( his hand slips out from between her own, and her words hurt more than they should. she has told him what it meant, and to be honest, she's enjoyed the little additions to being in a relationship like this. it doesn't hurt any less when elysium had said that he wouldn't be her master either even if he didn't understand her intentions.
... )
But...
( those days of calling him natsuno is over, or they should be as she frowns just a little as her hands fall down to her side. )
I'm proud to call you our Master.
( she's sure about this, looking to the other as she tried to mask the sorrow in her voice. it's fine, if he understands that she's not embarrassed by him even if he died already, it's fine, she will still see him as her master regardless. that doesn't change either. )
( To be completely fair, Castor's on Natsuno's side here—he didn't like it any more when that word rolled of Pollux's tongue, and he was already getting ready to scold her himself. Well, Natsuno may have gotten to it first, but it's just as well when Castor sees how saddened she looks by such as simple rejection.
...
He cannot be responsible for that. In fact, the person who did cause her to make such a sad expression needs to be held accountable for it. So instead, Castor bristles at Natsuno. )
Stop complaining. That is Pollux's choice to make.
[This is embarrassing, this is so embarrassing and he's regretting everything already - ]
Look -
[He can tell Castor doesn't like it either. He can also tell Castor will take his sister's side even if she told him they should jump off a cliff, so he needs to appeal to Pollux somehow.]
I get that's how the sides of this contract are called, but I'd really prefer if you just use my name. I told you I don't want to "command" you - we're trying to help each other.
( it's just the amount if energy he's putting into this, when he seems to not let anything bother him really, is sort of endearing to watch. normally, natsuno is as cool as steel, terrifying in how he lacks any visible emotions in his actions, but right now... just hearing his constant rejection is adorable for him really.
she did see his ears go red at one point. )
There's no need to be, unless you wish for me to call you my very important person, or the person I will give my life for. How about...
( she chuckles, shaking her head. ) Hehe, we are allies, as well as your Servants. Please use us well.
( So true—Natsuno gets it. Unfortunately, Pollux seems set in her decision, which means it's Castor's job to stand up for her against this brat. )
If you will not "command" us, we are free to call you as we wish. You should be thrilled that Pollux would want to refer to you as such.
( Castor sure as hell doesn't! But anyway, it's about the principle of the matter; even if he doesn't enjoy Pollux calling Natsuno that any more than Natsuno himself, he should see this as an opportunity to show that he allows them to make their own choices. Or something. At least show that he's sensitive to Pollux's feelings on the matter. )
Well!?
( Where is your thrill!? Show how thrilled you are!! )
[It's just as well that Natsuno has been reading Greek myths lately, because he's about to learn what every tragic heroes does - you can never defy the will of the gods.
Especially when one of them is an unconditionally kind blonde. Tohru wouldn't stop calling him by his first name, and apparently Pollux won't stop calling him Master. Look at her, she's laughing like he's being cute.]
Fine, whatever.
[Sorry Castor, he won't show thrill even if you threaten to throw him overboard. Grumpy acceptance is the best you can hope for.]
I'm not going to argue about semantics. [Mostly because he's losing.] More importantly, how does it work? What should I do if you need more magical power?
( Success! Success for a happy Pollux. It's not exactly what he was looking for, but Castor huffs his satisfied huff and deems Natsuno worthy of an answer to his question.
... Kind of. )
When it comes to controlling magical pathways, I'm sure that human mage can properly explain it.
( Which isn't necessarily just a matter of dumping that duty on someone else—really, someone who's more acquainted with Natsuno and how he thinks, like Rita, may do a better job of explaining how magic works in the first place. Castor himself has never been much for it; it isn't hard to imagine that any explanation he offers would be poor at best. )
What information we know is hardly of use without a Magus from our world to explain, so Brother's right.
( she nods into agreement with castor, it is unfortunate that their jargon would probably not click for natsuno— and while pollux doesn't doubt the other as the type to pick up on things easily, why not give him an advantage as this is new territory he's walking into? )
Rather than take a step into this blindly, you can look to Rita for assistance. You were the first name she mentioned when telling me about her friends, so you both must be close enough that you can ask with ease?
