Perdition's Flames

Toshiki Kai Cardfight!! Vanguard Aichi's house, Cotes Ward Hypergiant rank Affiliated with Isola Radiale Tracking: #kaitoshiki

[kaitoshiki]

genesismaiden​:

“Doesn’t surprise me, after the way he was at the Scramble. I couldn’t see a younger you hanging out with a guy who’s bad at the core. He could still keep us at arm’s length because he feels awkward about the whole thing”.

She bristled at mention of Shin. That was a sign of weakness; that he’d hit something truly terrifying. The prospect of her uncle barreling in like the typical overbearing parent who would show off pictures and gush over the silly stories from childhood. It wasn’t that she didn’t appreciate him, and of course, having an embarrassing guardian was better than none, but she’d never know peace again. The entirety of her body went rigid. “Don’t. Even”.

Come to think of it, him saying her first name by itself, even as part an impersonation, took her by surprise. So that would be a glimpse of how Kamui would have felt, she presumed, at least. Her arms folded defensively. “You think? He’d have a heart attack hearing even a fraction of the stuff we’ve seen. The last thing I’m letting him know is that I have a boyfriend. Not because I’d be embarrassed about our relationship — you know that — but none of us would ever have peace again. Elatha doesn’t need that nonsense. You think he’d just brush you and Aichi being official aside? Good luck. If I have to put up with this, you’re coming down with me”. It was a hypothetical, but she was starting to talk like it was a genuine scenario. This was derailing fast.

The tense shoulders, practically making her a statue. Now he knows he has her attention. “Not just that; what you’re dating. At first glance, until actually getting to know and understand Elatha, he’d probably claim you tamed an insatiable beast.” Misaki’s partner is kind of strange by their home’s standards. Well, no... a lot strange. Any person other than him or Aichi would have to get used to meeting all kinds of species.

“No, but he’d make more fuss over you. You can’t deny that. The most we’d get is something like ‘it’s about time’. In your case, it would end up as question and answer time for the rest of the day. By the time he’s finished, you’d have told him about the entirety of our stay.” Even then, it’s doubtful it would only take up the one day. Shin would ask for every single little detail and tell her not to leave anything out, no matter how small. “I’d give it about ten minutes before you start looking for a way to escape. Maybe less if he chose to be particularly insistent.” Kai would have no part in any of that, no matter how much she might try to bargain with him for help.

[kaitoshiki]

sendousha​:

@kaitoshiki​

“You guys are acting weird. Like you saw a ghost or something”.

“Halloween’s right around the corner, but it’s a little early to practice for the trick-or-treaters”.

Theirs were faces not seen for years. And yet, somehow, it seemed as though it hadn’t been long. From his perspective, at least. Whatever created the images in the mists had enlightened Kai and Aichi of the future just a couple of years ahead. Of a timeline running parallel to their own. Of a far more tragic one that continued to gnaw away at his thoughts. A void. A land of excruciating, unending pain where everyone else was fine. Kai had suggested relocating, having both gotten lost in the invading fog, only to run into a few familiar faces. The sight of which automatically brought a smile to his face. Despite the tumultuous months, they had been a family. And the younger kids… Aichi had comforted himself by likening it to flying the coop.

Now, suddenly out of the blue; Chrono, Shion and Tokoha all appeared as if nothing had changed. It stung, knowing they were to vanish when all was restored, but he wanted to embrace this one last chance bestowed. Once more, they could be a family, for just a little.

“You wouldn’t get mad if I adopted them all over again, would you?

I haven’t seen any sign of Tasuku-kun and the others, so the house wouldn’t be as cramped this time”

It is a little strange seeing these kids again, he can admit to that, but the mist is even more so. It gives him a bad feeling and he’d rather they all stayed as far away from it as possible. “Not really. I think we should head away from here though, I don’t like the look of it.” He means it in a general sense of ‘gives off a feeling that something is watching’, it leaves him unsettled and he’d rather keep Aichi safe from anything bad.

