逃げしません

"I must become stronger... Than anyone" [ Independent Faize Sheifa Beleth! ]

[infinitysaber]

@naitsun​ 

There’s a moment of recognition--he’s certain he’s seen this person before, though there are a few he can say the same of. Perhaps he’s overthinking it; there is a chance of course; he doesn’t share the same course of study with many, but seeing them around the school in passing isn’t uncommon. 

In any case, “e-excuse me!” he calls, casting aside the thought, “do you think you could help me?” There’s nobody else he can ask in the immediate vicinity, and although he dislikes having to bother others in their own time, the task would take too long to accomplish alone. “I’ll repay you after!”

[foriornfaire-blog]

@infinitysaber

“ Excuse me! I think I left a book down there, could you just.. toss it up to me, please? “ 

At the oddly named lolly pop library, Morgan had managed to find a way to climb to the top of the book shelves thanks to the staircases lined all around to reach the higher floors. With this method, he was capable of getting to the higher up books without other people’s help! In his haste in his perched book nest, he had left a tome down below, hoping that the stranger that had walked in could toss him the book. He could ask one of the sheep but.

That would entail talking to a sheep. 

[infinitysaber]

Faize halts in his step as he hears the voice calling attention. For a moment he glances around before noticing the voice continuing from above. How he had gotten up there was a question on his mind, but before that he bends down to pick up the book in question--a tome of sorts. “Is this the one?” he asks, holding it up as he stands on his toes in an attempt to close the distance enough for the other to reach down and grasp it. 

“Are you alright up there? It could be dangerous if you fell. Were you looking for something in particular?” Well, perhaps even if that had been the case, if he was asking for a book to be passed up, it didn’t seem as though he had the intention of coming down. 

[infinitysaber]

@warmlonelypiece

He feels like he’s been working on the same thing for hours, but one glance at a clock tells him that barely even an hour has passed. Nevertheless, he’s caught in something of a predicament now, with the ink of his pen run out, and his foolish rushing this morning causing him to mistakenly forget to bring a spare with him. For someone of sound mind, it was a rather ridiculous mistake--running late certainly does wonders to diligence and preparation, and not in a good way.

He glances around, and to the door; he could head home from here, but for some reason getting work done outside of his current residence is easier. Perhaps it’s the atmosphere--he really ought to invest in something better when he can. Well, he has no real complaints. Little of his time is really spent at home anyway, so a roof over his head is enough. 

“Sorry, excuse me,” he calls, offering his best smile as he gathers the attention of the nearby barista. “Would you happen to have something I could borrow to write with for a while?”

[infinitysaber]

hey hey! anyone who’d like to write with this smol angel cake please like this and i'll write you a. reasonably sized starter!!  btw i’m rinu and cry over this shortcake like all the time please love him okay

[eternalsphere]

[nefeliibxta]

To say hewas surprised would have been the understatement of the year. His jade eyeswere open wide as he’d literally watched this stranger obliterate the thing that had been coming after him-

“What the fuck…”

Yeah. Kamanosukewouldn’t say that he was the best witha lot of things, but? From his understanding, there was only a very slim number of people in this world thatcould control the elements. He himself beingone of them. He was a bandit and a tricky one, but? That wasn’t his main skill-His main ability came in the fact that he could wield the wind and command it.It was his number-one trick, his main source of strength-

And then this asshole came out of nowhere withhis- Glowing fucking symbols orwhatever, and shot- What was it? Fire and ice? Two element out of some scribbledjumbled mess that had appeared in the air- “Howthe hell did you do that?” The banditwas entirely at a loss. The fact that the other had obliterated the creatureand he’d happened to see it had left him lost for words. And if anyone knewYuri Kamanosuke? They knew he wasn’t exactly the easiest to shut up. “You just- And symbols- And- AND! Fucking hell! That thing is literally goddamned ashes now!”

