thenearshore | 23 - Crazy Cat Shuffle

[Archer keeps an eye on both of them, focusing both on analysing their fighting styles and the movements of ayakashi. He can as well keep himself useful in another way of he can't take physical part in battle.

The sole size of the creature and its agility makes it a threat. He's been watching each time they got into battle to gauge its possible weak points and attack patterns, as well as any informations he's able to gather.]

'Line!'

[A borderline appears between Zelda and ayakashi, blocking a possible attack. While a cutting line makes it possible to notice the source of attack, the defensive one doesn't, so he may as well use it.]

[ How long has he been here, for a month? It's longer than some Spirits get summoned for, and the weird - scary? - part is that he's starting to attune to those plains of Heavens. There is a sense of wrongness from the presence of those creatures here, he's really getting in the mindset that they shouldn't be here.

All more reasons to cut this short- or stab it short, in this particular case.

Right now his focus is to get shit done quickly with -his- ayakashi here, but he can't help and glance curiously from a corner of his eye, at the magical spectacle Zelda is doing. Imagining how much fun it would be if she had her shinki here as well-- or maybe not, that's a distraction and nearly earns him getting hit.

Caster dodges the next swing with a bark of laughter, short and coarse- he's so close he only needs to extend his hand to write an Ansuz rune right on the ayakahi's massive torso. The fire explosion cannot damage it, but it can confuse, and oh- well, anger it. He slides under the creature and delivers his own blow, driving the projected spear through the ayakashi.

Once, twice, dodge- easier now since it's weakened-, spin the makeshift spear for pure flourish while flanking then repeat from the start. Like hunting a boar, or maybe fighting off a bear rather...

Bear is a better comparison, given how fast it is, and how far it can throw with just one hit, even close to death-throes- ooops. The sudden flight, and sting of blight was not planned, but is hardly a problem- ]

[... And very suddenly she is thrown back into the present situation of having a companion to fight beside.

Hardly a problem, her ass--]

Caster!

[She cries out as he's thrown, immediately rushing to put herself between him and the beast as he recovers. Damn it, she knew she wasn't going to good enough to keep the thing's attention, but she let herself be talked into this anyway...

The ayakashi charges at the pair of gods, but Zelda forces herself to stand her ground. Frontal assaults like this are the exact opposite of her usual style, but-- there are some points of the body that cannot be trained and strengthened no matter if it is a man or beast, Impa taught her. The eyes are one, as she targeted before. The underside of the jaw is another, and as the creature closes in, mouth opened wide to take a bite of Hyrule's Princess, she ducks, and drives her blade up and through its head. But she doesn't have the physical strength for that alone to stop it in its tracks. To that end, she channels her magic through her sword, bathing it in a golden holy light that burns the ayakashi from the inside out. Still not enough to kill it, of course - though it certainly does not appreciate these proceedings, no sir - which is why she calls out with just a hint of irritation--]

What are you doing? Rend it!

[Someone is not impressed with the unnecessary flourishes...]

[Archer tenses the moment ayakashi sends Caster flying. He knows it's not anything serious, but it irks him that he can't do anything in moments like that.]

'Caster, stop showing off!'

[He casts another borderline, shielding both Caster and princess.]

[ Princess was doing a great job, actually, it was just certain someone who decided to stall and have fun for shit and giggles. You can tell him not to show-off as much as you want Archer, but is he going to listen...?

Not that he would acknowledge it in any fashion. But he's not happy to see Zelda jump in his defense- People get thrown around all the time in battle, that's normal, that's expected, it's nothing serious- to him of course. But not everyone is so careless as he is, about dangerous situations. He did not expect to get her worried and jumping in front of him to defend- that rarely happens.

She doesn't even get to finish saying the word "rend" and he's striking the ayakashi, spear driving through it viciously for the last time, and soon the creature is no longer ]

And it's done. [ He might be sure, in that cocky confidence of his, that he had full control over the battlefield. He might be- but he's not ungrateful, so instead of focusing on that, he's quick to give a praise ] Your magic is truly impressive, princess. That was a wicked move.

[ Combining melee weapon strike with magic that is. He rests the spear on the crook of his neck, knowing well it's soon going to disappear ]

[And it's done. The weight bearing down on her sword vanishes - the stench of blight assaulting her senses evaporates. She allows herself a sigh to release the tension in her muscles before acknowledging Caster's praise.]