( luckily for natsuno, she's not teasing at all. )
[His was the first name Rita mentioned? Something swells in Natsuno's chest; the warm feeling he had when he gave her a wooden carving and saw her smile, mixed painfully with burning thorns of guilt. You weren't supposed to disappear on me. Some friend he is, hurting her like he did.
It really is fortunate he's good at concealing his feelings. Being flustered over the title "Master" - that's superficial. The real pain is always locked behind an expressionless face.]
Rita can't manipulate magical energy without something to channel it through. [He's practical, rational Natsuno again.] But maybe it's close enough to this.
["This" being the seal. Natsuno raises a hand to look at it. Ugh, it's so annoying that everyone can see it and that these two don't even know how it works.]
As long as you can move it along the pathway, it doesn't matter how.
( And who cares if that particular mage needs to use some kind of device? In the end, it gets results. As they say: if your body doesn't have its own magical pathways, store bought is fine too. As for Natsuno, he just has the advantage of a direct line linking his to the two of them now; in essence, there should be a way of directing that magical energy that will function well enough for this purpose, even if it comes from another world. Humans are humans no matter where they hail from, after all.
Since it does seem to be a concern, though... )
In the meantime, those spells can make even the impossible possible for us.
( Which is surely a fact that could very easily be abused—but this kid, he doesn't seem the type who would do so, and in the case of an emergency it's better that he would know than not. )
Rita is... determined, as they say when there's a will, there's a way. She wouldn't let something like this stop her especially with the context of what it is.
( weapons, magical weapons she could call them if she wanted, but they're a magical entity that can bend at the command of three seals. it may difficult to translate the lays of their magic in another world's law, but as long as it cuts it close then they have no reason to worry. besides, humans are incredible beings that are meant to grow and adapt, and so the thought brings a smile to pollux's face.
she makes distance towards natsuno now, standing right beside him with her head held high. )
But with those command seals, you can summon us by your side no matter where you are in only an instant. ( she looks to her brother. ) Or allow us to withstand a blow that we shouldn't, and maybe even calling upon the full might of our divinity.
( one hand lifts to the diadem around her head, lightly touching it before casting her gaze to the sea, and then up to the stars. )
To be a true divine being and not just a Servant— the time may come where that's necessary.
( not saying they aren't gods now, but they are in a way limited by the idea of being servants— once that is broken, then they can truly shine. if only her father could see her now, would he be proud of this shackled divinity? who knows. )
And for those really sneaky commands that you wouldn't want anyone else to hear—
( she turns to natsuno, her smile blinding with the sky as her backdrop where the fake stars possibly glow. )
You have this at your disposal.
( her lips hadn't moved, but he can hear her voice clear as day in his head. )
[Natsuno listens attentively to the explanation. All petulance is gone from his expression, and he maintains the serious calm when Pollux comes to stand beside him. While he doesn't care for all the dramatics, these "command seals" are a powerful and dangerous thing. He already has the power to force his will on someone via vampire bite, and only used it in dire circumstances against an enemy he was hell-bent on destroying.
To have such power over divinities... if they trust him enough with it, he will take it dead seriously and be worthy of their trust.
His stoic expression cracks only once, when Pollux speaks in his mind. That's... pretty cool, actually.]
Understood.
[Natsuno tries to think back at her, wondering if it will work. In case it doesn't, he says the rest out loud.]
Three spells. Okay.
I'll do my best to save summoning for the right moment, if it happens at all. As for the rest... your consideration is as important as mine. If you need your divinity, or want me to use it for something else - just say so.
( Castor will nod approvingly as Natsuno offers his confirmation that he's understood, before waiting for his words to be spoken aloud. It's the latter part that has him scrunching his brows together, looking (just a little bit) incredulous at the suggestion—as if Castor doesn't feel like he needs their full divinity back unconditionally and all the time!
That's not something that Natsuno can achieve though, so it's a comment he keeps to himself. He just looks at Pollux kind of meaningfully and scoffs, as if that's making a secret of it. )
Very well.
