[ The nights in Hadriel carried many dark corners and shadows to hide in. Malkus felt strangely at home, roaming the land. He'd thought he'd covered a brief look of every building, but there was one he hadn't approached yet. Positioned near the temple of Rage, the doctor thought it would be best to contact one of his friends. ]
Lad. Friend, are you awake?
[ The doctor's mask lens shone in the dark as he approached the armory. The feed brightened slightly with candle light to reveal the man curiously staring into the camera. ]
( he's actually used to late night calls. you can thank his weird friends for that sort of thing. but still, when his phone buzzes there's some fumbling before a glasses-less, messy-haired akira finally answers with a groggy— )
Mal... kus? ( waking up to that mask first thing was only slightly unsettling. )
[ Was Malkus loud-whispering? Wasn't the armory accessible to the public? Something about skulking around a building at night just called for hushed whispers and cat-like stealthing. ]
I've been thinking, my boy.
[ He held the phone in one hand as he pressed himself flat against a wall. ]
Many of my associates seem ready to protect themselves. Raidou has... demons. Others have teeth and magic. You and I, though, we need something more. Being just a doctor and a young studious looking man.
( yes... yes that's right, we're all just nice normal gentlemen here, malkus. rubbing at his eyes to free himself from the sleep in the corners of them— akira props himself up on an elbow, eyes finally adjusting better to the light of the phone's transmission. )
Wait, what— do you mean? ( he wasn't going to try a demon summoning ritual was he... ) Where are you? Do you need some kind of help?
No! No help, but I request your presence here. Southern portion of the city, there is a large imposing building near the temple of the parasite Rage. Contact me when you are near!
[ The sound of a large door opening creaked over the phone, as Malkus entered. He didn't pan the camera over just yet, but the doctor's eyes lit up with amazement at whatever he was seeing. ]
Oh- saints alive...
[ The map was correct. This... was an armory alright. Malkus let his arms drop, causing the view from the feed to quickly get muffled with darkness against his robe jacket. ]
A large imposing... ( having spent some time studying the map himself, he wondered if perhaps malkus might mean the armoury. akira hadn't braved into the building himself, seeing as how he had arrived still armed but... what could malkus be looking for in there? )
I'll be right there.
( and true to his word, akira takes no time at all to make it to the southern part of the cave. he doesn't know what might be lurking out there but all the same, akira approaches with a cautious... ) Malkus?
( as he approaches the armoury, laying a hand on the partially opened door as the creaky hinges announced his arrival better than he had. well malkus, here he is. the innoncent school lad you requested. )
[ Malkus initially had his back to Akira, seemingly busy with something. It's only apparent what the hell it was when the doctor staggered around to face the man. His CLANKs echoed as he struggled to support the weight of a large pair of gauntlets grasping a pair of long halberds.
He was strong! But uncoordinated, weapon-wise. So, of course, he looked like an idiot wielding two oversized polearms. The wooden buckler that he had leaned against this leg went skittering across the floor as he approached his friend. ]
Isn't this fantastic? The remnants of whatever society resided here must have had a militia.
( there's something quite unwholesome about this scene that akira finds himself stumbling into. he watches the shield roll by, following it until it topples over to a stop, then finally moving closer to malkus. )
Or they're still hoping for one... ( comes his own personal observation, under his breath. he speaks up finally, to address the good doctor, finding himself putting his arms up defensively— )
Umm, are you sure you know how to handle those? ( maybe it's those slightly-oversized limbs handling the weapons much like a child might, but the safety level in this room has dropped a couple of points at the sight of it. )
Of course I do! I've seen guards use these plenty. You just hit the baddies with the sharper ends.
[ Malkus held one arm out and slowly rotated it. Like a large, gangly propeller. Was he making those action sounds with his mouth? Of course Malkus was. Eventually... Rather quickly, actually, the man's arms became sore. ]
Ma-Maybe I'm more of a small arms type of man.