I should be thankful the blade stood up to the strain, given all the pressure it was under. Archer, you may take your sword back, now.

[He can hear her, surely, even if she can't hear him. She turns away from the pair, her voice... unnaturally even in a way that suggests she's forcing it to remain so.]

I intend to return to my temple. Clearly the decoy strategy we discussed is not necessary, so I shall take my leave, as I should have done in the beginning. Please ensure that you cleanse that blight before you seek out any more prey.

[Yeah... you done fucked up, Cu.]

[Archer can hear her, but before he can do anything Caster throws his vessel form in the air. 'Return, Emiya!' and Archer's concern is with landing safely.]

One of us getting thrown is no cause for concern. It's when he gets thrown into a building and it collapses onto his head is when a rescue may be necessary. [he says instead, with his usual lack of tact. Heroic Spirits are much sturdier than regular humans anyway.] Princess, you're very skilled and react fast in heat of the battle. The way you fight is impressive.

[Archer sighs and turns to face his god.] That aside, Caster, even if you're durable you should do something to stop thinking that dying on battlefield is sexy.

[ He's fearless in face of impending death, but princesses- they are truly scary when pissed off- Zelda gains a victory in that kind of unconscious flinch, the tiniest sign of him drawing back. Whoops that didn't work entirely as planned-- joking, there was never a real plan all along.

Aside for his Master-plan, because that one went spectacularly well-, he's pleased to see her both skill in battle and a stubbornness. But that's just a bunch of what-ifs for now. Idle wondering and so on. ]

Leaving already? Weren't there supposed to be more of them? [ Don't pull this bravado shit, you should know better - one, maybe one day he'll learn. ] What Archer said--

[ That's what he wanted to say, then the "dying is sexy" comment gets thrown and earns Archer a really nasty glare. It's not the kind of insult on the level of 360noscope from across the map, but still. ]

Spoken like you know what you're talking about, tch.

[ That's a short mutter under a breath, but he even positions his whole body so he's no longer facing his shinki. Don't go claiming you understand everything Archer, especially when you don't. That's the part that makes you annoying. ]

Truth to be told, I'm not on the top of my condition, princess, and do your help is greatly appreciated. That was probably my last spell. [ At least this spectacularly exploding kind ]

[Emiya, huh? So "Archer" is a pseudonym, as she suspected. And so too is "Caster," most likely.

... But she has to shelve those thoughts for a rainy day. Archer's words don't earn much of a reaction one way or another, and Caster's bravado would only earn an irritated roll of her eyes if it wasn't for that very last thing.]

... And you wasted it?!

[She whirls back around to face them then, all pretenses of seeming cool and collected abandoned in favor of utter disbelief. That was "probably his last spell" and he wasted it--]

I told you I was going to draw fire for you. I agreed to be the decoy against my better judgement so that you might more effectively slay the ayakashi, and yet you tell me you wasted your last spell on a strike that was neither fatal nor defensive? And I am meant to believe my help is appreciated?!

[If his one fear is pissed off princesses, then be afraid, Caster. Her anger now is of a different sort than the kind he saw in the dojo on that fate-filled day, but is no less potent for it. She takes a deep breath before finally addressing Archer's explanation.]

I am not upset because he was thrown - I am not so naive to think we would all emerge from this expedition completely unscathed. I am upset because it was not necessary. [Back to Caster. Hope you didn't think she was done with you.] How am I meant to think my efforts are appreciated if you run on ahead and render them entirely pointless?! If I am going to be disrespected in such a way then, truly, I would rather return to my temple and await my own shinki's aid!

[HUFFS.]

[Caster's words make it clear he doesn't appreciate him pointing out the obvious. Well, better to save it for later.

The the latter part is spoken and he has a chance to see the princess explode. Archer winces and, while he quite agrees with Zelda, there are more pressing concerns. He waits until she's finished, already steeling himself for possible reactions.]

My apologies. Princess, half of Caster's style is wasted movement and flourishes, especially if he wants to impress others. Right now there's more pressing concern if he's out of mana. [Archer approaches his god, takes hold of his chin and kisses him, trying to pour as much mana as he can into it. It's not a chaste kiss either.]

[ Uh-oh, backing off.

