ofstarsandskies

[ofstarsandskies]

maid ludger .

[ofstarsandskies]

As expected, the 'plan' for what Yuri wanted to purchase only partially existed. A few definitive items were reserved for his guild members and a future luncheon, but after that? They'd be browsing for whatever Yuri thought would let him upkeep his self-care. Which if he learned from his trips with Elle, those can be bizarre, numerous, and debated at random points in time.

"I predicted we'd be out long enough to stop for a meal, so I already prepared lunch," Victor lifted the lid of his shopping basket and sure enough, multiple storage boxes lined the bottom. Less space meant less room for impulse purchases, so he packed plenty. "You're free to choose when and where we take our lunch break. Or should you choose not to, Elle won't complain about leftovers."

As the strolled the streets of Trigleph, one of the shops' display windows had Bunnykins & Friends merchandise. Dolls, key chains, stress toys... even though Ludger's dimension hadn't caught up to Victor's original time yet, the brand's reaching the height of popularity he remembers.

"..." The whole time they walked by, Victor kept ogling the Bunnykins display until he forced himself to turn away. He's not Ludger-- he doesn't care for dolls. He doesn't want one. He doesn't want one. "--I don't understand how such a simple rabbit doll got so popular. Suppose Elympios is depressing enough to accept anything cute," His remark's to save face, but Yuri wouldn't tell the difference surely.

At first, Yuri was... honestly, a bit shocked to see Victor show up at his door. Even with the call ahead of time, Yuri didn't entirely expect the guy to actually show up. On top of that, the fact that Victor picked him to go with was almost baffling. They weren't enemies or anything, at least as far as Yuri knew, but things could be a little strained because of Victor's... grudge? Really, Yuri didn't know what to call it with how confusing he was.

It was the question of Yuri's shopping list that damn near made his eyes light up. Usual necessity shopping was just the same old shopping, but he'd planned to go out today for... frankly, excess. The "unnecessary" stuff. He tried to hold back though, lest Victor immediately back off. As much as things were a little weird between them, part of Yuri was stubbornly determined to get Victor to stop being so cynical. Probably a losing battle, but once he was gonna be stubborn about it, he would at least do his best to see it through.

"Some of it is picking up stuff for my guild, but otherwise, it's really just, self-care stuff, I guess you'd say? Probably gonna pick up some food or something while I'm out anyway, so kinda just assorted stuff. I'll probably be out for a while, but we can stop and eat somewhere if you want. I know you'd probably rather spend as little time out in public as possible, but I'm gonna get hungry at some point."

[ofstarsandskies]

@bravewolfvesperia || Victor having to social interact, ohnoooo--

In light of him withdrawing more into his shell lately, Elle put another requirement on his socialization list: "Go shopping for fun with someone else that isn't me or Zig". The latter statement didn't need to be there since he wouldn't anyway, but that left very few options to pull from. Ludger had work (and Victor still resented him), Julius' teasing will just make it a complete chore, and Milla's busy taking care of Elle.

That left just two people he had names to faces for: Yuri, and Ludger's little techy friend from across the street, Atsuro. He wasn't in a mood to stalk computer part stores all morning, so the choice was obvious-- one call using his personal GHS, and now he's facing Yuri from beyond a doorway in a place well away from his home.

"What's on your shopping list if I might ask?" Victor has a feeling what answer he'll get, but it's a conversation starter if nothing else. "I can still remember some of Nova's recommendations if you want some variety; she loved to shop at stores nobody's heard of."

[ofstarsandskies]

"It's alright to say you don't like them, Ludger. I'm your older brother-- I'm not going to be mad or upset if I need to get you something you'd like more."

A few weeks, eh? Not surprising; while Julius was off stalling Chronos, Ludger continued the crusade of gathering the Waymarkers while destroying any other Fractured Dimensions the Kudlak detected. Brushing your cat's small potatoes to saving the world. Perhaps with this bonding exercise, he might win Rollo's good graces again. Or he'd get scratched and swatted like old times. Either is good.

"I'm sure he understands. Alright Rollo, let's get you looking your best," Julius hefts Rollo onto his lap and rakes through the cat's hair using their deshedding comb. Clumps of hair catch onto the blades which Julius rolls into tiny balls in his fingers before they fly everywhere. Around his belly, the bristles catch on something-- their big boy's got a mat.

