we are all the captains of our own souls

rp blog for nakajima youko

[sekishi]

something familiar [open #2]

[devorabit]

He hadn’t seen very much of the city, but what he had seen was… peculiar, to say the least. The war, itself, was quite terrible, but that was only the beginning. It seemed that many of the inhabitants in the city were insane, slaughtering mercilessly and conducting vicious experiments upon others only to excite themselves. Only for their own pleasure.

And their drive to win? That, as well, was horrifying.

It also seemed that many people there possessed forms of magic that he was not familiar with, special abilities that he couldn’t have even dreamt up, no matter how he tried. As his enemies were so formidable, he could only wish that his servant at least would intend to cooperate with him.

As he walked, steps silent, a figure could be made out in the distance. Although they seemed to be the only one there, Sion could have sworn that he’d heard other voices, other people speaking.

The girl faced him, and the King stopped in his tracks.

“..Forgive me, I had not meant to intrude.”

Something about her gave off a certain sense of authority, as though she was… different from the average youth. Perhaps she was of royal blood, similar to him. Perhaps she was only another fighter. Then again, he did know that there probably weren’t any normal people left in the city to find.

Regardless, she did not seem to be quite as coldblooded as the rest (though it was a bit soon to make assumptions).

“Have you just arrived?”

His hand moved from the hilt of his sword, where it had been resting in case of danger, and back down to his side as he gazed at her calmly, amber-and-golden eyes remaining serene with a kingly nature. Sion knew that although they each were separated into pairs, it would be necessary to form alliances if any of them wished to survive the struggle of war.

[sekishi]

"...Arrived?"

Her pupils flicked upward in thought. She mulled it over, trying to figure out just what he was talking about. Of course. How had she missed that? He had probably overheard her conversation and put two and two together.

Or her new clothes were doing a terrible job at making her blend in. She hoped it was the former.

"Ah--No, I've been here for a while."

Youko gave a weak smile. It wasn't something she was too happy about. The longer she was here, the worse things would get back home.

Green eyes fell on the sword at the man's side. Jouyuu's presence coiled within her, sensing the could-be-threat. With any luck, it would be a normal weapon. Not that she'd had much luck here so far.

Still, there was a decent chance that it was. And anything that wasn't touki, weapons enchanted specifically to kill demons and immortals, couldn't do serious damage. She would be left either completely unharmed or with minor wounds. However, with all the crazy stuff involved in the Grail War, she suspected some would have weapons with the ability to kill her regardless.

If it was some sort of magical sword, she'd cross that bridge when--or if--she got there. Since she was used to fighting against them anyway, it didn't make much of a difference, but it was a lot more convenient.

The creeping sensation inside her eased as the man loosened his grip on the blade. That was definitely a good sign. Hopefully he wouldn't turn out to be an enemy. She took her gaze off his sword, looking back at his face. Based on the little he had said, he struck her as incredibly polite.

"Mind if I ask your name?"

[feeltheearth-deactivated2012111]

A Chance Encounter; Youko

[feeltheearth-deactivated2012111]

Toph raised an eyebrow, “You don’t know… what an earthbender is?” How unusual. Despite her lack of knowledge being practically impossible, Toph figured she might as well demonstrate.

“It means what if sounds like. My element is earth,” she shrugged. In one swift motion she pulled her foot back, then slammed it into the ground at an angle. The ground next to her cracked, and something that was big for a rock but small for a boulder popped up out of the ground and landed in her hand. Her hand had been outstretched just above the crack, as if the girl knew where it was going to form.

“It’s just one of those things that you’re either born with or you aren’t. As it just so happens, I was.”

[sekishi]

Stunned by the display, her eyes blinked in repetition. She had been expecting an explanation--not a demonstration such as that. Still, it worked just as well.

"That's...quite the impressive ability."

Definitely not like anything she'd seen before. Its movements were fluid and coordinated, unlike a sort of summons that she would expect. Youko cocked her head to the side. Despite that, it seemed the girl didn't notice any change in her whereabouts. It was strange--unless wherever she was from happened to look like Japan. That was always a possibility.

She crossed her arms, sitting down on one of the rocks. It was, of course, about as comfy as a rock would be--which is to say, not comfortable at all.

"...Though I don't think people here are born with anything like it."

Not normally, at any rate. At least not in Japan.

[sekishi]

something familiar [open #2]

Ice-cold tendrils slithered up under her limbs. It was a soft sort of liquid, almost like slime. The substance crawled down her spine and around her neck, seeping into her skin before disappearing entirely. It was the sea--the sea inside her. The salty waves sprayed foam against the shore, waiting to be released.

Youko's eyes fluttered open in a daze. She knew that feeling all too well.

"...Jouyuu?" she muttered, unsure if she could trust her senses.

