shadowsheir

[shadowsheir]

         a controlled stream of breath left jinwoo as he listened, the faintest of sighs spilling from him. this place was starting to feel an awful lot like an even more advanced ( and overbearing ) version of the dungeon system—a red gate bumped up to a never-before-seen intensity. the only thing that made jinwoo think it wasn't was the lack of magic beasts attacking, and the strange method by which he'd arrived here. if he'd found himself trapped in a gate, he would at least have a memory of entering it surely.

    ❝ If these 'Stars' are the ones who control who comes and goes—it's a simple matter of finding them and tearing them down from whatever castle in the sky they've built here. Erasing memories can only protect them for so long. ❞

"Yes," he follows his confirmation with a nod. "There is a way back home, but only if the Stars wish it. You, yourself can't will yourself to return when you please." It was part of his job to release as much information as he could. Sugar-coating and telling people that everything was going to be alright would only give false hope.

"I, unfortunately, am still unsure how all of it works. I didn't remember anything when I returned home."

[shadowsheir]

         cold eyes were steady on the other as jinwoo listened, not even attempting to hide the obvious displeasure that flickered through them as the other continued talking. things like money had not felt important since jinwoo had become an s-rank, not after all the raiding he'd done with jinho, and the proposition of payment for his time left a sour note on the back of his tongue. it didn't help the other man's image in jinwoo's eyes—in fact, it almost seemed like the other was trying his best to lower his opinion of him, despite the polite cheer to his voice.

    ❝ I'm not someone who can simply be bought. Nor a guest for you to appease. ❞ his tone was acidic, that hint of hostility flashing again like a venomous snake's bright colors. it was grating that jinwoo could not simply let his aura free to frighten the man away, but it was for that exact reason ( his diminishment, his frustration ) that the offer of information was... tempting.

    but jinwoo was not a dog to be heeled. the thought of giving in to such an assumption that he could be bribed or won over by trivial things made his pride snap and snarl, drove him to step forward and lean just that little bit closer to let the frigidness in his voice hit harder.

    ❝ If you don't have anything of real value to offer me, I suggest you quit wasting my time here. ❞

「✧」 Unwarranted hostility isn't new for Aurelius, but it's fresh coming from a face like his. It was a shame that Klaus had never suspected him during his assassination days. He thinks a dynamic like this one could have been quite fun between them.

"I've never claimed to be human in the first place," Aurelius defends himself cheerfully. Though he doesn't offer any more elaboration just yet. "Can you at least tell me what you'd prefer to drink? I'd like to be a good host, and that means catering to my guest's preferences."

"Would offering you information be enough of a draw to keep you? You're obviously new, so more intel couldn't hurt. Barring that, I could simply pay for your time in the native currency. It's not the first time I've hired freelancers in this city."

Golden eyes twinkle brightly; he's already pleased with this conversation, no matter where it leads in the end.

"Or would you rather I owe you a favor to be paid off in another time?"

[shadowsheir]

         the ring of steel clashing with itself was a familiar song to him, the echo of it bringing a smile to jinwoo's lips. he had never gone so long without a fight since being dragged out of the double dungeon, or maybe even since he'd been awakened in the first place, and the siren call of it was comforting. and the longer it went on, the more comfortable jinwoo was sure he would feel. the speed with which she moved, the strength it took to deflect his blade, all promised a battle that would actually take up his concentration, and that was the place he always sought to be. it was where he belonged, to continue leveling up.

    his arms crossed before him, taking the full brunt of the hit as her movement continued to deflect not only his dagger, but jinwoo as well. sand ground beneath his feet as his skidded back, the strength of the strike enough to give her several feet of room. oh yes, a worthy opponent indeed.

    ❝ If you insist on fighting with a sheathed blade, this match won't last very long at all. ❞ a hand outstretched, palm open, saw his dagger returned to him in a crackle of energy even as jinwoo straightened, posture loose. ❝ Maybe a little incentive will make that clearer. ❞

    ❝ Igris. ❞ the shadows beneath his feet swirled, bubbling and writhing as they bled from him. ❝ Come forth. ❞ a shape emerged, dripping in black and deepest purple. a knight, a red blaze of color cresting from his helmet as he knelt before his king. but only for a moment—before he rose, sword drawn.

    and lunged.

🗲 Acheron had taken on plenty of opponents over the course of her life. Like many she had started small and things gradually escalated. The fate of her planet, Izumo, had demanded more and more strength from her as the threats became greater and greater. The planet's ultimate fate had been outside of her control, but before that moment she had even bested the "End" itself.

