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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THE VERDICT 2/2

[beautifulknight]

[ But, perhaps not all stories will have happy endings.

...

Actually...

Suddenly, the bright skies of the grassy area right outside of Braphine's Temple greet everyone all at once, and Argenti is already speaking up despite the fact he is now in a bridal carry position.

But everyone gets to see instead of a quick change of the white hair turn back to red, a more gradual one, yet one nonetheless.

Then, he smiles. ]

I am sorry everyone...for everything.

[ He pauses, seeming out of breath, he is just trying to soldier on and as usual he is a yapper. Knights, man. ]

And, I am thankful for all that you have done for me. I shall endeavor to do all that I can to...make up for all that I did.

[ Despite the close call it seems there is not a trace of malice in the sky. Seems someone didn't end up showing up? Maybe because they're so close to the Temple, but at least everyone can count their blessings.

...And, somehow?

Everything seems a bit more brighter with everyone side by side. Or rather, Beautiful, as it were. Even if there are many battles still ahead.

♫ ]

[beathollow]

( she is so

tired.

relieved.

she thinks, maybe, she's happy? for argenti's return, for him and fray. for the fact that they all got out okay (even if where she was stabbed still hurts).

it's a light feeling in her chest. light and warm, and something she hasn't really felt in a very long time.

yes, this must be something like happiness.

after a moment, she goes up to where argenti is still being carried and squeezes his hand, a true smile, soft and subdued but real, on her face. )

Welcome home. How are you feeling?

[beautifulknight]

...Thank you.

[ Argenti gives Mafuyu a warm smile in turn, one that makes his eyes shimmer; not from tears but a something like the deeper awakening of something that is brighter than before, even if somehow that feels new. A little scary, but still like himself in the end. ]

I am feeling...well, I believe I could be worse off. Perhaps a little weaker than I'd like.

[ He's underselling it but in the past he'd have said he'd have been completely fine, so...progress. ]

But, I am happy. I am surrounded by kindred, bright and wonderfully radiant souls.

...How about yourself? Do you have any aches, Miss Mafuyu?

[beathollow]

I...

I've never been hurt before. Not like this. So I'm not sure what's real and what's my mind lingering on it.

I'll be okay, though. Besides, we have something of a tradition to keep, don't we?

( stay with us, eat with us. let's share some time and rest together. goes unspoken. )

[bloodweapon]

[Couldn't even wait for him to put you down, huh... Fray just sort of sighs at that, though his expression gives it away that it's more resigned than annoyed. That's just how Argenti goes...

Anyway, he'll help his knight back to his feet, though Fray's remaining close by in case Argenti needs help standing.]

There's much we have to discuss, but we have plenty of time for that.

[He's been embarrassed enough for one day, we are going to discuss everything else in private!!!]

...I'm glad you're back with us. I missed you dearly, you know.

[That probably goes without saying, but he says it anyway, because it's important that Argenti knows. And even though he's still sort of red, Fray leans up to bump his head against Argenti's cheek, much like a cat would headbutt you for affection.]

[beautifulknight]

I certainly believe we do, my most beloved midnight knight.

[ Argenti is very good at not doxxing people in public or in front of other people, so he doesn't bother to start the private conversation now. It truly can be saved for later! As for stable footing...he is going to try his best for now. He will probably sit down or lean into Fray at some point. ]

I imagine so, but hearing it is...nice indeed.

...I am most gladdened to be with you all once more. And, by your side. Now, in more ways than one.

[ As he's saying this, Fray starts to be a cute cat, and then his eyes sparkle with genuine elation. ]

At times like these, I realize just how fortunate that I am - haha, that does tickle you know. But I love it all the same!

[ He will even angle his head so that whenever he stops (should he ever) their noses can bump. You know, like eskimo kiss. ]

[bloodweapon]

[Is he ever going to get used to that nickname... Well, not any time soon, because his ears flick upright in response, a very clear "!!!" indicator. The true reason why Fray wears his helmet all the time is because he cannot hide his feelings at all like this smh...]

I'm afraid you'll have to get used to it. You're far too tall.

[6'2" vs 5'8"... But oh, that's sweet, and Fray doesn't even hesitate to return it... before he remembers that there are people around. Ohhhhhh you guys did not see that. He pulls back after a moment with an embarrassed huff.]

You should get some rest, though. After all you've been through today, you'll need it.

