#deathreversed 01

[swordsovereign]

@deathreversed ❲ phantasm amalgam, part 1 ❳

Ah, Death's evoker. After all the asking for familiarity, Seofon wasn't sure what to think about seeing the young mage. Her pact with Death gave her power that made her dangerous, and wasn't that something that made him want to ... at least keep an eye on her...

She's changed ever since the Captain showed her kindness. She has a place to belong.

She had one. The Captain isn't here. She doesn't have to hold back, does she? I want to have faith. I trust the Captain, and if the fearless leader of that crew says that Nier's not a threat, then I won't treat her like one. It's called benefit of the doubt and positive thinking. You should try it.

For once, Anosiete didn't have a response. Seofon counted that as a massive win on his part.

❝ It's nice to see a familiar face, ❞ Well, she's familiar to him, but he's not sure if it goes both ways. With all the coming and going on the Grandcypher, it was hard for everyone to keep track of each other. Of who they'd met and who they'd only heard of in passing... But everyone knew about the Eternals, right?

Sierokarte had often teased him about the fact that no one knew who he was at first glance. The captain hadn't known about the Eternals when they'd first met either. Ok, but most people did, right?

❝ It's me, Seofon! Leader of the Eternals! I think this is the first time we've really met, but I've seen you here and there on the Grandcypher. What's brought you to this neck of the woods? ❞

[rxsurgcnt]

It's something she believes she'd understand. She hadn't left since she arrived, at least she believes. She wouldn't remember if she had gone back home at any point, but she understood how strange it may feel for anyone who'd remember. The time also doesn't flow the same either. People she is familiar with may not be here any longer. Even Corvus, who's been here since day one has seen people come and go. Martel perhaps being the last known person to leave a large mark on Corvus' stilled heart.

"Of course," She says with a soft smile followed by an understanding nod. "It always feels nice to be recognized and seen."

"I know what you mean, but... I was here before, then I was sent home, and now I've returned to this island. The things that happened when I was home couldn't have happened in this city. It feels... stagnant, I think."

It's the best way she can articulate the thought. Despite the threat of impending... events in Spirale, things always return to whatever passes for normal in the end.

Nier shakes her head. "But that's just me. This island isn't so bad; sometimes it's nice to have some stability. And like I said, the people here..."

She trails off, pressing her hand to her chest. A few friendly faces float past in her mind, the red-haired woman with the talking sword, that long-eared boy with the white ponytail, the erune-looking lass with nine tails, and more. It feels like people gravitate in her direction, and she barely needs to do anything before they start to care for her. A crooked smile crawls up her face, and she looks up at Corvus. "It makes me feel so happy to have so many people looking in my direction. You know?"

[jusenkyocursed]

@deathreversed

🔵 "Huh? Which spring did you fall into?" Ranma still didn't really get what was going on. This wasn't Japan, and all the technology seemed to be way too advanced. But he raised an odd question to the first girl he met that seemed to be around his age. It was one directed at her ears.

"Your curse seems kinda incomplete though, doesn't it? I didn't know it could just change your ears."

[ratparading]

@deathreversed

💗 "Whoa, a familiar face! Heya Nier, I'm cheesed to see you again!" If Vikala had been in Yintopia mode, she probably would have had a very different reaction to this familiar face. But in Yangtopia mode? She could easily push back her anxieties even around someone that... kind of reminded her of how she was in Yintopia mode.

Just more extreme, probably.

"Wanna memorialize this reunion with a selfie? C'mon, I can send you a copy too!" She was already trying to make the pose!

[learnspells]

@deathreversed

ʚїɞ - "Were you looking to read this one? You can have it if you'd like." Fern had been at the library looking for a book to read. One had eventually caught her eye and she pulled it off her shelf, but then she realized another girl was looking at her. The mage held the book out to her.

"There are plenty of books here I've never even heard of before, so I'm sure I can find something else."

[perledelalune]

@deathreversed​

It was hardly the first time Margaret had been to the Savior’s Respite.  While she preferred to visit during the night- as she preferred to do most things in the late hours- her thoughts would not always let her wait before making her trip.  Memories had overcome her, thoughts of days that had passed even before she wound up here.  She had no worry that she would shed tears, but isolation would be preferable now regardless.

Of course, she knew she wasn’t the only one who enjoyed the solitude such an area provided.  After several minutes staring at the sky she’d notice a girl approaching- some years younger than her, with large animal-like ears and a book tucked away in her hands.  Rather than turn her away, Margaret offered the small, polite smile she so often wore.

“Nice to get away from it all every once in a while, isn’t it?”