[infinitysaber]

Faize can’t say the surprise is unwarranted, and prepares himself for the worst. However the person doesn’t turn tail and run in fear, and it’s not seemingly the control of elements that has them so shocked, but instead the symbols used to generate the magical assault--unless he is mistaken in the flurry of unfinished phrases that leave the other’s mouth. Faize isn’t quite sure how to deal with the intensity of the person’s presence, but nonetheless they are owed something of an explanation: It’s not as though everything must be kept a secret. Knowledge of magic and symbology won’t advance a civilization the same way physical technology would--or so that is the reason he gives himself.

“The symbols... huh?” he muses aloud, wondering just how to begin explaining this. “They are...” he hums, continues to think. “They are a form of magic... if you know what that is. The symbology is used to enable me to cast a spell that I wish to use. Um...” he pauses again, “it is rather difficult to explain.” After all there are many types of spells; elemental, non-elemental, defense, support--it’s not something detailed simply, to say the least. “For now let’s just say various elemental attacks are one of the many things it enables me to call forth. Though I am limited to Earth, Ice and Darkness when it comes to the elements I can use. Currently, anyway.”

[reginaemaledictus-deactivated20]

[ ʟɪʟɪᴜᴍ ] With Artemis sitting on her shoulder, Rose was walking around the area, Grimoire in hand and another placed on Remorse that was returned to her. It wasn’t as though she needed the weapon though, however Diana just wanted her to keep the sword around for a few days. If the older girl still didn’t want to wield the weapon, she could always return it when the days were up.

Rose…still was’t sure how to feel about Remorse anymore. It was a weapon of war, she didn’t need to use it anymore and yet here she was, in the afterlife with her sword positioned once again by her side, the Grimoire in hand. If anything, this was much like how she was back in her world, when she was the Crimson Queen.

Still, she walked through the streets, head held high with her faithful raven watching with beady black eyes. Though she was just a normal bird, Artemis was quite the fighter when need be. So when a voice stopped her, the raven was quick to caw out, only to calm down when a finger moved up to brush against her feathers, “Peace Artemis…I apologize for this child. She’s not fond of being surprised. As for your question, what is it? There’s no trouble at all.”

[infinitysaber]

Faize could confirm nothing from his own memories; no logical deductions brought him to a conclusion he could see as viable for the world he was thrown into. A mishap in space travel? Perhaps. But he was told that he had died, and yet... why couldn’t he remember that simple fact? He feels a certain frustration that he doesn’t let show: There are many, many things he’s left unresolved if that is the case, and that would mean there’s nothing he can do about any of it here. And yet at the same time this place was fascinating--new and abundant with all kind of people from varying species (some he could not even name) and a world with many differing structures and creatures. It was an inquisitive young man’s dream. 

He’s momentarily startled by the activity of the raven; but he’s certainly been face to face with things worse than a bird. It’s interesting though, how it responds to commands before the words have even been spoken. “Ah--. No, I apologise for surprising her.” he offers his words with a small bow, and then proceeds along as the woman had agreed to hear him out on his inquiry.

“Then, forgive my forwardness in asking, but might I ask if you remember how it was you got here?” he tilts his head slightly, and impulsively feels a need to explain himself. “I know what I have been told upon arrival, but...” he pauses, considering phrasing, “...it doesn’t make much sense to me, especially when I am missing memories of just before my appearance here. I am simply curious to see if others are in a similar state, before I can attempt any further deduction. Or, perhaps it would be more accurate to say ‘whether I need attempt any further deduction’ on the matter.”

[infinitysaber]

@reginaemaledictus.

There are always plenty of questions he has when it comes to this world; no matter how much he explores, how many people he meets, or what he fights and destroys--nothing changes. He supposes he shouldn’t be surprised, his actions didn’t have all that much impact when he was alive, either. And... he still hadn’t remembered how he died--or how he got here because of it. It makes him skeptical, still, to believe this is any kind of afterlife: Wouldn’t he at least remember his death? But then he has no other logical alternative. He wants answers; he’s merely curious for them, so that he can make an informed conclusion about this place--and about himself. 

He has no choice but to simply keep exploring, keep meeting people, until something comes back to him. If it ever does. For now, the adventurous and inquisitive side of him doesn’t mind this at all.

