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What does that even - [Luca cuts himself off, shaking his head in annoyance. Instead, he shifts over to her, tucking his arms under her frame. He's going to life her face down, sorry about it.]
I can't help you here. You need to be at the clinic. Why the hells didn't you go there?
I can't help you here. You need to be at the clinic. Why the hells didn't you go there?
Mm, damn it all. I did rather enjoy how aggressive you were.
[He likes a bad boy, what can he say?]
Are you sure you're going to be alright, Ahli? Especially with your new reminder floating about nearby...
[Just gonna glance toward Zonari's perch, thanks.]
[He likes a bad boy, what can he say?]
Are you sure you're going to be alright, Ahli? Especially with your new reminder floating about nearby...
[Just gonna glance toward Zonari's perch, thanks.]
[luca...
kiera thinks he's so stupid sometimes. where would they go on the brink of ruin but straight to him?
they would fight him harder, but... their body doesn't seem to want to cooperate at this point.]
No, no. Just wrap me up for now and I'll head over later. He's still out there.
kiera thinks he's so stupid sometimes. where would they go on the brink of ruin but straight to him?
they would fight him harder, but... their body doesn't seem to want to cooperate at this point.]
No, no. Just wrap me up for now and I'll head over later. He's still out there.
I don't give a damn if he is. [Luca's voice cracks. Emotion rises and wedges in his throat. It's infuriating, the way he feels like nothing more than a boy now.]
I'll burn him alive if I have to. But I'm not letting you bleed to death on my fucking floor, you stupid - [He trails off with a low growl. He opts, instead, to heave Kiera to her feet.]
I'll burn him alive if I have to. But I'm not letting you bleed to death on my fucking floor, you stupid - [He trails off with a low growl. He opts, instead, to heave Kiera to her feet.]
[... okay, if he wants to argue, and she can't physically resist, she'll be a little more forceful with her words. even if they come out slow, she manages to bite with them nonetheless.]
Came here to make sure -- you would be safe, dumbass. If you put yourself in danger, dragging me across town... then I came here for nothing.
Came here to make sure -- you would be safe, dumbass. If you put yourself in danger, dragging me across town... then I came here for nothing.
Aww, Lu, if you want me to be mean to you, you need only to say so. I could pin you to the wall with my swords.
[....SO ANYWAY,]
...I will be fine. Moder is pissed off, too, and won't go near where my so-called sibling is, but we've endured worse. I don't believe that anyone will be able to rehabilitate her, but it would be a huge blow to that asshole false god, so I hope you will for your sakes.
[....SO ANYWAY,]
...I will be fine. Moder is pissed off, too, and won't go near where my so-called sibling is, but we've endured worse. I don't believe that anyone will be able to rehabilitate her, but it would be a huge blow to that asshole false god, so I hope you will for your sakes.
You led him away right. He's probably -
[Before Luca can finish, there's the oppressive sound of thunder from outside. It happens in rapid succession, too loud and too frequent to be natural.
Right. Okay. He inhales as deep as he can, before setting her down.]
Don't move. If you bleed out before I get back with bandages, I'll kill you.
[And with that he's running up the stairs as fast as he can.]
[Before Luca can finish, there's the oppressive sound of thunder from outside. It happens in rapid succession, too loud and too frequent to be natural.
Right. Okay. He inhales as deep as he can, before setting her down.]
Don't move. If you bleed out before I get back with bandages, I'll kill you.
[And with that he's running up the stairs as fast as he can.]
[Hold on, give him a second to reset his damn brain.]
Well, if anyone can, it will be my sibling. Not because I think she has any emotional aptitude, or some sort of secret way of worming into Zonari's brain. [Even though she... kinda does.]
She's simply a stubborn bitch, same as your sister. They'll get on great and exchange gossip before long.
Well, if anyone can, it will be my sibling. Not because I think she has any emotional aptitude, or some sort of secret way of worming into Zonari's brain. [Even though she... kinda does.]
She's simply a stubborn bitch, same as your sister. They'll get on great and exchange gossip before long.
