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sinfucks2024-02-27 11:15 pm
synfluxmods) wrote in sinfucks2024-02-27 11:15 pm
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▶ 003. TEST DRIVE & SIMULATION #3
TEST DRIVE & SIMULATION #3
▶ 001. ARRIVAL / CAFETERIA.
It happens in the blink of an eye -- a dash of time. You're taken from where you were. What you were doing.. it isn't important anymore, and slowly, you give up to desire your normal life. When you awake, figures are looking down on you from a surgical table.
"Yeah, this one will do; let's take them to the rest," That's all you see before losing consciousness again, only to wake up in a pod with many others.
"Your questions will be answered soon enough as I'm sure you will have many," a female, robotic voice says.
Just then, your pod opens in a dim corridor with many others. Your new life is about to begin... whether you like it or not.
The pods drain their stasis fluid which wakens each Outsider. When Outsiders emerge from their pod in only their undergarments which have been supplied to them and head to a locker room in the medical bay, to find a towel to dry off with, a set of gray loungewear to wear as LILITH makes the final decision in organizing the Outsider to their rightful teams. If a character has any accessibility needs, they will be found here. It's about then they will feel a sharp pain at the back of their eyes, almost like there’s a foreign body lodged on the inside of their head. This pain will subside quickly as their body adapts to the changes, but there will always be a sensation of something being not quite right. That their bodies have been changed forever. They would be correct in thinking that. In the pod, all Outsiders have been surgically fitted with ocular and brain implants that will enable them to communicate with LILITH and the rest of the crew, and feed them the information they require. Almost like a computer screen has been loaded into their brains, they will see a loading screen as the implant completes its download. A questionnaire will then pop up, waiting for their answer. A voice, robotic and feminine, will also read along in their brain for them.
█ █ █ LOADING COMPLETE … BEGIN ORIENTATION …
The system will give Outsiders one chance to provide a truthful answer and choose their username and civilian identity. Should they refuse to cooperate, the implant will download the answer directly from their brain (and give them a username or civilian name against their will). This questionnaire will then be posted on the network for all to view and reply to. Almost like an ice-breaker, if you will. LILITH wants all their newest recruits to learn about each other!
Outsiders will receive a quick brief about their situation: They will be told that the year is 2278, and they have been taken to Neo Tokyo, one of the last bastions of mankind in a world terrorized by various Kaiju and monsters. Only a third of the population remains, and LILITH has gathered talented people from other dimensions here as a last ditch effort to save humanity. Outsiders are free to continue asking LILITH questions through their implant, but there’s no guarantee they will provide them with a straight answer …
Outsiders will also notice an implant in their dominant wrist. This implant has a barcode in it that will enable them to purchase goods from the local stores in Neo Tokyo. They will receive a starting balance of 10,000 KRYPTOS (about USD 66), which is barely enough for a few good meals, groceries and supplies. They can view their current balance through a hologram window projected by their ocular implant.
Once they leave the medical bay, they’ll be able to grab a quick meal in the cafeteria and mingle with the other Outsiders just waking up. Today’s menu is oniku sashimi, miso soup, and ginger salad, all packed neatly in a food ration tray. Oniku is whale tail meat. Huh. There's been a whale theme going around here lately. Must be a coincidence... right?
That familiar, robotic voice is heard again:
"Yeah, this one will do; let's take them to the rest," That's all you see before losing consciousness again, only to wake up in a pod with many others.
"Your questions will be answered soon enough as I'm sure you will have many," a female, robotic voice says.
Just then, your pod opens in a dim corridor with many others. Your new life is about to begin... whether you like it or not.
The pods drain their stasis fluid which wakens each Outsider. When Outsiders emerge from their pod in only their undergarments which have been supplied to them and head to a locker room in the medical bay, to find a towel to dry off with, a set of gray loungewear to wear as LILITH makes the final decision in organizing the Outsider to their rightful teams. If a character has any accessibility needs, they will be found here. It's about then they will feel a sharp pain at the back of their eyes, almost like there’s a foreign body lodged on the inside of their head. This pain will subside quickly as their body adapts to the changes, but there will always be a sensation of something being not quite right. That their bodies have been changed forever. They would be correct in thinking that. In the pod, all Outsiders have been surgically fitted with ocular and brain implants that will enable them to communicate with LILITH and the rest of the crew, and feed them the information they require. Almost like a computer screen has been loaded into their brains, they will see a loading screen as the implant completes its download. A questionnaire will then pop up, waiting for their answer. A voice, robotic and feminine, will also read along in their brain for them.
█ █ █ LOADING COMPLETE … BEGIN ORIENTATION …
Name:
Username:
Civilian Identity:
Age:
Species:
Origin:
If you could change anything about yourself, what would it be and why?
The system will give Outsiders one chance to provide a truthful answer and choose their username and civilian identity. Should they refuse to cooperate, the implant will download the answer directly from their brain (and give them a username or civilian name against their will). This questionnaire will then be posted on the network for all to view and reply to. Almost like an ice-breaker, if you will. LILITH wants all their newest recruits to learn about each other!
Outsiders will receive a quick brief about their situation: They will be told that the year is 2278, and they have been taken to Neo Tokyo, one of the last bastions of mankind in a world terrorized by various Kaiju and monsters. Only a third of the population remains, and LILITH has gathered talented people from other dimensions here as a last ditch effort to save humanity. Outsiders are free to continue asking LILITH questions through their implant, but there’s no guarantee they will provide them with a straight answer …
Outsiders will also notice an implant in their dominant wrist. This implant has a barcode in it that will enable them to purchase goods from the local stores in Neo Tokyo. They will receive a starting balance of 10,000 KRYPTOS (about USD 66), which is barely enough for a few good meals, groceries and supplies. They can view their current balance through a hologram window projected by their ocular implant.
Once they leave the medical bay, they’ll be able to grab a quick meal in the cafeteria and mingle with the other Outsiders just waking up. Today’s menu is oniku sashimi, miso soup, and ginger salad, all packed neatly in a food ration tray. Oniku is whale tail meat. Huh. There's been a whale theme going around here lately. Must be a coincidence... right?
