thenearshore | stairs are for the weak [closed]

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stairs are for the weak [closed]

Who: Caster and Lancer
When: September 18th
Where: Tokyo, Minato - Tokyo Tower
What: Two idiots go climbing and find ayakashi along the way

When Caster mentioned climbing the tower, he really meant it. And since he keeps his promises that fateful day eventually happens.

He drags Lancer to climb the Tokyo Tower that's it.

They land in the nearby park, in the early evening. Sun hasn't set yet, but by the time they reach the top of the tower it will definitely be dark. Caster whistles looking up at the structure towering (sic) over them.

"You know, the other one is even taller." The Skytree, he finally found its name. "But that's good, this will be a warm-up!"

Caster-class tends to be considered one of the weaker - if not The weakest, alas mages always argue if it's Casters or Assassins as the least desirable one - but even the weakest Servant is a lot stronger than a normal human. And he wants to test himself in something else than combat against Diarmuid. Officially, it's not a competition, but why not use the fun escapade as a test?

He grins at his shinki. "Ready? No elevators allowed."

Or stairs.

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It's not that he didn't believe they would do it. He has no reason not to believe Caster's words. But perhaps he wasn't expecting it to be so soon after they arrive.

It's quite a beautiful tower up close. And Caster did promise a nice view from the top, should they get there.

"I'm ready." He gives himself a quick stretch before looking up it. "On your count!"

Not being noticed by the people on Far Shore has its perks - like... not getting arrested for what they were about to do. Caster keeps looking up, considering the best potential route at the top, and finally, decides to start on the west leg of the tower.

"We could check one of those cafes on our way back." As a reward that's it. Climb the tower, then chill somewhere high on it. He jumps at the base supporting the first truss - it will be probably more of a jumping than a conventional climbing, but eh, good enough.

"I'd like that very much!" He's so thankful to have a nice master who won't try and get himself killed. Hopefully. He stands across from Cu on the other base.

"Alright... you count down for us!" He's ready to go!

He's a nice "Master" - god actually - who won't get Lancer killed. There was never a word about getting himself killed, negotiate the terms better next time, Dia.

"A break on first observation deck" They might grab something to drink there too... "Three, two, one--!"

And he jumps up to the first truss, it probably won't take them long to cross the first 150 meters...

"Go!"

He follows suit, jumping quickly up the tower. His steps only for a second as he moves quickly.

Indeed, it does not take Diarmuid long to get to the first observation deck. Landing there, and sliding in. "Mister Caster!"

Right here! [ He waves his hand as he joins Diarmuid. Yeah, he arrived here second, but what else to expect. The deck is bustling with people, souvenir shops, cafes and a lot of tourists everywhere. Caster turns around to enjoy the view of that gigantic city sprawling in every direction ]

Lights everywhere- imagine the view from the top.

[Diarmuid smiles cheerfully at him. The place where they are is... rather beautiful. He looks all over it, and gives a small nod.]

On our way down, let's spend some time here, okay?

[He really likes it so far.]

Good. So now part two of the climb. Ready? [ Only 100 meters to go. He can start right after saying that, because Lancer is going to outmatch him anyway, Agility C vs A+ be damned. So yeah, that is expected

What is not expected is a strange sense of dread he gets the higher they climb. It takes a moment to pinpoint what exactly is causing it-- ]

Lancer, stop! [ Something is circling around the top, something normal humans can't see. ]

Ready!

[He lets Caster have a small headstart before jumping up the tower after him, looking up towards the top of the tower with a smirk.

That smirk started to disappear when he saw something at the top, and looks towards Caster.]

Call me! [They're going to have to fight, aren't they?]

[ It's like a snake that keeps coiling around the very top of a tower. If snakes could float that's it. Caster calls Lancer's vessel name, and catching the spear that he forms. ]

It didn't notice us just yet- [ He's clearly torn. His instincts tell him to challenge the threat head-on. But it's not a fight, it's not a duel, if anything it's more of a hunt. And while hunting you trap and stalk your prey. Trying to approach the ayakashi unnoticed and slaying it without giving it a chance would be the most efficient.

But where is glory, where is fun in that? ]

Then make it notice us. [He lives by the same code that Caster does, knowing that he wants to fight with glory and pride. and Lancer is the same way.] What's the point if we can't put up a fight with it?

[He'll leave his master up with how to do it.]

I think I got just a perfect way for that- [ It's good to not waste time on arguing about efficiency, strategy and all that... well, not pointless but definitely boring things. Just them two, a spear and its wielder.

Sprinkled with just tad bit of magic- because Caster draws the attention of the ayakashi by sending a fire rune at it. He's careful enough to not have hit the tower structure- it's made to be sturdy, should be able to ignore a fireball or three. But let's not draw the attention of mortals, shall we? ]

[And indeed it does get the ayakashi's attention, who roars and starts heading towards them.]

Let's make this an impressive battle! [Then again, any battle with the pair of them should be impressive.] Let's go!

[ Most battles are fought on a horizontal plane, but given they're climbing a tower, it's going vertical way- what an interesting alternative. What a curious and exciting challenge. He jumps onto different truss, one more on the internal structure of the tower, and climbs higher determined to meet the descending enemy ]

You're big- hah. Don't think I've fought anything bigger. [ He quips in the direction of the ayakashi, that probably can't understand him anyway- as he grazes the blade of the spear against its skin ]

Maybe we should keep records not just count, but also size of them?

[ Make a goddamn spreadsheet listing parameters of defeated ayakashi-- nah ]

[Lancer is ready to go. To be thrown if necessary, but ready to fight and strike whenever possible.]

