![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
labyrinevents) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
labyrinthum2024-11-16 05:47 pm
- !modlog,
- ace attorney: dick gumshoe,
- attack on titan: petra ral,
- attack on titan: reiner braun,
- captain laserhawk: dolph laserhawk,
- dungeon meshi: izutsumi,
- dungeon meshi: kabru,
- final fantasy xiv: hythlodaeus,
- heaven official's blessing: xie lian,
- legend of korra: jinora,
- lies of p: black cat,
- mcu: loki,
- metaphor refantazio: basilio magnus,
- metaphor refantazio: fidelio magnus,
- metaphor refantazio: will,
- my hero academia: izuku midoriya,
- my hero academia: kurogiri,
- original: nao mizushita,
- the owl house: king clawthorne,
- twisted wonderland: cater diamond,
- witch hat atelier: qifrey,
- yu-gi-oh!: mokuba kaiba
November Intense Event 2024 [4th Wall Event]
It's not clear when it starts. It's subtle, with one new face appearing in one of the alleyways in Somnius, a gold cuff bracelet unremovable from their left wrist. Another appears a little while later, on the outskirts of the woods. Several more appear, as the hours go on, scattered throughout the neighborhoods of Somnius. It continues like this, a sprinkle of new faces with questions on their lips that becomes a steady stream. The natives do their best to accommodate these new Visitors, but it becomes clear quickly that they are different from the Dreamers, arriving all throughout Visium, rather than in the Enchanted Garden. Rumor travels throughout the city that these Visitors with the golden cuff bracelets must not have contracts, and may still have their native powers. They're treated just the same, encouraged to make themselves at home until Vaeros decides what to do about their lack of contract.
Vaeros remains suspiciously quiet, even from his castle beyond the labyrinth. There's something electric in the air, the atmosphere crackling in anticipation. What's on the horizon?
- 🏘️ Making House
There's no end to the mushroom houses or hill houses available, and though there are fewer in existence, it seems as though the desire for a cottage means there will be one available. Visitors are encouraged to make one of these places their home, but some need a bit of TLC to be homeworthy. Roll up your sleeves to make these houses your home! Sweep out those cobwebs and find that the mushroom houses stand straighter and feel healthier the more their insides are cleaned. Other homes feel lighter, and the land around them feels more fertile the more tender care is put into maintaining them. Though many come without electricity and water, it may be found that, for Visitors only, these dwellings will self-connect if enough work is put in. Be careful not to get sprayed in the face by that hose or faucet you're currently polishing!- 🌇 Exploring Town
There's a myriad of places to discover in Somnius. Not only are there native run places like the Stone Dragon Café (which will, unfortunately, almost always misinterpret your order in some fantastical way - they just don't have the best grasp on Dreamer foods), and other businesses run by Dreamers themselves. There's Club Quartz - which is often open late, and always welcoming to those who want to visit - Bloom Boutique, the Dreamer run flower shop, Kuchel's Tea Shop, a long running standard run by a different Dreamer, and of course, south of the cottages, a few miles off the main road, there's a pretty white farm house with a swath of field behind it. There's also the Church of the Moon, ran by locals who fervently believe in the moon and her power to keep the world in balance.- 🚸 Unruly Kidlings
Like any city with people dwelling in it, there's bound to be children. This particular week, the kidlings, both gelfling and goblin alike, seem to be extra naughty. They'll take slingshots to shoot dreamers and visitors with sticky gum, and they're putting soap in drinks that cause those who drink the syrupy concoction to hiccup soap bubbles out of their mouths. Nothing they're up to is particularly dangerous, but it sure is mischievous. It might even be fun to join in when groups of these children take to the streets to race on self-made rollerskates, skidding and rumbling down the cobblestone.