( He still deigns to offer a response though. Even follows it up with a compliment: )
Hmph. I suppose you at least understand the significance of this duty.
Of course he would, Brother. You've always had an eye for competent individuals.
( this was castor's choice even if it was pollux who made to note it audibly— if her brother is satisfied with someone enough to save them, then that's a blessing in itself; an acknowledgement. not too many people are given that chance from him, but being able to see it in real time at that moment, it was truly something she couldn't pass up. when would the chance ever show itself again? )
You're kind, Master. There are Masters who would rarely give a Servant that opportunity to request a specific usage of them.
( really, a master would hold them as their trump cards, and always be stingy with even wasting them though there's some who will use them up easily without thought not realizing the mistake they've made. a master without seals is nothing to a servant, and sometimes that opens up the path of getting rid of them—
oh! )
What about using a seal to prevent Brother from taking attacks for me? ( with a wink towards natsuno. ) I really do want him to take care of himself more often!
( it's meant to be taken as a joke, even by the laugh she offers after it. )
[Natsuno's first decision as a Master: trust the Dioscuri when they ask for a seal's power.
Natsuno's second decision as a Master: never third-wheel their weird sibling comedy act. It doesn't matter if Pollux winks and laughs - he ain't touching that with a ten feet pole.]
I'd rather use it for something you both agree on.
You may not understand, but I am rarely in danger because of my brother. He takes every hit for me, on his own, putting himself in danger and I remain with nary a scar.
( it's always been like that, her brother blocking weapons and fists, even beams of light that comes from casters alike. he'd get so beat up, covered in blood, and breathe heavily as he tries to catch his breath and there pollux stands like some goddess who is meant to support without getting harmed.
truth be told, she wouldn't mind being hurt, feeling pain with her brother if it means she miscalculated an enemy. if castor's hurt, then pollux will get hurt for him, it's perfect for how they are as well as how they live— he shouldn't be the only one going out of his way as though it's okay for him to suffer and not her.
at the end of it all, her heart is what hurts aside from her body and core. )
Watching someone that you care for get hurt and being unable to stop them is an experience, but... I won't ask for you to cripple his fighting style.
( castor's only saving grace as she looks to natsuno. )
You should think about yourself too, Master. ( her words are lighter now as she thinks about it, frowning slightly, but she knows better than to be visible in her twin's eyes. )
[Natsuno nods. It's good that Pollux won't truly ask him to cripple Castor. AS he's a Master, he should give them power to be stronger and better protect themselves, but their fighting style is their business.
( Castor is already bristling from Pollux's joke, and even if he's started to lower his hackles, as she speaks, the fact of the matter is that a half-assed answer like that just gives him something to take it out on as he puffs back up. Natsuno knows damn well that she was looking for more understanding than two words can offer her. )
Answer her question properly!
( Or not at all, but it's too late—Natsuno didn't take that option. )
[He didn't take the silent option, because he's forever whipped by wise kind blondes, and now it's just awkward.
Might as well. Maybe they wouldn't want to be contracted to a person who fucks up like this, in which case they deserve to know.]
Someone was threatening and harassing me for months because I survived a death game and they didn't. Eventually they said they'd leave me alone if we got "even."
I figured being out for one night was better than constant harassment. So they gave me a bomb.
I didn't think it'd take three days to wake back up.
( Who the hell chooses dying over being kind of annoyed sometimes? If anything, that would be a better opportunity to teach them a lesson about being annoying, but—well, it's an option that Castor couldn't actually take himself, seeing as Pollux wouldn't appreciate it. Maybe the situation is similar with Natsuno.
That would just make it even worse though, knowing how Pollux would feel if he threw his life away that way. So what it all comes down to in the end seems to be... )
( she could ask for names, but that won't change what's happened. what they have to live with is knowing that natsuno did that, that if it was in his mind once that it could happen again. the ship has a safety net that revives those that lose their lives, but even then... )
What were you thinking? It doesn't matter how many days it takes for you to come back, but to let yourself die willingly... when there's a chance you wouldn't come back. It's unfair.
