WHO: Archer & YOU WHAT: TDM Continuation / May Catchall WHERE: Around the Main Base WHEN: Throughout the month of May, after Archer arrives WARNINGS: TBA
I just hadn't thought it'd been that long. Time flies when you don't have to fight for your life every single day.
[ It's actually funny to think about. Sure, she's had to fight kaiju, but that's not a daily occurrence and it's not just her doing all the fighting. She can actually rely on the others...bizarre. ]
[ Her answer has him looking...well, less than pleased. Not with her, but rather the fact that this is sounding more and more like a shitshow of epic proportions. ]
And you? Where would you say you fall on this...spectrum?
[So far these have all been on the level of Devils she wouldn't get involved with if it happened back home. Okay, the rift opening and that mess was a bit of a higher level catastrophe, but the kaijus themselves weren't.]
And having formerly worked for the government, I'm unfortunately used to the questionable efficiency of things. So that's really more of a lateral move than anything else. So it's easier in some regards even if I'm working more, and in other respects, it's not dissimilar from what I'm used to.
[ Based on what he's been reading on the network (and oh how he hates the fact that all of it is in his brain), he's not so sure about people appreciating efficiency. Still. He'll see what the demands actually are for his new 'team'. ]
Time will tell, I suppose.
[ He sounds skeptical, but that's just the way he is. ]
[The neural network is definitely an adjustment. She doesn't hate it, but going from 90s cell phones and pagers to that was quite the leap.]
Makima. I'm on the Brimstone team.
[She at least appreciates the efficiency and the idea of someone wanting to get the job done, not that it's worth much being on different teams, of course.]
So far we haven't really operated as teams in the field.
[She's not being too judgmental about that. It's fine given the situation.]
They've been a bit more all hands on deck type operations for kaiju attacks. Which does make some sense. For some other tasks, cleanup, rebuilding, we've been divided up. Brimstone focuses on this, Revelation that, and so on. I imagine over time, combat operations will be a bit more team focused though, I'd be surprised if that wasn't the case.
what does it mean for you now that you have been removed from the circumstances of your summoning? does it make you beholden to another still? or have you been set free, so to speak?
Archer spends his first few days getting acclimated to this new world. It's one thing, after all, to see future eras through the lens of a counter guardian, mopping up disasters as they come. It's quite another to be a living, breathing part of it.
Because of that, he spends a fair amount of time exploring. Learning the general layout of the base and how to operate the network (much as he hates it). He drinks tea in the cafeteria every morning, though it slips his mind (in those early days) that eating is something he actually needs to do now.
And that, in itself, is strange to get used to. His body is actual flesh and blood now (apart from the unwelcome technological additions), with all that, that means. He has to eat, sleep, and actually take care of it in order to functional properly.
The change isn't particularly welcome, really - especially at night. Because sleeping, he's found, actually does result in dreams now. And his are less than pleasant when they happen.
As such, the first night or so, Archer can be found in the Library, browsing through the selections. He's brought a small light of his own so he doesn't seem to care that the light fixtures are broken. If he can't sleep, he might as well see if there's anything useful to be learned here. (Sadly, there isn't.)
During the day, he spends a little time in the Greenhouse, mostly investigating what sorts of plants are being grown or maintained. He also stops by the Locker Room at some point, which will result in...a bit of a shock for him. Because when he opens the door of his own locker to store a few necessities, he will find an unexpected treasure. He's going to be wrapping it in a towel and taking it back to his room, thanks, since he definitely doesn't want to just...leave it.
Eventually, Archer will get to a bit of shopping, at which point, he will start making his own meals in the cafeteria. Because no one will ever convince him that food made by robots is better than his.
[ he's not alone in the library, even at night! some feet away, under one of the flickering light fixtures, hunter's got a spread of many books he seems to be working his way through. aside from the obviously fictional stories (which are just in a pile off to the side), he has multiple of them open and is working his way through one particularly thick textbook. he's got massive bags under his eyes already, but he seems engrossed in reading this. his eyes flicker over to archer when he enters, but otherwise ignores his presence and continues to study.... whatever he's studying. this will probably go on for hours unless archer interrupts ]
[ and if not, there will be a growl from hunter's stomach interrupting reading time!!! but hunter just goes right back to it. aside from his cheeks being a little red from embarrassment ]
[ Archer is fine with ignoring other people in his general vicinity. He's not a particularly social person, and his default status is actually being alone.
