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lassieposting · 4 years

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4 Times Lucifer Showed He Cared The Demon Way (And Thought Chloe Reciprocated) +1 Time He Tried Showing It The Human Way

AIT BUCKLE UP YALL BC IMMA GET ON SOME BULLSHIT

prepare for a mess of a headcanon post in which i extrapolate wildly from single lines in the show, read way too much into interactions, and get very emotional

actual post under the cut because this is long as fuck, yo

1. Sharing Territory

Trust is the rarest commodity in Hell. Demons are aggressive, suspicious and territorial by nature, and taught from birth that you’re just as likely to be killed in a fight with someone from your own clan as you are to be cut down in a war with someone else’s. Maze recalls her siblings torturing one another, possibly for fun, and even among family there seems to be a certain level of wariness. Finding someone you can trust to share your space, someone who will keep watch while you rest, someone you don’t have to be so guarded around, is rare and precious and a big expression of real affection.

In 1x02 Lucifer lets himself into Chloe’s home while she’s in the shower, makes himself at home, and starts making her breakfast.

Now, Lucifer knows how door etiquette works. We’ve seen him learn about this, more than once.

In 1x03, he barges into Linda’s office, interrupting another patient’s session, but in 1x08 he knocks on her door and waits for her to call him in.

In 1x07 we see him ring Carmen’s doorbell and wait for him to answer, despite having a far better reason to barge in and wreak havoc (reclaiming his stolen wings).

In 2x01, again, he knocks on the killer’s door and waits for her to answer it.

So, this isn’t a case of “he’s not human, he doesn’t understand”. He only does this with Chloe. And it’s something he does repeatedly, even after he’s learned his lesson about knocking with everyone else - coming into her territory and leaving her, her family and all her things unharmed, showing her that he’s relaxed and comfortable in her space. And he gets the reaction he wants! She’s alarmed the first time she finds him in her kitchen, but as time goes by she gets used to it, accepts it as just one of his weird quirks, and no longer really bats an eyelid. By 3x05 she’s not even surprised to see him; she still ticks him off - “I said to meet me here, not barge in like you own the place.” - but it’s almost like she’s just saying it out of habit at this point. She’s not threatened by him at all.

We don’t know when Lucifer invites her to treat his penthouse the same way, but by the time she shows up drunk and trying to sleep with him in 1x10, he’s told her that “[his] door is always open”, an invitation to do the same. And she does (and has been doing already). Chloe is spectacularly comfortable appropriating Lucifer’s things.

In 1x09 when they’re dueting Heart & Soul she lets herself in unexpectedly and takes a drink from his glass while they’re playing (and here you can see him raise his eyebrows and smile at her, but he doesn’t comment).

In 1x10, she’s clearly intending to stay in his penthouse even after he tells her he was planning on going out, and she helps herself to his alcohol.

In 3x06 she’s comfortable enough with him to raid his closet, take over his home without his knowledge, try to break into his safe and sleep in his bed.

2. Hunting For Your Partner

Humans don't regularly hunt for their own food, but demons do - Maze asks Trixie in S4 at what age human parents teach their children to hunt, presumably because it’s a responsibility she intends to take on for baby Charlie. Now, to survive in a place like Hell, prey animals would need to be in possession of some hardcore natural defences; demons most likely can and do die in hunts. So providing someone with food would be a big deal; it shows how highly you prize that person’s wellbeing, that you’re willing to put yourself at risk and expend valuable effort and energy to keep them fed.

Lucifer tries to make Chloe breakfast in 1x04. This is the first time we really see him do anything domestic, and it’s implied he’s actually pretty handy in the kitchen - possibly because he just likes human food, but also the time and effort he’ll spend making her a proper home-cooked meal is the closest he’s going to get to hunting something the size of a small airplane for her in Hell.

Later, in 2x07, Chloe makes Lucifer and Trixie sandwiches. She goes to give Trixie the first one, because for humans it’s normal to feed your kid first, but Lucifer swipes it off the plate before Trixie can, claiming he’s “far larger and hungrier”, because in Hell the strongest and most vicious eat first (as with many pack predators).

Lucifer later asks Linda what deep meaning the sandwich had - whether it symbolised Chloe’s trust - and seems bewildered that for humans, a sandwich can just be a sandwich. He also brings her homecooked food as an apology after standing her up, all of which seems to imply that Lucifer grew up in a culture where food is valuable and meaningful and an expression of deeper feeling. (This could also be seen to a lesser extent in Maze wanting Lucifer to make her a drink in 2x04, when she’s trying to redefine their relationship as equals rather than lord and vassal.)

3. Fighting Together

Demons do have a concept of loyalty. Maze says “You don’t let your girl go into enemy territory alone”, and it seems to be a principle that’s important enough to her that she’s including it in Trixie’s training - when Maze is going to Canada, Trixie tries to hide in her bag because Maze needs someone to watch her back. Maze and Lucifer are also incredibly loyal to one another in the grand scheme of things - regardless of their issues with one another, they are a united front against outside threats, at least before they both start developing human relationships.

