WHEN: Week Four
Two teams clash in a fight. Meet me in the Danny's parking lot, nerd.
WARNINGS: Violence against teens continues. And so does the DMC battle music.
[ Ryuji expected this. It's not really exactly what he wanted but there was no escaping the inevitable fights that were to come. So, when they were issued their challenge — receiving a very nice looking note, telling them where to come and what time — he knew Archer and him had to go.
So he arrives, radiating misery and dread, and looks around before he spots Vergil and Rider and ... well, it would figure the first fight his team has to go through is with the man who threatened him with a sword on his first day here. It would figure. ]
[Perhaps it comes full circle that he should meet Ryuji here, the Master with whom he brandished his sword at practically day one. But though that day had earned him a bit of patronizing scorn, there is no such thing visible on Vergil's face today. Instead, he arrives holding a baguette that same sword clenched in one hand, yes, but his features are solemn.
Grave, even.]
All part of the War.
[That is a yes, unfortunately.]
It was inevitable that you'd face a team eventually. So, here we are.
[And that team wasn't going to be the one they're allied with, after all.]
Battle fit check #2: of course Vaer is going to dress up for this. Who keeps sponsoring these outfits? Did they become a fashion influencer in the four weeks they've been here? We'll just never know!
And speaking of - they are the servant called Rider, which of course means they have a mount, but what Team Archer will find Vaer seated on with their lute tonight is not a stallion or griffon but a Carpet of Flying, in front of god and Danny's and everyone.
At Archer's gratitude, they offer the same. ]
And that is why I made sure to have such moments, Archer. When all is said and done, those jewels are all we'll have left. I'm grateful, as well.
[ And then to Ryuji: ]
Regardless of what happens, I hope you'll get to see your precious friend again. My Master and I have something like a promise to fulfill, so here we are.
[ Regrettably, they only allied with the other Baby Team, otherwise this would be so complicated!! ]
[ Two thoughts come to mind immediately for Ryuji:
1) Wow, Rider looks really good.
2) Oh god, Archer is going to have to fight and he's going to have to watch because he doesn't have his Persona. He doesn't even have a bat he can use though he doubts he'd be able to take on Vergil with a baseball bat. Is he even supposed to fight, as the Master? Archer would probably say no but is he really supposed to leave her here—
There's a lot going on in this kid's head. ]
This is so — so fucked up. [ Ryuji said fuck!!! ] Are we really supposed to just attack each other? How does this even go?
[ Ryuji is going to keep waffling until something happens. Best to just get right to it, honestly. ]
[Times like these, and all Vergil wants is to shore up his mind and heart; to make it easier to dole out the difficult decisions one must make in the middle of battle. None of this will be easy.
He lets the sentiment pass between Rider and Archer. Notes the uncertainty so prevalent in Ryuji's tone. His lips thin in to a deeper frown.]
If we wish to leave this fight between our Servants, that's also an option.
[Unlike their previous battle, with a team that had been ruthless, a team that would have killed them both if given the chance. There's a part of him that wants to be more gracious with these two... if agreed upon. It's hard to say. Hard to miss that spark in Archer's eyes.
It's just that, well. Vergil descending upon Ryuji with Yamato seems a bit lopsided, doesn't it.]
I should certainly hope that this fight is exclusively between the Servants. As you can see, my Master does not have his own weapons or any other means to fight except myself.
Be that as it may—
[The young woman stretches out her hand and a dagger of glowing blue appears. She points it at both Rider and Vergil and gazes at them with narrowed pink eyes.]
— Should you choose to go after him while I take care of Rider then be prepared to face me as well. I have no issues aiming for both of your lives.
[ First of all, thank you Ryuji. Second, Archer is most certainly not fucking around, but Rider hadn't pinned her as the sort who would by any stretch of the imagination. She summons her dagger, her demeanor that of a skilled warrior in her own right - but Rider knew that, too, from the moment she first tossed a coin into their hat from like 30 feet up. ]
Easy, Archer. I don't wish to see my Master harmed just as you, with yours. You have my word - this will stay between you and I. Right, Master?
[ A pointed look at Vergil. Then, reaching for their hip, they unsheathe a finely-forged rapier. ]
And let me just say - I do detest that it's come down to this. But it's nothing personal, I assure you.
[ Ryuji has never felt so useless. No, that's a lie. He's felt this useless once before — in Kamoshida's palace, as he watched Morgana and Akira get the shit kicked out of them and he couldn't do anything to help. This comes close, but he also knows his limitations compared to those in front of him. He's a seventeen year old boy, and while he's incredibly fit and strong for his age — he's no seasoned warrior, no skilled swordsman. Nothing like that.