Prepping his mind for a possible war, Julius attempts to brush the mat out. Rollo doesn't resist at first, but as Julius attempts to muscle through, his tail begins to whip around in displeasure. Eventually the foe is conquered, but not before Rollo has enough and nips into Julius' catalyzed hand with an impassioned Rrow!.

"Ow--" The catalyst's dulling effects didn't help that pain at all. Even so, once the emotional high passed, he's laughing as he gives Rollo a few apology strokes. "Haha, I'm glad you haven't changed since the station mix up, Rollo. I just hope you haven't bitten Ludger like that since I've been gone."

With the one deed he could do done, he'll check one more time, "Dinner coming along still?"

It was clear that his almost dismissive response was not what Julius had been looking for. It wasn't what Ludger had really meant, either! The blades just seemed like they were almost in poor taste in this moment. With everything that had just happened, being given more weapons of war was hard to take without a sour taste in his mouth.

But it was something that he knew his brother had been planning for awhile. There was no he could have just planned it a day or two ago. Something with that level of craftsmanship likely had taken weeks, if not months, for the blades to be crafted. How ironic... and how sad that they were completed now.

"I appreciate them Julius. I promise. And I will be in awe of them for hours after I finish making dinner."

Chopping, heating, stirring. It felt almost rote to be cooking, and so when his brother spoke up again Ludger paused, glancing up at Julius as he mulled over his words.

"It's probably been a few weeks. Sorry Rollo. Brushing you hasn't really been anyone's top priority lately, has it?"

If Rollo could have, Ludger was certain he would have been glaring at him for that admission. It might have even earned him a cold shoulder, if Julius hadn't already admitted to wanting to feed Rollo Diet Kitty Krisps.

[ofstarsandskies]

X2 War AU: A Successful(?) Infiltration

"I didn't think... we'd make it...!" His lungs are gonna collapse after this, he just knows it.

Between scaling the cliff at top speed to avoid the watch tower lights and then squeezing through the barricades without getting spotted, he's never been so cognizant of his breathing before (and probably ever will). Every inhale and exhale had to be planned out as he rushed through without a moment's pause. One tiny gasp at the wrong time, and that'd be it: he'd rot in a PoW camp till he was either executed or... whatever Rieze Maxia did with captured soldiers.

He'd ask Julius, but did he really want to know? Sometimes ignorance is the greater treasure as they say.

"Of course we did-- your big brother wouldn't march you to your death," How Julius can smile like it's no big deal is as amazing as it is crazy. "Were you that worried?"

"I thought I was gonna die."

His brother chuckles despite him not trying to be funny. It doesn't take Julius long to notice Ludger's discomfort and try to chase it away with a gentle squeeze of his hand, "It's alright, Ludger. We made it into the city in one piece. And as long as we don't do anything to draw attention, we'll be safe. I promise."

If Julius were someone else, he'd call those words out as pretty nonsense just meant to make him feel better. But coming from his big brother? He trusts them completely. His brother never lies when it comes to his safety.

"Thank you, Brother," He's still a bit to excited to hug his brother, but he can squeeze his hand back. Although with his mind coming down from the high, he has to wonder: how did Fayt and Victor handle things? "Um... Now that we're here, should we contact Efreet and Chronos?"

"You mean Flynn and Voss?" Ah. Right. Fake names when they're off the battlefield; he blushes and nods. "It seems clear-- give me a second."

Julius reaches into his vest for his GHS, tapping the custom button for the direct line to the GHSes paired to its team. At first, there's nothing but static. But eventually there's a bit of rustling, followed by a classic Victor "what now?".

"Levon was worried about you," Julius smirks at him while he embarrasses him. "I take it you and Flynn made it into the city?"

"Just I have. Flynn's likely KIA."

What?! Ludger's composure's out the window and replaced with panic. Fayt was... could he really be--? No, he can't think like that. Fayt has to be fine. They just got separated. It's fine. It's fine.

"What happened?!" For fine, Ludger's voice is hitting high notes most men can't.

"Keep your voice down before people ask questions," Victor pauses for a moment, then continues, "We were spotted by a watch tower before we descended. A group of soldiers to used Spirit Artes to cave the cliff in. I doubled back and used the dust cloud to descend safely, but Flynn fell with the rocks. If he's not dead already, he will be once he's taken in for interrogation."

