ʙᴀʟᴛʜɪᴇʀ (
theleadingman) wrote in
isleofavalon2021-09-05 06:55 pm
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( closed ) science fiction, double feature
🧙 WHO: Balthier & Tifa Lockhart
⚔️️ WHAT: Cult Classic quest!
🕒 WHEN: 9/05
🗺️ WHERE: Downtown Camelot.
⚠️ WARNINGS: None at present, will edit as necessary.
⚔️️ WHAT: Cult Classic quest!
🕒 WHEN: 9/05
🗺️ WHERE: Downtown Camelot.
⚠️ WARNINGS: None at present, will edit as necessary.
[Endlessly clever though Balthier believes himself to be, he's been known to admit on more than one occasion that even the greatest sky pirate needs a partner— and without his here to accompany him, he finds himself needing to find a substitute. For this particular job, the right person had come to mind almost immediately— as acquaintances went, she was still rather recent, but she had proven herself to have quite the nose for troublemakers. That was precisely the sort of assistance he was going to need, this time around.
He had asked Tifa to meet him outside a particular café in downtown Camelot. Fortunately, their quarry had given them a good lead through his or her previous actions, and while they apparently never looked the same twice— hence no one being able to identify them as of yet— each incident had been in this general area of town, and about this time of night. It was early enough that most people would be complacent about anyone who happened to approach them, but dark enough to allow the culprit cover as needed. Tricky, but quite clever, in his opinion.
Folding his arms comfortably across his chest, he lightly leans against the wall of the café, just around the corner from the front door. It would keep him out of the obvious line of sight of most casual passersby, but for his would-be partner, he would be easily spotted within a moment.]
no subject
When Tifa finds Balthier leaning against the outside wall of the café, she's coming out of it, finishing up the last sip of her tea before tossing the paper cup into a nearby trash can. And when she does find him, she puts on a voice that is not so unlike hers that Baltheir won't recognize it, but it's low and booming compared to her usually feminine one.]
What brings you hither on this fine eve, my good friend?
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In the theatrical spirit already, are you? Perfect. Precisely what we'll need for this one, I believe.
[If this culprit of theirs likes re-enacting scenes from films so much, they'll give him exactly what he wants.
Granted, Balthier hasn't seen terribly many since coming here to Camelot, but that's beside the point. He can improvise. He's a leading man.
He clears his throat, smile pulling to one side.]
Merely out for an evening stroll. I could ask the same of you!
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I was a bit parched. A spot of tea would hit the spot just right before our merry meeting!
[She has no idea what she's saying, but she's keeping up the act, well enough. That is until she lets it drop, her grin widening with a playful wink.]
It's Tifa, by the way. [She lets it all go with a laugh.] Figured I'd get a head start on our guy. How'd I do?
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[Though the opportunity for sarcasm is there, he opts against it, his smile instead hitching wider as he offers her performance praise.]
You disappeared into the role as a true actress would— have you considered the stage?
[That comes along with a smirk and a wink in response as he folds his arms across his chest.]
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[Jessie had taught her plenty about what it was like being on stage, and the two of them spent a lot of time in her cramped shipping container of a home practicing walking, talking, and dancing like an actor would. She's never been able to put those lessons to good use, but... she did hold out for an opportunity to come up one day.
And this might just be the day.
With one last smirk, she lets it fall as she peers around the corners.]
So, any sign of our guy yet?
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Mm, none so far— but I don't expect we'll have to wait long, especially standing out in the open as we are.
[For that had been intentional, even if Balthier had vaguely tucked himself behind a corner— enough that he wouldn't be in the way of passers-by, but given this particular criminal's M.O., the key is to be in the right place at the right time.
He takes Tifa's arm in one fluid motion, inclining his head as he leads her towards the nearest pool of lamplight in the little plaza before the café, his knowing smile remaining.]
Look at us, two stunning young lovebirds out for a walk under the stars— he won't be able to resist casting us in one of his scenes.
[They want his attention.]
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Oh, my dear Balthier. All I've ever wanted was to be a starlet.
[She pauses her flourishes to look over her shoulders, and there are some people sidestepping them as they exit the café, knowing all too well what it is they're trying to accomplish. Yeah, best they don't stick around to see them absolutely destroy this man.
There's a prickle along the back of Tifa's neck—it's that feeling of being watched—but she ignores it for now, playing into the scene they've set just a little more.]
What do you think he's got—ahem, he has in store for us?
[Whoops, almost broke character there.]
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He's glad to see innocent bystanders scattering in different directions, rather than lingering in the plaza. Better for them to be well out of the way before anything gets too heated, and he clears his throat softly before responding to her, ensuring to speak clearly enough that his voice carries, as well.]
