foundfate: (gah!!)
Watanuki Kimihiro ([personal profile] foundfate) wrote2020-12-02 10:16 am

private psl

["I want to be free of the ghosts to see. That is my wish: to not be burdened by them anymore."

"Unfortunately, I cannot grant that wish. But I can send you to someone who can grant it."


That answer gave Watanuki jack-all to go off of, though, and he was left standing in a field of pink flowers looking absolutely befuddled. How had he gotten there? Where was he in the first place? The flowers seemed to go on forever, and all that was around besides them was a floating tower in the sky.

Well, that seemed like Watanuki's best chance at getting an answer, so he tried to step in that direction, but found that his legs were tangled up in the flowers. He fount this out by tripping, somehow, and ending up face-first in the flowers with a yelp.
]

What- why are they-

[Oh, to be tangled up in the Garden of Avalon. His sins weighed him down, and he didn't even know it.]
myrdd: (in remembrance of older days)

[personal profile] myrdd 2021-02-04 04:03 pm (UTC)(link)
[That's not affection, but an anti-meddling measure.]

Let me put it this way: the Space-Time Witch's Shop is between worlds, and Avalon exists on a layer of reality separated from the one you came from. The time difference may not be strictly equivalent - indeed, when you step out of the Shop, the world you were in might not have moved on in any significant manner.

[The more important question, really, is how Watanuki will reconcile the person he'll become to the one he was. Returning to the place of one's origin isn't always coming home.]
myrdd: (what is hidden)

[personal profile] myrdd 2021-02-05 02:25 pm (UTC)(link)
[...ahh. About that.]

This is the eternal Utopia that neither the decay nor destruction of the planet's surface can reach. A paradise that humans can only hope to imagine.

[Don't make him spell it out.]
Edited 2021-02-05 14:26 (UTC)
myrdd: (fireside talks)

[personal profile] myrdd 2021-02-05 02:50 pm (UTC)(link)
Something like that.

What do you plan on doing once you return, anyway?
myrdd: (smug fou)

[personal profile] myrdd 2021-02-05 04:41 pm (UTC)(link)
[..........

Still stuck in thinking about a boring old routine, eh? Merlin supposes that it is only their second day. Of course, if that's the kind of ending Watanuki can honestly say he wants after everything's said and done, that's fine, too.

Emphasis on "honestly."]


How fortunate that you now have more than ample time to think about it.

Shall we see to your next lesson?
myrdd: (wao)

this is why Roman says Merlin's Clairvoyance sucks

[personal profile] myrdd 2021-02-06 02:09 am (UTC)(link)
[The zoning out is something he mentions a few times when sees Yuuko for their their food supply exchanged, casual but knowing. Merlin might not be able to pinpoint how this situation started since he can't See the past, but he won't be surprised if sending Watanuki to Avalon is, in part, a way to "make up for it" in the most indirect way possible.

At some point, a pair of glasses from a certain deceased person is passed on. Supposedly to help. If Merlin weaves in a few more layers of magecraft on it before it's given to the intended recipient, that's no one's business but his own.

As for that dream - it's something Merlin, actually, has no way of specifically anticipating until Goetia distributes the grails across time. After that, he'll be peeking into all seven to determine the details of what's going on and what might happen, and the idea of actually getting involved beyond supplying Chaldea with energy only comes to him much later. The thing is, it's long past the age where he gives prophecies, and he's not inclined to make any more.]


Oya. [He's so surprised that he actually materializes next to Watanuki, grasps his student's arm, and whisks them away in a shower of petals to a higher point of the temple.] So you're capable of something like this as well?

[He knows the taste of a prophetic dream, and the contents of this one are grim enough for him to not make a joke so soon.

It occurs to him that, for the first time, he might've been given a pupil he has to teach about this particular skill set.

...well. Isn't that a twist!]
Edited 2021-02-06 03:21 (UTC)
myrdd: (fireside talks)

[personal profile] myrdd 2021-02-06 04:56 am (UTC)(link)
[Figuring it out is indeed on the agenda, but that won't stop him from bringing it up as some sort of tease that turns into one of those inside jokes in the long run. Immortal magicians - including her - have to get fun from somewhere, no?

And ahh, to be recognized at last. This, too, is progress, never mind that it's from a happy... not really an accident. Newly revealed opportunity. There we go.]


Before I answer that, let me ask you: have you ever experienced saying something off-hand before, only for it to actually happen later on without your intervention?
myrdd: (that's between myself and I)

[personal profile] myrdd 2021-02-08 12:19 pm (UTC)(link)
[Casting an illusion within a dream is the easiest thing: a tap of his staff on the ground, the creation of a pseudo-barrier around them. There. Now they won't be seen.

That doesn't fix how gruesome and alien the sight before them is, of course, but this serves as a good way to get over the initial shock of meeting the creatures in the waking world. Whenever this occurs.]


