realmofstories | open. my granny, what big teeth you have

Entry tags:

open. my granny, what big teeth you have

Characters: Velvet Crowe [Big Bad Wolf (RRH)]
Campaign: January Break
Format: [ brackets ] (but I'm open to prose)
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Summary: There's a new Wolf about and she's not entirely happy to be here. Also Side Story stuff.

Option A: Arrival

[ A new arrival has come to the Index and she's just shown up in a fairly busy area, a shopping district. Considering what this world is like, it isn't really that big of a deal. What is odd is the pair of black wolf ears perched on top of her equally dark hair and the fuzzy black tail hidden in the long tresses. Oh, and her clothing. In the dream-verse of being sealed away with Innominat, Velvet had been a regular villager again.

Now she looks like she slaughtered and skinned a multitude of animals, then through it on as extra clothing. Unfortunately, Velvet is lacking in her normal blade but never underestimate a Wolf by the lack of visible weapons. This is one woman who looks like she might eat a person. The slight glare on her face doesn't help matters. ]

Couldn't the Storyteller have picked someone better to come help out here?

[ Velvet's had her journey, it was over and done with. She has no idea how long it's been since she sealed herself away, now the therion has been thrown into another world altogether. ]

Option B: Forest Homes

[ Eventually Velvet makes her way out of the main city, already knowing that her home wouldn't be in there with all those people. Just a few steps into the woods makes her relax a bit and a little less irritated. Of course, she almost expects there to be some kind of monster lurking about so she can't let her guard down entirely but even after her "dream life", sometimes the therion is better with creatures over people.

So her pace is slow going through the woods to her new house, alert for danger but hardly giving people much of a second glance. If anyone wants to have a chat, they'll have to catch up to her. ]

Option C: House of Candy

[ While she may not like being here, Velvet figures she might as well try out one of these little quests to see just what she's gotten herself into. As it turns out, she's somehow landed herself in the role of Witch in the Hansel and Gretel tale. Which means she has herself a brand new costume and a house made entirely out of sweets. ]

This is what happens when that witch isn't around. This would have been perfect for Magilou. [ Arms cross over her chest as she stares at her gingerbread door, waiting for whatever is supposed to happen next.

Poor Velvet doesn't know Earth-based fairytales so here's hoping the stove doesn't turn on. ]

Option D: Wildcard

[ Catch Velvet around town in the days following her arrival or request another side story option! ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Rokurou had been out in those very same forests both for a little training and for some hunting. Not that he really had to eat, but he had found he could make a decent business out of it. Plus it helped him figure out his more Huntsman based skills. So he had just been walking through, not making too much noise when he suddenly feels...something like a cold chill and wave of revulsion. It makes him tense, and when he listens carefully, he notices an ominous silence falling around him. He can't communicate with animals like certain princesses, but he can sense when something is off. And he recognizes this feeling having experienced it at least once before.

Grin forming, he grips his swords and silently makes his way through until he finds the trail left behind the source of his growing agitation. Personally he has no real beef against the creatures, but this time he can sense that something different is lurking in these woods. A potential foe. With his daemon eye taking note of every trace on the trail, he sets out, keeping to the side. And with each step bringing him closer, the greater his bloodlust grows, enough that his quarry may sense it.

Until it vanishes for just a few seconds before there's a flash of red from above as he descends upon the "wolf," blades out and aimed to strike.

HEY VELVET LONG TIME NO SEE.]

[ Not only does the bloodlust give it away but it helps that Velvet is used to enemies lurking in the unsafe places outside of towns. Her ears are the first to swivel back as if listening to whatever foe is coming closer but even they have a hard time picking up the faint sounds being made. Then it's her whole body that reacts, still a coiled weapon even after she spent who-knows-how-long sealed away with Innominat.

Without all of her weapons, she chooses to dodge the blades coming straight for her. Jumping back out of the way and crouching low, ready to spring should another attack come. Her tail flicks in agigation but also excitement because it feels like it's been forever since she's had a real fight. The fingers of her left hand dig into the dirt, ready to transform should the need arise.

It's in this brief moment that Velvet realizes exactly who attacked her and look at that familiar face. Though that hardly means she gives up her attack position.

HEY THERE OLD FRIEND. ]

Look what the wolf dragged in. [ ...... DID SHE SERIOUSLY JUST MAKE THAT JOKE? ]

[Rather than be annoyed, the wolf dodging his attack only makes his blood run in excitement. He hasn't actually fought against any other people, although there are one or two who have caught his interest. So finally getting the chance for a potential fight? Yeah he's excited. Although, the movements seem familiar...

And as he shifts his stance, landing in a crouch and blades still raised, he recognizes who exactly it is he's facing. There's just a moment of surprise before he laughs.]

Well what do you know. Looks like you gained a sense of humor while you were away.

