тarтaroѕ reтυrnѕ (prιvaтe)

This is an archived version of FeralFront. While you can surf through all the content that was ever created on FeralFront, no new content can be created.
If you'd like some free FeralFront memorabilia to look back on fondly, see this thread from Dynamo (if this message is still here, we still have memorabilia): https://feralfront.com/thread/2669184-free-feralfront-memorabilia/.


    "YUU" FULLBUSTER / TWENTY / FAIRY TAIL / M / ICE GOD SLAYER

    The post was edited 6 times, last by BIRD BOI ().

    ZANDER MAKAROV DREYAR / 21 / FAIRY TAIL / M / TAKE OVER: DEMON SOUL

    The post was edited 11 times, last by Timewalker ().

    HOPBWrD.png bimbGLR.png ETQq2Cu.png
    "My reasoning's simple: you've got a future, and I don't. You live, I die."
    "Yuu" Karma Fullbuster.
    (( Chronology: Sunday, November 3, XXXX; 6:48 pm (sunrise and sunset at 6 am and 8 pm respectively).
    Locale: Fairy Tail Guild Hall, Magnolia Town.
    Meteorology: Heavy storms throughout the full day, slight chance of snowfall through midnight.
    Departure & Schedule: Leave at 7 pm to board the train, arrive to capital gates by at least 12 am, gather at the Sabertooth Guild Hall at around 5 am Monday morning. ))

    The day had gone by rather slowly, as much as the male may have tried to will it to pass faster. Seconds turned to minutes turned to hours... It all felt so strange and heavy. The gloominess of the ambiance did not help to influence his perception of time. Instead he only felt more frustrated with each tick of the clock. Their mission wasn't to be until later, so they'd be able to arrive late at night. Their accommodations were already taken care of, and come morning they'd be able to set off immediately from their temporary residence for the one night. It wasn't anything they wouldn't be able to handle, a small meeting with members of Sabertooth in Fiore's capital to discuss some rumours that'd been spreading across Earthland. From the way things stirred, the tension was already starting to form within Fairy Tail even. Clearly, whatever was happening, was big enough to influence outside the city lines and reach their own. It felt important, but the lack of urgency involving their leave helped ease his nerves only a tiny bit from where he'd sat at a table in the Guild Hall, occupying himself by idly tapping his fingers against the table where he lay slumped over it. Rhythmically, the nails of his fingers let out soft clicks that were drowned out by the other noise of busy bodies in the guild. His nose scrunched in thought as the scenes of earlier passed through his vision.

    He'd tried his best to avoid his mother's concerned gaze, but at some point when he'd returned from lunch he was caught point blank in her presence. He'd tried his best to turn away from her stares, but her gentle fingers curling around his face probed him towards her. Her thumb carved a small trail from his chin to the deep set blackness that swarmed beneath his once bright blue eyes. Instead, they were deep post-sunset pools that hardly seemed to render the face inches before him. Now only exhaustion haunted his face, sank his cheeks into a slated and sickly pale gray. Sadness crept into her features, and her son quickly tore her hand from his face, enveloping it in his naturally cold grip. The reassuring squeeze was feigning from his condition, but he nonetheless pressed on a false smile for her, rubbing her head lightly to ruffle her bangs with his other hand. Each movement was sluggish, body heavy from several sleepless nights on end this past week, the previous night marking a startlingly fourth night without an ounce of slumber consuming him. Usually he'd at least pass out by now, usually he'd at least get a couple hours collectively throughout.

    But he pressed on, putting up a ruse for her own sake. The fake hope helped her hold on and maintain her sanity, and the reciprocated kindness and love she offered for his own strength encouraged him onwards. It was an endless cycle, but also one that was slowly becoming more of a one sided flow. His attempted reassurance was slowly losing its potency, and the bluette was becoming increasingly aware of the signs of fatigue in his face. Even his words, full of a much more genuine kindness and ease, wasn't enough to convince her anymore. Instead, at that moment, it was Gray who finally managed to pull the woman from her worries. He gave her a small squeeze on the shoulders before rubbing a hand down her back as he spoke before Yuu. "It's not like he's going to fight anyone there - he'll be fine. You can worry your pretty little head all you want once he comes back, right?" His words were idle and unanswered but she seemed to desperately hold onto them anyways. The darkness that clouded her mind seemed to fade from her eyes just a bit, and she even mustered a smile. "I wont be there to see you off... So take care of yourself, hm?" She didn't need an answer. She squeezed her son's own fingers, as if to conclude they were truly his and he was truly there before her, until she released as his father pulled back.

    His fingers curled inwards onto the table, scratching the surface roughly. It left a similar feeling to nails on a chalkboard, a small cringe of discomfort forming at the base of his neck. He slowly dragged his arm up to rub the nape where the feeling formed, hoping to release the temporary tension that congregated there with it. Instead his arm only succumbed to gravity moments into applying pressure and flopped flat against his neck. From where his face was pressed into the table, flat against the crook of his forearm that was nestling his cheek and part of his forehead, he could hear the rainfall and thundering from outside the building. The storm hadn't let up even after several hours; it likely wouldn't clear up before their departure to the train station. Exhaustion released its permanent hold on Yuu's expression for a moment, allowing him to scowl a bit more than usual before it was too difficult to maintain for long. Hopefully I can sleep a little on the train, he mused, eyes lazily scanning the Guild Hall and taking in the faces scattered along his peripheral, granted they were fogged up with drowsiness. He probably felt as bad as he looked, if the twisted faces of concern when he made eye contact with a few mages was anything to go by. To feel it so much right before a mission too... Damn it.

    1d6cacefa29792b37a6c14a28ea104d5--kagalin-thranduil-glorfindel.jpg

    Zander Dreyar AKA Diablo

    ((So my attempt to use your amazing fancypost failed miserably, so I'll just stick with what I usually use.))


    Zander was helping his mom at the bar again, having left all his gear and armour stacked up on a nearby unoccupied table. He felt the best way to spend his last moments before heading out were with his mother, especially since his father was away on a mission with the Thunder Legion. It was a nice way to pass the time; serving drinks, striking up the occasional conversation. He did flash a few looks towards his future partner, but every time, Zander decided it would be best to leave them alone.


    Can't believe they're making us work together. He probably hates me, Zander thought bitterly to himself as he set a mug of beer next to Cana, who was engaged in conversation with Levy and Gajeel and hardly noticed. Zander tucked his empty tray underneath one arm and heaved a defeated sigh. He may as well get to know Yuu a little bit before they headed out.


    Spinning around on one heel, Zander stalked elegantly to where Yuu was lying on his face on the table. He leaned up against the wood next to Yuu and looked the God Slayer up and down. "So, Yuu. Are you ready to head out soon? I don't feel like waiting for the next train."

    Display Spoiler
    HOPBWrD.png bimbGLR.png ETQq2Cu.png
    "My reasoning's simple: you've got a future, and I don't. You live, I die."
    "Yuu" Karma Fullbuster.
    (( Oh no!! Do you have any idea why the formatting may not have worked? ))

    The boring sleep talk of his mind was compelled to cease as the haziness of his eyes was forced to look upon the shape of the male beside him. The platinum blonde locks of his hair cascaded neatly over his chest, the rest swept back with the aid of one of his many ornate head pieces. His stark hair was almost an inverted mirror of sorts for Yuu's own inky mess of straight fibers that were tucked neatly into a ponytail settled in the middle of his back scalp. A smaller portion of longer hair framed the side of his head where bangs lay messily across his forehead and part of his tired eyes. Those optics, which were still foggy from exhaustion, traveled between Zander's face and the rest of his body. They held some type of recognition, but they still seemed more like they'd fixated something between him and the other male. As if something passed the open air amidst the two

    The two were familiar, but never really friends. When he was younger, they may have exchanged a few glances here and there. Unspoken words passed between them on shared missions and tables at the bar as their parents chatted between each other. Never was a casual word uttered from one another, only small greetings and orders. Yuu may have only really known him from that day he'd lost it all. Between the two was some fateful clash, that ended just as distastefully as one may have anticipated. It was that day that he'd also spoken a full sentence to him. What he said, he could no longer remember. But whatever it was that he said had caused Zander to flinch. From that alone, Yuu knew it was something that was full of defeat-driven rage.

