Searching For Nothing In Something [Open; But Ask Please] [Game/Frost]

Mon Feb 15, 2016 1:28 am

[PLEASE PLAY THE POSTING MUSIC FOR THIS POST IN THE YOUTUBE BAR]

Artist: etaΛЮƂǪɃb - Song: Save His Dream - Word Count: 1550

Cold. Everything was so cold -- so bone chillingly cold. From the atmosphere in the hospital, to the stares and voices of all those who talked in the ward of sickness and death. Every last feature of this clinic was so devoid of life, or was that just the perception of the blackened eyes of Saiko Mori?

Time was slowed, dilated and blurred from her perception. It needed to be in order to make it in these savage streets of Karakura Central. She was a war criminal committing the act of espionage into one of the largest clusters of protagonist forces on the planet. So, one false move, one wrong step -- and it was game over.

That is why she cloaked herself in the shadows of the metropolis, made her way underground and tried to blend in as much as possible to make it this far. The Archduchess of Shadow Fall even went as far as to slay the life of a confirmed citizen of Karakura Central. After which, she infused the flesh of their body on to her and used it as a mask of sorts to bypass the facial recognition software so commonly used in the city as The Void Enigma adorned it like false shell.

However, even with all that, Saiko had the lingering anxiety within her heart that their absurd defenses would eventually pick up on her presence. No plan like this could go without a hitch. Ergo, time was of the essence. There was undoubtedly someone or something tracking the cluster of melancholy presence which did not belong in Karakura Central.

If she could at least make it long enough to see that gentle flame, then she'd accept whatever happens to her. Therefore, after ditching her disguise, the barren and tattered Archduchess found herself staring upwards at the hospital from the depths of the shadows in a parking lot nearby. Embellished in a cloak of midnight, the plum stare of the pale skinned maiden shined in the abyss and her slender figure was hidden underneath this garment of shade.

However, despite wearing something so inconspicuous, she wouldn't stick out. No. Even as the crowds of people walked past her, they felt safe and assured that one of the Vanguard's own were overseeing them. As, after all, this coat had the Vanguard's organization logo plastered dead center on her back, while another was marked on the right breast of the maiden.

With these official symbols smeared over her attire, there was no way anyone would give her trouble. These were times of war and everyone would blindly place their trust in whatever figure represented protection and power. Most people just wanted to be coddled and ensured that the bad whispers of the world would go away by these figures of strength and might. So, Saiko would abuse that and use it to her advantage to hide in plain sight as she made her way into the ward.

Walking straight into the clinic, The Void Enigma wandered from the next gray hallway to the next until she made her way to the stairs and started accessing where Ash Iramasha would be in this maze of mundane haze. All the while, a vague terror surged through her chest as she panicked and wondered why she was risking her career, safety and life for such a thing. Yet, her delusions were strong and assured her that this was the correct path. She promised the boy she'd accept his apology, and words said face to face could only do.

Despite that line of reassurance, as she approached further towards his wing, there was a lingering desire to want to take him away from this drab clinic. The reason for that is because she believed that the facilities Shadow Fall possessed could heal him much faster than whatever trash they had here. Not only that, but The Archduchess was assured the resources under her care could even make the boy stronger. As, more than anything else, yearnings of wanting to protect that tenderness the male possessed surged wildly like an untamed beast within Saiko.

It was enough to make her heart flutter, mind spark with a storm of warm thought and body flicker briefly with visions of color and light. For, as she made her solemn walk down these darkened hallways, the sight of the The Void Enigma washed the world in a hue of black and white that made everything so glum and disheartening. But, despite all that mournful thinking, the mission was more important: to see and hold Ash.

Therefore, Saiko searched within her coat pocket, she pulled out a card and suppressed another surge of terror that made her weak in the knees and flowed pains of ache in her chest.

'Breathe....relax.'

That thought repeated over and over as she turned her eye to the sight of a lone Vanguadian guarding the door. After analyzing their schedule for the past week, she understood that shifts rotated in guarding The Vanguard leader's precious, precious son. The Archduchess had been here for quite some time and was preparing all the tools needed for this moment.

Going back to the person she killed to gain entrance into Karakura Central? That poor woman was associated with The Vanguard. And, from Saiko's reports, she was assigned medical watch as Ash recovered. Therefore, her security clearance would be used to sign in and gain access to Ash. Plus, given the lack of interaction among Vanguard troops, it was all but simple to slide in the card, give a wave and let the tired bastard quit his shift so the next mindless grunt could begin their night shift.

Meanwhile, thanks to her stunt the night before, the security footage of this entire floor would be looped. As Saiko staked this place out well before embarking on this journey. For, in the shadows of the night, she broke into their security room and hijacked it's programming to record and then continually loop feed of Ash five minutes prior to The Archduchess coming in. That way, no one would be alarmed with her entering his room if anyone should happen to check live-feed. Since, if anyone, or anything did, all they would see is a young Ash was sleeping nice and tucked in his bed.

Henceforth, all that was left to do for the Archduchess was wait for the meat shield to leave the floor and then carry out her plan. This entire floor had already gone through a security check and she knew that this person "Aki Aoko" was powerful enough to handle it on her own. Therefore, Saiko placed a passive barrier around the whole place.

If trouble should come knocking, a black barrier would consume the whole floor and keep any intruder busy with a dome strong enough to even give Espada-Class Arrancar trouble. As, the space would fill itself with a dense energy and one durable enough to hopefully her time to escape with Ash if anyone latched on to her plan.

Plus, for extra security, there was a wormhole waiting outside the hospital window of Ash's room. Or rather, one could be swiftly made if Saiko gave the mental command through her control of ill-gotten equipment. Beneath the window was a sphere, no larger than a grain of rice, cloaked in a black dome. This device was meant to provide a means of escape. As, teleporation was a cheap thing to buy within short distances. All it took was a bit of yen bought at a shady shop, a projected path and she'd be long gone in the depths of Karkaura Forest to lose the scent if things got too heated.