Therefore, he pays Hunter no mind as the two of them are browsing. Until, of course, he hears that sound.
He looks at Hunter directly for the first time and says: ]
[ hunter has been just as content to sit in silence and read without acknowledging the other person here. whatever he's reading, he's definitely engrossed in it, there hasn't been a peep out of him as he's been working at his nerdery. ]
[ his face goes redder as archer comments on it ]
It's nothing! Nothing happened!
[ because comedic timing demands it, there's an even louder growl forthcoming ]
( For Kiritsugu's part, he'd been on the way to the locker room to retrieve a few personal items before hitting the showers, hitting something of a routine in his personal life in this place: work, Irisviel, sleep, repeat. He's finding fewer moments for himself in this cycle, though it's not something he entirely minds. Anything to take his mind off his darker impulses. In many ways, he knew he'd been neglecting himself.
Freeze frame, record scratch.
The moment he makes it over to his locker, he cannot help but notice a certain blue and gold sheath poking out from Archer's towel. The sight of it causes Kiritsugu's eyes to go wide, staring at Archer in disbelief. What the hell? Who was this guy? This mystery Archer owning Avalon should be a near impossibility. He struggles to find his words, willing forth a very clipped: )
So, that confirms it, then.
( What exactly, he's not yet sure. Only that there's no way he could own Avalon without somehow being connected to him. )
He'd noticed someone else come in, but the shock of finding Avalon precluded him from noting exactly who it was.
He doesn't say anything, nor does he overtly react in any way - except to make sure the scabbard of Excalibur is wrapped securely and fully hidden from view. ]
Whatever it is you're thinking [ he says slowly ] I promise you, you're wrong.
( Is he, though? Perhaps. But his line of thought was hardly incorrect. Knowing what he does, there should only be two people from his world with access to the scabbard: Irisviel, and himself. What does that make this man to him? It would drive him insane not to know. )
It shouldn't be possible for you to own that without being connected to Irisviel or myself. Care to explain yourself?
( Which is to say: he's onto you, Archer. And pointedly so. )
[ Kiritsugu has already made his suspicions plain. However, Archer still has absolutely no desire to explain the connection. Which is why his answer is clipped. ]
No, I don’t.
In fact, I would prefer that you forget I exist at all.
( His response comes near immediately, though, his painfully flat voice doesn't give off any sort of inflection. No trace of anger, or even annoyance on his face. Just his tired eyes. Forever haunted, as though he's seen too much. )
A Heroic Spirit Emiya? I'm not convinced that could mean anything good.
( It's the Grail War paranoia. It's always been that. )
[ Archer takes the rude awakening and even the change of scenery in stride. He's familiar with the Las Vegas and what it's all about - which is why he mostly plans to avoid the most debauched aspects of the city they're now in.
Navigating all the aspects of human life is still something he's getting used to so staying in a hotel feels...surreal. Still, he gets himself checked in and goes up to the room. He unlocks the door...only to find someone else already inside. ]
[ There is indeed already someone inside. A young woman who is in the process of settling in the room, changing a few things here and there as she explores. Oh, and she is singing. ]
Someday, my love will come~♪ Someday, we'll meet at last~♬ And away from the Underworld, we'll go~♪ To be happy for a lifetime, I know~♬
[ Why, she's pretty good at singing too! It probably helps that she's absolutely unaware there is someone else who just arrived. ]
Someday when freedom's here~♪ We'll find our love at last~♬ And the Gallû Spirits will sing~♪ The spear cages will ring~♬ Someday when my dreams come true~♪
[ Hello? Did someone say hello? She's not even realizing it so she just keeps singing, adapting the lyrics to the newly introduced factor even as she sets her spear cage next to her bed. ]
[ There is...a lot to unpack here. First, that the person is singing; secondly, the identity of the singer; and then lastly....well, she starts screaming, and Archer is just absolutely stunned for a moment before raising a hand to try and quiet her. ]
Don't scream, please.
