Chaldean Chronicles: Cadence of the Lostgrail

Nils would be bouncing along in the snow, hopping across the village towards the ice rink that was set up. An amulet dangling from his neck, one that would protect him from the sun's rays...Even though it'd be simulated sun he'd rather get used to wearing it. His mood was...Fine. It was his Servant's mood that was much more concerning to him. He'd lean back and look over to his Archer. Nobukatsu, whomst he had dragged on out into the simulation/singularity to enjoy the village that was left here. "C'moooooon...Keep up keep up! Nobukatsuuuu...We're going ice skating! Come on!" This was an attempt to cheer up or at the very least have a good time with him. "Ah! Have you celebrated Christmas before Nobukatsu? Or perhaps...Only New Years?" He'd hope on over to where the ice skates were and begin to pick out ones that would fit him. "I haven't ice skated in....." ".....A long time!" He didn't want to put the brain power in right now to think about the few times he slid across any frozen ponds or puddles as a kid. @Vil | Jas/Hoo/Katsu/Lavi/Lem/Cal

He had not taken the disappearence of his Sister very well at all. From the instant panic attack when he had noticed she wasn't there anymore to the tears he shed by himself when nobody else was watching. He had tried to put on a brave face for his Master, but... well, the brave one in the family wasn't he. He promised to himself that he'd shoulder any pain, he had to be strong for once. So when his Master basically dragged him by force into this cold and snowy land, he couldn't do much but follow him wherever he wanted to go. "Ah...w-wait for me, Master Nils! I-I'm not used to walking in the snow!" Lagging behind, breath short from the effort, he wondered why people in the northern parts of Japan liked snow so much. It was beautiful, yes, he couldn't deny that, but it was also awful for moving around! Kami above, he truly was weak. Any other Servant wouldn't have had any issues moving around in here, even those coming from arid lands, yet he was struggling so much with a basic task. "Christmas? I...I don't think I've ever heard of the holiday, outside of what your summoning system has granted me, so...I can't say I have." "But a celebration for the start of a new year? Yes, I have done that!" Those were fond memories. He remembers cooking meals for Sister when they were younger, making sure they were hot and comfortable for the cold temperature outside. She used to joke around that he'd make for a better wife than warrior and, well...she wasn't wrong. He knew of warfare and tactics, yes, but his own combat prowess was mediocre at best. Plus, he really did like doing homely tasks. At the time, the comments had bothered him enough to mock-fight with her, pouting at her for as long as he could (which usually wasn't very long), but as he grew older he realized the wisdom of his Sister even in those years. She was always correct, after all.

@Nyap (Dan/Nil/Mar/Gar/Lip/Han)

Nils would finish putting on the skates as Nobukatsu finally caught up, attempting to stand up on them. But if was fairly difficult. "Christmas is basically a gift giving tradition! Where people give gifts to one another to close out of the. Very western holiday that I thiiiiink originated as something to do with the Norse Gods. Odin I think....But people Celebrate New Years seperately. We gotta celebrate that once it comes around." "Speaking of gifts. What do you want for Christmas Nobukatsu...?" He'd then look at the ice skates available once more before asking another question. "Ah. What's your shoe size? We're going to skate on the ice for a while. Relax and enjoy it!" Nils's response to the situation was to try his best to move past it. Focus his attention on other things and go with the flow. Though, with Nobunaga gone it felt as if he had...Halted. In some odd way it felt as if he was stuck. Unable to really properly move on. But he tried regardless. After all, he was told by her to live. She'd probably see him as pathetic if she saw the state they were in before. But now, it was time to focus on what was left. Who was left. And that person was Nobukatsu. The one that doesn't give himself enough credit. Or at the very least is trying to compare himself to Nobunaga. If he didn't have such an adorable face Nils likely wouldn't of forgiven him for what happened on the stairs. Bit of a shallow reasoning, but....Nils didn't care! "Have you ever done ice skating before? You glide across the ice on these special boots." @Vil | Jas/Hoo/Katsu/Lavi/Lem/Cal

"Gift Giving? I see, yes." It was a nice tradition, giving people you care about stuff you made for them. If only...if only she were still here, would he have received something? It was a bittersweet thought, knowing that he'd never get the answer to that question. Flashing a sad smile, he broke out of this gloomy line of thought. "Me? I...I don't know, I can't say I've ever received gifts, outside of people trying to gain the favor of the Oda clan when I was still leading it, so I haven't really...thought of it." If anything, he was more likely to make other people gifts instead. He was pretty decent with his hands, after all, and if there's one thing he was confident in it was his ability to sew, cook and tinker with stuff. "What would you like, Master Nils?"

