|
Post by Alter Jeanne on Oct 26, 2015 4:13:16 GMT
Slightly annoyed by Percival's words but not giving much attention to it, her disgusted glance switched to Astolfo and Emiya who were seeming to get along just fine.
“You two, since you are too impatient to start go on ahead with the annoying Rider that already left. I am your leader after all and I don't want to deal with Chaldea bitching at me if any of you were to die under my command, that would be too annoying.”
Her gaze then resting on Arturia's eyes who were unable to look anywhere else but at her, her right hand reaching Saber's cheek as she rubbed it gently. An evil smile that envolved Arturia's being as Jeanne did as she pleased, regardless of what the others might think of the situation and sending out a last order.
“I will say this only one last time” Nor her touch or her look leaving Arturia but still directing her words at Rider and Archer “All the 3 of you go on ahead, you seem to be... capable... enough for this kind of mission. As for Arturia and myself...” Her evil grin being more obvious by each word that she spilled out of her mouth “We will be your reinforcements in case you need them. We will be right behind you.” She clearly had other plans for the other Alter as she said her words. “Also, If you are all as capable as I think you are, No, As the Heroic spirits you claim to be... Then I'm sure you won't need our help at all.” A deep serious tone of voice as she said these words, just as if trying to reinforce her last order and making it clear that she wanted to be alone with Alter.
“As for you, my dear serf...” Her hand leaving her cheek and her face expression switching to a more serious one, the tone of her voice as she spoke towards Saber also changed making her words only audible for her “I believe this tunnel connects somewhere deep inside to the main one that will lead us to our objective...” Her seriousness quickly fading as an amused smile filled her face again “I'm pretty aware that you have a lot of questions to ask and that you might want to test your sword against me but right now is not the time for it. Let's get this done with before the clowns ahead of us and if you behave well, I might reward you ~”.
Shameless and acting all mighty in front of Saber was just the start of what she was going to make her go through. The tyrant would experience shame and humiliation like she had never before just for Jeanne's amusement. Now all they had to do was wait until everyone were gone for both of them to get on their way as well.
|
|
|
Post by Arturia Pendragon [Alter] on Oct 27, 2015 8:47:52 GMT
Archer's preemptive response fell on the tyrant's deaf ears as she was still focused on primarily Percival, and most especially Ruler Alter. His gesture that implied a chance for supportive assistance from him also gave no thought, meaningful or not, into the girl's mind. Saber Alter is still used to being the Perfect King who did not understand humans, and it was bolstered further by the fact that she was meant to walk onto a path alone. So perhaps it was only natural that if she tried to understand Archer's words, actions, even the slightest movements... she just would not accept them.
However, seeing him side with Percival so that the two may scout together reminded her once again of the rebellion of the Knights of the Round Table. Ironically, it was Tristan who was the next Knight to stand up against the tyrant once Percival of her world made his intentions clear. It made the Saber narrow her eyes in a darkened fashion at the sight of such a scene that reminded her of an incredible disappointment she felt when even her own Knights would betray her. Astolfo would join the 'boy squad' soon after, and while it did lightened up the mood overall, Saber Alter's mood turned even more darker as she continues to witness one person after another banding together. Turning to look at Ruler Alter, she was reminded of herself whenever she looked at the dark Saint. Maybe it was because the two are evil-aligned, but this Jeanne d'Arc has the capability to stand alone as a tyrant, potentially displaying a greater tyranny than what Arturia had done in her lifetime.
Saber Alter's stoic gaze remains fixated on Ruler Alter as Percival and presumingly the others entered into the pitch black depths of the tunnel entrance. Her eyes softly closed as the latter went to caress her cheek, not out of an intimate feeling, but out of pure disgust. She had no objections to the commands issued out by Jeanne to the other members of the team. She could care less about them. What she cared about at the moment is the issue between the two Alter Servants.
Arturia merely stood still, letting herself being played around like a doll to the Ruler. She could feel some form of power of dominion within the Saint's words whenever they were directed at the King. Even if the former was not actively using this ability, Arturia honestly felt some... helplessness deep inside her heart whenever she heard Ruler Alter speak. She was even ashamed at herself for feeling helpless in the first place. That was how powerless she felt she was. Her eyes opened up to a narrowed state to reveal her golden irises once again, but this time accompanied by her teeth gnashing against each other in frustration. "You scum..." She cursed very lowly so that it was only audible to the two, almost in a threatening tone, and done in response to being called a serf. Her hands clenched into fists so hard, it was slightly shaking from the force applied.