“Aichi? Promise me you won’t try any heroics this time. I know you want to help but...” Kai refuses to finish the rest out loud, he doesn’t even want to think about it. Preferably at all if it can be helped. It’s easier said than done when the younger boy has a tendency to run off when people need an assist. “Let’s just get out of here and find somewhere safe. We need to figure out where we’re staying until this is over. I doubt we’ll be able to go back to the house if this mist keeps moving.” And he’d be sure to keep an eye on the boy, just to be certain and avoid mishaps. It might be a good idea to look for Misaki too — she’s likely to have Elatha with her so the pair would be out of harm’s way. Forming a group would be the better idea for now.

Grabbing hold of Aichi’s hand, he carefully pulls the boy along, knowing the trio would catch on and be quick to follow.

[kaitoshiki]

lightoball​:

he was really nice. he could have just carried on, but he brought the tired creature home and cleaned him up… he needed to do something to say thank you. —oh, food! he had been so scared during all the noise and storm, that he hadn’t really eaten since… uhm… it was hard to remember. a lot of the time was a blur, it was all running around in the wild weather and trying to stay safe. paws reached up for the fruit, pinching chunks from the curve and nibbled on them hungrily. enough that he didn’t notice the fingers scratching before they touched him, and they made the smile on his face bigger.

Pikachu nodded. “pi… pikachu”. he chomped fast on the apple so that he didn’t keep the human boy waiting on answers to his questions. so quickly that it felt a bit sore when he swallowed it really fast, and maybe without chewing as much as he should have. “piii”. his head tilted while trying to figure out a reason why he had hot water in mind when water tasted best cold.

“Yeah, it probably would feel that way because you’re only small. Didn’t notice any bird when I found you though. You must have run a long way from where it was.” Poor little thing must have been terrified, especially since the bird was apparently much bigger. At least the mouse got away safely without serious injury.

Kai watches quietly for a minute, the fruit disappearing rather quickly, maybe a little too much so. “Hey, slow down. Take it easy. I don’t mind waiting for you to finish.” To give the mouse a chance to do just that, he gets up from his seat and prepares a hot water bottle for the aching paws, setting it on the table afterwards. He made sure to wrap it up a little bit more than usual as well, assuming the pads might be extra sensitive. That way it wouldn’t feel too hot for the little animal. “When you’re ready, try laying on that with your paws flat. It should help.”

[kaitoshiki]

genesismaiden​:

He was better at this than she’d anticipated. Of the group, he was the only one who really knew Ibuki beyond the anarchy of the Messiah Scramble. Which put her in a bind when he suggested that his childhood friend might likewise be a tease about a relationship. “You say like he wouldn’t do the same for you and Aichi? Surely he’d give you a harder time, with how much you’ve changed, and how he looked down on Aichi before. We all saw the way you looked at him after their fight you looked ready to commit murder on a global broadcast”.

His determination of Ren was one she couldn’t disagree with. She’d been the target of his teasing enough by herself; to see the hardened girl who would bite his head off over a disapproved nickname with a boyfriend… he’d never shut up. “Ren isn’t the kind to let them escape, even if they caught on quick. Still, it could be worse for you. Maybe Gaillard would show up again. Need I mention how the two of you almost burned a sector during Halloween with your little pumpkin arson contest?”

“Ibuki? I doubt he’d bother to care, he tends to keep to himself most of the time. Things have changed a lot since we were kids. Him especially. Miwa would say the same. What he thinks isn’t important anyway, it’s my choice to make.” Why it would bother Ibuki in the slightest is beyond Kai if there ever was an issue. His life is nobody else’s business.

But come to think of it, there is one other who’d make more fuss than anyone else they know. The only person closest to her outside of this city. “What about your uncle then? We all know how much he embarrasses you every other day, if not more. Let’s say Shin ends up here someday and hears rumours; he’d plan a party or something else big. I don’t think Elatha would appreciate that much attention, and you definitely wouldn’t.

Something like ‘I can’t believe my Misaki has grown so much’? The entire ward would have heard about it by the time he finished.”