"As for my shoe size, I'm a bit embarrassed to admit that I don't really know...I usually got shoes custom-made for me or made them myself, s-so..." "B-But! I am confident I can find a pair that fits by myself, I have some experience, so it shouldn't be...too hard, I think." He had to admit, those type of shoes were a little intimidating. They were like a ninja's secret weapon or something! A blade to slash and cut the throats of enemies, he could see some powerful ninja using it as their weapon of choice, for sure! "I never did skate on ice, but it should be fairly simple, right? It's just walking on a slippery floor! I have experience with that, thanks to all the cleaning I did for Sister!"

@Nyap (Dan/Nil/Mar/Gar/Lip/Han)

Nils would tilt his head to the side upon being asked what he wanted. "Hmmm....How about you get me something cute to wear? As for not knowing what you want. Think on it. I do believe you deserve a gift or two." With that he'd hop out onto the ice! "As for ice skating and how it works...I have no clue!" Nils was used to sliding on ice as a kid when he didn't have ice skates on. This was...a bit different. So different that the moment he tried skating forward he immediately fell forward and slammed down onto the ice. "...." Nils didn't seem bothered though as he got back up slowly, "Pffft....It's slippery...Hehehe....Standing on these blades is more difficult than I thought!" After finally gaining his balance he'd wait for Nobukatsu to hop onto the ice. If he fell over he'd make to to...try and catch him as he continued to get used to keeping his balance by bending his knees a bit to keep his center of gravity lower. "Take you time!" @Vil | Jas/Hoo/Katsu/Lavi/Lem/Cal

He nodded to his master. Something cute to wear... he was a bit hesitant to say that he had the perfect outfit in mind, since his definition of cute was probably different from Nils', but... He knew what to do, once he returned to Chaldea. His sewing kit would see use once more! "I'll think on it, then, Master Nils." He grabbed a pair of those bladed boots that looked like they could fit him and put them on. It was a weird feeling, being unable to properly walk, that further strengthened his idea that these were weapons for specially-trained ninjas, why else would someone make a thing so weird? As he watched his Master fall down, he tried to rush to help him to his feet, but falling down on the regular floor as a result of not being used to walking in these shoes. "Awawa..." Slowly getting up, he massaged his head a little. It didn't truly hurt, but his face has become flushed with even further embarrassment. He had made himself a fool once more in the eyes of Nils, how awful. "I-I'm okay! J-Just give me a moment to...come over there." Careful step after careful step, he approached the slippery ice. He was a bit worried that he'd fall immediately once more, but he knew that he shouldn't let his fears rule over him too much. Stepping on the ice, he wobbled in place for a moment, trying his best to remain steady and not fall down. And surprisingly? This seemed to work. He wasn't falling, he managed to stay upright! ...for a moment. What he failed to notice was that his legs had been shaking, slowly parting themselves open. And so, inevitably, when he noticed it was far too late to adjust his posture. "A-Aaah!" He let out a cute yelp as his knees gave away and his position shifted. He was going to fall on his posterior, if Nils didn't manage to catch him!

@Nyap (Dan/Nil/Mar/Gar/Lip/Han)

Nils would witness Nobukatsu fall, but would just smile a bit the first time. He expected that. Though he was a bit impressed once he actually was able to stay upright even for a bit. "Hey. You got it!" However as Nils was cheering Nobukatsu on...he'd notice the legs begin to part. He didn't say anything, only sort of blankly staring for a moment. Was he going to recover? Nope. Nils would reach out to try grabbing Nobukatsu's hand and pull him forward. However...He also began to tip forward. His own balance being thrown off as he desperately tried to regain his and Nobukatsu's balance. "W-Woah!"

@Vil | Jas/Hoo/Katsu/Lavi/Lem/Cal

Nils would witness Nobukatsu fall, but would just smile a bit the first time. He expected that. Though he was a bit impressed o...

@Dead Apostle Nils (@Nyap (Dan/Nil/Mar/Gar/Lip/Han)) - jump His arms flailed around for a few instants, trying his best to stay upright, before he had to accept his Master's help. Grabbing his hand with his own, he felt his balance slowly steady itself, they were doing it! But then be it because of gravity or due to the slippery nature of the ice floor they were standing on, Nils began to also tip forward. What seemed like hours were just a small bunch of seconds, before they both fell to the ground, with Nils on top of the Japanese Servant.

His arms flailed around for a few instants, trying his best to stay upright, before he had to accept his Master's help. *Grab...