He lets out a sigh and takes a step back when Archer pulls out her daggers. He's not hiding behind her, not really, but he is acquiescing the floor to her. This is not his fight, even if he wishes desperately to be part of it. ]
I don't... hate you. Either of you. [ Even if Vergil is TERRIFYING and STRANGE. ] I just wish this wasn't happening.
[ He rubs at his face and looks to Archer. What happens next is up to her and Rider, he assumes. ]
Of course. If that’s what’s agreed upon beforehand.
[He replies to Rider without a beat of hesitation, without even edging his look askance at them.
Unlike their last fight, this one can be several degrees less violent, insofar as the Masters come away unscathed. And yet somehow, this thought still bristles at his insides — to think that only one Servant will walk away from this, and it may not be Vaer, threatens to summon the dread clawing up his stomach and throat.
He pushes it down. Focus. This is a battle, and he can’t be distracted by what-ifs. ]
I won’t hurt you, Ryuji. You have my word.
[Though his ability to stand aside and watch Vaer fight alone will truly be put to the test, no doubt. His grip around Yamato’s sheath tightens.]
It's time. The princess takes a deep breath and summons her second dagger. The past few weeks she and Ryuji have gone unchallenged and for a moment she was concerned. But she couldn't just recklessly rush into a fight when she needed to protect him and respect his decisions.
But now... Now she can prove herself. She's waited in the wings long enough.]
Right.
[She positions herself and closes her eyes. It's an agonizing couple of seconds before Archer disappears in a flash and reappears above Rider to deal the first blow.
[ Those agonizing few seconds of stillness, Vaer spends by reaching out to Vergil through their telepathic link.
Don't fret, darling.
Photo taken moments before disaster! And no sooner have they finished the thought than Fiorella is upon them, truly like a swift bird in flight. Vaer's gaze snaps upward and like this, they have no time to animate their rapier to parry the blow. The best they can do is to steer their carpet, willing it to move away in hopes of dodging Fiorella's attack. She can probably take an inch or two off of Vaer's beautiful hair, like this... ]
Tch. You are a flighty one, Archer! Let's see you dance.
[ With the magic word spoken, the rapier lifts from their grasp and soars through the air, as if wielded by an invisible, flying swordsman to try and pierce Archer. ]
[ The fight's just started and it's already surreal to watch. Ryuji hasn't experienced magic like this before, the flying carpet getting his attention the most.
But he's also scared. Scared for Archer, scared for what this all means, and knowing there isn't much he can do here.
So, for now, he'll duck to the side, keeping out of harms way and making sure Archer has plenty of room to fight. ]
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faterp2023-07-04 02:16 pm
no subject
So he arrives, radiating misery and dread, and looks around before he spots Vergil and Rider and ... well, it would figure the first fight his team has to go through is with the man who threatened him with a sword on his first day here. It would figure. ]
Uhm, hi.
[ What a start, Ryuji! ]
Do we... really gotta do this?
no subject
a baguettethat same sword clenched in one hand, yes, but his features are solemn.Grave, even.]
All part of the War.
[That is a yes, unfortunately.]
It was inevitable that you'd face a team eventually. So, here we are.
[And that team wasn't going to be the one they're allied with, after all.]
no subject
1) He reminded her of her brother, a cold warrior.
2) The desire to fight now shines true.]
It is as you've said. It's about time.
[And it's a bit regrettable because...]
If it's any consolation, Rider... Thank you for the conversations we shared previously. Times of peace are precious as jewels.
[She doesn't summon her weaponry just yet.]
no subject
Battle fit check #2: of course Vaer is going to dress up for this. Who keeps sponsoring these outfits? Did they become a fashion influencer in the four weeks they've been here? We'll just never know!
And speaking of - they are the servant called Rider, which of course means they have a mount, but what Team Archer will find Vaer seated on with their lute tonight is not a stallion or griffon but a Carpet of Flying, in front of god and Danny's and everyone.
At Archer's gratitude, they offer the same. ]
And that is why I made sure to have such moments, Archer. When all is said and done, those jewels are all we'll have left. I'm grateful, as well.
[ And then to Ryuji: ]
Regardless of what happens, I hope you'll get to see your precious friend again. My Master and I have something like a promise to fulfill, so here we are.