Therefore, with her chips now on the table, all that was left to do was quell the fear stabbing her throat and enter into the room of Ash. Thus, Saiko took a deep breath and decided to walk straight through that pasty hued door and into the darkened abode of the Iramasha. She wasn't quite sure what she would find in her, as everything was cast under shade, but she knew he was in here.

Ergo, The Archduchess had a million thoughts rush in her head like a blinding static, but her face would remain composed and neutral as she walked over to his side and nudged him awake. With her emotions in such a turbulent state, the nature of her newly forged telepathic prowess would awaken and she'd whisper this gentle word into the boy's mind:

"Ash......please....wake up. It is me.....Saiko."

With the words of her soul sweeping into the realm of dreams, the anxious grip of Saiko's energy would hopefully be enough to snap the boy out of sleep and bring him back to the realm of reality. In this time, Saiko constantly darted her eyes around the room, outside the room and kept track of all energy signatures. She couldn't afford to screw up here. Not until things were straight with Ash. Therefore, she held her breath -- and -- waited for a response.

Mon Feb 15, 2016 3:25 am

Artist: Ib OST - Song: Memory All Alone Version - Word Count: 1859

Time felt almost stagnant. What was supposed to be weeks of treatment soon turned into months as casualties rose. Ash's time spent awake was rather limited, as he needed time to rest in order to fix his wounds without any help... He had asked for it, almost demanded it of the others. It was hard for the boy to just take something and not think about others who may enjoy it, and that even applied to medicine. So many soldiers, so many fighters, so many people had been left gravely wounded... And they deserved more treatment than Ash did. Ash's heart was left with a few reasons for choosing to only have a safe place to heal by himself, all of them tying heavily into their views and... What even got them into this place.

The first reason was love. Love of all those who lived, and a love that he wanted to see within everyone. He could heal, his bones would eventually fix... After enough time. Others? Some couldn't just heal on their own, some were only human that could be torn to shreds... Some had great, big families, children depending upon them, lovers waiting back home. He only had Azure, as everyone else seemed to have just left her life. People who he had thought of as friends had soon stopped visiting, others of importance only mentioned his name when referring to another casualty, not someone who had been in the room, listening, and even watching. The only one that still checked up on him was Selia, a child that was too sweet for this world... And should be taken out of the Vanguard as quickly as possible. Even his own father, Azure, had only visited once... It had been hard to see him so destroyed, so heartbroken over all that had happened. He had far less people who loved him back than others... So for that, he asked that they recieve urgent care before him.

The second reason, and the main one... Was guilt. He felt as if everything he had done had only led to pain. Was it the insanity talking? Finally creeping it's way back into his fragile mind... Or was it the truth finally coming forth to him? Participating in that war only harmed the mind of a person who he began to think never wanted to be there... She offered escapes, offered ways to avoid conflict. She only truly showed her power when Ash had decided to go too far, and attack something that is much more dear to others than their body, her psyche. Only then, true devastation was felt by him... The same devastation that led to him ending up within this hospital, alone almost all of the time. Why had he chosen to attack her like that? It was too harsh... And still, his heart believed that Saiko had a chance to be better, didn't have to resort to that... Could smile. The only ones that Ash could even spend time with in order to not fall prey to his own, negative emotions were the doctors that had to check up on him and make sure bones were aligning properly and nothing new arose from the injuries. His healing would fix anything, but accuracy was never a certain thing...

The third reason... Was because he didn't want to go back. He didn't want to fight again, he didn't want to bring harm such as that. He had only fought mindless hollow in the forests of Karakura before, not beings with minds, and emotions... And a face that could be seen smiling. That was his first war, and he wasn't ready, he should have never signed up. Seeing everyone die around him, watching bloodthirsty fighters from both sides collide, it hurt him. Not nearly as much as the Saiko incident... He wasn't mentally prepared to fight like that, and he wasn't ever going to recover from what had happened. Not now, not tomorrow... Possibly not ever. His mind was still recovering from all that had happened, slowly taping back the shattered pieces of his once grand innocence and joyful attitude. He had to struggle now to form a smile, and to even tell a joke.

His eyes remained closed, feminine body forced to recline within a hospital bed. He wasn't aware of the surroundings, as at times, he needed to be moved around for other patients to get more vital rooms with larger areas. His body was no longer covered in casts, but still hooked up to IV's. A single needle poked through the exposed flesh of his left arm, as a monitor to the side showed his vitals. His outfit was different than what he normally wore, it was a patient's garb. Bright blue with white polka dots aligning it as it was made to cover his front. His hair was left splayed upon the pillow, looking messy, sloppy, and very frizzy. The reason for this were the nightmares that haunted him, day in and day out.

For the times he would rest, nightmares plagued him... They all ranged from different scenarios, many of them involving Saiko in one way or another, while the rest involved his father... At times, he would feel himself suffocating, body squirming about within the bed as his mind had played out the scene of Saiko's madness... Only now? He was in her place, the emotions welling up enough to stop every action, hands shaking as he could only stare upon three people... Two of them seemed foggy, but one was clear. It was himself, staring forwards with a determined look, a beast besides him that tried to induce further insanity. It horrified him.. It made him think horrible things, and within the dream, he could feel every moment. He could feel every stabbing pain as the blade of Death Energy had plunged into the side of his skull.

When the dreams weren't of him being in another spot or scenario... It was of the brief meeting he had with his father, Azure... How broken and shattered he seemed, how sad, how... Alone... He felt empty, he could -feel- that his father wasn't right, but not a single thing could be done. There was no way for him to ever really fix anything, and no way for him to ever make his father better. He may have been there to make Azure happier, but that was all... He couldn't solve situations, he couldn't handle business, he couldn't even last in a war properly. All he could do was remain int he bed, injured, and stare forwards into the empty eyes of the shell of Azure.

