In this world, Magic is Everything. All people, all races, are granted with the power to perform mystical and magical feats via grimories, mystical tomes granted to each and every child on their 15th birthday. Those blessed by the mana can have their names written down in legend.
Shattered Grimoires is the work of the mind(s) of Ardere & Shattered Grimoire's staff. All characters and content are copyright their creators, and may not be replicated without their creators' permission. Black Clover is owned by Yuki Tabata and published by Viz Shonen Jump. All images belong to their original owners. The theme you are currently viewing was made by Eliza of ElizaCodes exclusively for Shattered Grimoires.
It has been only a few days since the dark mage left.
Only.
Yet the elf found herself counting down the days before they were to meet again. Correction, counting down the hours until she was to leave for Aries Garse. The man had told her meet up on such and such a day and time, and since his leave, she found herself gazing out her window more often than naught. She had even found herself getting a little restless and distracted when she was reading her favorite books. What happened to the independent and introverted loner from months past?
Ever since meeting him, she had changed. Even she recognized and saw it in herself. In truth, it frightened her a little, of how much she has changed in these few short months. Who would have thought that meeting one person could turn her life upside down? Even her mentality was not spared from the experience. The forest elf may have been a mild soul before, but even more so now, with someone she could pour all that attention and gentleness to.
And now she was standing on the outskirts of town.
The last time she was here, it had been by carriage in the evening, when the rowdy night life was in full swing. This time, she arrived in the afternoon, and can see that it was a pretty nice town, compared to the other places she has been in the Forsaken Region. Despite all that had happened here on her first visit, the overall atmosphere was bright and bustling with life. At least, that was her impression of it so far.
That is, until a trio of men caught sight of her. The elf ducked her head and started walking fast, towards the area where there were more people. There, the fountain in the middle of town...if only she could slip through these slow passersby—
A rough hand caught her arm. Suna yelped and tried to pull away, but another hand caught the other arm.
"She’d fetch a pretty price in the market."
"Let. Me. Go." She gritted her teeth and struggled against the tight grip, but to no avail. She could feel the hot breaths on the back of her neck. An arm wrapped itself around her chest, and she felt herself being pressed up against a hardened body.
"Little girlies should know better than to walk around by their lonesome selves." It was an oily voice that sent shivers down her spine, and not in a good way. "We’ll be set on yul for at least a month."
All around her, she could see the townsfolk merely averting their eyes and hurrying away, as if they did not see a girl about to be abducted by a group of bold men under broad daylight. What was it about her always attracting the wrong type of attention? She was beyond shocked that such behavior was tolerated here...perhaps her trying to see the town in a favorable light was in vain.
She attempted to throw herself back against her captor, but he was too heavy and tall for the lightweight elf to throw off balance. Then she tried to ram her elbows against his side, but the grip on her only tightened. Suna bit down on her lip. So she would fight then. Blue aura started to form around her right hand, but one of the men saw it and brought his fist against her side.
"Ugh." The punch knocked her breath out and effectively stopped her spell. If she was not held so securely, she would have been sent flying to the side, but either way, she did not need to look to know that there would be a bruise there later.
"Hey, careful! Don’t hit her where it’ll show!"
"Don’t worry! I know what I’m doing."
Then she did something she should have done from the start.
“When you spend so long trapped in darkness, you find that the darkness begins to stare back.”
Hans' mind has been clouded by the events of Kikka. It was hard for him to think much about other things these days. He couldn't get it out of his mind of how easily fell for that daemon's ruse...causing him to hurt two innocent children, nearly killing them. It's been eating at the merc for a while now. For these past few days, Hans has been spending most of his time in Hage, training hard with two other mages. The Wizard King had plans on sending groups to that fallen town...and Hans wanted to be there as well, be there to help take it back.
But this wasn't the only thing on his mind.
These events had also made the merc think more about her.
Suna has been taking over the guy's mind just as much as Kikka, wrapping it up with various emotions. He feared that the daemon's influence would eventually spread out to the entire kingdom if left uncheck, and Suna would end up as one of the casualties in their wake. But also, the man was afraid to tell her about his involvement in Kikka, especially the blunder he had made. He wasn't sure if she already knew that he was one of the mages there, but it was likely that she may know about the situation there by now. Hans found it hard to talk with Suna ever since, keeping his distance to train, as well as to be alone with his self loathing thoughts. But he couldn't just stay away from her forever....nor did he want to.
This is why the man has asked her to come out here with him today...back to Aries Garse. Prior to all of this, Hans remembered telling Suna that he would take her out to the restaurant his mother use to work at. This would be a good chance to reconnect, and to try and avoid these negative thoughts..at least for one day. It would just be him, her, and nostalgia. He also remembered to bring flowers this time!
Hans inched closer to the outskirts of the town with a beautiful dark blue bouquet in hand. The man looked a little tensed about doing this sort of stuff, but he didn't come off as a complete train wreck like in their last "date". Finally making it to the entrance to the town, Hans stood there and did a quick scan of the area. Suna didn't appear to be here, but that didn't bother Hans much. He was the first to arrive last time...but this time he wasn't going to be a paranoid nut about it.
Standing there, Hans took another look at the flowers. He wasn't exactly sure what the sound mage's favorite color is, but she definitely doesn't seem to hate the color blue for obvious reasons...he hoped.
"Yeah, I'm sure she'll like thes-"
Then a scream had erupted in town...one that sounded awfully familiar.
Quickly turning his head to the entrance, Hans' eyes widened. "Suna?" He wasn't sure if it was exactly her, but his gut was telling him to move! With that, he ran into town, dropping the flowers as he did.
Maneuvering and pushing himself around folks, Hans frantically looked around, and soon his eyes fell upon someone with familiar blue hair being surrounded and grabbed by three thuggish looking men. Hans didn't waste anymore time...He had already seen enough. The man started to march over to them, his dark aura flaring with a sort of sinister look to him. He didn't need this crap now, especially with all that has happened. As he got closer, one of the thugs noticed the merc's presence and turned to him.
"Oi, you got a problem or something bud-" The guy was suddenly met with a swift right hook to the jaw, sending him tumbling to the ground! "Seriously Lenny? You let this kid get one on ya?" Another one of the thugs spoke. Hans didn't even give this one a chance to try anything neither. The merc already had his hands on the guy's shoulders and before he could question it, the thug was greeted by a knee to the face, breaking his nose on impact and sending him to the ground by his buddy.
"Morons...Do I really have to do everything myself?" the final thug said. He then attempted to throw Suna to the ground so he could deal with Hans himself, but the merc would set up one of his dark barriers to stop the sound mage from falling if she hadn't gotten away or caught herself already. The thug then tried to throw a punch at Hans, but the merc swiftly grabbed onto the guy's wrist with both hands, and shifted himself so that he could send the thug flying over his body, slamming him back first into the ground behind him! "Ack!"
The guy groaned...but Hans wasn't finished with him yet. The dark mage pulled out his greatsword, Raven's Grasp from the sheathe on his back. Holding the handle with both hands, Hans looked like he was about to drive it down into the guy's face. "N-no no, please! S-Stop!!" The thug covered his face desperately with his arms.
The dark mage rose the sword up...and rammed it down......
....impaling the ground mere inches from the guy's face.
The sound of the blade digging into the ground caused the man to flinch, but after a few seconds, he peeked up and turned his head to look at the sword. He then looked up at its wielder, who was currently walking over to Suna if she were still there. Hans' barrier spell disappeared, but he made sure to catch Suna if she were about to fall. "Did they hurt you?" A mix of anger and worry was on the man's face. He couldn't see any visible scars or bruising, but the cosmic necklace around his neck would start to glow.
Looking down at the relic, Hans gently placed a hand against the obsidian like jewel, and it started to glow more, revealing tiny stars. The same glow was now coating the merc's hand, and he let go of the necklace to gently rest his hand against the elf's, intertwining his fingers with her own. Whatever injuries she may have taken would then start to heal, being cleansed by the warmth of the stars. He looked down at their hands then back up at Suna, still looking worried. "I'm so sorry."
The man did not forget about those three guys however. If they were wise, they would use this as an opportunity to flee...
Name of Spell: Dark Magic: Chaos Barriers Elemental Type: Dark Rank & Spell Type: Intermediate - Defense Creation Range & Speed: 30 meters - 15 m/s Mana Cost: 20 (Initial) - 10 (Sustain) Stats Effected: +6 Durability Applicable Perks: Self Repairing, Quick Shot, Skilled Sniper Description: With the grimoire on the page of the spell, the user summons a transparent glass like barrier of darkness for defensive purposes against spells of the same rank. The barrier is square like in shape, reaching up to twenty cubic meters. The barrier will float around the area they were conjured at until the user takes control of them, being able to use these barriers from up to thirty meters around them. (Spell gains +5 Durability)
Name of the Ability New Beginnings Type & Uses: Flow ¦ 3 (uses) ¦ 2 (overheating) Rank & Specialization: Junior ¦ Healing Mana Cost: 8 ¦ 4 Range & Speed: 25m ¦ 10 m/s Stats Affected: N/A Description:
The barer of this necklace need only bring their hand towards it to activate this ability, once active the purplish-pink opalite seems to glow and the entire necklace seems to show small stars within even the obsidian like encasement. This ability allows the bearer to heal for their rank damage, with the use of ammo rules they may be able to heal allies so longs they are within range of the bearer of the necklace however they must bring up their hand towards the ally in question and have a clear line of sight meaning if an enemy or someone else is in the way they could get the healing instead. While active and healing the ability will also actively try to cleanse poison, venom, debuffs, curses, hexes and any other negative status effects in accordance with the healing and clashing rules.