One can only hope it's something that will showcase your loveliness and talent as they ought to be. T'would be a terrible waste otherwise, don't you think?
[He, too, feels a tension building between his shoulders as he gets the feeling that they're being watched, and even as he steers the pair of them into what may as well be a spotlight in the center of the plaza, he catches a glimpse of movement out of the corner of his eye— a figure all in black, complete with a mask and a glint of metal that betrays the presence of the sword he carries.]
no subject
And what of your loveliness and talent, sir Balthier? Surely you must—
[Her proclamation is cut short by someone clearing their throat behind her. On a bench, seated in the next "spotlight" over is a masked man dressed in all black, and with each small movement he makes, the blade of his very real sword shimmers under the light.
Tifa freezes, and her amused smile fades. The man says nothing, but looks as if he's listening intently to something, or to them, with the way his gaze flicks sideways. This is, without a doubt, just the man they were looking for, and... Wait. She recognizes that costume. It was in a movie she watched recently—the DVD was provided at the Inn, so why not, right?]
no subject
The very same figure he'd glimpsed only moments before has made himself known more plainly, it seems, and Balthier inclines his head to one side with interest, his smile pulling lopsided. The costume is familiar to him, as well— from one of the handful of films he's taken the time to watch since coming here.
Well.]
Interesting casting choice, if you ask me— and with a genuine leading man right before you.
[Yes. Allow him this moment to be petty before they continue the mission.]
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The man doesn't seem to think it's worth responding to Balthier with a retort, but only chuckles under his breath at first. He has a small rock that he's tossing up and down, while his other hand comes to rest on the hilt of his sword.]
You know that the scene is only meant for two, yeah?
[He better not leave her out of this!
Really though, Balthier would one hundred percent make a better Dread Pirate than whoever this joker is.
He rises to his feet then, and looks their way, eyes flicking to them beneath his mask while a very-obviously fake smile pulls at his lips.]
"Well, I... certainly hope you find him some day."
[Just getting right to the point, is he?
He pauses in his chuckling to reach down beside the bench, and he gives another sword a toss into the light they're standing in, aimed right for Balthier's feet, where it clangs and screeches before bumping into his shoes in an invitation to join.]
no subject
Well then, suppose we improvise? I came to you looking for a partner— wouldn't want you to miss out on all the fun.
[They'll do this together, however that happens to play out. With a clench of his teeth, he sidesteps the incoming sword and reaches down to seize it by its hilt— this wanted man of theirs certainly knew exactly what he wanted, and was wasting no point in getting down to business.
He brandishes the sword, as expected— it may not be his weapon of choice, but he has some past fencing experience, and the sky pirate inclines his head to one side as he gestures with one hand, fingers spread as he looks directly to the black-masked man.]
You're ready, then?
no subject
But that's fine. Tifa's going to circle around so that she's standing next to Balthier as he brandishes the sword, her own fists coming up in case she can find an opening while her eyes flit between them both. There's a stretch of silence while the man adjusts his mask, and then he grins with a flourish of his sword.]
"Whether I am or not, you have been more than fair."
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He keeps Tifa in his sights as she begins to circle, relying on his peripheral vision to ensure this masked man of theirs doesn't try any funny business. If he intends to try and play the scene straight, then all the better— he'll be predictable— but with as many injuries as have been reported thus far, he's not entirely willing to bank on that.]
You seem a decent fellow— I hate to kill you.
[He casts a meaningful glance in Tifa's direction— should she see an opening, she should absolutely take it. He'll be on the lookout for her all the while.]
no subject
[Tifa butts in then, taking that single line for herself. It seemed fitting if they're going to go back and forth with this.]
Begin.
[The masked man looks offended that she dare speak up when she is not technically part of the scene—she doesn't have a sword, how dare she!—but she ignores the look he shoots her, frowning while he tentatively raises his sword and waits for Balthier to approach, as if he's suddenly unsure about this.
Yeah, you're going to regret this, buddy.]
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It's on him to make the first move— he and his opponent cross swords twice before the latter dodges an incoming attack, then cross swords once more before Balthier ducks out of the way of the masked man's blade. They pick up speed quickly then; the pair of them move back and forth as they cross swords without making much headway, but it's Balthier who deviates from the script first, taking the next attack from an unexpected angle and managing to disarm his opponent long enough that Balthier himself can fall back and offer the sword to his partner.
He smiles knowingly, inclining his head towards the masked man as he scrambles to reclaim his own weapon.]
Care to show us both how it's done, my lady?
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[Tifa takes the sword in her hand with confidence, despite not knowing how to properly wield one, let alone hold it. She can figure it out as she goes, and it's not like it's going to be a problem with the man unarmed and scrambling on the ground for his sword.
