Chaldean Chronicles: Cadence of the Lostgrail

When the cold gets too much, it's best to wind down and drink some hot chocolate. Luckily, all the cabins in this small town are empty. No one will interrupt your rest.

It's been awhile since she last saw her servant but as the holidays were approaching, she might as well get something for her for their reunion. So she wanders around Chaldea and meets up with two servants who agreed to help her. Time passes and Takeda receives her presents from this gigantic shadow beast which freaked her out a bit but moved on finding out it belonged to one of the crafters. She then sends it away and places the gifts on her bed. The woman then lets out a hum, looking around and noting that the place didn't really look too fitting of a place. Or rather, it wasn't festive enough. So because of that, she decided to enter the virtual battle space to see all the different sights the higherups have set up for them after a job well done in the China singularity. As she enters this winter wonderland, the master candidate couldn't help but let out a smile. She heavily enjoyed the environment and with all this snow, it reminded her of home. Home... home... Takeda shakes her head to remove the thought. Shortly inviting her servant over who was going to receive some gifts from her! She then puts them behind her back and stands still. Hoping that her servant will answer her call. Kagekiyo. Could you please enter the virtual battle space and meet me in one of the winter cabins? It's urgent.

@Sky_ | [NPC] | Sal [9] Walp [14]

Understood. The knight instantly replied, not a second lost to her as she moved to the VBS. What could be so urgent? Taira didn't dare to ask, for her goal is only to serve and take revenge. The door to the cabin slams open, revealing an armored Taira. Even in the dead of the night, cold bruising her armored skin, she stands tall and moody.

6:31 PM

@ArbyOrNotToBe

Once Taira slams the door open, she'd see her master standing in the middle of the room with a teasing smile on her face. Her hands held behind her back as if hiding something. "Hello, Kagekiyo. Glad to see you're still answering my summons. With my lack of activity, I was sure you'd be interested in hanging out with a more active master candidate." The master chuckles. Taking a few steps forward and presenting Kagekiyo a nice cloak that matches her current look and mizzium plate armor. "Here. There's a holiday called Christmas, if you are not familiar. It's that time of year where we can relax and hand each other gifts. Usually you spend it with family but you're all I have at the moment."

@Sky_ | [NPC] | Sal [9] Walp [14]

"Nonsense. I would never abandon my liege. I am not the Genji." Even in her anger and revenge, she is still a samurai. "Now, what..." Taira remained...quiet. Almost uncomfortably so. "Master, is this for me?" Her tone shifted. It was odd, as if something inside her was in conflict. Her pose remains static, except as she raised her hands to take the presents. "...there is no reason to offer gifts. I am only here for vengeance. To kill the Genji."

6:53 PM

@ArbyOrNotToBe

“It is. And no, I believe it is necessary. If you want to kill the Genji, you’ll need better gear. Don’t you want to finish the job quickly and more efficiently?” Takeda shoots a wink at her servant and takes a few steps back. “Try it on. I hope they fit. I wasn’t sure about your measurements so I had one of the crafters stalk you. Hehe…” She scratches her cheek in a nervous manner. Shifting her gaze away as she was afraid Kagekiyo would be upset about it

@Sky_ | [NPC] | Sal [9] Walp [14]

7:03 PM

(Also brb 30 mins to an hour) (edited)

<ok!!>

A crafter managed to stalk her behind her back? Damn, they must be from the Genji. She'll have to kill them. All jokes aside, she stared at the gear momentarily. "...That stands to reason." It's wrong to change armor right here, but she can definitely put on the cloak above her armor. "Hm. It does fit me well. How peculiar." Receiving a gift from her Master... Her current ally, this is an honor, is it not? She offers Takeda a very deep bow of gratitude.

@Sky_ | [NPC] | Sal [9] Walp [14]

As Avenger bows to her, the fellow Japanese would return it as well. "I'm glad you like it, Taira. This is only the start of our journey so I look forward to more adventures in the future. And uh... let's say this won't be the last time I'll shower you with gifts." Takeda sighs. Shortly moving over to a seat that was near the fireplace. "Join me, Taira. Relax yourself. It's been awhile since the two of us had a chat."

More gifts? What sort of person is Takeda like...? Nevertheless, Taira walks up to her Master, sitting down to her side. Her twin swords crumble into magical dust as they're sent somewhere else, as they will only bring curses in times of peace. "Very well, if you so desire..."

8:09 PM

@ArbyOrNotToBe

Takeda looks right at the fireplace with a warm smile. The flames reflecting in her eyes as she relaxes herself too. After a moment of just taking in the comfort and warmth of the cabin, Takeda looks over to her servant. "I never actually got the chance to ask but... why do you hate the Genji? I'm sorry but I couldn't really find the time to read up on you." She lets out a nervous smile, genuinely feeling bad about not knowing so much about her servant.