Just as she screamed, the man slapped his hand over her mouth, cutting off the scream. Interesting how they did not think to cover her mouth from the start–they must have been confident that she would not have screamed. They probably did not think she would make a scene in public, but she knew her man must be nearby, and that he would come.
And come he did.
She sensed the dark magic before she actually saw him. But her captor’s other hand gripped around her throat and squeezed against her windpipe, restricting her breathing. Her vision started to darken, but then he heard loud shouts and a thump!
"Morons...Do I really have to do everything myself?"
The hands that held her captive suddenly released, and Suna gulped in air. Precious air. She felt herself falling, and her hands went out to catch herself, but she hit something magical then stopped her from falling all the way over. Blue eyes blinked rapidly. As oxygen came flowing back in her lungs, the spots in her vision cleared, and she saw the mercenary throw the thug over his shoulder and down to the ground. She winced at the impact, then her eyes widened in horror as she saw him raise the greatsword and aim the tip down right at the thug...
“Hans!”
Her heart stopped for a second, before she realized the sword was impaled mere inches from the guy’s face. She almost slumped down to her knees. She could understand the swordsman’s anger, but this violence was...unnatural. A bit too extreme. What had happened to him these last few days? Suna gave a small yelp when the spell holding her up vanished, her balance off, but fell into a pair of strong arms instead. She gazed up at those dark eyes. So comforting, yet somehow, they looked...different...
"Did they hurt you?"
The elf shook her head, but did not know that there were red finger markings around her throat where the man had tried to choke her. Then something started to glow from his neck. When did he get a stone like that? Her eyes were as wide as the jewel itself. She gazed at it in wonder and awe when little stars glowed, like a glimpse into a galaxy. “It’s beautiful,” she breathed, then flushed a little when he intertwined his fingers with hers. But she followed suit and curled her fingers down. Oh, how she has missed this.
"I'm so sorry."
“For what?” She asked softly, still gazing into his eyes.. “You’re here now. That’s all that matters.” As the magic flowed through her, Suna could feel the pain by her side stop throbbing, and the red marks on her throat would also start to fade. “Where did you get it?” For a moment, she felt a flare of jealousy, and it showed on her face. Who gave it to him? Was it a girl? Was it a pretty girl who fell for him and gave him a present? Come to think of it, she had never really given him anything…
Her eyebrows furrowed. She would have to remedy that soon, to make sure her non-existent competition knew that this man was taken. To Hans, it was possible that her somewhat annoyed look could be misinterpreted, though she was merely feeling the effects of jealousy.
She heard a few grunts and scuffles nearby, and her head whipped around to see the three thugs brush themselves off and retreat. However, they did cast dirty looks back at the mercenary, who could not have seen it, since his back was towards them. For a split second, she was sorely tempted to stick her tongue out at them, to taunt their failure. But she bit down on her tongue just in time. No use angering or provoking them more, not when Hans was ready to actually kill them...or something to that effect, from what she observed.
But now, Suna relaxed. She was just extremely relieved and glad that he had showed up just in time. After a few moments, she would smile. “You...you can let go of me now.” But she would still hold on to his hand, if he would allow it. “I missed you.” She would usually be embarrassed to say such things like that in public, but she was too caught up in seeing him again that she did not care. Even if there were other people staring at them, the elf paid them no mind. She only had eyes for the dark mage, after all.
“I’m all right now, don’t worry.” she would say, in case he was still checking up on her well being. “I’m sure those thugs wouldn’t be back, with such a fright you gave them.” She playfully poked him on the chest. She seemed to have bounced back from the sudden attack from earlier. If he would allow it, she would slip a hand around his arm. “So, where is this restaurant that your mother worked at? I’m a little hungry now.”
“When you spend so long trapped in darkness, you find that the darkness begins to stare back.”
Taking notice of the red markings on Suna's neck, Hans' anger flared up a little. If it wasn't for him trying to heal her now, Hans would've gotten back up and did the same to those thugs...except they wouldn't be making it out of it alive.
The merc's anger started to fade after hearing the sound mage's little comment about his necklace. A light smile came onto his face. This was her first time seeing this cosmic gift, but he wasn't surprised about her reaction. He had a feeling she'd like it, and now he was looking at the necklace around her neck. Seems as though the roles have been reversed for this moment...but that didn't stop Hans from apologizing. He could've been here sooner, and maybe none of this would've happened to begin with.
She then asked a rather...interesting question that caught Hans off guard. It wasn't really a question that was out of the ordinary...it was her tone and facial expression that made Hans freeze up a little. "O-oh...right?" Hans placed his thumb and index finger onto the jewel, raising it up a little. "It just...appeared to be, the night after..."...Kikka. Hans couldn't find himself continuing that sentence. He looked a little spaced out at first with brief memories of his blunders back at that town. He then slowly shook his head and continued.
"It's my Cosmic Blessing..." Hans added. Why those words came to mind, he wasn't sure...but it felt right. "It's not exactly like any other magical item. It feels...almost alive? I'm not sure." Hans claimed, giving a light chuckle. He wasn't exactly sure what to make of this gift from the cosmos. It feels sentient yet isn't. Hans could feel an interesting and odd mana within it. It does not feel malicious...nor does it feel benevolent, but it feels like it could become more, that it can grow.
Hans then heard some scuffling behind him. His eyes furrowed a bit but he didn't turn to face the thugs. He made sure to remain alert however in case they tried something, but from the sound of their footsteps, it seems they decided to flee into the crowd of onlookers...which was smart of them.
From her next comment, Hans finally realized that he was still holding onto Suna. It was attracting some more attention, but just like her, Hans didn't care. "Why would I ever want to let you go?" Hans smiled warmly, but with a nod, the merc helped his lady back up, their hands still intertwined. "I missed you too, Suna." Hans added before leaning in for a kiss, soft and tender with his mouth a bit open. He missed this feeling of his lips against her own, he missed this so bad. Some onlookers decided to go back to what they were doing while others smiled sweetly at this display of affection or giggled among themselves.
"Okay. Just...tell me if anything is hurting." Hans added. Despite Suna's reassurance, he couldn't help but to still feel a little worried. "Right." With a nod, Hans started to slowly walk. It should not be that far from here." Hans claimed.
This was sweet, but Hans was now forgetting something...the flowers he had dropped earlier.
Hans continued to walk down these familiar side streets with Suna very close to him. He once again went back to being quiet. With the buzz from what happened earlier now subsiding, Hans was once again lost in thought about Kikka. Despite how close he was to Suna, and with his hand against hers, the man felt a million miles away. It wasn't until Hans caught a glimpse of a familiar building that he'd stop...nearly walking past the place. "Oh." Hans stopped before looking up at the building. "We're here." "Joseph's Diner" was what it said in big letters in front of the lively looking building.
"It actually looks...a lot nicer than when I was a kid." Hans claimed. The diner was a lot more run down looking when Hans was younger. It was nothing fancy, but they still had good food, and good company. Even though Hans was able to catch a glimpse of this place that one night, he still couldn't get over how different it looked now. Joseph's name was still on it...but he didn't know if the man was still even around. He didn't know what would be on the other side of these doors neither. But still, he told Suna he'd take her here...and that is exactly what he tends to do.
Squeezing Suna's hand a little, an indication that he was a bit nervous, Hans took a deep breath and opened the door, allowing Suna to go in first before stepping in after.
The first thing Hans noticed was some pleasant music being played, sounding like it was coming from a piano. The inside still had that same homely like vibe diners have, but it also felt so new, being occupied by many new faces. The waiters, waitresses, and even the customers. Hans still looked completely caught off guard by all of this change. He wanted to share a piece of his past with Suna...but could this even be still considered part of his past? "We should...find a seat." Hans claimed before heading to one of those booths by a window. He gestured for the elf to sit, before taking a seat on the opposite side from her with a clean looking table in between them. The dark mage flashed Suna a brief smile before his eyes started to wander...hoping badly that Joseph was still around at least. Would Hans even be able to recognize him at this point...would he be able to recognize Hans?
"Howdy there!" Just then a feminine almost country like voice would call out to the two. It was a waitress wearing one of those standard diner outfits with yellow pigtails and adorable little freckles on her cheeks. "What can I fancy you two fine fol-" She stopped the moment her eyes locked with Hans', the dark mage's own nearly widening. "J-Josephine?" The woman lowered her pen and notepad before blinking a few times. "Well if it isn't "No Mouth" Hans Walker." The girl giggled a little while Hans winced a little at that...familiar nickname. "Haven't seen ya since we were children...Who's your friend?" The girl added before gesturing her pen at Suna. "Y-yeah. This is my..uh..this is...she's..." Josephine started to giggle, causing Hans to stop. "Maybe I should change your nickname from "No Mouth" to "Mumble Lips" Huh?" she said with a wink.
