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[It's not too unusual these days for Mikado to find himself cornered by someone who doesn't like him in the church. Finding himself caught alone by five people though... It's not like he can even take on one. Though his magic ability is advancing extremely rapidly--far above average, though he finds himself often frustrated with the perception of his own slowness--it doesn't help much when one man has his arms caught behind him and the other three are taking turns hitting him.]

[The last man is just watching. Somehow that is far more humiliating than helplessly taking the beating. To be watched like he's not even worth the time to hit...]

[His fists clench, and above the pain is a sudden, unusual surge of anger and disgust. These people are boring, he could take the beating and not care, absolutely. His apathy to the situation is a side-effect of the resurrection ritual, and while he knows that now, the apathy assists in his lack of concern over it.]

[But for whatever reason, being simply watched like he's not worth the time hits a deep note of pride and anger, enough to overcome the cold detachment to his predicament and fill him with an emotion he can only describe as black and ugly. And for the first time the thought consciously crosses his mind that he wants to hurt them.]

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[To Erika, it wasn't worth noting. Mikado entered a contract so easily with her that she assumed he had noticed. Not exactly the same feeling as being a piece - for which she is grateful - but still the sense of a distant, warm bond. A rope might be the best term, because it could tug if Mikado needed her.

Which, apparently, he did.

The only indication of the summon is a faint blue glow, which comes not from the spell itself but from Erika's scythe. It is that she is simply and suddenly there, as if she had been the whole time, a picture perfect image of what a summon should be. Scythe ready and crossed in front of her, one hand lifting her skirt in a respectful curtsey and slightly bowed to the owner who called for her.

That however is only how she appears for a moment to the stunned group. Erika opens her eyes and takes in the scene in the span of a blink. Mikado's order is very clear in her mind. It isn't a call for some vague help.]

As you wish, Mikado-sama.

[Light teasing even now as she raises her scythe with a wicked grin. Mikado said 'hurt.' She can definitely hurt.]

[Mikado's as surprised as the rest of the group at Erika's appearance. Or is he? Part of him... Isn't all that shocked. He'll think about that later. The rest of him is definitely not expecting her sudden appearance however.]

[As he wishes? He doesn't have time to wonder, as the men turn to face Erika. Only two of them attack her, thinking that to be enough, and Mikado almost laughs at them for being fools.]

[The reason he's so disliked is because of himself, partly, but the other part is what he did with her help. More importantly, what he would have been utterly incapable of doing without her help. Even with the distant bewilderment at her sudden appearance, there is also a dark amusement at their foolishness. And still even then, a concern for Erika's safety as well.]

[At least in the confusion he can wrench his arms free of the man behind him.]

[Given that her appearance is the same as that day, it isn't difficult to recognise her. Maybe a little without all the blood but that will be fixed soon enough. Mikado gave no order for their deaths and so she decides to take a certain amount of caution.

Unlike Mikado, Erika actually does laugh. A light, airy sound of dark humour that grows louder as the scythe twists in her grip and catches one attacker in the side. Cutting up on the backswing breaks the wound open further but it's manageable. Painful, very much so, but not likely to be fatal.

The other attacker hesitates a second too long and again the scythe flips and just the very end, that sharp point, buries into the man's arm. Up the blade goes and traces a clean line that spills open as the scythe slips free. Red rains down in a brief shower.

If one thing can be said, it's that Erika can make blood an art form when she feels like it. Dragging and ripping is Bernkastel's personal style. Erika prefers something beautiful splattered around them. Only the best for Mikado.]

[Mikado doesn't particularly enjoy the gore and blood. All the same Erika's actions fill him with some distant satisfaction. He doesn't dwell on it, taking the opportunity provided by her distraction to use the magic he's been devoting himself to learning. A barrier around her, just as a spell shaped like a spear from the observing man would hit her side.]

[He lets her deal with the remaining two, the last attacker and the one that was holding him, as Mikado himself concentrates on the final man. Erika should be in no danger from them to begin with, but his barrier would doubly ensure that. He could keep his hands clean and simply detain the final man in magical bindings. He doesn't want to.]