The dream he was forced to live through now was... Nothing. All around him was just a blank expanse, no bed, no people, no nothing. He was forced to lay on the ground and simply stare up into the sky, the plain, white sky that was devoid of anything. Not even a sun shone down upon him, only nothing. He had no idea what any of this was at the moment... He didn't know what to do, what to feel, what to say, what to act. This nightmare could only further solidify these thoughts, that there was -nothing- he had now. The love and affection of his father had begun to dwindle as he had to deal with personal problems, the care of others had all but faded into painful memories... Even Saiko, he had nothing to use in order to find them, and just speak to them.

Though Saiko had something to speak with him, as he could hear something... The words began to form above his eyes, filling the white expanse with black blood, filling it to the brim as the words were spelled out for him... It was Saiko. In the world of the living, of those who were in reality, Saiko could already hear the monitor begin to beep faster and faster. Ash's heart began to pump faster and faster, the stirring of his body seen as his arms shook, eyes moving about underneath eyelids. Saiko. Ash... He... He needed to see her, he needed to be there, he needed to speak to her. He needed so many things, but had no plan on what to do when he was actually given them... All he could do was get there and figure it out. The words within his dream began to get larger and larger... Before everything suddenly turned bright white once more.

His eyelids had flown open, a loud gasp heard as lips parted to take a deep breath of fresh air. Ash had awoken, rather aruptly at just the thought that she was here. His body quickly sat up, far too quickly than it could as a yelp of pain erupted past his lips. The bright lights above soon began to feel just like normal lights, eyes adjusting to the scene around him as fingers curled around his left arm... He had yanked the IV out rather painfully with the rather quick and sudden sit-up. It wasn't like he needed it any longer.. He could walk and eat, perhaps it was just his father being cautious, or a nurse that feared for him...

Ash hadn't even scanned the area yet, but already, he spoke. His voice was weak and raspy, showing a dry throat that was parched... That, or a throat sore from nights of tears flowing down his cheeks...

"S... Saiko? Where... I... I'm Sorry..."

Each word was almost struggled out as Ash had just awoken, eyes finally landing upon the visage Saiko had taken. It... It wasn't her, not physically. Ash wasn't sensitive enough to tell the looming energy everywhere, the powerful presence of the girl... All he could feel was his heart get heavy once more, and the air get all the more tense. Eyes that once showed a glimmer of hope had soon faded back into melancholy. That wasn't Saiko... His body slowly began to slump backwards, plopping against the soft pillow left behind for him... It wasn't her... His breathing soon began to relax, as his heart rate slowed down enough that it wouldn't lead to any complications with his health.

"...I... I'm sorry doctor... it was a dream... Another dream."

The words were almost whispered out, as Ash truly felt horrible again. He was now awake, but only left to his own thoughts for the time being... Just what was Saiko going to say to the boy? That she had killed a Vanguard member in order to speak to him? That the woman he had just mistaken for a doctor was only just a fleshy costume? Or... Would she just say what she needed too. Saiko saying anything would put the boy's heart to rest, no longer stressed as he could finally receive the closure he would need to truly recover from the events that would forever scar his live.

No matter the case, there was something worth noting... Saiko's note had been left upon a table nearby, at a place where Ash could clearly read it. The words still remained. I.Forgive.You... They were words that held more meaning and more emotion to the both of them than Ash ever thought possible...

Mon Feb 15, 2016 4:30 am

[PLEASE PLAY THE POSTING MUSIC FOR THIS POST IN THE YOUTUBE BAR]

Artist: DVЯK SE▲- Song: losing you - Word Count: 1061

Watching the male sleep brought a sense of concern upon the spirit of Saiko. The reason being is because it seemed that his body still seemed to be under quite the strain from his battles in that war. Grunts, sweats and accelerated heartbeat were all that The Archduchess needed to hear to confirm that much as his vitals starting going nuts.

It churned at her heart, as she understood he carrying some immense burden that her bloodied and tainted hands could not seek to heal on their own. So, it is at that moment that she almost questioned running away from it all like everything else she had ever done in her life. Since, in the perception of her tattered heart, she had to come to terms with things: just what could she do to help someone so innocent and beautiful?

Perhaps it was just her own greed to want to cling to and steal that warmth, light and naivety of the boy to mend the sorrows of her own barren and corrupted soul. But -- was that so bad? She was beginning to doubt that. Compared to the bloodshed spilled by other more foul souls, such a simple desire could be excused, right? It had to be and she had to have faith in that. Too much was invested in this moment to half-ass things at this crucial point.

Therefore, The Archduchess would bare and burden the sudden snap to life that Ash had as he had awoken from what appeared to be a nightmare of sorts. It caused Saiko to jump backwards, but she would not dare leave his side. Instead, she would catch her breath, rub his balmy shoulder and sit next to his side as she observed him closer. The voice which in which The Void Enigma overheard was all that she needed to hear in order to understand: he needed her -- and she needed him. Both of them were in such heartache that their paths were bond to cross no matter what.

Hence, she would speak out to the ill Iramasha and rub his palm with the gentle touch of her cold hand:

"I'm...not sure if you can hear this....but it's me, Saiko. You.....aren't dreaming."

Damn. She could have said something better.

That was the first line of thought that crossed into her head, but The Void Enigma was just happy to hold and carcass him in this moment. However, as she kept her plum eyes on the feminine boy, it was clear he was still not entirely sure whom she was. Ergo, with her left hand, The Tainted Shinigami would quickly pull away the hood from her head in order unveil her true identity to the male.

In that moment, her shadow shaded hair would bounce around before coming to cover the left side of her face; leaving only a single violet eye to stare intently at him. It was the kind of look that was nervous, but behind that fear was someone who truly seemed content and pleased to see the boy. So, to make herself more pleasant and recognizable, the girl would then move her left hand through her boyish hair and pull back the hair to make her whole face visible to Ash so that he may not fear or be in delusions any further.

And, to continue moving things forward, The Maiden of The Shade would then curl up alongside Ash and embrace him against her chest as she'd cuddle and rub her hold hands through his long and tender hair. Despite her body being cold as the snow that fell outside them, the warmth of The Iramasha's body would press against her frigid core and the two would balance each other out in a mixture of heat and frost.