"Pa would be so glad to hear from ya." After hearing this, Hans' eyes widened a bit more. "Joseph's still-" "Yeup, he hasn't kicked the bucket just yet." she added before placing a hand on her hip. "Is...is he here now?" Hans asked, a hint of joy in his tone. "Naw, he's restin up at home." Hearing that, Hans' faltered a bit, but then Josephine placed a hand against the man's chin and rose it up a little to face her. "But if you're planning on stickin around for a while, I can take ya to meet him." Hans didn't say anything, but nodded instead. Josephine slowly released her grasp on Hans and looked over to Suna, giving her a brief sly expression which Hans didn't pick up on before holding her pen back up.
"Anyway, what would ya like, Hansy?" Josephine asked. With that, Hans placed his hand on his chin, pondering something for a second. "The usual...if it still exists." The waitress giggled before nodding. "Oh yes it certainly does....Mama's boy." she added before writing it down while Hans glanced embarrassingly to the side. "What would your...lady friend like?" "My..." Hans glanced over to Suna, and looked a little surprised, but tired his best to contain it.
"Ri-Yes. This is Suna. Suna, this is Josephine, Joseph's daughter." "And little Hansy's ol childhood pal." The girl smirked. Considering how distant Hans was as a child, calling her his pal was kind of a stretch, but the two did interact with each other from time to time due to their parents...even though it was mostly one sided. There was a hint of tension in the air...at least on Josephine's part, but Hans didn't really pick up on it. "You got yourself a real eye catcher there...It would be a damn shame if someone took em away from ya..." she added, though her phrasing was vague, the way she glared at Suna would probably give hints of who she was exactly talking about. Hans on the other hand looked completely lost...
"But I digress! What would you like, Puna?" she asked cheerfully, mispronouncing the sound mage's name on purpose.
POW
50
DUR
60
SEN
20
STA
22
CON
46
HEALTH senior
SKIN senior
MANA POOL 80/80
MANA REGEN 25 IC / 20 OOC
ITEMS Cosmic Blessing and Raven's Grasp
NOTES Blah blah blah BATTLE *pew pew pew* SPELLS Show us your stuff
“It just...appeared? Around your neck?” Suna raised an eyebrow. That did not make sense rationally, and his hesitation sounded awfully suspicious. “The night after...what?” She prodded gently. In her mind, it had already taken a turn for the worse, and had jumped to the worst conclusion. The thing she had feared all alone… Had she thought too much of their ‘friendship’? Perhaps he was tired of her already, and had gone to find a more lively companion. Maybe someone prettier and more fun then she was? Her face fell. She should not have expected so much from him.
“I-It’s okay. You...you don’t have to tell me.” She said faintly. In truth, she was dying to know who this unknown woman was, but then again, she was sure she was no competition for the other mystery lady. It was true, he deserves someone better. She only wished he told her about this sooner. Even as he explained about the necklace and its magical properties, the elf barely heard it. All she could think about was the dark mage with his arms around some other female, looking at her the same way he used to look at her...
“Mhmm.” She nodded, somewhat absentmindedly. Her eyes were fixed on the necklace. The mana she felt from it was quite neutral. She could detect no other magic, no other lingering mana from a previous user or wearer. It did little to lessen her growing suspicions, though. It looked so fine and beautiful, the giver must have been extremely rich to afford it. The elf knew how the mercenary always tried to hide when it came to terms with money, but she did not think he would go so far as to find another girl for her wealth...or maybe she did not know him at all.
Her confusion only grew when he leaned over to press his mouth to hers. Even though he had just said something sweet about not letting her go, the female mind was not entirely convinced. Who knew what kind of sweet things he had said to the other girl? But then again, he was being unusually protective of her today. Were her suspicions off track? But then again, there was the thing she assumed a girl gave him… After all, what kind of guy would get a healing necklace like that?
At first, her body stayed a little stiff, as she was still thinking of how he left some things unspoken and unexplained. Who knew what had happened these last few days while he was by himself, what other woman he had kept in company of? Nonetheless, she really did miss him, and eventually softened under his touch and soft kiss. She wrapped her arms around his neck, in an almost fierce way. How would she find out? Would this the last time before he breaks the news to her? Or worse yet, when she somehow finds out? Little did she know how wrong her conclusions were...
After they broke away from each other, Suna managed a smile. “Don’t worry, I’m fine now.” He was obviously talking about physical hurts, but the only thing hurting right now was her heart. It was not so much that she did not trust him—it was more of the young woman’s insecurities coming into play, thinking that she did not deserve someone. Also, the mercenary was so naive sometimes—he could easily be duped by some crafty seductress...if that has not happened already. She would enjoy this while it lasted. At least, that was what she kept telling herself. She could do this.
It was difficult, however. Though they were walking side by side and holding hands, the elf could tell the mercenary’s mind was elsewhere. He was back to being quiet, which she should have expected, but with all that had happened just now, she found it unsettling. It was also hard trying to act cheerful when there was something in the way. Of course, the elf did not know what the dark mage had gone through in Kikka, but his unspoken explanations had resulted in her jumping into conclusion.
Truthfully, if only he had said he was not yet comfortable or ready to share whatever he had gone through, Suna would have been fine with that. But because he left it hanging, she naturally assumed the worst. She bit down on her bottom lip. Whatever joy she may have felt at meeting her man again had translated into something more grave and sorrowful. Of course, she masked it well, keeping her head high and her gait light, but inwardly, she was anything but.
"We're here."
“Ah, okay!” Her tone was bright. Overly bright. The establishment itself looked nice, with its clean windows and doors. It gave off an old-fashioned vibe, and she actually liked it. He squeezed her hand, but before she could make sense of it, he opened the door for her and she stepped in. Elven ears immediately perked up at the piano music being played in the background. For a split second, she forgot about her inner conflicts and musings. Maybe everything was all right.
Then he was leading her over to one of the booths by the window, and like the gentleman he was, allowed her to sit down before he did. Suna sat down gracefully and relaxed a little when he flashed her that quick smile. Maybe she was wrong all along. She remembered he said this was a childhood spot of his, which made sense, since his mother worked here.
Her thoughts were interrupted at the sound and sight of their waitress. She was a cute little thing, all dressed up according to the country-like theme and her hair in those adorable pigtails. Suna was about to say something about that when she and Hans recognized each other. Josephine? ‘No Mouth’? She was a bit confused, but recovered herself. An old childhood friend, she would guess. The elf listened intently as they caught up. Apparently she was the store owner’s daughter. Interesting.
Up to this point, Suna was fine with their interactions. That is, until the girl brazenly tilted the man’s chin up to face her. For that brief moment, her eyes dropped down, unwilling to witness the blatant move happening right in front of her. Her hands were clenched tightly together, twisting around on her lap. However, she looked back up to catch that sly expression in the other girl’s face. Inwardly, she winced. It looked like a challenge...but the sound mage was not the type to fight in that kind of fight.
Judging by their previously surprised expressions, they obviously have not met up before this, so the mystery girl could not have been her...unless they were really good at acting. Knowing the mercenary, it would be out of character for him. But it did not help with all those nicknames and such that she was throwing out. Of course a childhood friend like her would have history, but knowing that did not calm anything down. In fact, it only made it worse, especially when Josephine claimed them to be close pals. Of course, she could not have known how true that was, but from an outsider’s point of view, she took it at face value.
The femme managed to keep her facial expression somewhat neutral, even when Hans introduced her. She could not tell if Josephine was giving her a warning with those words, but the glare made it seem like she was facing an age-old competition. Suna naturally assumed that the girl had some sort of thing on Hans, while the latter looked completely lost at whatever was going on. “Mhmm...” She murmured, a noncommittal answer that said nothing of her real thoughts.
The elf shrugged it off when the waitress mispronounced her name. Obviously the girl was toying with her, but the least she could do was to keep it together and not let Hans lose face here. She could figure things out later. By herself. Since she did not know what she should order, Suna said the only thing she could think of at the moment. “I...I’ll get the same as him. Thank you.”
Josephine nodded and marked it down on the pad. "Be right back!" And sashayed away.
Suna now found it hard to meet the man in the eye. Her gaze flickered around the diner, looking at everything besides her companion sitting across from her. For once, she stayed quiet, lost in her thoughts. What else has he not told her? Of course, she could not expect to know everything about him, considering their time together had been fairly limited. Nonetheless, it still disturbed her how familiar Josephine had acted with him...
“When you spend so long trapped in darkness, you find that the darkness begins to stare back.”
"N-no. It didn't appear around my neck." The merc was now rubbing the back of his neck. "It just appeared...on the ground...." It was the truth, but even Hans was able to see how sketchy that sounded. The following night after the events of Kikka, Hans went off to a forest to be alone with his thoughts, and while he was there that is where he found the necklace. The answer was so simple...yet Hans couldn't bring himself to tell the whole story...
“I-It’s okay. You...you don’t have to tell me.”
The way Suna spoke, Hans could tell that something was up, yet he couldn't pinpoint what it was despite it being so obvious. Maybe she was just still worked up about those thugs? The merc wasn't an idiot...but when it comes to things like this, he can come off as a little dense. "Ah...okay."
