[Eventually, it’ll be hard to miss one of the two who approach — tall, pale-haired (okay, that's both of them), and carrying a sword at his side. how has he not gotten in trouble for this yet DON’T WORRY ABOUT IT
But mostly, it’ll be hard to miss because this is a familiar face, isn’t it!
One just as unreadably stoic as before, coming to a stop when he’s within conversational distance, and sweeping a blue-eyed gaze across the others.]
[ Contrary to Emiri, they don't have a good feeling about this at all. Someone needs to be the paranoid, pessimistic one out of the two of them??
They seem less nervous than they did at the Church or at the festival as they flick their eyes between their newly arrived companions, and more like they're on edge. They keep themself just slightly further forward than Emiri herself, very clearly protective. ]
While Emiri is just as bubbly as he recalls, it appears her Servant is less so. Wary, protective. He can't blame them — meeting each other out in the “wild” like this is inherently a risk for both parties. For this alliance to work, it’ll be beneficial to dissolve any remnants of tension.]
Yes. We asked to meet you here in hopes of forging an alliance. It’ll be advantageous to all of us, and the earlier we establish it in this war, the better.
[…okay, maybe that doesn’t really dissolve any tension, but he’s not the sociable one, here. He tilts his head towards the Danny’s.]
If you don’t want to reject the notion outright, maybe we could talk details… inside.
And... Honestly, out of all the servants that Rider has crossed paths with, they're kind of glad that these two ended up being the pair. Emiri seems to be the youngest out of anyone involved in this War that they've come across, and it works out that her Servant is more careful and wary where Emiri is... Very friendly, as per usual.
By contrast, Vergil and Rider are... Well. Like this. It probably would've been difficult to tell at first glance which one of them is the Servant, without any of the magical senses they all have. Vaer can't help a quiet sigh as Vergil dives right into the thick of it all and does absolutely nothing to ease them into this conversation. ]
Yes, why don't we all head inside and talk this over a meal? Even those of us who don't need to eat.
[ On the one hand, they don't think 'Vergipi' would really have any reason to go through the effort of pretending to make an alliance with them just to attack them. On the other... they can't think of a single reason why these two would find it advantageous to seek out them and Emiri for one. Surely there are pairs that seem stronger than they do on the surface... maybe it's pity? Or perhaps they just seem the most likely to agree to one.
While they keep the content of their thoughts to themself, it's obvious enough that they're hemming and hawing over something internally, their eyes looking up, then this way, then that. When they speak, it's tightly, suspicion still lingering despite deciding to go along for now. ]
If... if that's what you really want...
[ It'd probably be easier to attack them out here... maybe it is better to go inside.]
Just, [ They turn towards Emiri, hugging their own arm tighter. ] Don't forget that it's dangerous...
[Emiri looks at Crona properly at those concerns, and then nods brightly. She doesn't really do solemn and serious, but--this is about as close as she gets probably.]
Kay kay! If you're ever uncomfy, then we'll go, okay?
[Beroppi's comfort is number one!
But with that said:]
Let's go in and get some food. That sounds supes great! Besides, I'm starving!
[An agreement to go inside and grab something to eat is better than being rejected outright, standing here in the middle of Danny's parking lot. That's all Vergil needs to hear, and he's the first to turn and take long strides towards the diner's entrance.]
Come on, then.
[In they go!
It's not exceptionally crowded if any of them bother to cast around to take in the sight. It's about what you'd expect at a Danny's, with rows of booths awaiting new customers, and the host greets them with a bit of... surprise. They're quite an usual group! And that guy in navy has a sword. sir, this is a danny's
But then they're ushered to one of the empty booths that seat four, and Vergil waits for the others to sit first.]
[ Vaer is indeed casting around to take in the sight, thank you very much. This is such a novel experience for them, after all. No ye olde Danny's where they're from...
Which is just as well, as it allows them to see how uneasy some of the other patrons and the host seems while showing them to their booth, to which Vaer offers: ]
Don't worry, it's just cosplay.
[ with a winning wink at the civilians! They have got to appear so aggressively unthreatening to balance out Vergil's energy for this meeting... Which is also why they slide into the booth seating first and immediately take up a menu. ]
[ Emiri's reassurance puts them at ease - they can trust that she really will respect their wishes if they raise an issue. And that makes them feel... a lot better about all this. By the time they've all huddled in to the booth, a good portion of the tension that was gripping them has eased off. Inwardly, they're grateful that their fellow Servant seems to be a charming, people-person type - combined with Emiri's overall friendliness, they're sure those two will make up for the Be Normal In Public quality that they and Vergipi apparently lack. ]
Here...