    It felt like perhaps his so called destiny hadn't had enough of the sourness of undeserved failure. Because now they were both together again, on a mission. Because now the air between them felt more heavy than before, with years-long avoidance digging a chasm between them both. Perhaps it was a sign that he should attempt at making amends. Attempt to clear the confusion before he left for good. Maybe, just maybe, it was his chance to fill the chasm and lift some of the guilt from his own brash hostility he'd shown then.

    After all, it wasn't his intentions to create such a rift. He hadn't desired to produce blind tension every time the two had met after that day. It just festered to life on its own, against his own judgement. And he could see it start to wear down on Zander as well. Because he would make small passes towards him, small inches towards maybe clearing the air and just lifting a bit of the burden off of his shoulders. He would offer little things - first it was the couple attempts to buy Yuu a drink, or pay off his meals for him. Then, slowly but surely, it evolved into small jabs of conversation. He'd ask how his day was going, or what was troubling him. And, despite his unwillingness to answer, he kept on trying until he would finally offer small responses. Little nods, simple words, curt signals of recognition of his presence until he'd actually look at him. But each time he did that feeling of inferiority would spark up in him. He'd try to tell himself that Zander would make due with the title of S-Class more than Yuu would. He'd have more time to spend with it. He'd make a better impression on guild mates and citizens in Magnolia. But each time it never would completely diminish that feeling of knowing he was so close. So close to making his father proud. Instead, he blew it. Instead, he only created more worry for himself.

    Instead, he only made his time shorter by doing something reckless.

    His eyes passed over Zander's form again, the dizziness slowly fading into forced cognizance. He struggled to lift himself, palms planting into the table and shoulders shakily rising until his back straightened. He pinched the skin on the bridge of his nose, fatigue escaping through a deep exhale. His other hand lifted and waved through the air, dismissing Zander's comments. "Yeah, just - just give me a moment." His voice was airy, passing through gritted teeth as a small hiss interrupted his words. His head felt like a gravity mage was pulling it to the ground. Despite his neck's desire to sink with the pull, his chin found itself following the magnetic trail up to look Zander in the eyes. He then slowly backed the chair out, a little squeak of the wood scraping the ground causing a few heads to turn. He snatched the blade from where it rested to his right, leaning against the table side, and held it firmly in his grip. His body swayed for a few moments after he stood up, knuckled going white as they gripped the surface for support. His eyes opened again and his grimace slowly begun to subside back into his natural scowl. His head cocked towards the door, motioning for Zander to come with when he was set. Yuu assumed he'd want to formally announce his departure to his mother at the very least before venturing out, so he chose to wait outside the doors for him. The sound of the rain pounding onto the concrete pathways drowned out his thoughts, his eyes fixated longingly on the sky. He seemed to consider something, lips pursing a bit, before shaking his head and heaving yet another deep sigh. It's just one mission. I can make one mission without being a burden.

    1d6cacefa29792b37a6c14a28ea104d5--kagalin-thranduil-glorfindel.jpg

    Zander Dreyar AKA Diablo

    ((Not a clue. It keeps saying there's nothing there in both forms, even with about three hundred words worth of text. I tried for fifteen minutes, editing everything I could, then just kinda went and made this one. It's my standard one anyways. Also, you need to write a novel or something because you're writing is absolutely breath-taking.))


    Zander would be perfectly honest. Even though he had "won" during the S-Class trial, Yuu still terrified him. The way he had spoken that day during the trial, the way he held himself, the way he always shrugged Zander away no matter how many times he tried to bridge the growing gap between the two. Zander hardly knew anyone this antisocial, and he was always wondering what made Yuu someone who was so... distant. His magic? His condition? Maybe some unknown part of his past? Zander had no idea.


    When Yuu got to his feet and grabbed the knife, Zander half-expected to be attacked in a drunken rage. At least, Zander assumed Yuu was drunk by the the way he staggered. Zander kept a wary eye on the knife as Yuu muttered something almost lost to the atmosphere of the guild before tromping out. Zander sighed, half in pity, half in relief that he hadn't been stabbed.


    If this mission kills me, it'll be Yuu, not some sort of darkness, Zander thought to himself as he returned to the bar, set his tray down and kissed his mother on the cheek as she slid up to him. The two had a conversation with one look before Zander grabbed his bag, slung it around one shoulder, adjusted his crown of branches and leaves before striding towards the door, keeping his gaze fixed ahead.


    Outside it was raining. Zander frowned up at the sky. His father may adore storms like this, but Zander had never like the way his hair frizzed after being wet for too long or the excruciatingly loud sound of thunder overhead. He wished he had Weather Magic, so he could stop the downpour and head to the train station in the gorgeous sunset instead.


    "All right, I'm ready. Let's go," Zander said without turning his head towards Yuu. He didn't have to. Zander had identified his new partner simply by his magical aura, which was so different from everyone else's, but reminded Zander of the Dragon Slayers of the guild.

    Display Spoiler

    HOPBWrD.png bimbGLR.png ETQq2Cu.png
    "My reasoning's simple: you've got a future, and I don't. You live, I die."
    "Yuu" Karma Fullbuster.
    (( Sorry to hear it didn't work out. I'm not too sure how to help, since I've never had that problem before. Have you been entering text out of HTML mode? Either way, your template suffices just as well. Also that's the best compliment I've ever heard in a while - maybe a long time. I'm so happy you said that, it means a lot much to me so thank you so so much!! I've considered taking up novella before, but I'm not sure if I could commit to a larger project like that yet. ))

    Sometimes he thinks people take reality for granted.

    Like how you can tell the difference between a dream and real life. When you’re in the dream you may not know it, but as soon as you wake up, you know that your dream was a dream and whatever happened in it, good or bad, wasn’t real. Only this world is real, and what you do in it is real, and that’s pretty much all you ever need to know.

    The only thing he had to ground himself was the awful sensation of piercing white hot agony that crawled somewhere beneath his skin, in between the caving pit of his stomach and the slowly constricting organ that was his diaphragm. He gripped his upper arms tightly from where they crossed over his chest, seeking to hold himself steady as much as it probably wouldnt stop the dizzy, swaying stumble of his feet as they struggled to register where exactly the ground was. Everything was so amplified, so painfully loud. The heartbeat in his chest, the storm surrounding them, the idle chattering of the Fairy Tail mages behind doors. It was all too loud, and even his own thoughts were drowned out by it. He just wanted it to stop. The splitting pain that raked across his brain as he just begged for a moment of freedom from it all. It almost had him convinced death would've been sweeter to him. Maybe an inkling of kindness behind its permanence.

    And so he let himself cling to it. The pain. It was the only thing keeping him here, keeping him awake. Because from his depths, something called for him to just let it all go. To just rest his eyes. ”Just sleep,” the voice in the back of his mind made Yuu's teeth grind against each other. All the other noise faded into nothingness as he clung to that familiar voice. Chills and shakiness held onto his body like a plague. His surroundings changed, his environment crumbling away as some form of distant realm beyond human perception of knowing.
    Somehow, this beckon to sleep felt a lot more dangerous.

    It wasn't uncommon for Yuu to get caught up in his thoughts. No man was without faults, though some would say otherwise about him. Striking black hair, fair and flawless complexion. Even his physicality was something to boast to some extent. Nonetheless, he was no exception to the darkness of mortality. The surprisingly large lack of control over his emotions to some larger extent was inevitable. Death does to many people what could be likened to madness. In some cases, he'd become overwhelmed. The negativity of it all cut deep. He was positive that, when the time was up, he'd already be a dead man walking. And so the blaring sensations around him, the dense air of it all, begun to consume him. It wasn't until the male beside him spoke that he was ripped from this crumpling sense of confusion and dream-like state.

    Yes, people take that precious reality for granted.