[ He'll just... kneel and set the weapons there on the ground. No need for cleaning up after himself, he figured. He'd be out of here in a jiffy! ]
( with as tall and spindly as malkus was, this great pun about small arms is not lost in akira, who can't help but chuckle to himself a little as he approaches even closer, but maintains a safe distance from all things spiky or pointy at the same time.
all right, those sound effects might have been a little funny, too. )
If you need help to practice, or to see what might suit you, I can lend a hand. ( but maybe he should specify... ) As long as we can guarantee they both stay attached, at least.
[ Thankfully, Malkus seemed satisfied with the large metal gauntlets covering his clawed hands. They were snug, and when he closed a fist he could feel the dense strength. ]
I didn't know you were one to know their way around a weapon. I suppose such topics are good things to study for a young man. Keep the mind and body sharp!
[ He swung his arms back and forth, hearing the rattle of metal joints clicking together. Maybe he was a pugilist at heart? Like an old timey boxer? ]
( stepping towards some of the weapons near the wall— and also away from those long swinging arms malkus pls— akiranunlatches a long knife, looking it over... and weighing it in his hand. )
It's never too late to learn, right? ( he means you. he's quite sure malkus is probably older than he is. one more glance at the blade he chose seems to see the thief satisfied, effortlessly tossing it upwards and catching it again at the handle. )
[ He was only thirty three! But in his world, that was pushin' it. Medieval ages had dudes kicking it in their 20's. Malkus considered himself pretty experienced. But not so much that he couldn't learn some new skills. ]
But one's never too old to learn to defend themselves. Let's see! Shouldn't be too different from my lancet. Bit larger.
we can fast forward to a post-spar after this, if you like! up to you!!
[ Malkus nodded and started off with quite a lot of pulled back tenacity. Though, when it became immediately obvious that Akira was much more capable than he seemed, the doctor ceased his reserved nature. He hadn't trained in a very long time, but his movements had an element of animalistic survival, gained from living in the plagued wilds.
After a period of play-fighting, shortened for time's sake, Malkus was much more winded than his partner might be. ]
I- hoh- Ehm- H-Hold, I yield-
[ He wanted to speak further, but opted to put a hand on his chest to catch his breath. ]
( akira was actually pleasantly surprised at the doctor's tenacity. coming from a place where it sounded like survival was the top priority, perhaps he should have guessed that malkus would be versed in combat— which is why he didn't hold back as the match went on.
as soon as the white flag was waved, the school-aged boy stopped mid-swing, settling back into a relaxes position with a grin, and straightening his glasses. )
Not bad, Malkus. Are you sure you weren't practising before I got here?
H-Hah! Maybe it's just the experience giving me an edge. I've seen a thing or two, where I'm from.
[ He laughed as he stretched his arms. While he didn't really need a proper weapon, given his claws, he browsed the wall once more. Malkus would certainly be keeping the gauntlets, at least. ]
( based on that glimpse of malkus' world... akira is sure that he has. examining the knife that he'd picked out again, he flips it once or twice more as he thinks. )
Why the sudden interest, though? The monsters have you worried or something?
( akira looks up from his phone with an interested— ) Hm? ( as yusuke approaches, shoving it back into his pocket. )
I was just going over the options, actually... ( and he frowns, a good indication that he hasn't made up his mind really, either. and of course, the opinions of his team mate matter, too. )
I'd like to go to the world with the most beautiful sights, of course. I think in that regard, all of them have a certain allure, but the jungle world in particular... It's certainly not a common landscape within art. Even now, I'm quite captivated with the many things I might see and find...!
[He's lost in thought, before he seems to remember the topic at hand--] Ah, but that is why I came to you. Rather than merely vote based on my own whims, I believe we should vote together. So, we should discuss the benefits of each location carefully.
Heh. ( he couldn't help but chuckle, hearing all that. he should have expected an answer like that really, but after a rough few months it also felt nice, normal. )
I suppose the desert doesn't offer much in terms of inspiration... ( he leans his head to the side, like he's seriously considering what yusuke might find beautiful when it came to the landscape...
see this was why it was better to have more people in the group to offer their opinions. ah, with that thought, akira seemed to brighten a little— ) I have an idea.