[kaitoshiki]

sendousha​:

“—Oh…” He hadn’t thought about it that way, but perhaps it was wise to consider it. The root of plenty a problem back home rested in miscommunication, so he had made an active effort not to withhold something that might be better shared. But that in itself might be a double-edged sword. “I know not everyone is their best self, but writing off their ability to become it seems… unfair? We’ve both reached rock bottom and believed ourselves beyond redemption, it shouldn’t stop anyone else".

The look on Aichi’s face... oh no. “I-I don’t mean to say it’s your fault—” Abort. How does he reword that properly without it implying Aichi is jinxing them. Is it even possible? Kai panics just a little bit and instinctively reaches for his boyfriend to offer comfort instead. “It’s just bad timing. That’s all.”

It’s true. They have had their moments, some harder to forgive themselves for than others. “I guess but it depends on the person as well, some choose to be cruel for fun. It’s those that I was mostly referring to. You can’t always expect to see good in everyone you meet.”

[kaitoshiki]

genesismaiden​:

Her face twitched; if there was someone who could easily push her buttons, it was his best friend. “You have a good argument, but if he’s going to pester anyone, it’d be you. ‘Hey, Kai, you and Aichi finally dropped playing miscommunication?’ In fact, the only person who I could imagine getting a tougher time than you is Ibuki”.

The book laid down on her chest. “If he knew about what we’ve seen and done, he’d have a field day with joking around. So here’s the rebuttal: Ren. I’d get the stupid nicknames, but just how much of a headache would he would cause you, that’s an entirely separate league. In fact, you’d have to wonder if he could be trusted to live with strangers. Chances are, he’d drive them mad even faster than you”.

That’s a fair point; however, Kai is inclined to disagree, especially given how Miwa usually acts towards her. In fact... “Ibuki is the only one who’d fare worse than any of us. But in saying that, imagine the ridiculous fuss he’d make after finding out you have a boyfriend now. You wouldn’t hear the end of it.” More so with the news of them being near inseparable, he’ll spare her further torture for now though.

“As for Ren, he’d be even more insufferable than Miwa about Elatha. So in the end, you’d still come out of it with the short stick.” At times, he can manage the pair unless they feel particularly mischievous, then he might not be so ignorant to their behaviour. “As far as strangers are concerned, if they had any sense, they’d find somewhere else to stay. Fast.”

[kaitoshiki]

sanctummilitis​:

His cryptic remarks made all the more puzzling their interaction. For one, she’d not believed there would be anything necessarily alarming, but Kai’s dodging the question did spawn a variety of possibilities. That perchance a shady character may have roped him into something well out of his depth. From his tales, she understood the boys to be trouble magnets — Aichi in particular — but what, pray tell, could have forced Kai’s hand to act so secretively? “There isn’t anything troubling you that I should be aware of, is there? If you’re feeling threatened, it is of no issue that I assist in resolving the problem”.

maybe, it was Shirou and Ritsuka’s own tendencies to find themselves in the jaws of danger that had led her to such a serious conclusion before more leisurely possibilities.

Why would she assume there’s trouble? Did he unintentionally give off that impression? “No, not at all. It’s nothing bad. Don’t worry. It’s more like... who you are rather than you being a Servant.” That’s all he can really say without giving away anything too specific.

“Thinking about it, you might get along well with Misaki too.” Both are strong minded and like their independence, Kai could see them as good friends if given the time. “She generally keeps to herself most of the time. It could be good for her to have more reliable people around... the same can be said for you as well. Having a group of friends you can trust is important. Maybe you’ll find some time to sit and talk. Like I’ve said to Mashu, you’re always welcome to stop by whenever you want, for any reason.” It doesn’t need saying because it’s likely Arturia will happily invite herself anyway, but that also includes for meal purposes.

[kaitoshiki]

genesismaiden​:

She can’t help but smirk at how befuddled he is, even discreetly. It’s a rare sight; typically, he would shake off any comment without falter, unless perhaps the source were Ren. She takes emulating that success as an achievement. “Why not? I’m just proposing something that could happen, and you’d want to be prepared, wouldn’t you?“

As much as he hates to admit it, Misaki is right. But that doesn’t mean he’ll give in to her jabbing. If she expects more then she’ll have to work for it. “I could say the same for you. What if Miwa arrives from a time where he likes to tease you more than normal? Have you never considered that?” Now that would be interesting. And very amusing. “You’d end up asking me to get him out of the house.”

