[ It was odd how he wasn't really nervous-- just excited. He hadn't really expected to obtain the Azure like this, it was a little ridiculous to be trusting the AI like this, and yet it called to him.
The strange mote of blue flame called to him, promising him everything he ever wanted. The truth about who he is, his reason for being, his past that he had forgotten, everything and then some. Kazuma couldn't resist such a thing and frankly, he didn't really want to.
Thankfully the ship is mostly relatively quiet this early-- most others still in bed, or at the cafeteria eating breakfast. And even though Kazuma's never been much of a morning person, he'd been getting up early to run with Arumat recently. It wasn't that out of the ordinary for him at all, really.
After he takes one final deep breath, Kazuma knocks on Carta's door.]
Miss Carta? Are you awake? It's Kazuma, Kazuma Kval. I know we haven't really talked much, but it's important.
[The novelty of communal living with those lower ranked than her had worn off quickly for Carta, the antics of some of the ship's prisoners contributing significantly to that. She's taken to having her earliest meal by herself, valuing what little privacy they're afforded until she's forced to mingle by necessity and boredom.
Perhaps it's the politeness, but the sliding door reveals a dressed and alert Carta looking up.]
Yeah, you can just call me Kazuma if you want. [ He smiles briefly, but he looks rather anxious.]
I'm sorry, I really didn't know who else to turn to-- everyone else doesn't seem to be in their room or they're asleep. I was just in the archives when I heard something... I think it was coming from the pool. Normally I wouldn't be too worried but it's a Friday and I really don't want to go by myself.
It's probably nothing, but if it's someone planning something we should do something.
[On the one hand, the best way to avoid trouble is to keep out of trouble. She sees little point in actively heading straight into danger.
On the other hand, the outlandish nature of marching there to save the day--or at least restore order--is more or less appealing to the restless woman.
She slides her gun deftly into the belt of her pants, a gesture she's used to even int he presence of bodyguard (and how she sorely misses them now) before giving her assent in a nod.]
Someone planning something is rather vague, isn't it, Kazuma? Nevertheless, taking a quick look never did much harm. I suppose I could sacrifice my leisure time just to make sure nothing unbecoming is taking place.
Thank you for agreeing Miss Carta. I know it sounds strange, but I was concerned it might be whatever killed Todd as well--it sounded like it was moving about. [ He even offers her a quick little bow before he starts to lead them towards the lower deck.]
I guess we should start with the pool since that's where it seemed to be coming from.
You did the right thing asking for the help of an experienced person. Goodness knows most of us here are unprepared to deal with these unsightly dangers on a weekly basis. I cannot begin to imagine the sick pleasure of the depraved minds around waiting to prey on the meek and unprepared. It's most unsettling--
[It will be a small relief to reach the pool, if only to stop Carta's endless stream of self important drivel.]
[ If anything, he's used to such a thing and he nods along as she talks, smiling the entire time. When they do arrive at the pool he looks around, like he expects something to jump out at them at any moment.]
I'll take this side of the room and you can take that side, if that's okay? After that we can check the locker area. [ In his head, he's already begun the incantation for a spell.]
[There is nothing remarkable about the pool area at first sight, almost disappointingly so. The water looks undisturbed and the pool clear, hiding nothing at all that the lockers seem like a most natural progression of their inspection.
And she turns away from scrutinizing the pool to say so.]
I can't imagine anyone lurking here in any capacity.
Oh, I guess you're right. The only danger here is me~. [ His easy going smile which he wears day in and day out splits into something sinister, wicked and curved like a crescent moon. It's the only slight warning Carta will get before the wind spell he had prepared fires instantaneously, whirling from Kazuma to behind Carta pushing her forward towards the pool violently. Kazuma wasn't a particular powerful mage no, but what he lacked in pure power, he more than made up for in speed.
And it wasn't that difficult to push someone unawares into a pool when it came down to it.]
I think you're the one who's unprepared, mm? All that talk and look at what's happened. It's too bad. [ As he speaks his hands are moving, quickly forming the signs for the magic he truly excelled at.]
[A childhood of rough housing and tomboying comes back to her instantly once the first shock of the water wears off. There's the initial gulp of water that she swallows roughly before twisting around, a hand reaching desperately for the gun strapped behind her.
The intent behind this attempt on her life doesn't cross her mind, only survival. The surface seems to be several torturous feet away and she can only see the harsh lights of the pool shining through, and a dim, blurry shape. It's the target of her aim as she pulls the trigger in its general direction, elbows locked on either side of her chest and gun gripped in both hands as she shoots.]
[ The instant before she fires, Kazuma completes his second spell. He had taken a few extra seconds to reinforce the magic, and though it almost costs him, he's immediately glad that he did.
