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popping in to say i have drafted two replies, and if anyone else wants to thread and has a open, just ... like this? and if you want to plot something out, feel free to hit my inbox! i'll be sure to get to everything tonight or tomorrow.
Touring the Capital (open)
The answer he got from his sister was vague and evasive, as he had expected. Frankly he’d have more to worry about if she had said anything else. She was still acting like the sister he’d known this whole time so there was no real need to raise his guard. If anything his defenses against her would be where they always were.
"Progress? I wouldn’t say I’ve made much. I haven’t been here long so I was going to try to get to know the place so I wouldn’t keep getting lost. I was going to pick up a travel guide and see if I could piece together what I know of the language."
"Actually, Aika, are you lost?"
They were in the same position if that's the case and no threats would be lurking around the corner. Although, she didn't believe that Mahiro would fight against her. The same could be said about her, so it does give her some peace of mind to know it's still early.
"I see,"
"I wouldn't worry too much because I am sure that as long as you remember your English, you'll be fine. Rome is a tourist spot." But she had heard that at least knowing the basic language is a plus when traveling.
Blinking twice as if she is confused at his question, Aika quickly shook her head. "A person is only lost once they admit to being lost, and I prefer to say that I am still exploring," which really means that she is lost.
tumblr fangirl challenge → [1/10] favorite female characters
oh rome(o), oh rome(o)
His smirk is sharp around the edges. “Then I’ll find out later.”
This tells him she isn’t so naive that she would be forgetful; anything she said could be analyzed and applied in the war. Prove it, he wanted to say, annoyed that he can’t see more right now. He has to work with what he’s given. For a woman caring about something as insignificant as romance, maybe she’s not even worth his time.
Her tone seemed to swell with conviction, overconfident. Not a bad trait, unless it meant she’d try to grapple for total control. ”Wouldn’t be a real war if they were all hiding.” He can’t say hunting isn’t part of the thrill.
He expected the rest of the month would be like this, hearing claims but unable to gauge real power. It’s not as though he cares about going on a desperate search. If being here depended on finding something as simple as a source of mana, he wouldn’t be sitting around and waiting the entire time, either.
Peace, that was laughable at best. “Hah! That’s what you care about?” Why choose something so selfless? He couldn’t understand it — for him, this is an experience meant to challenge and excite. ”Fuck that, how boring. I don’t give a shit about the war or why it’s happening. I don’t need some pointless fucking wish. I’m here to tear apart and crush the weak. I care about finding the strongest.” If that’s all she wanted, it made him question whether or not she could even enjoy every part of the fight. What matters more than that, is knowing if she could handle him.
Aika laughed quietly and nodded her head. It is true that if they are to hide then this would become a pointless war, but there is nothing wrong with hiding until the time is right. Which she is sure that many people would be doing and she has a few plans up her sleeves to dispel that.
"I do doubt them all of them will do that. However, some might." And that's why she needed to make as many plans and back up plans as possible so that Aika did not need to worry so much about them, or herself.
That is a reaction she did expect. But, there are a few reasons as to why she chose that as her wish and none that she would happily explain in the open. Only a fool would do that seeing it would expose one of her weakness which is why she is being very mindful.
She shrugged her shoulder. "It might change later on in the war, but it all depends on what happens." However, the wish wish won't really be focused on herself. Her new one might be selfish if she needs to go ahead with it, but Aika knew that she won't be the only one wishing for it.
A fighter, and a ruthless one at that. Eyes shined for a moment and another smile appeared. So he didn't have a real wish and only desired to fight. "I don't think all wishes are pointless, but I do understand where you are coming from. Hm, that means making you fight won't be a hassle and neither will being rough. I see." How interesting.
oh rome(o), oh rome(o)
… Well, that was unexpected, albeit in a positive way. In truth, Chizuru had expected the girl to brush her off as a weirdo looking for a companion — but, then again, it had been the other female who had proposed the entire outing to begin with. Perhaps she’s just simply over-thinking things, and should go along for the ride.
Thankfully, Chizuru has spent enough time wandering Rome already that she even knows a gelatto place. The flavors, however, are still largely beyond her comprehension — ah, but that is an issue for later.
“Right, then — follow me!” She pauses for a brief moment, before taking the first step. And she makes certain her new companion is in tow before popping the most important question of all — “what might I call you?”
Belated is better than never.
Raising her hand to her mouth, Aika giggled faintly and nodded her head before following after Chizuru. However she stopped when her new companion had done the same and she raised a brow in slight confusion until she understand why they had done so.
"How impolite of me for not introduce myself." She really should have told the other her name before demanding to go on a date. Although it isn't really demanding and neither is it a proper date. It was Chizuru's own fault for this.