[kaitoshiki]

sanctummilitis​:

“Aichi. your partner, if I recall?” He had mentioned the pair in conversation, but for what reason there might be particular interest in her visit left the Saber guessing, stepping onto the transportation that slowed to a crawl beside the platform, ushering them to join the crowds within by hushed gasp of the doors parting. There were, allegedly, some loose similarities between the two, however, she had doubted such would be enough to form any such anticipation. Beside the train car, the nearer structured rushed by in the blink of an eye, the roaring of another travelling in the opposite direction taking some children by surprise. 

“Hm. It would be unusual from your perspective to have an acquaintance from centuries before your time, but there are others who are far more outgoing than I”. A particular world-conquering Rider came to mind. “Was it anything in particular about me, or simply the general intrigue surrounding the existence of a Servant? No matter, your generous offer to received with gratitude befitting. Allow me to assist with anything you may need as a show”.

In answer to the question, Kai nods and follows close behind her to avoid colliding with someone else. Adjusting to quickly make himself comfortable, he takes to watching out the window ahead, taking time to think carefully. How do you explain to someone such as Arturia why a person might take particular interest in her “It’s something more specific...”

There’s a piece of card with an image modelled after you on it, my boyfriend plays it a lot.

It sounds..... weird.

“It’ll make more sense if you see it for yourself, I guess. Explaining without the full picture might seem odd. To you anyway.” But he hopes she’ll enjoy what she’s shown, whether it ends up being him or Aichi to do so. Technically he could try to talk her through it, although it’d probably take longer than the ride, so it’s better to wait.

[kaitoshiki]

genesismaiden​:

For someone as difficult to read as Kai, he was certainly more skilled nowadays at reading others. It was difficult to hide the tinge of scarlet glowing beneath the skin of her cheeks. A hand removed the plush from his hands, without meeting either the item or his face with her sights, lest she burst into flames from embarrassment. She was starting to understand all that fuss he’d kicked up during the shop tournament with a plush of Sub-Manager as the prize; someone defined by their pride could so easily be exposed once their weakness was exposed. “Guess I can’t refuse then, huh?” Her act was hardly convincing, and she knew well that Kai wouldn’t buy it for a second — they were far too much alike. Only when the plush was nestled between her arms and chest did she dare even glance in his direction. “Where were you thinking of stopping? Were you going to fetch groceries on the way back?”

“Guess not.” How badly he wants to make a smug expression right now, but holds it in to avoid embarrassing her further. For the moment at least. The topic changes quickly, shifting to where his plans would take him. The house did need to be restocked for items already used, maybe a little added treat for later, one they all could do with. “Yeah, we’re out of a few things. I intended to grab them along the way...

You’re welcome to join, if you want. If not, I’ll see you at home.” Left open for Misaki to decide, he starts a slow pace in case she chooses to tag along. Maybe he’ll even sneak in a second surprise attack and pick up another plush for her alongside something for Aichi.

[kaitoshiki]

genesismaiden​:

Someone’s suspicious.

“Hypothetically, Kamui shows up. But he’s been pulled from a point in time before you started addressing him by his given name. Can you imagine how he’d react? He might even freak out”. But it could be amusing to watch. With exception of if he entered after their falling out at Nationals or the cardfight at Seoul. That… could get awkward.

As usual, his suspicion is unfortunately correct, making him wish he had opted to remain silent. Even then, it’s likely Misaki would have pointed it out unprovoked regardless. For the first time in... who knows how long, he’s briefly rendered speechless. “I’m going to pretend this conversation never happened, and I think you should too.”

[kaitoshiki]

genesismaiden​:

she flips the page, stretched across the sofa. “You know, a thought occurred”.

Somehow that doesn’t sound very good at all, nor does it give him any comfort. “I’ve heard that before...”

[kaitoshiki]

sanctummilitis​:

His was a character difficult to read; like her own, personality obscured by a mask for one reason or another. In some way, such characters allowed her to understand the vexation of the Knights who viewed her as incapable of reading others, and in part, perchance justifying that belief.