Still, he went in for the kiss in hopes that it'll make her feel better. The merc noticed how Suna tensed up a little, and he nearly broke from the kiss to see what was wrong..but then she wrapped her arms around his neck, keeping his lips locked with hers. The way she did it...was kind of fierce unlike previous times. Maybe she missed this as badly as he did? The dark mage wrapped his arms around her waist in return, holding the woman close before their lips eventually broke away, making the man lick his lips before smiling lightly.
Now the couple were en route to the diner where further disaster would occur...but not of the violent variety.
Throughout the entire conversation between the dark mage and his old childhood "friend" Josephine, Hans didn't realize how upset Suna was getting, nor did he not notice the country girl's subtle yet blunt remarks towards the elf. Josephine was always an odd one, or at least in Hans' eyes, so he didn't think much of it. Another warm smile appeared on Hans' lips after hearing Suna's order. The food he ordered was an old favorite of his, so he was glad that she was going to experience it with him. Josephine also noticed Hans little smile, and subtly squinted at him, a hint of jealousy as well. Still she wrote the elf's order and was on her way. "Be right back!" she said, but not without giving Hans one more little wink before leaving. Hans simply nodded, not thinking much about it.
Now it was just the two of them at this table, and it was quiet other than the piano as well as the other customers. Hans looked around as well, but mostly to take in the familiar yet new atmosphere. He then peeked over at Suna, finally realizing how not talkative she was being. The silence between the two didn't feel calm neither, but a little...awkward? "Hmm..." Hans gently tapped on the table as he thought of words to say. "Uh, I guarantee you're going to like it." He claimed, referring to the food. "It's...actually something my mother thought of." Hans added. He could still remember the bright smile on her face when Joseph accepted this dish to his menu. The merc couldn't get enough of it when he was a kid.
If Suna was still not really acting like herself, Hans would fall silent again, his smile faltering. Again, he isn't great at making conversation, but with Suna it felt a bit easier...but now, it felt like that they are on two different worlds. He still wasn't sure what was wrong, but he had an idea on what might be able to cheer her up. The man opened his mouth, about to say something until he looked down at his hands, finally realizing....
...that he dropped those damn flowers!
The merc bit his lower lip, and quickly stood up. "Fo-forgive me, Suna. B-but I forgot something." The man claimed before sliding from the table. "I'll be right back." The guy said, as he stepped out of the diner...
Josephine came back with two dishes just in time to see the man walk out with an eyebrow raised. "Well now..." The waitress placed one dish on Suna's side, and the other at where Hans was sitting. The dishes contained sweet and spicy chicken paired with rice and vegetables along with some chopsticks, steam still rising from the both of them. "Wonder where Hansy wandered off to." Josephine questioned before a sly smirk developed on her face. "You didn't scare him off now did ya?" She asked in a mock worried tone. Josephine glanced over to Suna...then noticed the necklace she was wearing.
"Now that there looks mighty familiar." she said, pointing at the necklace. Josephine then sat herself down in Hans' spot, and gently pushed his dish to the side. She placed her elbows on the table and hands against the sides of her face as she quietly watched the elf. "Guessin he gave that to ya?" She questioned with envy. "Mmmm and I'm guessin ya gave sweet ol' "No Mouth" that fancy lookin necklace around his neck, hm? How cute..." Josephine smirked, letting out a soft giggle. "Oh, pardon my nosiness! Would ya care for a drink? A glass of water maybe...?" The woman asked, raising an eyebrow....
Meanwhile, Hans was running down the side streets of Aries Garse, heading back to the entrance. "How could I forget to bring them....again?" Hans muttered angrily to himself. He really wanted to give Suna those flowers, and was trying his best to not make this a repeat of last time, yet here he is...running from the date to look for them! "Nice job Hans..." He muttered annoyingly at himself once more.
He finally managed to make it back to the entrance, breathing heavily from how fast and long he had to run. The merc looked around...but there was nothing. A look of sheer disappointment came up on his features. An animal couldn't have gotten to them this fast...right? With a defeated sigh, Hans stepped back into town, and he was just about to make his way back towards the diner until he noticed a merchant cart containing flowers being pushed by....and one set of blue flowers looked awfully familiar. "H-hey." Hans walked up to the flower merchant...who looks awfully familiar, and he turned to curiously look at the merc. "Ah hello there good sir! Might I interest you in some..." the merchant paused, and so did Hans.
"Wait, I remember you...You're that guy who was taking stuff from my mother's home..." Hans didn't look exactly thrilled to see him, but the man on the other hand didn't look as fearful as he was back in the house...when Hans nearly beat the crap out of him. "Is that so.....Sorry, can't say I remember you, bud!" The man claimed, lying out of his teeth. "Why would I be snooping around other people's homes anyway? I'm a flower's salesman, and a damn good one at that!" The guy added.
Not wanting to waste time with this, Hans sighed and shook his head. "Whatever." He then pointed at the blue flowers. "That belongs to me." The guy then raised an eyebrow before looking at those flowers. "Ohhhh, looks like someone's got themselves a special someone." He then nudged the annoyed merc and chuckled. "...That'll be two thousand yul." Hans immediately looked at the man in disbelief as he held his hand out to him.
"Did you not hear me? I said those are mi-" "Yeah yeah, are you gonna buy them or not, buddy?" The guy interrupted. Exhaling out his nose, Hans stepped up to the man, and clenched his fists. "Keep it up, and I'll finish what I started back at the house..." Hans claimed. The simply smirked before shifting his eyes. "I wouldn't recommend doing anything drastic...especially while there's Magic Knights roaming about." The man gestured his head and Hans turned around to see some Knights patrolling the area. Where the hell were these bastards when Suna was getting assaulted...?
With another expression that was a mixture of defeat and annoyance, Hans let out a sigh and turned to face the guy again. "....I don't have that much yul." The man muttered. "Tsk tsk. Well now, maybe you should look elsewhere." The merchant was just about to roll his cart off before stopping, having just thought of something. "Althoughhhhh. Perhaps you could help me with a little something? You scratch my back....and I scratch yours." Despite not being a stranger to taking up jobs...Hans felt a little unsure about this.
The only physical indications that the blue-haired femme was not herself were her downcast eyes and the clenched hands on her lap. But of course, the latter would be hidden from the mercenary’s point of view. She could feel the awkwardness in the air. Though she would usually be the one to break the silence, Suna could not bring herself to look at the man in the eye at the moment. Her mind was too busy trying to figure out who the mystery woman is, and mentally preparing herself for the bad news...if he decided to tell her himself…
"Uh, I guarantee you're going to like it."
Her head came up slightly, and blue eyes flickered once to meet his dark ones before dropping again.
"It's...actually something my mother thought of."
“I’m sure it’s good.” She said quietly, but did not elaborate further. Frankly, she was terrified that the next words out of his mouth would be something she did not want to hear. But then again, she wanted to hear it, and know what had actually happened. Yet, on the other hand, she was not going to ask him about it, not if he did not want to share. Ah, the complexities of the female mind.
"Fo-forgive me, Suna. B-but I forgot something. I'll be right back."
And he took off. What did he forget? Where was he going? Did he see someone he knew? Suspicious. Very suspicious. Suna covertly looked back out at the window, trying to see which direction the mercenary had dashed off to. Better yet, if she could see any questionable individuals walking around outside on the streets. But then she was interrupted by the waitress—nay, Hans’ ‘childhood pal’—setting down their orders on the table.
Suna glanced down at the dish before her. The chicken looked delicious, sweetly glazed yet tossed with some spicy pepper flakes. Then garnished on with some sesame seeds and green onion and it was a dish worthy of any fancy restaurant. It also smelled delectable, its steaming and flavorful aroma drifting up to her nose. She could now see why it was added to the menu. Drusilla Walker was really something. Not only a healer, but a great cook as well.
The elf did not like the sly look in the other girl’s eyes, like she was about to be challenged or something. It looked like she had some more competition, though this one was sitting right in front of her. Personally, she disliked conflicts, but there looked to be no way out. Seeing how naive and innocent the dark mage was towards the country girl’s interest, it gave her a little bit of hope. She had never run into this type of situation before, but she figured that she just needed to be polite yet firm on her relationship with Hans.
"May I help you?” She asked. Her words were civil, but her tone held an edge of wariness.
"You didn't scare him off now did ya?"
Did she? "He said he forgot something." She said slowly. That was what he said, but there were a dozen different possibilities as to what he actually meant by that. But did she actually scare him off? The way he shot out of his seat, it was like he had seen a ghost. Perhaps he really was bored of her already…
Then the girl was pointing to her necklace, and Suna’s hand instinctively flew up to touch it. "Familiar? And yes, he did." She raised a questioning eyebrow when Josephine slid into Hans’ seat. How bold of her. How long would he be gone? Hopefully he would be back before the food grew cold...and before her new company tore her apart. As for Hans’ necklace, she did not give an answer. She would not lie and say that she was the one who gave it to him, not when she did not even know how or where or whom he got it from.