[ Regrettably, they only allied with the other Baby Team, otherwise this would be so complicated!! ]
no subject
1) Wow, Rider looks really good.
2) Oh god, Archer is going to have to fight and he's going to have to watch because he doesn't have his Persona. He doesn't even have a bat he can use though he doubts he'd be able to take on Vergil with a baseball bat. Is he even supposed to fight, as the Master? Archer would probably say no but is he really supposed to leave her here—
There's a lot going on in this kid's head. ]
This is so — so fucked up. [ Ryuji said fuck!!! ] Are we really supposed to just attack each other? How does this even go?
[ Ryuji is going to keep waffling until something happens. Best to just get right to it, honestly. ]
no subject
He lets the sentiment pass between Rider and Archer. Notes the uncertainty so prevalent in Ryuji's tone. His lips thin in to a deeper frown.]
If we wish to leave this fight between our Servants, that's also an option.
[Unlike their previous battle, with a team that had been ruthless, a team that would have killed them both if given the chance. There's a part of him that wants to be more gracious with these two... if agreed upon. It's hard to say. Hard to miss that spark in Archer's eyes.
It's just that, well. Vergil descending upon Ryuji with Yamato seems a bit lopsided, doesn't it.]
no subject
I should certainly hope that this fight is exclusively between the Servants. As you can see, my Master does not have his own weapons or any other means to fight except myself.
Be that as it may—
[The young woman stretches out her hand and a dagger of glowing blue appears. She points it at both Rider and Vergil and gazes at them with narrowed pink eyes.]
— Should you choose to go after him while I take care of Rider then be prepared to face me as well. I have no issues aiming for both of your lives.
[Fio. Is. Not. Fucking. Around.]
no subject
Easy, Archer. I don't wish to see my Master harmed just as you, with yours. You have my word - this will stay between you and I. Right, Master?
[ A pointed look at Vergil. Then, reaching for their hip, they unsheathe a finely-forged rapier. ]
And let me just say - I do detest that it's come down to this. But it's nothing personal, I assure you.
no subject
He lets out a sigh and takes a step back when Archer pulls out her daggers. He's not hiding behind her, not really, but he is acquiescing the floor to her. This is not his fight, even if he wishes desperately to be part of it. ]
I don't... hate you. Either of you. [ Even if Vergil is TERRIFYING and STRANGE. ] I just wish this wasn't happening.
[ He rubs at his face and looks to Archer. What happens next is up to her and Rider, he assumes. ]
no subject
[He replies to Rider without a beat of hesitation, without even edging his look askance at them.
Unlike their last fight, this one can be several degrees less violent, insofar as the Masters come away unscathed. And yet somehow, this thought still bristles at his insides — to think that only one Servant will walk away from this, and it may not be Vaer, threatens to summon the dread clawing up his stomach and throat.
He pushes it down. Focus. This is a battle, and he can’t be distracted by what-ifs. ]
I won’t hurt you, Ryuji. You have my word.
[Though his ability to stand aside and watch Vaer fight alone will truly be put to the test, no doubt. His grip around Yamato’s sheath tightens.]
Let's waste no more time.
SORRY FOR THE WAIT Y'ALL, caw caw motherfuckers
It's time. The princess takes a deep breath and summons her second dagger. The past few weeks she and Ryuji have gone unchallenged and for a moment she was concerned. But she couldn't just recklessly rush into a fight when she needed to protect him and respect his decisions.
But now... Now she can prove herself. She's waited in the wings long enough.]
Right.
[She positions herself and closes her eyes. It's an agonizing couple of seconds before Archer disappears in a flash and reappears above Rider to deal the first blow.
Archer is fast.]
no subject
Don't fret, darling.
Photo taken moments before disaster! And no sooner have they finished the thought than Fiorella is upon them, truly like a swift bird in flight. Vaer's gaze snaps upward and like this, they have no time to animate their rapier to parry the blow. The best they can do is to steer their carpet, willing it to move away in hopes of dodging Fiorella's attack. She can probably take an inch or two off of Vaer's beautiful hair, like this... ]
Tch. You are a flighty one, Archer! Let's see you dance.
[ With the magic word spoken, the rapier lifts from their grasp and soars through the air, as if wielded by an invisible, flying swordsman to try and pierce Archer. ]
no subject
But he's also scared. Scared for Archer, scared for what this all means, and knowing there isn't much he can do here.
So, for now, he'll duck to the side, keeping out of harms way and making sure Archer has plenty of room to fight. ]