    The name off his tongue caused a momentary tightening of his grip around the katana's sheath. The metal guard shifted slightly in the change of angle as he curled his fingers in further against his palm around the upper quarter of the scabbard. However, deep beneath his surface - behind his natural grimace, something glossy came to reflection in his eyes. For a moment, his composure faltered, gaze still cast up towards the silvery array of clouds as cooler tones caught onto the droplets, painting the sky a solemn navy. The stormy ambiance cast deep shadows onto his expression, which for once in several months showed real, true, unrestrained despair. When the storm cracked, lightning splitting open and marking the forthcoming of the new wave of the weather, the world was tinted with the ominous white radiance. He was thankful that, when his focus returned and the look was fading from his face, Zander hadn't bothered to look in his direction.
    He released the breath he hadn't quite been conscious was being held in the first place. He pushed off the wall with the first few steps heavy, before he slowly regained his stance. The raging torrent hadn't let up in the short while that Zander was inside, and in fact only grew to a greater strength. His scowl returned, noting that the drops that pelted down onto him was just about as cold as his own skin. The sun was already somewhere on its way to the westbound horizon, but wouldn't set for another hour or so. Come nightfall, Magnolia Town and the rest of the eastern coastal Fiore would be showered in a oncoming of snow. By the time the two would return, it'd already be a majority melted. By the time they'd return, Magnolia would look the same as it would when they left.

    The long, dark coat Yuu wore wasn't exactly weatherproof. It did well to keep his body at a moderately warm temperature, but the black outfit hadn't been made with intention to be used in rain. He felt the freezing downpour immediately soak into his hair to his scalp, and drench his coat. The clothes beneath luckily weren't too absorbent to the rainwater that perforated his coat. He'd have to take it off when they were settled onto the train and leave it to dry. Yuu didn't wait for Zander, nor indicate for him to follow as with before, as he set off deeper into the storm and down the street. The town was about as desolate as it'd be on an average night. Only, Yuu could imagine that tonight would enthrall some of the civilians to come out and brave the cold. Children would probably play in the snow and fill the air with their naive laughter, parents keeping a close eye as they heated up warm drinks for each other and themselves. He imagined his own parents may marvel at the fresh snowfall as it drifted down to the surface, standing close and holding hands intimately and all the more attentive to each other than to the soft, frosted weather. Perhaps the snow would do good to keep his mother's worrying mind off her son for a few fleeting moments. Though it was debatable whether he'd attempr to ever acknowledge it, the fact of the matter was clear: Juvia's own health seemed to be fading seeing her child like he was now. If only to help some form of her rationality and well being, he'd sought to return in better spirits than when he left.

    The post was edited 2 times, last by BIRD BOI ().

    1d6cacefa29792b37a6c14a28ea104d5--kagalin-thranduil-glorfindel.jpg

    Zander Dreyar AKA Diablo

    ((You could write a recipe, and I'd read it. You're really talented in writing, let me tell you. I've tried novella writing, too, but I keep changing my ideas, so I never get anywhere. It's my super big flaw. Also, I was thinking Zander could be both terrified and awestruck by Yuu just because of how close their battle was. It's almost like a one-way crush, though no one's actually gonna call it that. Certainly not Zander, anyway. What do you think about that?))


    Zander watched Yuu walk past him, keeping his stormy blue-grey eyes fixed straight ahead. He didn't want to be caught staring at Yuu. There was a sword at the God Slayer's waist, and Zander didn't feel like getting impaled so close to the guild hall. He also avoided making any noise or tapping Yuu on the shoulder as he hurried to catch up. If he avoided getting stabbed, odds were Yuu would split him in half. The very thought was terrifying.


    There weren't many things Zander was afraid of, but Yuu was certainly on that list, though there was no way in hell Zander would admit that to anyone. It was a private fear, one he always kept buried even when confronting Yuu, though Zander was always rather paranoid around his new companion, particularly if he had something sharp in his hands.


    Geez, that's kinda pathetic, Zander thought grimly to himself as he stalked through the rain beside Yuu, keeping his eyes narrowed against the icy downpour. The drops of water tumbling from the sky felt like small needles that pierced the skin on his face. He was glad he had chosen to wear one of his more travel-based tunics, which had armoured built into the chest and shoulders. At least he wouldn't die from hypothermia.


    "So, Yuu," Zander said suddenly, deciding to break the icy silence between the two and start forming some sort of connection, one they would need in the upcoming days, "the last mission you went on. How'd it go?"


    Stupid, stupid, STUPID! Why the f*ck would he want to talk about that? How boring can you get, Zander? You're a lot better at starting conversations than "How'd it go?"

    Display Spoiler

    HOPBWrD.png bimbGLR.png ETQq2Cu.png
    "My reasoning's simple: you've got a future, and I don't. You live, I die."
    "Yuu" Karma Fullbuster.
    (( Aha - I really do appreciate it. I try my best to be efficient in delivering a good post when I need to. In terms of sticking with plot, it all comes down to just picking a big, basic story and then lacing all your smaller, complex ideas in along the way. My faults are with creating characters and stories out of originality (and not inspired or taken from other series). And some one-sided interest would be neat. Something similar to fear-born respect for Yuu is what I imagine you're suggesting Zander feels? It's a good way to get Yuu to break out of his shell; having someone who practically admires him may help him realize his personal worth. I'm sure along the way, as Yuu starts to open up more (and he will, I promise!), he'll eventually start teasing Zander about fawning over him like a lover would. ))

    "So, Yuu," The male grimaced again at the sound of the name off the blonde man's lips. He wished a name such as that didn't bring him as much scorn as his own did. Each time it fell onto his ears it made him sick, especially hearing it from the same man who'd practically taken everything from him. He felt like it wasn't something he could depend on and avoid himself anymore. Yuu Fullbuster and Karma Fullbuster were no longer remaining separated with each time his fatigue got worse. Each one started to leak and mix into another. He'd hoped a new identity would protect himself from something darker. Protect himself from something that was coming. From something he couldn't stop.

    He'd hoped it'd protect him from himself.

    "the last mission you went on. How'd it go?"

    Had the storm been a bit stronger, a bit louder, he may have been able to ignore Zander's inquiry. He probably could've. He could've kept walking down the street and acted like he hadn't heard anything. Instead, the raging torrent only seemed to suffice to stifle the harsh sound of his grinding teeth. His jaw tensed, and his steps slowly faltered into an abrupt halt. Usually such a question wouldn't bother him. But the subject of it was, for one reason, very personal.

    The last mission he'd been on? Somehow, Zander seemed more incompetent than what Yuu must've been figuring up until now. The black haired male had done well to stand on the sidelines for it all. Zander won the battle, whether it was a fair win or not. He'd been granted the title of S-Class, not Yuu. Surely he would've been smarter than this. Surely he knew better and wasn't so impudent to ask something like that of him. Hadn't he done enough? He won that day. He won. No matter how many times Yuu would think it, the point never got across to Zander. Perhaps it'd be better to instead try to telepathically communicate I lost. He could've sworn that losing that fight meant Zander was better in all aspects. Technique, strength, determination, will... It had to mean something right? Yuu never accepted loss. Especially when it meant something to have lost.

    For Zander to speak so casually with him made his stomach twist into knots. Nausea fueled the bile in his abdomen, sparked to life the flames of inferiority. The darkness swarmed over him like a wave. It's silent, impending inundation swept him away with the tide. To try and fight it meant to tire himself. He'd rather be taken thousands of miles into the sea of doubt and frustration than drown in it. So, instead he relaxed. The tension in his body ceased as fast as it formed, and the bullets of rain pelting against his head cooled the hot damnation that swelled into his veins. His heartbeat slowed again, back to its naturally steady pace. For several beats, he stood there, eyes hidden behind the clumped bangs. The rain fell off hair and icy skin in gradual pace, carving trails across his skin, some smaller droplets flicked from sombre eyelashes in lethargic blinks.

    His last mission. It all seemed like a blur. But the wound at his side was still healing. What was only a little over a week ago felt like hours from just the pain of the lacerations across his left ribcage. Their Guild Master entrusted the mission with Yuu as the group's captain, and he delivered fully. However, when he was done, something else targeted him on his way back. Moments away from home, just on the outskirts of Magnolia Town, something tried to take him down. He could've sworn it wasn't human, and it was made apparent by the markings that pierced deep into his skin, three large gashes like claws raking their way across his sides. He'd nearly died. Whatever had engaged him scattered the moment the rest of his team caught up. He was a fool to think he could've gone ahead and taken on whatever chose to follow him specifically. He was even more of a fool to let it touch him. When he was rushed to the hospital that day, the same doctors that'd always taken care of Yuu were worried themselves. The animal, they deducted, did as much damage as what Yuu had been subject to throughout his time with his God Slayer magic.

    Unbeknownst to Yuu, the details of that incident were kept a strict secret by orders of Gildarts himself.

