realmofstories | [Open] A poisonous feast

[He knew she would be like this, and there's always the usual push and pull before he eventually relents. This time, however, he's going to be more adamant.]

And I'm not making you do that. All I want is to make sure there aren't any guards hidden somewhere on our way there and just make sure we're heading in the right direction, that's all. This place is huge, and while my best guess is that he's in the throne room, it can't hurt to be careful—especially when this isn't even our own world and we're still figuring out everything about this place.

[He then lightly takes her hands into his, his face sincere.]

Five minutes—no three. Just give me that much time to make sure things are clear and I won't stop you anymore from here on out. [A light grin.] I'll even let you lead the charge and get the first hit in.

[She has to admit he's right... This is a new world entirely, which means unfamiliarity on top of unfamiliarity. At least beyond Corona, when they were in new places, the basic rules were the same, so to speak. And taking in his expression, his touch, she knows the right thing to do.]

Three minutes. [She leans up to kiss his cheek.] And be careful, Eugene.

[She knows it sounds hypocritical, but of course she worries about him. He wants to protect her, and logically she can see the sense in him doing so - he's more experienced with combat and the world in general. And she does have faith in him!

But the point it boils down to is that she's already lost him once. It's hard not to fear it happening again, in situations like these.]

[His expression warms and softens as he squeezes her hands and returns the kiss with one of his own to her forehead. He knows that as much as he worries about her, she also worries about him and both of them for good reason. At the same time, as much as he'd rather not leave her side for even a second, he also knows she can hold her own. Otherwise he wouldn't trust her to be safe.

Still, he won't dawdle, and he may make those three minutes into less depending on how anxious he ends up feeling.]

I'll be back in a flash. Promise.

[And with one last lingering look and gently swipe of his thumb over her fingers, he pulls back and steps into the mirror, his reflection disappearing as he heads into the void.]

[30 seconds, a minute, a minute and a half--]

Rapunzel might be able to make out soft but distinct footsteps coming towards her. They're not even though-- not like a guard making a patrol. More like someone being as stealthy as possible-- but where was the sound coming from? No one was there--]

... Shit.

[Except, there was. A... head? Of an older man, floating in the air-- no, wait, you could also make out his torsoe-- and he was making his way to Rapunzel, concern obviously on his face--]

Miss, you need to leave, now. This place is dangerous--

[The man's voice was hushed, but stern, quickly pulling off the mantle he was wearing that revealed his armored form.]

Did Adachi bring you here--?

Edited 2020-10-29 00:58 (UTC)

[The noise caught Rapunzel's attention straightaway, and while she'd been given a weapon, Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi, with her essence... It was a frying pan in her bag that she reached for. There had been one in her new home, fortunately. While the young woman could fight with a sword; had some experience there, she was more used to (and more morally comfortable with) a frying pan. Some things just didn't change.]

I know it's dangerous. [She spoke slowly, evaluating the man who'd appeared.] I'm not leaving.

[At least not without a fight, judging by her holding up the pan like she was ready to strike if the wrong move was made...]

...

[ Dojima let out a deep sigh, running a hand down the front of his face. Was she for real? A frying pan? Not that it couldn't cause damage, but... ]

At least he didn't lure you here.

[ Dojima held up one hand defensively, his voice... trying to be calming. ]

I'm with the Index Guard, and I know Adachi from my world. He's a convicted murderer who's victims were both young women. You can hopefully understand my concern-- but I'm guessing you're an Aspect as well. And you're going to be stubborn about this, right?

[Rapunzel gave him a long look before lowering her frying pan, though she didn't return it to her bag, instead holding it at her side. She nodded, her expression stern.]

I understand why you're worried, and I'm sorry. But you're right. I am going to be stubborn about this. People are being hurt, and I can't just stand by.

[The fact that he's with the guards of the index inspire some confidence and hope in her, though, that they can work together. Her face softens just a little, a hint of a smile there, as she speaks on.]

My name is Rapunzel. We're both here to help, so let me help you. Please.

... Rapunzel?

[ Uh. Huh. Okay, that's a bit confusing-- ]

As in, you yourself are Rapunzel, or that's your As--...

[ A moment, and Dojima held his head, another sigh leaving him, more frustrated than before. ]

Okay, no. Nevermind. Listen, [ He looked up the young woman, before reaching back, pulling his Mantle and holding it out to her, a blue-silver shimmering piece of clothing for her to take. ]

If you're going to come with me, at least wear this. You'll be able to hide with it-- and get a surprise attack if it comes to it.

[ Dojima hoped it wouldn't come to that, but at least he could keep the young woman safe. ]

Edited 2020-10-29 02:05 (UTC)

[Speaking of surprise attacks.

As promised, Eugene made quick work in glancing through the various mirrors lining the hallways and a few nearby rooms. A good thing, too, as he had spotted where some guards were patrolling and figured out an alternative route, as well as potential hiding places should they need it. Damn, if only he could bring Rapunzel through the mirrors with him!