( reaching into his pocket, he gripped his phone again, typing away on it. )
--Akechi, really? Certainly we've called a truce with him, but do you think he'll even be interested in making such deliberations with us? When I last spoke with him, he seemed like he would much rather be left alone...
[but, Akira does know Akechi better than Yusuke ever did, so maybe it's a good idea? He'll have to trust his leader's decisions, as always]
I know it sounds foolish, but... ( he stops typing for a moment, looking off into the distance. there's a brief replay in his mind's eye about all the things that had happened between them... ) I think he could offer some useful insight.
( a corner of his mouth digs in as he turns back to yusuke, still leaving the message briefly hanging— ) I'm not even sure he'd be willing to after everything that's happened especially... here in Hadriel— ( where akira in particular had messed up pretty bad... )
But we won't know for sure until we ask, right? ( annnnd, message sent. )
( it's so uncharacteristic that akira almost wants to ask if nagito is feeling all right or not... instead, he opts for the more simple response, maybe a little proud of the guy for actually making a request on his own behalf. )
I am, but less of the moldy variety. Actually last month some familiar items from back home showed up so I was able to enjoy some canned coffee. I had been spoiled by coffee a lot before coming here but... it was a nice change from your run of the mill cheese-topped forgotten bread.
[Ianchus thinks this is certainly overdue, all things considered. He already has a rather warm opinion of Akira thanks to everything's Yusuke's told him, everything's he's seen.]
Akira? Hello. We haven't spoken much, but, ah...perhaps it's unseemly, but I wanted to thank you. For being Yusuke's friend. For being the one he relies on. If there's ever anything you need...anything I can do for you...please, tell me.
Ah? ( it's true that they haven't had the opportunity to talk much one-on-one, but there's recognition that flashes across akira's face as he answers the call. ) Cepheos... -san?
( this is a bit sudden, isn't it? but his expression quickly relaxes as he digests the message. ) Of course, Yusuke is— very important to me.
( being there for him, at his side, however he could be— it was the least he could do... )
If there was anything I could even think to ask you for I think it would be... please keep supporting him, as well.
「It was just a matter of time for Atem to realize that Kaiba was gone, he gave it just as long as he could before he actually came around his empty apartment with a sliver of hope that he had found a way to erase himself from the network, go rogue in some way. But no, he was truly gone and he had left him behind, for a change...
It took him a long time to get out of that apartment, not that it's something he will admit, waiting for the CEO knowingly he wouldn't come back, at least not right in that moment, or probably never. He finds his suitcase, filled with hundreds of different cards, maybe it's not a good idea to leave his things there, abandoned. It isn't until the next day, when he's almost done preparing to leave that he opens it out of curiosity just to make sure of something — no, his main deck isn't there, but then he does notice a single different card.
It is only upon seeing it that a queasy feeling fills Atem, a haze falls down around his thoughts, he's felt that before. He tries to ignore it for the sake of the moment but of course the feeling will not leave him alone as he prepares to go on the expedition he had planned, regardless Kaiba was there or not.
It takes him only a few long to do something about it.」
—
The Bahamut Shark card... You gave it to me, didn't you?
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
[ Video ]
Lad. Friend, are you awake?
[ The doctor's mask lens shone in the dark as he approached the armory. The feed brightened slightly with candle light to reveal the man curiously staring into the camera. ]
( video )
Mal... kus? ( waking up to that mask first thing was only slightly unsettling. )
no subject
[ Was Malkus loud-whispering? Wasn't the armory accessible to the public? Something about skulking around a building at night just called for hushed whispers and cat-like stealthing. ]
I've been thinking, my boy.
[ He held the phone in one hand as he pressed himself flat against a wall. ]
Many of my associates seem ready to protect themselves. Raidou has... demons. Others have teeth and magic. You and I, though, we need something more. Being just a doctor and a young studious looking man.
no subject
rubbing at his eyes to free himself from the sleep in the corners of them— akira props himself up on an elbow, eyes finally adjusting better to the light of the phone's transmission. )
Wait, what— do you mean? ( he wasn't going to try a demon summoning ritual was he... ) Where are you? Do you need some kind of help?
no subject
[ The sound of a large door opening creaked over the phone, as Malkus entered. He didn't pan the camera over just yet, but the doctor's eyes lit up with amazement at whatever he was seeing. ]
Oh- saints alive...