[But he doesn't ease up, either. If anything he just grips the hilts of blades tighter, smirk rising.]

As did this place. Big Bad Wolf, huh?

[ Velvet is definitely getting a sense of deja vu when facing down Rokurou while he has a pair of blades in hand, though the one (and only) time they ever fought was back on Titania. The first time they met, which also happened to put him in her debt so he was an ally from then on. But now her revenge has been taken, Artorius is dead and hopefully Innominat remains asleep back home.

Which means they're no longer allies. Friends, perhaps but these days Rokurou is swinging his blades for different reasons. Even if that means swinging them against her. So despite his laughter, Velvet only breaks her current stance to settle into a more familiar one. Her left side leading the way, right foot shifted back. ]

What can I say, I had a nice long nap so I'm only slightly pissed at being woken early.

[ Does he really want to do this here and now? Rokurou might be disappointed to know that she's not as well-armed as he remembers her being. ]

They certainly weren't going to put me into the role of hero or damsel-in-distress. [ Eh, even lacking a weapon Velvet could still use a good warm-up and she knows a lot of the other daemon's moves. He's sharp enough to figure out that she doesn't use her sword. ]

[This is where it's getting interesting, because she's right—with everything done and over with, all debts are paid and while he's happy to stay friends, there's a catch to it all right now. As he watches her shift, he sees that she doesn't have her usual blade out. Normally that wouldn't be a game breaker for him—she still had her arm. And while he doesn't necessarily have to fight Velvet...he has his dang Essence to contend with, and it would very much like him to take her out right now.]

I got the Huntsman, so I'm about as close to a "hero" as I'll get. So don't take this personally. [Another light laugh, but his stance never changes. Neither does that glint in his eye, his daemon one still emitting a soft red glow behind his bangs. They go first to her bare one to the one he knows was at one point her daemon arm. Whether that's still the case, however...]

Still got that arm of yours?

Edited 2019-01-16 05:41 (UTC)

[ Had Velvet's story continued, they might have clashed blades eventually and they both know it. Whether it be to test their sword skills or for one friend to finally put an end to the other (surely Rokurou would partake in a quest to kill her if it became necessary--and it could become necessary). She could have a blade hidden in that furry brace but sadly no. That's one thing Velvet will have to replace.

Luckily, she took the time to read her "story" so his title doesn't escape her. ] Seems as if we're opponents this time instead of allies but let's face it, I was never going to be Red Riding Hood.

[ Once... once she almost let Innominat eat her completely in comparison to how many others she'd devoured before and after that. ] Do all Huntsman go around trying to kill innocent wolves who haven't eaten anybody? [ p a u s e ] Recently.

[ At his second question, her own gaze drops down to her arm for a brief moment. ]

Interested in finding out the hard way? I could do with a good fight after that nap.

[There's just a slight cant of the head as he considers Velvet as Red. Hah.]

Dunno, you could probably put a fun twist to it—plus you were already wearing red. [Granted, he is right now, but he's actually pretty fine with his change of attire.] But I can't remember a time when a wolf was actually innocent, and not like you're one to talk. [Just a light smirk.]

If you want to borrow a blade, I can spare one. [Seriously. He has both his short swords and pair of greatswords.] And I could use the practice.

[ Maybe once upon a time she was an innocent girl, skipping through the woods to visit someone but now Velvet is definitely the Wolf. ]

You were wearing more red than I was so if one of us was going to Red, it would be you. [ All she had was her red shirt, while his clothing was covered in red dyed spots. ] This is the problem with "humans", they just don't understand us wolves. [ Teasingly offended.

Then she eyes his blades, short enough for her to use though Velvet hasn't used a blade like that in a long while - more used to her hidden one. ] I'll use a blade.

[He just chuckles.] I don't know if I'd be cute enough, but I definitely would let a wolf eat me.

[Just a grin before he flips one of his short swords in his hands and tosses it over to her.]

Just watch the trigger—these things are called "gunblades" and can fire like guns. You know, like that weapon Zaveid had. But it's easy enough to hold without worrying about it.

That's what the hood is for. [ Really, if anyone in their group was going to be Red it would be Eleanor or Laphicet.

She catches the weapon with ease, testing the weight and feel of it in her hand. The design is odd too --- which is explained by Rokurou. Okay, maybe this isn't a good idea. Either way, Velvet doesn't intend to use it too much. ]

You have a gun, why didn't you use it on me? [ A curious question as she twirls the blade so it's pointed back towards her elbow. ] It could have seriously wounded me, at least.

[ Rokurou hadn't known the wolf was her, though Velvet can probably guess that he was just itching for a really good fight - not fight a wounded animal. ]

C'mon, you know me. I'm a swordsman—I prefer being up close and personal with my kills. [Said with his usual grin and laidback attitude, which to anyone else would probably look alarming if not terrifying.] Not that the weapon doesn't have its uses or that I might not shoot at you, anyway.