"A glass of water would be great." She nodded, and her shoulders relaxed when the girl got up and left. "Where are you, Hans..." She murmured underneath her breath. For all she knew, he could be out chasing and consorting with another woman…
Suna shook her head, trying to rid herself of those unpleasant thoughts. She wanted to deny that was a possibility, but then again, she did not actually know the mercenary all that well. What if he was just extremely adept at acting and fooling innocent girls like her? But then again, he would not have given her his mother’s necklace if she did not mean something to him...right?
Josephine came sauntering back with her glass of water and a beer mug. "A real man needs a real drink." She smirked as she set both drinks down on the table, then slid back down on the booth seat. "I’m on break now, so I can keep you company until Hansy comes back."
"U-Uh, sure..." Suna frowned slightly. What was this girl up to? Was she was trying to test her, to see if she was worthy of the man in question?
The girl stared at her, as if sizing her up. "Never thought he would choose someone like ya. No offense, but ya don’t look like much," she pursed her plump lips and tapped her cheek in mock thoughtfulness."I wonder...what did you do to snatch him? You look kinda rich, is that it? Or hmmm..." She wiggled her eyebrows suggestively. "Are ya good in bed?"
Suna nearly choked on the water she had been sipping. Why was it that everyone assumed that their relationship had something to do with how they performed in private? Did they look that out of place together that people assumed it had to be that? The couple had just started getting more hands on with each other, but the two beginners were still far from that point...
"Tell me about yourself and Hans." She said instead. At least she would get some information from her.
"Sure thing. Whadja wanna know?" The girl had been eying the beer mug she had brought for Hans, but now she took a tiny sip from it and smirked at Suna’s disbelieving face. "We used to share drinks all the time when we were kids," she claimed. "I was good at stealing sips from his drinks when he wasn’t looking...it was such great fun!"
Suna bit down on her tongue, trying to keep her facial expressions calm. Is this what jealousy was? This burning feeling that made her want to do something violent over her man?
"You know what they say," the girl continued on smugly, seemingly unaware of the elf’s glare. "Sharing drinks is basically an indirect kiss, so you can say I was his first."
Now the blue-haired femme really wanted to run out of the cafe. Or burst out crying. Or hit the girl. Or all of the above. But she could not lose her composure like that, otherwise that was acknowledging that the other girl won. She took a few steadying breaths. "I see." She took another sip of her water, hoping that her hands were not shaking. "Pity that you never got a direct kiss from him then." Where had that come from? A low blow, certainly, but she could not help but feel a flash of pleasure at the shocked expression she received.
Josephine narrowed her eyes at her. "But I’ve known him much longer then you have." She flounced, "Do you know his favorite color? What about his favorite hideout spot? Have you ever met his mother? Do you know about how much his dad abused him?"
She was firing off all those questions like an accusation, and rendered Suna speechless. Truthfully, she would not be able to answer yes to any of those questions, and it made her ashamed. Shame turned into something darker, something more like...indignation. "You sound like you’ve been trying for years to catch his attention." She blinked slowly, her words quiet but still loud enough for the girl to hear. "So then how come he likes me and not you?"
There. She said it. It was petty and not what her usual gracious self would have said, but it was out and there was no going back. She was also pretty sure she had just earned herself a spot on the girl’s bad side. The elf waved a hand at a nearby waiter. "I’d like to get these to-go." She nodded at the now-cooled dishes, and dropped a few coins on the table. "Thanks for the company," she said to Josephine, "I’ll extend your greeting to Hans."
With that, she took the bagged food and left the cafe. Now, the blue-haired elf stood outside on the streets, looking lost and unsure. She should have thought things through before she left like that...but never had she acted so rashly and hastily like that. But then again, she had never been in that situation before. But what should she do now? And more importantly, where was Hans?
“When you spend so long trapped in darkness, you find that the darkness begins to stare back.”
"...Absolutely not." Hans would answer in an annoyed expression. What the flower merchant requested the merc to do was so unthinkable, disgusting...and quite heinous! Even a mercenary like Hans wouldn't dare to do such a thing, and in broad daylight no less! "Come on, bud. It ain't that hard to pull off." The merchant claimed before stepping from his movable stall and over to the dark mage. "Hell, with your good looks, you'll probably have this finished in no time." The guy claimed before bumping his elbow against the merc's side. "...I'd rather risk assaulting you then doing...that." Hans claimed with his arms crossed.
The merchant simply chuckled before patting the dark mage on the shoulder. "Just think about that lady friend of yours. You want those flowers, right?" The guy gestured his head towards the blue bouquet. "I agree, it can get a little messy...hell I guarantee ya that it will, but shouldn't it be worth it for the one you care about?" The guy questioned, raising an eyebrow. Hans opened his mouth as he was about to say something, but held his tongue. He looked over at the flowers. Those belonged to him, but thanks to his own blundering they ended up in this guy's possession and there wasn't much the dark mage could do about it.
With a sigh, Hans turned back towards the guy and said, "Fine..."
With an almost mischievous grin, the merchant nodded before stepping back over to his stand. "Good good! But first, I'm going to need you to change into something more...fitting." Hans winced a bit, having no idea what the guy was fishing for. "I-What?" Hans went over to the stall to peek, but the guy popped right up with the clothing in question...which was something that left a look of disgust on the dark mage's face. It was horrifying....truly evil!
It was a.....a flower costume of some kind.
A flower pot big enough to be worn around the waist that was attached to suspenders...and yellow flower petals that go around the face. Hans gave the merchant another look, a cross between pleading and hope that he was joking, but the gesture the merchant gave the poor man was enough to prove that this wasn't no joke...."You'll be able to sell all these flowers twice as fast with this bad boy on!"
"Can't believe this sh-" Hans stopped himself and simply shook his head. Reluctantly, the merc put on the costume, and turned to annoyingly face the merchant. The flower merchant gave Hans a quick up and down look before nodding. "I think this suits yo-wait a second." The man was now shuffling for something in his pocket, and once he got his hand on it, he fished it out. A pair of white flower looking sunglasses! "Here you go, my good man!" He said as he slid them on Hans' face, the expression the dark mage he was giving this whole time showing that he wasn't amused one bit. But hey, at least his mind was now off of Kikka for now.
"Now go on! Those flowers won't sell themselves." He claimed before gesturing at his flower cart, but not before taking the blue bouquet out. "Don't worry, I'll hold on to these for ya." The guy grinned as Hans reluctantly placed his hand on the cart, and started to move it. "Right..."
Hans was now moving about the sitting while pushing a flower cart. By the look on his face, it was very obvious that he did not want to be there. Despite how unfriendly he looked, it did not stop dozens of customers from flooding the poor merc, most of them being women! It was a terrifying sight, far scarier than any daemons. But in the end, Hans was able to reign triumphant, and the flower stall was empty, with the register filled with yul!
With that nightmare out of the way, Hans made his way back to where the merchant would be waiting, and as he got closer, the merc noticed that the guy was talking with someone. "Pl-please, I'll give you all the yul I have for them." The desperate looking guy said. The merchant simply shook his head and said. "Sorry bud, but I'm holding onto these for somebody...plus, you hardly have enough to buy these anyway." "B-but..I..." Before he could continue, Hans made his way to the both of them while rolling the empty cart. "Ah there goes my bright little flower boy!" the merchant said as he walked over. "Don't call me that..." Hans gave the merchant his cart back and a bag full of yul. The merchant weighed the bag in his hand before giving a satisfied nod. "Good work out there, my flower wearing chum!" He then tossed the bouquet to Hans who managed to catch it.
"I believe you've earned this! Just in time to, since the lad here was practically begging for em." The merchant chuckled as he gestured to the upset looking man. "Anyway, I'll be on my way. Hope our paths cross again." The man winked at Hans before wandering off, whistling a little tune. "I hope differently..." Hans muttered under his breath before looking at the flowers. He had them, managed to get them back! Now all he needed to do was hurry back to Suna and....
But then he noticed that the other guy was still there, practically in tears. Hans lowered the flowers a bit and rose an eyebrow. "Are...you okay?" The man would then look to Hans, giving him a weak smile before looking down at the flowers. "I'm fine...It's just..." He wiped the tears from his eyes before continuing. "I planned on proposing to the love of my life today...but I do not have enough to purchase a fancy ring." He then pointed at the flowers Hans had. "So I was going to buy those instead. Blue is her favorite color..." he claimed with a weak chuckle. "But even those were too much for me..."
Hans listened to the man's sob story while removing that pot from around his waist, and throwing the sunglasses off, forgetting that he still has those petals around his head. Even though he's new to this, Hans could sympathize with the man. He knows what its like to try hard for that person he cares for, that special someone...but barely having enough for it. Hans looked at the flowers in his hand for a few seconds before sighing. He then held the flowers out to the guy who suddenly perked his head up. "Wh-what are you....I already told you, I don't have enough to bu-" "Take it." Hans chimed in. The guy hesitantly nodded before grabbing onto the flowers. He sniffed and wiped some more tears off before looking back at Hans. "Thank y-" Before he could finish, Hans was already walking off. "Just make sure you treat her right..." Hans said, prompting the man to nod with a warm smile on his face.
A noble gesture...but once again, Hans was left empty handed....