That familiar, robotic voice is heard again:
"Greetings, my name is SYNTHIA and I will be taking care of you today while the rest of the crew is busy handling a recent issue. Worry not, my children. You are in safe hands. Please enjoy your complimentary meal which LILITH has carefully procured for you all. You may then head to your quarters are explore our BASE using the map provided. This meal is a delicacy in some parts, so feel free to express your undying gratitude."
▶ 002. SUBJECT NOT FOUND.
Early in the morning on March 2nd, the power suddenly goes out. Outsiders may wake up to find that wake-up alarms never went off, the coffee machines don't work, and breakfast isn't ready in the cafeteria because of the sudden outage. Early risers may find themselves trapped in their team wings when automatic doors refuse to budge and those who are particularly unlucky may find themselves stuck in an elevator.
Within the hour, the power boots back up again and life on base returns mostly to normal. The only inconvenience seems to be a haphazardly thrown-together breakfast consisting of whatever could be made without power quickly. As the day goes on, observant characters may notice something amiss. They can catch some LILITH workers whispering to each other and there seem to be more agents in fancy suits roaming around.
If they find themselves in the right place, Outsiders may find that one of the many research labs on base is locked down and they won't be allowed to enter. If they ask one of the guards keeping watch, they will simply be told to move along. Asking some of the researchers or other workers in the area will reveal "something" happened during the power outage in the morning.
By evening, everyone's ocular implants will flash a quick notice:
Within the hour, the power boots back up again and life on base returns mostly to normal. The only inconvenience seems to be a haphazardly thrown-together breakfast consisting of whatever could be made without power quickly. As the day goes on, observant characters may notice something amiss. They can catch some LILITH workers whispering to each other and there seem to be more agents in fancy suits roaming around.
If they find themselves in the right place, Outsiders may find that one of the many research labs on base is locked down and they won't be allowed to enter. If they ask one of the guards keeping watch, they will simply be told to move along. Asking some of the researchers or other workers in the area will reveal "something" happened during the power outage in the morning.
By evening, everyone's ocular implants will flash a quick notice:
|| MISSING PERSON
Name: Dr. Tanaka Junichiro
Role: LILITH Researcher.
Specialty: Genetic Research (Native Species and Kaiju)
Details: Latest available security footage depicts Dr. Tanaka stationed in their lab at LILITH Research Base. At 0735hrs on the morning of 2 March, a power disturbance struck all LILITH networks, resulting in all security monitoring systems within the area going offline briefly. After this disturbance was resolved, Dr. Tanaka was reported missing from their designated station under mysterious circumstances. Other resources missing from the base include: Research files and various live and deceased specimens.
Any clues on Dr. Tanaka's whereabouts are to be surrendered to LILITH immediately. Dr. Tanaka's primary research involved DNA splicing and induced evolution. Any information or clues regarding them or their work is highly valued. It is our top objective to ensure the safe return of our valuable staff members. ||
▶ 003. CLAWS FOR CONCERN.
Shortly after the disappearance of Dr. Tanaka, Outsiders who wander the back alleys and keep an ear open will hear whispers of exotic animals and chimera being traded for meat, entertainment and pet ownership. Most of this talk will be heard near the biggest black market in Shinjuku, "Starlight X". It's a novelty within Neo Tokyo and word gets out quick, even if the residents are hush-hush about where they got their sources from. Photos of these hybrids show up on social media to the astonishment and skepticism of the citizens. To find Starlight X, Outsiders will have to travel underground, taking the term underground market quite literally. There is an entrance way in a nearby alley without too much security; with the lack of policemen, now, people might as well sell their illegal substances on the surface.
Once there, Outsiders will be able to discover a plethora of suspicious things for purchase: such as recreational drugs, performance-enhancing nanobots, assorted weapons (some legal and some not), unlabeled meats, the … services of suspicious people, and a whole lot of junk. While visiting Starlight X, some of these creature hybrids even get loose and need to be captured before they draw too much attention. LILITH advises Outsiders to turn in any such specimens, live or dead, or put in a report immediately upon seeing them. Withholding such information or keeping a specimen for yourself may result in unwanted consequences if LILITH comes to find out.
These hybrids are generally small and mostly harmless, no doubt being traded for companionship and novelty. Cats that look like small lions or tigers, canaries with peacock feathers, frogs with wings, and so on (players may use their imagination).
Any further questions regarding Starlight X can be asked below.
Once there, Outsiders will be able to discover a plethora of suspicious things for purchase: such as recreational drugs, performance-enhancing nanobots, assorted weapons (some legal and some not), unlabeled meats, the … services of suspicious people, and a whole lot of junk. While visiting Starlight X, some of these creature hybrids even get loose and need to be captured before they draw too much attention. LILITH advises Outsiders to turn in any such specimens, live or dead, or put in a report immediately upon seeing them. Withholding such information or keeping a specimen for yourself may result in unwanted consequences if LILITH comes to find out.
These hybrids are generally small and mostly harmless, no doubt being traded for companionship and novelty. Cats that look like small lions or tigers, canaries with peacock feathers, frogs with wings, and so on (players may use their imagination).
Any further questions regarding Starlight X can be asked below.
▶ 004. THE SAPPHIRE ROOM.
It becomes such a problem that LILITH can no longer ignore it. It's clear that someone - or a group of someones - have gotten their hands on LILITH's priceless specimens and data, and are testing the waters on what they can get away with. Allowing the public to get their hands on the smaller hybrids is one thing. According to word around the street, there's going to be an auction on the night of the 5th, and that's where the larger, more dangerous hybrids will be sold. Some even say you'll be able to find man-made monsters.
Closer to that date, LILITH decides to strike back to avoid further humiliation. With the help of their skilled informants, they've managed to secure the location, but ordering the Outsiders to storm the place like a military strike team just isn't an option. Said location is in a popular, bustling part of town, where the locals wine and dine. That would only cause panic and distrust amongst the people. The approach that's needed today ... is something more clandestine.
Outsiders will be briefed on the disguise and cover identity provided to them by LILITH, and temporarily granted a Style Upgrade to their chip to enable them to dress the part. (Players may make up their own cover identity for this mission. )
Hybrids within the auction include larger, more dangerous chimeras such as lion snapping-turtles, alligator-hippos, and snapping bears (among others). Smaller chimeras such as winged rabbits and seven-headed-snakes can also be found.
