awashlogs | [OPEN] + April Catch-all

Entry tags:

[OPEN] + April Catch-all

WHO: Akechi feat. Prince, the cat + various
WHERE: Across town
WHEN: Throughout April
WHAT: Rebuilding Cafe Morgana post-dragons, (near) venturing into the woods, plus assorted quests.
WARNINGS: None for now

1. Cat Café
[ Well, the dragons surely left their mark across town, and Cafe Morgana was no exception; though it (thankfully) still stands, the walls have been charred, and the entrance door is missing a big chunk in the middle, burned thanks to a well-aimed flamethrower. Nothing that can't be fixed-- which is exactly what Akechi intends to do.

Any bystanders may find him doing assorted work around the house, sleeves rolled and hair up in a ponytail, in full hard labor mode. He can be seen vigorously scrubbing walls or sweeping off ash and debris out of the way, or even nailing wooden boards across holes, all in an effort to get the cafe back to working condition. ]

I apologize, but you will not be getting your own kitty door just yet. [ Said in response to a certain tuxedo kitten's protesting meows-- it seems Prince thought that hole in the door was a convenient cat passageway, and a lot of fun on top of it. Alas.

And, to any regulars who might have come looking for the owner or a cup of coffee, Akechi only has an apologetic chuckle to offer, along with: ]

I'm afraid you will have to come back at a later time. We're... closed for maintenance today, haha...!

2. Into the Woods
[ ... or not quite. Rather, Akechi can be found staring at the increasingly encroaching forest, near motionless, a vague look in his eyes. To an outsider, it may look as though he's considering venturing in on his lonesome, but in reality, he's just been stricken with what can only be a memory from the original residents of Chroma, one that hits too close to home: a bastard boy who tried so hard to fit in, only to be rejected by all. In the end, the boy disappears into the woods, off to never be seen again, and safe from everyone who could never understand him.

It makes Akechi wonder, just for a split second, if he wouldn't be better off like that, too.

Of course, the trees are extra dangerous this month, and there have been rumors of people fainting if they linger around for too long. Just... how long has he been standing there, anyway? It might be a good idea to snap him out of his trance... ]

3. Wildcard!
[ Open space for other starters, quests and whatever else! If you want to do something, feel free to HMU at

pinkgrasshopper for plotting! ]

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[ "Don't go into the woods by yourself" is the advice that had stuck with Kano despite all his misgivings that there's anything very dangerous about the woods. Still, it gives off an unnatural feeling, and he doesn't like the way this other boy is just standing there as if something will change if he just stays there long enough.

At least it makes it easier for Kano to sneak up behind him, and give him a poke on the side. ]

Hey! Hello~

Ah--!

[ It's not often that Akechi lets his guard down, especially so around danger, so the fact that even a small poke genuinely startles him is a testament to exactly how much that single memory had affected him. Good job, Kano. ]

Hello. [ But then he's back to his usual pleasantries, that plastic smile coming to his face with practiced ease. ] Were you planning on going into the woods? They're fairly dangerous, these days.

[ Said as though he hadn't been just deadstaring into the woods like a second ago, but hey, that's Akechi to you. ]

[ He lets out a laugh at just how much Akechi had been startled, but it settles into just general, easy-going laughter, like Kano hadn't meant to laugh at Akechi at all. If Akechi plays along, Kano will too, clasping his hands behind his back and turning on his heel to face the woods in full, considering the trees one by one. ]

You know, I did hear something about that! But at the same time, I'm rather curious~ Aah, what's that saying? "Curiosity killed the cat"? But I can't help it!

[ He wouldn't normally care, but something that can draw somebody's attention like the trees did with Akechi and freezing him there, Kano is very familiar with a power like that, and he doesn't like it one bit. An unnatural power, and evil one. ]

What do you think? Is there a chance out of nine I might make it out alive?

