[Whenever Rokurou gets back from his trip out of town he'll notice that the crystal Velvet statue is gone, though remains of the remade shrine still exist. She isn't the only thing that's gone as well. Many of his swords (mostly the ones of lesser quality) have also disappeared and his extra sword storage room has been cleared out entirely, though some did end up in the one he'd already taken over. The crew is rushing about, skittish of their captain's recent mood and keeping themselves busy while staying out of her way.
One of the pirates will point Rokurou towards a cabin which had belonged to one of the few people who had a place on the ship. Then he'll press a bottle of the recent addition of apple cider into the swordsman's hands before darting away.
If he's stupid brave enough to go - inside the room, Rokurou will find Velvet sitting on the bed with an empty bottle of apple in hand. She stares out the window without acknowledging the other daemon's presence. The room feels a lot like Titania, a sense of Malevolence filling the small space all of it generating from the Lord of Calamity.]
[Assuming shit didn't blow up in Brinndosi, Rokurou will have returned from the trip feeling... Well. It was certainly one of the more emotionally exhausting excursions he's ever been on, one that he'd rather not have a repeat of. Fortunately he didn't suffer as badly as others did, but still. Being reminded of his past fears, even if just in passing, is not something he wants to do again. On the plus side, now that he's had a taste of such a situation, he can go in better prepared the next time. Plus he still had the opportunity to fight a lot of things and get into random shenanigans, so it came out all right.
In any case, no matter what happens once he returns to the Van Airtia the first thing he'll do is check how their crystal captain is doing. He had felt a little bad leaving Velvet behind, what with his duty and debt and all, but the time spent with the crew had allowed him to deem them trustworthy. Plus she's on an airhsip. Unless they got attacked in the air they should be fine. But even as he moves through the airship he notices the odd behavior from the crew. He's puzzled, but every time he makes eye contact, they just look away and scurry off before he can say anything. And when he tries, they just pale and run away loudly muttering that they had to do something.
Okay. Weird.
So when he goes to personally check, he's surprised to see her missing. At first he wonders if she was moved, but then he notices the broken pieces of crystal and...what looks like the remains of a shrine.
Wait. He thought he cleaned all this up? What the hell—oh no.
There are few things that the daemon swordsman fears these days, but as he goes through the halls and approaches a particular room, a trail of dread ghosts behind, a black mist swirling as his hand opens the door...
Where did his swords go.
A cold chill forms as he stares into the empty room. Okay, maybe he shouldn't be so surprised, BUT COME ON. Don't take out your bad mood on his swords, Velvet!! Especially since he's not exactly in the best of moods to deal with this kind of thing. At least his original sword room is still intact and he can see she had moved the better swords in there. The third room he immediately checks is the one where they had been dubbed as the "Apple Room" and—phew, okay. The kegs are still there. he almost wants to get his own drink after suffering the loss of his swords, but if he's to find Velvet, he should probably do this sober.
Probably.
As he heads back up to the main deck, he now understands the skittish looks and glances the crew had given him when he first arrived. They clearly had known what had happened and no one had the courage to tell him before he found out on his own. Everyone knows how much he loved his swords and that he is just as crazy and dangerous a daemon as Velvet. Who would want to tell him that a bunch of his swords are gone?
That said, as frustrating as it is, there's clearly something going on. This is confirmed the moment he is finally able to ask where Velvet is and he's handed the bottle and given directions. Heading over, he doesn't even have to open the door to feel that malevolence growing. It's no wonder everyone is keeping away, and a truly sane person would just leave her be.
But this is Rokurou. He knows how Velvet can be and he really is probably one of the few on hand stupid brave enough to deal with her. So he opens the door and leans against the door frame, arms crossed over his chest with the bottle tucked under his elbow. He notes her countenance and the empty bottle in her own hand, something he finds peculiar but telling.]
So. Are you always like this when you come out of crystals?
[He knows she's in Sync's room, but he's actually unaware that the replica is no longer around. Hell, he doesn't even know much about Sync, so he doesn't know what awaits the kid. Thus he is wondering why she's brooding here of all places, and he can only assume that something happened. Just not sure what.]
[While she's aware that Rokurou has gone off on some adventure elsewhere, it's hard to tell if it will be one filled with ridiculous shenanigans or something actually draining. The latter ones don't happen nearly as often but they do pop up every now and then. Velvet considered the fact that one of the Arehtei had asked for help meant it would be one of the more difficult ones and is absolutely glad she missed out on it. She doesn't know what kind of shape Rokurou will come back in, if it will drain the other daemon much like her own had when she traveled up to find Elios the first time.
The thought of that trip hurts now. It had been one she'd gone on with Sync beside her, stopped the replica from hurting Jade before they even got anywhere close to Elios and the feelings - the fantasy pressed on her by the firebird. Were it to happen again, this time the image of being home with her family would now include the lost boy. Except just like with the illusion Melchior had shown her it will never happen and it stirs the negative emotions boiling under her skin.
Velvet has no idea when Rokurou will return to the ship or even return to Verens - what state he might be in but she can't muster the feelings enough to particularly care. At least not enough to find out, to be up top waiting or sending him telepathic messages every so often to see if it connects. Nor does she worry about having purged the ship of some of the clutter he'd brought aboard while she was in her crystallized state. He should have expected that to happen.
While the other roams about checking on his possessions, she can hear how the crew shuffles about trying to avoid the war daemon yet doesn't move to greet him. When Rokurou comes to darken the doorway of what was once Sync's room, she sighs. Places her empty bottle on the table next to an untouched alcoholic brew. After a long moment, Velvet finally looks over at him before motioning to the chair - then proceeds to hold out a hand for the bottle he's carrying.]
Special circumstances.
[Despite all of the negative feelings she has, none of them are actually directed at Rokurou. She doesn't know how much the other daemon knew about Sync - about the world he'd come from, about what he was or what he'd be going back to. In the more recent months, the teen had been in a mood and didn't seem interested in getting too close with new people. It isn't Rokurou's fault that Sync is gone from this world nor is it his fault that Sync is dead now. Hell, he might not even know that Sync isn't with them anymore.]