[ The map was correct. This... was an armory alright. Malkus let his arms drop, causing the view from the feed to quickly get muffled with darkness against his robe jacket. ]
video → ( action )
I'll be right there.
( and true to his word, akira takes no time at all to make it to the southern part of the cave. he doesn't know what might be lurking out there but all the same, akira approaches with a cautious... ) Malkus?
( as he approaches the armoury, laying a hand on the partially opened door as the creaky hinges announced his arrival better than he had.
well malkus, here he is. the innoncent school lad you requested. )
no subject
He was strong! But uncoordinated, weapon-wise. So, of course, he looked like an idiot wielding two oversized polearms. The wooden buckler that he had leaned against this leg went skittering across the floor as he approached his friend. ]
Isn't this fantastic? The remnants of whatever society resided here must have had a militia.
no subject
Or they're still hoping for one... ( comes his own personal observation, under his breath. he speaks up finally, to address the good doctor, finding himself putting his arms up defensively— )
Umm, are you sure you know how to handle those? ( maybe it's those slightly-oversized limbs handling the weapons much like a child might, but the safety level in this room has dropped a couple of points at the sight of it. )
no subject
[ Malkus held one arm out and slowly rotated it. Like a large, gangly propeller. Was he making those action sounds with his mouth? Of course Malkus was. Eventually... Rather quickly, actually, the man's arms became sore. ]
Ma-Maybe I'm more of a small arms type of man.
[ He'll just... kneel and set the weapons there on the ground. No need for cleaning up after himself, he figured. He'd be out of here in a jiffy! ]
I do like these gauntlets, though...
no subject
all right, those sound effects might have been a little funny, too. )
If you need help to practice, or to see what might suit you, I can lend a hand. ( but maybe he should specify... ) As long as we can guarantee they both stay attached, at least.
no subject
I didn't know you were one to know their way around a weapon. I suppose such topics are good things to study for a young man. Keep the mind and body sharp!
[ He swung his arms back and forth, hearing the rattle of metal joints clicking together. Maybe he was a pugilist at heart? Like an old timey boxer? ]
no subject
malkus pls— akiranunlatches a long knife, looking it over... and weighing it in his hand. )It's never too late to learn, right? ( he means you. he's quite sure malkus is probably older than he is. one more glance at the blade he chose seems to see the thief satisfied, effortlessly tossing it upwards and catching it again at the handle. )
Care to try them out?
no subject
[ He was only thirty three! But in his world, that was pushin' it. Medieval ages had dudes kicking it in their 20's. Malkus considered himself pretty experienced. But not so much that he couldn't learn some new skills. ]
But one's never too old to learn to defend themselves. Let's see! Shouldn't be too different from my lancet. Bit larger.
we can fast forward to a post-spar after this, if you like! up to you!!
In that case, let's not go easy on one another, all right?
If that works!
After a period of play-fighting, shortened for time's sake, Malkus was much more winded than his partner might be. ]
I- hoh- Ehm- H-Hold, I yield-
[ He wanted to speak further, but opted to put a hand on his chest to catch his breath. ]
no subject
as soon as the white flag was waved, the school-aged boy stopped mid-swing, settling back into a relaxes position with a grin, and straightening his glasses. )
Not bad, Malkus. Are you sure you weren't practising before I got here?
no subject
[ He laughed as he stretched his arms. While he didn't really need a proper weapon, given his claws, he browsed the wall once more. Malkus would certainly be keeping the gauntlets, at least. ]
no subject
examining the knife that he'd picked out again, he flips it once or twice more as he thinks. )
Why the sudden interest, though? The monsters have you worried or something?
action.
