middaeg | [OPEN] You clean out your junk-drawer; you mop up some blood

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fruits basket: momiji sohma

[OPEN] You clean out your junk-drawer; you mop up some blood

Who: Momiji Sohma and you!
When: Aguril 23
Where: Around Aefenglom: The Shopping & Harbor Districts
What: After his first full moon and some exciting dreams, Momiji gets to experience his first real monster change! (It bites.)
Warnings: Mild body horror (teeth); underage drinking, technically

1. Shopping District

[Momiji'd had a toothache since the night of the full moon--except not quite. It was difficult to describe exactly. His teeth didn't hurt so much as the roof of his mouth, almost under them, a steady, boring ache. It had started as a mild throb, around when the sun had set, then grown steadily worse ever since. It was still there after he'd come to from the dream, then almost too much to bear the day after.

Then, today, he woke in a haze and coughed and stared down at his hand and the spots of blood and at his four front teeth scattered across his pillow. In the bathroom mirror, once he's finished panicking, he can see the start of new ones beginning to emerge in their place--bigger and already curving in a way a human's shouldn't as they force their way into the light.

And it still hurts! Not quite as much as before, but enough that he can't simply throw himself back in bed and pretend this was all another bad dream--

This is how the Rabbit ends up poking through the unlicensed apothecaries in the Shopping District, one hand covering his mouth, the other jingling cune coins in his pocket as he looks over dried herbs and teas and other pain remedies. He can't afford most of the fancier-looking ones, and he's not sure about some of the cheaper offerings. There are quite a few unidentifiable powders.

He's about ready to give up, when he spies a display of roots and other forage hanging against a wall, and impulse hits. Without even thinking, he stands on tip toes to snatch a longer, firmer looking one from its bin and immediately pops it into his mouth and begins gnawing vigorously.]

Mf--ahh...[Weirdly enough, it really helps, and the blond visibly relaxes some, chewing away--until he looks up to find the apothecary staring pure venom across at him.] I'mf gonna pay forf it.

[He snaps back, mouth half-full.]

2. Harbor District - Outside the Sly Seadog

[He's supposed to have an early shift waiting tables, towards the evening, but he goes in only to beg off for the night. By now, the pain's a little less pronounced, and his new teeth have emerged far enough that he's at least not ducking his head and hiding his face each time he speaks.

But--he's just not up to it after the past week. And how's he supposed to face guests without a sunny smile? Clearly, people come to the Seadog for the warm service.

He gets yelled at, but apparently he looks haggard enough for his excuses to be believable, too, because come sunset he can be found sitting out near the front of the pub with a mug of cider one of the bartenders pressed into his hand. He's reasonably sure it's not the kind of cider he's supposed to be drinking, either, but the hint of warmth it offers is nice. He alternates between little sips of that and nibbling at the (now rather worn) root he's carrying with him.

If anyone happens to take notice of the teen hanging outside a sailor's bar, he'll wave them down and chat as if it were the most normal thing in the world. If his mug's empty, he might also suggest that if they're stepping inside they could ask if the barkeep will refill it for him...]

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Aw. [Momiji adopts a truly melodramatic pout at the flat refusal.] You could just ask if you're going in, he prob'ly won't make you pay for it. He just gave me a little cup, anyway...

[For a half-second, he sulks unabashedly up at Viren, lower lip jutting out and arms folded tight over his chest. The world is being very unfair lately, and this guy is clearly its latest agent! He doesn't even look like he'd be the type to stop in at the Seadog normally, anyway!

But then, just as quickly, the boy brightens enough to shrug off the question that follows, as though the answer were obvious.]

I'm not lurking, I work here! ...but not right now, I'm taking the night off. Plus, it's a nice spot, it's right near the ocean! [Okay, minus the fishy, sweaty smell and the drunk sailors and all that. It is a very tolerable spot, especially if you're already in a Mood.] And I have to bring this cup back still, so-o...

[ the pout, likewise, is meant with an unmovable look - mouth pressed into a wry line, eyebrow raised. ]

[ this one's chatty, isn't he, viren thinks to himself. he doesn't yet interrupt, even if he does have questions: work here? nice spot? yikes. he typically doesn't do concern for strangers well, but he can admit it's worth a pause. ]

The cup is likely the least of your concerns. You can just leave it.

[ --because that's what the important thing for him to latch onto, apparently. ]

[ but then with more sincerity, his tone less dry, ]

But if this is your evening off, far be it for me to interrupt you.

Edited 2019-08-27 02:03 (UTC)

That's okay, I don't mind!

[That stone-faced look Momiji's getting only makes his lips quirk at the corners until he's grinning a little. A very serious type, huh?]

I'm just not ready to go home yet, is all. [He quirks an eyebrow.] What about you? You're lurking around, and you don't look like a sailor.

Exploring, thank you.

[ though, he does look a bit lurky. lurking-exploring? something like that. ]

I've yet to see much of this district, thus the visit. Most of it seems to be... grime, thus far, but I'm hopeful for the docks.

