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[Hak can't say that he was too thrilled about one of the legendary dragons being a condescending, spoiled rich kid who probably couldn't navigate out of a burlap sack, much less to another hidden legendary dragon, but the princess' was resolute. It wasn't his place to complain, especially since Kija at least recognized the princess and had sworn loyalty relatively quickly. That if nothing else, was admirable.
Or that was what he was going to keep telling himself as he handed over a few extra blankets to Kija.]
The spot next to the princess looks comfortable enough, you should try sleeping there.
[All Kija can do for the moment is stare in stunned disbelief. This is a joke, right? Holding the blankets in hand her confusion is palpable. ]
Eh?
[Already the one called Yoon is settling down, and the princess has made herself comfortable. But they are outside. They are exposed to the elements. They are exposed to the creepy crawly things that live in the elements. In dismay she seeks the gaze of the most troublesome individual in the party.]
You cannot really mean here. We are outside. Are we not going to find an inn? [Somewhere with a bath, and pillows, warm food...]
[This was exactly why Hak had been opposed to this in the first place. Hak and Yoon were used to the harsh realities of traveling, something the princess was slowly starting to understand and did so without complaint. He was pretty sure Kija was going to complain the whole way.
He let out a small sigh at the question, putting a hand on his hip, weapon resting comfortably against his shoulder.]
It's best if we don't attract attention.
[He glanced pointedly at Kija's hand, before he let a small grin work its way onto his face.]
But if it's a problem, you could always go home. I can take it from here.
This was why Kija found the man so intolerable! The pointed glance widened her eyes before she set her jaw. Her claw was perfectly fine! It was wrapped wasn't it!? Body going stiff she stood up straighter, her human hand curling into a fist as her chin tipped up.]
As though I would ever consider that! I have waited all my life to serve my master. I would never abandon my sacred duty!
[Just as her father had waited and the dragon before him. She wasn't about to go anywhere. Her claw lifted and she rested it against her chest after switching the blankets to her opposite hand.]
It is the dragon's responsibly to look over the princess.
[It really was too easy to rile Kija up, which of course meant that Hak was going to do it more. But unlike how the princess had been, Kija had more bite behind her bark, and while it would be easy to discount her, her fighting skills had been no joke.
Ah but what was the point of living if you couldn't tease your very dangerous traveling companion?]
I heard you the first hundred times. Duty, responsibility, got it.
[That last bit however, struck him more than it should. He grit his teeth slightly, eyes narrowed.]
I'll believe that after you're able to get a good night's sleep out here.
. . . It's just that I cannot bear to see the princess under these conditions.
[Eyes welling up with tears, Kija turned to the princess, who, despite the circumstances and odds, had somehow fallen asleep.]
How cruel. First it was eating weeds for dinner, and now this. [Beyond the fact that she had been chased from the palace, which was unforgivable from the start.] She is so noble and strong. I am sorry princess-!
[What could she do to lighten the load? Maybe she could pass over one of her blankets...]
[Despite her sheltered upbringing, it seemed like Kija could hit all the right spots. Hak froze at the tears in the white dragon's eyes, suddenly distinctly aware of the injustice of all of this. It was a lot to ask of the princess, and so much had been taken from her. And yet...
He ruffled Kija's hair slightly, half-affectionate and half-apology.]
The princess doesn't see this as a detriment, so neither should you. She'd be more worried about you not getting sleep.
[Her head bobbled beneath the light weight of his hand, before she reached up to remove it. This man- he possessed the trust of the princess. It seemed that they were childhood friends. While he took delight in riling her up she had to admit, begrudgingly, that he was strong. Sheer strength somehow nearly rivaled the power within her right hand. He was sharp too.
. . . Even if he enjoyed using that wit for the purpose of teasing.
Confidence was clear in her voice as she stepped forward and surveyed what was, apparently, supposed to be their lodging for the night. It wasn't fit for a dog. And yet here they were. No matter. If the princess had to sleep in the outdoors like this then Kija would endure.]
I may not look as though I know a thing or two about the wilderness, but I have been taught a great many things within my village.
