[ 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}
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.]