sweethymns | ғaтe/alт.dιѕтorтιon

Alright. We'll all go to the bridge, but Lien and I will stay out of sight. When the danger is cleared out, I'll break open the rift.

[Although it's directed at them both, this is very much for her Servant.]

Please come back safely!

Understood, Master.

[ And he turns towards the direction of the bridge, as if he's about to start running (Cu also gears up for a sprint)—

—before he realizes that not everyone is Rank A+ in terms of speed. ]

...Should we go ahead?

[Lien nods.]

It's for the best. You two go on ahead. I'm not completely helpless and I got Miss Space Distorter here.

[And she proceeds to ruffle the hair of her twin. And then ruffles some more. And more.

To the point where Ai's normally straight hair is mussed up and she cups her face in her palm and just nods to Cu and Diarmuid; "Yes, please go, I'll handle this person thing..."]

[ Cu watches this scene unfold with a look that says that he wants in, and after Lien is done, he reaches out and spectacularly messes up her hair, compensating for poor Ai's torture. ]

Don't bicker, ladies.

[ An easy smirk, and he motions for Diarmuid to get a move on; the latter hardly needs to be prompted, and in a blink of an eye, the both of them are yards away, beelining towards the bridge for their fight. ]

[Lien let's out a, "HEY!!" So now there are twins with mussed up hair. Lien and Ai Thao watch as their Servants go on, a blur to their human eyes.

✘✘

The twins reach Riverside Park with the bridge right up ahead. Ai Thao's stance is alert and on the lookout for danger. Lien, is somewhat the same, but it doesn't show as much.

Then there's that feral bellow, the kind that only large creatures or large men would make.]

We're definitely close! I hope it's been going well so far.

[Lien nods in agreement; Cu had shown his worth in their first battle. Diarmuid is going to have to show his own if she's going to believe he's worthy of protecting her sister.]

Edited 2014-12-16 07:08 (UTC)

[ Berserker is a tricky opponent, but the two Lancers have the upper hand in both number and skill: their opponent only has use of one arm, which is a good starting point, and the two spearmen's combined agility is forcing the bigger Servant into a tighter corner with each clash.

It helps that Cu Chulainn and Diarmuid are both from the same country of origin; their techniques are similar, carved from the same foundation, and complement each other without the use of verbal communication for cues. When Cu cuts a wide arc with Gae Bolg, Diarmuid follows up with a strong inwards strike, grazing their enemy's flank with his cursed lance. It's like a complicated dance, too quick to catch the details of but well worth watching.

By the time Lien and Ai arrive, the two have managed to make more than a few permanent cuts on their opponent (bless Gae Buidhe), and Cu is yelling "give me a hand" to Diarmuid, bearing canines, his pupils dilated and staring straight at Berserker.

A light smirk, and Diarmuid drops down, bracing himself on the bridge hard enough for the cement to fracture. ]

—Now!

[ And gracefully, he catches Cu as the blue-haired warrior jumps onto his shoulder, effectively launching Cu towards Berserker so he can drive Gae Bolg into the Servant's chest. ]

[Ai Thao let's out an, "Alright!" pumping one fist in the air. Lien is sort of surprised at her usually gentle sister being excited. But it was a stunning fight and she couldn't deny that. Lien smiles, with her hands on her hips.]

We really didn't need to worry now, did we? Let's catch up with them after the dust settles...

[Lien frowns slightly though. Sure the Berserker was taken care of, but there was that issue of the other figure she perceived through the reflection. If he had jumped in to assist the other Servant, Diarmuid and Cu would have had more trouble. But why wait now unless...??]

AI!!!

[From a nearby building, there is a gleam and a shot flies towards the two Masters. Ai Thao, however has a better reaction time and steps in front of Lien, her Mystic Eyes of Distortion on full blast. A human versus a Servant usually doesn't bode well, but one with the powers to bend at least stood a small chance. The arrow is slowed down by Ai Thao, but the force of it is causing both of the young women to be pushed backwards, like an unstoppable force of wind until Lien pushes her twin down and they both let the arrow fly over their heads until it lands, creating a mini crater in the cement.]

