Corrupted

Independent roleplay blog for Shadow Archer/EMIYA from Fate.GO Canon Divergent and Headcanon-based Private (Mutuals only) Low Activity (If I’m not here you can reach me on my main RP blog)

>Main Links

-  Rules (mobile version here) -  About (mobile version here)

>Other Links

((something something i love shadow arch.er a lot. the idea of a part of shir.ou that comes to hate his selfless nature by the retention of his memories! a stark contrast to emi.ya alter yet still just as extreme in his corruption! a piece of someone that cannot exist by nature of that person’s very being but still being brought forth by the mere possibility—

It’s a decrepit motel located on the outskirts of the city.  It was built in the 1980’s.  It’s said that mysterious people used to perform strange rituals there.

     “I doubt anyone actually had any satanic orgies here.” Láeg said bluntly, an eyebrow lifting as he continued to examine the strange paintings on the walls. He tilted his head slightly to the side as his gaze followed the writings even thought they were written in a language he didn’t understand. At least the odd writings were the most interesting thing in the abandoned motel so far. Black candles, burnt bones and trash that might’ve once been someone’s belongings were of little interest to the tall man. To tell the truth, he didn’t know what he was looking for… maybe, a corpse? Ha, haha… no, he wouldn’t be called to take charge if that was the case. Also, it would be hard to explain to his friend. Why did he invite them again? Oh wait, right, he never invited them.

     “Over here.” He said, now a little louder than before. “You know the tales of this place so… is there anything I should know before we get any deeper into this trashy place?”

     creepy locations | not accepting

“No, really! I know a guy, right? And that guy was telling me about this other guy whose sister got dragged into this cult—” Entirely too excited to explore what was likely just a crack-house, he paid his friend little mind as they waded through trash and glass. Was it wise to dig through piles of garbage with already bandaged hands? No. Likely not. But with how numb to touch he was, at least nothing would hurt.

...If he did manage to cut himself, however, it would be Láeg who dealt with his complaining the rest of the night.

     Ah, so he had unfortunately gotten it right, huh?

     This time Láeg held back the itch to just sigh loudly and take a seat on the front row before watching the scene that he knew would happen unfurl. But the way the other man talked about Cúcuc just now didn’t sit right with him. Actually no, the more he thought about it, the more it annoyed him so it wasn’t something that could nor should be ignored. The usually neutral tone took a turn for the serious, slightly angered side. An almost imperceptible frown was drawn on his features. “Careful with your words. You’re still talking about my best friend.” Maybe because it came from the always tranquil and expressionless Láeg, it was far more concerning.

     But what else could anyone expect from him? He had taken care of Cúcuc ever since the other was a toddler. Might as well be the only reason why he was still alive. He would gladly take a bullet for his friend so it shouldn’t be surprising that any kind of negative comment towards them would not be taken well.

     “And, second, you’re right. Not that it matters. So I’ll now proceed to not bring it up again.” And his decision was final. He had no reason or right to be spreading information about the younger’s private life. At least he had been determined until he glanced at the other man again and lifted an eyebrow. “…What’s with that face?”

“What face?” Nope. Deflected. Not touching that. What the hell, man?! He… didn’t like that expression. Or tone. Wasn’t even entirely sure Láeg had the ability to change their expression even slightly. It was a bit unsettling in an unnatural way.  Maybe that’s why he felt so tense now? That wasn’t the reaction he was expecting or looking for… He’s just a poor, pitiful guy, Láeg… You can’t be mean to him too…

“...Just say you don’t want to help me with my cooking, asshole!” ...And Cú had been pretty mean to him lately. It all made sense now, at least. Could he help that he was frustrated by that? Tall bastard was probably shit-talking him behind his back. Turning everyone against him… They hadn’t even met! How rude is that?! All because of some jealousy. It was pathetic, really-

As long as he put forth the effort, it’d be fine. He wasn’t going to just sit around and be lousy. Waste away. Let everything else pass by. Stubbornness got him this far and he’d cling to it all the same. Can’t falter. Can’t step back. Can’t admit wrong or everything else might crumble. He looks at the plate before him now, the culmination of his efforts these past few days. It looked fine. Great, even! He thought it looked fine… Briefly it’s as if he could actually smell that awful stench people kept mentioning-

@caimkairos​ asked: "Archer!" It's a brilliant smile. Yua looks so happy, for once without stress behind it. Even if her eyes are tired... "I finally have a day off! What do you want to do together? We have all day! We could do anything!" Her first day off in weeks... and she wants to spend it all with him. --

But why?