( throwing away his life to get even with someone? no, it shouldn't be like that, as people shouldn't have to hurt each other. while it could have been prevented, it only puts certain individuals in unavoidable situations. )
If someone was bothering you, agitating you. Then allow us to help you, even your friends if you don't wish to give us that title. Your life to us is something precious, and we would do anything to keep you out of harm's way.
( keeping her thoughts to herself would do no good, but someone has to hear this... he's probably heard it millions of times, but... there's reason for it. )
We will be your sword and shield, so if anything ever arises Master, please do tell us.
( she means that, even now, she feels as though her heart is heavy with concern for natsuno— it does sting that she wasn't able to save him before, but if this is his new lease on life... then she wants to help him. his life is precious, the people around him even so. )
Your existence can bring both happiness and pain, but... it feels empty when you aren't there.
( and not having anything at all is the worse outcome. she turns to look at castor now, her solemn expression gone as it would do better to not have a bleeding heart around him. pollux already knows that he's able to get upset himself. )
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
neverleave) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
come_sailaway2022-10-03 09:51 pm
no subject
... )
But...
( those days of calling him natsuno is over, or they should be as she frowns just a little as her hands fall down to her side. )
I'm proud to call you our Master.
( she's sure about this, looking to the other as she tried to mask the sorrow in her voice. it's fine, if he understands that she's not embarrassed by him even if he died already, it's fine, she will still see him as her master regardless. that doesn't change either. )
no subject
...
He cannot be responsible for that. In fact, the person who did cause her to make such a sad expression needs to be held accountable for it. So instead, Castor bristles at Natsuno. )
Stop complaining. That is Pollux's choice to make.
no subject
[This is embarrassing, this is so embarrassing and he's regretting everything already - ]
Look -
[He can tell Castor doesn't like it either. He can also tell Castor will take his sister's side even if she told him they should jump off a cliff, so he needs to appeal to Pollux somehow.]
I get that's how the sides of this contract are called, but I'd really prefer if you just use my name. I told you I don't want to "command" you - we're trying to help each other.
no subject
( it's just the amount if energy he's putting into this, when he seems to not let anything bother him really, is sort of endearing to watch. normally, natsuno is as cool as steel, terrifying in how he lacks any visible emotions in his actions, but right now... just hearing his constant rejection is adorable for him really.
she did see his ears go red at one point. )
There's no need to be, unless you wish for me to call you my very important person, or the person I will give my life for. How about...
( she chuckles, shaking her head. ) Hehe, we are allies, as well as your Servants. Please use us well.
no subject
If you will not "command" us, we are free to call you as we wish. You should be thrilled that Pollux would want to refer to you as such.
( Castor sure as hell doesn't! But anyway, it's about the principle of the matter; even if he doesn't enjoy Pollux calling Natsuno that any more than Natsuno himself, he should see this as an opportunity to show that he allows them to make their own choices. Or something. At least show that he's sensitive to Pollux's feelings on the matter. )
Well!?
( Where is your thrill!? Show how thrilled you are!! )
no subject
Especially when one of them is an unconditionally kind blonde. Tohru wouldn't stop calling him by his first name, and apparently Pollux won't stop calling him Master. Look at her, she's laughing like he's being cute.]
Fine, whatever.
[Sorry Castor, he won't show thrill even if you threaten to throw him overboard. Grumpy acceptance is the best you can hope for.]
I'm not going to argue about semantics. [Mostly because he's losing.] More importantly, how does it work? What should I do if you need more magical power?
no subject
... Kind of. )
When it comes to controlling magical pathways, I'm sure that human mage can properly explain it.
