[ Ai turns in her chair to watch him – then straightens, flat backed against it. All this talk of magecraft and casting spells has her head in a tizzy all over again. It's not like she ever forgets what a bizarre world she's found herself stumbling into (how could she when... well, just look at Oberon) but it strikes her more strongly now than it usually does that yes, this is all real and she's not just a kid playing around or going through some sort of chuunibyou phase.
Of course, she notes wryly to herself, the kids going through a chuunibyou phase usually think the exact same thing. ]
Mhmm. I figured if it was with all of this magic talk then it wasn't just your average game of chess.
[ She folds her arms across her chest and slumps back down in her chair a little. ]
It looks like it already expects me to know what the rules are, though.
Of course it does. Any mage who's learned their ABCs would know that much. [ it'd sound condescending if it weren't for the way he opens his eyes, the way he actually looks at her as he speaks. ] The fact that you got this far without any training... You're a prodigy, Ai.
[ it'd be so simple to believe his honeyed words, his gentle smile. ]
As for the rules... Where to start? Let's begin with this: you aren't the only one fighting for your wish. There are seven masters and seven servants, and all of them will be vying for a chance at happiness.
[ A prodigy, huh? It's not much different from being called a genius idol in however many online articles it's been now but even if she gets the feeling he's just being kind about it... it's not like it's bad to be praised for her efforts.
She slumps back in her seat a little with a sigh. ]
So... six others, apart from me and you. I guess it makes sense it wouldn't be as easy as just one person getting whatever they want.
[ Though the idea that there are six other Servants like Oberon out there is a little hard to get her head around. One existence like this is unbelievable enough - seven is something else altogether. ]
So if it's a game with other players, that means there are going to be winners and losers. Right?
That's right. In the end, only one pair can have their wish granted.
[ he looks down to her, an odd shadow crossing his gaze. after a moment, he sighs. ]
...I won't beat around the bush, Ai. The people you're fighting will be Mages without fear or remorse. They'll be willing to go to any length to reach their wish. If they find you, they will strike to kill. [ there - that odd look in his eyes, again. ] Knowing that, can you still fight for your own happiness?
[ Her skin prickles. The hairs on the back of her neck do as well and she thinks - oh, right. No matter how long it's been since you were last in that kind of danger, you don't ever forget something that was beaten into you. Ai might not be all that smart or perceptive but if she knows anything better than other people, it's when something is about to hurt.
She turns her gaze away from him so she can turn it over in her head. She doesn't think she's ever really been afraid for her life - she's been scared of pain, of being hungry, cold, lonely, but she was so young back then she barely understood the idea of dying - not enough to be afraid of it.
Even now, she can't write wrap her head around it. She's never imagined enough of a future for herself past B-Komachi's expiry date to be afraid of losing it.
Could she really do that? Fight back against someone who wants to hurt or even kill her? She couldn't do it back then, but now...
She looks up at him again. She's not on her own this time, even if the idea of making anyone else fight her own battles makes her feel a little strange and weak. But she certainly can't just let someone hurt her without even trying to survive. Can she?
Her expression turns into a troubled, apologetic smile. ]
[ of course not. it's exactly what he expected. it's not a surprise in the least. and yet it still feels like boiling acid in his throat, reminds him of one of his two errands tonight - one of the two important visits he has to make before the morning.
he sighs, shaking his head and smiling once more. ]
You're a kind person, aren't you, Ai? Well, hopefully, you won't have to do any of that! I told you already, didn't I? I'm not going to be much help when it comes to combat. If anything, our best option is going to be to keep our heads low and avoid sticking our fingers in any other pies.
[ it'll be fine. he just needs her to keep her head down. he just needs the two of them to not be discovered yet.
[ Is she kind? She supposes keeping her head down and not picking any fights is the path of least resistance but she doesn't know if she can put that hesitation down to kindness. To her, it seems more like cowardice.
Maybe when it comes to mages, there's not all that much difference. ]
I'll do what I can. But I probably don't need to tell you I'm pretty good at attracting attention even when I don't try.