@Sky_ | [NPC] | Sal [9] Walp [14]

"The Genji..." Something quietly cracks behind the mask. "I can not put into words my hatred for them." "For those warped, crooked, powerful people, I can only offer my sword. I WILL destroy those who have betrayed, and hurt, and abused. The Genji, the Genji will die, each and one of them. And one day I shall take, Yoritomo's head." Honestly, for a friendly family meetup, this isn't the best conversation topic. Clearly exemplified as the Avenger's more psychotic colors start to spark, threatening to burn everything in its vicinity.

8:26 PM

@ArbyOrNotToBe

"Ah... Maybe I shouldn't have asked." Takeda mutters that last bit as she realizes the current topic might be a little too much for a relaxing conversation. She quickly changes so that nothing else rises. "R-Right then. Uhm... Hmm. Ah, let's do this instead. I keep asking you questions so how about you do the same for me now? Feel free to ask me anything. You are my servant so it's best for you to learn more about me. I don't know where to start so please take the lead by asking me what's in your mind." The master nods her head and looks back at the flame. Rubbing her hands together slowly to increase the warmth in her hands.

@Sky_ | [NPC] | Sal [9] Walp [14]

". . ." Takeda seems to have backed out. Taira decides that it's best to take a moment to also calm down. It's now that she realized her swords were back in her hands once again. Calm down, Yosh— "Very well." Taira suddenly spoke up. "You told me your family was demonic in nature, is it not?" The Avenger asked, trying to pull from her muddied memories the information on her Master.

8:38 PM

@ArbyOrNotToBe

"Ah? So that's the first thing that came into mind, hm? All right. Let's see... Hmm..." Takeda takes a moment to come up with a reply. Once she does, she'd snap her fingers and look back at her servant with a casual smile. "My family's background is a mystery but yes, they did have some connection with onis. I never knew my parents and I had only discovered my mixed blood abilities later on in my youth."

@Sky_ | [NPC] | Sal [9] Walp [14]

"Ah, I see." Taira nods, sitting firmly in seiza as she spoke to Takeda. "Then you were taken by that organization very early in your youth?"

8:43 PM

@ArbyOrNotToBe

<I KEEP FORGETTING TO USE TUPPER AAAAAA ohfujino

> (edited)

1

"Correct. I was brought into my adopted family, the Yamaguchi Clan, at a young age. I was only a child when I started training. Our family was... interesting to say the least. Both Demon Hunters and a Yakuza, a gangster family. I was not a part of it by blood but one of the elders had a powerful spot and took me in. Apparently he saw potential in me. He was the closest person I would refer to as 'family'."

@Sky_ | [NPC] | Sal [9] Walp [14]

"Even so, by what you told me the moment we met, you said your existence was in conflict with the clan's ideals. Did they find out at any point?" The only sign of movement from her are her lips as she speaks, otherwise remaining stoic as she speaks.

8:48 PM

@ArbyOrNotToBe

"That they did. But it isn't uncommon for mixed bloods fighting against other mixed bloods. However, I had to exile myself and go on a path of solitude and enlightenment. That would be how I found myself working in the Clock Tower. Then from there... I got myself a position here as a master candidate. Strange how life works, no? From a street rat to a mage-killing enforcer."

@Sky_ | [NPC] | Sal [9] Walp [14]

"Glory and transcendence can come from anywhere, Yamaguchi-dono." It's the first time she refers to her that way. "You said you sought enlightenment. That is fine, it is one of the few things not taken by the transient pass of the eras..." Taira raises her head slowly. "Perhaps you seek to reach wisdom through violence?"

8:56 PM

@ArbyOrNotToBe

"I've known nothing but violence, Taira. I seeked enlightenment because I wasn't sure what I should be. Hah... a little dramatic, don't you think?" Takeda sighs. Now looking back at the dancing flames. "I hope that you can teach me something, Taira. Though you are my servant, I still believe there are plenty of things I can learn from a warrior like you."

@Sky_ | [NPC] | Sal [9] Walp [14]

"So you want to find enlightenment...But do not know where to start?" She tilts her head softly to the side, her long ponytail swaying in response. "There is... likely nothing this grudge can teach you. I only know how to kill and hate."

9:51 PM

@ArbyOrNotToBe

"I suppose you can say that. And no. I'm sure you can. You don't think so but trust me, there are a lot of things I can pick up from the strangest of people. Otherwise I wouldn't be here next to you." Takeda laughs. Shortly letting out a hum then a shrug. Surprisingly, she leans to the side. Resting on Taira's shoulder as she watches the flame. "If you could make a wish, what would it be?" She then looks to Taira's eyes and squints. "Other than killing the Genji. I know you're an Avenger but there has to be something else you wish to have or achieve in this second life."

@Sky_ | [NPC] | Sal [9] Walp [14]

Taira quietly listens to her Master's response. Is that really so? The previously complicated sentence is followed by an even more charged question. If it weren't that, what would something like Kagekiyo want? This question is slowly, deeply processed by the servant, and it takes them quite a moment to answer. "...I have only one desire. That is—" She exhales, somewhat strained. "for the Genji to drop dead." Despite being told to think of something else, her target of her obsession is the only thing that comes to mind. You may roll perception, if you want.