[ Akechi, being the ever Pleasant Boy that he is, does play along, laughing in his own pretense of embarrassment-- although there may be a hint of truth to it, this time. ]

Well, one should never ignore the latter half of that saying-- "But satisfaction brought it back," haha!

[ Not that he should be encouraging anyone to go venturing into those woods, but on the other hand, it seems like everyone in this town eventually gets drawn to it, somehow. It's a small sacrifice they all have to take, in order to gather more information. So this particular curious cat could turn out to be useful... ]

If curiosity does get the best out of you, however, and you are a capable enough fighter, I'd say you stand a good chance. Many of us have been for well over a year now, and still strong.

[ Granted, some of them have also died one or two times before, but he doesn't need to bring that up. ]

[ A prince, a princess, and a woodsman walk into a (coffee) bar. Well, not exactly. One might recognize this trio as the puppets from several months ago, that forced people into unwilling roles in fairy tales. They're a little—actually a lot worse for wear, bearing signs of numerous repairs. Also each of them bears creepy red eyes drawn onto their faces.

A man in a black cross-collared robe walks in behind them. He's the figure of relaxation, walking casually with his fingers laced behind his neck. He looks around, taking in the surroundings, such as they are, and then asks brightly: ]

I see you're working on cleaning up! Need a hand?

[ Though Akechi doesn't personally recognize them, he has to do a double-take at the sight; puppets walking on their own. As much as he's seen all manner of weird events, both in this town and back home, he can't help but be surprised every time he stumbles upon something new.

But then he snaps out of it, and a smile graces his features. He's not the actual cafe owner, but he definitely has a talent for customer service. ]

Help is always welcome, if you'd be so kind!

[ And he motions towards an assortment of cleaning supplies hanging by the entrance door. Take your pick, Wei! ]

Are you one of the cafe regulars? Though he's not around at the moment, I can see about having Akira make you some coffee to thank you for your assistance at a later time.

Not a regular.

[ Even in a place like Chroma, the idea of going to a cafe is incompatible with the poverty he'd gotten used to in his old life, even if it doesn't cost money here. ]

But sure, that's fine!

[ He slides into a chair. The puppets jerkily set about sweeping up the ash and picking up broken bits of wood and plaster. ]

I don't believe we've met, I'm Wei Wuxian.

[ ... well, those sure look like some very useful puppets, though there might be someone else even more interested in them than Akechi; though he doesn't move from his chosen spot by the window, Prince swishes his tail at their unusual sight, eyes trained on the trio. They might make for some... fun.

Akechi's attention, on the other hand, has been captured by something else. ]

I'm Akechi. Pleased to meet you, Wei-san.

[ Though he's smiling, there's a squint to his eyes, as though the metaphorical cogs in his brain were running. Where has he heard this name before...? ]

... Oh! Would you happen to be the same Wei Wuxian who is soon to be wedded?

[Akira has been trying to avoid the forest where possible for the time being, deciding it best to lay low after fighting and killing one of its guardians, and losing his own life in the process. So the way the trees continue to encroach on the town has him especially wary. When he spots a lone figure by the trees, gazing into the forest with that vague expression, it has him worried.

No, more than that, Akechi's distant look makes something twinge in his chest. So he approaches Akechi, touching his shoulder as if to snap him out of his daze.]

Hey... Something on your mind?

[ Distracted as he is, Akechi doesn't really notice anyone approaching, so the hand on his shoulder earns Akira a small, surprised gasp; when he turns, Ryo's friend is standing there, with a look that resembles worry. Was he really so obvious that it could prompt concern from someone who barely knew him...? ]

... You're fairly perceptive, aren't you, Fudo-kun?

[ Which is his own Akechi way of saying he knows it would be futile to try and get out of this conversation. Well, it's not like this is compromising information, anyway... ]

I've just... had a vision, I suppose. Something about the town's past residents.

[The gasp makes Akira let go of his shoulder to give him some space-- it hadn't been his intent to startle Akechi.]

A vision... I saw something like that, too. [As have many others, if his conversations with people like Keigo are anything to go by. He hesitates, not wanting to intrude, but unable to shake his feeling of concern.]

