APRÈS MOI, LE DÉLUGE

Haru Okumura {Fate/Stain lens} Master of Midir

[fillenoble-blog]

♥ Arrivée

[fillenoble-blog]

arquemie:

Surprise riddles his features, leaping from his parted lips to his widening eyes. He hadn’t even thought to question whether or not the translation features necessitated an invasive procedure. The shock yields a furrowed brow and a frown. He sets his elbows upon the table between them and crosses his arms, clearly put out by her concerns.

No, he would have noticed a surgery scar and nothing they’d have ingested prior to awakening would have lasted up through now. Neither of those options seem feasible.

Although he dislikes how the Messengers have chosen to withhold so much information, he doesn’t think they’re secretly working against Utopia’s refugees. They could have toyed with them upon arrival. The fact that they haven’t done anything thus far has to count for something.

“I can’t say for certain, but I don’t think whoever brought us to this world bears ill intent towards us. They’ve ensured that we’re taken care of and have the means to continue our lives,” he tells her in a steady voice, hoping to take the worry and guesswork out of her thoughts.

She was lucky to have had Julian find her, for he certainly knew how to sound confident in what he was saying. Haru could only look at him with hopeful eyes as she calmed down a bit more, his words reaching her. There was no ill will, if he was certain about that, being a researcher he would carry a great amount of knowledge. It was at least obvious that he was still new to Utopia, but still more experienced than Haru herself. The fluffy haired teen let out a sigh, shaking her head.

“I’m sorry, getting into a panic so easily. I’m glad you found me of all people, you can keep your calm so easily.” She admitted, a soft but worried smile coming to her lips as Haru looked back up at her new acquaintance. Normally Haru would have trouble trusting people so quickly, even after the months she spent with the Phantom Thieves after, but the situation called for such an act. 

“I do have a question, though, Mr. Albert...” She paused, trying to remember the words and their context from before. “They spoke about Masters and Servants and... They said I’m a Master? And that I have to find this other person and--” No, don’t panic again. Haru took a steadying breath. “Do you.. know anything about this.”

[sakiddmoto-blog]

··ᴛᴀɢ ᴡʜᴀᴛ ᴜ ᴘʟᴀɴ ᴏɴ sᴛᴜᴅʏɪɴɢ·· ᴇғғɪɴ ᴡᴇᴇᴅ

@fillenoble !

[ ☠ ]

and, of course, the little princess was here.

ryuji’s not going to pretend that he didn’t enjoy haru’s company - honestly, outside of ann and joker, she’s probably the one who he liked hanging out with most. she’s sweet, and unlike everyone else, she doesn’t take potshots at his expense. not that he hasn’t gotten used to it - after all, he knows they’re all in jest, unlike back in the day - but it’s nice to be able to have someone to turn to for assurance, rather than jokes.

“ hey, garden princess. y’got a minute, or are ya busy? ” he’s not going to be surprised no matter how she answers. that’s just how it works with her, really.

[fillenoble-blog]

“Ryuji!” Haru gasped, incredibly happy to see one of her friends-- the first person she recognized besides Akechi, and... Well, it was a relief to see that one of her fellow Phantom Thieves was alright too, albeit caught in the same strange situation. Before she had time to celebrate their reunion, Ryuji was already two steps ahead of Haru, asking her a question. The fluffy haired girl immediately perked up, cheeks rosy from smiling. 

But garden princess? She... actually kind of liked that nickname!

“Ah, of course! What can I help with?”

[frayedblade-blog]

History;

[arquemie-blog]

frayedblade:

frayedblade -> @arquemie -> @fillenoble

Historical annals, all cities seemed to have one and even this was no different. Their master had insisted they go together and seeing as some semblance of order had been regained, they didn’t have a particularly good reason to refuse. Spirit form had been removed from the table too.

So they wandered around this museum, Haru directing them straight to the aquarium. Marine life was fascinating, in its own way. Midir had never really had involvement with the sea, or even particularly large bodies of water. Their enemy had always been on land, and being made of stone wasn’t the most conducive to swimming. 

They recalled staring at the sharks, something eerily reminiscent about their primal, prehistoric appearance. By an large the most impressive living specimen was the orca, Midir lingered by that tank the longest. Largely silent, they let their master do most of the talking and explaining as this was in both senses, out of their depth. 

