Steel and Starvation

(All credit for the art goes to the original artists- none of the art is mine unless stated.) Name- Sakuya Izayoi. Universe- Don't Starve/panfandom (originally from Touhou). Nickname- The Elegant Maid.

[shadyserialkillers]

"Looks like you've been making lots of new friends." The maid gave a smile. "Good for you, it's nice to meet new people." (timeandknives)

“I’m actually socialisin’, ‘kuya!”

“Uuurgh, god dammit, I’ve started using Dem’s nickname for you…”

[timeandknives]

“Well, as long as you don’t act like him, you’re fine.” Sakuya chuckled, ruffling her boyfriend’s hair.

“You certainly seem to be meeting interesting people, at least.”

[humanity-is-overrated-anywa-blog]

A woman stood carefully by the side of the alleyway, leaning against the brick wall. Never would she have thought to do something like this, to stoop to this level... movement caught her eye, causing her to glance over at the approacher with a cock of the head. "Hello. Dare I say you look familiar." (Timeandknives)

“Never seen you in my entire life, lady. Though, why are you in an alleyway by yourself?”

The man had his hands in his sweater pockets, having a really ‘meh’ reaction to her. As far as he knew she was just another stranger, hands were fiddling with things in his pockets, while he watched her. Though, one of his hands did find what he was searching for, he didn’t pull it out just yet.

[humanity-is-overrated-anywa-blog]

The college student would have closed the knife putting it away, back into his pocket from which it came, clanking against lighter. While he still had the smirk on his face, “Well, I don’t have anyone in mind. Let’s find someone..” He’d pause for a moment, “You know, I didn’t catch your name.”

Jay’s body language showed he was more then excited to be doing this, it had been a little bit sense he had done so.

[timeandknives]

“Sakuya. Sakuya Izayoi. Pleasure to meet you.” The maid gave a slight bow, as was habit, before looking out among the streets. “Hmmm... There are several kinds of targets out tonight.”

“What would you prefer? Something easier, perhaps more... under an influence... than normal? Or something harder, a more challenging and alert foe?” Usually, unless there were specific requests not to, she chose more fit targets. The better the health, the better the blood. And her mistress did enjoy only the best.

[humanity-is-overrated-anywa-blog]

A woman stood carefully by the side of the alleyway, leaning against the brick wall. Never would she have thought to do something like this, to stoop to this level... movement caught her eye, causing her to glance over at the approacher with a cock of the head. "Hello. Dare I say you look familiar." (Timeandknives)

“Never seen you in my entire life, lady. Though, why are you in an alleyway by yourself?”

The man had his hands in his sweater pockets, having a really ‘meh’ reaction to her. As far as he knew she was just another stranger, hands were fiddling with things in his pockets, while he watched her. Though, one of his hands did find what he was searching for, he didn’t pull it out just yet.

[humanity-is-overrated-anywa-blog]

A chuckle would have came from him, soon turning into a twisted laugh, while he stepped closer, swinging the knife in a none threatening manner as if he didn’t have a care in the world, or it was more as if he had nothing to lose at this point. The laughter died down while he was smiling at her at this point.

Pondering on her words, for a brief moment he would have tilted his head some, before speaking in a rather intrigued tone.

“Well then, partner, lead the way. If you prove useful, I just might not kill you.” Those words coming out in a rather cheery manner, even though they sounded like a joke, it was most likely not.

[timeandknives]

Sakuya stepped back nimbly, pulling several more knives from seemingly nowhere with a flourish. After seeing that his attack had ceased, she slipped all but one back from whence they came. 

“Being useful is my job.” She replied, a smirk playing on her own features. “Just try to keep up.” Her eyes darted around, taking peeks behind the other. “Do you have any targets in mind? Or would you rather I find someone?” She was partial to either, just so long as she could have fun with this. 

[humanity-is-overrated-anywa-blog]

A woman stood carefully by the side of the alleyway, leaning against the brick wall. Never would she have thought to do something like this, to stoop to this level... movement caught her eye, causing her to glance over at the approacher with a cock of the head. "Hello. Dare I say you look familiar." (Timeandknives)

“Never seen you in my entire life, lady. Though, why are you in an alleyway by yourself?”

The man had his hands in his sweater pockets, having a really ‘meh’ reaction to her. As far as he knew she was just another stranger, hands were fiddling with things in his pockets, while he watched her. Though, one of his hands did find what he was searching for, he didn’t pull it out just yet.