( Which isn't necessarily just a matter of dumping that duty on someone else—really, someone who's more acquainted with Natsuno and how he thinks, like Rita, may do a better job of explaining how magic works in the first place. Castor himself has never been much for it; it isn't hard to imagine that any explanation he offers would be poor at best. )
no subject
( she nods into agreement with castor, it is unfortunate that their jargon would probably not click for natsuno— and while pollux doesn't doubt the other as the type to pick up on things easily, why not give him an advantage as this is new territory he's walking into? )
Rather than take a step into this blindly, you can look to Rita for assistance. You were the first name she mentioned when telling me about her friends, so you both must be close enough that you can ask with ease?
( luckily for natsuno, she's not teasing at all. )
no subject
[His was the first name Rita mentioned? Something swells in Natsuno's chest; the warm feeling he had when he gave her a wooden carving and saw her smile, mixed painfully with burning thorns of guilt. You weren't supposed to disappear on me. Some friend he is, hurting her like he did.
It really is fortunate he's good at concealing his feelings. Being flustered over the title "Master" - that's superficial. The real pain is always locked behind an expressionless face.]
Rita can't manipulate magical energy without something to channel it through. [He's practical, rational Natsuno again.] But maybe it's close enough to this.
["This" being the seal. Natsuno raises a hand to look at it. Ugh, it's so annoying that everyone can see it and that these two don't even know how it works.]
no subject
( And who cares if that particular mage needs to use some kind of device? In the end, it gets results. As they say: if your body doesn't have its own magical pathways, store bought is fine too. As for Natsuno, he just has the advantage of a direct line linking his to the two of them now; in essence, there should be a way of directing that magical energy that will function well enough for this purpose, even if it comes from another world. Humans are humans no matter where they hail from, after all.
Since it does seem to be a concern, though... )
In the meantime, those spells can make even the impossible possible for us.
( Which is surely a fact that could very easily be abused—but this kid, he doesn't seem the type who would do so, and in the case of an emergency it's better that he would know than not. )
You only have three, so use them wisely.
no subject
( weapons, magical weapons she could call them if she wanted, but they're a magical entity that can bend at the command of three seals. it may difficult to translate the lays of their magic in another world's law, but as long as it cuts it close then they have no reason to worry. besides, humans are incredible beings that are meant to grow and adapt, and so the thought brings a smile to pollux's face.
she makes distance towards natsuno now, standing right beside him with her head held high. )
But with those command seals, you can summon us by your side no matter where you are in only an instant. ( she looks to her brother. ) Or allow us to withstand a blow that we shouldn't, and maybe even calling upon the full might of our divinity.
( one hand lifts to the diadem around her head, lightly touching it before casting her gaze to the sea, and then up to the stars. )
To be a true divine being and not just a Servant— the time may come where that's necessary.
( not saying they aren't gods now, but they are in a way limited by the idea of being servants— once that is broken, then they can truly shine. if only her father could see her now, would he be proud of this shackled divinity? who knows. )
And for those really sneaky commands that you wouldn't want anyone else to hear—
( she turns to natsuno, her smile blinding with the sky as her backdrop where the fake stars possibly glow. )
You have this at your disposal.
( her lips hadn't moved, but he can hear her voice clear as day in his head. )
no subject
To have such power over divinities... if they trust him enough with it, he will take it dead seriously and be worthy of their trust.
His stoic expression cracks only once, when Pollux speaks in his mind. That's... pretty cool, actually.]
Understood.
[Natsuno tries to think back at her, wondering if it will work. In case it doesn't, he says the rest out loud.]
Three spells. Okay.
I'll do my best to save summoning for the right moment, if it happens at all. As for the rest... your consideration is as important as mine. If you need your divinity, or want me to use it for something else - just say so.
no subject
That's not something that Natsuno can achieve though, so it's a comment he keeps to himself. He just looks at Pollux kind of meaningfully and scoffs, as if that's making a secret of it. )
Very well.
( He still deigns to offer a response though. Even follows it up with a compliment: )
Hmph. I suppose you at least understand the significance of this duty.
2/3
( this was castor's choice even if it was pollux who made to note it audibly— if her brother is satisfied with someone enough to save them, then that's a blessing in itself; an acknowledgement. not too many people are given that chance from him, but being able to see it in real time at that moment, it was truly something she couldn't pass up. when would the chance ever show itself again? )
You're kind, Master. There are Masters who would rarely give a Servant that opportunity to request a specific usage of them.
