hadriel_logs | Found My Faith Living In Sin

Entry tags:

atem,
ikaruga

Found My Faith Living In Sin

Who: Yukari and OTA (+1 closed)
What: The war with the Null
Where: Around Hadriel + the Substitute Clinic
When: November 25th through December 12th
Warnings: Blood mostly? Nothing special. Will update as needed.

[ OTA ]

Yukari's orders are simple - Protect the populace, incapacitate the uncooperative as needed, and don't die.

With that in mind, he's hesitantly left Curufin to fulfill his King's orders. Curufin should be alright after all... Or so he can only hope.

To take his mind off of the matter, he can be found actually helping out around the city, using his Colourless Aura to create barriers and shields to help those that need defending. To which he will quickly bark at them, "It will only hold for so long. Get out of here, now."

Otherwise, he will be quick to make attacks on the Null and doing his best to destroy their frames and motherboards as quickly as possible. Which, with their quick assessment and adjustment skills, gets more and more difficult each time. It isn't too terribly long before he's covered in dirt, blood (although not necessarily his own), and superficial scratches.

Perhaps you recognise him from the Network, when he promised the Null to kill everyone on the list to just spare one person. Perhaps you're petty enough to call him out on it at this time, or perhaps hope to trip him up so that he'll die in this war for the cruelty of hurting Atem and killing Prussia.

Or, perhaps you see him as a source, since he seems to have done a 180 in his original plans. After all, he's not allowed to kill anyone anymore. So, perhaps you choose to ask him for help. He won't offer, but he'll effort if you ask.

Or, perhaps you even choose to help him out, and start attacking the Null with him. Just don't be a reliability and you two should get along fine. If you turn out to be too much trouble, he will move to incapacitate you. Hey, a few distinct injuries are not breaking the rules. So, if you don't want to end up in the clinic, you might want to make sure you can handle yourself before jumping in to help him.

[ Atem ]

The longer the war goes on, the more reckless Yukari is becoming. He'd had the opportunity a few times to observe Curufin from afar, just to make sure he was doing alright. Just to keep an eye on him and see if he needed to jump in to rescue him from the claws of death. But other than that, he's been following through with his orders, rescuing who he can. And the constant need to run himself into the ground just so he can keep his mind from the worst case scenario is finally starting to take its toll on him.

Between using his Auras and staying on top of his swordsman skills, he finally looks as worn out as he feels. Even if he's fighting not to show it. Each time one of his barriers is hit, he winces, and they last a little shorter of a time than they did before, giving the people in need of protection less time to run before it disipates. And he's being careful not to let it shatter.

But one of his barriers fails to erect when he summons it against a Null's weapon and he narrowly dodges back from it, breathing heavy. If he doesn't have the energy to continue using his Auras, he's just going to have to resort to footwork.

But, of course, if one is exhausted, the rest of him tends to be. So just defending himself is proving to be a chore, much less killing the Null he's currently up against. And so, he falters. A move for an overhead strike, and he doesn't see the weapon heading for the lower half of him. And a strike hits the back of his right leg, causing him to collapse.

Well, he definitely wasn't expecting that, and the Null is moving in to finish the job.

[ Subsitute Clinic, after Dec. 2 - OTA ]

Because Yukari had ignored the injury on his leg, and had jumped in front of Curufin to save him from a blow, Yukari was now.... stuck in the substitute clinic.

Honestly, he's lucky to be alive. The gash acrost his chest was large. So, stitches and bandages it was for the mercenary, after Curufin had carried him here. And his leg got properly treated as well.

Yukari has a high pain tolerance, but even this hurts him when he tries to stand up and move freely. Try as he might to try and rush back into the fray, he's nowhere near stable enough to do so. And seeing his torn jacket and shirt and the chair nearby only makes him sigh. No amount of stitching is going to make those suitable to wear again.

He hates this. Clearly. His face is not even remotely amused by the fact that he's stuck here. His eyes are often narrowed and he just... wants out. He's got a duty to fulfill after all, and a promise that came before those orders.

But still. At least he was able to protect Curufin. He saved him after all. That much he can be grateful for.

Though that certainly won't stop anyone who wants to come visit him, be it for poetic justice or otherwise, however the public eye views him (which we all know probably isn't good right now, let's be honest.) Feel free to swing by and chew him out, mock him, or whatever else you would like to do to him. He's not allowed to kill you, even if he wasn't injured to the point of being bedridden. So have at.

