空

[heavensvoid]

" You know, there's nothing against eating food out of magically enhanced items or just magic items in general. I've done it plenty of times before."

she's not going to think about the consequences of that one time. " Nothing wrong ever really happens that you can't handle!"

[exousiate-archive]

he worries about many things. he worries about his all-seeing sight covered in fog, worries about what he can see in the stars, worries about the mundane of every day life, worries about his inability to float away as he used to——

and he worries about people, though he supposes the swordswoman in front of him can see it more than others. it is the price of closeness, but he has allowed it to happen, against his well-known reserved nature. he is not used at approaching matters with sentimentality, but he has made exceptions in his lifetime.

he had missed her. he had missed their companionship.

“I cannot wave my hands like before. I tried and it is not the same, so this will have to do.” he begins, voice half thoughtful but still covered in a more lukewarm care, eyes softening. he will never say it, and it is not as if words are necessary but she is the closest to a friend. or, more accurately, his friend. “Today is my treat.”

@heavensvoid

[heavensvoid]

this was so special and unique that she's tempted to take a picture for posterity. no, a video would be far better. but then the swordswoman also knows he would disappear in a second to avoid such embarrassing material so her memory will have to do for now! however, he cannot escape the teasing, something she is more than comfortable enough to do, for Musashi knows that he is well aware it is a sign of affection demonstrated to all those she calls friends.

and sometimes foes.

" Awwwwww, you missed me! I can see it all over that face of yours!" due to her existence and how it came to an end, the wandering swordswoman knew the what forging bonds could do and the heartache that would be left behind in her absence. such never stopped her-- sorrow and pessimism was not her way of life and had she followed such a path, she wouldn't have the bonds she does now. that and lingering on the sadness would do nothing to help those left behind.

"My heart is about to burst. Being missed and treated to food? Every woman's dream!" or well, Musashi's dream mostly in this moment. "You sure about that though? Because I can eat. A lot.

[heavensvoid]

" Aww, come on-- you said your name was Barghest, right?" she just wanted to be sure before spouting off the incorrect name or pronouncing it wrong. the other Saber looked imposing and Musashi was sure fighting her would be an experience unlike any other, but she cast that urge to see for herself aside for the time being. later, when they are both in a much more suitable place.

" All you have to do is make one bowl of udon! You said you cook, right? And if the Master of Chaldea likes your food, then it's good! So, believe in the me that believes in you. We can see how it tastes together when you're done!"

@faechivalrous

[heavensvoid]

" Sorry, but I'm pretty sure I'd remember a cutie like you if we met before. I'm pretty good with remembering the people I've met!" a product of her unique circumstances and one that came in handy. it's how she's sure she's never seen the mage before in her life but there's no hint of worry or suspicion at the other.

" This place does have a habit of making people's memories all funky, so I wouldn't worry about it too much. Maybe I'll remember in the future but for now, we can treat this as a new first meeting, alright?"

@edelbloed

[heavensvoid]

studying another's fighting technique was something of a hobby for Musashi. granted, this 'studying' was often done up close and in the heat of the moment, usually when she's trying not to die so perhaps that doesn't make it count as 'studying'. but in her book, it did! luckily here, there was no life or death combat involved. in fact, she was nothing more than an audience to someone's training session.

was she invited? no. would that stop her?..........also no.

the dummy continued to receive the end of the stranger's precise strikes with the training spear and it reminded her of a particular monk. and as they drove the spear swift and hard, the tip of it breaking off before piercing the dummy's hardened exterior, she speaks before she has time to think.

" Well." the Saber breaks the silence as she walks up to the other, lips pressing together to hold back the snort that tries to push past. " You took a stab at it."

@twilightjudicator

[heavensvoid]

bit worn out for today but i wanted to at least post this so this is a starter call, capped at 5 but castmates are exempt!

