[ Lumindeas opening up to them is a boon. Maruki doesn't trust it any more than he does Visium, not for one moment, but its existence and their ability to travel to it brings to light so many new mysteries and puts to rest some older ones. He and Akechi have believed all along that this world they knew back in Somnius was not all of this reality to be seen, and that Vaeros was not the grand manipulator behind the scenes that others believed.
Being proved right is a hell of a drug.
Aside from that, the presence of the quest board offers endless new opportunities to worm into the nooks and crannies of this reality, learn all that they can. He and Akechi had combed over it for the better part of an afternoon, climbing the ladders and writing down potentially lucrative information avenues in their notebooks before conferring. Perhaps it's unsurprising that in the end, they landed on the same initial choice: Escorting a dignitary to Visium, high stakes and high reward.
There's no danger in it, really, despite the requirement to be able to provide physical and magical protection if needed; it's an expectation they easily succeed on their own, to say nothing of their combined might. A stupider person might find it almost boring, in fact, but being able to come close to someone in a position of power is an opportunity they haven't been granted yet in this reality. Even if this dignitary ends up being only one of many members of a cabal, they now have a face and a name emerging from those shadows. It's more than they had before by a mile.
As they wait aside the carriage for the dignitary to emerge from the castle and join them, alone for the moment, Maruki inclines his heard toward Akechi. ]
This is your element. [ Getting in close with the wealthy and powerful. Close enough to kill, but choosing not to. ] I'll follow your lead.
Good. There's no room for error and I won't falter. Keep your eyes on me, and react in kind.
[Akechi thrives in this world - a natural ease among those that control the lives of all around them.
It's because they're so goddamn simple. Be a resource. Be useful. Do as you're told without question, quickly. Cultivate that for weeks, months, years - earn a place, earn the world.
There's a fuss at the door of a pristine, beautiful castle that hides some of the darkest secrets of this reality. No matter how long it takes, Akechi will ensure they get inside.
No visual on the dignitary. It's all workers, sycophants and servants preparing for an arrival to a goddamn door. A show. Presentation. Akechi keeps his eyes plastered on those preparing for this entity. How they stand, sit, move - it's more valuable than their charge's face right now.
He straightens his posture - pushes himself up from the carriage wheel to stand tall.]
For the record, patience is a requirement for this. We're here to gain favor and nothing more. It goes without saying, but speak only when spoken to and do as you're told without hesitation or question. The powerful love puppets and that's all we are now.
[ Maruki doesn't take any of it personally. He does need to be reminded to be patient, and to keep his mouth shut. He and Akechi have run in very different circles all their lives, and reacted in very different ways to the people in power putting them under their thumb. In a way, it's exciting to see how the other half lives.
He straightens up as well, shoulders back, hands clasped dutifully behind his back as they wait. He watches the same people that Akechi watches, speaks out of the side of his mouth. ]
Anything you say, senpai.
[ Okay, he has to be a little shit for exactly two (2) seconds. But then he's done! He's good. ]
Lasts only a second. A single moment. The dignitary leaves their home with all the fanfare of someone with inflated importance. Akechi does very little when that happens. Only stays out of the way - trusts that Maruki will do the same.
They aren't here to converse or speak to them. He catches their eyes, offers a polite smile and mimics any mannerisms the lowest among this elite's company seems to do. They are nothing after all. Tools. Weapons. Temporary guardians. There's no explosive standoff. No overzealous flattery.
The reality of infiltrating such a world is -
It's boring. Requires patience, a crushed ego and feigned admiration of those in power to earn a place as a sycophant.
Akechi trusts Maruki is doing as he said. Waits until the carriage is loaded with whatever powerful entourage follows their charge - continues that silence until they begin to move, and-]
It's interesting. They truly are impressive. [He hates them. They're disgusting. It's about flattery in secret, though Akechi knows they can hear just fine if they're tuning in. He murmurs all the same.] We were fortunate to get this job - let's be sure to not let them down.
