abyssdressing

Entry tags:

characters: ashen_knight

- 001

[He's been here for too long. No, he's been stuck here too long with no way of getting home. None that he knew of, at least. And he'd tried looking for information in too many places. Nothing helped.

Asch was exhausted. He had kept himself in top form with some sword, fonic arte, and even hyperresonance training. He didn't want to fall behind in case he sudden;y did return home somehow. There was no room for error now. He'd been leaving for Eldrant before ending up here, so Asch couldn't afford to be weak.

The sun was setting over a large field outside the village where he had been training. Large scorch marks littered some parts where he used Explosion and Thunder Blade, and there were some definite holes punched into the boulders around, but Asch himself was watching the sun set over the horizon peacefully. The wind swept as his face gently, making his hair and bangs sway. He liked places like this - big, wide, open, quiet. A place where he could really think.

And relax.

His sword was right beside him, dug into the ground, but Asch's eyes were on the rolling clouds painted in beautiful colors across the sky. Most of them were reds, yellow, and oranges, but some purple and blue tinted the darker parts. It was...really nice. He hadn't ever had time to really just sit and relax like this before.

People are welcome to come across the stoic redhead on their way out of or back towards the village. Hell, he might not even glare at you that much. ~~Unless you're Luke.~~]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Nice try, replica. 8| And stop that smiling, Asch already feels awkward enough laying here together with you. They had promised to settle their score in a duel in Eldrant and now they were being buddy-buddy?! Unacceptable! ...Right?]

Hmph, like I'd travel anywhere with you, replica. ...And your group's not any better.

[Asch looked away again and back to the stars, looking where Luke was indicating. He could see it, and maybe kindasortajustalittlebit smiled, but then started looking at the stars for real. He scoured the skies, and frowned.] Shut up. The stars here are different. There are no constellations I recognize...

[Hey, he can try. And Luke just likes to smile. It feels good, even if Asch won't do the same. ... No, Luke didn't want to fight him. He wanted them to get along. Why couldn't they share that single spot of sunshine? his voice wasn't as loud as it normally would be when he would argue with Asch. He didn't want to ruin the atmosphere.]

Not if we drag you with us. H-Hey, they're not so bad...!

[Luke was looking up at the stars, too. ... Asch was right... The smile was lost off his face and Luke just shifted onto his side to play with one of the fireflies that landed near his head. So pretty...] We really are in a different place, huh...? I just want to go home. I miss everyone... And... I want you to come with us, too, Asch. [He looked over his shoulder at him, frowning a bit. he didn't say anything else, but there was a sad, pleading look in his eyes. He didn't want to fight him. This might be his last chance to talk him down from it.]

You're welcome to try that, replica. And lose an arm. [Asch snorts, then smirks.] Birds of a feather...

[Asch looked at Luke when his tone dipped low like that and his face darkened. Ugh, Luke, really? Are you really pulling that emo crap in front of Asch? You know how much he hates it. And he's just about ready to backhand you, but he's too ~~comfortable~~ lazy to do that right now.]

Cut that out!! You always act like this whenever something goes awry! Nothing comes out of just sulking! If you want to go home so badly, make more of an effort to find a way back home! And you already know where I stand on that last statement, replica.

[B-But he's not trying to be emo! It's a legit feeling, dammit! Luke just sighed and sat up, staring at his hands as if he would see through them again at any second.] I'm trying! I'm not sulking, I just...! [--I don't want to fight you. --I'm going to die. --I just want everything to be right again.]

... [Luke just went silent, continuing to stare at the ground. No, this was the way things were, weren't they...? He just had to deal with it.] Then I guess there's no point in just laying here, is there? [He stood up and brushed the grass off his pants. There wasn't any time.] I'll be at the library if you need me. [And Luke's going to be running off. Huh. All-nighters at the library were more of Jade's thing.]

Just what? Spit it out if you have something to say!

[Asch glares, but then has to stop and stare at the redhead as he got up and ran off suddenly for the library. What hell?! Sitting up quickly, the former God-General cursed and hurried after Luke. That idiot would get lost in the dark if he wasn't careful! And what the hell prompted this entire thing anyway?! It was good he was being ambitious, but there was something up. Luke usually clung to him like a leech, much to Asch's constant objections.

Care for a game of cat and mouse, dreck?]

Damn it, get back here, reject!!

[Yeah, and Luke definitely stumbled a couple times. Damn darkness! >( He'd usually ask Asch to come with him, but... He knew he was dying and he was just sitting there. He couldn't afford to take his time, not here. Not when they were supposed to face Van within the next couple days... He wasn't going to die here.]

[No, not really, but Asch will be able to catch up to him pretty quickly. :|b This mouse isn't too bright or too fast.]

I'll tell you later!

