lostcarnival | ⇨ FAERIE TALES

Standing off to the side, but just close enough to get a glimpse of the scrying image, Rita frowns at the sight of Strange in that unfortunately familiar garden. Having prepared for a fight, she wears her dueling armor with a few pouches tied to the belt, some containing useful items, others containing useless junk that can hopefully be narrated into something useful.

She nods at Lambert's question. "Next, we'll need a place to fight... something like a grand coliseum, maybe something in his aesthetic. Might make him more likely to answer a summoning." Can they really summon a High Fae just by acting it out? Rita has her doubts, but she'll refrain from voicing them, just in case it sabotages their whole plan.

But having said what they need next, she stops, looking to the others with an awkward, uncertain stare. Even if she tried practicing this narrating thing shortly before they left, it's still embarrassing as hell to do it in front of other people, especially when initiating a scene. She waits for someone else to take the lead.

"No pants, huh. This is serious," Zangetsu comments dryly, peeking over Lambert's shoulder at the bowl. "... His legs are paler than mine, somehow. Gross."

Zangetsu has a plastic bottle dangling from his sash, and inside is a weird looking green leech, aptly named Pickles. In his hand, he has what appears to be a thick comic book with the title "Soul Knights". Funny that the library managed to provide him with just what he needed.

"I thought the plan was using Rita as bait. Isn't it you who he wanted in the first place?" He returns her stare with a shrug, then waves his empty hand. "I'm just here to grab Strange's soul."

"Now if you'll excuse me fer a bit, I need to pull a power-up out of my life story here," he says, tapping a claw on the comic book.

Syrlya snorts at the image, a book under his arms. He doesn't stare for long once it's clear Ignatius isn't around in it, and instead looks to Lambert to affirm their directions.

"We are. She will be baiting him into a duel." He says it airily as he opens the book and flips through the pages for a suitable description of a grand fighting ring. "I can handle the scenery, snd Rita will call him out."

He's holding just as much hope that the narrative really has the power for this. He nods to Rita. "You remember the terms of the duel?"

Rita's frown deepens at Zangetsu's words. It's true... Ignatius wanted her, but she let him walk away with Strange instead. It's one of the reasons she has to fix this.

Meeting Syrlya's gaze, she recites a few of the major points they'd discussed. "First one to injure the other wins. If I win, he'll release Strange and forfeit any claim to him. If he wins... I'll go back with him." Her expression darkens. Rita knows exactly how high the stakes are here.

But she continues. "During the duel, observers and participants will be forbidden from directly interfering with one another." She glances at Lambert and Zangetsu. "That means if Strange shows up, you can do whatever you have to without getting interrupted."

"Can't rule out that Ignatius will bring him out to fight unless you make that one of the conditions," Lambert points out. Though she might have an easier time injuring Strange than injuring a True Fae. So that's a possible advantage, one that he's sure Syrlya and Rita must have considered as well ... he'll trust their judgement on that. Books or not, a battle with fae is more likely to be won with wits than strength, and Lambert's willing to trust in Rita.

... Though, it seems, she is a little hesitant to begin, and he grins at her sharply. Zangetsu's got the right idea, though. Much as he hates to admit it, the Scribe was right -- it's a familiar experience, as odd as it is to think it, bending reality to his will, here where magic actually responds to it if he reaches out to grasp it.

"Well? You're the heroine of this story. Don't tell me you're waiting for someone else to start it for you." And without preamble, he launches into a narrative, arms spread. "Once upon a time, there was a clever scholar who'd fought a fae lord twice and lived, but had lost a dear friend during her last escape..."

Maybe it's been more than twice, but who's counting? Stories like things in threes, right?

Edited 2018-06-01 02:28 (UTC)

Zangetsu leaves the group for the moment, setting the comic book on a small table and opening it to a certain chapter.

It was... strange, to find a fictionalized account of the life and world he knew. Sure, in this version, Shinigami were framed as Knights and valiant protectors of innocent souls, and Hollows were ferocious demonic dragons, but the story was all there. A mere boy from a small village with a connection to the spiritual world inherits the power of a Knight in order to protect his family, and travels to an extravagant castle in the sky and a dark dungeon in the world of Dragons to rescue those he holds dear. Zangetsu flips through the pages with a wry smile on his face as the hero of the story confronts his own inner Dragon. He clears his throat and narrates to no one but himself and the Athenaeum itself.

