Catch-All for Berri's Muses

[spacialeyes]

---

Feel free to reach out for a private top-level! Anything marked open is... open!

Table of Contents
I. Yuuto Toplevel
II. Theta Toplevel
III. Uai Toplevel

Comments

(open)

[spacialeyes]

[After a very stressful conversation, Yuuto fled the ADA office. He didn't know where he was going or how he'd get there, but he knew that he needed to get away. Years of stress and fear were threatening to surface again, with Yuuto knowing full well that no one deserved to see him so upset. Everyone was trying so hard to help him, so why was he such a mess..? Why was he hurting Fauna and Akutagawa this way? Not just them, but everyone who claimed to want to help him.

He was the worst. The worst 'Yuuto.' The one who became a Rumor. Weak, useless, and painful to be around. And right now, he was even too tired to try alleviating his karma by helping people.

It's a few hours later when Yuuto realizes he's been walking aimlessly. Too tired to run and too numb to use his power properly, Yuuto has to go on foot. It feels weird for someone who isn't used to solid ground. He lets himself wander around, disconnected from his surroundings, until he finds himself at the aquarium. Parked in front of the jellyfish display, fingers pressed lightly against the glass, Yuuto watches the brightly lit jellyfish as they bob around in the dark void of water. It's familiar... It reminds him of his life, floating through darkness with no place or person to return to. Not 'lost,' but wandering... Because no one was looking for him. He couldn't be found.

His belt sways slowly by his feet, acting almost like a metronome as Yuuto times his breathing to the floating jellyfish. He'll stand there for hours, only shuffling to let other patrons by the glass before taking his position again.]

No one's looking my ass

[unquestioned_loyalty]

[ Much to the contrary, Akutagawa had been looking. Sure he wrapped things up with Fauna first, but he'd left as soon as possible afterwards to try and find his boyfriend.

He crossed a few more obvious places off his list before winding up at the aquarium, walking to the jellyfish immediately since he remembered they were his favorite from their date.

He doesn't announce his presence. He's not mad, but he does walk over and stand beside him quietly.

He... doesn't want to drive him away if he's still mad at him. The only indication that it's him is the soft rasping as he breathed. ]

[spacialeyes]

[Is he mad? Or is this feeling 'sadness?' Or fear, maybe straight-up despair?

Yuuto isn't sure. He lets himself feel numb as opposed to trying to feel everything at once. It's easier to return to living this way. Bottling up his feelings and throwing him into the ocean was easier, because no one looked for those bottles...

Suddenly he feels someone press against the strings of space around him. Yuuto expects it to be another patron and prepares to step aside. He's not so numb that he can't be kind to strangers after all. But he hears the 'stranger' breathing and looks up with distant concern.]

Ah...

[Someone... picked up the bottles he'd tossed away. Akutagawa is here, answering Yuuto's hopeless prayer. He stares quietly, not sure what to say. Panic begins rising in his chest and threatening his calm, but Yuuto can't process it. He only stares, trembling and confused.]

Your lungs..?

[Was Akutagawa looking for him this whole time? Running around, pushing himself... Did he set Akutagawa's condition off? Did he just take time off of his lover's clock? Wasn't his one wish to save Akutagawa? So why, then, did he...

Yuuto forgets to breath like a jellyfish, quietly spiraling into a new panic.]

[unquestioned_loyalty]

I'm alright, I promise.

[ He says this quickly, hoping to nip any further panic in the bud. Sure he was rasping, but he had yet to cough. He was being careful. He takes Yuuto's hand and places it on his chest so he could feel for himself. He was breathing fine, it was just noisy. ]

I'm okay Yuuto. It's alright.

[ What was alright? Him running away? The situation they were in? Both? Something else? He wasn't sure, but it felt like something Yuuto needed to hear, and he would fight to make hings alright for him, no matter what that was.

He isn't sure if Yuuto wants to be held after pushing him away like that, so he keeps his hands to himself other than the one that held Yuuto's hand to his chest, but even that hold wasn't so tight that Yuuto couldn't pull his hand back if he wanted. ]

[spacialeyes]

[Yuuto's gaze follows his hand. At first confused and wondering if he should run again, afraid because he thinks Akutagawa should be angry and this isn't an angry response so when will it snap and break and punish him? But with his hand on Akutagawa's chest, Yuuto can feel that he's safe. The rise and fall of each breath and the steady beat of his heart- Yuuto's panicked breathing gradually falls into sync with Akutagawa and he feels his own heart begin to settle.

Nothing bad happens. Because Akutagawa would never hurt him.

That thought still feels foreign in his brain, but Yuuto tries to make room for the strangeness all the same.]

... Ryunosuke. I-I'm so sorry. I-

[A hundred emotions try to rise and explain themselves at once. Yuuto forces them all down. He'll panic. He doesn't want to panic. He doesn't want to feel scared or sad or hurt anymore. His gaze rises to Akutagawa's face and Yuuto feels his heart being needy and selfish. His hand trembles and Yuuto tries to lower it out of shame.]

