[is he? Is he overthinking? Or is Akutagawa making fun of him? How would he know, at this point, everything is possible. He doesn't know the laws of this world, so maybe .. somehow ..? But also that would mean that he had ... with someone ... he turns bright red, and follows Akutagawa's suggestion of just sitting down, staring ahead.
Yes, Atsushi.exe stopped working for the moment. A little lost and helpless, he looks questioningly at Akutagawa.]
[Honestly, once this tiger starts following a trail, its nothing but vision tunnel from there on. Akutagawa helps Atsushi sit conformably, and then sits himself next to them. It was nothing as the tiger imagined. (Although, in this world, there could be a possibility of something that imaginative, if one wished, but lets not dig there)
Akutagawa takes his time, scratching the pet affectionately. The cub returns the affection with what it seems like an endless purr. Gray eyes looked down at the cub as he begin, and hopefully gave the poor tiger some time to breathe.]
Yue was a gift to you, the previous one.
[It was difficult to distinguish this Atsushi and the other, when in truth they both came from the same plant, so to speak. Perhaps, it was difficult for the man to accept this truth. The person he remembered previously returned back. Despite the fact, the young cub still remembers the warmth and smell from his own kin, nuzzling himself within the boy’s arms comfortably.
Still, why? While this question and more cloud his mind, he casts those thoughts behind, it didn’t matter now.]
A strange man-goat came to the village one day and bestowed some of the Dreamers gifts.
[Some fortunate ones were lucked out while others received something else.]
[Atsushi's hands keep busy by also caressing the cub, almost automatically so. Kind of hard not to, when the cute little thing kept nudging his little head against Atsushi's hands until they picked their task back up. At the same time though, it meant that he kept brushing against Akutagawa's hands too, from time to time.
Eventually, he thinks he understands. At least parts of it. Not the man-goat, no. That part makes him want to ask more questions, but for now, there are more important ones to ask.]
So it wasn't literally,
[he concludes, looking down at Yue, then back at Akutagawa.]
And when my other self vanished, you were left alone with him.
[It wasn't a question. It was a sombre observation.]
[He honestly thought… it happened from that? Akutagawa tucked that thought in the back of his mind, for now. Even now, a simple brush of their hands together gave him some peace. At the same time, he imagined the tiger thought otherwise. On to pressing matters. A solemn nod followed from the tiger’s deduction. He withdrew his hand from the young cub, entwining his fingers together neatly on his lap, his head drawing downward.]
Only when one’s wish is granted, they may leave, so our captor says.
[There is doubt in his tone. Questions unanswered.]
[When Akutagawa withdraws his hand, Atsushi almost tells him to put it back, but instead he presses his lips together and keeps looking at the cub. Akutagawa probably still sees that other version of himself in him, and he is not sure if he can fill these shoes. Even if Akutagawa says they are the same, there are clearly differences, because ...]
So I assume your Atsushi did have a different wish than I had? Because clearly I am here now, and what I wished for hasn't happened yet.
[though he couldn't think of anything else he would wish for, at this moment in time, in his time. But who knows where that other Atsushi was coming from.]
[It was difficult to focus on the boy’s face, perhaps why he averted his eyes downward. It’s almost clear to know what the other thought, knowing doubts shrouding his mind. While yes, it’s true there is some difference, Akutagawa refuse to accept this outcome. Whether this is some sick joke from the enemy, Akutagawa refuse to back down. If he must prove himself to this one, then so be it!
He cast a glance from a side as the other questioned, his fingers locked tight together.]
Perhaps, but the answer won’t be clear unless we know your wish.
[It makes Atsushi look up eventually, meeting deeply black eyes that strangely captivate him like they haven't done before. But it's because they look at him differently, not with hatred, but with a completely different emotion.
Atsushi swallows and eventually remembers his question.]
So, you knew what .. your Atsushi was wishing for?
[The hatred that once shadowed his eyes suddenly vanished. Now, they were filled with a pool of emotions, a mix from relief to anxious. It was hard to describe what he felt the moment he saw the tiger again.
