Messages

1

Areas / Re: Elizabeth's Domain

« on: October 03, 2021, 03:31:48 PM »

Marc

"...but I like macaroni." He glanced down with a mopey expression - if men had the ears of hounds, it would be no exaggeration to say his would be drooping. And much like a royal pomerian, they soon perked back up when she mentioned her heritage. "Woah, so you're royalty too? Neat."

He wondered if she knew Valerie too. Actually, probably not - she seemed to have a few more screws in place than his master. Then again, he wasn't one to talk.

"Ahem, yes maam- er, Nika." What a lovely name. And since she was a classy lady, he'd be remiss to refuse her request. He gallantly wrapped his arm around hers with a charming expression, slyer and cleverer than a little drunken song and dance gives credit for. It was good too, that way he didn't have to worry about landing on his face from his drunken gait. "And since you were so eager to get a nibble out of me, why don't we try a place that'll get our blood hot and boiling? Ever had a Go-Kart race?"

2

Areas / Re: Pine Garden

« on: October 03, 2021, 02:32:28 AM »

Vega

"Hahaha~ I just like seeing your face twist in all sorts of indignation. Don't take jokes so seriously you cute red devil~ " He blew her a kiss while skipping about the floor, walking with dramatic hops all around before coming up in front of Nanako, only a few meters away. "Well, I say that, but there are times when a man needs to take things a little seriously. It's not like challenges fall on deaf ears, you know?" He grinned with disarming friendliness, eyes closed shut with an adorable innocence.

"And I even took the trouble of renting the whole place out, so we can do whatever we want without being worried about interruptions." The moment he said that, he opened his azure eyes - and a small faint ember lit up. Frigid, like a hunger, restrained just enough one might miss it. There was an audible clack when he unbuckled his belt, and almost as if by some magic, the lights of the store started flickering and changing up - then focusing on them like some sort of arena. Suddenly, he whistled and tossed his pants back. A flick of his deft fingers unbuttoned his shirt, and without hesitation he flipped all garments back to reveal his glamorous body.

Curves of toned muscle, shaped like an effigy to mankind's honor. Even when bare to the brim, nay, because it laid bare - its beastly beauty was fully appreciable. The skin-tight fight boxers hardly contained anything, leaving Vega's entire being exposed to see.

"Let's have a fair match without holding back, okay~?"

3

Areas / Re: Elizabeth's Domain

« on: October 02, 2021, 05:12:48 PM »

Marc

"Oui, oui. Who am I to get in the way of love~ I'll juust be on my way then, drowning my sorrows with drinks-a-plenteh!" He winked at Mira with a disarmingly friendly grin, then turned to the cold pale lady. "Follow me mademoiselle."

Not that this place was a place where anyone'd be lucky enough to find love. Well, unless an empty wallet and a gobbled-up soul counts. Then again, he loved emptying his wallet, and he wouldn't complain if he got gobbled up by a cute mommy. Maybe these demons were onto something.

He waddled away, drink in hand - with the vampire in tow.

"Soooooooo... name's Marc. How do you do?"

4

Areas / Re: The Great Western Mountains

« on: October 01, 2021, 07:45:56 PM »

Vanangandr

There was no feeling, fear, or shock at the sudden blow. And why would there be? He had long since discarded such unnecessary feelings to save the world. But even if he hadn't, the illusion couldn't share in such drivel. It simply blew away like stardust in the wind, shattered with no catharsis or fanfare.

The flames of the burning bird ended, with naught but a disappointed smile.

All that was left was the boy, with eyes agape. Unable to speak. Staring with the dizzying sickness that built up inside him.

"But... my soul is.... fine. I am a person. I am... I am..." He sounded in shock, as if he was starting to remember something he should have never remembered at all. "I am Vanangandr, a hero of the citadel. I am Vanangandr. A hero. I am..." He repeated those words meekly, like a mantra. Almost as if to convince himself. His soul was whole. His body was his. Why was this even happening? What did he do? Why was that voice so familiar?

As he took a step back, a voice rang in his head. Something that revulsed him to the core.

Not good. We must cut a bit deeper.

"Your... Nakama." He gasped when he remembered those same words told to him once. In that dark, dark place.