Kiss me. I don't want to feel anything but you. I'm so... so...

[composalvation]

[The most miraculous thing about this world, probably, is that it's gotten Kanade out of the house multiple times. Alone, even. Often times she's not even tailing one of her friends. Maybe it's because she doesn't have her setup from back home, so she can't fully focus on working on her music, or maybe it's just something about the city that tugs at her curiosity...

Either way, Kanade's gone out pretty often (for her, at least). Like today - she returned to the aquarium, trying to brainstorm ideas for new music as she wanders the maze of tanks and other habitats. She hadn't really gotten a chance to do much last time, since her attention had firmly been... elsewhere. But now that she was alone, she can focus more. Or that's what she thought, at least, until she spots Yuuto in front of the jellyfish tank.]

... They're really hypnotizing, aren't they?

[spacialeyes]

[His first warning that someone is approaching is the feeling of space shifting to accommodate Kanade’s pull of gravity. He turns his head slowly, still too dazed to process things quickly, and stares. It takes him a moment to recognize her: She’s Mafuyu’s friend, Kanade. The girl from the moon viewing party. The one who understood the moon and the sun’s poetic tragedy. The heroine, who saves people with music… How he envies her. Yuuto has the power to change space and time, but he can’t save anyone.

Though it’s not her fault that he’s useless. He nods slowly and turns back to stare at the jellyfish.]

Mm. They live such simple lives… But it’s beautiful. I wonder if they know how beautiful they are? Simply existing…

[composalvation]

[Kanade doesn't really know much about biology. Just what she's learned in her online classes, and what information is on the cards in front of the tanks here. She's really not sure if jellyfish can even think, but...]

I bet they feel very peaceful. The never-ending, slow drifting through the water like that, weightless and free from the pressure around them...

[It sounds like a dream, really.]

[reapwhatyoupost]

[ At some point, a flash and the psuedo sound of a camera shutter interrupts Yuuto's reverie. Should he glance to his left, there's a familiar face aiming their phone at the jellyfish. They lower their phone and click their tongue at the results. ]

Automatic flash, my arch nemesis...

[ They tap their thumb against the screen a few times and snap another picture, the shutter sound effect playing just as loudly as it had before. This time, Milo smiles at the results - and it's only a moment after that they notice Yuuto's presence. ]

Ah, I apologize. I know the rules say to put it on silent, it's just - force of habit. Was I bothering you?

[spacialeyes]

[The first time, Yuuto barely notices. He’s too far gone in his daydream and it’s more comfortable to sink deeper into fantasy than wake into reality. But the second photo finally registers with him. A camera… He turns his head to face Milo properly, fully recognizing them just as they recognize him.]

… Ah. Nn-nn. It’s alright. I wasn’t doing anything important.

[He almost falls silent again, but his curiosity gets the better of him.]

Did the photos turn out okay..?

[reapwhatyoupost]

[ Milo looks back down at their phone again, considering the picture for a moment before turning to him. ]

Well, I certainly think so, but getting a second opinion never hurts. Tell me what you think.

[ They turn the phone towards him, revealing a simple, yet effective picture of the blue, bio-luminescent jellyfish dancing around in the darkness. It had seemed before like they'd snapped it on a whim, but upon further inspection, it appears they'd waited until just the right moment to take the picture. They have quite the eye for composition. ]

(open)

[herwilltolive]

[No one in the city of Starsand knows that 'Theta' has ascended to some form of kami. The civilians don't know her at all, actually. They also don't question the strange girl wearing a witch's costume. They even supply her with a purplish blue mask to compliment the look.

Which Theta appreciates. She knows that she really shouldn't be back out in the city so soon. Terrel is angry at her for trying to contact Kuroneko Satou in August. Things at the Facility are dire and Theta can feel herself being pushed towards a chopping block. One more slip up and it might be over, but...

She stands outside one of the event sign-up areas, wearing a bag of forbidden idol materials across her shoulder. She has her costume and song and needs to audition for the show, but...

Theta hides between two nearby buildings.]

Gonna get in trouble... Need an alias. What is a good stage name for Theta? Hm...

[She crouches on the ground with a notebook balanced on her knees, and begins brainstorming.]

((ooc: Theta might be an enemy, but she won't engage in combat for this prompt!))

[bluemackerel]

I'd say Tiara? Timphonie? Trucie?

[Of course he heard that as he was passing by - Dazai always hears what he doesn't need to - and that's what makes him stop.]

That depends on if you want to keep the 'T', of course.

[Well...he knows Theta is TECHNICALLY an enemy, but she's never meant HIM any harm...]

[herwilltolive]

Dazai-san...