[Some lessons are only learned with physical reinforcement.]

[The physical form of the magic he summons on the man are blue pens, they drive through the man's legs--Mikado is careful to avoid the arteries that would make it fatal and not simply excruciating--and as the man falls to his knees, the pens drive through his hands, pinning him to the floor.]

[Mikado doesn't move from where he stands, yet, instead wiping blood off his face and glancing to see how Erika is faring.]

[The barrier is a surprise and a brief but intense surge of emotions come with it. Grateful for protection. Shouldn't need it. Shame in that. But overwhelming gratitude to the person who would spare her pain if possible.

Even if Mikado has no certain fondness for the display, Erika still wants to show-off. Or more than that, wants to perform well and in a way fitting to him. So the spells that the barrier doesn't stop are cut by her scythe now that the two last ones realise not to take her lightly. But already it's too little, too late.

With a graceful twirl, Erika makes for an upper attack, only to drop down and slam the handle of her weapon into their legs, knocking their feet out from under them. In the same motion she rises again and slices once over their stomachs as they scramble to move. It makes it messier than needed but still only pain, nothing fatal.]

Never look upon Mikado-sama with anything less than utmost respect. Crawl through your own guts and pray he forgives you because I will carry out his any request if he does not.

[That cheerful voiced warning is somehow colder and sharper than anything so happily said should be.

And she returns to Mikado's side, once again in an elegant position as she arrived, but not splattered in blood. 'Hurt' accomplished. Awaiting further instructions.]

[They're all going to need serious medical attention after this. And though Mikado himself is rather bruised and bloodied, would probably be worse than he is if they'd had their fill of beating him, it's nothing to the state Erika and Mikado have left the men.]

[And Mikado doesn't really feel bad about it. He looks at the men on the ground coldly. He has no admiration for the church he's joined, he wishes to use them for his own ends. To do so, however, he needs power. Power within the church itself.]

[He doesn't have Dollars here, or the weight of that anonymous group backing him. He has to form his own collection of people whose goals coincide with his own vision if he wishes to accomplish anything.]

[He adds nothing to Erika's speech. He has nothing he wishes to say to these boring people. The only concession to his usual self is raising his hand and typing on a spectral keyboard. The magic folds itself into an envelope, and zips into nothing, much like an iconic email icon. Merely a message that a healer is needed here.]

[He touches Erika's arm, not wishing to speak in front of these people, and starts to walk away.]

[With a short curtsey to the wounded, Erika turns and follows Mikado. The scythe fades to nothing for now. It isn't needed and it's only gifted to her for the summon. Her actual scythe is probably still wherever she was just staying.

Despite her eagerness to pester Mikado like usual, she stays quiet. Amazing, really. Part of it is a natural inclination to please - to be a model summon - but she's also observing Mikado. He's certainly progressing a little faster than she anticipated. That sort of cold, callous air and that superiority is delicious to her but mentally kicking herself to remember she's supposed to be making sure he doesn't get too bad.

Well, observation is best for now.]

[Once they're away, Mikado steers them towards the back of one of the gardens and closes his eyes, leaning against a wall for support, when he opens his eyes again, the cold, superior expression is gone, and he looks simply concerned. Very much 'Mikado'. It's not a lie, he is concerned, but he's still rather detached as well.]

[He's been learning to be 'himself' over the detachment. More 'himself' than his emotions dictate.]

Are you okay, Erika-chan?

[The first words are genuine care, concern. Followed by the curiosity that is so typically him.]

What happened? Where did you come from?

[Her head tilts slightly as she looks at him. It is a little strange. Sincere, though. If she had to do a quick theory, maybe the detachment is useful for those situations and so he allows him? Hmm.

Erika smiles.] I am unharmed. Thank you for that barrier.

[None of the blood on her is her own, so there is that. It helps that she had a certain element of surprise. Erika laughs a little next though and holds her hands out to her sides. Kids these days.]

