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( closed. )
Who: kotomine kirei (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
congratulating) & archer (fakers), with some special guest cameos
What: just two guys hanging out, being buds (disclaimer: this may be slightly inaccurate)
When: shortly after the beach event
Where: olympia after dark
Warning(s): violence, gratuitous typemoon power level babbling
[ closed log for confrontation between archer and kotomine, and the ensuing aftermath. starters below. ]
congratulating) & archer (fakers), with some special guest cameosWhat: just two guys hanging out, being buds (disclaimer: this may be slightly inaccurate)
When: shortly after the beach event
Where: olympia after dark
Warning(s): violence, gratuitous typemoon power level babbling
[ closed log for confrontation between archer and kotomine, and the ensuing aftermath. starters below. ]
no subject
so instead he mostly takes it, though he slashes down at the leg that hits him as soon the blow has found purchase. as a servant, he can simply ignore the pain of the attack, though it's impressive to begin with that a simple kick from a priest could even harm a servant at all. even a servant whose being greatly weakened by his lack of a master.
his slash manages to graze kirei's legs, though even then it doesn't do as much damage as he'd hoped. he takes a moment to break away from the other man, taking a second to catch his breath and gauge his options. ]
We meet again. [ clearly. an odd thing to say to someone after you've just tried to kill him, but what else is he supposed to say here? ]
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I'm reminded right now of the fight I had with Kiritsugu. You are the actualized wish of Shirou to be a hero, and if I recall... it was because of your father that you cultivated that wish at all. [ He breathes out a laugh as he smiles. His tone is exceptionally (maddeningly) friendly. ] It is like looking into the past, I must say. Though, I have grown older and my abilities are no longer at their peak... even I can acknowledge that much about myself.
[ Archer may notice that the blood has stopped pouring down Kirei's arm. The sound of it dripping onto the pavement has stopped. Black mud slowly pulsates out of the wound before closing it completely. The same with the graze on his leg. ]
Your father was a disappointment. [ He cuts to the chase as he takes a step forward. ] In the end, he couldn't do anything to achieve his wish. In the end, he became a hollowed, broken man. After all his sacrifices, after all his struggling... he gave up. [ The best way to ensure the battle goes in one's favor is to drive the other opponent mad. ]
And you have the same scent of someone who is going to give up. Truly, am I looking at Emiya Kiritsugu's ideals crystallized by Emiya Shirou ... or the broken ideal?
no subject
[ that said, he actually is a little curious to hear the priest's story... during his life, he'd learned much about his father's past, the stories of the so-called Magus Killer. but what had happened during the fourth war was always a mystery to him; there was no one who could recount those things to him.
that kirei was connected to kiritsugu comes as no surprise, but the extent of their connection is. ]
Just like you know nothing about me, you know nothing of the man called Emiya Kiritsugu. Giving up? [ he grits his teeth at that, readying his swords again for another attack. ] A man like you could never understand what he was striving for. What he hoped to achieve. If you think he was defeated, you're wrong.
[ he finally charges again, slashing at kirei's head with one blade while the other stabs at his chest. ] His sacrifices, his regrets... what could you understand!? You're nothing more than an empty shell searching for meaning he'll never find!
no subject
[ He side steps, avoiding the blade swinging at his head, and twists his body into a half-turn to avoid the stab but end up with the blade lodged in his shoulder. Grabbing onto one arm, he does us this as leverage for another kick. Instead, he strikes with his fist. He focuses his attack just below the elbow, meant to damage down to the bone. ] Your father was defeated by his own sentimentality. He wasn't able to rise up after he failed.
[ He leans in. ] I saw him during the fire. Are you curious about what expression he wore before he found you, Emiya Shirou?
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You have no right to judge his methods. Even a foolish dream can still be beautiful. Unlike you, he could at least recognize the Grail for what it was... that it was something that shouldn't exist.
[ archer reinforces his arm before kirei's attack connects, though the priest's fist still feels like iron hitting iron. the man's training is truly something else; knowing that kiritsugu was able to defeat this man just raises his respect for his own father. magus killer, indeed. ]
I don't care about such a thing. I know that expression all too well. [ the despair kiritsugu felt... archer has felt that a millionfold. but that despair isn't what matters. it's a price to be paid, not the end result. ] Though what expression were you wearing at that time, I wonder? Did you feel nothing, even then? How laughable. Someone like you can't even be called human.
