; sharpened

[outlxwbarrage]

@strayblade

The thing was, he still needed to find out if he was looking in the wrong place or a hellion really was the reason he was here. But he remembered rain before his memory blanked out… And he hadn’t been anywhere near Pendrago at that point. So it confused him, and it made him feel like something was missing.

So he did the only thing he knew he could do well. Ask around. Thankfully people around here could see him. Tapping the lady he’d walked up to on the shoulder, he got straight to the point.

“Seen a woman in red and white around? Need to ask her some questions.”

[strayblade]

She turns rapidly as her shoulder is touched, eyes pointed at the tall man before her, which had caught sight of his most prominent feature--- why was he half-naked? This wasn’t an attempt to be suspicious in any way, was it? Her brows knit together as he speaks, a half-step taken away from him before she stops herself. 

A woman in red and white ? 

❝ I haven’t. You’re going to need to be more specific if you want me to help you. ❞ She relaxes. There could easily be more than one whom fits that description, after all.

[strayblade]

underhound:

“…Ah? The hell are you looking at?”

❝ Mh, nothing in particular. ❞

[strayblade]

Do they sell pets here? After seeing Emil’s... wolf monster, she’s kind of interested to see what entails in having a dog--- oh wait.

[strayblade]

doumozenigata:

Only silence met him for a brief moment, and then, faster than he could even notice, the paper was sliced in two neat halves, almost taking his fingers along in the process. At first Shun just blinked, but when he saw the blade, his mind caught up and he realised what had just happened.

          “ Alright, stop! Time out! Stop, stop! I’m against violence! Even if I’m dead, violence against a police officer is against the law you know? You’re breaking the law right now! I gotta admit I’m a bit curious to know if I can die again, but right now is not the time to figure that out. ”

Words falling on deaf ears, for a moment the detective was stumped on how to get through to this girl before he became sushi (without the fish). The best course of action would have been to simply try and get a glimpse of her phone number and call her, but he had already come to realise that this world did not use the same telephone system as the one he originated from. He had to find some other way to have his voice ride the electronic sound waves. And what better way than the recorder he carried for interrogative purposes?

          “ What? Isn’t that pretty rude miss? I mean, I’m human just like you – or at least I was until I died but that’s a story for another time. Just because you can’t see me it doesn’t make me less human you know? It’s not my fault I went and died, this could have happened to anyone not just me. Some people would’ve said that if you upset a ghost you’re gonna have to face their wrath, but I’m not that kind of ghost so don’t worry about that, but I’d still prefer if you don’t negate my right as a human just because I’m dead and all. ”

With a press of the play button, his recorded message repeated into the streets from a device that was just as invisible as Shun himself was. If not for the slight static, anyone could have believed it to be his own voice calling out.

She had heard a reply and lest she was dreaming or hallucinating somehow, that very voice was speaking out of what seemed to be thin air. ( Yet, it fits right in with the bizarre experience she was currently witnessing ). The words rambled on and her eyes narrowed, still wrought with disbelief. However, with contemplation she found reasoning in the explanation given, in turn finding herself willing to give, whomever they were, the benefit of the doubt; Naoto lowering her weapon and taking on a simple stance.

❝ Well, are you able to make yourself visible somehow? ❞ She questions, even if the answer was quite clear. But, it would certainly ease the tension in her muscles and in the air if so.  ❝ And, I apologize for my behavior. I did not mean to negate your rights. ❞

[strayblade]

spiritedreflection:

“Erm, Yes. Well, he’s actually not.. Well.. Wolf is more correct but he’s actually a monster. H-he and two others came with me here. Quenstedite, Iord, and Nirai” Emil informed 

Emil was half contemplating on sitting on Iord to get the overgrown pup to chill, but that would most likely prove to be ineffective. Thought Emil got a small idea and decided to put said idea into action. Taking out a streamer and distracting the brown wolf with it. Emil almost hated how easily that worked. He laughed nervously to the girl scratching the back of his head.

“I-I’m Emil. Just got here recently s-so…” He didn’t know where he was going with his sentence.