[He does prefer his blades and attacking close. But he can't deny the advantages the additional firearm aspect to it brings, and he's not so prideful to not use such advantages if he wants to.]

Hope you're ready to really stretch out those muscles, Velvet.

Next time you might want to shoot first, fight second. [ Velvet doesn't know just what her new skills might be but by then she hopes to have a shiny new weapon to use against him. ] I have to wonder if I should invite you to tag along when I replace my sword.

[ Spoken as if she wouldn't because now they're opponents - opposing sides of the same story. Gotta have a small element of surprise in the next match.

A roll of her shoulders is the only non-aggressive answer he gets before Velvet is shooting towards him, perhaps a touch faster than she previously was the last time they saw each other. Once within range - which is still a little far, Velvet spins and her right leg comes up to attempt an impact on his left side. ] Time to find out, Rokurou.

[ It's kind of a shame they never had a match before the fight with Artorius because then perhaps he'd be able to tell that her kicks pack more of a wallup. ]

Edited 2019-01-16 08:00 (UTC)

Not my style. [Just another smirk and laugh as he sheathes his remaining blade, but he doesn't move to take out the other two on his back except for a slight shift in his stance.] But if you don't, I can still give you a good recommendation.

[Helping a foe? Or maybe he'd want her to have a strong weapon to use against him. Then again, it's not as if he really sees her as his enemy, per se... Just someone to go toe-to-toe with with no hands barred. But other than that, he doesn't respond, instead just grinning wider when she finally comes at him.

He may not have personally felt those kicks in a while—the only time being when they first met back on Titania and he had been looking for his sword—but he hasn't forgotten the damage he's seen them do. And like Velvet, she hasn't seen him fight in a while.

Particularly with both greatswords.

Although he doesn't move, in a swift, single movement he draws out one of his swords and brings it around so that Velvet's heel will meet steel instead. She may recognize it as looking similar to Kurogane, which is actually a recent acquisition. One of the reasons why he remained in his crouched stance is so that he can better brace himself before pulling out more force as he shoves her back, feet digging into the ground as he rises with the motion. Only once he's up and standing does he pull out the second greatsword, although it looks nothing like Stormhowl should she had been expecting to see it. Regardless, he has both swords, one in each hand, and he appears to have no difficulty in wielding the larger swords like he did with the short ones that she'd be more used to.

Nor will she have long to think much about it because he's lunging at her, blades drawn back and ready to swing down at her.]

Seems like you haven't changed that much since I last saw you. [ She's more than willing to take a recommendation on where to pick up a quality sword - after all, no one knows swords better than Rokurou. If nothing else, he'll send her to a good store or blacksmith.

So that offer only gets a single nod of her head. No sense in doing it now while they're trying to fight even if they've all mastered talking while swinging their weapons. In return for his help, Velvet will cook him a meal sometime.

The fact that he draws not just one but two greatswords and wields them like he does his short ones is a surprise. Last she knew, Rokurou was only swinging around one at a time so it seems like the other daemon has gotten stronger. Which means a bit of time has passed for him (perhaps for them both) or it's just some ability given to him by this world. Hard to say but Velvet may ask him about it later. ]

Looks like you've changed in some aspects. [ It's all she manages to get out before he's charging at her with both weapons. Her borrowed sword comes up to meet both of the blades, using it more like a guard than an actual weapon. Knowing there's not much time before he tries another tactic or uses one blade to go for a different attack, her knee comes up in an attempt to catch him in the gut. ]

[He only grins in response before the knee forces him to jump back. He swings each blade back as he readjusts to prepare for the next strike.]

I had a lot of time to train since you've been gone. [And train he did—still training, really. Truth be told he's still more proficient with his shortswords—makes sense since that's what he grew up with. But his current skill with the greatswords is nothing to sneeze at even now.] Hope that's not a problem.

[Not that it would matter to him, as evident when he lunges at her again, one blade going high while the other seeks low.]

[ While Rokurou retreats, Velvet holds her ground - gold eyes watching him as carefully as she would any other enemy. ]

Dare I even ask how long you've had? [ Don't be mistaken, this isn't actually her asking but with Rokurou is could be anywhere from a few months to a couple of years. Daemons don't age like humans do and she already knew he'd continue training to become stronger. ] If you hadn't, I'd be severely disappointed in you.

[ She doesn't move when he charges her, waiting for him to make a move with a pair of swords that are nearly as tall as she is. Only once he's close enough does Velvet move - towards him not even lifting her borrowed blade to defend herself. Instead her right leg goes up, her foot goes down on the flat of his blade then uses his own move as a launching point.

Up and over Velvet goes, flipping over the top of his head and lands behind him in a low crouch. Her left leg sweeps around in an attempt to knock Rokurou off his feet. ]

Long enough. [Was his only reply, but really it was probably at most a year or two.

