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05. bang bang
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[ It's a hot summer's day. The kind that burns through your skull and leaves the asphalt blistering under the rays. Like every single day that Asuka has been alive.
But she still sees reason to harrumph and drop her weight onto the docks as if the sun has melted her limbs into a puddle, coupled with the painfully obvious exclamation of Damn, it's hot! She also sees reason to push the bowl filled with red-tinged ice cubes toward the other girl, picking one up for herself to place against the nape of her neck, coupled with Hey glasses, did you get heatstroke already?
What she doesn't say-- What she still refuses to admit is that their umpteenth attempt to retrieve Shinji has ended in failure yet again.
Better to complain about the heat. ]
Hey, say something.
But she still sees reason to harrumph and drop her weight onto the docks as if the sun has melted her limbs into a puddle, coupled with the painfully obvious exclamation of Damn, it's hot! She also sees reason to push the bowl filled with red-tinged ice cubes toward the other girl, picking one up for herself to place against the nape of her neck, coupled with Hey glasses, did you get heatstroke already?
What she doesn't say-- What she still refuses to admit is that their umpteenth attempt to retrieve Shinji has ended in failure yet again.
Better to complain about the heat. ]
Hey, say something.
[ Oh, spicy. ]
Weather getting under your skin, your Highness?
[ It seems as good a thing to say as any other. Mari can discuss the weather like any proper adult - she can not say anything about the reality at hand and instead comment on something innocuous and numbing. A lazy grin creeps onto her face, curling along its angles. Ice is perfect. It's then that she stretches her long, limber arms into the air, rocking back in her seat to plop down on the dock. ]
Or maybe that's too simple. [ Man, piloting really does a number on the shoulders. ] Don't mind if I do.
[ She singsongs, then reaches aside to pluck an ice cube from the bowl, setting it down between her collarbones with a shiver and a laugh. ]
Weather getting under your skin, your Highness?
[ It seems as good a thing to say as any other. Mari can discuss the weather like any proper adult - she can not say anything about the reality at hand and instead comment on something innocuous and numbing. A lazy grin creeps onto her face, curling along its angles. Ice is perfect. It's then that she stretches her long, limber arms into the air, rocking back in her seat to plop down on the dock. ]
Or maybe that's too simple. [ Man, piloting really does a number on the shoulders. ] Don't mind if I do.
[ She singsongs, then reaches aside to pluck an ice cube from the bowl, setting it down between her collarbones with a shiver and a laugh. ]
[ Going back to school has always been a tense time for him. Which, by all rights, is a little bit strange. He's considered a genius, IQ qualifying him for certificates and induction into Mensa. Testing, research, homework—all of these things he excels in.
No, what really concerns him about this process is dealing with a whole new set of socializing. Some classmates would be the same, a small relief. The bulk would be different though, especially since he's still an undeclared major (and therefore stuck in large lectures). Not to mention dealing with fussy professors being the bane of his existence. It's hard correcting old codgers who use outdated materials to teach. And even harder when your peers decide you're a smart ass know it all.
Such is his life.
This leads him here, to the bookstore, where he's supposed to be picking up his newest textbooks for the upcoming curriculum. Supposed being the key word here. Instead, he's frowning at the book that's listed on his syllabus, because it has to be from a school of thought at least 25 years out of date. That's being generous. Sighing, he crouches down to the lower shelf, using the top of one of the offending books as a writing surface. Syllabus placed on it, he scribbles out a note to file an inquiry as to why he's spending money on a book that's so out of date it shouldn't even be considered valid (a great way to start the year).
As he's crouched, head half ducked under a shelf, a set of shoes appears a couple feet away. He realizes he probably looks like he's fallen asleep halfway into a shelf. Carefully, he slides out from between the shelves so he doesn't hit his head, before angling his face up to quickly take in whoever it is. ]
—Sage?
No, what really concerns him about this process is dealing with a whole new set of socializing. Some classmates would be the same, a small relief. The bulk would be different though, especially since he's still an undeclared major (and therefore stuck in large lectures). Not to mention dealing with fussy professors being the bane of his existence. It's hard correcting old codgers who use outdated materials to teach. And even harder when your peers decide you're a smart ass know it all.
Such is his life.
This leads him here, to the bookstore, where he's supposed to be picking up his newest textbooks for the upcoming curriculum. Supposed being the key word here. Instead, he's frowning at the book that's listed on his syllabus, because it has to be from a school of thought at least 25 years out of date. That's being generous. Sighing, he crouches down to the lower shelf, using the top of one of the offending books as a writing surface. Syllabus placed on it, he scribbles out a note to file an inquiry as to why he's spending money on a book that's so out of date it shouldn't even be considered valid (a great way to start the year).
As he's crouched, head half ducked under a shelf, a set of shoes appears a couple feet away. He realizes he probably looks like he's fallen asleep halfway into a shelf. Carefully, he slides out from between the shelves so he doesn't hit his head, before angling his face up to quickly take in whoever it is. ]
—Sage?
[ Something about this should surprise him, he's sure. Then again, what Sage thinks and what he feels aren't always so aligned. That's been especially true as of late, and something he's just learned to deal with over the course of the last few years. They'd done it all before - gone their separate ways, held onto each of their views with resolute grips. Forever changed, and yet still bound to one another and the circumstances that forged their familiarity with one another. Whatever they think, they're not able to forget.
