#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? ❞

[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."

[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.” 

[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]

🔴 "Sky-Strewn... Oh, so it's probably that place, huh?" Ranma nodded up at the land that was floating above the city. She'd been wondering about it. Guess it was a place she could go if she wanted to, then. Upon mentioning what was clearly referencing the cellphone, she fished around in her pocket for a moment before pulling it out.

The case was half blue and half red. Someone had a sense of humour. "You're talking about this thing, right? We had phones back where I came from, but they weren't this flat and had to be plugged into a wall. No idea how it works, though." Ranma was an 80s and early 90s kid. Phones weren't that advanced.

She was surprised by Nier's reaction to her invitation though. "Huh? Why wouldn't I be sure? You seem nice enough to me." Aside from her reaction in the beginning, but Ranma had dealt with worse. "C'mon." It didn't take long for Nier to catch up though.

"I'll even treat. I gotta figure out how to earn more money though, or it's gonna be a little rough in the long run..."

"It's called the Sky-Strewn Isles," she says, finishing her thoughts from earlier. "If you do end up wanting to go, then..."

Trailing off, she looks away. She wouldn't refuse an invitation, but she probably wouldn't offer one herself. Perhaps going with someone else might make it a little easier.

It seems as though this initial meeting is winding down, and Nier can't help but feel a little proud of herself. Nobody got weirded out or hurt, and even though there was that confusion about curses, surely the Captain would be happy that she managed to help someone. "O-of course, if you ever need anything else I'll do my best," she says with a small smile. "They have some technology that lets you contact people, I don't really understand it, but-"

She blinks in surprise, staring-wide eyed at Ranma. Had she misheard? No, this was real, this was an invitation.

"A-are you sure? If you really don't mind, then I suppose I..."

She racks her brain; she's certainly had food in the area, but why is it suddenly so hard to remember it? "W-well, um... There's a market not too far from here, I think... They've got a lot of stalls there so we can probably find something for both of us..."

Stepping closer to Ranma, her smile widens. "Ah, that's all to say... I-I'd really like that, thank you."

[jusenkyocursed]

🔴 That was basically the long and short of it. Opinions would vary on pretty much anything, and Ranma had always seen her curse as just that. At first there hadn't been any benefit to being smaller and weaker, but she'd learned to understand its advantages with time. Little by little she'd been figuring out what it mean to be a "girl" all on her own, she just didn't realize that the world wasn't so black and white when it came to gender yet.

Ranma listened to what Nier had to explain patiently, though she did hope onto a nearby fence and stand on it crouched. She was just more comfortable in higher places, but she was still only a couple of feet away from Nier. She followed the girl's finger when she pointed to the supposed arena. "That so...? Well, maybe I'll head out there one day."

The mention of melancholy had her curious. Ranma could be insensitive, but she could also tell when someone was trying their best. Nier didn't seem like the type of person that would immediately bounce back if she accidentally said something insensitive like Akane or Shampoo, so she was being extra careful with her words.

She hopped off the fence and stood up straight with her arms behind her back. "Yeah! Good for you! I don't know a single thing about this place, so good thing I bumped into you. Thanks!" She turned to walk away, but stopped after a few steps and looked over her shoulder. "Know anywhere to eat that's closer? You wanna get a bite with me?"

"Now that I think about it... Maybe there are some things that some would consider a blessing that others would think of as a curse..."

Her mind wanders a bit; would she mind being a man? Would Ranma be concerned if she were shadowed by a beast of death? But Nier doesn't care to engage in such philosophical thoughts, and she tosses them aside with a shake of her head.

But these are questions she knows the answers to, or at least the approximations of answers. "Ah- for food, the Star Trail in Archimedes Ward has lots of nice places to eat. I think they even have foods from different worlds, so no matter where someone comes from, they can find something familiar. Which is... really nice of them, come to think of it..."

She didn't really consider the Island Stars as kind people, but she opts not to dwell on that, either.

"Sparring... Well, there's a place you could try, but..." Nier trails off, a frown forming on her face. She went there once, and it made her terribly homesick. She hasn't been back, hasn't wanted to go back. Perhaps with the right company, but for now...

"It's kind of far, but there's a place outside the city where you get back the things they've taken from you..." She points out towards the horizon; far beyond the city's limits, a few small dots can be seen floating in midair. "I think there's some kind of arena there. I don't know much about it, it... It has a very melancholy feel, for me."

A sigh, and she looks back at Ranma, giving her a small smile. "A-are those the kinds of things you're looking for? I guess I know more about this city than I realized, eheh..."

[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..."

[jusenkyocursed]

🔴 Ranma moved out of the sprinkler's line of fire with a groan. It took a little bit of twisting to get some of the water out of her clothes, but she was used to it at this point. Nier seemed a little shocked. Of course she would. What she'd just witnessed wasn't something that people saw every day, or at the very least she didn't think it would happen like that if it did. For now, she'd have to put the follow up from their earlier conversation on hold.