Sooo, lurking and staring at stuff!

[In his defense, Viren started it. And looks, like, a million times more lurk-y than he does! Glass houses.]

It's kinda grubby, but the ocean and the ships are really pretty. And the sailors are nice, until they get drunk and start trying to fight you.

Sightseeing.

[ a sigh, then. it's pretty dark, and especially with the light from the bar, it's hard to see much detail of the ships from here. viren squints into the darkness, briefly, before glancing down at momiji. ]

I can't imagine a sailor picking a fight would go particularly well for you, if that's been the case. [ unless this one's secretly a witch, he wonders. he can't quite place any of the more discreet monster traits yet. ]

Edited (misclick...) 2019-08-28 01:23 (UTC)

I've been okay so far! I can be pretty tough.

[He puffs his chest out a little but also visibly has to fight not to laugh. Mostly, he's gotten pretty decent at knowing when to let the bouncers step in as it gets later on in the night.

Then, mid-pose, he winces and turns his head to chomp back down on one end of the root he's still carrying with him, worrying at its skin. His incisors still haven't come all the way in, but by now they're visibly more prominent than any normal human's teeth, at least if one's looking.]

They don't fight as much, either, if you can get them singing stuff. [He adds, in between bites. That's more honest.]

Creative... technique. [ he'll have to admit. if it works, it works.

viren, himself, won't be getting anyone to sing anytime soon. alas. ]

[ he glances to the root - elongated incisors, hm? he mentally runs through his list of monster and their corresponding traits, decides on which is most likely for that little occurrence: ]

Puca, or...?

They all know a lot more songs than I would've guessed. [Though he has to tweak the lyrics sometimes, because a lot of the ones they like to sing in the pub have words he really shouldn't say.

He nods tentatively, still gnawing.]

I think so? I haven't changed much yet, but...whatever the rabbit-y type of Monster is. [The gold eyes are his only other giveaway so far.] Are you, um...

[Nope, all he can spot at a glance is the fangs and claws, and those aren't very telling.]

I can't tell. A werewolf?

... That would be the puca, yes.

[ viren's posture is never quite relaxed, exactly, but there is the slight tensing of his shoulders as that type of attention his turned his way - eyebrows furrowing as he glances off to the side and back again. he lifts his hand, pensively flexes it for the claws to clack against one another. ]

I'm not yet certain. [ he's glad his scales remain hidden - that would make things more obvious. and while some of these estimates may be a touch off, based on that, he rattles off a few: ] Turnskin, dragon, chimera— Time will, unfortunately, tell.

Edited (i promise i don't usually edit this much oh my god) 2019-08-29 23:32 (UTC)

You never know, I could be a rabbit chimera, too! Nobody's told me or anything. I might just grow a big snake tail out of nowhere--

[He energetically pantomimes a long dinosaur tail swooping out of nowhere to curl back around the step he's seated on.

The excitement quickly dies off at Viren's last remark, however. Exuberant is his default setting, but today he can sympathize with that resigned note a little.]

...but probably, yeah. Do you just have the fangs and stuff so far?

[ well. a big snake tail is a possibility, he guesses, watching momiji writhe about with that pantomine. ]

[ there's a hesitant pause, head inclining at the question. ]

... Some scales, as well.

[ he sighs, though, turning away from momiji and towards the ocean. his claws drum against the top of his staff, something which he holds much like a cane. he gives it a tap against the ground. ]

But I did have some exploring to do. Since you are more familiar with the area, I wouldn't refuse your guidance. [ he glances back. ] Otherwise, I'll bid you farewell.

Oh. So, you'll probably get the snake tail instead. [He jokes weakly.]

[For a minute, he considers just waving goodbye, but his teeth are hurting a little less now. And heading back to Kyo's apartment for the night still doesn't sound that appealing...]

Aw, if you want company, I don't mind! [Because that is clearly what Viren just said. He hops up, brushing himself off and darting over to the man's side.] Are you looking for anything specific, or just looking around? I mostly know how to get places by now...

[ WRINKLES his nose, both at the joke and the comment. ]

If that's what you'd like to think. So long as you behave [ emphasis on the word ], then we shouldn't have any quarrels.

[ he starts off, then, towards the ships, his steps accompanied by the metal clink of his staff - the area's actually somewhat dark by now, so hes just going to, after a quick look around, swipe someone's neglected lantern off a low wall. that'll do. ]

Not anything specific, but— Anything. I'm new enough that it's all still interesting, even if not particularly relevant in the grand scheme of things.

Mn, I can behave. [Though the earnest way he laughs at that might not be reassuring.

He's just going to duck inside the bar long enough to set his glass on the nearest table before scampering back out and setting off at Viren's side.]

We should just go see the docks! They're the other neat part over here--after you get away from the water it's all factories and boring stuff. I think they sell fish, too, but it's probably already too late for that...

[ he's impressed with ur dedication to returning the glass, momiji ]

To the docks, then.

