little girl, wake from your sad dream

❝In life, you must have been a pure saint. A proud and noble figure, certainly. But who can truly admire the martyr’s thorny path? Who dreams of such an ending?❞

[knightlyideal]

“let me kill it with you.”

❝Are you certain?❞

Green hues widened as the unexpected light of what was, doubtlessly, little more than a small offer to the other’s thinking touched them. It was not that she wished to rebuff the overture, far from it, but rather than she had not expected it.

Her original words murmured while coil up like a lazy cat on their shared sofa held true in that she had not planned anything in particular for the day, perhaps with the exception of paging through a book she had recently borrowed from a friend whose appetite for the written word exceeded the boundaries of her own self and drifted into those she knew.

Surely, she thought, Miyako had quite a number of matters to attend to, being who she was. And yet, though it caused a small pang of concern at whether she was distracting her roommate from work so important, she found that possibility only reminded her to accept the gift of her sacrificed time all the more gratefully - especially as it still held between them in the blonde’s incertitude.

A smile blossomed at last, her diminutive form rearranging itself so as to make room for her new companion whilst she considered how best to express herself. ❝I’m afraid I don’t have much to offer in the way of time-killers aside from my company.❞ But I would gladly have yours above anyone else’s, she doesn’t say.

❝But if you don’t mind,❞ she does say, ❝I would truly appreciate it.❞ With one of her hands she bestowed the cushion beside her with a gentle pat of invitation as the other drew the blanket closer toward herself (more the idea of sharing it that gave warmth to her face than the heat of the quilt did, then) before she added but a small, sincere pair of words that felt inadequate.

❝Thank you.❞

[bxthory-archive-deactivated2016]

                                         PURE HEROINE.  

                   a meme inspired by lorde’s album pure heroine. contains                                      multiple themes ;; mostly angst & fluff. 

“don’t you think that it’s boring how people talk?” 

“we wouldn’t be seen dead here in the day.” 

“you are not a white teethed teen.” 

“i’m doing this for the thrill of it.” 

“i’ll be the beauty queen in tears.” 

“it’s a new art form showing people how little we care.” 

“let me kill it with you.” 

“everything’s cool when we’re all in line for the throne.” 

“but i know it’s not forever.” 

“we might be hollow, but we’re brave.” 

“we’re so happy, even when we’re smiling out of fear.” 

“i cut my teeth on wedding rings in the movies.” 

“i’m not proud of my address in this torn up town.” 

“it drives you crazy getting old.” 

“this dream isn’t feeling sweet.” 

“you’re the only friend i need.” 

“that will never be enough.” 

“we aren’t caught up in your love affair.” 

“we will never be royals.” 

“we didn’t come from money.” 

“i remember when your head caught flame.” 

“we’re on each other’s team.” 

“we can make it so divine.” 

“i’ll never go home again.”

“i’ve never felt more alone.” 

“everyone’s competing for a love they won’t receive.”

“i want them back. the minds we had.” 

“it’s not enough to feel the lack.” 

“i live in a hologram with you.” 

“laugh until our ribs get tough.” 

“but in the chaos, there is calculation.” 

“you’ve been drinking like the world was ‘gonna end.” 

“i’m little but i’m coming for the title.” 

“now we’re in the ring and we’re coming for blood.”

“you can try and take us but we’re the gladiators.” 

“only bad people live to see their likeness set in stone.”

“victory’s contagious.” 

“we let our battle choose us.” 

“glory and gore go hand in hand.” 

“i guess you’re lucky that it’s dark now.” 

“chance is the only game I play with.”

“no one round here is good at keeping their eyes closed.” 

“i don’t even think about death.” 

“i guess we’re really fighting ourselves.” 

“i wear the robe like no one could.” 

“i feel grown up with you in the car.” 

“we’ve got a million bad habits to kick.” 

“raise your glass ‘cos i’m not done saying it.” 

“you haven’t stopped smoking all night.” 