Dreamers and Visitors might find themselves as makeshift parents, having to guide these unruly children back to their actual parents. Those who take up this task will be given small tokens in thanks - simple items like pearl beads or glass baubles that, if are floated in glass jars with water and several others, will show pleasant memories from the person who last touched them.- 🪩 The Labyrinth
The Labyrinth, freshly reestablished has been quiet. Dreamers will find initially that they cannot enter, but that the labyrinth looks completely different to Visitors. Welcoming and warm, it comes across as inviting and somewhere Visitors seem drawn to. It will be up to Dreamers to stop them before they enter, or take advantage of temporary openings that WILL allow them to enter that only appear when a Visitor goes in, in order to chase after them.
Dreamers and Visitors alike will experience moving walls and shifting pathways, and find themselves drawn to one place in particular: a tall clear crystal statue that seems to hum. Time spent around this statue compels anyone around it to tell the truth, but when night falls it compels confessions of desire or even love.
cw: natural disasters, potential dismemberment
There's peace for a while, even with the mysterious appearance of these Visitors. However, as time goes on, things start to feel a little off kilter. The ever present barrier around the whole of Visium shimmers ominously, cracks and sparks appearing along the sky, almost as if a bubble is trying to burst. Swirls of color splotch through the sky, only becoming more and more evident. The weather begins to turn cold, then colder still, but then turns warm again. Rain falls heavy and fat, only to disappear the moment day turns to night - which seems to be happening rapidly and without much warning, the day shifting several hours in only a few minutes. These erratic shifts between day and night only seem to further fuel the storms and dramatic weather patterns that dance over the island. Some parts of the island will experience dramatic environmental changes from other parts. While the city could be covered in snow, the forest could be experiencing a heat waves. Concequences from these weather patterns are possible, including forest fires, flooding, freezing of crops, and the dramatic rise of tides on the beach.
What's worse—the very ground beneath everyone's feet begins to rumble occasionally. It, too, starts off subtly, but as the days progress these rumblings cause small cracks, then fissures, and finally, craters that seem to radiate heat as though they reach deep into the earth, beyond the ocean and land. Echoes of cackling and ominous whispers filter up from these fissures, and those who stand too close might find themselves possessed with violent desire or the wish to sap the energy from others in any way possible. Time away from these fissures will make this behavior wane, but be careful!
All of this activity seems to be waking up adversaries and creatures old and familiar within Visium, so be prepared to handle them!
- 👾 The Fireys
It's no surprise that, even with the wild weather, the Fireys are making a reappearance outside of the deep recesses of the woods they call home. They're wandering into Somnius, large gaggles of them looking for something FUN to do to match the wild atmosphere and crackling magic all around them. They will party in their usual way, their strange bodies able to detach wherever they want. They have no care that not everyone's body works this way, and will relentlessly pursue anyone they think is playing too hard at being a wallflower.
When touched by a Firey, body parts do come off, much like dismantling the limbs of a doll. For most people, it’s painless, but for the unlucky few, it’s as excruciating as having it cut off. The Fireys, though? They have no concern for the well-being of others. They will run off with their loot, kicking it around and hiding it, forcing that unlucky soul to go on a morbid scavenger hunt.- 🌑 Shadow Wolves
Those shadow-like wolves have made a reappearance, traveling easily through the slithers of darkness as the moon and sun erratically change positions in the sky. The crackling energy rebounding through the atmosphere fuels them much as the blood moon once did, once again giving them solid form...
What once was a shadow becomes a ferocious direwolf as large as a tiger, blacker than the night itself, and with razor sharp claws and teeth. These wolves target the natives, who are the most defenseless in this chaotic situation. Adults and children alike are snatched and carried off with the intention of making a meal out of them. These wolves cannot be reasoned with and do not speak. They will attack indiscriminately if they are separated from their intended prey. Once again it is up to Dreamers to protect the native population and usher as many as they can to the new Healer's Conclave, a medical and healing safe haven for those less inclined towards combat.- 🦇 Visium's IRS
No one likes it when government agents go rogue. But in the chaos of rebounding magic and crackling barriers, the Skeksis seem to be operating on their own. Instead of targeting the locals, as many expect once they first show up, the Skeksis target the Dreamers' belongings. They're vicious and will attack in groups when they happen upon a dreamer with items that they have regained. Your gun? Clothes? Any myriad of items you could be carrying on your person from home or gained by Vaeros' magic? They consider that theirs now. They have little regard for how they leave dreamers in the wake of their grabbing and snatching. Visitors will also be targeted for their golden cuffs, but the situation is dire for them; if their cuff is removed by the Skeksis' magical means, the visitor will begin to wither like a plant stricken with no water and a disease. The only way to stop this is to get the cuff back and place it around the visitor's arm again.