@Oda Nobukatsu (@Vil | Jas/Hoo/Katsu/Lavi/Lem/Cal) - jump Nils blinked a few time, falling atop Nobukatsu was...unexpected. He'd blink a few times as he adjusted himself, pushing himself up a bit using his arms and knees as he looked down at Nobukatsu. The dead apostle would stare down at Nobukatsu for a few seconds, his red eyes burrowing right into the Servant's own. ....Was there a demon in there? Like he first thought? Nobukatsu will likely apologize. Say he's sorry. But he hasn't done anything wrong. That...was bothersome. So so bothersome... ...He didn't get it. For a moment, the Dead Apostle's cold expression and look turned into confusion. It took but a moment before he began bursting out laughing. "Pfthahahahahahahaha! Sorry sorry! My bad! I wasn't able to keep by balance while helping you." He'd then flop over to lay down on his back to let Nobukatsu get it up first.

Nils blinked a few time, falling atop Nobukatsu was...unexpected. He'd blink a few times as he adjusted himself, pushing himse...

@Dead Apostle Nils (@Nyap (Dan/Nil/Mar/Gar/Lip/Han)) - jump As he lay there, a thousand thoughts racing in his mind, he couldn't help but feel his face burning up as it became increasingly red. How awful! He was supposed to be a Servant, strong, with a will of steel! And yet this whole situation left him feeling weaker than usual. Staring into his Master's crimson eyes, he felt as if this had been nothing more than another one of his failures. If only he had managed to remain upright, this would not have happened! That expression, burning into his very soul, he had to be very disappointed in him...Nobukatsu, you fool, why must you embarrass yourself like this every time?! "A-Ah...s-sorry, sorry! It's all my fau-" His stuttering excuse was interrupted by Nils' laughter. Why? Wasn't he...angry at him? For dragging him down with him? How was he even supposed to answer this? Usually he was the one that apologized for messing up, it was a bit weird to be on the opposite end for once. Sister never really had a reason to say sorry to him, because why would she? Someone of her caliber never messes up, never gets answers wrong, never chooses the wrong option in a conversation. She was so, so great...if only he could be even a fraction of what she was... "N-No, don't worry M-Master Nils! It's my fault for...falling so quickly in the first place, yes!" Trying his best to get up into a seating position, he used the handrail that was conveniently near the both of them. It took a moment to get used to, but he quickly managed to at least not be completely on the floor. "Let me help you up, please. It's only natural you would be the first to stand upright!"

Nils would reach their hand out and accept Nobukatsu's help. "Thank you." He'd slowly begin to sit up onto his knees before finally standing up on the ice. However, he never let go of Nobukatsu's hand. Instead, as he stood up Nils would pull Nobukatsu up to his feet. Staring right into his eyes. ". . ." Nils let out a deep sigh. "...Nobukatsu. Lets have fun here okay? No need to apologize or worry about anything for a bit..." "I want you to enjoy yourseeeeelf!" He seemed to be complaining and almost...whining in a way. "Here." Nils would let go of Nobukatsu's hand finally before beginning to slowly skate across the ice. Keeping a low center of gravity and generally taking his time. "Imagine yourself gliding across the surface of a lake, illuminated by moonlight. Far beyond the forests of your home. Perhaps one where a spider lady resided at one point whom entangled their love, or where a dragon is waiting in its depths to be seen...Or perhaps a koi fish of your homeland making its way up the river to reach a waterfall is following underneath your heels~! Whatever ideas you can imagine!" With that, Nils began to hit their stride. Getting more and more comfortable skating along the rink's surface. Closing their eyes for a few seconds as his breath forms into mist around his mouth. Slowly gaining some speed. "Don't think. Just for a while...Those thoughts that plague you. Let them fall behind. Take it all in just for a while. Think of this as your Master's orders for a bit..." He'd open his eyes before hopping 180 degrees and landing with surprise grace, facing Nobukatsu for a moment with a smile. The momentum that carried him continued onwards as skated facing backwards for a bit. "Okaaaay~? Empty your head for a while and lets enjoy the night!~ Throw your responsibilities into the fire for one night!"