A wolf monster? Well, she supposes that would make more sense. She’s had her own fair and share with ‘similar’ dealings, but this was different. The creature turns away from her, distracted, now seemingly playing with the streamer the other had used. A smile just barely graces her lips, it was kind of cute---

Her attention returns to it’s owner, where she studies him momentarily, before introducing herself, ❝ I’m Naoto Fuyumine. Are you lost, Emil? ❞

[spiritedreflection-blog]

@strayblade

“U-Um.. Excuse me?” Emil asked nervously. Why was he even talking to the beautiful lass? Well, that would be because he needs help getting his stupid fire pup to stop trying go near her to possibly check out. Honestly, Emil wasn’t sure why Iord was so fixated on wanting to perhaps get a sniff of her.

“M-My Cerberus, Iord, seems to be interested in you and.. k-keeps straying off in your direction.”

[strayblade]

She had come to notice this unusual looking animal--- can she even call it an animal?--- following her around; her eyes seemingly unaware, but in fact, kept close tabs on it’s actions as she sauntered about. It seemed to harmlessly pursue her, yet one could never be too certain with a single judgement. 

❝ Is this your... dog? ❞ She questions the boy that had approached her. It was closest description that would fit the creature...  ❝ I’m sorry, I don’t think I have anything of interest on me. ❞

[y-orozuya]

“That other project that distracted the old hag was the new vessel for her own life. In other words… you, Naoto.”

[strayblade]

underhound:

“The one and only.” He says that, although knowing the hag’s methods of producing results meant he was definitely one of the many replicates in her schemes as to guarantee some sort of… integrity in her research. His albinism was a trait that did ( however little ) assure he stood out, even from his days spent at the Underground with his family.

Casually strolling up ( with his weapons tucked away and hands slipping into his pockets ), he’d offer a shit eating grin if the implication that both of them had died wasn’t looming over them like a dark cloud.

“That’s what they all say before they got to kingdom come. Not a lotta people have that choice.” 

“We all go down like dogs. Just some of us sooner than the rest.” Red eyes cast themselves onto the body of the monster as it faded to oblivion. They say the weak die off first, but he had proof he’d argue that differently.

“What are you doing out here? Cutting up these things for fun?”

She casts her gaze aside, her chin dipping to her chest as she contemplates over his words in silence. There was no need for explanation, no room for argument; Heine was undoubtedly right. And as so, the air around her seemed to have pressed on heavier, much like her thoughts--- becoming so thick, it could choke her any second now. But, she was strong this time. She wouldn’t allow herself to fall victim to these feelings again, no. Rather, Naoto remained fairly poised, seemingly unaffected by the notion, ( or was she ? ).

--- ‘I know, Heine’.

❝ No. ❞ She shakes her head softly, thankful for the distraction as she comes to answer him, ❝  When I came to the area, there were kids fighting these... creatures for a quest. ❞ Courageous children they were for attempting the impossible, but all the while foolish. Perhaps, a bit much like herself?

A hand hovers over the wound by her shoulder over others that bared her skin, a mere taste of what those monsters could have done to inexperienced ones.

❝ Nightfall makes them stronger, I HAD to help. ❞

[strayblade]

doumozenigata: 

Hmm, this was indeed a predicament. Frankly spoken he was at a loss about his current situation and he required more knowledge, but something told him that this girl was not going to prove any help in this pursuit for answers. Though, maybe slightly so. Tiptoeing to catch a glance at the paper in her hands, Shun first and foremost decided on his next destination, and thus his path of action also became clear.

          “ Amaranth Offices huh? Well, I gotta be able to find something there. Very well! ”

First thing first he needed the girl’s attention, which would probably prove a bigger challenge as she had already denied his very existence. But Shun was a stubborn young man and when he had decided on a path it was hard to get him to switch because he was usually right in his steps. Hence, in the other’s moment of unawareness he snatched the paper and scribbled on the backside a quick “Sorry about that. You going to the Office too?”

From any other viewpoint, it was as if words appeared on the paper by themselves, until it finally moved back upwards as if being held out for the girl to accept once more.

Just when the thought of oddities having come to an end came to mind, how she would have been on her way now, the paper she once held floated off ( what seemed like ) on it’s own; returning with newly written words upon it, to which she didn’t even bother to read. What the hell... ? She is taken by aback at first, but it does not take long for instincts and adrenaline to kick in response---  swift like the wind, the black katana she wore at her back is unsheathed, it’s blade brought down on the ‘possessed’ paper, cutting it into two fine pieces. 