“i know we’re not everlasting.” 

“we’re a train wreck waiting to happen.” 

“people are talking.” 

[gurrenlagging]

[knightlyideal]

I rise!

[knightlyideal]

❝Hotsuin-san...❞

On bended knee, as though in anticipation of the gravity of her next words. It was a question she had wished to pose for some time, after all, and her repeated imaginings of the proceedings gave an oddly dreamlike quality to the moment. She resolved to treat it as such, allowing the gentle current of fate to push her forward.

With all due care, she took one of the other’s gloved hands in her own, palm upturned and held in quiet contemplation for seconds that were suspended with possibility. Only here did she hesitate, a shaky puff of a breath reminding her of their proximity. Yet, she would not allow herself to fall into the same pitfalls that had once restricted her - she would speak her mind without pause.

Her lips touched in brevity to Miyako’s hand in courtly fashion, Arturia finding herself grateful for the fact that her face was hidden for a small time, before making known her query.

❝Will you fight me?❞

[dragxnpower-blog]

For all intents and purposes, it seemed they were in accord. The date had been set for their cinematic excursion; all that remained was to choose a film and time. As much of her work for the day was completed, she could probably tend to those details immediately once she arrived back home…

Before that, though–

“Ah–a moment, if you please.” Miyako straightened up in her seat somewhat, expression turning inquisitive. “You had something you wished to speak with me about as well, did you not? I fear I may have inadvertently monopolized the conversation…”

[knightlyideal]

Ah.

In all the furor of planning their outing, thoughts of that particular detail had fallen by the wayside and its return brought a small conflict to the blonde. Peculiarly, she found it more difficult to resolve herself to speak than before, the words coming out stilted and unnatural regardless of how many variations she imagined herself committing to in answer to her superior’s question.

❝I-It was a suggestion similar to your own.❞ Diffidently, her tingertips touched behind her back as though she wished to hide herself from the words that would reveal her unfettered feelings. ❝Though I have no complaints with simply working alongside you, I had been thinking for some time now that I would like to spend more time with you outside of the professional field.❞

Eyes that had drifted away from steely lilac met their counterpart once more, all her uncertainty pushed aside for a moment that gave form to the sentiment that had been present all along. ❝I am truly fortunate to have found you in agreement.❞

[starboundluminary]

Mini Event - ‘Child’ of justice...?

Truth be told, Ken was almost dreading today - he knew the constant mornings of unease and strange events were going to add up this morning, so he’d drank some coffee to try and stay up last night. All it had done was make his stomach seem to twist all the more in slight uncertainty. The next morning had come regardless, and he lay on his apartment couch, brown eyes closed in wary anticipation of whatever was to come.

As expected, the unease returned full-force: and added onto it was a painful feeling that he almost yelled out about it…but he didn’t want to worry his apartment buddy, and so forced himself to keep quiet. It honestly felt like his entire skin was on fire, worse than any fever imaginable. He was suddenly quite glad he was lying down, because the dizziness had returned - so much so that he probably would have fallen down. The room even seemed to spin and warp, and despite his desire to not worry others, a shuddering sob escaped the child nonetheless - it hurt more than he could understand, and the pain was so much unconsciousness swept on him…and his last thought was that he was glad for a stop to the pain, even if temporary.

…It took a good amount of time for Ken to wake up from the sudden slumber, and he did so a bit hesitantly. The pain had finally stopped, thank goodness….but…but…why did he feel so strange? He felt different somehow, and couldn’t put his finger on why.

Carefully bracing himself with an arm, he stood up from the couch - wait. Whoa, whoa, whoa - hold the phone. As he stood, he felt really unsteady. His sense of balance was still really out of whack, but what was more concerning was the fact that some of the items in the loungeroom which had towered over him? They were…smaller than him now. He was…taller? Running his other hand through his hair in confusion, he froze mid - reassuring motion to himself at realizing - somehow his hair was…longer?