@Vil | Jas/Hoo/Katsu/Lavi/Lem/Cal

He expected to have to get up by himself, but was pleasantly surprised when his Master also helped him up. Shaking slightly as he tried to not fall again immediately, he took a big breath to steady his mind. "I-I..." Nils was right, he had brought him here to have a bit of fun and yet, so far, he had done nothing but what was usual of him. It wasn't his fault he apologized so often! O-Or that he worried so much! It was natural for a retainer to worry about his lord, especially when he was so... Useless. Why did his Master bother with him still? He had hurt him so much already, emotionally at least, so why? "I will try my best, Master Nils." But that did not matter right now. Nils was right, it would be rude of him to not follow that request. "Gliding across a lake...yes, I think I can visualize that." Slowly (and a bit hesitantly), he too started to move once more, brow furrowed in concentration as he tried his best to not fall down again. His movements were far from graceful, but they were getting the job done for now! Mirroring Nils' actions, he tried to pick up a bit of speed as well. One, two, one, two... Like a fish going upstream, movement after movement. It all slowly started being surprisingly natural! He wasn't confident enough in his own abilities to attempt the same acrobatics that his Master had just done, but he wasn't falling down. In fact, he felt like he...he wasn't going to fall down, at all. "I think I'm getting the hang of this, Master Nils!" His master had been right once more, he needed to not think about all the doubts that plagued him for at least a while. In a way, it felt so unnatural to not have that crushing weight on his heart and shoulders, so used to it he was. But did it feel nice? Yes. Yes it did. Picking up a bit more speed, he kept moving around the edge of the ice rink, with a smile painted on his lips. This was nice, even if he wished she could also share this experience with them.

Nils would watch as Nobukatsu began to get the hang of it. Slowing himself down just to witness the Servant smile. He'd let Nobukatsu go around the edge of the ice rink, it was then Nils decided to slowly catch up with him. It was nice to finally see Nobukatsu relatively...Happy? Was this the first time he has seen him enjoy himself properly? That was good. Everyone needs a few moments like these. Where you can just...enjoy yourself. He was worried that Nobukatsu didn't have the capacity to have that sort of moment anymore. "Looks like we're both getting the hang of it!" Nils would speak up. "Good work! In order to slow down, we should be able to put our feet in a T shape. On foot horizontal behind the front facing foot. At least, that's what I've figured out!" Nils didn't quite like Nobukatsu at first. When he was a Soldier. A tool. Nothing more. He saw him as...weak, spineless, and perhaps...A bit like him. That hesitation was what annoyed him. And the gall he had... What Nobukatsu did say...hurt him. A lot. Because he...Missed his family. It was something that plagued the Dead Apostle for years. Countless nights he convinced himself he was dead. That he could never go back. Ever. He was a monster after all, a being mean for bloodshed and war. For a brother and sister to reunite like they did...While, Nils could understand it wasn't a good relationship the two had while they were summoned... It was something. Even in life...Nobunaga and Nobukatsu had some sort of closure. Something....He didn't have. And may never get. He's... Why didn't he leave? Why is Nobukatsu staying? The person he cared about wasn't here anymore. He could've just...decided to leave. But...He hasn't. That fact alone made Nils feel a bit guilty.

12:00 PM

He looked away from Nobukatsu for a second, his eyes deciding to look out off for a moment. His smile slowly fading and his expression was...dull. It was for a moment. But that expression of guilt shown itself. Before snapping back up to make sure he didn't crash. Ironic that he told Nobukatsu to let his worries go for a bit, but he...Didn't. All he could do was bury them. His feelings for but a moment.

12:02 PM

*He expected to have to get up by himself, but was pleasantly surprised when his Master also helped him up. Shaking slightly as ...

@Oda Nobukatsu (@Vil | Jas/Hoo/Katsu/Lavi/Lem/Cal) - jump However....That wasn't important. His expression shot back up into glee and cheer. "Hey! Maybe we should try a race?"

However....That wasn't important. His expression shot back up into glee and cheer. "Hey! Maybe we should try a race?"

@Dead Apostle Nils (@Nyap (Dan/Nil/Mar/Gar/Lip/Han)) - jump It was simple fun, after all. The kind of thing that he had not allowed himself to do or have after the clan was dropped into his hands, the simple facts of life that often don't get appreciated enough. Life comes at you fast and hard, it doesn't soften any blows. He wondered how the simpler times of youth went by so fast, this is the type of experience they would have loved doing as kids. Why? Why couldn't he stop thinking about them? Of her smile, her boyish demeanor as she lead the two of them to explore the woods or climb rocks to reach the top of a waterfall. She wasn't here anymore. And even if she was, the person that was burned into his psyche would never come back. He made sure of it with his own two hands. "T Shape...hmm...yes, I think I got it." As he tried to slow down a little to test the waters, he couldn't help but notice that Nil's mood seemed to sharply change for a brief moment. An effect of being linked together by something as primal as a summoning, perhaps? Or maybe it was the familiar feeling of someone feeling the crushing weight of their own actions. It mattered little to Nobukatsu, what was important was the fact that he wasn't doing a good enough job at keeping his Master's attention if that was the case. "A race? I...well..." "I suppose that could be fun, it's been years since I last competed against someone in such a fashion, I must admit!"