She'll wait for him to pick it up off the ground before moving the scene forward by lunging at him with the pointy end of hers, which he blocks with skill. She's gotta hand it to him, he's practiced for this. It's fine, because so has she—in the acting department.]
You're using Bonetti's defense against me, ah?
[He looks between them both, frustrated, but concedes with a groan. Fine, he will humour her...]
"I thought it fitting, considering the rocky terrain—"
[And that's when she lands it: a surprise kick to his hands (because screw this!) that knocks his sword right out of them again, sending it clattering to the ground several feet away as she tosses the handle of the blade back to Balthier.]
"You can't do that!"
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[Balthier continues to disregard the script for the time being, biting back the urge to laugh as Tifa manages to take their foe by surprise and disarm him a second time. He catches the blade she tosses him easily, with all the dexterity of someone quite used to tossing things about on the fly, and offers her his most charming smile in reply.]
My thanks— shall we show him he's in for more than he bargained for?
[Because this man had made a grave, grave mistake in underestimating them.]
"This isn't how the scene goes—!"
[Balthier begins to walk towards the masked man at a steady pace, sword held out in front of him, and he manages to catch the man beneath the chin as he continues to scramble to reclaim his own blade, tipping it upwards so that he's forced to look at the both of them.]
We're taking things in another direction. You no longer have creative control— nor should you ever have, given your gross oversights and dreadful casting. Too many people have been injured at your hand already; the least you could have done was put on a good show in the process. Embarrassing, is it not, to have to be carried by us?
[He and Tifa are knocking this out of the proverbial park, as far as he's concerned.]
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She rips the mask from over his eyes, revealing his face—awful casting for the Dread Pirate, if you ask her, but they already knew that—and she flips him over onto his stomach with ease, hands behind his back so she can use the strip of fabric to bind them together.]
You can watch.
[Except Tifa plunges the sword into the ground, just far enough out of his reach, and with one last smile over her shoulder at Balthier, she struts to center stage, adjusting her gloves as she goes.]
Now, where were we?
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Well, who are they to disappoint their audience?]
Now that you've put him in his place? Let's see—
[He twirls the sword in one hand before tossing it upwards and catching it again with a flourish— time for Tifa to take her rightful place at center stage, and for him to take on the role he ought.
He clears his throat, inclining his head as he brandishes his sword once more.]
I thought it fitting, considering the rocky terrain!
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[His shouts go entirely ignored while he remains tied up, but his expression is the most offended she's seen anyone look. He's really taking it seriously, and to make her point clearer, she gives her gloves one last pull, not breaking eye contact with him once before she raises them to guard in front of her.
She'll do a better job at this scene without a sword than he did with one, thank you very much.]
Naturally, you must expect me to attack with Capo Ferro.
[Whatever that means... but Tifa is ready to start, and makes as much obvious with a knowing grin at Balthier, trusting that he won't do anything surprising or dangerous with that very real rapier in his hands. The crowd waits with bated breath, and then gasps when Tifa makes her first move, sweeping her fists at Balthier's sword. It's nothing too fast or forceful, just to get a feel for how he'll move with her.]
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They have this in the bag.]
Naturally.
[Balthier has to make an effort not to break character and laugh; their culprit's rage is continuing to mount, and he knows that Tifa's choice to eschew claiming the other sword is only adding further insult to injury. Let it. They can put on a better show than this hack without it, he's absolutely certain.]
But I find that Thibault cancels out Capo Ferro, don't you?
[A quick backstep, followed by a careful swing of his sword— like her, nothing fast or forceful, held steadily, and aimed in such a way that with her quick reflexes, she'll have no trouble dodging as the blade arcs past her forearm.]
just gonna fast forward this a bit if that's ok!!
... ]
I ought to be after five years.
[Only five years because that's about how long she'd been studying martial arts, and it makes their culprit groan in agony from the ground.
And that's when she traps Balthier against the back of the bench, as if it were the rocks lining the cliffside in the film.]
of course!
He smiles knowingly, both hands catching against the rise of the bench, and he offers Tifa a wink as she leans over him.]
There's something I ought to tell you— I'm not left-handed.
[He reaches behind himself to swap the sword into his right hand, quickly ducking out of Tifa's hold to turn the theatrical tables on her as he plays at lunging forward to attack— they lack triumphant music to accompany, but there's definitely a gasp from somewhere within the audience.]
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Rushing across the "stage" in a getaway, Tifa flips over another bench several feet away and lands, breaking her fall and with a little bit of magic, sends up a gust of wind and dust for added effect, and she gets some applause for the show.
But just as she does that, their prisoner does break his hands free and stumbles to his feet, rushing up behind Balthier and scrambling to pick up the spare sword that Tifa had knocked away.]