[ Her grin turns a little cheeky, the prideful look of a girl whose ego has been steadily fed by the devotion of dedicated fans. Probably. ]
But even if they know I exist... so long as they don't know that I'm a Master or that you're here with me, then will things work out?
with such duties, what else could kindness be but cowardice? ]
That's true. You really are dazzling, aren't you? As dazzling as any faerie. [ he bows to her, gentle and dignified. ] But maybe that's what makes you safest. No Mage would ever draw attention to themselves like that. They wouldn't even show themselves in public, especially with something as important as this ritual looming over their head.
Dazzling, huh? [ Her grin turns sheepish – maybe even a little modest. ] Well, I am an idol. That'swhatI'mgoodat. But I'll do what I can to make sure I'm not getting the wrong sort of attention.
[ Really, it can't be that much harder than staying squeaky clean as an idol, can it? Maybe things will work out.
... Even she knows that's probably a lie. ]
So the best thing for us to do is wait things out, it sounds like... [ She huffs a laugh, shaky and a little nervous. ] Put it that way and we're barely even playing the game at all.
[ his lips turn up into a smile at that acknowledgment. ]
Oh, don't be so modest. You summoned me, didn't you? If you ask me, being an idol's not even halfway up the list of all the things you could do. Though I do understand the appeal, of course...
[ he reaches out - hesitates - and lays a hand on her shoulder. (and if she understands all too well how even those kind of gestures can be calculated, how a little pause can make someone more comfortable, what little lies can be worked into such routine actions, surely she's just projecting, right?) ]
Maybe so. But you don't have to think of it that way, alright? Think of it like... A game of chess, maybe? Or, no, an idol performance! Sometimes, you have to let the other dancers perform so you can shine even brighter than them. Isn't that right, Ai?
[ It's funny. Ai doesn't usually like to be touched, if she can help it – not while she's on the job, at least, and there isn't really anyone else around to bother reaching out to her when she isn't being Ai of B-Komachi. When Oberon does it, she finds that she doesn't really mind. Even when his touches are polite, careful and just distant enough to never stray into being too much, she feels like the lingering warmth of his hand stays on her skin long after he's gone.
That's probably a little sad, isn't it? Is she really that lonely that the only person who's here to hold her is someone who doesn't have any choice but to try and make her happy? ]
Mm. Hogging the stage isn't really the done thing. [ Her picture perfect smile hasn't budged an inch. ] I guess I could back off and let somebody else enjoy the spotlight for a little bit. If it means getting my wish... I don't mind being patient.
Attagirl! [ it's a shockingly casual thing that slips out of his mouth - and he chuckles after. ] Ah, forgive me. The Faerie King shouldn't be speaking with that level of formality, should he? Keep that little indiscretion between us, if you would.
[ he squeezes her shoulder reassuringly. just a gesture between coworkers. just a little acknowledgment of her talent. nothing more. ]
[ Oh – she'd gotten so used to him talking like some pretty storybook thing that hearing that come out of him startles a little laugh out of Ai as well. She half covers her mouth like she wants to try and push it back in – an unrehearsed laugh is never as pretty as one she's practiced – but it's put a bit of a sparkle back into her eyes that had dimmed just a little bit. ]
Heehee, is hanging around with us humans rubbing off on you a little too much? That'll be our secret.
[ Her smile flags, just a little, as she looks at him. The atmosphere of the room had turned warm but like ice sliding down her spine, so too do his words: If they find you, they will strike to kill. Knowing that, can you still fight for your own happiness?
Can she?
Is that something she's even allowed to do? ]
... hey, Oberon. If something goes wrong and one of them does find me... Wouldyoubeabletokeepmesafe?
