Are you going to Scarborough Fair?
Yesterday holds memories in time
Remember me to one who lives there
She once was a true love of mine
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She gazes up at the man before her, glaring at him, a finger held at her chin to keep her line of vision on him. She holds her ground, unwilling to look frightened even in the face of possible danger. The man in return stares back at her, looking both intrigued and highly amused. What exactly he was amused about, she didn't know.
The smirk never left his face, even as the man finally decides to pull away and retreat, waving a hand at her with a simple "See ya later ojou-chan," before he disappears. Just like a passing breeze, he was gone in an instant. She let's out a sigh of relief that she didn't know she had been holding in, finally able to relax her tensed shoulders.
"Nghhh...that man...! How unsophisticated and uncouth of him! To think that he would suddenly approach you in such a...brazen manner! I would've slapped him and that horrid face of his if I were you!" She hears the voice of a familiar woman, the person practically seething with rage as she clenched her hands into fists.
She gives a quiet and sheepish laugh at that, though now she was both curious and confused over the whole ordeal. Her mind wanders back to the stranger from earlier, the memory of his dull green eyes remaining fresh in her head.That man...he was...
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Tell her to think back upon younger days
Yesterday holds memories in time
And seek yonder crossroads where we parted ways
Then she'll be a true love of mine
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...It's dark...and...cold. She feels like she's sinking, deeper and deeper into the abyss. It's dark and cold. Her senses go numb for a brief moment, her mind unable to think coherently.
It's dark and cold. She tries to breathe, gasping for air and she reaches out in vain. It's dark and cold. Panic and fear envelop her chest as she struggles against unknown restraints tugging at her limbs.
It's dark and cold. She sank further down, unable to see even a glimmer of light. It's dark and cold. The pain that swarms and attacks her whole being was almost as if her body was getting torn away bit by bit.
It's dark and cold. All around her...she could hear cries and screams for help. It's dark and cold. She wants to cover her ears, but alas is unable to.
It's dark and cold. It hurts...it hurts. It's dark and cold. It hurts...it hurts. It's dark and cold. Someone...anyone...please save her. It's dark and cold. All these screams...these voices...make them go away.
It's dark and cold. It hurts...it hurts...! This pain...make it go away-!
At last, the woman's eyes snap open, her back covered in sweat. Her breathing is quick and laboured, a persistent ringing now resounding in her ears. She could feel her heartbeat thumping wildly against her chest.
She continues to lie in bed, unable to move a muscle. The woman forces down the lump in her throat, cursing to herself. Of course...yet another nightmare. How often has she been suffering from them? She's lost count at this point.
The time...ah...her servant must still be resting. Somehow, due to her abrupt awakening, she finds it incredibly difficult to fall back asleep, tightly clutching onto her blanket as she bit down on her bottom lip.
...They say it takes determination to march forward and challenge the risk. They say it takes resilience to carry on, and they say it also takes dedication to persist even when things get tough. ...But what about her then?
She's been putting brakes on herself, perhaps as her own way of protecting herself. That day...she chose to hide behind her servant, solely relying on them. Instead of confronting the things she was scared of, she chose the cowardly way out.
She ran...because it was safer that way. She ran...so she wouldn't need to face the ugly truth. She ran...so that she could protect herself beneath all these lies. She ran...and ran and ran...until she reached a dead end. That day...she was first exposed to the true fear of death.
...And it was then that she realized, she couldn't keep running anymore. That day, she had cried out in grief and frustration at her weak self. She's afraid...she knows she is. She knows that she needs to get over it and keep going. She needs to...she has to.
And yet, all these negative thoughts keep returning in her head, haunting her. And each and every time it happens, she has to stop herself from possibly breaking down or feeling overwhelmed. She needed to keep it together...she has to survive.
They say it takes determination to march forward and challenge the risk. They say it takes resilience to carry on, and they say it also takes dedication to persist even when things get tough. But for her, rather than determination, or resilience, or even dedication, she wished for someone to give her the strength and bravery to get back up and go for the plunge.
...Because even if she's aware that she was going to drown, it still takes courage to actually dive in.
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Tell her to follow the path to the shire
Yesterday holds memories in time
For there she'll find her heart's true desire
Then she'll be a true love of mine
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Waking up fairly early was a common occurrence for her. However, this was one of the rare times she'd be up way earlier than usual. Quietly stepping out of the room, she decides to take a short walk around the compound, careful not to accidentally wake her tired companion before she headed out. There wasn't a particular reason she wanted to walk around; she merely felt the need to take a breather prior to commencing with her daily routine later.
With all that's been happening lately, it was just...refreshing and nice whenever she had the opportunity to take a quick stroll, just to ease some of the worries on her mind and perhaps lighten the problems that weighed heavily on her shoulders. The library wasn't open yet either, so it wasn't like she could distract herself by burying her head beneath a book.
