thenearshore | Underthinking vs overthinking [CLOSED]

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Underthinking vs overthinking [CLOSED]

Who: Archer & Caster
When: August 30th after their return from Heavenly Fair
Where: Caster's temple
What: two idiots decide to duke it out in their usual style
Warning: language, blood and injuries, possible property destruction Servant style

[Archer is leaning against one of the trees that surround the clearing behind Caster's temple. He's earlier than he's supposed to be, but that doesn't matter.

If the myths are half true, Cú Chulainn was forced into many situations he himself wasn't satisfied with and into choices that weren't truly his own. When Caster speaks his True Name he does so with pride, but the mentions of his own tales - which are scarce, at best - are oddly impersonal. Then there's the role of God he was forced into, yet again, that forces him into a position he's clearly not comfortable with. Instead of being summoned into a familiar mold of Servant Caster is forced to become a Master to another spirit. While Archer's own memories and understanding of the system is patchy at best, he can understand one thing. That the situation is enough to put strain on a normal human. For a being like Cú Chulainn the strain is much more severe and comes loaded with frustration.

There's one way to get rid of it. Which is a good battle. One that he is capable of.

That's his reason for provoking Caster to accept his offer for a spar.]

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[ Sort-of-a-Master, there is neither a contract nor command seals involved - thankfully!! The whole "keeping you alive and anchoring to the world" is also not present. It might be a poor consolation though because the God - Shinki bond certainly seems much more personal.

Caster arrives on time, without his cape - if they're going to fight might as well leave that at the Temple. Less fluttering cloth the better. He did take his staff though, as there was no specifying of the weapons to be used. ]

Oh, so you're here! Last chance to change your mind! [ That's the greeting, but since Archer did his best to provoke him and piss him off, he's probably unlikely to retreat now. ]

[Instead of replying Archer straightens and mutters a short incantation. First he projects Gáe Bolg, using Caster as its origin. It appears before its user, hovering in the air. Then come his own twin swords, their familiar weight resting in his hands.]

Hmph. Thinking I'll retreat after issuing the challenge? [Archer asks dryly, walking into the open space and further from the trees.]

[ Caster grabs the spear immediately after it materializes. Was there any doubt about it? Maybe he even hoped for such turn of events. Fake it may be, an illusion that will shatter soon - but that's all that he got. The real deal is sealed, and he's stuck as his Caster aspect here. ]

Who knows... but I'm glad you didn't.

[ In blink of an eye he zips forward. He might not be as fast, as a fully powered Servant Lancer would be, but it's enough here. It's not aimed directly at Archer - albeit it definitely looks like it - but at the tree trunk he's leaning against, right above his right shoulder. ]

[Archer doesn't move at all, his smirk widening slightly. He can read his opponent's moves' to predict the outcome, but when the strike is meant as a test he's not going to dodge. His swords are still turned back, held loosely at his sides.]

Heh. You have to work on your aim.

[ Archer is either too dumb to not try and avoid the strike, mocking him with this confidence or just way too trusting that his god won't hurt him. Perhaps all at once, why not? And at least two of those possibilities are aggravating.

Either way, if Caster flew off the handle every time someone ruffled his feathers he would be a Berserker. ]

Did you forget you're supposed to move? Or do you need encouragement..?

[ Otherwise, it's not a practice. Caster jumps away, even going as far as to aid himself by pushing himself off Archer-- or that's how it would look for the non-existent observer. The second of touch was required to put a fire run right in the middle of Archer's chest. The burst of flame is small but sudden just as Caster lands few meters away ]

Go on, dance for me!

[It's not exactly trust but it's close enough. He's expecting something the moment Caster moves and isn't disappointed. Flames lick his armor but Archer is too focused on Caster to look away. He moves in a flash the moment other lands, aiming for a low strike. Will Caster deflect it, block it or divert it? Each action offers several possibilities, and Archer is fully prepared for every single one.]