Which is why Rowen with his face shoved directly into a bookshelf does not, in fact, surprise him. ]
Don't we look angry?
[ A minor understatement. Sage's attention flicks briefly to the syllabus squared atop Rowen's pile of books. Him not being happy about those basically only meant one thing. The mortal confines of society were going head-to-head with Rowen's impossibly high standards. In some ways, he understands. In others, he's just amused.
Such is life, and it goes on.
Sage has a small folder and a few slim books tucked between the angle of his elbow and hip, and he shifts them casually, almost sympathetically. As long as they're on the same continent, they're going to keep running into one another. He's in no hurry anymore. ]
Which is why Rowen with his face shoved directly into a bookshelf does not, in fact, surprise him. ]
Don't we look angry?
[ A minor understatement. Sage's attention flicks briefly to the syllabus squared atop Rowen's pile of books. Him not being happy about those basically only meant one thing. The mortal confines of society were going head-to-head with Rowen's impossibly high standards. In some ways, he understands. In others, he's just amused.
Such is life, and it goes on.
Sage has a small folder and a few slim books tucked between the angle of his elbow and hip, and he shifts them casually, almost sympathetically. As long as they're on the same continent, they're going to keep running into one another. He's in no hurry anymore. ]
[ As long as they remain on the same world, he's sure (so sure) that they'll continue to run into each other. Rowen isn't too much of a believer of higher powers, but their armor is something he does think about. Something he finds is intangible and tangible all at once; fascinating and aggravating.
Kind of like how he feels about Date Sage. ]
Yeah well, guess who found out we're using books that are a quarter century out of date in their research? [ Rowen snorts– the blonde has probably figured out something to do with this already. This is why they got along best. Sage is attentive where he isn't and vice versa. ]
But whatever, I'll handle that later. [ Seriously, he will. Pulling himself up from his crouched position, he doesn't bother to really straighten out his clothes, instead shooting his old friend a small smile. ] What brings you here? Besides the obvious, of course.
Kind of like how he feels about Date Sage. ]
Yeah well, guess who found out we're using books that are a quarter century out of date in their research? [ Rowen snorts– the blonde has probably figured out something to do with this already. This is why they got along best. Sage is attentive where he isn't and vice versa. ]
But whatever, I'll handle that later. [ Seriously, he will. Pulling himself up from his crouched position, he doesn't bother to really straighten out his clothes, instead shooting his old friend a small smile. ] What brings you here? Besides the obvious, of course.
[ His understanding is immediate, though he says nothing. Sage would argue that the armors - and meeting this way - represent a good chunk of things that Rowen doesn't necessarily believe in by the virtue of existing, but he doesn't. That tendency to question of his has kept them all alive at one point or another. He's tempered enough to understand that now.
(Though the urge exists.)
They've all rebelled against the notion of fate anyway. Some things are perhaps destined, and others are just likely. Natural, maybe. Sage can split the different with him. His line of sight rises to follow his friend's standing motion, smiling in turn. As usual, he's about a thousand times more polished, but not overly so. ]
Only you could make an academic endeavor sound like a threat, you know that?
[ Customary quip aside, Sage's free hand goes to his pocket. ]
I'm going to New York.
[ It doesn't hold the best of memories for him, but he's not about to be hindered, either. ]
(Though the urge exists.)
They've all rebelled against the notion of fate anyway. Some things are perhaps destined, and others are just likely. Natural, maybe. Sage can split the different with him. His line of sight rises to follow his friend's standing motion, smiling in turn. As usual, he's about a thousand times more polished, but not overly so. ]
Only you could make an academic endeavor sound like a threat, you know that?
[ Customary quip aside, Sage's free hand goes to his pocket. ]
I'm going to New York.
[ It doesn't hold the best of memories for him, but he's not about to be hindered, either. ]
And only they can make coming into the modern age sound like it's threatening their actual lives.
[ Academia. Half the time he wants to throw his hands up in the air and be done with it. But, he promised himself he wasn't going down until he'd gotten a PhD in something, purely to just prove everyone wrong about his study habits. And also so he could write papers with a doctorate attached and aggressively correct every idiot he encountered.
It's a problem. ]
...New York, really?
[ Rowen isn't exactly surprised by this, knowing about Sage's brief endeavours there. ] When are you heading out? I mean, we should.... catch up before you go, that is.
[ Academia. Half the time he wants to throw his hands up in the air and be done with it. But, he promised himself he wasn't going down until he'd gotten a PhD in something, purely to just prove everyone wrong about his study habits. And also so he could write papers with a doctorate attached and aggressively correct every idiot he encountered.
It's a problem. ]
...New York, really?
[ Rowen isn't exactly surprised by this, knowing about Sage's brief endeavours there. ] When are you heading out? I mean, we should.... catch up before you go, that is.
Easy there. Who knows... to them, that might be exactly what it is.