[goei]

[Thanks to Mafuyu, Izou's actually settled down into a good mood, especially now that they're out of the palace.]

I can't speak fer anyone else, but at least fer me, pretty sure this just makes us even, yeah?

[beautifulknight]

Yes, well...

I must still say that I am truly grateful you came to assist me so, Izou. It does mean quite a lot regardless, and I shall not take it for granted.

[ Argenti knows that nothing is so guaranteed in the world. But, he thinks it is also natural, for others that care about others to assist one another.

He knows he would have gladly gone through hell and back for Izou once more, in fact. The future is always mutable, after all. ]

[gardenful]

[ If she can—maybe after he's already back on his feet—Aerith will take both of Argenti's hands into her own. ]

Welcome back, Argenti. We really missed you, you know.

[ And the relief on her face is plain as day, a rejuvenated sort of brightness back in her green eyes and an easy smile on her lips.

Ah, but that brightness... turns a little mischievous. ]

Oh, and congratulations.

[beautifulknight]

[ Aerith can certainly do that! He doesn't mind at all.

The relief in their expressions is like a mutual reflection; but to see it in hers, it makes his own grow even more. ]

...I see. I am sorry to have worried you all so with my absence.

[ But, with Aerith's look, he can't help but smile anyway. Maybe that's what relief and happiness is about. It ends up stuck on his face as he blushes at the additional remark. ]

T-thank you. I cannot say I expected for him to say those words [ look he has to remember this I say so ] but I am...happy. I do not think I've ever felt like this before. Or maybe I had deep down and did not know for certain until now.

[gardenful]

I bet you knew deep down.

[ It's more romantic if he did, she thinks. With a little of squeeze of his hands, she lets go. ]

Even though you assured me you weren't lonely, I was still worried. But now, I don't think I have to worry about that so much anymore, right?

[vogelfrei]

[ This whole display with Fray and Argenti was so much. McGillis actually finds True Love(TM) slightly less offputting than friendship, but still... dear god, these two are so over the top.

Still, he's smiling at least faintly by the end of all this. ]

It's good to have you back.

[ He's not inclined to stay long (least of all when Argenti could still be updated on the whole recent mess with Izou at any time), but he figures he should at least offer the man of the hour a little greeting. ]

[beautifulknight]

[ That's extremely funny, bless McGillis. Argenti is definitely not one to shy from affectionate expressions and so it is only natural his romantic ones are of a different kind......but still over the top. Maybe it's a Knights thing. ]

Thank you. It is indeed good to see you once more, McGillis.

I cannot stress enough how much I appreciate you lending a hand in my time of need.

[ The man has proven himself to be reliable time and time again. This time is no different (though it is going to be interesting once he finds out...or if he does. He'll be pondering over what to do about it.....) ]

[cirquedesang]

[Not all stories will have happy endings...

But this one does.

So perhaps it's adrenaline wearing off from the whole ordeal of the palace - topped off by that ominous laughter. Perhaps it's relief that they all got out of there (relatively) unscathed. Perhaps it's excitement at seeing Argenti and Fray's happiness. Perhaps it's amusement at Argenti performing a Knightly Speech while still in the arms of his Catboy Beloved.

Perhaps it's a mix of all of the above.

Whatever the case, it makes Celeste laugh brightly and sweep in quickly, first pressing a kiss to Argenti's temple (and don't worry, Fray, it's at least 83% platonic--), and then right between Fray's ears. French to French to French-Boyfriend communication.]

Please, there is no need for apologies. Not when everything ended so beautifully.

[Was that word choice on purpose? No, actually!]

Congratulations are in order, not reparations, my friends.

[bloodweapon]

[Listen, it's fine, he'll assume it's platonic— no wait why are you giving him a kiss, stop that!!!! He does the airplane ears thing for a moment and then they jolt back upright like he's not sure if he's annoyed or pleased with the affection. This is why he wears a helmet!!!!! Then no one can see him having an emotional crisis in real time via his ears!!!!]

...Thank you. I suppose.

[He is bright red. This is so embarrassing. Local catboy is killed right after a palace because y'all won't let him live this down.]

[cirquedesang]

[Because he gave one to Argenti! And you're being soft and cute, too, Fray! Truly the confused ear wigglies and deep blush only reinforce that doing so was the correct decision. No living this down.]