[ Finally, it starts for real. He twists around, his long hair scattered in the air behind him - he really should have tied the ponytail if they were going to train like this - the projected spear moving sharply to parry the attack-

Archer obviously can't remember this, but for Caster it's already falling into a familiar routine. How many times did they duel like this? The routine is however what's dangerous. Circumstances differ, and no fight is exactly the same as the other. Not to mention that Archer is exactly the type to pull some surprising trick out of his sleeve - so a level of wariness is always necessary.

He pulls up the dull end of his spear in feigned attack - feigned because even if he ends hitting Archer straight at his jaw it is not the real goal. He uses it and the full length of his lance to put a distance between them - that's still testing the waters. He's aware his own speed and strength changed ever since he appeared here, now it's important to see how becoming shinki changed Archer ]

[Archer dodges easily. He may not remember but he's as stubborn as ever, going for close range while dodging or blocking each incoming attack. Somehow he's able to match Caster's speed, which shouldn't be that surprising. It's the runes Archer has to be wary about. Cú Chulainn is famed to master the Norse runes, and is surprisingly profficient in using them at second's notice, if that earlier trick is anything to judge by. Even a momentary distraction is going to be deadly.

Archer circles Caster and jumps at overhead strike, at the same time bringing the other sword in lower slash.]

[ Ugh, objection. He should be faster, by a lot! But yeah, being molded into a druid - he never even was - literally lowered his stats.

He deflects the first blow knowing well it will end with an opening Archer is ready to exploit. Here is another "bonus" of being a Caster: no armor. It's of no importance though, he lets the blade graze down his side, a shallow cut like this doing nothing to deter him. ]

First blood behind us.

[ Caster shoots him a crooked grin. Sure, he could dodge, but he's tired of getting set on the defense. A step back just to get space and correct footing to lunge forward with a spear thrust. First goes right to the head, if parried next goes for the heart. A flurry of strikes, each aimed at vital organs. Just when it becomes predictable he changes the tune spinning the spear back in series of twirl that obscure the following strike ]

[And just like that Archer knows it's testing the opponent. He can't let himself get too used to the rhythm, or it's his defeat. They're evenly matched, almost too well matched for it to be accidental.

Archer barely manages to block the oncoming strike, spear's tip drawing a bloody line. Now's his turn.]

Looks like we're even. [with those works comnes kick aimed at Caster's abdomen.]

[ Some people - some schools of martial arts too - compare fighting to dancing, and one undeniable truth is that in both, you have to follow the rhythm. Just the one who falters ends skewered up or decapitated. Not to mention the adrenaline rush- yes, Caster always preferred fighting to dancing.

He takes the kick - oh sure, he pulls back but there is still a solid thump of the foot hitting his midsection. It pushes him back- which is good. With lance, his range is a lot longer than of those short swords Archer wields.

Runes are at this point forgotten and ignored. It's not like he needs them when he can fight using his weapon- or give into the illusion of that. His grin grows wider and he laughs as he's enjoying this more and more. The harsh clang of weaponry follows, because neither of them is going to stop now.

Shit maybe Archer was right, and this is exactly what he needed ]

[Archer is enjoying the spar more than he should. There's more to it than a simple thrill of fighting a worthy opponent, but he doesn't know - or doesn't remember - what is it. Caster doesn't pull his punches and both of them are surely sporting more than a few bruises.

It's when he barely manages to block the strike that could seriously injure him that Archer realizes he's slowing down. His reactions are just a bit too late and he's getting tired. That shouldn't be happening. He grits his teeth and stubbornly keeps fighting, ignoring his own weakness.]

[ Caster is definitely losing himself in the moment. He spins his fake spear around him, each strike coming from erratic direction. Where Archer slows down, he steps in to take it to the next level of speed.

Wild, but controlled. He can allow himself to go all-out only because he knows his opponent is not that easy to kill. No, really, he's a damned cockroach if the patched memories of their previous meetings are any indication. He does not remember either of them finding victory - aside from that one time in a city covered with flames.