[ Which is his way of playing the philosophical side of the coin that neither of them flipped for the argument. Then again, he supposes that no one will settle for becoming a dying breed, even in the name of progression. People are stubborn, entrenched. Either way, he knows Rowen won't buy it. Sage also knows well what he looks like when he's ready for a purely hypothetical fight, and wisely cuts the both of them off with a single smooth motion. He's reached beneath his arm to produce the invitation: a letter still crisp in its envelope. He extends it out. ]
So happens that the rumor about there being more artifacts tied to the Date clan weren't just talk. There's a sword there.
[ Which meant his grandfather had all but shoved him out of the house, his own personal interest not withstanding. The irony of keeping busy with his ability to verify these things isn't lost on him.
Samurai are a dead breed.
Sage grins a bit, stepping aside to move past him. On his way, he reaches out and gives Rowen a solid tap in the middle of his chest with the backs of his knuckles. ]
I'm not busy.
[ Which is his way of playing the philosophical side of the coin that neither of them flipped for the argument. Then again, he supposes that no one will settle for becoming a dying breed, even in the name of progression. People are stubborn, entrenched. Either way, he knows Rowen won't buy it. Sage also knows well what he looks like when he's ready for a purely hypothetical fight, and wisely cuts the both of them off with a single smooth motion. He's reached beneath his arm to produce the invitation: a letter still crisp in its envelope. He extends it out. ]
So happens that the rumor about there being more artifacts tied to the Date clan weren't just talk. There's a sword there.
[ Which meant his grandfather had all but shoved him out of the house, his own personal interest not withstanding. The irony of keeping busy with his ability to verify these things isn't lost on him.
Samurai are a dead breed.
Sage grins a bit, stepping aside to move past him. On his way, he reaches out and gives Rowen a solid tap in the middle of his chest with the backs of his knuckles. ]
I'm not busy.
[ At Sage's words, he opens his mouth, about to start arguing about why it's such a screwed up way of thinking. Too bad he does get cut off by the blonde, who's already seen the danger signs and taken steps to avoid just that.
Right. He'd be preaching to the choir. Sighing, he takes the envelope, partially pulling the letter out of it with interest. ]
That's....that's really big, Sage. You'd be uncovering part of your family's history.
[ Samurai are a dead breed, but isn't something like this important? Rowen sort of envies his friend sometimes, because his family has virtually no ties that they've kept alive. He was lucky the armor would find him no matter where the hell he was, because otherwise it would've been lost ages ago. ]
Well good, because if on the off chance you had, I'd be coercing you out of your appointments. There's a really good cafe up the block; I think it'll even live up to your tastes.
[ His return grin is wide, eyes bright with the familiar banter. Instead of being put out by the tap, he joins Sage, one arm slung around the other's shoulders in a friendly gesture as they headed out. ]
Right. He'd be preaching to the choir. Sighing, he takes the envelope, partially pulling the letter out of it with interest. ]
That's....that's really big, Sage. You'd be uncovering part of your family's history.
[ Samurai are a dead breed, but isn't something like this important? Rowen sort of envies his friend sometimes, because his family has virtually no ties that they've kept alive. He was lucky the armor would find him no matter where the hell he was, because otherwise it would've been lost ages ago. ]
Well good, because if on the off chance you had, I'd be coercing you out of your appointments. There's a really good cafe up the block; I think it'll even live up to your tastes.
[ His return grin is wide, eyes bright with the familiar banter. Instead of being put out by the tap, he joins Sage, one arm slung around the other's shoulders in a friendly gesture as they headed out. ]
[ Tradition is alive and well in the Date household, Sage can attest to that. It's been driven into his bones and carved into his soul, it pours through everything he does in spite of his somewhat cavalier mannerisms. His edges may have sharpened themselves on the concept of rebellion, shaped the duality of his outline, but he places importance in history. His, theirs, everyone's. Just because he knows how to rile him doesn't mean he won't often agree.
How many times would Strata and Halo meet, after all - the two shades of sky.
These thoughts surface in him and race quickly away under the sudden angle of Rowen's arm looping over his shoulders. At one point, Sage is sure he would've had to lean to accommodate. He notices immediately that's not the case anymore. It really had been a long time, hadn't it? Since they'd drifted, and their powers grew quiet. Sage returns the letter to its place among his things. ]
I leave tomorrow. If it turns out to be the real thing, I'm in for a stay.
[ Which suits him either way. With the fighting over for good, he can go wherever he pleases. Mundane responsibilities aside, a thought that has him glancing down at Rowen's half-abandoned syllabus, filled to the margin with angry notes. His eyebrows lift. ]
Can you afford the break?
[ What with a regular crusade of inquiries right there. Sage is curious. Rowen could also go anywhere. ]
How many times would Strata and Halo meet, after all - the two shades of sky.
These thoughts surface in him and race quickly away under the sudden angle of Rowen's arm looping over his shoulders. At one point, Sage is sure he would've had to lean to accommodate. He notices immediately that's not the case anymore. It really had been a long time, hadn't it? Since they'd drifted, and their powers grew quiet. Sage returns the letter to its place among his things. ]
I leave tomorrow. If it turns out to be the real thing, I'm in for a stay.
[ Which suits him either way. With the fighting over for good, he can go wherever he pleases. Mundane responsibilities aside, a thought that has him glancing down at Rowen's half-abandoned syllabus, filled to the margin with angry notes. His eyebrows lift. ]
Can you afford the break?