You summoned me. 'I want to make them hurt.' So you brought me forth to do just that. I suppose you haven't noticed our contract. But it's fine.

[And she breaks her usual airs, a little overeager and wide-eyed.]

Did I do satisfactory? Was my performance up to your expectations?

[He should be horrified at himself. Maybe he is, distantly. He leaves that alone, focuses on the surprise. A contract? He'd thought they'd have to do something formal, but somehow it explains a certain feeling Erika gives him.]

I hadn't realized. [In that same somewhat distant way it makes him happy though. He reaches forward and places a hand on her head, smiling, chagrined.]

Jeez... [He can't scold her for going overboard when going overboard was his own wish and intention in the first place. It alarms him a little, but she was fulfilling his own desires there.]

[It doesn't alarm or disturb him as much as it probably should.]

You were amazing. [Genuine praise. Because whatever else, watching her fight is really impressive.] Thank you. [And she didn't kill. Maimed a bit, but didn't kill. Not sure why that's important anymore, but it should be, he knows.]

You did a really good job. I'm sorry for dragging you out here so suddenly though. Did I interrupt anything?

[Mikado is allowed to shove away those concerns, since Erika very quickly does. Praise is good. Sure, being a better master than Bernkastel isn't exactly a difficult achievement but it means a lot to Erika. That really has nothing to do with being owned or a piece and just her own self-esteem.

She leans into the touch like any pleased cat would and even gives a little hum. Mikado is happy with her, so she's happy. Even blushing slightly.] Th-Thank you... I'm glad I performed well for you.

[She would shake her head but pats, so.]

No, I wasn't doing anything in particular. No matter what, though, I would be happiest to answer a summon from you. Are you all right?

[Nothing wrong here in the slightest! He closes his eyes again, briefly. Tired. But he's still got that smile.]

You don't have to worry about anything like that. I said I wanted your will to be yours. So I'm the one who's grateful for the help.

I was happy to see you appear, though I'm sorry I had to get you involved.

[He really is glad she showed up. He's not exactly a masochist and he feels no remorse or pity for the men. At best there's that vague unease in his own actions, and that is easily ignored.]

[He's bruised, but nothing feels broken or badly damaged. He shakes his head gingerly.]

I'm fine.

[Really, she appreciates it all. Even if Mikado is a little off, he's still concerned for her.]

What good is a summon if you don't use me? I am happy to be involved with you. [Erika smiles and leans up to nuzzle at his jaw without thought.]

My will is still mine. I feel more open in saying these things. But let me get something cold for the bruising?

[That hurts a bit but he merely winces and endures it, stroking his fingers through her hair.]

[He won't say he doesn't want to involve her. He said it once before, but he also knows without her help he's pretty useless still. It'd be insulting to tell her he doesn't want her with him, he does, even though he doesn't want to endanger her. He nods.]

...Why don't we get something together.

[At the least, Mikado has a good idea on how to keep Erika calm and happy. Some of it might be a lingering effect of the summon but not enough to cause this sort of obedience. She makes a happy sound and nods.]

I'm not really sure where something cold would be here. Wandering uselessly wouldn't have been much of a help to you...

The thought is what matters.

[He doesn't want to move but they should.] Probably... You shouldn't stay around for long.

[It's not that he doesn't want to see her, he likes her company. But he'll have to be accountable for what happened. If she's not around to complicate it he can handle it better. He already places her in enough trouble to begin with.]

[As if reading his thoughts, she pauses.] If you think that's best. But only if it's better for you. If sharing blame is easier, then I would request to stay.

[Very simple. Erika doesn't know either way and admits it. But she doesn't want Mikado to bring more on himself if it isn't needed. Not like she cares about getting in trouble with a cult but whatever is beneficial to him is the choice she wants.]

[He really shouldn't bother trying to be subtle around her. She gets things. He shakes his head anyway. He'll be the one held responsible, it's better if he doesn't have to worry about keeping her out of their focus.]