[ Once the stone has been fully enchanted, blessed, and set into the bracelet, Clive seeks Luca out at the bar. This is going to be an odd request and he knows it, but at least being blunt about it will make it less weird, perhaps. So he just walks up to the bar, glancing to see if Luca is serving today. ]
[Serving isn't quite right. He's seated on the opposite side of the bar, leaning over to direct Kiera on where certain bottles can be found. They're clearly enjoying themselves, if the grins and playful teasing is anything to go off of.
The brevity pauses for a moment when Kiera notices Clive, though. A wink is directed toward Luca, before she conveniently disappears into the store room. Luca, meanwhile, turns to face Clive. It's probably silly for him to already be flushed but... here we are.]
Hello, Clive. Is it time for your nightly planning session already?
The brevity pauses for a moment when Kiera notices Clive, though. A wink is directed toward Luca, before she conveniently disappears into the store room. Luca, meanwhile, turns to face Clive. It's probably silly for him to already be flushed but... here we are.]
Hello, Clive. Is it time for your nightly planning session already?
[ That almost makes him want to come back later, to let the siblings have some time to each other. It makes him smile as he watches, and he raises a hand as Kiera spots him, chuckling as she disappears. The flush on Luca's face makes him smile in return, his gaze softening. Warming. ]
Actually, I'm here to speak with you. I have a rather odd request I need to ask.
[ Fight me could be blunt enough but- ]
I was wondering if you would spar with me?
Actually, I'm here to speak with you. I have a rather odd request I need to ask.
[ Fight me could be blunt enough but- ]
I was wondering if you would spar with me?
To me?
[He says it like it's actually a surprise. As if they haven't been dancing around their affectations for the better part of a month now. Never mind the kiss they had shared.
But the fact that it's a request gives him pause, and the request itself makes him outright gape. He searches Clive's face for a joke but... finds nothing to indicate as much. Hm.]
Well... it isn't as if I have anything else to do. [Kiera has this handled, he's just being overbearing about it.] May I ask what inspired you so?
[He says it like it's actually a surprise. As if they haven't been dancing around their affectations for the better part of a month now. Never mind the kiss they had shared.
But the fact that it's a request gives him pause, and the request itself makes him outright gape. He searches Clive's face for a joke but... finds nothing to indicate as much. Hm.]
Well... it isn't as if I have anything else to do. [Kiera has this handled, he's just being overbearing about it.] May I ask what inspired you so?
[ The gaping makes him smile apologetically, he knows. But he perks up when Luca agrees, as this entire thing sort of hinges on the man saying yes, but hesitates to the question.
His shaggy hair prevents the tips of his ears from betraying his blushing. ]
Would you accept it's a surprise gift in the making? It's part of a quest Ydalir handed to me. I'm to spar you until you're exhausted.
[ And... he's allowed to flirt, so after a pause, he smirks a little and tilts his head. ]
Sadly not the type of sparring I'm most looking forward to, but helpful, none the less.
His shaggy hair prevents the tips of his ears from betraying his blushing. ]
Would you accept it's a surprise gift in the making? It's part of a quest Ydalir handed to me. I'm to spar you until you're exhausted.
[ And... he's allowed to flirt, so after a pause, he smirks a little and tilts his head. ]
Sadly not the type of sparring I'm most looking forward to, but helpful, none the less.
[Well, that's twice that Clive has managed to pleasantly surprise Luca. Whatever was growing between the two of them, he hadn't expected they were at the gift giving stage yet. Perhaps he was running behind and should work on something. Or -
Clive's quip cuts off his train of thought. He's left to scowl at the man, shoving once at his shoulder before moving away from the barstool he'd been settled on. It's a good thing he'd come down from his room with his rapier tucked at his side already.]
Come then. Let me wipe that smirk off your face before it sticks.
[He's leading Clive outside, thank you.]
Clive's quip cuts off his train of thought. He's left to scowl at the man, shoving once at his shoulder before moving away from the barstool he'd been settled on. It's a good thing he'd come down from his room with his rapier tucked at his side already.]