The bright rays of the morning sun were then only beginning to peek out of the virtual clouds, shining through the windows as she slowly made her way down the hallway, taking in the tranquil silence. When was the last time she was able to have a moment of peace like this, she wondered? To be able to freely walk around and temporarily relieve herself from the burden on her chest...
Without thinking, she began to quietly hum to herself, her voice barely above a whisper. It was merely a random flurry of notes strung together into an odd melody, and yet it felt...comforting to do so. She didn't do it often of course, honestly embarassed to have others hear it.
She didn't possess a talent for singing to begin with, and didn't think her own voice was 'outstanding or beautiful' to listen to. Thus, she kept this small hobby of hers to herself, like a secret she locked quietly into a box, only for her own ears to hear.
But whenever it was silent, and she was by herself in the dead of the night, she would do so just to occupy herself, to bind herself to something other than all the disturbing and intrusive thoughts or nightmares that invaded her in her sleep. Where had she heard this tune from, she didn't know. Perhaps it was a lullaby from days bygone before she stumbled into this place...not that she could remember.
However, it wasn't long before she heard murmurs further down the hallway. Her closed eyes were now open in astonishment; there were people who were also up this soon?
Instinctively, she slows down to a halt and decides to hide, disappointed that her calm and pleasant morning walk had been interrupted, but nonetheless focuses on the two voices ahead. The people who were speaking...Dan and Leo?
Now on alert, she tries to listen in on their conversation. Her attention had been on the two up until they left that she barely registered a presence looming behind her, before she hears a chuckle. "Wow, first thing in the morning and I catch you eavesdropping on a conversation that involves my master? Didn't anyone tell you that's rude?"
She stiffens, turning around to see a familiar man clad in green, literally standing a mere few centimetres from her to a point where his face was lurking dangerously near to hers. Startled by the sudden appearance, she almost let's out a yelp, stumbling on her own two feet.
"Whoa whoa, hey there!" Before she actually fell to the ground however, she feels a hand wrap around her waist, promptly yanking her up just as her back nearly collided with the floor. In a matter of seconds, she now found herself in close proximity with the same man she encountered yesterday.
There was a moment of silence as she took a while to register what had just happened. Her hands were awkwardly clutching onto his arms to better support herself after the action that came from nowhere. Her mouth was agape in both surprise and bewilderment, unable to utter a word as she merely stared at the man who was now smiling at her in amusement yet again.
Her chocolate eyes fixed themselves onto his dull green ones, not able to hide the shock on her face. That...that was a close one! He scared the living daylights out of her, suddenly appearing like that, and behind her too!
How long had he- wait...was he standing there and watching her the entire time?? Without her even realizing until now too?! Then...urgh, he must've known that she was spying on Leo and Dan. How was she even gonna cover that bit up or begin to explain herself...
But...she wasn't expecting him to break her fall. "You...what are you...," is all her lips are able to get out a moment later, still in disbelief as the man let's out a snicker. "Hello there, ojou-chan. We meet again, though, didn't think it'll be in a situation with you snooping on my master."
Her eyes narrow slightly at him in a deadpan expression as she releases herself from his hold and straightens herself up, backing a few steps away from him. Of all people, she didn't anticipate that she would meet him, especially so early in the day, and right after Dan was gone too.
Though...with how he is, maybe she shouldn't be all that astonished by it either. Part of her wonders if she should thank him for the save, though more importantly...
"...What are you doing here?" she asks with caution, trying to maintain an indifferent tone, though the frown that was now plastered on her features suggested otherwise. Or rather, what was his reason for approaching her out of the blue again?
She didn't wanna make any rash or cocky assumptions but...it couldn't be that he was still trying to persuade her to agree to his weird idea of changing servants, was it? Especially not after what happened in the Arena afterwards.
Or was it...to gain more information on her maybe? That could be it. Though, he was certainly taking a far more...upfront and straightforward approach if that was the case.
"I could say the same for you. You're up rather early. What might you be trying to accomplish, listening in on my master's conversation earlier?" The look in his eyes...she can clearly tell that he knows what her reason was for eavesdropping earlier. He...doesn't look like he intends to attack her, at least not for now, though she shouldn't be too sure about that so soon.
"Aww, acting so hostile already? And yet you were so eager to fall into my arms earlier. Aren't you a shy one, ojou-chan?" he teases, a wide grin plastered on his face. She rolls her eyes at him, not finding his joke funny in the slightest. Really now, one of the first few things that comes out of his mouth is a tasteless pun?
"...Did you even sleep last night? You're looking a little pale there..." He brings a hand to brush off a few stray hairs from her face, but not before she does it herself, lightly swatting his own hand away.
"...I did get...enough sleep," she responds a moment later, eyes still narrowed at him. Why did he even want to know...and what more is there to say to this man?