The man was walking down the path back to the diner, his head down as his mind wandered. Not only did he just step out on Suna, and was gone for who knows how long...but he had nothing! But then he stopped as he thought of something...something that could possibly save all of this. With that, the dark mage turned directions and ran down a different path...leading to his old home.
After a bit of time, Hans made it back to his old worn down childhood home. He stood in front of it, trying to catch his breath from all that running before heading over to the back. His mother used to have a little garden that was booming with plant life. It was so beautiful, and other worldly! But as he made his way to the backyard...what little hope Hans had on his face blinked out as he saw the barren soil....void of any life. "Oh...right..."
It's been years since Drusilla was in this house...of course the plants would be long gone by now. It was a foolish attempt, but it looks like there was no way out of this for Hans.
The merc slowly made his way back to the front of the house, and sat himself on the porch before frustratingly lowering his face into his palms.
Suna pursed her lips and frowned slightly. What should she do now? She was actually a little hungry, but she did not want to eat by herself in public. That might possibly attract the wrong types of attention, not to mention awkward. So where should she go now? She had no idea where the dark mage ran off to, only the general direction to the left of the cafe. Perhaps Josephine was right, maybe she really did scare him off... What now? There was no other place she really knew in this town. Except…
Oh. Yes. There was only one place she knew, one safe space she could go to. Her feet turned towards the direction of the residential area. At least she has been to the Walker house once, and had a general idea of where it was. As she passed that bar where she got attacked and bound, a shiver went up her spine. The elf picked up her pace, speed walking past that fateful place, not wishing to be triggered with certain unpleasant memories.
Then she was walking down the street, and she was relieved to see that her surroundings looked somewhat familiar. She recognized some of the houses, and the more she went to the more deserted and abandoned area, her instincts told her that she was close. Then she caught sight of the house. Still run down, just like how she remembered it. It was a welcomed sight, like a familiar hug in the midst of strangers.
Then she caught sight of someone sitting on the porch.
Immediately all her nerves went on edge, and she stopped in her tracks. With her sensory, she reached out and swept the area. That familiar mana signature...was it? No, it can’t be. But yes, there was no mistaking his mana. She swept her sensory out again. Just his mana signature. There was no one else, at least none that she could detect. What was he doing here? Was he okay?
The sound mage started to hurry over, then stopped herself. He had been the one to run away first, so why should she chase after him like a possessed and clingy woman? And what had made him run out of the cafe like that? If he was all alone here, did that mean he did not run out to chase after the mystery female? Or did he attempt to and not find her, and decided to come back here to escape her?
Suna bit down on her lower lip, fighting back the tears that threatened to fall. She wanted nothing more than to run up to him and hug him...and demand some answers. But then again, if he really wanted to escape from her, he should be able to do so. Freely. But on the other hand, he did leave her hanging back there without an explanation, and it made her a little mad. At least she deserved a clear closure, if that was the case. Yet, she struggled.
A few tears escaped from her eye and slid down her cheeks. She would try to be understanding and let him be. But what about the food? She looked down at her hands, which was still carrying the two to-go bags with their food. Well, there was one thing she could do without remorse.
She drew in her mana signature so she would not be detected. Then silently, oh so silently, crept up to where the gate was. But before she could get within sight, she stopped and quietly left one of the bags by the side of the street. If the mercenary was to come out, he would definitely see it. That is, if he happened to walk out at all.
With that, the elf silently retreated, wiping away the traitorous tears as she did. Since when has she become so dependent on someone else? What happened to the strong and silent elf of the Witches’ Forest? She sniffed, but forced herself to think logically. Where should she go now? The most obvious place would be in the forest, somewhere she was comfortable in. There did not seem to be any forested areas nearby, but she remembered that there was another house she passed by earlier that looked abandoned, and had a few overgrown trees in the backyard.
As she neared that particular house, she did a quick scan to see if anyone was in sight. No one. Good. But the gate happened to be locked. Hmmm, but the fence looked pretty low. Would she dare…?
She did.
Suna clambered up and over the fence, and landed lightly on the other side. Good thing the house was also abandoned, she needed a place where she could be alone. She rounded the bend to the backyard, and to her delight, the place had overgrown to a jungle of a mess. She found a spot underneath one of the trees. It was the perfect place to hide. And eat. And cry.
“When you spend so long trapped in darkness, you find that the darkness begins to stare back.”
Hans sat there, looking completely defeated. This day was suppose to be a good one. All he wanted to do was escape from his issues with Kikka for a day, reconnect with the person he cherishes the most, and give her another wonderful trip down his past...but so far, the man has managed to screw things up.
Being distracted by his own upsetting thoughts, Hans didn't even pick up on Suna's mana when she first came into the area. He just continued to sit on that porch with his hands covering in his face. He remained there silently for a bit before slowly shaking his head, and raising it up slowly, wondering if Suna was still even at the diner at this point...
...until he noticed a brown paper bag resting there on the street nearby.
"Huh?" Hans knew for a fact that this wasn't here before...but where did it come from? He surely didn't hear nor sense anyone. As the wind started to pick up a bit, Hans stood from the porch and slowly walked his way to the bag. He looked cautiously at it at first before crouching down. His hand hovered over the bag, not sure if he should touch it. He tried to sense if there was any mana coming from it to make sure it wasn't some magic trap, as well as try to sense if anyone was around again, but the dark mage came up with nothing.
With that, Hans decided to pick up the bag and stood back up. He gave the bag another look, and as it got closer to his face...a familiar delicious scent would intrude his nostrils. With his brows now furrowed, Hans quickly opened the bag and dug his hand in. The man fished out a closed bowl...containing a dish that looked very familiar. "Is this...?" Indeed it is. It's the dish he had ordered back at the diner. The merc then opened the lid as if he needed further confirmation, and as he looked down at the food, that surprised look on his face had quickly shifted to a frown...with a strong sign of regret.
"Suna..." He muttered to himself, his tone sounding a bit pained. He then closed the lid and started to quickly look around. Still he couldn't sense her. Did she...not want to be found? Why would that be....? A pained chuckle would escape the merc...Of course he knew the answer to it. With how distant he's been not just today, but for a few days...no, months now, and then with how he walked out on her...Hans was no relationship expert, but even he could tell how bad that must've looked...
Gritting his teeth, Hans started to walk away from his old home, and looked around. "S-Suna?" He had no idea if she was even still around...not that he'd blame her, but still he had to try. "Suna?" he said again, his tone a bit more loud. He then started to walk, trying his hardest to sense the woman while his eyes dart around for her. How could he have been so dense...so careless? The more he couldn't sense her...and the more she didn't respond made the man's heart race in a way that hasn't happened...since he was around his father. "Suna...I..." the man continued to walk as he tried to figure out the right words to say...but maybe he shouldn't try thinking this through...and instead go with what his gut...his heart says.
"Suna...I know I must've hurt you...I...I haven't been myself lately." He claimed as he still walked around. He then bit his lip, wondering if he should tell her why he was feeling this way. What if it screws things up even further? But from what he can tell, saying nothing has already been doing a good job at that...so maybe it was time to share. "I'm sure you're aware of...Kikka by now?" Hans paused as if he were waiting for an answer, but knew full well he wouldn't get one in return. The man then stopped walking, trying to will himself to continue. "I was...I was there...and I made some mistakes." They weren't just some mistakes. He nearly killed two children. The man shut his eyes, remembering that moment like it were yesterday...no, mere hours ago.
Hans wasn't ready to specify to her how he messed up, at least not until he knew for sure that he isn't just talking to himself...
"I couldn't think straight ever since...I...didn't want you to think less of me..." Hans then clenched his fist that wasn't holding the bag. "I should've just been honest with you...and not avoid you." Hans' fist then loosened up as he opened his eyes halfway, a sigh escaping him.
"I've also...been training with some others. I plan to go back there...to make up for what I did." Hans added. If there was still no sign of the elf, Hans would bite his lower lip again, shaking his head. "Su-Suna...you deserve better than this...." Better than him. Normally what one would say when they are about to break up...but that isn't what Hans was going for. "...Which is why I'll be better...for you....No more secrets."
This was a big step for someone like Hans who has a habit of keeping secrets whether if is mercenary jobs demanded it, or involving his own dark past.
"Just please...please, say something...." he added, his tone a lot more hushed this time.
POW
50
DUR
60
SEN
20
STA
22
CON
46
HEALTH senior
SKIN senior
MANA POOL 80/80
MANA REGEN 25 IC / 20 OOC
ITEMS Cosmic Blessing and Raven's Grasp
NOTES Blah blah blah BATTLE *pew pew pew* SPELLS Show us your stuff
The blue-haired figure settled down below the tree and opened the bag. Even without opening the lid, she could smell the mouth-watering aroma wafting out. It may not have been hot like when it first came out, but she was sure it would still taste delicious. It was just a pity that she could not enjoy it with… Stop, Suna. She reprimanded herself inwardly, then sighed in defeat. She was the one at fault here, she should not have expected so much from him in the first place.