Come then. Let me wipe that smirk off your face before it sticks.
[He's leading Clive outside, thank you.]
[ The scowl and the shove makes him laugh, warm and soft, as he turns to follow Luca outside. He'll be good and not make another comment. He won't push the flirting too much, not yet.
Once outside, however, he moves to draw his sword from it's sheathe on his back, adjusting his grip with his left hand. He still doesn't like using it, it's not nearly as strong as his right, but he has no choice unless he tapes it to his hand. ]
Remember. Exhaustion. Come at me with everything. No holding back.
[ He's fascinated to see how Luca fights, too. A rapier makes him think of Jill. Lighter, dartier? Hm. ]
Once outside, however, he moves to draw his sword from it's sheathe on his back, adjusting his grip with his left hand. He still doesn't like using it, it's not nearly as strong as his right, but he has no choice unless he tapes it to his hand. ]
Remember. Exhaustion. Come at me with everything. No holding back.
[ He's fascinated to see how Luca fights, too. A rapier makes him think of Jill. Lighter, dartier? Hm. ]
[Luca is actually quite eager for this fight. They've enjoyed their more tactical conversations over chess, but Luca has yet to have the pleasure of seeing Clive in action. He knows from speaking with Joshua that he fights with a greatsword, but that doesn't say over much about his style.
He'd like to think he's coming in with an advantage though. He knows how a greatsword wielder moves and attacks for the most part. Granted, his own style was much different, considering the fact that his own blade had been just as tall as he was. Nevertheless, Luca is confident as he unsheaths his rapier and gives a nod.
There is a brief moment where he grips the blade with both hands, as if he did indeed clutch a much larger weapon. It's corrected quickly enough, posture shifting with relative ease, even as he scolds himself mentally.]
You don't have to tell me twice.
[He rotates his wrist once, watching the blade dip and bend, before flicking his gaze up toward Clive. Come at him with everything? He'll be sure to make Clive regret those words.]
He'd like to think he's coming in with an advantage though. He knows how a greatsword wielder moves and attacks for the most part. Granted, his own style was much different, considering the fact that his own blade had been just as tall as he was. Nevertheless, Luca is confident as he unsheaths his rapier and gives a nod.
There is a brief moment where he grips the blade with both hands, as if he did indeed clutch a much larger weapon. It's corrected quickly enough, posture shifting with relative ease, even as he scolds himself mentally.]
You don't have to tell me twice.
[He rotates his wrist once, watching the blade dip and bend, before flicking his gaze up toward Clive. Come at him with everything? He'll be sure to make Clive regret those words.]
[ Interesting. So Luca is used to fighting with a larger weapon, if that double handed grip is anything to go on. It's quickly corrected but it means Luca's going to be aware of Clive's own style. He raises his hand briefly to give Luca a hold on, then turns Gotterdammerung, resting the blade against his arm as he holds the handle out towards Luca. ]
Would this be more your speed?
[ Take it, his voice says, because he has an idea. He asked for everything Luca has to give, after all, and he should give as much as well. As he holds the sword out, he calls Odin to him, then manifests Zantetsuken to his right hand. The sword almost grows out of it, silver-blue and jagged.
And with it on his right hand, he can use it properly, twirling his wrist to swing the blade around before offering Luca a little smirk. ]
Would this be more your speed?
[ Take it, his voice says, because he has an idea. He asked for everything Luca has to give, after all, and he should give as much as well. As he holds the sword out, he calls Odin to him, then manifests Zantetsuken to his right hand. The sword almost grows out of it, silver-blue and jagged.
And with it on his right hand, he can use it properly, twirling his wrist to swing the blade around before offering Luca a little smirk. ]
[Though he knows he should stick with the rapier, Luca nevertheless studies the blade for a long moment. It's a touch more ornamental than he's used to using, but it's about the right size. He suspects the weight will be adequate too.
After a moment, he gingerly sets the rapier down and takes the larger blade by the hilt. Both hands wrap around it and pull back. He gives it a few experimental swings — albeit several steps away from Clive — before giving a brisk nod.]