Lucifer is startlingly loyal to Chloe from the get-go, for someone who’s spent billions of years not being able to trust or lean on anyone except Maze.

In 1x02, he stops chasing after Josh as soon as he realises Chloe has been mobbed by paparazzi, choosing instead to go back and defend her - even though this lets Josh, who needs punishing, get away.

Now, in 4x01 Maze says that she (and probably demons in general) fight when they’re “Happy...or horny”, implying that fighting may be as much a bonding activity as a necessity.

With the paparazzi mob, Lucifer goes in all guns blazing, making it personal - “Back off, you mouth-breathing scum!” - because he’s protecting her, trying to deflect their attention from her. But as soon as he notices she’s holding her own, with her fist raised to hit the guy, he gets all excited and encourages her to go ahead: “Let’s punch them all!”

He now sees this as an opportunity to bond with her, show her she can trust him to watch her back, and when she declines to start a fight he’s visibly disappointed.

Chloe then joins the illegal Lux party in 2x09.

Now, she’s spent most of the episode being sensible and rational about the fact that really there’s not a lot she can do, which was understandably upsetting to Lucifer - it’s the first time he’s really seen his detective not be able to fix a situation. He goes to her repeatedly for help throughout the episode - he either hasn’t realised or doesn’t want to accept that the law has her powerless here - and sees it more as “her not being on his side” than “her not actually having any power over this situation”.

Her joining his sit-in reaffirms to him that he matters to her; that she has his back even though she has no personal stake in keeping Lux’s building from being demolished. This is all the more poignant for him because he’s very vulnerable at this point; he’s not just on the verge of losing his home, he’s also dealing with his mom’s manipulation and abuse, his own emerging human emotions, the new distance in his relationship with Maze. He believed he was completely alone in this. Chloe’s public show of support means a lot to him, and he even talks to Linda about how insanely grand a gesture Chloe’s saving Lux is to him - he’s never been given something without strings attached, without having to give something in return.

4. Your Enemies Are My Enemies

Making enemies in Hell can be lethal. Retaliation for a small slight can turn vicious in an eyeblink and generally it's not a good idea to get involved in someone else's grudges if you want to avoid a knife in your back. Adopting someone’s enemies as your own enemies, defending them against said enemies, inserting yourself into their preexisting quarrels as backup, is a big show of loyalty.

Lucifer is always getting in on Chloe’s arguments. Constantly.

From what we’ve seen and heard, Lucifer’s family isn’t big on backup. We’ve only got Lucifer’s word, and he’s very biased, so he’s not the most reliable narrator, but we can see it in the way Mum and Amenadiel behave.

When Lucifer is rowing with his mom in 2x08, Amenadiel doesn’t intervene at all. He’s already said that he’s on his mom’s side at this point, but he doesn’t defend her, either; he avoids the confrontation altogether.

Lucifer says that none of his family defended him when he was thrown out of Heaven, repeatedly, and with increasing bitterness the more he realises that the way his family treated him is a) abnormal and b) abusive.

Early Lucifer seems to have picked up this trait. He doesn’t involve himself in arguments unless he’s getting something out of it; when Maze and Amenadiel are about to throw down in 3x11, he literally sits back to watch with popcorn, despite knowing that this fight could go very badly for Maze.

With Chloe though, he starts jumping in from Actual Day One.

When Dan is gaslighting Chloe in 1x01, he stands up for her immediately: “She is smart. You’re the dimwit.”

Then he punches out Paolucci for calling Chloe a bitch in 1x05. Chloe tells him not to, that she can handle her own problems, and Lucifer not only tells her that she absolutely can but also clarifies to Paolucci before punching him that he’s not sticking up for Chloe. But the message is pretty obvious all the same: if you have a problem with her, I have a problem with you.

Chloe then refuses to call him a liar at Perry Smith’s trial in 2x10.

There is no one - not one single person - in Lucifer’s life who hasn’t betrayed him when it mattered. Even Maze, his oldest friend and closest confidante, goes behind his back in S1 to get them both sent back to Hell against Lucifer’s wishes.

Calling him a liar would benefit Chloe. She has a vested interest in getting her father’s killer convicted. She’s been offered the guy’s own lawyer’s help in getting a guilty verdict, if she humiliates Lucifer.

Anyone else in his life would absolutely take those terms.

But she not only refuses to turn on him, she tells an entire room full of people that he never lies, that he’s the best partner she has ever had, and that a) she knows she can rely on him and b) she wants him to know he can rely on her.

There’s an added layer of meaning in that the person she’s taking on is Charlotte. Chloe doesn’t know that she’s Lucifer’s mom, or what she’s really capable of, but Charlotte herself (without Goddess attached) has a reputation for being ruthless, surrounded by shady people, and an absolute shark in the courtroom. Having Charlotte defending him vastly increases Perry’s chances of getting away with murdering Chloe’s dad. It goes against Chloe’s own interests to defend Lucifer.

But she does anyway.

