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LABY - IC INBOX
[ TEXT - AUDIO - VIDEO - ACTION ]
[ TEXT - AUDIO - VIDEO - ACTION ]
[Maruki doesn't speak. Neither does Akechi.
He doesn't move - remains completely still in a billowing pool of warmth that's no longer comforting.
Then the man moves. Refuses to escalate - whatever. He can play the part of a martyr. The hero. Can walk away for now or forever. Akechi doesn't care. Never did and never will.]
What a fitting way to put that, all things considered.
[Eren's dead. In this world, in his own and as a spoken topic between them. ]
I accept.
He doesn't move - remains completely still in a billowing pool of warmth that's no longer comforting.
Then the man moves. Refuses to escalate - whatever. He can play the part of a martyr. The hero. Can walk away for now or forever. Akechi doesn't care. Never did and never will.]
What a fitting way to put that, all things considered.
[Eren's dead. In this world, in his own and as a spoken topic between them. ]
I accept.
[ One last stab. Maruki takes it as he takes everything else. Eren will return to a reality in which the only path available to him is one that leads to a death he's been eagerly awaiting. So it goes. ]
I'll be upstairs.
[ He looks down at Korokke curled near the kotatsu. Gently nudges her with a foot to see if she'll come with him, and receives only a soft paw swat for his efforts. Tired eyes back to Akechi. ]
Dinner in a few hours.
[ And with that, he's off. To do what? What he was doing before he relocated to the alcove. Lay in bed and stare at the ceiling. ]
I'll be upstairs.
[ He looks down at Korokke curled near the kotatsu. Gently nudges her with a foot to see if she'll come with him, and receives only a soft paw swat for his efforts. Tired eyes back to Akechi. ]
Dinner in a few hours.
[ And with that, he's off. To do what? What he was doing before he relocated to the alcove. Lay in bed and stare at the ceiling. ]
[He doesn't regret a single word. Maruki deserves it.
It's the price of giving a shit. A lesson paid for over and over by a man who cares too much, despite everything, in spite of everything. One Maruki never seems to retain because in the coming weeks and months, Akechi will watch him connect to others, speak to many, share truth with a rare few who will eventually disappear without warning.
Overnight.
Without a final word because that's how the world works. Maruki knows that. Doesn't learn and Akechi doesn't feel an ounce of pity for someone who ignores it.
Dinner in a few hours - Korokke still by his side. Akechi wishes the stupid cat would've gone with him and ignores how she curls against his thigh, on top of a plush kotatsu cover.
He doesn't hear Maruki. Isn't sure where he went upstairs or cares.
The conversations between him and Eren are gone. He removes the contact from his list - even if he returns, it won't be him and Akechi isn't interested in playing 'a friend' again. He'll let Maruki inevitably align himself, and tack on when necessary to take down this reality.
And in a few minutes -
Traces of Eren are gone completely. Drafted messages never sent, notes about his preferences observed over months together, a short list of places that will never be explained, a single photo taken in retaliation of the many he was never warned about, snapped in an instant because he doesn't rely on a shitty, archaic camera.
Blinding, under twinkling starlight, on a cliff they jogged up to every morning. The photo dark - difficult to discern who's in it because Akechi was purposefully trying to take something awful to prove a point, but it's incredible how those green eyes shine regardless.
He deletes it. The last sign of false friendship shoved into the trash where Eren always belonged.
He deletes it and presses his palms into his eyes, for a brief second, a short second, because-
It's incredible, really, how much they looked alike and how little remains of either of them now and-
It's the strain of the illuminated screen, probably. Akechi's been on his phone all day. There are no eye drops in this reality. He should stop by Iris' store and request them.
Opens up his continuous conversation with her now because he doesn't have anything fucking better to do anyway.]
It's the price of giving a shit. A lesson paid for over and over by a man who cares too much, despite everything, in spite of everything. One Maruki never seems to retain because in the coming weeks and months, Akechi will watch him connect to others, speak to many, share truth with a rare few who will eventually disappear without warning.