At the center of it all … the main event: An actual Kaiju hybrid. At the center of the stage is a miniature version of the Shachimon whales that had sewn chaos across the sea just a month before. She’s much smaller than her full sized counterparts, only about as large as a dog. It’s likely she’s been bred down with native marine life to make her more tameable and less able to completely topple a boat with her strength.
This is what the auction-goers had come to see and hopefully purchase today. What they want a half-Kaiju for remains to be seen, but LILITH is not about to let just anyone get their hands on their specimens.
Outsiders undertaking this mission may wrangle and capture the hybrid creatures (most of which will be aggressive) and fight off or capture the auction staff. Most of the staff will be armed with guns and cybernetic enhancements (e.g. bionic arms with lasers attached). They can be questioned but not all of them are happy to answer. Unfortunately, the ringleaders will slip away in the chaos before anyone can capture them. A message from Captain Yamakawa projects into the implant late into the night (and if you were sleeping by this hour of 2 a.m, you're about to be woken up.)
Closer to that date, LILITH decides to strike back to avoid further humiliation. With the help of their skilled informants, they've managed to secure the location, but ordering the Outsiders to storm the place like a military strike team just isn't an option. Said location is in a popular, bustling part of town, where the locals wine and dine. That would only cause panic and distrust amongst the people. The approach that's needed today ... is something more clandestine.
|| MISSION: Infiltration of The Sapphire Room
LOCATION: The Sapphire Room, in Roppongi. A popular and exclusive nightclub serving a lavish experience to those who can afford it.
DETAILS: Sources reveal that The Sapphire Room, while a fully functioning club, has also been playing host to suspicious activities and trading in their exclusive underground rooms. An illegal auction is currently being held at the end of this week, which happens to be their Couples' Night. To gain access into this auction, Outsiders are to pair up and maintain appropriate cover. Information about your disguises have been downloaded into your chips.
OBJECTIVE:
✖ Infiltrate the secret auction occurring in The Sapphire Room as a pair.
✖ Disrupt the auction using any means possible.
✖ Capture hybrid specimens and surrender them to LILITH.
✖ Capture the perpetrators for questioning.
✖ Obtain any research data available and surrender it to LILITH. ||
Outsiders will be briefed on the disguise and cover identity provided to them by LILITH, and temporarily granted a Style Upgrade to their chip to enable them to dress the part. (Players may make up their own cover identity for this mission. )
Hybrids within the auction include larger, more dangerous chimeras such as lion snapping-turtles, alligator-hippos, and snapping bears (among others). Smaller chimeras such as winged rabbits and seven-headed-snakes can also be found.
At the center of it all … the main event: An actual Kaiju hybrid. At the center of the stage is a miniature version of the Shachimon whales that had sewn chaos across the sea just a month before. She’s much smaller than her full sized counterparts, only about as large as a dog. It’s likely she’s been bred down with native marine life to make her more tameable and less able to completely topple a boat with her strength.
This is what the auction-goers had come to see and hopefully purchase today. What they want a half-Kaiju for remains to be seen, but LILITH is not about to let just anyone get their hands on their specimens.
Outsiders undertaking this mission may wrangle and capture the hybrid creatures (most of which will be aggressive) and fight off or capture the auction staff. Most of the staff will be armed with guns and cybernetic enhancements (e.g. bionic arms with lasers attached). They can be questioned but not all of them are happy to answer. Unfortunately, the ringleaders will slip away in the chaos before anyone can capture them. A message from Captain Yamakawa projects into the implant late into the night (and if you were sleeping by this hour of 2 a.m, you're about to be woken up.)
"This is unacceptable. Angels of LILITH, please be on the lookout for the organizers of this crime. This kind of theft is unforgivable. We are investigating their identities, but any further information regarding those that got away is appreciated."
▶ 005. SIMULATION.
While Outsider are given some time to rest and recover from their battle in February, it doesn't take long for their training to kick back up again. Outsiders will be summoned to the simulation room and instructed to put on their LILITH-issued plugsuits. They will be paired or put into groups for another battle simulation. After being ushed into the training grounds, the room will turn pitch black and a briefing sheet will be projected from their eye implant.
They will be able to access the briefing sheet at any time during the simulation by simply asking to see it. After each Outsider has read the mission brief, the simulation will begin, and they will find themselves in Singapore. The city is lively and all seems well and ordinary with civilians going about their daily lives. The weather is warm and sunny and it's a beautiful day.
Suddenly, screams break out from a nearby Hawker centre. A small group of civilians go on a rampage and begin chasing after the crowds. They move quickly but awkwardly as if they aren't in total control of their bodies. They try to attack other people in any way possible and cannot listen to reason. Rendering the disturbed civilians dead or unconscious will result in a large hornet emerging from a melted hole somewhere on the victim's body. The hornets must be destroyed before they possess another host. It isn't just the humans that can be taken over: Some of the suzume-bachi will infect the local animal life as well.
If you look around, there are still many people running around and curious onlookers trying to catch a peek inside. With so many hosts milling around, the suzume-bachi could be anywhere among us.
They will be able to access the briefing sheet at any time during the simulation by simply asking to see it. After each Outsider has read the mission brief, the simulation will begin, and they will find themselves in Singapore. The city is lively and all seems well and ordinary with civilians going about their daily lives. The weather is warm and sunny and it's a beautiful day.
Suddenly, screams break out from a nearby Hawker centre. A small group of civilians go on a rampage and begin chasing after the crowds. They move quickly but awkwardly as if they aren't in total control of their bodies. They try to attack other people in any way possible and cannot listen to reason. Rendering the disturbed civilians dead or unconscious will result in a large hornet emerging from a melted hole somewhere on the victim's body. The hornets must be destroyed before they possess another host. It isn't just the humans that can be taken over: Some of the suzume-bachi will infect the local animal life as well.
If you look around, there are still many people running around and curious onlookers trying to catch a peek inside. With so many hosts milling around, the suzume-bachi could be anywhere among us.
█ █ █ MONSTER DEBRIEF SHEET:
NAME: SUZUME-BACHI
HEIGHT: 7.6-12 in.
WEIGHT: 2 kg
CLASS: UNKNOWN, CANNOT BE CLASSED.