Eventually they came to the end of the exhibit where multiple pools were gathered, their purpose to interact with the marine life. 

“Are these the ones you mentioned.” A rough, grey hand dipped slowly into the water, gliding gently across the surface of one of these flat, ray creatures. It too was rough, pleasant in a way. “Do they get much bigger than this?”

Turning towards Haru, they noticed her eyes had met with another. A young man who’s face brightened as he saw them. Waving himself, he started to walk over. Midir looked from their master to this individual, sensing mana in the air and that same strange flow. Another master; was their servant close? It was more unsettling that they couldn’t immediately tell. Midir stepped forward as the other drew close.

“That’s close enough.” Amethyst eyes were hard and unwavering

“You are a Master. Who are you? What do you want?”

@frayedblade​ -> @arquemie -> @fillenoble​​

The grand opening has been met with resounding success. Every day, Julian sees new faces wandering inside their halls. There’s the occasional person busying themselves with their Triplicata, sure, but for the most part, he enjoys greeting expressions of awe and wonder. It’s rare that he has a moment to step outside of the storage room, but he always gravitates to the basement when he has a chance.

He’s on his way to the jellyfish tank when he spots an impressionable pink sweater. Could it be? Haru?

“Excuse me–” He’s cut off before he can finish his sentence.

Caught off-guard by the hostile remark, Julian stills in his step. A touch of fear creases his brow while his pupils dilate. He looks to Haru for help. While he’s familiar with her, he has not had the pleasure to meet her, ah, Servant - if had to take a guess. “My apologies,” - he glances back to the stranger - “For startling you. I’m the curator of this museum, Julian Albert, and I happen to be acquainted with Ms. Okumura.”

[fillenoble-blog]

@frayedblade -> @arquemie -> @fillenoble

It was nice to be somewhere that was familiar, somewhere that Haru could feel at peace. The aquarium was a new addition to Utopia, but it was still grand-- so much so that Haru had to wait a bit after the grand opening to go. There would be no enjoyment in wading through bustling crowds. And somehow, she managed to get Midir to join her (not that it was hard, the other insisted on following her most places as her servant). It was a day to relax, let the worries of where she had been taken and the infection and leave them behind. 

Instead they went from tank to tank, Haru mostly spouting a few facts she knew or would read off the signs when she felt the air become awkward (probably only to her). She didn’t mind, however, the silence between her and Midir by the orca tank. She spent equal parts watching them and the whale-- it was nice to see that even Midir was awed in some way by the creature. 

Yet Haru had to admit-- being able to pet sting rays at the end of the aquarium excited her the most, and she felt almost childish as she hurried toward the shallow pools once they were in sight. Haru felt the creature glide against her fingertips as she went to answer Midir’s question, only for her eyes to catch a familiar face. A smile was on Haru’s lips as she made to wave, but the sudden close presence and serious voice of Midir caused her to startle slightly.

“Oh-- don’t worry, it’s okay!” Haru reassured them, a soft smile returning as she looked up to Midir. “This is Mr. Albert, he first found me when I was taken to Utopia and helped me find my bearings.” A small hand gently touched the sleeve of Midir’s coat as she looked back to Julian. “This is--,” Right, not Midir. “Fray.” Not Berserker or Servant either. Those words just didn’t seem right.

[fillenoble-blog]

kougaown:

He was supposed to walk straight home for the day, but a nearby coffee shop had been around to distract him. Goro didn’t appreciate the taste much at first, but its gentle aroma alongside the cafe’s quaint environment drew him in. Such establishments were enough to comfort him, so to speak. But perhaps he shouldn’t have stayed around to look inside, else he would have been able to miss meeting yet another Phantom Thief.

To hear his name be called upon by a particular voice was enough to make him freeze.

The young heiress wasn’t the first among them to approach him, so her presence in itself was no surprise. The last thing he was expecting from her was a smile, however. Among their group he thought that she would have been the least amicable towards seeing him in this city, and for good reason.

Her father’s death should be fresh in both their minds, after all.

“Okumura-san. Indeed, I am alive.”

He’s avoiding her gaze. While his features betray nothing to what emotions he was experiencing, the unbearable guilt was heavy in his eyes. 