Hearing what Ruler Alter had in mind made her feel indifferent. She was already feeling these bottled emotions before the Saint even spoke out those reminding words, conveying the desires that the King had in mind. She too waited for the others to leave a fair distance away so she can actually focus on just this woman in front of her, and her alone.
|
|
|
Post by emiya on Oct 27, 2015 15:24:45 GMT
He nods, moving onwards to support Percival. He winces slightly as Astolfo hurriedly agrees to as well, though. He wanted someone to stay behind to make sure D’Arc’s obviously malign intentions towards Arturia was recorded, if not acted upon. That conviction only became more and more powerful as she continued to blatantly abuse whatever compulsive strength she had over Arturia. If he had to compare it to something, it’d be Command Spells...and his experiences in the world of the living left him just a bit too sentimental to ignore something like that.
Still, at least for the moment, he moves out with Astolfo in tow. He couldn’t say he disliked the man. His cheeriness was welcome, if not contagious. He smiles slightly and shrugs. “You’re certainly committed to this. I hope you don’t run out of enthusiasm once you start getting into fights.”
As he begins to make his way through the tunnels, his reinforced senses pick up what human ears could not.
“I believe this tunnel connects somewhere deep to the main one that will lead to our objective...I’m pretty aware that you have a lot of questions to ask, and that you might want to test your sword against me but right now is not the time for it. Let’s get this done with before the clowns ahead of us and I might reward you~”
“You scum…”
Emiya sighs. As if he could leave them alone after her hearing something like that. It was an almost predatory instinct he detected in Ruler, it reminded him of the Caster of his own Grail War’s actions towards Saber that he had to supervise to make sure nothing horrible occurred. It’d intrude on the mission, definitely, and it’d leave Percival and Astolfo alone to deal with what came ahead, while the two Alter-class Servants could easily handle themselves if they didn’t burn out. But then, that was a decent excuse for monitoring them on it’s own, wasn’t it?
He continues to travel with Astolfo until they manage to reconnect with Percival, far away from them that even he couldn’t keep track of what was going on. Hearing Percival’s musing, he nods. “I agree completely. Honestly, I’m starting to think leaving them alone was a bad idea...I certainly don’t see them attempting to follow us. Heh, so much for reinforcements. I don’t appreciate lazy leaders much.”
Continuing down the tunnels, he’ll assist with any immediate threats that present themselves. However, once a lull appears, he’ll try to excuse himself. “I’m sorry, but, well, it’s too much of a bother, you see. If you don’t think you’ll need my assistance, I’d rather go back to keep an eye on them. I’ll let you make the decision, the mission takes priority, of course.”
|
|
|
Post by Astolfo on Oct 28, 2015 14:06:31 GMT
Unsurprisingly, Astolfo was all too happy to play along with Percival’s chatter – hooray, someone to gossip with! Most Servant were just too straight-laced for his liking; that sort of attitude was just so unhealthy. Unlike his knightly compatriot, though; Rider didn’t bother drawing his sword; just following along lazily. "Yeah yeah, she’ll be a bother if we let her be one… best to just keep our distance. I wouldn’t mind taking someone like that down a peg, but… that’s probably not the best attitude to have in this sort of job.” replied the boy, scuffing the ground with a boot. Meanwhile, there was the Archer’s bemused opinion of his bouncy nature – no doubt the man knew what to expect in response. "Of course, I’ve got energy to spare! I wouldn’t be a hero if I just slacked off, right? Besides, Captain Nasty will probably spank me if I fall behind by the sounds of her tone.”