For, in that moment, the breathing of Saiko became more swallow and there was a sense of desire pulsating through her veins as she could almost feel his soul's radiance, no matter how beaten it was, flow inward into hers.

Yet, even with her target held so securely in her arms -- she still wasn't quite sure what to say, what to do or where to take things. So, the only thing she could do -- was comfort. Comfort and soothe this tortured spirit. Which, in it of itself, was a joke. Her, a murderer and warlord of Shadow Fall -- exactly assisting and helping someone? What a fucking farce that was if her other operatives and allies heard of such a thing.

But -- that was so distant and far gone in this time of embrace that it didn't matter. She took a glance at the note that read "I. Forgive. You." on the table and remembered why she was here: Ash. And, because of that, everyone and everything was dimensions away as The Void Enigma held him even tighter in her arms.

And, because of that reminder, she could let the whispers of her soul utter it's intents to him:

"It's okay...I'm here...."

That was the first muttering as she nuzzled against his cheek and proceeded with the next line of dialogue:

"....and I forgive you. I....couldn't leave things as they are. I....couldn't live with myself if I didn't express that to you with my own being. You didn't deserve that. I am so sorry for any pain that I have caused, and I understand if you hate me, but...please...use me to take away your hurt. You are too beautiful to face such a cut to your heart and innocence."

There would be no mention of the methods it took to get here, only her true and unadulterated feelings. The only question was: could the male accept such a thing? Would he accept such solemn and melancholy sentiments from such a vapid and murderous creature? The only thing she could do -- was wait -- and watch. With her heart thumping with terror and infatuation, she wanted the answer to lean towards acceptance, but The Void Enigma knew -- she was a killer -- and his mortal enemy at that -- so those hopes were promptly placed back into reality until further response.

Mon Feb 15, 2016 5:38 am

Artist: Homestuck OST - Song: Orchid Horror - Word Count: 1720

Ash's body continued to rest upon the soft bed that had been his... Well, home for a fair amount of time, eyes only glancing towards the figure in front of him as... They seemed different, actually. They didn't immediately speak, or say good morning as usual, they were a bit apprehensive at first. Soon enough, a hand was placed upon the boy's shoulders as he seemed a bit confused for the moment, this... This was a bit odd. The woman that was supposed to be checking up on him had now placed herself right on the bed, and even leaned in a bit closer to observe him.

His fingers were grasped at, slowly turned over as Saiko's cold touch met his warm palm. To contrasting feelings, representing the opposite sides of the spectrum they rested at. Ash, in warmth and love... And Saiko, in a much colder place, with a past that the boy knew nothing about. Before Saiko's message could be given out, Ash's free hand slowly slid over to the hand that Saiko had extended to touch his palm, gently clasping it between both of his own. 'It's cold... Why is she cold? Should I maybe hold on just a bit longer?' These thoughts flew about in his head. His mind had already defaulted to something so trivial, showing just how pure his heart was. He was more concerned about this person's cold touch than why they had gotten so close in the first place.

Answers would soon arrive, and once Saiko spoke, it all slowly became clear. This... This was Saiko? What was she doing here?! She was going to get hurt, people would come after her, why was she even here?! Ash's eyes no longer held sadness within, but great concern and worry. It was obvious of what he was thinking, so there was no need to ask it. Before his concern could be voiced, Saiko had to prove to him further that it was truly her... Leading to the persona she had taken on being removed, her true self revealed. The being that Ash never got to see up close, to talk too normally, to even wave to without the pretense of war knocking upon his back. This was the first time Ash could finally meet the person that had made his heart churn within his chest, and beat all the faster with anxiety.

A look all too familiar with him had been shown, one that had haunted his dreams, and filled his heads with thoughts. Saiko's face, hair cascading down her face to mask the view of her right eye, only the left one allowed to stare forth... These weren't the same violet eyes as before, no, they held... Fear within them? She was nervous, yet she was here. She showed apprehension, but followed it by a hint of joy. Behind the widened eyes of this girl, were the true feelings she had, and it was joy. It was joy, a feeling that many people envied, one that Ash always loved to give out to others. She was happy to see him, not mad for what he had done, or disappointed in how he had been recovering, but happy...

She was one of the few people to be happy to see him as of late. She was happy, while others only seemed to be sad, gloom upon their faces as they stepped in and out of the room. She was finally being a beacon of hope, one to Ash. This beacon of hope only began to brighten all the more as raven hair was pulled back to reveal the rest of Saiko's face, something that Ash hadn't seen before. It was... Surprisingly cute, and rather soft for someone who had brutally mutilated the poor boy to the point of being hospitalized. They looked like someone who should be smiling instead, spending time doing what they loved an wanted, rather than being thrust into a war to vie over land that wouldn't even benefit the either of them, only the ones above them.

Too wrapped up within his own thoughts and awkward silence, he was easily brought close against Saiko. The touch of their bodies meeting together in such an awkward, out of place scenario only further solidified the heartache between the two of them. The boy, battered and bruised, forced to still recover, was in the arms of one who could slaughter thousands, and had risked her life just for this one single moment. Ash was able to feel all of Saiko's cold body, his own warmth just barely enough to keep himself from freezing from even the slightest movements. Already, he was struck silent, eyes widening upon his own face as lips parted just slightly, as if to speak, though not a single word came forth from his lips. He was struck silent from the gesture and... He didn't want to contest it.

His body had laid limp within the bed, head resting against the pillow as his body shifted just a bit closer to Saiko's, his hair touched and grasped against by icy fingers of the girl before him. Long, soft locks were caressed, slipping through Saiko's fingers rather easily. Despite the messy state they were in, Ash had always made sure that there were no knots... He had so much time to himself, brushing his hair was something that he had far too much time for. The breathing of both hurt, shattered beings began to slowly match, Ash's becoming just as shallow as his eyes had found themselves shut already. Compared in power, Ash's soul was nothing to Saiko's, it was something she could crush rather easily... But in terms of love, he had too much to give, enough that maybe it could fill the emptiness Saiko felt within, seeping inside and being taken from him.

