him as to why now, and if his and Tasuku’s paths had yet crossed. What the fallout would be.

“Two years ago. An alternative version of this city appeared, you were the Tasuku-kun of that place. I know a little through my alternative’s memories, but there’s more to the story I don’t know about. There has to be. Your being here makes that much clear”.

His heart thumped wildly, twinging now and then when pondering the possibilities which could have led to the Purgatory Knight’s conception. How alike he may be to the variation Aichi remembered. And delving for answers was equally daunting. Though without trying, he couldn’t understand anything about the other.

Attempting to calm that frantic beating, he took a slow breath, lessening the surface tension etched into his expression (even if those sharp pounds continued). “You don’t act like the Tasuku-kun I know. What happened?”

He listens quietly to the other boy’s explanation. It sounds far-fetched even to him. But then he remembers that green, chipper irritant who claims something similar, that there is somehow another Tasuku here, and that Tasuku is the reason that everyone knows who he is and reacts with as much as reproach as this boy did.

It’s hard to believe, but so is this entire situation. A stranger has no reason to lie to him, as familiar with the Purgatory Knight as he is.

“I don’t act like your Tasuku because I’m not him. It’s as simple as that.” He wonders just who this Tasuku is that could make him so different from the Purgatory Knight. How much easier his life must be. “As for what happened... It doesn’t matter anymore. If you must know, you can ask him. I’m sure he’d be willing to tell you.”

[distortionpunisher]

✦ in any other world

[distortionpunisher]

sendousha:

A distinctive sight was it to see that armour; and an unpleasant wave of stomach-churning in accompaniment. When the symptoms of panic quickly plagued his frozen body, he did combat it with a conscious fight. Devolving into a mess would do no good, he’d wanted to learn how to hold himself together when posed with a fight-or-flight scenario.

To be sure, for peace of mind, Aichi removed his phone, swiping through the frequent contacts and tapping on Tasuku’s name, initiating a call. Only a couple of rings were necessary to deduce the device wasn’t on the other’s person, bringing with it some relief that it wasn’t the Tasuku who had been living with him, so he killed it before an answer from the other end.

Ultimately, that did nothing to change the fact that it was Tasuku’s face on the boy, who had appeared after so long as though haunting him after putting the dreaded memories behind him.

“It’s a system within the city,” he answered, with an attempt to maintain a calm tone present within his voice. Still were his breaths calculated in rhythm and depth to grapple the frantic pace his heart set. “A part of it come down to what point in time you were brought here from, not everyone will be of the same time.

For us, it’s a bit more complicated… I’ve met you, but the same isn’t true from your stance”.

The boy removes his phone from his pocket and seems to make a call. A call for help? An ultimately futile action. The Purgatory Knight has no quarrel with strangers. He knows how counter-productive it would be to attack a potential ally.

Strangely enough, the boy puts the phone away before anyone on the other end can pick up. He wonders, then, what the action is for. It’s no matter. It appears to be a benign action, and the Purgatory Knight chooses not to acknowledge it.

“You’ve met me.”

He repeats the words, incredulously, as if testing them on his tongue. It’s a little hard to swallow, yes, but given the overall strange situation, he supposes that anything is possible.

“You’re right about that. I’ve never seen you in my life, yet you’re afraid of me.” He can tell. He can tell from the way the boy tenses, the way his eyes quiver, subtleties in his body language that only a trained eye can see. He wonders if his form has truly become so fearful to behold. “Tell me more. About the version of me that you apparently met. How did you meet me? And when?”

[distortionpunisher]

✦ in any other world

Another person, another unfamiliar face in unfamiliar circumstances, and yet this is the third? Fourth? To immediately be struck with fear upon seeing his armored figure. It isn’t as if the Purgatory Knight can blame any of them, as he must appear as such an abomination. But it is beginning to get tiring.

“I take it that you’re also one of the people who “knows” me?”