[ What with a regular crusade of inquiries right there. Sage is curious. Rowen could also go anywhere. ]
[ Contrary to what some believe of him, he enjoys a good fight. Or perhaps even a bad one. It doesn't come down the physical aspect, not really. For him, it's the mentality, the strategy, the outwitting of the enemy and watching them fall. Rowen is a cerebral creature, taking more pleasure out of solving puzzles than using his hands (for the most part).
So when he's so close to pulling the rug out from his intended targets, he feels a sense of accomplishment. The battle around them all is chaotic, with the scrape and slide of weapons ringing through the air, in his ears, in his nerves. True to form, he's picking off what soldiers he can, arrow flying straight through helmets and weak spots. The dissipation of the trapped spirit is oddly satisfying to watch.
Even if that's the side he's batting for.
This is a charade, a long, drawn out, and elaborate scheme. He's here with the other ronins, playing pretend until he gets the signal not to. Sage is somewhere off to his left, no-dachi slicing through the armored dynasty warriors. His gaze turns to watch the seemingly effortless motion, analyzing and storing the information for later. Concentration is broken, however, when a dark laugh echoes close by. Unperturbed, he glances towards the source– Anubis has arrived, in full armor, chained weapon dangling threateningly from one hand. There's a sneer on his mouth that only grows wider as he turns to look at Rowen directly. With the barest of chin tilts, Anubis has given him his next move.
Said move is him backing up a few steps in rapid succession, arrow cocked and released within seconds towards the bearer of Halo. ]
So when he's so close to pulling the rug out from his intended targets, he feels a sense of accomplishment. The battle around them all is chaotic, with the scrape and slide of weapons ringing through the air, in his ears, in his nerves. True to form, he's picking off what soldiers he can, arrow flying straight through helmets and weak spots. The dissipation of the trapped spirit is oddly satisfying to watch.
Even if that's the side he's batting for.
This is a charade, a long, drawn out, and elaborate scheme. He's here with the other ronins, playing pretend until he gets the signal not to. Sage is somewhere off to his left, no-dachi slicing through the armored dynasty warriors. His gaze turns to watch the seemingly effortless motion, analyzing and storing the information for later. Concentration is broken, however, when a dark laugh echoes close by. Unperturbed, he glances towards the source– Anubis has arrived, in full armor, chained weapon dangling threateningly from one hand. There's a sneer on his mouth that only grows wider as he turns to look at Rowen directly. With the barest of chin tilts, Anubis has given him his next move.
Said move is him backing up a few steps in rapid succession, arrow cocked and released within seconds towards the bearer of Halo. ]
[ Tomorrow. Whoa. Rowen's eyebrows lift a little before settling as he turns it over in his head. There's a quiet sense of disappointment, knowing this might be the last time he sees his friend for a while. And just after they'd reunited. He's never been a very attached type of person, but his relationships with the ronins is very different. They all understand him better than anyone else possibly could– with or without being able to match his IQ. Because for him, that's not really knowing him if someone just sees him for his mind. ]
Are you excited? [ He's genuinely curious. ] That's a far cry from Japan, after all.
[ No kidding, but he feels the need to say it anyway. ]
I'll be fine. I'm only working towards a masters right now. [ ONLY............ ] Though if I jump through some hoops and test out of a few things, they're considering just bumping me into the doctorate program.
[ Rowen partially shrugs; at least, as much as he can with one arm slung around Sage's shoulders. ] If they do that, I'll have my pick of which University to continue with a thesis in.
Are you excited? [ He's genuinely curious. ] That's a far cry from Japan, after all.
[ No kidding, but he feels the need to say it anyway. ]
I'll be fine. I'm only working towards a masters right now. [ ONLY............ ] Though if I jump through some hoops and test out of a few things, they're considering just bumping me into the doctorate program.
[ Rowen partially shrugs; at least, as much as he can with one arm slung around Sage's shoulders. ] If they do that, I'll have my pick of which University to continue with a thesis in.
[ There are times when Sage Date is infinitely grateful for his guiding virtue. Because it's by grace alone that all his nerves go alight in time to figure out what's happened. A whistle in the air. A bright, terrible whistle. In one swift movement, he's carved his blade through the armor of a dynasty trooper, releasing its soul in a great cloud of dark steam. He switches his grip, bringing the sword into a low curve. Of the five of them, Sage has a firm grasp on the armor of Halo. He accepts its nature, its willingness to do battle - to wage war. That acceptance has kept it aligned to his wishes, to the fiber of his soul that would like nothing more than to lay down his sword.
Never has that dream seemed more far away than it does now. The armor's influence roars through him with the strength of lightning, its residual thunder booming through the sudden emptiness in his chest. Sage swings his no-dachi up in a tight arc, its blade streaking alive with brilliant energy. It collides with the arrow that's been sent flying for him. The sound of the weapons clashing is loud and horrible, like an explosion. At his feet, the ground splits. Wind roars past him, and he can feel the jolt of electricity in his skin.
The golden arrow spins harmlessly in the air and lands several yards away behind him, sunk into the soil. After that, things go quiet. He swallows and his throat is dry with the taste of metal and ozone. Halo hums angrily around him. It wills him to shift into a more confident stance.