“…You don’t need to lie, you know. Nobody would blame you if you would want to kill me.”

To see Akechi avoiding her gaze, to see the guilt that obviously weighed heavier on his shoulders than she had seen before... It came as a relief to Haru. It reaffirmed her belief that Akechi, he... He truly wasn’t all dark. After all, why would he have had Robin Hood as a persona alongside Loki if he wasn’t, at least in some manner, of good will. Her smile faltered slightly at Akechi’s next words, and her own gaze flickered away. It hurt a bit to hear him say that, but she had to remember... He wasn’t used to kindness in the way she had received it from her friends. Haru decided long ago, after all...

Akechi did not kill her father, it was Shido’s doing. He had his own son constantly at gunpoint, even when Akechi wasn’t aware.

“Um...”

Feeling awkward simply standing at the cafe, she gingerly took the seat across the small table from the brunette, hands settling into her lap. It was strange how one comment could put her into such a silence, but Haru wasn’t sure how to rebuttal. It felt as if her words would go over the others head-- he wouldn’t easily believe her, would he? Haru sighed before speaking once more, looking back up at Akechi with an earnest expression.

“I don’t feel that way, Akechi-kun. It was certainly difficult to... come to terms with what happened, but I don’t blame you for... my father.” Her chest tightened a little, thinking about her deceased parent, but Haru continued to speak. “I understand if you don’t believe me but... I think we have a bit more in common than we let on.” Ah, was that too forward of her?

[fillenoble-blog]

Alright, time for some replies!!

[fillenoble-blog]

Haru Okumura  ✿  Best Girl

Very smol

Such a good girl

Loves gardening

And making homemade coffee

And being a harbinger of justice!

Beauty Thief

Soft like mashed potatoe

[fillenoble-blog]

“Oh, today is...”

“... Happy Father’s Day, dad...”

[fillenoble-blog]

♥ Arrivée

[fillenoble-blog]

arquemie:

Confusion flickers across his eyes. He’s about to tell her ‘I’m not speaking Japanese’ when he has a flash of insight; Julian lifts a hand to his mouth and rests the ridge of his index finger against his lips. He lowers his hand and the same digit bobs up and down in emphasis as he speaks, “We’re not speaking the same language. The people who constructed this world, they’re translating everything we say–

“When I speak English, you hear it in your native tongue? Because I hear everything you say in my language. This is, this is fascinating, if we had this sort of technology at home, it would revolutionize the world,” - his eyes are sparkling as he rambles - “You’d be able to provide better patient care in the hospital, hobbyists could connect around the world without having to learn the same language, there’d might even be a significant shift in political ideology–” Julian stops himself, noting belatedly that he’s said a lot in a very short amount of time.

With a sheepish bow of his head, he lifts a hand to card through his hair. He clears his throat. “Sorry, I… My background is in research, hence the enthusiasm. I just, I can’t help myself when…” He trails off once more.

In an attempt to make up for taking their conversation hostage, he turns his hand over and gestures in her direction, encouraging her to speak. “Please, your thoughts on all this?”

Haru’s soft smile slowly fell as Julian spoke further, fingers pressed against his lips to feel out the words he was speaking. To him, they were making the same sounds and shapes that would coordinate with the English language, but only perfect, and rather formal, Japanese hit Haru’s ears. Immediately her brows knit in concern, an uncomfortable nausea nuzzling back into the pit of her stomach. What had they done to her-- to the both of them, that this sort of communication was possible?

Yet instead of being as worried or concerned as Haru, Julian was amazed-- excited even, at the prospect of their seamless communication. On the other end of the spectrum, of their small table, Haru felt as if her legs would shake right off of her body in nervousness. Instinctively she reached to the back of her head, fingers feeling the skin of her scalp for any stitches, bandages, scarring-- anything. Her eyes started to burn again with the threat of tears, which she tried her best to blink away.

“M-my thoughts?” Goodness, she could barely lift her head, a delicate hand returning to her lap. Out of nervousness Haru began to wring her fingers, the inside of her cheek catching between back teeth as she chewed nervously. Without the Metaverse, without the Phantom Thieves, without Milady, Haru felt completely and utterly powerless. It was something she hadn’t felt in a long time.