[ They pass a menu to Emiri - she said she was starving!!! - mostly only taking one for themself to give themself something to look at other than their companions. They're growing more convinced by the minute that the two are actually serious about this, which should be comforting? But it's also nerve wracking??? ]
Um, we should be able to stay for a while... if we're all eating...
[ and they know this because soul eater danny's equivalent definitely exists.... and they do NOT kick people out of that establishment... ]
and two of them are here in this room. It's their favorite meeting place, Danny's, and Emiri has once again ordered some terrible delicious-but-basically-dessert pancakes.
As she kicks her legs, waiting for her food, she tilts her head.]
Thank goodness you two made it through okay against the magic team! [She means Team Caster.]
[ Vaer, on the other hand, has strayed from their crepes of the past in favor of some incredibly savory platter with eggs and bacon and hash browns. Turns out winning by one whole point really takes it out of you! But it's okay. ]
Mm. You two have been attacked consecutively, now.
[ They opt for some plain old oatmeal, with a 0% chance of needing to potentially talk to the waiter again. Anything to reduce their stress levels, at this point? Crona merely nods along with the shared relief that Rider emerged victotious, making themself busy with pushing their meal around with their spoon, so as to not need to look at anyone directly. ]
Assassin probably thought... it was a good time to try to kill us. After Lancer...
[ They mutter, sounding more anxious than usual, and feeling a sliver of paranoia that a third consecutive attack on them while they're tired might be the next logical move for either of the remaining pairs. Even the one sitting across from them now. ]
[He says, bluntly, and as Vergil takes a sip from his mug, it's impossible to hide the pinch of his brows.
This is where things start to get a little complicated. And for what it's worth, he feels no need to dance around the subject. (If he gets straight to the point, maybe he can banish the slight feeling of trepidation that keeps nipping at his heels after these last few developments.)]
We should discuss how we want to move forward. Are we all still willing to let this alliance proceed? I'm sure I don't have to point out that, should both of our teams work together this upcoming week to overcome who's left, it's inevitable that we'll eventually face each other.
[ Vergil puts voice to a reality that they've all likely thought about already. Maybe even Emiri. They'd known this could be a possibility, and yet... This war is progressing far more quickly than they've anticipated. In a matter of two weeks, four pairs have been defeated... ]
I've not met the Master of Archer, but I've gotten the sense that Archer herself is quite competent and level-headed.
[ That said, they don't know how Archer will respond to the circumstances. Will they go for the team that's been attacked two weeks in a row, knowing they may be easier targets? Or... ]
Regardless of what happens with our alliance... You two should do everything you can to protect yourselves.
[ This is where it gets complicated. Because as much as they've kept themself aware of this possibility, tried to regress to their old ways, they can tell that Rider means what they've said. They have no reason to wish the best for they and Emiri, who are their enemies... the fact that they still do settles uneasily and heavily in the pit of their stomach, their teeth grinding together from the discomfort of the sensation. ]
Archer's master... he's kind. And a little loud.
[ They manage, trying to think strategically about all this — it's the burden they're more than willing to bear with such a straightforward and earnest Master. ]
But I... I think... making it to the end... we've already worked together this long...
[ And Archer is alone, no matter how they slice it. Their stutter worsens, feeling terrible about talking so blatantly about colluding to potentially kill people who they agree are kind. It's a familiar sort of disgust with themself, at being capable of such a thing. But ... if they endure this, if they take the Grail, they'll never have to do it again. That's their guiding mantra, at this stage. ]
And if we face each other first... it'll be easier for them...
[ They're too ashamed to lift their head to glance Emiri's way, face draining of color. But every angle they look at it, it feels like becoming hostile with Team Rider now will cause a net loss for them all. ]
[That's what it boils down to, isn't it? Do they fight Ryuji and Fio first, or do they fight Vergil and Vaer? Ryuji and Fio are kind, but Vergil and Vaer have been there at their sides from the start.
... Emiri just tilts her head, ponytails swaying with the movement, and smiles a little, even if the expression is a little more muted.]