[Don't worry, dreck, Asch did too. Even though he was trained for reconnaissance and assassination, which usually took place in the dark, he was still human, and navigating the darkness wasn't still 100% even for him. Asch follows skillfully, and once he's sure Luke's withing reach, he grabs those fluttering coattails and makes a full and very abrupt stop.]

You'll tell me now! Don't you dare run away from me!!

[But he's still much more skilled than Luke, who let out a yelp as he was yanked backwards and into the ground at Asch's feet. ... Uh oh.]

[He stared up at him, then just frowned and looked at the ground.] Just let me go, Asch! We'll get out of here faster if one of us is working on it, right?

[You are in big trouble now, Luke. Asch leers down at the replica and his hand twitches over the hilt of his sword. If the dreck ran again, he'd really let him have it this time.]

And that's reason reason to just run off like that?! How stupid do you take me for?! Besides, I doubt you'd find or understand anything you found out in this place's archives. You're not smart enough.

[... Oh boy. Luke was just frozen in place and staring up at Asch.]

Because we have to hurry. There's not much time left. [... Way to put him down. Luke just looked down at Asch's boots and went silent. Dammit... He clenched his fists, hanging his head. ... He suddenly gasped softly and hid his hands. N-Not now...! He'll see...!]

[And Asch is just glaring again. Ugh, does he really have to deal with your moping again? You know how much it pisses him off, Luke, show a little backbone! ...Though he gets mad when you do that, too. Hm. :|a;

And you are rather out of luck, dreck. Asch saw that, and his eyes widened in horror. He couldn't...! There was no way!]

[Asch falls to his knees, grabbing at Luke's arms to see his hands. His panic was rising, which in turn was making his temper rise to unknown levels as well.]

What are you hiding?! Show me your hands, now!!

[Well, if you wouldn't put him down so damn much, hypocrite... "Stop moping, you stupid, inferior replica!"]

[Luke's unable to keep his hands hidden when Asch grabbed his arms. They were still able to be seen through, though Luke managed to stabilize in a few moments. His stomach did flips when Asch saw. Too late... It was too late to hide it now.]

... My fonons are separating. It's been happening since we got rid of the miasma. [He looked up into Asch's eyes, swallowing. Please don't kill me...]

Edited 2010-09-29 17:00 (UTC)

[Those are...pet names. <<; And Asch doesn't think you're inferior, Luke. In fact, he sees himself as the inferior one. Always has.

Asch stared at his replica's hands, eyes wide and hands shaking. He reached out to try and touch Luke's hand with his own, but he stabilized before Asch could, he feared, go right through him. So his fingers just met Luke's.

His face contorted into one of concern, frustration, and definitely rage. This wasn't supposed to happen! He was the one who was going to disappear! Asch grabbed Luke by the shirt, trying hard not to just flip out.]

You knew from back then?! Why didn't you tell me?! [Even though he's not telling anyone himself. Oh, well. \:|/] How do you plan on fighting me?! How do you plan on stopping Van?! Damn it, you stupid replica, this isn't supposed to happen! You're not supposed to be the one to disappear!!

[I am.]

[... Right. And like he knew that. He just thinks Asch wants him dead.]

[The little touch was comforting in a way. Even as terrified of Asch as he was, he was oddly comforted by his presence. ... Most of the time. Like... not right now.]

[And so, the hapless replica was yanked closer to Asch. He just stared fearfully at him...]

[--before looking off to the side. He... just couldn't look at Asch right now. This was the reason he kept it hidden from everyone... He didn't want his friends to worry, and he didn't want to hear Asch's reaction, whether it be joyous laughter or rage, like right now. Too late for that...]

Because I knew you'd react this way! I didn't want to worry anyone! [He just frowned a bit.] I... I didn't know this would happen. It's not like I want to disappear! [He squeezed his eyes shut. It really killed him to think about dying soon... And not even knowing when or where that would happen. If it happened here... His voice choked up after that.] I just want to get home. I don't want to die here and let everyone down. But what can I do?

[I'm so useless...]

[But he doesn't, really. >8 Not all the time, anyway. Just when you really piss him off.

Asch snarls, kind of shaking Luke by the shoulders a bit.] Of course I would!! Who the hell is going to get rid of Van if we're both gone, you idiot?!

[That moment of silence was enough to calm Asch a little bit, but he was still staring intently at his replica, hands gripping him so tightly it was sure to leave marks. Seeing him disappear like that...it was terrifying. Was that what was going to happen to him? ...No! No, Luke had to live!! Damn it, one of them had to live!]

Why are you asking me?! I...I don't know! This wasn't--...you weren't supposed to disappear!! This doesn't make sense! Dist said...his research... [It was the original that passed away. The original cheagle died, and was absorbed into the replica. But then how? Why?!] Damn it...

[Luke doesn't know that. :|]

[He gasped at that and the incredibly tight grip, frowning and lifting his hands to touch Asch's. Let go, that hurts...!] I wasn't disagreeing with you! I don't know--...!!!