THREAT LEVEL: MODERATE-SEVERE
LOCATION: Tropical climates with high humidity
ABILITIES: Parasitic and will enter a “host body” and try to gain control. Capable of entering other wildlife.
WEAKNESS: Ice (they cannot operate in cold climate), physical attacks.
EXTRA NOTES: Once they gain control over a lifeform, only rendering the host body unconscious will allow them to expose themselves. It is advised to kill them prior to have the entering ones body. The process of them latching on to take control is extremely invasive as they melt through skin to gain access to a body. Possessed bodies will behave aggressively and will try to lure others into areas of nesting for the SUZUME-BACHI. Highly protective of their hive and their “QUEEN”— please approach hives with caution and do not approach alone.
█ █ █ MISSION OBJECTIVE:
✖ Identify humans and creatures being controlled by the SUZUME-BACHI.
✖ Rescue civilians and clear all wildlife of being possessed by the SUZUME-BACHI.
✖ Help move civilians to underground safety bunker.
✖ Protect safe zones from SUZUME-BACHI.
EXTRA NOTES: Every SUZUME-BACHI killed equals 1 KILL point, freeing those who are under its control is 1 ASSIST point, and getting civilians to the shelter will give 1 RESCUE point.
█ █ █ ATTACHED PHOTO:
▶ 006. AFTERWORD.
Welcome to our third TDM! All TDM threads are game canon; characters who don't app will be glitched out of this world. As TDM will act as the event, existing characters are heavily encouraged to participate. We encourage this format for top levels: CHARACTER | CANON | CURRENT / NEW CHARACTER. '
There are currently 23 available player slots. New players are welcome to use this TDM to get samples for when APPLICATIONS open.
None of the prompts suit your fancy? Feel free to check out our main base and locations page and make up your own prompts!
Use the code provided in the ARRIVAL prompt if you'd like to participate in the ice breaker and place it in your top level along with your other prompts. Anything such as civilian name or username can be marked as UNDECIDED if you're unsure of what you'd like your character to have for now. Though it says 'Orientation', existing characters can still participate in the ice-breaker.
Please note that all tags in this log will count for 2 reward points each and will count towards March AC.
There are currently 23 available player slots. New players are welcome to use this TDM to get samples for when APPLICATIONS open.
None of the prompts suit your fancy? Feel free to check out our main base and locations page and make up your own prompts!
Use the code provided in the ARRIVAL prompt if you'd like to participate in the ice breaker and place it in your top level along with your other prompts. Anything such as civilian name or username can be marked as UNDECIDED if you're unsure of what you'd like your character to have for now. Though it says 'Orientation', existing characters can still participate in the ice-breaker.
Please note that all tags in this log will count for 2 reward points each and will count towards March AC.
IV. 💁♀️
Among the high hanging steel bars and panels of metal various lights softly flash in and out of the darkened room, violets, teals and purples. The setting eventually fades into a subtle gold, and with each step inside Shousetsu's senses heightened further and further. Soft sounds of mingling and glasses clinking against table tops fall into the wayside as she scans the area for signs of anything that must take priority.
Of course, the one thing that takes priority now... is finding a suitable partner.
She had been allowed in after dropping a calculated lie: My partner is waiting side, I'm sure they're expecting me now. But chances are the auction would be under heavy surveillance, and one person left to own devices would surely become suspicious as the night went on.
But who on earth could she trust... the sounds and sights were disorienting enough that it was difficult for her to think clearly. After adjusting her suit belt for the last time Shousetsu steels herself and seamlessly weaves between meandering couples and patrons alike.
It's only when she slowly approaches the main stage does her hair rise on end- instincts crackling across her skin like so much electricity. She turns her head, brow furrowing—
—and feels air knocked out of her chest.
Ri-
Rider?
The short-cropped ink drop of hair, pale skin and darkened eyes— the presence across from her could not be mistaken for anything or anyone else. As if on cue she feels a swell of energy from Rider's direction, enough to easily drown out the distant tune of a piano and throng of voices all around. Her lips part to utter the Servant's name—
—until a stocky man with cropped hair steps in front of her.
"Sapphire Room Security. I've been asked to inquire where your partner is."
Shousetsu's bright eyes flicker hesitantly— to Rider, then the man, then Rider again. Her lips move but produce no sound. The man's gaze narrows just a fraction.
She's here. How is this— how can she be—]
spoilers for f/sr from this point on
covert operation is not her strong suit, especially not so when she's resigned herself to the shell of the black armor, the container for her vengeance. following orders without a grumble is what rider does, and so despite the debrief mentioning disguises and alternate identities, rider flipped through the digital wardrobe until she'd found something suitable. the sooner she can infiltrate, the sooner she can proceed to the part of the mission where she summons her blade.
the sooner she can end this.
something — a voice, perhaps, or instinct sharper than a sword (a twisted sort of fate) — told her what to say at the door.
"my partner will be late. i'd like to ensure i obtain a worthy booth for the both of us before they're all gone."
any insistence was met with firm assurances that she'd let the higher ups, her connections, her family know of security's ignorance and incompetence. learned haughtiness from the ancient capital's nobles; she'd have threatened bodily harm were that still in fashion. she suspects it's not.
it's not but ten minutes later that she feels it. like a lightning bolt from the core of her to the other, like a connection once severed sparking to life once again.
her master is here.
but the magic fades. no, what was once a tether between the both of them has been severed by this world. a familiar frustration rises in her; she'd had hoped to keep this form hidden from shousetsu for just a little longer. how unfortunate, when they had been so close to winning the ritual together. all they needed was to defeat saber and their master—
no, no matter. this was good news. together, they can eliminate all plaguing this world all the more quickly, they can leave and return to pursuing their shared dream.
ah, but shousetsu seems caught off-guard. no doubt she hardly recognizes her own servant as she is. rider approaches the security interrogating her master, stepping between them. lowly, evenly: ]
I believe I told your lot I was expecting my partner any moment now. This is your last warning. You know not who you're speaking to.
[ and they really ... really don't. with a deep bow, the guard shuffles off. ]
no subject
Is the actual question here, isn't it?
Shousetsu noticed when she arrived in this world— her command spells were long gone, just as they were when Saber unleashed that destructive Noble Phantasm. The inferno of purifying light burned even her skin from a distance, so she could not begin to fathom what Rider must have felt when that attack was unveiled full force...