But does that count? Archer was a corrupted creature, and he- well he was a Caster. He still is, which should be something to remember. ]

[Meanwhile Archer is getting desperate. He can keep up for now, but it's getting harder. It must be the strain of keeping both weapons projected, he realizes. How is that possible, when Archer just tries to keep them as close to the original as possible--

Then it clicks. The knowledge that projecting a powerful Noble Phantasm as close to its original as possible may cost him his life. The more powerful the weapon and more faithful the replica is, the higher drain on his own mana it creates.

His blade shatters.

Archer braces for the impact, knowing that he can't deflect nor dodge the incoming hit.

Gáe Bolg and his remaing sword vanish in a burst of blue motes.]

[ Eh. It was too good to last long- Caster realizes, resigned. Illusions might pretty but they're, ya know, not real. Sure, those illusions might tangible and strong enough to actually hurt someone, but what's fake is fake.

...like he has time to ponder the realism and cynicism philosophy.

It was too late to halt the movement, and instead of skewering Archer with the spear, he just crashes into him full-speed, tumbling them both against the tree trunk with a loud thunk. The tree sheds some leaves because of the sudden impact but is otherwise unharmed.

As for those two idiots though... ]

[The tree has a bit more mercy than Caster, and hitting the trunk doesn't end with a bruise. Unlike the first one, that ends with bruised ribs. Not that Archer's going to complain.]

You're heavier than I thought.

[Well, if that's the first thing Archer manages to say once he catches his breath then he should keep his mouth shut. Famous last words, eh.]

[ And if Caster was someone else he'd probably wonder if you're calling him fat. It doesn't cross his mind though. He just rolls over from Archer onto the unoccupied part of ground ]

Do I even want to know what you expected?

[ Oh yes, willowy mages are a trope here. Being associated with them is another reason why being Caster sucks. ]

It's not like you made a soft cushion either.

[Those two are pure muscle with no fat. Calling Cascu a willowy mage is an insult to both him and the said mages. To Archer's bruised ribs as well.]

My apologies for not providing a soft landing. [Archer says that with a chuckle. It lacks his usual sarcasm, and is perhaps a bit too fond for someone so set on antagonizing Caster earlier.]

I'll live.

[ And that's all, that's it. While Archer was successful in his antagonizing bullshit - Caster has a sore spot, and it's literally being a Caster - it's gone now. Everything evaporated during their fight.

Shame that lasted so shortly ]

Did you get your limits right now?

Yes. It seems that creating a faithful copy of a powerful Noble Phantasm takes a lot of my mana. It may even be deadly. [Archer admits with a wince. He'd rather be able to project a weapon for much longer... but lesser mana cost means a much weaker copy.]

And recovering it takes time. [ That's okay, he understands. He's working on the same dumb way. At least MP no longer also equals HP. And it apparently recovers on its own.

Still, he is a little disappointed. Just a little. ]

Stick to non-lethal options in the future.

[Well, it isn't the best moment to remember that tiny detail. Oh, well. Archer just shrugs.]

It will stay a bit longer if I don't have to fight or project other weapons during that time. Or Borderlines. [he offers with a lopsided smirk.]

As much as I hate to say it, it probably should be used as last resort. [ Just like in his life. It's an easy assessment - even if just a temporary a copy of Gáe Bolg is still a powerful asset in hands of its owner. If just because of his skill with this weapon, curse or no curse.

But getting used to having it at hand could be dangerous. First, its presence depends on Archer and his magical energy capacity, second... it's depending on Archer, nuff said' and third...

It's not real anyway, and he's just a Caster now, so. No point in being anything else. Things don't work that way, and he's just not the way to circumvent the system ]

[Weapon or not, a Noble Phantasm is a Noble Phantasm and shouldn't be used lightly. Archer does understand that, as well as Caster not wanting to depend on someone else so heavily. It's enough to have to depend on his shinki to successfully hunt ayakashi, any other form of dependence is too much.]

Understood. [yet he can't let the matter rest, so he decides to inquire.] So Caster class, hmm?

