towerofanimus | [closed] // rule the battlefield

Entry tags:

[closed] // rule the battlefield

Characters: Lancer, Other Lancer, and Waver.
Setting: Floor 93 and outside room 4-16
Format: Action if no one objects?
Summary: After monster hunting for a while, Waver properly meets his friend's roommate.
Warnings: Fighting, dumbasses, and fighting dumbasses.

[floor ninety-three]
[It seemed the safest choice as far as terrain went. No sand to provide an unstable foothold, no crystal or any other sort of ground for one to slip around on. Aside from the rain, it seemed the most harmless of floors in a monster-infested tower.]

Now I usually can't stand resorting to this in a fight when it's not necessary. But since you asked to see what I can do, I suppose a small measure of showing off is acceptable.

[He glanced over at Diarmuid with a smirk, the makeshift mercury umbrella quickly shifting as if called to attention by his next words.]

Automatoportum defensio: Dilectus incursio. [Shifting into a fighting stance, Waver seemed oddly at ease for someone moments from a fight to the death against untold horrors.] Now...let's get started, shall we?

[outside room 4-16]

[After quite a bit of fighting and having returned his Mystic Code to the vial he kept it in, Waver walked along beside Diarmuid back to the latter's dormitory room. The ponytailed magus seemed in fairly high spirits, having no concept of the blue-haired trouble incarnate they were about to walk straight into.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Of course not. That would just be impolite.

[The water had drawn out quite the gathering of blue ChuChus; luckily he knew it was easier to cut them to pieces rather than waste time with blunt physical strikes. They seemed largely ineffective in combat. Waver had already evaluated them as difficult to see before mounting a proper attack, not to mention fast.]

Scalp!

[But they didn't call mercury 'quicksilver' for nothing. His strikes were quick and efficient; a whiplike bladed attack aimed at one, a few quick punches to daze another that came too close.]

[Waver didn't necessarily like fighting. He'd never killed anyone, and he never planned to. But on the other hand, the excitement of matching one's strength against an enemy was one he couldn't quite deny.]

[Diarmuid laughs as he watches Waver work. How impressive! Maybe now he can see why Kayneth had felt so well protected by it...

Or maybe Waver had just improved upon it that much. Who knew?

A flash of movement catches Diarmuid's eye and he dashes after it, putting the swords in his hands to good use to quickly dispatch the monster. The cuts might not be quite as clean as he would like, but they would be shortly just as soon as he gets used to the swords' individual personalities.]

Can you just imagine how much damage sending both that and a servant out at the same time would cause?

[There is a delighted twinkle in his eyes. He has no doubt that he could easily dodge the weapon's strikes if they got too close, though with Waver controlling it, he really doesn't think that will happen.]

How fast do you think we could clear a whole floor?

I can move pretty quickly, and I like to be efficient when I fight.

[Waver shrugged, directing his Mystic Code to cut a few more down. At this rate, he noted with some disappointment, nothing would get close enough to activate his defenses.]

So I'd give it no time at all, really.

If you expect me to complain about that, I think you will find yourself disappointed.

[Diarmuid laughs again as he returns to Waver's side. He pauses, though, when he notices the bit of disappointment in his eyes.]

Is something wrong?

Hm, it's nothing. Bit childish, really--I was expecting more of a challenge.

Ah...I take it there is something you haven't gotten to show me yet? Shall I step back and let you take the field completely?

[Though, even allowing that, Diarmuid wonders if Waver will be able to show off as much as he likes against such weak monsters.

Diarmuid is about to mention perhaps finding another floor, but stops when he notices movement near the floor's end. A group of four Orcs has just appeared. While completely mad for the most part, they are intelligent enough to use swords and bows, even if they seem rather distracted by the rain currently.]

What of them? Might they provide the challenge you seek?

Hm, I wonder...four against two, it's a bit risky, isn't it?

[He wasn't stupid enough to take reckless chances. but on the other hand, for all their tricks the monsters of this tower didn't quite seem a threat to a Servant or even a magus.]

But on the other hand, what reason have we to hesitate?

None.

[Diarmuid flashes him a confident grin.]

These beasts as fearsome as they look, are quite mad. They have little intelligence. Just enough to wield simple weapons like swords and bows. I don't fear them even in packs. Look at how they are distracted by the rain just because it is out of the ordinary. If you are quick, you might be able to take out the front two before they even realize we are here.

That's my brilliant strategist.

[Waver sounded playful but proud all the same, smirking confidently.]

Scalp.

[What front two?]

[Diarmuid blushes at the praise, dropping into position to dash out toward the remaining two orcs--one of which is bellowing and drawing a sword while the other is pulling a bow. He pauses, though, not sure if Waver actually wants him to attack.]

Do you wish me to attack or are you still showing off?

[He grins, though his eyes are locked on the monsters at the end of the hall.]

