linkingup | FOR THOSE WE HAVE LOST

[ That 18 sure hits Argenti pretty hard, but if anything, through the doubled pain (since he's still inflicted with Rage for one more round) he doesn't care - he can't; one can be forgiven for thinking he barely felt a thing, even if he had grit his teeth momentarily. Adrenaline feels spiked into an unnatural, furious high, intermingling with feelings that make it hard to put his words into something more thoughtful, far more reasonable.

...But, there is something his mind catches a hold of. The sound of a twinge of uncertainty at first in response to Yi Sang's words, and then afterwards (more proof Fray is still there) and even through the fiery rage, Argenti will grasp a hold of it as tightly as possible. He'll force him to recognize who he is, right here and right now! ]

You do not sound so certain!

I remember when I spoke of my undying love for my light of my life, and you blushed. Isn't that proof that my words have reached him? Or...perhaps you are prepared to deny that too?!

[ Anyway, the Knight of Beauty is not thinking of anything specifically logical about this at all, because the next thing he does is go in for a flying tackle (19) to try to force them both into a tumble on the ground (pretend this is either after everyone attacks this round or something, so he is the last one taking action.) This is what happens when you let him be affected for three rounds, he thinks of hairbrained moves like this.

But, in doing so, he triggers the Shadow Wall's (2) effect and even though Rage will finally come to a climax this round, he is now afflicted by Fear (2), which is something he'll deal with properly next round! In addition, there is a memory that has vanished from his head, albeit temporarily:

"The truth is an ugly thing." ]

Edited 2024-10-15 18:11 (UTC)

[The words get him to pause. McGillis's argument in particular seems to be troubling him, but Arven and Aaron are definitely not helping!! His eyes flash again, unable to settle between red or gold and even when he tries to shake it off, it simply doesn't seem to work. His expression is just as uncertain as his words now.]

Enough! If you've time to talk, you've time to act—

[And that's about when Argenti tackles him, and down V'rhas goes. Considering he's not wearing armor, he goes down hard despite the Shadow Wall and he has to blink the stars out of his vision for a moment. His eyes settle on gold.]

You— That isn't—

[He's been incapacitated this turn and is unable to attack! Enjoy your breather while he struggles to free himself from Argenti's weight.]

[Well, Arven's certainly not going to try to attack while Argenti is right there on top of V'rhas, so...]

Get him, Argenti! Embarrass him with your love 'til Fray shows up!

[Arven,]

[help me god this is the funniest time for this to happen

Anyway, here's Kainé: 🧍‍♀️

She really...can't remember what she's supposed to be doing here, and the feeling that maybe more important things are slipping away from her, truly special things that she should know, leaves her paralyzed.]

[ Aeirth is also not going to attack! ]

Go Argenti! Get your man back!

[ ANYWAY. ]

I’m sure you can see it, V’rhas, but Fray’s got a lot of people that really care about him. We’re not gonna let someone we all care so much about leave just like that.

[Oh, well. Argenti grappling with maybe!Fray does make it easier to hit him but yeah, like Arven, he’s not keen on causing friendly fire.]

Seriously, you might as well give it up. He’s only gonna get more embarrassing the longer this goes on.

[So, he walks up to them so he can give V’rhas a dope slap (16) while he’s still pinned on the ground.]

[and then he immediately pays for it by triggering the barrier (8) and getting hit with Forget (1) in addition to forget

……fuck, who was he again?]

[ I'M

JUST GIVING HIM A LOOK FROM HERE, HELLO???? ]

[stares back blankly like ¿que??]

[ ¿Como estás? ]

[ ...

Wait. What was he doing again?

...First, the fact of the matter is that he resists the feeling of Fear (1) with great effort, because how could he be afraid of that face? He feels disoriented when reason slowly comes back to him and he realizes what he's doing, and he blinks. When he speaks, his voice is soft, gentle as he looks down on the other man with a gentle smile that seems teasing, yet playful. ]

This isn't what?

[ His body still might ache a little, even with the bit of healing in mind, but Argenti will try to at least give him a sweet hug (14) because he will try to take opportunity of this while he still can. But he will grant words too. ]

It isn't really so bad, is it? Did you really want to fight us? I know that deep within your heart, that it was not your desire - that this outcome was not Fray's, either. I remember well those words spoken with care, telling me that he was a danger, and recently, that we should turn back...

I know in his heart, he wished for others to reach out to him. To who he really is, and bring him back. Because Fray...he has come to learn the Beauty of friendship, love, and life's joys as his own person. As someone who wants for himself; who lives his own life.

And, isn't that beautiful?

[ McGillis is standing back to Argenti can kiss the bride. It worked once, why not again? ]

Isn't what? Do you doubt what you see right before your eyes?

[Namely, all of them here fighting to bring him back.]

If you can't believe in us, then at least believe in Argenti.

... he deserves that much.

[Given how they finally have Not-Fray on the ground, and how it's Argenti pinning him... who does have quite a lot to lose if they can't make him snap out of it, Celeste will actually stand back and take up what piddly support role he can play...!

So Argenti gets both a Dia and a Rakukaja.]

You've got this, Argenti. Bring him back to us.

[ Well. Argenti is doing things and Sunrise feels no need to meddle with that. ]

Please listen to Mr. Argenti. I am fairly certain he could do this all day if he so wished.

[ Oh, Argenti's on top of him like that... Okay...

Here, big guy. Rutile casts Rakunda on Fray to lower his defense. To, um. You know. Make whatever Argenti wants to do a little easier. ]

Edited 2024-10-15 18:53 (UTC)

[Aaron's slap stings, but he probably deserves at least that much, so V'rhas(?) can deal with it. He's also slowly going from pink to red as everyone dogpiles him about Argenti and his overly embarrassing, flowery words. Despite this, there is a softness in his gaze that is only ever present when talking to Argenti, and for a brief moment, it seems like you've broken through.]

I... don't want to hurt you. Any of you.

[It would be so nice if this were the end.

Unfortunately, it isn't.]

FOR THOSE WE HAVE LOST | FRAY'S PALACE

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