"The heroic Knight had defeated and tamed the Dragon inside himself, and found that together, they made a bitchin' team. It was an important lesson that the Dragon and the Wizard had to teach the Knight. Their power combined was more than the sum of their parts.

Then, it came to pass that the Dragon became separated from his Knight, and his powers halved accordingly. The Dragon had given himself, temporarily, to the Great Beast in exchange for power against the Archmage. In return, the Dragon helped in the Beast in her goals. But no distance could truly separate the Dragon from his Knight, and should either have need of the other, they needed only call out."

Amazingly, it seemed to be working. Zangetsu could feel a welling of power within him.

"As it turned out, the Knight absolutely hated most fae and all their bullshit, and would happily offer the Dragon his share of their power if it meant kicking their asses. 'Partner!' the dragon called to the other half of his soul. 'Lend me your power in my time of need!'"

"'What for,' the Knight asked, annoyed as always. 'Wait, is it about fairies?'"

"'Yes,' the dragon answered, 'What the fuck else would it be.' There was a pause where the Dragon was left in silence between their bonded souls. Then..."

"'Take whatever you need, as long as you need it. Destroy them and leave no trace.'"

Zangetsu grins and pulls his sword from his back, feeling a rush of all too familiar power. "Heh. Maybe I'm not so bad at this story tellin' shit after all, huh? Ban-Kai."

---

Those who (wisely) tuned out during Zangetsu's storytelling may have their attention grabbed by a huge outpouring of dark energy that blows loose pages and makes the shelves shudder. Then, the energy seems to disappear completely, as if Zangetsu himself had blinked out of existence; his usual eerie, oppressive aura is seemingly gone. Not gone, though -- compressed.

When Zangetsu walks back to the group, it's in a different form, albeit still bearing his Carnival changes. His formerly enormous and unwieldy sword is now slender and compact, and his hair is long and almost ethereal. A helmet-like skull mask covers his features. His aura, as well, is completely different -- instead of a raging out of control fire, it's more like a carefully coiled spring, all potential energy.

"And so the Dragon borrowed the power of his Knight in order to thoroughly wreck some fairies."

"If Ignatius will give us the advantage to fight Strange for his freedom instead of himself, We certainly shouldn't argue it." Because it's true, even if there's a trick up his sleeve Strange will ultimately be easier to deal with. Syrlya only knows Ignatius's behavior secondhand, so he doesn't want to doubt he's more clever than he seems.

Syrlya's build up is much more quiet. Rather than divert himself, he simply mutters quietly to himself with his eyes downcast to the page. Then he raises his hand, putting his own illusion into the framework of the coliseum around them. He glances to Rita expectantly, since Lambert's effectively passed the story to her, for her to continue a narrative that can anchor the location into more permanence.

Letting Lambert start was a mistake, Rita realizes as her face reddens. She glances at Zangetsu, who's been off doing... something, and apparently getting really into it, then to Syrlya, with his more subdued approach.

Rita takes a deep breath, then through gritted teeth, continues the story. "...The scholar enlisted the help of three companions to safely escort her to the place of summoning, where she could face her enemy once more." Syrlya gets an uncertain look, then her attention turns to the illusion slowly forming around them. "The soldier knew of just the place, and he led them to a grand coliseum made of weathered stone, lined with towering arches and statues of ancient warriors."

As if brought to life by an incantation, the scenery around them seems to phase into reality, becoming solid as real stone.

Rita takes a moment to look over their new surroundings, then tells the others, "I'll get the summoning circle ready. The rest of you, make whatever preparations you need." From one of her pouches, she produces a piece of charcoal, which she then uses to draw an intricate magic circle on the floor.

While Rita finally takes the reins of her story, Lambert steps back to watch it take shape. This is the stuff of pure imagination -- more powerful and all-encompassing than any spellcraft he's seen before -- and it's a little impressive, how real it feels under his feet.

For all he'd made fun of Rita before, he has his own worries about how effective his own preparations are. Even Zangetsu seems to have grasped how this works better than he has, if the change in his appearance is any indication. With Strange's memory gem in his pocket a reminder of what exactly it is they stand to gain and lose, Lambert nods to Zangetsu.

"We'd better get out of sight," he says. "There should be plenty of places to watch and hide."

Before he goes, though, he pauses to kneel, touching a hand to the ground beneath.