Noticing the apprehension that was oozing out of those now piercing irises of hers, the man sighs, placing a hand on his hip. "Look here little sparrow, I ain't here to attack you." She raises her eyebrows at him. L-Little sparrow? What kind of odd nickname was that?
"Hahaha, you just remind me of one, small stature and all. But point is, I didn't approach you with the intention to ambush you or anything. If I wanted to, I would've done so before you noticed me earlier now, wouldn't I?"
He had...a fair point. Still...why was he here just...casually talking to her? Or did he have some sort of weird motive? To get her to drop her guard or something and then-
"Y'know, I would appreciate it if you dropped the glare and didn't look at me as if I had just murdered your pet or something. The day has just begun, and I was just hoping to have a friendly chat with you, so humour me a little. Is that too much to ask?"
...A friendly chat he says (And what was with that morbid example earlier?). Should she even believe a thing he says? Sure...he didn't look like he came here with killing intent but...
Rubbing the back of his head awkwardly, her eyes briefly glance up at the tuffs of orange hair that poked out of his hood. Indeed, with his laid back demeanor now, he did appear relatively harmless, but there was no telling what else he might be planning to do. Being around this guy was like walking into a lion's den-wait...was that...?
Without thinking, she stands on her tiptoes, her hand reaching up towards his hood. She must've caught him off guard, because she sees his eyes widening at the action as he felt her fingers brush against his hair. "...Ojou-chan. What are you-"
"Got it." The man blinks, now staring at the small leaf she was grasping in her hand. "Ah, sorry. I noticed that this was stuck in your hair...so I just..."
Whoops, she probably should've asked or just told him about it instead of doing it herself. To him, that must've come off as bizarre and awkward, though really, it was by reflex, and she didn't think much of it so...
"Ah...oh. Thanks. Must've gotten that stuck in my hair while I was outside earlier." Outside...was he referring to the school gardens? He doesn't elaborate more however, instead choosing to run a hand through his hair, adjusting his hood. ...Was it just her or did he almost seem a little...stiff there for a moment?
"...I appreciate the sweet gesture, ojou-chan. However, I would like to remind you that I am a stranger...and an enemy servant to boot. Doing something so casually like that...aren't you aware of how dangerous of a person I may be?" His smirks as he says this, lightly tapping her on the nose with a finger.
She cocks an eyebrow at him, swatting his hand away once again. "Speak for yourself. You're the one who decided to walk over to talk to me." He blinks, probably not expecting that response before he chuckles once again. "Haha, fair enough."
"...That being said, I don't sense that servant of yours around. What're you doing, up and about so defenselessly at this time of day?" She freezes at that.
Right, now that he mentioned it, of all times to meet him, it was when she thought it was safe to walk around without her servant around. She could already hear Rin's scolding voice in her head.
Dammit, should she call for- wait, no, that could attract some unneeded attention, not to mention the possible unnecessary conflict she may have to deal as the aftermath. Her servant was still pissed at this guy after all, and knowing his tendency to taunt and provoke others without batting an eye, who knows what sort of havoc he could wreck if she called upon them.
As much as possible, she didn't want to start a fight on campus, or battle this servant that she didn't have much info on yet. With all these factors in mind, she has no choice but to play it safe for now.
She tries to look unfazed, instead crossing her arms over her chest. "I'm...just taking a short stroll around here. I was planning to return to my room soon anyway, until you showed up."
Surprisingly, she manages to maintain a calm voice as she says that. It technically wasn't a lie; what she said was initially her main objective. Encountering Dan and Leo and listening to their conversation from the sidelines was just a mere coincidence.
The man regards her with a slightly puzzled look, before he sighs again. "...Is that so? Well, I'll take your word for it, though it would be advisable to not walk around so freely without a bodyguard."
She wanted to roll her eyes at him once more. Labelling her servant as a bodyguard...and him of all people telling her that, how ironic.
Nonetheless, it wasn't everyday that she would talk with an enemy in a non-confrontational setting without having to immediately fight them afterwards. Recalling the previous round with Shinji had her inwardly grimacing.
That guy seriously liked to pick on her for no reason after all, and constantly did so for the entire preparation period. Rider too was fairly chaotic and cared more for money, treasure or simply relieving her bloodlust than engaging in common conversation. In comparison to them well...she supposed this was a somewhat better change of pace at least.
"...Why try talking to me like this in the first place? As you said, we're enemies. What do you stand to gain by having a 'friendly chat' with me?" she questions suspiciously. Clearly, neither side is willing to give out too much information about themselves, so what was his aim of coming over and acting all...nonchalant?
The man in green looks offended, facepalming. "Jeez, you're really a tough nut to crack, ojou-chan. Even now, you still doubt my intentions." Well, of course she would. It was with good reason that she's being wary of him. Heck, her own servant would be livid if they saw them together talking like this right now.