+1. Spawn Care

This one is...pretty much pure headcanon, but two things are clear from canon:

1. If Maze’s family is typical for demons, their family bonds are neither close nor particularly affectionate, but

2. They do/are meant to have some input in raising their children - Maze talks about teaching young to hunt as a parental/family responsibility.

Lucifer becomes a major adult in Trixie’s life by default thanks to his relationship with Chloe, but despite his intense dislike of children in general, he actually tries really hard to be good at it.

Lucifer doesn’t have a model of good parental behaviour to draw on. Chloe is the first competent, loving parent he’s spent any large amount of time with. What he has is an eternity’s worth of child abuse, gaslighting, manipulation and scapegoating by his own family. But if you look at how he treats Trixie, he puts a lot of effort into not just tolerating Trixie for Chloe’s sake, but being a good influence - or, what he considers a good influence - and a third parent-type figure for her.

In 1x01, he intervenes immediately when he notices Trixie’s distressed by Dan and Chloe arguing in front of her. It comes across as a throwaway comment, but it seamlessly breaks up their hostility by redirecting Dan’s attention and deflecting the shot he takes at Lucifer.

In the same episode, he also takes enough of a liking to Trixie (or Chloe) that he takes it upon himself to scare the bejeezus out of her bully, even though the kid is like 12 and has not done anything as heinous as the shit that normally makes him show suspects his eyes/face.

In 2x02, he spends a large part of the episode arguing on Trixie’s behalf that Chloe should get her the doll, to the point of telling Chloe she’s being a bad parent. Which would be a really petty and honestly irrelevant hill to die on, except that Lucifer’s own upbringing was horrific and he honestly believes she’s somehow damaging Trixie emotionally here. He doesn’t want her to end up with the kind of issues he has. He’s genuinely trying to advocate for her. And when Chloe doesn’t listen to him, he buys the damn doll himself and tells Chloe she can say it’s from her, because he’s very invested in a) Trixie’s wellbeing and b) Chloe’s being a good mother.

In the 2x07 sandwich scene, he actually seems disappointed that Trixie doesn’t challenge him over stealing her sandwich - he even asks Chloe is she always like this, like her generosity is a fault. My personal headcanon is that demon spawn would’ve done exactly that - he’s not exactly family, but he’s close enough that he’s a safe bet to practice one’s intimidation skills on, because he’d never really harm Trixie. He’s trying to teach her something, something he knows she won’t learn from her human parents. Maze contributes to raising Trixie by teaching her to fight (and babysitting) and Lucifer is doing the same, trying to pass on what he considers a useful life skill - something that has probably helped keep him alive in Hell for billions of years. When Trixie leaps off her stool and runs at him, his flinch/hands raised/ “GAH!” reaction looks overdramatic even for him; maybe if she hadn’t given him five and raced off, he might have handed over the sandwich and considered it lesson learned.

And in 2x15, he offers her driving lessons in exchange for her playing along with his trip to the school, which says a lot about how much he really likes her: he intends to teach her himself, and in his own car. The Corvette. His baby. Lucifer does all sorts of shady shit through his favours; finding someone to safely teach an eight year old to drive should be easy!

(Also, honorable mention for him hulking the fuck out when Tiernan’s gunmen threaten Trixie and Eve in his penthouse. Was there any need to shatter his own wall? Probably not. Did he do it anyway? Absolutely. Because children are hideous little creatures but that one is his hideous little creature.)

In conclusion: Lucifer is not remotely subtle about his feelings, Maze feels highkey sick watching them interact Ever, and Chloe’s thing with Pierce throws him so off guard partly because they’ve been in the Hell equivalent of A Relationship for like three years.

#lucifer on netflix #lucifer on fox #deckerstar #stepdevil #lucifer morningstar #chloe decker #this is SO LONG and kinda rambly but i have A LOT of feelings and this fandom is rly nice so #FLINGS THIS INTO THE VOID #also i have Many Thoughts on demon culture and how their society & interpersonal relationships work #anyway lmao #grown ass man? no he babey #lucifer in hell #lucifer headcanons

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scharfkugel · 5 years

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What the hell is the deal with Hibiki’s arcade story? - An analysis of poorly written Blazblue lore

With the introduction of Hibiki Kohaku as a playable character in Central Fiction, we are able to for the first time gain a greater insight into his character. However if you played his new arcade mode and ended it thinking “...what the hell?”, then you are not alone!

Join me as I try to answer the question pretty much everyone had after doing his arcade story: Does Hibiki actually want to kill Kagura?

So it starts off with Hibiki encountering Bullet, who tries to stop/stall Hibiki. This is to help give Kokonoe time to retrieve Noel before the NOL can. Hibiki mentions his goal is to locate Hazama, knowing Hazama is trying to locate Noel as well. Jin then points him Hazama’s way and Hibiki has an encounter with the snake boy himself.

This is the first actually important part, because Hazama accuses Hibiki of acting on his own accord instead of Kagura’s orders.

Hazama: You're still operating under fake orders... Heh heh heh. How humorous, indeed.

Hibiki: What're you talking about?

Hazama: No, you see... I really have no idea what's motivating you to fight, you see. For Colonel Mutsuki...? Or so you say, but is it for yourself? I don't know. All I see is emptiness.

