[ His smile remains steady, even as he cleanly rejects that last 'sorry': ]
I wasn't aware you did anything that merits an apology.
[ The tone and cadence of his voice remain light and breezy, keeping the admonishment gentle, but the hard focus of his gaze is obvious even past the shadow cast by his mask. He won't be budging on that point.
There's a tacit agreement here, which he hopes Megumi understands -- he accepted the request not as an individual, but as a Knight and a professional, willing to act without remorse if necessary. If he ends up dwelling on this (which he will), that's his own responsibility, not Megumi's.
He gently plucks his grimoire out of the air and closes it, the soft thump signifying the end of that conversation. And as he stows it away at his belt once more, he gives a thoughtful hum, soft and light. ]
But your abilities really are quite astounding. I noticed you arrived here on a different companion, as well -- some manner of bird?
[ the grimoire snaps shut with finality, and the air around them shifts. it doesn't quite become easier to breathe, but Megumi rolls his shoulders and tips his chin to the sky, breaking his focus from Vangeance and his calm to acclimate his attention to the rolling faded-grey of the clouds above him.
perspective. a moment to reorient. a held exhale, silent through his teeth.
the world is still turning. Megumi casts his gaze back down again, and answers the question. ]
You could say that. [ up goes his hands, thumbs hooked and fingers cupped. his shadow extends behind him in the shape of that winged beast, and it rears up to settle primly by Megumi's side. obedient, in every sense of the word.
he rests his palm on the flat of Nue's head. the touch is gentle. ] ―Which reminds me. Has this place affected your abilities in any way?
[ Vangeance gives a small start when that creature(?) comes lurching out of Megumi's shadow. It truly seems convenient, being able to summon familiars like this in an instant, and he tries very hard not to think about the caveat that Megumi had explained -- that Megumi must have exorcised these beasts before.
He's still glancing Nue over, head canted curiously, when that question gets him to look up. ]
... no, I don't believe my magic's been affected.
[ That said, he approaches a half-step, hand slightly raised. Meeting Megumi's gaze to ask for permission to touch Nue. The dog from before had more closely resembled a regular animal, but this one's mask makes it a little less approachable, and he's not sure if it would be wise to make contact without approval. ]
I haven't had reason to cast any larger spells yet, but my usual spells seem to be working normally. Have your abilities been affected?
[ admittedly, there's something a little disarming about how everyone wants to seem to touch his shikigami. the argument that they're not pets has been discarded a long time ago; it's pointless to try to change that perspective when no one seems to take it to heart.
they're precious to him, though. Megumi's shikigami. precisely because he's had to put his life on the line to keep them. there's no amount of apprehension to how he gently nudges Nue over to Vangeance ("you can go"), but there's affection in how he combs his fingers over the bird-creature's fur. ]
Not as far as I can tell.
[ Nue cranes forward, its gold eyes set on Vangeance, unblinking. ] —But I've heard that abilities and magic that manifest as an extension of you can be corrupted, so. [ Megumi thinks back to Vangeance and his powers, to how they left that small healing tree unattended after the flood. technically, that tree is still a living thing... right? ]
[ Regardless of what exactly this creature is, Megumi obviously harbors a lot of fondness for it, so Vangeance treats it with the appropriate level of respect. He meets that steady gaze with a small nod before kneeling down and carefully extending a hand to touch at one of its wings.
It gives him an excuse to be silent for a moment and mull over his answer. ]
My magic probably doesn't count as an extension of myself. [ He'll start with this. Something nice and easy and not at all a secret. ] Mine is the control of mana -- energy that exists within all individuals, and in the atmosphere. Mages expend and manipulate mana in different ways, but because it's the same energy that exists everywhere, I don't think it counts as 'a part of us.' Much like you wouldn't count the air you breathe a part of yourself.
[ He's been gently petting at Nue's wing, running his fingers lightly down those long feathers, but slowly stills his hands. Vangeance pauses, and it's only the slightly distant look in his eyes that gives away any hesitation. Then, finally, he continues lightly, in a completely different direction: ]
-- you live in the same house as Natori, don't you? [ He looks up to gauge Megumi's reaction. ] I visited to speak with him a little while ago, and noticed it was the same place you live. Do you speak with him often?
[ Nue is static under Vangeance's palm: warm and tangible, with a faint undercurrent of something that simmers, like the shift of shadows at dusk. it remains compliant to the touch, but not in the restless way that a conventional beast is likely to be.