5

Areas / Re: The Great Western Mountains

« on: September 30, 2021, 09:42:14 PM »

Vanangandr

The ashen puppet was pulled by coils of fire, the bird whispering sweet words in its stead. "Cheep cheep! You make me upset, if I'm being honest." Suddenly, the light flickered, like illusory coils buzzing on some sort of hologram. It looked anything but upset, from the other side where it laid.

Vanguard couldn't share that sentiment. He wore that unsettled heart on his sleeve, unable to hide confusion even if he wanted to.

"Missing shard...? What in the name of madness are you spouting now? I'm plenty whole and in one piece last I checked." He tapped his torso left and right as if checking. He had no memory of the guy, but he was looking at him as if they knew eachother. And he had the same voice that he heard in that vision. But why? And why was his mentor with him? "Besides, I'm telling you, you must've got the wrong guy. I've never met you in the citadel..."

He gasped for a second. Torn asunder, like that dream he had? But it couldn't- That vision, that nightmare was too horrible. It had nothing to do with him. So then why-

"That's right!" The puppet chuckled, unable to restrain the irony of it all any longer. With a dramatic snap, he pointed at him. "As you are now, you're nothing more than a husk. An empty vessel. I hardly meant deceiving you but... everything you know is a lie, my dear friend. The hero named Vanangandr never existed. In the first place, you are not even a person. A product, at best."

The words spoken shook something in the hero. The mysterious stranger's voice, the visions he heard, the citadel, all his friends and family waiting for him at home. He didn't know where anything stood anymore. He was lost in this place, unsure of what even to follow, with his justice nowhere in sight. The sight of his mentor should be comforting. The voice of this man he never met shouldn't elicit the revulsion in his heart. And yet, everything was wrong. Wrong. Wrong!

His step cracked the earth, and his voice boomed like thunder.

"YOU LIE!!"

He didn't know what that stranger was up to, but he had taken control of his teacher like this just to mess with him. Whatever trick they tried, it wouldn't work. He'd snap his friend out of it, he'd make sure whatever plot was taking place was stopped here and now. Because he was a hero. He was. He was...

6

Areas / Re: Bordertowns

« on: September 30, 2021, 04:46:13 PM »

Almost a minute later

With all the holes cracked in the Emiya household, the winter chill was far less merciful than before. The winds scattered small traces of snow into the halls, but thankfully the weather was kind tonight. It was naught but a brisk breeze. Still, the stifled moan of the chill scraping against the walls was eerie at best.

No one could fault him for trying to fix whatever disaster befell the house. Let alone cooking a nice meal for the one he loved. These sorts of thoughts are common when one is blessed with a peaceful, leisurely life.

It was truly unfortunate.

It wasn't just the cold that the winds brought to Emiya's house. Soon, something rubbed against his cheek softly, before slowly gliding to the kitchen floor. It was a ticklish, cold sensation. As if some cloth was brought to him by the wind. But it wasn't just any cloth. If it were, or if it were any cloth to that man, perhaps his peaceful life could continue uninterrupted.

Falling down next to him was a tattered mess that was once a beautiful cloth, its charming hibiscus now stained with red.

Falling... falling... falling.

It is

your

wife's

ribbon.

7

Areas / Re: Bordertowns

« on: September 29, 2021, 11:48:19 PM »

Costin

Step.

Step.

Step...

The dead apostle walked forward with the same nonchalant swagger. Before long, they were both in each other's range. If either wanted, they might just hack at eachother's limbs away with wild abandon, cutting into their flesh again and again. And yet, it didn't happen.

Costin let out a stifled chuckle. Then, he shook his head.

"Heh, I guess you're right. Sorry about that." The mood instantly relaxed, as if it were a ticking time bomb that was defused at the last second. He grinned amiably, with genuine respect to the kid for holding out his ground like that. He had balls, and he liked that.

BOOM!

Without warning, he dashed away straight into the opposite wall behind Shirou, smashing it into bits and fleeing the mansion with the speed of sound. And so, he was gone. He couldn't be sensed anymore.

8

Areas / Re: The Great Western Mountains

« on: September 29, 2021, 11:39:20 PM »

Vanangandr

"Cut the crap..." He clutched at his head, glaring at the two men. The wing stretching across him like a shield was the one thing that snapped him out of it, eliciting naught but a stifled gasp. That's right, he couldn't falter right now. Not here.

