escordvi | open 🎹 so welcome to my past

Entry tags:

open 🎹 so welcome to my past

Who: Verso and you
Status: Open
Where: Around Eltrut
What: Beneath the Ink Once More MANTA quest, prior to the tentacle escapades
Warnings: Violence, some suicidal ideation

a. taboo goo—

[When Verso first heard of the inky substances polluting the sea, he'd brushed it off, chalking it up to something in this world's environment beyond his comprehension. It seemed plausible enough, considering his experiences over the last few months.

However, after hearing of the creatures that crawled out of the water had been seemingly made out of ink, he couldn't help but grow curious.

It wasn't hard to track where these creatures had struck with the inky mess they left behind. The tricky part was following said tracks, most of which led back into the water.]

Whatever these are, they don't want to be found. Otherwise it would've been too easy, wouldn't it?

[He drags fingers against a splotch of ink in the sand. Pinching the substance against his fingers, he finds it to be more liquid than solid. He makes a face, somewhere between puzzled and amused before holding it out for you to see.]

Not exactly what I expected.

b. spill some ink—

[A few hours into the investigation, Verso pauses for a moment, stopping in his tracks. Then turns to his companion, his brows knit closely together.]

Have you ever gotten the feeling that you're being watched from a distance?

[Maybe the question seems like it came out of nowhere, but he was definitely feeling that now. He tenses up and looks around, to either side and over his shoulder, but nothing stands out.

Unbeknownst to you and Verso for the time being, there did seem to be an inky figure stalking them from the shadows.]

c. wildcard —

[Throw me something else. Shoot me a DM or message on discord (riyuji) if you want to iron things out more.]

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[ You would be the one tracking down ink beings WOULDN'T YOU, VERSO...

Luckily for you though, you're not the only one concerned with the recent unwanted members of society upon their somewhat peaceful lands!!

Clive watches as the other man bends down to examine the residue, keeping a close distance as to observe the contents from above. ]

If they have retreated back to the water, it may be best to search along this shoreline. [ He comments, eyes extending outward. ] I'd much rather avoid an encounter at sea.

[It's like this quest was made for him! Of course he's going to go snooping around because of it.]

Then we'll have to figure out a way to draw it back to land. Or at least catch sight of it.

[He looks back at the goo in his hand as he gets back on his feet. It's too bad Monoco or Esquie weren't around, otherwise he would've found a way to get them to taste whatever this is.]

Have you ever seen these Phantoms up close?

Only but a moment, while they were pursuing another.

[ He shakes his head, looking a little stiff. ]

By the time I arrived, it had vanished. It's as if they're only drawn towards certain individuals... though I can't decern why.

Might have to ask around then. See if anyone knows what draws it out.

[There's still some of the inky residue on his hand. He's just going to... Move closer to Clive and place his hand on his back, subtly wiping the ink off on him in the process.]

C'mon now. Better get a move on before it finds another victim to terrorize.

[And just going to subtly walk off as well, as if he didn't just do that.]

Edited 2026-01-27 06:04 (UTC)

[ ……

Except Clive just witnessed the whole encounter since he’s been here this entire time.

Verso, what the fuck—

He’ll give a slight pause, as if slowly realizing what had just occurred. ]

… Alright.

[ But other than the slight narrowing of his gaze Clive DOESN’T react.

He will, however, try to subtly move his hand back behind him as they walk, making sure if what happened well… actually happened. ]

Given the likelihood of these events, it’s safe to assume we will be dealing with many more should we let this continue. Best to deal with this as quickly as we can.

Edited 2026-01-29 03:29 (UTC)

[Unfortunately that did happen, Clive. You may not understand why it happend right now, but it's a good thing! If Verso noticed Clive check, he doesn't bring any attention to it.

They head towards the closest inhabitants of the leviathan to gather more information. Many corroborate that the attacks happen closer to the shoreline, with most happening further north from where the two began their investigation.]

Well, that gives us a starting point. Source could be somewhere in that area if a number of attack happen there.

[A beat.]

A lady said the last person who was attacked had seemed down on his luck. Not sure what that has to do with these creatures.

[ If he doesn't bring any attention to it... then perhaps it didn't happened? Not as if he could particularly look at it, anyway. Besides, they had other matters to attend to, and gathering information was at the top of the list.

So after a few moments of regrouping with said information, Clive furrows his brows in thought. ]

A location and a possible motive. More than what we had to go off of before. [ He comments, directing his attention to the further mentioned north area. ]

Not feeling burdened, are you? Should be no harm in testing it out.

Are you asking me to be bait for whatever's out there?

[He actually sounds offended by that. Look, he's even crossing his arms over his chest!]

Because you wouldn't be the first, strange as that may sound.