They won't stop at simple possessions either. Those who have wished for homes, castles, and home improvements will also find their homes targeted. Normally places of safe haven, there is no such unspoken rule this time around. Skeksis will wield wands made of purple crystal that seem fused to their hands to rip home additions from their foundations, to crumble standing buildings and pull out plumbing. They can be ganged up on should they get singled out, and should dreamers break their wands their homes will return to the way they were before the Skeksis began their nasty work.
At one point, the sun sets from its point at high noon, the day rapidly descending into night and giving way to the moon. Shimmering along with the stars, something else appears in the sky. A magical shimmer ricochets through the sky before the image of a large white barn owl flies through the night sky. A screech echoes through the air, cutting through the crisp, stunned silence coming from the natives and the land itself.
"If you do not wish to see the complete unraveling of this place, then I suggest you give back what you have been given. If I am not given this power back, the island WILL sink, it is no longer my choice. Pray at the crystal and return my power to me."
An ominous rumble of thunder echoes through the sky as soon as the image of the perched owl—Vaeros— disappears from the sky in a shattered shimmer. The natives look towards Dreamers especially - expectantly - as they clamor for the help that only they can give. Vaeros is doing his part! You must do yours! Help us all before we no longer have anywhere to live! Give back to the crystal! GIVE BACK TO VAEROS! Ultimately the decision to give back to Vaeros is up to the dreamers themselves, but the consequences seem to be quite dire to the gelflings and goblins that make this place their home.
- ✅ Returning Magic
Those generous enough to be willing to sacrifice their regained powers will need to get to the Crystal to do so. When there, they will need to join hands in prayer with other dreamers willing to sacrifice, as well as locals who are there to bolster the wish. This action won't take long, but it does take significant concentration.
Interruptions or wavering resolve might result in electric shocks that sap energy. Those who do make it through the prayer and give up their power will feel significantly lighter, and a little weaker but they will find a deluxe potion in their pocket when they stand. These potions will replace the returned powers for now, and at full strength. Those who already have red or yellow potions can obtain a second to gain a second elemental power or a second transformation.- ⛔ Refusal
Wait a minute. They want us to return our what?
So, Vaeros is urging Dreamers to relinquish their regained abilities back to the crystal in order to stabilize the crumbling world. Those who do sacrifice their abilities will notice that anomalies nearby begin to calm - some, however, are surely opposed to this idea.
What's the right call? Perhaps your character wants to advocate for sacrificing abilities as requested, or, perhaps your character is dead set on doing the opposite. Dreamers who disagree with Vaeros' requst might attempt to reason with others, speak out to the population at large, or even go so far as to interfere with others praying at the crystal to return their abilities. Locals will try to deter these dreamers from interfering, but the natives are generally much weaker than the contracted Dreamers.- 🔮 The Crystal
Those who visit the crystal at this point in time may find that it feels like a safe haven. Besides the Healer's Conclave the effects during this time seem minimal the weather stays steady though the time of day still reflects the same fractures as everywhere else. Huts and tents are set up for those injured by the fireys or shadow wolves, and despite these creatures wandering around everywhere, they can't seem to get into this area. It's a welcome safe haven in all the chaos, and it allows those who wish to pray and donate their regains to do so in...relative peace.