Before Hibiki can retort or try to kick his ass, Nine intervenes and summons Hibiki to the purgatorium.

Nine: People live to make their dreams come true, do they not? Is there any significance to living as an empty shell?

Hibiki: I don't know who you are, but... I'm afraid you're misunderstanding something. I exist for someone else. So, if it is okay for one to have a desire, then my master's wishes are my own.

Nine: It's impressive how well you play the role of a servant. But for a man to live unlike himself is still humorous nonetheless. Hm. So, if I kill your master, Kagura Mutsuki. Does that mean I'll get to see YOUR true desire?

Nine seems to think that Hibiki is lying to himself, and that he has a true motive completely aside from the wishes of Kagura. Hibiki then takes offense to her suggestion of killing Kagura and decides to fight. After they battle, Nine is satisfied with Hibiki’s drive for battle and says the following:

Nine: Hehehe... Now, I'm certain. Your own desire exists, deep within you it sleeps. That is how you became one of the chosen.

Hibiki: ...You're persistent. I've made myself clear. I have no such desire.

Nine: Oh, really? Then what about something like...this?

Nine shows Hibiki a vision of him killing Kagura.

Hibiki: What...!? Lord... Kagura...?

Nine: This much murderous intent, and yet... You truly believe you have no desire?

Hibiki: I refuse to believe it...! I would never wish this of Lord Kagura...

Nine: Yet you cannot deny... You tried to kill that man once before. That is the truth...

Hibiki: Th-That's...!

Nine: The purest form of murder... Not anger, remorse, or even revenge... just, murder. This is your dream... Unwavering, a pure and efficient instrument...

Hibiki: That's not true, I—!

Nine: Are you afraid to lose it now?

This is by far the most important part of all of Hibiki’s arcade story, but before I go into any of the dozens of implications this holds, let’s get a really important point out of the way: The events of arcade mode are not canon.

What happens in a character’s arcade mode does not canonically happen in the main story of Blazblue, which is the real source of Blazblue’s timeline. If it were, then for example that one Arakune arcade story about him killing like 4 different characters would be canon, and we can clearly see that’s not the case. What arcade mode is, is a sort of “what-if” mini-story that gives insight into a character’s personality, interactions with others, and their goals. Using the Arakune example, it’s plain to see that Arakune’s goal is to consume others and grow in strength with the Azure Grimoire, killing anyone who gets in his way. This doesn’t literally happen, but it’s what would happen if Arakune got the Azure Grimoire.

So! Hibiki sees a vision of him killing Kagura, which is what Nine claims he really wants. Naturally Hibiki vehemently denies this, saying he would never want that. But Nine’s line is by far the most important part here: “Yet you cannot deny... You tried to kill that man once before. That is the truth...”

“Hibiki has tried to kill Kagura before!?” is probably what you’re thinking. So right off the bat: No, in the main storyline it is never mentioned at all that Hibiki has tried to kill Kagura. So here are a few things that this could actually mean then: 1. Nine is lying. It could be that she’s trying to make Hibiki think he wants to kill Kagura by showing him that memory, or maybe she’s just toying with him in general. 2. Hibiki hasn’t tried to kill Kagura, but he does in fact secretly want to and Nine is using a metaphor of some sort. Maybe Hibiki thinking about killing Kagura counts as trying to in Nine’s eyes? At any rate, Nine is correct about Hibiki’s secret desire. 3. Hibiki has actually tried to kill Kagura. Whether it’s a dug-up repressed memory, or a memory Hibiki has always remembered but is just trying to forget/be in denial of, this is something that has occurred within this mini arcade-mode-canon.

So why would Hibiki want to kill Kagura? He’s clearly extremely dedicated to Kagura. Well, according to Nine, because it would be the purest form of murder.

“Not anger, remorse, or even revenge... just, murder. This is your dream... Unwavering, a pure and efficient instrument...”

By Nine’s own words, there would be no reasonable motive. Hibiki wouldn’t kill Kagura from anger, nor from any form of revenge, nor would he feel remorseful about it at all. It’s because it would prove to Hibiki that he is the perfect killing machine. If Hibiki were able to kill the single person he has dedicated his whole life to, that would mean there wouldn’t be a single murder he would be incapable of. And apparently, this is what he truly wants. She then tells Hibiki that to see his wishes come true, he should go and defeat Izanami to claim the Azure; same as every other chosen.

Going into Act 2, Hibiki gets an explanation from Kokonoe about how Nine’s advice of claiming the Azure might actually be true, however Hibiki dismisses this plan after Kokonoe asks him if that’s what he’s going to do.

Kokonoe: Wait, Hibiki.

Hibiki: Yes?

Kokonoe: Are you after the Azure...to make your dream real?

Hibiki: No. I'm afraid I have no such desire. I'm empty, after all...