[humanity-is-overrated-anywa-blog]

Now, this is were he’d look slightly bored, pulling out his swiss army knife, flicking the blade part of it out, while it make a rather audible noise. Holding it as if he was ready to gut someone, having this rather dark intent look upon Jay’s face, a twisted smile while it was rather unclear what he may or may not do to her at this point.

“Kinda feel bad for my other-self, he picked someone so, uninteresting. Then again, I can’t choose whom he finds interesting, he may look and sound like me, but we are different… So very different.”

“But.. I suppose I can see one interesting aspect about you, you’re different from most.” The man didn’t put away the knife, while he stood there eyeing her down as if she was some sort of prey. He didn’t make an attempt getting closer but just watched her.

[timeandknives]

“As are you.” The maid watched the other, able to read him and his face. The way he looked her up and down put her slightly on edge, moreso than she was before, anyway. ‘Uninteresting’ eh... that’s what most said about her upon first glance. The dedicated maid who served Remilia Scarlet, if they even knew that name. Outsiders were so... curious. They no longer feared youkai, said creatures that in her home would strike fear into the hearts of people, now reduced to nothing more than fairytales. “Perhaps you misunderstand me. I have no intent to harm you.”

“There are two ways we can play this little game, Mr. Andrews.” Sakuya stated, flipping the knife between her fingers. “One option is for us to collaborate, to... hunt as a pack, you could say. The other pits you and I against each other. The choice as to which game we play is entirely up to you.”

[humanity-is-overrated-anywa-blog]

A woman stood carefully by the side of the alleyway, leaning against the brick wall. Never would she have thought to do something like this, to stoop to this level... movement caught her eye, causing her to glance over at the approacher with a cock of the head. "Hello. Dare I say you look familiar." (Timeandknives)

“Never seen you in my entire life, lady. Though, why are you in an alleyway by yourself?”

The man had his hands in his sweater pockets, having a really ‘meh’ reaction to her. As far as he knew she was just another stranger, hands were fiddling with things in his pockets, while he watched her. Though, one of his hands did find what he was searching for, he didn’t pull it out just yet.

[humanity-is-overrated-anywa-blog]

“Fun, huh? No, I didn’t come out to have fun, I came out because I needed a walk to clear my head. Then I saw you standing there, I was going to ask if you were lost, but you bring up my double.” The student would have turned away some, leaning against the brick wall as well. A slight smile came from him and then a slight sigh.

“You know.. I could go for something more exciting then what’s been happening these days.” His hands would slide into his pockets while he soon turned to look at her again, seems he was acting much more nicer, for some reason. Though, his hand did take a hold of something in his coats pocket, moving from the brick wall, to face her completely.

“Tell me, what’s your sense of ‘fun’?”

[timeandknives]

The maid chuckled. “I thought you’d never ask.” She reached deftly under her skirt, the movement only taking a moment, before procuring a single knife from somewhere beneath the elegant folds. Sakuya twirled the blade in her hand for a moment, shining silver glinting from the streetlamp lights.

“You seem to know. Day to day life gets so dull without something to sharpen it up. Doing something other than what it looks like we do... becoming something unexpected....” Her tepid blue eyes gleaned red for a moment- bloodlust appearing for a split second in their depths. Not directed at him... but present nonetheless.

“That’s what makes life worth living.”

[humanity-is-overrated-anywa-blog]

A woman stood carefully by the side of the alleyway, leaning against the brick wall. Never would she have thought to do something like this, to stoop to this level... movement caught her eye, causing her to glance over at the approacher with a cock of the head. "Hello. Dare I say you look familiar." (Timeandknives)

“Never seen you in my entire life, lady. Though, why are you in an alleyway by yourself?”

The man had his hands in his sweater pockets, having a really ‘meh’ reaction to her. As far as he knew she was just another stranger, hands were fiddling with things in his pockets, while he watched her. Though, one of his hands did find what he was searching for, he didn’t pull it out just yet.

[humanity-is-overrated-anywa-blog]

A roll of the eyes came from Jay, and then a slightly annoyed sigh came from him. Just fucking great! Now his doppleganger is going off and forming relationships and people may mistake him for the other! Though, thank god she didn’t mistake him for the other.

“Yeah this conversation is totally normal.”

Finally, he would have pulled out his cellular device, checking it for any messages, there were none. The man would have slid the phone back into his pockets, the clanking noise of it hitting something else in his pocket was audible.

“So if I’m not mistake you clean houses with the whole maid get up or is it something else.”