With their world and status quo once again thrown into chaos, the natives are growing restless with frustration. Those who are not cooperative with Vaeros are shunned from businesses that are native-run. They might even have a hard time seeking help at the local Healer's Conclave, a new establishment meant to replace a previous Dreamer establishment. Dreamers and Visitors alike may find themselves ushered unceremoniously out of buildings or even public spaces in the town if it's clear they've refused to help the situation. Those who do seem open to helping are greeted warmly and actively sought after with gifts and healing balms. A large contingent of locals have also hastily erected a large board near the Crystal, decorated with gems and carved creatures in its poles. This newly erected Quest Board is how they've chosen to organize their new desire to facilitate tasks that the dreamers and visitors can do to supplement the magics at work to save the island.
Quests appear on the board which insist that connection is vital to repairing the deteriorating world. The locals plea with Dreamers and Visitors alike to seek each other out, and find what connects them.
The magic in Somnius is currently unstable. With Dreamers sacrificing their regained abilities to the crystal in the interest of stabilization, many are left with only the power granted to them by potions. Even if one does still have their regained abilities, locals implore Dreamers to use their potion-granted powers to complete certain cleansing rituals.😱 Shared Scares
Dreamers and Visitors, you must find what bonds you! Sometimes weakness is louder than strength. Seek someone out who shares your greatest fear, and share it with them fully. Honesty is essential. The world will not repair unless you expose your most vulnerable anxieties.🎇 Drive & Desire
Dreamers and Visitors, strength lies within you still! What is it that you want? Seek someone who shares your greatest desire, and share it with them fully. Honesty is essential. The world will not repair unless you reveal the heart of what drives you.
🐺 Wolves at the Windmill
The White Windmill has been overtaken by a pack of shadow wolves, prowling inside and out. The magic surrounding the Windmill has become extremely unstable, but nothing can be done to cleanse the space until the wolves are done away with. Locals warn that only using animal transformation magic, granted by the gold potion, will successfully run off the wolves and regulate the area.🌊 Lake Oh-no-men
Erratic weather near Lake Omen is causing massive waterspouts to form. The area has become extremely dangerous, but locals warn that only using elemental or healing powers granted by the red and blue potions will calm the phenomenon. Dreamers must work together and lend their magic in order to regulate the area once again.
Expand to see our Event Summary
Visitors Arrive
Control Slips
Returning MagicOOC Note: Linked TDM plotting posts are for reference of these mentioned creatures only.
Working TogetherOOC note: The rewards that can be sacrificed can ONLY be powers or high-stakes items that facilitate character abilities. Regains to housing, mundane items and similar are not valid. Anything that is voluntarily sacrificed during this event will be returned at a later time via another event and cannot be regained with shards in the meantime.
Welcome to our November 4th Wall Event! Please keep all event activity to this post and subsequent overflows. We have provided a couple of headers for both Visitors and Dreamers to post their top-level links should they want to! We are also including a third header where we will have a form to fill out regarding donated regains. Please see our plotting post for any event related questions.
An important note about Visitors! All Visitors still have their canon powers. But they can not donate them to Vaeros. Have fun with that!
The Healer's Conclave is our new "clinic" location! Located in roughly the same place the clinic once was, it is a building molded from the trunks of ancient local trees and old pieces of labyrinth wall for protection. Inside, it is much the same as the clinic with a magical healing wing and a traditional medicine wing. This is a well staffed and NPC run "business", though Dreamers can work here. A location entry will be added for the Conclave no later than January 1st.
A State of the World post will be put up on December 10th, based on activity within this event, so look forward to it! Have fun Dreamers AND Visitors! A special welcome to our Visitors coming to us from outside the game!
no subject
Right before Azathoth manifested, the sky turned as red as blood. There were... bones coming up from the ground. It happened suddenly, and the professor I was meeting with didn't see it. Only I did.