“I-I feel...” Her bottom lip quivered, and she looked up to Julian with barely masked fear. “Scared. What did they do to us for this to be possible...?” As amazing as it was, Haru felt borderline violated by this immediate translation.

[fillenoble-blog]

♥ Arrivée

[fillenoble-blog]

arquemie:

Under normal circumstances, he would have readily agreed that, yes, his work took precedence over someone he didn’t know on a personal level. But after one tragedy led to another, Julian found himself forced to open his eyes and pay more attention to his fellow man. After all, if he was going to go around claiming that he cared what happened to others, he had to start with the individual.

So rather than answer with a brusque affirmation that he did, in fact, have better things to do, he offered her a quiet, if not unsure, “it’s not a problem.” As out of his element as he may have been, this was far better than entertaining the guests of a gala hosted by his parents. Perhaps part of this was due in part to how meek his current company was. One would be hard-pressed to try and find anything intimidating about a young lady as prim and proper as this one.

Curious. Did she just introduce herself by her family name first? How odd. She spoke perfect English and yet… Julian shrugged it off as a slip of the tongue and paid it no mind. “It’s good to meet you, Haru. I’m Julian. Julian Albert.” He smiled in an attempt to assure her that she needn’t worry about feeling out of place.

“In answer to your question, yes, I was living in Missouri before waking up in this city. It’s been both terrifying and… exhilarating.” His smile widened ever so slightly.

“Granted, I’m a bit of a thrill-seeker.” Then came the laugh.

A soft smile took place on the girls features-- after all, it wasn’t every day she met someone so kind and patient, especially while working with so many higher up in Okumura Foods. The change was welcome, and Haru could only wish that the situation was a bit different-- but she had to make lemonade from lemons, now didn’t she?  There was always a brighter side to things and-- well, she had to be a little bit stronger and see that side, even if she was only moments into this new world.

However, she was taken off guard by being called by her given name right off the bat. A flush crept to Haru’s cheeks as her eyes widened slightly-- he was so forward to call her by her first name as if they were friends for such a long time! It honestly made her a bit uncomfortable, the young girl looking down and pressing her palms against bare knees. It was when Julian mentioned he was from Missouri that things made much more sense. A small smile of relief came to her lips.

“O-oh, I see, you’re from America.” She let out a small breathy giggle. “I was wondering... Well, it’s nice to meet you Mr. Albert. If you don’t mind me calling you that.” Had she been... taken to America then? It would make sense of why she didn’t recognize the area, but... No, everything was written in Japanese, and he was speaking perfect Japanese as well. She was definitely in her own country, but...

“Your Japanese is perfect, I’m curious, did you study it for a long time? It’s usually a difficult jump for germanic-based languages to go to Japanese...” And he certainly wasn’t very clear cut with the customs as he was the language. 

[frayedblade-blog]

Master;

[fillenoble-blog]

frayedblade:

“It must have been quite startling.” Midir had barely moved from the spot they had appeared, body language betraying little, their tone and countenance like stone itself. A level of detachment was necessary to keep the dark in check; while the gnawing was ever present, any further emotion on their part would only excite and agitate it.

“Okumura Haru. If you wish to keep my identity a secret from others then you should refer to me as Berserker in public. Or Fray.”

“Though it is of no concern to me, secrecy and subtlety have never been my expertise.” Something to be left to Haru’s discretion. Though, perhaps a bit of context on what that name meant would help her. But before the archdragon could elaborate, they were posed an ultimatum:

“Tea or coffee?” Hm. “I… Have never had either” And neither were necessary, yet… “I will let you decide.” 

She listened to the strange person talk, and while Haru tried to the best of her ability to take in what they were saying... her head was in such a fog she barely managed to grasp the basics. Don’t call them Midir in public, but Berserker or Fray. Also, they never had tea or coffee before-- what kind of place did they come from exactly?! Letting out a soft hum, Haru looked down at the pan still in her grasp. Gently, she put it down on the counter as she entered the kitchen, quiet.

Haru reached up to a cabinet and pulled out a starch-white mug, as plain as the one she was using. The water was still hot from making her own drink, and grabbing a tea bag she let the slightly cooled water pour over the bag, watching it float up as the mug was filled. Normally she would put more care into making tea, steeping the leaves, not using a market brand-- but it was something she recognized and grabbed off the shelf in a need for familiarity.