Indeed.

She let out a sigh of relief as the voice echoed in her skull. So it was him after all.

"Is Keiki with you?"

The scent of blood is strong in this city. The Taiho is unable to come within miles of it.

"...I see."

She frowned. Keiki was a kirin, and as such, could not stand the sight, smell, or presence of blood. That was nothing new. But not being able to come within miles of Fuyuki? That was strange. The sheer amount of bloodshed and death to have occurred here for him to have such a reaction was disturbing.

"Are any of the other shirei with you?"

Since kirin were unable to function in battles, they had the ability to tame demons as their familiars--shirei--for their own protection. Keiki had sent them to accompany her on several occasions, and she was used to dealing with them.

The shadows at her feet stirred, and out from it rose the head of a panther-like beast. It was Hyouki, of course.

The Taiho sensed Your Highness' presence and came to retrieve you. As he is incapable of entering the city, he sent Hankyo and myself. He ordered that we assist you if necessary.

She nodded in response--she had assumed as much, really. It was clear that Jouyuu had been sent in case of that if necessary bit. Keiki was probably livid about that, seeing as he had told her to keep him around not too long ago.

Unlike Jouyuu, whose voice only she could hear, Hyouki's voice was audible to anyone close enough to perceive it. All three of the shirei usually spoke in the same matter-of-fact tone, so there generally wasn't much difference in their personalities. Jouyuu was much quieter than the other two, and Hankyo had the tendency to snicker quite often, but that was about it.

However...It appears that we have been prevented from leaving. Moreover, there is an ominous presence about. It is akin to the Big Bad we encountered during the search for the Tai-Taiho.

Hyouki paused, gold eyes gleaming with curiosity.

Your disappearance from the palace without a shoku occurring is also most perplexing.

"I'm a bit fuzzy on the details myself, but I'll explain later." She pushed back her hair, rubbing the upper part of her forehead. She had a bit of a headache. "Anyway, I'll be counting on you for the time being."

The pair of eyes peered back at her silently. By your command, he finally said, vanishing into the darkness.

Figures that they wouldn't be able to leave this place either--the whole thing was just plain weird. Given their abilities, they should have had no problem getting out. She had been hoping she would be able to send a message to Keiki, too. He wouldn't be able to sustain his form in this world for long and would have to return soon. It would be great if all this Holy Grail business would hurry up and finish so she could go back home as well.

--Your Highness.

She spun around, the sound of Jouyuu's voice alerting her. Someone was approaching.

[puerrmagus-blog]

01. intro [open]

[puerrmagus-blog]

What nerve, Muhyo thought, looking at the red-haired young lady in front of him. It was clear that she was a Master, but still, for her to harbor concern for him… He wasn’t sure if it was a gesture of kindness or if she wanted to stab him in the back after he did something to her benefit. Either way, he wasn’t too concerned— He could take care of himself, most certainly. 

“I’m fine,” he says, really stressing the ‘fine’. Suddenly, he remembers how comfortingly annoying it is for people to express concern for him.

Though, with an honest thought, he’s feeling even more sleepy, though he has to shove that away— he has to remain vigilant around this woman he knew nothing about— Muhyo was sure of that. However, he had to make sure that he didn’t show this guard openly.

And then, he said nothing, slightly playing with the pages of his grimoire. He wasn’t really one to lead conversations anyway.

[sekishi]

A warm smile spread across her lips. It had really worried her with how drowsy the boy seemed. Hearing that he was all right was a huge relief.

"Is that so? Well, sorry for bothering you."

She gave a slight nod and turned around. As he was fine, there was really no reason to stick around much longer. But the book he held caught her attention.

It could be considered average sized, but its contents made it appear to be twice of what was normal. She didn't know whether it was just a long story or if the pages were simply incredibly thick. Still, it was a rather large item to just lug around. The thing was definitely expensive--hard cover, plated edges. There was no title on its front from what she could see.

The words were all a blur as the boy flipped through the pages. Perhaps she was too far away to make out anything, but maybe it was written in a foreign language. She didn't try to find out--it could be his diary for all she knew.

"I can't tell if you're actually reading that thing or turning pages at random."

[feeltheearth-deactivated2012111]

A Chance Encounter; Youko

[feeltheearth-deactivated2012111]

“I’m an earthbender,” the girl shrugged, though she also sounded as if she thought that should have been obvious, “that’s what we do I guess. How’s it any of your business where I chose to sit?”

She wondered if this person was one of the ‘dangerous strangers’ the small girl had told her about. Based on the voice, female. Based on the weight, some muscle, but she wasn’t made of bulk. No match for the Blind Bandit, of course, she mused slightly to herself.

[sekishi]

"Just that it looked a bit painful, is all."