It will -
[He doesn't finish his statement. He watches the sword manifest within Clive's hands with something between awe and horror. It's not dissimilar to another man Luca knew, capable of summoning a liquid arsenal all without batting an eyelash.
For some reason, it sends a jolt of something heated through him. Not gonna acknowledge that thought with a ten foot pole, thank you. Instead, he admires the way Clive easily moves the blade within his stony hand.]
There is to be no disadvantages in this fight, I see.
[Good. All the easier to exhaust himself upon.]
After a moment, he gingerly sets the rapier down and takes the larger blade by the hilt. Both hands wrap around it and pull back. He gives it a few experimental swings — albeit several steps away from Clive — before giving a brisk nod.]
It will -
[He doesn't finish his statement. He watches the sword manifest within Clive's hands with something between awe and horror. It's not dissimilar to another man Luca knew, capable of summoning a liquid arsenal all without batting an eyelash.
For some reason, it sends a jolt of something heated through him. Not gonna acknowledge that thought with a ten foot pole, thank you. Instead, he admires the way Clive easily moves the blade within his stony hand.]
There is to be no disadvantages in this fight, I see.
[Good. All the easier to exhaust himself upon.]
[ Luca might someday get to see Clive using Leviathan, if he truly wants another reminder. For now Odin will do, as it puts them both on a more even playing field. And it also changes up his fighting style, leaves them both unaware of what the other can do. Odin, after all, is about speed. ]
It wouldn't be fair to ask all of you, without giving you all of me in return.
[ Though he knows he's going to have to be careful calling any Eikons. With how unstable the curse is, he's lucky it didn't aggravate with merely calling Odin to him.
He steps back a bit and salutes Luca with the sword, bowing lightly as he does, before positioning his sword in the ready stance. Clive looks far more confident with the sword in his right hand, having been swinging one since he was six. And he's learned patience, his eyes bright on Luca but studious. Slightly dark as Odin's energy fills him.
On Luca's mark. ]
It wouldn't be fair to ask all of you, without giving you all of me in return.
[ Though he knows he's going to have to be careful calling any Eikons. With how unstable the curse is, he's lucky it didn't aggravate with merely calling Odin to him.
He steps back a bit and salutes Luca with the sword, bowing lightly as he does, before positioning his sword in the ready stance. Clive looks far more confident with the sword in his right hand, having been swinging one since he was six. And he's learned patience, his eyes bright on Luca but studious. Slightly dark as Odin's energy fills him.
On Luca's mark. ]
[The hints of shadows within Clive's eyes do little to diminish the parallels Luca continues to draw within his mind. It takes some doing to force the distraction from his head. If he's going to go all out, he needs to have his mind in the moment.
Not that Clive makes it any easier, talking like that. Giving all of him is certainly a thrilling thought, one that makes Luca lick his lips contemplatively. Maybe he can dwell on it further, later. He's wasting precious time, here.
After adjusting his grip on the hilt once more, Luca reaches into his mind. He calls the the Phoenix's power forth, sending flame down the span of the blade. He's pretty sure the weapon won't come to harm, considering who its wielder is. Nevertheless, it won't last but a second in any case.
Luca sprints forward, swinging overhead and coming down toward Clive's shoulder.]
Not that Clive makes it any easier, talking like that. Giving all of him is certainly a thrilling thought, one that makes Luca lick his lips contemplatively. Maybe he can dwell on it further, later. He's wasting precious time, here.
After adjusting his grip on the hilt once more, Luca reaches into his mind. He calls the the Phoenix's power forth, sending flame down the span of the blade. He's pretty sure the weapon won't come to harm, considering who its wielder is. Nevertheless, it won't last but a second in any case.
Luca sprints forward, swinging overhead and coming down toward Clive's shoulder.]
[ As promised, Clive gives Luca everything he can give. While he doesn't dare to switch to another Eikon, he will use Odin to exhaustion, utilizing the Dark Demi-God's ability to speed him up. Allowing him to dodge the heavier blows - that make him laugh at one point because it truly reminds him of himself - while taking the lighter ones.