[She's even ridden a horse once. Hah. How impressed would he be then, hmm?]
You should worry about yourself. Sleeping beneath the stars will be as simple as-
[. . . But it was at that inconvenient moment that something large, furry, and in possession of eight legs decided to scurry across Kija's foot. Her lips parted to scream before her hands flew out to cover mouth to prevent herself from waking the princess.
But the trembling and whimpered sounds the muffled cry produced weren't exactly subtle]
D-Did you see that!? T-T--Those vile creatures have already intruded upon our campsite! [Are they seeking her out!? GASP-]
It could advance toward the princess! Quick! We have no choice but to raze the campsite to the ground!
[When she had practically grabbed onto Hak in a death lock and had flown backwards into him was a mystery. Kija wasn't even consciously aware of having moved. Except there she was, one arm wrapped around his neck to hold on as she practically piggy-backed him, feet clear off the ground. In a panic she pointed toward the direction of the spider with her claw.]
It's getting away! Hurry, before its reinforcements arrive!
[Hak listened with what could have passed for a polite expression if it wasn't the utter amused curve of his mouth as Kija prattled on. While he was sure her village had taught her quite a lot, being taught something and using it in a practical sense were two completely different beasts, but even if he said such a thing, he doubted Kija would appreciate it.
So watching the spider crawl around seemed like the best lesson about the great outdoors, and one that Hak didn't have to lift a finger to teach. He didn't bother moving as Kija backpedaled quickly, or perhaps it would have been more accurate to say he couldn't really move with how tight her grip was on him.]
You're being too noisy. I thought you would have no problem sleeping out under the stars. It's your duty to protect the princess from these creatures.
[Was Hak enjoying himself? Definitely, without a doubt.]
Flustered, she bit her bottom lip in frustration and choked up. She could practically feel the smug satisfaction that dripped from his voice. At the same time, it was true that it was her important duty to protect the princess from all threats, no matter what that threat was.
Carefully she slid off his back. She never thought she would have to face something so horrible as this. It made her stomach twist in a sickening knot. An army would have been preferable. At least soldiers didn't crawl and squirm erratically.
Her heart pounded as her eyes glanced around in the darkness, before they fell upon his guandao, which he still held casually against himself.]
[If Hak was a nicer person, he would have shooed the spiders away himself, or perhaps done what Kija had requested and let her use his weapon. Unfortunately, Hak was a bit of the bully as the princess would be the first to attest to, and so long as it was relatively harmless fun, he didn't see the point in not needling someone. Especially someone as easily riled up as Kija.
He schooled his expression into one of utmost seriousness, shaking his head.]
You'll have to use your own strength for this, white snake. I can't help you.
[She needed to forget about him and focus on more important matters. As such, her attention turned back to the spider. If she couldn't use the weapon, then...
Her eyes searched through the darkness for something else until she spotted.... ah! Maybe that? She reached out and grabbed... a gigantic log with her claw. This would do the trick, wouldn't it?
It would be wise to duck as she swung back with the log, intent on the destruction of the offending spider.
. . . If only she yet realized just how many bugs had decided to make their home beneath and inside the very log she brandished now.]
[Did Hak look like he was on the verge of laughing? Truly it was just Kija's imagination.
Lowering his guard to tease a clearly volatile person wasn't Hak's brightest idea, and he let out a small yelp of surprise when Kija suddenly picked up a log to smack at the spider, barely dodging out of the way.
He watched, helplessly torn between more laughter and horror, as a few innocent worms wriggled out of the log and landed with heavy plops onto Kija's shoulders.]
White snake, stay very still. And don't look.
[His tone was utterly serious as he inched a bit closer, as if readying himself for more of her erratic movements.]
[Perhaps to his surprise there was none-- beyond the fact that she dropped the gigantic log with a heavy plunk. Frozen in pure terror she was like a statue. She couldn't even react to the fact that he had once more disrespectfully addressed her. It paled in comparison to the situation that currently preoccupied her every thought.
Teary-eyed and trembling her eyes remained squeezed shut as though it wasn't happening if she couldn't see it. She swallowed thickly, pride temporarily forgotten in light of the emergency situation.]