The grasp from the girl grew all the more tighter, gently squeezing his body as she could tell just how thin he had gotten... He was almost entirely bone at this point, barely any food to eat normally as his body would be in quite the weakened state for a while after being taken out of commission. Ash didn't seem to stir from the increased pressure, but rather, relax all the more. No one had held him like this in a long time, not even his father. He... Despite the cold from Saiko, he still felt himself only grow all the more warmer as this moment was shared between them, his heart swelling up with emotions. Was it love...? No... It couldn't be, but rather... He knew enough to tell that this was a strong emotion, fondness too her... Wanting to see her better. He had no idea what the emotion was, but it led to his fingertips tingling just faintly. He knew one thing for sure... He wanted to make it all up to her, and make her feel all the more better.. And perhaps, maybe even improve, to grow stronger with her heart so that she no longer has to harm anyone.

These thoughts were childish, but true to Ash. This was something he had wished for everyone, even if he didn't love them... He loved them. It was an odd feeling, but he knew that Saiko was here for a bit more, she had to be. Just this touching moment couldn't be enough, she had to have more to say, she just had too. Soon enough, her lips began to part once more as the girl speak, Ash's eyelids slowly opening to see a set of violet eyes staring into his own, the owner being the one that had held him so closely. The words that she had said had struck the strings of his heart, playing with his emotions further as his mind was still in shambles, uncertain of how to feel about this.

She was an enemy, so should he say no? But it's just wrong to judge... She came all the way here, she did so much.. She made him feel like he wasn't forgotten. She did all these things, and he owed her so much. The thought of saying no was quickly tossed away, as he didn't quite view it the same way Saiko did. The emotions that swelled within him were more of reactions, of how to take this into account, of how to make the best of this situation... And how to make Saiko happy. Everyone deserved happiness, no matter what they had done, or how dire it was.

Ash's fingers slowly trailed along, grazing past Saiko's arms, sliding along her shoulders, until resting against the middle of her back, aiming to gently pull her in himself. His warm embrace had grown all the more tighter, and all the more caring, for he didn't want her to feel upset, afraid, nervous... He didn't want her to feel bad at all, only happy. Deep breaths were taken, Ash's chest rising and falling as all of this felt so surreal at the moment. Was this all really happening? Had someone risked their life for him? He was unsure if even Azure would go as far as that, remembering that he had valued loyalty... And perhaps, would want to live in order to keep the Vanguard alive to help those in need? No, no no no, he couldn't think about this, he had to think about Saiko... And when he thought about her, words finally came forth.

"I won't use you... It's... No one should be used for anything... I... I should be sorry... I'm alive but... I caused you so much harm. I made you hurt yourself. I... I made you cry. I don't want to make people cry, I don't want to hurt people... I... I don't even want to fight anyone. I don't hate you, I can't hate you. You... You're... I-I..."

Ash's lips began to turn a bit dry, his body shifting rather awkwardly as he was running out of words to say. He wasn't denying Saiko what she was asking for, but it was hard to agree, or rather, find a way to say it.

"I-I... U-Uhm... I-I don't know what to say... C-Can we please just... Please stay like this? I don't want you to go back, I don't want you to fight more people, I don't want to see you hurt again... Please?"

Mon Feb 15, 2016 7:13 am

[PLEASE PLAY THE POSTING MUSIC FOR THIS POST IN THE YOUTUBE BAR]

Artist: Roniit - Song: Runaway - Word Count: 1057

So -- frail.

That was the first thought that oozed into the mind of Saiko as she held Ash so near to her chest. Of course, the male wasn't exactly the epitome of heaviness when they first met. But, at this point, he damn near resembled a cancer patient. These people, this space; it was all toxic and destroying his soul. Instead of being near people who could love him, the Iramasha was stuck in a hell where parasitic beast sucked the very spirit out of him.

Which is why something within The Void Enigma's heart screamed: "NO"

It was -- frustration.

He didn't deserve this life. To be restrained to a hospital bed without a single soul to comfort him? She had watched him this whole week and not a single damn person came to visit him beside those assigned by the Vanguard to "secure" him. Not that half-hearted father of his, not any of his "beloved" family and certainly not any ally or friends. All of those scum abandoned him and left him to rot in this melancholy, injury and isolation. It was all bullshit and The Archduchess couldn't stand to see him like that anymore.

Therefore, in that moment -- Saiko made up her mind.

The Void Enigma was going to take him out of this environment; even by force if need be. This place was killing him and she could clearly see that even with her own distorted and warped view of life. He needed a new start, a new place -- and she felt she could give him that. She certainly had more resources at her disposal than any of these excuses for friends here.

So, as Ash held on to her for dear life, The Void Enigma would soothe and comfort him by giving a weak smile to him. Even if it was shaky and frail due to the journey it took to get it here, it was still the first genuine smile she had in so many months. The electric touch of The Iramasha's body against her own was just too much for her not to feel content and happy in the warmth of someone else's grasp.

As far as she was concerned -- he could almost runaway with her heart -- and she'd be okay with that.

Which then brought her back to the point of intent: they both needed a way out and a place to runaway to from all that wishes to bring them ruin and heartache. Therefore, after Ash made his frantic plea to her, Saiko would place her right index finger upon his lip and give a gentle nod of the head to him.

Everything -- was fine.

It was -- okay.

She had long since forgiven him since they both were just blindly following orders on some god forsaken battlefield.

No.

What mattered to her was that in this moment -- they both could express the depth of sorrow of their souls. It is this anguish and hardship that seemed to attract the maiden of melancholy to Ash to begin with. As, unlike herself, The Iramasha seemed to be able to cope in such a placid and beautiful way. For, his warmth drew her in like a flame and she caught at first glance in an attachment of sentiment and grace that the male radiated.

With him -- maybe, just maybe, she could see the world in a lighter view. Even if it was a distant hope, she had to cling to it. In spite of how suicidal her entire essence was, she had to hold on to something to keep her bridged to this world -- and she'd use Ash for that purpose. It mattered not if it was a selfish desire, for she to would serve the same purpose and help to mend the spirits of their sullen souls.