"We need you," he says, willing the words at the Athenaeum as best as he can. Yeah, it looks stupid, but asking the Earth Spirit for help had felt damn stupid too. If there's any power to be borrowed here the same way he used it in Portland, whatever the Scribe and Curator says about it already being at their disposal, it can't hurt to ask directly -- especially when he isn't, as yet, sure of exactly what kind of asspull he'll need when the time comes.

"We've lived your stories. Now help us tell ours." With that little piece said, he'll get back to his feet and head off into the Coliseums constructed corridors, heading for a place in the stands with a higher view.

Edited 2018-06-03 00:21 (UTC)

Rita drags the charcoal along the ground, drawing a magic circle that, logically, just shouldn't work, but she takes care to use symbols relating to the intended spell: symbols of fire, strength, conjuration, and whatever else will help Rita visualize this made-up spell in her mind.

When she finishes, she rises to her feet and sees that Lambert and Zangetsu have taken their positions, somewhere hidden from sight. Only Syrlya remains, seemingly ready and awaiting her next move.

"All right... I'm doing it," she breathes. Then, as if to reassure the world itself that she can, she adds loudly, "With the advanced summoning techniques I've honed through my research, I know I'll be able to bring him here!" There. That should... do it? Maybe?

Standing outside of the circle, Rita holds out her hands and begins the (totally bullshit) incantation. "O Lord of Conflagration who bringeth destruction on thy foes, heed my voice and appear before me!"

To her surprise, she feels some kind of power moving within her. Can her voice really reach him like this...? In a more agitated tone, one that sounds much more natural for Rita, she adds, "We're here to make a deal, Ignatius! If you're not a coward, then come out and face me!"

She'll have to wait a little while, but he does show up. It's at a leisurely pace, as is his way - at least when he doesn't perceive there to be anything worth rushing for.

Instead of arriving in the circle or anything more sensibly dramatic, instead he appears on the edge of the coliseum. He gives the arena a somewhat appreciative look, before strolling across the stone to meet them, leaving burning footprints in his wake.

"Rita," he calls out, obviously amused. "Have you changed your mind?"

When Rita notices the presence slowly approaching them, the hair on her neck stands on end, and she whirls around, eyes wide. She takes a deep breath, pushing past the fear and finding the strength to say what she planned to.

"I'm here to challenge you," she firmly clarifies, straightening her posture and looking the fae in the eye. "You like duels, right? So fight me. If I win, I want you to give us back that idiot you took last time."

"Hm," is all he says at first, looking her over. He takes his time in responding.

"And if I win? What do I get?"

So much for hoping he'll risk his new servant without any incentive... but whatever. They knew this was a possibility, and as such, it's been planned for.

"Me," Rita answers, bitterly. "If you win, I'll join you."

But only a moment passes before she hastily adds, "That's not a risk I'm willing to take lightly, of course. That's why this guy's here." She gestures at her companion. "Syrlya's here to help establish the terms of our fight, make sure everything's fair. Wouldn't want you using any bystanders as hostages, like last time."

"Any agreement I make, I'll abide by. You should understand that much about me by now," he says, ever so slightly miffed at the idea that he'd play unfair to begin with. She seems to misunderstand what the whole point of their previous encounter was.

"Because of this, the laws of magic themselves will defend my oath, with far more power than your friend here could offer." He thumps a fist against his chest. "You would best consider that, if you're planning any trickery in return, little girl."

Rita narrows her eyes at the accusation, then seemingly shrugs it off. It wouldn't be productive to argue over something like that now.

"That might be so," she admits with a frown, "but we mortals have our own way of doing things. Even if it might seem like a useless formality compared to the magic backing your oaths." She nods to Syrlya.

Syrlya's expression twists in disbelief (panic, it's panic) as Rita dives right into challenging Ignatius. It's only a little relief that she hastily adds the expectations of terms to it, but he can tell she isn't trained for diplomacy. His gaze moves quickly between the two of them as they negotiate, and he's almost too quick to take Rita's opening to speak when he gestures to him.

He sets the book onto the ground before moving to stand between them, facing Ignatius, and offers him a respectful bow. "We mean no trickery. I have heard you are someone of great honor to their word, and that I can respect. If you will grant us the same, then we seek to win Strange back fairly."

With that he pulls the scroll and quill out of where it's tucked between his belt, and unfurls it. "The terms of the duel will be so: You, Ignatuis, and you, Rita, agree that the duel and only the duel will be the deciding factor in your conflict," He nods to each of them in turn before continuing.