[Wait. ... Both gone? ... Luke stared up at Asch as something seemed to be starting to click in his mind.] ... No... No way... Wh-Why would we both be gone? Where the hell would you be going?! [Frown. Now YOU explain, Asch. You screwed up that time.] What are you talking about? Research? Asch, talk to me! [Because if... if he's going through this, too... Luke went pale rather quickly and was just trembling and staring up at Asch as if that would make him give an answer.]

Edited 2010-10-02 20:43 (UTC)

[Aw, fuck. Asch twitched, when he met Luke's terrified gaze. Don't. Don't pity him. Asch didn't want to die either, dreck, but he accepted it. He didn't have anything anymore, though he hated it. Hated that he couldn't do anything to prevent him dying. And now Luke, too--!

Yulia, he hated Van. He hated him to messing with his body like this. Asch clenched his teeth and let Luke go, looking away.]

Shut up! It's nothing of consequence right now. ...Let's go, we have a lot to look up in the archive.

[It's not pity, Asch. It's fear. He's absolutely terrified of the prospect, and... Quite frankly, he doesn't know what to do.]

[Though for the moment, he's just feeling rather numb. It's an odd sensation. Maybe because he and Asch need to return to Auldrant right away. One of them has to stop Van...] R-Right... [Asch was dying, too. ... He just couldn't wrap his mind around it. Asch, who was always strong even in the toughest of situations, who was almost always a step ahead of the group. He stood up slowly, brushing the grass and dirt off his clothing again. There was a lot on his mind, and he was just staring at his hands blankly.]

We'll... We'll find something. I'm sure. [Then why don't you sound it, Luke?]

[Asch didn't say anything. He...he was sure there wasn't anything he or Luke could do to stop the Big Bang from happening. He talked to Dist, got his professional word on it. ...There was nothing to be done. But this new information was odd. Different. They shouldn't both be disappearing.

Looking up to the sky, Asch sighed. It was dark, the library would almost definitely be closed. They had wasted too much time already, and would have to start again early tomorrow. Without a word, Asch started off back to the inn where he stayed. He wasn't expecting Luke to come, but he oddly wanted him close by, to monitor. That or he'd probe his mind every now and then to make sure he was, well...alive.]

[Luke didn't even know about the Big Bang. Jade had gone off on his own to look into it. If Asch had mentioned it to him, he'd have no idea what he was talking about.]

[He looked back to the last few fireflies. they were starting to settle down for the night. Maybe he should, too. They were really beautiful, though... Like being in the middle of a sea of stars. He looked back at the retreating figure and followed after him. He... wanted to keep him close by, too. Even now, he was holding his head up high, like a true noble. Luke had to admire him for it, even if some of his other traits ~~like default anger~~ may not have been quite as admirable. He could tell Asch was a good person deep down, save for when it came to dealing with Luke.]

[He walked on, face blank, before tripping and stumbling snapped him out of his dazed state. ... Okay, Luke. Focus on walking. You can do it.]

[Eh, Asch only knew the basics. He didn't like to be around Dist for longer than was absolutely necessary. Plus, all those sciencey terms never sat well with him ~~and his Fabre genes~~.

Asch could hear Luke's footsteps behind him, and focused mainly on the sound. It was oddly comforting, and kept him from thinking too much on the fact that not just he was dying, but Luke, too. It just...it didn't make sense. It shouldn't be like this!

When Luke stumbled, Asch slowed an looked over his shoulder.] Eyes forward. [It wasn't mean, nor stern, just a bit of advice. Call it the military man in him kicking in. The city's boundaries were already coming into sight. Asch could see the gates, and the path was becoming more like a road now, too.] It's not far.

[Luke wouldn't even understand it. ~~Dem Fabre jeans.~~]

[It was probably Luke's fault. It was always Luke's fault. :|b Luke, unfortunately, was lingering on the thought. No, it wasn't supposed to happen this way. Asch should be the one to live, if he had to die. He really wanted them both to live, but... but why? Why did this have to happen?]

[Luke felt his face heat and just averted his eyes.] Y-Yeah... Sorry. [He'll just keep following you, Asch. And he's paying a bit more attention to where he's going, but still keeping to his own thoughts.]

[No surprise there. ~~...I want someone to make a jean brand and call it that. SO BAD.~~]

Don't apologize.

[Again, not harsh, just more of a bit of advice. Asch actually could understand why he may be distracted this time, since he certainly was as well. Once they got into the city, it was very soon that they reached the inn, where Asch just opened the door and marched right in. You better follow after, or he really will get strict.] We're here, come on.

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

8D I see you~ /in class.

<< I have to leave in a half hour for mine. Also LUUUUKE. ;___; 1/2

2/2

FFFF. Sucks. ;3; /love. Dude, Luke makes me cry.

He is an emopie, yes. ;~; /squooshes him.

1/2 -- Deelishus emopie. MM-MMM~

2/2

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject