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Post by emiya on Feb 6, 2016 7:09:55 GMT
After my run-in with Atlas, I was in little mood to go out much. While I made checks to the mission bulletin board daily, aside from that, I was more or less content remaining inside of my room whenever I could avoid the plaintive voices of the food service staff, begging me to cook for them again. It was annoying, but in moderation, It was fine. After all, I had to make runs like this, so I was already going to be out and about anyway, and wasn't in quite the same obvious path that most Servants took from the Living Quarters to the Briefing Room.
The commissary was an unusual building: Dome-shaped in contrast to the blockiness that seemed to dominate Chaldea. He wondered if it was meant to give the eyes a break from seeing square building after square building, but it kind of appeared to be an eyesore. The benefit that the sphere shape provided was that it maximized surface area for the resources used to contstruct it: a relevant point when it was as large a building as it was. In order to supply the people of Chaldea, who had little recourse but to shop there, it was essentially a superstore, the type that could put the largest consumer warehouse to shame.
Servants, though nominally receiving a rather significant credit to goods for their service to Chaldea, rarely used it. They didn't tend to need anything, after all. I was one of the main consumers among Heroic Spirits, purely because I had a rather expensive hobby in comparison to the average heroic spirit who seemed to care for little besides fighting. Personally, fighting was a dirty business I was fairly good at. What I loved to do was cook. I'd had some stiff competition in my life, but nothing made me happier than setting a meal down in front of many happy, hungry faces.
I rub my face. If people could hear what I was reminiscing about, they'd probably think I was some kind of idiot.
The fact that I had basically more money than I could spend to requisition items from Chaldea meant I could afford ingredients I couldn't have dreamed of during my life. I was limited by the warehouse-grade store I shopped in, but steaks were common, as was meat in general. Experiments were easy and often. While I bought more in bulk than I was used to, it was a trade-off to being able to maintain my privacy. The food section was clearly the more popular one among the humans of Chaldea, and the few non-humans that were present. I go through the aisles, taking an ingredient every now and then that catches my eye.
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Post by Tamamo on Feb 6, 2016 15:07:49 GMT
Time surely passes quickly when you are doing the things you like to do, when you share your time with the people you frequent and even with small things you can easily cheat your mind and fast forward the time. For Tamamo, time was no longer an issue, neither in life nor in death summoned again as an heroic spirit. Actually, the issue of getting bored or enjoying small things was way past her as her own bad luck keeps following her wherever she goes. First, her beloved one the by the time she was still alive... Then, the blonde girl who had suddenly disappeared on her...
"今度は何?。。。(kondo wa nani?/Now what?...)"
Such misfortune following her over and over had already taken most of her cheerful smile. In fact, Tamamo was far from being the cheerful foxgirl she once were in previous wars.
"なぜ私もここにいますか？。。。(Naze watashi mo koko ni imasu ka?/Why am I even here?...)"
The sulking foxgirl was walking through Chaldea without a clear route, her body still maintaining a royal posture, her arms hiding in her long sleeves and her head slightly inclined down. Anyone could clearly tell that her face reflected nothing but sorrow. But such was the fate she accepted, the moment she arrived the human world and every time she was called to "fight" for someone... This time apparently, something.
The time passed quickly for her and she was now in a large building she rarely visited. It was the place she would only go to when she needed to find ingredients to cook for someone special so why was she even there anyways? Was her mind now bullying herself by unconsciously bringing her to places like that? Tamamo was getting angry now but even in angriness the smallest things could cheer the foxgirl up.
Her eyes opened and her sulky face was long gone, her favorite trademark of rice was right in front of her, the last one actually! Ah, it was but about time that her luck turned good for once right?
"フフ。。！(fufu..!)" The joy of finding one of the things she treasured a lot was truly incomparable with anything else, she couldn't help but giggle happily, her tail wagging now from side to side as she stretched her hand reaching for the last pack of rice, only to find an obstacle between her and her happiness. Somebody else's hand also tried to claim what was legitimately hers! clearly that person was not aware of the problem they were getting into, nor have they had a taste of the fox's fury...