“So maybe you can tell me. How do you know who I am?” A former fan, he wonders? But no, surely the boy would react with anger and betrayal in that case. “Why do you have memories of me that I don’t?”

[distortionpunisher]

✦ fear

A green-haired boy whose visage resembles his own--the only difference is that hardened golden eyes with slit pupils stare hard at him. The Purgatory Knight feels his heart pounding. He can’t name this feeling, primal in nature. It’s almost like doubt. Like fear. 

Almost as if he is being stared down by a dragon.

He tries to match the fierce gaze with his own. In a battle of eyes, it is evident that one boy is backed by strength, while the other is empty and scrambles to find a foothold in their mental battle. The struggle isn’t visible on his face, or so he hopes. He glares back at the newcomer with the unfamiliar yet familiar eyes.

“...Who are you?”

[acedefeat]

Muscle Memory

[distortionpunisher]

acedefeat:

… Fate had an incredibly sick sense of humor. 

Rouga listened in silence, jaw clenched so tightly that it was almost painful. Just after his match with Kodo Noboru… So this version of the Purgatory Knight truly was from a different timeline, then–one entirely separate from the one his murderer had hailed from. He was entirely different from that person…and he really had no idea about anything that had happened, or about what level he’d sunk to in another reality. The possibility that this Ryuuenji Tasuku was lying to him seemed unlikely.

After all, the Purgatory Knight he had crossed blades with that night wouldn’t have wasted time and effort trying to talk Rouga down were he actually standing in front of him.

“……”

Grudgingly, the teen lowered his spear–but refrained from deactivating his Core Gadget completely. For some reason, the realization that this person had no intention of fighting or killing him again offered surprisingly little comfort. 

“… If you approached me looking for some kind of alliance or truce, my answer is no.” Rouga finally ground out. “We are not on the same team. I haven’t been a member of Disaster or Team Purgatory for two years since I got here, and I have no interest in returning.

“If you’re looking for help, get it from someone else.”

The news that Rouga has cut his ties with Disaster is startling and unexpected; the fact that he’s been here for years, even more so.

“Two years? How can that be? I just saw you in that waiting room.” But Rouga appears adamant about not forging an alliance at all. He clearly isn’t willing to divulge anymore information. In fact, Rouga doesn’t seem willing to drag this conversation out a second longer.

“I don’t need help. From anyone. I only wanted a confirmation. But fine.”

He thinks, as he walks away, that he doesn’t want to spend company with someone whose values clashes so thoroughly with his own.

(He thinks, also, that a small part of him is envious of Rouga, for being able to cut the ties that keeps the Purgatory Knight anchored to a place he no longer feels right in. Rouga has spread his wings and is soaring freely as the Purgatory Knight remains grounded.)

(How frustrating.)

[distortionpunisher]

✦ future memory

[distortionpunisher]

gravityrest:

“Umm…. how else can I put this?”

Trying to brush off as much of that brash hostility as he could, Kakeru kicked at the rubble near his feet coyly, eyes darting about in search of a clever bring about.

“Ah! Have you heard of symbiosis, Purgatory Knight-chan?  Two different species come together to live closely, rather it be mutual, commensalistic, or parasitic. If we stick together, we can only benefit from one another’s company… sure, one of us may or may not have a hidden agenda, but do you really have anything to lose?”

There would be double the protection, twice the alert to their surroundings, and not to mention, an interesting tale to unfold from following this Tasuku from another possible timeline. And just as he was sure he would say no, Kakeru leaned in to invade the other’s personal proximity, their noses just barely touching for good measure.

“Weellllll?”   

Kakeru leans far too close for his comfort and the Purgatory Knight withdraws before turning on his heel. When Kakeru is out of his face, the Purgatory Knight finds it safe to speak again.

“Hmph. You seem like the parasitic type to me...and only the parasites benefit from that kind of symbiosis.” 