[descensionstar]

@finiteflower ✧ Mistwood, Radiale Island

there were fewer faces that she want to see in Spirale less than his.

as much as she'd take great in knocking him down a peg for all the anguish he'd forced on others through his twisted schemes, it was the matter of being able to inflict such a thing which had become an evident problem. as the Second Harbinger, she was vastly outmatched — and her track record made clear as such.

tearing Scaramouche on the cusp of stealing a seat of godhood had been an effort of everyone in Sumeru, and it had been the Raiden Shogun who brought an end to Signora, while Lumine had been crucially winded. in a proper fight, she couldn't be certain of the result of a bout against Childe — and Dottore resided at the opposite end of the Fatui elite's hierarchy.

what he had done to the people of Sumeru, how he could compete with Nahida on an intellectual level as well as physical. it was honestly unsettling. but fear could not root her down — one day, she would need oppose the operators of their agenda. and she owed it to them — to Nahida and Wanderer, to Kazuha and Dunyarzad, as victims of his ploys spanning centuries. and if there was any chance Aether may have encountered him... if this man did anything to her brother—

no, it was best to calm down. acting irrationally would tip the odds into his favour easily — he was all about psychology and manipulation. forming her sword, the Traveler took her stance — anxious, yes, her heart thumped in her throat — but so long as she had any chance (even a single percent was enough, as Aether said), she'd stand between him and whoever else he eyed as potential guinea pigs.

[heavensvoid]

it was only a matter of time until she would have to draw her swords. the mists were as much of a curiosity as they were a warning and Musashi knew the momentary return of her abilities would have a purpose. she had spent most of her time aiding those who needed it, whether they be a face from the past or a stranger. her trek through the Mistwood as a detour originally-- now, she is glad she had taken it. for before entering the mists, a certain friend had asked her to keep an eye out for a blonde girl by the name of Lumine. a friend of his, he had said. he didn't need to ask anything, for Musashi would offer her help should they cross paths without hesitation.

and finding the girl here, in these damn woods, with a stance that portrayed a clear intention to fight against a foe who appeared far too calm....the swordswoman could see from her pose alone that Lumine was doing her best to remain steadfast. and that had decided it for the Servant.

any friend of Diluc's was a friend of hers and that alone is enough to warrant interference. (plus, she can't let the cutie handle it all on her own!) for now, it seems that Musashi has the element of surprise on her side and a plan forms almost immediately. with her vantage point atop a still-standing pillar from some old ruins, the Servant shifts her stance, dropping low as heels are dug into the stone. from here, she could effectively launch an attack before Lumine's adversary even knew she was there. was it a dirty trick? absolutely, but Musashi has hardly ever played by the rules and in a fight for survival, there are no rules.

the only sound to be heard was the sudden explosion of the pillar from which Musashi had launched herself off of, it unable to withstand the force of the Saber at her full strength. the mists offered cover, though it wasn't needed, as mere seconds after the crumbling of stone did her feet connect with the back of Dottore's head at full speed and his body was no match to stop her so suddenly. it is only when his face hits the ground, body sliding forwards with newfound momentum that the Servant leaped off, her form coming land a few feet before Lumine. the smirk on Musashi's face showcased an almost eagerness for the threat before her, but anyone who knew the woman knew how she approached battle.

one hand remained hovered above the hilt of one of the four swords , her words directed at the young girl behind her while her gaze remains forwards. it has been a long time since she's gotten to face off against someone with no limits and the excitement has already taken hold. " Hope you don't mind a little party crashing."

[ragnvindrdawn]

of course she would find such a thing fun, rather than a nuisance, or a waste of her time — maybe he'd already considered that without too much thought. it is one of the many good traits he admires about her though.

when she takes his hand to place something within it, the action comes as an unexpected move. not only that, Musashi felt it necessary to retain that hold. he's not sure of her reasons, he finds no will to complain either, not when he's far too occupied staring at both their hands. "while I appreciate the sentiment, you didn't have to—" he does realise one important thing. "...I don't have anything I can offer in return. not yet, at least." tomorrow isn't an option. that's when the discount rush begins. if she's willing to wait a little longer, Diluc could make something personally.

"once the excitement settles, I should be able to purchase some ingredients. you made an effort to create your own, it's only right that I do the same." at that, he finally smiles to himself, thumb gently pressing against her finger to signal a silent thanks. he fully intends to enjoy these treats later, during the hours spent unwinding from the day's events.