Then rose the question. Akutagawa entwined fingers harden as he searched for an answer. There was an answer, but it wasn’t simple. Still, he refused to loose focus, probably afraid the moment he looks away, the one person he still cherish will vanish again.]
Not exactly. [He confessed, Truth be told, he doesn’t believe they shared their wishes.] But, there was a clue at one point. [It was an event, a sad one. Still, he continued.]
[Atsushi listens, and he tries to remember if hehas ever seen such a range of emotions on the other's face, but he can't remember at all. No, the only time he has seen something other than indifference or anger was the moment when he ... when he told Atsushi to flee.
At Akutagawa's word, Atsushi's two toned eyes grow wide.]
A book? Do you mean The book??
[of course, that could've been something he could've also wished for, maybe an easier solution to his wish, but one he didn't come up with at the time, even though it now makes perfect sense to him ...]
[I’d make sense that’s what his Atsushi wished for. Their world was in shambles, with the detective agency as the main suspect and the port mafia… well, it probably hasn’t happened yet, but Akutagawa was informed what the future was. It didn’t matter right now.
As predicted, only one would know thy self.]
That was probably his wish. Again, it was a normal book, either a reminder or a mimic. As for me, I was given a saber sword close to a Hunting Dog’s.
[Of course his wish had something to do with them, well, particularly to a certain dog.]
[Atsushi frowns, following the thought in his head.]
So if he wished for the book, then it must be to rewrite what happened or is going to happen to save the city and everyone involved, right? Oh damn, I should've thought of that ... why didn't I think of this?
[Maybe because his other self already did? Does this mean that somewhere there is a reality where they beat Fukuchi and the ADA is freed of all charges?
Then he slowly looks at Akutagawa again.]
Wait, you received a sword? A Hunting Dog sword? Why?
[As deducted from the tiger, it was true. Atsushi was focused on clearing them and the mess the terrorist caused. No doubt he would focus his energy on ‘saving’. For Akutagawa’s case, solving the incident takes priority but he had a different solution.]
My wish… [As he begins, he shift his gaze down to his hands with a brief pause. The once grudge he had, those eyes returned, but not to the boy. Hate fills his voice as his eyes widen while his expression remained the same. It’s like a sudden shift in the air. He continues, calmly and expressionless, but his eyes remained widen, returning his gaze back to the tiger.]
Is to kill Fukichi with my own hands.
[Somehow, Fukichi made it to the top of Akutagawa’s list.]
[Atsushi swallows at the sudden change in Akutagawa's behavior, but it was probably justified, given that Fukuchi literally killed him. They already tried to beat him together, so the chances of Akutagawa doing it alone is .. slim, to say the least. But he can relate to that wish at least.
He nods slowly, directing his gaze back to the cub, who is slowly falling asleep in his lap.]
I wished for everything regarding The Book to be undone. That all these bad things and deaths .. that they never happened.
[That man is the root of the issue and thus must be dealt with. He did take the factor his surviving will be slim, but it didn’t matter. The swelled anger slowly quelled down, but not completely. Looking at the cub helped anchored him to the present.]
It’s almost quite the same, but different.
[Their focus was around the book, yet the conclusion was different. Whether ones wish do come true or not, is a phantom. Suppose it was time to move on to another subject.]
Yeah, [Atsushi nods slowly, almost chewing on his lip.] After all, he is the reason that all of this happened, so .. with him out of the way, it would be a lot better. [he doesn't like the idea of killing, and he remembers that he made Akutagawa promise, but who knows what has happened since then? And maybe .. maybe this man is the exception to the rule.]
What potion? Oh, right, the flask that I got when I arrived? You mean this one?
[He pulls a flask out of his pocket, shimmering blue in the light that shines into Akutagawa's home.]
[Yes, that man was far better off dead, especially what was soon to follow. But if he doesn’t know yet, would it be fair to explain? He contemplated the idea for a while, but maybe no, not yet. The present should be the main focus now.
