Argenti's Palace

[beautifulknight]

The stage is set they say;
They don their masks and shields,
Shadows creep and cover their minds;
Now, what beautiful role shall they play?

𝓜𝓮𝓵𝓾𝓼𝓽𝓪𝓷𝓲𝓷 𝓒𝓪𝓼𝓽𝓵𝓮


♫

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FINAL BATTLE PHASE...END? 1/????

[beautifulknight]

[ Argenti's voice lets out a gasp first in the face of Fray's declaration and Sayaka running to hug a part of him. The lingering touch feels glorious, despite their current size different right now. But he pulls the hand up with the earring inside. ]

...Love? I...for the longest time, I wondered, if I would know the kind of love that you would speak of.

...With you, I can only say that I do. I wish to return to you, dearest Fray. To be by your side, in every sense of the word. Yes, I can only extend a return of your affections by my own word and desire...I love you all the same.

[ His feelings on romantic love are complicated. Ai's words about not being able to love people resonated with him because of this (he can love people platonically, he knows this), though as a Knight of Beauty, it is not something he went around admitting. Yet he has when questioned. But, though there are some people he struggles with knowing the answer if he could or not...for Fray, he thinks, in his heart he is someone he believes he could.

Then, he offers his attention towards the rest of those speaking, some speak with warm, and/or rough gentleness (Falin, Sayaka, Aerith, Izou, Eli, Aaron, Mafuyu), resolute but kind (Richard, Kirumi, Maika), with unrestrained French to French affection that address his state as representative of Beauty, but in a way that he thinks he likes (Céleste) and then...there is McGillis. As always, he feels like he at times doesn't know how to feel when it comes to that man, and yet...somehow it frustrates and invigorates (inspires) him at the same time in a strange as well as complex way.

Then he turns to Aaron, taking the ocarina he is holding out carefully in his other hand as well. ]

I am afraid I shall have the last laugh, my dear friend. But, you can try.

[ Wow.

Anyway, it seems that the battle has come to an end.

... ]

VISION OF BEAUTY 2/????

[beautifulknight]

[ There are fractures that appear all over the creature, in the likeness of cracked and fractured glass, breaking here or there, with a dull light that passes through the slivers of damage, until suddenly...

...It all shatters at once, dispelling the darkness, and revealing a gentle light, which remains high off the ground; it is easy to see Argenti's hands brought together in prayer, just barely, his face and hair as well. He doesn't look wholly elegant - there are the remains of some injuries, it seems. Blood dripping down one side of his mouth, his hair reddened with blood soaked along the top of his head, a cut on his cheer near his eye, and as the gentle light diminishes, even his armor and clothing seems bloodied. His gaze falls on everyone in a span of what seems like moments. To Fray first, lingering lovingly and affectionately gentle, then Aerith, unerringly fond and bright, then to McGillis, gaze surprisingly soft, lingering, and questioning with a desire to know more, to Izou next, understanding and sentimentally appreciative, to Maika, almost as of knowing yet happy, to Aaron, like he's trying to still figure him out, but joyful nonetheless. Followed by Eli, saddened and yet resolute, then to Céleste, amused and trusting, Sayaka, regretful but grateful, Mafuyu, approving and content, Falin friendly and welcoming, Richard apologetic and cautiously hopeful. Finally, Kirumi, polite and ... at ease.

And a bright light washes over everyone before they're able to do anything. Somehow, it isn't searing this time.

No, instead they all see images of what they believe, in their hearts, to be truly Beautiful:

Maika is entreated to a wondrous and beautiful vast sea of light displayed right before her very eyes, bringing more than a semblance of beautiful, peacefulness that can only be witnessed right then and there. Not unlike how one would find in a wondrous and solitary garden filled to the brim with flowers at home.

For Elijah, in a single moment he will find himself spotting something freely open, yet sprawling before his very eyes. Indeed, he can only be witnessing a glimpse of the wild and splendidly vast Australian Outback, drawn out underneath a lustrous full moon with a sky clear of any blockages, and packed full of bright, beautiful stars that sparkle in the night.

Falin seeing her brother, in armor, smiling in her general direction. He seems proud, happy of her. Then it is followed by her friends, with a familiar blond-haired woman granting her a warm smile before they're all getting into silly antics.