Trotting along with the pair, Astolfo would bounce along with his springy step as they chatted; seeming as eager as ever despite his complaints about the crew’s leader. Upon hearing Archer’s interest in sneaking off, though; he would just give a frown and a shrug. "Aw, I like the company. But, be my guest. I’m sure we’ll be fine up front; and you’re an Archer anyway, right? So it’d be unfair to leave you on the frontlines.” replied the boy, sounding a bit unhappy but understanding enough anyway. "Just don’t get your head bitten off by the boss~”
Although a little dissatisfied to find his newfound friend disappearing so hastily, Astolfo remained upbeat and utterly ignorant of all the bitterness that haunted around behind the group – best to leave those sorts of people alone, wasn’t it? "Sooo, Mister Knight! Percy, right? What do you think of this place? Too dreary for you, or is it someplace you know, or something?” mused the boy, trying to start some conversation – although he was certainly grasping at straws. Better than wasting time in silence, at least! "I only really know France and a bit of England and such, so I dunno. It feels weird to have to fight in a place you don’t have a clue about.”
|
|
|
Post by Percival on Oct 30, 2015 18:43:47 GMT
Percival placed his hands behind his head in a casual pose as he turned and began walking backwards to face Archer. "Hey, no worries. You go take care of the scary ladies, I'm sure there's nothing down here that I can't handle." The words were spoken casually, with confidence that bordered on arrogance but lacked the biting edge. It was the same mindset that had sent him down here alone in the first place, not the idea that his allies weren't capable like the dark Ruler outside, but rather that his own abilities would be enough to fight through any enemy and protect all his allies. A true knightly arrogance, it could be said.
After Archer departed, Percival turned back around, keeping his remaining companion to his right as they moved along. He was glad she at least seemed cut from the same clothe as him, a bright soul even in this dark place. "Honestly this is exactly the sort of thing I became a knight for," he said, smiling at her question, "I mean, I spent most of my childhood pretty much in one place. When I figured out there was a whole wide world out there, I just had to see every bit of it I could. You could say going in blind is kind of my specialty!"
He laughed, a fool proud of his foolishness. The laughter echoed down the tunnels, slowly dying out only to be replaced by another sound. A soft whispering, seemingly coming from all directions. Slowly, cloaked figures began to appear, passing through the walls and rising from the floor. Their eyes were pinpricks of light in the darkness, making it seem as though clouds had parted and now the stars could be seen in the night sky. And like the stars, their appearance filled the Knight of Innocence with the feeling of happiness only the promise of adventure could bring. He drew his sword and smiled at his companion.
"Hope you know how to use that," he said, gesturing to her own blade at her side.
|
|
|
Post by Alter Jeanne on Nov 1, 2015 9:25:32 GMT
With the rest of the team already gone it was now time for both alters to get on the moving, right behind them as it was originally planned. The light slowly fading away as both alters walked deeper into the tunnels and the darker it became, the more comfortable Jeanne felt with it. There was really not much to say between the two of them, it's not that they didn't get along but given the current circumstances trying to speak nonsense or vague words would just be pointless.
“I remember from the map of Chaldea... our path should be som—Ha! There it is!” She stopped the pace with Arturia about 50 meters from the entrance, a side tunnel that was sealed but wouldn't give much resistance against Jeanne's blow. She adopted an offensive position and with the tip of her flag, using it as a lance she jumped mid-air and cut the entrance wide open with an upside-down slash. The sound of her weapon clashing against the metal bars that were now falling apart shouldn't be able to be heard by those ahead of them, but even if they did hear it wouldn't matter at the time.
She then turned at Arturia with her golden eyes and stared at her for a moment, A grin that filled her face and that could only be recognized by her in the dark. “Let's go then my little serf” Very amused in her tone of voice yet not wanting to tease her much until they had finished the mission, she changed her voice again “If we take this path we'll avoid dealing with the bugs and we'll reach our target faster. If you have any questions then refrain to ask me until we arrive.. Or feel free to do it while we're on the way~”.
With nothing more to say, she helped Arturia get on the tunnel first so she could go behind her. The tunnel was just small enough for 1 person to go at a time and given her rebel personality it was best to keep her ahead than behind. “Worry not, I have no plans to murder you here but raise your sword against me and one of us will surely die right here, right now. If you're smart enough you'll trust me... Or should I say, 'You'll trust me just on this one' Ha ha ha!”. And without shame and little respect for her, she waited for her answer right behind her, just close enough for her to make her feel her evil gaze upon her.
|
|
|
Post by Arturia Pendragon [Alter] on Nov 2, 2015 1:52:28 GMT
Even if she tried to control herself, Saber Alter wouldn't be able to succeed in calming herself down... Filled with rage flowing in various directions, it was just so difficult for this girl to stand by and let Ruler Alter continue her reign of tyranny. Maybe this was what her subjects felt when she upheld the same style of rulership. Maybe she always had the inability to understand the people, and she merely continued on like it was nothing wrong. However, even then, she still believed it was the right choice, the right path of all things! It brought upon peace to Britain, did it not?...