Tsubaki then tries to arrest under suspicious orders from Hazama but fails. Hibiki figures out that Hazama is after the Azure as well, and he heads off to somehow stop Hazama before that can affect Kagura’s plan in any way. Izanami then interferes and summons him to the Master Unit. The two battle, and same deal, Izanami is impressed with his strength and says the following:

Izanami: Brilliant... I've witnessed your strength as one of the chosen. It seems I must show you the end of this world.

Hibiki: Regrettably, I've no interest in either the Azure or the world.

Izanami: Can you still say the same after witnessing THIS!?

Hibiki is shown a vision of Kagura being executed by the public of Ikaruga.

Hibiki: —Wha!? Lord Kagura!? Urgh! Your illusions will not deceive me!

Izanami: What I am showing you is no illusion... It is real.

Hibiki: ...!? Impossible, I won't believe it!

Izanami: Kagura Mutsuki... ...will be executed as a traitor to the state and the people. Political powers with roots this deep cannot be easily overthrown. No matter what Kagura may try... This is his fate.

Hibiki: ...Lies!

Izaami: This is no lie. The wounds from the Ikaruga Civil War run deeper than you think. ...I doubt... ...even the power of the Azure can make the Civil War disappear from history.

Hibiki: ...

Izanami: For that very war... ...has control over the destiny of the strongest of the chosen. Unless this person is killed, Kagura Mutsuki will die. Always.

Hibiki: Who... who is the strongest among the chosen?

Izanami: Someone you know very well. The one you call, Successor to the Azure.

Izanami: Noel Vermillion. She is the one who restrains the possibilities in this world.

Hibiki: You're suggesting that by killing Miss Noel... I can change the future you showed me?

Izanami: Hehehe... Absolutely.

Izanami tells Hibiki that because of Kagura’s head position in the NOL during the Ikaruga Civil War, he will be executed during an uprising. The Azure won’t be able to stop this fate either, only killing the strongest person who’s fate is brought about by the Civil War will allow for the event to be erased from history and allow Kagura’s life to be spared. This person is Noel, who was created during the Ikaruga Civil War.

Going now into Act 3, it is revealed by Kokonoe that Izanami’s plan was a trick, because killing Noel would cause her to stop observing the world and destroy the whole world. So Hibiki says that he will use the Azure to become an observer in Noel’s place and then kill her, allowing for the world to exist and spare Kagura at the same time. However upon trying to kill Noel, he finds that it is impossible to kill an observer of the world with his current capabilities. Before he can attempt any other method, Hazama appears.

Hazama: It's not good for business when a lapdog cuts their leash and runs wild. You're a pet, so it's time you behaved like one.

Hibiki: Captain Hazama...

Hazama: I'm not sure if you were trying to hide it, but it's quite obvious to the rest of the world... you've ignored Colonel Mutsuki's orders and are acting on your own right now... You sure that's okay? I mean, disobeying your master's a pretty big deal, right? Or do you have some scheme you don't want him to know?

Hibiki: Your provocation is starting to sound like a threat. It really gets on my nerves, you know... The way you pretend to care about Lord Kagura's vision.

Hazama: Aww, did I make the little puppy mad? Well, excuse me!

Hibiki: I ask you spare me the condescension. I'm nothing like you... All that I do is for Lord Kagura. Treating me like some common rebel is...quite appalling.

Hazama: What you do is all for Colonel Kagura!? Ahaha... Are you SURE about that? From where I'm standing, it looks like you wanna take the Azure for yourself, and KILL the Colonel.

Hibiki: ...You have a tendency to talk too much... How about I teach you the value of silence?

Hazama basically says “If your goal really is to follow Kagura’s orders, then why are you trying to kill Noel?”. Kagura naturally would disapprove of Hibiki’s plan, so Hazama is pretty much correct about that point at least.

Hazama: Let me try to make this as clear as possible. You shouldn't be working under someone... So, why not just kill Colonel Mutsuki?

Hibiki: ...Wha!?

Hazama: It looks to me like right now... ...you're living a life you abhor. Why choose this lifestyle? Willingly, no less... I cannot begin to comprehend.

Hibiki: ...Why would you even know that?

Hazama: There it is with the "whys" again. You really like to know why... Why, why, WHY!? But... You're mistaken if you think all the answers are right here.

Hazama: Let me give you a little hint... on the house. Tsubaki Yayoi's Izayoi... ...Can kill Noel Vermillion. And if you can get your hands on the Azure... What you do will be entirely up to you. Yes, let's say...

Hazama: ...Even killing Colonel Mutsuki? Heh heh heh...

Hibiki: ...!

And end arcade mode! So Hazama is right about Hibiki acting away from Kagura’s orders; Hibiki’s goal is not to just simply follow every order given by Kagura. But is he right about Hibiki wanting to kill Kagura, just as Nine had said too?

Hazama states that Hibiki hates this current life and what he’s doing. Again, in the canon story mode of Blazblue there is nothing at all to show that this is true. The closest thing we have to something that says Hibiki doesn’t like serving Kagura is his character description from the Japanese Central Fiction story page:

“He was born into the Kohaku family, a branch family of the Mutsuki"household of the Duodecim. When he was born, it was decided he would serve the head of the Mutsuki family. In the beginning he resisted it, but after meeting Kagura Mutsuki he accepted that fate and now willingly serves Kagura. Ever since then, he has supported Kagura as a secretary.”

