Tearing paper from your notebook and rewriting the whole thing from scratch.

[notawriter]

Who: Oda Sakunosuke and YOU!
When: Mid-October and onward.
Where: The Looking-Glass House and around Aefenglom.
What: Oda and Dazai disappear from Aefenglom, but only Oda returns, and he has no memories of ever being here.

OOC Notes: I'll be playing Oda as if he'd never been in Aefenglom before and has never experienced the dreams (TDM) to begin with. Your character(s) are welcome to recognize and mention him as well as Dazai, but I politely ask to retcon anything regarding Oda and Dazai's in-game relationship. Feel free to PM this account or hit me up on Plurk (artillerate) or on Discord (inscrutable#0329) if you have any questions whatsoever. Thanks for your understanding.

---

THE LOOKING-GLASS HOUSE AND WELCOME WAGON

[I want to eat curry…

It wasn't long before his senses dulled and faded before death closed in around Oda, enveloping him in dark nothingness. He can't say how much or little time had passed before something suddenly appeared—a glint of light somewhere in the distance. Perhaps some moments after, Oda noticed movement that was slow in the way a person moves when their body has been stiff and unmoving for some period of time. Somewhere nearby, Oda heard a silence that was more deafening than thunder. Things went on like so until Oda realized he felt his own body moving step by small and plodding step toward the faraway twinkle from earlier.

When he finally reaches what first appeared as a gleaming light, Oda is faced with a mirror. First, his own emotionless reflection seems to stare back at him from beyond a gun barrel. Then, there are several pairs of eyes desperately pleading for salvation before a fiery burst blows Oda backward and erupts into an all-consuming inferno. He gasps, reaching out to the remnants of the burning vehicle—

—and touching the surface of that same mirror set before him. Where Oda had once been surrounded in darkness, he's now in an old, dimly-lit room. Framing the mirror before him are faces: on one side Kousuke, Katsumi, Yu, Shinji, and Sakura; on the other, the handsome yet expressionless Gide. For some time, Oda stands and studies the whole of the mirror. Already, his eyes feel strained and tired, his mouth feels dry like picked cotton, and his hand curls into a tight fist as his heart feels a heavy, burdensome weight.

Finally, he draws his hand back from the glass's surface.]

People exist to save themselves, huh…

SEARCHING FOR A REASON

a. the dream of a cottage by the sea

[There once was a time when Oda dreamed of the day he'd quit the Port Mafia and sit down at a desk in a room where he could see the sea. He'd throw the gun aside, and only have pen and paper.

He dreamed of the day he'd become a writer.

Of course, that all came to a close, paving the only way left for him to go—to the world that Gide and his army sought. Everything ended after that, or so Oda had expected. He'd much rather have returned in a hell where he could hunt that man down for eternity. Instead, he's here. No orphans, no Gide... nothing.

It isn't long before Oda discovers there's a harbor and goes to see it for himself.

Aefenglom's harbor isn't quite as lovely as that in Yokohama. Nor is it like the room from his dreams of becoming a writer. The wind certainly carries the scent of salt and seawater, but along with it comes some foul stenches from sailors and other dirty sea stink. The harbor isn't completely rundown, but it seems a place that's sort of fitting for a mafia grunt.

Perhaps you're nearby where Oda can see you from the corner of his eye.]

So, do you live around here, by any chance?

b. refuge

[It's said that there are both jobs and homes available in The Haven. While still unsure of exactly what to do at this point in time, Oda wants to put himself to use at the very least. Maybe he'll come up with his reason while keeping busy. Having been a mafia grunt, he isn't averse to many jobs, so he's likely to find work with some degree of ease.

Should he take up free housing? Should he house on his own or with others?

Perhaps he'll get all that straightened out later. For now, it might be best to look into some opportunities. He looks out at the buildings and shops lining the road laid out before him.

He sighs and rubs the back of his head.]

...Where do I even begin? [He glances at the closest building to him.] Might as well take it from square one.

c. wildcard

Comments

A!

[enkidoh]

[When they hear the other's voice Enkidu is busy feeding some stray dogs. Apparently the sailors haven't fed them enough because they seem very hungry.]

