middaeg | [closed] Freeze the arrow in the air

Word of advice, never lower your guard around her.

[ Like it wouldn't be obvious at first glance, but he buys himself some time with that light-hearted warning. Just enough to figure out how to answer what Archer just said. What is it, is it... worry? That's how concern looks like.

He doesn't want to see it so he sneaks out of the embrace, his smile fade but that could be easily missed as he turns to the view of the city below them. ]

I probably wouldn't invite here anyone on purpose, but if this world is looking for the strongest warriors, she is one of its best bet. You can't find a warrior just as unstoppable— [ True honest admiration right there. ] I would leave it at this normally, but I can see you want to know the answer to an unsaid part of the question.

[ If they talked about Bonding just a minute before, it would make no sense to start omitting information now. So yeah, great timing. He takes out a cigarette, still using the same box that signaled the official— truce? alliance? —so many moons ago. Along with smoke, he lets out a small, airy complaint. ]

Sheesh, you just had to choose a moment like this.

[It is concern. How can there be none when it's Caster's favourite weapon that took lives of those dearest to him. Archer understands duty, understands how bloody and merciless it is. He wishes to spare him the weight of one more life, perhaps the heaviest of all.

Archer rests warm hand on Caster's back. What he's able to do is to give him all that he needs.]

Are you going to fulfill her wish if she asks you to do it. [it's not really phrased as a question. There's no need to.]

[ Seems that Archer already knows the answer. ]

Of course, it would be an honor to— but does death in a place like this really count, or is it just a fantasy?

[ The wish for swift and beautiful death on the battlefield, can it be delivered here? Her mortality here is certain, and there is a battlefield, but— Are they truly gone from their Worlds, or just reflections, like in a mirror. Can anything that happens here affect the real world? ]

Although, there is someone else here that unlike me, does have the spear.

[ The other Cú Chulainn and seems she had her sights on him. Not a time to have an identity crisis, but it certainly means Caster has his work cut out for him before he can catch-up.

And yes, it's just like Caster, to casually talk about killing someone dear to him, but that's true— it's been a pattern. There is a reason why Gáe Bolg is called a cursed spear. Still, it's also an unmistakable part of the identity of a hero known as Cú Chulainn. Does it mean he would enjoy killing his mentor? That's a completely different matter. But in fulfilling wishes, you should put your own feelings aside. Maybe that's why he failed the first time it happened, maybe because he wasn't able to truly put his feelings aside... ]

Does it bother you? [ Different places, different times. ]

It does—

[Yet Archer isn't sure if he can explain why it does. Each time Cú Chulainn killed someone close to him it seems it's been killing him inside. Not being given time to mourn or to move on the hero's been pushed onto another battlefield. His way of ignoring the problems until they explode into his face has been proven ineffective. See the whole Medb fiasco.]

What bothers me is not that you consider it as your duty, or are willing to bloody your hands. [he clarifies after a moment, choosing his words carefully. Archer's hand is still resting on Caster's back firmly as he struggles with suitable phrasing.]

What does is how willing you are to do so even if it weights on you heavily afterwards. [there's ages old bitterness resurfacing that taints his voice.]

[ Duties, promises or just hand of fate, it all makes into those unavoidable moments. All those times to struggle without a way out, and also... a resignation attached to it. In the end every day must lose to night, he walked into this by his own choice. Even if the spear taking lives of his loved ones might be the closest to what is "regret"

But you know what he didn't sign himself for? For questions like this. It was supposed to be a merry night, enjoyment of festivities, of companionship and forging something delayed for too long. What is woven in the fabric of this place that makes people ask those question? First Berserker, now Archer...

In reality, those are some very good questions, but questions, he doesn't want to face and answer. It's way too late to complain about fate, that's hardly stylish. ]

Know what, Emiya? [ Another drag of the cigarette, but as he exhales the whisper at the end of his breath makes the smoke dance. The first sign of him starting to use wind magic ] Call it a hunch, but I'm almost certain you very well know the answer to that question.

[ 'That's where that bitterness in your voice is coming from'

So time to change the game. Is this how they are going to draw all the rules and boundaries in this Bond? What is allowed, what is not. Honesty would be a hard rule, and yet Archer tests it right from the start. Caster's not going to lie, but that doesn't mean he wants to delve deeper into matters raised. If they're going to prod the oldest, but still hurting wounds it should be mutual, that's for starters. Or—

Or he can take a few steps back and fall off the roof in a very cinematic fashion, with another spell on his lips. ]

[It's not a topic anyone wishes to talk about, not during the celebration. Not Caster, intent on ignoring the issue, at least for as long as it doesn't bite him in the ass. Archer is expecting avoidance, is prepared to deal with denial or flippancy. What he doesn't expect is this.