( really, a master would hold them as their trump cards, and always be stingy with even wasting them though there's some who will use them up easily without thought not realizing the mistake they've made. a master without seals is nothing to a servant, and sometimes that opens up the path of getting rid of them—
oh! )
What about using a seal to prevent Brother from taking attacks for me? ( with a wink towards natsuno. ) I really do want him to take care of himself more often!
( it's meant to be taken as a joke, even by the laugh she offers after it. )
3/3
—Pollux!!
( And audibly distressed!! No! Not that one! NOT allowed! )
no subject
Natsuno's second decision as a Master: never third-wheel their weird sibling comedy act. It doesn't matter if Pollux winks and laughs - he ain't touching that with a ten feet pole.]
I'd rather use it for something you both agree on.
1/1
( it's always been like that, her brother blocking weapons and fists, even beams of light that comes from casters alike. he'd get so beat up, covered in blood, and breathe heavily as he tries to catch his breath and there pollux stands like some goddess who is meant to support without getting harmed.
truth be told, she wouldn't mind being hurt, feeling pain with her brother if it means she miscalculated an enemy. if castor's hurt, then pollux will get hurt for him, it's perfect for how they are as well as how they live— he shouldn't be the only one going out of his way as though it's okay for him to suffer and not her.
at the end of it all, her heart is what hurts aside from her body and core. )
Watching someone that you care for get hurt and being unable to stop them is an experience, but... I won't ask for you to cripple his fighting style.
( castor's only saving grace as she looks to natsuno. )
You should think about yourself too, Master. ( her words are lighter now as she thinks about it, frowning slightly, but she knows better than to be visible in her twin's eyes. )
What happened to you?
no subject
As for Pollux's other question:]
An explosion.
no subject
Answer her question properly!
( Or not at all, but it's too late—Natsuno didn't take that option. )
no subject
( it still doesn't make sense to her, and even castor getting upset proves that it isn't enough for him either. how should she word this? )
How was an explosion something stupid that you did?
( that's better, she finds, because how do those two pieces connect? )
no subject
Might as well. Maybe they wouldn't want to be contracted to a person who fucks up like this, in which case they deserve to know.]
Someone was threatening and harassing me for months because I survived a death game and they didn't. Eventually they said they'd leave me alone if we got "even."
I figured being out for one night was better than constant harassment. So they gave me a bomb.
I didn't think it'd take three days to wake back up.
no subject
That would just make it even worse though, knowing how Pollux would feel if he threw his life away that way. So what it all comes down to in the end seems to be... )
You're right. That was stupid of you.
no subject
What were you thinking? It doesn't matter how many days it takes for you to come back, but to let yourself die willingly... when there's a chance you wouldn't come back. It's unfair.
( throwing away his life to get even with someone? no, it shouldn't be like that, as people shouldn't have to hurt each other. while it could have been prevented, it only puts certain individuals in unavoidable situations. )
If someone was bothering you, agitating you. Then allow us to help you, even your friends if you don't wish to give us that title. Your life to us is something precious, and we would do anything to keep you out of harm's way.
( keeping her thoughts to herself would do no good, but someone has to hear this... he's probably heard it millions of times, but... there's reason for it. )
no subject
Still, he nods in solemn agreement with both siblings.]
I wasn't thinking straight. And I'll never do something like this again.
[His life may not mean much to him, but it does for others. He never wants to hurt his friends like this again.]
That's also why I decided to accept the contract. To do things differently.
1/1
( she means that, even now, she feels as though her heart is heavy with concern for natsuno— it does sting that she wasn't able to save him before, but if this is his new lease on life... then she wants to help him. his life is precious, the people around him even so. )
Your existence can bring both happiness and pain, but... it feels empty when you aren't there.
( and not having anything at all is the worse outcome. she turns to look at castor now, her solemn expression gone as it would do better to not have a bleeding heart around him. pollux already knows that he's able to get upset himself. )