[ he hurls one of his blades, which spins around in a wide arc before coming back at kirei from behind. pushing himself further, archer projects another blade, feeling more of his magic circuits screaming at him to stop. instead, he presses forward, looking for any opening to thrust his blade. he settles for kirei's chest, the most obvious target. ]
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Of course, you know that expression. Of course, you do. He gifted you a foolish dream. A foolish reality! You should be cursing him more than you curse Emiya Shirou, who was caught up in Kiritsugu's existence. [ His smile twists to show the cruelty behind it. Yes, he cannot be considered human; it is something that he's accepted of himself long ago. Such words do little to hurt him anymore. ] I felt something. I felt delight and laughter bubbled out my mouth. I saw Hell and I could only feel joy.
[ Yet that is not true. The happiness he felt was mixed with agony over feeling that happiness. It was not true joy, but he refuses to admit that to Archer. Not yet; he's not yet to where he can hear and understand such words.
Blood abruptly erupts out of his mouth as the thrown blade slams into his back. He had seen him hurl the blade and thought it a wasted action -- that was his own foolishness. Kirei finally lets go of Archer's arm to grab onto the dagger in his shoulder.
Ripping it free, he parries the knife going for his chest before quickly shifting his hold on the blade in hand to throw it back. But not aimed at the chest -- aimed to puncture one of the legs. He didn't know how long it would be before the blade would disintegrate so he had to make the most of it. Already, he is grabbing and pulling free the blade from his back. Like with the first, he feels it almost snap out of his hand from the speed at which he throws.
Jeanne. I am need you to come to me. I am fighting Archer... you understand what that means, right? If I die here, you will not be able to bring me to Hell. So, hurry to our position, if you could. ]
no subject
I will never curse that man. The failings of his foolish son... [ he can't really deny that kiritsugu contributed, but he still can't bring himself to hate that man. the day kiritsugu saved shirou was the day archer began down the path he walks now, but even so how can the saved ever hate his savior? ] Those are his, and his alone.
[ is kirei capable of feeling joy? somehow, archer can't see it. because on some level he understands the other man, he can somewhat understand his reactions. joy in the face of such utter despair... on one hand, it seems fitting of kirei. but on the other, is destruction alone enough to give that man's life meaning? if that were true, there was no need for him to press on.
figuring he could press his advantage and finish this, archer grows reckless. he allows the thrown blade to hit his leg, pushing through the pain as he brings one of his swords down in a slash at kirei's neck. instead, he redirects his blade to block the second of kirei's throws, though he grimaces as the attack forces him to fall back. ]
If you enjoy Hell so much, I'll be happy to take you back there.
no subject
You will not ever curse him. [ A careful repeating of those words. ] How unfortunate. It would seem like we have something else in common, Shirou. For as much as Kiritsugu disappointed me, for as much as he became nothing more than a shadow, I also can never truly curse him.
[ Kirei nearly comments that it would seem every Servant wants him to go to Hell, but relents on that observation. ] And one day, perhaps, you will... but it will not be today. [ He launches himself forward after Archer's fall back. Curling his hand into a fist, he feels the past replay for him -- he throws his punch forward not caring if he hits man or blade. It is intended to shatter whatever he comes in contact with. While he would like for it to be Archer's body, he would settle for the knife in his hand to be broken.
Whether it connects or not, it doesn't matter to Kirei. It is only the move he uses to draw himself in closer to Archer. His leg swings out low to knock the Servant off of his feet and onto the hard pavement. Hardly enough to knock the wind out of him, he's certain. He carries through with the last of his assault -- by dropping low and latching onto Archer's shoulders; Kirei would swing his own body up before slamming his knee down onto him. ]
no subject
so he projects one more time, though even the magical energy coursing through him as he does so seems weaker than usual. the blades appear in his hands, one final time, though as he moves to drive them into kirei's body above him, he comes to the painful realization that they lack enough substance to fulfill their task. even upon contact with the priest, the blades shattered; while certainly painful, the cuts incurred will hardly be lethal.
the opening at least lets archer push himself away, far enough that he can lean an arm against a wall for support. that kirei is this strong even by himself wasn't a possibility he had considered; though whether its truly kirei's strength or merely his own weakness, he isn't sure.
