come_sailaway | 鬼KYOKAN

Entry tags:

鬼KYOKAN

Who: Castor, Pollux, and maybe you?
When: September 16
Where: At the edge of the shoreline on the beach
Summary: A sacrifice for Jenny!
Warnings: It's an animal sacrifice but the actual thing isn't like, graphic.

Once the preparations are complete in the mid-afternoon, Castor and Pollux will gather anyone who's interested in attending and begin the sacrifice. As royalty among humans and ancient gods themselves, they are willing to offer a gracious demonstration of how to pay your respects to the gods, beginning with a prayer, but anyone who decides to stay is encouraged to participate—whether by talking with one another or tossing seeds during the ritual, anything so that they could be considered involved themselves.

Once anybody who stops by is ready and quieted down, they will lift their arms to the sky to call upon "Jenny" — a goddess of storms. Just imagine it goes something loosely along the lines of: "We, the Dioscuri, know of your search— while we hope that today's offering pleases you, know that we will reunite you with your brothers. In return, we ask that when we quit this voyage, you offer us, the passengers, your shelter alongside them as we return to where we should be."

Only the ones who don't piss her off is kind of an unsaid implication, but really, it seems like a fair enough trade, right?

The star of the show is a local boar that the two of them brought down together. Next to the makeshift altar, it can be found dressed up in what looks like a very fluffy pink silk scarf, which is tied in a ribbon around it's belly. Once it has agreed to the sacrifice, it's cooked over the open fire, and a certain amount is set aside especially for Jenny—the rest, though? Once the meat has finished cooking, it's distributed among everyone else in attendance, as well as any mangos and other foodstuffs that the guests might have their eyes on. No matter what you decide to accept, you're told that it should be finished by evening.

And when the feast is complete, everyone is invited to participate in games. Whether it's sprint races, jumping competitions, spear throwing, or... frisbee because proper discus' probably aren't available here and Castor sure as hell isn't letting a human touch his, everyone is encouraged to take part and enjoy themselves. (Including if anybody would like to make their own top-levels too!)

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[He nods in acknowledgement to Castor, and takes a step toward the tree. If he threw the spear, then obviously he should be the one to retrieve it wait no it's actually already coming back at full speed.

Unfortunately, his first instinct isn't to catch it, it's to duck out of the way, please let him be quick enough, he doesn't want to get impaled again, that'll waste AT LEAST an hour of his day - ]

( oh, and here it comes—

as natsuno ducks, castor... does not have the most incredible amount of faith out here. doesn't really know what the full extent of this kid can do really is. so just for insurance, he'll go on ahead and reach out as the spear closes the distance, catching it effortlessly in his hand before it can impale anybody; god knows pollux would not be happy if he let that happen.

he spares a glance to natsuno, ducked down beside him, to make sure he's unscathed... then looks back over in the direction of the tree, raising his voice. )

Did you find any?

( the tree rustles, leaves raining down until a body manages to drop down within a blink of an eye. pollux down on one knee, hand extended onto the ground as she pushes herself up properly. closing her hands, she smacks away a bit of dirt while walking towards the two with a smile on her face. )

I haven't found any yet, Brother, but something else caught my eye.

( she didn't expect that from castor, of all things, the spear could have just went overhead, but it was her brother's interference before natsuno's reflexes. pollux eyes him for a moment before returning her attention back to castor. )

You like this one?

( a genuine question, with how it's framed, it must be as though this often isn't the case. )

I don't know what you're talking about, Sister.

( He spares a glance to Natsuno out of the corner of his eye, but it's not as if it looks particularly fond.

Really, just imagine Castor owning up to the idea of liking anybody but Pollux? Sounds fake, to be honest, and he's quick to try and set that little misunderstanding straight, even as he takes the spear in his other hand to toss it aside against the sand. It seems balanced enough if an amateur could throw it as straight as that. )

Playing coy? Fine, alright.

( maybe he doesn't know what she's talking about, but that gives her reason to place her focus on natsuno. standing still now so that she doesn't trip over her own two feet, despite her cheery disposition, she does seem a bit tired as though she's taking her time with this.

... )

Natsuno, are you aware Brother wouldn't do that for anyone else unless I asked? It's an honor, really, when I believe you could have dodged it spectacularly. It means he likes you.