Sync left. His name is on the wall with all of the others who came and went.
[Rokurou has seen Velvet in various states of "brooding" before. He's seen her when things are mild and at her absolute worst, and if there's one thing that he's also noticed is that if she's not releasing that inner rage of hers, she keeps it in, handling it her own way. Of course, he has no idea what "stage" she's in right now. For all he knows, he could just be seeing the end of it and she's already blown up something. At the very least, while she's clearly still upset, it seems like he won't get his head chopped off so that's a "good" sign that he doesn't have to do anything drastic.
Hopefully.
After waiting for her to respond, he pushes off from the doorframe and steps further in, closing the door behind him. Might as well try and contain what's going on in here—not that anyone is going to be coming by anytime soon, anyway. He hands her the bottle before taking the chair, turning it around so he can lean forward against the back of it, arms crossed along the top as he looks at her. He'd make a comment about letting someone underage drink, but as she said—special circumstances. Besides, she's not that far off if he remembers right (and isn't the legal limit here lower, anyway?) and then there's her whole inability to taste thing. That included alcohol, didn't it?]
I get the feeling this is more than just Sync leaving—or rather, there's something about him returning to his world that you don't like.
[He immediately thinks that maybe she was that attached to him, but that somehow didn't seem right. Not enough to get this kind of reaction out of her.]
[Luckily, he's missed the worst stage.... or perhaps unluckily as his swords took the brunt of her rage in his absence. Velvet can't just go up to most of the people from their world and unleash her fury, not when most of them were malakhim and might just turn into a dragon with too much malevolence turned in their direction. She also wouldn't go against Eleanor either seeing as how the exorcist was the vessel for Laphicet. Rokurou is the only individual Velvet would come close when at her worst. Not only is he capable of surviving but he's also one of the few who knows just about everything about her - from the events of her human life to what she's been through since the change.
Despite having missed the big show, he will have one hell of a sparring session.
Once in range, she takes the regular apple cider off of him and forgoes pouring it into a glass. As of yet Velvet has not had any alcohol and it's unclear as to whether she intended to drink the nearby bottle or if it's waiting for Rokurou. When they'd escaped from prison, Velvet had been nineteen. Between all of the time they spent traveling and her year and some odd months, she might as well be legal but still doesn't drink. Part of her wonders if it would even do anything for her or if she'd be able to taste it.]
He's dead. Died even before he arrived here and he went back to nothing.
[Maybe it was better... maybe it was what was better for him than trying to figure out what to do with himself now that he was in control of his own life. Unlike Laphicet, Sync hadn't minded being a tool and didn't know what to do with all that newfound freedom.]
[If she wants a sparring session, he will definitely be up for it. Hell, he might suggest it himself later if she doesn't first. He probably needs it himself after that excursion if just to get rid of whatever dregs of bad feelings that may linger. (which hopefully may not to be too bad judging how things are progressing)
Hearing the revelation about Sync's fate, Rokurou's eyes widen slightly as he stares at her. It explains a lot of things, at least. He didn't know how close she was to the kid, but it's Velvet. Those she does make a connection with are few and far between, and Sync having his own room is already a big hint that she cared for him. So he's quiet for a moment, knowing there's little he could do or say to help.]
..I see. And the airship is still in one piece, so I can only assume something else took the brunt of your emotions.
[Aside from his swords. But for now his own feelings on that matter are going to be put on hold.]
[Oh, she wants. Mostly because it would be more satisfying to go up against something that actually fights back and to help her shake the stiffness of crystal stasis that still lingers. It seems that most of her sparring partners had gone on the trip while she "slept". If he wants to go now, Velvet's willing, otherwise they'll go back to the normal schedule.
Fortunately, Sync was the only person she got close to that has nothing to return to. So when they go it won't affect her nearly this much. Then again, Sync was something of a special case. Someone she took under her wing, someone who needed her to be more than just a friend. No one else outside of their crew would have a room on the ship - not even the young girl Velvet seemed so fond of.]
In your absence I found the biggest, toughest rock and made do.
[Said rock has a nice collection of swords now too. Though many of them are broken.]
[Then it's definitely happening. Like. ...In the next tag or so, funny how that works.]
Did you just compare me to a rock? [An arched brow accompanied with a small, wry grin.
When he sees those broken swords he's going to cry and probably lecture her about it.]
But the twenty-fifth...and what's today, the seventh? Eighth? [He barely keeps track of the calendar as is, and he was gone for—a week? Damn.] Two days is definitely not enough for you to get all of that out.
[Just a subtle nod to the malevolence creeping around the room.]
Or were you actually trying to see if drinks would help? [And now a glance at the bottles on the table.]
It's an apt comparison. [Strong, steady and hard to move. While the rock had been a good temporary substitute, having Rokurou back is more grounding. After all, he's been with her since the moment they escaped Titania - minus the months Velvet had been stuck here without him.
When that happens, she'll tell him not to let them overrun her ship again.
Velvet is aware that she'd been crystallized for longer than a month - nearly two weeks longer.] All of my sparring partners were gone and there's no way I'm going near a malak while in this state.
[They both know what happens when a malak becomes corrupted with too much malevolence. No one wants a rampaging dragon in the middle of town.
A snort as she takes another drink of the regular apple cider.] You know I don't drink. That's for you. Just in case you started to get weepy after realizing your swords were gone.
Not sure if I should be taking that as a compliment or an insult. [On the one hand, he can see it as a metaphor for his steadfast support that has continued since the day they first met, one that had eventually gone beyond to just keeping his vow to repay to the debt of her finding his sword and more to see how far she'll actually go. On the other hand, not many people would like being compared to rocks. Maybe Eizen—he's an earth malak after all. Maybe he'd think it a compliment.
When that happens, he'll just tell her to not leave for so long again.
And speaking of malaks, he just let's out a small laugh, especially after the comment about the drinks.]
Fair enough, with everything happening that's probably the last thing anyone wants. And you know that particular cider was made to be a bit more alcoholic. [Not as much since it has been so long since they started making it, but it was definitely intended.] But while I'm not going to "get weepy" over those swords, I do have a few words about it. [Reaching for that bottle, anyway. He's not going to let a good drink go untouched.] What did you do with them?