But as good as he takes, he gives to Luca in return. He doesn't spare his strength when their swords clash, his teeth baring as he brings his considerable weight down behind the eikonic weapon attached to his arm. He knows his own will hold up, aided by Luca's fire, so he doesn't worry about meeting blow for blow.
He only calls for an end when they're both at their limit, when the muscles begin to burn and lifting their weapons begins to feel like moving a boulder with a hand. Clive isn't unused to pushing himself to the point his body gives out, though he hasn't dealt with that in a long time, but Ydalir said to exhaustion.
So to exhaustion it is.
He raises his hand, using the tip of the eikon sword to rest on, sagging a little into it, laughing a little, his breathing heavy and rough. ]
I keep forgetting what it's like not to use magic.
[ His muscles burn and he tilts his head to Luca. ]
Got anything left in you?
But as good as he takes, he gives to Luca in return. He doesn't spare his strength when their swords clash, his teeth baring as he brings his considerable weight down behind the eikonic weapon attached to his arm. He knows his own will hold up, aided by Luca's fire, so he doesn't worry about meeting blow for blow.
He only calls for an end when they're both at their limit, when the muscles begin to burn and lifting their weapons begins to feel like moving a boulder with a hand. Clive isn't unused to pushing himself to the point his body gives out, though he hasn't dealt with that in a long time, but Ydalir said to exhaustion.
So to exhaustion it is.
He raises his hand, using the tip of the eikon sword to rest on, sagging a little into it, laughing a little, his breathing heavy and rough. ]
I keep forgetting what it's like not to use magic.
[ His muscles burn and he tilts his head to Luca. ]
Got anything left in you?
[Luca has come to a handful of conclusions in the heat of battle. One? Clive is incredibly hot when he's throwing himself into a fight. Two? Luca has missed fighting with a sword larger than himself. He won't be making the switch back any time soon, considering the sentiment behind the rapier. However, that does lead him to conclusion three. He really needs to adjust to fighting without throwing himself around again.
But acting on most of that can wait. Right now, he's far too winded to do much of anything. He has his hands braced upon his knees, half bent over. He opts to stop standing entirely, instead, settling into the grass on his knees.]
Beasts. [It's really all he can think for the time being. He hears Clive's question, but has to take a few moments to actually weigh it within his mind. Eventually he lifts his hand and attempts to let out a shot of flame. Instead, only a piffle of smoke leaves him.]
I think I am tapped out. You?
But acting on most of that can wait. Right now, he's far too winded to do much of anything. He has his hands braced upon his knees, half bent over. He opts to stop standing entirely, instead, settling into the grass on his knees.]
Beasts. [It's really all he can think for the time being. He hears Clive's question, but has to take a few moments to actually weigh it within his mind. Eventually he lifts his hand and attempts to let out a shot of flame. Instead, only a piffle of smoke leaves him.]
I think I am tapped out. You?
[ The 'swear' makes Clive laugh and he finally lets Odin go, the aether fading out of him making him groan in relief as the sword fades away. He's not used to holding one Eikon for so long, his insides crawl a little with the sensation of overwhelming Darkness. He reaches into his pocket as he walks over to Luca, pulling a small bracelet that glimmers and shines in iridescent oranges under the light, moving to sit himself down beside Luca in a heavy collapse. ]
I think I pulled something the last swing, so I'm done.
[ And then he holds the bracelet out, his voice soft as he lets it sit in his open palm. ]
Your gift. I was told to make sure to tell you to never take it off. Before you place it on, however, you should know what it will do. It will allow you to close the connection between you and the Phoenix whenever you desire it.
I think I pulled something the last swing, so I'm done.
[ And then he holds the bracelet out, his voice soft as he lets it sit in his open palm. ]
Your gift. I was told to make sure to tell you to never take it off. Before you place it on, however, you should know what it will do. It will allow you to close the connection between you and the Phoenix whenever you desire it.
Edited 2025-03-15 03:29 (UTC)
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