epidemiology | OPEN (forward dated a little Jan 1)

Entry tags:

OPEN (forward dated a little Jan 1)

CHARACTERS: Pearl (

beyourrock) and you!

DATE: Jan 1st

WARNINGS: N/A

SUMMARY: Pearl takes some time to clear her head. Sort of.

[This past week, Pearl had been busying herself with errands, cooking, baking, anything that would get her mind off the mark on her hand. She slowly started to realize that these mundane tasks weren’t doing her any good. Her mind was still loud.

Let it be the most beautiful sort of disaster that consumes you...

Maybe it was time to take a different approach.]

A: Sworn to the Sword
[Pearl had cleared a small area for herself and her training. Scooping what snow she could into precise mounds. Dead grass was revealed, along with worn down dirt, in a perfect square, large enough for combat. It wasn’t preferred, but it would have to do. Especially without the use of Warp Pads here, in order to transport to the area she usually trained.

The Gem stood in the middle of the miniature arena, two swords in hand. He gem on her forehead glows brightly, producing a blue figure in front of her. A perfect copy, give or take the emotionless face it held. She tosses the sword to the hologram and it in turn catches it by the handle.

And the sword dance begins. Clashing metal, sparks flying, elegant movements, and yet, they both had considerable power behind each blow, letting out a rush of air in the nearby radius of the arena. To anyone observing, they may notice Pearl is rather focused on the task at hand, as her hologram evades her attacks, returning with its own.]

B: May I Have this Dance?
[After her self appointed training, Pearl had put away her swords, letting them disappear with a flurry of sparkles. The hologram of herself holds out its hand out to Pearl, in which she takes. Similar to her fight with the hologram, it’s elegant, but with a much softer edge to it as they danced. Spinning and twisting, gliding across the arena, despite the unstable ground.

Pearl closes her eyes, as if she has memorized all the steps, falling in line with her hologram. As she moves, the hologram flickers into different shakes of different people, never missing a beat. She spins, and the hologram changes into a barefooted young woman with long hair, and when she’s dipped back, a woman in uniform holds her under the small of her back, and then straightens her back up again. The hologram extends her arm outward, Pearl holding it and doing the same. Again, the form changes, into a man with armor. And then she’s tugged in, twirling again until she rests against the holograms chest, looking up to see a tall woman with large curls, a soft smile on her face.

The gem’s eyes widen and she breaks away from the hologram, which splits into two shapes. A tall woman with square shaped hair and shades, while another stood beside her. Much shorter but with long unkempt hair. The both stare down Pearl, smiling as well, arms either crossed or on their hips. Silent laughter passes their lips, soft and heart warming before they disappear in a fizzle.

Pearl stares at where the holograms stood, her breathing suddenly ragged. Her left hand clutches over her chest, her gaze falling to the ground. Furrowing her brow, she exhales heavily, closing her eyes.]

What would they think...?

C: A Girl and her Bird
[Pearl sits in the middle of the arena, sitting beside a giant white bird, with blue trimmed feathers. A small bag of feed is set down for him, and she quietly observes him eating, her gloved hands running through his feathers on his back. He was a hassle, but she seemed to be warming up to the idea of a mount. A pet of sorts, and Quartz seemed to be calming her mind.

The Gem closes her eyes and laughs weakly as she hears the bird gobble down his food.]

Relax Quartz. You’ll choke if you eat too fast.

[She says, scoldingly, but the bird doesn’t seem to heed her words, continuing his ‘feast’. Her shoulders slump, it wasn’t worth it at this point.]

D: Wildcard
{{ooc: If none of these tickles your fancy, you're more than welcomed to toss in your own! If you're not sure, just drop me a pp on plurk at littlestpenguin}}

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Though Pearl has wandered off from the others, she's far from alone. A familiar presence floats nearby, but says not a word to her; it merely observes as she sets up the arena and projects an opponent for herself. And for a while, it does nothing, letting her fight on her own, at least until the movements become more hectic and the hologram begins to retaliate more fiercely.

When the tip of the hologram's sword comes too close, a golden lance appears from nowhere and holds it off. The lance works together with Pearl, jabbing and thrusting yet applying a precise amount of force. Never does it make the sparring too trivial, too easy. It preserves the challenge of it while encouraging her to work in tandem. Occasionally it switches forms, assumes the shape of an axe instead, or even a bow, shooting from afar.

But always it works together with her, always it watches over her. Always it serves her as she needs it, until she sheaths her weapon and opts for a few rounds of dancing. The presence becomes warmer throughout until the man behind it can no longer help himself, materializing beside her with an easy smile after the hologram disappears.]

If you desired to dance with a King, you could've asked at any time.

[Gilgamesh neglects to answer her self-imposed question; his stance on matter should already be obvious. He seems a bit quieter than usual, though no less bold.]

