crescentview | ( OPEN ) blink twice if you need help

( OPEN ) blink twice if you need help

WHO: uta and whoever
WHAT: bingo effects & catch-all for dec
WHEN: 12/10 - 12/12 (for catte), 12/13 - 12/16 for the rest
WHERE: wherever most (in)convenient
WARNINGS: there shouldn't be any??

ᴍᴇᴏᴡᴍɪx ᴄᴏᴍᴍᴇʀɪᴄᴀʟ sᴏɴɢ ɪɴᴛᴇɴsɪғɪᴇs.

[ where are you right now? are you simply wandering around the island in no particular place? well, for those near the beach you can find a small calico cat who seems rather skittish and may be running away from a dog. fortunately, the dog doesn't seem to be chasing after the cat with any bloodlust but more like following her around? what is happening here?

or maybe you are having a meal when this small calico walks up to you and meows exactly once before sitting politely at your feet. or maybe you're just somewhere on the island in general when you stumble upon her. ]

ᴛɪᴍᴇ ʜᴀɴɢs ᴏɴ ʜᴇᴀᴠʏ ʜᴀɴᴅs.

[ because i refuse to believe that there is not a single bench on this entire island, uta will be outside sitting on one of them while flipping through a book with a title that seems... questionable or exciting depending on your taste in reading material. for uta, however, she'll questioning the novel she received with the proud title of My Boyfriend Is The One Except He’s A Lizard And Father Doesn’t Approve on its cover and spine. can't forget what you're reading, after all.

why is she reading this book outside where god and everyone can see her questionable taste? simple. if she must suffer, she will not go down alone—would be the answer if she was petty. the truth is that she's hoping to pawn it off to someone (anyone) else who finds the faintest interest in it. ]

ɪ'ᴠᴇ ɢᴏᴛ ᴀ sᴇᴄʀᴇᴛ ɪ ᴄᴀɴ'ᴛ ᴛᴇʟʟ ʏᴏᴜ.

[ since it has been a bit since they've all arrived, uta will be checking out the boutique's offerings to see if she can't find something to change up her wardrobe. farmcore has never been her thing, but wearing an all-white dress with a short skirt is definitely not practical. that said, she will be posing in front of a mirror in some new clothes which still aren't great for farming before going to change into something else that is a lot more reasonable.

perhaps it's interesting that regardless whatever she is trying on, she'll have a particular straw hat on her head in exchange for the headphones. ]

ʙ-ɪ-ɴ-ɢ-ᴏ!

[ if you'd like pick a square from her card here and we can go. ]

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[ considering her character, maybe it shouldn't be a surprise that she seemed receptive enough to the word "partner," but he feels relieved either way. it's been a while since he's put similar words out there without the context of a war or the holy grail, and in a way it's both freeing and a bit unnerving in its own way. yet, still, completely natural at the same time.

that said: ] I trust you to keep your word. After all, I already believe you. [ not that he was the type to house doubts to begin with. besides, to begin with, he was more of a man of impulse. ] Ah. [ he did make mention to that, huh?

he supposes anyone would be curious. but, somehow he gets the impression that's not all the inquiry is. it seemed to carry some sort of depth to it. but, he wonders if he's just particularly sensitive with his last memories overlapping with this current life. either way, he shakes it off. ]

It's a bit complicated, but you could say this might be one of many times I have been summoned. [ not that they could always recall... ] To begin with, that's kind of what we are designed for. [ but, with that said, he doubles down on his own confidence. ] Which is why I mean it when I say that things will work out. They have before, so...? [ except...

can he actually promise this? either way, he doesn't sound hesitant in the least. ]

[ they have only known each other for such a short time and maybe it's irresponsible to continuously and so easily accept these words, but uta doesn't believe there is any reason to doubt them. she has and will continue to believe that people have the ability to be good. there is always a reason to hold onto the hope for others. if even monsters—demons—can feel lonely then there will always be a reason to hold onto that hope.

so, it's just natural for her to accept them. regardless as complicated as he says it is to explain himself and even though it sounds like there might be something to worry about, uta doesn't let herself second guess anything. ]

If you trust and believe in me, then there's no reason that I shouldn't do the exact same for you. It's what partners are supposed to do, right? [ words spoken from the heart and just as confident as achilles as he double downs on his confidence that things will work out. ] So, if you believe that things will work out and I also feel as though things will work out for the best, then the end result could only be that things will okay.