She opened the bowl, and opened the pair of chopsticks that came with it. It really was good, the chicken with all the sweet glaze enhanced with its spice. The rice was also good, but honestly, her mind was too muddled to properly enjoy it. What was supposed to be a happy meeting had turned out...less than ideal. A tear slipped down from the corner of her eye, and she wiped it away before it could drip on the food. What has she become? A pathetic and weepy mess that cannot live without depending on others. She never would have thought she would end up like this, like in the stories she has read. They would say that this was not the end of the world, but to her, it did not feel that way.
She capped the bowl and put it aside. She simply could not properly eat and enjoy it now, not in this frame of mind. Instead, she drew her legs up and hugged them to her chest. Her head was propped up on her knees, and her blue eyes were shiny with unshed tears. She gazed out at the abandoned house with its overgrown backyard, seeing but not really seeing. To think she thought they had something special...perhaps it really was the curse of witches to live alone until the end. How could she have been so careless? She would always be a loner in the end, it seemed.
At this, her shoulders sagged and she buried her head into her knees. Only now did Suna let her emotions flow freely. She cried silently, tears slipping down one after the other. Where has she gone wrong? Was she judging him too harshly? What if she was just misunderstanding the whole situation? She wanted to trust Hans, she really did, but all the signs pointed to a negative conclusion, and she was left with no explanations.
Then she heard her name.
At first, she was not really sure if she was dreaming or not, but then she heard it again. No, it can’t be… For a split second, her heart raced and her head lifted up. It really was him! There was no denying it. But then reality flooded back to her. Was he here to break the bad news to her?
"Suna...I know I must've hurt you...I...I haven't been myself lately."
There it was. She was sorely tempted to stay quiet and avoid the confrontation, but she also needed the closure. The elf got up and slowly, very slowly, started walking towards the front of the house, towards the street where she heard his voice. She did not even bother to dry her face with the back of her hand or her sleeves. A little part of her was selfish, and wanted him to know how much it hurt her.
"I'm sure you're aware of...Kikka by now?"
Wait, what? What did he have to do with Kikka? She stopped in her tracks. Where she was now standing could not be seen from anyone on the streets, but she could hear his voice more clearly now.
"I was...I was there...and I made some mistakes."
What was he talking about? What mistakes?
"I couldn't think straight ever since...I...didn't want you to think less of me..."
Her breath caught. She has met some others who have come out of Kikka, and they have also borne pains and injuries that could not be physically healed. She understood more now, and her heart immediately softened. The elf did not know all the ins and outs of what happened, but from what she knew, it was terrible and scarring for all those who were involved. So her man has also been a victim of such a terrible experience.
"I should've just been honest with you...and not avoid you."
Suna bit down on her lip, eyes down to the ground. Now she felt a little guilty for all her previous thoughts. Apparently they were all misunderstandings, and that she had jumped into the wrong conclusions. Drastically wrong conclusions.
"I've also...been training with some others. I plan to go back there...to make up for what I did."
Honestly, her spirits did deflate a little at the mention of him going back. He was going back? Whatever mistakes he made, she was sure it must be something terribly serious, otherwise who would want to go back to a living nightmare?
"Su-Suna...you deserve better than this...Which is why I'll be better...for you....No more secrets."
At this point, all she yearned was to be in his arms again...and to apologize as well.
She stepped out into the open, letting her mana signature flow out. "Hans..." She whispered, and made her way towards the iron gate. It was high above their heads, and one of them would have to climb and jump over the fence to get to the other. The blue-haired mage walked right up to the gate, and let her tears flow again. Only this time, it was not out of pain or hurt, but more of relief. His words have rendered her speechless, and now that she has seen him and understood his side, all she could do is break down and cry.
Regardless of what the dark mage decided to do next, Suna had to say her piece as well. "Y-You don’t n-need to be better, I-I’m the one who needs to c-change." She closed her eyes, willing herself to stop crying. "I-I’m sorry for doubting you. I...I thought," her voice broke, "I thought you...were out chasing...some other girl..."
Saying it out loud made it sound so ridiculous and silly, especially now that she has heard his explanation. How shallow was she, thinking that he was out with another female while he was actually battling with mental scars? Truly, he was the one who needed someone better, someone who did not have such trust issues like her. "I’m s-sorry, Hans..."
“When you spend so long trapped in darkness, you find that the darkness begins to stare back.”
Hans had said his piece. He now just stood there quietly, his eyes darting left to right for any little hint of Suna. But there was nothing...
With a pained sigh, the merc lowered his head to the ground as a look of pure disappointment fell upon him. Maybe he was too late, and she had already given up on him. Hans wouldn't blame her. He isn't one of those "perfect Nobles" or a true gentleman. Just a no name mercenary with barely any yul to his name. She deserves better as he said not long ago...and maybe it's for the best that she finds someone else...
The man was just about to take a step, until he felt a familiar mana signature flood his senses all at once. Hans' head perked up in disbelief as his head slowly turned to where it was coming from. Then...there he saw her, the blue haired elf standing behind a gate. "Su-" Hans could barely speak, still trying to process this. Was his eyes playing tricks with him...just like at Kikka? No...no this isn't Kikka....and this is no illusion. The dark mage turned his body, now fully facing that direction before he took one step, then another, and another, picking up speed with every step until he got closer in which his footsteps would slow back down. He did not take his eyes off of her own not once, afraid that she'd disappear if he did.
Then that's when he noticed the tears...
Hans stopped in his tracks, and frowned. He did not need to ask if or why she was crying...it was clear that he was to blame. She looked so hurt, betrayed...broken, and it was all because of how careless he was. How could he have been so selfish, and not realize how much he was hurting her until now. In Hans' eyes, this was no different to what happen in Kikka, another innocent soul, suffering from Hans' ignorance.
The merc wanted to say something, but Suna was the first to break the silence.
"Y-You don’t n-need to be better, I-I’m the one who needs to c-change."
Hans couldn't believe what he just heard. The merc watched Suna close her eyes with a puzzled expression on his face. Why would she need to change? Suna has been doing way better than him. She has her own home, she has this elegance to her that would make one easily mistake her for a noble. On top of that, she also is way better with people compared to the merc, a powerful teacher, and he's confident that she has many others backing her. As much as he care for her, Hans can't help but feel a bit envious at the same time...but that only makes him want to try harder for her.
"I-I’m sorry for doubting you. I...I thought,"
Hans took another gentle step until he was practically in front of her if it weren't for those gates in the way. He waited for her to continue, not daring to open his mouth or interrupt in any way.
"I thought you...were out chasing...some other girl..."
Then there it was...a response that Hans was least expecting. "Y-you...thought I was..." Hans blinked a few times. A part of him wanted to laugh a little at this, but given the situation, he couldn't really bring himself to. As she apologized, Hans started to look a lot less confused, and more concerned. "Suna..." He placed one of his hands on the bar of the gate. "I'm not...exactly great with this sort of thing...if you haven't noticed. I can't even bring you flowers properly." Hans claimed, adding a light chuckle as he tries to lighten the mood.
"I'm still trying to wrap my mind around how we became...this." The merc was then the next to close his eyes. "You are too good for someone like me, and you deserve better. Someone who can buy you flashy gifts...take you to one of those fancy dinners....be a perfect gentleman." He then shook his head, a weak smile appearing on his face.
"So pardon me for being a little selfish, but I don't want to let this...let us go. I will see to it...that I do better."
Hans rested his forehead against the gate for a second. Even though they have this "barrier" between them, the man still felt very close. "You're the only one I can say I truly trust." As he said that, an idea struck the man. Opening his eyes, Hans backed up from the gate, giving himself a good start so he could climb over it, landing right next to the elf on the other side. "Uh...hey." he said a bit awkwardly, as if he were speaking to her for the first time. He then took his sheathed katana, Dark Edge from his side and held it in both hands, looking quietly at it for a few seconds before nodding to himself.
Exhaling out his nose, Hans got on one knee, and held the sheathed blade up to Suna horizontally with both hands before looking up at her. "I want you to hold onto this...until I get back from Kikka." If he gets back is what the man was thinking, but he didn't want to concern her as best as he could. The sword given to Hans by his former mentor. Just like the necklace, that sword holds just as much value to Hans, and wouldn't trust anyone else with it...well, anyone that isn't her. Hans was trying his best to look confident, but he couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed about how grand the gesture looks.
"W-will you do this for me?"
POW
50
DUR
60
SEN
20
STA
22
CON
46
HEALTH senior
SKIN senior
MANA POOL 80/80
MANA REGEN 25 IC / 20 OOC
ITEMS Magic Broom and Dark Edge and Cosmic Blessing and Raven's Grasp
NOTES Blah blah blah BATTLE *pew pew pew* SPELLS Show us your stuff
When she first caught sight of the familiar figure out on the street, she would be lying if she said her heart did not skip a beat. When he ran towards her, she did as well. As they drew closer, Suna could see all the emotion in his eyes, until her own tears blurred it all away. She could just make out his outline, just beyond the iron gate. It was probably a good thing that she did not see his frown, otherwise she might have misunderstood it for something else.
Using the back of her hand, she wiped the tears away and blinked rapidly. This would not do, her being all weepy and such. One would think she was such a weak-willed woman. Well, when it came to things concerning him, she was pretty soft in heart. It just might be her undoing someday. As she said her part, she could sense him stepping right up to the gate. He was so close… If either one of them reached out, they could reach the other.