But when he stands to face his attacker, he sees nothing but a friend. ]
Rowen!
[ Not a question. A demand for an answer. ]
Never has that dream seemed more far away than it does now. The armor's influence roars through him with the strength of lightning, its residual thunder booming through the sudden emptiness in his chest. Sage swings his no-dachi up in a tight arc, its blade streaking alive with brilliant energy. It collides with the arrow that's been sent flying for him. The sound of the weapons clashing is loud and horrible, like an explosion. At his feet, the ground splits. Wind roars past him, and he can feel the jolt of electricity in his skin.
The golden arrow spins harmlessly in the air and lands several yards away behind him, sunk into the soil. After that, things go quiet. He swallows and his throat is dry with the taste of metal and ozone. Halo hums angrily around him. It wills him to shift into a more confident stance.
But when he stands to face his attacker, he sees nothing but a friend. ]
Rowen!
[ Not a question. A demand for an answer. ]
[ Opposite of Sage, Rowen feels nothing. His armor has no ties to earth, to humanity, even. Space and air are lonely, empty, whistling but never tangible. The most that goes through him is that the warrior of Halo seems personally offended– a note and not much more.
He understands the shout as a question, but he's turning the answer over in his head. Expression impassive, he draws his bow back, letting another arrow soar towards the blonde. Will this be reply enough? Or will he need more? At his back, Anubis' laugh is a rasp, glee shining through. ]
How do you feel about fighting your friends, Sage of Halo? [ Rowen finds he won't have to say anything, the other warlord is going to fill in the blanks. ]
He understands the shout as a question, but he's turning the answer over in his head. Expression impassive, he draws his bow back, letting another arrow soar towards the blonde. Will this be reply enough? Or will he need more? At his back, Anubis' laugh is a rasp, glee shining through. ]
How do you feel about fighting your friends, Sage of Halo? [ Rowen finds he won't have to say anything, the other warlord is going to fill in the blanks. ]
[ Few things are lost on Sage, especially when it comes to Rowen. He has no immediate words to contribute to the thoughts he knows must be rolling through his friend's mind. Sage isn't as calculating, but he knows the stillness that accompanies a sudden understanding - that this is borrowed time, for the most part. Maybe it always has been, but between them, they know how to make the best of what they have. Life had gone on without their armors, and it would go on with them too. If not a little brighter and livelier for the harrowing experience of attaining them.
They're more powerful now. And still, the strange dream of Rowen disappearing sticks to the back of his mind. ]
I'm not worried. [ Sage speak for, "Yes, I'm excited." ] After everything, a little culture shock isn't a big deal. Besides, look at the value of what they might've obtained. It's worth seeing in person.
[ Not that he precisely fancies himself some scion of the Date lineage, but even Sage hasn't abandoned all his pride. A sly look shoots sideways as Rowen explains his options, a little less practiced than his grace. ]
You say 'jumping through hoops' like it wouldn't be easy for you.
They're more powerful now. And still, the strange dream of Rowen disappearing sticks to the back of his mind. ]
I'm not worried. [ Sage speak for, "Yes, I'm excited." ] After everything, a little culture shock isn't a big deal. Besides, look at the value of what they might've obtained. It's worth seeing in person.
[ Not that he precisely fancies himself some scion of the Date lineage, but even Sage hasn't abandoned all his pride. A sly look shoots sideways as Rowen explains his options, a little less practiced than his grace. ]
You say 'jumping through hoops' like it wouldn't be easy for you.
[ Something as dark and thick as lead drops coldly into the pit of Sage's stomach when Rowen doesn't even react to him. It sinks in like teeth, momentarily loosening up his guard. That's when the second arrow pierces the air, and Sage doesn't have the strength to defend himself from it fully. His armor's instincts pull wildly at him - he leaps backwards at the second before impact, avoiding the arrow but not its blast radius. As the energy hits the earth and explodes, it catches him and grounds him again, slamming him into the dirt and making the seams of his armor bite all over his body.
He's winded. He was winded before the hit and now all he can feel is the well of heat in his lungs and the cold sweat dripping down his temples. Somewhere behind him, he can hear Ryo calling for him. Sage pulls himself to a bended knee, flipping his sword back up. Its blunt side faces Rowen, the angle of the blade tucked defensively against his arm. It gleams intelligently. It searches. ]
Stay back, Ryo! Something's not right!
[ It's then that his gaze darts to Anubis, and his eyes grow hard. Angry. Ryo appears behind him, swords lifted, but unsure of where to focus. ]
What do you mean, not right? And what's going on with Rowen?
[ Sage doesn't even stand, not yet. He'll do something foolish if he does. Instead, he projects his voice towards the warlord. ]
It was you! What did you do to Rowen?
He's winded. He was winded before the hit and now all he can feel is the well of heat in his lungs and the cold sweat dripping down his temples. Somewhere behind him, he can hear Ryo calling for him. Sage pulls himself to a bended knee, flipping his sword back up. Its blunt side faces Rowen, the angle of the blade tucked defensively against his arm. It gleams intelligently. It searches. ]
Stay back, Ryo! Something's not right!
[ It's then that his gaze darts to Anubis, and his eyes grow hard. Angry. Ryo appears behind him, swords lifted, but unsure of where to focus. ]
What do you mean, not right? And what's going on with Rowen?