Megumi listens from behind his shikigami, slotting important details about Vangeance into place. he can, at the very least, cross off secondhand possessions from the man's list of concerns— if the magic he uses isn't inextricably tied to his own lifeforce, then there's less risk of Vangeance catching something unwittingly. good to know.
the pause and the addendum is a little out of left field, though. curiosity angles Megumi's head; one brow raises slightly, and it's evident that he's trying to connect the dots. ]
Yeah, I live with him. [ damn, Natori really gets around... a beat here, on his own part. ] If you're trying to ask me if he's talked to me about you, he hasn't.
[ blunt. Megumi harbors no illusions about the people around him: living in close quarters doesn't mean that they'll confide in him, and vice versa. ]
[ Vangeance blinks at that, then smiles, exhaling softly. How blunt. And guarded. Maybe a little too guarded. ]
He's not the type to gossip needlessly, is he. [ Even if he seems chatty and friendly, Natori does seem to have a shrewder side. Not the type to mindlessly give away information about other people. ] I do think there's a difference between sharing useful information and gossiping, but ... hm.
[ There's another thoughtful pause as he watches Nue's movements, admiring it absently while considering how to approach this.
He'd assumed Natori and Megumi had spoken about the former's inability to access his shiki, especially given the way both of them relied on summons. But given the way Megumi had responded ... is there a chance it's something Natori would be hesitant to disclose? A stain on his reputation, by some chance? Or too personally painful? Maybe. And it'd be remiss of him to discuss something Natori hasn't brought up himself. Then -- ]
Well, that aside, [ Alright. He'll take the fall and just show his cards. It's ... fine, he supposes. At least, it's preferable to the distrust that would occur if somehow Megumi and Natori end up talking and it comes up that he's been hiding information. He doesn't want to damage the little trust he's built up so far, not over this. Vangeance doesn't look up as he continues, quietly, ] It's not my magic, but I have been affected by this place, and he was helping me try to figure it out. I have a companion of sorts, who's been bound. Placed in a deep sleep.
[ Megumi wasn't fishing: if there's one stance he's maintained over the years, it's that he won't push for information until it's given to him. he's no longer the jaded middle-schooler that believed that equilibrium is built on distance, that humans can only cohabitate if they agree to be as inoffensive to each other as possible, but old habits will die hard, and die in agony.
Natori and Vangeance fall under the grand umbrella of "knows a lot, but will only disclose if and when they absolutely have to". this is nothing new for him. Megumi has never been the type to try to force openness from others.
so. it's not exactly surprise that flits across his face when Vangeance does twist the key in that proverbial padlock: it's a combination of wariness (why?) and attentiveness. ]
—Your version of a shikigami?
[ 'companion'. something closer to Natori's shikigami than his own, maybe: humanoids with slightly more agency than his own beasts? hm.
Megumi doesn't interrupt further. he's giving Vangeance space to explain. ]
It's hard to say without knowing exactly how your shikigami are defined but ... he's my spiritual companion. Nothing to do with my magic, and not an entity used for combat. [ He forces himself to keep his voice calm and level, like he always does. And for the most part, he manages to mask the gravity of what he's talking about. Like he really is talking about 'just' a companion. ] Apparently, it would have posed a special risk if I were to be possessed with my companion intact. And so, to minimize that risk, he was bound.
[ A pause, and he sighs before getting back to his feet. ]
I know you only asked about my magic, [ and it obviously isn't a pleasant subject to discuss ] but ... it felt like relevant information. In case you were considering other ways this place might have affected you.
[ Because Megumi is right -- Vangeance isn't the type to frivolously dispense information about himself. But he's willing to relent to a certain degree if it might be useful for others. ]
[ silence. it hangs, and the shape of it isn't as awkward as it is careful; considering, weighing each piece of Vangeance's personal puzzle and picking out the significance of them. putting corners in place, building the outer perimeters of a larger picture.
a non-combatant spirit locked in someone else's body. truth be told, it doesn't sound pleasant: it doesn't seem like anything good would come out of housing another entity in your subconscious, and it seems like it would've been something artificially-induced. people aren't innately born with two distinct personalities, after all.
(or maybe he's projecting. Megumi quashes that personal association before it can take shape). ]
—This island had some sort of reason to believe that the spirit inside of you could break the balance in this place?
[ thinking out loud; Vangeance literally just said that his companion isn't a fighter, but it seems strange that Admin would cripple a harmless entity.
a deep breath, and Megumi tips his chin back up from where he'd been loosely hanging his head in thought. at the end of the day, what they don't know, they don't know— Vangeance has likely thought about this more deeply than he has (it's his business, after all), and if he hasn't come to a conclusion, then Megumi won't, either. at least, not immediately.
so: ] ...Anyway. You're okay? [ being without that spiritual companion doesn't like. hurt him, right? ]
Not mine specifically. It seems anything with its own consciousness poses a risk and must have restrictions placed on it. Or at least, that is the Administrator's logic.