Overnight.
Without a final word because that's how the world works. Maruki knows that. Doesn't learn and Akechi doesn't feel an ounce of pity for someone who ignores it.
Dinner in a few hours - Korokke still by his side. Akechi wishes the stupid cat would've gone with him and ignores how she curls against his thigh, on top of a plush kotatsu cover.
He doesn't hear Maruki. Isn't sure where he went upstairs or cares.
The conversations between him and Eren are gone. He removes the contact from his list - even if he returns, it won't be him and Akechi isn't interested in playing 'a friend' again. He'll let Maruki inevitably align himself, and tack on when necessary to take down this reality.
And in a few minutes -
Traces of Eren are gone completely. Drafted messages never sent, notes about his preferences observed over months together, a short list of places that will never be explained, a single photo taken in retaliation of the many he was never warned about, snapped in an instant because he doesn't rely on a shitty, archaic camera.
Blinding, under twinkling starlight, on a cliff they jogged up to every morning. The photo dark - difficult to discern who's in it because Akechi was purposefully trying to take something awful to prove a point, but it's incredible how those green eyes shine regardless.
He deletes it. The last sign of false friendship shoved into the trash where Eren always belonged.
He deletes it and presses his palms into his eyes, for a brief second, a short second, because-
It's incredible, really, how much they looked alike and how little remains of either of them now and-
It's the strain of the illuminated screen, probably. Akechi's been on his phone all day. There are no eye drops in this reality. He should stop by Iris' store and request them.
Opens up his continuous conversation with her now because he doesn't have anything fucking better to do anyway.]
I see. My situation was the same, and it seems most follow a similar trend. A short period, once.
[IT'S IRRITATING, ACTUALLY. Akechi hasn't stopped flip flopping since this fucking event started, but he's not about to own up to it.]
It's fortunate you found someone to look after you. This world can be dangerous after all - I would hate for any misfortune to befall you or any child pulled into this world unwittingly.
[Speaking of - ]
Though I suppose we should give back and provide assistance to children we find in turn. Perhaps I'll go look to make sure none are wandering around now.
[IT'S IRRITATING, ACTUALLY. Akechi hasn't stopped flip flopping since this fucking event started, but he's not about to own up to it.]
It's fortunate you found someone to look after you. This world can be dangerous after all - I would hate for any misfortune to befall you or any child pulled into this world unwittingly.
[Speaking of - ]
Though I suppose we should give back and provide assistance to children we find in turn. Perhaps I'll go look to make sure none are wandering around now.
I can’t sleep.
Do you want to walk?
[He must be wide awake. Ha…]
I can meet you by the castle. Or wherever’s easiest for you.
Don’t worry about meeting halfway. I need to move.
[Right - he hasn't told anyone, even the few who make his small list of 'allowed to know.']
The castle can still be our meeting point - However, it's empty now, save for Oona's occasional use.
Maruki and I left shortly after Vash's departure. We live quite a distance away from town.
I'll give you proper directions another day.
The castle can still be our meeting point - However, it's empty now, save for Oona's occasional use.
Maruki and I left shortly after Vash's departure. We live quite a distance away from town.
I'll give you proper directions another day.
[…Huh.]
Alright. I’ll meet you at the old place.
[And there she’ll be—in less time than that first visit, between her own change of residence and the walk being particularly brisk. Despite the quiet hour, Aubrey’s brought along her bat, as usual—and sword. That’s less common.
[She stares at those grandiose walls, emptier now. Watches. Waits. Might miss Akechi having beat her, just elsewhere. Eh....]
[It's a fair distance away and it's an ironic, bitter, passing realization that by the time he arrives to meet Aubrey-
It's a touch shy of the time he used to meet Eren outside of these very same doors.
He ignores it - offers a prompt greeting with a wave of his hand.]
There you are. This area is somewhat desolate now if you want to wander around the property. It's private and covers a vast expanse of land - the other castle nearby is similarly barren.