Using a fake name would be rude, and because her brother is around then it should be safe to use her real name. "Aika Fuwa. It's a pleasure to meet you," her tone was gentle and cheerful, the same as her expression.
"And what might your name be?"
Touring the Capital (open)
Naturally, Aika was more than capable of taking care of herself. Almost too capable. Mahiro shuddered at the thought of what she was capable of getting into in this city, though the problem was the timing. If it were any other time he could have chalked it up to a simple prank or just Aika acting how she always did, but the timing was too off considering what was going on.
He was somewhat worried about not only her intentions but her safety. He was her older brother after all.
"I don’t have enough time to list the reasons I have to be worried about you being here. How long are you planning on staying here anyway?"
That is a good question; just how long will she be here for? Until the end of the war if she is lucky. It all depended on how it went servant wise and master. No doubt some would wish to aim for both enemies so that they could not return to the battle.
"Hm..."
"As long as I need to," she answered. It was a vague answer and no doubt would just bring up more questions, but that was the honest truth. Nobody really knew how long this war would wage on for.
Looking up at him, Aika clasped her hands behind her back and leaned forward a little, head tilted to the side. "Have you made any progress in Rome, Mahiro, or are you still adjusting to this new country?" Now it was her turn to ask some questions.
oh rome(o), oh rome(o)
Irritating as it is, he understands that he needs to use someone, if he wants to enjoy this experience to the fullest. He didn’t miss her implication, but there was a short pause before he responded, watching with steely indifference. So far, he already had the impression there’s nothing strong about this woman. He’s accustomed to immediately feeling something; a reiatsu, a special energy, and she feels like another human. Supposedly, there’s magic involved. He would still be skeptical until he learned more about each Master he crossed paths with.
"Fine." If only because petty rules could decide whether or not he has a chance to keep participating. Fists stuffed in his pockets, he took the initiative to find somewhere not surrounded with civilians.
If every Master would be, he thought, then maybe it meant they would stay the hell out of his way or be crushed in the crossfire. He seemed to think an alley would suffice; secluded and easier to see if people were eavesdropping.
"What can you do, woman?" He demanded, curt and to the point. "And what do you want out of this?" Above all, he didn’t want to be tied down and he didn’t want to be forced to do something that conflicted with his ideals. If it came to choosing a Master, he wanted as much freedom as possible.
Perfect. It looks like this will go rather smoothly and Aika quietly followed behind him, keeping an eye in case there are others around and if they were to follow them. People could easily have eyes and ears all over this place already.
When they stopped, Aika paused and thought about how to go about this. The same with her answers because she did need to be mindful with what she tells him.
"I believe I would be a fool if I flat out told you. I hope you can understand because if things don't go as planned, or our goals are far to different then I am left to be a little vulnerable and I won't have an element of surprise." Losing isn't on her to do list in this war.
"However, I can say that I am not as weak as I appear and don't need a knight in shining armor. Finding my enemies won't be too much of a hassle either."
She did hope that would be good enough for him. There isn't much else she'll really explain about her magic until Aika is sure that she isn't going to be stabbed in the back later. Planning ahead and knowing your enemy is important in their war, and so is secrecy.
"And I hope to gain peace. Not for myself, and not for the entire world, but instead for those close to me." Peace for the entire world is only for fools and if Aika desired peace, she wouldn't have worked so hard to make sure she is one of the many to be chosen by the Grail.
Now it was her turn to ask the questions; "What do you wish to gain from all of this?"
oh rome(o), oh rome(o)
He didn’t mind being called simple, really. Being called an idiot straight up was something he could take as well. Hell, he wouldn’t mind being called ignorant even— but it would go too far to call him incompetent.
That’s what he felt, at any rate.
So even with the negative connotations she may or may not have been implying, Araragi Koyomi stood still, not phased to much— instead, offering a thoughtful expression to her words.
“I see… now I understand,” he slowly nodded— understanding relatively quickly.
He had brains, but when he chose to use them— or when he chose to use them too much— all varied on the position of the stars, the phase of the moon, and the planet Earth’s rotational axis corresponding on a specific minute on a specific hour on a specific day on a specific week in a specific month in a specific year given the current height of the Pacific Ocean specifically at a specific point, to specify things.
… Of course, the specific amount of lies in that paragraph were prolific, albeit pacific in nature.
A long, terrific, and outright terrible joke he probably would have stated, if called out on his idiocy.
“… But now that I understand, I can’t say I can give you an answer. After all, I’ve never been to France, and now that I’m in Rome, I’d be biased if I suggested it. So… I have no clue. I’m at a complete loss.”
At least Koyomi was honest.
"Oh?"