Still, you've shown impressive hustle today. It pleases me to see you better yourself in this way.

[While she fights, she's taken aback by the sights of other weapons aiding in her battle against the hologram. But it isn't long when she puts it together that it was her Servant aiding her. So much for getting her mind off things, but it was Gilgamesh after all. Easily enough, she works alongside the weapons. And once the battle is over, she notices the weapons fade away, and she gives a knowing glance over her shoulder, where ever his presence may be at the time.

And then she transitions into her dance, almost forgetting her Servant for the time being. At the end of the dance, she draws into herself, trying to recollect herself. And that's when she senses a physical presence beside her.

She lets out a heavy sigh and slumps her shoulders.]

It was a mistake. I was a little scatterbrained, you could say. I have a lot of things on my mind.

[She does offer a small smile up at him at his comment and shrugs her shoulders dismissively.]

Thought some training might help.

[Gilgamesh studies her for a short while, and of course he can guess at just what's occupying her. But to discuss it would mean retreading ground, rehashing things they'd already covered at length within the Gate. Pearl had been a given a choice to shed this burden—she'd been offered an out and refused it. So here they stood and here she sighs under the weight but bears it regardless, because she must, because she still has her pride as a Crystal Gem.

It makes him smile back, in a cryptic sort of way, always knowing more than he lets on.]

No need for self-critique quite so harsh. You continue to exceed my expectations.

[He steps forward and mimics her spinning from before, coming to rest on the tip of his foot and extending a hand to her. He is laughing through his words, light-hearted and of good cheer and hoping to spread the mood to her as well.]

Well, then. Please be my partner instead, Pearl. I'll grant you a break for a bit and take care of everything, such is the extent of my magnanimity.

[Pearl flexes her gloved hands absentmindedly at her sides as she watches him carefully. She's much more mindful of Gilgamesh's movements now, even his words. After that trip to the Gate, Pearl was unsure about her Servant. Like she stated many times before, she'd bear the title of Master. Respect for him resided in her view, but perhaps it was a combination and caution as well.

The Gem quirks a brow and rests her hands on her hips. A small chuckle escapes her.

Gilgamesh. The King of Heroes. A man who pointed a sword at her less than a week ago...]

You dance?

[Gilgamesh raises his brows and looks downright roguish in doing so.]

You would question the athletic finesse of the great Gilgamesh?

[Which is his way of saying but of course I do. He doesn't look offended, necessarily, but there's some childish pride in how he huffs and puffs himself up and tries to appear like a proper partner. For being a thousands year old ancient, Gilgamesh could be awfully stubborn in regards to self-assessment.]

In its infancy, my Epic was not written, but sung! My court entertained the first bards, my palace oversaw the nubile makings of stagecraft! It's hardly a matter for debate—I was an artist as much as an architect, a creative visionary as much as a hero! I dominate the dancefloor, and rightly so!

[Well, he sounds confident. Whether or not that translates to actual ability remains to be seen.]

[She knows better than to talk back to him. There's a difference in being athletic and being able to dance. Plus, this Gem has thousands of years of experience. Gems were basically raised to dance as a means of fighting. Then again, Fusion could also be used for close relationships, like Garnet...

But, to appease the King of Heroes, she places her hand on his own.]

We will see about that. [She steps up to Gilgamesh, resting her other hand against his shoulder.]

Lead the way, Gilgamesh.

[Arguing with Gilgamesh, in general, tended to be a pointless endeavor. Either he vehemently disagreed or simply spoke over the unfortunate party until they were forced to cave to his bizarre logic, and never once did he admit to any possibility of being in the wrong.

So when Pearl offers no dispute and presents her hand, Gilgamesh just presumes he's won and huff-puffs up again with pride, fingers closing around her own and lips spreading into a boisterous grin. He's anything but quiet now.]

Well stated! Come along!

[And he pulls her in, and at once it's like being swept into a whirlwind.

He sings to her, low on in his breath, in Sumerian. The words are foreign to outsiders but they are evocative nonetheless, uttered with great fluency. What they truly say is a mystery, but they are said with passion, with excitement. It's half of a dance and half of a beat to some imaginary war drums only he can hear. He twists and turns, just as she did before, but there is clear challenge in his step. He swore he'd take care of everything, but in the same breath, he seems to be encouraging her to join in.

His purpose becomes obvious after a few minutes of this heady exchange. He's having fun with her, and trying to bowl her over with his own enthusiasm. This was how he chose to forget his worries: indulging in the pleasures and the people of the moment until everything else became but a blur.]

[Pearl follows his movements as best she can. Without being synchronized with another Gem, this was a little different. She had the skills, it just felt as though there was no path to follow, usually towards Fusion. The Gem watches their feet as they move, seeing a few missteps here or there, but Gilgamesh seemed to be holding his own pretty well.