[soviireign]

            Unused to the hustle and bustle of this town he may be, but even this chaos was dissonant to the rambling days of this city. A cage Spirale may be, but it at least had the humanity to treat its inhabitants well. This careless show of power was something that grated the Eternals’ nerves, as one who believed in might for the service of good.

            Even if that might had left him since his arrival.

            But Siete did not take upon the title of Seven-Star Sovereign for his powers alone. A sword is still a sword, no matter how dull it could be, and in his hands they remain a useful tool to defend others from attacks. Thus did he go through and forth across the city, searching for stragglers or anybody else who may not be able to find their way home.

            He was a clearing when he recognized a face – a lone Erune, looking around listlessly. They haven’t talked before, but Siete had taken note of her presence since her arrival upon the Grandcypher. Call it intuition or not, but he couldn’t help but shake the feeling that there was just something reflected in her eyes. Something deeper than the longing gaze she always seemed to have.

            ( Back home, buried in reports of the skydom – news of a village wiped out overnight. )

            This wasn’t the time to entertain ideas, was it? Siete didn’t hesitate to approach her regardless – a casual wave and an easy stride, a stark contrast to the mood of the streets-turned-battlefield. Best to keep allies close in a situation such as this. But his guard was kept up from all sides nonetheless, having too many experiences on receiving a surprise attack.

            “ You’re part of danchou-chan’s crew, are you? I’ve seen you around before, back at home. Mind having some company for a bit? ”

@deathreversed​ / event starter!

[moonstonescholar]

The taxi on the way there was surprisingly quick, almost faster than the chocobo he had ever ridden. The technology was far sleeker than of the Allagans, but he has never seen transportation like these. One could find it thrilling for his first ride, offering a conversation with the driver whom answered his questions with mild interest. 

When he arrived, he takes a deep breath, looking up at his new humble abode. He had heard that he will be having three others who will live with him and he hopes that he can come across them to learn more about them--and the world they lived in. 

He knocks on the door first before using his phone to enter the house. “Er... Pardon me.” he calls out, peeking through the door to look inside. It’s a cozy looking home, big enough for four people, it seems. He shakes off the snow off his shoes before coming inside, closing the door to keep the frost away. 

“Is anybody home?”

@deathreversed​

[deathlyknighted]

@deathreversed

For whatever reason, his overall demeanor had changed, and there wasn’t anything he could really do about it. It was frustrating. It was, in a way, nice to know he was having an easier time talking to others now---but he also did not want to do such a thing. Getting closer to others came with risks that far outweighed advantages. So naturally, his feelings on this sensation were... at odds.

But even if part of him was angered at the idea of acting like this, being vulnerable to those around him---complete strangers even, it was not enough to stop him from going up to them. Unfortunately for everyone involved. Because despite intentions, he very much was still incredibly intimidating. People continued to move away from him when he walked towards them, which was both a boon for the side of him that hated doing this, and a bane for the side that sought to get to know these people.

Sighing gently, he decided to give up for the time being and take a rest on a bench. Sitting down, he noted from the corner of his eye, that there was someone else on it. When they didn’t seem to leave, he looked over and spoke up.

“Excuse me, but... do I look scary to you?” He figured he knew the answer already, but it was a start to what he really wanted to ask.

[paaperboats]

@deathreversed​  ♡

Saviour’s Respite seemed to be Red’s favourite spot that day; enjoying her time with her weapon as they both sat in a small meadow of flowers, gazing out into the calming scene around them. She couldn’t help but wonder-- why did she never come here before? She was always so focused on being away from her own ward; as if staying far from her apartment would help her feel like she wasn’t really “living” in a world that wasn’t hers. However much she tried to deny it, though, Red knew she couldn’t completely-- but she had no worries at all today. Ever since she tried that drink, she felt absolutely wonderful; did it have something to do with that? 

Even when she tried to figure it out, it was almost as if her mind wouldn’t let her; and she didn’t seem too concerned about digging any deeper.

[ It’s.. really pretty here, huh? ] the Transistor spoke slowly, but his voice seemed more on the chipper side; Red’s hand smoothing itself across her blade. [ Buut.. not as pretty as you, Red! I swear. ]

The woman made the motion of laughing; bringing a few fingers to her lips, despite the fact that no sound left her. Though neither of them completely seemed to be themselves, she was happy; just being with him, alone..

.. but, not as alone as she thought.

Hearing soft footsteps, Red’s head lifted; blue eyes falling to a young girl who stood quite a few feet away from her. She seemed almost afraid to approach the pair, but Red had no issues with her joining them; lifting a hand to wave as a smile reached her lips.