But he has a feeling that Kakeru will follow him regardless of what the Purgatory Knight’s answer is. He is already exhausted from this entire encounter, and doesn’t want to waste anymore breath telling Kakeru off. He feels like the only way to get him to stop dogging his steps would be to kill him.

He also cannot deny that there may be benefit in having an extra pair of eyes. The Purgatory Knight is barely familiar with Hive City, let alone this district. An attentive companion may be the only difference between life and death in this situation.

He briskly begins walking down the stony path. In a cold voice, he speaks to Kakeru once more.

“Do what you want. If you can’t keep up, I’ll leave you behind.”

[distortionpunisher]

✦ future memory

[distortionpunisher]

gravityrest:

The very sight of those narrowing crimson eyes is what made Kakeru feel that twisted sense of glee; usually Tasuku would just get exasperated or play along, but this one was so on edge… so serious! Suddenly, he wanted to see what made him tick… what made this one so different from the Tasuku he knew. Wanting to stick close by to this Purgatory Knight just to confirm whether or not he was a threat–if he was just as possibly soft hearted as the one he admired–Kakeru pursued the conversation.

“Well, Purgatory Knight-chan, it’s a lot easier to think of it that way, right?”

Hop skipping over to the armored doppelganger and twirling on his heel until they were face-to-face once more, did Kakeru then provide his proposal.

“So… if you’re not looking for a fight, how about we team up, then? I’m super resourceful, and I even have rations in my bag! I’ll definitely find us a way out, what do you say?”

Part of the Purgatory Knight wants to accept the proposal.

Another part of him, the part that has had his trust shattered again and again, is suspicious of this cheerful fellow. His red eyes are trained on Kakeru as he skips closer, and he notes that Kakeru is deceptively dexterous in spite of the clumsy show from earlier. Another act.

Which of this boy’s faces is his true one? He doesn’t have time to think on it. He bristles at the horrid nickname and glares at Kakeru.

“Don’t talk to me with such familiarity. I told you, I don’t know who you are. I don’t know about what you said earlier either. About you knowing a ‘Tasuku-chan.’ As far as I’m concerned, we’re strangers.”

“What makes you think I’m going to trust you, a complete stranger?” When the Purgatory Knight can’t even trust his former superiors. “Your clumsy act from earlier would just be an inconvenience. You have no reason to help me either. Why share your resources with someone you don’t even know unless you have your own agenda?”

[distortionpunisher]

✦ future memory

[distortionpunisher]

gravityrest:

So quick to retort… Clearly Kakeru’s words managed to dig way past the intimidating metal he used to cocoon around himself and right into that fragile skin of his. In a way, Kakeru wanted to tease him more for the entertainment of it, but he knew better than to play with his food…

“I was looking after you because you looked like such a cute, lost lamb! The way your little hooves go clunk, clunk against the rubble is so precious… I had to make sure no wolves came to gobble you up! Fufu…” Metaphor aside, Kakeru wanted to get more to the point, hands shifting into his empty pockets just to rattle the other into a defensive position once more.

“But you know…. you look just like my Tasuku-chan…. So I have to ask you a question now:…

“What are you planning to do now that you’re here, not Tasuku-chan? Are you a good little lamb? Or a wolf in sheep’s clothing…?”

“What?” 

This boy isn’t just strange, he’s outright bizarre. The Purgatory Knight is certain he has never met him before, yet he speaks with such familiarity. He’s quite certain that Kakeru is the only stranger not to be intimidated by the sight of his purgatory armor. Is he trying to get under the Purgatory Knight’s skin?

He hates to admit it, but it’s working. There’s something about Kakeru that grates.

“Do you think this is a game?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m the Purgatory Knight. I’m not Tasuku anymore. Why are you speaking as if you know me? This is the first time we’ve ever met.

“Of course, I intend on finding a way out of this place. If you’re going to get in my way, you’re just wasting both of our time.”

[distortionpunisher]

✦ future memory

[distortionpunisher]

gravityrest:

… And just like that, the other had reacted with frightening reflexes, confirming his nagging suspicions almost subsequently.