The sung words rise up to her ears. Warm and inviting, causing her gem to glow gently. Tension in her shoulders disappear and she melts into the act of dancing. It was a common occurrence with her, to be sucked into the act. Even a small smile pulls at the corner of her thin lips, a small laugh escaping her.

After a spin, she faces him once more, placing her hands against his chest, to brace herself a little, from crashing into the Servant. Blinking owlishly, she realizes once again who exactly she's dancing with, remembering back to the man in armor that had manifested in her hologram just previously. Conflict knits itself into her furrowed brows.

It was astounding to her, how this man could change his emotions in a flip of a switch. Those red eyes deadly at one moment, and then filling with joy and warmth. Pearl's gloved hands resume their position once again, closing her eyes in concentration, and to steel her emotions. Professional. Like a gem should be.

Now wasn't the time to lower her guard. Especially around him.]

[To fight was to dance in itself. Servants abode similar philosophies to Gems in this regard, or at least this one did; there was no boundary between, no place where elegance does not dominate. Gilgamesh handles this as well as he would any sword, and though he may lack the precise refinements of Saber or the absolute agility of a Lancer, he still moves with the undeniable dexterity of an Archer. Improved all the more thanks to her influence, as not only does he keep up, he coaxes Pearl to give it her very best in turn.

He sees the smile just as he sees the conflict. It does not deter him. He breaks away with an acknowledging dip of his head, then claps his hands, once, twice, thrice, as if to strike up the imaginary beat. The Gate opens up above their heads, glows and sparkles and showers the area in beautiful petals, and briefly it becomes less of a dance and more of a chase. Gilgamesh balances his weight on the tips of his feet and circles Pearl, not so much predatory as it is assessing, daring.

He gives her space act as she chooses, but never once do those eyes leave her. Don't back down. Don't run away. Even now, this directive prevails.]

[Pearl is surprised by him breaking away and briefly pauses to watch him. And then, a spotlight is set upon her. She stares on, confused as the petals fall about her. She hesitates for a moment, watching him circle her. Being put on the spot like this... The Gem closes her eyes and exhales heavily, closing her eyes.

She brings her hands up, outstretched as she spins in a circle, her sash flourishing behind her with her movement. Gradually she brings one foot upward, bent at the knee as she keeps that momentum of hers. As she spins, she opens her eyes, her head turning and moving to keep an eye on him. She doesn't feel cornered. No. This had to be some kind of makeshift test of his again.

After assessing his movements, she spins a little faster before she slows herself down, holding her arms, dipping her head. She stops herself, pointing one toe outward, on those ballet flats of hers, one foot flat on the ground. Her sash flicking and resting behind her. She brings her head upward, arms lowering at his sides, eyes watching him. Tilting her head back. Looking down her nose at him. Defiant.]

[It is a test, in a way. It is not often Gilgamesh deigns fit to exercise so freely and so personally with just anyone, so it might be said it is an arena reserved only for his Master. Only for the individual he has entrusted with a part of himself. Even as a tyrant, he was beloved by the people, for his wit, for his charm, for his unwavering spirit. This he showcases to Pearl now, as yet another piece of the puzzle. But what she does with it remains up to her.

Gilgamesh watches and waits as Pearl takes her turn. Most people, at this point, would admit they're outmatched. But Gilgamesh only finds himself all the more inspired by it, to do better, to match her steps and exceed the speed of even a Crystal Gem. So by the time she's done he's already drawn close again, invited their hands together again, except now he only just barely touches their fingers together. Just barely brushes their tips, hovering, biding his time until the right moment...

And then he strikes, swiftly and suddenly, twisting her into his embrace and trotting one, two, three, four, away and back again, into his arms then out again, ending with a low dip to the ground and an intense stare as only the King of Heroes can deliver.

She would not be wrong to assume this has taken a romantic, or at least flirtatious angle. The clever curve of his mouth suggests as much.]

[She lets him step in close, not daring to shy away. No, not this time. Dancing was everything to a Gem. It helped them become stronger after all. She meets his gaze, her jaw set as she follows his movements fluidly, changing her positions and movements accordingly. Extending her arm, and pulling in close to herself once she's pulled close to him.

The dip catches her off guard, inhaling sharply with an intense pulse of light coming from her gem. She rests her hands on his shoulders and looks into those blood red eyes of his, searching them briefly, flickering to his smile.

Alright then, if that's what he wants to play it that way.

The Gem soon smiles back, almost on the verge of a grin as she slips her hands up his shoulders and neck, to rest on either side of his face. Her eyes become half lidded, leaning in dangerously close to the other's face, pale blue eyes staring up at him under long lashes. Breath brushing against his cheek.

She releases her hold on his face, slipping her lower back from his supporting hand. Twisting herself, she takes up that hand to ease him back up straight, extending her arm out, keeping herself at arm's length, toe pointed. A wider smile gracing her lips.]

