PSL (closed)

[1stknight]

[Honestly, being summoned was quite the surprise to Bedivere. Being a saber, he knew he was at a disadvantage. After all, there were so many more sabers even just from the Round Table who were much more famous, so surely they would have been summoned over him. In fact, he was sure it had happened countless times before. That one master he had met, the one from Chaldea, they had spoken of singularities and grail wars to span several worlds and timelines. And with so many fine Sabers to choose from, he was sure that he hadn't ever been summoned before. The short time between the 'creation of his legend' and 'now' notwithstanding.

It made him feel a touch inadequate, if he was being truthful. After all, he was a simple knight. The master who had summoned him, he deserved better than someone like him. But if he was the one who was summoned, then he would fulfill his duty to this new master. Nothing would be done in half-steps, never again.

So as his form solidified in the summoning circle, Bedivere offered his new master a warm smile. Once again, his life was sworn to someone else's. Whatever his master wished for, Bedivere would help him achieve it.]

Saber, Bedivere. I am honored to be summoned by you. From now on, I shall be your Servant.

['I am honored to be summoned at all' was the truth, but he didn't speak that.

Then he paused, and he took a survey of the situation. The summoning circle was expertly made, but this man in front of him...well. He didn't look like a mage. He looked like a normal person. Perhaps it was a disguise? Or maybe there was more to this situation than he could see immediately. He would have to wait for his new master to respond in order to find out more.]

Comments

[1stknight]

Something like that.

[But then the food was there, and Bedivere took that moment to avoid answering more about the group he had met and to instead try out the new food. He picked up the chopsticks with his left hand and held the bowl in his right while he twirled up some noodles to try.

As soon as he had his first bite, Bedivere's eyes lit up. It was a simple meal, containing few fancy spices or flavors, but somehow that made him like it even more. He could be polite, though, and refrain from gorging himself on it.]

What is this? It's quite tasty.

[neverwashere]

[How enlightening.

Any mild dissatisfaction he might've had from the lack of answers, however, could be put off. It was good to know that his new companion also appreciated simpler pleasures outside of whatever fancy meals they probably served in court.]

Chazuke - tea poured over rice, essentially. It's quite good if you've had enough of greasy food, or if you're suffering from a hangover.

[1stknight]

Aaah, so it's hangover-food. That explains why it's so mellow and comforting.

[He could see its uses as a palate-cleanser, though he also thought it would be tasty enough to eat on its own anyway. Bedivere did like simple foods, this was right up his alley.

But as he ate, he watched Dazai too, making sure he ate as well. Dazai's energy mattered more than his own, and his master looked far too skinny as it was.]

What sorts of things do you eat? You don't seem like the type to indulge in greasy food.

[neverwashere]

[Dazai snickered. So Bedivere's also acquainted with the ways of drunkards, hmm?]

We have to make it up to our stomachs and livers somehow.

[No worries, Dazai was eating, arranging bits of salmon on his rice before placing it in his mouth. It was early evening still, and Kunikida would still be glaring at his monitor by the time they were done.]

You're correct. I prefer seafood, especially crab. There's nothing like tasting lightly sweet meat and the sea.

Earlier, you mentioned travelling. What kinds of places did you end up going to?

[1stknight]

[I mean. Just look at the other knights of the Round Table.

But Bedivere found Dazai's food intake to be mostly-satisfactory, though the like of crab was odd. Wasn't that a food for prisoners?]

Just make sure you eat plenty. I will be siphoning energy from you pretty regularly, and physical contact between us sends more in my direction. I wouldn't want you to pass out from hunger.

[He was speaking cheerfully, though. It wasn't a serious worry for him, just a reminder.

He took a few more bites as he considered that second question. Just how much of his story should he tell? After all, his legend was far more than the stories of the Round Table. Where would he even start?]

I was the last one left. After that final battle against Mordred, only my King and I remained. And as he lay dying, he asked me to cast his sword into the lake, to return it to where it had come from.

After that time, I was a lone knight with no king. There was plenty of the world to see then.

[neverwashere]

[Funny how crab being food for prisoners worked in Dazai's case.]

Thanks for the warning. I suppose asking you to carry me back if I pass out's a moot point if you're not charged enough, hmm?

[So he said in a teasing manner, but the look he gave Bedivere communicated that he'd take that advice seriously. Even without the Grail War, Dazai couldn't afford to pass out in random places.

Now, the end of the Round Table wasn't the mood shift he expected over a light meal, but Dazai listened, nodding. Right, this part of the legend he could vaguely remember. A knight who wanted to spare his King from death... now, wasn't that familiar? Their earlier visit to the place of Odasaku's final moments was fitting in retrospect.

Perhaps they'd be able to get along in a way Dazai hadn't expected.]

Drifting from place to place is a good way to find things you didn't know you were looking for.

[Whoops. That was a bit too telling, wasn't it? Dazai focused on piling a few grains of rice above the piece of fish he'd placed in his bowl.]

Well, Sir Knight? Why continue saving people, when you no longer had an obligation to your king?