[ Oh, look! He's crossing his arms, too! ]

Did it work the first time?

[Is this a trap? It feels like a trap. There's some hesitation before he relents, accompanied by a bit of a roll of his eyes.]

They've given me the nickname "Bug Bait", if that answers that question. Quite honestly, I'm not particularly fond of repeating the experience.

[ It may be hard to notice, but there is the tiniest crack of a smile under those scarred features of his, but his eyes do soften up a bit. ]

Then we shall do our best to avoid that. [ Because of course he'd never actively try to hurt you, Verso! He protecc.

... Buuut- ]

However, should the need arise, I'll call upon your services.

Might have to ask for some kind of payment if things come to that.

[While there is a hint of jest in his voice, he might actually do that should push come to shove. Might as well get something out of it, after all.]

Just try not to spread the word. It's not something I'd want advertised to the public.

[Lest others think it's a good idea to recruit him for said services.]

[ Okay. That does get a small chuckle out of him. Even if it may have been more a breathy snort than anything, it was a laugh nonetheless! ]

Some would call it a business opportunity.

[ And with that he motions his head to their preferred direction, taking the lead to walk forward as they continue their light conversation. ]

Piano, lyric composition, and bounty bait. I'd have quite the repertoire of services.

[Honestly, he's still not sure about that second one.]

If we switch roles, you could add the last one to yours as well.

[Verso follows suit, keeping step with Clive as they make their way to where these creatures were last spotted.]

Still, that seems to be an odd reason to be targeted by a monster, don't you think?

Edited (quietly, belatedly changes my icon because that didn't bite) 2026-01-30 13:35 (UTC)

I title I'll wear with pride.

[ He jests as they move forward. Wouldn't the first time he's put himself up for bait, and certainly wouldn't be the last. ]

Negative emotions can spawn all sorts of things— from the supernatural to otherwise. [ He pauses in a brief thought, voice lowering. ] They have a powerful effect on us, so why not be the same for those creatures?

So you think that whatever negative emotions might arise can attract these creatures?I wonder how they're able to tell.

[He mostly wants to know out of curiosity. Most Nevrons back home usually had the singular task of attacking anything that cane close to them. To have a monster out there than can detect a person's emotions? It had to have some sentience to it to be able to do so.]

All the more reason to stop them. Having to stave off such thoughts are much easier said than done. Even knowing you paint a target on yourself by dwelling on it.

Plenty.

[But she does eye him for a moment.]

So you've been feeling something, too, huh?

[But like him, she hasn't been able to figure out where.]

Should we try to bait it out?

[He's somewhat relieved to hear that it's not just him. However, he is going to raise a brow at her.]

Something tells me you're going to use me as bait again, regardless of what I say.

You did such a great job before, so don't see why not.

[Smile.]

It worked out last time. But if I agree, I'll never be able to shake off the nickname.

[His pride can only take so much, Aranea.]

What's wrong with "Bait"? Think it's a great name.

[Another smirk before she lets out a dramatic sigh.]

Are you really going to make a helpless maiden like me play the role?

You might be the only one that thinks that.

[He crosses his arms, but the look smiles despite the gesture.]

I'd argue that you're anything but helpless.

[Not that he would let her be bait unless she volunteered for the role herself. Then he sighs, surveying the area once more, looking for some kind of clue.]

Besides the ink, I'm not sure what else to look out for when it comes to this creature. To, you know, bait it out as you so put it.

[...Hmmm.]

The last time I dealt with an ink creature that appeared, they were drawn to more...depressing emotions.

Depressive... emotions? You can't mean that literally, can you?

[Yes, he absolutely sounds skeptical about that. But it's still more than he started with.]

And you've actually seen this in action?

In a way. Saw what happened to the guy that got inked, anyway.

[A slight shudder.]

But that was the Intel, and also fought against one of the creatures because it was still nearby.

Ah, so you have experience dealing with it. Could've led with that. Hopefully, we'll be up close and personal with another soon.

[All the while, the inky creature continued to stalk closer to the two as they converse. Verso's wish might happen sooner than they expect.]

Now, we just have to... think of sad things to bait, I suppose. [A beat.] Or rather I should, in your perfect world.

[Can't believe what he's saying. It sounds even more ludicrous hearing it out loud.]

Edited 2026-01-27 18:54 (UTC)

Oh, did I forget to mention that part?

[She just chuckles, and while she looks relaxed she remains alert.]

Hey, I'd try but there's not really a lot of sad things for me to think about.

[She's sure she could probably think of some things.... But she'd rather not even if she did. So pushing it off to Mr. Emo Bait instead.]

Well, aren't you a lucky one?

[He scoffs, seemingly more amused than anything else. Of course, he doesn't believe that but that can be a conversation for another time.