Youko smiled, sizing the stranger up. She was pretty young--or at least appeared to be so. Perhaps around twelve or thirteen. Her features were Oriental, but an exact ethnicity was hard to pinpoint. She could pass for Japanese. But then again, she could probably also pass for Chinese.

She mulled on the other girl's words. Earthbender. The phrase was jargon to her. Did she have the ability to contort the shape of rocks to bend like rubber, or was the meaning not literal?

"So," she began, running her fingers through the back of her hair. "Just what exactly is an earthbender?"

[feeltheearth-deactivated2012111]

sekishi started following you

Toph sat lazily against her rock, “watching” as the people strolled by.

What an unusal number of people to be lurking in the same sort of places Toph did, she noted.

The people weren’t bothering her, though, so she ignored them.

[sekishi]

Youko tilted her head to the side, glancing at the girl in front of her. Her clothing was peculiar. It was similar--but not quite the same--to the garments she'd seen so often back in her world, but its distinct foreign flair made it completely separate from what she was used to.

And, of course, it made her involvement in the Holy Grail War obvious. Not that she cared much for that whole mess.

She raised an eyebrow, realizing the stranger was lying in a pile of rocks. Despite how painful it looked, the girl looked right at home. Odd. Surely it couldn't be comfortable.

"Is there a reason you're sitting on those?"

[akingforhismen-blog]

A Most Joyous Occasion! [KV Open]

[akingforhismen-blog]

Fine wine and high-class booze was always nice, but for simple gatherings nothing could beat the simple pleasures of a good beer. And it was good to see, or taste, that some things didn’t change with the world. In this world of steel and fire, of technology never before known to mankind. But change and progress were always good. They had been a force Iskander had pushed forward during his royal years. Never sit still. Keep moving.

“June 20… A good day.”

Of course, all days were a good day, if one wanted them to be. For Iskander every day had been a good day. Barring one. But he would not let that day mar the others. His friend would not have wished for it to be that way. Besides, today was a day for celebration! Not a day for remembering the traumatic past. And there was no better way to celebrate a warrior than to drink.

The only true immortals that Iskander knew to walk the Earth were the gods themselves. Zeus, Poseidon, Hades and the rest, all of them timeless. Everyone else could be extraordinarily powerful, earth-shakingly powerful, but one day even they would be no more than dust in the wind.

“… Doesn’t celebrate? Tch.” Banging his can of beer on the table, the conqueror shook his head. “Unacceptable! It means we have several years of birthdays to male up for you today, then. Hey, everybody!” The people at the nearby picnic tables turned to see the overexcited conqueror stand up.

“Why don’t we sing Happy Birthday for this girl over here? And sing it loudly!”

[sekishi]

Her family had always been extremely conservative and boorish. They were perfect cutouts of what a stereotypical family should be. Her mother was the perfect wife. She cooked, she cleaned, she took care of the house and shopping, she stayed at home with the kids and did whatever her husband told her to do. Her father was the man of the house. He went to work, managed the finances, made his traditional views on politics crystal clear, and was the final authority on any subject.

And, of course, Youko was the perfect child. She went to school, got good grades, did exactly as she was instructed, always dressed modestly and never went one step out of line. They all acted like machines.

Their lives were so normal and bland that the mere thought of having anything remotely similar to a big birthday celebration was preposterous. A few wishes from family and a small cake were the norm. Gifts were things like books and new dress clothes or pajamas--sometimes a stuffed toy back when she was a child. They may have even gone on a picnic once or twice when she was younger.

Given that she had few friends, it wasn't much different from most birthdays in Japan. It was certainly a bit smaller, but it wasn't as if she never had any. But it was completely devoid of any enthusiasm or happiness. Just like everything else, it was another lifeless routine in their schedule.

She looked up in surprise as Iskander slammed his drink against the table, sounding a simultaneous clank as the other bottles shook. Her jaw dropped.

"Wh-what? You can't be serious!"

She was dumbfounded. Wasn't it his birthday here?

[kuruuryuu-blog]

Butchers, open for business; 02 [open, EVENT]

[Trigger warning: gore and torture]

The announcement had carried through Fuyuki City for the last 24 hours, and probably wouldn’t cease until all those involved were aware that the time for fighting was near. For Uryuu however, there was little for him to do: his servant had not yet materialise, and judging by the company he already had bumped into he was well aware he would not stand against most of those who were currently participating in the Holy Grail War.

However, that didn’t mean that the young serial killer’s reign of terror had to slow down…

Within the confides of his hideout, a cave-like area dug into the sewers of Fuyuki City, a bonfire and candles were the only thing which illuminated the otherwise dark base of operations. A new addition, though, were a series of signs placed so that they directed to Uryuu’s location. Usually he would want to keep it concealed: he was a wanted fugitive hunted by police and vigilantes. But tonight, that was going away - there were more important things than being concealed.