[ Maruki may not have experience with this sort of thing, but he has common sense. He hadn't expected it to be a thrilling experience. If it's boring, then they're doing it right. Watching, listening, learning. Slowly and steadily currying favor. There was no one to do that with in Somnius – well, perhaps the moon, but Akechi certainly made sure that would never happen – and they can't waste this opportunity now that they have it.
He nods to Akechi, resists the urge to try his hand at acting and lay it on thick. Be normal... ]
Of course. It's an honor to be able to help in any way we can.
[ Okay, maybe it's a little thick. He'll shut the fuck up as the carriage gets going. ]
[Akechi keeps up the quiet, menial chatter. Ensures Maruki isn't tempted to listen into the equally quiet conversation happening in the carriage. The topics are light as they move along. Discussion about homes, people, foods seen as they pass through the unfamiliar city filling the time. Less so as they enter parts that require more protection. The occasional low stakes fight. Negotiations made by parts of the convey when necessary. It's, overall, a relaxed escort mission.
They're back in Somnius before long with a sea of crystal blocking their path. Cut through, it's implied, because the powerful don't have time to waste looking for alternative paths. That's what tools are for.]
You can go first - be sure not to scare the horses with your power.
[ Oh, of course. What a kind offer from the gracious prince.
Maruki's smile is nothing less than grateful as he slides out of his seat in the carriage. ]
I wouldn't dream of it.
[ Even babies ride horses. And horses should be able to withstand a little crystal destruction without going mad with fright.
He steps out, circles around their little caravan to face the intended path. Best to put some distance between them before he summons Azathoth, and he's about a dozen paces away when he notices one of the dragonkin guards following after him, a few steps behind.
Alright then.
Azathoth appears with its customary silent summon, preceded only by that aurora. Maruki hasn't had reason to summon it since things calmed down in December – the way it reflects off the densely packed crystal is a stunning sight.
He admires it for only a second longer before extending his left hand. One of Azathoth's tendrils rises up from the ground in front of the offending crystal, and Piercing Strike hits until it shatters. Then another couple feet to the next crystal, then another, then another...
It's a lot of crystal. Dear lord.
Maruki glances back, then–
Hits the next swath of crystal with Raining Seeds instead. Too much? ]
[A monstrous form taking shape behind the most unassuming man in any reality in bound to turn heads, and it does. As expected, as predicted, dragonkin and charge alike try to get a front row seat. Akechi can hear the subtle shift of weight against door.
Nothing else compares to a show of power. It's as important as knowing your subservience to another. Maruki will be known as a valuable tool with this simple clean up, the same way Akechi showed his value with a trip to another world.
And it is impressive - even Akechi's eyes fall to the shattered crystal, the glimmers flickering in the sky, against snowy fields.
It's not too much - not at all.
The path is cleared for them. Akechi doesn't move. Hasn't. Not until Maruki comes back to take his spot and Akechi holds out a hand to pull him up, ever the helpful teammate.]
You had fun. It's always nice to let loose now and again, isn't it?
[ Maruki has to breathe a sigh of relief when the dragonkin guards don't give any indication that he's gone too far. Azathoth doesn't exactly have a less destructive mode, and all of his concentration and willpower have gone into channeling that damage exactly where it ought to be and no further. The path is cleared, and–
Akechi extends a hand to him. He could almost laugh. God, he's good at playing the part.
Maruki takes it without missing a beat, steps up into the carriage to take his seat next to him, head bowed and shaking side to side with a deferential smile. ]
Only if there's purpose to it. I'm just glad I could be of service.
Ah, if only you were this easy to work with at home.
[Voice lowered, tone amiable as ever - he slouches down for a moment to feign a Big Stretch. Uses the opportunity to catch Maruki's eyes, look back towards the shifting curtain, and then back to the path before them.
They're moving along as ever.
What a boring affair.]
It's a shame no one can use any of the crystals. One would think these would hold a similar power to the one in town, even if it was subdued. I've been trying to see if my ability can pick up on anything, but-
Whether or not Akechi intends to try to use that as a possible in, Maruki can't help but tack on, casual as anything: ]
You're humble as ever, Akechi-kun. Your ability to intuit information about anything you come across is second to none.