Céleste seeing those he knows, here and back home, expressing to him happiness and joy, the feelings warm but beautifully sentimental. Though he witnesses glimpses of people he doesn't know either, deep within their personal passions in life - walking through parks, playing a gentle piano refrain, and the like.

Fray witnessing images of the Warrior of Light fighting against enemies, but overcoming overwhelming and impossible odds despite the ferocity as well as incredible number of enemies. People struggling to rescue someone who has been trapped deep in a cave, with terrible visibility in mind, with horrid prospects for anyone's survival in mind, yet prevailing all the same, with everyone in tact. Everyone safe and sound. Lastly, he sees Argenti, with his bright red hair turning to look at him, happy and warm, gaze lingering on him; he's speaking to him but the words are inaudible, except for the words, My Dear Fray. Where he stands seems placed outside in the afternoon, in a field of white flowers, red roses and spider lilies sighted near him as well.

Richard catching a deep and personal glimpse of Lhant Hill, when the season is just right, the Foselos high and visible in the beautiful sky. The familiarity of it is heart warming, and he can see the names of himself, Asbel, and Sophie carved into the bark of the tree itself. The beautiful nature of the symbol of those bonds is peerless.

Izou spots a flash of the color red, before it appears painted on someone's hair, long and brilliant. The figure has no name, though even so this individual appears resolute, stance indicative of a strong constitution, and full of unwavering conviction, someone that can be counted on deeply so, who will stand with him no matter what; though there is also a gentleness to his gaze as well.

Aerith witnessing the many splendors of life before her very eyes. A variety of flowers growing high, people chatting, laughing with one another, her friends coming to meet her, including a certain blond who awkwardly nods his head in her direction. Then, there is a sight of the familiar metal plate she has seen time and time again in her life, with bright light trickling through it and leading into a brilliant garden.

Sayaka sees an image of people coming together to solve a difficult problem, resolution in their movements and their souls. She also witnesses and hears birds singing, a gentle melody that comes across her ears as nothing less than wonderful. All around these beautiful creatures are different colored roses, enhancing the sheer beauty of it all.

Mafuyu witnesses her friends coming together, perhaps to help with their music project, or in some scenes, just to enjoy time with one another. Their laughs together are sweet and happy; they also look at her with kindness and a friend's affection in their eyes. Then, they reach out to her.

Kirumi seeing devotion from many individuals. But in the most beautiful case, with friends who are unafraid to hold one another, show love for each other in their caring willfulness to assist one in need, especially when something despairing has happened to the other. Followed by helping one another get through hard times with a gentleness that truly is reflective of Beauty.

Aaron witnesses a glimpse of his mother once more. Though this time she isn't trying to hold him back from anything. Rather, it is with a warm expression that indicates that she is proud and...happy for him, for how far he's come. She is also saddened, but communicates in some way, wordless or by her own voice, her deep love for her son.

McGillis is able to gaze upon beautiful images of power. The strength of a tidal wave, unhindered by its watery depths, the powerful nature of a leader who is dauntless and resolute in the face of many enemies. Birds flying high with a splendidly incredible sunset hanging in the distance, casting a beautiful vision in the sky. A Knight reaching out a hand to a dirty-looking child - with hair so mired in mud that its lost its sheen - collapsed on the side of a dirt road, and riding on his powerful steed to a town to nurse him back to health. Next, the same Knight fighting off an evil dragon, chivalric and fairytale-like.

Then, all hear the sound of an ocarina being played, the notes far too kind and beautiful to be anything but fantastical. As opposed to Aaron's little squeaky show. Though there is still time for the man to try to rise to the challenge indeed.

And, finally, Argenti's voice: ]

Do not forget what makes your heart sing, my dearest beloved ones.

...? 3/3

[beautifulknight]

[ It's all beautiful, isn't it?

...Like a dream.

The pleasant or bittersweet scenes fade away, bringing back everyone's sight of the current room as it has been...

There is still a brief moment where everyone can glimpse Argenti again for a second as he reaches out in their direction, still high above in the air, until suddenly thick vines force themselves through the floor in a heartbeat and with unnatural speed, narrowly missing everyone, and striking the walls, alongside the ceiling themselves...not exactly intentional, but it seems more a result if anything. Until the Knight of Beauty is blocked from view. Well, not exactly.