    He was too tired to waste his energy bickering with Zander. Too tired to waste his energy trying to fight back against his attempts to make light conversation to pass the time. He felt his shoulders stiffen before he slowly gyrated them to the right. His legs also shifted a bit in order to face Zander. His eyes were kept downcast and imperceptible behind the wet mop of black that now was flattened across his forehead. An arm lifted slowly, ghosting over the left side of his flank. A total of eighty three stitches helped to hold the three individual wounds closed. "Fine." He responded curtly, before his head snapped back and he started back up his pace, albeit a bit faster this time. Everything about the whole pretense of the mission felt like a direct intention of their Guild Master. It felt as though there was some ulterior motive here, some other intention - possibly one that'd end with Yuu and Zander being on good terms.

    He was thankful that he'd managed to distance himself from Zander and increase his pace. In his efforts to avoid anymore side talk, his half-wandering had managed to bring him to the train station. He took no time to approach one of the staff members that was on standby, directing people around and offering help where needed. Engaging in a less-than-adequate conversation, Yuu handed a small folded piece of paper towards the uniformed woman. She eyed the voucher, eyes moving back and forth along the now unfurled page, before her eyes widened and she blinked towards the composed Yuu, who simply stood with his hands folded neatly behind him. He motioned his head towards Zander, and she nodded quickly, her short hair bouncing with it. When she returned a few moments later, tickets in hand, she shot a couple more glances at the blonde mage accompanying him, failing at hiding her growing blush. One of Sorcerer Weekly's five "Most Eligible Bachelor's", if I recall correctly. He deadpanned at the recollection, but was appreciative of the woman's cooperation towards their rather abrupt arrival during such a hectic storm. He gave a curt nod of thanks in her direction, eyes fixated on the pass in his hand while analyzing it carefully to approve the information provided. Two private rooms were reserved for them, small but would allow them to relax and rest before they'd arrive. Ensuring it was correct, his other arm stretched out towards Zander, holding the card between his middle and index finger but never once looking back in his direction. "Our rooms are adjoining. Don't bother me unless it's something important." He said, voice earning a slight edge towards the end of the second statement.

    The post was edited 3 times, last by BIRD BOI ().

    1d6cacefa29792b37a6c14a28ea104d5--kagalin-thranduil-glorfindel.jpg

    Zander Dreyar AKA Diablo

    ((Yeah, that sounds good for Yuu and Zander. It's almost a Freed-Laxus relationship. It's a fear-based respect for Yuu, yeah, that's what Zander's got.))


    When Yuu stopped walking, Zander himself was carried forward a few paces before he realize that his companion had stopped. Zander planted his feet on the wet cobblestone below and turned to face Yuu, wondering why he had halted so abruptly. Again, Zander expected to be sliced in half, but Yuu's only reaction was for his silhouette to tense up and relax again.


    It was the answer Yuu gave that was slightly hurtful. Zander had hoped Yuu would start to warm up after the S-Class trial, but Zander knew that no one in Fairy Tail liked losing. They may all be family, but when someone failed the trial, they tended to hold a grudge against the person who beat them. It was no different with Yuu, though perhaps he was a bit colder, probably because his father was Gray, the Ice Demon.


    Damn it, Yuu, Zander thought to himself as he trailed after the Ice God Slayer, keeping several paces in between the two. Why do you always have to be so difficult? And why am I so afraid of you?


    Zander kept thinking along the same lines even as Yuu handed him his ticket, which he accepted without looking at Fullbuster's heir. The words Yuu spoke barely registered as Zander wandered into his own compartment, closed the door and dropped his bag on the floor before face-planting on his pillow with a long sigh.

    Display Spoiler

    HOPBWrD.png bimbGLR.png ETQq2Cu.png
    "My reasoning's simple: you've got a future, and I don't. You live, I die."
    "Yuu" Karma Fullbuster.
    He was more than thankful to have a room to himself. The reservations they’d made weren’t anything too pricey, so their accommodations were rather lackluster. The room itself was maybe only a few feed wider than they were on one side. The built-in beds were much more of something similar to a couch, resting beneath the large window that was placed onto the external wall. A small private bathroom was situated in one of the corners on the internal wall where the entrance was, behind a secondary door inside the room. There was also small table that would fold out from where it collapsed to stand flush against the wall of the built in bathroom, a wooden-framed chair with a blue cushion on its seat while a red one covered the back. It’s colors were much similar to the rest of the train, carrying over the red and blue accents against the rather plain wooden paneled walls and floors. Clearly the accept piece of the lodging was the wall-to-wall window.

    Yuu had folded out the table, throwing the small bag he’d brought with him on top of it. He rested his sword gently onto the bed, before shrugging off his soaked clothes. First the coat, which was removed with some effort before it finally was peeled away. It’s drenched fabric stuck to his skin as he tugged at the sleeves, wincing each time he’d have to raise his left arm a bit past the designated limit, in which the skin would begin to tug at the seams of his stitches. He then carefully bent over to remove his boots and set them aside. Picking up the heavy overcoat, he made his way towards the bathroom, careful not to slip because of the moisture that managed to seep through his boots.

    The washroom was just as small as it looked from the outside. It reminded him much of the ones you may find on ships: the shower in one corner, the toilet beside it while the sink was positioned on the adjacent side. Yuu hung his coat up off the door from where the hooks were fixated on the back side. Hopefully it’d be dry enough when they arrived at Crocus. The weather was expected to clear up in the city before they’d reach it, but the cooler front would still be passing through then. The jet haired male stifled a sigh, before turning to the sink. The mirror above the fixture was illuminated quite well, and he observed his reflection for a few moments. He withdrew the tie from his wet hair, feeling relief from the pulling once it’d been fully removed. The plain black ribbon drifted down to the sink while Yuu picked up the towel that hung on the small rung beside it, running it over his hair a few times.

    Once he felt the drying was adequate enough, Yuu occupied himself by simply observing the reflection for several moments. The skin around his eyes was as dark as his hair, the optics clearly teary and heavy with weariness. The shirt beneath his coat clung to his skin from rainwater, but it wasn’t too uncomfortable. It was a simple turtleneck shirt, but didn’t have any sleeves. His pants were still wet, but the black slacks were a bit more water resistant than his coat was. The tattoo that encircled his guild mark was visible from where it peaked out around the fabric. He rose his right hand to graze the design, before momentarily lifting his shirt to check the stitching on his side. No rainwater, thankfully, had entered the wound during their trip, but it did look a little irritated from the rubbing of the sark against him.

    His fingers ghosted the threading holding the scars shut, never touching. ”Two more weeks…” He mumbled, with his usual scowl, though it lightened with a resigned sigh. Finishing up in the restroom, Yuu made his way over to the bed and sat with his back propped against the wall at the head of the bed. He held his katana close to him, hugging it close to his chest as his arms crossed. He shut his eyes momentarily, feeling the train as it begun to depart from the station. He took a small peek at the bag on his table. Damn it. He sat up and shuffled through the knapsack, rummaging through before pulling back a series of papers. He filed out two and swung open the door, footsteps light as they carried him over to Zander’s room.

    Raising his hand, preparing to knock with his knuckles facing the door, he hesitated. It felt awkward, frankly, after telling Zander not to bother him, to be here already after they just left the station but… It’s important. He resolved within his mind with a small nod. He pondered, wondering if he should just slip the papers beneath his door but he probably should explain what they were for shouldn’t he? He grimaced, teeth grinding, as he finally let his hand hit against the wood. The three raptures were condensed and dull; he prayed Zander was able to hear them. It wasn’t until after he’d knocked that he’d realized his hair was still down, his coat was off, and he was barefoot outside his partner's entryway. Combined with his exasperated features, he’d probably looked like a beaten puppy that was left chained out in the rain.

    ”Your job papers and schedule. I forgot…” He added the second sentence with less fervor than he had initially, biting his cheek as he waited for Zander to open the door. His hair was still soaked, as were his pants, leaving drips onto the wooden floor. The train was freezing to boot, and for a small moment Yuu actually shuddered at the sensation. His teeth would’ve chattered had he not been quelling a growl behind his clenched jaw. ”Hurry up, damn it!” He rose his voice a bit, his spare hand snaking around to provide some kind of warmth, the other holding the papers out for Zander to take once he’d actually open the door.