Okay! So there's that!

[ Archer. From his vantage point, his spear still lodged in Berserker's chest, Cu sees the glimmer of that shot and yells to Diarmuid: ]

I'm done over here, go get the other one!

[ It hardly needs to be said, before Diarmuid kicks off, getting between the enemy Servant and the two Masters to deflect a volley of arrows headed their way. Gae Dearg is a blur, batting down arrows that might as well be shots fired from an artillery gun, before both the weapon and its wielder move out of sight into the building to take care of Archer.

During all of this, Cu steps back and away from the disappearing Berserker, light steps taking him back towards the two girls. ]

Everyone in one piece?

Yes, we're fine!

[Ai's helping Lien stand up, the latter just calmly dusting the debris off her clothes although her lips are a thin grimace. Ai Thao looks towards where they arrows were fired.]

As long as Diarmuid is taking care of that Servant, we should get to that rift and start making an exit.

[Meanwhile, the Archer's ever so sharp vision, doesn't miss the Lancer that was coming his way. Instead of arrows, this time he takes out needles. A single sliver of a needle is tossed at Diarmuid, but then it turns into hundreds, and then thousands of needles trying to rain down on the hero. Archer wanted to keep the distance instead of having to deal with dual wielder, but if worst, comes to worst...]

Edited 2014-12-17 01:10 (UTC)

[ A quick "got it", and Cu starts to move... but not too quickly, in case the enemy starts attacking them again, the bastard.

Meanwhile, Diarmuid has to assess how best to dodge this incoming attack: the size of the needles isn't an issue, but the number is. A frown, and Diarmuid changes direction (he knows better than to try to block all of them), catching the peripheral of the volley instead of meeting it head-on. The shots are heavier than he anticipated and a few graze his leg, but the damage is minimal.

However, it is effective in getting Diarmuid to make a momentary stop, to regroup and readjust his stance. ]

...You seem more lucid than the others. Where is your Master, Archer?

[ Assuming the other Servant has one. ]

Alright, rift, rift, rift...

[Lien is right behind Cu, already taking off one glove and stuffing it in her pocket. Lien sees her twin glancing every now and then towards Diarmuid's direction as they make their way down the bridge.]

Hey. Don't worry about him. If that guy knows what's good for him, he better come back for you.

[Ai Thao blinks, but nods, turning her focus back to follow Lien and Cu.

This Archer is different from the other rogue Servants; the shadow corruption has become a part of him, making his outer appearance pale and his outfit blackened. His eyes are also pale. At Diarmuid's question, he stands up, shifting his quiver on his back.]

I've none. And as for what I am doing here instead of residing in the Throne of Heroes, I cannot say. Instead, I've been thriving here for god knows how long.

[He points towards the sea of shadows.]

This dimension is in a sad state and I have only been thriving due to that sea. It's not like I've been idle though; I am in need of a Master. One that can free me from this wretched emptiness.

[Archer takes out an arrow, tossing it in the air as if playing around.]

Of course, fortune shines down on me this day. It seems I have two to choose from.

Edited 2014-12-17 01:37 (UTC)

[ Cu only offers a quick "stay here" before he makes his way towards Diarmuid, noting that they're speaking instead of fighting: a negotiation? There's not much he'd like to say to this guy in terms of reasoning this through, and that impression is given a more solid footing when he catches the tail end of what the enemy Servant is saying. ]

Give it up, Archer. No one here's shopping for more Servants. If you've got any sense of pride, go back to the Throne with some sense of dignity.

[ His tone is light, but definitive. ]

[Lien starts off after Cu as if she doesn't want to be left behind, but Ai pulls her back.]

You told me not to worry, so neither should you.

[Ai Thao's eyes search for the rift until she spots it, right in the middle of the bridge. The twins make their way over to the rift trying to figure out the best way to deal with it.