[ He smooths out the folds of his robe as he speaks. With his head ducked like that, it lets him take a moment to exhale slowly, fighting the painful pang in his chest and forcing himself calm. Because Megumi is someone he'd really rather hide the full truth from.
So when he's faced by that question, Vangeance just regards Megumi quietly for a moment, seeming to think the matter over, before smiling gently. Perfectly composed and warm and polished, like the Grand Magic Knight he is. ]
It's unpleasant but acceptable. And it hasn't caused my companion any harm, either. So you've no need to worry.
[ He really does a good job of sounding serene, because this sort of deception is second nature for him.
Though he does pause afterward, as if recalling something. Moving onto the next subject swiftly and (maybe a little too) smoothly: ]
Ah, but. Perhaps I should tell you this, in case it might be necessary in the future. [ He tugs aside the drape of his cloak, turning a little to touch at the pouch at the back of his belt containing his grimoire. ] If I'm ever possessed, it would help to take this away from me. I'm unable to cast complex spells without it. I imagine I'll be much easier to incapacitate that way.
[ there's no reason for Megumi to doubt Vangeance's poise, the way he warms and settles into his smile with all the practice of someone who's made it a habit to project a certain version of himself at all times. "you've no need to worry", he says, and the words are convincing. powerful, in its confidence. as if there's really nothing to consider beyond what Vangeance promises.
after all, the masked man makes a concession. he admits that it's unpleasant, and Megumi is inclined to believe that, at least. even if it's not the entire truth. even if strong people prop themselves up in these halves and build their foundations on top of them.
Megumi doesn't believe the smile, but he accepts it. ]
If it starts feeling strange [ he suggests, before Vangeance moves along: ], you should probably talk to Natori-san.
[ because Natori is a better candidate; would probably relate to Vangeance's issues better. with that out of the way, he's free to focus on the subject of other what-ifs.
he huffs between his teeth. slightly dry. ] Taking your book is going to be harder than breaking my arm, probably.
[ He only smiles vaguely in response to Megumi's advice, giving a small nod.
Because the truth of the matter is that, in this specific case, the Administrator's decision might have been correct. It might be more merciful to keep his 'companion' sealed. No matter how it affects him, and even if it 'feels strange.'
Vangeance glosses over the matter because it's easier that way, instead addressing the dry retort. ]
Perhaps. [ A matter-of-fact response. He's humble, but not so humble as to downplay his own strength. It's true that few in the Kingdom would have been able to best him in combat. ] But I think you ... or some of the others here may be capable of it.
[ He looks Megumi over, assessing his physique and the subtle strength in his stance and posture. Then he gives Nue a small nod and a kind smile, just in case it's capable of feeling warmth and affection, like Megumi's dog had been. ]
In my homeland, those who rely on physical abilities are often looked down upon, seen as having lesser magical abilities. I never truly agreed with that way of thinking ... and I'm sure you and your companion could further prove me right. [ Close combat and speed will be key, in other words. He's reluctant to say it out loud, but he's sure Megumi can read between the lines. ] I don't plan on making myself vulnerable to the possession. But if worst comes to worst, I trust you'll know how to take me down. Through your own strength, or through another's.
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[ His smile remains steady, even as he cleanly rejects that last 'sorry': ]
I wasn't aware you did anything that merits an apology.
[ The tone and cadence of his voice remain light and breezy, keeping the admonishment gentle, but the hard focus of his gaze is obvious even past the shadow cast by his mask. He won't be budging on that point.
There's a tacit agreement here, which he hopes Megumi understands -- he accepted the request not as an individual, but as a Knight and a professional, willing to act without remorse if necessary. If he ends up dwelling on this (which he will), that's his own responsibility, not Megumi's.
He gently plucks his grimoire out of the air and closes it, the soft thump signifying the end of that conversation. And as he stows it away at his belt once more, he gives a thoughtful hum, soft and light. ]
But your abilities really are quite astounding. I noticed you arrived here on a different companion, as well -- some manner of bird?
[ Moving on. What's done is done. ]
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perspective. a moment to reorient. a held exhale, silent through his teeth.
the world is still turning. Megumi casts his gaze back down again, and answers the question. ]
You could say that. [ up goes his hands, thumbs hooked and fingers cupped. his shadow extends behind him in the shape of that winged beast, and it rears up to settle primly by Megumi's side. obedient, in every sense of the word.
he rests his palm on the flat of Nue's head. the touch is gentle. ] ―Which reminds me. Has this place affected your abilities in any way?