    1d6cacefa29792b37a6c14a28ea104d5--kagalin-thranduil-glorfindel.jpg

    Zander Dreyar AKA Diablo

    Zander was lost in thought about Yuu and the S-Class trial and why, oh, why he feared and respected Yuu so much. He didn't hear Yuu knocking at the door. He only heard the Yuu in his head, hissing a threat soon after he had recovered from the strange fit during the trial. The words always sent shivers down Zander's spine, and he refused to think about them in his mind's voice or speak them in his own. He felt like those very words would kill him if he did so.


    It was Yuu's second remark, more angry than the last one, that caught Zander's attention. Zander lifted his face from the pillow and looked at the door. He blinked once as his brain registered what had happened before a shiver of fear raced up his spine, and he leapt to his feet as though he had been electrocuted.


    Straightening the front of his outfit — which was pointless due to the fact it was made of metal and therefore unyielding — Zander hurried to the door and flung it open to find himself staring at a Yuu so different from the one on the walk here, Zander had to take a moment to look the God Slayer up and down before saying anything.


    "Er, yes?" Zander asked, regaining his composure and looking Yuu in the eye, hoping he hadn't missed anything important. "Can I help you?"


    You are an idiot, Zander thought to himself. The world's biggest idiot. Why the f*ck are you so bad at starting a conversation with one person? ONE PERSON, Zander! ONE GODDAMN PERSON!

    Display Spoiler
    HOPBWrD.png bimbGLR.png ETQq2Cu.png
    "My reasoning's simple: you've got a future, and I don't. You live, I die."
    "Yuu" Karma Fullbuster.
    His body was wracked with another shiver while he stood in the narrow hallway of the train. A young attendant slipped past him silently, her pace picking up a bit after she accidentally brushed against him while she squeezed by. He hadn’t ever really been bothered by the cold before, and it began to dawn on him this was due to the extent of his exhaustion. Remaining in the cool, open expanse of the corridor that connected several rooms to one side of the train had certainly made his senses more aware - or, rather, aware of their inability to be aware.

    His fingers felt numbed and burned slightly at the tips where his right hand gripped papers a bit more firmly as another chill passed up his spine, settling to nest deep within his core. His bare feet gathered light imaginary splinters in their heels from standing on the hard wood, small remnants of rainwater dotting the floor around them. The train was moving quite quickly now, storm whipping against the windows on the wall opposite of the door. Their contact with the glass made sounds similar to that of bullets, echoing in the desolate expanse.

    It was taking Zander long. Too long. He pulled his right hand back to knock again, papers still held firmly between slightly trembling fingers. He was exhausted and to his wits end, body practically begging or some kind of ease on the bones. If it wasn’t for the hollow noise of the door opening, Yuu probably could've passed out right there. His feet naturally shuffled back, creating space between them. For several moments, he simply stood there caught in a daze, before blinking and registering Zander’s voice.

    Was he not listening? Yuu’s face deadpanned before his eyes narrowed and darkened in frustration. He assumed Zander probably had a lot on his mind, he wasn’t a fool. The black haired male was well aware that everyone had their own circumstances, and he was more than familiar with zoning out. But something about Zander doing it just didn’t sit right with him. Maybe it was the leftover bitterness he held from losing the S-Class trials - maybe it was their difference in experience, or the way Zander held himself. He always had this air about him, from the moment they met and well past the moment they’d cashed, in which he just felt… Superior. As if he was in a class of his own.

    ”`Can I help you`?” He replied the blonde’s question, clearly spoken behind a stiff jaw. Though Zander’s tone didn't imply anything, the pompous aura around the mage still pissed him off. He was always acting like everyone else was at his mercy. His molars grinded against each other as he slowly breathed in, long and deep. His momentary tightening of his grip around the paper ceased as fast as it begun, but a small crinkle found itself in place of where he held it. His fingers left an impression, but Yuu already begun folding the papers between his fingers with practiced ease.

    ”Why don’t you start by listening when people talk to you.” He responded with words betraying his true frustrations, laced with a double meaning. It wasn’t that he was angry about being ignored. He could care less if Zander ever shot Yuu a gaze from this moment forwards during the mission. No, it wasn’t that. It was the fact that, despite being on a train, they were still working a job as of the moment they left the Guild Hall. Zander couldn’t afford to ignore his surroundings so easily - no matter the severity or work their assignment entailed, Fairy Tail mages existed to aid in any and all troubles.

    Even if they weren’t to do much until they arrived at Crocus, it was no excuse to act so lax. As much as he hated knowing, the signs were already clear enough to many who chose to pay attention. Something bad was happening around Fiore as of late. Rumors spread fast, even more when they’re spoken of disaster. Concerns of nearby guilds begun to reach the capital, urging new security tactics to be enforced. Most of Fiore’s population was now, whether they were aware or not, under direct supervision of the royal family and Magic Council. Transportation out of their own town was hard enough - Guild Master’s from all presiding regions had to write personal notices indicating they were sending mages outside of their “territories” in hopes of avoiding internal conflicts from ensuing; but it brought about the impression that there was a traitor among their alliances.

    Which was exactly what Yuu held in his hand. A job paper and schedule, personally signed by Gildarts and sealed with the Fiore family crest, presenting the identity and intentions of the two for being outside of Magnolia Town. They were to have it on their person at all times, until they safely returned to the Guild Hall after their mission. If lost, it was possible they’d be unable to enter until someone outside of their party confirmed their identity. ”Your commission ID papers.” He hissed, head downcast. Part of it was due to his apathy, no longer seeking to gaze at Zander, another part being due to simply his fatigue. He suddenly felt a lot worse, nauseous even, since the male opened the door. Suddenly he'd wished he just slid them beneath the entrance.

    Yuu wasn’t really someone who’d go out of his way to explain something lest it’d be necessary or he was asked. There were times where speaking just didn’t appeal to him, but it was simply because he didn’t experience any of the pleasantries others often did. Engaging in conversation was difficult simply for the fact that he didn’t quite ever have empathy for those he spoke with. He simply went about his orders, and did whatever needed to be done. In more cases than one, it just never happened to connect that he was human. Knowing his fate before it came, knowing how he’d meet his end, and being able to guess how soon it was, formed a rift between him and other people.

    Thinking about it all, his biggest resentment was with repeating himself. He didn’t ever stop to consider that some things were better said twice, or that some people would have difficulty understanding him. To have to already do so much speaking with Zander, as opposed to when he was paired with any other mages, made a fire swelter to life inside his chest, just beneath the sternum. He hated it because it felt like Zander actually cared about Yuu. He hated that it made him feel like the young adult he was.

    He hated that it made him feel like there was more to his life than what he was made to believe.

    Teeth still clenched in a grimace, growl rumbling deep in his throat, Yuu thrust his right hand forwards. He practically slapped the papers into Zander’s chest where his plating lay flush against him. While still retaining contact with the metal, he shoved hard enough to force his partner back several steps, before storming off into his room. The door closed with a semi-repressed slam, leaving Zander without another word spoken.

    Small spikes of ice were swarmed around the lower parts of the blonde man’s door frame, intimidating black on the inside, with the characteristic white coloring the edges. It looked almost similar to if shadows could’ve been frozen, ensnared darkness swarming within; it resembled something of an animal, tossing around its frozen shell. More startling than the presence of the ice was the few drops of blood that trailed back to the Fullbuster child’s own room.

    1d6cacefa29792b37a6c14a28ea104d5--kagalin-thranduil-glorfindel.jpg

    Zander Dreyar AKA Diablo

    Zander nearly slammed the door in Yuu's face at the tone of his voice. The anger that radiated from the God Slayer was terrifying, and Zander knew it was directed at him. He assumed it was because Zander had taken a long while to open the door and because of past resentments due to the S-Class trial. Zander bit back a sigh, knowing it would only infuriate Yuu more.


    "Sorry," Zander murmured, head downcast and visibly flinching at the tone in Yuu's voice: accusing, angry. Zander couldn't blame him. "I was thinking."


    He staggered back a few steps as Yuu shoved the papers against his chest and stormed away, leaving Zander at a loss of what to do. Zander looked down at the papers before he grabbed them in one hand. He was trembling. Pathetic. Afraid of his own guildmates? He was Diablo, not the Mouse! Zander knew that technically he was Yuu's superior, but Zander had a feeling trying to order Yuu around would get him killed.