Okay, Minako-san usually told him not to say or think ‘bad’ words, but…he was so confused this called for one. What the heck was going on?! Trying to keep balance and failing miserably, he wavered and stumbled a bit to the bathroom - only to see a face that made him jump looking back at him in the mirror. Was that…his face? It had to be, this was a mirror. …Was this all a weird dream? No, ow. He pinched himself, and didn’t wake up.

…This was it. Ken felt he’s just won the compeetion for ‘weird stuff happening’ if there ever WAS one. Feeling quite panicky and afraid at this strange event, he grabbed his phone from his pocket (his clothes were a little small now…) and frantically made a text to all his friends.

< URGENT - FROM KEN AMADA

Somwth-moeethin- uh. Something r-really weird is going on, guys…I h-hate to be a bother this early, but please…I really n-need help! Please come to my apartment at Fex-Foxglove three. My hands are sh-shjaking as I typer this.,..sorry if I’m making a lot of texting mistakes. (｡ŏ﹏ŏ) Oh, and…uh…p-please don’t panic when you see me. >

He was really worried if anyone WOULD recognize him if they came to help. Because, the face in the mirror looking back at him…was certainly not that of a kid anymore. 

(’I can’t believe this…I mean, I wanted to be mature quickly, but not like THIS…’)

[knightlyideal]

At the sight of the banner at the top of her screen that bore the designation of urgency, she froze. Concern enveloped her, making it a simple matter to drop the technicalities of computer setup she had been so intent on mere moments earlier in favour of reading the message with a swiftness that spoke to its time-sensitive nature.

It was not too difficult to decipher the message, for his errors alone conveyed the core tenants of his plea. He needed their (she had only peripherally noted that it had been a mass text that had been sent out) help - and direly at that. Time was punctuated with but breath and the artificial tap of the keyboard as she composed a reply, coming to her feet as she did so.

To: Ken Amada From: Arturia Pendragon

[1|2] Do your best to remain calm.

[2|2] I will be there shortly. 

Her messages were laconic, holding back the questions that were brewing in the backdrop of her thoughts. From the fact that he had contacted those close to him rather than the authorities she drew hope that the situation was not one where life and death hung in the balance - though it did not prevent her from taking the keys of her Yamaha in hand as she exited her room in Rose 2. If Ken required her presence with all haste, she would do all in her power not to make him wait.

With the assistance of her motorcycle, the blonde sped along the few streets that separated the apartment complexes in record time. Recalling the repeated occasions on which she had joined him in watching Phoenix Ranger Featherman, she did not stop even to confirm the location he had given in his message, confident in her memory to serve her well. 

All that remained in her path was the door to Ken’s apartment. Here, at last, she paused to knock, not wishing to spring upon the boy when he was heretofore in a state of panic. 

❝Ken-kun? It is Arturia, may I come in?❞

[grailpersonals]

[drowning-in-ebony]

A Sense of Sufficiency || Arturia & Avery

[drowning-in-ebony]

 He smiled slightly again as she made her way over then resumed his normal expression and nodded.  “I see.” He said, seeing it as almost expected of her. Of course, he didn’t know everyone in town, but if he could see someone getting up early every day, it  would certainly be Arturia.  “Ah, I see. So being up early is nice for you.” He answered, crawling over to the rooftop and laying again, closer to the ladder now for ease of conversation, however. Although really, perhaps he should get off the roof, anyways… The sun’s light continued to light up the sky in deep bright oranges and pinks as he slid down closer to the ladder. “Perhaps I should make my way back down for proper conversing….” He muttered to himself as he fixed himself near a corner of the building and climbed his way down carefully so that he was at ground level again. 

[knightlyideal]

To match the rising light, her expression brightened in the knowledge that her perspective had been understood. It was not one often shared (met at least once with the vehement scorn of a girl who had made alarm clocks her personal enemy) and so a simple acknowledgement was the type of small kindness that made its way into her countenance. Especially so in the case that her hypothesis was proven correct.