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He's still glancing Nue over, head canted curiously, when that question gets him to look up. ]
... no, I don't believe my magic's been affected.
[ That said, he approaches a half-step, hand slightly raised. Meeting Megumi's gaze to ask for permission to touch Nue. The dog from before had more closely resembled a regular animal, but this one's mask makes it a little less approachable, and he's not sure if it would be wise to make contact without approval. ]
I haven't had reason to cast any larger spells yet, but my usual spells seem to be working normally. Have your abilities been affected?
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they're precious to him, though. Megumi's shikigami. precisely because he's had to put his life on the line to keep them. there's no amount of apprehension to how he gently nudges Nue over to Vangeance ("you can go"), but there's affection in how he combs his fingers over the bird-creature's fur. ]
Not as far as I can tell.
[ Nue cranes forward, its gold eyes set on Vangeance, unblinking. ] —But I've heard that abilities and magic that manifest as an extension of you can be corrupted, so. [ Megumi thinks back to Vangeance and his powers, to how they left that small healing tree unattended after the flood. technically, that tree is still a living thing... right? ]
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It gives him an excuse to be silent for a moment and mull over his answer. ]
My magic probably doesn't count as an extension of myself. [ He'll start with this. Something nice and easy and not at all a secret. ] Mine is the control of mana -- energy that exists within all individuals, and in the atmosphere. Mages expend and manipulate mana in different ways, but because it's the same energy that exists everywhere, I don't think it counts as 'a part of us.' Much like you wouldn't count the air you breathe a part of yourself.
[ He's been gently petting at Nue's wing, running his fingers lightly down those long feathers, but slowly stills his hands. Vangeance pauses, and it's only the slightly distant look in his eyes that gives away any hesitation. Then, finally, he continues lightly, in a completely different direction: ]
-- you live in the same house as Natori, don't you? [ He looks up to gauge Megumi's reaction. ] I visited to speak with him a little while ago, and noticed it was the same place you live. Do you speak with him often?
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Megumi listens from behind his shikigami, slotting important details about Vangeance into place. he can, at the very least, cross off secondhand possessions from the man's list of concerns— if the magic he uses isn't inextricably tied to his own lifeforce, then there's less risk of Vangeance catching something unwittingly. good to know.
the pause and the addendum is a little out of left field, though. curiosity angles Megumi's head; one brow raises slightly, and it's evident that he's trying to connect the dots. ]
Yeah, I live with him. [ damn, Natori really gets around... a beat here, on his own part. ] If you're trying to ask me if he's talked to me about you, he hasn't.
[ blunt. Megumi harbors no illusions about the people around him: living in close quarters doesn't mean that they'll confide in him, and vice versa. ]
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He's not the type to gossip needlessly, is he. [ Even if he seems chatty and friendly, Natori does seem to have a shrewder side. Not the type to mindlessly give away information about other people. ] I do think there's a difference between sharing useful information and gossiping, but ... hm.
[ There's another thoughtful pause as he watches Nue's movements, admiring it absently while considering how to approach this.
He'd assumed Natori and Megumi had spoken about the former's inability to access his shiki, especially given the way both of them relied on summons. But given the way Megumi had responded ... is there a chance it's something Natori would be hesitant to disclose? A stain on his reputation, by some chance? Or too personally painful? Maybe. And it'd be remiss of him to discuss something Natori hasn't brought up himself. Then -- ]
Well, that aside, [ Alright. He'll take the fall and just show his cards. It's ... fine, he supposes. At least, it's preferable to the distrust that would occur if somehow Megumi and Natori end up talking and it comes up that he's been hiding information. He doesn't want to damage the little trust he's built up so far, not over this. Vangeance doesn't look up as he continues, quietly, ] It's not my magic, but I have been affected by this place, and he was helping me try to figure it out. I have a companion of sorts, who's been bound. Placed in a deep sleep.
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Natori and Vangeance fall under the grand umbrella of "knows a lot, but will only disclose if and when they absolutely have to". this is nothing new for him. Megumi has never been the type to try to force openness from others.
so. it's not exactly surprise that flits across his face when Vangeance does twist the key in that proverbial padlock: it's a combination of wariness (why?) and attentiveness. ]
—Your version of a shikigami?
[ 'companion'. something closer to Natori's shikigami than his own, maybe: humanoids with slightly more agency than his own beasts? hm.