Uryuu hummed away as he laboured around the area, making sure everything was perfectly in place. On a table right beside him, crudely crafted bowls of what appeared to be human skulls were filled to the brim with intestines - thinly sliced and cut into a mock pasta dish. They were neatly aligned, some older than others showing how fresh the produce was, as if they were behind a display counter at a food store.

Additionally, hanging by meat hooks from piping near the roof, human arms and legs were scattered all around the room. Fresh, cooked, burned: once again a variety to choose from, depending on personal preference. By now, it was evident by the preparation of the organs and limbs that Uryuu was passing them off as food to restore prana.

Of course, he didn’t expect to sell any of this. Uryuu thought of it more as an exhibition of his ‘talents’ to anyone who would deem it necessary to visit him. For good measure, however, there were various signs at the entrances of the sewer system promising free food for prana restoration. Disguised as a pit stop provided by the Church, since their announcement so desperately urged participants to rejuvenate their prana supply. 

The coup de grace, however, was still on it’s way to completion. On either side of the bonfire were supports - both holding up a firm, steel pipe. Similar to one which you would place a pig on when you spit roasted it before eating. On one of the ends was a handle, which Uryuu moved towards with a sinister grin and started rotating.

Hog tied to the pipe? A still-breathing man, ungagged, screaming for his life as the fire slow roasted his body. The man’s desperate yells did nothing make Uryuu rethink his actions - he just continued to chug along as if he was cooking an ordinary animal. Doing the best impression of a French chef’s accent, like he had seen on TV, Uryuu shouted at the top of his lungs so that it echoed to anyone in the sewer system:

“Dinnnner is served!”

[sekishi]

A headache accompanied the flow of new information inside her mind. She groaned. Prana was low. Had to start fighting others off to avoid disappearing. Not something that really required an announcement in her opinion. It was made pretty clear from the start.

War was something she was familiar with--she had fought in several. And fighting meant killing. The path to the throne was paved with corpses; it was inevitable that her hands would be stained with blood as long as she lived.

But this was no war. It was a caged fight where the participants slaughtered each other for a prize. It was ridiculous. She would continue to fight only if she deemed necessary. If she was attacked, if she saw wrongdoings, if she needed to defend herself--only then would she draw her sword. This lack of prana didn't change a thing.

She pulled a crumpled piece of paper out of her pocket. Well, maybe some good could come of that worthless announcement. She didn't want to take the original, so she had scrawled down the contents. Free food. It was a kind offer, though its obvious connections with the Grail War would make anyone a bit skeptical.

Especially in a sewer, of all places. Green eyes darted back and forth as she walked through the damp tunnel. While she didn't want to doubt the kindness of a stranger, it was certainly odd. Shoving the note back in her pocket, she followed the series of arrows marked on the signs.

It was exactly what you'd expect to find in a sewer. Rats scurried around in the shadows and nibbled on bits of garbage, high-pitched squeaks echoing with the drips of water. A foul stench clung to the air like a noxious gas. It felt almost physical, settling into layers of rot on every surface within its reach. It was hard to imagine the thought of anyone giving away food here.

The smell grew worse as she ventured further into the tunnel. She shivered. Her ankles were soaked with sewage and every step jolted her legs with a thousand pinpricks. Just how far did this go on for?

Her ears perked up at the faint sound of voices--people. It was about time. Letting out a sigh of relief, she picked up a brisk pace. Whoever they were, they were speaking rather loudly. Shouting, actually. She came to a complete halt, listening intently. No. That was screaming.

Blade unsheathed, her shoes sloshed through shallow puddles as she ran towards the pulsing light. She emerged into a flickering orange glow, her heart throbbing loud inside her ears while her vision adjusted to the light.

“Dinnnner is served!”

Everything came into focus. The gore strung up like Christmas lights, the intestines carved into tiny dishes, the screeching man roasting on full display. She fought back the vomit that swished into her mouth, gulping it back down as she trembled with rage. It was sickening.

Darting across the room, the glittering blade sliced through the pipe like melted butter. The man screamed as he swerved to the side. Youko cut through his binds and heaved him over her shoulders. Damn it, this guy was heavy. She glanced up at him, realizing he had passed out after he became silent.

Scowling, her fingers gripped tightly around the hilt of the sword. She would be handicapped severely in a fight with this man slung over her back, but she couldn't just set him back down here. It would be ideal to simply get him out of here without a fight, then deal with the culprit once he was safe. But that wasn't happening.

She whipped around and glared fiercely at the other man. She wouldn't kill him--not unless either of their lives depended on it. However, there was no chance in hell that she would let this person get away.