[A half-hearted shrug.] Probably a little of both. [While Rokurou may be a trusted ally and even considered a friend, she has no problem insulting him just a little. Sometimes being unmovable is a bad thing but it isn't like Velvet is any better. And Eizen might take it as a compliment but Edna certainly wouldn't.
In regards to how long she's gone, Velvet has very little control. Next time she may just tell the crew to kick him off and not let him back on. He can stay with Eleanor and Laphicet on the ground.
Her gaze goes out the window.]
Probably. [If her choice of malak weren't ones she actually liked, Velvet might like to see one rampaging in the middle of the city. It would certainly let her work off some of her emotions. As in regards to the alcohol she had considered drinking it but she isn't the sort to turn to booze to help her through her problems.
At his question, the corner of her mouth turns up slightly.] If I told you what I did with them, you'd absolutely cry. Let's leave it at the fact that the substitute rock cannot compare with you in everything.
[Oh come on, he kept the airship in one piece! Besides it's not like they were using that storage room.
But the fun back and forth is going to end because hearing her answer and seeing that little upturn of her mouth makes him pause and stare at her, eyes narrowing.]
Velvet... [There's a hint of warning in his voice.] You didn't.
[Not yet but they might! Besides, he doesn't need three storage rooms on the ship.
She waves him off casually.]
Just a few. I sold some, put some in your other hold and the rest are at the arena. Some of those swords weren't even worth wielding in a proper fight.
[Quality over quantity, buddy. But Velvet does lift a bag of slyvs up and tosses it at Rokurou. Really though, a lot of them are being stored at the arena and she only broke a handful of the lesser quality swords and sold even less.]
[Only five or six were valiantly sacrificed in the wake of Velvet's emotions. Or perhaps it's not valiantly enough for the war daemon.]
You going to teach them the Rangetsu style?
[Somehow she isn't surprised, after all, Velvet is somethig of a teacher as well. Though only has a few close students rather than a whole class.
A wave of her hand.] They were cluttering up the ship.
[She's aware that Rokurou has swords stashed everywhere but it seemed like everywhere she turned there was another one. It was a little ridiculous.
For a very long minute, Velvet is silent. Staring at Rokurou as if he's grown two more heads suddenly. Then slams her half-empty bottle on the table before standing. Malevolence swirls around her - thick and heavy, the heat she usually generates is more oppressing. The expression on her face shifts from neutral to one reminiscent of the time after being tricked by Melchior in Aball.] Fine.
[She stalks out of the room and orders the nearest crew to take them to the arena.]
He's just evenly staring at her, not bothering to answer anything more. He doesn't even move when she glares at him, standing with that cloak of malevolence swelling around her. Only his eyes follow her as she leaves, and once she's gone he just let out a long breath and leans back in the chair.
There were a few reasons why he issued that not so subtle challenge. One, fuck you Velvet you took his swords. Okay, that may be a big one, but here's the real one: two, she said it herself—a rock was the only substitute she had while he was gone, and it doesn't take a genius to sense that she still needed to get those emotions out. He's the only one on hand who could do exactly that, and it's better to get it all out now than letting it fester even more than it already has. And three, he actually needs to release some of his own emotions. Brinndosi had been more or less a success and he didn't suffer as bad as others. But it had still left a bad taste, stirring unnecessary thoughts and questions, some of which he'll have to try and find out on his own later.
But that's for later.
With most of the malevolence subsided, he grabs the remaining bottles, downs them all, including the ones she didn't finish, and stands to leave. He won't meet or speak with Velvet until they're actually down in the arena.
If she hadn't noticed already, he had worked on it while she was on her little crystal vacation. It was cleaned up, repair work well underway, and various training setups in place.
That's all going to get wrecked in the next five minutes, oh well.]
[Too bad, so sad. They will now live - broken - forever in stone.
She doesn't expect Rokurou to follow her out and also doesn't return to the room to talk more with him. Both of them can express themselves through their fighting just fine and Velvet isn't the only one who needs this. Even as they make the short flight to the arena, she's aware that she didn't ask anything about his trip but she will. Eventually. For now Velvet simply moves to stand at the bow of the airship, eyes fixed on the horizon.
It ruffles the crew more than they already are but it does ease her back into a more neutral state.
Eventually someone will come to stand nervously at the door where Rokurou is, glancing to the exit. Velvet's already gone down to the arena.]
[It's cool, airship pirate bro. He could already tell Velvet had left the ship, and he hands the nervous man the empty bottles before silently leaving and heading down to meet Velvet. Once there with the two standing in the center of the main stadium, it's as if the world itself knows the chaos that is about to erupt.
Everything is still—not even a speck of dust moves between the two daemons as they face each other off. Rather than give a proper greeting or have their usual banter before a spar, he's just going to unsheathe his swords, slowly shifting into a stance.
With Rokurou actually be silent for this—things really are about to get serious. But then again, do they really have to talk when they can just let their weapons do that for them?]
[As they square off against each other - the crew overhead is leaning over the railing to watch the fight. Not daring to make a sound or even breathe for the very long minute it takes for Velvet to shift her right foot back into her normal stance. The fingers of her left hand curl tightly enough to draw a bit of blood, the only sign she gives that she won't be holding back much.
Just enough to not actually kill (or devour) him. Otherwise she's going to use everything in her arsenal against him because it's just been that kind of week.
With that silent communication, Velvet darts forward, closing the distance between them with a few long strides and drops low to sweep her right foot at his legs.]
With well practiced ease, Rokurou waits for her to come in before suddenly jumping high into the air, vaulting over her as he spins to bring his swords down from above. As he does, however, something is different from all the other previous times they've fought—in fact, from any other time he's fought. Normally he keeps his malevolence within himself, those darker emotions of his never getting out of hand or seeping out like most daemons. He controlled it even when fighting against Shigure.