So you wanna work together for one more go, Beroppi? And then if we both make it, we'll have like... a duel! One of those super dramatic and epic match-ups.
[... Her expression flickers a little. She doesn't think Vergil would try to kill her, and she knows she wouldn't do the same to him. But even if they agreed to that, Berserker and Rider... there's no outcome where one of them isn't lost.
And that's a lot harder to stomach.
... But Emiri has dedicated herself to Berserker's wish, and that's what's most important.]
It's more strategic for us to continue to work together, yes. Berserker is correct; if we fight each other first, no matter who wins, the remaining team is an easy target for Team Archer.
[He says it in a precise and empirical way on purpose. As though a part of him has to come to terms with the logic of it first, before he lets the heart get in the way. But that he lets emotions play a part in his decision-making process at all is still a huge step forward for this man.
Another long pull of his coffee, letting the scent and taste wash over him. And then-]
That said. It's only a matter of time before personal feelings come into play, affecting our preferences. I'll get mine out of the way first: I would rather see Archer off the board than you two. No matter what our impressions are of them, it doesn't change the fact that I want one of our teams to seize victory in the end.
[Though even Vergil has purposefully avoided thinking about the details of a Rider versus Berserker fight, should it come to that. They can cross that wobbly bridge when and if they get there.]
...Though perhaps everyone would be more confident about this decision if we knew, precisely, what we were all fighting for.
[ Ah. Emiri describes what would ultimately be a deathmatch between themself and Berserker so lighthearted, yet they can't fault her for it. They're just as likely to say something like that, after all, and that only highlights the attachment they've formed to the two young folks across the table all the more... ]
...I agree with my Master. I'll go first, and I won't sweeten my intentions here. You need not be so specific, but...
The greatest wish of my life has already been granted, in the form of a friend brought back to life. Thus, my wish is for... [ ahem. ] The financial freedom to live how I would like, so that I need not burden her in her second chance at life.
[ It's not so selfish as they may think — or rather, Crona doesn't see anything wrong with it. A wish that only benefits them.... that's practically what they're doing, too. If anything, it's a little comforting that not everyone at this table is wishing for something world changing and altruistic.
That doesn't make them less nervous about speaking about their own wish, though. Actually, they look terrified, much more so than any normal person has being just talking about something theoretically. ]
Then, for me... there's something I'm too scared to do on my own.
[ If Rider's wish is selfish, then theirs is a coward's wish... something they could probably achieve on their own, without such powerful magic, were they not so afraid. ]
All my life, I've hunted souls... killed others... so I could become what my mother wanted me to become. But for the first time, recently... I was able to make friends. At a school.
I'm afraid of leaving, like my mother wants me to. I don't want to go back to the way things were... [ Their voice trembles, and a hand raises to wipe away a bead of cold sweat running down their jaw. ] But I don't... I don't think I can say no to her...
[ They know they can't. If they were to go back to their world without a wish, they're almost certain they'll fall in line behind her. Like they always have. ]
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She rocks back and forth on her toes and heels, seemingly unbothered by the fact that she has been called out to a shady parking lot.]
Hmm, hmm... hmmm! Is it them? How about them? Oh, are they...?
[put her out of her misery.]
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how has he not gotten in trouble for this yet DON’T WORRY ABOUT ITBut mostly, it’ll be hard to miss because this is a familiar face, isn’t it!
One just as unreadably stoic as before, coming to a stop when he’s within conversational distance, and sweeping a blue-eyed gaze across the others.]
I think you’re waiting for us.
[Emiri,,]
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smash cut to vaer chatting up the authorities at every turn like "don't worry, it's just cosplay"The other familiar (?) face looks more like how they appeared at the Food Festival, so Crona would recognize them, but Emiri... ]
Hello, Lady Emiri! Good, and your Servant is here, too.
[ A playful little wave. It's Storytan's twin brother!! Obviously! ]
I hope we haven't kept you both waiting too long at this... [ ahem ] Fine dining establishment...
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They seem less nervous than they did at the Church or at the festival as they flick their eyes between their newly arrived companions, and more like they're on edge. They keep themself just slightly further forward than Emiri herself, very clearly protective. ]
You were the ones who...?
[ Asked them here? ]
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[help.]
This is totally rad! I'm so glad we get to chat more!
[help!!! It's such a good thing Emiri has Crona.]