He never bothers to hide his irritation and thus it is evident in his expression as it always was. A scrutinizing glare is given to the girl that often preceded a jab or insult. He was upset. Angry, even. A hand already pinching and pulling at her cheek as if to emphasize his coming point-

“Ehhhhhhh? If you have time to be waltzing around and bragging about a vacation don’t you think you should be resting or something? No wonder you look like shit. You’re going to have permanent bags under your eyes by the time you’re my age.” Do you want that, Yua? You want to look like a zombie? How will you ever find a cute girl to date looking like a zombie? You can’t!! He knows-!

...At least she didn’t look as awful as last week. Or last month. Or the one before that. It had been such a long time that they’ve been stuck in this lostbelt… He wasn’t sure if he was glad the initial anxiety of it had passed some time ago or concerned for just how slowly everything else had chipped at her since. Fucking hell… She realized stressing herself out stressed him out, right? What an awful thing to do to your nii-chan. Think about his feelings!

“What I want is for you to quit yammering and running around everywhere! Maybe let that damn elephant worry about more shit. You can do that, right?” He finally lets go of her cheek, ruffling her hair almost harshly afterwards. Just one day off? You’re kidding him, right? Fucking hell...He sighs and perhaps it sounds more tired himself than he’d like.

     “Well, I wouldn’t be here if they were, would I?” A wide grin spread across the young Lancer’s face as he glanced at the other servant. He looked confident, even proud of himself, even though he didn’t get what the other man was talking about. But, maybe out of habit, he was quick to assume that they were referring to the nearly impossible deeds he achieved in life, worthy to be remembered for hundreds, thousands of years. At least, he thought, he was much better than back then. A comment like that, even if he hadn’t finished hearing the whole thing and he already would’ve been reaching out for his spear if the first fatal punch didn’t land.

     Technically, he had nothing to prove now. He had earned his rightful place at the throne of heroes so there shouldn’t be any room left for doubt. Whatever others said to try and pick on him wouldn’t work now. But, then again, “…wait, you’re talking about my tales, right?”

There’s a nod as he listens, tapping his chin occasionally in interest. He’s not sure what any of that has to do with ending up here… but maybe that sort of thing played a bigger part in their story than he thought. Then again he never pays attention to that sort of thing! Nor does he really intend to pick up a book to read and check… He had just heard the tidbit of info passed around and frankly didn’t believe it. Seemed too baby-faced for that sort of-

...Wait.

     Yeah, no, he had been expecting something like this. Rather than waste time trying to explain himself or tiptoe around the can of worms he accidentally opened, Láeg chose to leave things as they were and proceeded with the current ‘issue’ they had at hand.

     “That’s true. It could be mine that’s fucked up.” The older man replied without a hint of worry or guilt in his voice. “But I was the one who made breakfast and lunch for Cúcuc throughout the entirety of his school days and helped him with his diet during his…” Uhhh, did they know of Cú’s kids? They had never mentioned Finnscoth. Well, maybe that added to the list of ever-growing issues he had detected from the start but, for now, better play safe than sorry. “Anyway, he still messages me to bring desserts and lunch every so often. So, even if my tastebuds are fucked up, I know what he likes.”

     Soon, he was looking through the shelves, the cupboard and everywhere in the kitchen for ingredients that were in good state. And, thankfully for his peace of mind, there were some good ones, but… well, there was no other way to put it: Cú had always had a bit of an expensive taste. Okay, how was he going to do this?

     “Before going to the grocery store, I have a couple more questions. First, did Cú explicitly agree to have a date with you? Two, you do know that Cú isn’t looking for a relationship now, right? And, finally, that guy is back. So, maybe you should reconsider before getting your hopes up for something that will result in nothing.”

“See that wasn’t so difficult to admit, was it? It’s a good thing I’m forgiving with this kind of shit…  I just have different taste is all…” A refined palette, if you would. Maybe not everyone could appreciate it and that’s why he asked for help… but it didn’t mean there was anything wrong either-

“Eh? Huh? You think it’s for that asshole? Why would I give a shit what he likes?” And suddenly it’s a different kind of aggression to his tone. Frustration and hint of something else he’s keen to hide. Not that that kind of info wouldn’t be useful. Or that he didn’t want to know. Maybe. Kind of. Sort of. There’s a glare as Láeg starts to move around the kitchen to gather things. Anything else to the previous remark casually discarded in his mind.

