[This is not the first time she's been caught spellbound over a trinket from her past, and it's why Tamamo does not bother resisting for long, when she spots a familiar scroll lying in the middle of the lounge.
-- She can even guess what memory is it, too. Perhaps that is why her feet quicken instead, hoping to grab the accursed thing off the floor before someone else interferes.
If she is correct, well then... it is not a memory that is worth sharing with anyone.]
[Junpei, of course, is in the lounge just to take a break and he's about to turn and say something when he sees Tamamo moving pretty fast. What the--]
Hey, Tamamo, what're you...? [And he doesn't even get to finish his sentence before her hand makes contact, the barrier sliding up over them and locking both of them in.] Damnit!
[Indeed, the barrier locks them in place. The scroll turns to ash in her hand as Tamamo loses all the color in her face.]
Master, don't--
[The room they find themselves in is dark and circular in nature, with the floor littered in ritualistic incantations -- the movement of the sun, moon, and stars etched into the ground. On the outskirts, cloaked figures stand by with urns in their hands, shadowed heads bowed in prayer.
Whoever this perspective belongs to -- they sweep the room with their eyes, darting around as if nervous for some reason.
In their hands is the scroll that Tamamo had been so enraptured with before.
A voice from behind speaks up -- quickly now, it is for our Master's sake, and all of Japan. Recite the ritual and free the Emperor from his sickness.
The pause is sharp, and uncertain, but ultimately the command is followed. The perspective shifts a bit as the person walks forward, grip tight on the scroll, attempting to enter the circle that's been etched into the ground.
Their feet barely pass the outer edge before a light pours forth, followed by a woman's scream: Tamamo's.
It's then the entire room erupts into chaos.
"-- It's true?!"
"I can't believe it, she's a demon--"
"She tried to kill the emperor--!"
Fear and confusion have ignited into accusations, with the perspective now shifting into a run -- nearly tripping backwards to dodge the armor-clad guards who jump forth from seemingly nowhere to catch her. The howls of the betrayed humans hound her out the doorway before the memory fades.]
[It's only when the memory hits him right between the eyes that he finally connects a thought that's been tugging at his brain. The legend of Tamamo-no-Mae, the fox spirit and courtesan of the emperor, the woman who made one emperor extremely ill and before that brought an end to the Shang dynasty. He finally gets it but hearing Tamamo's scream is enough for him to wince and hiss outside of the memory, unable to pull out or move as he watches the chaos descend upon the room. Panic and fear are all-consuming and when the memory finally fades he gasps for breath, eyes wide as he stares at her.]
...Tamamo. [It's all he says at first, unaware of his own memory lingering that'll show up in the next tag because what?] What...was that?
Her three tails alone will be enough of a hint, lashing wildly around her like they're caught in a whirlwind. Shoulders shaking. Her hands gripped into fists by her side.
... It's so irritating when a plan goes awry because of technical difficulties, but she supposes she has plenty of experience in making humans miserable. Ha. Haha.
Well. Whatever the outcome -- it's fine. It's fine. This was likely how it'd end anyway.]
Don't tell me your history lessons were that lacking, Master.
[The glance over her shoulder is cold]
... I assumed you'd figured it out long ago and were just playing coy, but if not...
[...stupidly, perhaps, he's closing the gap between them to put a hand on her shoulder. She trembles under his hand and his fingers grip down a little to steady her and prove a point. He can't leave the barrier, but he wouldn't just yet anyway.]
I...left the country when I was in middle school. I guess I sort of forgot. [He really is that much of an idiot, and yet.] But if not what?
[He doesn't get to hear her answer. He doesn't get to hear anything yet because Tamamo will find herself somewhere else until about the 25 minutes mark, I'm sorry it's 10 minutes long in video time but it's important in this chunk, have fun.]
[She is more than prepared to slam him straight into the ground if he doesn't remove that hand from her person, immediately--
But well. Memories.
And even for a demonic spirit bragging her body count, with a grudge well past a century old ... Tamamo finds herself silenced as she watches the scene play out before her.