"A feint." Her opponent was fast, but she was no slouch either. How many enemies had she felled? Plenty that had wielded such underhanded tactics. When you fought the same type of attackers over and over again then you eventually would become able to see those tactics used by others.

The sound of steel clanged. Acheron had yet to draw her blade, but she positioned the scabbard so that she knocked away the dagger while attempting to knock the young man away with the katana's full length behind her. His presence had entirely disappeared for a moment, certainly, but her reflexes were honed and bolstered by her life of battle and her Emanator status.

But it also spoke to just how strong that blade she was holding must have been. If contact was made then it would have sent him flying.

"Oh? Maybe you'll get me to draw my blade after all. I wasn't expecting an opponent that would force me to."

[shadowsheir]

@gloomstinger wants to shadow box.

         jinwoo couldn't help the amused smile that slipped across his face at the scene that was unfolding before him. the inky blackness in front of him, the boy that had stepped into the coliseum beside him. the sprawling expanse of the arena was familiar, though jinwoo noted that the damage his earlier fight had caused had already been repaired. swept aside to prepare for a new challenge. the one before him. or, them, the monarch supposed he should say. a flicker of his gaze settled upon the black-haired man beside him, head tilted curiously for just a moment. he seemed normal, all things considered, but that meant nothing here.

    his eyes were pulled away, however, as the shadows before them began to writhe, solidifying into two distinct shapes. familiar shapes. and oh, wasn't that interesting? did they really think they could beat him this way?

    regardless. ❝ Come forth. ❞ the darkness that bled from his shadow, tendrils of ink eating up ground like a hungry thing, was deeper than the imitations before them could ever hope to be. and as his soldiers dragged themselves from the darkness, their king nodded to the other fighter in acknowledgment.

    ❝ I hope you don't mind insects. ❞

[shadowsheir]

    ❝ Shadows, huh...? ❞

[shadowsheir]

         his head tilted gently to the side as jinwoo assessed his opponent, content for a few moments more to simply observe. she seemed normal enough, but so did he, so the monarch was very aware that appearances could not be trusted. not where he was from, and not here. more telling was her confidence, the way she walked with purpose. there was no fear to her, no nervousness. no anticipation, even, as far as he could tell. and jinwoo's senses were sharp again, his perception crystal-clear in the way he was used to before. in a way that he trusted again.

    and they were telling him that this woman wasn't to be underestimated, or taken lightly. she was strong. he knew that she must be a worthy opponent, for this coliseum to pit them against each other, and jinwoo could feel the skittering of adrenaline begin to ghost through him. he was excited. and he wanted to fight.

    ❝ Then here I come. ❞ a cheesy line, spoken with the weight of power—and embellished with the quicksilver flash of metal as a dagger was thrown her way. kasaka's fang, to begin. a bid to distract her with its innate venom as his form flickered, speed blurring his body as jinwoo stepped lightly behind her.

🗲 Acheron didn't consider fighting to be a performative act. It was something done out of necessity to reach her goals, and so she was not accustomed to the sound of cheering around her as she took her position in the middle of the arena. But this wasn't for her own amusement nor was it for the sake of victory. If this was the only means of keeping her blade sharp available to her for the time being then she would take it.

She was clearly unphased by the environment as she approached, eventually resting a hand loosely on her blade's hilt when she finally came to a halt. Apparently they wouldn't be placed in a match that they could not win, which of course made her curious about the abilities of the man in front of her. A human? Perhaps.

But looks could be deceiving.

"Are you now?" He was eager, she could see that much. Was he chomping at the bit for a fight? Of course it was no surprise that the battle hungry would enter a competition like this. "Very well. Show me the strength of your will." An invitation to go first.

[shadowsheir]

         intense eyes stared down at the vehicle before him with the disdain to burn out suns. the frown that carved his lips in a downward tilt would have made beru cower, but it didn't seem to have any effect on the woman in front of him, or her seemingly cheerful attitude. and he couldn't exactly dispute her words; he'd seen his name, hastily written, on the sign-up sheet for this inane race. he was not stupid, nor did he often make mistakes, but it was also true that in this place, he was... diminished. it was, jinwoo supposed, possible that in his haste to seek a strong opponent he hadn't paid quite as much attention as he should have to the sheet he was signing.

    a sigh left his lips as he pressed his fingers to the bridge of his nose, brows furrowed for a moment. he was glad none of his servants were here to see this, at least. it was downright embarrassing for someone of his station.