    Closing the door, Zander returned to his bed and sat down, staring blankly at his name written in bold print on the paper. He blinked a couple times, seemingly unable to read the large font. Without batting an eyelash, he tossed the papers onto the floor and fell backwards onto the mattress with a heavy sigh, covering his eyes with one forearm. Today was just not going well, and nor would any day until two weeks had passed and Yuu was as far away from his as possible.

    Display Spoiler
    HOPBWrD.png bimbGLR.png ETQq2Cu.png
    "My reasoning's simple: you've got a future, and I don't. You live, I die."
    "Yuu" Karma Fullbuster.
    When he’d stormed off and slammed the door behind him, it wasn’t out of any anger towards Zander. He’d let his emotions slip, and his magic branch out as a result. He’d stormed off because of the sudden wave of nausea and fatigue that swarmed his vision. Back pressed flat against the solid wood of the door, Yuu squinted his eyes in agony as the cold ravaged his body. He rose a hand to his lips where he tasted pungent iron, but it was instead sourced from just above his mouth. His other hand blindly reached for the deadbolt on the door behind him, fingers twisting the lock into place before he shuffled into the bathroom.

    His steps felt heavy and dragged as he barely managed to reach the mirror, arms desperately gripping the edges of the sink. He watched the blood drip pool in the bottom of the porcelain surface for several moments, focus passing constantly in and out of focus. He’d rose his eyes, choosing to refrain from shifting his chin in a small desire to avoid the red drops from staining his clothes or falling to the floor anymore than it did near the entrance. His eyebrows furrowed as another shudder ripped through his body, this one more powerful than the last. His register on the sink slipped a bit and he slumped forwards from where he’d been leaning all his weight onto the counter.

    The permanent black beneath his eyes was reminiscent of a gorge. It cut deep into his features, making his pale complexion almost look ghostly and sick. The sunken cheek bones were draped by the gray skin, and he swallowed thickly behind the cascading red from his nose. It’d stopped almost as fast as it started, but the nosebleed was spontaneous from exerting himself. He sank his gaze back down; he stood in the bathroom like that for several moments, just listening to his slow breaths and the occasional drip of blood into the sink.

    He’d decided it was worth it to let his body rest. There was nothing else that was needed to be done until they arrived at Crocus. He stretched his arm out aimlessly, finally stumbling upon the towel. He ran a small corner of the fabric under the water, before bringing it to his face to clean it. The warmth of the liquid on his face was a severe contrast from his own startlingly low body temperature, feeling it almost burn his face. But the exhaustion that pulled at his conscience was powerful enough for him to be able to ignore the splinters of pain from the heat.

    When he’d finished, Yuu trudged over to the bed, arm trailing the wall for support. He dragged himself up, he laid on his stomach, face turned towards the window. He watched through a small split where the two dark blue curtains came together, seeing the rain leave streaks on the glass as the train moved through the storm. Magnolia Town was rendered a blur through the scattered drops across the surface, lights of the city catching in the midst of the storm casting a warm glow on its surrounding air.

    His eyes trailed down at the window sill, where his sword was rested neatly against the pane. It’s dark, matte blue sheath reflected Magnolia’s scenery in its silvery accents that gathered near the sword’s guard. It was a rather beautiful sword, crafted by one of the finest smiths his father could get in touch with for it. When he was first gifted it, the lacrima encased within the blade was rather small. When he’d broken it during the S-Class trials, on the same day as his loss to Zander, he’d almost never dared to wield it again. Gray had taken the katana to its maker, but only then was made aware that the man had passed away of old age.

    He felt a smile creep onto his lips, despite himself. His mother fretted over Yuu not having a weapon for days on end while Gray sought out any of the blacksmiths that would help. All denied uptaking the project, claiming the repair was impossible. Some saw the breakage as some bad omen, considering the death of its creator soon followed. Yuu tilted his head and sat up from where he lay, picking up the sword as he did. Unsheathing it, he gazed at the blade, which was practically made of pure obsidian. The azure line that was encased in the middle swarmed with magic.

    Tilting his head slightly, his eyes narrowed in thought. How had Gray repaired the sword back then? He’d never actually told Yuu that someone was willing to bring it back to its former glory. In fact, he hadn’t said anything when it was returned to him, only dropping it off in his room one day before he left for a job. Not a single thing was different about the blade, save for a small engraving near the hilt-end. Right where the sword’s edge begun, beneath the scabbard sleeve, in silver, was an intricate pattern of a lotus flower.

    He pondered its shape, fingers running across the silvery pattern slowly. The lotus wasn’t all that common in the area, and he’d only really seem them in his books. Their symbolism intrigued him the moment he’d first read of it. Back then, however, he’d never stopped to consider its purpose on the sword. A branding, maybe? Sometimes sword makers would brand their creations with designs that were unique to them. The original creator of the sword had engraved his name into the hilt, similarly to a menuki before it was covered in standard black wrapping.

    Leaning back with the blade in his hands, only slightly parted from its sheath, he held it above his head. His eyes studied its shape in confused silence, the darkness outside from the storm casting long shadows over the room. His arms soon dropped back to his side, the sword being returned to its encasing and back to its original spot on the window sill. Yuu settled onto the bed now with him facing the ceiling. The silence in the room was deafening, but he felt his mind reel back with it. The blue pools of his eyes were cast back towards the window. The orange tint of the gray and blue sky indicated that the sun was slowly nearing the horizon. He felt himself shiver a bit, curling his arms around himself before shutting his eyes promptly. He wouldn’t be able to fall asleep, but at least being able to rest his body and shake off some of the remaining fatigue was an opportunity he wouldn’t wish to miss. He kept his hearing alert in case anything may happen.

    1d6cacefa29792b37a6c14a28ea104d5--kagalin-thranduil-glorfindel.jpg

    Zander Dreyar AKA Diablo

    Whenever Zander was faced with fear, anxiety, anger or any particular strong and negative emotions, the demons within him started talking, particularly Azazel, the demon that held the most control over Zander's soul and was the one he had been born with due to his mother being part demon herself. The soul had transferred some of its power into Zander in the hopes of finding a new host, but sine Zander also had lightning magic in his body, the two had clashed, the lightning had won and Zander was the person he was today.


    But there were times when the lines between Zander and Azazel blurred. Even if Zander held control during his Take Overs, that didn't mean it wasn't hard to stop Azazel from gaining control. It happened sometimes, and the consequences were dire, but Zander had learned to force Azazel into submission with the more subdued souls that also resided within him.


    The encounter with Yuu had stirred Azazel from his slumber, and he was whispering sweet nothings into Zander's mind, promising to rid him of his fear of Yuu with his power. Zander knew Azazel would kill Yuu when given the chance, though Zander was pretty sure Yuu would slay Azazel, and through Azazel Zander, with a few strokes of his sword.


    "Shut up," Zander growled angrily as Azazel's voice grew louder.


    Azazel's voice fell silent with a low hiss that sounded like sizzling ice. Zander let the anger he had wash over Azazel. If he directed it at the demon, he'd shut up. Anger directed at anyone else only fuelled Azazel's power despite his affinity with ice.

    Display Spoiler

    HOPBWrD.png bimbGLR.png ETQq2Cu.png
    "My reasoning's simple: you've got a future, and I don't. You live, I die."
    "Yuu" Karma Fullbuster.
    (( Sorry this took so long. Between so many threads - especially my public ones - and an upcoming convention, I’ve had such a low muse and little time towards writing. I’m trying to push myself to get at least 1000 words in these posts, but my brain can only handle so much at once. ))

    Against his own will, his body soon fell prey to the exhaustion that called out to him. Beckoning with its dark, silent hands, it approached and enveloped Yuu. He drowned in the feeling, and for the first time in several days he felt truly capable of resting. He, unfortunately, wasn’t a heavy sleeper and thus soon awoke several moments later when the train jerked a bit. He let his scowl deepen, adjusting his position on the bed a few degrees before closing his eyes again. This was usually how the nights he did manage to sleep ended up. There wasn’t no true, full slumber. He’d doze off in small intervals, shifting his posture between each one. The longest he’d ever been able to sleep for was one hour straight. He did well in sleeping with such a strange pattern anyways. Most nights, even recently, he would get a total of four hours give or take a few minutes. His average, even after several years, only had lost one hour with his deteriorating state. Four hours was plenty adequate for a rest, but it wouldn’t help if he didn’t sleep at least once every two days. This last dip in his schedule was very concerning, but he didn’t feel any more exhaustion than he would if he was only sleepless for one night. Making it through almost a full weeks time wasn't so much taxing on the body as it was on his mind.