This text says that when he was younger, Hibiki did not want to serve the head of the Duodecim, but came to accept this duty after meeting Kagura. The first part might be evidence of this, but we can also clearly see that it says he now willingly serves Kagura and “supports Kagura as a secretary”.

So are Nine and Hazama right about Hibiki wanting to kill Kagura? I say: No, they are not. Nine was right about Hibiki having a true goal, and Hazama was right about Hibiki disobeying Kagura’s orders. However they were both wrong about what that true goal was.

Hibiki’s true goal is to defend Kagura’s life by any means possible, even if it means going against Kagura’s own orders. Kagura supports Kokonoe’s plan, which Hibiki has no faith in and sees as a risk to Kagura’s life. Therefore, Hibiki tries to take matters into his own hands and pursue a plan that puts Kagura’s life above everyone elses, namely above Noel’s life.

So there you have it gamers. Hibiki did not try to kill Kagura before, nor does he want to now. His true intention is to remain ultimately dedicated to the preservation of his master’s life.

Send tweet.

#blazblue #hibiki kohaku #kagura mutsuki #hazama #nine the phantom #LONG POST #i'm on my lore bullshit

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eloiseduval · 6 years

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challenge 1

a/n: here it is! thanks to @clove-teasdale @nathaniel-schreave and @evelyn-fenton for the rps <3 also to @ladyvenusvale and @lady-collette who are mentioned for their rps

“Good morning, ladies, I trust you all slept well.” The striking woman with a clipboard nodded towards us, the Selected, all gathered together. It was introduction day, which meant that soon we would each be meeting individually with Prince Nate. Although not before first being given some strongly needed etiquette lessons.

“My name is Collette Bennett and I am the royal planner. My job is to instruct you ladies on the proper etiquette for your stay in the palace. There will be no back talking, no disobedience, and absolutely no unladylike conduct. This includes sabotage and gossip. If you respect me and listen to what I say, we will not have a problem.” Her gaze was firm, staring at as many of us as she could to emphasize her point. As her piercing eyes slid over me, I stood up a little straighter, wanting to appear the best I could.

“Now, I am going to teach you all a proper curtsy.” She demonstrated, looking so graceful she could’ve passed as a ballerina. “You will do this as you greet a royal or anyone of importance. Prince Nathaniel will call each of you one by one for a short interview. You will address him as 'your highness' and curtsy, unless he says otherwise.

“After you've learned your greetings, we will get into the dining portion. Now, let us begin.”

From then on, the better part of an hour was devoted to everything she had instructed. When we reached the curtsy part of the lesson, I tried not to laugh at myself and at the sight of other girls who were clearly struggling just as much as I was. We had been given assigned seats at the dining tables facing the royals, and by some stroke of luck I had been directly seated in front of the Schreave family. I didn’t anticipate talking to them during our meals very often, but I was curious to see how they interacted with one another. We had been asked to leave our seats for a moment to practice our curtsies, away from the dining tables across the room.

The lessons appeared to be just fine until I heard a voice rise, sounding upset. “What do you mean I need to work on my curtsy?” I turned near the front of a room where a blonde girl had her hands on her hips, currently facing off against Lady Collette who had an icy expression at the girl’s attitude.

That’s a losing battle.

Suddenly the girl said some choice words, completely oblivious to the fact that her actions would most likely result in her going home. I raised my eyebrows at the sight of her, surprised at her nerve.

“Well she’s being rude,” I muttered.

“She’s not even doing it right,” someone muttered. I turned to my right to see none other than Clove Teasdale staring at the same girl I was, hands tucked into some hidden pockets in her dress. I made a mental note to ask my maids to possibly do the same for my dresses, it seemed incredibly handy. Ever since Brooks told me about the girl who disliked him so much, I was curious to meet her. I considered it another stroke of luck that our seats were directly across from one another at the tables, so I would be seeing her at most meals.

Clove didn’t seem to realize she said anything out loud, seeing as she didn’t even look at me as she spoke.

I crossed my arms. “You’d think she’d realize that for herself.” I still kept my voice low, not wanting to appear rude but disliking the girl’s bratty attitude.

Clove suddenly stood up straighter and cleared her throat, realizing that she spoken aloud. “Yeah I don’t think she knows what she’s talking about.”

I shook my head. “She’s only making it worse for herself.”

Clove seemed surprised I was expressing dislike for the girl, but she merely turned back towards the girl who was still arguing with Collette. “She won’t do swell with Nate if she keeps that up. Is she a Two?”

The blonde turned towards us slightly, revealing someone who looked familiar. “I believe so. I think she’s an actress.” I paused, trying to remember any movies I might have seen her in when her name popped into my head. “Adeline Brown.”

Clove snorted. “She thinks being an actress translates to knowing proper etiquette? She’s not dealing with the same rules.” She paused. “Actually she’s not even playing the same game.”