It's likely blurry in the water, but there's a jade green shimmer that forms around Carta, a perfect sphere, a magical barrier. His intent hadn't been to use it for it's traditional purpose but rather as a wall to prevent her from swimming upwards. But in this case, it ironically fulfills its normal use, deflecting the fired bullet.]
[The stabbing pain comes before the darkness, a shard that tears at her consciousness and vision and burns its way into nothingness before black and red mingles.
Everything else stops save for the sickening thrust of Carta's body backward, shy of hitting the pool's floor before it floats up tentatively, uncertainly, fingers slacking their death grip over the gun as it sinks its dead weight down.]
[ For a seconds he's silent, as he watches the pool water slowly tint red. Then surprisingly, even to himself, he laughs.]
Hahaha... Now look at what you've done. It's all the same I guess, maybe you even helped me out a little bit. I should say thank you, shouldn't I? Ahh I can't though, as you're dead. [ In some corner of his mind, he's aware he's openly mockingly the dead person he just killed, but he can't help it, the words just seem to flow from his mouth.
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The strange mote of blue flame called to him, promising him everything he ever wanted. The truth about who he is, his reason for being, his past that he had forgotten, everything and then some. Kazuma couldn't resist such a thing and frankly, he didn't really want to.
Thankfully the ship is mostly relatively quiet this early-- most others still in bed, or at the cafeteria eating breakfast. And even though Kazuma's never been much of a morning person, he'd been getting up early to run with Arumat recently. It wasn't that out of the ordinary for him at all, really.
After he takes one final deep breath, Kazuma knocks on Carta's door.]
Miss Carta? Are you awake? It's Kazuma, Kazuma Kval. I know we haven't really talked much, but it's important.
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Perhaps it's the politeness, but the sliding door reveals a dressed and alert Carta looking up.]
Can I hold you, young man? Kval, was it?
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I'm sorry, I really didn't know who else to turn to-- everyone else doesn't seem to be in their room or they're asleep. I was just in the archives when I heard something... I think it was coming from the pool. Normally I wouldn't be too worried but it's a Friday and I really don't want to go by myself.
It's probably nothing, but if it's someone planning something we should do something.
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On the other hand, the outlandish nature of marching there to save the day--or at least restore order--is more or less appealing to the restless woman.
She slides her gun deftly into the belt of her pants, a gesture she's used to even int he presence of bodyguard (and how she sorely misses them now) before giving her assent in a nod.]
Someone planning something is rather vague, isn't it, Kazuma? Nevertheless, taking a quick look never did much harm. I suppose I could sacrifice my leisure time just to make sure nothing unbecoming is taking place.
[Translation: Carta is bored.]
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Thank you for agreeing Miss Carta. I know it sounds strange, but I was concerned it might be whatever killed Todd as well--it sounded like it was moving about. [ He even offers her a quick little bow before he starts to lead them towards the lower deck.]
I guess we should start with the pool since that's where it seemed to be coming from.
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[It will be a small relief to reach the pool, if only to stop Carta's endless stream of self important drivel.]
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I'll take this side of the room and you can take that side, if that's okay? After that we can check the locker area. [ In his head, he's already begun the incantation for a spell.]
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And she turns away from scrutinizing the pool to say so.]
I can't imagine anyone lurking here in any capacity.
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And it wasn't that difficult to push someone unawares into a pool when it came down to it.]
I think you're the one who's unprepared, mm? All that talk and look at what's happened. It's too bad. [ As he speaks his hands are moving, quickly forming the signs for the magic he truly excelled at.]
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The intent behind this attempt on her life doesn't cross her mind, only survival. The surface seems to be several torturous feet away and she can only see the harsh lights of the pool shining through, and a dim, blurry shape. It's the target of her aim as she pulls the trigger in its general direction, elbows locked on either side of her chest and gun gripped in both hands as she shoots.]
no subject
It's likely blurry in the water, but there's a jade green shimmer that forms around Carta, a perfect sphere, a magical barrier. His intent hadn't been to use it for it's traditional purpose but rather as a wall to prevent her from swimming upwards. But in this case, it ironically fulfills its normal use, deflecting the fired bullet.]
Ah! Why would you...
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Everything else stops save for the sickening thrust of Carta's body backward, shy of hitting the pool's floor before it floats up tentatively, uncertainly, fingers slacking their death grip over the gun as it sinks its dead weight down.]
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Hahaha... Now look at what you've done. It's all the same I guess, maybe you even helped me out a little bit. I should say thank you, shouldn't I? Ahh I can't though, as you're dead. [ In some corner of his mind, he's aware he's openly mockingly the dead person he just killed, but he can't help it, the words just seem to flow from his mouth.
Now, there was work to do however.]