[ it's just that there is just one single thing that he says that stands out to her. a little thing that might have gone unnoticed by someone else, but not with her. ]

...though I'm confused to what you mean by "designed for".

[ he appreciates her heartfelt words. sometimes in the life of a servant, whether for better or worse, they often operated more as tools than beings with a will and desires of their own. he presumes, though, only a rather irresponsible master would forget that they also had their own imminent wants. regardless, the point stands, that it's kind of encouraging to have the fist person he lays eyes on in this place to be as kind and broad-minded as uta was.

a fact he makes sure not to forget. besides, being established partners in a place like this really did make him feel pretty good. besides, he figures for her to say all he did... he doesn't know for certain, sure, but he gets the feeling as someone who could understand the importance of any bond probably has gone through their fair share of hardships as well.

not, that he decides to focus on that. or maybe, it's more accurate to state she doesn't really allow him that luxury. ] Ah, you caught onto that, then?

You made me feel pretty relieved for a second there. [ not that there was any actual detriment to being called out. it's mostly a joke, or a way to relieve some tension. ] Hm, how do I say this? Back where I'm from, or what I'm used to, heroic spirits like me get summoned. [ he's about to say for war, but considering her averse reaction... ]

So I thought it wouldn't be far off to think of it as another life. [ not to mention the holy grail and its own enticements. ]

I'm sorry; won't you forgive me?

[ uta's tone is playful as she holds the dandelion to him as a sign of her "apology" to be taken seriously. however, as she listens to achilles explain what he was referring to, she gets the feeling that there's more that he's not saying. now, if it's because it was too complicated to explain or something else—she can't tell at the moment. nevertheless what he gets at is not what she expected. she half expected him to describe himself as something more "heavenly". ]

Oh. ...so, you're a heroic...spirit? [ the expression on her face changing from being playful to looking at him again to view him in a different light as she recalls their conversation so far. had she been partnered with someone really important, then? her? ] ...then...that means you're some sort of hero?

[ and if achilles wanted confirmation that she had no idea who he was, then here it was because uta finally looks at him in a curious awe. it's far from kind of wonder and excitement that someone else who is familiar with his legend would have, but it's there. she also wants to for him to further elaborate on what he means by "spirit" but, right now, it's best for her that she not get the confirmation of what it implied. ]

[ it's unfair for a woman to ask for forgiveness like that, he thinks, even if just briefly. his expression almost wry as his lips quirk slightly at that. ] You know there's nothing to forgive. [ that's just how powerful she was, really. something she may or may not be aware of. he was weak to that sort of honesty and playfulness.

but, the rest of her words provided a lot of clarity.

it at least told him that she probably didn't know a lot about heroes (at least in the context he was more accustomed to), the grail, or about himself. once again, it wasn't all bad, however. just... new? it's been a while since he's encountered someone wholly unfamiliar with his dignity, history, or his feats. oddly enough, this made her more mysterious to him than anything else. there's a moment where he feigns offense. ]

You're saying you didn't know? As the son of hero Peleus and goddess Thetis, I thought I was quite famous. [ but, he speaks these words as if they were merely casual conversation, not placing too much weight behind it, despite the small swell pride in speaking of his family.

he continues smoothly. ] But, maybe that just means I have my work cut out for me here.

[ uta is equal parts aware and ignorant about what she knows about her "power" over achilles—likely for the best. and while she's quick to laugh at how achilles allows her to get away with her cheeky comment from earlier, her attitude changes when he tells her about his lineage. she doesn't take his offense to heart but it is unpleasant to be in a situation like this again. ]

Hero Peleus? Goddess Thetis? [ there's a high chance that's she's not even repeating the names back to achilles correctly, but the effort to make sure she does is there. especially as she frowns as she wracks her brain to see if any of those names remotely sound familiar to her and they don't. names like those would have stood out—for certain. her voice is apologetic as she looks to achilles. ] None of those names were in any of the books that I read.