She takes on a defensive stance, a scowl on her features as she stares down the empty space before her. What was the explanation for this--- ghosts, spirits? Her mind couldn’t possibly playing any tricks. Whatever it may be, being in the presence of an invisible being left her on edge; Naoto ready to strike again if necessary and without hesitation... ( Albeit, fighting an enemy she could not see would prove to be more than a challenge... ). However, as they were capable of communication, the favor and courtesy to explain themselves was given before taking further action.

❝ Who are you--- What are you? Reveal yourself! ❞ 

[strayblade]

watches the rest of ama burn with body swaps.

[strayblade]

@iudixium

Ripping a final strip of tape away from it’s roll, she sticks it onto the side of a flier and places pressure to make sure it adheres well to the post. That should do it. With a step backwards, Naoto looks over her work and makes sure it is satisfactory, before moving onto the next popular spot in the Core. Running errands or ‘quests’ as they say, may not have been something she was accustomed to. However, with so much free time on her hands, it seemed so wasteful to spend it idly--- and how could she say ‘no’ to the elderly woman’s plea?

A thumb brushes through the edges of the remaining papers, counting a total of six. The Bridge Walk should provide a large enough area and reception to attract more than a few eyes to the advertisements; yes, surely it was the ideal location to set up the rest of these fliers. And so, with the objective in mind, Naoto heads towards the perimeter, her footsteps quick across the pavement. They come to a brief stop, however, as she braces against a strong, cold gust that blew; the air violently shaking the barren tree branches and ripping the fliers from her grasp, kicking it to the wind.

She gasps before taking action, keeping eyes on the fluttering sheets as she made chase, ( to which some had, unfortunately, gone separate ways ), hoping the wind would die down and set them in reachable locations for her to recover.

[strayblade]

underhound:

A pretty girl with a sword. Of course he had to follow such a whispering in the wind. He didn’t want it to be a reality, of course, but he had to face such things with resolution if he wanted to get a good night’s sleep. The albino would think it’d be logical if Naoto had managed to finish him, but debating the what ifs when he could find out for himself obviously meant he had to enter this creepy place at night.

He picked up his pace when his ears could already pick up the noise of battle ( that was a very familiar war cry ), and he couldn’t be more certain when he saw with his own eyes at just what the crazy girl was doing. He’s definitely been here longer than Naoto, yet he’s never bothered to take on large groups like this when he could be just left alone where it was silent. 

That didn’t mean he wanted to watch her sustain another blow, however, and with the rings of his chains drowned by those deafening roars, he’s already began aiming. He wasn’t, as Magato stated, refined in his skills in battle, but with his raw power he could easily take on any large groups unscathed. His gun was raised, easily firing several rounds to shoot the demons and letting them fall to the ground.

“You planning on pushing daisies already? And here I thought we had a deal.” 

It was a surprise to find herself still standing and unscathed, but not as surprising as the intense burst of gunshots that tore through the air and her enemies in mere seconds. Gunshots. She unfurls her arms and lays them at her side, dumbfounded, but only momentarily before it all comes together. An inaudible gasp escapes her as the voice that follows reaches her ears, head immediately turning to face an all too familiar company.

❝ Heine... ❞

His name nearly leaves her lips in the form of a question as she’s taken aback ( slightly ); a tide of emotions beginning to stir within her. Relieving as it may be to see a familiar face, his presence here in Amaranth meant that he had perished as well. What, no... how should she feel about all this? Gratitude, relief, confusion... uncertainty--- ? And then there was their deal that she could never forget. Their lives were in each other’s hands, it was their last resort---  was that what happened during their final hours? Her thoughts were but a distorted mess whenever she would try to recall those moments.

Her lips come to press into a fine line, her expression ever stoic. There was much to ask, it was probably apparent by the look in her eyes, but now was not the time. Sheathing her blade and hoisting it by her hip, Naoto crosses her arms under her bosom, a bit peeved. The slightest hint of a pout finally made its way onto her features. She totally had it covered.