But this time, as they fight she'll see his own dark trail of malevolence swirling around him, billowing out with each heavy landing and strike. It seems to dance around his blades before exploding out along with his artes. Bursts of flame here, arcs of lightning and spikes of earth there. He's going to be using everything he has against her, not holding back or giving an inch as each strike aims closer to her vitals than they ever had before. He'll even grace her the honor of facing Kurogane, the greatsword flashing out in wide, arcing sweeps and strikes when opportune. Even when she counters and backs him into the defensive, he doesn't waver, even allowing certain hits to go through if only so he could make risky counters of his own.
They're daemons after all—both of them has sacrificed a part of themselves in various fights before to close in on their opponent.
And throughout it all, his gaze remains cool. Oh sure, sometimes there will be his usual spark and grin. A laugh here and there whenever a particularly a good bout is exchanged. And if she does use her arm against him? The smirk may widen because now things will really kick up a notch.
After all, he's a war daemon at heart, and for all his frustrations and bitterness, he really is glad to finally be able to go all out. To just let loose as the daemon swordsman he truly is.
All while that daemon eye of his glows red.
With their skill and constant practice over the past few months, they can easily stay on top of one another. The ones watching from the above are surely witnessing a chaotic spectacle of flashing steel and explosive artes. Will the coliseum last? Who knows, but it's definitely being tested by some of the most powerful negative emotions around.]
AN HOUR AND A HALF OF MONTAGE FIGHTING MUSIC AND IT'S STILL NOT LONG ENOUGH FOR THIS BATTLE
[ Hope you know I'm actually listening to the epic montage while writing this.
This is a no-holds barred fight, not much like their usual sparring sessions where they hone their abilities and skills to be more accurate and deadly. To use their head to think about beating their enemy. It's a fight fueled by emotions, uncontrolled emotions. Velvet comes at Rokurou the way she went after Artorius the first time; full of hatred, anger, despair, desperation. Heedless of her own safety, ignoring injuries as they appear (none life-threatening) and dismissing the physical pain in favor of grasping the emotional one.
She uses every blade at her disposal, every limb turned into a weapon and every arte she's ever learned. Velvet throws out the rules Arthur taught her, clinging to her emotions in the heat of battle. Cries of anguish and rage echo against the arena walls, her daemon claw rending gashes against the stone in four long sets.
The arena fills with their combined malevolence, dark ash starting to drift in the air like specs of dust. Air becomes heated thanks the world's effects to the point where it might seem as if they were inside of a volcano.
Velvet never sought to learn dunamis but anger and hate are two emotions she doesn't need practice in. Somewhere in the middle of their battle, the large stones beneath her feet cracks and lava bubbles up in between. Not in large amounts but certainly making their terrain more deadly. Not an eruption but slowly relieving the pressure of that boiling hot fire locked away for months - years even.
Regardless of how long their battle lasts, she doesn't let up. Probably hours. Not even when Rokurou gets the upperhand or knocks her down. She gets back on her feet and presses forward once more. Get up, rush forward, get knocked down - repeat.
The cycle repeats for at least three hours, hard to say as Velvet isn't keeping track. Despite their skill and practice, it's tiring. Mentally, physically and emotionally exhaustive keeping this up. Their crew is probably wandered away by now, or made popcorn or even taking bets on the winner. Maybe upset that the coliseum is in no shape to host thousands of people anytime soon.
One more she's knocked down. Maybe even Rokurou thinks about putting an end to this as Velvet has started to seriously flag, her movements becoming sluggish which results in sloppy sword work and defense. After all, it's one thing to choose not to defend and another to be unable to.
Still, she gets back to her feet though propping herself up with her dominant hand on her knee and panting from exertion. Wipes some dirt off the side of her face with the back of her left hand. ]
Again. Once more.
[ Velvet straightens fully and shifts into a battle stance, her eyes clear and the air cool and steady around her for the first time ever since her arrival here. She isn't the daemon from their early travels, all rage and revenge or the one that followed with the hysterics. Or even the one she'd been when Rokurou first arrived, constantly angry and on edge. It's the one that faced down Shigure and Melchior, the one ready to stop Artorius and Innominat not just for revenge. ]
[He's looking rather worse for wear himself, actually feeling winded from his exertion. For once he's actually breathing hard, feeling his muscles and nerves beginning to strain, the sting from the several cuts and aches from his own bruises from kicks and falls. And yet, it all only pushes him forward rather than makes him weary. He feels it all yet doesn't at the same time, as if it doesn't matter. All he has is the thrill and exhilaration of the fight—and the purpose of holding out for as long as Velvet needs him to.
Which he seems to doing a little better, although not by much. Being a war daemon is probably giving him an edge for stamina, his life long training as a swordsman the core. Despite his own recklessness at times, he still maintains some mind over the fight and he can see how unhinged she becomes and when her moves become more sloppy. It's true that he may have wondered if he should put a stop so that she doesn't truly overexert herself, but then it goes away when he feels the force behind her blade against his. That's all it takes for him to push back and continue as if nothing changed.
Now as he stands and catches his breath, feeling the ache in his arms as he continues to hold his swords, he studies her for a moment. He can sense and see the change now, and the corner of his mouth rises into a familiar grin. By now he's released most of his own frustrations and whatever lingering anger and resentment, so his own stance is a little more relaxed.]
Let's make it count.
[A subtle signal that this may be the last bout. It doesn't matter who wins or loses—if there even is one. All they need is to fight.
And after just one last twirl of his blades, he lunges towards her, the air already crackling and beginning to ignite not from any arte, but just from the pure excitement he always feels.]
[ Anyone else and they would have called it quits by now, cutting the battle too short for Velvet's needs. They would have done it because they were too tired or she was so beat up from her reckless style but not Rokurou. Truthfully, she's only seen a few here who could have given her a run for her money and Rokurou is up there. In part it's because he knows her, is like her in some ways and in others it's simply because fighting is what he does. It's also a part of who he is now.
All she has to do is push and he's there to meet her blow for blow no matter how tired either of them might be they can always manage one more. Velvet needs it. Needs to let it all out before she explodes into a fit of rage and hysterics that can't be controlled and are unleashed on some hapless victim. Rokurou can take it. He enjoys it. Both of them at the end of their limits then surpassing them.
