[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. ]

[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?

[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?

[video]

[boneofsword]

It happens if you die here.

[Archer isn't going to sugarcoat it.]

[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.]

[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.]

[sing_for_me]

[Of course she was. She teleported over without hanging up.]

Are you in the kitchen? Where are you?

[She's looking around-- it's actually her first time visiting their temple. If only this wasn't why...]

[boneofsword]

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

[sonofson]

But...but he's your friend isn't he?! Y-You shouldn't say it like that if he was trying to help someone!

[boneofsword]

[Caster's temple was rather simple - a big druid's hut with open kitchen and mix of dining and meeting hall, with big fireplace at one end. Archer wasn't there, though she was immediately greeted by two white dogs barking happily. A moment later Archer appeared on stairs leading to the upper floor.]

Alex.

[He sounded - and looked - quite weary.]

[sing_for_me]

[When the dogs come up to greet her, she crouches down to pet them. She hadn’t seem them since Cu had taken them to her temple. Did they know, she wondered?

Hearing her name, she looks up to see Archer there. She stands up immediately, the exhausted expression on his face squeezing at her heart. She walks over to him, stopping at the bottom of the staircase.]

Archer..is he really..?

[boneofsword]

[...how do you explain that to a child. Still, Caster and kids? ...of course, the guy is sometimes a huge kid himself.]

Even friends can do something stupid. It's even worse when you have to save them and the one they're trying to save.

[boneofsword]

He's dead. [Archer says flatly as he walks down the steps. He's not wearing his red overcoat this time.]

I'm still not sure what exactly have happened, but there's no doubt that he's dead.

[sing_for_me]

[Him using those words specifically hit her harder. Her hand grips at the banister. She was still trying to wrap her head around it.]

When you said...he’d come back..

[Was he sure about that?]

[boneofsword]

His temple is still here. Mine and Lancer's names too, and we can use borderlines.

[Archer looks away, his voice gone a bit quieter.]

Another god died and returned not so long ago. That's what I'm basing my assumption on.

[sing_for_me]

[That was true. But still, it didn’t change the fact that he died. Taking in a breath, she looks at him.]

How are you holding up..?

[boneofsword]

[Archer looks at her, and for a moment she can catch a glimpse of grief in his gaze that vanishes as soon as it appears.]

I have to take care of Lancer and the dogs.

[Perhaps after Caster's return he will take time to sort his feelings out. Not right now.]

[sonofson]

Kuu isn't stupid! He....he just messed up but he was trying to do something good, right? A-And it doesn't count as saving if he died. You didn't save him! He'd still be here if you did!

[Caster is his friend. It's one thing to call him stupid when he's alive but not after he got killed.]

W-when he comes back I'm gonna help him remember everything he forgot. You better too!

[boneofsword]

[The reply comes few minutes later. Honestly, Archer has no idea how to deal with kids.]

I couldn't save him. [No one could. Archer shoulders the guilt and responsibility as he always does.]

Please do. So will I. After all, I'm his shinki.

[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.

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

[all_seeing_eye]

Caster... is that your god?