No.... He barely got to know the guy, and now he's dead?

"Fayt..." Casualties are expected in war, he knows that. He's sure other DODA Agents aren't going to be as fortunate as them and won't make it to the city before they're killed. But even with all his rational thinking, he... his throat's gone sore as he feels something under both his eyes. Though he doesn't shed a tear before his brother's ushering him close and holding him like he would during a bad thunderstorm.

"..." To his surprise, Victor's not immediately chastising him for being a crybaby. "...But there's a chance I could be wrong," Strange, his tone's... gentle. Soothing, even. "I might be writing that hardheaded idiot off, but until we hear or see confirmation, anything's possible."

Hell must've frozen over for Victor to comfort him. But he's right-- should the military take Fayt in or recover his body, no doubt there'll be at least a local report about it. Until then, Fayt's not confirmed dead yet. There's still a chance he's alive. Someone has to hold onto that silly faith.

"Thank you, Victor... Thank you so much...!" Now he's crying. Yet it's tears of relief.

"Don't bother. And that's not my name, Levon," Yep, Victor's back to his old self. "See you both soon. Try not to make more of a scene."

The line ends there. Julius slips his GHS back into place and gives his brother one more fond pat on the shoulder. With both his brother and Victor buttering him up, he's gotta pull it together.

So, with a steady breath to stop the tears, he manages the faintest of smirks and continues forward with confidence.

[ofstarsandskies]

"There is; it's about 300 rules we're sworn to follow or we lose our Nii-san, Onii-chan, and other such title privileges," If Edna thought the idea sounds stupid, he's got an even dumber fake rule for her, "For example: Rule 146 states big brothers cannot, under any circumstances, indulge in activities you wouldn't teach your sibling. Thus, I've never stolen or drank alcohol once; our actions may seem 'lame', but it's pure dedication to our craft."

This extended into this nickname exercise, naturally. And his work paid off: Edie failed the test, but Edine passed! Ludger's patting his brother on the back for the job well done. Still, he can't get too complacent. Edine is still a lady; they can't skimp on proper respect. Case and point, Edine wanted a chiffon cake. A pretty tall order without an oven. But between the two of them, they can make this work at speeds only possible with a Kresnik.

"We'll do our best, Lady Edine. I'll construct the oven-- Ludger, you prep the dish," Ludger salutes the plan and digs into his bag for ingredients, bowls, and sifter for the flour. Meanwhile Julius' form jitters for a second before he's out of sight. Though there's no time to question what happened-- he's back already with rocks and fresh twigs.

"This may look strange, but I promise what's about to happen is completely safe."

Julius propped the large stones to create a miniature hut and set the twigs inside. Striking the smaller rocks together onto the wood, a spark ignited the wood. So far, nothing abnormal. Then as Julius whispered something too low to hear, the space around the stove became enveloped by a set of ethereal cogs. The tiny flame roared to life and heated the rocks in the span of a few seconds. With their job done, the gears faded and the flame settled to a more natural burn.

"There we are, no need to wait an hour to preheat," With a few nods at a job well done first, he' won't . "Our pact grants us special artes once we hold a certain amount of malevolence. They're supposed to enhance our combat abilities, but there's a few you can use their intended purpose with a little creative thinking, like this one. Pretty neat, no?"

His answer leaves her feeling skeptical, but just as Edna thought earlier, she has no sentimental attachment to other dragons, so while the news is a little sobering, she isn't too incredulous by it either. It makes sense that a clan heavily involved with seraphim would try to do something about dragons. It's only natural to eliminate a threat, and dragons are threats. Her brother was definitely a threat at that point, when he tried to scorch her along with everyone else ... ❛  I see. I wasn't worried. I was merely curious since Sorey was the closest to a dragon exterminator I've ever met, even though he denied it.  ❜ A white lie to hide her feelings from leaking out. She never really got to say a proper goodbye until after Onii-chan died, after all.

She makes a face. ❛  There's a Big Brother Code? Sounds lame just like the names you come up with.  ❜ Considering what he did, Onii-chan would not last long upholding it. She also wants to point out to Julius that it wasn't very big-brotherly of him to talk smack about her home right in front of his little brother ( and her ), but that's probably overkill even for the sake of being petty. 