Hmm?

[Slowly they move to stand fully.]

I live in this city now, yes. Can I help you with something?

[notawriter]

[Even though Oda was the one who'd initiated conversation, he responds as if he'd been pulled out from his own thoughts when he turns to the other person.]

—Ah, I live in this city too, now. I only arrived not so long ago.

[Oda then glances down at the hungry dogs lapping at their food with satisfaction. Stray dogs, eh? Isn't that nostalgic in more ways than one?]

I don't know that I need help yet. But I wouldn't mind learning more about what other mirror-people do now that they're living here.

[enkidoh]

I thought so. You look like someone who lives in this city as well.

[Enkidu moves to give one of the dogs some scratches behind its ear. Normally they would've been able to speak to them but alas, not anymore.

That is a fascinating statement and one that is difficult to answer.]

Hmm. I am not able to explain that properly. [They point at the dogs.] Now I am feeding the dogs and when that clock strikes two I need to study to become a witch. After that I might go to my room.

[notawriter]

[This person may be just as lost as Oda is. He finds a small degree of comfort in that.]

That all part of your daily routine? What are some other things you do in your everyday life now?

[Maybe the answers to these questions will paint a clearer picture that might better answer his initial question.]

b.

[escardos]

Square one is usually the best place to start, yep!

[ flat, as nosy as always, couldn’t help but listen into this stranger’s conversation. with hands on his hips and a grin on his face, he’s excited to help this person out! ]

Unless you’d like to live on the streets, I guess. But I think that’s a bad idea, since it’s getting cold and all. What kind of place do you want, hm? Ah—let me guess! You’re probably the type to like any place as long as it has a bed, a bathroom and four walls!

[notawriter]

[Oda blinks at the stranger's suggestion response. Grinning, confident, and... excitable might best describe him in his ramblings. That's got to be comparable to something...]

Ah, a room with four walls is always a good baseline. [He wouldn't have a problem making use of public facilities like restrooms and showers or bathhouses if available.] And I think I can get someplace provided by the people managing whoever came from the mirrors...

So more than that, I'm looking for work.

[A hedgehog, maybe? No, those are too prickly. Maybe this guy is more like a squirrel...

Oda continues to study the other man.]

What's your line of work, anyway?

[escardos]

[ if flat knew what oda was comparing him to, not even he would be able to complain--not that he'd find it insulting in the least. if anything, he'd think it was endearing. ]

Work? Ah, right!

[ flat thinks about it for a moment, thinking about what answer to give the man. ]

I'm a student! Both in my world and in the Coven. Although there's a bunch of things that people here need done. I also got here just this month, so I don't really know much, but hey, if there's anything you can do, you can probably make it into a job!

[ he tilts his head up at him ] So what can you do?

b

[prayerwheel]

[ Oh, hey, there's one person she didn't embarrass herself in front of during the full moon. Azura waves. ]

Looking for something?

[notawriter]

[The movement catches Oda's eye, so he tentatively waves back in response. There's a subtle shift in his expression, the look in his eyes focusing and studying her. While it looks like she might know him, Oda completely draws a blank. He doesn't recall ever seeing her before.

So he clears his throat.]

Only a living quarters and maybe some work. [A beat.] Sorry, have we met before by any chance?

[prayerwheel]

[ que ]

...yes? Months ago. Don't tell me you've hit your head and lost your memory, goodness.

Welcome Wagon

[overworker]

[While this wasn't the time to be expecting new faces, the Looking-Glass House was a place that Towa liked to visit from time to time... to view her own mirror. It was a good place for her to sort out her thoughts. Normally it was quiet and peaceful. In this case, it's a good place for her to start compiling information. She thought it would be nice to have ready some information for the next time people arrived.

But then against all odds, someone shows up and she's caught of guard, not able to help but catch what he's saying as he looks back at the mirror. She's never met them before, but what a strange time. Even waiting a moment though, no one else shows up. Curiously, she stands and walks over to greet the stranger.]

...I don't think that's wrong, exactly... but I think that everyone has that point where they need someone.