[timeandknives]

So, he still carried that around... although what exactly it hit was debatable, she could place a reasonable guess between two objects. Neither one of them she wanted to be on the receiving end of... although either was child’s play to avoid. “I’ve grown used to ‘seeing double’ in that sense. It takes some time to get used to.”

“Cleaning? Well, that’s certainly part of my job. Not the fun part, though. Frankly. I’d probably lose my mind if that’s all I did. I came out here for the fun part, and...”

“To be honest, I think you do too, sometimes. Whether that’s the case tonight is yet to be seen.”

[humanity-is-overrated-anywa-blog]

A woman stood carefully by the side of the alleyway, leaning against the brick wall. Never would she have thought to do something like this, to stoop to this level... movement caught her eye, causing her to glance over at the approacher with a cock of the head. "Hello. Dare I say you look familiar." (Timeandknives)

“Never seen you in my entire life, lady. Though, why are you in an alleyway by yourself?”

The man had his hands in his sweater pockets, having a really ‘meh’ reaction to her. As far as he knew she was just another stranger, hands were fiddling with things in his pockets, while he watched her. Though, one of his hands did find what he was searching for, he didn’t pull it out just yet.

[timeandknives]

“My mistake. Faces blend together so easily now, although I daresay yours is hard to forget. You’re the spitting image of my boyfriend.” She leaned against the wall languidly, watching his movements with mere curiosity. “You’re not him- I can tell. You don’t get that goofy grin that he does when you see me.”

“Why?” There was a pause as the woman thought over a correct answer that could appease the other. “I’m searching for something. Or waiting for something, either phrasing works.”

[shadyserialkillers]

"You look like you've seen a ghost, darling." ~Timeandknives

“Well I… I sorta have? I did die once, does seeing another version of yourself after you die and come back to life count as seeing a ghost? I wouldn’t think so coz like… I still have my soul, so there can’t be a ghost of me, but then there’s another me! Do I have a twin my mom never told me about??”

[timeandknives]

“Ah, you’ve finally seen what they call an... ‘alternate’, I suppose.” The woman chuckled. 

“Certain worlds have them more commonly than others. I’ve seen a few in my time, of myself and of others. Think of them as... different versions of yourself. Like a you from a parallel universe. There may be minor changes, but it’s still you.” The maid enjoyed his expression of confusion- it was an amusing sight to behold. 

[shadyserialkillers]

🍵 (timeandknives)

My muse has a cold and keeps coughing. Send a 🍵 to give my muse a cup of hot tea to help soothe their throat.

“O-oh! Hey ‘Kuya, thanks…”

He felt, kind of embarrassed that she was tending to him like that. He was after all, a grown man.

As he sipped the tea slowly, noting the hint of honey in it, a small groan from behind the couch indicated an equally as uncomfortable shadow.

[timeandknives]

“Anything for my sweetheart. Get some rest, okay? Your immune system is compromised by the cold.” The maid peeked around behind the couch upon hearing the groan, rolling her eyes.

“Looks like Jay isn’t the only one who’s under the weather. Are you going to stay down there all day?” She paused. “I didn’t even think shadows could get sick.”

[timeandknives]

7-human-souls:

timeandknives:

7-human-souls:

* “Aerial route? Don’t tell me…” * “You can fly?” * ”…. or have something that can make you fly?”

* It wouldn’t be too unusual but considering this person at least APPEARED human and wasn’t from the underground, it was a little strange.

* “Ah, don’t worry about it, we’re all past the puzzles anyway.”

* They stepped back and let the elevator doors behind them open. * “This elevator should take us right to the core!”

“Indeed I can fly. Most of us from Gensokyo can in some shape or form, whether by wings or by magic.” She wasn’t exactly sure how it worked for her either, just that she could fly and that she was very proud of being able to do so. It made everything so much easier.

“Ah! An elevator, wonderful.” She smiled, letting the child take the lead as she stepped into the metal container, grateful for the air conditioning. “Once we get to where we’re going, I can start making a plan to find Flandre.”

* The elevator dinged as they reached the inside of the core. * It looked reminiscent of an old factory and was dark and covered in cobwebs. * Lava was the only light source.

* “Wow. Ok, so this place kinda shut itself down.” * “I thought it was self-sustainable. I guess it’s not.” * “But it’s a lot cooler in here. Maybe this is where Flandre is?”