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There is something that moves too fast for the naked eye to see, something serpentine looking that gets between the Null and Yukari before it's too late. It hurts itself against the Null and while the figure fends against the it, there is someone — small, lean — who hauls Yukari up. It is not too hard to realize who that is when he speaks.

"Yukari! What did I tell you?!"

Yukari actually lets out a sigh of relief when Atem hoists him up, before releasing an airy (yet visibly tense) chuckle.

"Well, not to die, of course." Which... he hasn't actually failed that order yet. "You're stronger than I had anticipated. However, shouldn't you be allowing your vassal to protect you, your Majesty? Rather than the other way around."

Still, in favour of his leg, he finds himself relying a bit on Atem for that support.

Atem does not mind at all that Yukari leans on him, he might be a little too short to be grand support, but he does what he can, he keeps a firm grasp on the man anyway, trying to lead him away from the fight between his little God and the Null. It is visible now, there is a dragon, the size of a car, maybe, doing what it can against the inorganics, it's not much, but at least he can stop them with his electric based attacks, he stuns them enough to be able to then charge at them, bite, scratch and maim through and get to their core.

"I have enough protection."

Yukari does his best to keep up with Atem's pace which... he actually manages to do remarkably well, despite his pain. High pain tolerances are good things, in this case. He'll worry about the excess of blood and damage later.

"Forgive me, your Majesty, but given the damage I've been able to deal you in the past, are you certain you are as well protected as you say? Or is it just a front? Not that your companion isn't impressive."

The remark earns Yukari a glare, his apparent worry shouldn't be surprising, and yet, it doesn't make Atem too happy, really.

"I did not have this kind of power before. If I had... you wouldn't have been so lucky."

"Of course. I shall consider myself lucky, then."

When they're a good distance away from the immediate danger, Yukari tries to release himself from Atem. Even if he is favouring his leg, he stands tall. Yet, he gives a heavy breath.

"Thank you, your Majesty. But I have a duty to fulfill to you. Rest assured, I have no intention of dying. There are others I must protect. Others that perhaps you should aid with your abilities while I fight off as many of the Null as I can."

It takes a bit of an effort, but he bows at his waist, his free hand over his chest.

"I shall not fail you, my King."

The young man is actually taken aback for a moment when Yukari stops supporting on him.

"Don't be a fool... You cannot fight with that leg."

"And what else would you propose I do? I'm afraid you don't have very many options otherwise. I can still handle myself."

A sigh. Maybe he should level with Atem after all.

"I am still following your orders, but I'm doing it for myself, too. Atem-sama, please allow me to remain on the battlefield, so that I can watch Curufin-sama and be by his side if he should need me."

Atem stares at Yukari for a brief moment, then he glances behind them, they cannot have that conversation here, not even if the Null that had cornered the man before has been defeated.

They'd probably be fine there before having to move out again.

He gives him a sharp nod.

"Fine." At least he could trust Curufin would make him rest if he needed it. "Keep him safe."

Yukari bows a bit, as much as he is able to without losing his balance from his injured leg.

"Thank you. I most certainly indebted to you."

A pause.

"I will get myself tended to first. You were at least correct enough - I can't fight with my leg like this. I need to at least be treated to continue."

A frustrating truth, but even Yukari knows he will be useless if his leg isn't at least stitched back up. The rest he can probably tolerate.

Atem shakes his head slightly... What is he going to do with this guy? All of these mixed feelings keep piling on him. He should hate Yukari, right? Then why is he worried about him?

"Tch... Come on." He grabs Yukari's wrist and pulls him towards the closests building entrance he can find just to get a bit of shelter from the immediate danger.

The boy takes off his jacket, as quickly as he can and with some effort he rips off the sleeve, He kneels before the other on a knee and attempts to make a tourniquet around his leg.

"I'll take you to the springs, just... Whatever." He doesn't need to explain.

Well, that wasn't quite what he was expecting. He'd said it in the hopes that it would ease Atem's worry, in case the Pharaoh changed his mind. But, apparently it had spurred the opposite. That's... huh. Yukari can usually read people better than that. Maybe the injury has clouded that judgement. But then. He's also exceptionally used to being hated, and left to his own devices.

That's what it really is. Atem made an unfamiliar call, and it feels strange. And he just... kind of watches Atem with a sense of uncertainty as he bandages his leg. And then gives a nod when Atem says he'll take him to the springs.

He's really not sure what next to expect, so he's just going to listen and follow along for a moment. It's better than arguing, anyway. After he's taken care of, he needs to get back to the battlefield right away.