[ Oh! Helllooo! ] the Transistor called out to the other in place of Red, making sure his greeting sounded especially cheery. [ What’re you.. doin’, standing all the way over there? We don’t bite! I mean. I can’t, even if I tried.. haha. ]

[heartofzepp]

@deathreversed​

“Are you feeling fatigued?” his voice is deep and resonant, yet still gentle. 

His massive hand gently held her up, saving her from what would’ve been a nasty trip onto concrete. Potemkin’s hands are bandaged underneath fingerless gloves, even days after the whole phenomena. 

“Rest if you need to. The bus won’t be here for a while longer. I can’t really...fit on it, but I can stay with you until it’s here.” 

[rxsurgcnt]

With a nod, Corvus smiles. There's a little bit of sadness though with how Nier even questions the whole thing. Even if they were strangers it was the sole duty of protection that was important. Just what kind of life did she live back at home, Corvus wondered.

"if I returned home, I'm afraid I'd just end up being how I used to be in the past," She admits. So, she supposes, as much as she missed home, the answer was no. She was one of few who'd rather not have returned. She may have forgiven her sister in this world in a sense, but what about if she returned? What happened?

"What about you? Seeing how people treat you here, how do you feel?"

"Corvus," she repeats, with a small smile. "It's nice to meet you..."

At first blush, the woman didn't seem particularly friendly, but maybe you can't judge a book by its cover. Nier herself would be a prime example of that.

"Well, doesn't everyone want to return? I suppose some people get used to living here, but..." She tilts her head, pondering the question. Perhaps some people might come from worlds on the brink, or be leaving behind lives that aren't worth living, but people like that must be in the minority, right?

Shaking her head, Nier brushes away the thoughts. She didn't need protection, but to be accepted like this, and so quickly, was a nice sensation. "You'd really do that for me, even though we just met? That's so kind of you, it's really... There's so many nice people in this city, it feels like the people in my world weren't always so understanding."

[swordsovereign]

She's nervous and it shows. Seofon's nervous too, but he's better at hiding it. He's always had to hold it together- that was the job of a big brother, of a leader, of the strongest swordsman in the skies. If he didn't keep a level head, who would?

He didn't know too much about her circumstances, but every Evoker had a reason for their pact, and usually it was laced with some sort of pain, their own or the pain of others.

Like that mage with the accent and the flower name. Why did the Captain let him hang around, again?

From how Nier acted, it was rather obvious that her pact with Death was born of some deep agony in her that he knew better than to ask about. If she ever wanted to talk about it, she could do it on her own accord.

❝ Hey, hey- it's ok to be stressed and scared, ❞ he takes note of the changing surroundings. ❝ Plagued by nightmares, huh? Well, what if we both tried to make this place somewhere safer? ❞

❝ Like the Grandcypher, where you're safe. If I was battling nightmares, I'd focus really hard on a place that made me feel happy instead. I know that's easier said than done- ❞

Seofon had learned from the Captain to be a better person. In the past, he wouldn't have hesitated to simply strike Nier down for her connection to Death- the slay first and ask questions later issue. Loath as he was to admit it, he used to be just like Anosiete. Then, he met Anre, and things changed. He changed, and for the better. He had that in common with Nier as far as he could tell.

❝ You don't have to worry about me getting hurt- I don't want to just leave you here if you're going through all of this ... Companionship can really help! I'm not the Captain, but maybe I can be at least a half-decent stand in until this passes over. Or as long as you need the support, whichever comes first. ❞

Man, but she's really in pain, isn't she?

❝ You can always count on big brother Seofon to be there for you! I trust the Captain's judgement, and I know they wouldn't want you to feel alone. ❞

She knows... of this man. Seofon's reputation proceeds him, for better or for worse, but Nier isn't sure if she needs to be concerned. The captain had told her the Eternals were a peacekeeping crew, but that she wouldn't have to worry about it. However, if the captain is the equalizer and they're not here, does she have something to worry about now?

"Familiar..." she echoes. "I don't think we've ever spoken before... Sorry, I didn't mean to be rude, I guess it just never came up."

There's so many people aboard the Grandcypher, so that's hardly odd. And while she might normally be pleased to finally see someone else from the Sky Realm, the timing couldn't be worse.

"What brought me to- I live here... W-wait, no, they moved me somewhere else..."

Around them, the scenery begins to change. The buildings begin to take on a different style; two-story homes made of brownstone. After another moment, it shifts again, towering over them and peering down with countless glass windows. Nier turns away, clutching her head in her hands and trying to steady her breathing. She was told if you dream it, it becomes real, but the issue is that she usually has nightmares.

"A-aah, sorry, it's... Something's happening in the city... I don't really understand, but... Everything keeps changing when I think about it..."