[ If anyone is listening to them – and he knows they're being listened to – perhaps they'll remember that for the future, seek Akechi out for specific work.
And even if they don't, well. He does mean it. Akechi's navigator instincts fascinate him.
He peers out one of the windows of the carriage as they make their way through the craggy crystallized terrain. ]
[It is second to none without Futaba around. He is the navigator. A special boy.]
Perhaps. It may be something that activates elsewhere - an item of sorts. There are many things that look like trinkets or seem worthless until a battle begins.
[And as they slowly begin to move again, heading through their newly carved path from nothing, Akechi leans down to take some of the shattered crystals on the ground. Small, thick slivers.
He drops one in Maruki's hand. Lets the other fall into his pants pocket after a quick photo.]
Maybe this will save your life someday. It could be nothing, or it could be samarecarm in a crystal - can you imagine?
It doesn't show on Maruki's face at all. Not a single flicker in his expression as it moves smoothly from curiosity to smiling deference. ]
Of course. I'm sure you'll teach me in time.
[ Likely when he next finds himself on the wrong side of a pistol or a dagger.
The carriage inches ever closer to the town, through the craggy path they brute forced into existence, until–
A sudden stop, so dead in its tracks that everyone lurches with it. Those in the front of the carriage sound more than a little alarmed at the mention of two Shadow Wolves ahead. Even if they were to turn around, they would be quickly ambushed.
Maruki blinks. They must be leftovers from that chaotic time before the crystal took over, laying in wait to attack again. Or perhaps they were encased in the crystal themselves, and his destruction inadvertently freed them.
Even a prince feels the thrill of a fight at his core. Akechi doesn't hesitate to jump down from the safety of the carriage to face the pathetic weaklings that dare stand in their path.
Akechi could eviscerate them without a persona. Did, not too long ago. He remembers how it felt to slide a blade their bloated corpses.
It's too bad.]
Allow me - this will only take a moment.
[It's a show, but not just for those seeking refuge inside the carriage. It's for Maruki too.
Something new manifests with Robin Hood's stance. Megaton Raid piercing through the beast - its weak body incapable of handling it after months of constant training, constant battles. The beast explodes from the contact. Blood, viscera and bone scattering and-
The other one gets a bullet to the skull - perfect aim, perfect stance. It drops dead among the masses of flesh.]
The security level has increased. Though we could do little to avoid it - Maruki-san, please keep an eye out. I think more foes will gather as we move.
[ Akechi rejoins him in the carriage, and Maruki stares openly at him for five, ten seconds before schooling his expression back into pleasant neutrality. ]
That was an impressive display as always, Akechi-kun. I'll be sure to keep an eye out.
[ He is beaming WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT psychic rays straight into Akechi's skull. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
royal transport quest for fakeass bitches
Being proved right is a hell of a drug.
Aside from that, the presence of the quest board offers endless new opportunities to worm into the nooks and crannies of this reality, learn all that they can. He and Akechi had combed over it for the better part of an afternoon, climbing the ladders and writing down potentially lucrative information avenues in their notebooks before conferring. Perhaps it's unsurprising that in the end, they landed on the same initial choice: Escorting a dignitary to Visium, high stakes and high reward.
There's no danger in it, really, despite the requirement to be able to provide physical and magical protection if needed; it's an expectation they easily succeed on their own, to say nothing of their combined might. A stupider person might find it almost boring, in fact, but being able to come close to someone in a position of power is an opportunity they haven't been granted yet in this reality. Even if this dignitary ends up being only one of many members of a cabal, they now have a face and a name emerging from those shadows. It's more than they had before by a mile.
As they wait aside the carriage for the dignitary to emerge from the castle and join them, alone for the moment, Maruki inclines his heard toward Akechi. ]
This is your element. [ Getting in close with the wealthy and powerful. Close enough to kill, but choosing not to. ] I'll follow your lead.
heheheheh
[Akechi thrives in this world - a natural ease among those that control the lives of all around them.
It's because they're so goddamn simple. Be a resource. Be useful. Do as you're told without question, quickly. Cultivate that for weeks, months, years - earn a place, earn the world.