Balthier—!
[Looks like this is a three-man show again, but the leading man has had a casting change.]
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At Tifa's warning, he turns sharply towards the scuffling sounds behind him, just in time to see their mark reclaim his sword and attempt to lunge towards him. Thankfully, his own reflexes are as quick as ever; Balthier is sharp and quickly moves to deflect the incoming blow, his smile vanishing as he scowls at the man in question and forces him back a few steps with a series of swings and parries.]
I think not! We were hardly finished!
[Beneath his mask, their former prisoner gives a scowl of his own, sweeping low with his sword just quickly enough that Balthier almost misses the opportunity to jump over it, his attacks becoming steadily more aggressive now that he's rejoined the fray.
"You're doing it wrong!"]
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But he pauses, out of breath, and... he grins?
"Who are you?"
This crazy son of a—is he really continuing the scene?
She uses the opportunity to slide out stage left, and use the crowd that's still there to find her way to the other side while Balthier holds his attention...]
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Of course, he knows the next line full well. He knows what the masked man is expecting to hear— and even as the man in question watches him expectantly with that unhinged grin of his, Balthier smiles evenly and gestures with one hand, fingers spread, brightly colored rings catching the light.]
I play the leading man, who else?
[Said with all the confidence of someone who's echoed that same line many times before.
The masked man's grin fades, his expression contorting into one of frustration.
"That's not the line!" He lunges forward, only for Balthier to deflect the incoming blow once more and sidestep before taking another swing of his own, far more restrained and choreographed than their culprit's movements have become.]
Get used to disappointment.
[Hopefully, he can keep the masked man engaged long enough for Tifa to do what she must.]
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"You just skipped the best part!"
From the shadows and the cries of the crowd, Tifa comes up from behind the man, and just as the man is about to make another lunge, with more angry vigour than she's seen so far, she knocks him in the back of the head, and then sweeps a foot across his ankles to take him down.
And when he lands unconscious and flat on his back, Tifa kicks the sword free from his hand and slams her foot on his wrist.]
He's no one of consequence.
[She smirks across the "stage" at Balthier.]
Really too bad you aren't awake to see the "best part."
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His smirk matches her own even as he casts his sword aside, breaking character in full to offer her a round of applause— which, within moments, is bolstered by a number of people in the crowd who opt to praise their performance. Walking across their makeshift stage with long, purposeful strides, Balthier comes to stand beside his friend and lightly claps an approving hand on her shoulder, while lifting one foot to pin the culprit's other wrist to the ground.]
Well done. That was quite the finish— very dramatic, flawless execution.
[He couldn't be prouder, Tifa.]
What say we get this gentleman to the authorities before he wakes up and attempts an encore, hm?
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Thanks. I've been practicing.
[Her smile pulls a little wider when a woman nearby waves at Balthier, trying to grab his attention. Ah, he has some fans!]
Yeah. Good idea, but make sure to at least take a bow before we go. I think some of the audience wants an encore.
[Wouldn't want the leading man to miss out on his much-deserved applause!]
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[He smiles broadly; it had, after all, been a joint effort, and while the woman in the crowd continues to try and grab his attention, he instead reaches for Tifa's hand and lifts it high before taking a bow and gently tugging her hand to encourage her to do the same.
It wouldn't be much of a curtain call with just one of them, and it would seem that Tifa has her admirers, as well— there are a number of people who begin to clap even more enthusiastically as Balthier releases her hand and steps to one side, gesturing for her to take another bow on her own. It's only appropriate to give a leading lady her dues.]
I think they might even go so far as to demand an encore— a shame we don't have anything prepared.
[Ah, well— always leave them wanting more.]
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Tucking a hair behind her ear, she turns her back to the crowd, her smile sheepish when she casts Balthier an embarrassed, sideways glance.]
Better we save it for next time.
[Not that there will be a next time for this guy. When he stirs again, Tifa hoists him up by the arm, and although he was their culprit for the evening, she's still careful not to wrench him too much—wouldn't want to dislocate his shoulder or something to make their job that much harder.]
I don't think the nearest station is too far from here, is it?
wrapping it up! ♥
[Time is, after all, of the essence— as the groaning of the man beneath them quickly serves to remind.
Balthier is quick to follow her lead, bending down on one knee to hook an arm beneath the masked man's before looking across to meet Tifa's gaze and nod in confirmation as he hoists upwards on his end. Between the two of them, the man won't pose much of a challenge.]
Just a few blocks down, I believe. We'll be there in no time— and our friend here can take his bows and spend the rest of the evening in his very own private cell.
[Balthier has spent enough time in prisons to know it will be anything but pleasant.
Well, that's what you get for letting yourself be caught.]