—Pollux!!

( STOP... HIS COOL AND ALOOF GOD PERSONA... HIS EDGY AVENGER ENERGY... HOW IS HE TO MAINTAIN IT WHEN YOU'RE CALLING HIM OUT LIKE THIS?! )

[There's a whomp as the spear is caught, coming to an abrupt halt before it even has the chance to go over his head. Natsuno looks up from his ducked position to see Castor holding the spear and Pollux coming down from the tree.

He's about to go off at her for almost impaling him with a spear when she and her brother start talking. Natsuno hasn't known them for long, but he can tell it's a familiar back-and-forth, each falling into their role as easily as only siblings can.

When Pollux addresses him again, he blinks in surprise. Isn't stopping someone from getting impaled just basic decency, or even a god's duty? Castor looks flustered, so Natsuno decides to leave it alone. Showing gratitude, though, seems acceptable enough.]

...thanks for the save.

[To Pollux:] A warning would've been nice, you know.

I could ask for the same, Natsuno.

( since that spear did go up into the tree and almost sniped her, so she can say that they're even for now. luckily for her, she wasn't too out of it or that would have ended poorly. with a glance over to castor, she offers a look that now isn't the time to worry over his cool and aloof god persona at this minute, and instead they should place their attention on natsuno. )

No hard feelings, I hope.

( hopefully, she would have been fine if his aim did hit her, considering it wouldn't place life-threatening damage to a servant's body; but when it comes to everything else... she bumps castor's shoulder with her own. ) What do you think, Brother?

( Castor spares a glance to Natsuno, but lets the comment pass with neither comment nor criticism. Doesn't really have the time to provide either when Natsuno's already turning to Pollux next, and then she's taking her place by Castor's side, and—Oh... It takes a moment, but when Castor looks to Pollux, that tired hope in her eyes is something he can better understand than the earlier callout.

...

It could be worse than this, he guesses.

Taking her hand in his, he offers a shrug. )

I'm not against it, if that's your decision.

It's our decision, Brother.

( the moment castor takes her hand, she glances down at their laced fingers which is nothing more than a reassuring sign of confirmation. she squeezes his hand gently, a small smile stretching on her lips as she mumbles a soft "together," past her lips only for him to hear. a part of her feels bolder when she has her brother by her side, and even with his touch, it feels like anything's possible. it's here that she looks up to natsuno now, reading him, and keeping eye contact so he knows the gravity of the situation. )

Natsuno, will you listen to a request from the Dioscuri?

[Point taken about the spear, even if he had no idea she was there, and Natsuno shakes his head to sign that yes, no hard feelings.

Then Pollux takes Castor's hand and he's immediately taken aback by how solemn she looks all of a sudden. Whatever they want from him, it's big.

He isn't sure he likes it, but he will hear them out.]

...I'm listening.

There's no need to be wary! ( this is said lightly, as if to ease off the tension. ) It's not something you have to answer immediatel so you can take your time.

( it may be a heavy request, but the last thing she wants is to give him the wrong impression. )

That said, are you aware of what a Servant is?

["No need to be wary?" Got it, let's skip the wary and move right to suspicious. Telling him he should take the time to think about just makes him want to say "fuck no" and go the other way.

Natsuno has an incredible poker face though, so his expression doesn't change.]

I know what the word means, but - I'm guessing you're talking about some special meaning I'm not aware of.

( you tell a man it's safe and he just don't trust you, why does this happen! well, he answered at least so that's not a no, but... how should she explain this? it's normally a risky conversation to have, but she doesn't feel intimidated to exchange this information with natsuno when her brother is supportive of the idea. )

Back home, a Servant is a magical being, a heroic or divine spirit brought to life in the current day. Most Servants require a Master, an individual that plays as both their anchor and support, this connection with their master allows them to exist in the world and demonstrate their true potential. In this world, Castor and I have been summoned as Servants still.

( with her free hand to her chest, she settles it over her heart, a gesture that's meant to portray her honesty and not that she's up to anything suspicious. )

( But as much as it may feel clear what Pollux is going for at this point, there are some points that Castor can't simply allow the other to assume. He picks up where she left off; none of his earlier flustering is visible now. )

As Masterless Servants, we are willing to make a contract with you.