It's a touch shy of the time he used to meet Eren outside of these very same doors.
He ignores it - offers a prompt greeting with a wave of his hand.]
There you are. This area is somewhat desolate now if you want to wander around the property. It's private and covers a vast expanse of land - the other castle nearby is similarly barren.
[She waves back. It’s a lifeless gesture, but she is glad to see him.]
Both of them, huh? [The castles. The property. She can’t imagine a circle around familiar ground was the route they used to take.] Might as well check it out.
[It’s not the path the three of them walked, twilight chill nipping at their heels. Aubrey steps slow around the desolate structure; alongside Akechi, if he allows. There’s no urge to take the lead.]
Must be pretty different. [Hands shoved in her pockets, she shrugs a little.] Living somewhere else, I mean. You were always here, right?
Shelter is shelter - I hold no attachments to anything here or in my own reality. Moving was somewhat common when I was a child, so it doesn't bother me to pick up and leave.
[In the end-
The castle is meaningless to him. The faces that used to wander around the halls worthless and gone. People around them vanishing, without a trace.
He eyes the stone walls regardless. Someone else will take it over. Maybe has already and they're being watched through those dim, unlit windows.]
Though our new place is much better, and far more appealing. It's reminiscent of a traditional home in my reality and has amenities I'm familiar with.
[In the end-
The castle is meaningless to him. The faces that used to wander around the halls worthless and gone. People around them vanishing, without a trace.
He eyes the stone walls regardless. Someone else will take it over. Maybe has already and they're being watched through those dim, unlit windows.]
Though our new place is much better, and far more appealing. It's reminiscent of a traditional home in my reality and has amenities I'm familiar with.
[Nooo attachments, right. Never mind all his talk of Featherman, at this age and otherwise.
[If he moved a lot, maybe that was a tether. Aubrey decides not to mention it.]
Home away from home, right? [If that word has extra weight to him, she doesn’t expect Akechi to show it.] No more… medieval fantasy stuff, for a while.
[No reminders, maybe. Different ones.]
I know you’ll never be settled-settled here… but it sounds kind of nice. Especially after that crazy future.
[The privacy is where its value lies. Akechi doesn't argue it. It's nice for that reason alone, not because of the reminder of Tokyo.
Though Akechi doesn't hate that either. Doesn't mind the few creature comforts provided that he never asked for.
He keeps pace with her - their meandering path continues on, side by side. Neither leading, only moving forward.]
It is a nice reprieve from such a violent future. Maruki-san and I ended up in a timeline full of war - I'm sure you've heard whispers of it from others. Many were there. You were among the few missing from it.
[Eren was there goes unspoken. The eternal elephant in a too small room.]
Where did you end up?
Though Akechi doesn't hate that either. Doesn't mind the few creature comforts provided that he never asked for.
He keeps pace with her - their meandering path continues on, side by side. Neither leading, only moving forward.]
It is a nice reprieve from such a violent future. Maruki-san and I ended up in a timeline full of war - I'm sure you've heard whispers of it from others. Many were there. You were among the few missing from it.
[Eren was there goes unspoken. The eternal elephant in a too small room.]
Where did you end up?
Maruki did tell me about that. [They must have fought together; an absence keenly felt. It’s possible to suffocate in open air. Aubrey doesn’t push it.
[She clears her throat, as if dust is what’s lodged in it.]
It was the opposite of yours, pretty much. Everything was still falling apart, just… quietly. [No one else is talking, at this hour.] I found out later that it wasn’t just me in this big, broken-down world, but… honestly, it felt like that for a while.
[Small huff.] Dunno how much I could’ve done in your future. Sounds better than dying of boredom. [If it’s a joke, it’s a dry one.]
I can't imagine. An empty, false reality will always feel cruel, even if you find another to lament with. What good is a broken, desolate world to those still living? A human will always try to survive in any circumstance, for the most part, however I think a place like that would try even the strongest wills. Though in reference to our timeline-
[He gestures to the weapons plastered to her body with a small, sweep of his hand.]