“Sorry, might I bother you for a moment?” he asks, smiling though concerned about being something of a pest--there had been a few who thought so when he attempted to speak with them. But that was how this moment always went--it was a yes or no question, and people had their choice. “I just have a question I’d like to ask.” he states; providing an explanation for his interruption of their day (not that they appeared to be doing much in the moment itself). “Ah... It could be seen as rather personal however, so I’d understand if you don’t wish to answer.”

[infinitysaber]

@nefeliibxta

Casting two symbols in succession, that which had attacked Faize from the blue had been eradicated; he wonders, briefly, if he should have stuck to using his rapier alone--but when he didn’t know anything about the creature, and had no time for a complete analysis, it logically became safer to attack from a distance with the magic. The eyes upon him hadn’t gone unnoticed however, which is what lead to his second-guessing of his choice.

So much for keeping a low profile, huh? 

He tries not to allow his disappointment in himself to show--it had been necessary to defend himself after all, regardless of method. He stood out enough in just his clothing; most here seemed rather traditional, simple, and if he could hazard a guess from the readings the planet gave him... he was on earth. But... certainly a different time to what he was used to Edge being from--unlike his Earth, this one seemed to be prospering just fine above the surface even if it wasn’t quite as technologically advanced. Faize would simply have to keep quiet about that. And his space shuttle.

[hidden-hoax-blog]

Reading books always had its fair shares of reasons, however nothing brings the experience best other than experiencing it. The lady often examines the stranger, not overlooking any small movements. Unlike her partner, she has no idea if this being was either a friend or foe, and well, while a situation like this happens every-so-often, it’s just the atmosphere it brings upon an answer. Uncertainty. Dismay. Though that’s what it always feels for her.

Taking the other’s comment to mind, “Interesting, yes.” The girl stated. “While you might think it might be in certain situations that it is firmly tied into the reasons. My reason for wearing a mask, I think it’s silly, others might say it’s interesting. It’s not anything to the one wearing the mask, but maybe it just spurs a spark for said feelings to others, curiosity, interest, fear, albeit rare, but even envy, wrath, and many more in the cycle of emotions. Wouldn’t you say, that if you weren’t wearing a mask and some other was, wouldn’t you be at least tiny bit interested?” The current event of the other even admitting it was idle curiosity was the very reason she brought this up.

It’s completely hilarious that she couldn’t heed her own warning, that she had already fell from the highest part. Now to have donned the mask and seek a way back… an accident caused everything.

[infinitysaber]

“Aha, that is very true.” he responds, “regardless of your reason it was curiosity and interest that spontaneously encouraged me to ask.” As his chuckles subside, the eldarian focuses once again on what else was said. Despite the conversation surrounding her and masks in general, there were many things he could point to himself. His own mask... just what had it inspired in others. Those who stood before him were not afraid, but they certainly didn’t harbour interest--why would they? At that point he was twisted, unrecognisable, and in complete opposition to the point of crossing weapons with them. Perhaps her mention of wrath was closer to the point.

It’s a past he is ashamed of, but one he certainly won’t forget. “I wonder...” he muses aloud, “the masks a person wears can also be a symbol, or even a tradition, right?” he lets out a gentle sigh, realising something. “It seems there are as many reasons for wearing a mask as there are people in the universe.” his hands come together behind his back as he looks up, thinking more on what he’s just said. “I suppose no two people wear them for the same reason--maybe that is what makes it so interesting at times. But then perhaps there is a hope that someone with a mask can find someone who matches their own, too. A rather endless cycle of curiosity, sparked by many reasons, isn’t it?”

[kawanoshita-blog]

Kashuu held back his stance to look at his supposed opponent from head to toe. He hasn’t sparred for a while, not even with his partner. This man looks rather foreign and the blade he had on his side was no katana either. He still believes firmly he is more than a sword but it’d still be nice to be able to have a good spar once in a while.

“I can see well how our fighting styles will vary but I guess learning some things from a foreign sword art will improve on my style quite well.” He looked smug and confident. Back in the Citadel he was a captain, the first sword of the saniwa. He took pride of being able to fight and lead even if it was something he rarely talks about.