[Even if splitting the blame would help, though he doubts it, he'd want her out of it.]

I couldn't allow that in any case. Don't worry. And... Thank you, for coming.

[That's enough for her. She smiles at him and waves it off.] You did summon me. I'm...really glad to be able to help you.

[Really, she has to kick herself out of dere mode. It seems impossible half the time around Mikado not to be at least kind, if not outright nice to his sincerity.]

Anyway, what was their issue with you? Just a grudge?

[Walking now, with her.]

You helped me a lot. [He nods to her statement, then shrugs one shoulder.]

Probably. Not everyone feels that way, but I'm resented by some.

[It's calm and impersonal, as if talking about someone else.] There are plenty who have a similar mindset as I do, though.

[Erika takes mental notes on all of it. For how he talks now, one might think he didn't care at all. But it's obvious it angered him. If it hadn't, he wouldn't have summoned Erika in the first place.

But she takes interest in his comment as they walk, gradually relaxing from her position as a summon.] I take it that's going well? The image of a foreigner atoning and working so hard while being a kind person is no doubt a strong one for some. Not everyone likes cheering for the least likely but one who succeeds becomes an inspiration.

[He smiles, a little amused.] Yeah. A bit like that. The more I stand out, the more I'm going to be hated. But at the same time, the more I'll be able to gather those who think similarly to me.

It's going well. There are a number I've found now, who feel inclined to my way of thinking. It's simply a matter of gathering together effectively from now on.

Hm... Have you thought about trying to create that network using spells? [She isn't from the same era but in their dream, she was able to understand it all for the purpose of crushing him. Either way, a handy method for learning enough to keep up with him.] Technology is sometimes said to be magic to those who don't understand it. Recreating that here with your abilities could be quite beneficial.

[He stares at her, dumbfounded, and then starts to laugh.] I hadn't thought of that at all.

[How stupid can he be? He draws a glyph in the air, strikes a line through it, and reaches up to take the cell phones forming from the magic in each hand. One resembles his own, red with a black and white checkerboard, the other is pink, with a little charm attached to it, a tiny Erika grinning maniacally as she wields a blue scythe. He hands it to her.]

These are temporary, but I think you're on to something.

[Typing on his, he presses send. Erika's phone begins to ring. You have great ideas. (^_^) The text reads.]

[Erika watches, a little amazed. Funny how something like this would be so interesting but it really is. She takes it and inspects the phone with a smile. One could almost say it's childish delight at a new toy. The charm earns a grin and a giggle.

She listens to the ringtone for a moment with a laugh before reading the message. She types back, which takes her a little longer but she tends to learn fast. I always do. d(-_^)]

Thank you. I've been wanting to play with one of these since I saw yours.

I hadn't thought of using magic to do this. But... Now that you've said it. I think... [He pauses, thinking.] Modifying it would be a little tricky, but I could probably even simulate something close to what we had back home. To the point where we could use these for real with a lot of people.

These two are pretty limited though.

[He looks at the phone in his hand. The only 'number' is Erika, and he's pretty sure, with the magic he used, he couldn't really network to anyone else, even if he created more. But all he has to do is make a more complex form of the spell, something that allows for an unlimited number of new 'numbers' to be added. It's like programming, he just has to use the language to create what he wants.]

For now, this'll work for just us though.

[She smiles as she watches him think. It truly is impressive. What can she say? Since that dream, Erika has enjoyed catching moments in his eyes as he works out a solution. There is nothing sweeter than thinking.

And she really is happy about the phone, turning it over and playing with it.]

...I never did tell you, did I? [She holds up the cell phone.] My theory back then would have been broken by a very simple premise. Even if the Dollars website went down, it wouldn't leave the people who gathered there. If this phone is destroyed, the connection won't be broken. It can always be repaired. A place that only existed because of the people there can exist again and again. You see?