"Right, so... Remember how I was talking about curses? I was going off of firsthand experience." Suffice to say, that was probably confirmation enough for the erune that the girl she was talking to was the boy from a few seconds ago. At least her clothes and hair were the same! Ranma looked around to make sure no one else had seen her. Didn't look like it.

"Whenever I'm doused with cold water, I turn into a girl. Hot water turns me back into a guy. Not exactly the most convenient curse in the world, especially when I have to adjust my clothes every time." She actually hated it way less now than she used to. She'd basically gotten used to it.

Showing how used to it she was, she was quick to roll up her sleeves and adjust her waistband. "Sorry. You probably think this is weird, huh?"

Nier gives a small laugh, having almost fully forgotten her earlier fear. "If you come from a world of only humans, I imagine there would be lots of things in mine that would surprise you. Actually, I guess this island is like that too... Like those boxes that broadcast pictures on them, I've never seen technology like that before..."

They gave her a phone when she arrived, but Nier rarely used it, as she found it necessary. Perhaps if the Captain showed up, she could use it to contact them, but such a dream feels so far off right now. For now, she can focus on helping this young man; surely the Captain would be proud of her for something like that.

But as she waits for the man to speak, Nier feels a spray of cold water at her back, and she gives a small yelp. Her cloak protects her from the worst of it, and she flicks the water from her ears. "A-are you okay, Ranma? That's what you said, right? I didn't think... we'd..."

This is not the same person as before. Blinking her eyes, Nier rubs them with her hands to clear the water out. It's still not the same person.

There's no one else nearby. Stranger things have happened, surely. Not to Nier, but to someone.

She tilts her head, ears flicking. "Ah... Ranma...?"

[jusenkyocursed]

🟣 Ranma felt like he'd just been spared from something awful by walking back his comment somehow. There was something a little unsettling about this one. Was she possessed or something like that? Was that why she was so worried about being cursed? At the time he'd just wished she'd let go of him, because unlike Akane or Shampoo she hadn't shown any aggression that would have prompted to force her off.

It had just been a very firm grab. But the more she spoke, the more he felt like he could relate a little bit

He took a step back when he was finally let go. "So people are just like that where you come from? Huh. They really do bring all types here." She'd even offered to assist him, which helped lower his guard. When you encountered strange people and monsters as often as Ranma did, you tended to assume the worst sometime. He was also still only sixteen, so he had a lot of maturing to do.

"Well, you don't seem so bad. If you wouldn't mind helping me out, my name is Ran..." Ranma always had awful luck. Why had a nearby sprinkler come on at that moment? And close enough to splash him too.

"...ma." Well, she was going to have to explain her curse to someone here sooner or later.

Staring with wide, glassy eyes, Nier doesn't move as the boy offers his retraction. Her hand continues to clench around his wrist for a moment, and another, and another...

All at once, she relaxes, and releases him. "Ah, you were mistaken, then... That's a relief. With the things you were saying, I didn't know what I'd do..."

Reaching up, she wipes her eyes with her sleeves, and an uneasy smile settles onto her lips. "Oh, I see... No, I've never heard of that before... I guess it wouldn't be the first time this has happened, either. I didn't know people like me were so uncommon in other worlds."

The only thing cold water does to her is give her goosebumps, but that hardly seems relevant, so she shakes her head instead. "I'm an erune, and... No, that's really all there is to it, I think. People like me are very common in the Sky Realm, but I understand your surprise. I recall when I first came to this island as well... It was quite shocking. Even now, I still feel like I haven't fully adjusted, but..."

Compared to the world she comes from, this place is simply too foreign; it can never be home. But she gives a small bow of her head and leans in, hands clasped before her. "I-If you have any questions, I don't mind helping... I don't know everything, but I've been here for some time already. Perhaps there's something else bothering you?"

[jusenkyocursed]

🔵 Two warning flags were raised immediately in Ranma's head that maybe he'd been wrong here. The girl seemed confused for one, and if you had been cursed by a Jusenkyo spring then you would definitely know about it. He blinked over and over as she began to cry, his instinctive need to try and comfort someone crying in front of him raising the other flag.

"Ah. Well, if your ears are always like that, then maybe I was wrong. Ahahaha!" He tried to shrug it off with a smile and a rub of the back of his head, but a chill ran down his spine instead when the girl grabbed onto his free arm for dear life.

"You've never heard of Jusenkyo, right? That's the kinda curse I was talking about! I'm new here, didn't know normal people could have ears like that! At least that's what I think I got wrong... Your body doesn't change in cold water, right?"

"Spring? Curse? M-my ears?"

Nier's hands immediately go up to her head, and she gives a small sigh of relief when everything feels normal. But that's it, it's just a feeling. Perhaps there's something she doesn't notices, something only this boy can see. Maybe there's been a lingering curse following her for her entire life without her knowledge, and that's why she's been so unfortunate. Or worse, maybe someone's grudge has followed her here from the Sky Realm, and it's been weighing her down.

Tears begin to roll down her cheeks as panic overtakes her. "A-am I really cursed? Is there something you can do about it? You wouldn't just say such an awful thing but not have any idea how to fix it, right?"

She reaches out and takes hold of his arm, with a surprisingly tight grip. "Right?"