One could think that he might have some ingrained respect for the royal titles- given how many time princesses/queens roasted him. But that's the other way around, actually. Being a royalty seems to come with few very specific traits- maybe the fairytales paint the idea of ladies in power as beautiful, delicate flowers who do nothing but look gorgeous all the time and do nothing else

Maybe there was a time when that's really how it went- but it wasn't in his times.

Leading and ruling people, exerting authority, commanding respect and putting everyone in place, waging wars, and protecting the lands- that's a heavy burden to bear. People under it get shaped in a very specific way, and either gain those traits- or they get dethroned, and quite often in an ugly way.

Traits of people worth following and listening to ]

Sh-...yeah, understood. I got way too caught in a moment. [ No more jokes, and while he doesn't seem ashamed, he does sound genuinely apologetic ] It's been a while since last time I felt like on the battlefield. [ -aka where he's the most impressive, and that was all about it, really.

He's aware of his own pride, sees nothing wrong with it in fact, and accepts the side-effect that it can get a better of him. Maybe he really wanted to play the impressive knight card again, show without any kind of doubt that he's not just some Caster.

And then Archer has to go out his way and be extra shitty- unnecessary flourish, really, like you're totally not a show-off yourself. It earns him a very blasé glance, too bad it earns him-- ]

[ Did someone said Archers are shitty? No, no, that's putting it lightly. They are the absolute worst, always and forever after. That's what Caster figures when Archer suddenly attacks him with a goddamned ~~mana transfer~~ stuff here and now. Wow, rude.

He was having a conversation here, and genuine moment of self-reflection, and you have to go and ruin it you goddamn jerk. What would be best to use the gained magical energy for, dunno, maybe setting Archer on fire-- But that wouldn't help his case, wouldn't it?

It's impossible to tell if he's just that bad about choosing a moment, or if it's a deliberate attempt at trolling. Could be both, equally. Maybe if this wasn't a serious situation, maybe if there was alcohol or other fitting times involved, he could take that in stride, and turn it into something amusing - heroes are generally prepared for this kind of attention. Mmmaybe, but goddamn read a moment dude! That must be why you're dead and single.

He forcefully de-attaches Archer from himself immediately, and suppresses the reflex of kneeing him in the gut- instead, he opts for a more stealthy violence- see, he's wearing shoes today, which makes driving a heel right into Archer's feet lot easier. With all strength E included. ]

The hell--- was that! [ He'll still try to brush that off casually. Only a hint of a snarl in his voice. only a hint... or so he thinks. All those precious princess bond points lost. Someone will pay for that later ]

[She deflates a bit as she seems to draw some amount of sincerity out of the spearman, the fire in her eyes quieting from a raging inferno into smouldering embers. She is angry, but not unfair; there is little point in laying into someone after they have conceded, after all, and while she is unsatisfied with the reason he gives for his reckless behavior, she accepts it as a starting point for a discussion on why that behavior was so upsetting to her.

Unfortunately, that discussion dies on her lips as Caster's are suddenly and forcibly occupied. Her eyes fly wide open, face and ears burning scarlet as Archer does his thing. In the next instant she's whirling to turn her back to the pair so quickly that it makes her hair fly in the wind for a moment. This means that the stealth Caster employs to punish his shinki is ultimately less than necessary as she cannot see it regardless, but it doesn't stop her from yelling in a voice a bit too shrill to be entirely dignified:]

I am leaving!

[All royals have their pride, and while she hasn't acted as one in so long-- Goddesses above, not even being tossed about like a rag by the shadow creature in Kakariko's well was as humiliating as this.

She begins to walk away, and the boys have the five seconds it takes for her to concentrate on a warp point to stop her should they desire to do so. Better think fast...]

[Archer can feel that stomp even despite his steel-toed boots. He says nothing, because he deserves it for such stunt.]

My apologies, princess. [he sounds genuinely apologetic.] That's the easiest way to transfer mana. Blood may be better, but it can be too traumatic.

[#logic. He's way too used to Servant system and its implications, so it can take a moment to process others aren't as used to it.]