You would have done well enough. The farm was a homebase and everyone's skills were managed appropriately by those in charge. No lives were lost, no substantial injuries procured. Effective planning allowed us to succeed in all ways.
[And Akechi had a great time murdering relentlessly. ♥]
[He gestures to the weapons plastered to her body with a small, sweep of his hand.]
You would have done well enough. The farm was a homebase and everyone's skills were managed appropriately by those in charge. No lives were lost, no substantial injuries procured. Effective planning allowed us to succeed in all ways.
[And Akechi had a great time murdering relentlessly. ♥]
You can’t be serious.
[When he gestures, Aubrey’s already eyeing him.]
The fight went off without a hitch—I’ve heard that. The first thing, though.
You’d find that challenging?
Who wouldn't?
[It's normal. People want to be among one another, want to be together, want to live among their own. That's expected. Akechi-
Doesn't care about that.
An empty world with no Shido. An empty world with only Shido, who would never fall from grace among the peers he strove to fly so high above - what would be the point of anything within it? ]
Isn't it only human nature to find such a world horrific? Most would falter being alone. Most would struggle in a broken world.
[It's normal. People want to be among one another, want to be together, want to live among their own. That's expected. Akechi-
Doesn't care about that.
An empty world with no Shido. An empty world with only Shido, who would never fall from grace among the peers he strove to fly so high above - what would be the point of anything within it? ]
Isn't it only human nature to find such a world horrific? Most would falter being alone. Most would struggle in a broken world.
Well, yeah.
You’re not most people.
[There’s the way that, a few weeks or realities ago, they spoke of tearing this world to shreds—no regard for anyone who might be left. An emotional oversight on Aubrey’s part; surely not Akechi’s.
[There’s how he speaks of choices—decided by others, lived with nonetheless. His own, all for one goal. And then?
[Is that not empty?]
I wouldn’t have thought you’d falter. [Waver. Find it challenging, period.] That’s all.
Don't be mistaken, Aubrey - no part of me will ever waver. Unlike you, I've been set in my intent since the moment I awoke here.
[Pointed. Abrupt. Not cruel in tone, but meant to be an attack. He isn't in the mood for someone whose mind only changed in recent days.]
Admitting difficulty isn't giving up - don't conflate the two. Nothing will keep me from ripping this reality apart at its seam. A broken world being a consequence of it gives me no pause.
[Pointed. Abrupt. Not cruel in tone, but meant to be an attack. He isn't in the mood for someone whose mind only changed in recent days.]
Admitting difficulty isn't giving up - don't conflate the two. Nothing will keep me from ripping this reality apart at its seam. A broken world being a consequence of it gives me no pause.
[Offense only somewhat taken. Aubrey’s well aware her tune changed only recently. How well can she be said to have withstood everything, really, when she came out different yet again?
[She glances abruptly away when it lands. Moves on. That’s all.]
Alright. [Mumbled somewhat.] I was just asking.
[A few paces for the exchange to better settle; and, more clearly:] It wasn’t supposed to be an insult.
BB has a question. She learned you are old school right? Like when it comes to marriage and stuff?
[Life grows under her as she moves and he hates it.
This absurd palace - a diary, a soul, a memory. He doesn't give a shit what it is. He knows how to deal with it, and while she may have tried to kill him-
She made a mistake bringing him here and he'll make sure she regrets it.
There's one way to kill a soul, destroy a palace, wreck a life-And over and over
And will do it over and over until his real target in a true reality has a mouth full of bubbling, foaming red.
She moves closer.
If you insist.
[One more corpse added to a pile of faceless nobodies. It's ironic her distortion involves being a giver of life in a desolate, dead world. Funnier still that she's about to nourish that non-existent soil with her own body. She's distorted if any part of her believes she can create something beautiful from nothing.
He hates her.
And pulls the trigger without hesitation, intent on shooting until she turns into wisps of smoke or a bloody, pathetic mess.]