No, she hadn't thought or wanted to think of it. The betrayal was painful enough— so potent she cried true tears for the first time in years. She had yet to experience a pain so direct and personal as that, and swore she would carry it with her for the remainder of her short life, whatever remained left of it.
So to see Rider walking towards her now, intervening and speaking in that same level tone as before—
—could it be that Rider... does not remember?
Shousetsu watches, a bit incredulously, as the guard makes himself scarce. When it's just them two she turns to her— pearls gleaming at her neck as her chest heaves with steadying breathes.]
Rider, [She utters the name, just barely audible above the din of conversation around them.]
You... you are truly here.
[It's ridiculous, knowing her mind could only produce those words. By all her rights she should be furious, should be flinging allegations against her, marking her an enemy and traitor.
But the only thing she can think is: You are here.
... and different, as her eyes look over the sharp black blazer and matching pants.]
no subject
...
"rider," she says.
ah. something isn't right, after all. ]
Akari.
[ the name chosen for this mission. she mutters just the same, ensuring it audible only to shousetsu. then, a little louder: ]
Shall we find our seats, then?
[ no "master" or "my liege" just yet — nothing that might break the careful illusion they'd just crafted. the details of the mission, or whatever is on shousetsu's mind, they can't speak in the middle of it all here. ]
no subject
Akari.
... That's right, they had to pick aliases. Code names— disguises so that they could pass off as people, classes of rank that they were not. Shousetsu nods vacantly, her brow furrowing as she recalls the name she picked for herself.]
... Mouri.
[Just so they're aware. Then, without much thought, she reaches for Rider's hand and takes it into her own. If she flinches from the touch she does not bring attention to it, and instead pulls Rider away from the crowds— her long hair a banner of white behind her.]
A booth near the stage would be best. I believe they were around here... Ah.
[And lo and behold, a booth to the far left of the stage, unoccupied and waiting for them. She pulls them into it soon enough, a candle burning bright as its centerpiece. Its flame waves serenely as she approaches and suddenly flickers erratically. She has her hand out, and if there were any mages nearby they may have picked up on the spell spreading from her fingers, surrounding the booth until it, as well and she and Rider are encased in it. It's a harmless barrier, but a barrier nonetheless— one meant only to keep their words to themselves and silent to everyone else.
She releases Rider's hand and slides into her seat, her expression now free from the conflict from before. It's hardened somewhat, her mouth set into a line.]
Rider...
[Now that they're somewhat safe here—]
You are part of this infiltration as well, then?
[They can... start there.]
no subject
it takes a step or two before she remembers the reality of their mission, the way she's meant to look dignified, and she straightens herself for the rest of the way to the booth.
... it's good that it seems shousetsu has remembered herself, she thinks as she slides across cold leather, at least enough to take proper precautions this time.
but still, that out-of-place something returns on her master's stern expression. rider meets her unflinchingly. ]
That's correct. I was summoned to this world just the same way I imagine you were, my liege. Now we've been recruited to perform for this entity named "LILITH" ...
[ her expression may as well be that glowing mask, for the way she stares. ]
However, Master ... if I may inquire.
[ ... "how did you know it was me?"
the question comes and then goes. perhaps it's as simple as that brief spark of master-servant connection when they'd seen each other. ... or perhaps it's much more complicated than that.
much more damning than that.
... ]
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But as Rider speaks, she cannot shake herself away from staring into those penetrating eyes.
They're almost like dark voids, blemished by shadows and yet strangely still now. Before they were alight with madness, like bright storm clouds raging across distant valleys. The sight of them along with the giant ox that had nearly trampled across all of Edo will stay with her for as long as she retains this mind, and it stays with her now. Ushi Gozen's madness, her fervent desire to see her wish made a reality in the most harrowing way possible...
But now the situation has changed— their situation has changed.
Shousetsu's teeth nip her lower lip.
If I may inquire...
A beat, several beats pass. Shousetsu allows her patience to hang between them for several more moments before she finally buckles.]
Stop there, Rider.
[The authoritative tone returns flawlessly despite her troubled expression. Her heart races uncomfortably in her chest— never mind taking part in a covert mission where one can be snuffed out at any minute, never mind being brought to an alien world.]
Before anymore is said... I have a question for you.
[The samurai exhales.]
What is the last thing you remember before being brought here?
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... or maybe her careful master has already picked up on the issue at hand.
though why she appears so strained, rider can only guess. ]
... You and I had reunited after fooling Tsuchimikado into thinking I'd betrayed you, and he was eliminated.
[ their bodies continue to exist back in the world from which they were taken ... though rider is careful enough not to take the word of their captors at face-value, she sees no reason to believe this is a lie.
after all, it would hardly change her goal, regardless of the truth.
rider reflects on those words now. that means somewhere, her original self is pursuing as planned with the waxing moon ritual. with the duel, winning with shousetsu, with— ]
We waited on the grounds of Sensou-ji for Saber and their Master to arrive, so that we could end the Ritual once and for all. That is the last thing I remember.
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At any other time it would disgust Shousetsu to no end.
But now the only revulsion she feels is the one of reality, of realization as Rider recounts her last moments in their world.
She feels the world tip briefly and grips the edge of the booth with her hand.]
Sensou-ji... where we stood ground against Lord Iori and Saber...
[As Shousetsu speaks her words soften into disbelieving whispers, but the sound still carries in the space between them. So Rider was still alive— is alive now, and the one sitting across from her was—
—the very same as when her helmet was removed.
A pressure builds in the forefront of her brow and her hand rises to press back against it. She was certain— no, confident that she had witnessed Rider's demise with her own eyes. Shousetsu herself was near death, ready to give what little life she had to put an end to the dark cloud that was Caster's ill-intentions.
And now, these versions of themselves... were once again placed strategically on a game board.]
Rider, [The samurai manages after a moment, her hand hesitantly brushing back her hair— a force of habit.]
Suppose... I were to tell you that I remember something very different.
[That pale hand falls flat upon the table, almost like a peace offering, as though she meant to cut it from her wrist and offer it to her. With the way she looks at Rider one might think she means to.]
I ask you— would you believe me? Not as your Master... but as someone you once fought with.
