middaeg | [ open ]

▶ option i. ( minor spoilers for the latest arc )

[ Getting settled is a little... difficult, for Atsushi. There's just so much to take in - the fact that he's now a 'Witch', the complete opposite of what he was back at home.

It's a bit of a culture shock in some ways, really. Not to be hated because he was some sort of caged monster. And the fact that a lot of those from his homeworld was instead, the monsters? It's honest to goodness rather weird.

He's finally getting used to life here, though. But that does not necessarily mean that he still doesn't have so many questions he wants to ask, things he wants to figure out. There's one thing that needs to be done for sure, and that's to figure out a way back.

In spite of that, he can't help but find himself by the docks, sometimes.

Yokohama's a port town, so being able to see the water is a bit of a reminder of that. But at the same time, it just makes him miss his home. Makes him miss the Agency.

...

He really, really hopes they're okay. It's late in the day, but that doesn't seem to bother him in the slightest as he sits near the edge, feet near the water as bicolored eyes stare at the sky. ]

[ Atsushi muses those words aloud to nobody in particular, but perhaps someone might have overheard him there? ]

▶ option ii. ( cw hallucinations, mentions of abuse )

[ So, for some reason, Atsushi's managed to get his hands on magical potions.

The bad news: he's managed to get his hand on a magical potion. Well, of course the 'reason' is that as a Witch, he was told that this is the kind of power that he'd soon learn to come into! That one day he could make something like this, too, a special potion that would allow somebody to talk to those beyond the glass.

Even if the words are false, Atsushi's desperation, unfortunately tells otherwise.

It's a mistake, sure, but he takes the drink anyway.

He wants to see the others again.

Kyouka-chan. Montgomery-san.

Amongst many, many others--

Except the hallucinations start. And he freezes up at the sight of the Headmaster. He didn't think that he did anything to prompt it, and honestly, it really shouldn't come to him as a shocker in the slightest bit.

But the Headmaster in his normal hallucinations doesn't speak.

This one, however, does, and says words that cause him to freeze up to the point where he just is completely still. But to those around him, he's absolutely shaking. It probably won't help when his paranoia spikes up towards the others around him.

It might, in fact, lead into a bit of a lashing out.

That's probably not good. ]

Edited 2019-10-10 16:03 (UTC)

[Something isn't right.

Something isn't right at all, as Dazai has immediately sensed upon entering the room. He, of all people, can easily pick up on changes in his protege's behavior and demeanor, even if said changes are subtle. These, unfortunately, are not subtle at all. He sees the shaking, the tension all throughout Atsushi's body.

He'll have to approach cautiously. Is this an effect of becoming a Witch? Honestly, he has no idea, but he can't turn around and leave without attempting to talk and calm him down.]

Atsushi-kun --

[With one hand held out far in front of him as he walks, he quietly asks:]

Are you alright?

[ He is most definitely not alright. It's made even more obvious as his eyes seem to widen and his expression shift into one of fear. While Atsushi might be looking at Dazai, he's not really seeing him properly, or even hearing his words correctly. ]

Dazai-san. . .?

[Back home, if Dazai were to witness someone act like this, he'd have assumed this was an ability gone awry, and the solution to that would have been blatant. Using his own, obviously.

But here -- here, it could be anything, though the notion that it could be just the transition toward becoming a witch seems less likely with each passing second. He can clearly see the fear in the other man's eyes, a sight that causes his heart to sink.

He'll have to try and use his expertise in speaking professionally to calm him down. That, and the amount of time the two of them have known each other.

Cautiously, carefully, he rests a hand on Atsushi's shoulder.]

It's me.

[His voice is very soft and calm.]

[ The worst thing about the combination of paranoia and hallucinations is that it does terrible things to Atsushi in particular. Which means that every word he hears becomes cruel and twisted, like a knife between the ribs.

And it's because of that in spite of Dazai's seemingly calm voice and words, Atsushi jerks in response to it, trying to shove his mentor away. ]

Don't touch me!

[This is somewhat similar to the mind control ability Atsushi had been under once, but --

Dazai isn't quite sure how to deal with it. It isn't exactly the same, especially since he has no idea what has caused this to happen.

When he's shoved away, his expression stays the same. He doesn't falter; reaching forward again, attempting to take Atsushi's hand to squeeze it:]

Atsushi-kun.

[He's ignoring that order. He's touching him again.

But he's willing to deal with the consequences.]

[ Well, thankfully Dazai's observant because while Atsushi's one hand might be free, his other hand seems to be holding onto a bottle; it's primarily empty now but it seems to have held some sort of liquid inside of it.

And while he's being grabbed again, Atsushi doesn't want any of it.