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While Emiri is just as bubbly as he recalls, it appears her Servant is less so. Wary, protective. He can't blame them — meeting each other out in the “wild” like this is inherently a risk for both parties. For this alliance to work, it’ll be beneficial to dissolve any remnants of tension.]
Yes. We asked to meet you here in hopes of forging an alliance. It’ll be advantageous to all of us, and the earlier we establish it in this war, the better.
[…okay, maybe that doesn’t really dissolve any tension, but he’s not the sociable one, here. He tilts his head towards the Danny’s.]
If you don’t want to reject the notion outright, maybe we could talk details… inside.
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And... Honestly, out of all the servants that Rider has crossed paths with, they're kind of glad that these two ended up being the pair. Emiri seems to be the youngest out of anyone involved in this War that they've come across, and it works out that her Servant is more careful and wary where Emiri is... Very friendly, as per usual.
By contrast, Vergil and Rider are... Well. Like this. It probably would've been difficult to tell at first glance which one of them is the Servant, without any of the magical senses they all have. Vaer can't help a quiet sigh as Vergil dives right into the thick of it all and does absolutely nothing to ease them into this conversation. ]
Yes, why don't we all head inside and talk this over a meal? Even those of us who don't need to eat.
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While they keep the content of their thoughts to themself, it's obvious enough that they're hemming and hawing over something internally, their eyes looking up, then this way, then that. When they speak, it's tightly, suspicion still lingering despite deciding to go along for now. ]
If... if that's what you really want...
[ It'd probably be easier to attack them out here... maybe it is better to go inside.]
Just, [ They turn towards Emiri, hugging their own arm tighter. ] Don't forget that it's dangerous...
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Kay kay! If you're ever uncomfy, then we'll go, okay?
[Beroppi's comfort is number one!
But with that said:]
Let's go in and get some food. That sounds supes great! Besides, I'm starving!
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Come on, then.
[In they go!
It's not exceptionally crowded if any of them bother to cast around to take in the sight. It's about what you'd expect at a Danny's, with rows of booths awaiting new customers, and the host greets them with a bit of... surprise. They're quite an usual group! And that guy in navy has a sword.
sir, this is a danny'sBut then they're ushered to one of the empty booths that seat four, and Vergil waits for the others to sit first.]
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Which is just as well, as it allows them to see how uneasy some of the other patrons and the host seems while showing them to their booth, to which Vaer offers: ]
Don't worry, it's just cosplay.
[ with a winning wink at the civilians! They have got to appear so aggressively unthreatening to balance out Vergil's energy for this meeting... Which is also why they slide into the booth seating first and immediately take up a menu. ]
Oh. No alcohol? Well... The crepes look good!
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Here...
[ They pass a menu to Emiri - she said she was starving!!! - mostly only taking one for themself to give themself something to look at other than their companions. They're growing more convinced by the minute that the two are actually serious about this, which should be comforting? But it's also nerve wracking??? ]
Um, we should be able to stay for a while... if we're all eating...
[ and they know this because soul eater danny's equivalent definitely exists.... and they do NOT kick people out of that establishment... ]
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But she is at least listening, so there's that.]
So like... this is about alliances and stuff, right? Like watchin' each other's backs and helpin' each other and all of that?
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is this icon too intense? no it is not
it's perfect
HELP
oh my god i'm crying
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and two of them are here in this room. It's their favorite meeting place, Danny's, and Emiri has once again ordered some terrible delicious-but-basically-dessert pancakes.
As she kicks her legs, waiting for her food, she tilts her head.]
Thank goodness you two made it through okay against the magic team! [She means Team Caster.]
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Once more, Vergil has ordered coffee. This is fine. This is a black-coffee-only kind of conversation to be having.]
Not without a challenge.
[Honestly, they barely made it out, and not without taking much of the warehouse with them. But at least they've mostly recovered by now.]
We could say the same about you two.
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[ Vaer, on the other hand, has strayed from their crepes of the past in favor of some incredibly savory platter with eggs and bacon and hash browns. Turns out winning by one whole point really takes it out of you! But it's okay. ]
Mm. You two have been attacked consecutively, now.
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Assassin probably thought... it was a good time to try to kill us. After Lancer...
[ They mutter, sounding more anxious than usual, and feeling a sliver of paranoia that a third consecutive attack on them while they're tired might be the next logical move for either of the remaining pairs. Even the one sitting across from them now. ]
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Emiri, for her part, just pouts a little.]