[ he nods, gesturing for them to continue on with his lantern to light the way. it really is quite the unpleasant smelling place, what with the sweat of sea laborers and fish and distant smog - his clothes are in for a wash already, maybe a few. although it's relatively near to the bar, he'll follow whatever path the boy prefers. ]

I may as well introduce myself. I am Lord Viren, High Mage of the Kingdom of Katolis.

[He wasn't raised in a barn, Viren.]

Oh, wow. Nice to meet you--mm, should I call you "Lord Viren," or just "Viren?" Or the whole thing! [The first bit's a serious question; the second part he's clearly grinning over.]

My name's Momiji Sohma. I'm half-German and half-Japanese, and back home I'm in my first year of high school.

[Hey, he didn't have any idea what "High Mage of Katolis" was supposed to mean, either.

Meanwhile, he's just going to skip a step ahead and lead them the quickest way he knows down towards where the ships actually come in. It's a quick walk from the Seadog, and soon the seaspray smell starts to crowd out the industrial stink and the bulk of the light starts to come from lamps marking out each occupied berth up ahead.]

Edited 2019-09-02 04:35 (UTC)

The whole thing. Obviously. I expect nothing less.

[ all thirteen syllables, every time. okay, doesn't answer the question, but he's not being completely serious either. ]

[ but so, first year of high school is easier to understand, frankly, but he indeed doesn't realize what half-german and half-japanese is meant to mean - ]

Not unexpectedly, I haven't heard of those places. [ a raise of an eyebrow. ] Your parents each come from different lands, then?

[ the lighting indeed changes, and he finds he can lower his lantern as the area is better illuminated.

there's always something eye-catching about ships and the sea, and as dingy as this district is, it's hardly an exception to the rule. the sea's mostly set to reflect the fading sunset and darkening sky - viren will admit it's not an unpleasant sight, all things considered. if their pacing allows, he's going to want to head right up to the hull of one of these ships. ]

'Kay, gotcha, Lord-Viren-High-Mage-of-the-Kingdom-of-Katolis.

[You have condemned yourself to this.]

Mmhm! Mama's from Germany, and then Japan, where my papa's from, is a bunch of islands thousands and thousands of miles away! That's where I grew up.

[Momiji's content to let Viren redirect them once they've gotten near the actual ships. He tucks his hands in his pockets and grins at they wander up towards one.]

I think they're mostly fishing boats, but the bigger, prettier ones are for merchants and passengers, for sure! ...I haven't seen any pirates yet, but I keep looking.

Edited 2019-09-02 16:43 (UTC)

[ wow!! ]

"Lord Viren" will do.

[ he listens as momiji explains; he assumes this one to be from a world where technology is more advanced, then, more easily allowing for travel between those places. ... but regardless, he is reminded of his own circumstances, somewhat, having fathered children, half del-barian and half-katolian, with a woman from another kingdom. ]

I... see. I hope that the distance doesn't make it difficult for you to see your family, then.

[ hm. he gives momoji a nod, then, and surveys some of the ships, a hand resting upon his staff as he tilts his head back to gain a full look. it's true, some ships more robust than others, some more decorative. ]

I wonder - if there's some indication to know which, if any, are owned by those of the Coven.

[Aw.]

Nope! Mama moved to Japan before she and papa got married.

[Though, he's going to guess from that question that something like that wouldn't be normal in Katolis or whatever else the place (Lord) Viren's from is called? At least for people with fancy titles that make them sound like the wizard prime minister.]

Oh--that's a good question. [The Coven's a big enough part of the city that even he's a little curious to know how much of what's floating around is theirs.] Mm, maybe there's a mark they use? Or a flag! It might be too dark to see, though...

Why, d'you need a boat for something?

[ a flag, a mark... viren holds the lantern up again, looking for any distinguishable features. surely, even Witches had use for boats. at the question, there's a brief flash of a faint smile. ]

A boat wouldn't be unwelcome. [ a touch bit out of his budget, though. ] Wholly unlikely as it is, perhaps sailing away from here is at all it takes to escape this world.

[ and into some abyss, probably. hmph. he looks back to momiji, his expression impenetrably serious once more. ]

No, I was more thinking of [ thinking of testing ] what sort of security they might have in place. Beyond valuables, it would be interesting to note if they had something to hide.

Somebody'd probably have noticed by now if we could just take a boat home.

[Though the prospect's amusing enough that he says so fondly. Viren's actual reasoning, in contrast, makes him pause and blink, turning back from where he'd been admiring the sails in the distance.]

Like what? ...there's so much that different here, I think they probably can't tell us everything we'd wanna know. Like with that nightmare, the other night.

But it doesn't feel like anybody's trying to keep secrets.

[This is the charitable conclusion, given all that their hosts have done for them since their arrival. For all that, it's also not really one Momiji sounds terribly convinced of.]

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[OPEN] You clean out your junk-drawer; you mop up some blood

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wizard prime minister

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