Brow raised, Aika remained silent as she waited for a response from him. It looked like explaining it in a more simple way worked out quiet nicely and maybe now she could get the answer which she desired. Either answer would be correct as there is no wrong.
All the young girl is curious about is the opinion of others. And there is a few reasons for that. Knowledge is power after all and if there is one thing that Aika loves, it is knowledge. Next to books and her dear Shakespeare.
She would be lying if she said she isn't disappointed with the answer. But it's an answer and an honest one at that so it isn't too bad. "Say, if you had not come to Rome, what would you say then?"
"Or perhaps you would not be able to give an answer seeing you would have not gone to either place." Which is a logical response. "This is just based on their beauty and nature, of course."
Odd?
Maribelle pauses a moment, staring at the young lady who’d questioned her invitation. Well, she couldn’t entirely blame her. Maribelle sets her own cup down, focusing her attention on the stranger.
”A day like this beckons for a tea shared in company, does it not? Idle chit-chat is all I’m after. It’s been too long since I’ve had a good conversation with someone.”
She turns to pick the tea-cup up again, relaxed. “Is that really so odd, as you say?”
How interesting and she pays close attention to the woman's words, however her expression did not change. "It can," depending on if you're someone who likes tea and company. This did bring more questions to pop up in her mind.
"Perhaps," Aika mused.
"Does this mean you do not know anyone here? Because I imagine you would want a company of a friend rather then a stranger. Unless you are someone who prefers to talk to strangers." She raised a brow.
oh rome(o), oh rome(o)
Before having to learn a few new concepts in this world, Hueco Mundo had a couple soft, too-feminine Arrancar that couldn’t be considered men. One in particular would have bathed himself in flowers to have a cloying stench, giving anyone his spiel about beauty, romance, sentimental shit.
"…" He gave the woman a look of confusion and disdain.
"Depends on if she’s squeamish." Because there would be plenty of bloodshed here, eventually.
Eyes flickered over his body before they light up and her smile turned into a sly looking one. It appears she had found herself a servant, and Aika snaps open her fan before covering the lower half of her face. This is an interesting turn of events;
She did not expect to run into one so soon, but there is no problem with that. It did make life a lot easier. There's a faint giggle from her throat and she gives a small nod.
"How true. Hm... I wonder, would you mind if we talked somewhere more ... 'private'?" Because if they were to talk about certain subjects in the open, it wouldn't be very safe.
Touring the Capital (open)
As harsh as ever. The surprise of seeing his sister in Rome lasted for only a moment when he thought about his own reasons for being there. He had already considered this a possibility but he had hoped that it could be delayed as long as possible.
They were both detached from Fuwa matters so there was no need for either of them to be involved as far as that was concerned. That being said they both had their reasons for being here, and Mahiro hadn’t come to Rome to be scolded by his sister.
"Call it what you want. When it comes down to it, the only thing I have to worry about is you."
How careless of her. Because now she had shown herself to him, Mahiro did have a reason to worry. But for what reason, she wondered. The chance of him knowing about her magus status was slim, so it would need to be the fact she is 'weak'.
And a girl, and his adorable little sister.
"Mahiro," a sigh escaped her lips. "There is no reason to worry about me." Perhaps she could play 'dumb' for the moment and act as if she had nothing to do with this war. It's obvious he is part of it though, she had heard from their parents.
She was quite enjoying the calm before the storm to its fullest. No reason to act so barbaric before the time that calls for it. Taking a small sip Maribelle’s eyes catch a stranger’s gaze from near on. A smile is offered, a welcoming and gentle gesture of her hand.
”Oh, why hello. Won’t you sit and rest a spell?”
”It’s optimal weather for enjoying a bit of tea.”
How odd it is for a stranger to call out to another to have tea. It did not seem logical to her, but what is logical in this world? There is magic and wars, heroic spirits who came when called. A life completely different from what most people are brought up with.
Pausing, Aika rested her index finger against her lips. Now would be the right action to take? Refusing would be utterly rude and this woman came across as a proper noble, once that lived in a mansion and had tutors.
"Is there a reason for making such a gracious offer? Please excuse my rudeness," except not really, "It just feels a little ... odd." Speaking her mind would be the best choice. There is no harm in that after all.
Touring the Capital (open)
Rome had ended up being just as busy and crowded as he had heard about. He planned on familiarizing himself with the area without running into any other masters, but if he knew it would be this crazy he would have just stayed in his hotel until things got quieter.
"Not like I have much to worry about at the end of the day." he found himself thinking aloud.
His top priority was summoning his servant, but even then he wasn’t in a hurry. There were still a few things he had to take care of first.
"Only a naive fool would say there is nothing to worry about," she spoke in a cool voice and took quiet steps towards the blonde before pausing in front of him. Aika pushed her hair behind her hair and let out a quiet sigh.