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for this, too, disgusts her. from the very beginning, the state of this world revolted her to no end. in some respects, far worse than the ones she hailed from. from edo's japan. from heian's japan. from tokyo's japan.
and in some respects, just the same. from upon her thundercloud all of humanity's worlds appeared just as infested with evil as the rest. the indulgent music and the greedy patrons are both painfully loud and distantly far.
vile, but a problem that shall be dealt with in due time.
nothing shall stand in her — in their way to see it done.
and the more shousetsu hesitates, the more rider can surmise what her master had witnessed. some grand force had made her privy to the workings of a far-off organization, her history with the world's greatest onmyoji, and her divine power had long caused her to understand the existence of time travel. of separate universes. of endless possibilities.
her master stands on ceremony for no reason. rider glances between the snowplain of that offered hand, and those pools of seagreen and reads the quiet plea in her voice. ]
It's not like you to be so roundabout, my liege. If you have something you wish to convey to me, then, please ... by all means.
[ she places her own hand to her chest. ]
Do so, and I shall listen.
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Not enemies, not Servants nor scheming retainers for the shogun. Having witnessed firsthand the injustice that struck every corner of Kanda, of Edo... she knew she could depend on Rider's strength to see her wish fulfilled.
But that flame, briefly bright and fiery, now dwindles into smoke.
She has a responsibility to Rider, after all... to come forward and admit the truth, as she has always done. Never had they thought to deceive or lay out false pretenses to one another... no, if anything—
—if anything, Rider truly was carving her own way to their dream.
Shousetsu's gaze lingers on Rider's face for a second longer before her eyes slide shut. Each word feels as though heavy stones are falling from her lips, one after another.]
Yes, I suppose you're right. [A weak attempt to accept that light remark— it's not like you to be so roundabout. It really wasn't like her at all.]
...
[Her eyes slowly open once more.]
Rider... we did cross swords with Lord Iori and Saber. We fought valiantly— you were a sight from the very beginning—
[Her brow crumples. This is becoming more difficult by the second.]
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[The hand on the table curls up into a tight fist. Her bright eyes waver with emotion even as anger overtakes her expression, and her voice— already close to crackling— carries on bravely as she utters the next words:]
Rider... no. Ushi Gozen.
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perhaps they resembled the business pairs, the ones wedded for profit and gain, coupled for what's most beneficial to both parties. ... yes, and in fact, between the outsiders partnering for the sake of the mission, and the bidders looking to install the latest exotic good in their homes, it would seem honest lost was the rarity in a place like this.
when that partnership no longer produced any value, it would be broken off, made and unmade in a single night.
the flame between them flickers across her master's face, and she watches honest passion light her features. the only creature in this entire venue that was truly pure of heart wasn't human at all, the only noble soul in the world sat across from her now. rider thinks she could feel the thudding of shousetsu's chest from here, reaching towards her own. ]
My true intentions.
[ she echoes, staring. ]
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hah.
she can't help it. she breaks into a smile. all that righteous fury was being directed at her, suddenly, and she can't seem to understand why. was all that supposed to explain away the apprehension in her master's frame, the tremble in her voice? ]
So you learned my True Name. I'm not surprised it came to pass, my liege. After all, I had always intended to reveal myself to you when the time was right.
[ so what ... was the problem? ]
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[Is what the samurai manages after processing the presence of that smile once more.
In that moment she can feel wet earth beneath her fingernails, smell rain on her skin and electricity coursing through her veins. Magic like static energy burned the atmosphere blue that night and the sight of Ushi Gozen's wide smile showed like the crescent moon among clouds. Shousetsu recalls the way her throat burned as she screamed for Rider— Raikou— to stop, to return to the mere few moments before when they were still allies.
...
So why does she smile now?]
Is that the truth, Ushi Gozen?
[Her chin lowers as she struggles to control her breath, the strain of her gaze as she finally tears it away from her. No, this was no place to become distraught— she couldn't allow herself such a weakness now, but to see that smile directed at her again—]
Then speak clearly...
[And then Shousetsu's head snaps forward— those eyes blazing, cheeks reddened with passion, with anger. She forgets, forgets herself and the crowds around them, the music and the creatures crying out with rage from their cages.]
Along with your True Name— were you intending to reveal to me your plan to annihilate Edo?!
Ushi Gozen!
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and now she cannot see, she cannot feel what shousetsu feels. she cannot understand her rage, her distress.
and most of all, she cannot understand the way her master falls to pieces when there is work to be done. ]
Shousetsu.
[ the depth of her voice punctuates that name with heavy clarity. ]
Even your expert magecraft will waver under these conditions.
[ the screaming, the unstable emotions— ]
Ah, but to answer your question.
[ again, that smile lifts her lips, as though it would create levity where her words drop like stone. ]
Of course I was.
[ of course she would, in due time, reveal everything to her, the master whose delicate heart she had answered, who she had done everything for— ]
My Master, I went through such great pains to win the Ritual for you. But your wish could only be granted one way. You must understand this by now.
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No... what was she saying? Disbelief flashes across Shousetsu's face like shades of light, paler and paler still.]
Then, what you mean to tell me is—
[And there— a fracture in her expression, understanding under pressure, like porcelain splintering beneath weight.]
... that this path was inevitable?
[Rider's expression conveys a strange innocence and somehow it makes the truth more painful. She summoned this Heroic Spirit with the intent to right the injustices of the world... and in return her Servant vowed to see her wish through. How terrible, how convoluted— to know that never once did Rider think she had just admitted a lie. Even after they reaffirmed that wish, even as Rider claimed she would never dream of laughing at her ridiculous goal—
An omission instead.
Everything had been decided from the moment Rider knelt before her.]
Hah.
[Shousetsu suddenly recalls that moment in startling clarity— smoke clearing as the summoning came to an end. Rider's armor catching fragments of moonlight, the unearthly glow of of her eyes as she bent her head low before her. The moment Shousetsu knew... her dream was attainable. The world of contortions could be corrected through this terrifying power.
But now—]
Ugh! [Shousetsu turns away sharply, her hand covering her mouth to stifle anymore outbursts. To any other passerby lingering near the Bounded Field they might've assumed she turned away to couch delicately, to smother a laugh.
Instead her breath catches as moisture gathers at the corner of her eyes.]
Ushi Gozen... you are a formidable opponent indeed...