Therefore, Saiko sent another wave of telepathy into the male's mind and smiled once more as she echoed these thoughts into his mind:

"I am relieved you feel that way. Because...I feel we both should just leave this place and never look back. Why don't you come with me....and we can find a life better than this outside the walls of this city? You've been left behind by those who "love" you....I've seen it...and it hurts to see that. You deserve more than that....and I can give you that."

After reflecting such affectionate and dreamy thoughts into the Iramasha's consciousness, Saiko would close her plum eyes and rest her head against his and let out a soft sigh from her mouth. She wanted this moment to last forever as well, but there was no way such a thing could be in a place like this. In any second, at any moment; someone could ruin it all and blow their cover.

So, they needed to escape this city of coldness and find their own horizon and dawn of sunshine to claim for their own.

"Why...don't we just runaway? What have you got to lose...?"

With that last telepathic thought uttered with the softest of voices, Saiko would open her eyes once more and become filled with an admiring look. No longer caring about what happened next, she was living in the moment and wanted to seize it for all it was worth. So, she'd let the urges of her body and heart be known in a single action: a kiss upon Ash's left. It would be as if fire and ice were meshing each other in a union of heat and absolute cold.

Yet -- it would be so right. These two opposites attracted each other and there would be no separating them as far as The Void Enigma was concerned. Thus, as she pulled away, another smile crept across the lips of Saiko; but this time it was far more pleasant and seemed to be filled with -- life -- instead of death.

Thus, where things would go from here -- was all in the hands of Ash. Would he seek to runaway and risk it all, or stay in his current state of constrained, forgotten isolation? The choice was his to make and his alone.

Tue Feb 16, 2016 2:48 am

Artist: Homestuck OST - Song: Sweet Dreams Timaeus Extended - Word Count: 1229

This was a sight that made Ash feel all the more better, fell all the more safer, fell all the more content with himself. A smile, one adorning Saiko's lips to reveal the emotions she held inside of her. Just moments ago, he was almost in tears... But now? Saiko had smiled, had shown joy with the moment they shared, and even listened to what he had to say. Soon enough, to stop him from rambling and rambling, a finger was placed against his lips. It was Saiko's, and it let him know that she had heard enough that he no longer needed to stumble upon his own words to simply speak with her, that he no longer had to worry about saying the wrong or right thing.

He had been forgiven, and things were only going to turn for the better. The Iramasha's heart had been tried time and time again, strings plucked at by those around him... But Saiko was the first to actually restore a plucked, damaged string with a bit of her own energy, her own presence. Just Saiko being here let Ash know that the world wasn't such a cruel place... That the two of them, old enemies, could lay here with one another and ignore the world outside. It was a feeling that Ash could old on forever, a feeling that he could get used too. Even though he had longed for that feeling, he just... Something in his heart began to burn, and it was the commitment he had to others.

The words Saiko had just put into his mind... His entire body filled with emotions, a slight gasp heard as parted lips drew in a quick breath. She... He... They... She wasn't wrong... He had been left alone by them, and they soon almost forgot about him. He wasn't even sure at this point who his father had loved more, the Vanguard, or him. Hayden had just up and seemingly left him, while Selia was just a child who would forget about him if enough time passed. The thoughts of this all came crashing down upon him, and the escape that would be Saiko was an option that seemed to tug at him, to pull him closer to her own being... To have Warmth and Chill intertwine to create a happy medium between the two.

But something still tugged upon him, and it was the fact that... He was Azure's son. He couldn't just run away, it would cause too much trouble. It would show weakness in the Vanguard, it would lead to Azure freaking out and reacting harshly, it would lead to others attacking in this time of weakness... So much could go wrong, so many things could spiral out of control and lead to the death of many. Why... Why did he have to be born? Why did he have to be born into a world so cruel, where one had to sacrifice all that they loved to simply ensure the survival of others? That was all Ash had done... Give his heart out to those who would use it for as long as they needed, until tossing it away for the next being to take advantage of.

Despite the feelings of betrayal, Ash didn't hold any ill-will to them all. His heart was still pure, and would always find a way to love those around him. For the ones that didn't visit, they must have been too busy, and for his father... The shell of a man still had to recover on his own, and Ash was unable to help. It hurt, the pain of remembering that he couldn't even help his own father jabbed at his heart. There was so much to think about, so much to do, so much keeping a grasp upon him. If it were not for his ties already made from his heritage, he would have gladly given his entire essence, his whole being to Saiko Mori. The girl that had changed his life forever, simply through their battle.

His thoughts were further jumbled as another touch pressed against his forehead, the touch of Saiko's forehead against his own. It was sweet, and gentle. A feeling that he hadn't felt in a long while, as it was seldom Azure ever held him like before, or told him the things he wished to hear. The girl's eyes were closed, and soon, Ash's own would follow, letting him both think about what had been proposed, and to simply bask in the moment of this peace between the two of them. 'runaway...' Run away... There was so much that could be lost, but the most important being something that he had only just obtained, being something that would keep his shattered heart together, and sew back the pieces of his tattered mind.

The kiss Saiko had yearned for was taken away from her, as the boy jerked his own lips away, just slightly, leading to the two never meeting. Saiko could tell that he wasn't disgusted by her, but rather... Too emotional, his heart began to race as his mind was filled to the brim with horrible things that could happen. He may have wished the best for all, and only wanted the joy of the world to grow... But he was the Iramasha of Eldritch, beings that held no care for the minds of others, or the well-being of others. It always played a part in Ash's life, even in his mentality, often times bringing him to think of horrific things when it involved the ones he had grown attached too. There was so much that could go wrong, and Saiko could tell that Ash had a response, something that wouldn't be selfish... Well, perhaps a little bit.

The unison of heat and cold had remained in the form of their bodies touching, but it seemed the roles had been reversed. Saiko's cold, icy touch felt warm to the boy, as his own warm being felt barren and freezing. His face slowly began to scrunch up, lips quivering as his eyes had shut tighter than before. Tears, little drops of water began to flow from the corners of his eyelids and falling down his cheeks. He was crying, crying in front of Saiko, in front of the girl that had just brought him happiness moments ago...