When the dust clears, he's lying underneath trapped some large vines, eyes closed.

However...it hasn't halted the beginning of the crumbling and fall of the Palace with its precariously dropping debris in the slightest. Red spider lilies lead towards the exit.

The options before everyone are clear. What will they do? ]

[destage]

[...What a beautiful dream.

Sayaka can only think that as she watches the people, their resolve and determination--the singing of birds, something she so rarely got to experience in the city, and roses...beautiful things. They lift her spirits, to say the least, and--

The crumbling of the palace brings Sayaka back into reality, and she sees Argenti get trapped under some vines--and she knows what she needs to do.]

Hang on!

[Like hell is she spending all of this time shounen speeching to LEAVE ARGENTI BEHIND???

She'll be trying to cut the vines, first with that old kitchen knife she's held as a lifeline for so long--but it winds up breaking on her. There's a pause--it's almost strange, to lose one of the last tethers she's got from home, but...

She continues with Yi Sang's knife instead to try and cut the briars. They don't have much time, but she can't do nothing. She's not running anymore.]

[beautifulknight]

[ Good on her!

At least her efforts get some results, cutting through some of them, though...a lot of these vines are heavy. She's going to need some help! ]

[fullmoonmutt]

[ What a vision to be treated to... It's home, to him. A place he'd like to return. Yet, beholding it hardly brings Eli joy. It sinks his heart and leaves a bitter taste in his mouth instead, though he doesn't blame Argenti.

This is what he sees as beautiful, after all.

Thankfully, vines exploding in from every fucking way proves to be a fantastic distraction from Feelings. Perfect. ]

Wh...?! Tin Can!

[ Eli clambers his way across the vines as fast as he can to reach where the knight lays buried, intent on helping rip away and move vines to help set him free. ]

[beautifulknight]

[ At least he's being a helper! His efforts are helpful in some way indeed. Though it'll still take a a bit from more hands, so to speak! ]

[bloodweapon]

[In all honesty, Fray hadn't really stopped to consider what sort of a reaction Argenti would have to his words. He said them because they felt right and because he wanted Argenti to know just how much he means to Fray, not because he was seeking a reciprocation of those feelings.

And yet that's what he gets, and it feels like something has a stranglehold on his chest - his heart, his lungs, perhaps especially his voice, because he can't find the words he so desperately needs to say in response. But then Argenti reappears, looking even more radiant than usual. (Or maybe that's just the blood.)

There isn't time to call out to him even if Fray could get words to cooperate, because he's suddenly struck with a vision - one that almost hurts in how deeply he adores it. The Warrior of Light is everything to him, after all, but so is Argenti, and knowing that those affections of Fray's are returned could make him crumple to his knees. He's never known what to do with such overwhelming, positive feelings, and they threaten to crush him now.

In some ways, he's almost thankful when something else happens, forcing him out of his head and his feelings and back into the present, with an urgent shout.]

Argenti!

[Fray lunges forward immediately, sword drawn off his back to start cutting through the thicker vines. He's careful and precise with his actions - after all, he doesn't want to risk hurting Argenti - but there's an urgency and desperation to his swings that isn't usually present.]

[beautifulknight]

[ He lies there still, unmoving, unfortunately.

At least with such a large sword he is making grand efforts at getting closer. Damn, why are there so many vines, though? ]

[goei]

[Izou was already embarrassed, so the vision that while indistinct, is certainly Evocative of Certain People, just makes it worse. He is having shrimp emotions right now because on top of that situation he is truly glad they actually got Argenti back to normal.

Or well. Normal for him.

He sees the obvious path out, and recognizes the same flower that had shown in his mirror and been handed to him and thus finds a way to take this as a personal attack, because he didn't notice fray also got that one.]

As if I'm gonna leave here without you even if you're dead set on banging that other tin can!!!
[IZOU NO ONE SAID THAT YOU ARE EMBARRASSING YOURSELF???!?

anyway he's joining the effort to hack the vines off Argenti but his efforts are cut short as he gets brained by a piece of falling rock.]

[bloodweapon]

[just gonna pretend he did NOT hear this!!!!]