There's a fuss at the door of a pristine, beautiful castle that hides some of the darkest secrets of this reality. No matter how long it takes, Akechi will ensure they get inside.
No visual on the dignitary. It's all workers, sycophants and servants preparing for an arrival to a goddamn door. A show. Presentation. Akechi keeps his eyes plastered on those preparing for this entity. How they stand, sit, move - it's more valuable than their charge's face right now.
He straightens his posture - pushes himself up from the carriage wheel to stand tall.]
For the record, patience is a requirement for this. We're here to gain favor and nothing more. It goes without saying, but speak only when spoken to and do as you're told without hesitation or question. The powerful love puppets and that's all we are now.
no subject
He straightens up as well, shoulders back, hands clasped dutifully behind his back as they wait. He watches the same people that Akechi watches, speaks out of the side of his mouth. ]
Anything you say, senpai.
[ Okay, he has to be a little shit for exactly two (2) seconds. But then he's done! He's good. ]
no subject
Lasts only a second. A single moment. The dignitary leaves their home with all the fanfare of someone with inflated importance. Akechi does very little when that happens. Only stays out of the way - trusts that Maruki will do the same.
They aren't here to converse or speak to them. He catches their eyes, offers a polite smile and mimics any mannerisms the lowest among this elite's company seems to do. They are nothing after all. Tools. Weapons. Temporary guardians. There's no explosive standoff. No overzealous flattery.
The reality of infiltrating such a world is -
It's boring. Requires patience, a crushed ego and feigned admiration of those in power to earn a place as a sycophant.
Akechi trusts Maruki is doing as he said. Waits until the carriage is loaded with whatever powerful entourage follows their charge - continues that silence until they begin to move, and-]
It's interesting. They truly are impressive. [He hates them. They're disgusting. It's about flattery in secret, though Akechi knows they can hear just fine if they're tuning in. He murmurs all the same.] We were fortunate to get this job - let's be sure to not let them down.
matchies...
He nods to Akechi, resists the urge to try his hand at acting and lay it on thick. Be normal... ]
Of course. It's an honor to be able to help in any way we can.
[ Okay, maybe it's a little thick. He'll shut the fuck up as the carriage gets going. ]
no subject
They're back in Somnius before long with a sea of crystal blocking their path. Cut through, it's implied, because the powerful don't have time to waste looking for alternative paths. That's what tools are for.]
You can go first - be sure not to scare the horses with your power.
no subject
Maruki's smile is nothing less than grateful as he slides out of his seat in the carriage. ]
I wouldn't dream of it.
[ Even babies ride horses. And horses should be able to withstand a little crystal destruction without going mad with fright.
He steps out, circles around their little caravan to face the intended path. Best to put some distance between them before he summons Azathoth, and he's about a dozen paces away when he notices one of the dragonkin guards following after him, a few steps behind.
Alright then.
Azathoth appears with its customary silent summon, preceded only by that aurora. Maruki hasn't had reason to summon it since things calmed down in December – the way it reflects off the densely packed crystal is a stunning sight.
He admires it for only a second longer before extending his left hand. One of Azathoth's tendrils rises up from the ground in front of the offending crystal, and Piercing Strike hits until it shatters. Then another couple feet to the next crystal, then another, then another...
It's a lot of crystal. Dear lord.
Maruki glances back, then–
Hits the next swath of crystal with Raining Seeds instead. Too much? ]
no subject
Nothing else compares to a show of power. It's as important as knowing your subservience to another. Maruki will be known as a valuable tool with this simple clean up, the same way Akechi showed his value with a trip to another world.
And it is impressive - even Akechi's eyes fall to the shattered crystal, the glimmers flickering in the sky, against snowy fields.
It's not too much - not at all.
The path is cleared for them. Akechi doesn't move. Hasn't. Not until Maruki comes back to take his spot and Akechi holds out a hand to pull him up, ever the helpful teammate.]
You had fun. It's always nice to let loose now and again, isn't it?
no subject
Akechi extends a hand to him. He could almost laugh. God, he's good at playing the part.
Maruki takes it without missing a beat, steps up into the carriage to take his seat next to him, head bowed and shaking side to side with a deferential smile. ]
Only if there's purpose to it. I'm just glad I could be of service.