[And here her eyes squeeze shut to allow the first few tears to fall.]
end this now
[ shousetsu.
shousetsu, shousetsu, shousetsu. she repeats the name again, uttered in lengthy syllables to the rhythm of a bedtime lullaby.
shousetsu. it isn't that she isn't seeing — it's that her master isn't, too pure and kind-hearted to understand what it is that needs to be done to see her dream— their dream, come to fruition.
but that's why she's here, isn't she? that's why she was the one to answer the spirit of yui shousetsu's deepest desire, no one else; not tsuna, not kintoki, not raikou. her, the divine half, the scorned half, godly and vengeful enough to bring the heavens down upon this world for the sake of this one, artificial heart.
ushi gozen watches as shousetsu's seagreen eyes shimmer like melting ice, as her snow-white face gives way to redness and tears, the color of her tender center melting under the flame. all that icy stoicism that she once knew, the dignity and pride of the mage-homunculus who did everything in her power and her influence to punish evil, spilling down her face.
ah, she hurt her. that much she understands.
but it had to be done. ushi gozen slips out from the booth and onto her feet. ]
Dry your tears, Shousetsu.
[ here she is thoughtless where the armor would have kept her focused and duty-driven. suddenly, everything is loud and silent all at once, the deafening sound of a world created just for them. —and here she becomes bold where the armor would have kept her cold and chivalric, stepping towards the edge of her master's seat. ]
My liege.
[ electricity shocks the both of them as ushi gozen reaches for the hand covering shousetsu's mouth.
she pulls it towards her, clasping the dampness of tears between both of her palms as she drops to one knee, slacks dragging across the carpet. those dark, thundercloud eyes gaze into shousetsu's, swimming with a tempest, promising rain and storm once again. the typhoon that upends winter's silence. ]
I will do for you what you cannot bring yourself to do. That is why I am here — to be your blade, your weapon and your strength.
[ her grip is fierce, her pledge burns like black flame. ]
Together with you ... or on my own, I will make our dream a reality. No matter what.
[ and then, that smile. adoring and unconditional. ]
You need not watch as it happens.
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Now... now she weeps like a child. Pathetic. Humiliating...!
And yet somehow... a small part of her is grateful for the tears. It means she still feels just as strongly, can still be wounded and made stronger—
Shousetsu.
Ushi Gozen's voice cuts through the chaos of her thoughts. She keeps her head turned away— wallowing in the selfishness tucked close in her chest. No, she did not deserve to look upon this face, to see her weakness laid bare for the demigod to s—
!!
Cold skin encases her hand and the tug that comes with it clears the bitter tightening of her muscles. A gasp catches in her throat as her hand is pulled down and wayward tears tumble from her cheeks as her eyes widen at the sight before her— almost reminiscent of the one she had just envisioned before...
Except the mask was no longer there and Rider's ardent expression was now the center of her focus, all fervid energy coursing from the demigod's fingers to her own. She feels herself pulled into the eye of that storm and her lips part from the intensity of that gaze, those words—
—Honeyed... words.
Words meant to place a spell.
'You need not watch as it happens.'
Ah, this was... the cruelty of a god. When villagers, nobles, merchants and humans alike flee from being crushed underfoot by an ancient god wrought by her own Servant she was expected to merely watch?...]
Ushi Gozen— [Shousetsu lets out the name in one aghast breath, visages of true disbelief and betrayal still flashing in her expression and the hand trapped between the demigod's begin to tremble—
"My, my! Are we in the midst of a joyous occasion? You really should have notified us ahead of time!"
Startled, Shousetsu's gaze snaps up. A waiter with a rather hefty bottle of wine begins approaching, a too wide smile on his face. There are a few other paired onlookers, their smiles just as saccharine sweet as a cold realization dawns upon the samurai.
"A toast for the happy couple!"]
N-No, no, you've mista—
["Congratulations! Congratulations!
Congra—"
A table— from seemingly out of thin air— strikes the waiter and sends him and the wine sprawling. There's a sound of the bottle shattering, his body colliding with the floor and a second later an eruption of screams.
Followed by a monstrous one, right in the center of the club.
We... We were too late!]
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in the end, though, it hardly matters. regardless of what shousetsu could say or do — endorse her efforts wholeheartedly, maintain helpless neutrality, or even attempt to fight back — ushi gozen would continue to pursue what she knew as their shared vision for the world.
no, this display never mattered. even should her master never understand her, at least the both of them would be fulfilled in the next life.
though she clasps shousetsu's hand, squeezes her when she shakes, ushi gozen is distant, dreaming of the end — she sees the black edge of the future, the absolution of nothingness, freedom from the world's pain and strife. it's how she justifies those tears,
and how she immediately shifts her attention when their missions finds them again.
the celebration from nosy passersby is enough to pull her away from her master's eyes, and she rises to her feet to meet them —
—just as the waiter is barreled over by the flying table.
(unfortunate for him that neither she nor shousetsu were in the line of fire, for rider would have cut the thing in two in the blink of an eye.
still, she readies herself, spotting the rampaging perpetrator bringing its heavy feet down upon the scattered main stage: a mammoth-sized creature with trunk and tusks and spear-sized needles armoring its back. an elephant crossed with a porcupine, she guesses.
with chaos already in motion, rider summons her sword in hand, quickly abandoning her disguise, and everything that just happened between them. ]
Steady yourself, Shousetsu.
[ she mentally sweeps the area: the theater layout of the booths, the waves of the crowd rushing towards the emergency exits. ignoring the men and women pushing past her, rider turns to her master. ]
... What are your orders?
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Those few moments render her dumbfounded— until Ushi Gozen finally address her.]
...
[Orders? Have they decided this was the end so quickly? There was no clarity or conclusion to that exchange, she insists to herself— but Ushi Gozen was already armed, ready to follow her orders. Was that... what Ushi Gozen had decided?
Did she have not a say in the matter?
Shousetsu briefly glances to the fallen waiter, whose arm is currently short-circuiting. He seems unconscious but not dead, and for a moment she feels a small bit of relief until she realizes...
... no one has even spared him a glance. Some even run past him.