"負けない！！！(Makenai/I won't lose!!!)" And so... The fight for the last pack of rice begun.
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Post by emiya on Feb 6, 2016 19:29:22 GMT
The sound of my native language being spoken jolted me out of my thoughts, and I turned to the side to look for the source. It seemed to come from a kitsune of all things...a type of being as commonly seen in ghost stories as in fairy tales from my youth. I think idly to myself...is she serving as a Master? Or a Kitsune that became a Heroic Spirit? I could think of one or two...and my suspicions increased as I heard her talk. She was sad, melancholy. However, it wasn’t any of my business, though I couldn’t help but smile as she found something that seemed to cheer her up.
...It seemed rice had been uncharacteristically popular lately. Normally there was much more of the common staple than a single bag, and as I go to take that sack and place it into my cart, I found an unexpected weight on the dried grain. None other than that kitsune. Inwardly I can’t help but groan...Why did it have to be this? I hoped I could forestall an argument somehow...but considering how sad he was before and how quickly it seemed that seeing this mere bag of rice cheered her up, I doubted it.
Slipping into Japanese to try and be more agreeable, he stated his situation to her clearly. “Forgive me, ojou-san. However I have run out of rice. I do not know when the next replenishment is, though if it is not too long I could likely manage. Perhaps we might share the bag until that comes about?”
It was just his luck, too. He hadn’t paid attention and let his cupboard run low, and it seems like everyone had gone on a shopping spree. He -really- didn’t want to draw attention to himself, so if it came down to it, then he’d let her have it. It’d be fairly stupid of him if he let the Atlantean learn of his presence by fighting too loudly over rice of all things. It was annoying, since he was planning something Japanese-styled...and dishes from his home always called for a great deal of rice.
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Post by Tamamo on Feb 15, 2016 12:06:54 GMT
Huh? Seriously, Huh? Just who this man did he think he was? Yes he could be respectful and yes his voice can be somehow cute and he looks quite good as well but no, no no no! This is simply unacceptable! - Thought Tamamo while glaring at her opponent. Yes, an opponent in her eyes being anyone who dares crossing her path or simply doing anything that could tick her off... This time, the last bag of her favorite rice.
"私はあなたが誰であるか気にしません...(Watashi wa anata ga daredearu ka ki ni shimasen.../I don't care about who you are...)"
Her words came out as sharp as she intended them to be, her eyes now glaring at the guy in front of her with determination of winning what in her mind was rightfully hers. Her free hand now carefully placed on the hand he was using to grab the other side of the bag, little did he know about her mastery in the ofuda(paper tags used for most of Tamamo's curses) and how could she easily place them around her targets without them noticing it.
"しかし、あなたは私に選択の余地を残さない場合は...(Shikashi, anata wa watashi ni sentaku no yochi o nokosanai baai wa.../But if you leave me no choice...)"
Her grip on his hand tightening, just hard enough to let him know about her hostile intentions. Her eyes closing as she focused Mana through her body, just enough to place a curse in his hand as she whispered the chant audible enough for him to realize the situation he was getting into.
"呪相・密天 (Jusō・Mitten/Chaos Heaven - EX)"
And as quick as her words left her mouth, the curse was now placed and only her would be able to take it off. A powerful wind curse that could cut her target even in spirit form and easily activated whenever Tamamo wanted to. Maybe with the right words, the cursed man would be able to get out of this troubling situation as it would be a shame even for the fox-girl that a handsome guy like him had to die so young.
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Post by emiya on Feb 15, 2016 17:36:16 GMT
My display didn't seem to have an effect...or that wasn't really accurate. It seemed to have an effect, but not enough of one to get me out of the sticky situation I was in. Even as I was took my hand off the rice and began to think about what I could try making instead, I felt an upsurge of prana flowing, and my eyes go wide as I heard her intone the spell. "What...what are you!?"
At moments like these, I had often experienced certain "Turning Points" in my prior, human life as Shirou Emiya. While I never had many after becoming a Counter Guardian, this was such a clear-cut moment, it was very clear I had two basic options. Based on the sheer upwell of mana and the destructive potential I -knew- it could have, I could basically give up on my life and try something insane, or hope that sheer deference would get her to leave me alone long enough to project a certain dagger I was growing more and more thankful I had in my arsenal in recent weeks.