[ Sage doesn't even stand, not yet. He'll do something foolish if he does. Instead, he projects his voice towards the warlord. ]
It was you! What did you do to Rowen?
[ The silence that extends between them tells him that Sage understands. At least to a very close point. Their relationship has always been very close; it's something he appreciates often. ]
If it ends up being the real thing, it'll be a record for certain. [ For that alone, Rowen hopes it is. But more than that, he knows how interested and excited Sage is about seeing part of his family's history. Even if the other teen isn't exactly showing it on his face. ]
Well, no. It's more a matter of tedium. I understand why they have to— ah here we are. [ He stops mid sentence, gesturing to a storefront a couple doors down. Looks like they beat the rush, thankfully. ]
If it ends up being the real thing, it'll be a record for certain. [ For that alone, Rowen hopes it is. But more than that, he knows how interested and excited Sage is about seeing part of his family's history. Even if the other teen isn't exactly showing it on his face. ]
Well, no. It's more a matter of tedium. I understand why they have to— ah here we are. [ He stops mid sentence, gesturing to a storefront a couple doors down. Looks like they beat the rush, thankfully. ]
[ History has a way of cycling back to them. Sage is aware. So is Rowen. They represent the culmination of so many pivotal points that it's nearly woven into them at this point. But right now, it's not about that. With a nod, moves out from the curve of Rowen's arm as they approach the cafe. ]
It'll be another piece of history returned to where it should be, depending. [ For such a profound notion, his comment is light - nearly offhanded. ] Then I'll come back here when it's all decided.
[ He moves to open the door, standing aside for Rowen. ]
So, let's just assume you already have your pick. [ As far as Sage is concerned, he does. ] Where will you end up?
It'll be another piece of history returned to where it should be, depending. [ For such a profound notion, his comment is light - nearly offhanded. ] Then I'll come back here when it's all decided.
[ He moves to open the door, standing aside for Rowen. ]
So, let's just assume you already have your pick. [ As far as Sage is concerned, he does. ] Where will you end up?
[ As Sage moves out from under his arm, Rowen drops his hand, palm briefly brushing down the blonde's shoulder blades. It's the barest of continual contact, and he finds he sort of misses having the other's warmth tucked so close by. Not that he's about to say so, at least not out loud. Will Sage guess as much? Maybe. ]
You say that like it's an everyday occurrence. [ His tone is amused as much as he knows Sage isn't taking it lightly at all. Still, there's so much nonchalance that he's sure other traditionalists would probably be upset. ] We all come back, I'm not worried.
Umm. [ The hesitation hums in the back of his throat, even as he goes to hold the door as they get to the cafe. ] MIT maybe. Berkeley, Imperial College, Tokyo University? I still haven't totally pinned down my main major, ha.
You say that like it's an everyday occurrence. [ His tone is amused as much as he knows Sage isn't taking it lightly at all. Still, there's so much nonchalance that he's sure other traditionalists would probably be upset. ] We all come back, I'm not worried.
Umm. [ The hesitation hums in the back of his throat, even as he goes to hold the door as they get to the cafe. ] MIT maybe. Berkeley, Imperial College, Tokyo University? I still haven't totally pinned down my main major, ha.
[ The look on Sage's face is enough to tell him what he needs to know. Things are going on without a cinch; just a little more and the rug will be fully pulled out from under the ronins' feet. He has a vague sense of satisfaction from it all, because his charade was believable. Because he'd gotten so close and understood so much about the other four, it'll be virtually impossible for them to get under his skin. Rowen is familiar with their quirks, fighting styles, tells, strengths, weaknesses—nearly everything. They know about many of his too, but the trade off is they don't have strategy backing them.
Or more importantly, they don't have the power of the dynasty fueling their actions. As for the armors, without the fifth one it doesn't do them much good. Rowen smiles thinly, an expression that doesn't reach his eyes as he gazes at Sage and the hesitating Ryo. ]
Are you putting your sword down, Sage? [ A valid question. He'd like to dissuade him from that choice. Nocking another arrow, he takes aim, point directed at their fearless leader. Attacking Sage on his own won't get him to take motion, but this will.
Fingers twitch and the arrow flies, whistling through the air. Anubis has stepped closer, putting a hand to his shoulder armor before he speaks up. ]
Oh, nothing at all. Or perhaps, something. Why don't you come find out?
Or more importantly, they don't have the power of the dynasty fueling their actions. As for the armors, without the fifth one it doesn't do them much good. Rowen smiles thinly, an expression that doesn't reach his eyes as he gazes at Sage and the hesitating Ryo. ]
Are you putting your sword down, Sage? [ A valid question. He'd like to dissuade him from that choice. Nocking another arrow, he takes aim, point directed at their fearless leader. Attacking Sage on his own won't get him to take motion, but this will.
Fingers twitch and the arrow flies, whistling through the air. Anubis has stepped closer, putting a hand to his shoulder armor before he speaks up. ]
Oh, nothing at all. Or perhaps, something. Why don't you come find out?