Yes, she wouldn't have known. There is no history of her dimension and of her legend in this world. She felt so foreign and alone just by existing here.
Did this Jeanne d'Arc also feel the same way?
Saber Alter silently followed the dark Saint. While she did have many things to ask, she felt it wasn't the right time to do so, lest her words would spark a conflict that would jeopardize the mission. Her golden eyes stared at the back of the girl's head, even when her view was obscured in pure darkness. While her Instinct can offer some resistances, it is not as potent when the wrath within her continues to run wild. It is an amazing feat to maintain a refined, regal posture as onlookers wouldn't even realize her innate anger based on the King's lack of emotions on her face. However, she was sure that Ruler Alter can feel the other Alter-class Servant staring at her intently with hateful, golden eyes, the latter angered simply because she was humiliated in a way that she was never humiliated before, and especially in front of other people in the form of her team.
The tyrant would stop behind the other tyrant, and Saber Alter merely watched on with as much sight she was given as Ruler Alter smashed the sealed entrance apart with her sturdy flag. She gritted her teeth once again at the label she was given: 'serf'. "Tch..." She clicked her tongue in annoyance, walking ahead of the other girl as she got into the entrance, realizing that it was only small enough for one person of their size to fit through. She did not have to turn around to notice that Ruler Alter was following her close behind. "Are you that lonely that the only way you can comfort yourself is by playing around with me? I pity you." The King said bluntly to the Saint. It was at least a question, a question of which was permitted to be spoken. Sometimes, the other girl's speech makes Saber Alter doubt if that is what Ruler Alter truly wanted to say. Is there more behind the contradicting sentences the French Maiden is speaking?
For now, she only asked that question as she walked on ahead, noticing that light is forming. It must be the main chamber that the mission mentioned. The Saber continued on... or would've, until Ruler Alter had to make such a disrespectful comment. The Ruler's overall shamelessness was so rage-inducing for the smaller girl that she stopped immediately in her tracks all of a sudden. Perhaps due to the sudden stop, Ruler Alter would bump into the other Alter-class Servant. However, the latter would not be fazed if such a bump occurred. Immediately, her dark prana surged around her torso and formed into her dark armor. It would seem like she was about to turn around and attack Jeanne, seemingly fully armed for combat. However, Arturia did not do that, letting out a deep breath instead. It was a miracle that she did not give in to the provocations. After a moment of standing still, Saber Alter would continue on, letting the other girl attempt to think about what this scene meant to her.
The tunnel ended and it lead to a ladder that descended down to the main floor of the main chamber. The Alter Servants were finally here... What they see is an extremely large room filled with multiple rows and columns of pillars supporting the ceiling above. There were dim lightbulbs fixated into hanging, rusty lampshades dangling from the ceiling. There was enough light that it can just barely reveal the floor below, although it was not bright enough to reveal the darkness-obscured large tunnel entrances, one on each side of this four-walled room. The smaller tunnel exit high above where the tyrant duo are was about two stories high from the main chamber's floor. But that didn't matter to Servants, and without caring for the use of the ladder, Saber Alter jumped off and landed at the bottom a few steps away from the ladder.
Immediately after landing, Saber Alter sensed a presence besides from the two Alter-class Servants, and she immediately gripped Excalibur with both hands. Whatever it is, someone or 'something' is definitely lurking around here.
|
|
|
Post by emiya on Nov 2, 2015 2:39:44 GMT
As both Astolfo and Percival were willing to continue without his assistance, he gives them both a nod before turning back around and heading through the tunnel system. Of course, it was clear as he backtracked that the Alter servants made no effort to catch up to them as they promised to do, to be their reinforcements, but they weren’t even present in the original room they all started in. Needless to say, it was clear they had been lied to, but the extent of the consequences had different possibilities.