The paranoia tells him that this is not to be trusted and the hallucinations kick in to tell Atsushi that Dazai is actually saying rather cruel, cruel words to him. Which is why, again, he tries to swat Dazai away from him by all means necessary. ]

[He does, thankfully, spot that bottle just a little after taking Atsushi's hand, but its contents are mostly gone. Which means that Atsushi had to have consumed it --

And these are its effects. Thoughts run through his mind as to what he can possibly to do reverse them, but he's kicked and pushed away before he can clearly come up with any. With a deep sigh, he steps back, but his hand lingers near Atsushi's.]

I'm going to ask a question. Answer it honestly.

Did you drink what was in that bottle?

Why does that matter?

[ His hand wrapped around the bottle tightens ever so slightly and there's something cruel in his tone; something that he's never taken around Dazai before. ]

After all, you wouldn't want to do anything that would make you go back home, right?

[That tone pierces right through his chest, and he sucks in a sharp breath before trying desperately to calm down, to quell the unease building within him.]

It matters. Just answer the question.

[He can't admit that Atsushi is right, here. That he'd do almost anything at this point to stay in this world, to stay with his closest friend and now fiance --]

Please.

[ The fact that Dazai doesn't answer his question seems to strike a nerve within him and only causes his paranoia to spike and the hallucinations to whisper words in his ear.

See? He just doesn't want to let you down, Atsushi. But in the end, he's just like the rest. ]

Only if you answer me first, Dazai-san.

[Answer, answer.

He has to answer that question, but if he does as he'd normally do and lie, layering and arranging words in a way that make them sound truthful --

Atsushi might pick up on it. He knows him well enough by now to do so.]

If given the option, no. I don't want to go home.

[There. The truth. It hurts, but it's said and done.]

Answer me.

[ He knew it.

For some reason he can feel something unexplainable twist in his chest. He hates it and he should have known all along--

The voice he heard told him was right.

And he hates it. ]

So what if I did?

[He's silent for a good few moments as he ponders the best way to handle this, inwardly hoping that whatever potion Atsushi had consumed also prevents him from remembering this exchange. Otherwise, there's a chance their relationship could be affected by this.]

I need to know what it was that you drank, and why.

I don't want to answer that.

[ His words are stern and while he will remember everything that's been said and done here, Atsushi will feel guilty about it all. ]

[Without knowing the exact potion, Dazai can't go off and research what effects it can and will have.

He needs to know. Obviously, Atsushi will make receiving that information near-impossible in this state, though.]

Please.

I'm trying to help you.

[ Later on, he'll regret the next few words that come out of his mouth. But he seems to say them anyway, regardless. ]

And why would you want to help me?

Because I care about you, Atsushi-kun! [A pause, as he realizes immediately that he'd spoken too loudly, too harshly --

But otherwise, his message wouldn't be heard.

He'll attempt to reach for Atsushi's free hand again, as if he's craving the warmth, the attention.

As if that will make this situation better.]

[ It's when Atsushi hears those exact words that the spell breaks; not because of the feelings behind those words but rather, because the spell had finally reached its limit.

His eyes widen in shock when Dazai's hand reaches his own and he just stops for a moment.

Doesn't even move. ]

[ It's in the next second that he reaches for Dazai's hand again this time, trying to move it away, but it's with a more gentle touch. Sunset colored eyes lower as if guilt was eating at him.

He hasn't forgotten what happened.

And it's because of that alone guilt eats in the pit of his stomach and he finally speaks up, barely a whisper: ]

... I'm sorry, Dazai-san.

[ That's when Atsushi turns on his heel and dashes off. He has to run away. He just can't face Dazai like this, now that he's back to 'normal'. Or whatever 'normal' was for him in this world. ]

[He clearly sees that expression littered with guilt, and his first reaction is to lean forward and attempt to pull Atsushi in for a half-hug of sorts, but --

Before he can do so, his hand is gently pushed away.]

Ats--

[And then Atsushi runs.

Dazai isn't sure how long he'd had a lump in the bottom of his throat, but it's there. It's there and it's making it difficult to breathe.]

[ well, well, well

this is definitely not how flat wanted to meet atsushi. though there's definitely some people that are shifting their gaze towards the white haired boy, commenting on how strange it is that he's just standing there, flat approaches him curiously. he'll even wave a hand in front of his face. ]

Hello? Anyone there in there?

[ Well, this isn't how Atsushi wanted to meet anybody, that's for certain. But even if he was frozen stiff for a good moment, the very second that someone seems to show up and interrupt him is the same exact moment that he see's Flat's hand waved in his face he tries to actually shove him away.