[heavensvoid]

that was just like diluc and his words earn a somewhat amused smile. yes, she didn't have to but she wanted to. one thing about the swordswoman is that nobody could make her do anything that she didn't want to do and even that extended to something as simple (or catastrophic in her case) as making some sweets for a good friend. one who she takes the time to quietly admire while his gaze remains focused on their hands.

it's an indulgence of sorts. while she's always been one to admire others without any sort of shame, speaking her mind regardless of the sorts of reactions it would garner, she doesn't quite do the same when it comes to him. it was something unspoken, and had remained as so for a long time. at least until his brother had rather casually pointed things out to her. (not that she'll ever speak of that encounter. kaeya has kept her secret thus far and so musashi will do the same in kind.) it has not changed anything: she continues to treat diluc as always. after all, even if this existence ends up being like an ephemeral dream, she would rather any memories he's left with remain untainted.

an effort to spare him the pain that ritsuka and mashu had to suffer.

" If you want to, I won't stop you. But this was a gift, okay? So don't worry too much about it!" here, finally, she lets go of his hand, choosing to clasp her own together and resting them in her lap while her gaze focuses off on something in the distance. " I'm not too good at being patient sometimes but for you, I can wait."

[ragnvindrdawn]

the words make no sense and he frowns at that, confusion only growing. she's quite obviously not joining in by lingering around here. yes, she may have already handed out plenty, but there's still the rest of the day left.

"I see." his gaze returns to tree ahead, where his falcon is currently resting alongside an unlikely friend it had made. "against my better judgement, perhaps, I decided to remain off work today and tomorrow." Diluc insisted that Pikachu visits a friend for a while, which gave him time to do some cleaning and take a walk, leading him to his current seating. "apologies for the trouble if you checked my residence as well."

but that isn't important, he'd much prefer listening to details of her little trip. "how was your gifting spree? I'm sure they must have been popular among recipients."

[heavensvoid]

" Oh please, it wasnt any trouble. It was kinda fun-- like a little treasure hunt." his frown does not go unnoticed by her but she won't draw any attentiont to it. diluc owed her no explanation for why he wasn't at his home or work and she can guess that he was looking for some peace and quiet. there's no need to apologize for that and honestly, maybe it's for the best. today would be active enough but she knows tomorrow will be just as well, if not even more.

" It went smoothly. Everyone seemed to like it but, between you and me, I kinda bought their gifts. Last thing I wanted was for them to get not-so-good chocolate when they could have the good stuff." she can still smell the scent of burnt candy and musashi would not wish that on anyone to taste. except maybe that damn alter ego. "There's still one more I have to give, though."

her expression softens somewhat as she turns, reaching out to carefully take hold of one of his hands. with her other, she sets down a red treat bag onto his palm, carefully folding his fingers around it with her own. " Here. These were the only ones I made that came out fine. I wanted you to have them. "

[ragnvindrdawn]

it was always going to be the plan, due to the nature of the occasion; making sure the next couple of days were for time to himself. a recharge of sorts, if you will. there are always those few who wait last minute to purchase gifts. it's fine, he thinks, so long as everyone has a memorable day — but the rush isn't something he wishes to get caught in the midst of.

for all his thoughts, Diluc almost misses the fact someone has spoken. until he realises who the voice belongs to, and of course, the turn of his head confirms Musashi is standing right there. he isn't quite sure what to make of it yet. "here I am."

perhaps he should have said something else instead, despite the clear confusion. "...others are celebrating, are you not joining them?"

[heavensvoid]

it's cute. there were many possible reactions he could have had, confusion being the most likely one, but she still finds it cute yet for now, the saber decides to opt out of her usual teasing. what pikachu had divulged to her still remains in her mind. he looked well enough but she knows better than anyone that troubles aren't always just physical. but today is not the day for that and she's never been one to dwell on the bad.

" Hm? Who says I'm not? If I didn't, you would get upset like last time." he had been adamant that she joined in and it was not something she forgot. and despite her rather shameful attempts at making chocolate for scratch, she salvaged some that actually came out good, but they were only for one person. I just spent half the day running around this city handing things out and the last half hour trying to find you. I'm beat!"