“If you wanna work on your footwork you better keep up with me. Magic? Not really something I believe in coming from the Bakumatsu period. You gotta let the blade talk for you~ If you’re learning to improve I’ll help but I gotta see what I’m working with.”  His feet brush to the side. It wasn’t normal for Kashuu to be the one to strike first, but he edges in gracefully and strikes.

“Ora~”

[infinitysaber]

The eldarian contemplates his options; luckily, he’s not unfamiliar with the type of blade being used--though he doesn’t recall ever directly dueling against one. Though it’s speed cannot match to the rapier; at close combat, past the tip of his blade, it can prove far more lethal, and so he knows he must endeavour to maintain his reach just beyond that of the sword. That is without factoring in the skill of the swordsman however, and Faize cannot allow himself to fall behind in that regard either. If he is lucky, he may perhaps bring the battle to a stalemate--but that could only come from an equal level of skill, and Faize is still young.

“Very well. My blade shall do the work, and magic cast aside for the duration of this duel.” It does limit his options, and does detract from Faize’s skill and style--generally using a combination of both to win in the average battle--but he learned from a close friend to deal with a relentless assault that would give him very little time to cast regardless. It wasn’t impossible to handle. “Then, I will show you all have; I look forward to learning through this experience.” He draws the rapier from his waist and holds the point out towards the other, preparing for their approach--keeping light on his feet. 

As the first attack comes, he jumps backwards to create space; for the moment observing the style of attacks and the possible spaces in which he could attack without risk of a fatal counter. Of course, he can still attempt to blindside the man should it come to it, but not all people fall for that feint and that is something he needs to know before his blindside takes him directly behind the man and in line for failure and a counterattack. Experimentally, the eldarian jumps to the side and performs a quick lunge with the rapier that leaves the majority of his full body outside of danger.

[kawanoshita-blog]

Kashuu didn’t sheath his blade back and approached the man who was watching him.

“Ah no worries! No worries! I like it when people watch me~” He seemed to be humming proudly. “Well of course, one of the best ways to learn is by watching someone.” He swung his blade lightly, away from the newcomer of course. “Do a faint, then strike. No use rushing things.”

“My form is something I am proud of.” He flipped his hair. “As of my appearance of course.”

He paused from his rambling and had a different tone to his smile now.

“But you know what else is the best way to learn.” Kashuu stepped back and stanced. “Is when two blades clash together.”

[infinitysaber]

Faize laughs softly, a strangely rare occurrence these days, as he’d been travelling alone for so long... and then... died, or so he was informed upon arrival--despite his lack of memory regarding it. Well, they did say it had been taken from him. Still, it wasn’t like him to not make the most of any situation--there were still many here, and it was like an entire new world in itself. The afterlife, if that’s what it could be called, was a fascinating place, if this was really it.

“You... Well, if you insist, I certainly would not mind the challenge. Though I would quite like to focus mostly on footwork, our sword styles are in such variation I would not make much of a challenging opponent unless I used magic.” he places a hand at his waist, prepared to draw his rapier regardless. He’s not afraid of difficulty, but he knows a losing fight when he sees one, and is prepared to accept that if this battle focuses entirely on swordplay. “Of course, that does not mean I won’t try my hardest to best as many of your techniques as possible.”

[hidden-hoax-blog]

“If it was idle curiosity, that’s alright. There was no need for apologies from the very beginning.” The lady said, giving a rather bland tone. “Though, I ask that you watch how you act, the higher you climb, the greater the fall.” It wasn’t that she was annoyed, more like, concerned? She didn’t know the reason to be worried still.

This question again? She had to admit it was getting more frequent at most, though whether the answers given were twisted was nothing out of her comfort zone, in fact, it made things easier for her. Soon, it wasn’t difficult to answer, it seemed to be an monotonous sound coming from her mouth, but for unknown reasons, the words handed before were lost. However, she was getting fed up with a boring book, so this might be interesting, maybe humiliating. But an answer is an answer.