“Ohhh~! That was pretty cool!”

Putting on his best impressed airs, Kakeru gave a few mocking claps in consideration to his tone, noting that this was, indeed, not the Ryuenji Tasuku he had been hoping to meet. Another doppleganger, huh? Just like that other me…

“Hmm? I’m Futaboshi Kakeru. An aspiring doctor for Buddyfight Monsters.”

Shrugging his arms to show that he meant no harm–as long as things remained civil, that is–Kakeru tilted his head, all the while putting a finger to his chin in thoughtful observation. 

“Say, aren’t you rather inconvenienced in that shabby, clunky armor, stranger? What’re you so afraid of hiding in there? And my, what a sour look in your eyes….”

The boy is mocking him. The Purgatory Knight recognizes that kind of tone all too well, but he chooses not to comment on it. It would do him little good to rise on his haunches at that.

“Futaboshi Kakeru?” The name doesn’t ring any bells. But if he’s studying a profession that has to do with Buddyfight, then he must be from the Purgatory Knight’s world. The Purgatory Knight doesn’t know whether to be relieved or disgruntled. He opts for disgruntled and bristles a little when Kakeru decides to begin running his mouth.

“I’m not afraid of anything.” The quickness with which he refutes Kakeru only suggests that he’s trying to prove himself. To whom? Not even the Purgatory Knight knows. “As for everything else... It’s none of your business.”

“You still haven’t answered my second question. Why were you following me?”

[distortionpunisher]

✦ future memory

[distortionpunisher]

gravityrest:

… Kakeru had been separated from any and all familiar faces. As he assumed, everyone had been spread across the unknown territory around the edges of the imprisoned concrete jungle, left to the mercy of unversed nature and beasts alike. With everyone frazzled and out of their element, it was hard to assume who you could trust, given the demographic of Hive City’s regulars… At most times they were more ferocious than the rumored monsters prowling the lands before him now. 

Though it didn’t take a savvy strategist like Kakeru much to remain calm and try to gain his bearings. He was still equipped with his handy medical supply pack, filled with a few days worth of water and food; it could stave off until he found some resources he could utilize, be it by conventional or unconventional means..

Give or take several hours into the late afternoon, Kakeru caught wind of a heavy sound traversing the rocky earth, what came to his perception as heavy metal carefully making its wallowed trek up the mountainous road… Quickly retreating into some nearby bushes for camouflage, he awaited his uninvited company’s emergence. 

Eh?! That’s–!!?

….. Stopping himself before he would emerge, the coincidence in which this was happening was too good to be true; not to mention the absurdity of the fact that the Ryuenji Tasuku he knew was waltzing across a ravenous path in a full suit of glaring gold and black armor.

I’ll keep close and follow him to see where he goes for now….

At least this would make things exciting.

“You’ve been following me for some time now. Show yourself.”

That piercing command making the covert doctor click his tongue peevishly (The game was over now! No fun…), Kakeru unhesitatingly popped out from the surrounding foliage, giving a cheerful reply all the while.

“Wow! ☆You caught me~! Guess I gotta come out now, fufu…”

Stepping forward with a clumsy trip, the branches Kakeru was holding on purpose for this moment went flying towards the other, fully anticipating the reaction to his charade as the answer to his assumption.

“Wh-whoooppps!”

The bespectacled boy emerges from the bushes and stumbles towards him is so strangely chipper that the Purgatory Knight is convinced immediately that it’s an act. But the branches now flying towards him like knives are very much real.

He reacts quickly and grabs a fallen branch off the ground, slashing them all away with a single swing. Something like this isn’t even worth expending his limited Disaster Force for. Barely concealing his annoyance, he looks the boy over. He doesn’t seem very serious about the situation, but the issue remains that he was tailing the Purgatory Knight. 

The day is just one inconvenience after the other.

“Who are you...and why were you following me?”