for now... he needs to go. the thought pounds in the back of his mind, and he understands immediately. while archer had figured kirei had been so absorbed in the fight he had forgotten, he was incorrect. archer can sense the approach of another servant immediately once she's in the proximity. if he doesn't leave this place before she arrives, that's it for him.
but kirei is unlikely to make it simple for him to leave either. in his condition, his body battered, it's barely all he can to do keep himself on his feet. he needs time to recover... time and mana he no longer has. ]
To think you'd talk this much even in battle. [ a cough. ] You really do love the sound of your own voice.
no subject
What? [ Yes, that is right. If there is one thing that he can say about Emiya Shirou, it is the young man never gives up. This is someone built on ideals and a foolish dream -- of course, Archer would have the same tenacity. He doesn't have the time to get away. All he can do is lean backwards to attempt to roll off the body, but the blades are already shattering as they make contact with him.
The pieces leave cuts and embed themselves in his body -- in his arm and half his torso. He looks down at himself as soon as he has gotten a distance away. Already, the blades are disintegrating but the injuries remain and begin pouring out blood. Kirei looks up to see where Archer is and sees him using the wall as a support. ]
Perhaps, I do talk a bit too much, but it would appear that you're out of time, Emiya Shirou. [ He pushes himself up to stand, holding a hand against his bleeding side. ] You chose to face me without a Master. What foolishness drove you to such a decision?
[ Kirei turns to look toward their battlefield, seemingly ignoring Archer, but he believes the Servant can't get away easy. ] You should gather every strength and every means if you wish to truly kill me. As you are, you are but a shadow of what you could be. Such haphazard preparations is what lead to your failure here. Rest assured, I believe in your abilities, Emiya Shirou.
[ He smiles as he walks (shuffles, favoring one leg over the other) over toward a pool of blood and can't tell if it is his own or Archer's. ] But you must taste real failure here. My Servant shall be arriving. I believe we should repeat the past that I have come from. A lesson needs to be carved into the flesh and bone. You should understand how foolish you are.
no subject
[ he admits it freely, seeing no reason not to at this point. a human capable of fighting a servant... obviously he knows such a thing is possible, but he hadn't expected this man to be able to fend him off. even weakened without a master, this should not have been as close a battle as it was. ]
No, it's not just that. You... you've been tainted by that mud, haven't you? [ he heals too quickly; though kirei is a priest, archer hasn't seen him use any spells to restore his condition. no, it's more of a natural regeneration. something a human shouldn't be capable of. and if a part of the grail really has managed to escape the Storm within kirei's body, that's all the more reason why the priest needs to die. ]
Though if you think I'm finished, you're wrong. You've made a miscalculation, priest. If my death is guaranteed, there's no need for me to hold anything back. [ his entire body begins coursing with magic energy, pouring from every reserve he has. even then, he's not sure it will be enough, but if he can create it even for just a moment... that should be enough. ]
[ he can tell avenger is close now - he likely won't be able to finish this before she arrives, but it shouldn't matter. one last attack... that's all he cares about right now. his right arm gives out, the nerves in it screaming at him to stop what he's doing. he can feel his limbs all losing their strength, but he presses on all the same. it's too late to turn back now; without the resolve to see this through to the end, he never should have attacked kirei to begin with. ]
Have withstood pain to create many weapons, yet those hands will never hold anything.
So as I pray..."
no subject
This meeting between the two servants was not as lighthearted as their previous. It was apparent by the air that surrounded Avenger as she entered the fray. Her emergence was abrupt, a blaze of fury and violence almost exclusive to her and those like her. Once described as living artillery in clothes, it was only a fitting description for those who hadn't actually experienced her wrath.
The darkness of the park was soon illuminated by a ring of fire signaling her arrival. From the flames, a flourish of embers and black. A brandished flagspear as her weapon, traveling at high speed towards the enemy Servant. Her appearance would likely interrupt his chant. ]
Ah! The time for revenge has come!
[ Weapon in hand, she would close the gap between herself and Archer. Unlike the sloppy first encounter, her movements were precise, weaving through the space between them with finesse. The same wild expression was painted on her face she she brought the piercing strike towards his throat, while sweeping her own leg at his ankles.