[ He's not sure she can hear him, so he raises his voice a little louder. ]
[ Thankfully, it doesn't take long for her to calm down and stop screaming.
Him... She'd hoped their second meeting would have been under better circumstances. And that he heard her sing is even worse! There's no way he won't think she is the worst goddess ever now.
Deep breathes. Okay... Time to try and limit the damage. ]
M-My apologies... [A pause.] I would appreciate if you could forget what you just heard.
[ Her old self may have just killed him to be on the safe side, but thankfully she's better than that now. ]
[ It is a relief that she's calmed down; he doesn't want to think about what kind of attention or scrutiny they would have come under if she had continued.
In the meantime, he lets out a quiet sigh. ]
Heard what? It's just the two of us talking.
[ In other words, he's not going to breathe a word about it. ]
I apologize for barging in... Someone at the front desk must have made a mistake.
[ Surely, this is just some kind of mishap...right? ]
[ Thank goodness! She'll trust him for now... Not because he has done anything so far that makes him particularly worthy of her trust. For all she knows, he's a vile interloper who will tell everyone she's singing weird songs about love and happiness!
No, it's because she feels as though he is trustworthy. Her body feels that way. He must have been really important to that girl. But she wonders if that's in the same way Ritsuka is important to her...? ]
No... They did mention I may have to share this room with someone.
[ She's kind of relieved. Better him than someone who would shamelessly tease her. And there are many such people she knows by now. She takes another pause and smiles. ]
Though if you would rather find another room, I understand.
[ He wouldn't want anyone telling on him if he happened to display some sort of emotion or vulnerability so it seems right to give her the courtesy.
As for sharing the room, he...makes a bit of a face. ]
I see. They neglected to tell me that.
[ As far as roommates go, though...this is likely one of the less awkward situations he could ask for. She isn't Rin, but...he doesn't feel uncomfortable around her, either. ]
Ah, no. As long as you don't mind sharing with me, I think we can make this work. Just tell me how you would prefer we arrange things so you have the privacy you need.
[ She smiles brightly and moves between the two beds. ]
Very well. [She points at the bed with a red and white duvet.] This shall be your bed.
[ There's no way he can mistake their beds, the duvet on hers is red and black, with a cute flower motif. How did she manage to get that in so little time? Maybe it is a goddess thing. ]
I'll only need some time alone in the morning and evening. [She raises a finger.] I expect to be fairly often in the room - so please do let me know when you need your own time alone.
[ It's not that this city isn't fascinating or intriguing, it's just that she's an introvert who needs to spend a lot of time recharging her batteries... And said batteries are pretty quick to be spent once she is outside. ]
[ Everything went fine and eventually they both went to sleep at their own time... But when morning comes, Archer may just feel something cold pressed against him. Very cold indeed - for the Goddess of Death is always cold - and she so happens to be the one blotted against him.
Somehow she has dragged herself, her blankets and duvet over to his bed during the course of the night. ]
Mrrr.... [She sighs but doesn't wake up.] Nyeh...
[ He can try to escape, but alas... This goddess is gifted with A-rank strength, and both her arms are holding him with all of her might! It might just be impossible for him to get free before she wakes up. ]
[ The two of them manage to settle into an easy sort of routine. The fact that he is doing his best to be considerate of her, and she has a fairly easy going disposition certainly helps, of course. Of all the things he might have expected to come of this arrangement, though, this is not one of them.
It’s the cold that wakes him (and how inconvenient it is that this human body is actually sensitive to things like changes in temperature), but the realization that the cold is coming from her has his heart skipping a beat.
Part of him thinks he should wait it out, but he also…doesn’t want to give any sort of impression that he’s…going to allow herself to be embarrassed? Because she likely will be.