[He stops in his tracks, thoughts completely sidetracked. More complex? No, what he needs is a simpler form of the spell with a provision for endless revisions. That itself will be a bit hard to figure out, but it should be at it's core very basic and simple, that way building on it will be easiest.]

[Like coding, make it elegant and basic.]

[Erika's words bring him back to the present and he blinks, trying to switch tracks from how to make the magic internet to why he was killed in a dream.]

...That's actually a really beautiful solution.

[The way she says it is sweet.]

Isn't it? Your goal should always be an elegant solution worthy of being written in the stars. That is the sort of story you should create. It goes for this current issue as well. That illusion was, in truth, nearly flawless. So apply the idea here and perfect it.

What is beautiful about the constellations? They can be changed and drawn differently but they'll be there far longer than any of us. I may put it as a story that will last but you can change that thought and make your magic something lasting, elegant and flexible like a constellation.

[She really can be poetic sometimes.]

[She does talk poetically. He can appreciate it in a distant way.]

I'll keep that in mind, Erika-chan.

[Sincere. He stops again, placing a hand on her head, fond and gentle.]

I'll try to apply that principle to this. I think I can work out a way to duplicate the effect, if not the technology. For now, we can use these. [He holds his cell phone thoughtfully.] They'll only work more like a two-way than any real communication network, as the are now, though.

[Erika stops as well and smiles, just appreciating the gentle touch and sincere gratitude. Mikado is on par with Will when it comes to handling her and probably even better at keeping her calm. She craves earning these little moments.]

There isn't any harm in testing them for now. [She's still holding her cell phone in both hands, lightly pressed to her chest.] To get a network up and running so fast would be an impractical expectation. It would be best to perfect these first and test a small network. ...And it will be nice to be able to talk with you at any time.

[That last part is a little unrelated. But she really is happy about it.]

You're right. Working it out first and then expanding it is the best way.

[He nods.] That should last as long as you want it. Just break it if you don't need it any more.

[A glance back, the way they came, and he lets his hand fall.] You can call me whenever you like. It's... Probably a politer way of contacting you than yanking you from nowhere, as well. I should probably get back.

[They never found anything for his bruises, but to be truthful he was mainly just trying to escort her to the exit.]

[She isn't really surprised. She recognised the way they were going. And if she's being dismissed, then she's dismissed. If she wanted to disobey - not that he's really given an implicit order - she could but really, Erika doesn't see a reason for it.]

I cannot foresee a reason to ever break it. [Maybe a little sentimental of her but she'd like to keep this as a memento, even if he creates a better one. And she leans in and kisses his cheek.] You should summon me whenever you need me. But if it's just for a chat, I think I'll enjoy this method.

[She shakes the cell phone with a grin.]

Have your bruises looked at anyway. Do well with your work, Mikado. [Erika dips into a curtsey, still holding the phone, and smiles at him again before turning to leave. It's worth noting she keeps playing with the phone even as she walks, quite happy about it.]

Thanks for giving me the idea.

[It's dismissal, but not because he dislikes her company. And what he does next he can't really explain, it's not adrenaline from the fight earlier, and it's not really planned. It's an impulsive whim that he couldn't really place. Maybe she just looks really cute like that? In any event, he catches her arm and pulls her back, kissing her cheek lightly.]

[As soon as he does, he blushes a bit, flustered, and lets her go, backing up a step.]

Um... Don't get in trouble or anything.

[And now he is going to flee because what was that anyway. He might have meant to see what her expression was if he did that, a cute whim, but it ended up back firing and making him blush instead.]

[It definitely caught her off guard, just childishly playing with her phone. And it is very much too bad he misses the stunned expression that follows. That was different than their kiss before when she'd just been teasing. Mikado did it because...he felt like it.

And aside from a blush, it causes Erika to smile in an almost unrecognisable way. Almost a ghost of someone else who died a long way from here. It isn't exactly the same by a long shot and never would be again but it's close enough.]

...You too, Mikado. Thank you. [Too late and too quiet for him to hear. But that's all right with her.]

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