[ Where their alliance had once been air tight, it's now starting to fissure and crumble. Without Strata - without Rowen - this was going to go south fast, and Sage knows that. Instinct briefly seizes him with that knowledge, even when it seems as though his heart is going to fight him tooth and nail to accept it. That's the amount of time it takes for Rowen to rear back and release another arrow, taking advantage of the gap in their already unwilling defenses. Sage is up in a flash. Ryo won't lift his swords against Rowen. There is no right way to face down an ally, not like this. And they can't afford to lose both of them.
When the arrow collides with the Halo armor as Sage takes the hit, the air itself surrounding him seems to inhale. Sounds seem muffled by the impact. Everything shifts, and the energies gather to him tightly as they war for dominance. He buckles, and the green glow around him flickers as it contains the energy released by Strata's shockwave. It's a narrow attempt, but the light disintegrates, falling away from him. All the seams in his armor glow faintly, and smoke rises from the arrow now embedded in his armor.
Sage doesn't know if it's pierced through and hit him. It's hard to feel through the rush of adrenaline, and briefly, fear. He breathes hard, realizing the shot caused him to skid several feet back in the dirt. He steadies his hands and looks over his shoulder. ]
Don't get any closer... he's not going to hold back at all!
[ Sage readies his grip on his blade again, holding it vertical to himself. If it can just show him what's happening here... ]
Look, I don't know what you're up to, but I'm going to find out!
When the arrow collides with the Halo armor as Sage takes the hit, the air itself surrounding him seems to inhale. Sounds seem muffled by the impact. Everything shifts, and the energies gather to him tightly as they war for dominance. He buckles, and the green glow around him flickers as it contains the energy released by Strata's shockwave. It's a narrow attempt, but the light disintegrates, falling away from him. All the seams in his armor glow faintly, and smoke rises from the arrow now embedded in his armor.
Sage doesn't know if it's pierced through and hit him. It's hard to feel through the rush of adrenaline, and briefly, fear. He breathes hard, realizing the shot caused him to skid several feet back in the dirt. He steadies his hands and looks over his shoulder. ]
Don't get any closer... he's not going to hold back at all!
[ Sage readies his grip on his blade again, holding it vertical to himself. If it can just show him what's happening here... ]
Look, I don't know what you're up to, but I'm going to find out!
[ Sage can do more than guess. It hadn't been so prominent before, but it is now. Rowen's lingering touch sears a trail down his spine that remains long after he's backed away. For better or worse, that's the nature of their bond. Neither of them have to be in battle to feel it. They don't even necessarily have to be close - but this is what happens when they are. As he steps through the doorway, he glances back at Rowen, locking eyes with him for a brief moment. They all come back, indeed.
In the same breath it takes to make that contact, the mental to Rowen's physical, he's broken off the motion with a nod. The inside of the cafe is busy, lively with chatter and the smell of coffee and sugar. It's nice, and he's content that he agreed to this. ]
Looks like I've got to use my time here wisely. You don't settle, so you have a busy couple months ahead of you.
[ He shrugs effortlessly, books shifting in one hand and the other tucked into his pocket. ]
You order.
[ IF YOU CAN HANDLE THE RESPONSIBILITY. ]
In the same breath it takes to make that contact, the mental to Rowen's physical, he's broken off the motion with a nod. The inside of the cafe is busy, lively with chatter and the smell of coffee and sugar. It's nice, and he's content that he agreed to this. ]
Looks like I've got to use my time here wisely. You don't settle, so you have a busy couple months ahead of you.
[ He shrugs effortlessly, books shifting in one hand and the other tucked into his pocket. ]
You order.
[ IF YOU CAN HANDLE THE RESPONSIBILITY. ]
[ They don't call it an afterparty for nothing. It's late. Later than her agent is probably comfortable with, but Yang can probably sell it as doing important legwork for their label. Not that it looks much the part from the balcony-slash-lounge of the Equinox, a nightclub that sits atop one of the tallest buildings among the skyline. The place is a figurative crown - beautiful, reflective. Fit for royalty. Its neon lights spill over the dark spaces and music travels through the walls at a quick, danceable pace. The eyes of the city see it from miles around, but only few have access to its wealth of connections, vices, and lucrative opportunities.
Yang Xiao Long is one such lucky patron. Her band has just come off a successful month-long tour, and she's raking in the benefits of rising to stardom among her peers. Even if said stardom had been won with some notoriety. Drums weren't the only thing she had a reputation for beating, after all. Which is why the lounge is private, rented for her and her own. Smoke hazes out the washes of bright lights from overhead that sweep the floor in time with the music, and the drinks are icy, sweet, and plentiful.
What were managers for besides picking up the tab, anyway?
It's a packed space, and Yang is kicked back on the circular lounge build into the wall. Her arm is slung around someone - who even knows who. People have gathered here like moths to a flame, like butterflies to sunlight. Laughter echoes through over the beat of the DJ, and someone's handing her a drink, something on fire, when screams begin to pierce through the nightclub. Then shattering glass. A tremor of unrest thunders through the crowd, though the beat goes on. People just want to ignore it, go about their night.
Yang snorts, sitting a little straighter in her seat to take a look over the glass balcony. ]
Whoa. Someone party too hard, or what?