[He kept his curiosity out of his tone, although the nature of his question was in itself an indication of interest.]

[1stknight]

[It was indeed a bit too telling, and it made Bedivere wonder if this partnership was truly an accident or not. Even Dazai's reactions told Bedivere that their stories were eerily similar. Was that why Bedivere had been summoned? Because their pasts resonated so well? The Round Table knew Bedivere well, after all, and he had to believe that there was a purpose for his summoning specifically.]

My King will always be my king, in life or in death. Just because he has entered his eternal slumber doesn't mean I have forgotten him, nor the lessons he has taught me.

...I think he would be disappointed in me, if I didn't continue serving people. And I wouldn't want to disappoint him.

[Though he was smiling, it was easy to tell that his heart was heavy in that moment. He truly was an honest person, even if that honesty was painful.]

[neverwashere]

[Loyal to a fault. Although, in Dazai's eyes, there was one crucial difference between them: even without his king's commsnd, Bedivere was still a good person. His kindness was innate. Was there any wonder why he seemed to shine?]

If you can still smile like that [yes, even with the pain] I'm sure you've accomplished your duties to the best of your ability, many times over.

I can't speak for your king, but believe me when I say you've done well.

[1stknight]

That's very kind of you, Dazai.

[And indeed, it did make Bedivere's smile glow a bit brighter. He didn't do good deeds seeking out praise, but there was something special about getting recognition from your direct superior. Especially when that praise sounded genuine.]

I should warn you that not all participants in 'what is to happen' carry my same ideals. It may be a fight to protect the city much more than a fight to win.

[neverwashere]

That's a given, with the prize being what it is.

[Satisfied with his rice topping pyramid, he popped the morsel in his mouth and chewed with gusto. That smile was distracting. If Bedivere ever became some sort of celebrity, he'd be the type to attract overly protective fans.]

Only the most ambitious would willingly sign up for a death match like this. In fact, I'd say your type's usually the rarity.

[Maybe he spoke from experience.]

[1stknight]

[That is a lot of toppings. Bedivere watched curiously as Dazai consumed it all, wondering if the seasoning burned his mouth. Dazai really was a marvel when it came to over-salted foods.]

I suppose people like me have to balance things out.

Do you have a strategy in mind? Beyond 'find out who the others are.'

[neverwashere]

[The fish wasn't that salty, although Dazai's enjoyment of umami might make that judgment questionable.]

Let them show themselves first. If they can reduce their numbers that way, that would be favorable.

Beyond that, I'd like to know their motivations for joining this war. For all we know, the reason why they think a grail is necessary might be because they've blinded themselves from alternative solutions.

[As far as the other Masters were concerned, at least.]

It's such a shame negotiation can only go so far this time. The fallout of zero sum games isn't... great.

[Now wasn't the time to delve back to those days. Dazai shook his head and finished off the last of his meal. He'd fish out his phone if Bedivere was almost done eating and give Kunikida a quick call - still hard at work, Mr. Industrious Ant?]

[1stknight]

[Bedivere was still finishing up his meal as they talked, so Dazai would have time to make his phone call. As he was dialing, Bedivere hummed in agreement to his statements. Grail wars in general were never great, and a goal of 'surviving' was usually the best course of action. Don't count on wishes you might not get, or something like that.

Kunikida was indeed still at work, and he sounded irritable as he answered.]

What is it, Dazai?

[neverwashere]

[A very wise course of action.]

Yo, Kunikida-kun. Has the laptop melted yet from your Ultra Stressed Megane Beam?

[Looking like a kid that made off with a few sweets from the jar hidden on a high shelf, he held his phone away a few inches away from his ear. Juuuuuust in case.]

[1stknight]

It hasn't! And if it did, whose fault would that be? SOMEONE decided to not come back and finish his paperwork tonight, so now I have to do it!

[That's why Kunikida was so vexed by Dazai that night. If paperwork was left behind, he would stay there and make sure it got finished. He was hungry and tired but wouldn't give in until the work was done.

Dazai was wise to hold his phone away from his face, though. Kunikida was always very loud.]

[neverwashere]

[Kunikida was always so reliable, down to his reactions!

Dazai hummed without a trace of guilt as he placed the phone back to his ear, sparing a glance at Bedivere's direction (yep, this was the kind of guy you were now stuck with, good luck)]

Now, now, no need to be cranky: weren't you the one who wrote 'overtime' in your notebook?

In any case, it's best for you and the other person still there to sit tight. I heard a very interesting ghost story that really can't wait until tomorrow, and it's best shared in person.

[The mere fact that Dazai was willing to step into the office at this hour was telling.]

[1stknight]

[Kunikida's next reaction was just as reliable. For all he complained about Dazai ditching work, he was also good at understanding Dazai's double-talk. Something that 'really couldn't wait until tomorrow' was definitely of interest, and likely related to the case Dazai had been sent out on earlier. So the shouting immediately died down to an even voice, and his response treated Dazai's words carefully.]

Understood. We'll be waiting for you.