His own knowledge of Fuyuki, combined with studying the map, told him about an alternate path through the cavern. Even if he didn’t, the huge hole in the wall that wasn’t there before made it somewhat clear what path they’d gone down. If this was some kind of shortcut that their leader tried to conceal, he would likely go back and get Astolfo and Percival, saving time and energy. For now, though, he had to confirm that was what was happening and it was a loop. For all they know, it was just thirty feet of tunnel and then an ending.
Fortunately for him, the path was straight, almost artificially so. Soon enough, his reinforced eyes were able to see the two of them ahead of him. Just as suddenly as they appeared, Arturia vanished, jumping down. It was clear there was more to this than it seemed, he expected Alter would follow soon enough. Unfortunately for him, until that happened, he was stuck. Much closer, and Alter might be able to detect the presence of another Servant, so he simply had to wait and see.
|
|
|
Post by Astolfo on Nov 3, 2015 3:50:31 GMT
"Yooo! I totally agree! Being reckless is half the job of a hero, yeah!” cheered the pink-haired heroine, dancing along beside Percival; seeming far too eager despite the troubling surroundings – well, no problems so far, at least! Upon having his blade commented on, though; the boy would just give a bemused shrug. "Eeeeh, I’m not that good… not compared to the other paladins, anyway. But, I’m a Rider anyway; so I have my own way of handling trouble. The sword’s just a bonus, right? Plus, I’d hardly be a knight without it, I guess.”
Still, the Servant would much on with Percival likely in tow despite the disappearance of the rest of their team – he hadn’t any way to pick up on what was going on, after all. For now, Astolfo just whistled a merry tune to himself, before twirling about on the spot all of a sudden and coming to a standstill. "I’ve got an idea! I’ve got an ideeeaaa~!” chirped the boy, dancing about in place in joy over seemingly nothing but a passing thought – well, that was about the usual for Rider, really.
"Let’s go handle some of the other tunnels here; theeeen when Boss and Miss Mean show up at the end, they’ll look like real losers in front of command because we did way more work!” suggested Astolfo eagerly; ribbons dancing in the wind around his bouncing head; "I can’t even see them behind us, so we must have a lot of breathing room. They’re probably still stuck somewhere having an argument, hahah! C’mon, it’ll be fun~!” he cheered incessantly, before suddenly stopping mid-bounce.
"Nope! Changed my mind. I think that’ll actually be bad idea. I don’t wanna do too much work, and we’re already at the end of the tunnel here, sooo let’s just hang out while we wait for those guys to stop wasting time. Aaaah~” sighed Astolfo, changing his tune as soon as it had started; instead just sitting down along the side of the outside of the tunnel; crossing his legs idly. "I had a feeling something like this would happen, so I brought a pack of cards. Well, actually; I just wanted to show Roland a magic trick earlier, but this works too. Wanna play snap? Yeah, let’s play snap! Someone taught me it yesterday. I think they were making fun of me, but… it was fun, too!”
|
|
|
Post by Percival on Nov 7, 2015 19:02:05 GMT
Percival was very pleased with Astolfo's enthusiasm, if a bit confused at how rapidly she seemed to change her mind. Still, she was still here, venturing into the dark with him. Considering she looked like someone who would rather be back home in a castle concerning herself with dresses and beauty, Percival couldn't help but be impressed with his fellow Rider.
"Gotta say I like the first idea better," he said honestly. "I love a good game as much as the next guy, but-"
At this moment something phased through the wall right beside Percival as they passed by. A ghostly figure in rags, moaning with outstretched limbs, trying to grasp at the seemingly unaware youth. Sadly for this apparition, the youth in question, while certainly not intelligent, was fully aware of its presence and smoothly ducked out of its reach, rising with a spinning slash that parted the wraith in two. He then continued talking as though nothing had happened.
"-but you don't get to be a great and famous knight by stopping and waiting. I say if it looks like we're at the end, we try and find a new way forward!" As he said this he thrust he sword forward in a pose that he believed would appear inspirational. Perhaps it even would have been, had he not lost his grip on the blade and sent it flying off. At least the sound of something screeching indicated it had hit something, so he would try and play it off as intentional.
Not wanting to dishearten his lady companion, he quickly added, "But you know, I never heard of that game anyway. How's it go?"
|
|