Winners, losers - it doesn't matter because this fight was never about who's stronger or who's the better fighter. The fight's done the job it was meant to, she's clear-headed and certain now. Velvet has a goal so perfectly defined that it might as well be Artorius and Innominat looming in front of her.
Unlike the others, this time she waits for Rokurou to come to her. To bring her blade up to clash against his in what is the best defensive move she's made since they started.
This round might be the calmest but also the longest because Velvet is careful, planning every move and drawing it out into one long battle. Wringing every move for all its worth. ]
but instead of heavy doldrums it's now poignant and uplifting like victory
[Feeling that solid defense for the first time since they started makes the grin he wears widen and, in some ways, lighter. No longer are either of them burdened by the ill feelings from before, and while he had regained his clarity much earlier, seeing it in Velvet improves his mood as well.
Before they were just fighting, two daemons on a rampage.
Now? They're fighting, more in control of themselves. A true fight that any swordsman would relish in.
He's still not holding back, but there's more skill and subtlety in this moves, his twin blades dancing in the air with an elegance that wasn't there before. A parry here, a block there, side stepping around to keep things close for quick thrusts and slashes. By now he'll be familiar with her moves and stances, so their movements will seem even more fluid.
Until finally they are nearing the end. After an exchange, he presses his blade hard against hers, pushing but grinning all the while.]
So, feeling better?
powerful and moving, with a sense of accomplishment
[ So much had built up in the year and some odd months since her arrival and there aren't many who can help relieve that pressure. Some come pretty close, Sync being one of them for so much of that time but mostly it was for him. And to keep their skills up. When his feelings flowed onto their battlefield, she made sure to be calm and collected. For his sake.
There's no need for that with Rokurou. Not when he was the same as her.
Even if she's no longer battling against her own inner daemons or with Rokurou, Velvet is still completely in this fight. Trying to gain the upperhand and claim victory over her opponent.
Even the pirates above them can tell the dynamic has shifted and that the end is finally in sight. She summons whatever strength she has left to meet every single one of Rokurou's attack with one of her own. In comparison to the raging bloodbath earlier, this is more of a dance. Two individuals who know how the other will move and can change stance accordingly to meet it.
Velvet leans into the press, using some of her weight to force the blades more in Rokurou's direction without sacrificing too much of her balance in the process. ]
Don't know what you're talking about. Aren't I always like that?
[ She shoots a grin back at him before her leg shoots out to attempt to knee Rokurou in the gut. (No, Velvet will not play dirty and kick him where it really hurts.) ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
action; 27th-ish of Tria
One of the pirates will point Rokurou towards a cabin which had belonged to one of the few people who had a place on the ship. Then he'll press a bottle of the recent addition of apple cider into the swordsman's hands before darting away.
If he's
stupidbrave enough to go - inside the room, Rokurou will find Velvet sitting on the bed with an empty bottle of apple in hand. She stares out the window without acknowledging the other daemon's presence. The room feels a lot like Titania, a sense of Malevolence filling the small space all of it generating from the Lord of Calamity.]no subject
In any case, no matter what happens once he returns to the Van Airtia the first thing he'll do is check how their crystal captain is doing. He had felt a little bad leaving Velvet behind, what with his duty and debt and all, but the time spent with the crew had allowed him to deem them trustworthy. Plus she's on an airhsip. Unless they got attacked in the air they should be fine. But even as he moves through the airship he notices the odd behavior from the crew. He's puzzled, but every time he makes eye contact, they just look away and scurry off before he can say anything. And when he tries, they just pale and run away loudly muttering that they had to do something.
Okay. Weird.
So when he goes to personally check, he's surprised to see her missing. At first he wonders if she was moved, but then he notices the broken pieces of crystal and...what looks like the remains of a shrine.
Wait. He thought he cleaned all this up? What the hell—oh no.
There are few things that the daemon swordsman fears these days, but as he goes through the halls and approaches a particular room, a trail of dread ghosts behind, a black mist swirling as his hand opens the door...
Where did his swords go.
A cold chill forms as he stares into the empty room. Okay, maybe he shouldn't be so surprised, BUT COME ON. Don't take out your bad mood on his swords, Velvet!! Especially since he's not exactly in the best of moods to deal with this kind of thing. At least his original sword room is still intact and he can see she had moved the better swords in there. The third room he immediately checks is the one where they had been dubbed as the "Apple Room" and—phew, okay. The kegs are still there. he almost wants to get his own drink after suffering the loss of his swords, but if he's to find Velvet, he should probably do this sober.
Probably.
As he heads back up to the main deck, he now understands the skittish looks and glances the crew had given him when he first arrived. They clearly had known what had happened and no one had the courage to tell him before he found out on his own. Everyone knows how much he loved his swords and that he is just as crazy and dangerous a daemon as Velvet. Who would want to tell him that a bunch of his swords are gone?
That said, as frustrating as it is, there's clearly something going on. This is confirmed the moment he is finally able to ask where Velvet is and he's handed the bottle and given directions. Heading over, he doesn't even have to open the door to feel that malevolence growing. It's no wonder everyone is keeping away, and a truly sane person would just leave her be.
But this is Rokurou. He knows how Velvet can be and he really is probably one of the few on hand
stupidbrave enough to deal with her. So he opens the door and leans against the door frame, arms crossed over his chest with the bottle tucked under his elbow. He notes her countenance and the empty bottle in her own hand, something he finds peculiar but telling.]So. Are you always like this when you come out of crystals?
[He knows she's in Sync's room, but he's actually unaware that the replica is no longer around. Hell, he doesn't even know much about Sync, so he doesn't know what awaits the kid. Thus he is wondering why she's brooding here of all places, and he can only assume that something happened. Just not sure what.]
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The thought of that trip hurts now. It had been one she'd gone on with Sync beside her, stopped the replica from hurting Jade before they even got anywhere close to Elios and the feelings - the fantasy pressed on her by the firebird. Were it to happen again, this time the image of being home with her family would now include the lost boy. Except just like with the illusion Melchior had shown her it will never happen and it stirs the negative emotions boiling under her skin.