P-Please kill them. [There was more than one. She had felt whatever kind of bugs they were when it fell upon her shoulders.] It doesn't matter if you have to stab me with that weapon to do it, j-j-just get rid of them.
[He was a bit surprised that she wasn't flailing around, but he was going to take advantage of her frozen state. He quickly plucked off the offending worms, letting them go back into the dirt, before brushing off her shoulders thoroughly, frowning.]
[Tentatively she opened her eyes. There was nothing else she confirmed, with an uneasy glance at her shoulders and cloak. He had thrown them off of her.
She expelled a breath of relief for the first time since the ordeal began. Just as quickly color flooded her face. She had made a large scene in front of the princess's childhood friend. But for once, rather than dive into teasing her further he had actually helped remove the creatures. Embarrassed, she nodded in response to his question and glanced down.]
I... I simply do not like creepy crawly things that move around erratically.
[Her cheeks darkened as pink settled into the apples of her cheeks and across her nose. She was prideful, but she was also respectful, even when that meant having to bite her tongue and walk back her behavior.]
I apologize for creating a scene... [She bowed.] So... thank you.
[She wouldn't be so rude as to ignore the fact that he had just helped her.]
[It was strange to see Kija so subdued, so he made sure to ruffle her hair roughly. It didn't suit her, bowing and being quieter. He liked it much better when she was riled up and shouting. He'd teased her enough for one day, and quite frankly he was getting kind of tired himself.]
Don't mention it. But we should head to bed before we wake the others.
[He shot a pointed look at their prone forms, and he could have sworn he heard both of them emit suspicious noises as if on cue.]
[He had to ruin the moment by messing her hair. She stiffened, her hands lifting to her hair but by then his hand had already retreated. With as much dignity as she could muster she tried to fix it.]
. . . That is fair enough.
[She glanced toward the 'sleeping' forms of the others, before she gathered her belongings and moved back toward the direction of the princess. She felt unworthy of sleeping so near, but at the same time she was best equipped to protect her.
Using her blankets she tucked them completely beneath herself and above so that she was in a complete cocoon, where surely no insect would be capable of infiltrating her domain.
. . . Sleep would prove to be much more difficult than her makeshift bubble of protection, however.]
[ as a rite of passage, Kija would be bestowed a gift by the people - no, more accurately, he would be bestowed a gift by the gods. It's something to be pleased about, a cause for joy; Berserkers are the best Servants to get along with the White Dragon's strength, and of course, they'd exist for the sake of serving the new King when that person arrives. the White Dragon's summoning stone at the center of the town glowing - this, the very sign that predicts that the King would soon come - should be cause for celebration in and of itself.
so, why? Why, at the height of the stone's brilliant shine, on the night of the full moon when Kija's meant to summon his new companion - why is it that, when the stone breaks into a pillar of light that beams into the sky, there's a painful scream in the air? Why does the light glitch when a hand breaks through the beam, why does electricity spark when the Servant's head pushes through in slow agony, as if struggling to reach this plane of existence? Why is there smoke?
The very stone itself cracks, and when the body has managed to pull itself out enough, it tumbles out of the portal and onto the ground, graceless and young, clothes clearly foreign in nature. Certainly, the ceremony was a success, but . . . what happened, exactly? ]
[This had been a day Kija had been prepared for all his life. The desperate hope that the king would return had always been there with him, but the glow of the stone at the center of the village was proof that it would happen for him, in his own lifetime. The excitement of knowing his master would someday soon call upon him and his servant to protect him left Kija elated as the village prepared for the summoning of his new companion. In most of his attempts to try and help, he's been shoed off and told to leave it to the village elders while he prepares himself personally for the acquisition of his own servant to command.
Which is why when the stone shone brilliant and bright, he was ecstatic as everyone gathered to watch. The time had finally come, and he was excited to meet Berserker and welcome them to Hakuryuu Village.