“Ah... still fairly scorching.” The woman paused for a minute, looking straight ahead. A blink of her eyes and she shook her head disappointedly. “She is not here.” The woman stated conclusively. “Perhaps she left this area to be somewhere more... wide open? She enjoys large spaces with plenty of room to move. Do you know somewhere like that? Somewhere preferably dry, perhaps of moderate temperature and little sunlight?” That seemed like an area Flandre would flock to, but if this place wasn’t it, they had no choice but to keep looking.

[timeandknives]

7-human-souls:

* “Aerial route? Don’t tell me…” * “You can fly?” * ”…. or have something that can make you fly?”

* It wouldn’t be too unusual but considering this person at least APPEARED human and wasn’t from the underground, it was a little strange.

* “Ah, don’t worry about it, we’re all past the puzzles anyway.”

* They stepped back and let the elevator doors behind them open. * “This elevator should take us right to the core!”

“Indeed I can fly. Most of us from Gensokyo can in some shape or form, whether by wings or by magic.” She wasn’t exactly sure how it worked for her either, just that she could fly and that she was very proud of being able to do so. It made everything so much easier.

“Ah! An elevator, wonderful.” She smiled, letting the child take the lead as she stepped into the metal container, grateful for the air conditioning. “Once we get to where we’re going, I can start making a plan to find Flandre.”

[timeandknives]

7-human-souls:

timeandknives:

7-human-souls:

* “…Yeah. I understand that whole family thing. I guess.”

* “Sometimes that really is all you need.” * “Not that I would know the whole side of that story.” * “But I get it.”

* They swung back to walk forwards once more.

* “Well, if it helps, we’re closer to the core now!” * “If she bothered going through all of this heat and lived.”

“Perhaps you could visit sometime, if you were to be well-behaved. Although I fear you may be a bit too fragile to entertain the mistresses. Most humans are.” Sakuya stated, staying behind Chara as they lead her through the core area.

“It certainly is sweltering in here, isn’t it…” The maid mused, tugging on her collar a bit and quickening her pace. She had to get out of the area- there was no way Flandre would stick around somewhere so uncomfortable. “I do hope this stretch ends soon.”

* They waved their hand, laughing off the issue. Fragile? Well behaved? * Those certainly were things that Chara was not.

* They pointed at a building in the not so far distance.

* “See, there? That’s the core!” * “Hey, with the rate we’re going  it could take…” * They held back their awful sentence and and replaced it with something… nicer. * “It could take no time at all!”

“No time at all, hm?” Sakuya laughed. “If I knew my way around this place, I could certainly oblige that statement.” Moreso than the other knew, without question.

“If this trek takes too long, however, I may have to resort to finding an aerial route. I do not wish to pass out from heat exhaustion.” Flying could easily have been done earlier- but leaving her new acquaintance behind in the dust was undoubtedly rude. Not everyone could fly- in fact, few outside of the border could under their own power.

[timeandknives]

7-human-souls:

* “…Yeah. I understand that whole family thing. I guess.”

* “Sometimes that really is all you need.” * “Not that I would know the whole side of that story.” * “But I get it.”

* They swung back to walk forwards once more.

* “Well, if it helps, we’re closer to the core now!” * “If she bothered going through all of this heat and lived.”

“Perhaps you could visit sometime, if you were to be well-behaved. Although I fear you may be a bit too fragile to entertain the mistresses. Most humans are.” Sakuya stated, staying behind Chara as they lead her through the core area.

“It certainly is sweltering in here, isn’t it...” The maid mused, tugging on her collar a bit and quickening her pace. She had to get out of the area- there was no way Flandre would stick around somewhere so uncomfortable. “I do hope this stretch ends soon.”

[timeandknives]

7-human-souls:

timeandknives:

7-human-souls:

* Chara began to lead the way through the Hotlands. * They pumped their fist in the air. They loved being right.

* “Once we’re inside the core, everything should be cooler. (Should be.)”

* After a few steps they realised they were asked why they were down here. * “Oh yeah! I’m down here to feel at home! To reminisce or something like that!” * They waved their hand as if to say “it’s no big deal”.

Well, the younger certainly seemed excited. It was cute to say the least- something Sakuya found herself chuckling at.

“Reminisce, huh? I haven ever had time to do such a thing, though I wish I did. With the mistresses out and about I’ve been busier than ever. Taking care of the mansion, keeping an eye on them… it’s all rather daunting. And now of course, young Flandre has gone missing…”

* Chara spun around, now walking backwards. They really DID know this place that well. * “Whoa, wait! Now I have questions!” * “Mistresses?? Mansion? Taking CARE OF the mansion?” * “You.. mbbatha… huh?!”