[ it'd be so easy to promise it. all he has to do is say yes, of course, he could keep her safe without any problems. he's a fairy, after all, isn't he? he'll make her wishes come true, pinky promise!
but he doesn't say a word. a second passes, then another. and finally, after three whole seconds of silence pass, he speaks - pausing, thinking each word over carefully. ]
...I'm not very strong. When it comes down to it, to be frank, I'm utterly pathetic next to some of the people we'll be seeing. [ he draws his hand back; it tightens at his side, balls into a fist. ] And... More importantly, I'm not the sort of man who makes promises he might break. The very idea of that is disgusting to me.
[ a sigh. ]
So I won't make that promise. But I will say - for what little a weakling's reassurance is worth - that I'll do everything in my power to keep you from harm.
[ She wonders what kind of magic - or violence - these other Servants are capable of for someone like Oberon to hesitate so obviously at the thought of fighting them. She's already seen him do impossible things however many times over just in the few days since he's been here... So what could be so incredibly threatening to born of them that ducking and hiding and hoping for the best is the preferable option?
All this danger, just because she was fool enough to want somebody to grant her wish. Again, she feels ice licking down her spine.
By contrast, her smile is bright as summer sunshine. ]
That's all I could ever ask. I told you, didn't I? I'dratherbeyourfriendthanyourMaster. I can't ask you to put yourself right in harm's way just for me. So, I'll do what I can to make sure neither of us ends up in danger.
[ there's an instant of pause, a moment of silence-
and he smiles again, the cheery fairy king once more. a perfect smile ai should know all too well. ]
You really are the kindest Master I could have asked for, aren't you, Ai? So... Thank you. Thank you for being you, and for understanding so easily. I really, really mean that.
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no subject
Of course, she notes wryly to herself, the kids going through a chuunibyou phase usually think the exact same thing. ]
Mhmm. I figured if it was with all of this magic talk then it wasn't just your average game of chess.
[ She folds her arms across her chest and slumps back down in her chair a little. ]
It looks like it already expects me to know what the rules are, though.
i owe you my life
[ it'd be so simple to believe his honeyed words, his gentle smile. ]
As for the rules... Where to start? Let's begin with this: you aren't the only one fighting for your wish. There are seven masters and seven servants, and all of them will be vying for a chance at happiness.
no subject
She slumps back in her seat a little with a sigh. ]
So... six others, apart from me and you. I guess it makes sense it wouldn't be as easy as just one person getting whatever they want.
[ Though the idea that there are six other Servants like Oberon out there is a little hard to get her head around. One existence like this is unbelievable enough - seven is something else altogether. ]
So if it's a game with other players, that means there are going to be winners and losers. Right?
no subject
[ he looks down to her, an odd shadow crossing his gaze. after a moment, he sighs. ]
...I won't beat around the bush, Ai. The people you're fighting will be Mages without fear or remorse. They'll be willing to go to any length to reach their wish. If they find you, they will strike to kill. [ there - that odd look in his eyes, again. ] Knowing that, can you still fight for your own happiness?
no subject
She turns her gaze away from him so she can turn it over in her head. She doesn't think she's ever really been afraid for her life - she's been scared of pain, of being hungry, cold, lonely, but she was so young back then she barely understood the idea of dying - not enough to be afraid of it.
Even now, she can't write wrap her head around it. She's never imagined enough of a future for herself past B-Komachi's expiry date to be afraid of losing it.
Could she really do that? Fight back against someone who wants to hurt or even kill her? She couldn't do it back then, but now...
She looks up at him again. She's not on her own this time, even if the idea of making anyone else fight her own battles makes her feel a little strange and weak. But she certainly can't just let someone hurt her without even trying to survive. Can she?
Her expression turns into a troubled, apologetic smile. ]
... I'm not sure. If someone actually attacked us, I'd like to think I'd fight back. But I don't know if I can get my head around hurting someone.
no subject
he sighs, shaking his head and smiling once more. ]
You're a kind person, aren't you, Ai? Well, hopefully, you won't have to do any of that! I told you already, didn't I? I'm not going to be much help when it comes to combat. If anything, our best option is going to be to keep our heads low and avoid sticking our fingers in any other pies.