“Midir...” She mumbled the others name quietly, perhaps too softly for the servant to hear. It was all so utterly overwhelming and, above all, Haru felt exhausted. She would call them Fray, then. Berserker seemed inappropriate, if brash. Carrying the hot mug to the living room, Haru looked up at her new companion, and worried the inside of her cheek between her teeth before speaking.

“Here... Fray. I suppose... make yourself at home. Since were ‘partners’ now um... “ She shook her head, sighing. “My apologies, I don’t know what to do...”

[fillenoble-blog]

@kougaown liked for a starter... 

It was like all the breath in her lungs left all at the same time. It was a surreal experience, seeing someone you thought was dead, and then seeing them in a near impossible situation. She was lost in a city that had ripped her from her home, and now was watching as a ghost looked into a cafe window just down the sidewalk. Haru felt equal parts relief and fear in her chest, like her heart was going to jump out of her throat.

The first familiar face she saw was not a teammate, but the one who nearly destroyed them all.

But he had some good in him... He did save them all from that shadow version, sacrificing himself when it would have been so easy to shoot Akira. No, he wasn’t all bad, and Haru believed everyone deserved a second chance. After all, there was still some hope for a good outcome. Thus, excitement overcame fear. A soft smile broke out on her face as she hurried toward the brunette.

“Akechi-kun!” The name felt strange on her lips, but she pushed through. “You’re okay-- you’re alive!” At least, he seemed to be, right? He seemed... unharmed. “I’m... relieved to see you.” She admitted, clutching her hands to her chest. All Haru could do now was hope she wasn’t met with violence... and she was fairly sure it would be alright... Wouldn’t it?

[fillenoble-blog]

@leylinemage liked for a starter!

The Residential District, she found, was surrounded by a body of occasionally calm waters, and this was clearly taken advantage of. A sidewalk stretched across the shoreline a few feet away from the sandy, rocky shore that the water lapped upon. The path was dotted with benches, street lamps, garbage cans and the occasional food stand, and while Haru was usually keen to try new things... She stayed upon a bench, looking out at the water.

The teen let out a long sigh, one she would normally be berated for; ‘A girl your age has no reason to sigh so sadly’ she could hear it now. But there was a reason, multiple. She had no idea how she got to Utopia, what she was really supposed to do there, and then her Servant. They weren’t bad by any means, in fact they were courteous and kind and strangely loyal, but... 

Haru closed her eyes and leaned back into the bench, letting out a groan. Why were things becoming so strange and complicated when they were just starting to make sense?!

“What do I do...?”

[fillenoble-blog]

♥ Arrivée

[fillenoble-blog]

arquemie:

He’d done this before - uprooted his entire life and began anew. Last time hadn’t been of his own volition either. This, this was becoming a pattern. Would he forever be at fate’s mercy?

At least the currency exchange rate was sensible: He could afford his medication without feeling as though he’d been taken advantage of. The trick, then, was to behave as if he belonged here - that he was every bit the block of code as any other non-playable character. He had his theories as to the function of this game. Perhaps in the safety of a simulation, the lot of them could struggle and push themselves to their limits until they arrived at a solution.

If he fooled himself into believing that, the day almost became bearable.

As he wandered through the entertainment district (all while turning his nose at the various attractions), he sensed that there was another like him. The NPCs, they were rarely perturbed. They had no need to be. But that girl, she hadn’t a clue what was going on, did she?

The sense of justice that had carried him this far bubbled to the surface of his consciousness and Julian lifted his hand in a curt wave as he approached her. He gestured towards the edge of the street, out of the way of the hustle and bustle, and clasped his hands behind himself with a delicate sigh.

“It’s a lot to take in, isn’t it?”

Upon the back of his own hand was a crimson stylized flask, flanked by two lightning bolts. He bore the marks of a Master as well.

Noting her distress, he turned towards her and asked in the softest voice he could muster, “Would you like to sit down somewhere?”