For a second breath catches in his throat. Archer knows that Caster's a witch, that he uses spells for the most mundane tasks. He knows that the reckless son of Erin isn't foolish enough to fall without some kind of a safeguard. But still—

He's not prepared either for the sudden spike of anger and protectiveness. How dare Cú Chulainn offer a Bond and then do something so foolish!

All takes no longer than a heartbeat, and then Archer leaps after his Witch, reaching out to catch him. The leap carries him, and additional ~~feather~~weight, to a lower roof that he uses as a spring board for another leap, and another, and another, each landing point taking them lower and lower until he lands on the ground. Several passerbyes cheer and applause with good-natured laugh.]

[ The plan was to land on the ground and then make a chase. Long enough to cool off the frustration that was there, laugh it off, and change the subject. Maybe go back to the original one, heck he could have even led them right under one of those places that were offering Bonding ceremonies right here right there.

But that was not given, he's caught in the flight. The spell focused mainly on him, doesn't lessen the impact when he's being held in the Dragon arms... for the second time this day. Another leap follows and the sudden reaction around confuses him— until he remembers what kind of festival it is, and how the hell their stunt looks like.

The stormy expression on Archer's face is the only thing that disrupts this impression. Caster suddenly laughs and throws his arms around his neck and pulls him down into a kiss.

Sure, part of it is simply - losing their cool and starting to yell at each other, when they got an audience... probably not the best idea. But that's a smaller part, the bigger part is that this combination — adrenaline coursing through veins from the flight, closeness, and warmth of another body, the atmosphere of the festival — it all just made him feel like doing this. ]

[Damn you, Caster.

It's the unpredictable happening again. Archer doesn't expect laugh or the kiss, it takes him by surprise. He growls low in his throat and kisses back with force. It's no less desperate than their previous kiss, with additional anger making it rough. He keeps kissing Caster util he finally has to catch his breath.]

You fool. [is the only thing he can say.]

[ Anger counts as passion, doesn't it? And getting anything so passionate out of this bowman should count as a victory. Even if the victory is marked by clanking teeth, bitten lip and eventual shortness of breath caused by the bruising kiss. He might be panting a little once they part.

The goal was reached, the topic changed, and as such Caster felt as if most of the energy was sapped out of him. Enough so that he didn't even attempt to free himself and fight to be let down onto the ground. Quite opposite even. ]

Wanna do it now? Or should we set up a date later? [ The Bonding is what he means. ]

[It's just as good that he does, because Archer isn't too willing to release him immediately. Now that blood isn't roaring loudly in his ears he can consider Caster's proposition.]

Now.

[It's better if neither of them has a chance to think or ask unnecessary questions.]

[ Caster didn't expect to get scot-free for his stunt, but then it might be too soon to think that he did. ]

The whole city is one big Bonding ceremony, we shall easily find someone who can lead it. [ There are even Coven stands for those who want to celebrate with the crowd, but good old Coven building is there for those preferring more private ceremony.

Going back to the Coven would buy them a bit of time, for the vows. Right, there are vows. ]

[Good, because Archer isn't going to forget it. It has to wait until they're somewhere no one can overhear. As he decides to stand up he hoists Caster up, the additional weight not bothering him much. He's quite unwilling to let him go.]

Did you think about the vows?

[It makes him uneasy to omit the truth about himself, the knowledge how much he differs from a Heroic Spirit. It makes him uneasy for too many reasons that have nothing to do with honesty. If he's choosing to be bound using his True Name, the last thing tying him to the past that he didn't discard, he ought to say it.]

[ Chances to get back onto the ground just got lowered. Ha, ha, lowered, get the pun? ~~Stop~~ ]

Who do you take me for? I wouldn't offer if I didn't think about it seriously.

[ Some might compare Bonds to marriages and the like, but it's also close to an oath, a different kind of connection. Not strictly romantic, an alliance beneficient to both sides. ~~Though the marriage comparison is still the strongest, given they are also celebrated during this holiday~~

Alright they move best the original crowd, left to the dancing party, right to the stalls with food and one thing has not changed— ]

Are you planning to carry me all the way?

[Archer gives him a very pointed look.]

You did jump off the building on me.

[Yes, he can be just as petty as his partner in the wrong moment.

A Bond is very much like an oath, a serious commitment that he doesn't think himself worthy of. To know Caster does makes him feel touched, and at the same time makes him wonder what may go wrong.]