Try being the key word here. ]

[ trying does work, and flat is pushed back with a slightly surprised noise. however, he doesn’t back off. ]

Something’s wrong isn’t it?

[ he approaches again, trying to look for anything that might be the cause. ]

I don’t want to hurt you, y’know. What’s wrong?

[ Something is indeed wrong, but the words don't seem to sink in. Or I guess in this case, they just fall... flat, in his ears, as he's clearly hearing and seeing something else. ]

Shut up!

[ But what Flat might notice is that Atsushi seems to be holding a bottle of what seems to be a potion in his hands. ]

Aha!

[ once again, the command doesn’t really scare flat, nor does anything about atsushi. the guy’s probably going berserk for some reason—he’s seen it before in other people, it’s not new. it’s only when he sees the bottle atsushi’s hand that he puts two and two together. welp.

maybe if he had his powers he could hypnotize him, but that’s not the case. so he’ll try a different thing. ]

Man, you really fell for it, didn’t it? Who are you seeing, Atsushi? Someone you hate?

[ he’ll make motions for atsushi to come at him. away from the rest of the people. ]

[ Welp in-fucking-deed.

He is, in fact, seeing someone he hates and the many continuous lines that he keeps on hearing in his head and instead of going after Flat he just stays stock still. ]

Stop bothering me already.

[ Just stop. ]

Oh? Did I say something right?

[ flat tilts his head to the side when it's practically confirmed by atsushi's reaction to his question. seems like he wasn't off the mark at all.

maybe it's a dangerous situation, but flat doesn't want to leave atsushi alone when he's like this. that'd just be like abandoning him to his delusions. ]

Why did you take the potion? Did you want to go home that badly?

...

[ Flat did. But Atsushi still doesn't seem to hear him, not exactly, but Atsushi's answer probably tells everything. ]

I have to go back to Yokohama. If I don't go back, then--

Then what? People will die? The city and maybe the whole world might be in danger?

[ he says it simply, like it's something that has gone through his own head.

he huffs, a small smile on his face as he gives atsushi a look. ]

That doesn't matter here. As far as we know, no potion's gonna take you back home, no matter how hard you wish for it. They just took advantage of your desperation.

[ Those words are true, for certain but more than that he doesn't like the idea that the Agency getting hurt.

But his gaze drops, and words come spilling out. ]

It matters to me.

[ Maybe it might not matter to other people, but it's important to him. That's all that he cares about. ]

And that's fine. But it's not gonna make things different.

[ flat shrugs. ]

It's not like you should give up, though. You're just a little too desperate, I guess!

. . .

[ He doesn't look at Flat in the slightest bit; he just can't. Maybe he's desperate. But he has his reasons. ]

I wasn't planning to give up to begin with.

It's the view, isn't it?

[Sokie is known to take her fair share of ambling walks. It's not because she's restless...well, not more restless then usual. But she likes to see things going along, see how it's changed, even in a small way.

Atsushi is one of those changes. And while she could have walked on...her foot dragged, before she pivoted around and made to stand with him, both hands in her pockets, her thumbs hooked on the outside.]

Is it your first time? Seeing the ocean?

[She glanced back at him. The question was mild and gently curious-even if she was someone with intensely green eyes.

But no one could help their eyes really.]

It's a really nice view. It's... not my first time seeing the ocean. The place I'm from is a port city, so I've gotten a lot of chances to see it But it's definitely my first time seeing the ocean here.

[ He answers that with a bit of distance in his voice but there's definite nostalgia there, too. Although he can't say anything about their eyes, given Atsushi's two-toned eye color. ]

Edited (forgot to mention something) 2019-10-12 16:51 (UTC)

Ah, I see. You must be new then. There were a few people that went on the ocean for a bit.

[Oh, two toned eyes. That's rare. And they're lovely too, though he seems...distracted by memories. She watched him for a few moments, before letting her gaze drift back to the ocean.]

Well, they went on a trip. It was really lovely, but for...you know, the infected mer-folk trying to lure people to their deaths.

I am, yes. . .

[ He answers a little awkwardly, although there seems to be a bit of surprise in his expression there. ]

Wait-- that sort of thing actually happens?

Well welcome to the party.

[She offered him a crooked smile.]

There were all sorts of weird things out there. Witches had to launch fireballs at them to shoo them off. Cwyld merrow were just the most...normal? Of sea creatures we encountered.

I don't know if party is the right word to use. . .

[ But he does blink a little curiously at something that she seems to say. ]

Cwyld merrow? [ What's that? ]

It's out of control, it's filled with drama and thrills-just like a party.

[Oh, he didn't know the terminology yet.]