The panic and fear in the air is palpable. If she were a weaker being she may have felt the same urgency— the same instinctive drive to remove herself from danger as quickly as possible. It was the nature of humans to self-preserve and for that she could not blame them... yet in the same breath, they were here to indulge in finery, in drinks and food and money. To obtain something priceless— something not of this world yet suitable inside a cage. Now that their vices were turned against them they fled, not looking back, not caring who is crushed in the frenzy.
Shousetsu's fists curl inward.
As she rises a bubbling of righteous anger and frustration rises with her— anger at Ushi Gozen, anger at this world and the creatures that were allowed to suffer, mad with rage. Is this why she was brought here along with the demigod? To experience this outrage so acutely it could not be mistaken for anything else?]
... So this world as well...
... needs to be saved.
[And the threat to it, the very thing that could render it an abyss— was standing before her now. Just as before. What strange, bitter fate this is.
Shousetsu reaches up suddenly, taking hold of the pearl necklace at her throat and ripping it off. As the white pieces scatter her swords shift into view at her hip and she unsheathes one before snapping her gaze over to Ushi Gozen. Her eyes are now clear of turmoil— sharp and knowing, meeting the dark gaze again without reservation.]
Rider, [Comes the hard tone, regardless if it is no longer the right name—] We need to incapacitate it before it injures anyone else. Help me weaken it.
—And remember, do not kill it!
[Is what she leaves her with as Shousetsu dives into the foray, heels stomping as she unleashes first a barrier of protruding stone around the thrashing hybrid.]
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she didn't mean it the same way, and perhaps she never would, rider understands. in some way, she knows, too, that her master sees her as a threat rather than a true ally now, but rider hears those words and they strike her like kindle to her black fire.
shousetsu stands before her as a model for humanity, an experiment in true righteousness, and though she never sought reason to question it, rider sees now that that shining purity is one that can never be sullied. even after their defeat, even after revealing her servant revealed her true intentions,
"then, what you mean to tell me is—"
shousetsu's spirit burns aflame with conviction. she remains a pillar, standing against the world's wrongs. if neither of one of them is capable of change, and they continue on this trajectory,
"... that this path was inevitable?"
for she knows her master, and knows that no matter the heartbreak, the tragedy, she still stand against this corrupted world again and again.
a small tut escapes her at those orders, so familiar yet estranged, now.
but still, rider will obey, and she doesn't allow shousetsu to escape too far. ]
As you wish.
[ the animal billows, startled back onto its hindlegs as its trapped by the jagged rock. rider lands just outside of the barrier, and over the sound of the beast's trumpeting, she speaks, ]
Leave this to me, my liege. I'll take care of the rest.
[ old habits die hard, and even if she understands enough about this world to suspect that her master's condition has been stabilized for the time being, rider is a single force, and her strength is made so her lord need not lift a finger against a threat so small. ]
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Her focus narrows in on the creature currently shattering glass and metal alike. Here she can avoid thinking of moments before— her heart thudding painfully, her eyes misting as the promise of a world with sunlight and laughter was once again swept aside. Here she can focus on her mission, and although it isn't one she signed up for voluntarily she will see it through until the end. If she cannot do that much, decide even that much—
—then she would not be worthy of the admiration of so many people back home.
She could not call herself a Master at all.
The creature's withered feet send tremors throughout the club each time it stomps back, but those bulking legs are easy to avoid. What concerns her most are the long spikes at its back and that—]
Hah!
[She avoids the swinging trunk when she approaches the jagged barrier she's created. The creature seems to know better than to trample over the stones, but it stomps erratically all the same.
It's only when she spots Ushi Gozen does she skid to a halt, her grip tight on her sword.
Leave this to me, my liege.
How ridiculous... that her first thought is to believe her, to trust her. Shousetsu's hand prepares another elemental attack— but waits, eyes wide up at the dark-haired girl.]
Rider!
[It's an acknowledging call, a one that lets her know—
It's up to you!]
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[ it's instant, after that, for she truly was waiting for shousetsu to give her the signal, to unleash her upon the beast like she'd unleashed her upon her enemies so many times before. it's second nature, and even if by now she knew that she was no longer bound by the red seals once worn by the mage, it seems it would not deter her from obeying shousetsu's whims, her carefully calculated plans.
the floating pieces of her armor light into existence like twin flames above her shoulders, and as she readies her stance, heels planted firmly apart, they push all — on-lookers, those running by in fear, extra help — far away. she raises her sword like a horizon line in front of her, palm touching the flat of the blade, as energy begins to collect around her.
the monster trumpets again, kicking and landing and kicking again; the stomping is disorienting, and its thick foot finally manages to break off some jagged rocks from the barrier, sending them flying. at nearly the same time, the beast puffs up its spear-laden back, as though it means to launch those, too.
rider's armor pieces swing around her, then, deflecting projectiles away from shousetsu and her alone. if any fly past her and into the fleeing audience, she neither notices nor cares.
all the while, ushi gozen continues to collect electricity in a radius, purple sparks condensing into thicker and thicker lines. just another second, now. ]
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She can also barely hear Ushi Gozen over the commotion, but somehow that low tone reaches her all the same.
Shousetsu snuffs the magical energy from her hand and hurries across, to the far right of the hybrid as to not become a target when it finally decides to start rampaging again. When she puts enough distance between herself and the beast she finds overturned tables, shattered glass and what seems to be parts of cages strewn about.
Ah, so it was their group that let this hybrid free... and it was up to her and Ushi Gozen to subdue it.
Shousetsu is just turning to look over her shoulder when that wave of forceful energy hits her like a gust and she stares as Ushi Gozen glows in the center, like a fallen star ready to project itself back into the night. The air itself swirls with electricity and power and she finds herself too distracted by the sight to notice movement to her side—
—that is, until a couple shuffle out from beneath one of the abandoned tables. Upon seeing and feeling the collecting energy from the scene before them they scramble to their feet, and Shousetsu only allows a half-second to pass before she leaps forward and grabs both their arms.]
Ah!
[The white-haired girl pulls them both back, just in time for one of the pieces of jagged rock fly past and shatter the table they had just crawled underneath from. They all but collapse against her, shock etched in their faces, but Shousetsu is looking elsewhere again.
She is looking at Ushi Gozen and the way the beast rears its back, ready to attack.
Her heart leaps in her throat as she takes in the sight— that same yet painfully familiar anticipation rising in her chest.]
Rider...
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