And so, she watches them brainstorm again, her face flat and unamused as she waits. First the normincarena, and now this. How did they even get to this point? They must be very desperate to get into her good graces, and she wonders if they'll try this hard whenever they talk to Meebo, Zaveid, or Lailah——or maybe she's just a very special case? 

Her face scrunches at 'Edie,' for it sounds more masculine than cutesy to her——then she hears the second one, which makes her head tilt in mild interest. Edine ... It actually sounds ... kind of cute when you say it? He said it'll 'match' with Ludger's nickname, so she assumes Edine must be based off a word related to food then. She doesn't really care about matching with Ludger, but 'Edine' does pass the test of cuteness, which is surprising because it was lame Julippy who came up with it.

❛  Edine seems cuter, so I'll pick that one,  ❜ she finally decides, then she warns both brothers, ❛  but don't get ahead of yourselves. I still expect to treated like a lady. Nickname basis doesn't give either of you special rights.  ❜ Even among her own friends, Meebo and Grampveid don't get special treatment for anything. Grampveid especially, but still. She makes up nicknames to annoy people, not to foster friendship. This is already so weird for her, honestly. ❛  And since you mentioned it, I want dessert now. Chiffon cake. Extra fluffy.  ❜   

[ofstarsandskies]

X2 War AU: Squad K's First Introduction

After an interview with his commander and Spirius CEO Bisley Bakur, Ludger was given his assignment by his secretary. He'd be joining Squad K of the DODA, completing the team of four, lead by Corporal Kresnik. Kresnik's a common surname in Elympios, yet whenever he hears it, he can't help but think of his--

Brother!! Ludger almost shouted, but he managed to keep his composure. Did President Bakur know they were related, or was this just a coincidence? Julius didn't seem too surprised-- if anything, his brother looked relieved. Next to his brother was an older man whose glare would cause anyone to shudder and a much friendlier boy about his age who smiled and waved as their eyes met.

"Hello everyone. My name is Ludger Will Kresnik. It's an honor to join you all," Ludger punctuated his greeting with a deep bow. "Even though I am Captain Kresnik's younger brother, please treat me no differently than you would a total stranger."

"I don't care to cater to anyone unless they earn my respect," The older man sure turned up the charm immediately. "Victor Il Marta. I pray you're more agreeable than Fayt."

The boy, Fayt, lets out a rather annoyed sigh, "Complaining about a comrade while they're in the room's not how you make a good first impression."

"Nor is you immediately whining in reply."

"Why are you always like this--?"

"This isn't the time to argue, you two," Julius' scolding shuts the pair up. His brother's really using those years of parenting him well. "We're happy to have you, Ludger. Rest assured, your life's in good hands. Especially with your big brother at the helm."

Julius' last comment gets them both giggling. It's comforting to know even as a commander, his brother's still his brother. When his brother holds out his hand, Ludger eagerly shakes it with a silly grin. Perhaps his time as a Spirius Agent wouldn't be as bad as he thought.

"Thank you, Brother," Ludger couldn't hug his brother while on the clock (though it was tempting), so he settles for a knowing look; he'll make tonight's pasta margherita with extra tomatoes. "I hope I can be of help while I serve my country with you all."

"We'll see soon enough, won't we?" Victor chuckles at his own remark.

"You could at least try to drop the attitude for a second," Fayt doesn't wait for Victor to snarl back and turns to Ludger. "Anyway, I'm Fayt Cro Leingod. I'm sure you'll do well, Ludger. And I promise we'll support you every step of the way."

Something tells him he'll get along with Fayt once they can really sit down and talk. Victor... he'll take some time, but he's still leagues nicer than the pompous doctor who treated him a week ago. Although if his brother heard what the bill cost, that guy would probably change his tune-- assuming Julius didn't kill him first. He'll cross that bridge at a more convenient time.

"Alright, now that introductions are in order, President Bakur's given us new orders as of this morning. We're to infiltrate enemy lines, enter Fennmont without rousing suspicion, and..." As his brother debriefed them, Ludger prayed his first mission would go smoothly.

His luck's been pretty awful recently and all.