Haru was broken from her panic by another’s voice, her head snapping up, curls bouncing. Her eyes were glossy with held back tears, and looking in confusion upon the stranger, took a half-step back. She rubbed her eyes with the back of her hand, swallowing any sob that might escape down thickly. She had to be strong, not panic! That’s not what a heroine would do, after all, especially not Noir. She had to be stronger than this...

But the soft voice was welcome, as was the idea it offered. Somewhere to sit-- yes, that would be good. Her legs felt like jello and her mind was in a scramble. Sitting and thinking would be the best course of action, naturally. Why didn’t she think of that? Oh, right, she was busy freaking out. Pull it together Haru. Giving a silent nod to the blonde, the two sat on a nearby bench, one that rested outside a small boutique likely meant for bored boyfriends and husbands. Still, the franchise heiress was grateful for the seating.

“I’m... sorry. I’m sure you have better things to do than comfort a stranger...” An apology wasn’t the first thing she wanted to come from her lips, yet habits were hard to break. Haru let out a soft sigh, rubbing her eyes once more before resting her hands in her lap. Looking up at the other, she offered her thanks instead of another apology.

“I appreciate you helping me... Were you also brought here from somewhere else?” She asked, earnestly wondering if this man was a kindred soul. Before he could answer, a small gasp left her lips. “Oh-- where are my manners, my name is Okumura Haru. And thank you again.”

[frayedblade-blog]

Master;

[fillenoble-blog]

frayedblade:

Well, that hadn’t exactly been the reaction Midir had expected. They didn’t make a move, remaining stood in place as the young woman peered at them from the kitchen. It appears they had found someone even less prepared for this place than they had been.

Midir knew their instructions had been sparse to say the least, and there’d certainly been a dubious feel to all this. Yet this girl was afraid, fear was not what the archdragon had hoped to see, least of all inspired in one they had been assigned a duty to. And now they were brandishing a cooking implement, this was definitely not going as hoped.

“I am not here to hurt you, If I was I would not have spoken and done so already.” The truth was the best thing, surely? This was going to be difficult if she stayed agitated. Not their forte Midir continued as best they could. “I understand how strange this may all seem, and that you may even be afraid.”

“And strange it certainly is. But that blue cube must have given you some understanding, yes? You are giving off magical energy; mana. That mark on your arm denotes you as a Master and I have been summoned here to assist you as your Servant.” They wanted to continue, but it was probably best to see if she was going to accept or reject that information first.

Maybe it was good they’d had some time to think.

Haru could feel every tense limb, every subtle shiver, and every stuttered breath that wracked her body. It was just a she was getting her life back together after the Phantom Thieves that this would happen. Yet... the person before them, they made no move to harm her, looked startlingly calm and... well they did make a valid point. If pain was the end goal she certainly couldn’t do much with a frying pan of all things. Still, it offered a small measure of reassurance for Haru, so she kept it by her side despite lowering it.

“Servant...” Oh-- wait, she remembered now. It was what that lady told her to do, to find her Servant because she was a... Master? In her frenzy Haru all but forgot those details, and the consistency was calming. At least this person knew what they were doing. Still, she... had trouble trusting them, walls built up high even if Akira did help lower them during their journey. Haru’s immediate response was to distrust. Old habits die after all.

“Right... I’m sorry. You appeared so suddenly.” She sighed shakily, willing her limbs to relax. Heru entered the room finally, but only by a step-- her body remained leaning against the threshold between the kitchen and living room. There was no telling what could happen in a moments notice after all. “My name is Okumura Haru.” Midir was certainly... an interesting name. It definitely wasn’t Japanese. She was still at a loss for what to do. They were all summoned here by the GRAIL, as she was told, and that only brought memories of something terrible.

Was this the Gods punishment?

“Um-- I’m sorry, how rude of me. Do you... want something to drink? Tea, coffee...” Her eyes lowered immediately, feeling awkward.If this person was her Servant (she didn’t really like that term) and they were ‘united’... What was next?

[fillenoble-blog]

ooc;; Okay, I wanted to finish Persona before threading-- and I just finished! so thanks for being patient!

[frayedblade-blog]

Master;

@fillenoble

Now, this was new. As they were walking a glowing circle had appeared beneath their feet. The markings, those shapes; strangely similar to the transcription of miracles.

That was their last thought before they were whisked away once more. 