Though Verso tended to put on a mask, there were many thoughts and feelings that remained on the back of his mind. Especially in this world he'd found himself in. Back home, he had the Paintress and the Expeditions making their way towards her to keep his mind off of the horrors that plagued him and his very existence.

Here, he had to find ways to keep himself busy. At first, Verso was thankful for the change of pace, and possibly a new avenue to try reaching his goal. But it still wasn't enough to drown out the noise. Especially when he still questioned why he was even still around.

That mere crack, a small slip of the facade, was enough for the Phantom to latch on. Scurrying along the shadows, it closes in, its attention laser focused on Verso.

Unbeknownst to the danger, Verso snaps out of his quiet musings and turns on his heel.]

Let's get a move on. Maybe it'll show itself sooner or la—

[There's a shift in the water, but before he could summon his weapons to defend himself, a large creature shrouded in dark ink lunges at him from the shallows and tackles him to the ground, sliding a few feet past where Verso stood from the sheer force of the impact.]

Shit, Verso—!

[The Phantom also catches her off guard, and immediately her spear forms in her hand before she's slamming it against the Phantom, the force enough to at least knock it away. However, it's quick to slither and roll to try and latch onto Verso again, claws and teeth bared as if to sink them into him.]

[In the few seconds the Phantom is knocked off of him, all he could do is grunt in pain. An echo of Maelle's voice plays in his head, warning him to dodge, but before he's able to gather his bearings, the Phantom is on him once more.

Its attacks come one after the other, giving him very little time to breathe. But he sees an opening as it brings up its arm to slash at him, calling forth his dagger and driving it through the creature's hand. It shrieks from the attack, causing ink to spill out if its mouth and onto its prey. The ink sizzles like acid on contact before dissipating into a black mist.

Before it could recover, Verso kicks the monster off his form, and struggles to get back on his feet. He sucks in a labored breath through his teeth, blood seeping from his wounds, trickling onto the cloth and leather of his Expedition uniform.]

Merde...

[Though he doesn't seem to realize, small black wisps begin to form around his figure, stains beginning to form around his eyes. In this moment of reprieve, he flicks his wrist, chroma coalescing and forming into his sword in his hand.]

[It all happens too quickly to really do much of anything, especially when ink is also pooling around them, as if to also entrap her while also attacking Verso, forcing her to move back.

But after Verso fends the Phantom away, she sees the ink staining around him, and there's a chill at the sight. Dammit, this really all went sideways fast.]

Just hold it together!

[A shout to try and keep him grounded before she rushes forward at the Phantom, spear spinning before she swings it again to try and keep it back and give Verso more breathing room. But the thing is fast, and worst of it all it's not exactly salad, able to twist and morph as if fighting against a shadow.]

[For a brief moment, he had almost forgotten that he wasn't alone in this fight. He glances towards Aranea, noticing the Phantom's behavior against her spear, its fluidity differing what he had experienced just moments earlier. To him, the Phantom had been much more tangible.

The extra space helps more than expected, giving him enough time to gather himself and to observe their opponent. In spite of its speed, that bit of knowledge might give them an edge.]

Seems like it has more substance when it's on me.

[As if on cue, it charges at him, but he's ready this time, able to parry against the attack, knocking it back.]

Hit it when you see an opening.

[You did tell him to be bait, after all.]

It was like this last time—like it's really made of ink.

[A swear under her breath as her spear connects but it seems to just glide through it, the damage more minimal than she hoped.

But then it charges at Verso again, slipping past her easily and she spins on her heel to follow it. Already understanding what he's trying to do, she only takes a moment before she readies herself.]

Just don't get overwhelmed.

Working on that.

[He says just as the creature closes the distance once more. Verso's able to hold it back, its claws clanging against his sword. It continues to push forward against him, trying to knock him back on the ground.

It is overwhelming, and it's taking all of his willpower and strength to keep himself standing upright. More inky wisps begin to manifest around him, even reflecting on his own shadow as he fight the Phantom off.]

Any time now.

[With it's attention on him, there's more than enough of an opening for Aranea to attack.]

[Aranea will at least be a little preoccupied by the pool of ink that is all over the ground. At first she didn't think much of it, but when she stands it for too long, she can feel it slithering up her boots, as if trying to grab and either pull her into it or trap it. It forces her to wrench her legs free and jump higher up into the air, but that does work to her advantage.

So once she's high up again, she'll see that moment and immediately descend like a hawk, her spear piercing through the phantom's body.

...Or so that's how it should have been, but just before she can connect a sudden wall of ink forms like a shield and slams her back, making her shout and swear in surprise as she's sent crashing to the ground. What the hell!!!]

Aranea!