"Thank you. I suppose." His voice shows his uncertainty regarding Atem's sudden act of kindness.

"There is nothing to thank me about..." He says once he's done and stands back again.

The small dragon that fought the Null earlier, joins them in that moment, hovering protectively over the two.

"Come on." He offers a shoulder to lean on. "You owe me a jacket, by the way."

Yukari can't help but chuff a bit of a chuckle at that. Atem seems as stubborn over Yukari's expressions as ever. Not that it actually bothers him.

"But of course. If you prefer, I can make you one by hand. I am a talent at stitching, after all."

He's actually sincere about that, too, Atem. He observes the dragon briefly before accepting that shoulder.

"But really. I do thank you." If Curufin knew, he might try to make Yukari sit the rest of the war out. And he doesn't want that. "Just... one more thing on that. If you see him, please don't tell him I'm hurt."

"A jack of all trades, huh?" That could come in handy... Not that his mind is set on the jacket or the sewing at all, just a thing for later, he supposes.

But wait, hadn't he said he'd be protect Cururin?

"He doesn't know you're watching him, does he?"

"Certainly. Beauty is maintained by several standards, and what better way to keep oneself maintained and proper than by learning how to do your own repairs and designs? It certainly comes in handy when you have a sudden lack in options."

Yukari's eyebrows raise up just slightly at the question.

"Not at the present time, no."

Yukari offers a wink and brings his free hand up to press a finger to his lips.

"It'll be our secret, okay? I'm counting on you."

That's a little different from what he had been expecting from Yukari. Atem could simply not honor that request, it sounds ridiculous to be protecting someone without them knowing.

"By the gods, you're a handful but... fine. He will not hear it from me." He might sound a little more than diverted than serious. Off they go now, to the springs.

Ikaruga truly wasn't sure of Yukari's intentions until like her, he turned on the Null. She has no idea if he was playing double agent like she was, or if he'd been sincere in his intentions at the time. There was a reason she'd offered right at the beginning of the attack to guard the group from behind. It gave her a chance to watch and wait to see who did what, while seemingly being helpful. Right up until she held Delight off in order to protect Hope, anyhow. She's proud to say she even did damage to the goddess known for being the most effective in direct combat. Part of her wishes she could have followed to continue their battle, but keeping the Null from killing Hope took precedence.

When she sees Yukari fighting, she jumps into the fray near him, slicing through a Null's processor tidily.

"Did you ever intend on siding with the Null?" she inquires conversationally. "Or was it a ruse the entire time?"

Her tone isn't judgemental. After all, she put on a convincing enough act to get people who know her to privately approach her to question her about her intentions. It's simply something she's curious about, and she's found that a little conversation during battle can help to keep her grounded.

Yukari can't be sure if he's grateful for the bit of relief Ikaruga's skill provides, or frustrated because he was using his battles as a distraction from himself. Still, he'll accept it. He has to be alive for Curufin, if he needs to save him in an instant.

Though, Ikaruga's question captures his attention. Unexpected to say the least, that someone would actually ask for his motives. He had thought that he made himself perfectly clear over the Network.

"I was sincere when I chose to side with the Null. However, I terminated that contract." Yukari strikes deeply into the side of one of the opponents, sending a large shock to its core. He chuffs a somewhat tired laugh. "Suffice it to say that I was wrong."

And he'll spend the rest of his life fighting to make it up to Curufin, if that's what it takes. Ikaruga might catch a glimmer of a grimace from Yukari, a faint flicker of the pain he now carries after that whole affair. But it's gone just as quickly.

"I can't say I trust myself to not choose destruction over salvation in the future, to not throw everything away. I don't trust myself to not hurt him again. So I entrusted my skills to someone else, permanently, to prevent that. And so, here I am, on behalf of my orders from my King."

Because Yukari doesn't care about others, not to the extent that they wouldn't be indispensible if he so desired. He certainly can't say that he feels any form of regret for harming those two. The only exception to that rule is Curufin. And that's where his regret stems - from hurting the Elf, time and again. And hurting himself in that process.

Yukari tries to shoot Ikaruga a sly smirk, but in reality, it's probably tired, more burdened.

"Why? Would you happen to be here for vengeance against those I did harm? Atem-sama and Gilbert-chan. To hear my statement before deciding to declare the defendant guilty? If that's the case, I would suggest that you at least wait until the end of this war. However long it takes."