That might be hard now, Mister Caster.

[They need Archer here for that.

The Ayakashi cried out and began to swipe towards him.]

Left!

[ This ayakashi is too big to go in one hit, throwing the spear might not be a good idea- because then he would have to retrieve him back. ]

Got it! [ And he jumps on a different truss right in time to dodge an incoming swipe- which gives him a probably dumb idea. Since the ayakashi is now curling and twisting its way around inside the tower structure, he just drops on top of it, piercing it's back with the spear.

Hopefully, it won't fly somewhere far away, or what, with them still attached on it. ]

[It's certainly a start, and the ayakashi screams in pain.]

You have to rend it, Mister Caster! [Not that he's fully aware of how to do that, but he has seen others and listened to lessons.

It's all up to his master, however.]

On it! But-- [ He twists and drives the spear deeper which in turn makes the ayakashi try to shake them off violently ] Shouldn't we damage and weaken it more first?

[ The blade is pulled out and Caster instinctively moves away from creature's blood. He starts to run towards the head of beast using Diarmuid's vessel form to stab it as he goes ]

Maybe. But if we don't hurry up and take care of it, it'll cause more damage!

[Lancer just keeps attention to anything else around them.]

Right!

[Another claw coming towards them.]

Well then-

[ He dodges almost effortlessly, thanks for the Diarmuid's warning and runs towards the ayakashi's head. And for a second when the beast sweeps down he's sent flying. But gods can teleport, and he's definitely getting better with this, appearing right on top of its head and rending it with one final strike- ]

Rend!-

[ Surprisingly it's all it takes and soon- they're falling down again. Caster makes a face and sighs, enjoying a short flight, then teleporting them to near the tower's top. ]

Return Diarmuid

[ No more ayakashi around, no more need keep you in your spear form. ~~Even if it's a good spear~~ ]

Well, and now we have no idea who won. [ The run to the top, that's it ]

[With the beast taken care of and disappearing, Lancer is more than happy to return to his human form. For when he does, he nods to his master.

Before going for the last dash to the top.

Hey, he's noble, but he'll use underhanded tactics still if necessary.]

We'll find out now, Mister Caster!

[Dashdashdash.]

What--??

[ And he was supposedly the competitive one. But Diarmuid beats him to this with just how surprising it is that he starts to dash to the top. ]

Hey! [ He follows right behind, but he's unable to catch up to him, and so Diarmuid gets to the top first ] Ahh, looks like you're the winner!

[Lancer chuckles, waiting for him to come up.]

Did I surprise you?

[He chuckles, shaking his head.]

Sorry. I always wanted to do that.

A bit. But it's a well-earned spot. [ Caster laughs and gives him a friendly pat on the shoulder when he catches up ]

The victory drink you'll taste is on me. [ Because sorry, everything is a good occasion for a drink, but first- First he has to turn around and look in the amazement at the city lights going as far as the horizon. Everywhere. It's terrifying - how dwelling of humans could be so large, how many houses are there? - and incredible, beautiful in some weird way. ]

Impressive view, isn't it? All those lights.

[Lancer chuckled as he looked towards Caster.] I look forward to it!

[And he is, as well, enjoying the view from the top of the tower. It's not anything like he's really seen before tonight and it's breathtaking.]

So many people live here... it is truly impressive.

Mind-blowing even.

[ There are more people in this city than in the whole island of Ireland. It's bright and dazzling even if you're a jaded spirit, it must be. And it's not just "mind" that's going to be blown away, because when the winds hits it's really strong. All that dumb druid wind is fluttering now on the wind so he drops the hood on his face.

But then he also moves closer to Lancer - really close in fact -, to get catch him a bit under that cloak for protection against the wind ]

A bit chilly, but not even that can affect the view.

[He's thankful for the protection. The winds are fairly harsh up here; certainly nothing he could not handle on his own, but the extra coverage does make things better.]

Nothing could affect it... it's truly one of a kind.

[ Amazing, being a Caster is useful for once- or rather the outfit is ]

I think I know what might make it even better though.

[ Yes, Lancer, he is going to suggest going down to visit one of the decks, and get something warm to drink.. might or might not include alcohol ]

Ah? Well then lead the way, Mister Caster.

[He will follow along with whatever you suggest. No questions asked.

He's just happy to be spending the time together.]

[ Turns out they don't sell much on the top deck, so they have to end traveling down to the lower one. But the view is still impressive, and a warm tea with a hint of rum does wonder for that bit of evening chill. ]

There a champion reward for you! [ Diarmuid gets the bigger mug ]

Thank you. [He'll take the mug and a sip. Making a pleased sound.] Shall we head to the pier and see what's exciting and interesting?

[Although he does know that Caster will want to fish. And he's fine with that.]

[ Fishing at night has its perks, no lie. ]

Hmm, why not. I haven't yet seen this sea at night.

[ There is a unique kind of calm, darkness combined with sound of crashing waves ]

Someday we gotta travel north, see the sea outside the city. [ But from this tower it looks like it's all just city in every direction ever ]

I think we should do that with Archer... he can prepare food and we can all spend the day out there.

[He looks towards the pier.]

Shall we race?

[ Add a bit of fishing break and it sounds like a perfect day. Caster follows Lancer's gaze and raises an eyebrow ]

You sure? It looks dangerous, someone might end in the water~

[ Being fast, watch out for accidental slide- or push ]

It's a risk I'm willing to take.

[He lets out a chuckle and a nod.]

I'd like to go fishing with you again. Perhaps last one down gets the bait and rods?

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stairs are for the weak [closed]

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