    ❝ I'm not calling us that. ❞ if he wasn't definitely bound by the rules of this event, jinwoo would have already walked away. but the fact of the matter was that the doors were already closed, and the other racers were revving their engines. he wasn't sure there was a way to get out of this. ❝ And if you mess up, I'm taking over whether you like it or not. ❞

"Look buddy I don't know what to tell you alright? That's your name on the sheet right? That means you and I are partners in crime for this little rodeo."

Granted the doll probably knew what happened, whether they liked to hear it or not. The sheets for signing up were spread out pretty closely to each other, increasing the odds significantly that someone could waltz up and enter the wrong event. It happened to her for a brief moment as Architect almost threw her name onto the "smart person" event rather then this one. Still, what's done was done and if he didn't want to be part of this then she'd have to deal with it all by herself.

"Still if you DID want to be part of "Team Archisauce" then hop on in. We got a race to win." The vehicle she constructed probably wouldn't make it through the majority of the race if anyone had a faster ride, but that's where her knack for secrets was going to come in hand.

"Though I'm driving. I mean I did make it after all."

@shadowsheir

[shadowsheir]

@nihilitysend issues a challenge.

         the sand gave easily under his feet as jinwoo walked, the sound of cheering filling his ears even as the sun warmed his skin. his blood was hot and thrumming in his veins, his breath steady as it expanded his lungs. around him, the coliseum sprawled, no stranger to the blood and struggles of battle. and across from him, stood his opponent. a woman, as dark-haired and dark-eyed as he himself was, her gaze holding a weight that reflected his own. there was a spark of kinship there, perhaps, but such things didn't concern jinwoo in that moment.

    because his blood was buzzing, the sun was scorching, and the monarch of shadow was burning for battle. and as he took the few final steps to confront her in the center of the arena, jinwoo's fingers uncurled, electricity sparking across his palms as a dagger crackled to life in each hand. his stance was set easy, his body light, weight balanced on the balls of his feet and daggers held loosely in front of him. and as he set eyes upon his opponent, he smiled.

    ❝ Ready when you are. ❞

[shadowsheir]

( ENNEAGRAM PERSONALITY TEST )

TYPE 8 | CHALLENGER

People of type Eight are tough, straightforward, and intense. That’s because their personality is based on the belief that only the strong survive in this world. They try to make themselves invulnerable by pure strength and willpower. They enjoy to take charge, to go big, and to win. With the most energy of any type, they have the stamina to power through longer than most others. But they are in danger of running people over as well as running themselves dry.

Type Eight makes people intense. It doesn’t matter if they’re physically large or small, if they’re introverted or extroverted, male or female, old or young: These people have the charisma to dominate a room as soon as they enter it. When they speak, they make sure people listen. If people don’t, they have no problem telling them that they should.

People shaped by type Eight also don’t mind a good challenge. In fact, the moment someone tells them something can’t be done is the moment they decide to prove them wrong. There’s a reason type Eight is called “Challenger”. They like to accept challenges as much as they like to challenge others. A solid, fierce debate with someone who’s able to hold their own – refreshing!

This kind of power and intensity is one of type Eight’s great strengths. It’s also what gets them into trouble. They are often surprised (or irritated) when they find out that other people experience them as intimidating, insensitive or angry. They don’t see themselves that way. What others call domineering, they would just call being upfront and honest.

STRENGTHS OF ENNEAGRAM 8s

Care about truth and justice and are willing to protect the weak

Are confident in their decision-making skills

Don’t worry what people think of them

Have a charismatic knack for leadership

Are fearless and inspire others to overcome their fears

[shadowsheir]

Single dad Woo

[shadowsheir]

         if pressed, jinwoo would say there was something... unpleasant about the man's appraising gaze. even with his perception stat as ravaged as it was, it didn't take a genius to understand there was something going on that jinwoo was sorely lacking information for. it made his hackles rise even despite the reassurance offered, the insistence that he was only being invited over for tea. and the mention of a similar-looking partner? he had a vague idea he might even know who the other was talking about, but that was a card he'd keep close to his chest for the moment.

    ❝ 'Human terms'? I assume that implies you're not? ❞ jinwoo's head tilted, the curl of his lip flashing just that little bit of threatening teeth. he wasn't quite as quick to judge those who weren't human ( himself included, at this point ), but it didn't endear him any more, either.

    ❝ Give me one reason to consider your offer, beyond vague feelings that mean nothing to me. ❞

「✧」 Aurelius' eyes flickered towards the retracted arm, then back to the man's indeterminate smile. The vague sense of danger in those teeth made him suddenly wonder what Klaus would look like with the same expression.