He tries to carefully extricate himself, but unfortunately, he is thwarted by that A Rank strength of hers. Suppressing a sigh, he tries to…nudge her with his elbow. ]
[ There are very little things in the Underworld, besides souls and Gallû Spirits. And relevant to this situation in particular, there are no beds. Books sometimes fall from the surface and other weird human artifacts, but a bed? It never happened! If she sleeps, it has to be on cold rocks or by floating mid-air. That's really not conductive to sleeping well, she avoids it usually.
And so - of course - she subconsciously refuses to wake up when he nudges her with his elbow! ]
Nyuh... [She sighs and... Tightens her grip. Most unfortunately.] Five... Five more minutes...
[ This bed is even better than the one in her room back at base... Much softer and warmer, somehow. She could get used to sleeping in such a comfortable bed. She's not letting go, no way! ]
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TDM Continuation (OTA)
@mitochondrialeve
---
Tomorrow, after breakfast then?
[ That should give him some time to get settled and...figure a few more things out. ]
no subject
I'll want omurice.
no subject
[ It's one of the things he mentioned, after all, so it's fine. ]
What should I call you?
no subject
Kaede.
no subject
Kaede, then. I'm Archer.
Have you been here long?
no subject
[ As the realization sinks in, her face blanches. Her gaze is distant.
Good lord, six months...? ]
Yeah, a while.
no subject
That bad, is it?
[ Not that he assumed otherwise, but her reaction is telling. ]
no subject
[ For many reasons. ]
I just hadn't thought it'd been that long. Time flies when you don't have to fight for your life every single day.
[ It's actually funny to think about. Sure, she's had to fight kaiju, but that's not a daily occurrence and it's not just her doing all the fighting. She can actually rely on the others...bizarre. ]
@kubricks
---
[ Her answer has him looking...well, less than pleased. Not with her, but rather the fact that this is sounding more and more like a shitshow of epic proportions. ]
And you? Where would you say you fall on this...spectrum?
no subject
[So far these have all been on the level of Devils she wouldn't get involved with if it happened back home. Okay, the rift opening and that mess was a bit of a higher level catastrophe, but the kaijus themselves weren't.]
And having formerly worked for the government, I'm unfortunately used to the questionable efficiency of things. So that's really more of a lateral move than anything else. So it's easier in some regards even if I'm working more, and in other respects, it's not dissimilar from what I'm used to.
no subject
[ The World doesn't play around with this sort of mess. ]
But I suppose that would be too much to hope for with bureaucracy in the mix.
no subject
[Getting the job done without causing too many headaches is always appreciated.]
I imagine you'll get used to the whims of our bosses, not necessarily like them of course, but accustomed to them anyways.
no subject
Time will tell, I suppose.
[ He sounds skeptical, but that's just the way he is. ]
I'm Archer. And yourself?
no subject
Makima. I'm on the Brimstone team.
[She at least appreciates the efficiency and the idea of someone wanting to get the job done, not that it's worth much being on different teams, of course.]
no subject
How do the teams normally operate in practice?
no subject
[She's not being too judgmental about that. It's fine given the situation.]
They've been a bit more all hands on deck type operations for kaiju attacks. Which does make some sense. For some other tasks, cleanup, rebuilding, we've been divided up. Brimstone focuses on this, Revelation that, and so on. I imagine over time, combat operations will be a bit more team focused though, I'd be surprised if that wasn't the case.
@gimu
---
It doesn't matter. It happened, and there's nothing else to say about it.
[ meaning, he doesn't want to talk about it, thank you very much. ]
no subject
no subject
And that I am beholden to LILITH, like everyone else.
Main Base - first few days
Because of that, he spends a fair amount of time exploring. Learning the general layout of the base and how to operate the network (much as he hates it). He drinks tea in the cafeteria every morning, though it slips his mind (in those early days) that eating is something he actually needs to do now.
And that, in itself, is strange to get used to. His body is actual flesh and blood now (apart from the unwelcome technological additions), with all that, that means. He has to eat, sleep, and actually take care of it in order to functional properly.
The change isn't particularly welcome, really - especially at night. Because sleeping, he's found, actually does result in dreams now. And his are less than pleasant when they happen.