“Masks are often used for concealing identities, never showing anybody who is inside. The item are used often for stealth operations, crimes, and hoaxes. Though, masks aren’t used physically all the time. There are times when someone ‘masks’ their own personality, soul, maybe powers. Sometimes, others just want to wear it just for fun, like days such as Halloween. Sometimes, they are used to escape from something important and associate it to another identity. Masks are interesting, wouldn’t you say? Perhaps one would like to hide from a loved one just to save them, probably to sacrifice themselves in the process. So many various reasons, and only one is mine.”

[infinitysaber]

The warning is a little lost on him, and he tilts his head as the back of his mind continues to think about it while the woman continues to speak. She’s rather monotonous, he notes--perhaps this is a question she has had to answer numerous times, after all visible masks are always the ones most recognisable. 

Faize grows curious at the cryptic answer he receives, but realises from it that it’s unlikely he will gain a solid, definitive, answer on the woman’s reasoning. But, he supposes that is all right--it was a sudden and ill-propositioned question in a momentary lapse of thought on his part. She makes a valid point, much like one of the reasons are her own--one of those applied to him, too. No, did apply to him--once upon a time. The Apostle of Creation... an identity he’d accepted as his own through the use of a form that looked nothing like himself. 

“Interesting...” he parrots the word to himself, “...I suppose in some circumstances they can be.” he admits, “though I believe that’s firmly tied to the reason they’re used.” Faize wouldn’t call his own mask back then interesting; no, it was disgusting, a vile attempt to erase himself to eliminate burdens--a sign he had allowed another entity to take over himself... of his own free will. But he thinks more on what she says; Halloween, he does vaguely recall a mention of it--a... human custom? Holiday? He had yet to hear of another civilization in the universe that held Halloween-themed festivities--at least, with the same name.

[nightwingness-deactivated201706]

@infinitysaber.

Hell’s chemical air must be kissing his mind, he thinks, as, sticky-fingered and eye-catching (even in death is he something to shout about), he was able to acquire a swell breakfast by insidious means; what’s more, the shopkeeper was shot by Cupid’s arrow thanks to his superfluous flattery; she didn’t notice how she was short two blueberry muffins.

It’s mighty petty, but he doesn’t like the atrocious rot that accompanies being poverty-stricken. He’s had a miserable taste of it when Petunia—Lady Petunia, mockingly so—had attempted to nurse his exhaustion; and he never desired to drink out of chipped porcelain or sleep with an itchy blanket—for the erstwhile life of him.

Now, he’s long visited the entrance of the departed, and there’s prickling trepidation; somehow, he’s lost the baked rolls, his fingertips momentarily absent of the sense of touch; which, in part, is a grand thing as he’s hurriedly rubbing his midriff in a soothing fashion, aiming to rebuild a settled demeanor—tragically, he’s thoroughly affected with nausea.

“—what the fuck!”

Cyril’s head spins, and he wants to puke. It’s startling when he capsizes; falsely genuflects before the individual in his hazy peripheral vision. There is no enjoyment from the too intense consciousness of his own degradation.

[infinitysaber]

A stroll would be something far to leisurely to label Faize’s walk; it was truly something of a learning experience, already he had encountered a few interesting people able to point out various important places, but even then this was very much a survival of the fittest. Luckily, his strength was unhindered--but he didn’t really want to risk engaging in battle alone when his forte didn’t lie in physical combat (not that his skill wasn’t adequate enough, as he did once come close to defeating Edge in a match). He’d come to ignore the pain surfacing as he walked; he’d been through worse at the end of the day, and though it forced bouts of tiredness upon him every so often, a short break was usually enough for him to pluck the energy to progress. 

After all, he had no other knowledge on a method to rid himself of it, for now.

Actually, he’s rather pre-occupied with thoughts, so there’s very few things he notices. The first of which being how the pain had somewhat decreased the more he walked this particular direction, the second being the other person here, until they let out something of a rather... aggressive expletive. Faize’s head turned, and he was surprised to catch the other in his vision simply falling. There was still a fair distance between them, but he made something of an effort to close it quickly with a short dash--his agility was one of his strong points.

“Are you all right?” he asks; aware it’s a rather ridiculous question to ask someone who’s just collapsed. “Do you hurt somewhere, or are you sick?” he attempts to elaborate, and moves to kneel beside the other. Of course he’s not about to lay a hand on someone without permission, so he just sort of waves a hand in front of him to see if he can get a reaction--some kind of acknowledgement. 