[ That could have been such an interesting conversation to be had, but alas all chances for discussion seems to be lost as 2/3 of the gathering get a very nasty wrench thrown into the process of communication. Nice job breaking it, hero! Said "hero" gets an additional hit in the back of the head, strong enough to probably make a normal human faceplant into the ground. ]

How about- you stop worrying that I disappear!! [ Casters spits out angrily to his shinki. Sure, his own efforts in keeping his true name are lackluster at best, true. But he managed to keep everyone in the dark about what exactly he is. Servant business, is rotten business, and the fewer people are aware the better- So don't you go introducing people to that, Archer ] it's not life-threatening!
[ Or so he thinks--! But, hey everything points to that, logical conclusion. Physically incarnated bodies don't work that way, right. Can't take spirit form and all of that, god-mantle keeps him as long as people believe in him and all that. Sure there are still Servant'y quirks to consider, which only shows how magic keeping him here works very differently from the one he knows... What-so-ever ]

Tch, these are secrets not worth spilling- [ He mutters to himself, but if he has to that's what he will do. He would have to eventually if he went forward with the stupid idea. Idea that seems to be a rather distant possibility right now ]

[ Instead of catching up to Zelda on foot, he uses the teleportation trick to appear within her field of vision. Not straight before her, she's leaving and he does not want to appear that he's going to stop her. She's upset with him - well now, with them - rightfully so at that. The last thing that should be done in moments like this, is to try to force yourself and your business.

So yes, princess, you need space from all this bullshit, you will get it- but he has one more solemn request to make, before it becomes something unsalvagable ]

Princess, I owe you a proper apology... explanation perhaps- so please let me get that right next time. [ He drops his head down, expression serious, how rare. What was that about attaching himself easily to people? Could be, but only those worth attaching to. Well, she is - that's what he concluded after how little they knew each other here. His old, battle-worn heart finding someone he would really want to fight for. ]

[Perhaps, if she were in a better state of mind, she might be more concerned about words like mana and blood and life-threatening being thrown about. But she's not-- she's angry and embarrassed and still hurting from the earlier ambush, honestly, and all she really wants to do is curl up under her blankets in her temple and leave the Heavens' problems to the Heavens, and so it's probably not the wise or regal thing to yell--]

I don't care!

[--to Archer's attempt at an explanation, but she really does not care. And her hands clench into tightly balled fists when there's a sudden flash of blue in her field of vision, but when she looks up she's met with an expression she's never seen before on that face. It's enough to give her pause, to hear him out, and for a moment after blue eyes silently search red ones as she considers his plea.]

... I will allow you that chance. Another time. [No one here is in a good state of mind right now and they know it. She spares a glance back to Archer, her gaze hard as she adds:] Without interruptions.

[We're not allowing for this shit to happen again, no sir. She looks back to Caster one more time, a wary kind of trust in her eyes - I'm going to believe you this time, so don't make a fool out of me - then she closes them, and in the next moment, she's gone.]

[Force of the hit causes him to step a bit forward, but Archer keeps his head bowed. Yes, he messed up, he's aware. Acting on instinct that told him to not allow Caster to vanish, or worse. Who knows what happens if they deplete their mana completely, and if it has some serious consequences.

He says nothing, listening in silence to their exchange. and to Zelda's warning. Then she's gone and he knows that if he ever had any point in her facor it's already gone. But that's nothing compared to Caster.

Archer forces down the bitter feeling of yet another mess that's his fault; there's no place neither for that nor for guilt. Even if the guilt is absent, for his duty to his god is more important than anything else. After a moment he approaches Caster, going down on one knee in front of him while he keeps his head bowed.]

[ And there she goes. ] Aah, who would have thought it will turn like this... That's bad.

[ His tone is almost light, almost, because he's not happy with this turn of events- just doesn't see a reason to dwell on it. Guilt can kick off a motivation to do better, or it can paralyze you if you let it fester. There's no way of changing the past and what happened, etc, some may call it acceptance, other might see a resignation in it. But either way - shit had hit the fan. He promised he will try better next time - so now it's time to consider what that "doing better" will constitute of.

You know, figure out how to be responsible for once.

He lets his tone turn wistful when he continues ]

A royal through and through, she'd make a fine master... [ Not specifying if as an actual liege, or just a magical contractor. And yeah, then he turns around and sees the bow- the kneeling and- oh, for fuck's sake ]

Get up, don't you even dare to pull that crap.