"Ahh...well when you put it that way then..." The person before her purses his lips together, seemingly in thought before shrugging his shoulders. "Would you believe me if I said I had no particular reason?"
Ok...that...she was also not expecting. It almost seems like he was dodging the actual question. Was he trying to stump her on purpose or...?
"...Honestly, it ain't like I approached you to threaten you to leak information about your servant or anything. I know you're smarter and more stubborn to fall for a trick like that. Plus, I have my own ways of obtaining information in a more discreet manner." Wow, he sure sounds confident. But if what he says is true...then why...?
"Like I said, I just wanna have a friendly chat with you, nothing too serious. If you really want a reason then...I guess it's just to kill time. And what better way to do it than to get to know a lovely master?" Not an ounce of hesitation in that voice. Now she's wondering if he's just fooling around with her or not.
"Haha, is that how you interpret it? Rest assured, I bear no ill intentions towards you for now." 'For now', he says. There's still a lot she doesn't know of this man, but at least they were now talking in a non-secluded area within the school instead of some shady, closed off spot instead. Then again, he's really going out of his way to convince her...
"...Besides, tagging along with my master can get severely dull at times. He doesn't exactly make a good conversation partner if you couldn't already tell. But anyway, just go along with this selfish request of mine, will ya?" His grin widens ever so slightly, emphasizing his point. "Having some enjoyable company once in a while is good for the both of us, wouldn't you say?"
Again with the flaky attitude. Enjoyable company...for him to imply that simply boggles her mind. Two enemies engaging in a carefree conversation within a violence-free environment...what were the odds of that happening?
Her frown deepens at that. "Are you...like this with anyone? I mean...if you're just looking for someone to pass the time with..." Ever since they met yesterday, she could feel that something was...off about him.This man was...both strange and mysterious in more ways than one, from the way he spoke to the manner that he conducted himself.
"Geh, is that how you see me as? I'm hurt ojou-chan. It ain't like I have that much free time on my hands to just go around talking to anyone. We are still in the midst of a war after all." Funny how he'd be saying such things.
"Look, I don't talk like this to just anyone. I just thought I'd get to know the master who defeated the reigning hacker champion of Asia. Hence, we're having this conversation right now. Is that wrong?" Well...if he wanted her to list out a bunch of reasons why it was wrong, she could do so. On another note...
...That's it? Was that really all? Over such an...unusual reason? Her visible confusion causes him to emit a cackle in response. "What, you really thought I came with much more cruel and evil motives?" She couldn't help but nod, dumbfounded. Yeah...this man was definitely a peculiar one.
"...But why go through the trouble of doing so? I mean...there's barely any merit to knowing your enemy outside the war." She of all people knew that, especially after already getting berated by her servant several times. Rin had warned her too, that befriending your enemy was practically suicidal.
"Now now, that's up to me to decide, isn't it? Don't take this too seriously. It's just a casual chat we're having." She internally sighs.This man seriously not did give a care in the world. Maybe he really was dying of boredom to resort to talking with an enemy master. Speaking of which...
"...Is it alright for me to even be talking to me like this?" The old man seemed like a rather strict master after all, and well...for him to be wandering around like this...did Dan even permit him to do so? Should she be worried of the possible consequences right now?
"Hoh~? What's this? Might you be worried for me? I'm touched." Pssh, in his dreams. If anything, she's more worried for herself. She could already picture all sorts of dire situations if her servant or Dan saw the two of them interacting like this right now...and truthfully, she doesn't want to deal with that.
He waves a hand dismissively in response, unbothered and lax. "Eh, I could care less. That guy's so uptight, it's suffocating being around him. I could use the change in environment from time to time."
Right, she figured he would say that. And...associating himself with a fellow enemy was any better apparently? She couldn't understand his train of thought.
"Hah, of course. Heck, I'd rather talk with you all day than hang with an old fart like him. That guy works me to the bone, and all that comes out of that mouth of his is repetitive criticism. Compared to him, you seem a lot more fun to be around from the looks of it." Wh...what does that even mean? Should she even take that as words of praise? Coming from him, she couldn't exactly tell if it was sincere...
"No need to look so stiff. Like I mentioned, I'm just here to chat. Think of it as...a truce of some sort for now." "A truce...with you?" she asks slowly, her eyebrows creased together. Was there some sort of catch to this? A truce...she still doesn't know whether to believe him or not.
Trusting a stranger is one thing, but this was the enemy servant that was speaking to her right now. And of all things, he wants to propose a temporary truce? All for the sake of...idle chit chat? Was he testing her or something?
A nod of his head follows. "Yep. Think of it as...a small game of sorts." "A game...what kind of game though, and with what conditions?" He tilts his head to the side, smile widening ever so slightly at the proposal. "It's nothing too serious. Just for now, let's just pretend that...you're not a master, and I'm not a servant. We're just regular people having a regular conversation. What do you say to that?"