Merrows are the fish people-what you may know as mermaids or merfolk. They can walk on land, but they still need to stay hydrated.

Cwyld refers to...ah, well. The major infection, more or less. In saying Cwyld merrow-it's more of someone who's completely lost all reasoning and mind, is covered in black gunk, and lives only to infect.

I don't really participate in parties that often, so. . .

[ But he supposes that comparison makes sense now that she's managed to explain to it to him. Nevertheless, he does hum with interest, a hand under his chin deep in thought. ]

I see.

But it's an infection? Like an illness? Could it be cured?

Clearly I'll have to take you to one sometime.

[Sorry Atsushi, it might be wild.

As for the rest...well.]

The problem is it's a magic infection, and it is highly infectious. If you catch it early, yes, you may be fine but if you don't...

That'll be it. From the sounds of it, it's been around for centuries.

I'd appreciate that.

[ He wouldn't mind it in the slightest bit, actually. It's better to see things for himself than just mere hearsay for the experience. ]

But a magic infection? Like. . . a curse?

It'll be fun. And I promise I won't force you to get drunk.

[Especially since drunk witches are a bad idea.]

Maybe it's like a curse but-I'd say more that it's a magic virus. Because curses are selective in nature. With the cywld, anything can be a carrier. I'd even go as far as calling it viral-parasitic.

From accounts I've read, all it does is spread...and kills.

Don't worry, I'm still too young to drink.

[ As far as he's aware, anyway. Although he does realize that there might be different drinking rules in this world than they are back at home. ]

But if it's magic, there must have to be. . . some sort of origin source, right? I think?

I don't think there's a drinking age here. How old are you anyway?

[So she might be able to feed him really bad wine. Whoops.]

You mean something that started it off? Sure. However, we're not sure what it is.

And supposedly it started seven hundred years ago which...kind of muddies the trail a bit.

. . . There isn't?

[ That sounds very worrying, in his mind. ]

I'm eighteen.

But. . . seven hundred years? Were there any major events then?

Not that I've heard.

[She makes a soft noise.]

You'd be pretty close to in some countries. But if you don't want to, I won't force you. As for that...

I think it was the death of their last king? Or something like that. I'm not sure. It's pretty vague.

▶ option i. ( part-timers wanted; rux & ruby )

[ Atsushi hasn't exactly worked with children before, given his past. But he does need the money and he's fairly certain he can probably handle a pair of wolf Turnskins.

Little does he know that given that he's a 'playmate' that the duo wind up using Atsushi as their own personal steed. ]

[ He feels like he's going to get crushed under the weight of two wolf children.

Save him. There's a clear desperation in his eyes but he's trying his best here. Or, alternatively, feel free to walk and laugh at him. Pick your poison, although Atsushi might wind up more distraught depending on what you choose to do. ]

▶ option ii. ( habitat for refugees )

[ While Atsushi might still be new, he's heard the vague whisperings of what's been happening in Dorchacht, and the fact that there's a lot of new citizens that are in dire need of help. . . well, how can he say no, after all?

He might not be an expert at construction work - he's never done it - but that doesn't mean that he can't assist in other ways.

Which is to say that he's most definitely on painting duty.

Although he does have a lot of colors of paint, and there's a bit of a dilemma here. ]

[ Alternatively, you might find Atsushi doing something else besides painting-- and that is keeping the refugees company.

And by 'company', we mean 'he is actually serving them food'. More specifically, he is absolutely getting them all to try out some chazuke. ]

[ Or any time at all, actually. ]

▶ option iii. ( out of the city )

[ While Atsushi might have been told that 'magic might do more harm than help' in a combat-oriented situation as a Witch, he's not well versed in the magic that he actively has just yet, which is why it's pretty much time for hand-to-hand combat.

It's honestly a little weird, to him, to be fighting without utilizing his ability, given that it's gone in this world, but what Kunikida had taught him seems to be sufficient for the time being.

Of course, his priority is protecting people so if danger seems to come close to anybody in the group, he'll immediately lunge for a straight punch right towards the jaw. ]

[ .... but also.

Ow?? He might have put too much unnecessary force into that, because now his hand is hurt too, but he's trying his best not to show that he's in pain because of it. This is fine. ]

▶ option wildcard.

[ I also have Atsushi signed up for the Lights Between the Trees quest if anybody wants to thread something in regards to that, but I'm not going to be writing an open prompt for it. Feel free to ask for a closed prompt for any of these quests along with the Blood for Bucks one as well, since he's actually participating in that, although he's already donated blood at this point and doesn't want to overdo himself. ]

[ open ]

general prompts;

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finally someone makes a pun

now someone needs to make it icly

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quest prompts;