    Which is why he wasn’t surprised when he’d found himself to dream. It wasn’t a strange occurrence, but wasn’t able to be called common for him. He dreamed a lot as a child, and usually only did so in his later life when things plagued his mind. This dream was similar to the one he’d had before a hundred times over, a simple vision of him and his parents gathered around a table sharing dinner and discussing past stories. He wouldn’t say much in this dream, but somehow Yuu felt himself able to laugh in the false presence of his mother and father at whatever story his memory had chosen to substitute for tonight's dream. But something felt different about this one. Unlike the others, it didn’t end with dinner. He’d actually been dismissed to his room, but instead chose to take a short walk through the cold streets of the imaginary Magnolia Town at night. Conceptualizing as best he could, the imagery of the city littered with a thin layer of snow was as stunning as he’d imagined it would be. But still, a discomfort persisted, ache building up in his chest. It felt hot. Looking down, Yuu’s face paled with horror at the sight. His sword, lodged in his chest, someone's hand holding the hilt as it pushed further into him. He couldn’t find the strength to scream, feeling the fear, confusion, and agony spread through his body as vision faded back into nothingness.

    His shoulders stiffened before he opened his eyes. The dark state of the room was much different from what he’d seen before. Looking outside, the clear scenery allowed the stars above to glow brilliantly. Their striking white and blue tinted shapes were sprinkled into a deep indigo, dark clouds scattered loosely in the air. The rain had relented into a mere drizzle, making a standard white noise in the background. Yuu shifted, feeling once again a discomfort swell in his chest. Pushing images from the strange dream away, he sat up and rubbed the sleep from his eyes. He must’ve slept for a lot longer than he usually did, because the last thing he’d seen was the sun just passing through the horizon, painting the sky a warm array of coral and tangerine, before turning into something more peach. Judging by the position of the moon in the sky, it was quite near their estimated time of arrival. His body felt significantly lighter - or, rather, he felt more detached than before. Fatigue was hardly present, but it was instead replaced with a sense of detachment; it didn’t really render that he was the one moving his body. It almost felt like he was watching himself do everything without any instruction to.

    The Fulbuster made do with shoving the notions away. He couldn’t help the pricking at the back of his mind that something was definitely wrong. Staring at his reflection in the mirror after rinsing his face, once again the image of black steel lodged in his sternum haunted him. He grunted, shudder rippling through his body and bringing forth a wave of dizziness. His eyes moved on their own, rolling back and catching wildly on the fixtures surrounding him. He stumbled, pressing his back flush against the wall. He gasped, not daring to look back at the mirror and see himself. ”I’m not that easy to break.” The words were hot on his mouth, the sensitivity proving that he was, in fact, in control of his body. The sentence, however, didn’t feel like his. He just spat it out the moment it came to him, hardly even understanding why he’d say such a thing. To whom had his threat been directed towards? Frowning in confusion at his own actions, Yuu grabbed his coat from the door, which was quite arid for not having been properly hung or dried. When he left the bathroom, he’d slammed the entryway behind him. He made certain that he wouldn’t go back into there, for his own mentality's sake.

    Hopefully Zander was still awake, he didn’t want a repeat of the situation that occurred earlier. He also didn’t want to waste any time. He was on edge enough as is, a cold sweat slowly beginning to evaporate from his spine. Dreams were uncommon, yes. But nightmares - when his body first came into contact with the God Slayer magic, when the power first was imbued, he’d spent years in the hospital. Those nights were some of the most dreadful, accompanied by severe pain and the persistence of night terrors. Yuu had never, not once since he turned thirteen and was discharged from the medical ward, suffered a horrific vision again. The more frightening sentiment was just exactly what the dream included. All he had to go off of was the conception of his blood, burning with ice, spilling out of the newly made wound and the lithe hand that gripped it steadily. Tossing his bag over his shoulder, now draped with a semi-soaked coat left unbuttoned at the front, he was reluctant to grab the sword that lie on the windowsill. Pathetic. The thought didn't sound like his, almost like it echoed off the walls of his mind from a deeper crevice. Jaw stiffening at his own hand's shakiness towards the weapon, he snagged it and made his way out of the room. He knocked on the door beside his with the sword’s hilt while his hand firmly gripped the scabbard, without a single remark, before he continued walking down the dark and empty corridor. The rain outside had completely ceased now, and the image of Crocus came into view. It’s be only a few moments before they’d arrive. Considering he’d already gotten at least an hour and a half of sleep, Yuu would take the liberty of a night watch while Zander continued to rest in the room. They’d only been able to rent out a single accommodation, with two separate beds, but Yuu would rather be caught dead than room with the blonde - especially if his conscience would choose to repeat the nightmare he’d had just suffered moments before.

    1d6cacefa29792b37a6c14a28ea104d5--kagalin-thranduil-glorfindel.jpg

    Zander Dreyar AKA Diablo

    ((It's fine. I'm going to be on vacation soon, so I won't be very active either.))


    Zander's anger didn't last long, and soon Azazel was back, accompanied by the other two. The Fallen Angel was the quiet type, but the Demon Slayer was outspoken and pratically lead the others, too.


    The three played tug-o-war with Zander's heart and soul. He sat on his bed, hunched over with his hands in his head. The occasional demonic growl or hiss escaped his lips.


    Finally, a knock on the door stirred Zander from his internal conflict, allowing Zander's soul to retake control and lift his head from his hands.


    Zander was exhausted. He may have been in stasis, but he had not gotten any rest. His breathing was ragged as though he has run a marathon. He was more drained than he had been before, and his shirt stuck to his back.


    God, I need a drink, Zander thought as he gingerly swung himself off the bed, grabbed his bag and staggered out the door jisy as Yuu walked away. He frowned after Yuu for a moment before he took a deep breath, adjusted his tiara and his hair in a very poor attempt to hide his tired appearance.


    Trotting after Yuu, Zander went to stand next to him as the train slowed into the station. He gazed out the window, peering up at the stars.


    "Beautiful night here," Zander said, wincing at the slight quaver in his voice.

    Display Spoiler



    HOPBWrD.png bimbGLR.png ETQq2Cu.png
    "My reasoning's simple: you've got a future, and I don't. You live, I die."
    "Yuu" Karma Fullbuster.
    The train’s steadily decreasing pace came to a sturdy halt at the station, somewhere just on the borders of Crocus’ territory. The scenery changed from rural lands and free range to something more modern and royal. The city was illuminated with lamps throughout the streets, but was generally dark and quiet for the sake of not disturbing the sleep of citizens. The security officials stationed at the point of their disembarking shared a few words with the train’s driver. If he’d been able to see a little clearly through the darkness, he may have been able to understand and make out a few bits of their puzzling conversation. His watchfulness was interrupted by Zander, who’d reclaimed his position at Yuu’s side.

    The blonde looked a little worse for wear than he did upon their leave from Magnolia. Before, there was a sort of playful liveliness to his features, his eyes illuminated with that childish innocence he was so pent up on keeping up. Now, a pitiful lethargy clouded his spirits. His composure was less than held together; disturbed by the unsettling lack of sleep he’d experienced, his head almost seemed to be hung low. It reminded him for a moment like a dog with its tail tucked between its legs. He looked vulnerable - a small pang rose in his chest. Yuu hadn’t been one to pay attention to the tribulations of others. Zander was the last person he’d really cared to put forth any kind of attention towards, and the other didn’t seem all too fazed if not thankful for that fact. However, the God Slayer wasn’t any type of an idiot, and he wasn’t easily fooled.

    He knew the pain of sleeplessness. The wear it brought upon the body and spirits. So it was no surprise he’d recognized this sudden change in atmosphere so quickly, putting together the pieces of the puzzle behind a face of silent indifference. The pompous flame of Zander’s personality died into nothing more than a kindle. Distressed against the wind and rains of physical and mental exhaustion, he was now a much more hollow shell of what he once was. Whether this was a permanent change, he figured not. The wavering of his voice did not go unnoticed either, and Yuu thought Zander should consider himself lucky that he wasn’t in such a bad mood at the moment. Which is why the Fullbuster heir didn’t remark with as much apathy as he would’ve any other time. In fact, he seemed to ponder the question, tilting his head, choosing to instead entertain Zander’s light jab at a conversation. If anything, Yuu just wanted to make sure he’d be able to stay awake throughout the trip to their accommodation. Within the peaceful ambiance of the train, and the hushed town before them, he found himself oddly put at a discomfort, which smothered his frustrations into something more suitably called anxiety. He had more to pay his mind to than what was occurring within his partner’s private life, or something like the weather, though; as such, his response was no less blunt and straightforward than usual. ”... I suppose.” He had responded, cool expression solidifying the steadiness of his mind, despite the thunderous pace of his heart in his chest.