[ She blows out the fire settled atop her drink, but doesn't swallow it just yet. ]
Yang Xiao Long is one such lucky patron. Her band has just come off a successful month-long tour, and she's raking in the benefits of rising to stardom among her peers. Even if said stardom had been won with some notoriety. Drums weren't the only thing she had a reputation for beating, after all. Which is why the lounge is private, rented for her and her own. Smoke hazes out the washes of bright lights from overhead that sweep the floor in time with the music, and the drinks are icy, sweet, and plentiful.
What were managers for besides picking up the tab, anyway?
It's a packed space, and Yang is kicked back on the circular lounge build into the wall. Her arm is slung around someone - who even knows who. People have gathered here like moths to a flame, like butterflies to sunlight. Laughter echoes through over the beat of the DJ, and someone's handing her a drink, something on fire, when screams begin to pierce through the nightclub. Then shattering glass. A tremor of unrest thunders through the crowd, though the beat goes on. People just want to ignore it, go about their night.
Yang snorts, sitting a little straighter in her seat to take a look over the glass balcony. ]
Whoa. Someone party too hard, or what?
[ She blows out the fire settled atop her drink, but doesn't swallow it just yet. ]
[Truthfully, there'd been no way in the world of knowing what kind of place Blake was going to walk into when she'd agreed to embark on this rescue mission... and truthfully it hadn't mattered at the time. With Yang missing things back home had been a shambles. Ruby was distraught and even Weiss, in her own way, had been just as worried. And Blake... well, after days of searching for any answers to her disappearance had turned into weeks even she'd found herself despairing. After all, she was no stranger to people simply going out one day and never coming back. Remnant had no mercy... not even for the strong.
And then, hope had appeared in the form of somebody claiming to know where Yang had been spirited off to and knowing a way to bring her back home. With only one person able to to there'd been plenty of discussion, more than a little arguing, but in the end it had been decided that Blake's particular skillset made her the right choice for the job. With that, she'd stepped out into the unknown not knowing what she'd find.
... So finding her partner's image plastered across billboards had definitely been a surprise.
Finding Yang's location had been rather easy, after being given the details of the nature of her captivity and infiltrating the club had just taken a quick change into the right set of clothes. Before long, she'd had Yang in her sights and aimed the device she'd been given to undo the brainwashing, pressed the trigger for just a moment... when her arm had suddenly been seized by the club's security and the device lost and smashed under a heavy foot. Fantastic, they'd been tipped off.
A split-second decision, then. Either abort the attempt and hope for another shot, or... well, after this she'd never get another attempt, would she? A twist of her arm and a shift of her weight and the guard ended up on a one-way trip through a glass table. In a flash, she reached back to where she carried her weapon and fired upward, the gunshots resounding over even the pounding music and knocking out a few of those lights.
Immediately, the club erupted into panicked screaming and confusion. Somebody was shooting! Immediately people started to jam for the exits... all except for one, that is. The lone, raven-haired girl making a beeline toward the blonde superstar and calling over the chaotic racket.]
YANG!
And then, hope had appeared in the form of somebody claiming to know where Yang had been spirited off to and knowing a way to bring her back home. With only one person able to to there'd been plenty of discussion, more than a little arguing, but in the end it had been decided that Blake's particular skillset made her the right choice for the job. With that, she'd stepped out into the unknown not knowing what she'd find.
... So finding her partner's image plastered across billboards had definitely been a surprise.
Finding Yang's location had been rather easy, after being given the details of the nature of her captivity and infiltrating the club had just taken a quick change into the right set of clothes. Before long, she'd had Yang in her sights and aimed the device she'd been given to undo the brainwashing, pressed the trigger for just a moment... when her arm had suddenly been seized by the club's security and the device lost and smashed under a heavy foot. Fantastic, they'd been tipped off.
A split-second decision, then. Either abort the attempt and hope for another shot, or... well, after this she'd never get another attempt, would she? A twist of her arm and a shift of her weight and the guard ended up on a one-way trip through a glass table. In a flash, she reached back to where she carried her weapon and fired upward, the gunshots resounding over even the pounding music and knocking out a few of those lights.
Immediately, the club erupted into panicked screaming and confusion. Somebody was shooting! Immediately people started to jam for the exits... all except for one, that is. The lone, raven-haired girl making a beeline toward the blonde superstar and calling over the chaotic racket.]
YANG!
[ It's good for both of them that Sage can make more than a guess. Because Rowen is only halfway aware of just how much he feels towards their relationship. Not even their armor bond will save him from being a huge idiot when it comes to emotions. As such, Sage's pointed looks is met with a mix of confusion and filing away for later. Way later, because he feels his pulse tick up and it's exciting as it is unnerving. ]
Can't really settle if there's something more interesting, you know?
[ Alright your imperial majesty, he'll order. ] Fine, fine. Go find us a table? It's going to become a madhouse in here about ten minutes when class lets out.
[ Can you handle that!!?!? Rowen shoos the blonde off. It'll be better if he can put his books down too. ]
Can't really settle if there's something more interesting, you know?
[ Alright your imperial majesty, he'll order. ] Fine, fine. Go find us a table? It's going to become a madhouse in here about ten minutes when class lets out.
[ Can you handle that!!?!? Rowen shoos the blonde off. It'll be better if he can put his books down too. ]
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