How about a compromise--you take the one with the sword? Might not be smart for me to punch an archer in the face, but I can handle long-range fighting.

As you wish!

[Diarmuid grins at Waver and then is down the hallway in a flash to meet the sword wielder. While it wouldn't be that hard for him to just take the monster out, he plays with it a little, eyes half on Waver to make sure he is all right...

...and to make sure he doesn't miss anything impressive. After all, what fun is showing off when no one is watching and isn't this suppose to be a chance for the magus to show off a little?]

[Strangely, Waver didn't do anything but stand there. He didn't make a move to attack or defend himself as the archer lined up a shot; in fact he made a small hand gesture as if to say come on, I'm waiting.]

[The monstrous archer released his arrow, Waver utterly unfazed by the projectile aimed right at his chest--because in the same moment, Volumen Hydragyrum responded to the threat by forming a thin wall strong enough to stop it cold and send it clattering harmlessly to the floor.]

['Automatoportum defensio'; automatic defense. His inherited Mystic Code's defenses were spectacular, but very much fallible. If his opponent were to make two strikes of varying strength with enough speed, it would account for the first and weaker attack leaving the second stronger one to penetrate it with ease. But against an enemy like this, it may as well have been an undefeatable shield.]

Good aim, but I'm afraid mine's better. Scalp.

[The shield reformed into whiplike tendrils, each extending into bladed ends. It was by no means simple to generate the centrifugal force such a weapon relied on in a hallway; if their enemies were more skilled, it wouldn't be hard to close in on him and negate his weapon's reach entirely.]

[However, they'd have to get to him first. And with how quickly he manipulated that weapon even in a small space, that seemed impossible. In a matter of moments the creature was cleanly taken apart and eliminated.]

...Tch. I really can't stand fighting like he used to. I'd much sooner just do everything by hand.

[When Diarmuid sees the arrow fly at Waver, he almost moves to intercept it. Only the other man's calm, confident demeanor stops him. And he is glad he stops, because seeing the mystic code in action is worth the few moments of worry he had felt.

Almost as an afterthought, Diarmuid finishes off his own opponent before turning back to face his friend down the hall.]

Either you improved a great deal on how well it works, or I must sadly say I do see now why he was so fond of it. Still, already I see it has some issues. This narrow space is not as easy to work it in, is it? And how quickly can it react to multiple attacks? Is there a reset period for that shield? There must be some weaknesses because otherwise he would not have ended up how he did back then. Of course, magic can always fail, especially in this place.

[Diarmuid smiles at him.]

That is why I am glad to know you have learned to fight in other ways as well.

I didn't improve much on the combat aspect of it; wasn't much of a need to, as flawed as it can be. To answer your questions in order: it's not, not well, and something like that.

[Waver shrugged, walking closer as he spoke.]

I learned to fight magi, not actual monsters. Being on the receiving end of aikido is unimaginable and unexpected for them, but physical contact seems risky for half the things I've seen here. [He raised a hand to his head, sounding annoyed by his own reasoning.] The inverse of what's effective at home is what I'll probably end up needing to rely on here. I hate to say it, but I might have to get accustomed to fighting a little more like he used to.

Possibly or there is one other option. One, I don't really mind that much. In fact, in some ways I prefer it.

[Diarmuid vanishes for a moment, reappearing at Waver's side not even a second later.]

Leave the fighting for when I'm around. Then I can be your long distance weapon. It's not like he ever really used me that way anyway, so all your worries are taken care of. You don't have to use his fighting methods or fight closer to the monsters than is safe.

...No.

[His right hand came to rest over his left for a moment, tracing the faded scars that were once vivid red Command Spells.]

I mean, it's--don't get me wrong, I'm flattered. Really. But I don't want to rely on you to do all the fighting anymore. You're not just a weapon and I'll never see you like that. I spent ten years learning to fight so I could survive and wouldn't have to hide behind anyone like a coward anymore.

Even if it leaves a bad taste in my mouth to fight like Kayneth, I'll live with it--literally. If it's what I have to do to survive here, I'll do it.

What if I want to be used as a weapon!

[Diarmuid suddenly steps away from Waver, turning to face him. There is both anger and frustration in his eyes, no trace of his previous joy remaining. With the rain hitting his face, it almost looks like he's crying, though he's not.

Not yet anyway.]

I am a weapon! It's what I was summoned for! Everyone here...they want me to be more than that and...it hurts so much...

[He suddenly starts shaking, bringing a hand to his head and pressing as hard as he can.]

I-I don't know if I can keep doing this...

[For several long moments, he's silent--the only sound in the hallway is that of the rain falling. Diarmuid then takes a deep breath and lets his hand drop.

It's shaking, hard. Despite that, his voice is surprisingly steady.]

I'm sorry. This is what I wanted, isn't it? To be treated as more than that by him? And now...