In this one particular apartment that same pattern etched itself into the floor, a circular tangle of lines and markings. It took on a deep red hue then began to glow, its soft light steadily climbing until all was eclipsed in a white flash. When the room’s ambience returned Midir stood in the centre.

There was a flow of energy they hadn’t felt before. They had detected it, but not in this flow; it was mana. Servant, Berserker. The words- no, the meaning flowed through Midir’s mind. So, this was them. 

A young woman who looked entirely ready for bed. 

“The markings on your arm; you are a Master.”

“And I am to be your Servant.” It was not a rule unknown to the archdragon. Rather it was one they had known across countless ages. But they would not fail to protect another charge, especially if it was corruption that wracked this land.

“My name is Midir, Berserker class servant. I will guard you against danger in the coming events.”

[fillenoble-blog]

It had taken her nearly the entire day to find the studio apartment she had been assigned to. It was sparsely furnished but still comfortable-- as if they anticipated her arrival. It sent a shiver down her spine, especially seeing the stocked cabinets and refrigerator, as simple as it was. Even the drawers has her old clothes in it, some of them at least, which nearly brought the girl to tears. Someone went through her stuff and brought it here. The whole situation felt like a kidnapping.

Finally Haru was able to wind down, showering and getting into a simple soft-pink pair of pajamas. A hot cup of tea steamed between her hands as she curled up on the small sofa. Haru was deep in thought, wondering how she had gotten there, the memories static filled and hurting her head, when a glow from behind caught her attention. Setting the mug on the coffee table, she looked over the back of the sofa to see strange markings on the floor, which seemed to get brighter. In fear, she ran to the kitchen, and peeked out out of the side of the walkway. 

After a bright flash of light, a person appeared-- and they were a lot less nervous than Haru herself. The girl stood there, still watching while half hidden in the walkway, as the person spoke of servants and masters, and the mark on her bare arm that peeked out. As soon as they finished, amethyst eyes locked with Haru’s own, and she grasped behind herself in nervousness, grabbing onto the first thing her fingers toughed and poising it before her in self-defense.

A frying pan. Well, alright.

“S-Stay away--! I-I won’t hesitate to use this!” She was obviously very shaken by everything that had happened to her. “I don’t know how you did that b-but I-I...!” Haru was so nervous she couldn’t even finish her sentence.

[fillenoble-blog]

♥ Arrivée

What bothered her most was that the city almost looked like home.

There was an immediate sense of familiarity despite the obvious change in place-- the busy city life could be replicated over and over, she guessed. Haru glanced around at her new surroundings, tall buildings, busy people with busier streets creating their own rhythm that pulsed through the city; Utopia. This certainly didn’t feel like one, but who was she to say? Home was all she longed for, even only two steps into this new city. She clutched the small, softly glowing cube close to her sternum, fingers curled tightly around it’s edges. It was warm, like a cellphone during an hours long conversation, and brought the girl a small measure of comfort... But not enough.

Who knew the thought of having to deal with stocks, bonds, and blackened hearts could be something she longed for.

“Why am I here...?” Left with nothing but a cube that held a key, yet no specific door to go to, Haru felt abandoned. When finally she had grown accustomed to the warmth of friends, spicy curry and hot coffee, it was all taken from her. Typical was the only word that popped into her head. She didn’t want to be pessimistic, but... The weight in her chest was hard to carry. Still, there was no point in just standing around.

Walking along the sidewalks, staying close to the buildings as people walked past at a faster pace, Haru tried to take in her surroundings. A large arch, metal twisting into words, spelled out ‘Entertainment District’ in bright gold dotted with flashing lights. So that’s where she was... Maybe her Triplicata had some kind of map. Reaching up, Haru tucked a piece of fluffy hair behind her ear, only for something to catch her eye.

A red mark on her inner bicep, like a tattoo, but the tender skin didn’t hurt at all. Brown eyes widened in confusion and fear as she tried to rub the mark away, but to no avail. The symbol of two sharp jaw-like silhouettes opened around a flower, as if to devour it. She didn’t remember getting it, and trying to rub the mark off only reddened the skin beneath it. Haru couldn’t help the tears that welled in her eyes, throat swelling as she held back a sob. She was lost, scared, and most of all... alone.