There's a Japanese saying: assuming everyone you meet is a thief
Words to live by.
She likely would have made the same choice]
... You know... Junpei.
[Not looking at him properly. Her eyes are still lost on the scene, even when it ends and the barrier disappears. She speaks slow and quiet, words picked carefully]
In a proper Holy Grail War, Masters use a catalyst to summon their Servants. But even then, a piece of them bleeds through. The Servants they summon are often a reflection of themselves.
[...]
How ironic. You really would have been able to summon me.
[If anything, it's the way she says his name that brings him back to himself. His grip loosens just enough, hand still on her shoulder but slowly pulling away as he stares at the space in front of him.
In a proper Holy Grail War...perhaps they really would have worked well together. He hadn't realized it before, really, or perhaps he truly was ignorant of the history there. This fox spirit with a mistrust for humans, a bloodthirsty kind of recklessness and a desire to get her way. Originally, it had reminded him of someone important.
Now that she's pointed it out, it's much harder to ignore.
The comment about Akane stings in a way that it always does when he remembers how far she is and how he has to keep fighting to get back to her. And yet something in his face is blank and shaken and unreadable like he's trying to process the fact that maybe he and Tamamo are two sides of the same coin.
He knows he can be better. It's why he believes she can be, too.
But he also knows they're both prone to being possessive and somewhat jealous creatures that hide the darker parts of themselves until pushed too far.]
...yeah...that's Akane. [It's soft and it's what he chooses to focus on first because his focus is always on her one way or another. But he can't quite look at Tamamo yet either.] In a proper Holy Grail War, I would have tried to summon you anyway.
[It makes sense now. You always work with likeminded people.]
Flattering though that is, I'd hardly call it a wise decision. My Masters tend to wind up dead when I'm in a foul mood, along with plenty of other humans. I'm a harbinger of bad luck and have more in kind with the demons on this ship.
[No theatrics this time. No hearts, no smiles, no laughter. She does not even feign the distant casualness that she sometimes does when angered. No, her voice is rough and sharp like she's spent weeks screaming and it's only now starting to show.]
... Though it makes sense now why you had Escha-chan protect me. You've a habit of this.
[Gods, she is tired. And still angry. The only difference is Junpei isn't fit to be her target. Ha. And has that not always been the case -- him finding new and inventive ways to dodge her ire.
When she faces him at last, it's with an animal's glare.]
Well. Regardless, I suppose apologies are in order. I had meant to keep you safe as our pack demanded, but you are just as cunning as I. There was never a reason to worry that you'd die quick.
[A hand goes to her hip, and she gestures to him, bidding him to look at her]
So let us renew our introductions, shall we? I am Tamamo-no-Mae, one of the three great youkai of old. Though my grudge against humans has long been sated, I frankly don't trust most of you.
[...]
Be that as it may, if you wish to make me your sword and shield, I shall serve you faithfully until you have reached your goals. Agreed?
[In this way, he almost prefers her like this. He almost likes it hat she's so pragmatic and cold, explaining herself this way and no longer hiding behind a sweet facade. It's something he's known she's capable of, but this is something he would rather see in a moment like this.
The words are biting, but at the gesture he turns to face her again. His eyes are blank yet determined, jaw tight as he waits for her to finish her piece.]
I refuse to die in a place like this. [First and foremost. But there's a sharp nod in return.] It's a pleasure, Tamamo-no-Mae. That's...what I wish for.
[Are those even the right words? He knows trust is fleeting and in this game it's dangerous and hard to come by, but he feels as though they have that understanding. Still, just as serious as he's been, his expression begins to waver to something a little more tired. He's in business-mode again.]
[Her answer is swift enough, though she continues to watch Junpei long after her ramblings stop. Her tails sway at a much slower tempo, and some of the gleam from her eyes recedes.
Even now, it seems the mention of Escha makes her soft.]
I've assume you have a role as well. Perhaps Dick-san, too, though I'm not as certain of the latter...