This absurd palace - a diary, a soul, a memory. He doesn't give a shit what it is. He knows how to deal with it, and while she may have tried to kill him-
She failed.
He won't. Never does.Never will.
Another mistake made as she stands before him with all the petulance she exudes in reality.She made a mistake bringing him here and he'll make sure she regrets it.
There's one way to kill a soul, destroy a palace, wreck a life-
He's done it over and over and over
And will do it over and over until his real target in a true reality has a mouth full of bubbling, foaming red.
She moves closer.
Good.
She opens her mouth.Good.
He'll enjoy this.]If you insist.
[One more corpse added to a pile of faceless nobodies. It's ironic her distortion involves being a giver of life in a desolate, dead world. Funnier still that she's about to nourish that non-existent soil with her own body. She's distorted if any part of her believes she can create something beautiful from nothing.
He hates her.
So he pulls out a gun, hidden at his hip-
Aligns the barrel to her visor, a reflection of her irritated face engulfing his vision-[ Absurdities do not quantify the essence of what is to be, before him. What he thinks is a palace, and in essence, can be convoluted into that meaning. In truth, is anything but what it seems to Akechi; what lies before him is the very existence of a person's heart, laid bare. A mishappen chance, that came about from accident alone. A chance to bind yourself more intimately with a servant or another existence is responded to with outward rejection. Effectively the existence of BB's heart, the core of her spirit origin, and everything that surmises her existence is now face to face with a gun.
Although, on the occasion of her existence outside this confine. BB would be quick to move and let herself be untouched, however, what Akechi does in shooting her. Hits every mark, and it takes two shots to even try to break through the visor. The glass cracks from the first, and then the second shatters it wherein the bullet blazes with intent to shoot through her head. Except, he did not account for something that would not be there.
The glass shatters and the second bullet slams into what could only be the shape of a horn poking outwards, and the third manages to reach through her shoulder entirely. This causes her to wince, and grip at the wound immediately. A stifled sound but it is followed up with a grievanced sigh and a sad somber look towards him. ]
Ahh...
You aren't supposed to see...
[ Her previously dawned sanguine presence had fled from her figure, and despite being in pain. There seemed to be this suddenness of guilt found in the slither of her expression that Akechi can clearly see. BB attempts to move around her helmet, so that no part of her head can be viewed. ]
Get out...
[ Her voice is soft, but full of building anger. The eye above them seems to widen and glower towards Akechi in disbelief. The world around them trembles with a shake that causes everything in there to whirl around. ]
[ As she yells so loudly, black hands begin to grow from the ground and grip Akechi. Numerous hands of black mud, arms of humans with hands retaining such vivid detail attempting to grip him and drag him down under. Into the dark mud, he sinks, deeper and deeper. Loki is no different either, except he is enshrouded in black ribbons with red lines that ensnare themself in entirety around it. Making only the black ribbon visible.
If he tries to look for her - BB disappears for a moment, and then, suddenly, she is there on top of him. Straddling his body as he sinks deeper into the mud - the more he moves the faster he is dragged under.
Akechi can see her face through the broken visor. How her eyes are colored in a dark red glowering shade, and the color of her hair is just a tad bit ... Lighter. With the small horn peeking from the cracked glass. ]
Someone like you could never kill me, I am not sure why you thought you could.
[ Her hands reach to coil around his neck. Fingers dug deeper into his skin as her nails sank in even deeper. The black hands gripping his body. Begin to force themself into his mouth as if trying to suffocate him this way as well - ]
Whatever you think this is, you know nothing. You humans know nothing, and because of that reason. Even someone like me rejects the existence of what is going on in this place, and if you don't figure it out soon.
Your sins will find you, one way or another....
[ The creeping encroaching darkness comes, until suddenly - it is pitch black - and then it isn't. ]
Although, on the occasion of her existence outside this confine. BB would be quick to move and let herself be untouched, however, what Akechi does in shooting her. Hits every mark, and it takes two shots to even try to break through the visor. The glass cracks from the first, and then the second shatters it wherein the bullet blazes with intent to shoot through her head. Except, he did not account for something that would not be there.