❝I suppose that you are not so fond of it?❞ Not only the manner of his previous question, but something in his bearing suggested that the wee hours of the day were not his preferred time to awaken. Yet she phrased her words as a question, careful not to make unfounded assumptions.

Although she had not been proximal enough to hear his ruling, his approach to the ladder served as a signal to her that he would shortly be joining her on the streets of the city once more. Acquiescing to that choice, she vacated the ladder herself and took up vigil a few strides clear of the edge of the apartment until their footing was equal, unhurried as she watched the shades of the sky move closer to blue.

In her upward gaze, the enigma that had been on her mind since first noting the taller’s presence on the roof crystallized into a question. With a hint of trepidation in her voice, she gave it form in air that still held the hint of evening’s chill following a short period of comfortable quiet between them. ❝I must ask... what is it that brought you out this morning against that inclination?❞

[kokkainokurage-blog-deactivated]

The conversation and the entire excursion had become even more fascinating all of a sudden; there they were, the local legend. Nothing about them seemed out of the ordinary to her. Birds always seemed to watch people pass by– at least, the braver of the flock did. Pigeons especially, she knew from experience, often didn’t really give too much of a care whether people came too close. If she was a bird expecting an edible handout, the same would go for her as well…

As for the answer, she wasn’t exactly disappointed (but not quite satisfied, either!) Knowing that they did, in fact, belong to the mayor of the town was one down, but so many others to go. What kind of mayor never showed and used these birds as communication? Her time as a resident was too short to really pass that kind of judgment, wasn’t it.

“I wonder why he doesn’t show himself. N-not that I can really give much of an opinion on that, maybe he’s just shy, after all…” Nanako didn’t want to be critical without knowing the whole story… but it seemed like even citizens who had been here much longer didn’t know that, either. “It seems to me that everyone here is welcoming. If it were me, I’d probably want to meet all these nice people in person after a while.”

But was anyone even willing to play such a long waiting game? Nanako didn’t realize how soft she had kept her voice, even after Arturia’s voice had returned to a normal volume. “Maybe I’ll try someday. What would you ask or say, if you went through with it?”

[knightlyideal]

Her curiosity was equaled by the blonde’s though time had diminished it. As a resident of several months, it had simply become an aspect of the status quo - a background oddity that rarely surfaced to the level of mystery that it truly held. Naturally, only in the face of the other’s fresh perspective was the matter subject to scrutiny.

As the intended contents of her letter were asked after, a small realization shone in Arturia’s green eyes. ❝I haven’t truly given it much thought.❞ Not long after such a statement, finger touched faintly to the ribbon at her collar to indicate her present thoughtfulness on the topic. It may have been a nebulous curiosity at the type of person who was governing their city that brought the consideration to mind in the first place rather than a defined objective, as she still could not produce a concrete question that she wished pose. ❝Perhaps that is why I find myself unable to commit any words to the page...

❝I suppose I might ask him about himself or what he thinks of the city and its people, simply to learn about the mindset through which he views the world.❞ She peered up at one of the doves, as though she might be able to read the answers she sought in the sly stare it had fixed her with. The battle was brief and ended in her withdrawal, recalling the purpose that had brought her past the building and its many ‘residents’ in the first place. ❝But, my apologies, I seem to have derailed us from our purpose.❞

Scarcely a glance was paid toward the post office once her verdict had been given, soft steps indicating her intentions before she voiced them aloud. A few paces separated the two of them, just enough to draw attention but not enough to engender concern that she was simply going to advance without the one whom she was guiding. ❝Shall we continue on? It is not much farther.❞

[knightlyideal]

chiefhotsuin replied to your post “chiefhotsuin started following you sWEATS”

well you can take her, you look worthy enough I mean *coughs*

[knightlyideal]

chiefhotsuin started following you

sWEATS

[knightlyideal]

It was by pure chance that the rumour of an approaching birthday came to her attention. Usually, she did not put much stock in the idle conversation that filled up the gaps between the bizarre incidents that had become a hallmark of the offices, but for once she found herself shifting her seat in order to better hear the target of today’s speculation.