... You saw something that made you feel sad. [It's a statement, not a question.]

[ Akechi's eyebrows arch yet again.

Ah. Seems like this guy is a little too perceptive, indeed. A mind reader, or just really good at picking up feelings? As far as Akechi is concerned, that could be considered a special power in and of itself. ]

... Was I really so obvious?

[ A weak laugh. No matter what his power is, at least right now, it doesn't pose much of a threat-- though it might be something to keep an eye out for. ]

The vision I saw was of a boy. From the looks of it, people tried to avoid him no matter what he did or where he went. All because of a wretched father who never wanted him.

[ He sighs. This next part isn't as easy to share, but-- ]

In the end, it's nothing to be concerned over. I just... suppose it hit too close to home, for a minute.

['It's nothing to be concerned over', Akechi says, but even as he does, Akira's eyes are welling up with tears. He can tell how much this is bothering Akechi, even if he won't say as much openly.]

Do people try to avoid you, too?

[His voice trembles, and he openly begins to cry. It must hurt a lot, to feel unwanted, and in his own way Akira understands that.]

[ ... wait, hold on a moment there. Is this guy seriously crying? His first guess, unlikely as it sounds to him, is that Akira was moved by the sad tale of this unnamed Chroma boy, but as soon as that question follows, realization hits him-- as well as a generous lot of incredulity.

Is Akira crying... over him? ]

... they would, as a child. But that was quite some time ago.

[ Not that it makes the memory any less daunting, or painful to bear. He's learned to be good at pretending, though-- and that goes for more than just his pleasant exterior. ]

A-ah, but please, don't be so upset! I can assure you, that is all in the past for me now.

[ Is it, really... ]

[He can pretend all he wants, but it won't fool Akira, who is now crying in earnest.]

Even if it's in the past, you're still crying about it...

[Maybe not literally, since Akira is the one doing all the waterworks rn.]

[ ... yeah, that's rather ironic, coming from the walking waterfall.

(Somewhere deep within him, though, Akechi knows there is a hidden meaning to those words, a sadness that he can never quite shake away... But as it is, he would rather not admit it, not even to himself.) ]

A-ah, I can assure you, I'm not. To be honest, I can't even recall the last time I cried at all...

[ Well. This much is true, anyway. For the longest time, he felt so empty and dead inside that tears simply wouldn't come out; his heart was but a wasteland. ]

[Somehow that's even sadder, that he hadn't felt sadness, or allowed himself to feel it. Like Ryo, in a way. Akira sniffs and takes a shaky breath, but the tears continue.]

Do you want to talk about it?

[ Talk about it? That's not really something Akechi was looking forward to, but in all honesty, he finds that dealing with this crying dude is a less than ideal alternative, so: ]

Would it help make you feel better, if I did...?

[ Because Akira is the one who needs to feel better, yeah, Akechi is absolutely doing fine. ]

I-- [Another sniffle,] I want you to feel better.

[Akira's feelings are besides the point. He's simply sad because Akechi is sad, and he'll feel better if Akechi does.]

[ Nero, having fallen prey to the fainting spell of the encroaching woods herself, finds herself frowning at the young man's presence right in front of those trees, staring out into space. She steps forth, boldly, from behind him, and loudly questions him. ]

You there. Do those woods fascinate you so?

[ Maybe his mind will be swallowed the longer they linger, like a certain nameless forest conjured by a nursery rhyme. ]

[ An unfamiliar voice startles him, distracts him from dangerous thoughts, and he turns to look at its source; a girl, one he hadn't seen before. A new arrival, maybe...? ]

Ah, well-- [ He starts with a weak laugh, near apologetic. ] I wouldn't exactly call it fascination.

[ No, definitely not. But he doesn't want to scare her off with the whole truth right away, so: ]

Although I suppose it is quite the mystery. Any detective would be naturally drawn to it, haha...