[ and her hair loops will drop as she looks to the side and tries, again, to recall anything only to be left with a huge nothing. it reminds her of something else that happened with another hero she had not idea about which makes it all the more frustrating. she'll be muttering to herself at this point. ]

I know that I'm not always kept up to date with everything that happens outside, but if they're famous then I would have been able to read something.

[ right? ]

[ it's hard not to notice the reaction; the smaller indication of palpable concern (?) or apprehension on her features, and in the tone of her voice. honestly, not knowing wasn't any real skin off his back, and while he presumed it may have been the same for him...

he supposed, he could comprehend that for others this lack of knowledge could be seen as alarming. after all, nothing was scarier than the unknown. achilles would even argue that despite not knowing fates exact course, he could always live his life knowing that to some degree... a large fraction of it was already predestined. even as a servants, he presumed there were little to few options for their inevitable futures, even under the pretext of coming out the other end victorious.

that said, while he doesn't seem necessarily sympathetic or particularly sensitive, he does speak with this in mind. ] To be honest, it could be you come from that different a time or world. Or that would be my best guess. [ his only real conclusion considering that he was... objectively pretty famous even in servant standards. something he's not exactly shy to admit. ]

Not sure if that makes it any better. But, whatever you don't know, as my partner, I'm here to support you. Though, that said... how about you name someone super famous and see if I know them? [ because chances are they could be in a similar position, and while he doesn't know if it would actually comfort her, but... he wants to. ]

A different world? [ perhaps its a concept that other people would take a much longer time with, however uta doesn't quite take the same length of time to chew on it. she mulls over it, still, but her confusion doesn't linger as long as one would expect with such a revelation. however, given everything that she has experienced, it's not that farfetched in terms of explanations. after all, she's unfamiliar with the idea of alternate worlds and the like.

it's not exactly the kind of situation she would have expected to find herself in so soon after the last thing she remembered. maybe it was somebody's way of providing a suitable punishment for her. regardless, she pushes forward and offers achilles a smile. uta isn't blind to the way that he has been trying to ease her nerves every time he accidentally takes a misstep. ] It would make sense given where we are, and how we ended up here together. A hero and a singer—it's not a very common pairing as far as partnerships go.

[ but so far it seems to be one to be adding up well. somehow. achilles' idea of mentioning famous people that she is familiar with is a sensible one. if they were from the same world then it would be more likely that he would know them over her. fortunately, she doesn't need to think too long of famous names. ]

Then...have you heard of the Red Hair Pirates? Or maybe Gol D. Roger?

[ uta is aware of how famous shanks is but even more so how famous gol d. roger is. if he was from her world, then he would know roger's name; it would be impossible for him to live in her world and to not. ]

[ as far as he's aware, it wouldn't have been entirely unexpected if she didn't believe him. or, if she had been less receptive to the concept as a whole. instead, she seems to simply accept it as a possibility. which, does make him vaguely wonder if she had some sort of reference point to have anchored her thoughts to— or perhaps, she had simply been that broad-minded and accepting. regardless of which one it was, he responds in tune. ]

I wouldn't say it's that uncommon. [ but his tone is light-hearted, as if to indicate he didn't necessarily believe that. still, even if she was a singer, it didn't mean that's all she was. not that he distrusts her words, but that, he never knocked the potential of someone's abilities before fully getting an understanding of them. maybe it's just a habit that's been ingrained in his overall survivability, or came from his own inquisitive nature...

whatever the case is, he does mull over those words, before he responds easily. ] Unfortunately, they don't ring a bell at all. [ but, maybe that helps punctuate his point. that is, if it isn't anything more complicated. but, he seems to brush those concerns off. ]

But, just from their names, they sound pretty fun. [ maybe like a challenge? the prospect is kind of exciting. he supposes there must be all sorts of monsters out there he has yet to fight. maybe they could even be heroes? not that he says this out loud. ]

[ achilles's admission that he isn't familiar with any of the names comes to her as more of a relief than anyone might have expected from her. it would be expected and understandable that someone would be distressed or even suspicious about it all, but it is a comfort to uta. this isn't another situation where her isolation has come back to haunt her. the relief in her voice and shown in her body language as she responds with a bit of a sigh; she doesn't care to think about masking it. ]

Then we are from different worlds...