As such, the first night or so, Archer can be found in the Library, browsing through the selections. He's brought a small light of his own so he doesn't seem to care that the light fixtures are broken. If he can't sleep, he might as well see if there's anything useful to be learned here. (Sadly, there isn't.)
During the day, he spends a little time in the Greenhouse, mostly investigating what sorts of plants are being grown or maintained. He also stops by the Locker Room at some point, which will result in...a bit of a shock for him. Because when he opens the door of his own locker to store a few necessities, he will find an unexpected treasure. He's going to be wrapping it in a towel and taking it back to his room, thanks, since he definitely doesn't want to just...leave it.
Eventually, Archer will get to a bit of shopping, at which point, he will start making his own meals in the cafeteria. Because no one will ever convince him that food made by robots is better than his.
library!!
[ and if not, there will be a growl from hunter's stomach interrupting reading time!!! but hunter just goes right back to it. aside from his cheeks being a little red from embarrassment ]
pls forgive for the late tag ;;
Therefore, he pays Hunter no mind as the two of them are browsing. Until, of course, he hears that sound.
He looks at Hunter directly for the first time and says: ]
What is that?
nw <3
[ his face goes redder as archer comments on it ]
It's nothing! Nothing happened!
[ because comedic timing demands it, there's an even louder growl forthcoming ]
no subject
It’s your stomach, isn’t it?
no subject
[ he stops to consider what time it is and it's clear the actual answer is "many many hours ago" ]
.... Nevermind! I need to finish my research.
locker room; the prodigal father returns.
Freeze frame, record scratch.
The moment he makes it over to his locker, he cannot help but notice a certain blue and gold sheath poking out from Archer's towel. The sight of it causes Kiritsugu's eyes to go wide, staring at Archer in disbelief. What the hell? Who was this guy? This mystery Archer owning Avalon should be a near impossibility. He struggles to find his words, willing forth a very clipped: )
So, that confirms it, then.
( What exactly, he's not yet sure. Only that there's no way he could own Avalon without somehow being connected to him. )
no subject
He'd noticed someone else come in, but the shock of finding Avalon precluded him from noting exactly who it was.
He doesn't say anything, nor does he overtly react in any way - except to make sure the scabbard of Excalibur is wrapped securely and fully hidden from view. ]
Whatever it is you're thinking [ he says slowly ] I promise you, you're wrong.
no subject
It shouldn't be possible for you to own that without being connected to Irisviel or myself. Care to explain yourself?
( Which is to say: he's onto you, Archer. And pointedly so. )
no subject
No, I don’t.
In fact, I would prefer that you forget I exist at all.
no subject
( His response comes near immediately, though, his painfully flat voice doesn't give off any sort of inflection. No trace of anger, or even annoyance on his face. Just his tired eyes. Forever haunted, as though he's seen too much. )
A Heroic Spirit Emiya? I'm not convinced that could mean anything good.
( It's the Grail War paranoia. It's always been that. )
no subject
But there's something in Kiritsugu's tone and expression that stops him. That's too eerily familiar (similar) for him to lash out the way he wants to.
Holding Avalon close like the treasure it is, Archer regards the other man for a moment with a blank expression on his face. Then- ]
Being a Heroic Spirit is a curse, not a blessing. So in that respect...you're not wrong.
As for this relic... I've seen it before, but it is not mine.
That's all I have to say about it.
Travel Prompts
closed - for Ereshkigal
Navigating all the aspects of human life is still something he's getting used to so staying in a hotel feels...surreal. Still, he gets himself checked in and goes up to the room. He unlocks the door...only to find someone else already inside. ]
...hello?
1/4
Someday, my love will come~♪
Someday, we'll meet at last~♬
And away from the Underworld, we'll go~♪
To be happy for a lifetime, I know~♬
[ Why, she's pretty good at singing too! It probably helps that she's absolutely unaware there is someone else who just arrived. ]
Someday when freedom's here~♪
We'll find our love at last~♬
And the Gallû Spirits will sing~♪
The spear cages will ring~♬
Someday when my dreams come true~♪
no subject
Hello, dear visitor~♬
Why are you in my room~♪
[ ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
... Wait. ]
no subject
Why are you...