[Gilgamesh has become better at gauging her reactions over time. That gem, front and center, served as the focal point for her emotions, good, bad, or otherwise. He could skim her thoughts if he so pleased for a sharper read, but really, the gem says everything. That it glows so bright and so bold tells him all he needs to know about her mood—which now appears to have undergone marked improvement, the true motivation behind it all.

He softens visibly at the contact to skin. It is rare he allows anyone such intimacy but here it soothes him. His own eyes shut and he mutters something else in Sumerian, something recognizably fond even in a foreign tongue. It both lasts too long and not nearly long enough, like floating on air only to fall halfway through. He has taken many to bed in this world but sex was only ever just that. Affection was much harder to come by, both to give and to receive from the solemn King who swore to stand alone.

But he does appear content, briefly, satisfied in the moment even as an individual of bottomless hunger. He holds to each of her hands and the spotlight shines upon them both, and now his words are fully understood, uttered almost breathlessly if one strains to listen:]

How beautiful.

[And perhaps it might be called flattery, yet it is far from aimless. It is reaffirmation of the correct choice, the only choice he could've made in regards to his Master.]

Again, your flattery...

[Indeed, she does call it such. After all, she knew she was played from the beginning, and now? She was much more cautious about Gilgamesh's motives. What he pursued. But that didn't mean she wasn't willing to work beside him, if the need called for it.

Pearl smiles softly, holding his hands for a moment longer before she bows her head, pulling her gloved hands away from him, offering him a small bow, crossing one hand over her chest.]

I underestimated you. You could indeed keep up. I'm impressed. [She straightens up once more, her hands resting on her hips. She tilts her head.]

Were you coming by to check in on me?

[Gilgamesh would consider any sort of smile, however small or strained, a victory. She looks infinitely better than before, a woman in her element, and he's glad she got the chance to showcase her talents. He's impressed in turn and has no reason to hide it.]

You dance as if born to do so. Well done, Pearl. You are a most splendid partner.

[That question, however, catches him a little off guard. He clears his throat and folds his arms, trying to reflect impassiveness.]

You hadn't called for me in some time. I do not take offense, but...

[He tries, but there's a crack in the gaps of his expression. Something like sheepishness. As close to shyness as Gilgamesh would ever come.]

It's still good to see you in the evenings. Mine are rather— [hesitating] well, never mind that.

[She mirrors his stance. crossing her arms, but looks at him like a mother would when a child was caught misbehaving. Pearl takes a few steps closer to him and raises both brows high on her forehead, framing either side of her gem, which had since dimmed down back to normal.]

I told you I'd call you if I need you. I've been fine. [For the most part, but she's more interested in his last comment.]

What of your evenings?

[Urk. Gilgamesh withers a bit under the aura of a firm disciplinarian and waves his hands around emphatically. Perhaps overly so.]

O-of course they're rife with excitement! As if I couldn't find ways to entertain myself, even mingling among these utterly unworthy masses! What an absolutely preposterous notion, that I would fall into the wretched doldrums of such mortal tedium, ahahahaha...

[She's totally buying this, right? Right.]

[Pearl stares at him dryly.]

Excitement, hm? [Her foot taps a little as she narrows her eyes at him. With a huff, she steps up to him and prods his chest with a finger.]

I do hope you're behaving yourself.

...it's unbearably boring.

[Well, that didn't much prodding to unveil. Talk about an anticlimax.]

[Pearl blinks. Huh, that was different than what she was expecting. She slumps her shoulders and shakes her head with a small sigh.]

Don't tell me that a King doesn't have any hobbies he likes to enjoy. You have a giant Gate with numerous things! [The Gem saw it for herself after all. Books, and so many other things.]

Besides, didn't you say you like to lounge about and drink wine in your free time?

That's certainly so, but...

[Gilgamesh appears to be fidgeting around what he really wants to say. It's like he's reverted to a huffy child asking after something from their guardian. ...or rather, that side's become more prominent now. It will take a bit more encouragement to ferret out the truth.]

[Pearl's lips purse into a thin line. Determined as she peers up at him, ands prominently on her hips now in her own huffing gesture. Just what exactly has gotten into him? From the way they ended their dance to... this?]

Does a cat have hold of the King of Heroes' tongue? What's gotten you so worked up?

Your read of the atmosphere has proven remarkably poor!! It should be obvious that we must spend more time together!!

[Oops. Hold on, back up, redo.]

I meant to say it's become a necessity. Because...

[...because...]

...because it's the will of the King. That is sufficient explanation for my request.

[Swing and a miss.]

[Pearl steps back, surprised by his outburst... but she slowly shakes her head. She turns on her heels and waves her hand dismissively.]

You're just saying that because I'm your Master. [Otherwise, why would it be a necessity?]

also rolling with a/b combo! just try and stop me!!!

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