[ her attention is turned elsewhere with the way that he reacts to the names of both shanks and roger. honestly, it isn't too different from what she has heard from others when she was still traveling with shanks. so, maybe, it's why despite the fact that achilles doesn't spell it out to her, she'll give him a bit of a knowing smile. ]

If you think you could beat any of them then you'd be late for one of them; Gol D. Roger has been dead for a while. [ with both hands on her waist and standing tall: ] And the Red Hair Pirates are super tough.

[ because no one is cooler and stronger than her dad, okay? ]

[ it's a sense of solace that he doesn't completely comprehend. he can't pretend to understand what part of his words reassure her, but whatever the case inevitably ends up being, he supposed the more imperative thing here was that she was put at ease. at least marginally. it was enough to make him feel a bit better too. he metaphorically pats himself on the back for that one, but...

oh.

he would state that technically it would be too late for him too, so he wouldn't discount the prospect of him being able to maybe meet them somehow. maybe in the afterlife? but, he seems to smile despite it. ] Mm, you never know, right? Maybe he would come back to life just for this. [ little does he know how his own words... may be true for not just for him in this case. but, it's an idea he remains blind to.

that said: ] Oh? You seem pretty attached to them. I'm a bit envious of them for having your support already.

[ look at this conversation between two redacted people about someone who is also redacted. nevertheless, it is and will be in achilles' best interest that he never mentions that part and uta trucks on unaware of this unfortunate commonality. ]

If he did, then you'd have to be someone super, suuuper special. [ she'll spread her arms out to further emphasize and bounce on her toes to help show how significant achilles would have to be in order to tempt roger back from the grave. now, if she has any insight to what secrets that shanks might have held about roger in itself, is another matter entirely and one that she won't even share if she was made privy to it. instead she'll deflate once her point was made. ] ...at least that's what I think.

[ not that she wouldn't be curious to see what kind of person could bring the pirate king back from the dead while not ignoring the significance of it on the people who knew him. unfortunately, she isn't ignorant of the grief or the pain held by the survivors of the legacy he left in his passing. and certainly not of those who have been effective by it. a small thought that uta moves past as she stands tall yet again. ]

And of course I'm attached to them. The captain of the Red Hair Pirates is my dad and I consider all of the crew to be my family.

[ a statement that she would not have been able to make as proudly as she does not had certain events not taken place. however, they did and uta smiles warmly and brightly at achilles as she speaks to her father and the others. she had many years to make up for. ]

[ the statement is, admittedly, kind of endearing. especially as she uses her entire body to emphasize her point. but, she have one— a point, that is. he supposed it's one thing for him to get summoned, but for someone of another world, who operated on completely different legends to end up here... well. ]

I think you're right. I have confidence at that, but if it's luck... [ well, he feels like he may have already exhausted whatever luck he may have possessed at this point. that said, he seems intrigued by her next point. it likely wasn't all that surprising to hear the prospect of her being family with the "red haired pirates." since she thought so well of them, he figured there had to be some connection there... ]

Oh? Then, I guess I'll have to do my best so he can entrust his daughter to me. [ since they'd be living together, that is. but, as misleading as it sounds, he seems perfectly content on leaving it at that. he might even seem to be kind of pleased with himself at the idea.

but, well, it was nice to meet someone who obviously valued their family. he could respect that much. ]

[ uta doesn't miss achilles' implied tone of how he might not be the luckiest person there ever was but is fine to let that go in favor of the other thing he says. largely in part because of the way he says it; of course someone is going to get another idea with how he says things. however, uta momentarily goes speechless before rebounding and laughing softly.

it's a bit painful, honestly, not that she'll show it. if he had meant it as he said it; the very act of this coming with the implication of being able to speak to her father again would be more than enough on every level. ]

As long as you promise to not put me into any kind of danger then I'm sure he'll be understanding.

[ she'll say that much with full confidence. it was the bare minimum that anyone could ask for and he had left her behind with even less clear confidence. (probably). ]

...and if there's any worry about anything else, then all I'd have to do is say something myself.