( Be honoured! This is a great privilege! With some conditions. )

However! Do not misunderstand: we shall work together not as Master and Servant, but as allies who share a common goal. After all, you wish you overcome this trial, don't you?

( Get off the boat. He wants to help you get off the boat. )

[Good thing Castor was quick to clear some things out, otherwise Natsuno would cut off any further discussion with an emphatic "FUCK NO."

After the explanation, though, he takes a step back to merely thinking "What? Fuck no. What??"]

I don't -

[Where do you even START?]

Of course I want to overcome this, and I think you two are worthy allies. [This belief will only become stronger tomorrow, when Jenny Storm wakes up and starts cussing her way to the drill.] But I don't want you, or anyone, to be my "servants."

[The lowercase is palpable, contrasting the way the siblings say it. Castor needn't worry about it - Gods or mortals, Natsuno would never think he can order others around, would never want to control and command them.]

...I don't understand. What does it mean for someone to make a contract with you and become your "anchor?"

We will always be Servants, so please don't worry about that part. It is simply what we are called, and Servants are able to reach their true potential when they're contracted to a Master; I believe that you can bring out the best in us.

( their first master summoned them without a second thought, and so this would he her first time requesting someone properly to be their master. natsuno would be difficult, she understands that, but he meets the standards of being able to handle castor, not only that, he isn't careless, putting enough thought in his actions to make it count. )

If we were to have a Master, not only would you ground us to this time and place, but you can choose to support us so that we can show you what we are truly capable of. Currently, our only source of magical energy is the food on the ship, but with your assistance, we could do so much more.

In turn, we will ensure your victory no matter what. Masters have served to protect the world back home, and it was our duty to save humanity before coming here. When I see everyone here...

( and she remembers the photographs that natsuno plucked away, his friends that were in danger, the people that he lost. his will can inspire them, there's nothing more pollux wishes to do than to protect those here. )

As you are the best suited, and because our goals are aligned. It's why I ask if you'll become our Master.

( As Pollux trails off, Castor picks up to clarify the concerns that he has—the reason he would be willing to agree to such an arrangement in the first place. )

Without a reliable source of magical energy, it's possible that we could disappear if we expend all that we have. Further, there is the issue of how we are bound to this ship, and whether we would be returned to it.

( People who die obviously respawn or something, but the Dioscuri... aren't people, in the traditional sense, and even the non-traditional sense of their role is somewhat dubious. They're probably closer to magical constructs than individuals in composition, but it's hard to say that the shades aboard the ship would be capable of rebuilding them out of any fragments that could be gathered of their Spirit Origin should it fall apart. )

We have not yet disappeared from this place, even with as much time as has passed, but I trust you understand why it would be unwise to leave the role of "Master" ambiguous in this situation.

( By which he means, he does NOT want there to be any situation under which the ship's captain can claim to hold any authority over them whatsoever. He's also saying it in such a way that you can specifically hear the scare quotes. )

Of course, we would agree to lend you our power when you accept this contract. So long as your needs are reasonable, you would be granted the favour and protection of the gods in exchange.

[Natsuno listens quietly, his face a stoic mask as he takes it all in. He understands better now - Castor's scare quotes are indeed loud and clear, and he imagines many people would want to become Masters, turning themselves into a magical battery in exchange for controlling a god.

Still, there are so many red flags here it's a bunting party. He has to raise an eyebrow at Pollux's assertion that he's the one most suited for it.]

So you need someone to anchor you to this reality and unlock your potential, in return for your power. And you need someone who shares your goals and won't abuse it.

[Just making sure he got it before he starts with the questions.]

Suppose I accept it. [His tone makes it clear that right now, this is just in theory. Whether he agrees or refuses, this is not a decision to be taken lightly.] What does a contract include, exactly? I don't want the power to order you around or make you obey me. Can any of it hurt you or me, and most importantly - are we free to end it? Like if you decide you found a more suited person.