You, my dear student, have the gift of Clairvoyance. And I can tell you with certainty that this dream isn't one of the past, no matter how absurd that might seem given the surrounding architecture, but a vision of a future you may find yourself in.
myrdd: (so you say)

[personal profile] myrdd 2021-02-08 01:35 pm (UTC)(link)
It's entirely possible you've always had the aptitude. Indeed, having recurring instances to deja vu is one indicator. That said, not everyone's able to wake up that particular talent - practicing magic as you have over the past few months might've brought it out.

And as for this future... [Merlin's expression doesn't change, but his tone gains a somber inflection. By now, Watanuki might be able to tell he's thinking about Arturia and Camelot, again.] We don't always know how we'll arrive to this point, or how it will turn out after. Some particulars can change thanks to our choices, but others - ah, not so much.

I promise you they won't catch sight of the two of us. While we're here, however, we might as well maximize the opportunity. [He makes a sweeping gesture with his arm to indicate their surroundings.] What - or who - else do you see?
myrdd: (in remembrance of older days)

[personal profile] myrdd 2021-02-08 02:59 pm (UTC)(link)
We're in a place before my time.

[Be as it may, this is a place he knows of, from the style of the ziggurat to the designs on its walls. There is one civilization that comes to mind, ruled by a tyrant that Merlin's studied out of professional interest as a kingmaker and a fellow Clairvoyant.

Solomon's shadow has not yet acted on his plan. But if this dream exists, there is a version of that Sumerian king already dreaming of the fallout a few steps ahead. If Watanuki's spotted him from afar, Merlin paying his respects is but a matter of course.]


Well, let's go greet him, shall we?

A word of caution, Watanuki: don't speak until he addresses you. Introducing yourself as my apprentice will make things easier, and bite your tongue if you think he's insulting you: the outlook of mighty kings such as him is vastly different from what you're used to in the modern age. Until such a time you're more than familiar with court etiquette - make no mistake, that's part of your lessons now! - you're in no position to discern the appropriate time to break it.

[He grasps Watanuki's arm. The sensation is much like it appears - a brief undoing of the physical form, followed by an incremental rematerialization from a thousand flower petals. Merlin takes a moment to breathe deeply, taking in the intermingling sensations of a dream dreamt by two people while the pinnacle of an ancient city burns in what might be either ruin or an honorary funeral pyre.

Several steps before them, the king continues to contemplate the city, his arms crosed. He hasn't turned to acknowledge the interlopers... yet.

Casting one last look at Watanuki as a reminder, Merlin steps forward with a hand on his chest and bows: a sign of respect, not low enough to be mistaken for fealty.]


Greetings, O Great King of Uruk, mankind's oldest hero. Even as we stand at the eve of humanity's greatest calamity, it will be my honor to serve you in stemming this tide when the time comes.

[Gilgamesh snorts.] Magus of Flowers. It's too soon for this meeting, but know that when you choose to meddle with my affairs, I'll work you to the bone.

Mongrel.
[He hasn't looked back yet, although it's clear that he's speaking to Watanuki.] The appearance of that Cambion next to you is your doing.

Be grateful I'm allowing you the honor of speaking with me directly without striking you down for your imprudent intrusion. Now, introduce yourself and state your business.
myrdd: (meh)

[personal profile] myrdd 2021-02-08 05:45 pm (UTC)(link)
There isn't a need.

[And not just because Watanuki's name is fake, as Merlin's greeting will make apparent. Gilgamesh will know know him eventually, although it might take some time for the king to actually call him by his name depending on how diligent he works.

Merlin, by the way, will not return that glance. (There's a wryness to his smile, visible even in the dim light. Oh, he's sure plenty will be demanded of him.) He's confident that his pupil can present himself properly, and Gilgamesh is the type to prefer honesty over flattery. Moreover, unlike his past self before he began his search for the herb of immortality, the king isn't so easy to anger.

Case in point: upon hearing that Watanuki pulled this off by accident, Gilgamesh looks over his shoulder, unimpressed - at Merlin.]


Ensure he isn't a liability, court mage.

[The mage dips his head and, given the circumstances, refrains from making a lighthearted comment.] Of course. He will be ready.

[They both know Merlin doesn't need a reminder, but it suits Gilgamesh to codify necessity with a direct order. And, really, there's plenty of things unsaid. Even without divine guidance, Goetia can utilize Solomon's Clairvoyance, and that's not even covering what kind of life-threatening challenges Watanuki will encounter once he steps into Uruk.

To the youth, the king says this:]
While a student's failings may reflect on their teacher, you have no right to slack off. Behold, mongrel, the fury of mankind's evil returned: there is no future for you to return to if the very foundations of civilization fall. To fail your duty is to fail me and my people, and that is an insult I won't tolerate.

Do you understand?
Edited 2021-02-08 17:46 (UTC)
myrdd: (so you say)

[personal profile] myrdd 2021-02-09 02:42 pm (UTC)(link)
[Unfortunately for Watanuki, Gilgamesh won't be excusing him for his age, and he has Merlin's word that the inexperience will be remedied to a sufficient point. That reply, however, does make him narrow his eyes - he knows without a doubt that the youth doesn't yet know the full weight of those words, and he returns to observing Uruk's destruction.]