Then Atsushi pulled the flask to see. The brimming blue light fills the area around them, even the small had the urge to look and even attempted to reach for it with its paw. A nostalgic feeling washes over him. Akutagawa nods, his focus back on the tiger man. He points to the flask.]
Yes, there are two more, a red and gold one.
That in your hand is the potion of healing. If you drink it, not only you’ll be able to heal yourself, you can heal others as well. A gift from our captor. Whether you drink it or not is entirely up to you.
[Atsushi listens to Akutagawa's explanation, and then looks back at the flask, curiously.]
So this is giving me parts of my powers back? And on top of that, I can heal others, too?
[that would make him at least a little useful again. Without his tiger self, he somehow doesn't quite feel like himself any more, and the need to be useful to others is still so strong, but what is left there if he can't even transform any more?]
[Watching the boy’s eyes lock into that bottle, it pains the other. That expression he knows very well because he too felt useless without Rashomon, and strangely he felt empty without his ability at the time.
So here, the table has reversed. Without thinking, Akutagawa’s hand moves to the other’s wrist holding the vial, grasping him gently as Akutagawa pulls that hand close to his lips to plant a soft kiss on the boy’s fingers. He holds there long as the other will allow it.]
[Atsushi doesn't stop Akutagawa from taking his hand, or even kissing it, even though he does feel himself flushing ever so slightly. But he is too focused on the bottle and his own thoughts to actually pull away, or put up any resistance.]
[Soon Akutagawa slowly pushes the other boy’s hand back to him, back to his lap, still cradling his hand and the flask. There’s barely restrain, he’s holding the other’s hand if anything for comfort.]
I do. [He closed his eyes for a moment after he answered, recalled the past in his mind. Funny really if Akutagawa ever brings up the tale of his arrival. The tables had turned. His eyes slowly opened again, focused on the vial.] With enough shards, I was able to buy Rashomon back.
[The absurd thought of ‘buying’ back his ability. The people called it a ‘wish’, but even those come with a price here.]
[Atsushi nods slowly. So Akutagawa has Rashomon back. His fingers curl a bit tighter around the flask in his hand, tensing under Akutagawa's. He wants his tiger back, he wants to feel complete again. As much as he was afraid at the beginning, now that he has accepted it as a part of himself, now he can't be without it ....]
Wait.. you bought it back? That's .. that's how it works? But why would anyone take our powers away only to sell them back to us? What even is the point?
[There is no denying his point. It was absurd. Akutagawa had an idea, but after living here for a year, it made no sense. As Atsushi’s fingers tensed, so did Akutagawa’s. He understands this yearn and frustration. Akutagawa felt empty without Rashomon as well for a time, weak and useless.]
I thought the same. At first, I thought the reason was to see these potions as a last resort. After living a year here, perhaps that theory is wrong.
[Akutagawa sighs tiredly and annoyed. He really hates this place.]
[Atsushi feels helpless and frustrated, like he once again isn't good enough for anything. It reminds him of the times when he their own abilities attacked them, or when - even despite his powers - he just wasn't strong enough. Eventually, the fight against Fukuchi comes to mind, and Atsushi pressed his eyes shut, wanting to push that memory away. His hand lets go of the flask and turns a little, reaching for Akutagawa's fingers. At least this way he can feel that the other is still there. Is still alive. This one didn't die on that boat, right? Right??]
[Akutagawa doesn’t move, if anything, more surprised when Atsushi turns to reach for the man’s fingers. He understands his frustration and all. Hell, they practically tried to kill each other.]
It’s minor.. You can heal yourself and others if you like.
[‘Wish’ is becoming a taboo in his vocabulary for good reasons. To be fair, people without special abilities are enjoying it, least some.]
Far as I know, there are no side effects with this one. …I already partake on the red given to me.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
monstercoat) wrote2023-05-08 01:13 pm
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You’re overthinking, it’s nothing like that.