[chimken]

Izou, that is between Fray and Argenti! Be more respectful!

[ She looks like she is going to smack him with her staff but a rock takes him out instead. Sighing, she puts the staff under her arm and begins to drag him away to make sure he's alright. ]

[beathollow]

... Onii-san.

( just, absolutely scandalized. )

[beautifulknight]

[ What a good time for Argenti to be unconscious, then I'd have to write that he died from sheer embarrassment.

Anyway! Izou's efforts make headway until he does get beaned. RIP... ]

[gardenful]

[ That vision is like being home, as if she’s nestled back right where she belongs.

Yet… she can’t help but feel that right here is where she belongs too. It’s why, even though the palace begins to collapse around them, she turns back to aid in the others in setting him free. ]

We aren’t leaving without you!

[ She will also try to break those vines. ]

[beautifulknight]

[ Aerith's efforts are definitely to be commended for! She's helping make significant progress for sure! ]

[kandata]

[Yeah, no, Kirumi goes straight to help get Argenti out of there! Good thing she has an axe -- that's going to be helpful against the vines, probably]

[beautifulknight]

[ That they are.

A heavy axe clears the way through most of them...almost there! ]

[vogelfrei]

[ That vision is... a lot to take in. Starting from beautiful and then going to 'still beautiful but in a way that makes your heart twist itself into painful knots', the latter of which McGillis doesn't really want to examine too much.

In a way, dodging debris turns out to be a welcome physical distraction. Maybe that is why he does amazing at it (20)?? This means he's at the vines pretty sure, ready to for once in his life join a community effort.

He actually still has a knife on him! He has to use it with his left hand, making the way he stabs and cuts at the plants look really awkward, but he is at least not lacking in determination. ]

Wake up already, Argenti!

[ ... but no, this place operates on fairytale logic because that is who Argenti is as a person. McGillis turns to Fray. ]

Kiss him and be quick about it!

[beathollow]

--...Ah. That may be right, actually- behind the shadow was a monument to Beauty and the Beast-

[chimken]

[ Falin isn't entirely sure where to help, actually. She doesn't have anything sharp and her staff is more on the lantern side of things.

What would Laios do...?

Looking determined, Falin placed the staff away she begins to pull and bite down on the vines, just to rip them up.

It's not elegant, at all, but it may just work (18)! ]

[beathollow]

( she doesn't have a way to harm the vines effectively, not with her dwindling arrows- so instead, she ducks under everyone, staying out of the way but reaching for argenti, not to pull uselessly as he's trapped but to cast diarama. )

We need leverage! Just enough to free him!

[cirquedesang]

[The vision is... truly beautiful. Whether it's palace logic preying on the depths of the heart or a manifestation of the notion that Argenti himself truly has some level of understanding of what he - and likely everyone else - finds truly beautiful is hard to say but, ultimately, it doesn't matter.

And then everything begins to crumble.

The path out is lined in death, but their princess is still bound in vines...]

Argenti--!

[No. Not their princess. Their knight. Fray's princess.

It's easy enough to dodge the debris (19), to keep an eye on the exit, to make sure they all still have a safe way out, but no one is leaving without Argenti, and, well.

He's worked for the mouse.]

Fray, we've defeated the dragon, now kiss him, so he'll wake up--!

[imperiosity]

[The vision isn’t unwelcome unlike last time, even if it does still take him off guard. But once it fades, he remains almost uncharacteristically quiet, although that quickly changes when the vines come rushing in. Letting out a curse as he sidesteps a piece of rubble, he runs towards the vines with his swords drawn.]

For real? This place really doesn’t know when to give up!

[So he will indeed assist with hacking at those vines, because they didn’t come this far and get beat up this much just to leave Argenti at the eleventh hour???]

[bloodandstars]

[ What does she do? Please. She came here for exactly one reason, and she's not leaving here until it's done. Reminding her of Kippa, of Zinn — of family, in the truest sense — just makes it all the more certain she can't forget that now.

Trust only those who would bleed for you. She does. And maybe, this time, she wants to repay that unwarranted trust just a little.

Of course Maika joins in the pileup, tearing at vines with claws and (good idea, Falin!) eventually, teeth. ]

Wake the fuck up, knight! You're not done here yet!