Velvet has no idea when Rokurou will return to the ship or even return to Verens - what state he might be in but she can't muster the feelings enough to particularly care. At least not enough to find out, to be up top waiting or sending him telepathic messages every so often to see if it connects. Nor does she worry about having purged the ship of some of the clutter he'd brought aboard while she was in her crystallized state. He should have expected that to happen.
While the other roams about checking on his possessions, she can hear how the crew shuffles about trying to avoid the war daemon yet doesn't move to greet him. When Rokurou comes to darken the doorway of what was once Sync's room, she sighs. Places her empty bottle on the table next to an untouched alcoholic brew. After a long moment, Velvet finally looks over at him before motioning to the chair - then proceeds to hold out a hand for the bottle he's carrying.]
Special circumstances.
[Despite all of the negative feelings she has, none of them are actually directed at Rokurou. She doesn't know how much the other daemon knew about Sync - about the world he'd come from, about what he was or what he'd be going back to. In the more recent months, the teen had been in a mood and didn't seem interested in getting too close with new people. It isn't Rokurou's fault that Sync is gone from this world nor is it his fault that Sync is dead now. Hell, he might not even know that Sync isn't with them anymore.]
Sync left. His name is on the wall with all of the others who came and went.
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Hopefully.
After waiting for her to respond, he pushes off from the doorframe and steps further in, closing the door behind him. Might as well try and contain what's going on in here—not that anyone is going to be coming by anytime soon, anyway. He hands her the bottle before taking the chair, turning it around so he can lean forward against the back of it, arms crossed along the top as he looks at her. He'd make a comment about letting someone underage drink, but as she said—special circumstances. Besides, she's not that far off if he remembers right (and isn't the legal limit here lower, anyway?) and then there's her whole inability to taste thing. That included alcohol, didn't it?]
I get the feeling this is more than just Sync leaving—or rather, there's something about him returning to his world that you don't like.
[He immediately thinks that maybe she was that attached to him, but that somehow didn't seem right. Not enough to get this kind of reaction out of her.]
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Despite having missed the big show, he will have one hell of a sparring session.
Once in range, she takes the regular apple cider off of him and forgoes pouring it into a glass. As of yet Velvet has not had any alcohol and it's unclear as to whether she intended to drink the nearby bottle or if it's waiting for Rokurou. When they'd escaped from prison, Velvet had been nineteen. Between all of the time they spent traveling and her year and some odd months, she might as well be legal but still doesn't drink. Part of her wonders if it would even do anything for her or if she'd be able to taste it.]
He's dead. Died even before he arrived here and he went back to nothing.
[Maybe it was better... maybe it was what was better for him than trying to figure out what to do with himself now that he was in control of his own life. Unlike Laphicet, Sync hadn't minded being a tool and didn't know what to do with all that newfound freedom.]
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(which hopefully may not to be too bad judging how things are progressing)Hearing the revelation about Sync's fate, Rokurou's eyes widen slightly as he stares at her. It explains a lot of things, at least. He didn't know how close she was to the kid, but it's Velvet. Those she does make a connection with are few and far between, and Sync having his own room is already a big hint that she cared for him. So he's quiet for a moment, knowing there's little he could do or say to help.]
..I see. And the airship is still in one piece, so I can only assume something else took the brunt of your emotions.
[Aside from his swords. But for now his own feelings on that matter are going to be put on hold.]
When did you get back?
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Fortunately, Sync was the only person she got close to that has nothing to return to. So when they go it won't affect her nearly this much. Then again, Sync was something of a special case. Someone she took under her wing, someone who needed her to be more than just a friend. No one else outside of their crew would have a room on the ship - not even the young girl Velvet seemed so fond of.]
In your absence I found the biggest, toughest rock and made do.
[Said rock has a nice collection of swords now too. Though many of them are broken.]
The twenty-fifth.
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Did you just compare me to a rock? [An arched brow accompanied with a small, wry grin.
When he sees those broken swords he's going to cry and probably lecture her about it.]
But the twenty-fifth...and what's today, the seventh? Eighth? [He barely keeps track of the calendar as is, and he was gone for—a week? Damn.] Two days is definitely not enough for you to get all of that out.
[Just a subtle nod to the malevolence creeping around the room.]
Or were you actually trying to see if drinks would help? [And now a glance at the bottles on the table.]
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It's an apt comparison. [Strong, steady and hard to move. While the rock had been a good temporary substitute, having Rokurou back is more grounding. After all, he's been with her since the moment they escaped Titania - minus the months Velvet had been stuck here without him.
When that happens, she'll tell him not to let them overrun her ship again.
Velvet is aware that she'd been crystallized for longer than a month - nearly two weeks longer.] All of my sparring partners were gone and there's no way I'm going near a malak while in this state.
[They both know what happens when a malak becomes corrupted with too much malevolence. No one wants a rampaging dragon in the middle of town.
A snort as she takes another drink of the regular apple cider.] You know I don't drink. That's for you. Just in case you started to get weepy after realizing your swords were gone.
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When that happens, he'll just tell her to not leave for so long again.
And speaking of malaks, he just let's out a small laugh, especially after the comment about the drinks.]
Fair enough, with everything happening that's probably the last thing anyone wants. And you know that particular cider was made to be a bit more alcoholic. [Not as much since it has been so long since they started making it, but it was definitely intended.] But while I'm not going to "get weepy" over those swords, I do have a few words about it. [Reaching for that bottle, anyway. He's not going to let a good drink go untouched.] What did you do with them?
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In regards to how long she's gone, Velvet has very little control. Next time she may just tell the crew to kick him off and not let him back on. He can stay with Eleanor and Laphicet on the ground.
Her gaze goes out the window.]
Probably. [If her choice of malak weren't ones she actually liked, Velvet might like to see one rampaging in the middle of the city. It would certainly let her work off some of her emotions. As in regards to the alcohol she had considered drinking it but she isn't the sort to turn to booze to help her through her problems.
At his question, the corner of her mouth turns up slightly.] If I told you what I did with them, you'd absolutely cry. Let's leave it at the fact that the substitute rock cannot compare with you in everything.