Maybe if I was a few centuries younger I would have gone with the crazy choice. But any pride and honor I possessed got thrown away long ago.
Thusly, I cough into my hand, before stepping backwards from the rice box, I then get on my knees and bow deeply. "Please forgive my temerity, Ojou-san. It was the height of rudeness of me to impose so much upon a lady such as yourself. Politeness demanded I leave you the rice you sought, and I lost track of myself. If there is something I could do to make up for my lapse, I would do so gladly." I didn't know what I was getting myself into...but if it ended up with me not being dead, that'd be something at least. It seemed my poor luck was continuing from the travesties I experienced in the Holy Grail War.
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Post by Tamamo on Feb 16, 2016 3:04:35 GMT
"おじょうさん?...(Ojō-san?...)" Her penetrating gaze now placed in EMIYA's eyes as he begged for his life. It was quite the scene and it was rather amusing... Maybe if she had brought a whip with her? But even so, the chances of her being dominant on her partners are almost close to 0. This was a rare chance!
"お嬢さま!(Ojō-sama!)" Yes, Just as if she was a princess, she was demanding formality and respect from EMIYA. Such a chance to take advantage of someone wouldn't slip by. But what else could she demand from him? she had a handsome guy in her disposal and the day was young as well before she actually had to remove the curse.
"私自身の奴隷?...(Watashi jishin no dorei?.../My own slave?...)" She whispered and so yes, why not?! He would be perfect to drag around with, finish her shopping and even serve her as her personal slave for the rest of the day... What would it be first? A massage? Cleaning the house? Maybe even cooking for me? The once threatening fox-girl now seemed way more calm than before. Her tail happily wagging from side to side unconsciously but reflecting her happy mood, her ears twitching as the idea of owning someone handsome for a day was delightful and finally, her face that once expressed anger was now expressing happiness. A dramatic change for someone like her.
What would be of the two of them now...
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Post by emiya on Feb 16, 2016 3:36:01 GMT
Well. I'd really stepped in it this time, it seemed. It really was my luck, to run into someone who'd go berserk and try to kill someone over rice, with no interference from Chaldea, of course. Compounded on that...she had some personality issues that made his attempt to go to the lengths of politeness into something worse. Well. This wasn't going to be fun, no matter how it was shaken. However, he just needed to get out of her sight for a bit...
"Of course, Ojou-sama. My mistake." Truly this kitsune was one that fed into the rumors of them...at least, those that spoke of them as flighty and dangerous. It'd seem I'd need to keep treading carefully, or things would only escalate. How incredibly troublesome...
"...Slave?" I know I didn't go that far! Just what was she implying?! I'd offered a favor out of politeness, and she took it and ran with it that far? Damn but this was going to be terrible...I'd hoped I could end on some note that didn't make for another attack the next time I saw this madwoman, but I'd likely need to Rule Breaker out of this.
I stand up from my bow. "If I need to go that far to show my sincere apology for my mistake, then I suppose that is what must be." I smirk slightly, attempting to appeal to any vanity the 'Ojou-sama' has. "I suppose there are worse situations I could be in than following a beautiful woman around." I just had to buy some time and find a place to hide, and an escape route...
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Post by Tamamo on Feb 16, 2016 4:59:15 GMT
She could perceive it. The change in EMIYA's voice and how carefully he was moving now with very word that left his mouth. No, he will not have a chance to escape! Such a guy like him letting Tamamo have her fun with no objections was just too good to be true. A quick approach and Tamamo would have her arms wrapped tightly around EMIYA's right arm, her chest pressing against it on purpose and the bag of food she was carrying dropping on the floor.
"Dear stranger, would you be so kind to help me with my bags and walk with me to my apartment?" Her accent switched to English and her voice was now soft and tempting, she was actually trying to tease him. "I am a fragile girl and strength is not my specialty so, shall we go now?" She wouldn't even give him a chance to say no now, her face filled with a smile... a smile that could be read as anything but good intentions yet a smile that didn't show any evil purposes. A schemer and a hunter, such was the role of Tamamo while holding tightly onto her partner.