[She's. Not even giving him a chance to confirm nor deny, really. Without pausing the conversation, Tamamo starts walking, and it's clear from the cool glance over her shoulder that Junpei better follow if he knows what is good for his health.]
[His silence is one that lingers. So he folds his arms over his chest, wordlessly following and leaving behind the ghost of Akane one more time, and the memory of a broken Carlos at his feet.]
She was braver than she gave herself credit for. [Likewise, the mention of Escha hurts enough to make him grow quiet.] But she's got Logy and Prompto with her. There wasn't much that could hurt her more than he vote itself.
She could protect one person from death per week, and also told me that to hold a role means certain verbal restrictions are placed on a person. Given that Kagachi-san revealed he had voted for me but nothing else, I assume he has a role as well -- or is in close contact with the people who do.
[Just continuing on in a breezy, even voice, her arms folded in her kimono sleeves. She leads the way to the hallway where the bedrooms are.]
... I had wondered if your role gave you access to trinkets of a person's past, truth be told. But since Escha-chan did not give me a name when I asked, either she was telling the truth about not knowing, or speaking would have put you in danger. I'm not sure which...
--oh, but don't bother answering anything if your head will pop off your shoulders for it. This is precisely why I told you I do not mind if you keep secrets from me.
No, but I know where those came from. I never told Escha because I made a promise to that person that I wouldn't until they were sure they were cleared. [So he knows, at least.] The rules seem to vary from person to person but they all kind of end up with the same implications.
[Don't spill.] ...there are thirteen of them, and I know about nine. We just don't know what it means to have all of them in-play. Or...almost all of them. [Escha :(]
[He follows her into her room, arms folded and eyes glancing around.]
It's like I've said from the very beginning. [A reminder.] As far as I know, the roles are meant to help but some might be more helpful than others. That's not their fault though. The game seems to be designed to be running a certain way.
[She says before gracefully crawling into the bed herself, on the search for a pillow to shove her face into]
And I am tired, obviously.
[duh]
I'll be napping, and you'll be joining me, and if you complain then I'll renounce my promise to be your Servant before subsequently murdering you in cold blood.
I didn't think I had to defend myself against you. [It's grumbled in annoyance, but he watches her move closer. From this distance, she can also probably see that it's been some time since he's rested properly even though he's continuing to track her movements.]
It's Tuesday. You're not allowed to murder off-schedule. [This is funnier because of what happens later this evening, sorry Dimitri. But he concedes and just...flops down again.] ...no more than an hour, okay?
[She notices that Junpei is only barely hiding back his fatigue, but in a way, it makes no difference to her.
She was going to slide up by his side and place her head against his shoulder regardless, and gives a tired little nod at his request, eyes already slipping closed]
[He winds an arm around her waist to hold her close even if his grip is loose. He doesn't entirely close his eyes, but he at least falls quiet and lets her sleep. Soon enough, he also sleeps.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
W3, Tuesday
-- She can even guess what memory is it, too. Perhaps that is why her feet quicken instead, hoping to grab the accursed thing off the floor before someone else interferes.
If she is correct, well then... it is not a memory that is worth sharing with anyone.]
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Hey, Tamamo, what're you...? [And he doesn't even get to finish his sentence before her hand makes contact, the barrier sliding up over them and locking both of them in.] Damnit!
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[Indeed, the barrier locks them in place. The scroll turns to ash in her hand as Tamamo loses all the color in her face.]
Master, don't--
[The room they find themselves in is dark and circular in nature, with the floor littered in ritualistic incantations -- the movement of the sun, moon, and stars etched into the ground. On the outskirts, cloaked figures stand by with urns in their hands, shadowed heads bowed in prayer.
Whoever this perspective belongs to -- they sweep the room with their eyes, darting around as if nervous for some reason.
In their hands is the scroll that Tamamo had been so enraptured with before.
A voice from behind speaks up -- quickly now, it is for our Master's sake, and all of Japan. Recite the ritual and free the Emperor from his sickness.