Akira, there you are. I trust you've seen the discussions taking place... Have you any preferences on which planet we are moved to?
no subject
I was just going over the options, actually... ( and he frowns, a good indication that he hasn't made up his mind really, either. and of course, the opinions of his team mate matter, too. )
What are your thoughts?
no subject
[He's lost in thought, before he seems to remember the topic at hand--] Ah, but that is why I came to you. Rather than merely vote based on my own whims, I believe we should vote together. So, we should discuss the benefits of each location carefully.
no subject
I suppose the desert doesn't offer much in terms of inspiration... ( he leans his head to the side, like he's seriously considering what yusuke might find beautiful when it came to the landscape...
see this was why it was better to have more people in the group to offer their opinions. ah, with that thought, akira seemed to brighten a little— ) I have an idea.
( reaching into his pocket, he gripped his phone again, typing away on it. )
Let's ask Akechi, too.
no subject
--Akechi, really? Certainly we've called a truce with him, but do you think he'll even be interested in making such deliberations with us? When I last spoke with him, he seemed like he would much rather be left alone...
[but, Akira does know Akechi better than Yusuke ever did, so maybe it's a good idea? He'll have to trust his leader's decisions, as always]
no subject
( a corner of his mouth digs in as he turns back to yusuke, still leaving the message briefly hanging— ) I'm not even sure he'd be willing to after everything that's happened especially... here in Hadriel— ( where akira in particular had messed up pretty bad... )
But we won't know for sure until we ask, right? ( annnnd, message sent. )
Voice
no subject
no subject
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Yeah, sounds great. I'm free anytime.
text
Do you remember me? :(
its Ruby!!
I just wanted to know if you were OK!!
no subject
( he's referring to the hood, of course.
definitely not some other canon-relevant thing. )
I'm doing well
Things have... chilled out a little, you could say.
( you know. with that whole freezing of our local demon and all. )
How have you been?
Keeping dry?
no subject
Weird things happen down here some times so I can never be sure of anything.
I guess I'm okay? I'm not dead. I ate something funky and it didn't kill me.
no subject
What...
Did it taste like?
( #priorities? )
I'm glad to hear you're doing the eating though, rather than the other way around.
no subject
Even if it tastes like moldy bread with cheese.
I dunno, you've been eating too right?
no subject
Actually last month some familiar items from back home showed up so I was able to enjoy some canned coffee.
I had been spoiled by coffee a lot before coming here but... it was a nice change from your run of the mill cheese-topped forgotten bread.
Video
Akira? Hello. We haven't spoken much, but, ah...perhaps it's unseemly, but I wanted to thank you. For being Yusuke's friend. For being the one he relies on. If there's ever anything you need...anything I can do for you...please, tell me.
no subject
( this is a bit sudden, isn't it? but his expression quickly relaxes as he digests the message. ) Of course, Yusuke is— very important to me.
( being there for him, at his side, however he could be— it was the least he could do... )
If there was anything I could even think to ask you for I think it would be... please keep supporting him, as well.
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How do you take yours? Black like the adults?
/2
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I like it a few different ways, but the Boss might not be happy if I add too much of anything.
no subject
It gets kinda boring doing the same thing all the time.
I gotta admit you had me going there for a sec. Your soul's not black. It's probably just bitter.
dec 3rd. text.
It took him a long time to get out of that apartment, not that it's something he will admit, waiting for the CEO knowingly he wouldn't come back, at least not right in that moment, or probably never. He finds his suitcase, filled with hundreds of different cards, maybe it's not a good idea to leave his things there, abandoned. It isn't until the next day, when he's almost done preparing to leave that he opens it out of curiosity just to make sure of something — no, his main deck isn't there, but then he does notice a single different card.
It is only upon seeing it that a queasy feeling fills Atem, a haze falls down around his thoughts, he's felt that before. He tries to ignore it for the sake of the moment but of course the feeling will not leave him alone as he prepares to go on the expedition he had planned, regardless Kaiba was there or not.
It takes him only a few long to do something about it.」
—
The Bahamut Shark card...
You gave it to me, didn't you?
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And not just because it's another way to describe coffee.
How many cream and sugar do you usually take?
Maybe I'll try it your way, next time.
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Are you sure you wanna try that? It might be too sweet.
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That's...
You're a rebel.
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I'll get bored with a normal amount. Why settle for two when you can have five or six?!!!