[akingforhismen-blog]

A Most Joyous Occasion! [KV Open]

[akingforhismen-blog]

The look on her face was priceless… but that was probably because she didn’t understand the nature of Heroic Spirits. To be a Heroic Spirit was like being in stasis. Waiting until such a time as they were summoned forth into the world. Which meant hanging around and twiddling one’s thumbs for two thousand years… which sounded terrible. Iskander couldn’t even remember what the afterlife was like, though. Perhaps like Okeanos.

Wasn’t it the obvious conclusion? After all, Alexander’s time in the annals of history had ended at the far too young age of 33. Not enough time for him to truly conquer the entire world as he had hoped. It was why the Grail had brought him back; his indomitable will, bombastic nature and far-reaching dreams had given him the status of Heroic Spirit.

But he couldn’t fault her for the surprise. It wasn’t every day you met a man well over 2000 years old. Technically speaking. Instead, he merely savored the beer. This was the drink of Egyptian kings, wasn’t it? And he had been a pharaoh as well. How appropriate. 

“There’s a first time for everything. Meeting new people, seeing the world… even being in Japan. But when’s your birthday? I want to know how many people I’ll have to buy presents for today!”

[sekishi]

"That's for sure."

She grinned, draining the can of its contents. The taste was something she could really get used to.

The world--or worlds, she should say--were full of countless wonders and experiences. The glittering stars that swirled through the depths of the Empty Sea had been a dazzling sight to behold, but Tokyo's steel towers that pierced through the clouds were just as fantastic. That was something she would never be able to see back home. Her world was one that could never achieve any sort of industrial revolution.

"My birthday? It's June 20th."

Her parents had never made anything special of her birthday back in Japan. They were very rarely accompanied with grand celebrations of any kind in the Twelve Kingdoms either--at least as far as she knew. She'd certainly never seen any.

The palace only housed those who were immortal, and many of them simply no longer cared about their age or stopped counting. Perhaps it was more common out in the villages and she had just never stumbled upon one.

Even in her case, her age was never celebrated. It was the length of her rule that mattered. Her current reign of three years was hardly anything to start partying over--Jokaku's had been twice that before she lost the way. It would be a very long time before anyone in Kei started celebrating her time.

Her mind lingered on the thought of those three years. She was around twenty now, wasn't she? She certainly didn't feel it. Or look it, for that matter. Regardless of how many centuries she lived, she would always look sixteen.

"...Though my family doesn't usually celebrate stuff like that."

[riboku]

[sekishi]

from here to there [intro/open]

[miraclebitching-blog]

“I see. You are searching its weakspot, aren’t you? You think it is too powerful to exist, that nothing can possibly exist without having to sacrifice something for it. That you have to kill others for it should make you ponder already, if it’s really worth it, but you don’t seem to care too much about that.” 

Not that she really cared. Most humans’ minds worked this way; always doubting whatever they saw, sometimes even when there was nothing to be worried about which lead to failure in the end and losing what could have helped them, if they just had known when trust was necessary and when it wasn’t. Ah, but wasn’t this what made humans interesting? All the mistakes and sins they commited, a human life without at least one huge failure was hardly possible and making it worse was indeed interesting to the witch.

“I wonder though, if you are capable of imagining what a miracle really is. If you don’t understand this at first, then I wonder if you shouldn’t just give up already.”

Unless she cooperated with Bernkastel of course and things went just like she had planned it. What a pleasant surprise this meeting had become already. 

“Become my ally in this little game and I grant whatever your wish is. You won’t need any grail for it, because I can give you what you want. Of course I don’t do this for nothing and will turn you into my little paw, which should be honor enough for you already. I simply wish to be entertained by this war and to only fight is too boring, isn’t it?”

[sekishi]

"Yeah, I've seen them. It's just..." she trailed off with a sigh. "Nevermind, actually."

There didn't seem to be much point in continuing the discussion. She simply had a feeling the thing was off somehow, nothing more, nothing less. The whole thing was giving her a headache, with all her analyzing and logic and whatnot. Maybe that was the case. But at the moment, she couldn't be bothered to give a damn. Her own world of impossibilities wasn't one that could be explained so easily.

"That's quite the tempting offer. Unfortunately, I'm afraid I'll have to decline."

She was unsure of how Bernkastel would react. For all she knew, those words could be her death sentence. However, she'd long since resolved that the decisions she made wouldn't solely be to extend her life, hadn't she?

People weren't things to be owned. Nothing was ever going to change her mind on that.

[puerrmagus-blog]

01. intro [open]

A short young man stands, waiting. For what purpose, none shall know. All of these people, mostly taller than he, pass by, and he looks at all of them uninterestedly, for they are normal people, as far as Toru Muhyo can tell. 

