pawnstorm | [ o p e n ] The Comrade's Song

Who: One and You, possibly you, and maybe you.
When: Throughout June
Where: Caissa, Hall of Glory, Lasker (Laced & Loaded).
What: One is going to get out and do... stuff. Also shopping.
Rating: None yet.

I – Have a Drink Part I

[ On this day, the faces of the people of Caissa were filled with a genuine hope. Joy. It reminded One of the humble people of the Land of Mountains, Sands, Seas, Forests, and Cathedral City once they had been liberated from the cruel Lords. Although the joy these people were experiencing had little to do with war, and more to do with a festival that they adored.

As crimson eyes took in each face of the citizens of the capital, she could clearly see that no smile was false, could hear that no laugh was strained. The short knight felt a tinge of relief among the familiar fanfare from the people.

It was just like that day on the first of 999 A.D., the people of Cathedral City had come from all over the city to set eyes upon her. They offered their praises, their hopes for the new year. They had been celebrating their liberation. They had long prayed for that moment when they needn't sacrifice their children or livelihoods to please the evil Lords of the Lands. And One had wanted to enjoy that day, too, but she could not. She had struggled to keep herself from showing any weakness before her people. She had fought to keep herself from falling off of her horse, closing her eyes tight and covering her ears. The sounds of their voices, their laughter, the scent of their beings... it had all been so much. Each of her senses had screamed out for mercy...

But One could not linger in her reverie for long. Cool water struck her cheek, the sting lingering just a moment. The young woman brought a hand to her cheek, rubbing the slightly reddened flesh. The Intoner looked around for the source of the shot, watching as a child retreated down an alley to join a group of young ones who probably sought to target as many heroes as possible. ]

II – Have a Drink Part II

[ It felt as though the festivities might go on forever, and as much as the people might wish for the Intoner to remain, One had had her fill of being constantly soaked. She made her way to the market. Stalls littered the streets, vendors calling out. Even this was familiar to her, like a repeat of when she had first arrived some time ago, but this time she needn't worry about a surprise attack from Noir. How long had it been since then? A few months, hadn't it?

One was surprised she couldn't recall the exact day. It was a startling revelation for her, considering how she had sought to keep note of everything in her journal as of late. But perhaps it shouldn't have been so surprising. Days sometimes blurred together, even here, and she wasn't waiting on some Day of Promise this time. She had long since given up waiting for an appearance from her sisters or Zero – and that may have been for the best. Keeping track of Two, Three, Four, and Five on top of everything going on within this world would have given her almost no time for herself. And if Zero were to appear...

Beside her, her carrier stirred, claws clicking across the cobblestones. It's large tail swayed from side to side, ever careful not to strike someone. It looked up at One now and again, letting out a rumble or slight cry to get her attention. It was hungry... again. ]

III – Have a Drink Part III

[ When was the last time she had sung? When was the last time she had managed to sing without enthralling all who had heard each note? Never. She had never been able to sing without the Flower influencing each note, each word or phrase. It was the curse of an Intoner, of any who had been created by the parasite. And yet as she stood before the growing crowd, her hands resting upon her chest, she didn't have to worry about the Flower.

The words manifested within her mind without any prompting. They had always been with her. They spilled forth without risk of summoning her deamon, Gabriel. One waited until the crowd had grown quiet, her hands moving from their original position. Her slender arms rose above her head, fingers outstretched, something within her awakening with the movements. The sound of her voice echoed, the words sung in the language of the Flower, of the angels that she and her sisters had once called upon. ]

Memai tojikome toki okoeyuku.
Uso o nuruyuku koiku uragiri.
A ga, chi ga, shi ga, ki ga,
Inochi ga utashi no.
Ri ga, ku ga, yo ga, me ga,
Ano imi itsuka wa.

[ With each line, the blonde moved with a supernatural grace, each movement causing little hindrance to her voice, even when she found herself bending from side to side. The words held more sway on her than anyone who was listening... for that, One was grateful. She knew the power of her song. She knew what the song of any Intoner had done to those who listened. ]

IV – In The Library

[ The white dragon lay atop one of the many stacks of books upon the table, it's wings spread over the stacks beside it. The carrier yawned, blue tongue lulling out of its mouth. How many hours had it spent here? Almost half the day.