[It's not like he has to ask just why Caster is so set on his spear. If Archer was in his place he'd feel the same... mostly. He won't even try to insult Cú Chulainn trying to voice the thught.]

Edited (html hates me) 2017-10-18 22:08 (UTC)

That's right. [ He responds flatly. Since Archer figured him out already there is nothing stopping him from sharing it. ] It's all Scáthach's fault. She gave me the runes. Wouldn't even teach me anything else until I could write them with my left foot.

[ He's not making a fuss out of it, they've been quite useful, more than once. Even if for dumb shit like making himself a fake beard out of grass. ]

I imagine my Master was disappointed by this outcome as well. [ It's your fault Medusa, for suddenly appearing as Lancer before him ]

[Surprisingly Archer knows that part of Cú Chulainn's legend. It can be odd to remember even simplest details, but he doesn't mind.]

I doubt that. No matter the class you're still yourself. [he offers. Archer is sure that he wouldn't mind. If Caster's Master was disappointed then they're a fool.]

[ What a nice sentiment, he's touched, really. Which is why he just sneers ]

That's not really how it works. [ But he's secretly glad Archer doesn't know that much. He's already so knowledgeable about the Grail Wars that it makes Caster uneasy. God Greatest Secret, etc. Don't think too much buddy or you'll realize you're a Servant too.

You're annoying, but don't go ayakashi now, that would be a shame. He'd have to find a new shinki, such a hassle. ]

[Archer would be so touched if he knew that sentiment. Which is not why he snorts with amusement.]

I'm not talking about obvious class differences here. You may be summonedinto a different vessel, but it doesn't make you any less of Heroic Spirit. Only a foolish magus could consider you as such.

[He does get the bitterness of not being summoned in top condition.]

She wasn't that kind of a fool- [ He chuckles and trails off. Oh yes, while the surprise of not receiving a Lancer was there, all that needed to be done was an adjustment to the strategy. If there was a real, honest disappointment, she never showed it. It's a real shame how this all ended, but wars are hungry and merciless. ]

That sounds suspiciously like you're trying to comfort me, Archer. [ He winks as if he was joking, but he looks more studying than anything else. ]

Edited 2017-10-21 09:17 (UTC)

[Archer just smirks. It's neither time nor place for anything else. Not that he's ever going to stop being a troll.]

Perhaps I am, I'll keep you guessing.

[ They probably should return to the temple, but... eh. It's a good place. Caster slides down from sitting position to nearly a lying down one. Tree shade is always a good place for a nap. ]

The greatest unsolvable mystery... [ Is Archer being a dick, or is it just his face? ]

Differences or not- [ limiters more likely ] -I know my role and what is expected of me.[ He's either talking about being a God or being a Caster-class Servant... not that he has a Master here though ] But hey, it was fun to pretend to forget it for a second-

[It's a good place, true, even if there's a lot of visible traces of their spar. All the trees are still standing, though.]

I think you make a very good Caster. [Archer leans over him, on hand resting close to Caster's shoulder.] You're equally skilled in both magic and melee combat, so no one can surprise you.

[ Now he's getting complimented for that. Wow. But he can't blame anyone for missing the point. If Archer is turning into appreciative fanboy now, it probably means he must have sounded unsure of his skills. Which is not true at all, he knows the possibilities his Caster manifestation very well

The whole point is that he just doesn't like it much. But that's enough of wallowing in self-pity for today, so instead of continuing in that direction he just lightens ups and takes the compliment with a smile ]

I could also be a very good Saber. Or Rider. [ But without Láeg it really wouldn't be the same. He makes a thoughtful pause ] Hmm, Berserker probably too, after a very bad day.... but I like Lancer best. Nothing beats that.

[ That's a final statement he can make about this, no whining included ]

Edited 2017-10-21 15:19 (UTC)

Now you're making me curious about your incarnation as a Berserker.

[Archer takes hold of Caster's chin and kisses him. It's definitely not a shy, sweet kiss, but it is brief.]

It's not a barrell full of booze, but I think it's something much better.

