[video]

[boneofsword]

From: Archer
Date: October 4th late afternoon

[For those familiar with him, Archer's expression is completely blank. There's no frown, or typical sarcastic smirk. When he speaks, his voice is calm and rather detached with underlying coldness.]

Caster is gone.

His temple and the names he bestowed are still here, so he's going to be back. Be aware that he's not going to remember any of you, or anything that happened during his stay here. If my research is wrong feel free to correct me, but that's based on the knowledge I gathered so far.

[Here he pauses slightly and his eyes flicker off-screen.]

I'm still trying to piece together what happened, if anyone comes forward to shed some light on the events that transpired, you will have my gratitude.

[Archer narrows his eyes, for the first time his expression changes slightly.]

If you want to punch him for being an idiot you have to get in line.

Comments

[Voice]

[sing_for_me]

Archer? Are you okay? What do you mesn he’s gone?

[Her voice was heavy with concern and confusion. Does he mean like what happened to Izumo? Alex had so many questions ahe couldn’t pick. There was this uncomfortable oit in her stomach, even with knowing he’d be back. Then there was Archer. The look on his face...She clenched her fist. ]

[Voice]

[boneofsword]

He did something stupidly heroic and got himself killed.

[Archer prefers to not answer her question. Right now he's keeping his emotions in check and doesn't want to even wander there.]

[Voice]

[sing_for_me]

[Oh yeah, he avoided that so smoothly. The knot in her stomach tightened even more--but what does that say about how Archer is feeling?]

...Where are you?

[Voice]

[boneofsword]

At his temple.

[he hesitated a bit before answering, suspecting that Alex would come running. Distracting himself with chores or sparring could only work for some time.]

[video]

[sonofson]

He can't be gone! If his temple and stuff are still here then he's gotta be somewhere! What happened? Why wouldn't he remember anyone?

[video]

[boneofsword]

It happens if you die here.

[Archer isn't going to sugarcoat it.]

[sonofson]

W-Wha....but Kuu was strong! I know lots of weird and scary looking ayakashi showed up but he shoulda been able to handle them, right?

[He liked Caster! This isn't right.]

[boneofsword]

Strength isn't everything. Recklesness can be deadly. Same with trying to play the hero before fully assessing the situation.

[Voice]

[light_of_willpower]

...Sadly I have no information for you, but I'd be interested in knowing about this research. Also, are you okay?

We haven't met, but I'm Mai's shinki, Trunks.

[Voice]

[boneofsword]

I will share anything I'll find. [a pause.] I'm fine.

Caster mentioned you. I'm called Archer, It's a shame we meet in such circumstances.

Re: [Voice]

[light_of_willpower]

[Huh...Trunks hadn't expected Caster to mention him, and is surprised and slightly flattered.]

Better late than never though, right? I'm sorry I don't have anything to offer, information wise. But if you want help investigating, or keeping an eye out, or something--I'll do what I can.

And I might join that line to punch him, depending on things.

[Voice]

[boneofsword]

Thanks you. That's a very generous offer.

Does doing something stupidly heroic and getting killed count?

video

[kagenonadeshiko]

[Having been in this position herself and liking Archer quite a bit, Ayumu has to respond. Her expression is genuinely sympathetic, her voice gentler than it tends to be with most.]

I'm sorry for your loss, Archer-san. This must be a difficult time for you and your fellow shinki.

[She has yet to meet Archer's god but his shinki has a good head on his shoulders as far as Ayumu's concerned. If Archer wants to punch his god, she's the last person who would dissuade it.]

I'm afraid I don't have any information to give you but if I hear anything, I'll be sure to let you know.

video

[boneofsword]

[Archer is touched by that note of concern. His reply is less stiff and formal.]

Thank you. It indeed is.

[Then can join the club. After all, Archer has seen her handiwork on Hakkai and approved.]

How are you doing?

video

[kagenonadeshiko]

[His response makes her smile a little bit. In her opinion, he's a good man who doesn't deserve to be put through this turmoil by his god. It's so irritating how some gods seem to just assume they're allowed to do whatever they want without repercussions they have no control over.]

I've been better but I've also been worse.

[And he's been present during some of those worse moments, surprisingly enough. It's part of why she appreciates him so much. He's a good friend.]

I left Hakkai and I'm between gods now. I tried to go it alone for a while and it was working pretty well, all things considered, until that mess with the rifts and ayakashi rampaging about. One of them opened up right where I was staying and it affected me.

[By leaving her so tranquilized that she couldn't feel anything but peace.]

I couldn't fight or protect myself at all. But it worked out fine in the end. Some other friends of mine rescued me and took me somewhere safe. I'm staying with one of them now. I'm still a little shaken but I'm much better off than I have been lately.

video

[boneofsword]

[That's a welcome change talking about someone else than his own problem. Truly, gods are the biggest headaches at time. Are they their weapons or their nannies?]

I'm not surprised you made it through. [it's not an empty praise, more of a genuine professional respect.]

I trust your judgement in choosing the best option possible, but if you ever need help regarding what choice is out there, I will gladly provide you with the information I've gathered.

[He's...not exactly keeping tabs on everyone... no, only on those he met. And if shinki can't stay godless- that info might be finally useful for something. Like making informed decision what kind of god to swear yourself to. He sighs resigned.]

If not for his stunt, I'd probably suggest my own god for the consideration, but since this is the worst way he could make a first impression-- [BY BEING DEAD.] -- I will refrain from that for now.

Video

[all_seeing_eye]

Caster... is that your god?

Video

[boneofsword]

Yes, he is.

[This is going to get awkward. Archer remembers that he joined Futaba for the temple raid, but the rest is a bit vague.]

Video

[all_seeing_eye]

...Did he die while you were helping me?

video

[waitingforhope]

[Mai had never paled so much as she did the moment she overheard the broadcast. Her body felt numb. She kept waiting for there to be a catch of some kind, but...]

What...happened?

video

[boneofsword]

Caster did something stupidly heroic and got himself killed.

[Archer didn't sugarcoat things. He looked calm and collected, but that's only because of a long practice.]

video

[waitingforhope]

[That was...actually the best way for Mai to be told news like this. Straight to the point. Focusing on the facts. Unbelievable as they were.]

No, that's...

[Except Archer wouldn't lie to her. Not about something like this. Not after making such an announcement. She believed he was telling the truth...it was just the truth she struggled with, eyes betraying her conflicted confusion.]

But he's a god. How...could someone kill him?

voice,

[minogame]

( Given the timing, Urashima can figure it out. Maybe he doesnt know the entire story but he has an idea. His voice might sound familiar to Archer, even if it isn't as energetic or thoughtful as before. It's a lot more serious and quiet, )

Because of what happened yesterday?

( Is that why he died? )

voice,

[boneofsword]

[Archer can recognize that voice. He's glad he can keep this conversation in voice only.]

Yes. He did something stupidly heroic and got himself killed.

[minogame]

I think it's tragic.

( It's less of a legend and more of a tragedy, if you ask him. )