* “Wow… it’s gotta at least pay well? A-at least?!”

* [Chara recognises the hard work Sakuya has done.]

“I would have thought my outfit would have given it away long before."  The woman remarked, rather confused and amused at how flustered the little one had become. “I am the head maid- of the Scarlet Devil Mansion, in Gesnokyo. I serve Remilia Scarlet, the most charismatic and influential vampire in the land, and Flandre Scarlet, her younger sister. Of course, out here beyond the border, I daresay you’ve never heard of them.”

“Pay? It pays enough.” She let a smile creep at her lips. “I live with the mistresses and their friends and other servants. I am accepted as part of the family. Truthfully, that is all I need- and why I am searching so hard for young Flandre.”

[timeandknives]

7-human-souls:

* Chara began to lead the way through the Hotlands. * They pumped their fist in the air. They loved being right.

* “Once we’re inside the core, everything should be cooler. (Should be.)”

* After a few steps they realised they were asked why they were down here. * “Oh yeah! I’m down here to feel at home! To reminisce or something like that!” * They waved their hand as if to say “it’s no big deal”.

Well, the younger certainly seemed excited. It was cute to say the least- something Sakuya found herself chuckling at.

“Reminisce, huh? I haven ever had time to do such a thing, though I wish I did. With the mistresses out and about I’ve been busier than ever. Taking care of the mansion, keeping an eye on them... it’s all rather daunting. And now of course, young Flandre has gone missing...”

[timeandknives]

7-human-souls:

timeandknives:

7-human-souls:

* Oh. That was actually a new one. Disappointing. 

* “A…vampire? I haven’t seen anyone down here at all, actually.” * How would you even pick a vampire out from any other person anyway? Didn’t they just look like normal people?

* They happily accepted the handshake. Being treated as an equal indeed worked on Chara. * “’The name’s Chara! And I know my way around here pretty well.” * “Maybe I could help you find your friend …Mistress?” * They gave one of their “famous” smiles.

“Ah, her name is Flandre. Flandre Scarlet. As for her appearance… she is dressed in what many outside the border would consider… Victorian? A red dress, golden hair… and peculiar wings, in case you see her.” She elaborated, not wanting the other to get confused.

“Pleased to meet you, Chara.” The name was no stranger than any back home. “I’m relieved to find someone who knows their way around. Tell me, are we the only ones here? It appears that this place was abandoned, but was once inhabited.”

* [Chara vaguely understood.]

* “Ok, I think I get it! So… like all frilly like you but more… vampire-y?” * “Got it!” * They gave a thumbs up and a wink.

* “Nice to meet you too!” * “I can only assume we’re the only ones here, because we’ve passed the places all of the sane monsters hung out.” * They pulled at the neck of their jumper. “Hotlands” wasn’t named that for nothing. * “Everyone’s escaped to the surface now.”

* “I don’t think Flandre would be down here. Vampires don’t like the hot, right? Or is that just the sun?” * Chara thought on that; It made such little sense to them.

Escaped to the surface...? It sounded to Sakuya like Gensokyo wasn’t the only place that tried to seal underground the beings that they feared. Apparently, it was a theme of sorts... “I see. May I ask what you are doing down here, then? It seems a bit odd for you to choose to stay here.”

“You’re right. The fact that the sun would kill her is the reason I traveled into the cavern leading here in the first place. She would have entered this mountain in an attempt to evade the sun.” The motion of the young human refocused Sakuya’s attention. “Let’s try and find somewhere cooler to talk. Do you know of a place nearby that’s less sweltering?”

[timeandknives]

7-human-souls:

* Oh. That was actually a new one. Disappointing. 

* “A…vampire? I haven’t seen anyone down here at all, actually.” * How would you even pick a vampire out from any other person anyway? Didn’t they just look like normal people?

* They happily accepted the handshake. Being treated as an equal indeed worked on Chara. * “’The name’s Chara! And I know my way around here pretty well.” * “Maybe I could help you find your friend …Mistress?” * They gave one of their “famous” smiles.

“Ah, her name is Flandre. Flandre Scarlet. As for her appearance... she is dressed in what many outside the border would consider... Victorian? A red dress, golden hair... and peculiar wings, in case you see her.” She elaborated, not wanting the other to get confused.

“Pleased to meet you, Chara.” The name was no stranger than any back home. “I’m relieved to find someone who knows their way around. Tell me, are we the only ones here? It appears that this place was abandoned, but was once inhabited.”