The pause is sharp, and uncertain, but ultimately the command is followed. The perspective shifts a bit as the person walks forward, grip tight on the scroll, attempting to enter the circle that's been etched into the ground.
Their feet barely pass the outer edge before a light pours forth, followed by a woman's scream: Tamamo's.
It's then the entire room erupts into chaos.
"-- It's true?!"
"I can't believe it, she's a demon--"
"She tried to kill the emperor--!"
Fear and confusion have ignited into accusations, with the perspective now shifting into a run -- nearly tripping backwards to dodge the armor-clad guards who jump forth from seemingly nowhere to catch her. The howls of the betrayed humans hound her out the doorway before the memory fades.]
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...Tamamo. [It's all he says at first, unaware of his own memory lingering that'll show up in the next tag because what?] What...was that?
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Her three tails alone will be enough of a hint, lashing wildly around her like they're caught in a whirlwind. Shoulders shaking. Her hands gripped into fists by her side.
... It's so irritating when a plan goes awry because of technical difficulties, but she supposes she has plenty of experience in making humans miserable. Ha. Haha.
Well. Whatever the outcome -- it's fine. It's fine. This was likely how it'd end anyway.]
Don't tell me your history lessons were that lacking, Master.
[The glance over her shoulder is cold]
... I assumed you'd figured it out long ago and were just playing coy, but if not...
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I...left the country when I was in middle school. I guess I sort of forgot. [He really is that much of an idiot, and yet.] But if not what?
[He doesn't get to hear her answer. He doesn't get to hear anything yet because Tamamo will find herself somewhere else until about the 25 minutes mark, I'm sorry it's 10 minutes long in video time but it's important in this chunk, have fun.]
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But well. Memories.
And even for a demonic spirit bragging her body count, with a grudge well past a century old ... Tamamo finds herself silenced as she watches the scene play out before her.
There's a Japanese saying: assuming everyone you meet is a thief
Words to live by.
She likely would have made the same choice]
... You know... Junpei.
[Not looking at him properly. Her eyes are still lost on the scene, even when it ends and the barrier disappears. She speaks slow and quiet, words picked carefully]
In a proper Holy Grail War, Masters use a catalyst to summon their Servants. But even then, a piece of them bleeds through. The Servants they summon are often a reflection of themselves.
[...]
How ironic. You really would have been able to summon me.
[...]
-- She's very beautiful, by the way. Your fiancé.
no subject
In a proper Holy Grail War...perhaps they really would have worked well together. He hadn't realized it before, really, or perhaps he truly was ignorant of the history there. This fox spirit with a mistrust for humans, a bloodthirsty kind of recklessness and a desire to get her way. Originally, it had reminded him of someone important.
Now that she's pointed it out, it's much harder to ignore.
The comment about Akane stings in a way that it always does when he remembers how far she is and how he has to keep fighting to get back to her. And yet something in his face is blank and shaken and unreadable like he's trying to process the fact that maybe he and Tamamo are two sides of the same coin.
He knows he can be better. It's why he believes she can be, too.
But he also knows they're both prone to being possessive and somewhat jealous creatures that hide the darker parts of themselves until pushed too far.]
...yeah...that's Akane. [It's soft and it's what he chooses to focus on first because his focus is always on her one way or another. But he can't quite look at Tamamo yet either.] In a proper Holy Grail War, I would have tried to summon you anyway.
[It makes sense now. You always work with likeminded people.]
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[No theatrics this time. No hearts, no smiles, no laughter. She does not even feign the distant casualness that she sometimes does when angered. No, her voice is rough and sharp like she's spent weeks screaming and it's only now starting to show.]
... Though it makes sense now why you had Escha-chan protect me. You've a habit of this.
[Gods, she is tired. And still angry. The only difference is Junpei isn't fit to be her target. Ha. And has that not always been the case -- him finding new and inventive ways to dodge her ire.
When she faces him at last, it's with an animal's glare.]
Well. Regardless, I suppose apologies are in order. I had meant to keep you safe as our pack demanded, but you are just as cunning as I. There was never a reason to worry that you'd die quick.