[Towa smiles and tucks her book away, hugging it to her chest.]

Sorry, I didn't mean to eavesdrop. I didn't expect anyone to appear like this. My name's Towa Herschel... what's yours?

[notawriter]

[Oda's still studying the whole of the mirror when that comment is spoken. It's a few moments after her introduction before Oda turns to regard the petite young lady.]

I'm Oda Sakunosuke. Just Oda's fine. [He waves off the eavesdropping; she probably wasn't listening in on purpose.] No need to apologize about earlier. The imagery in the mirror seemed really immersive.

[Anyway, he looks around the old and sort of musty room. There are other mirrors around him, but they're all somewhat dull and don't look especially notable. But if it was the mirror that brought him here in the first place, then maybe he just can't see the things that make the others special in their own right.]

So. Does that sort of thing happen often? the whole 'having a vision and suddenly arriving in an unknown place on the other side of the mirror' sort of thing?

[overworker]

[So he really hasn't been here before. Well, then, now's as good a time as any for her to practice sharing the information that she'd been gathering.]

Each of these mirrors belongs to someone like you and me, who came through them and arrived in this world. Normally a large number arrive at once, and things are quiet for a while, but it seems something's a little different this time.

[It's clear that's something she doesn't have an answer for, but there are other things that she can probably help clear up.]

But I've been here a while, so if you have any questions, I'd be more than happy to answer them!

a

[bloodwit]

[ it takes viren a moment to realize he's being addressed, having similarly been caught by the view from the harbor. it seems, even in another world, that there would be something captivating about the sea. so he'd stood, distracted a moment, hands clutching at the head of a mage's staff.

but then he pulls himself from his thoughts, glances to the speaker (and, as it so stands, does a quick appraising glance), ]

Ah. Charming as it all is —

[ as charming as squalor is, anyway. ... okay, it isn't so bad, and it certainly isn't the fault of its inhabitants - ]

[ he gives a stiff shake of his head. ]

I think not.

[notawriter]

[Oda notes the staff in the other's hand before noticing his black claws and their gold tips. Those seem to match rather nicely with the other man's lordly wardrobe. The other man also appears to have very reptilian eyes.

In contrast, Oda doesn't appear to have undergone any monster changes yet since arriving (for his second time). He's not wearing anything fancy, and his reddish-brown hair easily gets tossed by the wind. He's also roughly as tall as the stranger appraising him.

Oda's typically neutral expression ever so slightly perks up with some small degree of interest. He gives one small but firm nod.]

...It does need a little work now, doesn't it? [He pauses but doesn't wait for an answer.] Back where you were from, did you live near the sea?

[bloodwit]

[ an eyebrow inches upward at that. he does, likewise, note the lack of any inhuman transformations to the man - he automatically assumes this one to be a Witch, or else someone who had only recently arrived - and was fortunate enough not to experience any changes.

he would ask eventually, of course. ]

I did not. The view from the castle [ just, you know, has to casually drop that line ] had a magnificent, mountainous view, rivers included, but it lacked proximity to any sea.

Would this sort of territory be familiar to you?

b.

[fordeath]

[ "from square one" is a curious thing to hear from someone he's known to have been around since aguril, especially when the glance to the building gives no proper clues for context.

still, in spite of that brief confusion, amadeus's smile glints friendly. ]

Oh, hey. Guten tag, my friend. It's been awhile, hasn't it? [ he approaches with a good-natured familiarity. ] Is something eating at you? Don't tell me your career in modeling ended up a loss!

[notawriter]

Has it been a while?

[There are hints of slight surprise and confusion in Oda's generally neutral expression. Because while the one greeting Oda seems to know him, Oda can't say he recognizes the other man at all.]

I only got here recently. I mean, at least from my perspective.

[A beat.]

But while we're at it, mind telling me a bit more about my career in modeling?

[Even if it might not jog Oda's memories, is it something worth looking into?]

[fordeath]

From your perspective?

[ ah.

amadeus has only experienced this once before, but in a friend so dear and known to him that he determined it a peculiarity of aefenglom alone, and not of, perhaps, a habit of plain and simple memory loss. whether or not this was a similar case, he can only guess.

but he's happy to relay the incident either way. ] Was it so terrible a disaster that you chose to forget it, Herr Oda?