    Magnolia. The city - bathed in moonlight. The crunch of snow beneath his feet as he walked. The overwhelming nausea, the smell of iron. The inexplicably burning sensation of cold that raced through his chest. Images of the dream were fresh as ever and made more aware as the setting partly mirrored that of what he’d “felt”. His foothold slipped, causing him to stagger in the midst of his mixing dreams and reality, senses confused and wrapping around his surroundings for register. The smell of iron. Blood. The sword - his sword - thrusted in the middle of his body, held firm by the hand that did not even quake at the deed. He wanted to pitch his head back at that moment, and just let himself scream. He wanted to kick and fight back but the dream-turned-nightmare wouldn’t let him. Instead he could only stare in muted anguish. The blood swarmed over the black blade and it's teal lacrima core. The smell of iron and his incapacity to wail out in agony. A feeling as if what was happening wasn’t something meant for him - an accident. No, it was more complicated than that. The once emotionless grip on the hilt loosened, a trembling now washing over his assailant. An accident, yes, but not by cause of slip up.

    Caused by a change in host.

    There was only one person Yuu could think that’d get close to him so easily enough to be capable of such a thing. His revelations subconsciously taking control, the image of the hand turned into one of porcelain skin and lithe, gentle nature. He knew that his rival was the only one who’d probably do it. He was someone of unstable mentality, and Yuu already had a close encounter with the so called “Azazel” during the S-Class trials. For a moment, so brief, the male saw that hint of separated personality, of detached power. That small, sadistic, yet still so reserved and distant sneer as Yuu pushed himself so close towards no man's land during that fight. If it weren’t for the battle to come to such an abrupt halt, Zander would’ve easily slipped into panic at Yuu’s condition. Azazel would take advantage of that loss of control, and make Zander watch as he strung Yuu along and played with him until boredom. Was the vision something more of a warning from his subconscious? It wasn’t Zander who’d do such a thing. It was the pale haired demon that plagued his soul. And he’d have to watch as the entity used his face as a mask to lower Yuu’s guards enough until…

    He didn’t want to think of it anymore, pushing it all aside as he resolved himself and paced towards the nearest exit between the train cars they occupied. But with each step, his vision continued to be painted the moonlit crimson. When they exited the train, the bitter cold of the air was unrelenting the moment they’d stepped off. The stale, arid nature of the wind made Yuu’s skin feel blistering against the cheeks almost instantly. He came to an abrupt halt at the feeling of a hand on his arm, prompting him to turn. "If it isn't Yuu Fullbuster. You really came, huh?" A pair of men approached them, outstretching hands and snatching the job papers and schedules from his grasp. Yuu watched in quiet protest as they inspected another smaller paper, some kind of letter that wasn’t as formal looking as the others had been but the same official seals marked the backside of the note. The man holding out the paper shifted his eyes between it several times before crumpling the paper in his palm. This time he saw the Sabertooth guild mark that poked out beneath the sleeve of his overcoat, urging his eyes to narrow at it. Fake. Who are they then? Yuu yanked his arm free of the man’s grasp and giving him a dark glower, searching for some indication of what their intentions were. They both smirked, while the one attending to Yuu threw the papers towards him which took no time to fall to the concrete and shoved him back by the shoulders. ”This must be some kind of joke,” the other sneered, before slinging an arm over Zander’s shoulder and gesturing for him to look at Yuu with a snarky grin. ”Man, I really feel sorry for you. To think they’d lump you in with this damn harbinger! There was quite a bit of talk. Not even the Magic Council wanted this guy to come ‘cause he -”

    ”If you value your life, you’ll stop talking.” The threat wasn’t as strong as usual, but the malice in his voice was intense. Yuu merely had frowned, retrieving his papers from the floor. Though his jaw stiffened to grit teeth, nothing else about him feigned anger. He unfolded the papers that were more or less formed into balls, his grip on the sword held at his side tightening but never making a move. He didn’t want to use the sword, not now with his unsteady conscience and not here with an exhausted Zander. Reminding himself his partner needed rest. Yuu looked back and motioned for him to follow, but the hand on his arm reeled him back again. ”My life, not so much - but this guy’d be better off with us, wouldn’t he?” The one by Zander’s side grinned like a child, but then his eyes became lidded with mischief clouding their dark color. Yuu returned the glare, edged with a strong disdain. He really had no time for an interaction like this. He swept his left foot across the ground, black ice chasing towards the feet of the one holding him. The man retracted, growling under his breath. The one at Zander’s side lifted his hands in a form of surrender, but the snarky grin on his face didn’t leave. Yuu wanted to cut it off, especially when his voice lifted to say, ”A word of advice? That guy’s a bad omen.” He cocked his head towards Yuu as he continued his chat with Zander. With that final sentence, the two stalked off, disappearing quickly into the quiet night.

    Those who were watching the incident fell silent. One of the attendees at the train station asked if they were alright, and Yuu lifted one hand dismissively as she approached him. He spat the vile iron-rich blood from his mouth, shoving his hands into his pockets. ”I don't care too much for nights.” He grumbled indignantly, recalling Zander’s observations back on the train. His shoulders gyrated, his feet heavy as he sauntered in the direction of their temporary complex for the night. He just wanted to get away - away from the cold, the people, and consequently Zander. He knew it was too much to hope for, but the still faithful corner of his mind begged and held onto the small chance that the man would drop the encounter they’d just had, and forget whatever words were exchanged. The guild mark was clearly fake. So how did they know about the Magic Council’s involvement with choosing mages to come on the job? He probably doesn’t even know that. He thought, eyes narrowing subconsciously as he sent a sidewards glance towards Zander’s direction. He couldn’t shake the indication that there was seriously something strange going on, ever since they boarded the train and left Magnolia Town. By the time he’d reached the place they were staying at, a headache formed. The room was warmer inside, thankfully. As described, there were two beds in the room, a bathroom, and a small kitchen situated in it. It was certainly more lavish than they’d wished, but it was the best they could do for so late-notice, and in the capital of Fiore. ”I’m taking watch, any issues?” He called back to Zander when he was sure he was in the room as well, but it wasn’t a question he was expecting an answer to.

    1d6cacefa29792b37a6c14a28ea104d5--kagalin-thranduil-glorfindel.jpg

    Zander Dreyar AKA Diablo

    Zander lowered his head even further when Yuu answered his question . He wished Yuu wouldn't be so cold, but it was a huge part of his personality. There was no way Zander would ever be able to get around it.


    Trailing out after Yuu, he felt like he was in a daze as the two Sabertooth wizards appear. At least, he thought they were. The way they held themselves was unlike the wizards, and there was something off in their magical signature.


    When one of the men drapped his arm over Zander's shoulders, the Diablo began to feel uncomfortable. He knew he leaned more towards males, but the fact that he resembled an elf caused a lot of people with the same inclination to try and dominate him. Zander hated it, especially if Azazel sas influencing his thoughts.


    A low growl escaped Zander's lips, but before he could do anything, Yuu said a few words and chased the men away, but before received a slap on the ass, which caused Zander to wince. At least it was too dark for Yuu to see it.


    Zander followed Yuu again after everything was over, this time with his head a little higher, his mind clear and alert. It wasn't until the duo reached the hotel that Zander realized his internal demon argument had been far more taxing than he had thought.


    Staggering past Yuu, Zander ignored his question, dropped his bag and vanished into the bathroom, where the contents of Zander's stomach emptied themselves into his stomach, followed by a flush.


    Zander came back out, deathly pale and aweatung, and without bothering to clean up his appearance, he collapsed onto one of the beds and moaned. But sleep did not come to him, so he answered Yuu's question in a voice that was even worse than before.


    "Fine... " Zander said softly into the pillow.

    Display Spoiler