[He was constantly annoyed by Dazai, but he also trusted Dazai too. Such was the way of partners.]

[neverwashere]

[Aww Kunikida, you do like him!]

See you!

[The cheerful note he ended that call with was probably misleading given the topic at hand. Ah, well.]

Looks like I'll be introducing you to a few more people tonight.

Would you be able to bring out your blade later as a form of demonstration? I'd ask you to make a surprise entrance just to prove a point, but those two can be... twitchy.

[He wasn't insulting them at all: both Fukuzawa and Kunikida's reaction times were as impeccable as their reputations. Having Bedivere at sword point wasn't a great thing for this particular meet-and-greet.]

[1stknight]

['Like' was a strong word to use there, and better suited for someone like Atsushi.

When Dazai ended the call, though, Bedivere had a twinkle of amusement in his eyes. Though he hadn't heard Kunikida's words exactly, he had heard the tone there, and that told him enough about how Dazai interacted with his co-workers.]

I could summon it in its sheathe, so that it isn't taken as a threat. Or I could change my clothing to my armor too, I can do that with the small bit of magic I have. Would either of those work?

[He was assuming Dazai's co-workers would be getting the whole story, so secrecy wasn't needed. Dazai would have to correct him on that point.]

[neverwashere]

Hmm. [He rubbed his chin. So that's why the armor disappeared earlier.] In that case, you can change into your armor without the sword.

[Bedivere's clothing didn't bear any form of insignia, and the lack of a visible weapon meant they weren't adding unnecessary tension. Moreover, no one in the Agency's regular staff was an expert in European Medieval armor design. Yes, that was a safe way of going about it - Dazai didn't plan on revealing Bedivere's True Name, and he could bet on Ranpo figuring out why keeping silent about it was the best course of action for his personal health.]

Let me do the talking unless I ask you to elaborate on something, hmm? It's best that they only know the gist of the situation and how it overlaps with our usual work.

[Y'know the part about Dazai becoming even more of a target because of the grail war? Yeah, no, he wasn't going to mention the increase of death threats about to come his way.]

[1stknight]

[Transforming just into his armor was fine by Bedivere. The fact that Dazai wasn't going to give the full truth, though? Even to his allies? That was surprising. Bedivere listened to the explanation, but he still had a raised eyebrow by the end of it.]

Are you sure that's wise? If these are your allies, then it might benefit us if they know the truth. Especially since this situation could be dangerous to them as well.

[neverwashere]

[He meaningfully placed his right hand on the table.]

My ability is absolute when it comes to countering others - something you've experienced for yourself. [In other words: receiving a physical mark of what should've been an ability-based contact was highly irregular.] They'll work out the rest for themselves. We can't be held accountable for any actions they choose to undertake independently.

[Dazai was an interloper in this situation: he wasn't the Master those other families were expecting.

Besides, Fukuzawa and Kunikida would be familiar with Dazai's terrible habit of not disclosing the full story. That much should become apparent in their later discussion.

Those two layers, of course, didn't address Dazai's reluctance in mentioning that his own death might be seen as a win condition for the other parties involved. Sure, a conflict like this was far from his preferred way to die, and a chance to revive Odasaku - his deepest, most selfish wish that outweighed everything else - was actually a good incentive for him to keep breathing.

Rather, this was simply how he'd become used to operating. The Agency's policy of operating in pairs might have helped him improve, but it was a hard pattern to shake off.]

[1stknight]

That sounds suspiciously like "someone is going to do something stupid and I don't want them to have enough information to get hurt."

[He. He knew that type of person, ok? Bedivere's comment came from a place of understanding, even if he didn't quite agree with Dazai's methods.

(Likewise, he wouldn't agree with some of Dazai's personality quirks, once he found out about them.)

Soon Bedivere's bowl was empty, and he sat it down on the table. He wouldn't ask for more, even though the food made him feel warm.]

Is it time, then?

[neverwashere]

[He burst out laughing - how delightfully blunt!]

Would its degree of stupidity matter if it all works out in the end?

[That, right there, was a mark of how Dazai had somewhat mellowed out: if his teenage self were here, that boy would be vastly irritated with such a glib response.

After settling the check - this wasn't a place he had a tab at, and today was a special occasion - Dazai stood up and gestured at the door.]

Shall we?

[Walking to the Agency wouldn't take much time. As expected, only few of the lights were turned on, and Dazai poked his head through the doorway.]

Knock knock.

[1stknight]

I don't know, you're the one deciding to withhold information. Does it matter?

[Despite turning Dazai's words back around on him, Bedivere still was smiling. That smile turned much more polite by the time they reached the Agency, however. For as much bluntness as he could give his master, he was still a gentleman, and he would behave properly when meeting new people.

Kunikida and Fukuzawa were the only two remaining in the office at that hour. Even the secretaries had gone home for the day by then. Kunikida was busy brewing some tea for everyone to drink, though he had only prepared three cups for the time being. He hadn't known Dazai would be bringing a guest.]

There you are! What's with you, taking your time to get here?