[ His last memories of Tokyo. Despite all he's seen in Somnius, it still shakes him to remember that sight. ]
Naturally, I thought it was just part of the madness I was going through, but as I learned more about the cognitive world and these awakenings from you, I had to wonder if it wasn't localized only to me after all. Sure enough... As soon as I mentioned Christmas Eve to him, he asked if I saw anything strange that day.
[ It's already been a gray, blustery day; the sky going a little darker overhead doesn't pull his attention away from Akechi. ]
He told me it was because of a great battle the Phantom Thieves were fighting. One that they ultimately won. And that those who could see it were those who shared a bond with him.
[ His thumb presses hard into that area between opposite thumb and forefinger. Painful, grounding. If I won in a world without you in it, I'll never lose in one that has you. ]
So, that lines up between our memories as well, but– it's only brought up more questions. What could cause something like that to occur in the true reality? Not a palace breaking apart, right?
[ Something bigger. Surely. ]
no subject
New.
Akechi is at loss for words as the story is relayed to him. The scenery around them forgotten. The uptick of wind, the waves crashing at a greater tempo against the shore, flecks of water hit the back of his leg - all ignored.
He doesn't care.
There's a clear connection between Azathoth - powerful Azathoth. Inconvincible Azathoth. A man wielding a power unlike anything Akechi has ever seen, spawning in a display that would be horrific to all.
Visible to only persona users if Akira had seen it in turn.
'He told me it was because of a great battle the Phantom Thieves were fighting.
Who?
'One that they ultimately won.'Who?
'And that those who could see it were those who shared a bond with him.'Who?
And Akechi
Doesn't know who. Doesn't know if he'll see it. Doesn't understand what kind of power could manifest that.
Akechi would kill him. Not the thieves. Akechi will fight him - not Akira. Akira is alive and so is Shido and so is Akechi and so is-And Akechi doesn't care. And he doesn't care because he only wants to kill Shido and for as strong as Shido is-
No one. Not Akechi - in some realities, not Akechi. In distant memories of lives never lived, not Akechi. A hazy sort of recollection that he shakes off with another ice cold splatter against the back of his knee.
He's silent. Dead quiet - surprise and shock more than a flicker across his features. It lasts. He needs to think - needs to recall what those researchers uttered out in smoke filled rooms and-
Nothing like that.
He adjusts the cuff of his sleeve - pulls at the ends of his gloves. He doesn't know. An expression readjusted back to neutrality.
What does he care about a rotten world consumed by something unknown?
What does he care about the shit those teenagers got into, while Akechi was enacting his goal?]
No. Not that I'm aware of. A palace in reality only visible with a bond to a piece of trash-
[Akechi needs to find out from Akira what the fuck happened.]
That's something else entirely. Did he not provide any other details?
no subject
He hates that thought. Dismisses it outright. Pulls his jacket tighter around him as the wind whips up, shakes his head. ]
I didn't interrogate him about it up front. It wasn't the time – I have to build up his trust in me again, after all.
[ If a little misery clings to the edges of those words, so be it. ]
I intend to ask him for details once we're settled with one another. It's not–
[ A fat drop of water lands on his upper lip, rolls into his mouth to cut that thought short. A brief second as he looks up, brows drawn down as if the gathered rainclouds are an entirely new sight for him, and then the drops begin to gather on his glasses.
Maruki looks out toward the ocean, high tide and angry, choppy waves. ]
Come on. We should get to higher ground.
[ There's little to be had in the way of shelter, but anything else would be better than getting rained on right at the shore. He stands, motions for Akechi to follow him up the sloped dirt and rocks steadily turning to mud beneath their feet. ]
no subject
Who gives a shit. It's annoying, but it won't be the first or last time he's caught in typhoon-like weather without an umbrella. A part of him thinks Akira will appear with a well-timed one out of the blue - surveying the land proves otherwise. It's for the best.
So he thinks about his options with every plop against his head, every sticky step he takes.