What follows, however, doesn't go the script. His blue eyes widen in shock when an agonized scream abruptly breaks through the reverent silence of the night-- and his stomach churns. What is wrong...? His excitement turns almost immediately to horror. This...it isn't how it's supposed to be, is it? He wants to near but he can't move, light surrounding him, too now as power courses through the entire square. And at the center of it, the summoned servant screams in pure pain as lightning sparks and he struggles forward as though clawing through brick. Then, all at once, it seems to be over. He falls to the ground without catching himself, and it's only now that Kija seems able to move.
At once he rushes forward to the fallen man. His clothes are strange, unlike anything Kija could imagine, and his appearance is young, not at all the intimidating figure he had expected to be met with upon meeting Berserker. He kneels down beside him, reaching out gently-- as though afraid he may accidentally hurt the man.]
Berserker, are you alright...?
[He glances up toward the village elders and barks out a command.]
Quickly!! Fetch a medic immediately! He needs help!
[Gently, he rests his claw upon the young man's head.]
[ the people move to his command, some settling around in distress. The young man shifts to the touch, pushing his hand down against the ground to push himself up - just his head. ]
[He helps to draw him up carefully so that he is at least out of the dirt and can catch his bearings. Kija tries a reassuring smile, but it's clear he's vexed at the moment. What had gone so wrong that he should have suffered so?]
There's no need to fret. I am Hakuryuu, and I welcome you to our village.
[It's just...]
Are you alright? I did not anticipate that your awaited arrival would...result in such a traumatic experience for you.
no subject
Beatnik Trip - Gin Wigmore
My Silver Lining - First Aid Kit
Sail On - Ryn Weaver
Transatlanticism - Death Cab For Cutie
Every Rhythm Is The Beat - Sarah Slean
I'm good with sex or fluff if that helps or if you want build up or w/e]
no subject
Or that was what he was going to keep telling himself as he handed over a few extra blankets to Kija.]
The spot next to the princess looks comfortable enough, you should try sleeping there.
no subject
Eh?
[Already the one called Yoon is settling down, and the princess has made herself comfortable. But they are outside. They are exposed to the elements. They are exposed to the creepy crawly things that live in the elements. In dismay she seeks the gaze of the most troublesome individual in the party.]
You cannot really mean here. We are outside. Are we not going to find an inn? [Somewhere with a bath, and pillows, warm food...]
no subject
He let out a small sigh at the question, putting a hand on his hip, weapon resting comfortably against his shoulder.]
It's best if we don't attract attention.
[He glanced pointedly at Kija's hand, before he let a small grin work its way onto his face.]
But if it's a problem, you could always go home. I can take it from here.
1/2
This was why Kija found the man so intolerable! The pointed glance widened her eyes before she set her jaw. Her claw was perfectly fine! It was wrapped wasn't it!? Body going stiff she stood up straighter, her human hand curling into a fist as her chin tipped up.]
As though I would ever consider that! I have waited all my life to serve my master. I would never abandon my sacred duty!
[Just as her father had waited and the dragon before him. She wasn't about to go anywhere. Her claw lifted and she rested it against her chest after switching the blankets to her opposite hand.]
It is the dragon's responsibly to look over the princess.
2/2
Worry not, however. I will be sure to keep you alive for the princess's sake.
[After all the princess asked her to. So she supposed she could look after him, even despite the fact that he was such a difficult individual.]
no subject
Ah but what was the point of living if you couldn't tease your very dangerous traveling companion?]
I heard you the first hundred times. Duty, responsibility, got it.
[That last bit however, struck him more than it should. He grit his teeth slightly, eyes narrowed.]
I'll believe that after you're able to get a good night's sleep out here.
1/2
[She could sleep beneath the stars just fine! Probably...
She hadn't done it before. But she was one of the four sacred dragons! Of course she could do this unpleasant task! But--]
2/2
[Eyes welling up with tears, Kija turned to the princess, who, despite the circumstances and odds, had somehow fallen asleep.]
How cruel. First it was eating weeds for dinner, and now this. [Beyond the fact that she had been chased from the palace, which was unforgivable from the start.] She is so noble and strong. I am sorry princess-!
[What could she do to lighten the load? Maybe she could pass over one of her blankets...]
no subject
He ruffled Kija's hair slightly, half-affectionate and half-apology.]