Admitting of her farfetched and incredibly off track conclusion certainly sounded ludicrous, especially now that she knew where he was coming from. She would not blame the man if he decided to laugh at that. She probably would laugh, looking back on this event in the future. But for now, she could not help but feel a deep sense of relief that one of her deepest fears had not come to pass. Perhaps she was giving him too little credit, and was not trusting him enough. After all, when has he ever knowingly hurt her? None to her knowledge, at present.
Suna bit down on her bottom lip. To whatever he was saying about not being good at relationships or about the flowers, the elf only shook her head fiercely. "No, no, you’re good. We’re both learning about this together." She reached out and placed her hand on top of his, the one that was holding on to the gate. He was going on and on about how he thought he wasn’t good enough, but she was still convinced that he had it backwards.
"Hans..." She murmured, pressing her hand against his with a little more pressure. "I don’t really care if you bring me flowers or buy me gifts or take me out...just bring me yourself." Her voice was full of sincerity, but still a little shaky with emotion. Still, it was nice to hear that he thought about all those things, and that he believed she deserved the best. But in her eyes, the best gift would be just the man himself.
"You are a gentleman," she protested. Ever since she has met him, the dark mage has been nothing short of polite and caring. Sure, he may have some rough edges about things concerning his past, but Suna embraced them all. It was what made Hans...Hans. Just like how she was aware of her own faults, yet he still accepted her, weaknesses and all.
"So pardon me for being a little selfish, but I don't want to let this...let us go. I will see to it...that I do better."
There was nothing selfish about that, not when she did not want to let him go either. As he rested his forehead against the gate, Suna lifted her hand to brush some of his hair to the side. She was struck at how haggard he looked, at the new furrows around his eyes. Whatever he saw or experienced there in Kikka, she was sure they were things she could not heal. But she would still try, regardless.
"You're the only one I can say I truly trust."
Taken aback at these sweet declarations, Suna could only murmur his name again. "Oh, Hans. You’ll find others whom you can trust." While it made her overjoyed that he trusted her so much, it would not be wise nor healthy if she was his only support. Nay, he needed a community of people whom he could depend on. All right, maybe not a community, but at least two or three that he could rely on without a shadow of doubt.
Then his eyes opened again, and Suna gazed deep into them. Her handsome man. What kind of horrors has he gone through? And to think that she was only giving him more stress and confusion instead of being his safe haven...a sense of guilt prickled at her. She would make things right. She had to. He deserved as much.
There was only the gate that separated them now. Suna watched as the mercenary cleared it and landed on her side. He seemed almost...shy. The sound mage watched as he took off his katana from his side. Slightly puzzled, she tilted her head to the side. What was going on through his mind? Then, she sucked in a gasp when he got down on one knee. What was he doing?!
"I want you to hold onto this...until I get back from Kikka."
For a moment, she wanted to take the sheathed blade and smack it against the man’s head. What in the world was he thinking? "You’re just going to leave it here with me?" She frowned. "No, I’m going with you." Her eyes hardened a little in determination. There was no way she was going to just stay behind and let him go back there alone. No way.
The elf took the offered sword with both hands, then knelt down and placed it on the side. If he would allow it, she would wrap her arms around him. "So, when do we leave?"
“When you spend so long trapped in darkness, you find that the darkness begins to stare back.”
Feeling the familiar warmth of her hand against his own put Hans a bit at ease, but it didn't stop him from listing out his own faults.
The dark mage stood there and listened quietly to Suna's words, being so understanding which is one of things that the man has come to like about her. He couldn't help but to smile, and even chuckle a little. Still, he wishes to try harder for the sound mage despite what she had said, and plans on doing so...but that will have to wait until he's finish with Kikka...if he makes it out of there in one piece that is.
"Oh, Hans. You’ll find others whom you can trust."
Hans has some doubts about that, but maybe she isn't wrong. The merc does not exactly have friends, but he has started to bond with those two mages he's currently training with. Although they are still far from being considered friends, Hans feels that he could trust them to some extent, especially with what they all went through at Kikka. How the trio's relationship will be after they've taken care of things in that town is unknown, but hopefully it'll get better afterwards. There is also that one lightning mage, Simon...but Hans hasn't seen him in a while...In fact there are many folks Hans has come across that he hasn't seen in some time. Who's to say the same thing won't happen with Valo and Gen?
"Yeah...yeah, maybe I will." Hans replied despite the hint of doubt. He still has come a long way from when he was younger. He was a lot more cold, and distant, but now he has started to open up more, so maybe he'll be able to trust others better.
The two mages stared longingly into each other's eyes. Oh how Hans missed these moments, this peaceful silence void of any awkwardness. He might not be able to see her for a while which caused him to frown slightly...but then come up with that idea of his.
Now over the gate, Hans presented his katana to Suna to hold onto while he's away. It's no flowers, or any other interesting gift, but it does hold a lot of value to the man, just as much as the necklace around the sound mage's neck.
"You’re just going to leave it here with me?"
Hans nodded quietly. "I'm not sure when I'll be back. This sword is a part of me, and has a lot of history...So I want you to hold onto this."
"No, I’m going with you."
As Suna's face grew more hardened, Hans' became more shocked. He did not see this coming, not at all, and even as she wrapped her arms around him and spoke some more, Hans remained motionless and silent for a few seconds. "Suna..." His face loosened up some as he closed his eyes and slowly wrapped his arms around her waist, his chin resting on her shoulder.
"Thank you..." He then shifted himself a bit so that he could be facing her and opened his eyes, slowly shaking his head. "...but no." He gently placed a hand against her cheek and smile lightly. "We both know you're strong, and that you can hold your own...but those daemons are far more powerful than the both of us." Hans looked down for a bit, recollecting his last time there, and how those daemons played him with those...illusions.
"You know that I would want nothing more than to have you there with me...but this is something I need to go at on my own." He claimed. With flashes of the Eldritch Home running through his mind, he also didn't want to run the risk of distracting each other, but couldn't bring himself to tell her that. Hans does not want to see her get hurt...nor be tricked into hurting her.
"But once I get back..." If he gets back.... "There won't be anything stopping me from helping you with your garden....and it won't cost ya either." He jested. "Well...at least not in yul." The merc smirked lightly before attempting to lean in for a kiss.
POW
50
DUR
60
SEN
20
STA
22
CON
49
HEALTH senior
SKIN senior
MANA POOL 80/80
MANA REGEN 25 IC / 20 OOC
ITEMS Dark Edge and Cosmic Blessing and Raven's Grasp
NOTES Blah blah blah BATTLE *pew pew pew* SPELLS Show us your stuff
From the time when she first met the dark mage, Suna had noticed some subtle changes. Subtle, but changes nonetheless. For one, he was more willing to open up and talk about his feelings. Second, he felt a lot more warmer in personality now. But he still retained much of the qualities that she admired, and hoped that he would not alter those aspects. Now as they stared into each others’ eyes, she saw various emotions flicker in those dark eyes of his. Too many, she could not figure out what they were.
But now he was on his knees presenting his sword for her safekeeping. Just like the necklace she now always wore around her neck, she knew how much the mercenary treasured his katana. What he had shared back in the cafe in Silva had shown her as much, and she understood. However, why would she hold on to his sword when she could just fight by his side? Even as he tried to dissuade her, the more her resolve grew. "I’m going with you." She repeated again. Even as he returned her embrace, her mind was stubbornly stuck on the topic at hand.
"The two of us fighting the daemons would be better than just you fighting by yourself." Suna jutted her chin out, her lips pursed. She had just found him again, and was not planning to let him go anytime soon. But little did she know just how strong their enemies were, nor of how disastrous the collateral damages were, both physically in the town of Kikka and mentally on the minds of all who were in it.
For one who claimed to not know anything about relationships, his actions seemed to speak otherwise. His sweet words were also well said, and made her heart melt, and her resolve softened somewhat. She knew he really did care about her, and did not want to see her hurt. But in the same way, she also did care about him, and did not want to see him hurt even further. They had the same intentions, though Suna figured it would be better if she went with him, seeing how adamant he was about going back. Well, she would not dissuade him from going, but at the very least, he had to let her go with him.
"But once I get back...There won't be anything stopping me from helping you with your garden....and it won't cost ya either. Well...at least not in yul."
As he gave that smirk and leaned in, Suna knew enough what he was after. But she was not done yet. She held up a hand between them, so he would be pressing his lips on her fingers instead of his intended destination. "Hans, Hans." She protested. "I don’t care about the garden or whatever. I just want to fight by your side." She knew she was being somewhat unreasonable, but she could still try. "Is that too much to ask?"
For the moment, she would detain him from kissing her, until she could somehow manage to convince him to let her go. "Just let me go with you...please?" She pouted and looked at him with the saddest and most pitiful eyes she could muster. "I...I don’t want to lose you..." Her voice trailed off, and now she broke eye contact to hug him again, this time a little tighter. Suna knew she would lose if he continued his endearing acts, but she had to talk some sense into him...while she herself still had some sense left. It was getting harder and harder though, to keep her resolve up.