Megumi doesn't interrupt further. he's giving Vangeance space to explain. ]
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It's hard to say without knowing exactly how your shikigami are defined but ... he's my spiritual companion. Nothing to do with my magic, and not an entity used for combat. [ He forces himself to keep his voice calm and level, like he always does. And for the most part, he manages to mask the gravity of what he's talking about. Like he really is talking about 'just' a companion. ] Apparently, it would have posed a special risk if I were to be possessed with my companion intact. And so, to minimize that risk, he was bound.
[ A pause, and he sighs before getting back to his feet. ]
I know you only asked about my magic, [ and it obviously isn't a pleasant subject to discuss ] but ... it felt like relevant information. In case you were considering other ways this place might have affected you.
[ Because Megumi is right -- Vangeance isn't the type to frivolously dispense information about himself. But he's willing to relent to a certain degree if it might be useful for others. ]
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a non-combatant spirit locked in someone else's body. truth be told, it doesn't sound pleasant: it doesn't seem like anything good would come out of housing another entity in your subconscious, and it seems like it would've been something artificially-induced. people aren't innately born with two distinct personalities, after all.
(or maybe he's projecting. Megumi quashes that personal association before it can take shape). ]
—This island had some sort of reason to believe that the spirit inside of you could break the balance in this place?
[ thinking out loud; Vangeance literally just said that his companion isn't a fighter, but it seems strange that Admin would cripple a harmless entity.
a deep breath, and Megumi tips his chin back up from where he'd been loosely hanging his head in thought. at the end of the day, what they don't know, they don't know— Vangeance has likely thought about this more deeply than he has (it's his business, after all), and if he hasn't come to a conclusion, then Megumi won't, either. at least, not immediately.
so: ] ...Anyway. You're okay? [ being without that spiritual companion doesn't like. hurt him, right? ]
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[ He smooths out the folds of his robe as he speaks. With his head ducked like that, it lets him take a moment to exhale slowly, fighting the painful pang in his chest and forcing himself calm. Because Megumi is someone he'd really rather hide the full truth from.
So when he's faced by that question, Vangeance just regards Megumi quietly for a moment, seeming to think the matter over, before smiling gently. Perfectly composed and warm and polished, like the Grand Magic Knight he is. ]
It's unpleasant but acceptable. And it hasn't caused my companion any harm, either. So you've no need to worry.
[ He really does a good job of sounding serene, because this sort of deception is second nature for him.
Though he does pause afterward, as if recalling something. Moving onto the next subject swiftly and (maybe a little too) smoothly: ]
Ah, but. Perhaps I should tell you this, in case it might be necessary in the future. [ He tugs aside the drape of his cloak, turning a little to touch at the pouch at the back of his belt containing his grimoire. ] If I'm ever possessed, it would help to take this away from me. I'm unable to cast complex spells without it. I imagine I'll be much easier to incapacitate that way.
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after all, the masked man makes a concession. he admits that it's unpleasant, and Megumi is inclined to believe that, at least. even if it's not the entire truth. even if strong people prop themselves up in these halves and build their foundations on top of them.
Megumi doesn't believe the smile, but he accepts it. ]
If it starts feeling strange [ he suggests, before Vangeance moves along: ], you should probably talk to Natori-san.
[ because Natori is a better candidate; would probably relate to Vangeance's issues better. with that out of the way, he's free to focus on the subject of other what-ifs.
he huffs between his teeth. slightly dry. ] Taking your book is going to be harder than breaking my arm, probably.
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Because the truth of the matter is that, in this specific case, the Administrator's decision might have been correct. It might be more merciful to keep his 'companion' sealed. No matter how it affects him, and even if it 'feels strange.'
Vangeance glosses over the matter because it's easier that way, instead addressing the dry retort. ]
Perhaps. [ A matter-of-fact response. He's humble, but not so humble as to downplay his own strength. It's true that few in the Kingdom would have been able to best him in combat. ] But I think you ... or some of the others here may be capable of it.
[ He looks Megumi over, assessing his physique and the subtle strength in his stance and posture. Then he gives Nue a small nod and a kind smile, just in case it's capable of feeling warmth and affection, like Megumi's dog had been. ]
In my homeland, those who rely on physical abilities are often looked down upon, seen as having lesser magical abilities. I never truly agreed with that way of thinking ... and I'm sure you and your companion could further prove me right. [ Close combat and speed will be key, in other words. He's reluctant to say it out loud, but he's sure Megumi can read between the lines. ] I don't plan on making myself vulnerable to the possession. But if worst comes to worst, I trust you'll know how to take me down. Through your own strength, or through another's.