[ Congratulations, you've caught him by surprise. The last thing he ever expected was for Archer to lean down and- well. What's with this place and kissing? ]

What. [ Very flat and after a pause ] Was that a payment for that projection? [ He's already scowling when they part, yes. But his complain lacks a bite or venom. It's just there to cover his surprise. Sure, there are worse people to be kissed by but- He'd never expect for Archer to have that in him. ]

Am I to expect this every time?

[That's not exactly the reaction he was hoping for. That is, if Archer was hoping for anything else. Which he wasn't.]

No. [Archer isn't smirking, and his voice lacks usual sarcasm. Then he quirks a brow and adds.] Not unless you want me to.

[ Why are not the girls here so forward with their affections? This is it. This is it. Niles is sure a little shit, sure, but this one here is just a steaming pile of garbage. Here is hoping these two will never meet, or either he's going to get a guaranteed headache.

Is this how this guy was in life? Then it clicks- ]

I'm still half-expecting to disappear in around a week or two. [ That's usual Servant lifespan, a few weeks. Month maybe. They're weapons, they exist to fight, that's why actual relationships are easily put aside as something that doesn't have sense in this kind of un-life. ]

[Too bad that Archer already met Niles. The downside - or upside, depending on whom to ask, is that he'd happily join Caster against him.]

I don't think we'd be allowed to vanish so soon.

[ He's more worried about them both forming some kind of united front against him. That's all. ]

Only a few things are certain. [ Prophecies for example. ] So what are the options? Take root, pretend it's a stable job?

[ That's what many people seem to go about this place, yes. Some miss homes, other have a second chance here, or something. Unlike them, he doesn't have a place to return to, but he also doesn't have a problem with that. ]

[That's not going to happen.]

I suppose so. [Archer shrugs. He's not really concerned with his own stance; for now he's avoiding any thoughts regarding his own situation. It works better this way.] As long as you're satisfied it's fine.

[Treating it like a summon can work too.]

Heh. [ Satisfied, huh. He'd be satisfied if he was summoned to fight in a proper, working Grail War FOR ONCE. One when he fulfills his duty and gets to fight all those epic heroic spirits until he brings his Master victory. Or die trying.

But of course, that's never going to happen. ]

No other choice, eh? That's on its own is a good advice. I could imagine myself in much worse partnership.

[ That's kind of his way of saying he doesn't mind Archer as his shinki as much as he expected to. Maybe it's lack of his memories that makes him so manageable? ]

[This is different from breaking a geiss and then dying. Although it doesn't seem like Cú Chulainn is tied to such fate anymore.]

Hm. I appreciate that.

[Archer gets the meaning, and honestly does appreciate it. Caster doesn't mind his snarkiness and he's free to do as he pleases aside his duties. His God also makes surprisingly pleasant company.]

Yeah, yeah- You still owe me a barrel of booze.

[ That was what they were initially talking about. Don't think he's going to forget it just because of your projection shtick ]

I'm not going to forget.

[Archer chuckles as he gets up. It was a good fight, and a good aftermath. Turning to Caster he offers a hand, intent on helping him up.

Perhaps he should obtain a few training weapons for such sparring. Then it won't rely in his projections.]

[ That would probably be a good plan. Less mana drain, less actual death risk. Caster takes the offered hand and allows himself to be pulled up - even if he just started to relax, eh ]

Make it good. Barrel of mead is good too!

[ He pats Archer arm and then rests his hand there - almost too casual. Probably a barrel of any kind of alcohol would work. Including some that he did not try, like rum ]

[There's enough broken branches around that Archer can shape into training weapons. Hm, he can test his magecraft limits this way, and a stack of training weapons always comes in handy. Even for playing fetch with dogs.]

I'll see what I'll manage to find.

[Finding many different kinds of alcohol is a mission now, right. Now he can stop chastising himself for that kiss. It's totally worth the risk. Well, he kissed Niles to see what the deal is and to judge it properly against Caster.]

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Underthinking vs overthinking [CLOSED]

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