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But the fun back and forth is going to end because hearing her answer and seeing that little upturn of her mouth makes him pause and stare at her, eyes narrowing.]
Velvet... [There's a hint of warning in his voice.] You didn't.
[Shit just got real.]
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She waves him off casually.]
Just a few. I sold some, put some in your other hold and the rest are at the arena. Some of those swords weren't even worth wielding in a proper fight.
[Quality over quantity, buddy. But Velvet does lift a bag of slyvs up and tosses it at Rokurou. Really though, a lot of them are being stored at the arena and she only broke a handful of the lesser quality swords and sold even less.]
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Of course they weren't, those were going to be repurposed for my students.
[Oh yeah, hey Velvet he kind of became a part-time teacher. He'll explain that later. Right now, SWORDS.]
But that doesn't mean you can just take them because I wasn't around! [Which is the second reason why he's kind of not happy here.
MMRRRJGJJGJJJ]
That's it, we're going to the arena.
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You going to teach them the Rangetsu style?
[Somehow she isn't surprised, after all, Velvet is somethig of a teacher as well. Though only has a few close students rather than a whole class.
A wave of her hand.] They were cluttering up the ship.
[She's aware that Rokurou has swords stashed everywhere but it seemed like everywhere she turned there was another one. It was a little ridiculous.
For a very long minute, Velvet is silent. Staring at Rokurou as if he's grown two more heads suddenly. Then slams her half-empty bottle on the table before standing. Malevolence swirls around her - thick and heavy, the heat she usually generates is more oppressing. The expression on her face shifts from neutral to one reminiscent of the time after being tricked by Melchior in Aball.] Fine.
[She stalks out of the room and orders the nearest crew to take them to the arena.]
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He's just evenly staring at her, not bothering to answer anything more. He doesn't even move when she glares at him, standing with that cloak of malevolence swelling around her. Only his eyes follow her as she leaves, and once she's gone he just let out a long breath and leans back in the chair.
There were a few reasons why he issued that not so subtle challenge. One, fuck you Velvet you took his swords. Okay, that may be a big one, but here's the real one: two, she said it herself—a rock was the only substitute she had while he was gone, and it doesn't take a genius to sense that she still needed to get those emotions out. He's the only one on hand who could do exactly that, and it's better to get it all out now than letting it fester even more than it already has. And three, he actually needs to release some of his own emotions. Brinndosi had been more or less a success and he didn't suffer as bad as others. But it had still left a bad taste, stirring unnecessary thoughts and questions, some of which he'll have to try and find out on his own later.
But that's for later.
With most of the malevolence subsided, he grabs the remaining bottles, downs them all, including the ones she didn't finish, and stands to leave. He won't meet or speak with Velvet until they're actually down in the arena.
If she hadn't noticed already, he had worked on it while she was on her little crystal vacation. It was cleaned up, repair work well underway, and various training setups in place.
That's all going to get wrecked in the next five minutes, oh well.]
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She doesn't expect Rokurou to follow her out and also doesn't return to the room to talk more with him. Both of them can express themselves through their fighting just fine and Velvet isn't the only one who needs this. Even as they make the short flight to the arena, she's aware that she didn't ask anything about his trip but she will. Eventually. For now Velvet simply moves to stand at the bow of the airship, eyes fixed on the horizon.
It ruffles the crew more than they already are but it does ease her back into a more neutral state.
Eventually someone will come to stand nervously at the door where Rokurou is, glancing to the exit. Velvet's already gone down to the arena.]
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Everything is still—not even a speck of dust moves between the two daemons as they face each other off. Rather than give a proper greeting or have their usual banter before a spar, he's just going to unsheathe his swords, slowly shifting into a stance.
With Rokurou actually be silent for this—things really are about to get serious. But then again, do they really have to talk when they can just let their weapons do that for them?]
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Just enough to not actually kill (or devour) him. Otherwise she's going to use everything in her arsenal against him because it's just been that kind of week.
With that silent communication, Velvet darts forward, closing the distance between them with a few long strides and drops low to sweep her right foot at his legs.]
YES ALL OF IT BECAUSE I GAVE UP CHOOSING ONE
With well practiced ease, Rokurou waits for her to come in before suddenly jumping high into the air, vaulting over her as he spins to bring his swords down from above. As he does, however, something is different from all the other previous times they've fought—in fact, from any other time he's fought. Normally he keeps his malevolence within himself, those darker emotions of his never getting out of hand or seeping out like most daemons. He controlled it even when fighting against Shigure.
But this time, as they fight she'll see his own dark trail of malevolence swirling around him, billowing out with each heavy landing and strike. It seems to dance around his blades before exploding out along with his artes. Bursts of flame here, arcs of lightning and spikes of earth there. He's going to be using everything he has against her, not holding back or giving an inch as each strike aims closer to her vitals than they ever had before. He'll even grace her the honor of facing Kurogane, the greatsword flashing out in wide, arcing sweeps and strikes when opportune. Even when she counters and backs him into the defensive, he doesn't waver, even allowing certain hits to go through if only so he could make risky counters of his own.
They're daemons after all—both of them has sacrificed a part of themselves in various fights before to close in on their opponent.
And throughout it all, his gaze remains cool. Oh sure, sometimes there will be his usual spark and grin. A laugh here and there whenever a particularly a good bout is exchanged. And if she does use her arm against him? The smirk may widen because now things will really kick up a notch.
After all, he's a war daemon at heart, and for all his frustrations and bitterness, he really is glad to finally be able to go all out. To just let loose as the daemon swordsman he truly is.
All while that daemon eye of his glows red.
With their skill and constant practice over the past few months, they can easily stay on top of one another. The ones watching from the above are surely witnessing a chaotic spectacle of flashing steel and explosive artes. Will the coliseum last? Who knows, but it's definitely being tested by some of the most powerful negative emotions around.]