They’re twins, right, so of course their birthdays are on the same day!

Wait a minute, how did you even find out about this? They’re both really quiet about personal stuff...

Just trust me, okay?

Perhaps it had been a poor decision to give in to curiosity, as for the remainder of the day she could not focus with any true effectiveness on her work. Miyako’s birthday was in a few days and she couldn’t help but entertain the idea of doing something more for her than giving a gift. The two of them lived together now, meaning that there was at least the possibility of some grand gesture on a day of so much importance.

Over the following days, she progressively scaled back the potential situations to one that she had determined to be the most manageable on a notice so short - a surprise party. She had never organized one before, leading to more than one frantic call to one Shirou Emiya while attempting to battle an outrageous number of large balloons that seemed intent on trapping her within the party aisle.

As she was to be the only one in attendance, there was little she could do aside from placing the sparse decorations that would take up their due positions around the living room once she was certain that her roommate had truly fallen asleep, but that did not deter her from an earnest effort to make up for the lack of presence by embodying the spirit of celebration.

The sun broke over the horizon on the appointed day and so she made her way carefully out into the common area of the apartment, moving as stealthily as possible in the darkened halls. (Proudly, she would later recount that she had only collided with one wall over the course of her decorative activities.)

Diligently, she awaited the approach of a more reasonable hour to awaken, amusing herself with one of the quieter (broken, rather, and all the better for it) party horns.

The creak of the door-frame signaled that the actors must assume their roles, quickly bringing the blonde across the room to the light switch that she had been keeping careful watch over for much of the early morning. With a flick of the wrist and a smile, she illuminated the room and the sight of a startled Miyako Hotsuin.

❝Happy birthday, Hotsuin-san.❞

[dragxnpower-blog]

“I see… You have my gratitude.”

It was a gracious gesture to be sure, and one Miyako didn’t believe to have been made solely for the sake of humoring her. From what she had observed, after all, Arturia was a fairly straightforward person; if she was truly opposed to Miyako’s suggestion of which film to see, the latter trusted that her subordinate would speak up and advise against it. 

She’d be ‘happy to watch anything’… Arturia was quite kind, and very patient. Miyako truly did appreciate that, embarrassing though the need for it was.

“An action film, then. I will take time tonight to see which movies of that genre are currently playing in theaters.”

Her first movie… Her first casual get-together… Hah, if she was being honest–

“I’m quite looking forward to this.”

[knightlyideal]

As they were in agreement, Arturia allowed herself to give consideration to the details that she had forestalled giving decisive judgement. Often, it was a natural process that she never truly examined it in steps, but it appeared that there were a few advantages to the diffident state of her recent thoughts. Primarily, she thought of transportation and scheduling, wondering at the best way to fit everything together.

Before she could become too absorbed in those finer points, Miyako addressed her in a manner that nearly returned her to earlier fondness that had been almost embarrassing.

Despite her objections on the basis of composure, she couldn’t help herself from answering with downy words. ❝As am I.❞ In stark contrast to her demeanor at the beginning of their conversation, she suddenly found herself wishing she could say more on the subject, to offer more than those few words.

Nonetheless, the severe hands of the clock were merciless in their reminder that she had already taken up far too much time with questions that pertained little to the matters of the TCDF. ❝I shall leave you to your work, then... unless there is anything else you would like to discuss?❞

[kokkainokurage-blog-deactivated]

Though she couldn’t possibly have caught the delicate change of atmosphere surrounding the blonde, there was still a feeling of tension within Nanako’s chest. The tight knot in her stomach, too, that was awfully familiar, and she immediately felt as though she’d spoiled the mood a bit. Admittedly, that happened a lot more than she would have liked to admit, in spite of improvement in recent years. Breaking old habits was incredibly difficult, certainly, but the last thing she wanted to do was use such an excuse as a crutch to support this poor attitude…

All that could be done now, though, was to let it go; that’s what she was always being told. Things like that could not be taken back, after all, and what was left to worry about once all was said and done? Nothing; and thus, no reason to worry. Rather, she knew she should devote this energy to memorization, instead. Just in time, too; had Nanako not shaken those thoughts away, she could very well have missed the explanation and, consequently, the structure nearby.