Being exposed like this was ridiculous— he was taking place in a deadly game, but there was nothing he could do, besides wait for his servant, wherever they were or whatever it was. It made him feel uneasy because he didn’t even know who they were, and thus, Muhyo stood there, fiddling with a page of his grimoire.

His eyes felt like they were going to droop— there was nothing interesting happening anyway, and nothing to keep him on the lookout. What a bad first impression this ‘Fuyuki’ made, or was it more guarded? He didn’t really know, but if they were trying to keep this game a secret they were already doing a good job.

“Heehee, I really can’t fall asleep right here,” he muttered quietly to himself, “I don’t really have anywhere to stay.”

At least the town could’ve provided accommodations, but alas, it didn’t. However, he didn’t need to worry about that right now, for his eyes perked and he turned around, detecting a powerful presence akin to a Master or a Servant. And he didn’t say anything, he just watched.

Would they approach?

[sekishi]

Some sort of cover story--that's what she needed. She couldn't keep living on stolen pocket change the entire time she was here. Not only did it eat away at her conscience, it just wasn't practical. Buying whatever a hundred yen coin could purchase and sleeping on the streets wasn't exactly ideal here.

It certainly beat how she lived when she'd aimlessly wandered around Kou. That had been a pretty rough time. While it hardly made this situation great, she was grateful it wasn't as bad.

So here she was, walking around the busy parts of the city. All the hustle and bustle helped her think, and it was a good chance to check out places and see if anyone was hiring. Not that she could apply for much of anything as it was--she still needed to come up with a story.

She had the basics; her luggage had been stolen while traveling. But a convincing story needed to be fleshed out and rich with details. And then she needed someone who would believe it, of course.

Well, that was something she'd worry about once she got her story straight. For now, it was back to working on those details. Her gaze swept over the people walking by. She paid attention to what they were wearing, what they were holding, what they were doing--it made it all the easier to think of things to add to her sob story.

Youko's stare soon fell on a kid flipping through pages in a book. He looked as if he was about to drop dead, eyes fluttering open and closed. She frowned, wondering if he was all right. It wouldn't hurt to approach him and check.

"Hey, you okay?"

[sekishi]

from here to there [intro/open]

[miraclebitching-blog]

So she was that kind of person. To be honest, Bernkastel hadn’t expected anything less than that. Judging someone by the way the looked and acted was a foolish thing to do and that wasn’t what the witch did, but reading people like an open book was far more easy than others thought it might be. Appearance didn’t matter, what mattered was the mind, the way of their thinking and what they were capable to do. Some unique beings might even have the power to change the world, if they were only aware of it, which wasn’t the case most of the time.

That this woman wasn’t a naive one had been clear to her the moment she had taken one look in her eyes. Didn’t humans say that eyes were a mirror of the soul? Of course they did say that, uselessly trying to find a way to understand each other to get along. Ridiculous. Truly ridiculous. It just made this little business a bit more fun to her though. Naive, innocent souls couldn’t be fooled even more and were their own biggest obstacle. In fact, the witch despised humans of that sort. Breaking them was too easy and who wanted to play with a toy which already was broken?

“Too good to be true or maybe something is simply overlooked. As long as something isn’t completly impossible, it is undeniable that it might exist, but everything has its price, hasn’t it? I can assure you that miracles indeed do exist and that this grail might be able to grant them, but what you are willing to risk for it is up to each individual.” 

She had to know it. Better than anyone else to be concrete. It’d be funny if she of all beings couldn’t tell what miracles really were; she didn’t have her title for no reason. Once you truly understood this power, anyone might even be able to use it, using their own strength to create the miracle they yearned for, but ah it was absurd that many would be able to use this one day, so they had to rely on something like a grail.

“A deal which might help you to obtain what you want. I do know that you are supposed to fight with your partner; I assume you are a master judging by the person you seem to be, but this doesn’t mean you can’t have allies, right? I don’t need them, but you might need some help. I do realize that you have no idea who I really am or what I could do for you, but others have seeked for my help before and I am not the one to deny kind requests. If you are interested, I will tell you more. Of course this deal has certain conditions, but I guarantee you, you could get some advantages from that.”

[sekishi]

"Ah--no need to assure me, I'm completely aware as it is." Youko ran her fingers through her hair and let out an awkwardly quiet laugh. It would be pointless to try to explain the whole thing to a stranger. She didn't even fully understand the whole thing herself, to be honest.

Pausing, she tilted her head to the side and placed her thumb under her chin. "But...The whole thing feels fishy. I'm willing to accept it can create a miracle, just not one without strings attached."

There was just too much she didn't know about it. Who started this whole thing? Why was it made? Whose grand idea was it to have people fight to the death for some wish, regardless of the winner's character or wants? How was the process even done? What was in the fine print for these wishes? Would their intent be distorted? All very important questions; none of them answered. It was all rather shady, really. What a pain.