[This is a huge commitment you guys he's not ready for a 1000 year contract - ]

( her worries and concerns always happen to be about castor, as the other comments on just anyone having control of them— she could argue that the idea of the captain having control doesn't frighten her, it's whether her brother will be safe in the long run. a master controls them from their thoughts to their actions, even if they desire to do one thing, a master can make them do another as they're aware of it. she finds natsuno's personality and tough skin ideal, his wariness and curiosity perfect that he understands the responsibility that comes with this.

as long as someone can treat castor with respect, and understand his actions like the other has said when stating that their goals are aligned, and he's taking this into consideration it means the world to her.

though, it does hurt her heart to know that this will be a short-lived contract, but she does know it's better now to show her concerns. there's no reason to beg as this will be a symbiotic relationship between the three of them. as long as it's someone she can trust with her older brother that wouldn't put him in harm's way for the hell of it, she feels as though natsuno is too much of a tactician to act so risky.

besides, she wants to protect her brother as well as her master, and his ideals, too. )

Under normal conditions, there would be a reason why you would need our power -- our last Master needed our assistance to save humanity. It doesn't need to be about a master-servant relationship, but our common goal.

( Meanwhile, he's concerned for the very opposite, and for all that can be said of Natsuno... it would simply be a lie to say that he doesn't treat Pollux with kindness and respect. Everything else is secondary to this fact, though there are aspects which have stood out to him in the short conversations he has had and heard of with the other; enough of a backbone not to be tread on, thoughtfulness and awareness of both his surroundings and situation. Ideal would be stretching it, but it isn't as if they are without reason in their choice as he continues. )

You are the one who controls the flow of magical energy, and we cannot take more than we are given. While the one with whom we form a contract does have the authority to issue limited commands, that's the very reason why we will only do so with one who is not foolish enough to try and use this position to their own ends.

( Castor's prideful himself, so perhaps it can be considered something of a compliment coming from him; he's not inclined to trust anyone aside from his sister beside him after all. Even in a situation where his choices range from "bad" to "worse", it should still say something to be chosen as the least undesirable. Or, in other words: the most trustworthy. )

Of course, if you aren't up to the task, there are ways to end the contract.

( "Try before you buy!" Or something. )

[It sounds a bit more reasonable when they put it this way. Allies with a mutually-beneficial agreement. Natsuno is still surprised they decided to trust him of all passengers, and so fast (as if he and Clarke Griffin haven't done the same after robbing Friday's desk together), but he will do his best to be worthy of that trust. Whether he accepts or refuses, this is one of his principles, and they are iron.

He's still wary, but there is something tempting about the offer, especially if the contract can be ended without hurting either side (again, the sentiment will be stronger tomorrow, when Jenny screams about turning Skulduggery into bone flutes).

Still. If Pollux trusts him and Castor tolerates him enough to offer something so important to them, they deserve the full truth.]

I'm not human, you know. Not anymore. I'm a vampire.

[Not by his choice, and he will never feed on passengers. Natsuno keeps his voice carefully neutral - while he's been trying to figure out what being a vampire means for him rather what the shiki back home thought he should be, this is still something he's reluctant to share, though the fact the Dioscuri are gods makes it easier.]

Does that change your decision to offer a contract?

Natsuno, that changes nothing.

( pollux takes a step forward, knowing that this information is irrelevant to castor who sees them all the same— the only difference is that he would hold up better than an ordinary human with no magical circuits, and he's basically the equivalent of a magus that could summon a servant if he so desired. not all bloodsuckers are as bad as people make them out to be, there's true ancestors that walk the world as the planet's sense of touch, showing that they're important in their own way. in any case, he's better than most of the choices here, and while there are gods, the connection that they share with them is meant to remain unbalanced so that they live in harmony.

no god should control another god when their efforts can come together instead. )

We chose you before knowing what you truly are, and we support our Master no matter who they are.

( she thinks of that book they read together, humming softly as she steels her focus onto the other. no matter what that person is, or what they do, a servant remains by their side until the end. pollux slowly takes a deep breath, )

We stay by your side no matter the situation, and most of all, we will protect you until the end. You being a vampire will never change our feelings, in the end, you are still Natsuno through and through.

[Months ago he would be weirded out by this reaction, but by now he's heard the same from his friends, and some who weren't exactly friends but still found out. Passengers of the Serena Eterna are far more accepting than anyone back home, perhaps unsurprisingly. With all the awful weirdness the captain throws their way, they have to adapt and reconsider their priorities.

Still, every it's WHO you are and not WHAT you are that matters is another crack in the walls he put around himself.]

Alright.

[Natsuno believes her. He just wanted to be completely upfront.]

I need to think about this. It's not a decision I can make on the spot.

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