Even though he's a bit sur at her charging at him, he follows through with his attack—only to be really surprised when he swings the blade Velvet actually uses it to launch herself. He can't help but look up to track her movements, eyes widening a fraction before a smirk forms.

Yeah, this was one of the reasons why he bothered to follow her, even despite that old debt.

His body is also turning, heel pivoting in the ground, and he can already guess the next possible moves. He also knows she'll succeed, his legs swept out from under him and his back hitting the ground hard, but not enough to wind him.

That said, although he'll be quick enough to counter a few things, she has a bit of an advantage to take the next move.]

[ They've no need for words right now, better to let his skills do the talking.

A girl has to keep a guy on their toes especially in a fight no matter if it's a very dangerous spar or they're actually trying to kill each other. She fully expects Rokurou to give his best too. While Velvet knew the move she was going to make, she appears to have better agility and speed than she once did. Something to explore in the future battles ahead.

Velvet's barely even used her blades and she has Rokurou flat on his back. Instead of feeling uncomfortable about not using them more, she's actually comfortable not resorting to them. Perhaps that's the Wolf aspect of her Essence.

With him down, she doesn't hesitate to keep going. Throwing her borrowed weapon at his left arm, though Velvet aims for the loose fabric near his wrist to pin it down. Then she proceeds to just... plant herself on his chest, both feet trapping his right arm between it. Yes, she is absolutely using him as a chair. ]

I do believe I win this round. [ If Rokurou's surprised then he's not the only one. ]

[Indeed, he's just going to look up at her in some surprise. But honestly? He's not that bothered by it. He tests his arms a little, his right arm definitely trapped. His left one... Then there's the matter of her practically sitting on him. Despite the situation, he just gives a small laugh, smirking a bit.]

Sure about that?

[First he moves right arm back to grab the closest ankle. At the same time he clenches his left fist and jerks his left arm up with enough force to rip his sleeve and free his arm. In one swift movement he grabs the front of her collar, and with his right holding her for a little leverage, he attempts to pull and basically flip her over his shoulder. At least enough to get her off him.]

[ Velvet has always relied on the strength of her legs in a fight with the added assist from the blades she carries, then later added in the daemon arm. Three years she spent in a cell with nothing but her physical skills and monster arm, winning all of the fights against the creatures thrown in. Yet it's been a long while since then. Having weapons made her feel more human rather than a caged animal.

Part of her feels like that feral monster again. Maybe it's not far off.

She hasn't forgotten all that Arthur taught her, nor has she let down her guard completely. A large hand closes around her ankle, the one behind her breaks free before grabbing her too. The strength he puts into hauling her isn't shocking, Velvet knew he was strong before she was sealed away.

Over she goes, though she uses the momentum he gives her to roll so it's easier to get her feet beneath her. ]

Haven't had enough yet?

[He immediately rolls into a crouch once she's off, his hands already grabbing his swords as he continues to smirk at her.]

C'mon, you couldn't have forgotten how I am, have you?

[Of course he hasn't had enough.]

But if you need a break, I might could make an exception this time.

[ Velvet doesn't go for the weapon he'd loaned her, deciding to do without it if they're going to continue fighting. ]

Who could possibly forget how you are?

[ Would he ever have enough? Maybe on the day he was finally cut down by his opponent. ]

Let's continue tomorrow. [ She could keep going, use Rokurou as essentially a practice dummy to learn what skills she still has and what's new. Every day since she became a daemon, Velvet has done nothing by fight so it shouldn't be hard to come out of her previous state to jump right back into it. ] We'll go until one of us can no longer stand.

[Yep, that would definitely it. Or maybe not because he'd probably still find a way to continue even in hell or if he was reincarnated.]

Tomorrow, huh? [He seems to muse over it, but he just twirls his blades as he stands before sheathing them.] Heh, fine. Give you more time to figure yourself out and get a weapon—if you actually still need one.

[Even if it was short, he could tell her martial skills have improved, likely due to her Essence. Which makes sense with the whole wolf thing and all.]

We'll just call this one a draw for now.

[ Rokurou - the guy who wouldn't stand down even after death. She could see that. ]

I'll pick one up, even if I don't need it I won't feel complete without one. [ Like him, Velvet's had a blade at her side for a long time and the one hidden in her boot doesn't cut it. More importantly, she'll have time to figure out if she needs to find malevolence to feed on. They may have the essence of some storybook character but they're both still daemons.

She moves to collect the borrowed weapon, holding it out the hilt so he can take it back. ]

A warm-up.

[He takes it and sheathes it with its partner before he crosses his arms over his chest, grinning.]

All right, fine. But you did pretty good for being asleep for—who knows how long it was for. I'm surprised the Storyteller managed to fling a book at you in that weird space.

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