"This duel will be between the two of you only--no other mortal or Fae may interfere, or be called on to interfere, and nor may you target or interfere with the actions of those outside of the duel. The duel will be decided by the first received wound, one round only. If Ignatius is the first wounded, then he relinquishes his hold of Jonathan Strange completely. Should Rita be the first wounded, she submits her service to Ignatius."

He waves the quill in the air, looking at both of them expectantly to come take it. "If these terms are acceptable to both parties, then their signature is to be bound in blood."

In the meantime, Lambert's managed to climb his way higher into the stands. A tug at his medallion, a shift of magical power in the air, makes his ears prickle, and then the faerie himself's standing in front of Rita and Syrlya.

Hearing Syrlya read out the terms makes him feel uneasy. He's no expert on contracts, though, so if there's a loophole in that -- beyond what they themselves are planning to use to their advantage -- he can't find it. For now, he'll do little more than watch the fight ... and scan the rest of the coliseum for any sign of trouble. It's not a done deal yet.

Zangetsu has taken up position on the opposite side of the coliseum from Lambert, perched on one of the tallest statues. The amphitheater setup carries their voices to the feathery hare ears hidden in his long hair, and good fucking lord he panics when Rita almost blows it. Thank goodness, the plant guy is here to establish the terms they'd gone over before.

They're simple terms, but fairly tight. But it is irritating -- with Ignatius in the ring, it's hard for Zangetsu to suss out individual spiritual pressures. ... No matter.

Time to see what shakes out.

Edited 2018-06-03 05:09 (UTC)

Ignatius listens to the terms, taking time to consider them. He rubs his chin thoughtfully, and then grins a little bit in amusement.

"And why should I agree to such binding terms," he asks, "when you already have hidden allies lurking in wait? That is not a tactic of the trustworthy, is it?"

"That makes us sound quite foolish." Syrlya glances sidelong to Lambert and Zangetsu, inclining his head to them. "They are mortal, as am I, so we will have no clearance to interfere with the duel. I am aware we will not win Strange's freedom by voiding these terms."

He taps the paper. "They do not prevent you from using all the magic at your disposal to duel, just as they allow Rita the same."

And that's what the narrative is: magic, and at Rita's disposal. She's taken it into her hands, so Syrlya sees fit to trust her. "I believe that puts your strength on equal ground, which would make a more fair and honorable duel."

Syrlya doubts he has to explain Ignatius' raw power is probably at least twenty times Rita's. He just hopes Ignatius sees picking on the weak the same way.

Edited 2018-06-03 18:12 (UTC)

"Going out to challenge a High Fae without taking precautions is what I'd call foolish," Rita adds, almost casually. She doesn't bat an eye when Ignatius points out the presence of their allies. If anything, she'd be more surprised if he didn't notice.

“They're here to intervene in the event that we can't agree, and we end up with a brawl instead of a duel." It's not exactly a lie, as that certainly is a situation where they'd step in. Ignatius should be able to see that the duel's terms specifically forbid her allies from getting involved. Hopefully he won’t have a big problem with the extra observers.

There's something a bit odd about that assertion - that they'd be on a level playing ground, here. Ignatius has no illusion that a duel against Rita under normal circumstances would be "fair" by mortal terms. So what is different here?

"Bring out your men," he says, making a beckoning gesture in the exact direction that Lambert and Zangetsu are hiding. "Then we'll talk."

Lambert's really only hidden by line of sight, rather than properly concealed, having taken a seat in the stands like the good audience member he's supposed to be playing. He's not inclined to follow the fae, but lacking any better options at the moment, he supposes there's nothing for it but to follow and see where this goes, trusting that the damn narrative will make things work in their favor.

Getting to his feet, he tosses Ignatius a jaunty wave and a smirk, before he starts plodding down the stairs towards the arena. While he's dressed for a fight, he won't draw any of his weapons, thumbs hooked into his belt instead. If Rita's inclined to play it casual, then so will he, following her lead.

“Hidden”. Zangetsu can’t ever really hide himself, not the way he leaks spiritual energy. He has a better go of it in his Bankai form, compressed as it is, but he wasn’t super trying anyway. He cants his masked head to one side, then vanishes from the top of the giant statue, reappearing next to Lambert with the light jingling of the chain at the end of his sword . This blade, Tensa Zangetsu, has no sheath, so he just holds it casually to one side.

He gets he’s Ignatius a small jerk of his head in greeting. “Yo.”

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cw: !GRATUITOUS STORYTELLING!

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