Archer casually flings a needle at Cu's direction, not expecting it to really hit him. There was something else in mind, but what it was remains a mystery.]

Dignity. I've almost forgotten that word existed. But, if that's the case...

[More needles appear between his fingers.]

You would do me honor, Cu Chulainn and Diarmuid Ua Duibhne, if you engage me in battle. If I am defeated, well, that's that.

[Archer raises up his hands and pulls; Lancer and Diarmuid would find themselves in a web like cage, threatening to close in on them both; the effects would probably hurt a LOT.

The needle thrown at Cu wasn't just a provocation; a trap had been set up.]

But if I win? Your Masters are mine.

Edited 2014-12-17 02:00 (UTC)

[ Neither of the Lancers look particularly perturbed by the fact that they're blocked in, if only because they had no intention of running away in the first place. They both hazard a glance towards their respective Masters, before they come to the same conclusion: ]

Fine.

[ Echoed in smooth tenors, one with slight gravel in anticipation for the fight, the other a low whistle to signal his readiness. Twin red spears position themselves in combat motion, and though both parties are outwardly calm, it's not difficult to tell see the cold indignance that flows under their collective composure.

If Archer thinks that either of them are going to relinquish their Masters on a whim, he's spectacularly misinformed.

Predictably, it's Cu that moves first, slicing through the first step of wind resistance with his spear to get a head start, aiming a wide arc at his enemy's head. ]

[Lien is right in front of the rift, and loading her hand with prana. Last time, her fingers had barely grazed the surface and that was when she was interrupted. This time, she was ready. Ai is watching the Servants from afar to give her sister an update if needed.

Lien touches the thin thread and is surprised, not by the tingling sensation that runs throughout her arm, but rather at how the sensation itself feels familiar. For once, she's not quite sure how to read this rift; its nature was not physical. It was unnatural, yet natural and when she stretches out her index finger and thumb as if trying to open up the crack herself, she's able to see the other side. But why did it feel so familiar? Did it have to do with the past...?]

Ai. I see the other side. Get ready to break this thing open.

[On the Servant side of things, Archer makes a duck as Cu attacks first, making a mighty leap backwards to create distance. He fires an arrow from his back and it's a powerful and fire filled shot.

He doesn't forget about Diarmuid though and he executes his other trick. Archer pulls his cloak over to conceal himself and then starts throwing more needles towards them both; he would have made a fine Assassin in spite of his preference for long range attacks.]

[ The bothersome part is deflecting these shots without it bouncing towards Diarmuid, but Cu manages, letting the arrow lodge itself in their cage before it fades out of existence. Projectiles are such a pain.

Diarmuid is vaguely in agreement with the sentiment, being that he has to fend off a volley of needles, but that's objectively less tricky than the fact that Archer just went full Harry Potter with the Invisibility Cloak on him: attacking blindly is difficult, and he has to pay close attention to where the attacks are coming from before he takes a literal stab, with Cu moving in a wide arc to see if he can intercept their opponent on the other side of their boundary. ]

Edited 2014-12-17 02:52 (UTC)

[Ai's having difficulty in summoning the same strength she had when she first opened the rift. That was done in a panic, an imperfect distortion. Now that she actually has to focus, it's as if none of her efforts are coming through.]

Why... Just break already! [The rift barely budges and she feels the frustration bubbling up. Lien is telling her to calm down, but her voice becomes a lull when another memory, one she thought she had forgotten long ago appears in her mind as a voice, rather than an image.

"Look what I found Ai. Be a good girl and bend it for me will you?"

"Bend it."

"Bend."

"BEND."

"BEND."

"BENDBENDBENDBENDBENDBENDBEND!!! WHY CAN'T YOU BEND GIRL!? BEND IT FOR ME OR I'LL j;lwrijtpqoiêfüòËØÂÒÉÑÓüË...!!!"