The princess doesn't see this as a detriment, so neither should you. She'd be more worried about you not getting sleep.
1/2
. . . Even if he enjoyed using that wit for the purpose of teasing.
Confidence was clear in her voice as she stepped forward and surveyed what was, apparently, supposed to be their lodging for the night. It wasn't fit for a dog. And yet here they were. No matter. If the princess had to sleep in the outdoors like this then Kija would endure.]
I may not look as though I know a thing or two about the wilderness, but I have been taught a great many things within my village.
[She's even ridden a horse once. Hah. How impressed would he be then, hmm?]
You should worry about yourself. Sleeping beneath the stars will be as simple as-
2/2
But the trembling and whimpered sounds the muffled cry produced weren't exactly subtle]
D-Did you see that!? T-T--Those vile creatures have already intruded upon our campsite! [Are they seeking her out!? GASP-]
It could advance toward the princess! Quick! We have no choice but to raze the campsite to the ground!
[When she had practically grabbed onto Hak in a death lock and had flown backwards into him was a mystery. Kija wasn't even consciously aware of having moved. Except there she was, one arm wrapped around his neck to hold on as she practically piggy-backed him, feet clear off the ground. In a panic she pointed toward the direction of the spider with her claw.]
It's getting away! Hurry, before its reinforcements arrive!
no subject
So watching the spider crawl around seemed like the best lesson about the great outdoors, and one that Hak didn't have to lift a finger to teach. He didn't bother moving as Kija backpedaled quickly, or perhaps it would have been more accurate to say he couldn't really move with how tight her grip was on him.]
You're being too noisy. I thought you would have no problem sleeping out under the stars. It's your duty to protect the princess from these creatures.
[Was Hak enjoying himself? Definitely, without a doubt.]
no subject
Flustered, she bit her bottom lip in frustration and choked up. She could practically feel the smug satisfaction that dripped from his voice. At the same time, it was true that it was her important duty to protect the princess from all threats, no matter what that threat was.
Carefully she slid off his back. She never thought she would have to face something so horrible as this. It made her stomach twist in a sickening knot. An army would have been preferable. At least soldiers didn't crawl and squirm erratically.
Her heart pounded as her eyes glanced around in the darkness, before they fell upon his guandao, which he still held casually against himself.]
M-May I borrow your weapon?
no subject
He schooled his expression into one of utmost seriousness, shaking his head.]
You'll have to use your own strength for this, white snake. I can't help you.
[Hak... You literally can...]
1/2
Wait-]
Dragon! I know I've told you multiple times to use dragon!
[That rude, unsophisticated, obnoxious little-- ]
2/2
[She needed to forget about him and focus on more important matters. As such, her attention turned back to the spider. If she couldn't use the weapon, then...
Her eyes searched through the darkness for something else until she spotted.... ah! Maybe that? She reached out and grabbed... a gigantic log with her claw. This would do the trick, wouldn't it?
It would be wise to duck as she swung back with the log, intent on the destruction of the offending spider.
. . . If only she yet realized just how many bugs had decided to make their home beneath and inside the very log she brandished now.]
no subject
[Did Hak look like he was on the verge of laughing? Truly it was just Kija's imagination.
Lowering his guard to tease a clearly volatile person wasn't Hak's brightest idea, and he let out a small yelp of surprise when Kija suddenly picked up a log to smack at the spider, barely dodging out of the way.
He watched, helplessly torn between more laughter and horror, as a few innocent worms wriggled out of the log and landed with heavy plops onto Kija's shoulders.]
White snake, stay very still. And don't look.
[His tone was utterly serious as he inched a bit closer, as if readying himself for more of her erratic movements.]
no subject
Teary-eyed and trembling her eyes remained squeezed shut as though it wasn't happening if she couldn't see it. She swallowed thickly, pride temporarily forgotten in light of the emergency situation.]
P-Please kill them. [There was more than one. She had felt whatever kind of bugs they were when it fell upon her shoulders.] It doesn't matter if you have to stab me with that weapon to do it, j-j-just get rid of them.
no subject
[He was a bit surprised that she wasn't flailing around, but he was going to take advantage of her frozen state. He quickly plucked off the offending worms, letting them go back into the dirt, before brushing off her shoulders thoroughly, frowning.]