[ She tilts her head in both intrigue and amusement. ]

Oh? Is that the trade you ply? Then I hope you have detective experience in the extraordinary and supernatural, for these trees are nothing short of that.

[ She's not crazy, really. Well, in her mortal life, yes, but not now. The corners of Nero's mouth wilt, just a tad. ]

I am certain my flames consumed a handful of them just yesterday, and I cut down quite a bit more than that, yet here they stand.

[ Something is fishy, almost like this forest has a mind of its own, and said mind is insolent. ]

[ Oh, he does have quite a lot of experience in the extraordinary and supernatural-- in fact, be built his entire career by banking on that. But that's a little beside the point right now, so: ]

I agree. They have been this way for several weeks now, and even with the incentive from that quest from a while ago, it doesn't seem we have fully taken care of it...

[ In fact, it doesn't seem to have been effective at all. If anything-- ]

... I'm actually fairly sure these woods have never been closer to town than they are right now.

[ So it's never happened before, or at least not to this extent. He speaks as if he has a wealth of experience in his presence here, whereas she has been here for...what, half a year? Ish.

It's worrying nevertheless. ]

Have they always had a propensity for causing fainting spells by their mere presence?

[ She grumbles, clearly displeased by the state of the woods and the town's current relation to it. Nero's fairly certain it's the woods; it's always around the woods and trees nowadays that she finds herself collapsing without warning, a sudden fainting spell that only aggravates her migraines more. ]

[ His so-called wealth of information isn't nearly as much as he would like, but he has picked up quite a lot in the span of his year in this land.

It's still not enough to explain what the hell is going on, this time. ]

Not as far as I'm aware. [ A shake of his head. ] It has always been somewhat ill-advised to venture into the woods by yourself, but these fainting spells are almost as new as their... propensity for lingering so close.

[ Almost, since the trees seem to have been stubborn little pests for at least the past month or so. And that reminds him-- ]

... Ah, I should thank you. If not for your interference, I might have been the next one to be found unconscious, haha...

...Save your gratitude for when I have truly earned it. What I did was no less than one would expect an emperor to do for her citizens.

[ She's genuinely heartened by any sort of gratitude, though. There's a lot to unpack in that statement, yet Nero barrels on like she said absolutely nothing out of the ordinary. ]

You took a while before falling prey to any fainting spell I could tell, however. Did you not feel the world turning black before your very eyes, your consciousness slipping from your fingers in but mere moments?

[ Or maybe she only collapsed so suddenly because of her own terrible mental resistance...? She squints at the thought. ]

[ That's... definitely a lot of information, but he chooses to push it back to his mental archives for the moment, so he can maybe investigate it at a later occasion. For now, he'll address her question, instead. ]

To be honest, I have been fortunate enough not to have been personally afflicted with a fainting spell as of yet; all I know is what I heard from everybody else.

[ He probably would have been a goner if Nero hadn't interfered, though, so his gratitude is valid! ]

On the other hand, you sound as though you have had a close experience with it. Am I correct?

[ Nero nods, her expression a touch somber. It pains her pride to admit this, but he asked, and she will not lie. ]

Yes. Multiple times, even. And after waking up from every fainting spell, I felt as if I was being watched.

[ She wouldn't put it past the beings lurking in the woods, or some sort of sentience from the trees themselves. It wouldn't be the strangest thing she's encountered. ]

[ with the forests getting larger and more dangerous if you linger within them, it's becoming harder for Mami to hunt for grief seeds. while it's more convienient to have the creatures that drop them convene in a "barrier" that she doesn't have to hunt, the exhaustion and strain that comes from being in it for too long is beginning to take a toll on her.

but of course, she must persevere. while the reward of a grief seed is enticing in its own right, one less creature that's close to the town's border makes everyone safer. in a way, it's not much more different than being back in Mitakihara.

if Akechi needs to be snapped out of his daze, the sound of gunshots should do it - Mami is jumping through the tree branches above him in pursuit of a creature, both of them blurs of shadow and yellow magic. ]

[ The gunshots do snap him out of his daze, yes, but more importantly, they awaken his survival instincts-- and ward off less than desirable thoughts from before. And with how fast Mami and the shadow-like figure keep moving, there's no way to be sure that's even a person, so he quickly changes into his Phantom Thief attire, just in case he needs to jump into action. ]

Who's there? [ He calls out, withdrawing his own gun. ] Show yourself!