But as he makes his way back toward the mirror near Rapunzel, he hears another voice—a male voice.]

…Rapunzel!

[Yes he knows she can take care of herself, and yes he knows she could beat anyone down before he gets there. That doesn't stop the fear that grips his heart since as he told her before, they're in unknown territory with unfamiliar powers. So with his feet matching the racing beat of his heart, he rushes to the mirror.

As soon as he sees the man reaching for Rapunzel with something, he doesn't hesitate to leap through with a shout and slam his whole body into the man for a flying tackle.]

--?!

[ Okay, Dojima should've been more alert, it's true. He was so focused on the young woman that he didn't even hear the other man coming-- ]

[ But he sure FELT it, suddenly tackled onto the ground, the wind being knocked out of him-- ]

[ But years of police training kicked in, Dojima acting on instinct to grapple the other man, trying to wrestle control back-- ]

--The hell are you?!

[To be fair, since Eugene had started yelling from inside the mirror, it probably would have sounded odd or muted before he burst out seemingly out of nowhere.

As Eugene grappled with the man, he tries to keep some kind of grip to keep him down.]

Rapunzel, I got this! Just knock him out when you get an opening!

[While he can hold himself pretty well in a fight, he can tell this guy has some experience.]

Hrrgh--!!

[ Dojima's hearing the man speaking, but not processing it-- not when his heart is pounding, when his vision became tunneled. He gripped the other man's arm, all his focus and strength on flipping him over head-- ]

Haa-!

[ And getting the interloper face down, arm yanked back and torso pinned by the detective's thighs, his other hand pressing hard into the middle of the stranger's back. ]

Who the hell are you?!

Whoa—!

[AND HE IS SUDDENLY FLIPPED OVER AND KISSING COLD HARD STONE NOT GOOD ALSO OW.

In a muffled, strained voice:]

I may have to retract my earlier statement...

[It all happens very quickly, and Rapunzel hardly has time to react beyond a few sputtered protest... Until Eugene is flipped, and then any sense of diplomacy that might have been subconsciously holding her back goes out the window.]

HEY!

[She starts trying to pull Dojima back, away from Eugene, and while her expression is intense, she's more frustrated with the situation, not actually mad at him.]

Both of you, stop that! We're all here to do the same thing, it was a misunderstanding!

[ Well, she's not strong enough to unseat Dojima, but now that he's sure Eugene can't move-- he's able to actually process what just happened and was said-- ]

... So you're the one that brought her in here?

[ He looks back at Rapunzel, then at his current captive. Not letting go or releasing the pressure of his hold until he's absolutely sure of the situation. ]

I'm after Adachi. How'd you know about him?

[He should be grateful she didn't unleash her frying pan fu on him.

Personally he'd rather not have to say anything, but seeing how Rapunzel is sort of defending the old man, although wary he relaxes a little and stops struggling. And, well, he doesn't have much of a choice here. So in a somewhat aggravated voice.]

For the record I was against her coming along, but trust me, this was the better option. [Knowing she would just go off on her own instead? Yeah, no.]

And I only "know" the guy—[Even when pinned on the ground he manages to twitch his fingers for air quotes.]—because my essence thing is related to his so it was a pretty easy guess to know what's going on.

[A side-eye.]

So if we're really on the same team, mind getting off my back? [Both literally and figuratively.] Otherwise...well, I'm actually not the one you should be worried about restraining.

[She may look like sweet sunshine, but he knows better than anyone how strong she can be and he's so proud of that fact he has no shame in admitting it.]

[Now that there's a realy dialogue going, she steps back a little - but only a little, and in all honesty, just so she can hold up her frying pan. She would rather not have to use it against this man, since they are - as Eugene has said - on the same team! But she's not going to let Eugene get hurt, either.]

It's like I said, we're all here to do the same thing - to stop Adachi and make sure he doesn't hurt anyone else. And we're not going to get that done standing around here and fighting each other.

[ A glance behind him when Rapunzel's movement caught his eye, noting the frying pan. Well, weren't these two quite the pair? ]

--Don't sass me, kid, you were the one that jumped me out of no where.

[ And thinking on that, where DID this guy jump out of? But, Dojima let go of his arm and back, pulling away to let the other man get up. His expression was still stern, absolutely serious, but his voice had hushed, eyes straight on the interloper. ]

Look. Adachi murdered two women back in my--our world-- I wanted to make sure your-- partner didn't end up the same.

[ Wasn't sure if they were romantic quite yet, but it was obvious at least this guy had a thing for her. ]

...Regardless, he's more than likely heard us and is going to try to hide or escape.

[ Another glare at Eugene. Thanks for ruining the stealth mission, asshole. ]

So, any idea where in the castle that'd be? Because I'm guessing you were scouting ahead, and probably have an idea of the castle lay out.