[ it'll be fine. he just needs her to keep her head down. he just needs the two of them to not be discovered yet.
he can take care of the rest. ]
no subject
Maybe when it comes to mages, there's not all that much difference. ]
I'll do what I can. But I probably don't need to tell you I'm pretty good at attracting attention even when I don't try.
[ Her grin turns a little cheeky, the prideful look of a girl whose ego has been steadily fed by the devotion of dedicated fans. Probably. ]
But even if they know I exist... so long as they don't know that I'm a Master or that you're here with me, then will things work out?
no subject
That's true. You really are dazzling, aren't you? As dazzling as any faerie. [ he bows to her, gentle and dignified. ] But maybe that's what makes you safest. No Mage would ever draw attention to themselves like that. They wouldn't even show themselves in public, especially with something as important as this ritual looming over their head.
no subject
[ Really, it can't be that much harder than staying squeaky clean as an idol, can it? Maybe things will work out.
... Even she knows that's probably a lie. ]
So the best thing for us to do is wait things out, it sounds like... [ She huffs a laugh, shaky and a little nervous. ] Put it that way and we're barely even playing the game at all.
no subject
Oh, don't be so modest. You summoned me, didn't you? If you ask me, being an idol's not even halfway up the list of all the things you could do. Though I do understand the appeal, of course...
[ he reaches out - hesitates - and lays a hand on her shoulder. (and if she understands all too well how even those kind of gestures can be calculated, how a little pause can make someone more comfortable, what little lies can be worked into such routine actions, surely she's just projecting, right?) ]
Maybe so. But you don't have to think of it that way, alright? Think of it like... A game of chess, maybe? Or, no, an idol performance! Sometimes, you have to let the other dancers perform so you can shine even brighter than them. Isn't that right, Ai?
no subject
That's probably a little sad, isn't it? Is she really that lonely that the only person who's here to hold her is someone who doesn't have any choice but to try and make her happy? ]
Mm. Hogging the stage isn't really the done thing. [ Her picture perfect smile hasn't budged an inch. ] I guess I could back off and let somebody else enjoy the spotlight for a little bit. If it means getting my wish... I don't mind being patient.
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[ he squeezes her shoulder reassuringly. just a gesture between coworkers. just a little acknowledgment of her talent. nothing more. ]
no subject
Heehee, is hanging around with us humans rubbing off on you a little too much? That'll be our secret.
[ Her smile flags, just a little, as she looks at him. The atmosphere of the room had turned warm but like ice sliding down her spine, so too do his words: If they find you, they will strike to kill. Knowing that, can you still fight for your own happiness?
Can she?
Is that something she's even allowed to do? ]
... hey, Oberon. If something goes wrong and one of them does find me... Would you be able to keep me safe?
no subject
but he doesn't say a word. a second passes, then another. and finally, after three whole seconds of silence pass, he speaks - pausing, thinking each word over carefully. ]
...I'm not very strong. When it comes down to it, to be frank, I'm utterly pathetic next to some of the people we'll be seeing. [ he draws his hand back; it tightens at his side, balls into a fist. ] And... More importantly, I'm not the sort of man who makes promises he might break. The very idea of that is disgusting to me.
[ a sigh. ]
So I won't make that promise. But I will say - for what little a weakling's reassurance is worth - that I'll do everything in my power to keep you from harm.
no subject
All this danger, just because she was fool enough to want somebody to grant her wish. Again, she feels ice licking down her spine.
By contrast, her smile is bright as summer sunshine. ]
That's all I could ever ask. I told you, didn't I? I'd rather be your friend than your Master. I can't ask you to put yourself right in harm's way just for me. So, I'll do what I can to make sure neither of us ends up in danger.
no subject
and he smiles again, the cheery fairy king once more. a perfect smile ai should know all too well. ]
You really are the kindest Master I could have asked for, aren't you, Ai? So... Thank you. Thank you for being you, and for understanding so easily. I really, really mean that.