AN HOUR AND A HALF OF MONTAGE FIGHTING MUSIC AND IT'S STILL NOT LONG ENOUGH FOR THIS BATTLE
This is a no-holds barred fight, not much like their usual sparring sessions where they hone their abilities and skills to be more accurate and deadly. To use their head to think about beating their enemy. It's a fight fueled by emotions, uncontrolled emotions. Velvet comes at Rokurou the way she went after Artorius the first time; full of hatred, anger, despair, desperation. Heedless of her own safety, ignoring injuries as they appear (none life-threatening) and dismissing the physical pain in favor of grasping the emotional one.
She uses every blade at her disposal, every limb turned into a weapon and every arte she's ever learned. Velvet throws out the rules Arthur taught her, clinging to her emotions in the heat of battle. Cries of anguish and rage echo against the arena walls, her daemon claw rending gashes against the stone in four long sets.
The arena fills with their combined malevolence, dark ash starting to drift in the air like specs of dust. Air becomes heated thanks the world's effects to the point where it might seem as if they were inside of a volcano.
Velvet never sought to learn dunamis but anger and hate are two emotions she doesn't need practice in. Somewhere in the middle of their battle, the large stones beneath her feet cracks and lava bubbles up in between. Not in large amounts but certainly making their terrain more deadly. Not an eruption but slowly relieving the pressure of that boiling hot fire locked away for months - years even.
Regardless of how long their battle lasts, she doesn't let up. Probably hours. Not even when Rokurou gets the upperhand or knocks her down. She gets back on her feet and presses forward once more. Get up, rush forward, get knocked down - repeat.
The cycle repeats for at least three hours, hard to say as Velvet isn't keeping track. Despite their skill and practice, it's tiring. Mentally, physically and emotionally exhaustive keeping this up. Their crew is probably wandered away by now, or made popcorn or even taking bets on the winner. Maybe upset that the coliseum is in no shape to host thousands of people anytime soon.
One more she's knocked down. Maybe even Rokurou thinks about putting an end to this as Velvet has started to seriously flag, her movements becoming sluggish which results in sloppy sword work and defense. After all, it's one thing to choose not to defend and another to be unable to.
Still, she gets back to her feet though propping herself up with her dominant hand on her knee and panting from exertion. Wipes some dirt off the side of her face with the back of her left hand. ]
Again. Once more.
[ Velvet straightens fully and shifts into a battle stance, her eyes clear and the air cool and steady around her for the first time ever since her arrival here. She isn't the daemon from their early travels, all rage and revenge or the one that followed with the hysterics. Or even the one she'd been when Rokurou first arrived, constantly angry and on edge. It's the one that faced down Shigure and Melchior, the one ready to stop Artorius and Innominat not just for revenge. ]
lbr there'll never be enough
Which he seems to doing a little better, although not by much. Being a war daemon is probably giving him an edge for stamina, his life long training as a swordsman the core. Despite his own recklessness at times, he still maintains some mind over the fight and he can see how unhinged she becomes and when her moves become more sloppy. It's true that he may have wondered if he should put a stop so that she doesn't truly overexert herself, but then it goes away when he feels the force behind her blade against his. That's all it takes for him to push back and continue as if nothing changed.
Now as he stands and catches his breath, feeling the ache in his arms as he continues to hold his swords, he studies her for a moment. He can sense and see the change now, and the corner of his mouth rises into a familiar grin. By now he's released most of his own frustrations and whatever lingering anger and resentment, so his own stance is a little more relaxed.]
Let's make it count.
[A subtle signal that this may be the last bout. It doesn't matter who wins or loses—if there even is one. All they need is to fight.
And after just one last twirl of his blades, he lunges towards her, the air already crackling and beginning to ignite not from any arte, but just from the pure excitement he always feels.]
they need all of the battle music
All she has to do is push and he's there to meet her blow for blow no matter how tired either of them might be they can always manage one more. Velvet needs it. Needs to let it all out before she explodes into a fit of rage and hysterics that can't be controlled and are unleashed on some hapless victim. Rokurou can take it. He enjoys it. Both of them at the end of their limits then surpassing them.
Winners, losers - it doesn't matter because this fight was never about who's stronger or who's the better fighter. The fight's done the job it was meant to, she's clear-headed and certain now. Velvet has a goal so perfectly defined that it might as well be Artorius and Innominat looming in front of her.
Unlike the others, this time she waits for Rokurou to come to her. To bring her blade up to clash against his in what is the best defensive move she's made since they started.
This round might be the calmest but also the longest because Velvet is careful, planning every move and drawing it out into one long battle. Wringing every move for all its worth. ]
but instead of heavy doldrums it's now poignant and uplifting like victory
Before they were just fighting, two daemons on a rampage.
Now? They're fighting, more in control of themselves. A true fight that any swordsman would relish in.
He's still not holding back, but there's more skill and subtlety in this moves, his twin blades dancing in the air with an elegance that wasn't there before. A parry here, a block there, side stepping around to keep things close for quick thrusts and slashes. By now he'll be familiar with her moves and stances, so their movements will seem even more fluid.
Until finally they are nearing the end. After an exchange, he presses his blade hard against hers, pushing but grinning all the while.]
So, feeling better?
powerful and moving, with a sense of accomplishment
There's no need for that with Rokurou. Not when he was the same as her.
Even if she's no longer battling against her own inner daemons or with Rokurou, Velvet is still completely in this fight. Trying to gain the upperhand and claim victory over her opponent.
Even the pirates above them can tell the dynamic has shifted and that the end is finally in sight. She summons whatever strength she has left to meet every single one of Rokurou's attack with one of her own. In comparison to the raging bloodbath earlier, this is more of a dance. Two individuals who know how the other will move and can change stance accordingly to meet it.
Velvet leans into the press, using some of her weight to force the blades more in Rokurou's direction without sacrificing too much of her balance in the process. ]
Don't know what you're talking about. Aren't I always like that?
[ She shoots a grin back at him before her leg shoots out to attempt to knee Rokurou in the gut.
(No, Velvet will not play dirty and kick him where it really hurts.) ]
mmm yes perfect
this is what you wanted in the other thread right? or at least something similar
i want lots of things so i'll just say yes
pffft
what like i'd say NO
what if I don't like that answer?
j/k but you'll just have to deal
guess so
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