I laughed. “And she doesn’t even know it.” I stared at Adeline for a moment, her features scrunched up in an angry scowl. “I almost feel bad her.”

Clove smirked, finally looking at me. Although I recognized her from seeing her picture before, it still took me by surprise how pretty she was. I knew she was hispanic, but her features were… unique almost. The dark curly hair paired with the light brown eyes and freckles easily made Clove one of the prettiest girls here. More than that, though, she seemed the most sensible out of the Selected I had met so far.

“Well I don’t. She’s too loud.”

I giggled. “You’re not wrong. I didn’t know someone’s voice could be so screechy.” I winced as Adeline became more aggravated, if that was even possibly, her voice carrying across the room.

Clove frowned. “Her natural talent must be complaining. She must be a charmer.”

As I looked around, I noticed the rest of the Selected were looking at Adeline, unimpressed at her lack of awareness and frankly annoying actions.

“Well it looks like she won’t be charming us for much longer.”

Clove laughed a bit. “No that’s not working for her.” She turned to look at me and executed a perfect bow on the first try.

“What about you, Lady...Eloise?” I nodded - a bit startled at her bow - confirming my name before completing a rather wobbly curtsy with a smile.

“Just don’t go too far down or you’ll lose your balance. With time it’ll come naturally. Clove, by the way.” She didn’t know of course that I immediately recognized her, although I chose not to tell her.

I chose, instead, to smile appreciatively at her advice. “Thank you. Now just to see what Lady Collette has to say.”

“You nervous to meet Ho-” She shook her head, “His royal highness?”

I raised an eyebrow at her slip up, curious to what she was about to say, but moved on. “You know if you would’ve asked me yesterday the answer would have been yes, but now,” I took in a deep breath, “I feel pretty good about it.”

She stuck her hands back in her pockets again. “Yeah you’re right. Watching screaming blondes always gives me a confidence boost.” Her expression was neutral, even though she was joking.

I laughed. “That and mastering the perfect curtsy.”

“It is an ancient art only some are able to master. We'll see with some time how you do. You must not misuse it's power, however, or you'll end up like,” she gestured with her head at Adeline, squinting at her current attempt at a curtsy.

“Great power comes with great responsibility, after all,” I said, wincing at the sight of Adeline and Lady Collette, the latter of which looking exasperated. “Lady Collette looks like she might burst any second.”

Clove nodded, silently agreeing with me, before turning back to me. “Think fast. Sweet or salty?”

I furrowed my eyebrows with a smile, confused but played along nonetheless. “Sweet.”

“Red or blue?”

“Blue.”

“Winter or summer?”

“Summer.”

“Night or day?”

“Night.”

She raised her eyebrows at my last response, surprised, then turned away nodding to herself. “Of course… alright 3 out of 4 isn’t bad.”

“3 out of 4? Was that a test?” I asked, confused.

“For myself, yes. I guessed everything except night. I thought you’d be more of a day person.” That didn’t surprise me, most people assumed I was day person.

“Ah, I see.” I shrugged. “I’ve always been more of a night owl, and I used to go out a lot.”

She raised her eyebrows, faking surprise. “Oh my, a party gal, huh?”

I gave her a wry smile. “In a way. I was more about the dancing with my friends all night rather than the,” I waved one hand, “drinking too much and not being able to remember anything at all.”

“Good, you use your logic then. Had me worried there for a sec.” I laughed. “Well you’re justified in that. You’re not the first person who equates ‘party girl’ with ‘lacking complete logic’.”

She shrugged with a sideways grin, “Hey, you can’t blame me if I base my opinion on actual proof, right?” I shook my head, “Definitely not.”

We spoke a little more after that, ignoring Adeline who eventually managed to calm down enough to realize that she did in fact need to practice, though I doubted she would be here long enough to try. Lady Collette eventually made her way around to us, merely giving Clove a satisfactory nod before correcting my curtsy. Although she first seemed fairly harsh, once I executed a curtsy worthy of any royal, I saw a glimpse of warmth behind her cool exterior. She even went so far as to offer advice when I asked, which I appreciated.

More drama ensued, however, when we sat back down after our lessons. Venus Vale was seated next to Clove, and I noticed when she tried to throw a note to someone across the room, the events after unfolding horribly. I sighed at the absurdity of the argument between Venus and Victoria Seaberg, noting Clove looking equally unimpressed, but decided to intervene on Venus’s half. I had been a fan of hers for a while, and would hate to see her thrown out for something so minor. When she ran out crying, I followed her, wanting to help. Although I didn’t think I was much help when she left me in the bathroom, I had offered her friendship, which I suspected she might need.

When I returned to the dining room, an aide approached me, informing me that it was now my turn to be introduced to the prince. She led me to a room across the hall, his back facing me as I approached two couches. He rose when I approached, bowing with a smile. I executed a curtsy both Clove and Lady Collette would have been proud of before sitting across from him.

“So you’re from Zuni, right?” he began. It was so… odd to see him in person, up close. Not that he was odd looking, not in the slightest, but after seeing him on tv or on the cover of magazines for so long, I couldn’t quite believe that I was sitting in front of the next king of Illéa. He was even more handsome than pictures gave him credit, the sharp jawline and slightly mussed up hair similar to his younger brother’s. His eyes were all his own though, warm and welcoming as he peered at me.