He stood by the angel's side.

"The only thing that's unbalanced is the way you're eyeing us over, you sicko pervert. I don't know what kind of medicine you're selling, but I'm not buying a cent from your shady mug!"

He glowered with resolve that surprised him more than anything. It's as if every shred of his instinct, of his will, all told him in unison to stay away from that man.

The ashen puppet smiled. "My oh my~ He doesn't seem to be interested, William. What are we to do?" Yet the puppet was more interested looking at Ivanna intently, with calculative interest and curiosity.

9

Areas / Re: The Great Western Mountains

« on: September 29, 2021, 10:54:05 PM »

Vanangandr

"Don't you dare say that! You're not lowly, not in the slightest. Besides, you're my friend." He grit his teeth when he said that, but he said it with the same honesty and kindness as ever. He really didn't know any better. All the power he had, and he couldn't protect a single girl. His words were awkward, but he meant every breath and was ready to fight for it.

Enough of that sad look. He took a step forward, extending his hand. But whatever wish of helping he may have had, it was soon cut to naught. A voice soon echoed in the cavern, neither his or hers. A mysterious stranger, a man who almost looked familiar. He'd have welcomed him with a meal and a smile, but he instinctively understood he wasn't here to mingle. He clenched his fist and listened.

That was his first mistake. Because the moment he heard that voice...

"Wha? What are you - kh!"

Vanangandr clutched his temple in pain. He nearly knelt, forcing himself upright by sheer force of will. But the voice, that voice...

"Another failure. These bodies aren't even good for recycling, let alone my hounds. You're friggin useless for a senpai."

As the mechanical tower chewed up the meat and bones remaining, another body was rolled down the conveyor belt. From the outside, cold angels of metal and magic watched over the children of the Tower, gating them off in their glass container. Each one wore a simple white shirt, a bracelet, and a number identifying them. It was like looking at cattle.

He couldn't see any of it. It was so dark, so painful. As he wiped away tears, he could hear the different voices through the looking glass. A coarse, almost violent sneer - and a soft, melodic tune, as honeyed as a scholar's - yet with the cold disdain reserved to ash.

"No. It's their imperfection that makes them have worth. It's by hammering and breaking the materials that we can extract the ore - the essence that we will mold to pave the future.
It's for the sake of our dreams, that we cannot afford to slow down."

There was a silence. Then, the coarse voice nearly spat. "You're a sick fuck."

Crunch. Crunch. Munch. Munch. The machine ate the remains of the last test subject he'd see of his big brother. After a while, he heard another voice. A voice with strength, and something a man might attribute as focus. But to a child, it sounded like something a hero would say.

"The First Tower was the folly of Man, but this one, will be Their folly."

"Indeed! It was our eternal crusade that brought us this far, to this world teetering with life and possibility! All our sacrifices here have led us to this moment, last child." An ashen puppet stepped in, broken and battered - held together by naught but fiery strings to the tune of a cackling burning bird. Within its cracks, within the broken shell... laid the eternal abyss, and the stars. But if one were to look carefully, you'd notice it was naught but a trick of the light. He hadn't bothered to show up here. Yet the seraph may just recognize the voice.

At this moment, he didn't care.

The boy clutched his face in pain. In confusion. That broken puppet... looked... sounded like his mentor in the citadel. And yet it all felt off now. Like when he first approached him months back, to talk about the city. To tell him about that child... and the forest. And he... stabbed him then, and took something from that place. He still had no idea why! But even if he had so many questions, even if there was so much he wanted his mentor to tell him...

He moved in between them and his friend.

"I don't care about any of it! What the hell is going on!"

10

Areas / Re: The Great Western Mountains

« on: September 29, 2021, 07:26:30 PM »

Vanangandr

He looked shock when he saw her, but it all paled before his gaping eyes once he heard her. A sharp, painful thing was stuck in his throat, like a stone lodging whatever thoughts or feelings he may have. Instead, he hesitated, with a pitiful clenched fist.

He didn't know what to do in these situations. To fight demons, to protect others, using his power was the only thing he knew. It's why he wished his mentors taught him what he should say.