I am so weak it makes me sick!

[He was actually startled at that, for just a moment. Sudden outbursts from Lancer of all people? It didn't entirely match the treasured memories of his beloved proud yet quiet Servant.]

[...Except for their last night. When he had intended to spend all three Command Spells for his Servant's own happiness, and when this same knight had pleaded for the chance to fight by his Master's side. That had been his only wish; they had all along been a Master and Servant with no desire the Grail could have granted.]

Diarmuid-...I'm sorry. I did it again, didn't I?

[With that somewhat cryptic statement, Waver stepped forward to take Diarmuid's shaking hand in both of his own.]

I shouldn't just be assuming what I think is right for you, and for that I'll apologize. But I hear you talking like that's all you are and all you're worth, and it...goddammit, Diarmuid, I can't tell you how much that kills me. How could someone I admire, someone who changed my entire life ever be just a simple weapon? I--

[Waver's voice cracked, and the lecturer scowled in frustration at himself as he quickly looked away.]

I can't...stand it. I want you to fight with me, not for me. As my friend--my partner, not my weapon. I...need you, Diarmuid. To support and protect me and to let me support and protect you both in and out of a fight.

But more than anything I want you to find a way to be happy. So if you need to be my weapon, I want to be yours in turn.

I wish I knew the way to be happy. Once all I needed was to have that wish fulfilled. Now...I just don't know.

[His voice is soft, though much steadier than his previous outburst and current shaking would make it seem like it should be.]

I want to know. I would trade anything to know! But, one part of me says the only way to be happy is to go back to being a knight. Another part says I can't do that anymore. I failed too much, so just be a weapon. Give yourself to someone and let them decide. Then there will be no mistakes and no failing since a weapon is just a weapon and those are human things. Weapons don't do those things. They just exist...

[He pauses a moment to take a deep breath, squeezing Waver's hands with his own.]

And then there is the other part. That part is so tired right now, but it knows I should just listen to everyone when they tell me I can't let myself just been a tool again. That I should let the man live while I can. He loved his children. He loves his friends. That should be enough, shouldn't it?

[Diarmuid finally meets Waver's eyes.]

Shouldn't it? If not, I don't know where to go from there. Please...help me. If you need me, help me so I can be what you want me to be because I want to be those things. I want to be your friend. I want to be the tool...no, the person who you trust. I just don't know how to.

...it's not my place to decide whether or not you should be a knight. But I can't stand by and let you turn yourself into a weapon. You're just as human as I am--killing off all of that will only destroy you. Maybe I can't talk, ultimately being a pawn of the Archibald family back home, but there's no way in hell I'm allowing you to do this to yourself.

[Waver leaned his head against Lancer's shoulder, holding on to his hands like that was all he had left.]

You were my first and only friend; on top of that, I owe you my life. There's nothing that I would refuse to do for you, nothing I would hesitate to trust you with. I'll be your friend, your Master, your partner--anything. Anything that'll help you.

I know. I know.

[Diarmuid's voice is so soft it's almost lost in the sound of the rain.]

I suppose that is why I feel like I can actually say these things to you as opposed to just keeping them inside. You might be the first person I have been able to say all of that too. I have told parts to others, but...

[He should pull away now. After all, not long ago he had stood like this with Sola-Ui and almost hurt her because he let himself give into his pain and lost track of what he was doing.

But he can't do it. He needs the contact and the comfort too much right now. He just...needs...]

How do I become more selfish? How do I learn to accept that it's okay that I want things? If I could just do that...

...I'm not sure, Diarmuid. I've always been pretty selfish--in fact I'm pretty sure I had to learn this particular lesson in reverse.

I guess...start with something small. If I said you could ask any one thing of me right now, what would it be?

But you've already done so much for me! I shouldn't...

[Diarmuid cuts himself off knowing that saying what he shouldn't do isn't going to help this. After a moment, he lets his head drop down near Waver's so that the other man and only him can hear his next words.]

Please...don't leave me alone. I-I know I told you I would be okay staying here if everyone else got to go home, but I wasn't completely honest with you. I-I would stay, but...I would be terrified. I don't want to be alone. I'm so afraid of being tossed away again. So many people have used me and told me they valued me and then they just...have gotten rid of me...

[Fionn had claimed to forgive him and then had let him die. Kayneth had put so much effort into summoning him and then had traded him away as soon as a better offer had arrived. At this point, he is just waiting for it to happen again. He knows it's just a matter of time...]

I won't.

[Waver spoke quietly, only just able to stop his own voice from shaking.]

No matter what it takes, I'll tear the rules of this world apart so we can go home together. I've always been alone...so I know how much it can hurt. But you have to promise me--swear to me, Diarmuid, you'll never leave my side again. Your memory was enough for me to live with the past ten years, but if I lost you again, I...I'm not sure how the hell I'd recover from that.

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