If he avoids the trip attack and leaps backwards, he will find himself nicked by the tip of her spear. A deep laceration his payment; if he falls to the ground, she will stand over him and bring the weapon to rest at his neck in perceived checkmate, though unscathed by her. The choice was his. ]
no subject
[ He continues to admire the stained stones of the pavement. As before, black mud starts to bubble up from the inside of his body out. It coats the latest injury first to begin healing. His head turns slightly when Archer says that he's made a miscalculation. It is only a second later does he realize what he's miscalculated.
The distance that the two of them are at puts him at a disadvantage in two ways. The slow regeneration of his body isn't enough for him to start sprinting toward Archer to stop his chant. While he is able to throw his single Black Key, his current position does not lend for him to be able to throw it accurately. At best, it will be a poorly flung blade that won't interrupt Archer.
He takes two large steps back as he contemplates retreat even as he snaps the Black Key out in his hand. His arm pulling back just as Archer finishes as he thinks that maybe -- maybe -- he'll be able to land a hit before the final words. But it seems like he does not have to worry. The tension in his back fades as his Servant manifests herself, as she announces herself.
Ah, indeed, that was close. Truly a grave miscalculation on my part. ]
no subject
sadly, he doesn't. avenger spends no time hesitating before coming at him, and his body is hardly in good enough condition to engage her head on. all he can do is dodge back, even if he knows it won't be enough. the blade of her spear manages to scrape by the side of his neck, cutting deep enough he's forced to bring a hand up to his neck to quell the bleeding. ]
It looks like my time is up. [ he doesn't particularly bear avenger any ill will for this, even if her interruption is obviously a problem. she's merely doing what she must, following the commands of the person she's sworn loyalty. even kirei hadn't done anything particularly grievous - the fault for this failure lies squarely on his own shoulders.
he could still launch himself at kirei one last time, hoping that perhaps avenger won't bother to protect him in her fury. but even as the idea occurs to him, he recognizes how foolish it is - corrupted or not, that is still the hero of france. defending is in her nature.
he has no time for another pithy reply; no clever insult to throw before departing. instead he grasps at the magical energy he had collected for his noble phantasm, now simply lingering unused. it's enough to muster up a barrage of swords, which quickly hurtle at both jeanne and kirei. the projections are half finished and shoddy, destroyed at the slightest of contact-
but they serve fine as a distraction, enough for him to launch himself away into the night. ]
no subject
Serves you right, you know. If not because you picked a fight with Archer, but because you are God-fearing rubbish. You're lucky I can't finish you off right here.
[ She spoke menacingly as she approached him, halting just out of reach, best not to stand too close. In true petty fashion, she would then begin to circle him, while observing his condition and prattling on about how badly he fared in his dual with Archer. ]
Are you really that stupid? Do you wake up and go "hmm how do I breathe today?" thinking about everything you do? What sort of fever induced voice of the heavens told you that fighting a Servant was a good idea? Isn't that why you have me? Christ, I can't have you being an idiot and getting us killed you know.
[ Her words held anger with them as she concluded her pacing, and stood before him with her hands on her hips. ] Time to go.
no subject
His head tilts as he responds: ] Truly, you are my Servant. [ Turning his head carefully side-to-side, he slowly recovers from the damage Archer inflicted on his body. It will take a good hour before recovery is absolute. First, it stops the bleeding then works on everything else. He flicks his fingers again, flicking some stray droplets onto the pavement near some other stained stones. ]
Archer is the one who decided to target me, Jalter. However, he is Masterless and has been Masterless for a few days time if Rin's account is to be taken as truth. [ A smile. ] Rest assured, I have no intention of dying. [ He tries not to laugh. ] I am going to keep my promise to you in letting you drag me to Hell.
We shall return home, yes. [ Kirei wonders how much his Servant can sense, if she can tell that the black mud is coursing through his body and attempting to repair what Archer has destroyed. ] But... I am going to need to speak to Rin privately on this matter. Can I ask a favor of you, Avenger? As injured as Archer is, he is not a fool. He knows I will have to retreat and need only regain enough mana to fire at a distance.
[ He walks as an injured man, dragging one leg behind him. ] Would you stay outside of our house while I speak to Rin... and tell me if any Servant is approaching. I am entrusting my life... no, our lives to you. It's a dangerous thing to ask of you since you are at a disadvantage in a long-range fight. But I hope you will allow me this impertinent request.