"I am neither here for vengeance or to pass down judgement," she replies simply, slicing through a Null's processor with one tidy cut. "Why would I? I killed in order to get one of the Null weapons, too. Granted, I had always planned on betraying the Null."

She's friends with Curufin, which played a role in her decision to talk to Yukari now. That, and she's been involved in a similar line of work for so long that she's not going to judge him quite so quickly or as harshly. She finds it absurd how quickly some people are to judge others around here while not being morally clean themselves. If she's going to judge Yukari on anything, it's in the poor judgement he showed rather than for him killing.

"Fighting beings that make even gods afraid? That is a worthwhile fight."

She cuts through another just as tidily and quickly as the first.

"Who is your King, if I may ask?"

"I suppose you're right, being able to test that strength can be rather beautiful."

Yukari uses his Colourless Aura to deflect a blow and then follows through with an upward strike to destroy a Null's middle.

And then he chuffs a chuckle.

"Still, assuredly no one would blame you for passing judgement on me. It has been no different in this world nor my previous one, if you're concerned of sparing me such turmoil. It does not affect me in any way."

Honestly, he prefers to be seen as a monster. He doesn't understand why anyone would view him otherwise. Not even Curufin. But Curufin is the only one he allows past that radar. Even his current King views him as a monster, he's certain.

"Atem-sama, himself, is the one I have anointed as my new King." If only in the hope that it will keep Yukari on the straight and narrow. "He's rather unlike my former Kings, a zero-tolerance policy on betrayal. So he shall be interesting to follow, so long as it benefits me."

"It's less an issue of sparing you turmoil and more that I endeavour to avoid hypocrisy," says Ikaruga, gracefully cutting through two more Null. Her own body count is quite high, and she'd initially bonded with Tyki over battle. She's hardly going to judge Yukari for the act of killing. She'd be judging him a little if he went after one of the children on the Null's hit list, especially if he went for one of the noncombatants. As it was, he'd gone for people capable of defending themselves.

It's interesting that he's picked one of the people he killed, and she wonders what prompted that change of heart.

"I must admit, it's surprising to imagine any King having anything less than a zero-tolerance policy on betrayal. In many countries, treason is punishable by death."

Although it's not exactly easy to enforce here, when people can be brought back from the dead within a matter of weeks, even days.

"What did Atem do to earn your loyalty?"

"Well, then, I must say there aren't many like you. I will consider it an honour, then, to fight along someone with much more beautiful standards than most in this world."

And he can't help but chuckle a bit at the statement on treason, slicing down Null here and there with the occasional Colourless Aura to form a barrier from an attack.

"Well, my first King was more as the father I never had, and he raised me as such. He also had the gift of Clairvoyance, as the Colourless King, and seemed to be able to predict which path would have the most harmonious selections. I certainly have no doubt that he also saw the day I would oppose him. He gifted me the sword I now wield, as a gift in our parting of ways. He knew.

"As for my second King, he knew the sort of person I am as well. I don't suppose he expected me to remain loyal to the end, but I wanted to see the world he dreamt of brought to reality. His death was the means of my departure. My third King rather seemed to shrug when I left to follow another ideal. And I wandered in search of a new King, to match my ideals, ever since.

Honestly, the selections of the people of this world are particularly disappointing. Not one was enticing enough to keep my attention. And then the Null posted their list, and that was when I found Atem-sama idly wandering around the city. So, of course, I attacked, with the intention of making him my only victim in this. His skills are rather lacking in the combat department, actually. And, while I am against the prospect of bullying, I did have my duty to fulfill.

"Well, imagine my surprise when he revealed that he hid something beautiful. There was a true fire, a passion in his eyes, to not fall to his death against me. The very will to continue fighting against me even though I had pierced cleanly into his shoulder. He attacked me and struck my side. And I saw that very same fire when I was resurrected in Hope-chan's Temple, where he awaited my return."

A brief pause, and Yukari stares for a moment at one of the Null corpses before him.

"And, if it wasn't for him, I probably would have never faced Curufin-sama ever again. It is both because of Atem-sama's passion, and my desire to never hurt Curufin-sama again that I swore my allegiance to him. In the hopes that he would prevent me from that Chaos any further. There's a difference, a rather vast one, in the way Atem-sama carries his ideals. It is not merely a blind belief in harmony, but a sincerity in his truth. And so, maybe it will be enough to keep me from straying from my King this time."

He can certainly only hope so.

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Found My Faith Living In Sin

30th-ish

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First prompt

Yay!

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