"I could lose you... If... If I leave, they'll search for me... D-Dad... He'll search and search, e-even if the Vanguard is so important... And if they find us, h-he'll be mad at you... He might try to hurt you, people might try to hurt you. Saiko please... I-I want too run but I don't want to see you hurt. I-I want to be happy, but not if someone wishes to stop it. We... I-If we run... It has to be far.. Far, far away. A-A place where they can't find us a-and... A place where someone couldn't hurt us. I don't want to fight anymore... T-This is my resignation from the Vanguard, please... S-Saiko... I trust you."

Those words were almost difficult to say... But they held his heart within them. He had trusted her... And all he could do was trust that she would make the right move, fingers gently holding the back of her shirt tighter than before, head nuzzling against her own as their hold on one another only grew all the more intense...

Tue Feb 16, 2016 5:36 am

[PLEASE PLAY THE POSTING MUSIC FOR THIS POST IN THE YOUTUBE BAR]

Artist: Ozoi the Maid - Song: Abhorrence - Word Count: 1218

There was no doubt in the mind of Saiko that the consciousness of Ash was riddled with a cyclone of thought and contemplation from the question she delivered on to him. She could tell something was eating him up on the inside by the way he pulled and jerked away from her. With the gaze of her plum eyes set solely on The Iramasha, there was so much to view from his tense body language, the feeling of his beating heart and the redness behind his eyes from many nights where tears were shed in this tomb of isolation and toxicity. It made her all the more angry, but further determined to find an escape for both herself -- and this boy.

So, as his warmth flowed inward into her, The Void Enigma felt life beat into her for the first time in so many years and she wanted to hold, cherish it and cling to it for as long as she possibly could. Therefore, in response to this desire, a violet shade of energy overflowed the two of them and sought to bring new energy into the body of Ash. Saiko wished for him to become empowered for this trip they were going to venture on, as there was no doubt in her mind that it was going to be perilous.

However, there wasn't going to be any reward without risk. If it should come to it, she was already prepared to throw away her own life. So, from that suicidal view, how far away was the line of logic drawn from sacrificing herself for another if she was ready to end her own existence? Not much. Especially when one is filled with unbridled emotion, unsteady psyche and adrenaline. Living in the moment was her high for now and she wanted to attach herself to it for as long as possible to runaway from her own demons.

Which is why she would then further comfort Ash and wipe away his tears. After which, she would pull him deeper into herself and allow him to cry his sorrows out in her chest. It was going to be okay, even if Saiko didn't feel it would be, she had to project that feeling to comfort the one she admired. It is why she would then pat and caress the hair of the male as he started sobbing and speaking such sweet words to her. Even in this moment, he was far too concerned about her and that altruistic spirit of his only drew The Void Enigma in closer to the Iramasha.

Ergo, from this scene unfolding before her eyes, Saiko understood that her plan needed to be airtight in order to ensure the utmost of safety for the both of them. Even if she didn't give a damn about her own life, she didn't want Ash to end up dead or hurt because of her own neglect. Thus, in response to these whims, strings of darkness started to overflow from the orchid miasma of The Void Enigma's energy. In doing so, she had it influenced a piece of paper nearby, levitated it towards their direction and started writing in black ink.

At least -- that is what it originally looked like. Instead, the influence of demon blood within her was going to work and infusing it's magic into the sheet of paper to produce the feelings of Ash's heart on to the page. Thus, on this note of satanic magic, there would would be a recording of Ash's resignation from the Vanguard. As, whomever would find it, would hear the voice of Ash pleading to read away and asking Azure not to search for them. He was going far away, and he wasn't mad at them, but that he needed to get away from this environment and find himself.

Hopefully, it would be enough to keep the heat off of them and she'd cover it to make the whole night appear as if The Iramasha had set this whole escapade up. As, when it was finished, Saiko would place it on his bedside, stand up and pick the body of Ash in her arms. With a gentle look given, she'd nod her head and take his concerns into mind as she could tell the boy was worried sick.

Therefore, the four corners of her mind started to crack and break open once more to bridge another line of telepathic communication to the male's consciousness:

"That's a risk we'll have to take. You are free to leave my side at whatever moment you deem fit. I won't have you hurt or killed for as long as my power can manage, but I can't promise that."

Nudging her head towards the direction where the note was placed, Saiko went on to explain the purpose behind that:

"And do not worry about your father. I will leave that note for him to read. If it doesn't work, just know I am wanted by many people and adding another to that list doesn't scare me more than I already am."

Which was true. Being caught up in all this excitement and emotion caused her to nearly forget it. So, in that moment, a crushing wave of dread overfilled her body as if Saiko had received news she had terminal cancer. However, in the sight of Ash, she could grin and bare as she felt the alluring grip of his light influencing her.

Thus, to not find herself lost in further needless thought, The Void Enigma charted their course and started arranging plans for them to escape -- to Demon World.

"We are going to flee to the outlands of Demon World for now. I'm certain that they won't seek us out there. There is little connecting them to me and we can lose them. Once there, I'll take you to one of my homes and treat your wounds. I'll make you better, I promise...."

The words were so sweet and tender that seeped into the mind of Ash. As, in that space in time, there was a look of absolute concern and worry across her face. Saiko knew she was going to have her hands full, but she was going to make this work somehow and she had the resources to. Therefore, without waiting any longer, the prowess of the Archduchess would open the window of the hospital room and a small vortex of black energy would open before them.

Beyond it's grasp? The depths of Demon World. This single action was going to throw both of their lives into an unknown abyss, but it had to better than the hell either of them were living up to this point. So, with Ash clung to her chest, Saiko would seek to kiss him one more time and take a deep breath before falling to the wormhole

"...I will not fail you....because my heart is yours."

And with that, the chapter on this story would close and the runaway of The Void Enigma and The Eldritch would begin in passion and escapism.