He didn't know her pain. He wasn't sure he could understand it. But even so, even so...!

A man takes an action. A step forward.

"I'm sorry!"

He bowed to her with such fervor it was almost comical, but everything about his words was as sincere as the fire in his heart. To what he apologized, even he did not know. It was the only thing he could say, the only thing he knew how to say. So he said it, with such loudness the clouds nearly shook, with trembling fists and his eyes shut. He had no sworn allegiance to her, there was no oath binding him to her or her rule. It was illogical. But even so, it's as if he awaited her to strike him down.

11

Areas / Re: The Great Western Mountains

« on: September 29, 2021, 06:14:32 PM »

Vanangandr

The great Western Mountains were a swirling mass of spires reaching to the heavens, like outstretched arms grasping at whatever laid amidst the sun. Like earthern lances cast down to the depths of the earth. These colossal structures of stone were brimming with life, with danger, with whatever one might seek. But answers? None can say.

A lone man scaled these structures, alone. Was it his calling? Some quest? What riches or fame did he seek climbing these unreachable heights? Was it some sort of ambition? No, not at all. Not in the slightest. The desire was far more benign, almost mundane.

He came because he wanted to help a friend.

"Haaah, pwahh... finally. I thought these things couldn't be made any higher." He reached the final steppe, grabbing at the rock with herculean might. Soon, the armored man scaled the final step and found himself at the peak, unalone.

Before him stood the fallen seraph, meditating.

"...The view is nice." Well, one might call him a man, but truthfully he was no more than a teenager, soon to reach maturity. It was that sort of vigor and youth that fueled his passion, but at the same time, it was the cause of innocent insecurity when he approached the woman. Almost like a hesitation. He felt... unsure of what to do.

I never got to thank you for back then. I'm... sorry. I was a coward, If it weren't for my weakness... I should have been there too. I should have helped you more in your quest. I am an idiot. He looked down in shame. These terrible visions, these nightmares of the past. They still hadn't stopped since that day. In it, he saw strange visions, like prophecies. He saw an angel descending from the heavens, cutting down and burning all those he had once known and loved with fire and judgment.

He felt scared to ask, if the people he hadn't seen in so long were still favored by the gods. But he did not. He didn't want to burden the girl with more.

"Are you... okay?"

12

Areas / Re: Pine Garden

« on: September 26, 2021, 11:03:04 PM »

Vega

"Hehe, you really want to kill me. How fuuuun ~ " He cracked his knuckles and stretched his neck with a smug smile, eyeing Lily intently - then focusing his gaze at the ornate blade. Its craftmanship was marvelous. He observed every detail with curiosity, fascination, and a childlike wonder. Of course, his eyes soon narrowed. This was so simple, so innocent, so convenient. It must haver been some sort of devilish trap. But could it really be a trap As the thought ran through his mind, he couldn't help but chuckle slightly. But slowly, gradually, the small laughter grew and grew, until it became a burning beacon, a pyre of thunderous laughter that rang through the empty castle-like shop.

Yeah, definitely a trap.

"Hahahahaha! Lily, oh how I adore your deviousness. But if I couldn't do at least that much, I'd shame your precious pride as a daemon. I'll show you that there is no one else worthy of standing before you and the heavens. If you set your mind on something, even certainty will bend to a miracle!" He posed glamorously and snapped his fingers, the echo rang through all the halls of this castle-like shop with a beauteous melody. "But you knoooow.... I truly hate being ordered around. Just because a prize is deliciously tempting me, doesn't mean I'll just bite the bait like some fish."

He put his finger on his chin and looked down, as if absorbed in some thought. But alas, his answer came as natural as ever, with a soft laughter that rang like the most gorgeous of bells. "If I vanquish you so thoroughly you won't be able to stand, I'll give you no choice but to use that blade against me. That is the one solution to your trial."

It was an insane answer, but her question was insane to begin with. No, in the first place, no one in this room was truly sane in the first place. And with a sly smile, he first pointed at Nanako.

"But first, I do owe our friend here at least some attention. Fine, fine... I'll fight her first - after that, It'll be your turn. Lily."

He never said he refused the first trial in the first place. He just said that to tease the beast! But now... there was no turning back!