[ Blinks blinks. ]
Why...
[ She slowly turns around... ]
4/4
[ What the Kûr?!? Has he been here for long? Has he heard her sing? Or did he just arrive? She doesn't know.
All she knows is she's panicking and screaming because this is an absolute disaster! ]
no subject
Don't scream, please.
[ He's not sure she can hear him, so he raises his voice a little louder. ]
I didn't know someone else was here.
no subject
Him... She'd hoped their second meeting would have been under better circumstances. And that he heard her sing is even worse! There's no way he won't think she is the worst goddess ever now.
Deep breathes. Okay... Time to try and limit the damage. ]
M-My apologies... [A pause.] I would appreciate if you could forget what you just heard.
[ Her old self may have just killed him to be on the safe side, but thankfully she's better than that now. ]
no subject
In the meantime, he lets out a quiet sigh. ]
Heard what? It's just the two of us talking.
[ In other words, he's not going to breathe a word about it. ]
I apologize for barging in... Someone at the front desk must have made a mistake.
[ Surely, this is just some kind of mishap...right? ]
no subject
No, it's because she feels as though he is trustworthy. Her body feels that way. He must have been really important to that girl. But she wonders if that's in the same way Ritsuka is important to her...? ]
No... They did mention I may have to share this room with someone.
[ She's kind of relieved. Better him than someone who would shamelessly tease her. And there are many such people she knows by now. She takes another pause and smiles. ]
Though if you would rather find another room, I understand.
no subject
As for sharing the room, he...makes a bit of a face. ]
I see. They neglected to tell me that.
[ As far as roommates go, though...this is likely one of the less awkward situations he could ask for. She isn't Rin, but...he doesn't feel uncomfortable around her, either. ]
Ah, no. As long as you don't mind sharing with me, I think we can make this work. Just tell me how you would prefer we arrange things so you have the privacy you need.
no subject
Very well. [She points at the bed with a red and white duvet.] This shall be your bed.
[ There's no way he can mistake their beds, the duvet on hers is red and black, with a cute flower motif. How did she manage to get that in so little time? Maybe it is a goddess thing. ]
I'll only need some time alone in the morning and evening. [She raises a finger.] I expect to be fairly often in the room - so please do let me know when you need your own time alone.
[ It's not that this city isn't fascinating or intriguing, it's just that she's an introvert who needs to spend a lot of time recharging her batteries... And said batteries are pretty quick to be spent once she is outside. ]
no subject
He sets down his bag on the bed she indicated and lets out a quiet hum. ]
I'm sure I can find a reason to make myself scarce at those times.
[ There is a city to investigate after all...even though he doesn't have the benefit anymore of doing things like that while invisible. ]
I don't expect I'll need strict solitude too much while we're here, but if I do, I'll let you know.
the morning on the day after...
Somehow she has dragged herself, her blankets and duvet over to his bed during the course of the night. ]
Mrrr.... [She sighs but doesn't wake up.] Nyeh...
[ He can try to escape, but alas... This goddess is gifted with A-rank strength, and both her arms are holding him with all of her might! It might just be impossible for him to get free before she wakes up. ]
no subject
It’s the cold that wakes him (and how inconvenient it is that this human body is actually sensitive to things like changes in temperature), but the realization that the cold is coming from her has his heart skipping a beat.
Part of him thinks he should wait it out, but he also…doesn’t want to give any sort of impression that he’s…going to allow herself to be embarrassed? Because she likely will be.
He tries to carefully extricate himself, but unfortunately, he is thwarted by that A Rank strength of hers. Suppressing a sigh, he tries to…nudge her with his elbow. ]
Ereshkigal—
no subject
And so - of course - she subconsciously refuses to wake up when he nudges her with his elbow! ]
Nyuh... [She sighs and... Tightens her grip. Most unfortunately.] Five... Five more minutes...
[ This bed is even better than the one in her room back at base... Much softer and warmer, somehow. She could get used to sleeping in such a comfortable bed. She's not letting go, no way! ]