[ after having some fun, anyway. ] I'm kidding. But — do you truly not remember?

c. wildcard

[silentsavant]

[On his way from finishing his part-time shift at the college library, Soren chances by a face that has recently become familiar to him. Even though he usually keeps to himself, he feels on enough good terms with the other man to at least acknowledge him with a greeting, but then he notices a peculiar change in his appearance: not a trace of his faunlike features remain. And when Soren slows down and their eyes connect, he notices another more subtle peculiarity: the trace of questioning embedded in his expression, like he's wondering why on Talam this... stranger? would be stopping to address him. No acknowledgment of recognition. He couldn't have forgotten him... It's unlikely and unsettling. Nonetheless, he proceeds with his greeting.]

Good afternoon, Odasaku. It's been a while. [He spares a glance to where his horns should have been.] Your horns are... gone?

[His first theory leads him to guess that it must have had something to do with the mist that triggered changes in people. Though his own had receded, could it be possible that the miasma had affected Oda differently...?]

[notawriter]

[This isn't the first that Oda's noticed someone else expectantly gazing at him like they've already met before. But Oda's begun to figure that perhaps another iteration of himself had been here about a month or two prior to his own arrival. He has yet to fully form an opinion on that and whether or not—and how much—he even wants to know about his past self. As things stand, he still feels rather aimless existing here.

This man, at least, confirms that Oda had been a monster in the past. So, he'd once had horns, then...]

Ah, I—err, this probably is going to sound strange, but I only arrived here recently. So from my perspective, I've never had horns or been here before... Though it seems to others that I have.

And if I have been here before, then I certainly don't have any recollection of it.

[This man called him "Odasaku", something that only Dazai or Ango would've called him. Could they have become so close in such a short period of time?]

Sorry for not remembering. How about we start over, then? I'm Oda, and you are?

[silentsavant]

[Even though he's following what he's saying, Soren looks more lost than ever. Could such a thing really have happened...? Is he understanding correctly?]

...Soren. In that case... Yes. [He nods politely.] It's nice to meet you again, Oda. [But he has questions now. The look in his eyes changes, determined as he is to get to the bottom of this.] So, you don't remember a thing. By 'recently', how do you mean?

A!

[futhark]

[ Caster been sitting on the pier for what seemed like hours. Could be two, could be more. It's not getting dark yet, so at least he hadn't wasted his whole day here— and fish, they are just not taking bait today.

Having a conversation seems more fun to pass the time over contemplating the empty bucket. He moved the fishing rod idly as he considers the question. "Living, huh?" that's been a topic lately. ]

Not really, I live in Haven— [ He turns around to point in the direction of the wall, far, far on the opposite end of the city ] —but I come here a lot, and sometimes work nearby.

[ In one of the many taverns. But he feels it's not really the question Oda is asking ]

Does this place reminds you of anything?

[notawriter]

[In Oda's line of work before kicking the bucket, fishing was the code for purchasing smuggled goods... which isn't what's happening here, of course, but seeing the other man waiting for something to take the bait sort of connected in Oda's mind. Maybe he should give this kind of fishing a try sometime.

Anyway, Oda follows the other man's indication of the Haven, an area much closer to the mirror-house than they are now, before returning his gaze to the sea.]

A little. I used to live in a port city. I remember wanting to retire and live in a room by the sea.

[His expression darkens slightly at the bittersweet memory of a dream he isn't sure he can or is allowed to return to.]

[futhark]

[ Caster lets a chuckle. It's such a nice but also simple wish. Kind of amazing how far forward people look forward at. Of course, he got no idea he's talking with someone who kicked the bucket young, just like him. ]

That doesn't sound like a bad plan for retirement. Good views, nice air, plenty of food— [ If you're the one to fish. ] Nah, Oda— aren't you a bit too young to think about retirement?

[ In the end, he's not sure if the man prefers a name or the surname. Grail gave him enough knowledge of modern-day Japan to know there is a difference ]