[ unfortunately for Akechi, a man with a gun is the least of her worries. the creature she's fighting has a much higher chance of killing her, and it wouldn't be as merciless as a bullet.

her plan is to lure the creature into a ribbon trap that she's lain, but the presence of another person might ruin it - or worse, get themselves hurt. as she circles back through the branches and spots the young man, her own presence becomes clear. she's human, but the thing chasing her sure isn't. ]

Get back!

[ she extends a ribbon to whip a fallen tree branch towards Akechi, wedging it between two tree trunks and forcing him to step aside. what happens next is a flash of magic - a "wire" trap detonates as the monster runs through it, creating a flurry of ribbons that engulf and bind the it between three trees like a spider's web. when it's incapacitated, she summons a virtual flurry of muskets to surround it from all angles. they don't fire right away, floating in the air as if holding it at gunpoint one hundred times over. the only reason she doesn't fire right away is because she glances at Akechi, wondering if he's an ally or enemy. ]

[ That's always a valid question, in all honesty.

For the moment, Akechi is more ally than enemy, especially having assessed that at least one of these creatures is human; the other isn't anything like he has found in these woods before, though the novelty isn't exactly news, either. Still, if this is neither a beast custom made for a quest or one from myths, it leaves his options limited.

This girl, however, looks well acquainted with it-- so much, in fact, that it doesn't see, like she's having any trouble keeping it at bay. It might be best to let her handle it to the end.

... of course, Akechi isn't the type to just stand back and watch if he can steal some of that spotlight. So instead, he summons Robin Hood, and what follows is a sequence of powerful beams of light crashing down upon the hostile creature-- a Megidolaon spell, which has never failed him whenever he couldn't read an enemy's weak points.

Hopefully that won't accidentally detonate those (magic?) muskets. Maybe. ]

[ even if Mami has a deep desire to have companions by her side, it stands that fighting witches is very dangerous for people that aren't familiar with a magical girl's fighting style. Mami's is very reactionary, and that means that when Akechi detonates whatever magic that might be from whatever that thing is that he summons, her muskets detonate as well. ]

Don't-!

[ it all results in an explosion of yellow and white magic - powerful enough to destroy the creature where it's held (and leaving a strange item in its wake), but also enough to send Mami flying. a yell escapes her as she slams into a thick tree branch, falling to the ground soon after.

look what you did, Akechi. ]

[ He got himself a Grief Seed, that's what. Truly an edgy magic girl.

The extra explosion, however, was not a part of his plans-- and neither was sending the girl flying off and slamming against a tree trunk, but hey, this isn't the first time his need to show off has caused him some undesired side effects. He can deal with it. ]

Miss! [ Quick on his feet, he slips the mask back on as Robin Hood disappears, and rushes over to Mami's side. Would he maybe need a Samarecarm to get her back up...? ] Can you hear me? Are you all right?

[ you encounter plenty of strange things in your tenure as a magical girl, but having a kill stolen by a mysterious masked stranger usually isn't among them. she stirs soon after Akechi runs to her side, wincing as she fights against the pain. she should at least have some broken bones from the forceful way she hit that branch, but she acts as if she's only taken a hard fall. ]

I'm fine.

[ while she'd normally have on a flawless smile and brush the stumble aside, she's been finding it harder to do so lately. the curl of her lips has more of a wry tone as she slowly rises to her feet, brushing dirt and leaves off of her skirt. ]

I appreciate your enthusiasm, but I did have it under control.

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[OPEN] + April Catch-all

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