[beautifulknight]

[ Argenti laughs brightly when Céleste grants him a kiss atop his head, not minding it at all. Then, his eyes crease as he sees the man grant one between Fray's ears.

Oui, Céleste, he certainly understands the communication going on here...and in fact, his eyes sparkle in delight as he sees the embarrassment caused on his cute catboyfriend's expression from it, raising a hand to cover his mouth. As if that can hide it. All the same, his gaze is warm as he turns it towards the man, gentle and considering. ]

You are most kind to say as much. At the least if there was an element of Beauty that you found that resonates dearly with your souls at the end, it only makes me truly happy to hear it.

[ A part of him is still a little afraid of how much damage he might have inadvertently done to his loved ones. But...he is fond of the word choice indeed. And the congratulations makes him feel warm, and most happy inside. ]

...Thank you, however. I am most certainly overjoyed at this union. And it is most certainly clear he is too [ the embarrassment is clear, look at all that cute red ], I can guarantee you that.

[ledbythewind]

[He sees the color of Argenti's hair shifting back to its normal crimson, slow yet steady, and recognizes it for what it is. It's all over now. They're all right, and so is Argenti, and that's what ultimately matters. Their hands reaching out hadn't been for naught... good.]

Welcome back.

[It's over. Everyone is safe...

... and so it's fine if he lets himself pass out now, right? Right. Being squished and then sent flying definitely wasn't on his agenda for today, surely he can be forgiven this much.]

[beautifulknight]

[ . . .

Oh. That's probably going to be a problem. Isn't it.

He can't just leave Richard here, even if he's not in the greatest condition himself. Unfortunately he is actually too weak to lift Richard himself, and he knows Fray will be helping him to his room, so he has no idea what to do here...

...Well, he supposes it can't hurt to make an ask. Please hold while he does that. ]

[imperiosity]

[Okay okay, after he's finished teasing Argenti enough, Aaron will pick up Richard and throw him over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes because you're not getting a bridal carry out of him, buddy. If he does wake up on the way to his room, great! If he doesn't, that just means it'll be his roomie's problem to deal with, since it doesn't seem like Richard is grievously injured.

Anyways, off they go!]

[imperiosity]

[As usual, it ends up kind of cheesy... but he can't deny that he feels relief at how everything worked out, especially since the God of Conflict didn't even crash this party by the end.

As for that statement at the end, well.]

Then go get a room with the catboy and get all your messy make outs done first. And once you've got that outta your system, you better treat us to the fanciest shit they've got on the menu.

[beautifulknight]

[ ...Aaron did you have to say it like that? He's going to look suitably embarrassed here for sure, flushing red. Why did you do this to him??? ]

W-Well...I shall be certainly doing my part to pick up the tab, no matter what anyone orders.

...By the way, I know you have done me so much in assisting me, my friend, and I am not exactly in the best of physical states, as you might imagine. And dear Fray does intend to help me back to my room. [ No more embarrassing comments for either of them, please. ] Still, I wonder if it would not trouble you to please assist with helping Richard back to the dorms?

[ Looking at the collapsed man over there. ]

[bloodandstars]

[ Goddess. Maika's death grip inside her clawed gauntlet isn't easing up in the least until they're truly in the sunlit grass outside the Temple again. That God of whatever has pulled one too many tricks on them now for her to really believe things could end, well... well.

Look, she's not going to start thinking that hard work and emotional vulnerability pay off, or anything. But it's nice. ]

About time. Of course you'd still be a stubborn bastard, even half out of your mind.

[ Maika eyes this situation as she finally sheds her weapon. You know what?

If Argenti isn't going to let the princess carry keep him from making speeches, Maika won't let the romantic atmosphere keep her from walking up enough to bonk him very lightly on top of the head with one fist. She promised Aerith, after all. ]

There. Now we're even.

[beautifulknight]

[ Miraculous that the God of Conflict doesn't so much as intercede, but maybe the combination of everyone's powerful bonds foiled any possible attempts.

Or perhaps he's just biding his time and waiting...well, none of those suppositions matter because right now he's basically all set where everything is concerned. So instead he is around to get a simple light and playful bonk on the head. He doesn't even flinch when she raises a hand. ]

...We certainly are?

[ Questioning, but also cautiously hopeful. He wonders if he has a right to that, yet...if they truly believe it, maybe... ]