[Stupid-cute tiger. His voice at least is assuring. Meanwhile, the young cub’s ears are twitching, eyes still on his ‘mom’.]
Perhaps you should sit down.
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But also that would mean that he had ... with someone ... he turns bright red, and follows Akutagawa's suggestion of just sitting down, staring ahead.
Yes, Atsushi.exe stopped working for the moment.
A little lost and helpless, he looks questioningly at Akutagawa.]
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Akutagawa takes his time, scratching the pet affectionately. The cub returns the affection with what it seems like an endless purr. Gray eyes looked down at the cub as he begin, and hopefully gave the poor tiger some time to breathe.]
Yue was a gift to you, the previous one.
[It was difficult to distinguish this Atsushi and the other, when in truth they both came from the same plant, so to speak. Perhaps, it was difficult for the man to accept this truth. The person he remembered previously returned back. Despite the fact, the young cub still remembers the warmth and smell from his own kin, nuzzling himself within the boy’s arms comfortably.
Still, why? While this question and more cloud his mind, he casts those thoughts behind, it didn’t matter now.]
A strange man-goat came to the village one day and bestowed some of the Dreamers gifts.
[Some fortunate ones were lucked out while others received something else.]
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At the same time though, it meant that he kept brushing against Akutagawa's hands too, from time to time.
Eventually, he thinks he understands. At least parts of it. Not the man-goat, no. That part makes him want to ask more questions, but for now, there are more important ones to ask.]
So it wasn't literally,
[he concludes, looking down at Yue, then back at Akutagawa.]
And when my other self vanished, you were left alone with him.
[It wasn't a question. It was a sombre observation.]
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Even now, a simple brush of their hands together gave him some peace. At the same time, he imagined the tiger thought otherwise. On to pressing matters. A solemn nod followed from the tiger’s deduction. He withdrew his hand from the young cub, entwining his fingers together neatly on his lap, his head drawing downward.]
Only when one’s wish is granted, they may leave, so our captor says.
[There is doubt in his tone. Questions unanswered.]
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Akutagawa probably still sees that other version of himself in him, and he is not sure if he can fill these shoes.
Even if Akutagawa says they are the same, there are clearly differences, because ...]
So I assume your Atsushi did have a different wish than I had? Because clearly I am here now, and what I wished for hasn't happened yet.
[though he couldn't think of anything else he would wish for, at this moment in time, in his time. But who knows where that other Atsushi was coming from.]
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He cast a glance from a side as the other questioned, his fingers locked tight together.]
Perhaps, but the answer won’t be clear unless we know your wish.
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But it's because they look at him differently, not with hatred, but with a completely different emotion.
Atsushi swallows and eventually remembers his question.]
So, you knew what .. your Atsushi was wishing for?
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Then rose the question. Akutagawa entwined fingers harden as he searched for an answer. There was an answer, but it wasn’t simple. Still, he refused to loose focus, probably afraid the moment he looks away, the one person he still cherish will vanish again.]
Not exactly. [He confessed, Truth be told, he doesn’t believe they shared their wishes.] But, there was a clue at one point. [It was an event, a sad one. Still, he continued.]
He received a book.
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At Akutagawa's word, Atsushi's two toned eyes grow wide.]
A book? Do you mean The book??
[of course, that could've been something he could've also wished for, maybe an easier solution to his wish, but one he didn't come up with at the time, even though it now makes perfect sense to him ...]
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As predicted, only one would know thy self.]
That was probably his wish. Again, it was a normal book, either a reminder or a mimic. As for me, I was given a saber sword close to a Hunting Dog’s.
[Of course his wish had something to do with them, well, particularly to a certain dog.]
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So if he wished for the book, then it must be to rewrite what happened or is going to happen to save the city and everyone involved, right?
Oh damn, I should've thought of that ... why didn't I think of this?
[Maybe because his other self already did? Does this mean that somewhere there is a reality where they beat Fukuchi and the ADA is freed of all charges?
Then he slowly looks at Akutagawa again.]