You say that, but with a treasured daughter like you around, I figure it might not be easy to let you go. [ except, no one is actually being let go in any real sense of the word, outside of [redacted], but being entirely blind to that probably explains why he seems to relaxed about it.

that said, he likes the sound of her laughter, and even with all this said, he enjoyed the idea that she seemed like so much of a free spirit in her own right. the way she looked at her surroundings; the way she took even the fact that they've been displaced here... with grace. even her confidence kind of fit well with him, and so he gives a firm nod. ]

Yeah! Let me know whenever. I'll be sure not to disappoint you.

[ it's funny and sad all at the same time with the way that achilles' words that would sound like flattery and charm the hearts of others bring up unpleasant memories that claw at an old wound suddenly made fresh. the balm and bandage that finally came was felt too late to save her and were only able to put her heart at ease. and here, despite of the unpleasantness that bubbles inside of her, uta only softens her smile as she gives him a quick look over before she takes a few steps backwards and crosses her arms behind her. ]

Is that right? [ her voice is gentle but retains her playful nature. ] I really am so lucky to have a hero by my side.

[ with that said, she turns fully around and starts to walk out further while looking side to side to see if there was anything of note. of course, there is only what looks like large fields that could have been used for something and some shabby looking buildings not too far off in the distance...but you know. ]

Shall we get moving on to see what's further out?

[ there's parts of her that remind him of someone else. it isn't that they have the same personality or temperament, but there's a parallel there somewhere that he can't completely explain. was it simply that both were beautiful to him in their own respective ways? is it because he felt that he found a companion in arms— atalanta due to the tales he had heard of her as a child and finding both respect and fond longing in desiring to meet her, and now in uta—

a true partner. not like the master he had or didn't actually have, but someone who was physically at his side. smiling. ... and it's undeniable that there's something haunting about her smile that resonates with him. he closes his eyes before giving a quiet, barely audible exhale as he brings himself back to the present.

he decides he wouldn't have regrets this time, and instead gives a firm nod. ] Let's go. I'm sure it'll be an adventure for the two of us!

[ or that's what his intuition tells him. but, he seems excited, as if trying to cast behind his prior thoughts. ]

[ fortunately uta's not looking at achilles and has her mind pre-occupied with her own thoughts to notice more than his nod as she explores. ]

It should be an adventure with a good ending. [ not that she has any power to really control what kind of ending that they'll get, but she feels compelled to say it all the same. ] I don't mind sad stories or ones that don't fully resolve themselves but—

[ she has had enough of sad stories for the moment. ]

If I want to tell someone about this at a later point in time, I want to tell them something that would make them feel excited. Something to inspire them. [ an ironic statement to make to someone like achilles (and given her situation) but she has no idea and is really just thinking of the legacies that have been left by other pirates. (...how would she be remembered?) a thought that vanishes when she spots something. ] Oh! What's that?

[ and there goes uta running off towards a coop that has certainly seen better days. she doesn't find anything inside of it but it doesn't stop her from trying to se what could have been inside. chickens are the most obvious choice, but it seemed like it could house something else. ]

[ her sudden declaration surprises him. if anything, it's something he relates to all too well, and he can't deny the curve on his lips. he's not sure how much of it's filled with regret, irony, or anything else... but he does feel that touch of hope. ] I'm sure it will be.

After all, what you just described is a tale of a hero. I wouldn't expect anything less. Or more like I'd be in trouble otherwise. [ ... and his opinion was basically the same as it had always been: a life of a hero was the only one worth living. but, that said, he does pause at her words. his eyes looking up at the coop... that could have very well been anything. that's just how run-down it was. were they meant to fix it?

he supposed that was a problem for later, he comes up behind her. ] Hm... there's nothing in it now, but at least we know if we catch something, we could keep them safe in there.

Something like...a chicken? These are used for chickens normally, right? [ uta will place her hand on the cage and push on it slightly to see how much give it had. it still felt sturdy enough despite its state which was something good. though as she thinks on achilles' words and the implications she frowns momentarily. ] I've never seen a chicken in the wild.

[ also how were they supposed to catch chickens? it didn't look like there were any nets nearby, and she doubts that you could just herd chickens into something like this. no, really, how does this happen? at the same time she was pondering the matter of chickens, there is something else she wants to ask. ]

What kind of a hero are you, Achilles? [ she'll turn slightly to look up at him. ] It sounds like you are famous in your world, so what is it that you've done?