We may be small, but we're not gonna go down that easy!
[Yeah!!!]
... Though I guess, like, now it's only a few of us left, right?
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[He says, bluntly, and as Vergil takes a sip from his mug, it's impossible to hide the pinch of his brows.
This is where things start to get a little complicated. And for what it's worth, he feels no need to dance around the subject. (If he gets straight to the point, maybe he can banish the slight feeling of trepidation that keeps nipping at his heels after these last few developments.)]
We should discuss how we want to move forward. Are we all still willing to let this alliance proceed? I'm sure I don't have to point out that, should both of our teams work together this upcoming week to overcome who's left, it's inevitable that we'll eventually face each other.
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I've not met the Master of Archer, but I've gotten the sense that Archer herself is quite competent and level-headed.
[ That said, they don't know how Archer will respond to the circumstances. Will they go for the team that's been attacked two weeks in a row, knowing they may be easier targets? Or... ]
Regardless of what happens with our alliance... You two should do everything you can to protect yourselves.
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Archer's master... he's kind. And a little loud.
[ They manage, trying to think strategically about all this — it's the burden they're more than willing to bear with such a straightforward and earnest Master. ]
But I... I think... making it to the end... we've already worked together this long...
[ And Archer is alone, no matter how they slice it. Their stutter worsens, feeling terrible about talking so blatantly about colluding to potentially kill people who they agree are kind. It's a familiar sort of disgust with themself, at being capable of such a thing. But ... if they endure this, if they take the Grail, they'll never have to do it again. That's their guiding mantra, at this stage. ]
And if we face each other first... it'll be easier for them...
[ They're too ashamed to lift their head to glance Emiri's way, face draining of color. But every angle they look at it, it feels like becoming hostile with Team Rider now will cause a net loss for them all. ]
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... Emiri just tilts her head, ponytails swaying with the movement, and smiles a little, even if the expression is a little more muted.]
So you wanna work together for one more go, Beroppi? And then if we both make it, we'll have like... a duel! One of those super dramatic and epic match-ups.
[... Her expression flickers a little. She doesn't think Vergil would try to kill her, and she knows she wouldn't do the same to him. But even if they agreed to that, Berserker and Rider... there's no outcome where one of them isn't lost.
And that's a lot harder to stomach.
... But Emiri has dedicated herself to Berserker's wish, and that's what's most important.]
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[He says it in a precise and empirical way on purpose. As though a part of him has to come to terms with the logic of it first, before he lets the heart get in the way. But that he lets emotions play a part in his decision-making process at all is still a huge step forward for this man.
Another long pull of his coffee, letting the scent and taste wash over him. And then-]
That said. It's only a matter of time before personal feelings come into play, affecting our preferences. I'll get mine out of the way first: I would rather see Archer off the board than you two. No matter what our impressions are of them, it doesn't change the fact that I want one of our teams to seize victory in the end.
[Though even Vergil has purposefully avoided thinking about the details of a Rider versus Berserker fight, should it come to that. They can cross that wobbly bridge when and if they get there.]
...Though perhaps everyone would be more confident about this decision if we knew, precisely, what we were all fighting for.
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...I agree with my Master. I'll go first, and I won't sweeten my intentions here. You need not be so specific, but...
The greatest wish of my life has already been granted, in the form of a friend brought back to life. Thus, my wish is for... [ ahem. ] The financial freedom to live how I would like, so that I need not burden her in her second chance at life.
[ it's a selfish wish, they know. ]
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That doesn't make them less nervous about speaking about their own wish, though. Actually, they look terrified, much more so than any normal person has being just talking about something theoretically. ]
Then, for me... there's something I'm too scared to do on my own.
[ If Rider's wish is selfish, then theirs is a coward's wish... something they could probably achieve on their own, without such powerful magic, were they not so afraid. ]
All my life, I've hunted souls... killed others... so I could become what my mother wanted me to become. But for the first time, recently... I was able to make friends. At a school.
I'm afraid of leaving, like my mother wants me to. I don't want to go back to the way things were... [ Their voice trembles, and a hand raises to wipe away a bead of cold sweat running down their jaw. ] But I don't... I don't think I can say no to her...
[ They know they can't. If they were to go back to their world without a wish, they're almost certain they'll fall in line behind her. Like they always have. ]
I was going to wish... to be able to stay.
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