How troublesome to come across him so earlier, but perhaps this is fate. No. If they came across each other any later then no doubt complications would arise. That would be the real trouble, for both of them.
"Really, you should know better."
She was like a mother scolding a child, but that was not their relation. It should honestly be the other way around, with him as the older sibling and she was the younger. But she knew what Mahiro is like so this is not a surprise to her.
oh rome(o), oh rome(o)
{ ♛
Beatrice would walk casually around as she pleased, and would often be stopped by others. Typically men whom she would proceed to tease and embarrass, then stroll away cackling. Or a person who would try to exploit her beauty, and only serve to get exploited themselves.
Yet, she did not expect someone to place a fan in her face. Typically, people were afraid to approach her, so she actually enjoyed when people were so abrupt with her. It usually meant more fun for Beatrice later down the road.
She had barely heard what the other girl said, something about romantic cities, but the question was a simple one to answer.
"Ohoho.. Well, a question like that depends on the young woman herself! Some are desperate for a lover and some stray from the path of romance their entire lives! Which one are you? .. Or, are you perhaps in between?" }
A logical response.
Lowering her arm so that her fan is no longer in the woman's face, it would be rude to leave it there after all, Aika tilted her head to the side. Funny how this went from a question to which city is the most romantic spot to one that is about... her?
An unexpected turn of events. However, she saw no reason to give a proper response to a stranger. "I'm not sure. I could be in between, or one of them. I might even be neither." Someone that would like a lover yet is in no rush.
The answer might be in one of those possibilities, but it is Beatrice who will need to 'pick her brain' in order to find out the truth if she so desired. It matter little to her if the older woman is interested in not.
"How about you?"
If Beatrice is to ask such a question from her, it is only polite to ask in response, even if Aika held such little interest. But who knows, this could make her interested in what type of person she is talking to now.
oh rome(o), oh rome(o)
Chizuru blinks her eyes, as surprised by the other female’s request as she is by the sheer shamelessness the girl has in delivering it. To the sensible and frugal Chizuru, such extravagance ought be looked down upon. Sure, there’s nothing wrong with the occasional luxurious treat — but Chizuru had had a hard enough time buying her own ticket to come here, let alone go on such an expensive vacation.
She has to gulp down the knot in her throat before she’s able to deliver any sort of response, sheepish smile in tow.
“Ah — why don’t we try some gelatto first?” She’s never had any herself, so the experience wouldn’t go to waste.
To be honest, Aika did not think that the woman before her would take her so seriously. Did this mean she would be going on a date? And on her first day in Rome? Blinking twice, Aika is actually stunned for once (given how it's not very easy to do, good job Chizuru) and unsure of what to do.
There isn't any reason to refuse though. Maybe this would help her out. Moving the closed fan from Chizuru and resting it against her own lips before tapping it a few times, Aika is in deep thought about what course of action she should take.
"I do suppose we can," she finally responded. It would be a waste to refuse and connections in this city, they are important for the upcoming days. Another smile spreads out on Aika's lips and she gives Chizuru a quick nod.
"Lead the way,"
oh rome(o), oh rome(o)
What a weird question, was Koyomi’s instant thought. Were they really considered the most romantic cities? What was so romantic about them, exactly?
Did they incite love in the eye of the beholder? Or, perhaps they were so idyllic one could call them romantic? Perhaps one or the other held more pieces pertaining to Romanticism? … No…
“Easy,” Koyomi states, slowly beginning to cant his head to the side as he meets Aika’s gaze. “Neither of them.”
Blink.
“In the first place, cities can’t capture hearts. They capture the eye, and draw in people with their beauty, right? People love them in a platonic sense. It’s not like anyone can actually fall in love with a city. So, of course, neither of them.”
“… That’s it, right?”
Totally missing the point, as always.
Unfortunately, Aika did need to give him credit for such a smart and unique response. He is correct in how one can not fall in love with a city, however she did believe that a city could capture ones heart. It was just a matter of what one did in that place.
That is why most people enjoy living where they live, unless they have no choice, because they do love it there. Or so Aika likes to be able to believe. There's always other reasons, but is there any point in staying in a city you can not love?
No.
Moving her hand back and crossing her arms, Aika let out a faint laugh and shook her head.
"Correct yet incorrect. Perhaps I should have been more clear," she left out a soft hum. "Which city would help you capture her heart? As in, hm, to make it more 'simple'," which might come across as rude. Oh well! "Which city is the one a woman would love to go on a date in?"
WHAT IS YOUR EARLIEST HUMAN MEMORY?
"That's a little personal, is it not? Perhaps if we were closer I would be willing to tell you but, hm, no. I think I'll keep that to myself."