[Rather than being alarmed over his recognizing her, Theta looks up with a conflicted expression. She's knows that her relationship with Dazai is built on a game of pretend. After getting in trouble with Terrel recently, she's become much more hesitant to goof off.

It's why she, the kami of willpower, has doubts about signing up for a competition.]

Is 'T' a nice letter? It looks like a cross. Is that a bad omen?

[cottoncandydisaster]

Oh, being careful this time?

[ Ceto had been hanging around the area to see if idol groups were allowed, since WxS v2 could pass for that when they sang. They just did other performance based stuff too.

He... doesn't seem surprised in the least to see her here, but unlike during the attack he's not trying to get too close. If she's being careful, he's assuming she got in trouble. ]

Stage names can represent something you want to embody in your performance. Like if you wanted to make people happy you could go with Sachiko or something like that? Gives it more weight in my opinion, plus you could make a cute opening line of it.

[polishedlove]

[ Kimiko hadn't paid much attention to the Spirit Day activities until she heard whispers of an idol show, which sounded like a blast! Idols were always shining on the stage, and a part of her was always jealous of how beloved they were. Needless to say, to see someone who looked like an idol themselves... she simply had to approach Theta. ]

Oooo, a stage name? Kimiko thinks that's already a pretty cool name, but maybe I can help! Is that okay?

(open)

[ubiquitously]

[Visiting the city is not the best choice that Uai could make, but he can't help himself. The cheerful atmosphere of the Spirit Day preparations is almost addicting. He can't pull himself away the city streets for more than a few hours. Fortunately the masks and costumes will keep his identity mostly hidden. He otherwise sticks to his usual attire, with a dark blue mask to hide his face.

On this particular day, Uai is trying to blend in quietly. He takes a seat at one of the cafes, choosing an outdoor table far from the other patrons. The cafe of choice is at the foot of the Shrine of Love, allowing him to observe the foot traffic going up and down the hill.
Unfortunately, the spirits have taken a special interest in him and keep flocking to him. Trying not to draw attention, Uai gently brushes them off and shoos them away with a wave of his hand.]

... Exhausting. They're not very good at keeping secrets.

((ooc: despite being a villain, uai is not going to fight anyone in these threads! interrogations are fine.))

[violetlies]

They aren't used to having to keep secrets.

[What a mysterious looking guy. With a mask, too. How...conspicuous.]

So yeah, I agree, Stranger. Why're you huddled over here? Don't be scared! No one here bites without permission!

[ubiquitously]

[Does he really look huddled? Uai pauses to consider, then gives a small nod. He's definitely acting anti-social by picking a table so far from the other patrons.

He lowers the cafe menu and sighs.]

Aren't they? Their entire existence used to be a secret, was it not?

[myturf]

Maybe you've just got one'a those personalities, An-chan.

[ She has no idea who this person is, no idea why the spirits are into him, but that comment makes her chuckle. Someone looking like that and getting on anyone's case for keeping secrets, huh. ]

[ubiquitously]

'An-chan?'

[He's not exactly protesting as he turns curiously to her. The mask is a pain, so when he doesn't recognize her as a threat he decides to lower it from his face. People will be less likely to attack if he's in a conversation with a seemingly innocent person.]

I suppose it would make sense that they're excitable during this time of the year. The magic wears off on November 1st, after all.

[myturf]

[ Karin's not necessarily in the fighting mood today. Sure, she's a bit bitey, but she wants to save her energy for the fighting tournament. She heads around to take a seat, not at his table but at one close by. ]

It's a buncha magic makin' them like this? Sheesh, thought they were just enthusiastic on their own.

[unquestioned_loyalty]

No, they're not.

[ It's a little hard to mistake the voice of someone who attacked you and threatened your lover, and for once he's grateful for the spirits' meddling. It made things easier... though he was similarly flocked by spirits. ]

What brings you here? Nothing's happened with the distortions since last time that I can tell.

[ He's wary but not hostile so long as the man didn't threaten Yuuto again. He had questions. ]

[ubiquitously]

Oh. Lovely.

[Akutagawa is probably the only person that Uai needs to actively be wary of and... welp. This does make knowing where he is easier. The 'avoiding' part just got harder though.

Uai extends his leg under the table to push the opposite chair further back. It's an unspoken peace offering: He doesn't mind if Akutagawa takes the free seat, because he has no intention of fighting him.]

There are three active Distortions in this city. I'm monitoring them. Do you have a problem with that?

[unquestioned_loyalty]

Yuuto is one, Mu is another... the third is Tau?

[ He's guessing, but based on what Uai said before she may not be as saved as they thought she was.

He looked at the chair as Uai pushed it out for him. Akutagawa's expression is wary, but he accepts it for the moment ]

Of course I have a problem with you monitoring my boyfriend. That's a given.

[ he had problems, but he had other things to cover right now. ]

You mentioned once they reach a certain point they lose their humanity and have to be killed. Is it reversable before that point?