I'm sure it'd suit him well.

Brightening at the prospect, his gaze on Jinwoo intensifies. "Of course, my apologies. I assume you must be a new arrival at the city. If so, I'd like to invite you home for tea."

"There is an air about you that reminds me greatly of my partner, whom I'd like for you to meet." What would it be like having them sitting together side-by-side? Aurelius is curious to find out.

"To put it in human terms, you've made an impression on me. I think I like you." He tilts his head to the side, looking equal parts puzzled and intrigued.

"Yes, I think I like you very much."

[shadowsheir]

         jinwoo straightened as he turned fully towards the woman, expression lightly apologetic. she was—a bartender? a waitress? either way, there was a touch of sheepishness at the thought of ignoring someone who was just trying to do their job. he would have to tip her extra before he left, if she would allow it. ❝ Yes, thank you. Just... lost in thought. ❞ elbows rested against the table's edge as jinwoo leaned forward, wrapping his hands around the beer mug before lifting it gently.

    ❝ It's been awhile since I've drunk like this, so I think I'll leave it at this for now. Unless... ❞ a smile touched the corners of jinwoo's mouth gently at the thought of his little sister's irritated voice, a small huff of laughter leaving him as the mug was lightly set back on the table. ❝ Do you serve fried chicken here? ❞

"I was just asking if you were alright? You seemed out of it for a moment."

Whether that was the alcohol he was drinking or something else being on their mind was not exactly clear to Miyoi. Still a drink like that shouldn't normally cause someone to feel completely out of it. Maybe the buzz was all he needed and just wasn't accustomed to it. Different cities meant different tastes, and Spirale tended to be an outlier to all of them.

"Did you want anything to eat? Or another drink if that's what you wanted."

[shadowsheir]

         jinwoo was careful to keep the displeasure from his expression at the other's answer, despite the way it pricked at him. he had never lived with anyone but his family, nor did he have any desire to. even jinho, when he'd come knocking, had been turned away. so the thought of being forced to, in this place that had already done its best to strip him of all that he was most proud of, sent a surge of annoyance crackling through him.

    ❝ You said you were sent home? ❞ jinwoo knew what the other man was implying by his previous statement about straying outside of the designated areas, but that wasn't something he was willing to entertain. he had too much to accomplish, too many responsibilities back home, to simply lay down and accept this fate. ❝ So there is a way to leave this place, correct? ❞

"Yes. Some of us or most of us have housemates. Those who do not will eventually have them as well." The gentleman seems so confident that he'd be able to leave. It was time Klaus gave him some caution if anything.

"You shouldn't venture too far from this place. Whether it's flying too high up, dropping down the hole, or trying to get far away by sea." It was a softer way, at least to let him know that there really was no escape.

"I have been here for a while myself. I was sent back home at some point and I returned after." And he didn't remember much of anything from back home either.

[shadowsheir]

         carefully breathing in deep through his nose before letting it out through his mouth, jinwoo let his heart rate settle as he studied the girl across from him curiously. young, perhaps even younger than he'd originally thought, armed with nothing but a basket and a... jinwoo squinted at the little creature nestled within the wicker. a magic beast of some sort? it didn't look aggressive, at least, or particularly intelligent. a summon to protect her, perhaps?

    his gaze flickered back to the child as she bowed, surprise sparking at the action. overly formal, for sure, but perhaps she was old fashioned. jinwoo dipped his head in response, not willing to come across as rude to someone he'd just met, kid or not.

    ❝ Training...? ❞ perhaps even more old-fashioned than he thought, if she was training at her age. eyes settling from the sapling, to her, back to her basket, he could confess he couldn't exactly figure out was kind of training she was doing, but he had no reason to believe she was lying. ❝ Thank you, but I have no intentions of becoming lost. Little lights are not enough to lure me from the path. ❞

Every day, early morning Dam-bi would go to the forest and train. Just because Sukuna and Uraume were no longer here didn't mean she should slack on her training. She never did. Not once. Dam-bi, in fact, worked even harder to maintain what she had learned. She put those into her training and the small sapling would watch as the child continued to hone her skills. Whether that was practicing her bone flute gifted to her by Sukuna or honing her mind or physical skills. Today, it was collecting different kinds of herbs and differentiating them from each other.

With basket in hand, sapling in the basket--enjoying its ride, Dam-bi walks down the fogged path. This place never scared her, even when she had been less powerful. The blue flames in the distance remain as beacons to guide people (as long as they're not too far deep into the forest).