[kawanoshita-blog]

@infinitysaber

Kashuu decided to get a little practice with his sword work because what can be more unloved than a blade that didn’t know how to fight. Since his arrival in this world this is the first time he drew his sword to practice.

He swung his blade, his style of fighting was quite elegant sometimes even mirroring his former master’s. Despite wearing 3 inch heels he was still able to move with grace.

He paused. He knew he wasn’t alone.

“So? You here to watch a pretty man practice?”

[infinitysaber]

It wasn’t entirely intentional, nor the first time Faize had come across somebody training, but something about his form had caught the eldarian’s eye--the powerful and dignified grace with which he moved, perhaps? Edge had a very blunt style, and Faize himself fought mostly with speed and agility where magic wasn’t concerned as he wielded a rapier, so it was somehow refreshing to see something different despite the familiarity with the weapon type. Somersaults during a blindside were likely the best Faize had to offer that concerned a graceful movement. 

Faize takes a quick step back when he’s addressed directly, somewhat surprised, but he supposed it should have been expected. He composes himself with a shake of his head, and proceeds to formulate a response. “I meant no disrespect by staring,” he begins, “your form caught my attention and I couldn’t help but observe. They say many things can be learned that way, don’t they?” Not that he had the intent of copying the style, but there could be techniques he’d be able to apply regarding footwork at least.

[infinitysaber]

@hidden-hoax

Masks... they were funny things, weren’t they? Perhaps he shouldn’t be thinking such a thing while looking at another, but it had struck a chord--reminds him of the time he had been the one hidden in what he’d thought to be a flawless mask. And yet all it took was one child--one dear friend--to see straight through it. There’s a certain taste of bitterness; he had been so weak, to succumb to something like that. ‘Never... Never use that name to refer to me again!’ The denial--the need for that denial of his self had overpowered any rational he might have had in the past; even now he recognises it and laments it--why would he cast away his name? To seemingly ease his guilt? His warped sense of pride he had from gaining the power to save all he wanted to? He’d so contently sided with that which had destroyed his home planet in its entirety and killed so many of the refugee eldarians. What was he, if not a fool?

“Why is it you wear a mask?” The question leaves his mouth before he really gives it consideration--unlike him, but the impulse took control. “I... don’t mean to be rude,” he explains after, “it was something of an idle curiosity.”

[infinitysaber]

He’d heard of the tradition from Edge; Faize put much thought into it--into how to approach it--but ultimately, he felt it embarrassing and perhaps somewhat inappropriate. One might call him far too proper for such a thought, but he was beyond caring what others might think of the part of his life he deems private. 

So he’d left for the day; not in avoidance--he did tell the young woman he was headed out--but that he had something to do, and that he’d be back just after sundown. 

Faize never broke his promises. 

The trek home was a long one--he’d had to walk further out than he’d assumed to acquire what he wanted. Through information from other hardworking Eldarians he’d been provided with enough to work out the rough areas he’d find what he needed. And so in his hands hidden behind his back he holds a gift; one he had arranged himself, without help. It wasn’t the most perfect looking--he was an engineer at best, after all.

But when he’s greeted by the same smile he’s always happy to see--when the soft welcome home leaves the lips of the woman he’s come to adore with the greatest of affections, none of that matters. Nothing has to be perfect--it never really has been between them. They’ve been riddled by mistakes and tough times, but it’s getting through them together than means the most.

She tries to peer around his back and he takes a step away. “Close your eyes,” he encourages, “it’s a surprise.” It’s still rather early; the sun has only just set, and it’s the light from the home behind the girl that illuminates where they’re stood, but he supposes it’s okay. Just this once.

Once she’s done as he’s told her, he pulls the gift from behind him; a bouquet of flowers he put together himself--a collection of daisies, littered with buds of honeysuckle--their meanings more important than the layout, but it’s okay if she doesn’t understand. He gave her a daisy once, upon his return, but he can never offer her enough it seems. 

“Happy new year, Lymle. You can open your eyes now.”