Master. She smirked, it seemed she couldn't avoid that term no matter where she was. It was true, of course. Her eyes drifted to the command seals on her hand. Was this Bernkastel really so amazing at discerning things, or had she just seen the marks? She guessed it didn't matter much in the end.

"Well, it definitely sounds...interesting. What's the catch?"

[riboku]

[sekishi]

Youko: General Jinrai. On just whose orders was the Imperial Guard sent to Takuhou, I wonder? Which empress gave you them? Or has the Imperial Guard simply resigned in favor of becoming Gahou’s personal army?

Jinrai: Y-your highness, I-I… W-well, that’s…you see…

Youko: Just when did Seikyou become your ruler?! If you are here to attack Takuhou on Seikyou’s orders, I will consider you all traitors to the throne!

Keiki: What do you all think you’re doing? I don’t recall her highness giving you the permission to raise your heads while in her presence.

[akingforhismen-blog]

A Most Joyous Occasion! [KV Open]

[akingforhismen-blog]

Iskander didn’t care enough about the opinions of other people today, his reasoning being that it was his birthday. Which meant he had the right to celebrate his birthday at whichever location he pleased. Even if it was a very public place with many families. Besides, this is what men did! Or at least… what many in his army had done after finishing a particularly difficult battle. Stay in a public place with barrels of the finest drink and share a memorable evening with the people of the local town.

Holding a couple of six-packs in each hand, the conqueror grinned at his newfound companion before making the rounds of the tables and families, as well as the solitary men and women. At each he cracked open a can, handing it to the nearest legal adult. Some flat out refused, some hesitantly accepted, and some took it with a cheer and a toast. But none of them could ignore the forceful and boisterous personality, and he always left them with a smile and friendly laughter.

Finally, Iskander made his way back to his table to see his new companion picking out some beer. Following suit, the king opened his own can of beer and began to drain it. Wiping his mouth with his arm, the conqueror answered the question with no hesitation.

“Biologically? 34. In truth? Two thousand, three hundred and sixty-eight years old!”

[sekishi]

"Eh--"

She blinked, nearly dropped the drink in her hands.

Two thousand. Being an immortal herself, the age was nothing short of impressive. Many of her companions were at least several centuries old, but she had never associated much with anyone claiming to be over a thousand.

However, in this world, the age was quite clearly out of place. This man had to be either positively scrambled in the brain--which wouldn't be too shocking, really--or caught up in all this Grail business. Both seemed equally plausible. It was probably best to just ignore the implications of the comment and play along.

"...That, err, must make this a pretty extraordinary birthday, then." She chuckled and took a gulp out of the can. It tasted much different from what she expected. Of course. Beer and wine were completely separate things--it was a mistake to assume that it would taste similar to the latter.

"Can't say I've met anyone that old before."

[fragilism]

requiem rain. } (open/intro)

[fragilism]

Keh! The people here were cowards, the whole fucking lot of em. He’d spent at least five minutes swinging his sword around and issuing challenges to the onlookers, spouting off curses as easily as any sailor. His bravado was clearly larger than any great white, but it was just as deadly. Was he about to back down and walk away empty handed? Hell no. His spectacle would draw in some other participant in this war. That much he was sure.

And when they came to him? He’d slit their throat.

He didn’t need any damn partner to win this war. Comrades from the Varia, well fuck, they all had the same goal. That fucking grail would be in the Boss’ hands by the end of this war, and Fuyuki City would see just how fearsome the Vongola’s independent group of assassins could be. This war would be a bloodbath, and Squalo couldn’t wait.

No, he didn’t need some weak little bitch to give him orders to win this war, and Superbia fucking Squalo wasn’t afraid of some command seals, no, the only thing he was scared of was the temper of his boss and the shots from the same man’s gun. The memories that came to mind of this partner of his, of a damn woman (who had no place on the battlefield, mind you. Women never did.) thought she could order him around? Well he’d like to see her try.

Squalo’s gaze swept the crowd, sizing up the civilians to his might. All were puny little ants, fucking meatbags to be thrown to the side by his sword. Some cowered, others pointed, but whatever reaction they gave, Squalo had their attention. Yes, a crowd this big could only draw more people into his trap, and among them would be his next opponent. Squalo had to thank mob mentality and all its uses.

But wait.

Squalo’s gaze stopped at a redhead in the crowd, a bitch whose features matched perfectly with the memory of his ‘master’ that had been imbued within the deepest reaches of his brain. The shark laughed. How perfect this was! This hindrance of a partner was right in front of him, standing stupefied, just waiting for the mafiosi to strike down.

Squalo smirked and stepped down from the lip of the fountain, walking with a dignified stride towards the mouth of the crowd, which parted again for him, backing away from the madman who was making such a scene. He stood a few yards from Youko, hands on his hips, sizing her up to his expectations. To be honest, he expected more, but beggars couldn’t be choosers.