Wait for Maruki to get the information, however long that takes - days, weeks, months. Regain trust, as if it's that hard. Akechi and Akira are talking, despite the tense air between them. Sharing information. Bringing each other up to speed to the point they each want the other to stay at.
Ignore it and request intel himself. There is a well-worn thread still tying them together. Akechi thinks it will never snap, no matter how many times he slices through it. Akira will talk. Akechi will listen. Even if he doesn't care about whatever shit happens outside of Shido's circle and his own revenge.
Mud sticks to his shoe, then lacks it entirely as a sudden downpour washes it all away.
Of fucking course.
Over the wind, rain, and thunder-]
This is irritating. Where's the closest shelter?
no subject
How should I know? You're the one who found this place.
[ Is he irritated at Akechi, or at the weather? Or both? It's both.
Mud splatters up along a pantleg as he steps into a puddle that's closer to a small pond than anything else, soaking straight through shoe and sock. He swears under his breath, pulls one side of his jacket up to hold over Akechi's head as they stalk through these less-traversed woods. ]
Eren and I got caught in a blizzard and found an overhang from one of the cliffs, maybe we can look for something similar...
[ Or maybe they'll freeze to death like drowned rats, since the downpour's only getting worse! ]
no subject
Akechi pushes aside hand, jacket and all - uses energy to propel him a few steps ahead.]
How fortunate - we both have that experience with Eren now.
[Find an overhang - that will take time. They may or may not have it. The idea is workable though.
A better method is to make an overhang.
Loki appears with a crash of well timed lightning, Riot Gun hits the cliffside over and over and over until rubble shifts, a small opening created. JISHA isn't here to look over the dubious safety violations. It works well enough. Two tall men can barely hunch into it - that's all they need.]
Move.
no subject
[ Maruki's about to tear into him, but it catches in his throat and emerges as a laugh instead, high and a little maddened.
He doesn't cover Akechi again. Just shoves at him instead as he makes his way toward the newly created alcove. ]
Good thinking, Akechi. I think this will do.
[ It's cramped, yes, but at least it's dry. Thank god. Once they hunch into it and settle there, he wraps his arms around himself, shivering, and looks askance at Akechi again. ]
Alright. I explained everything I know about him. What about you? What do you know that I'm missing?
cw: suicide but like murder actually lol
Not tall. Hunched over, in his natural shrimp form, focusing on words instead of howling wind that curls around them in this half assed cave. The rain is blocked. Nothing else is.
A sneeze. Pathetic.]
Anything I could add would be irrelevant. You come from a time beyond me. Him far beyond us both. Should discrepancies occur, I'll state them when appropriate.
[Because Akira is his in any capacity. Their time together was brutal, cruel, and private.]
He was dead in my reality, or so I thought. I have a difficult time believing he survived that suicide attempt. The damage was extensive when I viewed it, however-
[A beat. A moment. A sneeze. He peels his gloves from drenched hands.]
If anyone could, it would be him. I plan to investigate that fully.
no subject
Put it on or I'll put it on for you.
[ He's not taking no for an answer, and he'll keep pushing it at Akechi through his words until it's taken. ]
It doesn't matter that I'm farther along. You had a different experience with him than I did. Anything you could add is highly relevant.
[ There's a whole cognitive world's version of Akira, Leader, that he doesn't know. ]
no subject
Keep pushing it - Akechi keeps shoving it away.
This topic is unbroken ground. It's personal. It's Akechi's own thoughts, in a way. It's Joker's existence laid bare and while he doesn't care about that in particular-
It's difficult to parse into words the value of someone who, for a moment, was more than a resource. Akechi almost doesn't speak, but it's about exchanges. Give and take. Maruki gave, Akechi should provide. It's not a secret - nothing's private. He relays it like a report. ]
He adaptable and intelligent. I'm sure that comes as no shock to you - he picked up how palaces operated incredibly fast. Some of it can be attributed to that ragtag group he acquired along the way, but -
[Wet gloves? Meet wet pocket. The rain hits his shoulder. Ugh.]