[Archer can only hope that what Zelda said will get to Caster. His tone seems to hint so, and the next words make Archer consider the possibility of his god contracting a Master. It all makes sense, with a skilled mage there's no need for additional mana supply. Then Caster turns his attention to him, and, well--

Archer gets up slowly, his expression carefully blank. He will have time to dwell on everything much later, once he's fully aware of how badly he messed up and if there's anything left to salvage.]

She would. [he says quietly.]

[ Back to guarding self, that's a smart tactic for once, Archer. Caster glances sharply at him, teeth baring briefly on instinct - oh he knows best his temper can be very violent, but it takes more than to seriously piss him off. And no one likes him in that state - including himself - which is why he's quick to smooth his own ruffled feathers and just move on. ]

Don't you ever do that again. [ So he's quick to say that, and leave it absolutely at this. Doesn't mean Archer will get out of it scot-free - Caster is in a sour mood, and he has no intention of hiding it or - but they can be responsible adults and put it past them ] Am I making myself clear?

[ He would probably be more clear if he specified exactly what he means. But in his mind, it's pretty obvious. Surprise Heroic Spirit bullshit info spilling is one, the surprise ~~mana transfer~~ is the other.

Maybe don't try surprises, period. ]

You mean the mana transfer. [It's not a question; Archer isn't surprised but he's more worried than he lets on. It's true that Caster's body is physical and the loss of mana doesn't kill them. On the other hand noone knows what the possible repercussions may be. He frowns.]

It's dangerous.

[ You had your chance. It was given to you on a silver platter. Let's not talk about this again and move forward. But noooooooooooo.... ]

I mean everything, including the knowledge of what I am. [ He makes a point to use "what" instead of "who". If you know Servants keep their identities hidden, you should also know they wouldn't scream at top of their lungs what abominations they are--

Or not, if you're the densest material on Earth ] Especially since it's no longer applicable. I'm not a spirit here.

[ And he most likely won't die when MP hits 0. ]

[Archer sighs and looks away. He's guilty as charged, even if the guils suspiciously isn't there. It's clear that he overstepped the bounds.]

That's true, but none of us knows what limitations do apply here. Who knows what may happen if you run out of mana.

[He's being overprotective without meaning to, but Caster's wellbeing is his responsibility, even if his god's going to kick his ass ~~again~~.]

Oh..? [ Caster's eyes open wider as if he just noticed something interesting- no, it's not interesting as much as curious because, gods, is it possible? Is the person that buys the most into Archer's shit, Archer himself? ]

Is that how you excuse this to yourself? Shi- you probably believe it even! [ He scoffs and grins a crooked smile, the dismissive kind, as he walks closer and pokes Archer in the chest with his finger ]

You know what I think? I think this is the only way you can safely indulge yourself-- while safely staying in your vague asshole persona.

[ Because Heaven's would certainly crumble to dust if Archer was to be honest and direct for once - instead of a manipulative bastard. Caster stays still only for few second later, to see Archer's reaction to his words, but turns around and disappears right before he might have a chance to form a reply.

Leaving his shinki effectively stranded in whatever part of Heavens the fight took place. Perks of being a capricious spirit / now god - can fuck off randomly at any given time ]

[To say Archer is surprised is an understatement. He's so floored that if Caster used a bit more force he'd have a one chance in the lifetime to see mister prim and proper land on his ass wearing the most idiotic expression. How is that possible for Caster to read him as easily as- as he does read his god? It's only fair, he supposes in that rational part of his mind that hasn't gone numb from the shock, otherwise one of them would be at obvious disadvantage.

Archer opens his mouth trying to protest but can't actually find words to denyt that accusation. Then Caster just vanishes and Archer is left alone. It takes him awhile to find his voice and move.]

Go to hell, Caster.

Edited 2018-01-06 15:14 (UTC)

23 - Crazy Cat Shuffle

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1/2 guys.... let me liver

2/2 I kidney wrote you a novel

awful, 0/10-- the puns not the novel

3172398172389 ways to make it worse by Archer

Eye will escort myself out now

as will zelda - feel free to keep tagging among yourselves, kids! o/

Archer's just being Archer /)_-

I am gravely disappointed in your lack of bodypart related bad puns

too bad that I can't think of any

ah, what a disappointment...

yeah :<

I swear, at this point this icon could be as well "exclusive for Archer"

I see what you mean. ttly justified, even if he stopped being THE densest a century ago >.>

entropy did a good job on this one?

better than good tbh