[ Ah, busted. ]

That I did!

[ And now he is paying the price. Being paraded in these wild clothing, in arms of a man turning into a dragon? That's so ridiculous he can't help but laugh. They both look good, what is there to hide? ]

Didn't expect you to jump right after me—

[ Caster stifles his laugh here. His expression softening. ]

Guess it proves I made a good choice. [ It never was meant as a test or any of that sort, he just wanted to change the subject. Just this, only that much. But he'd be a fool if he didn't notice that moment and what it meant. ]

[Archer just shakes his head in exasperation. Honestly he's surprised he's willing to put up with Caster's stunts. At the same time he's fond of mage more than he should.

For now he settles on wandering aimlessly through the crowd, on the pretense to look for someone to officially Bond them.]

How much do you know about Guardians?

[ Caster looks up to him curiously. It's obvious Archer doesn't talk about the most obvious meaning of the word. There are several options, one more obvious than others ]

Those drafted by the Counter Force? [ Does that concept even apply here? ]

[It feels odd to talk about his own foolish decision, but it's something Archer doesn't want to hide. If Caster decides to not want to Bond with him afterwards it's understandable.]

Yes, the Counter Guardians. [his lips press into thin line, and he refuses to look at his companion. Talking isn't easy as he struggles to find the right words, bitterness audible in his voice.] They're not Heroic Spirits, neither have the freedom of refusing the summon.

[ There it goes, Archer's staring into the distance, and he finds himself staring up at him, which is... odd as it is, but not in bad way. He's so serious, so focused on this—

Caster can't help but poke him in the cheek ]

Those who were not observed and remembered for their deeds— [ Or stories of them didn't make it into legends - the eternal question who really existed and who didn't and does it really matter? No, no it doesn't] —but instead made a pact with the World.

[ To create a miracle, wasn't it? And aren't they more of a sub-type of Heroic Spirit? Archer hasn't finished so he can leave the questions for later ]

[It's odd but Caster's presence and lack of sense of personal space helps to keep him grounded and focused on here and now instead of getting lost in memories. Archer frowns, his expression closed but bitterness still seeping into his voice.]

Such a glorified name for the ones who are mere cleaners of the messes that humanity makes. [lips curling into a bitter, sarcastic smirk.] Only the World is able to bypass all the limits of a summon, therefore whenever it calls the Counter Force it summons their Spirit Origins.

[Archer has no idea if such knowledge is shared through the Throne of Heroes, or is it simply pieced together from bits of information. It's no surprise that Alaya prefers it this way, allowing only vague knowledge to exist. After all, guardians and heroes do not coegsist in the same place. He may be the only guardian ever summoned to Grail War because of his personal history.]

[ You will never have personal space again if that Bonding goes through, that's a sad (?) reality. ]

So you wanna come clean— since it's clear you already know about me a lot— Put us on even ground? [ That's surprisingly fair on Archer's side, but also reinforcing Caster's view that he didn't made a wrong choice. The very obvious bitterness on Archer's side is not as easily understood. ] What pushed you to take this path?

[ A chance to understand each other better. ]

[That's something Archer isn't going to regret, even if he may grumble a bit.]

It's what I am. [he sighs, his rigid posture relaxing the tiniest bit.] I wanted to save people. To make sure no one will have to survive through a similar loss as I did. Saving others like my old man saved me.

[In truth the man who became Archer has never lived for himself, instead carrying the weight of all the lives lost in a fateful fire. Taking upon himself the ideal passed by the man who saved him and following it to the bitter end.]

It turned out that to save humanity I have to destroy the timelines that went wrong by eliminating everyone in the place I'm sent to.

To save someone it means forfeiting another. Makes sense it escalates with scope. [ From a simple "it's impossible to console two people in two different places simultaneously" to "saving humanity, means destroying all those that threaten it" ]

That explains why no one seems to know much about you. [ Counter Guardians lack the legendary aspect of the other Heroic Spirits. ] Did you do all of this to make your old man proud?

[ But here is the puzzle. ]

I decided to follow his ideals and become someone who saves people. Should have known better. I was a kid then, but it's no excuse.

[a beat.]

He died next day.

[If his old man lived a bit longer, if he wasn't such a fool, if— so many choices gone wrong and he's left with eternity of bloodshed and breaking his ideal until nothing was left. No sane man could endure it without breaking.]

I followed his ideal. Sold my soul to save lives, hoping for a miracle. It was a foolish hope. To save one life you have to sacrifice another, but I realized it all to late.

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time to pop that disengage C

too bad that Archer ignores the class disadvantage as much as skills

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