[Verso lets out a curse himself, surprised by their enemy's new tactic. With its amorphous body able to shift for defense or offense, it throws a wrench in their plans to attack it head on. It doesn't give him much room to disengage from battle either.

He keeps it at bay, slash after slash, finally able to read how to parry, and land a few blows of his own as a counter. However, the Phantom's attack shifts as well, its claws reforming into a large, black hammer, ramming it swiftly against Verso side, faster than he could react. The force sends him tumbling to the ground, rolling before he comes to a stop.

It's a few moments before Verso groans in pain, coughing up blood that comes out darker than it should be, near-black to the naked eye.]

[She's fortunately able to roll back up, but that ink is going to stick onto her as well, feeling like tar with how sticky and clingy it is. Ugh. At least Verso was able to buy her enough time to get out, only to see him get clobbered by that hammer instead.]

Shit—

[Seeing it moving to try and lunge after Verso on the ground, Aranea kicks the ground with her heels, wind boosting her speed as she propels herself forward to slam her spear just in time to block the blade like weapon that had formed from the phantom. Gritting her teeth, she pushes back before quickly spinning her spear to try and swipe at the "head," sharp wind that seems to tinge red bolstering the attack to push it back.]

Still alive down there?

Somehow.

[It comes out as more of a painful croak than he would've liked, but now isn't the time to deal with a bruised ego. He staggers briefly as he attempts to get up, the ink surrounding him impeding his movement, making his actions feel heavy and sluggish.

Just what was this thing doing to him?

With Aranea's distraction, he's eventually able to get back up without taking on another attack from the Phantom.]

How did you deal with this thing back then?

[Because right now, even if he's got his defenses up for another onslaught of attacks, any little bit of info would help them out.]

Eventually just beat the shit out of it. But I was with someone else... I forgot her name, Mary? Maya? Had white hair and used fire with her sword.

But this feels different compared to that.

[Well, that definitely rings a bell.]

Maelle? You fought this with her before?

[Just going to parry an attack as it lunges towards them again, getting in front of Aranea as the Phantom attempts to slither around her.]

Maelle—yeah that was her name.

[There's a slight questioning look at how he knows her, but not exactly the best time to have that talk right now.]

Anyway, we somehow managed in the end, but it definitely feels different. Similar, but different.

[And as he takes the front, she'll take the opportunity to wait until after he parries the next attack to thrust her spear from behind him as a counter.]

That time you didn't have me to use as bait.

[Of course, he'll try to inject some humor into the situation, self-deprecating as it might be. But it wasn't as if he knew how she and Maelle exactly handled the Phantom back then. Was his presence, his thoughts, enough to shift how this battle played out compared to then?]

Regardless, we have to take this one down too.

[It pounces once more, swinging the hammer-like form towards him again, but this time he jumps out of the way, countering it's attack as it closes in on them once more. There's enough of an opening for another counter attack before it pulls back.]

[There will be something of a dry laugh before she has to move, and she'll manage to get that opening for a counter attack.

And when she does, her brows furrow as it flies back, hissing.]

Hey, doesn't it seem our attacks are actually landing this time?

[Since it first attacked him, he was able to strike it easier than his companion. But if as the fight progressed, he noticed that she was able to get more hits in as well.

Was the monster becoming more substantial somehow?]

Noticed it too? Almost feels like it's more solid.

[Which probably meant it was that much closer to being taken down. He just needs to hang on for a bit longer in spite of the weight he feels in his body. The blackness spreads around his eyes, blank ink dripping from the edges like tears.]

Edited 2026-01-31 19:00 (UTC)

[She looks him over for a moment, the way that ink is spreading concerning. It's also stuck on her but not as badly, the effect only more of an ominous fear of something going wrong at the moment. Nothing she can't push aside for now, at least.

But when she tries to preemptively slash through the nearby pool of ink, she clicks her tongue when it just passes through and whips away.]

But now when I attack it first.

[Yet somehow, each if his attacks and parries connect. Looks like he'll have to take lead.]

Be sure to follow up then.

[Not waiting for the Phantom to attack, he attempts to call forth chroma onto his sword and dagger. Both blades shine with a white light before he slashes forward, striking the Phantom with each of his blades. The light imbued into it causes the creature to stagger.

Verso could already feel his body weighing down, moreso after that attack. It's unlikely he'll be able to do something like that soon.]

[She briefly wonders if the light itself has an advantage, but she'll do as told and follow up right behind him, spinning her spear and piercing though the Phantom from behind. This time she does feel something, and when it screeches and attacks with several tendrils of ink, with each parry and counter of her spear she feels it pushing back.

So whatever he did she believes it worked.

Until...]

Watch it, something is coming from below!

[The pool of ink that's spread beneath them begins to ripple.]

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open 🎹 so welcome to my past

It's goo time!!

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PARRY IT-

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