...What kind of game was that? Now she's seriously questioning his rationale. Why should she even tag along with...playing this game with him to begin with? What would she gain by agreeing to do it?
"That expression on your face says a lot y'know. What, can't trust me? C'mon now, I know we're enemies but I'm not always a bad guy." She throws him an unconvinced look, not quite buying his way of 'breaking the ice', to which he counters by throwing his hands up in defeat.
"Alright, so maybe I am sort of a bad guy. But hey, you can't judge a book by its cover so soon." ...Where was he trying to go with this conversation? It can't be that his sole purpose of wanting to chat with her was to convince her that he wasn't an evil person or something, was it?
Seeing that she wasn't going to budge just yet, he finally gives in."...Well fine, ya might as well take whatever I say as pointless rambling at this point." With the way he's acting, she supposed she can believe that he wasn't out for her throat...just for now. Though, she seriously can't figure him out. Was he always this...frivolous? Now she can't help but wonder how Dan deals with him...
"Hey ojou-chan, I'm kinda curious. What's a little lady like you doing here in a war like this? No offense but...you definitely don't look like you're cut out for fighting." Shifting from one topic to the next in the blink of an eye...she doesn't know how to keep up with him and his pace.
He's...surprisingly chatty and energetic even at this time of day. Anyone who saw and judged him based on his appearance alone would probably be mistaken to think that he was closed off and quiet. Going back to his question...in other words, he's saying that she looks out of place...and doesn't exactly belong here. Not that he's completely wrong.
In fact, she's still asking that same exact question to herself. She sucks in a deep breath through her nose, composing herself for a moment before she speaks. "...I'm fighting to stay alive. I'm not here by choice," she curtly replies, eyes downcast.
She doesn't have much to say, nor a grand or spectacular reason to provide either. She's basically trapped in this war, forced to fight for survival. And her wish for the grail? Truthfully, she doesn't know yet...nothing else apart from wanting to live.
"...I see. You've got it rough too, huh?" Was he...trying to sympathise with her? Despite being an enemy servant? It wasn't like she needed or wanted him to pity her anyway. What a peculiar man, and yet, she didn't feel the need to refute him.
"So you got thrown into the war against your will, eh? Still, to be able to fight and win against that brat is an achievement in itself." She gives him an incredulous look in return. That was...could she interpret that as a compliment? And...was he...trying to cheer her up or something? ...He didn't need to.
...Though, oddly enough, the longer the conversation continued, the more she could feel the tension leave her shoulders. It felt...strange, conversing with the opposing servant like it was a mundane matter. And yet, she found herself relaxing just the slightest bit.
There was just something about him that she couldn't quite pinpoint. It was like he had...a certain way with words? It was the way he chatted with her and his mannerisms, that for a moment she almost couldn't fanthom that he was a legendary soul.
In the time that they spoke, the stress that she had accumulated from the first round had managed to ease, even if it were only by a small amount. How strange...how very strange indeed. Did this man possess some sort of hidden talent or ability when talking or something...?
Along the way, the man had begun cracking a few lighthearted jokes. Some were...sort of terrible, though others more amusing and funny. So it turns out that this servant also had a sense of humour, figures. Or perhaps it was just his exaggerated way of telling them. Nonetheless, she couldn't help but regardless his jokes with mirth.
"...You finally smiled." She halts at the man's remark, a hand going to her lips which were indeed upturned into a grin. Wait...he's right. When did she...? Suddenly, the woman couldn't help but feel self-conscious. Had she been smiling like this the whole time? And in front of an enemy no less...even though she had reminded and warned herself earlier...
"Heh, you embarassed? Don't be. You have a nice smile, should do it more often. Looks a lot better than that frown on your face." Again...she didn't know if he was giving her an actual compliment, or maybe just fooling around and teasing her. ...Or maybe it was best for her to not take regard it too seriously, given this servant's nature.
"Ah, would you look at the time. The other masters might be pouring here any minute now," the man remarks. She blinks at that, suddenly realising how much time had passed just from them having a simple exchange. That, and Dan should've definitely taken note of his servant's disappearance by now...
The man adjusts the hood on his head, looking discontented. " *Sigh* What a shame. And here I was just beginning to have a lovely time." Was their conversation that amazing? They didn't exactly talk much or brought up anything of relevance really...well...not that they could since they were both still enemies.
"Ya think so? I don't think it was all that pointless. After all, I managed to see that terrific smile of yours, which I probably won't on the battlefield, so that's a bonus." Her mouth drops open, suddenly feeling awkward. This man...how was he able to casually utter such embarrassing things without any regret or shame?
"...And I guess this concludes the truce we have for now...and this whole game of yours too?" she asks sarcastically. He pauses at that. "...Who knows." Huh? What was he up to now? Don't tell me he has another bizarre idea up his sleeve-
Without warning, the man suddenly grabs ahold on her hand and leans in, his face inches apart from hers. Her breath hitches at the closeness, looking at him with wide, confused eyes. There they were, those dull green eyes that stared at her, as if carefully analyzing her. What goes on in his head as he stares at her like this, she wonders.