The glass shatters and the second bullet slams into what could only be the shape of a horn poking outwards, and the third manages to reach through her shoulder entirely. This causes her to wince, and grip at the wound immediately. A stifled sound but it is followed up with a grievanced sigh and a sad somber look towards him. ]
Ahh...
That...
[ Her previously dawned sanguine presence had fled from her figure, and despite being in pain. There seemed to be this suddenness of guilt found in the slither of her expression that Akechi can clearly see. BB attempts to move around her helmet, so that no part of her head can be viewed. ]
Get out...
[ Her voice is soft, but full of building anger. The eye above them seems to widen and glower towards Akechi in disbelief. The world around them trembles with a shake that causes everything in there to whirl around. ]
GET OUT!!
[ As she yells so loudly, black hands begin to grow from the ground and grip Akechi. Numerous hands of black mud, arms of humans with hands retaining such vivid detail attempting to grip him and drag him down under. Into the dark mud, he sinks, deeper and deeper. Loki is no different either, except he is enshrouded in black ribbons with red lines that ensnare themself in entirety around it. Making only the black ribbon visible.
If he tries to look for her - BB disappears for a moment, and then, suddenly, she is there on top of him. Straddling his body as he sinks deeper into the mud - the more he moves the faster he is dragged under.
Akechi can see her face through the broken visor. How her eyes are colored in a dark red glowering shade, and the color of her hair is just a tad bit ... Lighter. With the small horn peeking from the cracked glass. ]
[ Her hands reach to coil around his neck. Fingers dug deeper into his skin as her nails sank in even deeper. The black hands gripping his body. Begin to force themself into his mouth as if trying to suffocate him this way as well - ]
Your sins will find you, one way or another....
[ The creeping encroaching darkness comes, until suddenly - it is pitch black - and then it isn't. ]
[ Then Akechi is out, back excatly where this all started. With only minutes having passed them by, they return as two figures having endured a flurry of battles. Memories of them seemingly flickering in and out. As if they were glitches in a roll of film. So many of them were the same, and the few that weren't stood out enough to be remembered.
BB, ejects him out of her body, after what she could only describe as excruciating pain. She is gasping for breath, and falling onto the ground attempting to grip her chest. BB's Spirit Orgin was cracked - very bad btw. In essence what makes her who she is, and what is her basic coding had been marred. Cracked, unable to recourse energy in the usual flow that it followed beforehand - BB is panicking. If she can stabilize herself BB can with her skills, and capacity as a Servant, patch herself up.
However, it will serve, as one of the main reasons she ends up dying after eating a certain someone. ]
WHAT the fuck is wrong with you?
[ BB coughs, getting up to ensure she makes some distance between them. ]
BB doesn't even KNOW WHERE you ended up - how the fuck did you do that?
[ She backs up a few steps, clearly debilitated. Attempting to keep herself together and despite that Akechi may speak between all this. BB is going, slipping back into the Void space whence she came and exiting out only in a place of safety where she can undo the mess that he made... ]
BB, ejects him out of her body, after what she could only describe as excruciating pain. She is gasping for breath, and falling onto the ground attempting to grip her chest. BB's Spirit Orgin was cracked - very bad btw. In essence what makes her who she is, and what is her basic coding had been marred. Cracked, unable to recourse energy in the usual flow that it followed beforehand - BB is panicking. If she can stabilize herself BB can with her skills, and capacity as a Servant, patch herself up.
However, it will serve, as one of the main reasons she ends up dying after eating a certain someone. ]
WHAT the fuck is wrong with you?
[ BB coughs, getting up to ensure she makes some distance between them. ]
BB doesn't even KNOW WHERE you ended up - how the fuck did you do that?
[ She backs up a few steps, clearly debilitated. Attempting to keep herself together and despite that Akechi may speak between all this. BB is going, slipping back into the Void space whence she came and exiting out only in a place of safety where she can undo the mess that he made... ]
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