Ai shudders and she drops to the ground on her knees, with Lien there to catch her. What was that?? She knows and doesn't want to know. She wordlessly stands up and tries again. Everyone was counting on her and she couldn't let them down.

Archer is barely nicked in the face by Diarmuid's weapon and that makes blood drip down on his face; it's a minute, but good indicator of his location as he drops down to the ground, trying to think of another attack plan.]

[ The trickle of red is a good marker, and Diarmuid switches hands to use Gae Buidhe, twirling it deftly in his hands before going for his enemy's: for a bowman, losing one hand should be a death sentence.

(His eyes momentarily flick towards Ai, though, when he feels that twinge from their shared magical connection— he knows that it's a distraction, but he can't ignore it.) ]

[Lien watches her sister trying to bend the rift open. And without a word, she takes her sister's hand in her's and squeezes it.]

You can do it.

[The distance between them is still there. It had been her fault because Lien saw Ai Thao as someone who could stand on her own; Lien herself didn't have anything to offer to her younger sister. But maybe this was enough. The rift is slowly, but surely being twisted open and a large energy wave emits from space opening up.

Archer's invisibility is completely useless now because of the blood pouring out from his severed hand and arm. He's calm though, as if accepting the inevitable end.]

Heh. So that's how it'll end will it?

[One way or another, he's going to go out with a bang. He still has one good working hand and more dark needles are summoned. One last volley, one last stand for a nameless hero who couldn't serve. He could only fight and be defeated in glorious battle.]

Edited 2014-12-17 04:15 (UTC)

[ Maybe, under different circumstances, things might have been different. There's no honor in fighting for this War, let alone a false one, but Cu appreciates the fact that the Servant tried— as misplaced as his ambitions were, it's the fate all of them are subject to when they wake up in this world.

Their life here is transient. They all know this.

The last attack is futile but well-made, a wave of shadow that engulfs the area for a good few seconds before it shatters due to the force of two Servants' worth of skill. And it's not with malice that Cu strides towards the archer to deliver the finishing blow, but with a sort of quiet reverence that he gives to people who, under better twists of fate, might have had it better. ]

Don't get lost on your way back.

[Archer smiles. The pain was great, but it was also his release. The corruption fades away from his rapidly disappearing body.]

Aren't I a lucky one... I pray... That you both won't get stuck here either...

[The last farewell and he's gone. Ai Thao finds that the rift is relenting and she strains her Eyes, forcing it open. The energy it emits once a larger exit is created is enormous. She falls down on her bottom, her eyes normal once again and wide open, amazed that she managed it.]

I... I did it!

[Lien nods, smiling. And she points to their Servant's location; another victory.]

Ah! They made it too!

[ With the barrier keeping them confined gone, Diarmuid shoulders his lances and heads back to his Master's side, Cu trailing behind. He knows that his concern will be met with a "I'm alright", so he does away with asking entirely.

Instead, he smiles at her: proud, a knight coming back from a long expedition. ]

You've done it. [ He says, while Cu walks on over towards Lien and musses her hair again. ] You owe me two cakes for this one.

[And in reply to Cu, Lien says quite simply:]

You'll get fat.

[Always count on this Master to say the most appropriate things. She jerks a thumb at the exit.]

Me first, or do I have to push someone through?

You want to take periodic waist measurements to make sure I don't?

[ It's back to usual with him too, and instead of waiting for Lien to jump in first, he tucks her under one arm and

yeah, hops in. ]

[They both disappear, with Lien yelling a very loud, "DAMN YOU!!!" Ai Thao rests one cheek in her palm shaking her head.]

Those two are too relaxed... Oh! [She turns to Diarmuid and without thinking or asking, she takes his hand.] We should hurry!

[And she pulls him along with her and the paper thin world behind them darkens. The rift seals itself up, no longer providing a path to any stray souls.

They're back in Fuyuki City; it's very late at night with only the street lamps giving a dull glow. There are signs with actual text indicating the location. A car passes by and its driver just misses four individuals appearing out of thin air.]

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