“Oh, I heard something curious about that…” She added, her head tilting slightly to one side. “Are any rumors about those doves true, or am I just reading into whispers too much?”

That, and frequenting those silly anonymous social media websites. Sites like those were a hotbed for rumors with no real basis, but on the other hand, some folks could fabricate a very compelling argument as to why this or that rumor could very well be true…

[knightlyideal]

Apparently her choice of the doves as a point of reference was a wise one, drawing a sound of recognition from her dark-haired companion. As the building was drawn closer by their footsteps, the perches of a few doves came into view, their eyes curiously following the path the two traced through the night.

On the subject of the feathered observers, the other asked about the rumours that had become quite widespread in recent months. It was true that she could not say with any certainty whether the tales she’d heard were the same as the ones that had caught the other woman’s ear - much less to what degree they were accurate, but there were a few facts she could offer. ❝They are likely a mix of truth and exaggeration.❞ It was usually the case with such things, the truth morphing and changing over time (and maybe even altering to fit the distorted rumour). ❝As far as I know, however, a few trustworthy people have confirmed that each one belongs to the mayor and that, should you send him a letter using a dove, he may respond.❞

Without conscious intent, Arturia’s voice had become a conspiratorial whisper as they passed under the doves’ main perch. It made the whole affair sound as though they were peaking through the fog of mystery for a moment or had momentarily become children again, making all stories glittering and real.

❝I’ve thought about trying it myself on occasion,❞ she confessed, tone returning to normal. ❝At the very least, it is true that he is a very reticent person; I have not seen him once in my time here.❞

[knightlyideal]

Identities, Online and Offline | +Hakuno

[tbdheroine-deactivated20160805]

“It’s– just I felt really embarrassed and regretful…” she laughs bitterly, while twirling her hair self-consciously. It was most said about Hakuno that she had very low self-esteem that she would most often blame everything onto herself although partially it would be not her fault. “But thanks for telling me your name, Arturia-san. It kind of help clear things up for me.”

When the other woman had thanked her and apologized for taking too long, she immediately waved it off, “It’s fine. It was better to take a look around after all, and I didn’t mind the wait, actually.” Hakuno followed after the blonde for a moment, then she became confused at Arturia’s offer, at first she thought over it, then she shook her head. “I felt like helping anyway, and it made me feel good helping others with technical difficulties.”

[knightlyideal]

The younger’s obliging words came in time with the ding of the cash register as it took note of her purchase, finalizing the matter once and for all. Arturia appreciated the patience of her companion all the more, as all doubts had been dispelled by a second opinion, rendering her answer to the employees question as to whether she was satisfied with her purchase an entirely affirmative one.

With thanks given, she carried the computer easily in her arms, the strength they possessed not belied by her slight frame. In fact, the words of the closest fellow patron that would have formed an offer of assistance died quickly at that unexpected fact.

She turned, then, toward Hakuno, a measure of regret filling her green eyes. The brunette had been a great help and yet she had not asked for a single recompense. Arturia would not press the matter but it didn’t sit right with her to simply walk away and forget the kindness she had been shown. In light of that fact, her farewell became the words of a promise, a hand extended should the other find herself in similar straits one day.

❝I believe this is where we part. I won’t trouble you with another expression of gratitude, but please don’t hesitate to seek my help in the future.❞

[itisntapityparty]

send me five times kissed for a drabble about five times our muses kissed