One glanced to her carrier, crimson eyes meeting golden for just a moment. She sighed softly, turning another page in the old book. Just a herbology book this time, for mere study. Nothing more, nothing less. After the previous dungeon, One realized that there was much she was missing. She needed to brush up on her alchemy, for starters, but starting small like this was a good idea. ]

A little longer, Dragon.

[ Her voice was soft, just above a whisper. She shifted in her seat, settling back into place. The dragon whined, lifting its head off of the stack of books. ]

V – Drag-On Dragoon Courtyard Edition

[ The sun had only just rose in the sky, coloring the world in rose gold hues. The warmth of the day had only just begun to ease through the pleasantly chill morning air. Aside from chirping birds and crickets, the usual music of the morning, the beat of a dragon's wings managed to fill in any gaps of silence. One and her carrier were up early as per usual, focused on One's training regime.

The dragon's wings beat in time with One's steps as she ran the length of the courtyard. It wasn't that she was doing this because she was in trouble, it was just that she sought to stay in shape. Knights were stronger than some of the other ranks by default, but that didn't mean they ought to slack off on any training. She had a pattern she followed, strength training on top of running exercises and then weapon practice. These exercises took up most of her morning, and would be repeated during the evening. In the mean time she would head to the library to continue her research. ]

One more lap, and then you can rest. [ One called out to her carrier. It still gave her some pause, her carrier looking so close to Zero's. The irony concerning it's species hadn't been lost on her either. ] Surely you can keep up.

VI – Dressed-Up Miss Fox

[ Fingers carefully tugged on the bowknot at the collar of her frilled white shirt. Really, she was surprised to find that she enjoyed the Gothic Lolita outfit that had been picked out for her by a member of the staff at Laced & Loaded. The blonde took a deep breath, hands gliding over the soft cotton and settling over the high-waist skirt. She had never worn such clothing before, it was closer to what Four had worn... well, somewhat. One turned from side to side, the ruffled skirt swaying with each movement. She hadn't yet grown accustomed to the petticoats, but she had been informed that she would over time.

It was such a change from her uniform and the woolen clothing she had worn back home. ]

Perhaps I should pass on this one. [ But she aught to give it a chance. ] Unless... well, what do you think?

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[She's entered once or twice, but most of the time she wondered if she should get anything. Vietnam may have her eye on a few items, but perhaps she needs to think about this a bit more.

Meanwhile, seeing this fellow hero dressed up, it suited her!]

You do look very nice. Is it comfortable?

[Today's certainly been... wet - One isn't alone in getting drenched today some way or another, but seeing it happen to a girl so unsuspecting... ohhh Arashi can't just walk past her like nothing happened.]

Such a troublesome place to aim! I'd like this game more if it had a rule for saving faces...

[All the more so since she seemed relatively dry just before. In fact, Arashi looks still-untouched despite expressing grievance, but there's no way the umbrella's got anything to do with it... that's for shade.]

[ Where did Kojirou come from? Who knows. Presence Concealment. But he's right there now, a cup of tea in hand, seated comfortably on a corner, quiet and totally muted in his presence until he speaks up. ]

It's a captivating song and dance. There aren't many people who have such a command of rhythm and their own bodies.

[ Except like... Mozart. ]

[ She had to give the question some thought, briefly raising her hands to smooth out the ruffles of her shirt. The white cotton was soft, light. She wouldn't exactly be sweating to death in this outfit, considering the rising temperatures that Summer brought. And the knee length skirt didn't exactly hinder her at all. ]

It is different from what I'm used to. [ But that didn't exactly answer the question, did it? ] However, it is... fairly comfortable. I'm sure with more wear the petticoats won't bother me.

[ She turned to face the other woman, resting her hands at her middle. ]

Are you going to try something on as well?

[Wearing something different is normal! Everything in here is also unusual to her, but they do feel quite nice. So Vietnam brightens up knowing that One seems to like the feel of what she's wearing.]

If it is comfortable and easy to move in, then it will be okay. That is what is important, no?