[ Gross. ]
no subject
[Voice lowered, tone amiable as ever - he slouches down for a moment to feign a Big Stretch. Uses the opportunity to catch Maruki's eyes, look back towards the shifting curtain, and then back to the path before them.
They're moving along as ever.
What a boring affair.]
It's a shame no one can use any of the crystals. One would think these would hold a similar power to the one in town, even if it was subdued. I've been trying to see if my ability can pick up on anything, but-
Perhaps that's best left to the experts.
no subject
Whether or not Akechi intends to try to use that as a possible in, Maruki can't help but tack on, casual as anything: ]
You're humble as ever, Akechi-kun. Your ability to intuit information about anything you come across is second to none.
[ If anyone is listening to them – and he knows they're being listened to – perhaps they'll remember that for the future, seek Akechi out for specific work.
And even if they don't, well. He does mean it. Akechi's navigator instincts fascinate him.
He peers out one of the windows of the carriage as they make their way through the craggy crystallized terrain. ]
Perhaps their power is only lying dormant?
no subject
Perhaps. It may be something that activates elsewhere - an item of sorts. There are many things that look like trinkets or seem worthless until a battle begins.
[And as they slowly begin to move again, heading through their newly carved path from nothing, Akechi leans down to take some of the shattered crystals on the ground. Small, thick slivers.
He drops one in Maruki's hand. Lets the other fall into his pants pocket after a quick photo.]
Maybe this will save your life someday. It could be nothing, or it could be samarecarm in a crystal - can you imagine?
oh my god
It could be... what in a crystal?
[ The hell is a samarecarm. ]
hehehehe intensify
My apologies - it's rare there's a term you're unfamiliar with. I'm sure the meaning will make itself clear someday. It's a bit difficult to explain.
in which i make shit up
It doesn't show on Maruki's face at all. Not a single flicker in his expression as it moves smoothly from curiosity to smiling deference. ]
Of course. I'm sure you'll teach me in time.
[ Likely when he next finds himself on the wrong side of a pistol or a dagger.
The carriage inches ever closer to the town, through the craggy path they brute forced into existence, until–
A sudden stop, so dead in its tracks that everyone lurches with it. Those in the front of the carriage sound more than a little alarmed at the mention of two Shadow Wolves ahead. Even if they were to turn around, they would be quickly ambushed.
Maruki blinks. They must be leftovers from that chaotic time before the crystal took over, laying in wait to attack again. Or perhaps they were encased in the crystal themselves, and his destruction inadvertently freed them.
Either way, he inclines his head toward Akechi. ]
I believe you're up.
in which enrichment occurs cw: gore, violence
Even a prince feels the thrill of a fight at his core. Akechi doesn't hesitate to jump down from the safety of the carriage to face the pathetic weaklings that dare stand in their path.
Akechi could eviscerate them without a persona. Did, not too long ago. He remembers how it felt to slide a blade their bloated corpses.
It's too bad.]
Allow me - this will only take a moment.
[It's a show, but not just for those seeking refuge inside the carriage. It's for Maruki too.
Something new manifests with Robin Hood's stance. Megaton Raid piercing through the beast - its weak body incapable of handling it after months of constant training, constant battles. The beast explodes from the contact. Blood, viscera and bone scattering and-
The other one gets a bullet to the skull - perfect aim, perfect stance. It drops dead among the masses of flesh.]
The security level has increased. Though we could do little to avoid it - Maruki-san, please keep an eye out. I think more foes will gather as we move.
no subject
How...?
[ Akechi rejoins him in the carriage, and Maruki stares openly at him for five, ten seconds before schooling his expression back into pleasant neutrality. ]
That was an impressive display as always, Akechi-kun. I'll be sure to keep an eye out.
[ He is beaming WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT psychic rays straight into Akechi's skull. ]
wrapped
[And Akechi says nothing more about it.
When the next group of monsters appear, he avoids using that attack at all costs. Bombs most, shoots others.
And in the end, they succeed. A boring mission to earn favor, an in, in the smallest way.]