[ofstarsandskies]

"The better question is what didn't he do," Since listening will make Nii-san suffer more, he'll do it with glee, "He murdered Ludger's mother, took Ludger in out of guilt but partially to siphon his Chromatus' power, rigged Ludger's Spirius entrance exam to make it impossible to pass, hid the fact he was dying for years, and in my world specifically, he and the others wanted me to sacrifice my daughter to the Prime Dimension. And it's all true, right Julius?"

"...I changed my mind about the 2nd part after a few years, but the rest is all indeed true."

... ... ... One word: Therapy.

❛  What did he even do?  ❜

[ofstarsandskies]

As Victor foretold, Julius doesn't even flinch as Edna takes up her umbrella to stab him. When she does, he recoils and falls to his knees, yet he's smiling in the most broken way.

"Ha, I deserved that-- I just cause him trouble."

"See, what did I tell you-- he just takes it as long as you invoke Ludger's name. Plus if you like suffering, he gets so upset too; it's the gift that keeps on giving."

She doesn't get it, but okay.

❛  This is for making Lurin suffer due to your mistakes.  ❜

She will now proceed to stab Julippy in the stomach, pretending he is Meebo, which is 50% less painful than a stab for Zaveid. It's so pitiful, she doesn't have the heart to use full power. He got lucky there.

[ofstarsandskies]

"As long as you say it's for making Ludger suffer due to his mistakes, he'll ask for it every single time. It's easy-- give it a try."

What is he, a circus animal...? "What am I doing to get bullied this much?"

That's such a pitiful reply, it's downright depressing. It's 'stab,' not 'sad.'

❛  I'll pass. If you're this willing to be stabbed, then there's no fun in it. I could still stab you if you want, though. I'm benevolent enough to bless you with that much. ❜

[ofstarsandskies]

That's the trick captain: he's always trigger stabby. "Looking to stab Julius too? It's rather cathartic, and he has so much self-loathing he doesn't fight back."

It hurts because it's true. "I'd fight back if it wasn't you, you know..."

Why is Victor so trigger stabby today? If it's not roasting Julippy, then it's stabbing him. Is he that fun to stab? Is it like when she stabs Dumbveid???

[ofstarsandskies]

"You're not wrong, but you could've waited until after he stabbed me to shoo him off," Pouting just makes you cuter young man; Nii-san is even happier. "So whether or not it was about me, you still deserve a thank you."

"I hope that person is yourself-." A laugh as he gathers his throwing knives, placing them right along with the others to be thrown at the next person Sync feels like hurting.

The 'playfulness' quickly fades as the teen crosses his arms over his chest. "I don't know what your talking about, I was simply getting rid of a masked weirdo."

[ofstarsandskies]

For the one apparently throwing a tantrum, he's not the one who's tossing knives. The one aimed at his feet is backstepped, but the other does nail his blade and sends it flying. Nobody lets him have fun these days. It's so rude.

"I'll certainly drown someone in a river, but it won't be one made of my tears," Victor huffs and stalks off. "I'll stab you later, Julius."

"Um, see you later, Victor," Julius won't poke the bear before he gets mauled. "Now that he's gone, I didn't think you'd defend me like that. Thank you."

Seems like he'll have to fight, how troublesome. "Why, because you're a full grown man throwing a little baby tantrum. Go cry a river and drown in it-" Victor isn't the only one with a knife, though his are thrown in with quick precision, one aimed at the wrist and one at the feet.

[ofstarsandskies]

"I'm not into masochism, so no. And it's Julius-- he deserves every second of it and he knows it." The big boy knife's coming out--!

"How about- I kick your head in- does that count as enough suffering?"

[ofstarsandskies]

Kids these days have some nerve. Here he thought Elle's rebellious phase would be the end of his troubles.

"Fine. I'll go stab Julius until he suffers enough for my amusement then."

"What did I do to get thrown under the bus..."

2 years is how long he's been alive, so that is plenty difference.

"No." And Sync is snickering slightly.

[ofstarsandskies]

He's only 2 years older than Julius, how is he old? But fine, if he must--

"Now can I get details to watch my daily quota of pain and despair?"

"Sorry, kids shouldn't talked to creepy old men in strange masks."

[ofstarsandskies]

"Give me details, I never tire of watching the pain of others."

Oh look, his third favorite thing in the whole world.

Asch Suffering.