Wed Feb 17, 2016 2:37 am

Artist: Krewella - Song: Can't Control Myself (Candyland Remix) - Word Count: 1244

So many feelings, so many emotions whirled about in the troubled heart of Ash. How was one being supposed to handle so many thoughts and feelings such as this? How was a single boy going to survive the stress that had been put upon him from his heritage to his powers? The answer was a simple one, an answer that would resonate with him for the rest of his lifetime. He had to take refuge in another, a being that wasn't him. Someone who could love as much as he could, and that person was right here, in front of him. The being that had confined him to this bed would be the one to free him from his life, the one tho finally show him all that he had been missing out of life. Saiko had stolen his heart as much as she had stolen his own.

His life had expanded outwards to all that could grasp at it, and hold it for their own... But this love was a new one, one that had churned the waters of his soul to match the tune of Saiko's own. Yin and Yang, sorrow and joy, peace and chaos... These two energies needed one another in order to survive, and that was what was needed at this moment. Saiko may have felt for ages that she was only filled with torment, anger, and regret... But in the negative emotions that tossed about her very being, she had love. Love that would be enough for Ash to cling unto, to have someone to trust, someone to truly give his all for, rather than only his heart. His mind, body, and soul could all be Saiko's with a single tug of her finger, a gentle pull upon his being.

The tears of worry that coursed through Ash's eyes were soon quenched, a cold finger gently wiping them away and grazing along the smooth flesh of his cheek. Eyes had struggled to open once more, as they stared into the violet eyes of Saiko, the girl that might just show him what it meant to truly live, rather than simply survive. His words had been from the deepest parts of his heart, just as he was pulled closer to Saiko's own. Bodies were pressed against one another, arms left to pull eachother into a tighter embrace to allow the two beings to intertwine. Yin and Yang... It truly looked like this at the moment, for any who had observed. The powerful energies of Saiko had been resting against the calmer, gentle presence of the son of Azure.

Ash was able to feel what Saiko was doing, her energy reaching outwards towards the note to leave something behind... To leave something behind as closure, as to not bring a panic. Ash's heart began to only throb further and further, the emotions spurred to action by both Saiko and the thought of leaving his father bringing him to a state of excitement. His tears continued to flow, but as time passed... The more his mind had begun to whisper that this was for the best, that all of this would be worth it... That with a letter left behind, a notice of his departure, he could enjoy life and wouldn't ever have to see another soul be harmed in front of him once again. Sniffles of sorrow and worry soon began to fade away, Ash pulled his head back just enough to gaze towards Saiko's own once more... This woman, she... She really had his heart looped around her own at this moment, everything that had happened between the two had only led to his pure heart yearning for something that it had never felt before.

His frail, thin body was lifted up by the firm, gentle... Caring grasp of Saiko. With the patient's gown being all that he wore, he felt all the more vulnerable... And that was what excited him all the more. His heart was only left to burst with the actions of both Saiko and himself, of love and fear, of excitement and anxiety, of yin and yang. His own soft body was only left to press against Saiko's own as much as he could, he found comfort in her touch, and found peace with her. His worries of being forgotten were all but abolished, his fears of being forced to fight another war demolished for as long as Saiko remained near him. All that he cared about right now was the future, and the future seemed dim, oh so dim... But the small light that would make it all worth it was the woman that would steal him away in the night.

With each of the thoughts whispered into his mind, his mind was left to further question.... If the roles were reversed, would Ash be able to protect Saiko? Would he be able to help against those that had chased her? Those that had led her to this very moment, rushing in to try and take him away before others would notice? Perhaps not... But he knew one thing for certain, he wouldn't leave her. The thought of abandoning her was something that was violently tossed away from his mind. If they were to be in danger, it would be together. Saiko had been through enough already, she couldn't be left alone once more... She's had so much happen, that this was the least Ash could do for her, along with all the acts that would happen between the two in the future... If they could even reach their destination safely.

The demon's domain... A place Ash has never been too. All that he could think of what a palce similar to the Iramasha's land, varying in how the locations looked, all correlating to those who had lived there. Just what would the trip be like? Would there be new beings met along the way? Or would the two of them be entrusted to one another for the entirety of the trek, only left with each other's company...? No matter the situation, Ash wasn't going to back down, not now, not ever. Every throb of his heart only further signified that this was the right action to take, that this was the right thing to do. Doubts and worries still tugged upon the back of his mind, trying to shake his determination... But it was no use. The Iramasha had always listened to one thing, and it was his heart, the source of his love... And his love said to run away with Saiko, and stay that way.

Eyes as blue as the ocean stared into Saiko's, the two of them nearing as a kiss was shared between the two troubled beings. The world almost stopped for Ash, as his eyes had slowly closed themselves for the moment. This was his first kiss... No, his second, for Saiko had stolen the first, and with it, his heart. The soft touch of his own meeting Saiko's would be something that he would savour for as long as he lived, something to remind him of this night for the rest of his life, no matter how short of long it ended up being. He trusted himself fully to yang to his yin... Body pressing itself further into her own, fingers further grasping the back of her shirt as toes curled, cheeks reddening just faintly from the entire scenario.

'Please... Please don't leave me... You've already stolen me... Please don't leave my heart behind Saiko...'

Searching For Nothing In Something [Open; But Ask Please] [Game/Frost]

Searching For Nothing In Something [Open; But Ask Please] [Game/Frost]

Re: Searching For Nothing In Something [Open; But Ask Please] [Game/Frost]

Re: Searching For Nothing In Something [Open; But Ask Please] [Game/Frost]

Re: Searching For Nothing In Something [Open; But Ask Please] [Game/Frost]

Re: Searching For Nothing In Something [Open; But Ask Please] [Game/Frost]

Re: Searching For Nothing In Something [Open; But Ask Please] [Game/Frost]

Re: Searching For Nothing In Something [Open; But Ask Please] [Game/Frost]

Re: Searching For Nothing In Something [Open; But Ask Please] [Game/Frost]

Re: Searching For Nothing In Something [Open; But Ask Please] [Game/Frost]