His voice suddenly drops into a low whisper, hushed and quiet. "...It depends. Do you want this game to be over, little sparrow?" The man now looks more serious, a stark contrast to his earlier attitude. ...How does he even want her to respond to that? Rather, what is he trying to get across by asking her such a question? The answer was obvious...
Another moment of silence goes by as she tries to process the question. Before she could open her mouth and utter a reply however, the man pulls back, a smirk now back on his face. "Just kidding. Did you think I was serious for a moment there?"
Her expression falls as she cocks an eyebrow at him, clearly unimpressed. There he goes with the teasing yet again. Yeah...she really can't tell what's on his mind sometimes, and whether he was being serious or just messing with her.
He begins walking off, back turned to her with the ends of his cape flowing around. She notes the subtle hastiness in his steps despite his attempt to appear calm. "Catch ya later ojou-chan. It was...great talking to you, but I have to get back to my master. Don't need him yapping away for going off on my own after all."
He gives her one last side glance, an unreadable look on his face before he vanishes, leaving her standing in the hallway alone, and incredibly puzzled. Well that was...rather abrupt. Just like the other day, he literally popped up and was gone just like that...how weird.
Her mind wanders back to their earlier conversation, along with the question he threw at her before he promptly left. Was he trying to convey something with that question? Not that she could tell since it was so random.
As much as she wanted to ponder more about it, it was time to head back to her private room. If her servant was already awake by now, they'd most likely be worried and would be scolding her nonstop as soon as she returned. Guh...she's already sweatdropping just thinking of that possible scenario.
Walking down the hallway in the direction of her room, a brief image of the man pops up in her head. What a strange servant he was. Though...maybe it was best for her to not think too much of it. That man was still her enemy after all. This conversation was just a one thing time anyway. Hence, she should probably discard this sense of curiosity.
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Tell her to come to the old willow tree
Yesterday holds memories in time
Where spirits of lost love yet whisper to thee
Thou still art a true love of mine
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She collapses onto her knees, chest heaving as she gave out a ragged gasp. A chorus of choked coughs followed after as she struggled to take in oxygen, clutching her bleeding arm as tears traced the edge of her eyes.
Her vision was already beginning to blur she she blinked profusely, trying to stay conscious. A searing hot pain spreads across her arm, threatening to engulf and burn her whole. It hurt...every part of her body hurt that it was difficult just trying to breathe. But she needed to remain conscious...or else...!
"Ah, so it's finally starting to take effect, huh?" Despite the ringing in her ears, she registers a voice in the distance. The voice of a familiar man...it sounded so cruel and ruthless...and much more colder in that moment. She grits her teeth, cursing to herself at her carelessness.
Falling to the ground, she lies there in pain, trying her best to stay awake with the cries of a woman's voice pushing her to fight on. Damn it all. No...she couldn't lose to him...she wouldn't...she refused to...!
Right before she blacked out, she found herself feeling the despicable emotions of frustration and bitterness.
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Tell her to gather three lilies of white
Yesterday holds memories in time
To place at my headstone beneath the moon's light
Then she'll be a true of mine
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She heaves a quiet sigh as she exits the Nurse's Office. Looking around the area, she notices the lack of masters around the foyer...how odd. Absentmindedly, her eyes slowly wander towards the window, gazing at the blue virtual sky. A hand to her other arm, lightly grasping it as she continues to stare at the endless horizon above, seemingly in a daze.
"Yo." Blinking, she turns her head to eye a man standing a few feet away from her, casually leaning against the wall. She continues to stare at him blankly, before raising her eyebrows at him. She opens her mouth, as if to offer a retort before deciding against it, instead clamping it shut and pursing her lips.
What odd timing to run into him yet again. Just when she was about to head upstairs and meet up with her servant who was in the library too...terrific. Sure, she had insisted to her servant that she would be fine by herself during the whole treatment since she knew that they were getting bored just waiting around in the infirmary.
But she wasn't expecting Dan to make an appearance earlier, and to run into his servant of all people now too...how amazing. She analyzes him for a moment, noting that his weapon wasn't in plain sight. After what his master did, and the penalty he received too, he wouldn't try to attack her again now, would he...?
Without a word, she merely let's out a huff before she begins walking past him and down the hallway. She almost manages to reach the staircase before a large hand reaches out and firmly grasps her wrist, preventing her from escaping.
Caught off guard, she stops in her tracks. She almost stiffens at the sudden contact, surprised by the cold sensation of his fingertips. What was he-? Before she could tell him to release her however, his voice once again cuts through the silence. "Hey, wait a moment."