I think I got them all. You okay?
no subject
She expelled a breath of relief for the first time since the ordeal began. Just as quickly color flooded her face. She had made a large scene in front of the princess's childhood friend. But for once, rather than dive into teasing her further he had actually helped remove the creatures. Embarrassed, she nodded in response to his question and glanced down.]
I... I simply do not like creepy crawly things that move around erratically.
[Her cheeks darkened as pink settled into the apples of her cheeks and across her nose. She was prideful, but she was also respectful, even when that meant having to bite her tongue and walk back her behavior.]
I apologize for creating a scene... [She bowed.] So... thank you.
[She wouldn't be so rude as to ignore the fact that he had just helped her.]
no subject
[It was strange to see Kija so subdued, so he made sure to ruffle her hair roughly. It didn't suit her, bowing and being quieter. He liked it much better when she was riled up and shouting. He'd teased her enough for one day, and quite frankly he was getting kind of tired himself.]
Don't mention it. But we should head to bed before we wake the others.
[He shot a pointed look at their prone forms, and he could have sworn he heard both of them emit suspicious noises as if on cue.]
no subject
. . . That is fair enough.
[She glanced toward the
'sleeping'forms of the others, before she gathered her belongings and moved back toward the direction of the princess. She felt unworthy of sleeping so near, but at the same time she was best equipped to protect her.Using her blankets she tucked them completely beneath herself and above so that she was in a complete cocoon, where surely no insect would be capable of infiltrating her domain.
. . . Sleep would prove to be much more difficult than her makeshift bubble of protection, however.]
fate/au
so, why? Why, at the height of the stone's brilliant shine, on the night of the full moon when Kija's meant to summon his new companion - why is it that, when the stone breaks into a pillar of light that beams into the sky, there's a painful scream in the air? Why does the light glitch when a hand breaks through the beam, why does electricity spark when the Servant's head pushes through in slow agony, as if struggling to reach this plane of existence? Why is there smoke?
The very stone itself cracks, and when the body has managed to pull itself out enough, it tumbles out of the portal and onto the ground, graceless and young, clothes clearly foreign in nature. Certainly, the ceremony was a success, but . . . what happened, exactly? ]
Re: fate/au
Which is why when the stone shone brilliant and bright, he was ecstatic as everyone gathered to watch. The time had finally come, and he was excited to meet Berserker and welcome them to Hakuryuu Village.
What follows, however, doesn't go the script. His blue eyes widen in shock when an agonized scream abruptly breaks through the reverent silence of the night-- and his stomach churns. What is wrong...? His excitement turns almost immediately to horror. This...it isn't how it's supposed to be, is it? He wants to near but he can't move, light surrounding him, too now as power courses through the entire square. And at the center of it, the summoned servant screams in pure pain as lightning sparks and he struggles forward as though clawing through brick. Then, all at once, it seems to be over. He falls to the ground without catching himself, and it's only now that Kija seems able to move.
At once he rushes forward to the fallen man. His clothes are strange, unlike anything Kija could imagine, and his appearance is young, not at all the intimidating figure he had expected to be met with upon meeting Berserker. He kneels down beside him, reaching out gently-- as though afraid he may accidentally hurt the man.]
Berserker, are you alright...?
[He glances up toward the village elders and barks out a command.]
Quickly!! Fetch a medic immediately! He needs help!
[Gently, he rests his claw upon the young man's head.]
Don't worry. We'll get you taken care of.
Re: fate/au
. . . The King is . . .
[ his voice is hoarse, rough and faltering ]
This - you are the White Dragon, are you not - ?
no subject
[He helps to draw him up carefully so that he is at least out of the dirt and can catch his bearings. Kija tries a reassuring smile, but it's clear he's vexed at the moment. What had gone so wrong that he should have suffered so?]
There's no need to fret. I am Hakuryuu, and I welcome you to our village.
[It's just...]
Are you alright? I did not anticipate that your awaited arrival would...result in such a traumatic experience for you.