When I was with them, he was their glue. He was efficient and outside of a few novice errors, he managed to operate like he had been in the Metaverse for years after only a few months. It's what made the Phantom Thieves so dangerous. It's why their operation lasted as long as it did before they were found out. He's still that way, as far as I can tell. He'll be a valuable ally here. Once his power returns, that is. Right now, he's a step above worthless.
no subject
He's the one you mentioned who could have any number of personas.
[ Imagine an ego so split that more than one persona formed from it. It goes against reason. ]
We ought to try to help him regain his ability as soon as possible, then. Especially as things delve deeper into chaos.
[ Take.
The.
JACKET.
Actually, no, you know what? Maruki's going to come around and put it over his shoulders himself or DIE TRYING. ]
no subject
[BITCH HE IS NOT TAKING THE JACKET.
Oh, he's just gonna go back into the rain to get away from Maruki. If the jacket's successfully put over him, he peels it off and tosses it towards its original owner. If it happens again, he throws it into a bush. Get fucked.
Anyway, it's pouring. Windy. Cold. His hands are freezing. He should've pushed Maruki out here, but now he's committed to the bit.]
As for help -
[Oh he's so annoyed. Goes back to the original topic - talks over the powerful storm.]
He doesn't need it. That I can assure you. He's able to make bonds easily, and swiftly with little effort. It won't be long.
no subject
beat.
Then: ]
You're not actually going to stand out there. Get back in here.
no subject
The wind? So strong.
Akechi Goro? A statue.
Bitch he will actually.]
If you have any other questions, get them out now.
no subject
Maruki nearly relents that they've said enough, anything to get Akechi back where it's slightly drier, if not any warmer. But there's a persistent nagging somewhere in his mind, like a fish hook caught. He remembers everything Akechi has ever hinted at when it came to a mysterious rival with untold power, but– ]
What was he, to you?
[ The first time Akechi spoke about a Joker, it was because Maruki asked about who he was as a person. Despite standing on opposite sides of the issue, they met in the middle and agreed that that was the most important thing to remember about someone who has gone. And true to that, everything Akechi's told him today has been about Kurusu Akira, leader of the Phantom Thieves.
That's no longer what he wants to know.
If this isn't a cognitive manipulation, if this really isn't their Akira, then Maruki wants to know about the relationship that's as dead in the water as his own. ]
cw: murder drugs etc
Who was Kurusu Akira to Akechi Goro and-
Who was Leader to the Detective Prince and-two rivals always at odds.
An unexpected question in its simplicity. It should be easy. Should be simple. Should be-]
Nothing.
[Everything. Because his world had changed the second he shook hands with that dissenter in a bright, too bright, it was so bright - TV studio. Akechi shook hands with someone intriguing. Someone fun. Someone that answered Akechi's calls and-
Reached out, sometimes. Found him, sometimes. Pulled secrets and stories that had been hidden in his heart for years, sometimes.]
He's nothing.
[It's nothing. He's nothing. Because he's a corpse in a dimly lit room. Because he's ashes in the trash. A forgotten nobody whose name will be lost to history. Whose family will never find him. Whose world ended as he was beaten, drugged and betrayed and-]
Perhaps something between an acquaintance and-
[It's loud. The rain is loud. He doesn't know between what. Not a friend. Not an ally. The rain hits his skin and he's grateful for how it pierces through his coat in that moment.]
We're done here.
SDRLKHSDLKJ YOU THINK YOU'RE SOOOO FUNNY god we can wrap
Because there is no world in which Kurusu Akira is nothing to someone. ]
I understand.
[ Because he does. Akira isn't nothing to Akechi. No one knows all that Akechi does about someone who is nothing. No one would be so committed to finding out if nothing simply doesn't remember them or didn't exist with them.
He exits the shelter as well. ]
Let's just walk home. Whether we wait it out or not, we'll still be soaked by the time we get there.
[ And then he's off, trusting that Akechi will follow. ]