“So you’re the trash I got paired with, huh? Don’t think I’m gonna take any orders from you, there’s no fucking chance in hell.”

[sekishi]

Tactless. Arrogant. Reckless. All terrible qualities made much worse by the fact that they were combined together. Her teeth grit against each other, head beginning to sizzle with fury. This was going to be a nightmare.

It was preposterous--it almost seemed like some sort of cruel joke to partner up with this. Nonetheless, she was still going to try to make it work. Somehow. She'd be damned before she'd let how much the man may peeve her prevent that. There was, of course, the chance that she had been too quick to judge his character. Doubtful, yet it didn't stop her from hoping.

The corners of her mouth twisted into a frown. He had noticed her. And it didn't look like he would give two thoughts about making sure either of them remained inconspicuous. The crowd's majority began to flee as Squalo stepped closer, some trampling over others in their confused frenzy.

"...Nice shark," Youko mumbled under her breath. She wasn't sure if she was being completely honest or outright sarcastic--maybe a little of both. But it was hardly the most strange or frightening beast she'd seen, despite her lack of encounters with aquatic life. She wondered if the thing spoke. Either way, how this relationship was going to work out was more intimidating than both the man's blade and his shark. She didn't think the guy could be any worse than he already seemed.

She was wrong.

The sentiments were ones she'd heard plenty, but never as bluntly as that. Maybe it was better he was so up-front about his distaste--or maybe she was just trying too damn hard to not completely abhor the bastard. She locked eyes with him, crimson eyebrow raised.

"Didn't plan on giving any, actually."

[sekishi]

from here to there [intro/open]

[miraclebitching-blog]

Her eyes had wandered a bit away from the other’s face when she had almost gotten ready to take out her sword, but quickly the witch’s gaze switched back, blankly staring in her eyes. A mere weapon like that was no real danger for her and besides that: that woman wasn’t one who attacked just like that. It would be useless; stupid even in a public place such as this and she didn’t seem to be that much of a retard.

“Oh really?”

“But you do know what you are supposed to fight for, don’t you? You realize of how much worth this war can be for you, right?” 

Ah well, not the most common way to greet someone, but common ways were a little bit too boring, weren’t they? She was nothing but a stranger to her and she was the same to her; maybe they could also be called enemies, so talking to her like this must seem rather odd.

“I am Bernkastel. Now, tell me your name and let me see if you are even worthy to participate in this fight. You look as if you can deal with weapons, but I’m afraid abilities such as this won’t take you too far.” For a moment the witch paused, almost thoughtfully bringing her left hand to her chin. “I might even have an interesting deal for you.”

[sekishi]

Of course. She should have assumed the woman was involved in this war the instant she saw her.

"I do. But I'm pretty skeptical about it all."

Sure, she knew gods and miracles existed. Her experience with the Queen Mother of the West was enough to prove that. Previously she had thought that if gods and the like really existed, they certainly weren't immune to making mistakes. To an extent, she still believed that. But that meeting with the goddess gave her another perspective on Heaven and its Will. They didn't give a damn.

Perhaps the same wasn't true for Tentei, but the only thing inside the Queen Mother was pure nothingness. She was neither caring nor uncaring; she was simply there. There was no reason for her to feel either. In the end, Heaven had its own system and rules that were separate from humanity's. And miracles just weren't all they were cut out to be.

It didn't mean she wasn't grateful to the goddess for cleansing Taiki of his sickness. That was a miracle only the gods could perform. But that was all she did. She could have completely restored him to his state as a kirin. She could have aided the Royal Tai and struck down Asen. She could have saved the kingdom of Tai and its people.

But she didn't. The gods were separate from the rest of the world and rarely intervened--no matter the circumstances. People could only rely on themselves to change things. If she couldn't put her faith in the gods she knew existed, what reason did she have to believe in the power of some unknown magic cup?

"...Regardless of its worth, it sounds too good to be true."

She wanted to go home, that went without saying. If nothing else, that was what she wished for the most here. But if something like that actually existed? She could resurrect fallen comrades, bring prosperity to the kingdom of Kei and its people, save Tai, give peace to the world--yet somehow, none of it seemed right. Wishing it into happening didn't seem right. Their nature as wishes meant they were either impossible things or things that had to be worked for. No dead would be raised for her, and the world would only prosper through the efforts of its people.

"Youko. Nakajima Youko."

The suiguutou wasn't just any old sword, and she wasn't just any old swordsman. However, whether her abilities could match those of others' in a fight wasn't her priority. Surviving was. And she was a lot more confident in her ability to survive than she was fighting.

She cocked an eyebrow at the statement.

"And what sort of deal would that be?"