[A hand goes to her hip, and she gestures to him, bidding him to look at her]
So let us renew our introductions, shall we? I am Tamamo-no-Mae, one of the three great youkai of old. Though my grudge against humans has long been sated, I frankly don't trust most of you.
[...]
Be that as it may, if you wish to make me your sword and shield, I shall serve you faithfully until you have reached your goals. Agreed?
no subject
The words are biting, but at the gesture he turns to face her again. His eyes are blank yet determined, jaw tight as he waits for her to finish her piece.]
I refuse to die in a place like this. [First and foremost. But there's a sharp nod in return.] It's a pleasure, Tamamo-no-Mae. That's...what I wish for.
[Are those even the right words? He knows trust is fleeting and in this game it's dangerous and hard to come by, but he feels as though they have that understanding. Still, just as serious as he's been, his expression begins to waver to something a little more tired. He's in business-mode again.]
...Escha actually told you, huh?
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[Her answer is swift enough, though she continues to watch Junpei long after her ramblings stop. Her tails sway at a much slower tempo, and some of the gleam from her eyes recedes.
Even now, it seems the mention of Escha makes her soft.]
I've assume you have a role as well. Perhaps Dick-san, too, though I'm not as certain of the latter...
[She's. Not even giving him a chance to confirm nor deny, really. Without pausing the conversation, Tamamo starts walking, and it's clear from the cool glance over her shoulder that Junpei better follow if he knows what is good for his health.]
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She was braver than she gave herself credit for. [Likewise, the mention of Escha hurts enough to make him grow quiet.] But she's got Logy and Prompto with her. There wasn't much that could hurt her more than he vote itself.
She told you about herself then.
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She could protect one person from death per week, and also told me that to hold a role means certain verbal restrictions are placed on a person. Given that Kagachi-san revealed he had voted for me but nothing else, I assume he has a role as well -- or is in close contact with the people who do.
[Just continuing on in a breezy, even voice, her arms folded in her kimono sleeves. She leads the way to the hallway where the bedrooms are.]
... I had wondered if your role gave you access to trinkets of a person's past, truth be told. But since Escha-chan did not give me a name when I asked, either she was telling the truth about not knowing, or speaking would have put you in danger. I'm not sure which...
--oh, but don't bother answering anything if your head will pop off your shoulders for it. This is precisely why I told you I do not mind if you keep secrets from me.
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No, but I know where those came from. I never told Escha because I made a promise to that person that I wouldn't until they were sure they were cleared. [So he knows, at least.] The rules seem to vary from person to person but they all kind of end up with the same implications.
[Don't spill.] ...there are thirteen of them, and I know about nine. We just don't know what it means to have all of them in-play. Or...almost all of them. [Escha :(]
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[Apparently she is... leading them to her room, and only pauses long enough to stick her head in before nodding in satisfaction. Zero isn't there]
Are the roles meant to help us in any capacity? ... I admit, this is more game-like than I anticipated.
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It's like I've said from the very beginning. [A reminder.] As far as I know, the roles are meant to help but some might be more helpful than others. That's not their fault though. The game seems to be designed to be running a certain way.
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[And then she
turns to him
and without warning, is going to punt him into bed
... and when I mean punt I mean trip him right into it once he's wandered close enough to her foot, do not let this 5'2" frame fool you]
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What was that for?!
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[She says before gracefully crawling into the bed herself, on the search for a pillow to shove her face into]
And I am tired, obviously.
[duh]
I'll be napping, and you'll be joining me, and if you complain then I'll renounce my promise to be your Servant before subsequently murdering you in cold blood.
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It's Tuesday. You're not allowed to murder off-schedule. [This is funnier because of what happens later this evening, sorry Dimitri. But he concedes and just...flops down again.] ...no more than an hour, okay?
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She was going to slide up by his side and place her head against his shoulder regardless, and gives a tired little nod at his request, eyes already slipping closed]
... No more than an hour.
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