“You got it. Angeles, right?” I joked, evoking a laugh from him.

“Woah you got it.” His smile was pleased.

“So how does it feel being from the same province as the queen?”

I mulled the question over for a moment. “I feel proud, actually. Your mother has always seemed lovely.”

“She is the best, I'm shocked she didn't grow up here.” For as long as I could remember, I had always admired Nate’s mother. Queen Aubrey was practically the embodiment of elegance, and she gave me the impression of being genuinely kind as well.

“From what I’ve seen of her selection, she’s definitely always possessed a royal air about her.”

“She really has, what about you are you close with your mother?”

I nodded with a smile. “Very. She’s one of the most inspiring women I know.”

“What does she do?” he asked.

“She works with my father at their record label, Duval Studios. But she actually spends a lot of time with me volunteering with charities, we both love it.”

“What charities do you volunteer for?”

“Girls United, for single mothers and their daughters, Together We Stand for lower castes, to name a couple,” I smiled, “I’ve been able to work with some really amazing people.” I wondered if he could tell how passionate I was about volunteering. It was a big reason why I was here, of course, and I sincerely hoped I could see my goal through.

“Music is my other passion though,” I added.

“Those are really good charities to help support. Do you play any instruments?”

“I do! Mostly guitar, but a little piano. At least the basic chords.” I laughed.

“Really, me too! Guitar is my favorite out of the two.” His enthusiasm was endearing, making me grin at him.

“There’s just something about the guitar that speaks to me more than piano, which I can bet you understand.”

“I do, like I feel like you can just get into the songs more on the guitar.”

“Exactly!”

“What's your favorite song to play?”

I paused, thinking for a moment. “Probably Here Comes the Sun by The Beatles, it was one of the first songs I learned and it’s been my default song ever since.” I still remembered sitting on a stool way too big for me when I was 6, being taught by an indie artist who recorded at the studio often.

“Oh that's a good one.”

“And yours?”

He looked away, considering his answer. “I really like Hey There Delilah by the Plain White T's.”

Oh, Giselle would love you.

“That’s a sweet one, my sister always asks me to play it.” Giselle was more of a romantic than I was, and constantly asked me to play the more cheesy songs she favored, although her favorite was apparently the prince’s as well.

“It's a cute one.” I was a bit surprised at his song choice, but also pleased. It seemed Nate was a romantic as well, or so I guessed.

I smiled. “Agreed.”

“Do you sing at all?”

“I do! And from what I hear, you do as well?”

“Yeah, I'm not amazing but I can sing better than any of my siblings that's for sure.” He laughed. I could tell he was downplaying his skills, which only made me all the more curious to hear what he sounded like.

“I think Brooks might argue,” I grinned, “I met him yesterday, actually, he’s a funny guy.”

He looked shocked, and I wondered if I shouldn’t have mentioned that I met his brother before I met him. But I figured Brooks would have told him anyways. “Oh he thinks he can sing,” he joked with a laugh.

I giggled. “I’m sure he does. Might have to teach him a lesson or two.”

“Oh I will,” he promised with another laugh.

“Sorry, but I have a couple more girls to meet, this conversation has been lovely. Maybe we could play together sometime?” he said as he stood.

I smiled as I stood. “I completely understand. And yes, that sounds fun!”

He flashed a smile as I turned to leave, charming and genuine. It was that smile that stayed with me when I returned, and all throughout breakfast. He was so much more down to earth than I expected, but I liked it. I was already anxious to talk to him again, seeing as we didn’t get much time for our introduction.

Another hour came and went, girls trickling in and out of the dining hall as they met the prince. Eventually the royal family joined us for breakfast, which thankfully passed by uneventfully. At least until I got up to go to the restroom.

I was walking back in when a dark haired girl rushed at me, headed for the exit, but not before spilling her orange juice over the front of my dress.

“Oh my god, I’m so sorry.” I gasped as I watched the juice seep into the white fabric. Once I noticed her frantic expression, however, I shook my head with a reassuring smile.

“Don’t worry about it, it happens.” She dove back for her seat and grabbed a napkin.

“Oh thank goodness you aren’t one of those girls. Again I’m so so so sorry. Please take my napkin.” She thrust it at me, looking so remorseful I felt worse for her than my dress.

I laughed, hoping to put her at ease. “It’s just a dress. And thank you.” I took the napkin and began to dab at the large stain, although I doubted it would do much.

“You’re welcome. Again so sorry. See you around.” She rushed off before I could say another word, and I stared after her with confusion.

I considered for a moment whether or not I should return to my seat and finish breakfast, but decided against it. I would be too uncomfortable, and I wasn’t crazy about the idea of smelling like orange juice longer than I needed to.

So I left, intending to return to my room and change into another day dress. I was dabbing at the stain, not paying attention as I turned a corner and ran straight into someone.

#selectionoc #eloise duval #my writing #challenge 1

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