“Y-you think I’m not over that? That’s what you’re thinking, right?? Wipe that smug look off your face, I know it-” He says to a still deadpan expression. He was growing more fidgety. Defensive. He was practically curled over the dish he made as if it might be further judged. Defective though it may be, this rotten smelling fish dinner was the embodiment of his emotions-

“It’s someone else! You always just assume whatever the hell you want! Does it even matter?! I don’t give a damn if that guy is-”

     He didn’t really mind being dragged out of his apartment at this hour. No, really, he didn’t mind. Láeg was far too used to this sort of predicament and, truly, this was hardly an inconvenience when he had put up with worse before. Someone once told him that that attitude of his was part of the problem, but he wasn’t going to start pondering about that topic now. He currently had his hands full with dealing with the disaster of his friend before him. “Sure thing.” It was all the answer he offered before getting to work.

     He only needed to get a bit closer to notice the smell of the dish the other had prepared. A quick glance and he already knew what was wrong. “It’s the ingredients you’re using.” How the other managed to make the dish look good while also ruining it from the very beginning with expired ingredients was beyond him. Alright… so how was he supposed to word this again? “So… I know this is a private question but… are your senses of smell and taste damaged? I can help with picking the ingredients you need. If you follow the instructions like you did until now then it should turn out in a decent dinner.”

     Wait, wasn’t Cú staying at that guy’s apartment for now? Uh… how was he supposed to let that know to the man in the kitchen with him?

“The ingredients?” Did he end up calling Láeg over here for just useless advice? Sure, the packaging on some of these things said it was a little past due… Only several months at most but… If you taste test them first and it tastes fine then you don’t have to worry about that sort of stuff! Plus who the hell had money to afford to get things fresh-

“Eh?” But that’s a thought that’s quickly interrupted. A blank stare given in response. Maybe… something he hadn’t considered, sure. Especially considering a few things but…

“What the fuck, man? What kind of question is that?” Private question, his ass! “You can’t ask me that shit! It’s insensitive, you know?! Hey, what if it’s your sense of smell that’s fucked up?” A quickly defensive retort accompanied by a rather offended expression. So that’s it then? You’re just like them too? You were supposed to be on his side, right? That’s how this friend stuff worked?!

Fine! He didn’t need help! Not when he was being insulted like this… He could still make this work on his own. Not like asking his ‘friend’ was a last resort. He had other options…

@kaerou​ said: peeks over at him --

Peeks back. Stares back. Ominously. Quietly. That woman… That master… He has a feeling…

...She isn’t that different.

@caemthe​ said: [ láeg ] "So you called me here because...?" C'mon. It was 4am. 'This time it better be good,' he thought to himself but he would still give advice and try to calm his mess of a friend. --

“You could at least pretend to look a little more enthusiastic…” Not that this guy’s expression really changed all that often anyways, but still… This was important, and shouldn’t they be glad to help? They were one of those types, right? If anyone was doing anyone else a favor, it was him for giving Láeg a chance to do so! And that’s why he’s called the other here into the kitchen at 4am. Covered in various ingredients. Dirty bowls and dishes strewn around rather dramatically for what should have been a small project…

“You’re good at cooking and shit, right? I need you to tell me what’s wrong with this.” He points now accusingly at a rather innocent plate of cooked salmon. Something he’s made countless times before (back then). Something he should have no trouble recreating it perfectly… Memorizing it perfectly… It even looked the same…

“It tastes fine to me but can you believe anytime someone tries it they just spit it out?! I don’t get it! It looks like the picture too, right?! You see it too?? That means it should taste good, so why the hell…” Not that it bothered him what others would think, of course. It wasn’t like he was trying to impress someone… but it was frustrating. Frustrating enough he was kept up late about this.

((And then I jump on here for Shadow’s rare spotlight-

((His corruption has granted him many different things. Many different strengths. It came with sacrifices, of course, but that’s to be expected with any incredible gain in power. It’d be worth it... It’s stripped him of so many things but it should be worth it... He’s the same person he once was. He’s certain. There’s one or two things that are ‘off’ but still...

((...Just unfortunately one of those things taken happened to be literally any kind of social awareness.