Right now, she's trying very hard not to wish for this man to go away, because she's worried about how that might take effect. What if he dies, and then she has to deal with that later? Or worse, what if he died and then told the captain? Nier eyes Seofon from between her fingers, hoping their first meeting is a short one.

"Just... Just go away... I don't want to have to deal with you right now..."

[jusenkyocursed]

🔴 "Yeah! You get it!" Ranma shot up a little when Nier confirmed what she had come to believe over the past year of being cursed. It didn't matter what form she took, she was still herself! It was just that when she pondered what that meant relative to how accepting she'd gradually become of her curse where things had begun to get a little complicated for her.

To hear that Nier knew someone who had chosen a girl's form was interesting, though she only seemed to consider it a curse in the sense that Ranma couldn't control it. If she'd had the ability to determine when it happened without getting splashed, then would she feel the same way about it?

She filed that thought away for later. Nier didn't linger on the topic for long, which was pretty surprising based on past experiences.

"Hm... Guess I need to know the best place to get grub? And spar with people when I'm feeling it. I wish I had my strength back though." She probably would have ended up in a fight by now if she hadn't been completely sapped.

It takes Nier a few moments to adjust to this sudden... shift in Ranma's appearance, but at the end of the day, it's the same person. And maybe she hasn't seen something like this, but she's witnessed plenty of odd things in her time aboard the Grandcypher.

Like the Tyrannosauruses. Or the flying oysters. Or the chocolate island.

"Weird? I suppose it isn't normal, but..." She trails off, trying to think of the right way to phrase how she feels. "I guess I don't really care. N-no, I mean, it doesn't bother me, or something like that... Boy or girl, you're still Ranma, right?"

Her ears flick again as she recalls something she's heard from the crew. "One of the people I travel with created a body with alchemy because she wanted to be a cute girl... If magic did this to you, I guess it makes sense. I don't understand, but..."

There's no real end to the thought, and Nier simply shrugs. "Not having control over it seems inconvenient, but I guess it is a curse."

Another pause as this curse becomes simply another fact of life. Nier has much more important things to worry about than someone else's body. "U-um, as I was saying, if you have any questions I'd be happy to help..."

[ratparading]

💗 "Just got here, in fact!" She followed up with Nier as the picture was taken. Was she trying to grab her fingers? What was going on there? Oh well! Once the picture was taken, she rocked from side to side energetically on her heels, making sure to maintain eye contact with the erune as much as she was comfortable.

"I'm fiiiiine! I was a little bit confused and felt a little mousetrapped at first, but then I just recited my magic spell! Lucky! Cookie! Vicky! Then all of my anxiety went away!" That just wasn't true. It was buried in Yintopia for now.

"Thank yew! If I have any questions, I'll totally go to you first, big sis!" She threw in that last bit with a playful wink. Would that make Nier happy? Vikala hoped it wouldn't cause the opposite thing to happen. "Actually! Any idea who sells the best cheese 'round here!?"

"O-oh, Vikala... I didn't know you were here. N-no, that's okay, actually, you don't need to-""

"A-ah... I guess it's fine..."

That's a whole lot, all at once. It's like staring into the sun, and Nier already feels drained. And it's not because she dislikes Vikala, just the opposite, she just can't match the Divine General's energy. Not like this.

It takes her a few moments to recover; she feels like she just lost a round, whatever that means. "Um, a-are you doing okay? You just got here, right? I know it can be very confusing at first, so if you have any questions, I don't mind helping out..."

But she kind of hopes she doesn't have to.

[rxsurgcnt]

"Corvus," even to this day, she felt most comfortable using the name she had given her self upon her rebirth. There are only a small handful (a very small handful) of people who used to call her by her name. They were no longer here.

Ah, she misses Martel. Her heart truly aches an awful much when she thinks of her.

"I'm sure you'd rather be home," She says understandingly. "In the duration that you're here though, it'll be our responsibility to make sure you remain safe." Through and through she was always working.

"That long...? I don't think I could stand being away from home for such a long time... There's a lot of people I miss. Even if they show up here, it won't be the same... Though I guess I'd get them all to myself, ehehe..."

"Ah, but that's just wishful thinking, I suppose..."

Djeeta, the captain, was here, once. She was long gone, which is a shame, because the idea of not having to share her with Lyria, Vyrn, or the rest of the crew is intoxicating. Sighing, Nier looks back up to the other woman, bowing her head. "Ah, sorry... My name is Nier. I don't know if it's nice to be back, but... I guess none of us really have a choice, do we? Sometimes you don't even have a choice of how you spend your time here... Oh well..."