"What was your name again?" Asked Tamamo in a rather compromising tone, her head lying on his shoulder almost aiming for his chest... she was just that short. "It would only be polite of my sl- kind hero to give me his name, right?" Yes, Tamamo was doing it on purpose. She was not even trying to hide her intentions at all. It was only but EMIYA's fault and his reactions that kept on fueling Tamamo's amusement more and more. Let's have some fun ~
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Post by emiya on Feb 16, 2016 5:19:58 GMT
She went from leering at me from above to clutched onto my arm...what was even going on? I couldn't read this woman at all...and being honest, I was slightly amused by just how peculiar that was to me. But that didn't detract from the danger inherent in the situation. I wasn't sure if my little attempt to appeal to her sensibilities had worked, or if she was just doing it as a part of her own personality. Still, her request was innocuous enough.
"Of course, Ojou-sama. I'd have done that even if I didn't need to make up for my poor manners before." It was true, well enough. I was easy enough to rope into helping people, the Chaldea kitchen staff could attest to that. Her teasing tone even brought out some nice memories of happier days back in Japan, so I was increasingly less on edge. That didn't mean that I wasn't ready to react in a moment's notice, the little trick she cursed me with was still in my mind. But if it was only this much, I could keep it up for a while, without needing to escape from her. I take her bags easily, hefting them without trouble.
Her question was simple enough, but I sigh at myself for even letting my guard down slightly. It was what it was. I'd need to be very careful and escape as soon as I could...if I hadn't been cursed, I'd be more free to react, but the death threat laying over his head was difficult to deal with. "Emiya Shirou. I am honored you think of me so highly, as a -kind hero-." I stress that slightly. Even if I was bound, I'm not going to just let her toy with him...after all, I've had experience being bound to troublesome women before.
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Post by Tamamo on Feb 17, 2016 20:41:54 GMT
Isn't he quite charming? Where would you find such a guy like him around here? He also reminded her of an ex-husband of hers that made her feel helpless about falling in love and why not? Love knows no bounds after all. A few differences here and there like this man she was walking with on their way to her apartment seemed quite mysterious unlike her last husband who was easier to read. Also the fact that he was being so obedient... she only unleashed a curse on him, not a big deal right? Ah, but what if she tried a charm? would that work as well? She closed her eyes and again let me the Mana flow through her body and focusing it in her hands, an easy way to approach him now that she was walking with him while hugging his arm.
"呪法・吸精...(Jusō・Kyūsē.../Spirit Theft... - D)" She whispered as a final preparation for the charm. It would allow her to drain EMIYA's Mana and Energy slowly while still engaging in physical contact. The higher the difference in each other's Mana Rank, the higher the amount drained. She couldn't help but smile and hold him tighter, she was not planning to kill him but weakening him enough would definitively avoid his mysterious attitude from coming up with a escape plan... After all, nobody, not even him would interfere with her "free-slave-day".
Even if the charm was canceled or not, Tamamo faced EMIYA and stared into his eyes from below (She was short compared to him enough to take advantage as a woman). Her face seeming as if she was defenseless and helpless. Her ears and tail softening and relaxing as a result but all of it part of her plan of deceiving him... Humans and servants who were humans once in life were simply the best to entertain her.
"You wouldn't leave my side for anything in the world right?..." Her plan now taking effect, her acting skills in master level, of course, only achieved by experience."Leaving a woman all by herself in this place... you wouldn't do that, right?" If only she could appreciate the look in his face as she said those words, even for her, she wouldn't be able to hold up the acting longer if she stared at him. "If anything happens, it's only fair that I give you my name... I am Tamamo-no-Mae and I'm a fox-girl, summoned by Chaldea under the Caster class" Unlike her acted phrases, this one was rather serious and the honesty behind it could be felt through. "But..." And there she goes again ~ "Calling me Ojō-sama! it's more than enough for me..." She smiled and continued to walk with him on their way to her apartment.
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