❝ I had no plans of dying, it was under control. ❞

[strayblade]

@underhound

Beads of sweat trails down her cheek as she exhales heavily, eyes locked in focus and katana firmly held in her grasp. The barks and howls from the demonic creatures quickly surrounded her, their grotesque figures emerging from the shadows, accompanied with hungry, merciless eyes. Nightfall made the demons stronger in all aspects, wasn’t it? While severely outnumbered and nearly out of stamina, she was at a painful disadvantage; but there was no time to falter. With falter came weakness, weakness leading to death and she could not afford to die here and now; not again. 

❝ HAAAH--- !! ❞

Swiftly, Naoto brings down her blade onto the first monster that moved in to attack; a pivot and she raises her guard against another. Her agility and fluid reflexes allowed her to keep up with their movements; blocking and striking in quick, repeated succession. However, it was impossible to drag this on for a second battle--- she knew this--- already, her muscles ached with exhaustion and inflicted wounds stung. 

❛ Just 3 more... ❜  She notes to herself, pushing towards the completion of the assumed quest. Three more and she can hand over the rewards to those daring children from earlier, ( did they make it back to The Core safely? ). Teeth grit as the next creature strikes, only to fall motionless towards the ground by her blade. Unknowingly, this takes far too much of her attention to foresee the blindsided onslaught from behind--- Naoto briefly catching this by the corner of her eye; her arms crossing in defense, hoping to minimize damage to any vitals.

[strayblade]

[ Tentative starter call !  I’ll be capping at 3 because I suck. ]

[doumozenigata-blog]

{{ @strayblade }}

How ironic was this not? Dead once, dead twice. He could almost laugh at it all if not for the fact that it happened to himself of all people. No, he could still laugh it off, but even so enough had to be enough, did it not? It was a resigned sigh that left the young detective as he could only stick his hands into his pockets and go through the streets of his new abode with skipping steps. To think that an afterlife actually existed – in all technicality he had already experienced one such first hand, but the reality of that had still to enter his mind, and this was entirely different from his first time.

But what did they say? Let bygones be bygones. And so he would. But what kind of investigator would he be if he couldn’t even solve his own demise? For once he had absolutely no idea what was going on; a peculiar feeling to Shun Moritsuka who always knew too much for his own good, but it was not an unwelcome sentiment. First thing first: interrogations – but since he had no inkling where to start, the first and the best passerby seemed the best choice.

          “ Hey you! You don’t mind if I ask you a few questions, do you? ”

Already imposing himself by stepping out in front of another person, only too late did he realise that even in the afterlife his situation hadn’t changed – and a second later, too slow to move out of the other’s path, he became an invisible wall, colliding with the stranger, almost losing his balance in the process.

          “ Whoa! I’m sorry about that – but even if I said that it’s not like you can actually hear me, is it? ”

[strayblade]

It’s still hard for her to believe that the world and life she knew had shortly come to an end; after all, the memories of those final moments had been replaced with images much too clouded and distorted to recall. Again, remembering what was important to her had ended with futility and uncertainty. It seemed as if the loss of memories was simply common happenstance for the swordswoman by now. The stern expression worn upon her features falters for just a second with the thought, but it’s obvious to her now; there is no point in dwelling on it any further. ( They were gone ). Rather, what Naoto desperately needed were some answers.

Her footsteps quickly pace down an alleyway, while dark eyes glance repeatedly at her hand, where a folded piece of paper sits between thumb and index. Directions to the Amaranth Offices were scrawled upon it, to which she followed without distraction--- perhaps, a bit too much so.  

Unaware, she had bumped into what seemed like another person, an apology immediately spoken in turn, ❝ Oh, my apologi--- ? ❞

However, brows come to furrow slightly, as she looks about in confusion. There was no one in sight...? It was quite strange, for she could have sworn there was someone in her way. 

[strayblade]

She isn’t exactly thrilled about what had transpired and lead her to ‘eternity’, ( it’s hard to digest all of this without the slightest doubt ), and frankly, she needs answers; fast. Yet, despite her wanderings it seemed as if there was not a soul in sight for her to question--- fingers tightening around the strap that ran across her chest. How unfortunate. 

With momentary defeat, eyes cast downwards to examine the broken Sai she oddly still held onto, ❝ I wonder if this can be repaired...  ❞

[altria-deactivated20170717]

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