This time, she let's out a long, aggravated groan, before lifting her eyes back up to meet his. Really now, this man wouldn't let her catch a break nor a moment of peace. "...What do you want with me? I'll let you know now, but I'm not exactly in the mood nor have the energy to entertain you or your whims if that's what you're looking for." Her voice comes out relatively calm and monotonous as she says this, emphasizing her point.
His eyes widened slightly, out of shock or something else, she didn't really know. The man seems taken aback, because for the next few seconds he doesn't speak, as if he's at a loss for words. "...I'm surprised. You're aren't mad? After the incident yesterday?"
She frowns at him, eyebrows wrinkling together. He just had to spoil her mood even more by reminding her of what happened yesterday, huh? "...Do you want me to get mad?" she quips sarcastically, staring at the hand that was still firmly gripping onto her wrist. What was his purpose for showing up now anyway?
He appears stunned at her response, but nonetheless slowly shakes his head. "Uh...no...that's not what I meant. But how...how are you not pissed off after what happened?" Oh, so that's what he's confused about? Well, he did raise a valid question.
She eyes the man before him carefully, a moment of silence filling the air. Was she still angry at this person? Perhaps, after all the pain she went through yesterday. In fact, she had spent a good portion of the night cursing to herself while she tried to sleep.
However, looking at him now, she finds herself feeling more tired and exhausted than enraged. Sure, she had considered being spiteful towards him, but that didn't quite sit well for her in the end.
She was still irritated yes, but not to the point where she'd be seething with rage with smoke coming out of her ears at the sight of him. That, and she's calmed down a lot now after one night. She'd like to argue that her servant on the other hand, was a different matter.
"...Truth be told, I was quite angry and frustrated last night, dealing with the poison. It was hard enough trying to get some decent rest, so I ought to thank you for that," she begins. This prompts the man to stare at her incredulously, as if utterly bewildered.
She takes in a deep breath, composing her thoughts before going on. "...However, since I spent the whole of last night venting my rage, and now that I'm healed too, I guess you could say my anger has subsided quite a bit today." Plus, Dan did use his command seals on her, so she supposed that was more than enough to suffice as compensation.
She gently shakes her hand off from his, adjusting her sleeve as she cocks an eyebrow at him. "Besides, I'm not the type of person who continuously stays bitter at someone 24/7. Being all spiteful and filled with hatred can get exhausting too, y'know? I have better things to spend my energy on."
It was taxing enough having to prepare for the Elimination Battle and gather information on her opponent, so she didn't have the luxury or time on her hands to hold a serious, deep and long grudge. Time was ticking and the preparation period was still ongoing as they spoke after all.
"To add to that, my emotional energy reserves are running low due to using it extensively the night before and the lack of sleep, so you could also say I'm just not up for it." She hopes that this explanation somehow satisfies him or whatever, because honestly, she's not sure if she has the mental capacity to deal with him.
The servant stares at her as if she had grown a second head, his own eyebrows now creasing together as if trying to comprehend her explanation. "...That's it?" Huh? What else does he expect her to say? She's pretty sure she already elaborated enough on her own reasons.
She tilts her head to the side, frown deepening. "...What? Did you want me to yell and scream at you? Or punch you or something? Sorry but...that would cause quite a ruckus, and I'm not exactly fond of attention." Figuratively speaking, she doesn't know if she possesses adequate strength to land a blow on him when she had just recovered to begin with.
In fact, doing so and public too would just make her extremely ashamed if anything, especially after dealing with Shinji. Man, that guy just loved to stir up all sorts of trouble at every given opportunity he had. Unlike him, she was more rational and had the decency and self control not to act like him.
She points towards the staircase leading to the second floor. "But if you want to cause some drama around here, I think my servant would be more than happy to oblige." That was more of a joke of course, though, she's definitely certain that if her servant saw them right now, they'd be charging in, weapon in hand and prepared to fight if need be. Imagining the scenario itself had her sweatdropping.
The servant's mouth is now agape, trying to find the words to respond. ...Guess he really was expecting her to maybe hurl a punch or at least throw a tantrum and act more hateful towards him, huh? Though...she supposed anyone else would when put in her shoes.
"...Hah." He places a hand to his face, and for a brief second, she almost thought she saw a hint of...relief(?) on his features, though she wasn't quite sure. "...You're really something else, ojou-chan." Was that...an insult or...? Don't tell me he's gone back to teasing her once again...what a peculiar man.
"...You're an interesting one, I can say that much. It's crazy how unaffected you look right now. Did the poison give you a few loose screws in the head or something?" Her eyes twitch at that. OK, now he was just blatantly making fun of her. This was how he wanted to thank her for pardoning that stunt of his? ...Now she's wondering if doing so was truly the correct decision on her end...
"Well...sorry for being strange. Unlike a certain someone, I don't always resort to violence and fight fire with fire," she counters. He let's out a chuckle in response...the nerve of him. To be able to laugh in this situation...did he have no sense of remorse? Perhaps she did let him off the hook too easily. She's tempted to take back her words now...