8:31 AM

@ArbyOrNotToBe

Takeda Yamaguchi makes a Perception check!

1d20 (3) + 6 = 9

1

"And of course you say that." Takeda leans away from Taira and sighs. "I guess there isn't anything else as you are an Avenger. That's ok though." She nods her head a few times. Accepting this fate. "Then I shall continue to help you in your campaign against the Genji. What other way to do that than being a good master for you."

@Sky_ | [NPC] | Sal [9] Walp [14]

actually insight would've been the right skill to use. oof. "I am content with that." Taira answers, as mechanically as ever. "And while I find the Genji to annihilate, I will continue to work as your sword and will, by the contract we made."

Let me roll again. ;-; "Sounds good to me." Takeda would shoot a glance at Taira and raise her fist. Looking like she's trying to form a fist bump with Taira. Realizing she might know what she's doing, Takeda would quickly explain. "Ah, you might not know what this is. It's called a fist bump. Basically you clench your fists like this and lightly knock your partner's fist. Like-" She proceeds to lightly hit Taira's fist once she curls it. "That."

@Sky_ | [NPC] | Sal [9] Walp [14]

honestly? sure Taira's fist is bumped. This is an incredibly intimate moment, for sure. "I... see. What is that supposed to mean?"

6:44 PM

@ArbyOrNotToBe

Takeda Yamaguchi makes an Insight check!

1d20 (14) + 6 = 20

1

"It's like a handshake. Basically a way to show respect to each other." Takeda explains with a cheeky smile. "Better get uesd to it because after doing missions with you, I may hit you with a fist bump from time to time."

@Sky_ | [NPC] | Sal [9] Walp [14]

"I see. Understood." As to the previous roll, you probably end up noticing that with the blank, static pose that she held as she thought, it wasn't simply that she wants only for Genji to die. But it's more akin to something removing any other desire than that. Even if she tried hard to find something, currently the only ember inside her burns for the Minamoto. (edited)

6:50 PM

@ArbyOrNotToBe

It took some time but Takeda finally realizes that her servant wanted more. Perhaps she can help her. However, now might not be a good time so she doesn't bring up any proposals. With a pleased sigh, Takeda would stand up and stretch herself a bit. "Well, I'm satisfied. How about you?" She looks at her servant, wondering what she thought.

@Sky_ | [NPC] | Sal [9] Walp [14]

"...I am content." That's a decently good reaction out of her. "Perhaps we should prepare for our further campaigns." A singularity is coming, after all.

6:08 PM

@ArbyOrNotToBe

"Perhaps we should. But this is Christmas after all... Hmm..." She looks up at Taira and grins. Shortly wandering over to one corner of the cabin and pulling out what seems to be a mistletoe. "Before we go, do you know what this is?" @Sky_ | [NPC] | Sal [9] Walp [14] shy

Kagekiyo offers the dullest face possible to show with a mask on. "That seems to be a plant, Yamaguchi-dono." If you didn't know how Avenger was like, you'd think her decorum was a thinly veiled show of sarcasm.

7:32 PM

@ArbyOrNotToBe

"Haha. Well you're not wrong. However, I learned that it holds a 'sacred' law." Takeda starts walking up to Taira and eventually raises the mistletoe above both of their heads. "When two people are underneath it, they must kiss as it means good life." There was another meaning for it but it wouldn't be necessary. Without warning, Takeda plants a kiss on Taira's mask. Leaning back and letting out a laugh as she was just playing around. "And with that, the two of us will live a good and adventerous life together." She sighs, rolling her eyes. "The westerners are interesting." Takeda comments and turns, preparing to leave.

@Sky_ | [NPC] | Sal [9] Walp [14]

"I see..." Taira is slightly taken aback by the kiss. It came sort of out nowhere for her. "...still, I am not a person." The servant mutters as she follows Takeda out. "Nonetheless, this is an interesting custom." She adds, as she closes the door behind them. "We should return to our dorm and drink tea, Yamaguchi-dono."

9:11 PM

@ArbyOrNotToBe

"You look like one." Takeda simply replies before wandering outside the building. "That we should. Some tea would be nice." The master candidate simply embraces the cold air before turning to look at her servant once more. "Thanks for the talk. I really enjoyed."

@Sky_ | [NPC] | Sal [9] Walp [14]

The wraith mulls over the words that the former hunter left her with. However, if she had any response or feelings from it, will be a mystery forever. "Yes, I did as well." Taira adjusted her new coat. "Call me at any time. Especially if you find the Genji."

7:20 PM

@ArbyOrNotToBe

"Of course, Taira. I know how much you 'love' them." She rolls her eyes. "I'll see you soon, Taira. There is a new singularity upon us so lets get ready to work."

@Sky_ | [NPC] | Sal [9] Walp [14]

Taira frowned at her sarcasm, but said no more. The grudges vanished as quickly as they formed. Let us fight together.

When the cold gets too much, it's best to wind down and drink some hot chocolate. Luckily, all the cabins in this small town are empty. No one will interrupt your rest.

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