Fool.

Remember this vision well. When this comes to pass in the waking world, the entirety of Uruk will be fighting until the last breath.


[He makes no move to leave, even when he feels the distinct tug at the very edge of his senses - faint. Unspeakably rude with its implied imposition over the will of a king, and he's more than a little irritated.

(This once, he will condone it, even as the line of his mouth thins. Only because he has an inkling this will be important to know.)

Merlin, on the other hand, holds out his hand to catch a petal, testing its softness between his fingers before thoughtfully glancing at Watanuki. No, these aren't from Avalon, and the magic is distinct from his own.

Why, he'll tease his apprentice later for having his own set of flowers. For now, Merlin will let himself be pulled away to wherever Watanuki will take him, regardless of its lack of conscious intention. A small smile curves at the corners of his lips - it's been a very long while since someone's managed to surprise him to this extent, and he hopes this trip will be worth the hype.]


Oh, Watanuki. You naughty boy.
myrdd: (all the joy in the world)

[personal profile] myrdd 2021-02-10 03:01 am (UTC)(link)
[Worry not, Watanuki, your first venture in dream land will have accompaniment. Merlin even laughs at the sight of his student ending up in the tides of the petal sea before turning himself into a swirl of blossoms to follow the trail, while Gilgamesh lets out a very, very patient sigh as he summons his tablet Mystic Code to stabilize his own route and - only as a consequence - Watanuki's.]

Idiot. [He reaches over and yanks up Watanuki by the arm, simply because it's inconvenient to step over a limb buried in a carpet of petals. Rise up and meet this with your own will, or else you'll always find yourself being pulled along willy-nilly and cursing your own fate. Are you not learning to control your own power instead of being subject to its whims?

[He'll just go on ahead and walk once Watanuki's upright.]
myrdd: (go forth and discover)

[personal profile] myrdd 2021-02-15 02:49 pm (UTC)(link)
Hah. [Watanuki might not see it since Gilgamesh hasn't turned around, but there's an approving laugh there. Now, these are words he can accept.] I'll hold you to that, mongrel.

[By the time they get to the other side of this flower path, Merlin's already there, clasping his chin as he surveys the lone sakura tree in the midst of nothingness. If there, indeed, was something dangerous or unstable about this place, he would've done something more to meddle, although with the way he keeps his staff upright, he's still ready to act at a moment's notice.]

Well, the good news is that this space isn't about to fall apart! [He glances at them over his shoulder, automatically stepping to the side as Gilgamesh approaches and looks up at the canopy of pink petals that seem unnaturally bright in the darkness.] Does this tree have any personal significance for you, Watanuki?

(no subject)

[personal profile] myrdd - 2021-02-15 17:45 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] myrdd - 2021-02-16 02:14 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] myrdd - 2021-02-16 04:00 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] myrdd - 2021-02-17 15:02 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] myrdd - 2021-02-26 14:47 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] myrdd - 2021-03-03 14:52 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] myrdd - 2021-03-21 04:23 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] myrdd - 2021-03-22 02:27 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] myrdd - 2021-03-26 15:03 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] myrdd - 2021-03-30 15:23 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] myrdd - 2021-04-09 13:55 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] myrdd - 2021-04-09 15:08 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] myrdd - 2021-04-12 06:43 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] myrdd - 2021-04-13 03:47 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] myrdd - 2021-04-16 15:37 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] myrdd - 2021-04-17 14:56 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] myrdd - 2021-04-23 04:32 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] myrdd - 2021-04-23 05:53 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] myrdd - 2021-04-26 01:54 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] myrdd - 2021-05-04 12:51 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] myrdd - 2021-05-05 12:22 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] myrdd - 2021-05-07 15:01 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] myrdd - 2021-05-08 01:48 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] myrdd - 2021-05-13 14:16 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] myrdd - 2021-05-14 17:04 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] myrdd - 2021-05-14 19:52 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] myrdd - 2021-05-15 03:51 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] myrdd - 2021-05-21 01:28 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] myrdd - 2021-05-21 02:16 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] myrdd - 2021-05-24 00:55 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] myrdd - 2021-05-25 12:25 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] myrdd - 2021-05-25 15:44 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] myrdd - 2021-05-27 12:44 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] myrdd - 2021-06-01 04:31 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] myrdd - 2021-06-06 06:38 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] myrdd - 2021-06-09 12:18 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] myrdd - 2021-06-14 02:17 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] myrdd - 2021-06-18 14:13 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] myrdd - 2021-06-28 03:33 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] myrdd - 2021-07-06 03:14 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] myrdd - 2021-07-14 19:48 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] myrdd - 2021-07-18 17:24 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] myrdd - 2021-07-30 03:30 (UTC) - Expand