"Ah, hitting me where it hurts, huh? I won't really deny it though. I am sort of a bad guy after all." Grabbing her hand once again without any hesitation, like the action itself was almost natural, he brings it up to eye level to inspect it, noting that there was no ghastly rash. "Hmm...so you've completely recovered eh?" she hears him mutter, the man still staring at her hand. Sort of a bad guy...that he was. Wait...speaking of which...
"Disappointed? Go complain and whine to your master then. What are you even doing here in the first place?" she asks, pulling her hand away from his hold (Why was he being so touchy feely all of a sudden anyway?). She has a hunch that he went off on his own again, and to think he had the gall to do so after getting reprimanded by Dan Blackmore...what a rebellious servant indeed.
"Ugh, not you too. I already got an earful from the old man, so spare me from the lecture." Ah, so he did get scolded by Dan. Understandable. Guess she needs not mention anything more about the matter then. ...But this also means that he did come here on his own accord.
"As for why I'm here...well...do I need a reason?" He flashes her a smirk as he says this. Again with the ambiguity in his response. It was times like these that she didn't know if he was trying to play mind games with her or something. It was so...unnecessarily difficult to decipher him and his motives.
"Yeah right, not funny. What did you really come here for?" Couldn't he take her seriously for once? Here she was, asking him a legitimate question, and he replies with an answer like...that. He's just leading her around in circles at this point, having to always guess what he's up to.
"...No real reason really. If I said it was to visit you, would that make you any happier?" She crosses her arms over her chest, obviously not amused nor flattered. Happy to see him? After what happened yesterday? Yeah...clearly. This man always chose to crack jokes at the weirdest times...
That said, he must still definitely possess some sort of purpose to be here right now, and meeting him right after Dan's earlier appearance and aid...the timing was uncanny. She wasn't obliviously stupid; if he thinks he can fool her just like that, he was sorely mistaken.
Upon seeing her unconvinced expression, he finally relents, sheepishly laughing. "Alright, alright...since you're so adamant to know. I...mostly came here just to check on your condition." That answer...doesn't put her at ease nor satisfy her at all, coming from him. He might've forgotten already but...she was still in a relatively foul mood.
Her face crumples like a paper ball upon hearing his explanation. So basically...he's telling her that he wanted to verify with his own eyes if she had already succumbed to the poison or not...how thoughtful of him. ...Suddenly she feels the need to be more wary than ever around him.
"Ah it's not really like that. More like...how should I say this..." He places a finger under his chin, pondering in thought for a moment. "...It's more so...for my own conscience?" Now she's even more confused. ...Had she heard that right? Hang on, by that...he can't be indicating that he's feeling bad over what he did, right?
"You...you're feeling...regretful?" she asks slowly. His eyes widened at her question, and for a good minute or so, he simply stares back at her blankly, as if processing her inquiry. The stiff silence continues to hang in the air before he finally exhales, taking a few steps toward her.
With his taller height, the man once again leans in so that he was on eye level with her, still staring hard into her pupils "...Hmm...what do you think? Am I?" he asks, a question directed at her or himself...she's unsure. Does he expect her to take a guess or something?
His voice comes out in a soft, low timbre, his irises a piercing, green gaze that almost renders her speechless. His irises...she didn't notice it before but...even with the dullness in them, they possessed an unusual yet almost captivating hue of green.
In this close proximity, she can better make out his face underneath the hood that he wears, though the concept of personal space probably doesn't apply to this servant at this point. She doesn't get to react or utter a word however, because he backs away first, a knowing smirk now on his face.
"...That's for me to know and for you to find out," he concludes, suddenly back to his usual self. She rolls her eyes at him, resisting the urge to scoff. Of course, she should've expected such a reply. This man was determined to confuse her till the very end, wasn't he?
"Haha, I'm just messing with ya. Alright, that's enough chatting for now. I fulfilled my purpose for coming here anyway, so there's that." Waving at her, he throws her a coy smile as he casually begins strolling away. "Bye for now, ojou-chan. It was fun talking with ya."
That's all he says before he disappears yet again, leaving her dumbfounded. That man...always coming and going as he pleases. What kind of servant even casually comes over to talk to the enemy right after literally trying to assassinate them?
She hasn't forgiven him for what's he done but...can't help the numbing curiosity that persists in her head. What even was the aim of all these...impromptu meetings? She had already gotten a fair warning from her servant in advance but...
...Right, her servant. She had certainly kept them waiting. She should probably head back before they get any more worried. With the earlier encounter remaining in the back of her mind, she heads upstairs, about to return to her usual routine. Now that she was in tip top shape, there should be no issues with training in the Arena.
...Though, a small part of her still wonders. Back then, what would his actual response have been to her question?