( OPEN ) i'm sinking fast into the sea

[fortissimos]

Date & Time: All week!
Location: Music room, training facility.
Characters: Sayaka Miki/fortissimos & OPEN.
Summary: Blue loser blows things up and gets in the way of people. So, the usual.
Warnings: Suffering?? actually there might not be a lot of that this time SHOCKING.


a. ( training facility. )

[ Good mood or not, she never once stops pushing herself to the limit when it comes to training. Visitors might notice a tiny blue magical girl launching a pair of blades into one of the training dummies — they embed themselves deeply into the straw, only to explode a few seconds later.

The attack might have been a success, but Sayaka just looks frustrated. She looks around for anyone close enough to enlist, then calls out from her spot; mostly-destroyed dummy still smouldering behind her. ]

Uh, hey! You wanna give me a hand? [ She rubs the back of her head, inserting a fresh magazine into one of the (now bladeless) hilts. ] These things are okay, but... I need some practice defending, too.

b. ( music room. )

[ From the moment Sayaka realized the music room existed, it quickly became one of her regular haunts. For the most part, she stays out of the way; pouring over a book on music theory or quietly listening to those who can actually play.

Today is no different... except for the fact she's really, really tired after training. She's already smothering a yawn by the time she shows up, and after a few minutes, promptly passes out with a book on romantic era music over her face. At the very least, she's off to the side... until she also starts snoring, loud enough to disturb anyone else trying to play or read. ]

Comments

[fortissimos]

Ah, yeah. I've been trying to rely on it less, but...

[ It's hard. Against most opponents, her ability to keep fighting no matter what tends to be overwhelming enough to guarantee victory, but Saber is a good example of why she can't always depend on that. ]

I'll probably challenge you again sometime. You're really talented, and I've never been taught or anything, so... [ Sayaka your gay is showing. She trails off, scratching her head with a gloved hand. ] Thanks.

[autocratic]

[ At the mention of her talent, Saber unconsciously puffs up her chest at that, her hands placing themselves on her hips. ]

Mmm! Do not worry; ignorance is hardly a sin to scorn over, and you are well on your way if you acknowledge what lies before you. [ She gives a small chuckle. ] How Fortuna favors me: to allow me a chance encounter with a beautiful young girl whose potential matches her charms.

[fortissimos]

[ what

No seriously, what. She blinks, then rubs at her head even more, pointedly glancing off to the side. ]

I... [ Wow is she blushing?? Time to change the topic. ] Y, yeah, I know what I've gotta do. Practicing's the best way to get better, right? Ahaha...

[autocratic]

As well as combat experience.

[ At this, Saber's voice goes back to more of that professional tone. She only says this in hopes that the girl would let go of that odd habit of hers; "trying" not to rely on the healing can only do so much if they actively were avoiding using it altogether. ]

Which I have no doubt this war will give plenty of opportunities for that. It is a harsher teacher, and places you close within death's grasp. Knowing that, will you still continue?

[fortissimos]

[ ... She's never been more confused in her life. A hint of a blush still lingers on her cheeks, but she tries to shrug it off, sighing before she answers. ]

... Yeah, of course. I've gotta protect everyone. [ For a long time — as recently as a few weeks ago — she thought she'd be better off dead. Things might have changed, but she'd never place her own life above that of others. ] I wanted this power so I could keep people safe. I can't run away from that now.

[autocratic]

Hmph. How atrociously altruistic. [ It reminds her too much like her previous Master. Eee, Hakuno...! Ahem. Not that Saber didn't mind selfless generosity. She just liked it when that was solely placed on her. ]

That only means there will be many trials to test that resolve of yours. Often, the result is not what you initially seek, and many could misinterpret, or even ignore the true reasons behind your actions.

[ A hint of personal experience? Maaaaaybe. ]

To see that determined look on your face, however - it reassures me you will not falter easily. Why, it has even brightened up red by the thought!

[ Welp. ]

[fortissimos]

[ Sayaka's been warned enough to understand the reasoning behind it, but she's as stubborn as the day she started. Though she nods, her resolution is clear — she won't be knocked off her path. ]

It doesn't matter. I... [ Wait what. She hesitates, pointedly finding something else in the room to focus on before continuing. ] I don't care what happens to me, or what other people think. I'm gonna do what's right.

[autocratic]

Hold there! [ Sudden outburst, followed by Saber's finger pointing itself at Sayaka. ]

Rethink your words: you have already made a mistake to contrast your resolve. Do you wish to disappoint me in your performance so soon? If you truly do not care what happens to you on your path, then I should slay you right here and now.

[fortissimos]

[ UHHHH WELL SHE DOESN'T WANT TO DIE RN so she's staring that finger down. ]

No way! [ okay so she probably couldn't actually stop her if she tried, but!! ] I'm not gonna try and get hurt. It's just... real heroes don't put themselves above other people. If protecting someone else meant putting myself in danger, then that's a choice I'm prepared to make.

[autocratic]

[ Saber gives the girl a long stare, finger still pointed. Her next words come in a calm, almost observational tone. ]

Do you take up the sword to save people, or to protect an ideal?

[fortissimos]

[ Her answer should be immediate, but it's not. She seems to stop and think about the words for a moment, before she sighs, and her shoulders slump a little. ]

... I want to be a defender of justice, and protect the people I care about. I guess you could call that an ideal, but... I don't think about it like that. It's just the right thing to do.

[autocratic]

[ She drops her hand, looking somewhat pleased. ]

As long as you are true to yourself in that regard, and not blindly following this "ideal," it is a notion to strive for. [ She chuckles. ] A "defender of justice," is it? Ah, the dreams of the young!

[fortissimos]

[ BIGGEST SIGH OF RELIEF ]

... Thanks. [ ... For the compliment? For not killing her? Probably both. ] My teacher was a real defender of justice. I don't think I can be like her, but I'm gonna try my best anyway. It's definitely worth striving for.

[autocratic]

[ Saber thinks this "mentor" of hers probably wouldn't have wanted Sayaka to be just as real a defender of justice. Justice took many forms, after all. ]

Then you are welcome to challenge me once more when your resolve is much stronger. Perhaps I will give you the honor of seeing the treasure that is the symbol of my status as a Heroic Spirit.

[ Her beloved Golden Theater; what wonders and horrors Sayaka would experience in that zone. ]