[She looks around, before gesturing towards some shirts and pants she saw before. There was a dress as well.] I was thinking of a few things over there, having taken a quick look the last time I was here. I really should, to know how comfortable they are.

[ Henry pushes through the crowd, having only strayed out once or twice out of the safe zone. He didn't do very well with the feeling of being soaked, thus he retreated after fulfilling his duty of entertaining some children who had called out to him.

For now, he had been intent on sitting down somewhere to people-watch, but One's hair and figure stood out to him. ]

Lady One! Hello.

[ He's happy, having recovered from going berserk in the dungeon. There's a slight tension to his posture, though - in such a crowded place, he's had to put in more effort to assert his mental dominance. Just in case. ]

Yes, comfort is quite important. Some of the dresses were a little too... [ She paused to think a moment, to better craft her words. Sure, she wasn't terribly sensitive in this world, but some things remained. ] Tight or made of an unpleasing material.

[ She stepped toward the dressing room she had abandoned not to long ago, thinking to switch back into her uniform. Although the option to simply remain in what she was wearing did cross her mind. She would simply pay for it at the front when she was ready to go. But... if she were to try on other clothes, it might be best to simply return to what she was comfortable with. ]

If you give me a moment to change back, I can help you find something suitable?

I believe children should be told to aim carefully, so as to avoid harming someone.

[ She gingerly wiped off the remaining droplets of water upon her skin. She turned to face the other hero, giving them a brief nod. She raised a brow at the sight of the umbrella, curious if it was meant to deflect any blasts from the water guns. ]

Protecting yourself?

Ah, Assassin, a pleasant surprise.

[ One tipped her head in greeting. She was actually a little surprised by his appearance. She hadn't sensed him coming near. ]

Thank you, I am glad you enjoyed the performance. However, I hardly deserve such a compliment. [ Ever the humble goddess. ] It was only a small portion of a far more enchanting performance that requires my sisters.

[ Assassin returned the nod. It's nice to have his sudden appearances actually be appreciated, and not "get out of my way Assassin I'm here to kill Caster" or whatever it was whenever people climbed those steps. ]

I can hardly imagine what that must be like, but I believe I have a good eye for people and their skills. Even alone, you stand out like a rose against a dreary sky.

[ So humble, but that's just going to make him heap on more praise. ]

Oh, yes most definitely! [Vietnam can tolerate some tightness, but only if the material is comfortable. Unfortunately, it looks like--] Some of these dresses take on appearance rather than comfort. I can think of better fabric they could've used, but alas.

[It is a good plan, and one Vietnam doesn't mind at all, since she's a patient person!]

If it is no trouble! Please, take your time, I'd appreciate it either way.

[Noticing that, she only gets a shrug.] Hmm... maybe against geysers!

[Confident in whatever's helping to keep dry, Arashi raises a hand to call out to the alley.] Hey, are you listening back there~? Don't make your big sisters scold you! ♪

[That brings out the sort of giggling bound to lead to mischief, and sure enough new spray of water's shot their way a moment later - noticeably aimed lower than anyone's face.] Well, that's more like it! ☆

[Arashi's laughing too, quick to switch places with One so she could avoid getting splashed again so soon, taking one for the team with a little oof before looking back to her again.]

You either stick to the markets or play along! [Throwing out a hand, water rises to swirl around it from the soaked ground and even Arashi's own clothes, forming a ball of it to toss right back.] It'll be a while before everything's dry for good!

[ One hesitated a moment, lingering just outside of the dressing room. Perhaps she should continue the conversation, linger a little more in the clothing she might purchase. But she was not one for idle chatter, or prolonging the inevitable - in this case simply changing her clothing. But One continued on, and in as little time as possible, she changed her attire to the uniform that they had all been given.

With as much care as possible, One returned the shirt and skirt to their rightful hangers, and draped them over her arm. Once she was done, she looked herself over in the mirror, straightening out her attire. All in all, One was satisfied with her appearance, she left the dressing room to rejoin her fellow hero. ]

I apologize if you had to wait long. [ She inclined her head just slightly to the left. ] Do you have an idea of where you want to start?

[ o p e n ] The Comrade's Song

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