13

Areas / Re: Contested Areas

« on: September 24, 2021, 04:41:55 AM »

Costin

"Is that so." The dead apostle didn't sound quite convinced to the response, yet he didn't sound unconvinced either. He sniffed the air, taking in the scents intently as a wolf ought to do, and tapped one more button on his mp3 before setting it in his pocket. One hand rested there, while the other dangled casually. Step. Step. Step...

He's got good nerves. Steeled, like a blade. Damn, okay that one was bad. Anyway, I wonder what I should have for dinner....

"You're not lying, and I can't sense any hesitation in your words. Your body temperature isn't rising either - not abnormally anyways." He looked totally disinterested, but he still took a step forward, then another. Baring no weapon or claw, he slowly walked towards the man. He kept taking short, deliberate breaths. Man, I feel like a dick. Was that fried rice he was cooking? As if looking for some scent, probing for something. A reaction maybe? A feeling? Or maybe he was going to kill the boy there and then anyways. Egg fried rice... should I get some rangoon on the side? Maybe the orange chicken... His steps were like a clock, ticking, flowing in one single direction.

"But something's strange..."

His grin grew like the cut of a blade. Was the boy really fine with that? With an apostle approaching him like this?

14

Areas / Re: Elizabeth's Domain

« on: September 24, 2021, 02:47:43 AM »

Marc

He blinked foolhardily against the wall, then stumbled back a little before turning around and  shaking his head - as if that'd shake off the haze. "I'm very sorry maa'm. That was absolutely uncalled for." He apologized immediately like a boy caught with his hand in the cookie jar. But suddenly, he blinked sheepishly with total dumbfounded surprise. The pale woman was walking, he swore he did see her walking and wasn't drunkenly hallucinating but... it's like she was on some invisible treadmill.

Mon dieu, she wasn't moving at al! She looked hungry though, so feeling pity, he handed her a lunchable he kept in his pocket for later. It was pizza, his favorite.

"It's her anniversary, I usually go out and have a few around this time of year. " He shrugged, but smiled pretty cooly, as if whatever drunkenness' had on him evaporated in the moment. "But I've gotta tip your hard workers, today the drinks are better than ever."

He closed one eye shut and followed Malicia and the other ladies. "What kind of commitment though? Don't tell me, have you found Yamada's legendary bipedal popcorn machine? Or... mon dieu...the undisputed champion? Holy macarones!" He uttered the name casually, with the kind of fondness reserved to family. If there was any hesitation or shock, it was after he said that, when he gave a closer glance at the purple-haired woman Malicia was accompanying. 

He honest to god looked pretty impressed, and performed a short informal bow most students exchange among themselves. "That was a hell of a good fight. I quit before you joined Sethrol's dojo, so we never got to spar." He relaxed casually. "Stillll, I visited the dojos - from time to time. You've gotten a lot stronger since then. Um, look, I'm not going to bug you while you've got business with Elizabeth, but when you're done, could you hit me up? I have some stuff I need to discuss with you."

15

Areas / Re: Pine Garden

« on: September 23, 2021, 11:55:47 PM »

Vega

The smoldering aura swooped over his hair like a hot blowing wind, and if he were surprised at all, he'd probably show it. Unfortunately he wasn't all that surprised, he just watched over his expensive watch with a relaxed expression. "Wow, you really don't want to wear cat ears huh?" He was utterly unflinching, and he put his hand on his curved hips sassily as he shook his head. As hot as that girl was, his heart was as cold as ice. Her way of speaking was anything but beautiful, and if she thought her argument would melt through him... well, he'd wish her the best of luck.

He smiled like a demon.

"Unfortunately, you're only half right. I told you, people are complex. Humans are perfectly capable of wanting more than one singular thing. Now quit whining and put on the kitty costume." His eyes were practically burning like red suns when he said that.

Then he rubbed the back of his head, boyishly confused.

"Anyways, wouldn't you be a better match? I've watched some camera footage of your fights, if you and that woman were engines, I'd rate you around the same when it comes to physical specs. Miss Squirrel there is... uh, don't mean to be rude here... well, have you ever seen a drunken gorilla strapped to a rocket?"

Honestly, he only saw it once. It's the closest thing he could think of, really!