[ sure, she remembers what he introduced himself as but they were just names that meant nothing to her. the lack of context and understanding stripped all of the meaningful weight of it all, but they could change that. he could tel her and she would listen. ]

Think any kind of small animal could be kept here. Maybe rabbits? [ a poor example, but he presumed it presented his point well enough. but that said: ] Maybe they have 'em here. [ or they're going to have to hope so. i assume it's like hawaii where they run rampant and free, even at mcdonalds.

in theory, you could scoop them up. though, likely not without some wrangling. which, might actually be a nice exercise? (no, it won't be). at her question, though, he takes a break from pondering on their future coop, and instead, gives a brief hum of consideration. ]

I was a war hero. It was prophesied if I participated, I'd be able to save a lot of people and lead them to victory. [ granted, it came with his own costs, but he doesn't regret it one bit. ] I know you don't like violence, so I hope that doesn't change your opinion of me.

[ he says easily, but regardless of what she thinks of makes of his history, he supposed it was exactly that. his history. for better or worse. no matter the regrets he housed within him. besides, despite what he says, it's clear he still has pride in his own decisions; in his designation of being hero. ]

Is that the kind of hero you thought of?

[ and while the thought of the two of them catching rabbits is very endearing, they will be eventually gifted rabbits by the goddess. (though who am i to know how free rabbits roam in other places for i see rabbits all the time on my way to work.) as for the matter of achilles being a war hero well— ]

It's true I dislike violence, but I understand that there are people who don't want to try to resolve things without hurting anyone. [ people that she tried for "forgive" and allow a second or even a third chance to do something right. people who she believes (and perhaps still believes) could turn a new leaf. ] ...especially if it means to save the people who mean the most to you.

[ the pressure and murderous intent that shanks released as he challenged the admirals to come take uta from him during her last moments still fresh on her mind. ]

But since they're calling you a hero, it means that you fulfilled your prophy and saved a lot of people, right? [ or simply: ] Then you're the kind of hero that I thought you'd be.

[ perhaps, simply because it comes from the perspective of someone who was so firm in their own convictions that makes achilles... kind of touched. it isn't that he necessarily needs the vote of confidence, but it really doesn't hurt to hear some positive words, especially considering his own last memories.

somehow, it makes him feel like his life isn't entirely comprised of horribly timed missteps and his own carelessness coming to bite him in the ass. ... and well, it's a nice feeling. ] I have to admit I'm surprised. [ completely taken off-guard, really, but ...

it also made him wonder what she's been through to be able to say what she does. war? her own version of hell? whatever the case is: ] But, thanks. I'd like to think so. Besides, in spite of everything, I don't think I would go back and do anything different. Not that I think anyone really gets that kind of chance. [ ... unless??? this is it? ]

[ uta doesn't know why achilles is surprised in her answer, but she doesn't think too much about questioning it because she can't share the exact sentiment as him. would she do the exact same things again if given the chance to undo them? she's split on her feelings—she wouldn't do things differently because of how it ended but, at the same time, there would be a key difference in how things would have ended if she did things differently.

this is one of the reasons why she isn't a hero. ]

I think those definitely sound like the words of a hero to me. [ she says with a nod even though achilles didn't need or ask for any more affirmations. ] Even if there were things that weren't done perfectly, it sounds like you still stand by them and that's pretty heroic.

[ the heroes that exist in uta's mind might be different than most, unfortunately, but at least they were still "good" people at heart. they weren't cruel and they didn't willingly bring others suffering. ]

I like people who confident in who they are.

[ or are stupidly stubborn. ]

[ the statement gets a small laugh out of him. it's in no way condescending or malicious— more light and airy. almost whimsical in nature. no matter what, it's interesting to hear. it's novel not just because of the words themselves, but in the concept of anyone truly being able to share their thoughts with him.

being summoned and mostly being around other servants or a master, it feels different to be seen like this. perceived in all senses of the word. ... and that despite her not knowing who he is, or what sort of life he's led, to have her reaffirm those words...

when he hears the word "like," he finds himself kind of happy about it. ] Yeah? Then you'd be in luck.

To be honest, I think you're pretty special yourself. I don't think it's everyday someone could say words like that so easily. [ ... ] I also like people with conviction.

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