[heavensvoid]

admittedly, this was going against her original plan and something that had become a spur of the moment decision. but, in the long run, she feels this is the better option. after all, she's always given her gifts in person. and besides-- Musashi hasn't seen Diluc since coming 'back' here.

finding him was the difficult part, but after a few dedicated hours, she spots a familiar red ponytail, the other seated on a park bench, the area rather empty for obvious reasons. so she draws closer, feet coming to a pause next to the bench. then, she leans to the side, lips pulled into a smile. "There you are. "

@ragnvindrdawn

[heavensvoid]

caliburn:

What a stunning sight. “Miss Musashi, is everything alright? it looks like something exploded all over you”. She reaches up, gently swiping at the remains of the sugar dusting.

“Making chocolates is a wonderful gesture, but purchased sweets are no less meaningful. —And didn’t a Singularity form from using a Grail in that manner? That would overshadow the entire day”.

" I'm perfectly fine, it's the chocolate that's dead on arrival." does she sound dejected? she feels dejected.

" Hey, I could use the Singularity like a date! I'm sure that'd go over fine--" actually it would not but that's besides the point here. " Yeah yeah, I could buy it but I wanted to try making it this year."

[exousiate-archive]

        it happens more often than not, his expectations are completely wrong. he has seen her deflect many times but this was not how he had planned to spend the day. with all the calm he can muster, he cleans off silently the traces of confection with a mere snap from his fingers. the smell of burnt chocolate still lingers on the air but he leaves it, it will help them learn from their mistakes.

     "Maybe. But would that make you feel better?" he does not mean to sound pessimistic, but the simple truth is she was a genius everywhere except in preparing food. he should’ve seen it coming. that was the problem, it was clearly on him.

[heavensvoid]

it feels like she's a student that is getting scolded by the teacher for getting a piss-poor grade on some important exam. which, it kinda is, though it's less of an exam and more of something special for an important holiday. it's not entirely her fault that it ended up so badly-- maybe someone needed better teaching methods.

" Yes?? I'd rather give that than whatever the hell that was I just made!" ugh, how knew the smell of burnt chocolate could be so bad. why didn't he take that away too? what a meanie.

[heavensvoid]

" Y'know what, maybe making chocolate just isn't my thing!" which was obvious enough, what with her smelling like burnt chocolate and some of the confection even clinging to her hair. really, all that's left of the attempt is powdered sugar smeared across her cheek.

" Maybe I can just, buy some and doctor it up. Or bribe someone to make it for me! Or maybe I'll find a spare grail laying around and make fancy udon-- wait I don't even know if he likes udon."

[heavensvoid]

  there were three things that Musashi knew beyond a shadow of a doubt. one, the enemies in this specific biome were putting up a fight even against her in her normal state. two, everything in these damn forests had a bloodlust for anything that moved. and three? dragons were surprisingly persistent. and had very, very large teeth because this was about the fourth time that the dragon has tried to bite her head off and coming very close (too close) to succeeding. true, she didn’t have to smack what she thought was a rock but was actually the dragon’s hind leg but in her defense, they looked the same! 

         that’s not important though. what is important is that she’s playing hopscotch with an oversized lizard because someone has decided to see if they can solve the magical riddle and that left her to play the distraction. 

     “ Would you —” a dash to the left. ” let go of the — ” a jump to the right. “ damn magic stick already?!" the sharp clang of teeth meeting the metal of her swords resounds in the clearing as the Saber turns, caring none for decorum. “ I do not want to have to do this all over again because you refused to not touch the thing!!”

@exousiate​ -- down you go

[heavensvoid]

exousiate​:

     “I suppose. She’s always been too used at caring for other people’s happiness and not her own.” not that he can talk, nor the woman in front of him. birds of a feather, as the saying goes. “… It’s not because I want it. I don’t know if it will make her happy… plans change. I will have to find something.”

       “ True but believe you me, all it takes is one little thing to distract and she’s spending the day without a worry in the world! Why do you think they threw that beach bash last year?” simpler times, she’d say, but it doesn’t need to be spoken.  “ Well, that’s gotta be a chance you always have to be willing to take. Things change. She may like it, she may not, but-- okay look at it like this. Don’t think about how much it’ll make her happy. Just show her that you love her. Knowing your loved can go a long way.” she pauses, an idea brewing. “ Or you could show her fireworks. Those are always cool and romantic, right?”

[heavensvoid]

     “ Now let’s see him encourage burning the kitchen down.” yes, yes she is laughing.