Wait, you received a sword? A Hunting Dog sword? Why?
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My wish… [As he begins, he shift his gaze down to his hands with a brief pause. The once grudge he had, those eyes returned, but not to the boy. Hate fills his voice as his eyes widen while his expression remained the same. It’s like a sudden shift in the air. He continues, calmly and expressionless, but his eyes remained widen, returning his gaze back to the tiger.]
Is to kill Fukichi with my own hands.
[Somehow, Fukichi made it to the top of Akutagawa’s list.]
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They already tried to beat him together, so the chances of Akutagawa doing it alone is .. slim, to say the least.
But he can relate to that wish at least.
He nods slowly, directing his gaze back to the cub, who is slowly falling asleep in his lap.]
I wished for everything regarding The Book to be undone. That all these bad things and deaths .. that they never happened.
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It’s almost quite the same, but different.
[Their focus was around the book, yet the conclusion was different. Whether ones wish do come true or not, is a phantom. Suppose it was time to move on to another subject.]
What potion did you receive?
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[Atsushi nods slowly, almost chewing on his lip.]
After all, he is the reason that all of this happened, so .. with him out of the way, it would be a lot better.
[he doesn't like the idea of killing, and he remembers that he made Akutagawa promise, but who knows what has happened since then?
And maybe .. maybe this man is the exception to the rule.]
What potion? Oh, right, the flask that I got when I arrived? You mean this one?
[He pulls a flask out of his pocket, shimmering blue in the light that shines into Akutagawa's home.]
Are there different ones?
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Then Atsushi pulled the flask to see. The brimming blue light fills the area around them, even the small had the urge to look and even attempted to reach for it with its paw. A nostalgic feeling washes over him. Akutagawa nods, his focus back on the tiger man. He points to the flask.]
Yes, there are two more, a red and gold one.
That in your hand is the potion of healing. If you drink it, not only you’ll be able to heal yourself, you can heal others as well. A gift from our captor. Whether you drink it or not is entirely up to you.
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So this is giving me parts of my powers back? And on top of that, I can heal others, too?
[that would make him at least a little useful again. Without his tiger self, he somehow doesn't quite feel like himself any more, and the need to be useful to others is still so strong, but what is left there if he can't even transform any more?]
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So here, the table has reversed. Without thinking, Akutagawa’s hand moves to the other’s wrist holding the vial, grasping him gently as Akutagawa pulls that hand close to his lips to plant a soft kiss on the boy’s fingers. He holds there long as the other will allow it.]
In due time, you’ll get it back.
[In the meantime, he will protect this Atsushi]
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But he is too focused on the bottle and his own thoughts to actually pull away, or put up any resistance.]
Will I? ... Do you have your powers?
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I do. [He closed his eyes for a moment after he answered, recalled the past in his mind. Funny really if Akutagawa ever brings up the tale of his arrival. The tables had turned. His eyes slowly opened again, focused on the vial.] With enough shards, I was able to buy Rashomon back.
[The absurd thought of ‘buying’ back his ability. The people called it a ‘wish’, but even those come with a price here.]
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Wait.. you bought it back? That's .. that's how it works? But why would anyone take our powers away only to sell them back to us? What even is the point?
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I thought the same. At first, I thought the reason was to see these potions as a last resort. After living a year here, perhaps that theory is wrong.
[Akutagawa sighs tiredly and annoyed. He really hates this place.]
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Eventually, the fight against Fukuchi comes to mind, and Atsushi pressed his eyes shut, wanting to push that memory away.
His hand lets go of the flask and turns a little, reaching for Akutagawa's fingers.
At least this way he can feel that the other is still there. Is still alive. This one didn't die on that boat, right? Right??]
.... So what happens when I drink this?
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It’s minor.. You can heal yourself and others if you like.
[‘Wish’ is becoming a taboo in his vocabulary for good reasons. To be fair, people without special abilities are enjoying it, least some.]
Far as I know, there are no side effects with this one. …I already partake on the red given to me.
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