[ Because why else would someone that attached to this girl leave her behind unless to be a scout? ]

[Rude. He slowly gets up, shaking his arm and brushing off the dust as he steps to be beside Rapunzel. Although his brows raise and he glances at Rapunzel at the new information, Eugene doesn't appear as concerned or worried as Dojima might have expected. It's not that he isn't, but after going everything they had? And knowing Rapunzel? He wouldn't underestimate the situation but he has a lot more confidence and faith in her that he can still stay calm and level headed about it.

Plus it just cements his own reasoning that they came together.

In any case, he doesn't feel like arguing or trying to defend their actions. He can understand the guy's point of view so can't blame him. Plus not exactly the time or place so—]

Fiancée. [Okay, he can take time for one cheeky remark, which might help Dojima understand their dynamic even more.]

And I would know if he moved, or at the very least be able to check sort of easily. In any case, the way you want to go is that way.

[A small nod of his head.]

We got some time, but guards are coming this way. We can duck in a few rooms along the way, and we'll have to take a few detours, but we should be able to get through without anyone noticing.

[Rapunzel sighs and shakes her head. There's a lot that's not great here: The underestimating of herself and Eugene, the poor communication, the tension... But most of all, she's worried by all the shifting focus. There's things she'd be fine with talking out were the situation different, but right now there's an immediate threat- Not just to the three of them, but to the entire Index.]

Well, even if we have some time, I think we should get going.

[A brief pause, before she speaks again, looking in the direction Eugene indicated.]

This is going to be dangerous, and clearly none of us are new to that. But we still need to work together, all three of us. We're a team now.

Ah.

[ That explained his reaction at the start at least. ]

Well... congratulations on that.

[ Sliiightly awkward response? He does sound sincere, just not sure what to... say, in return. ]

Sounds like a good plan to me... I'll make a request, all the same. If he runs, let me chase him. My horse and dog are waiting nearby and they know to come when called.

[ Taking up his mantle, he paused, glancing at Rapunzel, then Eugene, before holding out the silvery cape to Rapunzel again. ]

Hang onto this for now, in case you need it. It'll keep you hidden if things get messy-- [ a pause, how to word this-- ] and you need to bail the two of us out.

[ There, that's teamwork-y, right? ]

Let's go.

[It's okay, bro, Eugene isn't too much of a possessive type. Of course if Dojima had been younger then maybe he would have snatched this cape, but given the situation, he'll allow it.

Eugene will glance at Rapunzel for a second before he nods at Dojima's request.]

All right. We'll try and follow just in case, but we'll leave it to you. [Man, too bad they don't have Max. But the detective has a point on them since they don't have horses. They could always steal one, of course, but this is the best they can do.

And without much else to add, Eugene will take point to lead them through the corridors.]

[Since it's Adachi's castle, he is well aware of there being people that shouldn't be here. The mirrors aren't only a decoration. Even if the image isn't all clear and even if he doesn't see much, he can recognize Dojima anywhere.

It's only a matter of time before they find the place he's at. He definitely needed to escape before that.

Adachi faces a mirror and says, in a commanding tone.]

Mirror Mirror on the wall.
Who is the fairest of them all.
O Magic Mirror, stall them now.
Let the route here change somehow.

[He's not sure if it will work, but at least he gave it a try at least, before heading out the backway. Good thing he had multiple escape routes in his castle.

And yes, his quirk made him say the first one.]

[Eugene had been deftly leading their little ragtag group, skillfully guiding them through the corridors and making them duck into rooms to avoid any patrols. Perhaps it's a good thing they're in a room when he suddenly winces, a hand going to his head when he hears a loud ringing sound before he hears Adachi's voice in his head.]

What the hell—!?

[That's all he manages to say before he receives the order and his body shudders as if shocked. Oh no.

No.

Nope nope nope THIS IS NOT COOL THIS IS NOT COOL AT ALL!?

While Eugene is going through this internal struggle, what Rapunzel and Dojima see is the man making rather strange facial expressions followed by jerking body movements and muttering:]

Like I hell I'd follow that!? Stupid mirror—queen—essence—grah!!

[And then when he does face them and try to tell them, his mouth clamps shut and he then proceeds to mumble and just flail his arms furiously.

Well. Although not intended he is kind of doing exactly as Adachi wanted, at least in the stalling part.]

[She watches when Eugene stops and starts to freak out - there's no other way to put it, really. There's clear concern on her face, which will likely let Dojima know that is far from normal behavior, if the behavior itself didn't already get that across. Some of the words get mutters out when talking to "himself" give her a vague idea of what's going on... And it's not good.]

Eugene, it's okay. [She nears him, cautiously, to put a hand on his shoulder.] Try to shake it off, Eugene. Draw on how strong you are.

[She's not sure that'll be enough, though. In fact, she hates to say it but, she doubts it. The essence powers and quirks are very strong. So she glanced at Dojima.]

I think we've been caught.

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