Dam-bi sees a man and her first motion is to bow softly but politely at the man.

Oh, he thinks she's lost. The child looks down at the Sapling then she's looking at the man. "I am not. I'm still training. However, you will be lost if you continue to do your morning exercises out here."

[shadowsheir]

         eyebrows arched skeptically as jinwoo listened to the other talk, the arms he'd held up to catch the girl if need be slowly falling back to his sides. 'pretty little head'? even before his physical changes, he'd never quite been called anything like that, not even by his sister. maybe the people here really were a little strange, regardless of how normal they looked? still, even if it was a little weird, jinwoo let it slide without comment. ❝ I wouldn't want to impose, so I'll take your word for it, ❞ he responded lightly, the most polite way he could think to decline her offer.

    side-stepping another pedestrian trying to squeeze past him on the sidewalk, jinwoo gently tried to guide the girl closer to the side and out of the way as well, even as he offered a neutral smile. his hand hovered by her elbow, careful not to touch, but trying to make his intentions clear. the last thing he wanted was for another careless individual to jostle them again.

    ❝ Yes, I haven't been here for very long. ❞ and wouldn't be here for very much longer if he had any say on it. ❝ It's proven... interesting, to say the least. ❞

it wasn't like nero herself was focusing much today, was it perhaps the weather that was causing such things? a bout of window shopping wasn't improving her mood. going home was her best option at this point, no need to stay out.

but somethings can't always be perfect, on her way back nero does end up bumping into someone. stumbling back a bit, but she finds her footing quickly. the man in front of her beat her to the apology before she can.

"no need to worry your pretty little head over something as trivial as running into each other," nero isn't quick to anger...unless something like this intentional, then maybe she would have scolded the man before her. "such things always happens to strangers, if it makes you feel better, you can have a look and see if i have any scratches on my body."

oh right, he was someone that she doesn't recognize. "you must be new to spirale then, i have never seen you around before."

[shadowsheir]

         darkened eyes contemplated the offered hand for a moment before flickering back up to the face of the man in front of jinwoo again. he kept his expression passive, willing to at least hear the other out on why exactly he felt the need to follow the monarch. his fingers even unfurled, arm moving to take the proffered handshake—before the man spoke again. it made jinwoo pause, a muscle in his jaw flexing at the same moment a vein flared at his temple. surely, he'd misheard? because if he wasn't mistaken, it sounded like this stranger was. propositioning him.

    letting his hand fall back to his side, handshake unanswered, jinwoo smiled—a sharp baring of teeth barely masquerading as something that could be considered polite. he would give the other man one, and only one, chance to backpedal.

    ❝ Sorry—come again? I don't think I quite caught that. ❞

「✧」 The fingers twitching at his side finally stop when Aurelius sees the face. His height was already wrong, the hair too straight, and the eyes a different shade than green. The man wasn't smiling either, and his voice, while similar, was completely off.

Still, he was a remarkable candidate for a doppelganger. So much so that the angel can't help warming to him immediately, stepping forward to offer his hand.

"Yes. Are you busy today?"

He's sure Klaus would be equally intrigued by their visitor. Was he any more different on the inside? A pity that Aurelius couldn't tell. Perhaps he'd ask his partner to read the man's mind and give him a summary later.

"I'd like to take you home."

[shadowsheir]

         it was uncanny, he couldn't help but admit. the act of looking at another, and seeing what you usually saw only in the mirror—or, at least, very close to it. jinwoo would almost think he'd run into some kind of magical beast, or a strange type of magic, if he was home. but... to what point? jinwoo couldn't begin to guess what the benefit of trying to impersonate him... to himself, would do. and imperfectly, at that. but, the other hadn't brought it up, and so for now, neither would jinwoo.

    ❝ Thank you. ❞ his voice remained neutral, expression carefully at ease. ❝ I don't plan to stay very long, though, so it's unnecessary. ❞ arrogant, maybe, but he was used to being able to back a statement like that. ❝ This... housing. You said I'm expected to live with others? ❞

@shadowsheir

There's...sooooomething about seeing someone who doesn't look 100% like you, but almost like 80%. It's a weird feeling, really. The Seraph(Im) has never had this happen before, never had a strange feeling like this that would render him speechless. Perhaps the height is different, the hair, the eyes, but almost...ALMOST everything else is similar. Body frame, the skin tone, and there's a hint of his own voice in the other's.

"right, so your home is that way. Cotes Ward's housing isn't much of a walk from where we are. There's a lot to see here and it may feel a tad bit like home, considering."

"...I'm sorry that you were brought here."