“Indeed, a stroll does the mind well despite the low temperatures. Though it may not be a concern for a Servant. But I digress, it’s good to see you well. I was beginning to wonder if you were hiding from me. Are you heading home? If you wouldn’t mind, I’d much enjoy accompanying you — that said, it might thwart your efforts to lay low, so speak freely if you have any objections”.

Her comment is something Kai can agree with, often taking enjoyment in the occasional walk to clear his head. But the fact that she considered he might be hiding from her was quite amusing. Then again, her tendency to gravitate towards food had obviously been a common habit. Not that he minded. Arturia’s presence was very pleasant and calm—much like Mashu—something he’d always be grateful for.

For a moment, he thinks about her request and sees no harm in it, even if there is an ulterior motive behind it. “Sure. I don’t know if Aichi and Misaki will be in, but you’re welcome to stay as long as you want. They won’t mind. Actually, I think Aichi would enjoy your company.”

[kaitoshiki]

sendousha​:

He had a point; Ren’s mischievous knew no bounds, and Miwa might get a kick out of playing a joke on someone else. More so when the day was also his birthday. “Guess so… But it could be worse! There doesn’t seem to be anyone particularly malicious, and everything has stayed normal—” He’d pray saying so wouldn’t jinx it. “—it shouldn’t be that bad”.

"...You know... every time you say that, something happens to us or someone we know.” It’s sort of true when he thinks about everything they’ve experienced; here and back at home. They appear to unintentionally invite trouble. “I think it’s time you trusted instincts rather than believing everyone isn’t as bad as they act.”

[kaitoshiki]

sendousha​:

”Do you think that’s painting a target on my, or someone’s, back? No-one would take things so far as to take advantage of a nervous disposition, right?“ oops.

“It’s possible... if they’re anything like Ren or Miwa. I’m not sure if you’d want to risk it and accidentally start a chain reaction.”

[kaitoshiki]

sendousha​:

“There’s plenty of excitement for April Fool’s Day, but, if it’s possible, please be mindful of those who are easily frightened, or apprehensive about being targetted. And the screamers— nobody likes getting scared without having any choice in the matter”.

“Don’t mention it to anyone, they might prank you on purpose. The last thing you need is someone playing a cruel trick.”

[kaitoshiki]

castilium​:

He made no movement in advance. She couldn’t determine if it was to avoid ghosts of his past or he had nothing in need of confronting. But it wasn’t her place to pry, he had come in support, he needn’t hold her hand every step of the way. A smile expressed her gratitude as she turned and marched ahead, composed in the face of fog as ominous as any night in London.

Sure enough, someone lie in wait; an iteration of Mashu herself standing like a mirror planted expertly so its frame hid within the mists. An imperfect reflection, her armour unmatched by Mashu’s present form — another ascension, she prescumed. But the vizor which concealed her eyes as if there was something to hide; dark from haunting or perhaps absent altogether. She’d dread to know the answer. But unfamiliar with the state, an obvious conclusion could she draw— “This is myself from the future. Probably in the middle of tackling the Lostbelts”. If there was anything that troubled her more than all else, it was what precisely such future held in store, what torments it would inflict upon her Master. The nightmare she was enduring while Mashu slept in blissful ignorance.

From the future, huh? Looking between the pair, they feel very different, maybe not for the better and he can’t explain the reason. A shame because Mashu deserves the best life has to offer for all the good she’s done. But he could only hope what awaits is kind to her. Imagining she might suffer in future isn’t something any of her friends would want, especially not her father figure.

“Lostbelts?” Whatever that is, it sounds... sort of lonely in a way. Kai is unsure why exactly. Maybe it’s just him. “Are they something special? Like another type of Singularity?” If not then surely it’s an entirely new thing Mashu will have to get used to, if she ever returns to Chaldea that is. In the meantime, he dares to step forward. Just a little so he’s within her reach. Not enough to bring forth a vision of himself, that’s not what he wants right now. This is about Mashu and her needs. All he wants is to listen if she has anything to get off her chest.